COCA-COLA’s ALCOHOLIC SECRET RECIPE REVEALED?
Coca-Cola's secret recipe has been let out of the bottle? 'Coke recipe' found in a 130-year-old notebook belonging to inventor's best friend.
For almost 125 years, the secrecy surrounding the recipe for Coca-Cola has been one of the world's great marketing ploys. As the story goes, the fizzy drink's famous "Merchandise 7X" flavourings have remained unchanged since they were concocted in 1886 and the recipe is today entrusted only to two Coke executives,
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neither of whom can travel on the same plane for fear the secret goes down with them. The seven-ingredient formula was created by John Pemberton, an Atlanta chemist and former Confederate army officer who crafted cough medicines and other concoctions in his spare time. In 1887, he sold the recipe to a businessman, Asa Griggs, who immediately placed it for safekeeping in the then Georgia Trust bank. The secret formula was in back issue of Pemberton's
local paper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tucked away on an inside page 28 of the 8 February 1979 edition. The column was based on an old leather-bound notebook that belonged to Pemberton's best friend and fellow Atlanta chemist, RR Evans. Found in the notebook had been handed down the generations until it reached a chemist in Georgia called Everett Beal, whose widow still possesses it. Turn to Page 4
Schools repair budgets 'slashed' Schools will see their budgets for maintenance and repairs slashed by 80% next year as a result of Government cuts, Labour said. Shadow education secretary Andy Burnham accused Education Secretary Michael Gove of sending schools back to the "dark ages" of crumbling classrooms and inadequate equipment. Research commissioned from the independent House of Commons Library found that secondary schools would lose on average 86,000 from their budget for building work, repairs and computers. Primary schools will lose an average of ÂŁ26,000. "We are looking at a return to the bad old days of the 1980s when children tried to learn in crumbling classrooms with equipment not up to the job," Mr Burnham
said. "With these cuts Michael Gove is sending schools back to the dark ages." Aides to Mr Gove said that the Government had already announced that the funds directly allocated to schools would be "much lower" next year. "The reality is that on average we will be spending more on education capital over the next four years than Labour did in its first two terms," one aide said. "But unlike Labour we will be doing it efficiently and quickly and targeting schools most in need. Waste was endemic in Labour's school building programme. "We have prioritised frontline education spending and money for the poorest children rather than extravagant and expensive buildings."
Inside CENSUS 2011 Page 7
Pak - Afghan Exit Strategy Pervez Musharraf Page 7
Property Corner
Page 7 Kashmir Ki Betiyan
Page 16 Palestine Story in Urdu
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MP Paul Blomfield Challenges Government over Threat to Debt Support Service Paul Blomfield challenged the Government in Parliament about the threatened abolition of the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) and urged them to extend the funding. In Sheffield FIF money employs 12 specialist debt advice workers who last year helped
nearly 2000 people. FIF funding ends on 31st March 2011 and if it is not continued the 12 debt workers will lose their jobs, along with 500 debt advisers across the UK. A Treasury review of the funding is ongoing with no news on whether it will continue after March. Paul Blomfield MP said: “I’m
deeply concerned that the Financial Inclusion Fund is under threat. Debt workers are doing a critical job working with vulnerable people who have ended up in debt. “In the last year the Sheffield debt caseworkers dealt with £25.6 million of debt, pre-
vented the loss of the homes of 110 clients and successfully negotiated debt payment plans for 655 people. This will be a particularly callous decision at a time when personal debt is likely to increase as a result of the Government’s policies.”
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies By: Saiqa Naz (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner), Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) is a service set up to help people who experience depression and anxiety. Currently in Sheffield we have over 100 staff across the city based in different GP surgeries and some voluntary organisations. These include Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), Cognitive Behavioural Therapists (CBT Therapists) and Counsellors. All staff receive regular supervision and line management to ensure we deliver the best possible treatments. There will be times in our lives where things happen to make us feel low or anxious and stressed. Sometimes, after a period of adjustment, we can move on from that experience or situation. However, there may be times where we find it difficult to cope and move forward. The effects can spread to other areas of our lives, for example, at home or at work. This is where the IAPT service fits in. Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners work with people face to face or over the telephone. They provide low intensity interventions for people with mild to moderate depression and/ or anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include Panic Disorders, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They use a guided self help approach. They will help you understand
your problems more clearly and explain ways in which you can manage them to improve your mood. This may include signposting you to local services available in your area, for example for alcohol advice, debt advice and housing advice. Also depending on where you live, there may also be Healthy Living Workshops facilitated by PWPs in your area. If you prefer not to speak to someone
about your problems but would still like to learn more about how you can manage your stress, Stress Control may be for you. It is a class where you can come and listen, and learn new ways of controlling your stress. You can take a family member or friend along with you too. CBT Therapists help you identify and change your unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to improve the way you feel. They work with people with more severe depression and more complex anxiety problems, for example Social Phobia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Social Phobia can make it difficult for
people to be in social situations and can lead to people isolating themselves from everyday activities such as going to the shops. PTSD can sometimes cause people to have flashbacks of the traumatic experience. Counsellors help you reflect upon changes in your life that may still be affecting you, for example, bereavement, relationship difficulties or redundancy. It is important to state here that people can sometimes be reluctant to access the IAPT service due to the stigma that can sometimes be attached to mental health. Low mood and anxiety are something we all experience at some point in our lives, regardless of our age, ethnicity or social status. Even us therapist go through difficult times so we do try to practice what we preach! Seeking help does not mean you are not in control of your lives, in fact it is the opposite...you are taking control! If you have any apprehensions about seeking help, speak to the IAPT worker in your surgery. All information is treated confidentially. Do not worry if English is not your first language, interpreters can be arranged. Saiqa Naz (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner), 01142264380, mahanailm@yahoo.com You can also contact us via our website: www.sheffieldiapt.shsc.nhs.uk
International Law is Clear that Diplomatic Immunity is NOT Absolute By YASMEEN ALI Lahore, Pakistan You cannot open the TV, or read a paper here without more and more news about Raymond Davis and his murderous act. His killing on Jan. 27 of two young Pakistanis has created international waves, too, plunging the Pakistan-America relationship into stormy waters. A great deal has been written about the case: Raymond Davis's employment status, whether he is a diplomat or not, who his victims were and what led to their demise at his hands, and finally whether or not Davis can be detained and ultimately tried under the Pakistani Law. Interestingly though, nobody in the media has made a study of the Vienna Diplomatic Coventions that discuss diplomatic immunity. The convention of 1961 gets cited routinely by the American
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government, which claims it grants all diplomatic workers immunity from prosecution. But that claim overstates the case. The actual document -- never actually quoted -- is more nuanced. A friend notes, "The issue is not who the two Pakistanis were. The real issue is: The US media has confirmed what the US government is denying: Davis runs a private security firm. He is a military contractor. #He is registered in Colorado as the owner of a security firm." He says the questions that should be asked are: What was his real job in Lahore/Islamabad/Peshawar? And can a diplomats carry an unlicensed gun?" This same friend also suggests that the indentity of the two Pakistani shooting victims -- according to a number of Pakistani reports, and to
several in the US, including ABC News, they were working for Pakistani intelligence and were tailing Davis -- is a distraction. He says the real issues are what Davis was doing here and secondly, can a so-called "technical advisor"--the term the US State Department finally settled on to describe his job -- claim diplomatic immunity? I would argue, though, that the real issue is a general ignorance concerning what diplomatic immunity is, and whether such immunity extends to all acts of any nature committed by an individual, even if that individual does qualify as a diplomat. All other questions are a distraction.
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Anti-Social Behaviour Powers “Up in the Air”
David Blunkett has reacted to the coalition’s proposals for changing the successful range of anti-social behaviour measures introduced by the previous Labour Government. Mr Blunkett said: “It is not entirely clear what is merely a renaming process for measures such as anti-social behaviour orders, and what are genuinely new powers for the police. “When the Labour Government introduced on the spot fines, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats roundly condemned them as summary justice – but they now
appear to think that confiscation of assets such as iPods is acceptable. ASBO has made a significant difference in areas affected by disorder. “The idea that the police should investigate anti-social behaviour when five people complain is an insult both to individuals making complaints and to the police. The governments announcement came after the potential immediate loss of 10,000 uniformed police officers, even the most enthusiastic supporter of the coalition might wonder what this is all about.”
Going to New Lengths to Clean the Streets Sheffield’s South Community Assembly is going to new lengths to give residents in the area the cleaner streets they want. The assembly has invested £25,000 in employing four part-time street cleaners, known as lengthspeople, to clear litter and improve the look of the area. They are targeting the areas around Greenhill, Lowedges, Meadowhead, Fraser estate, Chesterfield Road , Newfield Green, Nether Edge and Shar-
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row Vale. Councillor Peter Moore, Chair of the South Community Assembly, said: “We know that one of the priorities for local people is to keep the area looking tidy, particularly around shops and takeaways. “Residents are now getting to know their local lengthsperson, who will also help to distribute information promoting other events we are doing to improve their area, such as community weeks of action and general clean-ups.”
Street Level Crime and Local Policing Information
People across South Yorkshire will now be able to see what crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB) is happening on their streets, thanks to new information published via www.police. uk By typing in a postcode, people can immediately see what crime and ASB has happened in their area and are given ways to contact their safer neighbourhood team. They can also see what their team is doing to make their area safer. South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Holt, said: “South Yorkshire has today joined-up with all other police forces in England and Wales to launch a new tool that will help communities to better understand what’s happening on their streets. “By making this information available, we aim to raise awareness of what we’re doing to tackle crime and disorder and how local people can support their local police.” In addition to information about crime and antisocial behaviour, the interactive national map gives the public access to details about their safer
neighbourhood team, SNT meetings and their recent activity and action. The online map will allow residents to view figures for all crime as well as burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime, other crime and antisocial behaviour in their area at the touch of a button. Contact details and feedback channels for SNTs, local policing priorities, crime prevention advice and information about forthcoming local events, such as SNT meetings, will also be published on the site. Research published by the National Policing Improvement Agency shows people trust local police information, especially the combination of crime maps and local crime information. It also challenges the myth that sharing such information with the public increases fear of crime. The new site, which aims to make policing more democratically accountable to the public, was developed by the NPIA on behalf of the Home Office and involved close collaboration between all 43 police forces in England and Wales.
Record numbers work unpaid overtime A record 5.26 million people worked unpaid overtime last year, clocking up an average of more than seven hours a week without pay, according to a new study. The TUC said workers were missing out on almost £5,500 a year by working so much unpaid overtime, worth around £29 billion to the UK economy. One in five employees regularly put in extra hours for no extra pay last year, with public sector workers most likely to work unpaid over-
time, said the TUC. It found the number of workers doing unpaid overtime was the highest since records began in 1992, with 5.26 million people clocking up an average of seven hours 12 minutes unpaid overtime every week. Workers in London were most likely to work unpaid overtime at eight hours a week, followed by those in the East Midlands (7.5 hours) and North East and Scotland (both 7.4 hours), said the TUC.
Measures to Cut ASB in Half Term The Northern Community Assembly is calling for local young people to get involved in exciting half term activities to keep them away from the temptation to get involved with anti social behaviour. £4,000 of Community Assembly funding has been allocated to the local Neighbourhood Action
Groups to fund diversionary activities for young people, including music and dance sessions, trampolining, gymnastics, golf and cricket. To find out more about the activities on offer, and get involved then contact Tom at Activity Sheffield on 07837 174217.
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Kashmir , the “ignored Human tragedy”
The rediscovered recipe includes extract of coca leaves, caffeine, plenty of sugar (it specifies 30 unidentified units thought to be pounds), lime juice, vanilla and caramel. Into that syrup, the allimportant 7x flavourings are added: alcohol and six oils – orange, lemon, nutmeg, coriander, neroli and cinnamon. The formula is strikingly similar to the recipe deduced by Mark Pendergrast who wrote a history of the drink in 1993 called For God, Country & Coca-Cola. Coke's secret recipe is, in fact, part mythology. Contrary to the mystique surrounding it, the soda has in fact changed substantially over time. Cocaine, a legal stimulant in Pemberton's day, was removed from the drink in 1904 after mounting public unease about the drug. Ex-
tract of coca leaves have still been used but only after the cocaine has been removed. In 1980, the company largely replaced sugar, squeezed from beet and cane, with the cheaper high-fructose corn sweetener that has become ubiquitous in American food and drink. Coke purists were not impressed. Despite such occasional controversies, one element has remained constant: Coke's commitment to keeping its own secret. Speculation about the recipe has been a popular talking point for more than a century, proving good for business. True to form, the company has treated the This American Life story with the disdain that has marked its commercial strategy since the 19th century. "Many third parties have tried to crack our secret for-
mula. Try as they might, they've been unsuccessful," Coca-Cola's Kerry Tressler said. The recipe: how to make your own Coca-Cola Fluid extract of coca: 3 drams USP Citric acid: 3 oz Caffeine: 1 oz Sugar: 30 (unclear quantity, possibly pounds) Water: 2.5 gallons Lime juice: 2 pints, 1 quart Vanilla: 1 oz Caramel: 1.5 oz or more to colour Into every five gallons of syrup, add 2oz of the following seven-part flavouring: Alcohol: 8 oz Orange oil: 20 drops Lemon oil: 30 drops Nutmeg oil: 10 drops Coriander oil : 5 drops Neroli oil: 10 drops Cinnamon oil: 10 drops.
Via open war against militants, innocent public also are victim of atrocities, which empower militant network again. Even Great Britain was not in position to eliminate Irish militancy completely, so practiced the best option peace process. So both countries instead to indulge in blame game with should each cooperate with each other to overcome their concerns via mutual understanding & hearty cooperation Although both countries before Mumbai & Samjota tragedies, were involved generating more mutual cooperation. But it is difficult to achieve a spirit
of genuine cooperation as long as Kashmir dispute is not solved. Peace cannot be created on papers. Because when Nations are motivated mostly by greed and jealousy, it is not possible for them to live in peace & harmony. Only a moral fair approach may solve Kashmir dispute. Of the many problems which the both countries facing today, are because of corrupt system; some are natural calamities and must be accepted and faced by rulers with equanimity. However, all others are because of Kashmir dispute, which is the threat of nuclear
destruction. Now it is time for policy makers of both countries to realize the self interests of some high cadres & conspiracy of the opportunist block, who continuously for the 63 years are involved in blackmailing both countries via Kashmir dispute, for their interests. Resulting majority in both sides are below poverty line without basic faculties. So both countries should be serious to settle Kashmir problem as per the wishes of Kashmir ’s, to overcome their problems via converting their defence budget to welfare.
The National Apprenticeship Service has launched the 100 in 100 Apprenticeship campaign in South Yorkshire, collaborating with training providers across the area. The ‘100 in 100’ Apprenticeship campaign runs from February to May 2011 with the aim of 100 local companies committing to recruit or start to train 100 apprentices in 100 days. The value and volume of Apprenticeships is growing rapidly and the government is offering an exclusive op-
portunity for businesses to take advantage of the scheme, creating an additional 50,000 places available immediately and a further 100,000 over the next four years. The cost of training is either free or subsidised and the Apprenticeship minimum wage is £2.50 Apprenticeships are available in all industry and business sectors and can provide training in almost any job roles in any business. Apprentices can be any age and can be a new recruit in
the organisation or a more experienced existing member of staff who would benefit from on the job training and gaining recognised qualifications to progress in the business. To find out how Apprenticeships can be good for your business and back the campaign contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 0114 267 5069 or 07795 827015 or email mike.long@ apprenticeships.gov.uk or visit the web site www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.
100 in 100 Apprenticeship Campaign
Shop Local’s Loyalty Card Scheme Continues
Due to its popularity, Rotherham Borough Council’s Retail Investment Team is continuing the scheme that encourages residents to remain loyal by shopping locally. Businesses reported that they would like the opportunity to remain within the scheme and continue benefiting from the targeted marketing efforts ensuring shopper loyalty. The scheme – initially trialled for six months – has seen over 100 businesses participate and as a result over 10,000 people register for a loyalty card. People who don’t already
have a card can register by visiting Rotherham’s Visitor Centre, libraries, through a participating business or by visiting www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk and reg-
you to money off meals out and entry to clubs and bars, discounts on clothing, beauty treatments, food shopping and much more. 45 new businesses have opened in
istering on-line. Once a card Rotherham town centre since holder, you are entitled to January 2010!!! around 100 offers entitling
Pir Syed Afzaal Hussain Shah appreciated the ILM News launch in Bradford and expressed that this was much needed, he also said that “ this will revive the Uudu language”. He said that he fully supports the idea. In photo from left:- Saleem Raza, Pir Syed Afzaal Hussain Shah and friend.
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News in Brief
Syed Wasi Baqri Qualified as MA in "Banking and Financial management" from the Sheffield Hallam University with distinction (Average marks 78.29%). His projects of risk manage-
ment and treasury management were selected as best among all MA students hence received award from the Association of corporate treasurers (ACT). ACT is the UK Professional body which sets key standards for financial risk management. In addition, he also received the cash prize of 300 pounds form ACT. (http://www.treasurers.org/careers/universityprize). Hafiz Muhammad Asim khan from Pirdad Hazro Attock Pakistan has recently completed his MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University achieving Merit grade. He plans to work in the energy
sector developing low cost renewable energy sources. “Special thanks to my parents, Ali, Imran and Danial Rehmani for their help and support”.
Sheffield Lib Dems Support EMA Axe Sheffield’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have supported the Tory/Lib Dem Government’s decision to scrap EMA. EMA s received by almost half of young people in Sheffield and without it sixty percent of them may not be able to study beyond school leaving age. Labour Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Jackie Drayton, said: “EMA plays a vital role helping nearly 7,000 young people in Sheffield to continue in education and training post 16, over 80% of young people receiving it get the full amount meaning that they have a family income of less than
£20,000 per year. “I can’t believe that the local Lib Dems are supporting the Government’s decision to scrap it, they should put the future of young people and their families in Sheffield first instead of defending the indefensible.” An independent evaluation shows that young people receiving EMA are less likely to drop out, and more likely to complete their course. There were also improvements in the grades these young people achieve. This allowance is an effective, targeted intervention which addresses underachie vement and promotes social mobility.
Labour Cllr thanked S.Y.P Labour Councillor, Ibrar Hussain, has written to leading police officers involved in last months operation to clamp down on drug and gang related activity in the city. In his email, Councillor Hussain expressed thanks on behalf of Burngreave residents, Burngreave being an area which has traditionally been troubled by gang activity. Cllr Hussain, who serves on the South Yorkshire Police Authority, is fully supportive of all attempts to tackle serious crime.
To date, 110 people have been arrested for being involved in the supply of controlled drugs and gang-related activity. Labour Burngreave Councilor, Ibrar Hussain, said: “This operation has taken a lot of planning and police officers have put in hard work, I would like to thank them for their efforts. “It is pleasing to see that it has delivered results to help make our streets safer from serious gang related and drug crime.”
£8million owed in a year's Council Tax Bradford Council has pledged it will continue pursuing people who owe council tax after it was revealed £8 million still remains uncollected from the last financial year. A total of £20.07m remains outstanding since 1993, when the tax was brought in, including the £8.18m owed from 2009/10. So far more than £142
million in council tax has been collected by Bradford Council for the 2009/10 financial year. Since 2003 the authority
South Yorkshire Police faces cuts of £33.5m in real terms over the next two years alone, according to House of Commons Library analysis of Government funding for the police. In 2011/11, funding will be cut by 7.5 per cent in real terms or £16.1m. In 2012/13, funding will be cut by 8.7 per cent in real terms or £17.4m. And over the four years of the
government’s Spending Review police forces will see their funding cut by around 20 per cent in real terms. Labour Spokesperson for Community Safety, Councillor Chris Weldon, said: “The Tories and Lib Dems have failed to protect policing and the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. These are reckless cuts which will hit our area hard.
has started 10,841 committal proceedings over nonpayment of the tax, leading to 222 jail sentences and 1,904 suspended sentences.
Bradford Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: “Clearly we are very unhappy if there’s a single penny outstanding but we do everything we can to pursue people. It’s something we take very seriously. “Clearly if someone disappears and doesn’t register with an agency it can be difficult to trace them.
South Yorkshire Police Will Lose £33.5 Million
“By imposing cuts of this speed and scale the government has put South Yorkshire Police in an impossible position. The Home Secretary has ignored warnings that this could mean around 20,000 fewer police officers across the country. They will undermine all the progress we have made to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Sheffield.”
Airborne creations set to fly in Rotherham
Children are being invited to spend half term designing and creating their own aircraft, then putting them to the test in one of Rotherham’s most beautiful parks. The “Flights of Fancy” event, taking place in Herringthorpe Valley Park on Monday March 21 between 1pm – 3pm, will allows
kids to enjoy an afternoon of gravity-defying crafts. Join Green Spaces Officers to make your very own rocket to be launched on the special launch pad, or you can have a go at making and decorating a paper airplane.
Deputy PM visits Kickz Scheme Nick Clegg has enjoyed a kick-about on a visit to an inner city football project in Sheffield. The Deputy Prime Minister met staff, partners and youngsters involved in the Kickz scheme run by Sheffield United FC in assoc with SY Police and Sheffield City Council. On Mon 21st Feb at Mount
well as assisting with school work and job applications. It is funded by a range of organisations including the Premier League and Sheffield City Council. The DPM failed to hit the back of the net when he took part in a penalty shoot-out with youngsters at the Kickz scheme.
IT Success Celebrated Rotherham recently celebrated the success of a group of elderly men in the city. The group successfully completed I.T training organised by RESCO (Rotherham Ethnic Social Care Organisation) and supported by REMA (Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance). The event was attended by Pleasant Park Sharrow ShefCllr Mahroof Hussain and Cllr field “A lot of the kids on this project Shoukat Ali of Rotherham. come from very difficult backgrounds. We use sport, dance and music to attract the kids to our youth club.” The project also has its serious side, educating the youngsters about guns and knife crime as
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Around 600 children are currently involved in Kickz, which works to keep them occupied, off the streets and out of trouble. It is funded by a range of organisations including the Premier League and Sheffield City Council.
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PROPERTY CORNER PROPERTY MARKET by: Mohammed Mahroof BSc (Hons) MRICS Consultant Mark Jenkinson & Son WHAT IS THE PROPERTY MARKET LIKE? SHOULD WE INVEST OR NOT? When I sat down to write this article, I did not know where to begin, because so many people have asked me the same questions “What is the property market like?”, “Should we invest or not?” These are crystal ball questions which have many answers, people are generally going through their own experiences and conclusions, which in some ways contributes to the beautiful tapestry of the market place, and the excitement of being involved. At the coalface of the market place which I believe is the auction room , activity is quite strong which was exemplified by the Mark Jenkinson and Son auction on the 25th January, over 84% of the Lots were sold, so there are buyers out there. The key ingredient seems to be if it is priced right, people will buy.
There is also a strong opinion developing that now is the time to consider getting involved in property, these are opinions and people should get professional advice before getting involved. Supply of property coming onto the market has been slow, but with the public sector going through major changes all across the country there will potentially be many interesting opportunities coming into the market place. Another key change that is likely to affect property holdings is the localism agenda, where the Governments objectives are to empower communities to shape their own neighbourhoods. I will talk about this in greater detail in my next articles. Another major change which will have an impact is interest rates if these are changed, then clearly it will have an effect n the property market. People still seem to worry about the double dip reces-
sion, whether it is real or perceived is a challenge for many economic commentators, and views are as diverse as people. The property market is certainly going to have an interesting time in 2011, and for some enterprising people it will be a major opportunity, for others it may be indifferent. It depends on whether you feel the “glass is half full or half empty”. On a lighter note I was approached by a number of people recently who said they enjoy reading my view son property – that is fantastic and gives me the confidence to continue doing this every month. Thank you. As ever if you have any queries or topics you wish me to cover please contact the editor or myself. Mohammed Mahroof Mark Jenkinson and Son Tel: 0114 276 0151 Mobile: 07879 015095
LEGAL CORNER VISAS FAQ’s
Mohammed Nazir Solicitor Head of Property/Immigration, Wosskow Brown
Q My visa has been refused on the basis that my accommodation is not big enough for my children and spouse who are travelling from Pakistan? A. If your children and spouse visas have been refused on this basis then you can ask for a surveyor to do a survey of the property and then you can ask for a review of the decision by the Entry Clearance Officer. Please note you should lodge this survey with this review request. This should be asked for within 28 days
of the refusal. Q I have not passed my English language test and my VISA is going to expire in next few months what should I do? A You should continue to try and pass your English test but in the meantime you should apply for extension within the time of leave shown on your passport otherwise your status could become “illegal immigrant”. Q Can I apply for a visit visa for a family friend?
A Yes you can apply for this provided you can accommodate and maintain them without recourse to public funds. Q I have received a Notice of Appeal from Immigration Tribunal, can I attend it without my solicitor? A. Yes you can attend this hearing without your solicitor provided you can provide all information in the English language otherwise you can ask the Tribunal for an interpreter before attending.
By: Sadia Khalid The Census has collected information about the population every ten years since 1801 (except in 1941). The 2011 Census is on 27 March 2011.The Census means the government can produce a high quality estimate of the population. It's a count of the people and households in England and Wales and is carried out by The Office of National Statistics (ONS).It is a snapshot of one particular day. Everyone is asked the same set of questions, based on their lives on the day of 27 March 2011. It will tell us how many people live where, the types of people they are. It all adds up to paint a very important picture of our lives, and ensure that important decisions can be made about facilities needed in our communities. Sadia Khalid a Community Advisor working for the ONS is particularly focusing on encouraging the Pakistani population in Sheffield to partake in the Census this year. Her role involves promotion of the census, promotion of census vacancies details for which can be found on www.censusjobs. co.uk and supporting field operations which entails offers of help with languages, literacy and accessibility. In order to achieve this Sadia has confirmed completion events in the Sheffield area where local people can
Yorkshire Indoor Cricket League Annual Awards
Award Presentation for Yorkshire Indoor Cricket League was organised and held in Rotherham by Yorkshire Trust Cricket Club with the help of NHS Rotherham, O2 think Big, Yorkshire Trust, Chippengham Motors, MS Sports and Rotherham Leisure Cen-
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tre. League attracted 8 teams from Rotherham and Sheffield. England Lions won the league title and Chippengham Motors took the cup title. The New Year tournament was won by Chippengham Motors and runners up was Sheffield Cobras.
come along and gain guidance, support and assistance with completing their census questionnaire. The confirmed completion so far are: St Mary Community Church 21/03/2011 12.00 – 14.00 Firth Park Library 21/03/2011 10.00 – 17.00 Pakistani Advice & Community Association 22/03/2011 10.00 – 16.30 Burngreave Library 23/03/2011 10.00 – 12.00 Tinsley Library 23/03/2011 13.30 - 16.30 Pakistani Advice & Community Association 24/03/2011 17.30 – 20.00 Heeleys Swimming Pool 25/03/2011 10.00 – 13.00 Darnall Library 25/03/2011 13.00 – 16.30 Broomhall Centre 27/03/2011 14.00 – 17.00 Learn For Life Enterprise 29/03/2011 10.00 – 16.00 Other venues include local schools and mosques so look out for further details for more completion events. Sadia is keen to encourage everyone to take part in the Census and is hoping for a 100 percent response rate. Sadia stresses the importance of the Census and for
people to attend these events if they need / want to. Also any organisations who may feel they would like to get involved in the Census 2011 by hosting a completion event can contact Sadia at DP02@census.gov.uk For the first time ever the Census can also be completed online and will take about ten minutes per person. The paper questionnaire can be completed and returned by post if this method of completion is preferred. Key messages: 4 March post out starts – Questionnaires will be posted to every household. EVERY household should have received their form by mid March. Helpline number for England: 0300 0201 101 • Communities & Families benefit from the census: • Confidential answers are turned into statistics. • The information collected is kept confidential by ONS and protected by law. • Decisions like planning facilities for the future such as schools, hospitals and emergency services are underpinned by census data. • Census statistics help the government work out the amount of funding local authorities need for services. • All households and people are legally obliged to be included on a Census 2011 return.
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The Afghan-Pakistan Solution (IAPT) Improving Access By: Pervez Musharraf
An exit strategy must be predicated on achieving military and political goals, not dictated by time limits. My recent trip to the United States has been an enriching experience, during which I had a very healthy discourse with the American public and an opportunity to understand their concerns about the war in Afghanistan. One question I was asked almost everywhere I went was, “How can we stop losing?” The answer is a political surge, in conjunction with the additional troops requested by Gen. Stanley McChrystal. Quitting is not an option. A military solution alone cannot guarantee success. Armies can only win sometimes, and at best, create an environment for the political process to work. At the end of the day, it is civilians, not soldiers, who have to take charge of their country. After decades of civil war and anarchy, the Taliban established control over 95% of Afghanistan in 1996. Unfortunately, the Taliban imposed their strict interpretation of Islam on the country. Nevertheless, I proposed to recognize the Taliban regime, in the hope of transforming them from within. Had my strategy been enacted, we might have persuaded the Taliban to deny a safe haven to al Qaeda and avoided the tragic 9/11 attacks. Another golden opportunity to rescue the Afghan people emerged after the United Nations sanctioned international military operation launched after 9/11. Having liberated Afghanistan from the tyranny of al Qaeda and Taliban, the U.S. had the unequivocal support of the majority of Afghans. The establishment of a truly representative national government which gave proportional representation to all ethnic groups—including the majority Pashtuns—would have brought peace to Afghanistan and ousted al Qaeda once
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and for all. Unfortunately this did not happen. The political instability and ethnic imbalance in Afghanistan after 9/11 marginalized the majority Pashtuns and pushed them into the Taliban fold, even though they were not ideological supporters of the Taliban. The blunder of inducting 80,000 troops of Tajiks into the Afghan national army further alienated the Pashtuns. Meanwhile, Pakistan forcefully tackled the influx of al Qaeda into our tribal areas, capturing over 600 al Qaeda and Afghan Taliban leaders, some of them of very high value. We established 1,000 border checkposts and even offered to mine or fence off the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, but this never came to pass. The Afghan government, led by President Hamid Karzai, had no writ outside of Kabul, and the insufficient ground troops of the NATOled International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) allowed the Taliban to regroup. The 2004 invasion of Iraq shifted the focus and also contributed to the Taliban gaining ground in Afghanistan. Al Qaeda terrorists who fled from Afghanistan came to Pakistan and settled initially in South Waziristan. Through successful intelligence and law-enforcement operations, we eliminated al Qaeda from our cities and destroyed their command, communication and propaganda centers. They fled to the adjoining North Waziristan, Bajur and Swat regions. From 2004 onwards, we witnessed a gradual shift in the terrorist center of gravity. The Taliban started to re-emerge in Afghanistan and gradually gained a dominant role. They developed ties with the Taliban in Pakistan’s tribal areas, especially in North and South Waziristan. With a grand strategy to destabilize the whole region, the Taliban and al Qaeda established links with extremists in Pakistani society on the one hand and with Muslim fundamentalists in India on the other. They pose a grave threat to South Asia and peace in the world. We now have to deal with a complex situation. Casualties suffered by our soldiers in the line of duty will not go wasted only if we are able to fully se-
cure our next generations from the menace of terrorism. The exit strategy from Afghanistan must not and cannot be time related. It has to ask, “What effect do we want to create on the ground?” We must eliminate al Qaeda, dominate the Taliban militarily, and establish a representative, legitimate government in Afghanistan. The military must ensure that we deal with insurgents from a position of strength. The dwindling number of al Qaeda elements must be totally eliminated, and the Taliban have to be dominated militarily. We must strengthen border-control measures with all possible means to isolate the militants on the Afghanistan and Pakistan sides. The Pakistan military must continue to act strongly. Operationally, we must raise substantially more forces from within the tribal groups and equip them with more tanks and guns. On the Afghan side, the U.S. and ISAF troops must be reinforced. All of this must be done in combination with raising additional Afghan National Army troops, with significant Pashtun representation. Exploiting tribal divisions, we should also raise local militias. On the political front, we need an invigorated dialogue with all groups in Afghanistan, including the Taliban. Afghanistan for centuries has been governed loosely through a social covenant between all the ethnic groups, under a sovereign king. This structure is needed again to bring peace and harmony. We have to reach out to Pashtun tribes and others who do not ideologically align themselves with the Taliban or al Qaeda. I have always said that “all Talibans are Pashtun, but all Pashtuns are not Taliban.” Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can play pivotal roles in facilitating this outreach. Pakistan and Afghanistan were shortsightedly abandoned to their fate by the West in 1989, in spite of the fact that they were the ones who won a victory for the Free World against the Soviet Union. This abandonment lead to a sense of betrayal amongst the people of the region. For the sake of regional and world peace, let us not repeat the same mistake.
to Psychological Therapies By: Saiqa Naz, (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner) Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) is a service set up to help people who experience depression and anxiety. Currently in Sheffield we have over 100 staff across the city based in different GP surgeries and some voluntary organisations. These include Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), Cognitive Behavioural Therapists (CBT Therapists) and Counsellors. All staff receive regular supervision and line management to ensure we deliver the best possible treatments. There will be times in our lives where things happen to make us feel low or anxious and stressed. Sometimes, after a period of adjustment, we can move on from that experience or situation. However, there may be times where we find it difficult to cope and move forward. The effects can spread to other areas of our lives, for example, at home or at work. This is where the IAPT service fits in. Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners work with people face to face or over the telephone. They provide low intensity interventions for people with mild to moderate depression and/ or anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include Panic Disorders, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They use a guided self help approach. They will help you understand your problems more clearly and explain ways in which you can manage them to improve your mood. This may include signposting you to local services available in your area, for example for alcohol advice, debt advice and housing advice. Also depending on where you live, there may also be Healthy Living Workshops facilitated by PWPs in your area. If you prefer not to speak to someone about your problems but would still like to learn more about how you can manage your stress, Stress Control may be for you. It is a class where you can come and listen, and learn new ways of controlling your stress. You can take a family member or friend along with you too. CBT Therapists help you identify and change your unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to improve the way you feel. They work with people with more severe depression and more complex anxiety problems, for example Social Phobia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Social Phobia can make it difficult for people to be in social situations and can lead to people isolating themselves from everyday activities
such as going to the shops. PTSD can sometimes cause people to have flashbacks of the traumatic experience. Counsellors help you reflect upon changes in your life that may still be affecting you, for example, bereavement, relationship difficulties or redundancy. It is important to state here that people can sometimes be reluctant to access the IAPT service due to the stigma that can sometimes be attached to mental health. Low mood and anxiety are something we all experience at some point in our lives, regardless of our age, ethnicity or social status. Even us therapist go through difficult times so we do try to practice what we preach! Seeking help does not mean you are not in control of your lives, in fact it is the opposite you are taking control! If you have any apprehensions about seeking help, speak to the IAPT worker in your surgery. All information is treated confidentially. Do not worry if English is not your first language, interpreters can be arranged. Saiqa Naz (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner), 01142264380, mahanailm@yahoo.com You can also contact us via our website: www.sheffieldiapt.shsc.nhs.uk
Kasab fate declared: Bombay High Court upholds death sentence The judges at the Bombay High Court dismissed the appeal by Pakistani national Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab over his role in the attacks that killed 166 and injured more than 300 people. MUMBAI Two Indian judges on Monday rejected the appeal of the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks against his conviction and death sentence. The Bombay High Court on Monday confirmed the death sentence awarded to involved gunman Mohammed Ajmal Amir
Kasab for his involvement in horrendous 26/11 attacks observing "he exhibited extreme perversity and brutality." The high court also upheld the acquittal of two locals Fahim Arshad Anasari and Sabauddin Ahmed. The judges at the Bombay High Court dismissed the appeal by Pakistani national Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab over his role in the attacks that killed 166 and injured more than 300 people. The court also threw out the state’s appeal against a
lower court’s decision to acquit two Indian nationals who were accused of providing hand-drawn maps to the 10 extremist gunmen.
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Face Recognition Gates shut at Manchester Airport Border gates at Manchester Airport that rely on technology had to be shut down after they failed to recognise that a couple had swapped passports. The incident occured on 8 February and the gates were out of action for three days while immigration authorities investigated. It is understood that the couple accidentally mixed up their passports and did not deliberately attempt to breach security. They were stopped by an official who was supervising the system and re-
leased after their immigration status was verified. Brodie Clark, head of Border
Help those struggling with energy bills
Force, the part of the UK Bor- The number of people living der Agency responsible for in fuel poverty in Bradford is passport control, said: "There continuing to rise, a charity was no breach of security or immigration control. "The E-gates were temporarily suspended whilst an investigation was carried out." "The gates have now reopened and we will continue to monitor their performance to ensure they operate safely and securely." The gates are designed to speed up passport control, and work by comparing travellers' faces to photographs stored on a microchip embedhas warned. The EnergyWise project will hold an awareness day on Friday to help those who are struggling to pay fuel bills. Those in need will be able to see a “bills doctor”, while getting advice on switching tariffs, energy efficiency and grants at the event held at Canterbury Advice Centre in Ringwood Road between 1pm and 4pm. Sarfaraz Ahmad, energy ded in every UK passport issued since 2006.
efficiency adviser for the Paul Blomfield today chalcharity, said: “In the last six lenged the Government in months I have seen a lot of Parliament about the threatened abolition of the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) and urged them to extend the funding. In Sheffield FIF money employs 12 specialist debt advice workers who last year helped nearly 2000 people. FIF funding ends on 31st March 2011 and if it is not continued the 12 debt workers will lose their jobs, along with 500 debt advisers across the UK. A Treasury review of the funding is ongoing with families in crisis. There are no news on whether it will people in our city who some- continue after March. times have to make a choice Paul Blomfield MP said: between heating or eating. “I’m deeply concerned “We had an arctic winter that the Financial Inclusion last year that caused a lot Fund is under threat. Debt of preventable deaths and workers are doing a critical added misery to the lives of thousands of people living in Bradford.” Fuel poverty is defined as BIG SHOW comes to RIO having to spend more than GRAND Bradford on 7th ten per cent of income on March 2011 at 7:30pm fuel. Like Last year BRITAINS
Sheffield Leading by example on the Field
UK Sport, one of the national bodies responsible for maximising the benefits to the country of hosting the London 2012 Olympic Games, has announced its programme of major sporting events over the coming year, and Sheffield is hosting more than any other UK city. Of the 27 sporting events announced, six will be held in Sheffield. These events include the Fina Diving World Series in April, the Synchronised Swimming European Champions Cup in May and the European Fencing Championships in July. "The benefits to our local economy will be huge. It is estimated that around £7 million will be generated in the city as a result of our whole major sports events programme. And we are also hoping that by hosting so many exciting events in the city we can also inspire Sheffielders to get more involved in sport in their local area. The opportunities around the lead up to London 2012 will be extraordinary for our city, and at Sheffield City Council we are determined to capitalise on every one of them."
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MP challenges Government over threat to debt support service job working with vulnerable people who have ended up in debt. “In the last year the Sheffield debt caseworkers dealt with £25.6 million of debt, prevented the loss of the homes of 110 clients and successfully negotiated debt payment plans for 655 people. Their work is critical and is helping people in desperate situations. I’ll be lobbying to save the fund and I sincerely hope Ministers will take action. “This will be a particularly callous decision at a time when personal debt is likely to increase as a result of the Government’s policies.”
Britains Got Asian Talent GOT ASIAN TALANT brought you show case of the nation top Asian performance such as BONAFID NAVIN KUNDARA, various Bollywood playback singers. This year show features like DESI NAACH, Attaullah Khan IsaKehlvi folk singer
Sifty with Wonder Woman, it will even have its very own Hot Fashion Show. Competition prizes will be awarded on the night for the winners of all competition. The shows venue is RIO GRAND BD7 1PD and has been organised by Asad Malik Mercury, he can be contacted on 07870762737. Tickets for the show are now available at Bombay Store
impersonates. RNB sensation Ali Adam and various comedians Mastana from DM Digital TV Raja Iqbal of Bradford 4Lightning Sykes from Leeds, comedy with Bobby from Bradford, MS and many more. Special stand-up comedy by Nadeem Needoo. The show will be full of variety of different events like Magicians, Rap artist MC
and Sheeba Videos on Leeds road. Some of the proceeds will go towards the Pakistan Flood Victims. Nadeem is also looking for new talent of all ages for a film in Bradford about Asian family issues where he need mature lady for a roll of a mother. He can be contacted on 07779674867 or e-mail on nadeembpi@hotmail.co.uk
DISCLAIMER
ILM (The Knowledge) Newspaper does not represent any Political, Religious or any other groups. It is purely for providing general information and entertainment to its reader. By ILM NEWS www.ilmnews.com
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Labour Must Choose Jobs Over Pay Rises Labour councillors on Sheffield City Council are being urged by local Lib Dems to reject their Union paymasters threat of strike action and support a planned two year pay freeze for some council staff in order to save jobs. As the Council is in ‘no overall control’ there is the real prospect of Labour councillors blocking the Lib Dem pay proposal, which also includes a £250 pay rise for staff earning below £21,000. If Labour blocked the proposal then £10m would have to be found from up to 300 extra redundancies within the Council. At the January meeting of Full Council in the Town Hall Labour indicated that they would vote against the pay freeze proposal on budget day, raising the prospect of the number of redundancies planned increasing from 270 to 570. Cllr Simon Clement-Jones, Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for Finance, said:-
“Labour councillors must see sense and prioritise jobs over pay rises. It’s about time that Labour politicians stopped acting as the puppets of their Union paymasters and put the interests of local people first. “Labour could start by publically denouncing the recent threat of strike action. If Unions got their way then up to an extra 300 jobs would have to go. But what makes their position even more baffling is that the largest pay rises they support would be for highly paid managers. It simply isn’t fair and it doesn’t make sense. “The Liberal Democrat proposal would freeze these increases whilst making provision for a fair pay rise for staff with a salary below £21,000. That’s why we will continue to urge Trade Unions and others to accept the proposal. However, if Labour councillors don’t change their position then there is the real prospect of an extra 300 job losses.”
Chicken secretly injected with Beef and Pork products served in UK restaurants
Chicken secretly injected with beef and pork products served in UK restaurants Chicken sold in Indian and Chinese restaurants and some cafes is being secretly pumped up with a water and chemical mix containing pork or beef. The tactic fools customers into thinking they are getting more for their money. It means consumers are eating beef and pork - generally waste skin harvested from carcasses - without being told. Scam: Chicken breasts are secretly being injected with pork and beef materials to bulk them up, before being sold on to wholesalers in BritainThe news will alarm the country's two million Muslims, Jews and Hindus, who are forbidden from eating either pork or beef for religious and cultural reasons. The problem has been highlighted in a study by the Food Standards Agency, which carried out DNA testing of the chemical powders used for bulking up chicken
in three production plants two in the UK and one on the Continent. The revelations come amid concerns that the Agency has failed to end the food scam it has known about for at least six years. Chicken breasts can be in-
pork (which they are forbidden from eating) in restaurantsCommonly the powder contains salts or phosphates, which helps retain water, together with flavourings, preservatives and sugar. The study showed that Indian and Chinese restau-
risk in Chinese and Indian restaurants Chief policy adviser at Which? consumer group, Sue Davies, called for the FSA to take tough action. She said: 'The findings of this study are shocking. Consumers don't expect to
jected with the water and chemical cocktail or bulked up by placing them in a device similar to a washing machine with the mix. Alarm: Muslims who eat halal meat from approved butchers may have unwittingly eaten food containing
rants, which often buy cheap chicken in bulk, will see information on the labels about added water and other ingredients. However, they will not be told about the presence of beef and pork. False labelling: Jews who also don't eat pork, are at
be paying for water or eating beef when they order chicken in a restaurant.' The Agency said it is considering taking legal action against the UK plants using the chemical cocktail under labelling laws.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss Expertise and understanding Legal advice from Irwin Mitchell To find out more about the clinics or to register your interest:
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MP Betts Accuses Scriven of Not Standing Up for Sheffield Clive Betts MP [Sheffield South East] accused Sheffield Council Leader Paul Scriven of failing to stand up for Sheffield in the national debate about the extent of the cuts being imposed on local councils. He said: “I cannot remember any previous leader of Sheffield City Council – Labour, Liberal Democrat or Conservative – being afraid of speaking up for Sheffield, even when this might be an embarrassment for their own political party nationally. It is now clear that Councillor Scriven has just become an apologist for the Conservativeled coalition. Further evidence came today when Councillor Scriven’s name was notably absent from the signatories of a letter in The Times by Liberal Democrat
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council leaders. I know he was approached to sign, but refused. Whilst the Liberal Democrat council leaders of Newcastle, Hull, Warrington and many others had the guts to tell it like it is and stand up for their communities, Councillor Scriven simply demonstrates his lack of commitment to our city.. I know that a number of Liberal Democrat councillors in Sheffield will be dismayed by his failure to stand up for Sheffield people.” In the House of Commons debate on the Local Government Finance settlement yesterday (9 February 2010), Clive Betts also accused Councillor Scriven and Nick Clegg MP of simply misleading people about the extent of the impact on jobs and services of the cuts to Sheffield City Council and getting Tory Ministers to support them.
Letter to Prime Minister David Cameron MP from Khadim Hussain, President of Bradford Council for Mosques. Dated 7th February 2011. Following your speech on 5th February 2011, at the Munich Security Conference, we take the liberty of writing you this open letter to which we hope you will respond so that we can have a fuller discourse on the place and relevance of cultural diversity in the British society. Over many centuries Britons have not only gone out to other parts of the world but the British society with equal enthusiasm has welcomed people from around the worlds to its shores. Racial, cultural and religious mix has always been the most significant characteristic of Britain’s makeup and a unique symbol of its openness and democracy. We suggest that historically, over the years, cultural diversity has been the strength and not the downfall of our society. We even go further to suggest that ‘diversity and inclusiveness’ i.e. ‘unity in diversity’ is the hallmark of British Values. The vast majority of the British people are not merely tolerant of cultural diversity within our shores, they rather imbibe the whole concept of many races and cultures co-existing in the knowledge that the successive waves of arrivals to this country have contributed to enriching the lie and economy of our country and helped to strengthen the democratic foundations of our system which has been and envy for other nations the world over. We suggest that by your ill judged comments you have done a great disservice to the British cause. Your misguided propositions will only serve to strengthen the hands of right wing racist and fascist elements in the UK and Europe. Is it coincidence or was it and oversight on our part that you failed to condemn the EDL protest in Luton, on the same day of your speech, which was deliberately aimed at retargeting and inciting hatred against British Muslims? Bradford, and other major cities with their unique blend of cultural mix, welcome cultural diversity as being a source of strength, enriching and permeating all aspects of life in the city. It was this strength, unity and celebration of diversity that so effectively held all shades of Bradfordians together against the protest by the EDL back in august 2010. Your comments would be viewed by many in Bradford and in other parts of the country with great concern, disappointment, and, if we may suggest, unwarranted.
The race relations in this country would be on a much higher harmony index had it not been for three important challenges. First of which is that successive governments our country have failed to address social and economic deprivation amongst some ethnic groups, Muslims being one of them. Secondly, the foreign policy of the successive British governments which aligned with the US foreign policy of bolstering and propping up repressive regimes and in some cases repressive dictators in many of the Muslim countries. This fuels mistrust and ill-will even when internal realities in our country are in a state of normality. Thirdly, the British Muslims, with exceptions of a few tokenistic gestures, feel excluded by the successive governments from any real debate about their contributions and their long term place in the society. Fourthly, frequent and often ill judged, misinformed and stereotypical media sound bites by the senior politicians, a while back it was jack straw and now it’s you, just to mention two examples, do not help Muslims to have any real confidence in the British establishment and its leaders. The phenomenon of segregated communities, living parallel lives, is a phenomenon of social economic conditions as much as it is cultural. People generally of whatever cultural backgrounds do not wish to live in disadvantage conditions through choice. British Muslims suffer from the triple whammy of poverty, racial discrimination and islamophobia. The accumulative impact of growing up in these conditions leaves long term scars even on those who may be fortunate to escape their circumstances through better educations and other prospects. We suggest that there needs to be and open and focused debate regarding the place, relevance and the future of diversity in the British society. If there is such a discourse, we are certain that the British Muslims will play their part as citizens of the country. After all, such participation would be to their advantage. We invite your government to provide a framework for enabling and supporting such a debate. We are only too keen to support this process. Yours sincerely Khadim Hussain.
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News in Brief
A57 improvements get the go-ahead once more! Much-needed improvements to one of Rotherham's accident black-spots will now go ahead after the Government recently reconfirmed its funding support. The Department for Transport has re-confirmed that Rotherham Borough Council will receive £11.8 million in support of its plan to improve the two and half kilometer stretch of road from the A57 at Todwick crossroads to junction 31 of the M1. In turn, the authority will add funding of £2.9 million to the long-awaited scheme, which will see the notorious winding piece of road turned into a dual-carriageway.
Council housing returns to the local authority. After six years being managed by an arms length company, council housing in Rotherham is to return to the direct control of the local authority this year. Following an extensive consultation with both tenants and leaseholders it was agreed on(Wednesday, February 23) that the management of 21,000 council-owned properties should return to Rotherham Borough Council. Members of the authority's Cabinet heard that the overwhelming majority of tenants supported the view that it is in their best interests for the council to provide the services, which 2010 Rotherham Ltd. has been providing during the past six years. Cllr. Jahangir Akhtar, Cabinet Member responsible for housing for Rotherham Borough Council, said that the return to in-house management provision makes sound economic sense at a time when the authority is having to review every part of its budget.
Britain's 5 best cities for Jobs Chances are you enjoy living where you are right now with your friends and family close to hand. But let's face it, there are some places that offer more of what you like and offer better career prospects than others. So if you're on the look-out for a new job then you might want to know what cities in the UK offer the best job prospects. Many cities are bouncing back from the recession, including some of those hardest hit by job losses according to the Centre for Cities annual index, Cities Outlook 2011. But economic recovery is likely to be unevenly spread across the country this year. 1. Aberdeen 2. Milton Keynes 3. Reading 4. Leeds 5. Bristol
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An owl is considered to be a wise bird in the West
Today I am not going to discuss any of the topics I have just mentioned. I am going to touch on an important aspect of our TV debates. I mean the numerous debates that are broadcast daily on our various channels. Before actually discussing this, I would like to tell you about a small incident that left a permanent mark on my memory and which will lead up to the topic under discussion. Most of you probably know that I went to Berlin in 1961 to study at its famous Technical University. After spending two years there I moved to Holland to continue my studies at the Technological University of Delft, as my fiance’s parents were residing in Holland. I was a good student and in my final year of MS, Prof W G Burgers appointed me as his assistant
to help junior students. After I completed my MS, he appointed me as his research assistant. He was world famous in his field and was an extremely kind and affectionate person. His wife was German and had a PhD in chemistry. They had no children and were very affectionate towards my wife and me. Whenever Prof Burgers went to deliver a lecture, or to attend one, he asked me to accompany him. On one such occasion we sat down to attend a lecture. The chairs were made of hard synthetics. They very neat, clean and durable, but were very uncomfortable. After a few minutes, Prof Burgers turned to me and said: “Khan, some uilskuiken (meaning owlet, or, as we would say, ullu ka pattha) thinks that if you sit on hard and uncomfortable seats you concentrate and study better.” An owl is considered to be a wise bird in the West, but like the proverb in our country, the Dutch use the same word for a stupid fellow. I never forgot what he said and whenever there was need for furniture, either at home, or for KRL and any
of the other institutions established by me, I made it a point to personally check sofas, chairs and tables from the point of view of comfort. This story brings me to the point of discussion. In many TV debates we see a huge, round table in the middle with the anchorperson and the participants sitting around it, often most uncomfortably with legs at awkward angles, as the shape of the table’s legs do not allow them to sit normally. Modern furniture of futuristic shape often goes at the cost of comfort and is a strange phenomenon. Some anchorpersons prefer to be perched up on high stools, which are so high that everyone has to sit either with his legs dangling or resting on metal footrests – hardly a suitable posture for serious debates. There was once a weekly programme on TV. Often senior intellectual citizens were invited to participate. It made me very uneasy to see elderly, respected participants sitting on hard plastic chairs without armrests. When I could no longer restrain myself, I sent a letter to the anchorperson. After a
week I saw that the uncomfortable plastic chairs had been replaced by soft comfortable ones with armrests. It would have been even nicer to have seen a small table in the middle with perhaps a jug of water, glasses and a box of tissues as well. Another important aspect of these TV debates and discussions is the rather rowdy and uncivilised attitude of the participants. It makes you hang your head in shame when you hear some of our public representatives using nasty and uncivilised language; and all this in front of millions of viewers. The participants, usually belonging to different political parties, indulge in verbal duals and trying to score points over each other. They shout at each other, don’t allow the other party to give their point of view and keep on interrupting. This becomes even worse when interviews are being conducted via satellite. Everyone keeps on speaking or shouting simultaneously and no one can understand what anyone else is saying. The anchorperson does often try to bring some sanity to the discussion, but is usually unsuccessful in doing so.
Royal Wedding Hillsborough Bus/Tram Gate 1,900 Guests invited in Royal Wedding UK and foreign dignitaries, senior politicians, charity workers and celebrities like the Beckhams are said to be among the Westminster Abbey congregation on 29 April. Some 1,900 guests will be at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, St
James's Palace has said. No names have offically been released as invitations begin arriving but more than half are family and friends. UK and foreign dignitaries, senior politicians, charity workers and celebrities like the Beckhams are said to be among the Westminster Abbey congregation on 29 April. Not all the guests at the service will go on to a Buckingham Palace reception.
Victory for Local Lib Dems
Liberal Democrats in Hillsborough are celebrating today after a Sheffield City Council report recommended making the relaxation of hours on the Hillsborough Corner Bus/ Tram gate permanent. In November 2009 the Lib Dem led Council removed the seven day a week 7am – 7pm restriction put on by the previous Labour Council. Local people wanted the change as the excessive
restriction was causing unnecessary inconvenience and driving business away from the popular shopping district. Hours were changed on a temporary basis to Mondays to Saturdays between 7am-11am, and from 3pm7pm, despite objections from the Labour Party, with an agreement to report back on the impact with a recommendation on a permanent solution.
People across South Yorkshire will now be able to see what crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB) is happening on their streets, thanks to new information published today via www. police.uk By typing in a postcode, people can immediately see what crime and ASB has happened in their area and are given ways to contact their safer neighbourhood team. They can also see what their team is doing to make their area safer.
South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Holt, said: “South Yorkshire has today joined-up with all other police forces in England and Wales to launch a new tool that will help communities to better understand what’s happening on their streets. “By making this information available, we aim to raise awareness of what we’re doing to tackle crime and disorder and how local people can support their local police.”
News in Brief
Fun event raises cash for Pakistan flood relief Hundreds of people ran or walked a mile through Bradford Moor Park today to raise funds for victims of the Pakistan floods. The ‘Mile of Hope’ event, run by NHS Bradford and Airedale’s community development team, also included health checks. Saeed Khan, of the community development team, said around 300 people had taken part in the run or walk. Funds raised will be given to Islamic Relief to distribute in Pakistan.
Bowling Park Primary School pupils mount traffic patrol Community-proud pupils have been helping police catch illegal motorists outside their school. Bowling Park Primary School pupils monitored traffic in Usher Street, Bradford, as part of a ‘Safer School Community Project’ led by pupil eco-safety wardens. The aim is for pupils to audit and improve their environment. This operation was the first of three bi-monthly road safety and school environment audits. Pupils used speed cameras and took photographs of drivers parking on yellow lines, and looked at ways to improve road safety. Bradford East Neighbourhood Co-ordinators Office sponsored a poster competition to highlight road safety and the winning poster was printed on to 600 postcards given out to parents, businesses, libraries, children’s centres and doctor’s surgeries.
Labour appalled by the Cuts
Street level crime and local policing information published today
Pakistan Cricket team captain Shahid Khan Afridi sat on a Cycle Rikshaw during the opening ceromony of World Cup Cricket 2011. All team captain entered in similar fashion and this was the first time this had ever happen in history.
“Labour are appalled by the size of the Government cuts. It’s too much to ask people to accept cuts of £80m to local services. These cuts will affect real people, as can be seen all too clearly with the Lib Dems’ plans to close Rushey Meadow respite centre which provides care for children with disabilities. “This year’s cuts are just the beginning – we‘ve already been told that next year and the year after that the Government will be asking local people to see their services slashed even further. This is just not acceptable. “This is what local people can expect from a Tory/ Lib Dem Government and a Lib Dem Council who are refusing to stand up for Sheffield.
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Hi20 is a new type of medium to large scale water purification system that can convert large amounts of River, Pond, Well, Canal or most types of dirty water into Clean Drinking Water using NO ENERGY at all. Bearing in mind the amount of power cuts in countries like Pakistan this is useful.It also kills all known bacteria, the Hi20 system has no on- going maintenance costs and will run for up to 25 years. It can be set up in different configurations starting from 1000 litres upwards. Our recent project in Pakistan helped villagers near Rajanpur who were drawing water from a dirty bacteria infested pond to enable them to clean that water making it safe to drink. Shortly before our team’s arrival there, two young children had died from water related diseases. We are happy to report that now all those using water from our system do not have to worry about the quality of water anymore. (Jan 2011)Rajanpur is generally a
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poorer part of Pakistan with average incomes much lower than the Northern areas, North Punjab and Azad Kashmir. Right now those villagers get 2000 litres of clean drinking water every day. Here in the UK we take clean
drinking water for granted and indeed quite often waste much more than is necessary. Our proposal for 2011 is to raise around £150,000 to provide more units of Hi20 to those areas in Pakistan where water quality is seriously compromised. WE NEED YOUR HELP. If you are interested in contributing or helping us in anyway please contact us. Although we are not a charity, from our profits we will be funding all transport, logistics, accommodation and
installation costs from here to Pakistan for every stage of the project. Bearing in mind that most UK Islamic ‘so called’ charities deduct around 65-80% of your donations for their own ‘Admin’ costs, our offering represents much better value as 100% of your donation will go towards those who need it, namely- the Poor Flood Victims in Pakistan. If you are serious about helping the poor then please contact us. During the course of our projects we only ask for assistance from those organisations who are willing to work on a voluntary basis, organisations like the World Aid Foundation based in Rotherham UK and the University of Lahore (Lecturer and Students) voluntary group who are already doing excellent work helping the flood victims in Pakistan. Even now in 2011 there are still millions of people still displaced without proper shelter or clean water.
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munirahmedbaloch@hotmail.com
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riz.bhatti@yahoo.co.uk
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saqlain.786@hotmail.com
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8HS
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ashsaraaf@hotmail.co.uk
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Food
£1500 £2500
Dontion Hotline : 0207 0847199 www.ilmnews.com
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ZT
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