Final Count Down 100814

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, HEALTH LIFESTYLE LIFE ESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN ONLINE TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM COM • TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE: 647 647-722-6298 722 6298 • VOLUME 3 • ISSU ISSUE UE 17 • WEDNESD WEDNES WEDNESDAY, SD DA AY Y,, O OCTOBER CTO CT OBER OB BE ER R8 8TH TH 2014 TH

FINAL COUNT DOWN Incumbent vs Challenger

JORDAN MAXWELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN If history tells us anything it’s that only ten Toronto city council candidates have went on to defeat incumbent councillors since 2003. Dave Andre is striving to be the 11th.

With the Toronto municipal election in the last of a six-month campaign for a new mayor and city councillors, challengers like Andre are taking on their incumbents with hopes of bringing change and stability to the issues and the city.

Andre, a candidate running for councillor in Toronto-Danforth (Ward 29), is a civil engineer who hopes to bring more attention to the needs of seniors, transit and safety and said that the current councillor, Mary Fragedakis, has dropped the ball during her first term in city hall.

Continued On Page 5

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Sheriza Hanniff: Mom with the Midas Touch Sheriza Hanniff and her husband immigrated to Canada from Guyana in 2002 with dreams of building a happier and prosperous life. Armed with a strong education and purposeful drive, she came with a clear vision of what success meant to her.

Coming from humble roots in Guyana, Sheriza knew from a young age that she would have to work hard to get what she wanted out of life. Once in Canada, she furthered her education at Ryerson University where she graduated from their accounting program majoring in finance. Sheriza planned to pursue a career as a chartered accountant, but had to adjust her plans after becoming a mother in 2006.

Being a full time homemaker was rewarding, but Sheriza became bored and wanted more. She started taking steps towards the work force. Sheriza could not shy away from her responsibilities to her family, so her first few positions had to allow her to effectively perform her tasks while balancing her duties as a mother. She worked part time from home for Direct Energy.

A few years later, she gave birth to her second child, and quickly began the balancing act again—this time working for Bell Canada. Sheriza worked with them for a while before realizing that she didn’t enjoy working for other companies; and

wanted to be self-employed. Years of work, and experience had motivated and showed her that she was capable of handling more.

In 2013, her husband gave her a life-changing birthday present, her very own Midas franchise to build and manage.

Every morning, she gets up early with the kids, prepares them for school and heads to her auto center for 10am. Sheriza is responsible for the success of her business, and knows that happy customers are the backbone of any thriving business. She draws on her education and experience to ensure she offers her clients the very best service experience, going above and beyond to keep them happy. Sheriza is a professional and considerate business woman, understanding her customer needs.

Sheriza works six days a week and stays late almost every night. Yet still, she manages to find time and energy to go home and spend time with her family.

“Owning your own business is challenging,” she admits. She divides herself hoping to raise her kids to be spiritual in the Islamic faith, and donates to the Sick Kids foundation.

In the future, she plans to expand and possibly open a few more locations, as well as one in Florida where they would like to move eventually. “I bought this business with the intention of building it

back up,” she explains.

Sheriza spends most of her time these days organizing her current location in Scarborough so they can be less dependent on her, allowing her to spend time with her family. Her hope for her business is that it will continue to flourish over time, and she proudly admits that this past year since taking ownership has been the happiest and most productive time of her life.

Written By Alyssa Mahadeo

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Life’s brighter under the sun

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

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Focus on youths Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Contributor

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of Man” Eccl 12-13.

The “lazy crazy days of summer” are over.

What next?

Those of us who were born or grew up in warm climates are acutely aware of change in these northern paths. We will soon spend most of our time indoors. Our clothes

will change as the green landscape is replaced by colourful leaves which will soon fall and be replaced by blankets of ice and snow.

There is excitement as our kids start school for the first time and great expectations as they move up the education ladder, making their way through high school and moving on to College, University and Trade Schools.

It is time to focus on our youth.

We want them all to succeed and not “fall through the cracks”.

Success must be viewed from both an individual and community perspective, for we are our brothers and sisters keepers.

Hence we can all contribute significantly to our community. This has been realized since there are many candidates of different ethnic backgrounds taking part in municipal elec-

tions, all promising positive change for the future.

It is important to start early investing in our youth. Our children more than ever need all the help, guidance, encouragement and active participation of parents, grandparents, other family members, close friends, churches, religious, ethnic and social organizations.

In order to develop and maintain healthy minds children must know and feel there is someone caring for them, offering genuine love in word and action. This type of stimulus is very important.

As parents and adults we must get involved in steering our youth to perform to their full potential. Offer incentives and reward them when they do well and show improvement. Absence of strong support systems cause discouragement, hopelessness,

anxiety, fear, depression, alienation, aggression and criminal behaviour.

A good education is still the best investment for the future. It opens up doors to many opportunities. The challenge is to keep children motivated and focused on their goals. Time management is important. Parents must be prepared to sacrifice for their kids and provide an environment at home that is conducive to study. All distractions should cease at study time. Be actively involved in enforcing home study. Make every effort to know the teachers at the school and be present for parents/teachers meetings. If possible volunteer your services. This is one way to show interest at your school.

Mentors and role models can play an important role in helping children choose their careers. Seek their help.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

2014 elections Jordan Maxwell TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- “What I’ve heard, and what we’ve seen, is that seniors have been neglected. Community meetings have low turnout because very few are informed because of poor communication with the residents. We want to bring focus to the needs of our residents and bring some consistency,” Andre said in an interview with Toronto Caribbean News.

According to 2011 Toronto census results, more than 35 per cent of the residents in Ward 29 are over the age of 60.

Community meetings will be one of the things that Andre plans to implement – at least two a year. This would allow for more brainstorming and solutions on the issues while making sure that people stay involved and aware, something Andre said “has been inconsistent” under Fragedakis.

Despite being a relative unknown, Andre has made waves and received key support and endorsements from Case Ootes, Toronto’s former deputy mayor and city councillor in Toronto-Danforth.

As a newcomer, Andre will likely need all the support he can get in a ward with a large Greek diaspora, represented by a Greek councillor in Fragedakis. He hopes that his plan to connect Main Station to the Danforth GO Station to reduce traffic and congestion is just one of the things that will endear him to constituents.

Still, Andre said that the community has been supportive of his ideas beyond transit and doesn’t believe that, under any circumstance, that ethnic ties will impact the

way people vote in the Toronto-Danforth.

“Race can be an advantage and a disadvantage in some of the races with people making decisions based on ethnic lines but here I don’t think it’s about that. The people in this ward value hard work, family and accountability over anything else. It’s the exception, not the rule,” he said.

Meanwhile, halfway across the city Andray Domise is continuing his push to prove that he’s the perfect candidate to lead Ward 2 (Etobicoke North) on to bigger and better things.

Last month, Mayor Rob Ford announced that he would be running for his old councillor’s chair in Ward 2, despite being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.

Domise’s challenge is perhaps greater than most in this coming election.

Not only is he running against the Fords on their turf, but also battling a politician who cannot be deterred, even with cancer.

Quoted in the Toronto Star this week, Domise said, “He’s put his name on the ballot and asked to be treated as a serious candidate, so the least that I can do is respect that wish. Which also means holding him accountable.”

“So if your name is on the ballot but you’re not showing up for debates, you haven’t released a platform, you haven’t talked about what it is you’re doing to do for Ward 2… you’re haven’t talked about what it is you’re going to do for Ward 2… essentially you’re taking their neighbourhood for granted…”

Both Andre and Domise will look to change these trends on Oct. 27.

For more, check out their campaign websites: Dave Andre: www.votedaveandre.com Andray Domise: www.andraydomise.ca

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Rohee weighs in on positive, negative aspects of technology

Works by top artists grace Jamaican Embassy JAMAICA -- Works by noted artists Paul Blackwood and Courtney Morgan graced the Jamaican Embassy in Washington DC, which last week hosted a three-day “Open House” Art Exhibition, that started last Wednesday, October 1.

A few paintings by John Walters were also featured in the collection.

The exhibit, with over 80 works of art on display and for sale, was opened by Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, in the presence of a large gathering of Jamaican and other Caribbean and international art lovers and supporters, several ambassadors and diplomats among them.

The oil-on-canvas and prints, which are all on sale, depict poignant slices of Jamaican life, including from urban and rural landscapes, human forms and still life items, as well as abstract images.

Both Courtney Morgan and Paul Blackwood, who were present at the opening, are founding members of the acclaimed Trafalgar Artists Group of Jamaica and boast a solid

international following.

Their works, which have been on exhibition at the embassy on previous occasions, have been acquired both locally and internationally, with collectors including King’s House, Jamaica; heads of state, including in Latin America; corporate institutions; entertainers (including Roberta Flack); academics and many others.

Speakers at the opening of the art exhibit included Sir George Alleyne, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Chancellor and Director Emeritus of the Pan-American Health Organisation; Sonia Subaran, proprietor of the JaSac Art Gallery, Washington DC; and artist Courtney Morgan.

Subaran curated the exhibition. In welcoming the artists and well-wishers to the embassy, Ambassador Vasciannie noted that the collection on display helped to bring beauty, joy and tranquility to the Jamaican diplomatic premises, while showcasing Jamaican talent of the highest quality.

- Jamaica Observer

GUYANA -- General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, last Wednesday, noted that technological development has its advantages and disadvantages, He made this observation while addressing a function at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO)youth arm of the PPP. Mr. Rohee stated that years ago, people did not enjoy the luxury of having cell phones and other electronic devices. He noted that nowadays people do not have only one phone, but several, also, some years ago persons had to walk great distances to make phone calls, but now times have changed; people could now transmit information in a split second.

Mr. Rohee, however, added that this vast development in technology can be a bad thing and a good thing.

He used an internet source to give the audience an example of a bad aspect of information and communication technology. He referred to the pro-democracy protest going on in Hong Kong, during which youthful protestors used

“tech tactics” to protest by posting scenes of the protest on Facebook and other social media. A young girl who was studying, saw the post and rushed outside to get a first-hand look and was affected by tear gas thrown by police to disperse the protestors.

He noted that the cell phone is a powerful tool and can be used to do many things and this is a typical example of what could possibly take place in Guyana, and stories such as that in the example can spread panic and encourage others to get involved in activities that are not conducive to progress.

Mr. Rohee urged persons to be careful how they use technology to transmit information, and also to know what they are posting on social media, because once it’s there, it can send out either a positive or negative message.

He then mentioned the positive aspect of people benefiting from technology through saving them money. Business people for example, do not necessarily have to expend large sums of money travelling abroad to sell their products; they could do so through the internet.

- Guyana Chronicle

Execution of duties not be interfered with GUYANA -- Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, is maintaining that there is no plot afoot to destroy the Kaieteur News, as is being peddled by the local daily; that rather the impending audit of the company’s operations is based on legitimate discoveries of tax infractions.

According to Mr Sattaur, the paper is attempting to deflect from the real issue, which is an investigation into its operations, by claiming that there is a plot to silence it. .

Weighing in on the matter over the weekend was President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo, and his contention is that the

execution of the mandate of a body, such as the GRA, ought not to be interfered with.

“In any country, the functions of bodies like the GRA are sacred, and no one should interfere with the Commissioner-General’s execution of his duties,” Dookhoo told the Guyana Chronicle.

The CAIC President’s comment comes in the wake of the brouhaha related to the impeding audit of the Kaieteur News, the allegations of tax evasion by its publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, and allegations of Lall’s involvement in a remigrant duty-free scam, for which six criminal charges have altogether been filed.

- Guyana Chronicle

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Las Chin wants review of public holidays JAMAICA -- Lascelles Chin, chairman of the Lasco Group of Companies, wants a review of the structure of public holidays, in a strategic move towards increasing productivity.

He argued that public holidays, falling in midweek, disturb productivity.

“In the name of increased production and productivity, I am calling for a restructuring of the public holidays, except of course for Christmas and Ash Wednesday, which are holy, religious days,” Chin appealed.

“I have concern for the production and consequently productivity loss that businesses experience as a result of how our public holidays are structured. This loss is felt greatest in the manufacturing sector. Each time there is a public holiday on a weekday, the manufacturing process is disrupted.”

The Lasco head lamented the significant cost to manufacturers whenever operations have to be closed down on weekends, then during the week when there is a public holiday.

“The sector loses precious production time and resources, shutting down, starting up and sanitising equipment twice in one week, instead of just once. Do you know what it takes to close down a manufacturing operation twice in a week?

“We do not just flick the ‘off’ switch at 4 o’clock one evening and turn the ‘on’ switch back on when the business reopens after the holiday.

We start losing production before

the regular close of shift time. It takes hours to gradually shut down machines and hours to start up again.

“That is lost production. The shutdown process also has to be managed and timed to protect the costly, sometimes fragile machinery.

“This happens when Labour Day in May and Heroes Day in October fall on weekdays. The manufacturing enterprise closes on Friday, opens Monday and by midweek must open and close again,” Chin said.

He also bemoaned when holidays fall almost back-to-back.

“Its even worse when there are two holidays in a week with a weekend in

between, as happens in August for Emancipation Day and Independence holidays,” he went on.

But he noted that Easter holidays contribute to a lengthened weekend and do not require two shutdowns.

“Easter speaks for itself as the holidays are Friday and Monday, creating a long weekend. No need for two closing down of operations then,” he said.

Chin, who called on the manufacturing sector, the Jamaica Employers’ Federation and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) to join his call, suggested that Government emulate First World nations in organising public holidays.

“We like to ape First World countries. So let’s structure our holidays as they do. Their public holidays for the most part are arranged strategically, to benefit the economy. They are Monday or Friday to include the weekend,” Chin said.

He noted that these extended weekends have social and economical benefits.

“This results in a long weekend.

That would be a boost for our local hotel sector, as families head for resorts across Jamaica. If they go overseas, the travel trade benefits. The restructuring of the public holidays makes for good social and economic sense that benefits all,” Chin noted.

He was delivering the keynote address at the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP) Convention 2014 awards ceremony held at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa Saturday night.

Monies raised by the JAAP and the Vincent Hosang Family Foundation for the acquisition of two Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines to enhance cancer treatment in the public health sector, were handed over to Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson during the ceremony.

VIncent Hosang handed over US$132,121.25, while the JAAP donated US$20,869.00.

Meanwhile, Chin pledged US$50,000 towards the fund in a year’s time.

- Jamaica Observer

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wesley captures title of Madame WOB DWIYET Canada 2014 TORONTO -- On September 28, 2014, Tyria Benjamin representing the village of Wesley was declared the new 2014 Madame Wob Dwiyet Canada. Benjamin exuded extreme confidence and ease on stage, and was a crowd favourite. Shani Haynes representing Massacre took first runner up, while Wendy Charles of Grand Bay captured the 2nd runner up position. A new Ti Madame was also sashed that evening, Krystal Elie representing the village of Fond St. Jean won the title out of a field of 7 contestants. 1st runner up spot was taken by Allidia Aubrey representing St. Joseph, and Destiny Darroux representing Roseau captured 2nd runner up. The annual Madame Wob Dwiyet Canada & Ti Madame Cultural Show was staged at the Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough, Ontario.

This year’s theme was “Mas Domnik- promoting Dominica’s Carnival tradi-

tions in Color & Splendor”.

Contestants displayed this theme in the Creative Cultural wear segment, and dazzled the audience with their carnival inspired costumes with Dominican motifs. Tyria Benjamin also secured a number of special awards including Miss Cultural Ambassador (online), Best Introduction, Best Cultural wear, and Best in Costume. She tied with Wendy Charles for the Best In Wob Award.

Meanwhile in the Ti Madame competition Allidia Aubrey tied with Destiny Darroux for the Best In Wob Award. Destiny Darroux, Avena Cunningham representing Bagatelle, and Krystal Elie tied for the Best Introduction Award. The special Awards were sponsored

by Lennox Mitchell, Elle Limousine, DJ Niterider, George Joseph, O Cuts Master Barbers and Janice Williams Corbett.

As the new Madame Wob Dwiyet

Canada Tyria Benjamin has won a prize trip to Dominica, and various gifts including spa treatments at The Glam Experience Day Spa, Jungle Bay Hotel and Atlantique View Resort all in Dominica. The winner also received prizes from Obsessions, Burner Hot Pepper Sauce, Roots & Curls, Ahprolotian Bags, Revlon, Lala Skin Essentials, Muldoons Coffee, Body Confidence Canada Awards amongst others.

As part of the celebration this year, Dr. Alwin Bully received the MWDC Cultural Award for his considerable contribution to the advancement of Dominica’s cultural sector. His Award was accepted by longtime friend Michael White. The feature address was delivered by Ms.Diana Alli on behalf of mayoral candidate John Tory.

No need to attract Isis eyes on T&T TRINIDAD --People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley is again warning that the People’s Partnership Government has put the lives of citizens, including those abroad, at a greater risk by co-sponsoring a United Nations resolution aimed at tackling global terrorism. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made the decision to co-sponsor the resolution at a meeting of the UN Security Council, chaired

by United States President Barack Obama at UN headquarters, New York, two weeks ago.

But at the Diego Martin West Constituency’s annual conference at the Point Cumana Community Complex in Point Cumana Sunday, Rowley accused the PM of wanting to take on the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis). Describing Persad-Bissessar’s actions as wild and reckless, Rowley added, “That action by the prime minister has put every citizen at greater risk both and home and abroad.

“And when you asked the prime minister whether she consulted Caricom, she said she talked to Ramlogan and Griffith.

And if we did not know before, we now know we are in trouble because our foreign policy is now the random thoughts of Ram-

logan and Griffith.” He said T&T was incapable of fighting crime on Duncan Street, Port-of-Spain, far less tackling the now globally feared Isis, which has targeted nonmilitary citizens of countries seen as allies to the US with deadly force.

As such, Rowley reiterated his statement that co-sponsoring the resolution could have serious repercussions for citizens.

Describing the move by Persad-Bissessar as “no laughing matter,” Rowley said there was no need for the PM to expose T&T to possibly attacks by Isis jihadists in such a fashion, since once the resolution was passed by the majority, every member country of the UN was bound by it, even if a member county was absent when the resolution was passed.

“Trinidad and Tobago and the United States are very close friends,” he said “They are our major trading partner but their business and their interest may not necessarily on every occasion be our business and our interests.” He said the resolution was largely aimed at the current war in Syria and Iraq, where Muslim extremists of the “worst kind” were trying to claim territories and terrorists were trying to build a case for themselves.

“And anybody who get in their way they would deal with you. I am not saying we are outside that, because the world is now a global village, but when there is war and you take up the flag to carry in front of the army you are a target of the opposition,” Rowley said. He also clarified statements by Attorney General Anand Ramlogan that he was not in support of the resolution.

Saying he was in fully support of it, Rowley called on Persad-Bissessar to say what she was thinking when she made the decision. “I never said we should not vote for the resolution. I think we should vote for the resolution. What is the thinking to go and be a co-sponsor of the resolution if you are attracting unwanted attention to yourself?

“Because in any case it is a declaration of war on the terrorists. It is a declaration of war against their actions which are reprehensible. But we have also to be sensible in the environment...you do what you have to do.” He said Persad-Bissessar only made the decision to co-sponsor the resolution so as to “prostrate” herself on the world stage for her “minions” to laud her efforts.

- Trinidad Guardian

Trinis surface in Isis videos TRINIDAD -- Two separate videos have been posted on the internet allegedly showing fighters with T&T links involved in the Isis conflict in recent weeks. One of the videos, which runs for 47 seconds, was posted earlier this year on United Kingdom-based video-sharing website LiveLeak.

The video entitled, “21 plus....

Graphic and Disgusting...Foreign terrorists in Syria playing with the head of a Syrian citizen after they beheaded him,” purports to show Islamic insurgents playing with the head of a decapitated man in Syria, and features a man talking with what appears to be a Trinidadian accent. The second was posted

by ISIS media arm Al-Hayat on August 2.

Titled, “Eid greeting from the land of Khilafah,” it sought to invite international Muslims to join the self-proclaimed caliphate.

That video also showed an ISIS fighter, who identified himself as Abu Abdurahman al-Trinidadi encouraging Muslims to join the organisation. “I’m feeling like I’m still dreaming,” Abu Abdurahman alTrinidadi, who reports said was a US fighter originally from Trinidad, said in the video.

“You have to be here to understand what I’m saying. If you stand away you will not understand,” he added.

Al-Trinidadi was holding a young child in his hand and was standing with another man who was identified as having Trini

roots as well. Al-Trinidadi’s interview was used in a subsequent CNN report highlighting the death of American-born Isis fighter Douglas McArthur McCain in Syria. McCain was the second American who has been killed fighting for Isis. That CNN report also highlighted the fact that hundreds of foreigners were joining the Isis cause.

Local Muslim organisations have, however, denied any knowledge of Trinis’ involvement in Isis fighting. When asked to confirm whether there were Trinis involved with Isis during her trip to New York, Persad-Bissessar said there was no evidence to prove this.

- Trinidad Guardian

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Debut reggae album out of T&T makes it to iTunes new & noteworthy category Aba Luke Entertainment Great things have been happening for T&T’s reggae industry and while for many, the concept of worldwide recognition for this locally adopted entertainment variation may seem far-fetched, the recent release of a 12 track Reggae album out of T&T that has made it to iTunes’ ‘New and Noteworthy’ list, is no laughing matter.

Standing proudly behind the success of this latest album release are the artiste, Matthew Greenidge and the production house that is responsible for the creation of a few of the album’s 12 singles, Jahlight Records. The album aptly entitled, “Jah Rules Over All” is doing well outside of Trinidad and Tobago with tracks like, ‘Babylon Deception,’ which features Queen Omega, ‘Never Forget My King’ featuring Solomon, ‘Your Love,’ ‘He Loves Forever’ and the title track, ‘Jah Rules Over All’ being touted among mu-

sic experts overseas as must hear melodies that are complimented by deeply rooted lyrics.

The album was released by Jahlight Records out of Trinidad and Tobago, however several of the singles were produced by international producers, among them, Flow Production out of Switzerland, One Harmony Records, out of the United Kingdom and Elementree Productions out of the United States. Also aiding locally was Studio 53- a prominent name on the Trinidad and Tobago music circuit, having been responsible for the production of several well-known reggae tracks.

Matthew Greenidge is enjoying every minute of his music’s journey. Already, the album has been positively reviewed by veteran music journalist, Alex Henderson – a writer whose words have been featured in Billboard Magazine, The L.A. Weekly and a lengthy list of notable publications. The Jamaica Star has also delivered a positive review of the album to its readers, allowing its audience to gather an initial overview of what’s to come as videos for the singles are unleashed one by one. Already, Greenidge and his team have released a video for the album’s first single, ‘He Loves Forever’- a video produced

by Kingdom House Concepts. A second

video is now in the works for the title track, ‘Jah Rules Over All.’ The album, Greenidge’s debut of such, has been so well received that producers across the world have been requesting his vocal input on their productions. Currently, he’s working on music with the UK’s Dukie Dread’s Step Faarward Music, and recently, Greenidge voiced singles with Canada’s Jah Servant Records.

Those two songs have been titled, ‘Jah Is The Father’ and ‘Spiritual War’. His journey continues and no matter the challenge, Greenidge is ready, putting his God first as he makes his way to the mainstream gospel market, prepared to infect the conscious and those less inclined with the greatness of God’s love, through music.

- Et-Cet-Era Buzz

The Professional Womenʼs Forum 2014 - Inspiring lives, empowering communities BRAMPTON -- United Achievers’ Community Services (UACS Inc.) presents the Professional Women’s Forum on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 6pm to 9pm at the Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. The Professional Women’s Forum is a benefit fundraiser in aid of UACS Fresh Start for Women Program Outreach. This program is committed to advocacy and support for women who experience violence and abuse. Proceeds from the Professional Women’s Forum provide resources and support to enhance educational outreach to strengthen service offerings for women throughout the Region of Peel.

The Professional Women’s Forum will celebrate its third annual renewal,

with the theme Inspiring Lives, Empower Communities. The forum aims to connect a network of professional women that will provide inspiration and empowerment for participants from the diverse communities in the Region of Peel and beyond. The event commemorates and celebrates women of excellence in the Region of Peel and beyond by recognizing their contribution to public service, professional practice and philanthropic endeavours. The Professional Women’s Forum is designed to engage, provoke, inspire and connect leading minds through an interactive presentation by distinguished and featured speakers.

Our featured speakers for this

year’s event are Rathika Sitsabaiesan, MP for Scarborough-Rouge River, Mitzie Hunter, MPP, Associate Minister of Finance, Ontario and Ohenewa Akuffo, Olympian and World Medallist.

This Professional Women’s Forum is hosted by UACS in partnership with Jamaica National Toronto Representative Office, Tykess Pharmaceuticals, ECS Financial Services, Holbrook Goodman Technologies, CMJ Entertainment Inc., City of Brampton, Custodio Creative Photography and JN Money Services. The event offers a symbolic lifestyle experience for participants, sponsors and supporters by offering value added experience and a blue print for success to take the next

step in business, professional and philanthropic endeavours. The event programming features: Networking Gala | Featured Speaker Session | Entertainment About United Achievers’ Community Services Inc. (UACS) is a charity that provides culturally-enriching services, programs and support that enhances the lives of women, seniors, youth and families throughout the Region of Peel’s Black and Caribbean communities for over two decades. It seeks to improve the overall wellbeing and health of the community. For further information about the UACS Inc., its programs and services visit www.unitedachievers. org

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Ramdin 102 but WI lose again MUMBAI -- An up tempo, run-a-ball 100

by Denesh Ramdin was not enough to save West Indies from their second straight tour defeat as they went down by 16 runs to India A here Sunday.

Chasing a challenging 282 at the Wankhede Stadium, the Windies could only muster 266 for nine off their 50 overs with Ramdin leading the way with a sparkling 102.

Jason Holder further enhanced his growing reputation as an all-rounder with 54 from 42 deliveries while former Test and one-day skipper Darren Sammy stroked 50 from 67 balls, but the rest or the batting faltered to leave the Windies short of their target.

Seamer Dhawal Kulkarni was outstanding with three for 39 from his ten overs while medium pacer Jasprit Bumrah (2-43) and leg-spinner Karn Sharma (2-70) supported with two wickets apiece.

Opting to bat first earlier, India A chalked up 282 all out off 48.1 overs, with opener Unmukt Chand hitting 101 and Karun Nair striking 64.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor finished with three for 51 while medium pacer Kieron Pollard (2-29), and pacers Ravi Rampaul (2-53) and Kemar Roach (2-55), all claimed two wickets each.

West Indies struck early when Holder removed Murali Vijay for 21 to a catch at the wicket, with the score on 26 for one in the eighth over.

Chand then anchored a 149-run second wicket stand with Nair, a partnership that took the advantage away from West Indies.

The right-handed Chand faced 111 balls and struck eight fours and three sixes while Nair slammed four fours and four sixes off 63 balls.

Once Nair fell in the 28th over, India A lost wickets steadily as Chand remained steady to keep the innings together.

In reply, West Indies crashed to 65 for four in the 16th over as Sharma and the seamers ripped through the visitors top order.

Ramdin, however, came to his side’s rescue with a daring knock, slamming ten fours and three fours. He added 101 for the fifth wicket with Sammy who counted six fours and a six.

When Sammy departed, Ramdin added further 62 for the sixth wicket with Holder who hit three fours and two sixes in

an entertaining innings.

Ramdin’s dismissal at 228 for six in the 45th over triggered a slide that saw four wickets fall for 38 runs.

The loss was the second for the tourists after going down by nine wickets in the first 50-over contest to India A on Friday.

SCOREBOARD India A vs West Indies INDIA A M Vijay c Ramdin b Holder 21 U Chand b Taylor 101 K Nair c Blackwood b Roach 64 M Tiwary c Ramdin b Taylor 7 S Samson c Ramdin b Rampaul 5 Gurkeerat Singh c Pollard b Roach 20 S Binny c Ramdin b Pollard 15 Parvez Rasool not out 13 K Sharma c Holder b Pollard 5 D Kulkarni c Sammy b Rampaul 13 J Bumrah c wkp Ramdin b Taylor 0 Extras (b4, lb1, w12, nb1) 18 TOTAL (all out, 48.1 overs) 282 FOW: 1-26, 2-175, 3-184, 4-202, 5-224, 6-241, 7-250, 8-261, 9-282, 10-282.

Bowling: Rampaul 9-0-53-2 (w3), Holder 10-1-44-1 (w3, nb1), Taylor 9.1-0-51-3 (w3), Roach 10-1-55-2 (w1), Blackwood 1-0-7-0, Samuels 5-0-38-0 (w1), Pollard 4-0-29-2 (w1).

WEST INDIES L Johnson c Vijay b Bumrah 7 J Blackwood c Gurkeerat Singh b Kulkarni 7 M Samuels b Sharma 24 D Ramdin c Bumrah b Nair 102 K Pollard b Sharma 9 D Sammy c Samson b Kulkarni 50 J Holder c & b Bumrah 54 J Taylor b Kulkarni 5 R Rampaul run out 0 K Roach not out 0 S Williams not out 0 Extras (lb3, w4, nb1) 8 TOTAL (9 wkts, 50 overs) 266 FOW: 1-13, 2-26, 3-47, 4-65, 5-166, 6-228, 7-260, 8-266, 9-266.

Bowling: Kulkarni 10-3-39-3, Bumrah 102-43-2 (w1, nb1), Binny 10-0-51-0(w1), Sharma 8-0-70-2, Parvez Rasool 10-1-52-0 (w2), Nair 2-0-8-1.

Result: India A won by 16 runs.

Toss: India A - Trinidad Guardian

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

India, the journey Emily Singh TC Reporter The journey from Delhi to Agra was indeed a long one! For lunch we stopped at Priya Restaurant where we had everything from Indian food to more Western favorites like grilled cheese and french fries. Our hotel for our only night in Agra was the beautiful Clarks Shiraz. The greeting we received from the hotel staff was so very welcoming. Upon entry we were given a mala, which is a traditional Indian handmade flower garland this one was made with fresh jasmine flowers. The view from our hotel room was absolutely stunning! Looking our through our window we were able to see the Taj Mahal from a distance, it’s a site I will never forget.

After settling in we made our way to finally see the Taj Mahal up close, this was something I was most looking forward to. The security was very tight as people by the hundreds flocked to see this world wonder. Pictures alone do not do the Taj Mahal justice, it was amazing beyond anything you could put into words. The craftsmanship and intricacy of the monument was so delicate and detailed, it was a breathtaking site. It was such a surreal moment to finally see something in person that I’ve only ever seen in pictures. Our tour guide told us the beautiful love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz and the work that went into building the monument to honor her. Inside the Taj was crowded with people viewing the replica tomb of Mumtaz.

It was interesting to hear about the historical significance of the Taj Mahal, it makes you appreciate the beauty of it that much more.

Our trip to a small village in Fatehpur Sikri was the most eye opening and life changing part of the entire trip for me personally. The village consisted of about twelve families and various animals such as cows, goats and monkeys. Living in Canada we are often oblivious to some of the luxuries we have here and sometimes take them for granted. The people of the village did not speak English, but they were so warm and welcoming to us. They were living in such dire conditions but were content with their lives and were so happy to show us around and let us into their homes. It was heartbreaking to see how they were living but also an eye opening experience in realizing that this is real life and something that they face on a daily basis. An exciting treat in the village was seeing a monkey show they put on for us! It was amazing they were so tame and followed instructions so well, jumping and flipping they had us all entertained. As an animal lover I had fun playing with the goats and taking pictures with them it’s something that you just can’t do in Canada.

Another amazing animal encounter I will always remember is our elephant ride up Amber Fort in Jaipur! It is located on top of a hill and the view as we went up was just stunning. Each elephant seated two people and we were on our way up! This was definitely a first for many of us and surely something we will always remember, I know I will. Amber Fort was beautiful, built from marble pieces and sandstone like many other palaces in India. The palace overlooks the Maota Lake and is such a pretty site during the day with the sun reflecting onto the water. For the Bollywood lovers out there, the famous movie entitled Jodah Akbar was filmed here For more information on booking a tour of India, please contact Onkar Travel: 905.897.0700 EXT 114 or 123 Jasveet: Jasveet@onkartravels.com Rosalita: Rosalita@onkartravels.com

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Island style curry pork Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking Curry wasn’t cooked often in our home when we were growing up (dad was not a fan of curry), especially pork. Mom’s go-to recipe when it came to pork was either stewed (stewed pork recipe) or roasted in the oven. When I moved to Canada and started living with my aunt (mentioned her in my cookbook), I learned to both appreciate and master the art of cooking Caribbean style curry dishes. Pork being one of them.

This curry pork is absolutely delicious.. tender pieces of pork, simmered in a delightful curry sauce which is not heavy and wickedly spicy if you break the scotch bonnet when cooking. The key here is to try and get pieces of pork with bones.. lean pork will work, but the bones gives it that extra layer of flavor (IMO).

You’ll Need: 3 lbs pork (I used ribs ends) 1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 1 tablespoon chopped shado beni (culantro) 2 tablespoon curry powder

1/2 Geera 1/2 te 1/ tteaspoon teas eas aspo poon on rroasted oaasstted dG eeeeraa ((cumin) eera ccu umi min) min n) 1 scotch scotch sc h bbonnet on onnet n t pe ppepper epp pp per 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tomato 2 shallots 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger 3 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 scallion 1/4 teaspoon black pepper water – about 3-4 cups Notes: If you cannot source the shado beni (aka culantro), use 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro.

I like using a madras blend curry powder, but one made in the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago). If doing this gluten free, do pay attention to the curry powder you use to make sure there’s no flour added. Some curry powder adds flour to their blend.

Cut the pieces of pork (if your butcher didn’t already) and wash, drain and get ready to marinate (this is key). I used a cheap piece (already cut at the grocery store) of pork, with pieces from around the rib area of the piggy.

In a big bowl, mix in the green seasoning, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, tomato (diced), salt, ketchup, chopped scallion and grated ginger with the pieces of pork. You have two options here when it comes to the scotch bonnet pepper.

If you want raw heat, cut and use as much as you want in the marination process. If you want flavor, when we get the pot going, add the whole pepper and try NOT to break it.. or you’ll release the beast!

* Remember wear wash Reem mem emb ber to w ber earr gl ea ggloves loves oves aand nd w nd ash as your yo y our ur hands hands with witth soap soap and and n water wat ateer iimmediately mm mmed med diate telly aaffter using cut scotch bonnet peppers.

Give everything a good mix, cover with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

Let’s jump to actually cooking now! Heat the oil in a heavy bottom pan (one with a lid) on a medium heat, then add the diced onion and garlic.. lower the heat as low as it can go and allow the flavors to develop for about 3-5 minutes. With the heat still on low add the curry powder and mix well. The goal here is to cook off the raw taste of the curry so we don’t get a rawness to the finished dish.

It will go darker, you will have that lovely bouquet of curry in your kitchen and it will have a tendency to clump.. that’s natural. If you find that it’s too dry, feel free to add a bit more oil to the pot. After 4-5 minutes, turn the heat to high and start adding the seasoned pieces of pork to the pot. The goal is to coat the pork with the curry and to deglaze the pot.

Bring it up to a boil (it will release natural liquid), then turn it down to medium low, cover the pot and let it go for about 8-10 minutes. Then remove the lid and turn the heat back up to high. We want to burn off all that natural liquid and really intensify that curry flavor in the pieces of pork.

In the same bowl you marinated the pork (don’t discard the marinade), swish around 3 cups of water and set aside for use. Once the liquid is burnt off, it’s time to add that water to the pan (be sure you can see some of the oil we started off at the bottom of the pan before adding

the water). Bring that to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover the pot and let that slowly braise for about 1.5 hrs.

After its done it’s thing, we have to personalize this a bit (pork should be tender by now).. turn up the heat and burn off the liquid until you have a gravy consistency you like (I like it somewhat thick) and taste for salt. Adjust accordingly as my appreciation for salt will be different than yours. After turning off the stove I like to go in with the chopped shado beni (or cilantro) and let the residual heat help release the flavors from that. Do remember to remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

TIP – Pork can be fatty… (remember I didn’t use a lean pork), so you’ll notice that some of the fat will rise to the surface of the pan. Spoon out and discard (not down your sink though – that can clog pipes).

If you want to make quicker work of this you can add it (after the initial 10 minutes of cooking the pork in the curry – before we added the water) to a pressure cooker for about 10-15 minutes (with 2 cups water) After it’s safe to open the pressure cooker, remove the lid and turn up the heat to thicken the gravy. * This can be frozen with great results.

Simply thaw, heat and serve when you’re ready for another dose of curry pork..which also happens to be gluten free. Curry traditionalists may query the use of tomato and ketchup, but I assure you the acid will help balance the flavors nicely.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Meditation: How to Embrace the Waves As a mindful living trainer and yoga instructor, I teach many people meditation and mindfulness techniques. Unfortunately, most view these practices through a mind conditioned by our American culture. What’s that mean, you ask?

The most common conditioning I see is the desire to gain or attain something – the what’s-in-it-for-me attitude. I can’t tell you how often I am asked, “What will I get out of meditating every day?” My answer to them is generally (with a great big smile), “Absolutely nothing.”

In meditation, the self isn’t supposed to gain anything. In fact, it’s the attachment to this self and all its views and desires that blocks us from the very thing we are searching for. Paradoxically, once we let go of the desire to gain or attain something, we are left with the natural, open awareness we were born with – a peaceful awakened state beyond the conditions of our lives.

Besides the desire to gain something, I often see people using great effort in

their practice in order to better themselves, while trying to get rid of parts of themselves they don’t like. The point being, meditation and mindfulness are not self-help methods to become a better person or to get rid of aspects of ourselves we dislike, but rather are practices of embracing and letting go in order to become liberated from the limitations of attaching to the idea of a solid, separate self.

Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche once said, “…Go through it. Experience it. Give in to it. Then the most powerful energies become absolutely workable rather than taking you over, because there is nothing to take over if you are not putting up any resistance.”

Clearly, we aren’t meant to manipulate our minds, but rather rest in awareness, learning to see ourselves without becoming ensnared with what arises. From this still point of awareness, we then have the freedom to live free from the conditions of our lives, both internally and externally.

KNo W

Fear

We don’t need to be changed or bettered, and we don’t need to deny or remove the dark, hidden parts of ourselves. We only need to learn how to see ourselves clearly.

If we don’t see the conditions of our inner world, we will become what arises. If we don’t see anger, we will become an angry person. If we instead see anger from awareness and embrace it, we will know it for what it is – an impermanent passing energy – and feel it fully without letting it take over our actions and our speech. This is true liberation.

The effort in meditation and mindfulness practices is most effective when it’s used towards embracing and letting go, rather than trying to gain something or become a better person.

In one of his recorded talks, meditation master Ajahn Sumedho said, “If it arises, it belongs.” This quote is something that can be contemplated and lived each moment of our lives and can help guide our meditation practice. If anything arises, inside or outside

of us, it should be embraced with awareness and seen for what it is.

There isn’t anything that shouldn’t be in our lives, even if it is absolutely horrific or terrifying. What’s in our lives is just simply what’s in our lives. It’s a fact. So rather than wasting time struggling to remove what we don’t like and grasping what we do like, we can instead embrace the changing flow of our lives, and let go of the constant need to control, resist, and struggle with it. We can use our meditation practice not as a way to gain something for ourselves, but as a way to let go into the direct experience of each moment – pleasant or unpleasant.

From this clear, direct seeing through awareness, we can allow our deepest wisdom to take over, rather than going through our lives lost in our limited, conditioned mind. So remember, if it arises, it belongs!

- My Yoga Online

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Is your thyroid sluggish? Foods that benefit the thyroid with selenium and iodine Is your hair thinning or falling out? When you look in the mirror, does it seem that the outer edges of your eyebrows have disappeared? Have you gained or lost weight without changing your diet? Are you tired all the time? You may be one of the millions of Americans with undiagnosed thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease has become epidemic in the United States with numbers of confirmed cases at more than 12 million and estimates of undiagnosed cases doubling that number. With our overtired, fast paced, malnourished, caffeine laden, chronically stressed out lifestyle, and the radiation exposure from Fukushima, the perchlorate contamination of municipal and well water (trace amounts of this chemical used to make rocket fuel damage the thyroid), damage to the thyroid due to prescription drug use, and the explosion of auto-immune diseases, thyroid disease is on the rise. However, thyroid disease is often misdiagnosed, especially in the elderly, when clear symptoms of the disease are passed off as aging, and doctors neglect to administer diagnostic tests.

So how do you know your thyroid may not be functioning properly? Who is at risk? And what are the symptoms?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: weight loss, nervousness, moody, weakness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shaky hands, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, hair loss, and red, itchy skin.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: weight gain or difficulty losing weight, fatigue, thinning hair, thinning eyebrows or loss of outer edges of eyebrows, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, impaired memory, adult onset ADHD, slow healing, feet or hands that get cold easily, insomnia, poor sleep habits, poor sleep quality, daily sleepy spells, menstrual irregularities, anxiety, nightmares, dry skin, and yellow skin (due to difficulty converting beta carotene to vitamin A), and muscle and joint pain (which can be severe and may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia).

Six percent of the American population suffer from one of these two conditions; 78.7% suffer from hypothyroidism, while 21.3% suffer from hyperthyroidism.

Other diseases and conditions of the thyroid include: thyroiditis, an overall inflammation and swelling of the thyroid gland caused by a viral infection or an autoimmune disease; goiter, a singular non cancerous swelling that can be associated with Hashimoto’s or an iodine deficiency; thyroid nodule, a small, abnormal, non-cancerous mass or lump that may secrete excess hormones causing hyperthyroidism; thyroid storm, a rare form of extremely high hyperthyroidism that causes extreme illness; and thyroid cancer.

Foods that benefit the thyroid The thyroid gland must have iodine to produce T3 and T4. Good food sources include the well known meat, seafood, yogurt, milk, and eggs, as well as...

Vegan sources of iodine: - Blackstrap molasses - Seaweed - Himalayan Crystal Salt - Navy Beans - Cranberries Selenium is essential to the process of the body breaking down T3 into T4. Seafood, and meat are high in Selenium as well as many vegan friendly foods...

Vegan sources of selenium: - Brazil Nuts - Shiitake/White Button Mushroom - Lima/Pinto Beans - Chia Seeds - Brown Rice - Seeds (Sunflower, Sesame, and Flax) - Broccoli - Cabbage - Spinach Foods to avoid when you have a thyroid problem If you have hypothyroidism, medical professionals warn against eating raw cruciferous vegetables or suggest you radically limit their intake. Foods in question with hypothyroidism include: broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soy, peanuts, linseed, pine nuts, millet, cassava, mustard greens, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. They also recommend we avoid alcohol and tobacco, and while I agree with that, I don’t necessarily agree with the cruciferous vegetable recommendation. A varied diet of fresh, raw vegetables can fix almost anything, including any adverse reaction to the foods themselves. Though, obviously you have to use common sense; if you smoke, drink lots of coffee, or rarely get enough sleep then a large kale smoothie and a kale salad every day isn’t the smartest choice.

For those with severe thyroid disorders, occasionally (depending on the thyroid disorder and the person’s diet), cruciferous vegetables can be debilitating if not cooked first. It doesn’t take much heat to remove the glucosinolates and therefore the threat to the thyroid.

I know it’s being said to death lately to avoid wheat, and in some cases maybe over used, but I have found that many people have to eliminate gluten before their thyroid will heal. Typically, people with issues towards gluten need to detoxify and clean their intestinal system. And in every case of thyroid problems I’ve encountered, the person needed B vitamins as well and a good whole food multivitamin/mineral supplement.

Check out the first two sources for more on thyroid healing naturally.

- Natural News

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Osteomalacia and hypothyroid myopathy are often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease affecting around 5 million Americans. The two primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are muscle pain and fatigue. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, “brain fog,” irritability, and anxiety or depression. Nearly one third of those suffering from fibromyalgia suffer from depression.

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made through symptoms alone; there is no lab test to confirm or deny the diagnosis.

Doctors treat the disease with medications and recommend mild exercise, a good diet, and stress reduction.

If you have been diagnosed with this disease and thorough lab work was not completed, there is a possibility that you have been misdiagnosed. You may have osteomalacia or hypothyroidism.

Osteomalacia Osteomalacia is a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. The body is unable to “... deposit calcium into the collagen jello-like matrix in the bone. As a result, the covering on the bone which contains pain sensing nerves is easily deformed resulting in throbbing aching bone pain. Patients with osteomalacia often complain of achiness in their muscles and bones. These non-specific aches and pains in the bones and muscles are often

misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome,” writes Dr. Michael Holick, one of the world’s foremost authorities on vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight and/or vitamin D supplementation quickly resolves the symptoms.

It is difficult for many Americans to get enough exposure to sunlight if they live in the northern half of the country. In addition, many of us work inside all day and do not spend any significant time in the sun. If this is the case, Vitamin D supplementation is essential. Depression is often alleviated through vitamin D therapy, either through light boxes or supplementation, so a diagnosis of fibromyalgia with depression may be an indicator of a vitamin D deficiency. If you do not have ostemalacia, you still may benefit from vitamin D supplements because vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, and fibromyalgia is an auto-immune disease ( the immune system is not functioning correctly). (Consider B complex and magnesium as well).

Hypothyroid myopathy Hypothyroid myopathy can also cause severe joint and muscle pain that may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia if thyroid tests were not performed. An easy home test involves taking your temperature as soon as you wake

in the morning for 3-5 days. Before you get out of bed, eat, or drink anything, take your temperature. If you are going to use a mercury thermometer, shake it down the night before. You want to move as little as possible because movement heats up the body. If your temperature was less than 97 three days in a row, there is no need to continue checking it. If it averages 97.6 or less for 5 days, or 97 for 3 days, this is an indicator for testing and treatment. Naturopathic supplements are available for hypothyroidism if you choose to avoid pharmaceuticals.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease-a painful debilitating disease. Though there are many dietary and lifestyle changes that may be incorporated into your arsenal to regain your health, first make sure your diagnosis is accurate. Regardless of which “disease” you are dealing with, be sure you are not deficient in vitamin D. Eat a healthy diet without additives, flavoring, preservatives or artificial colors. Never ingest GMOs. Make sure 80% of your diet consists of fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of pure water (preferably spring water). Get your lymph moving. Lower your stress, and get good rest. There are many paths you can take to heal the body. All of them start with excellent nutrition.

- Natural News

Organic food consumers have a 21% lower risk of pre-eclampsia Pregnant women may be able to lower their risk of a potentially deadly complication known as pre-eclampsia by more than 20 percent simply by eating more organic vegetables, according to a study conducted by researchers from the National Institute for Consumer Research and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and published in BMJ Open.

“The result is intriguing and supports that diet during pregnancy can influence the risk of pre-eclampsia,” researcher Hanne Torjusen, PhD, said.

Pre-eclampsia is a complication of late pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. The cause of the condition is not known, although it has been linked to a variety of risk factors including some of the same risk factors as cardiovascular disease. Mild cases may resolve without problems, but severe cases may progress into a life-threatening condition that can only be alleviated through premature delivery of the baby.

The new study is the first to show a connection between organic food consumption and lower pre-eclampsia risk.

Benefit independent of other factors The study, which is part of a PhD project investigating whether organic food consumed during pregnancy provides health benefits to the mother and child, used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Co-

hort Study (MoBa). Between 2002 and 2008, the researchers followed 28,192 MoBa participants who were pregnant with their first child. Over the course of their pregnancies, 5.3 percent of participants developed preeclampsia.

Toward the middle of their pregnancies, participants completed detailed food frequency questionnaires, which included questions about how often they consumed organic vegetables, fruits, cereals, eggs, milk and meat. Overall, 39.8 percent of women “sometimes” ate at least one organic food, 7 percent “often” did so, and 1.8 percent “mostly” did so.

The researchers found that women who “often” or “mostly” ate organic vegetables were 21 percent less likely to develop pre-eclampsia than women who “rarely” or “never” did so. No connection was found between pre-eclampsia rates and consumption of other organic foods.

The researchers found that women who ate organic food more often were likely to have healthier diets overall, including a higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, berries and whole grains and a lower consumption of meat, processed meat, white bread, cakes and sweets. They tended to be younger, have a lower body mass index and consume more calories than women who ate organic foods less frequently. They were slightly less likely to smoke and slightly more likely to have reached a higher level of

education.

The researchers controlled for all of those factors in their analysis, as well as certain other socioeconomic and lifestyle differences. The effect of organic vegetable consumption on pre-eclampsia risk was independent of these other factors. It was also independent of other pre-eclampsia risk factors, including gestational weight gain.

Many benefits to organic foods While eating lots of vegetables is crucial for all pregnant women, the new study suggests that consuming organic vegetables may provide additional benefits. And while the current study was not set up to prove that organic vegetable consumption actually caused improved pregnancy outcomes, the researchers suggest several mechanisms by which such an effect could operate. These include lower exposure to pesticides, higher intake of protective plant compounds such as antioxidants and producing a more beneficial makeup of gut microbes, thereby reducing the risk of inflammatory conditions.

The study was funded by the Research Council of Norway and the Food Programme. The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Research. The researchers reported that they have no financial connections to the study funders.

- Natural News

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

How much alcohol is too much?

Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips I have a number of patients that have concerns about how much they drink. Often embarrassed, they reluctantly tell me about drunken nights, rough mornings and regret.

I always assure them that they are not alone.

Many people have trouble controlling their drinking. Sometimes there is a genetic component, sometimes a traumatic experience, and some people just like to drink. Research has shown that small amounts of wine or beer can be healthy. However, four to five million Canadians drink to excess, causing family problems and health consequences every year.

The C.A.G.E. questionnaire is a simple way to assess if you drink too much.

Ask yourself these questions. Do you feel you need to cut down your drinking? Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Have you ever felt guilty about drinking? Have you ever felt that you need an eye-opener drink, first thing in the morning? If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, there is a good probability your alcohol consumption is not healthy.

Often excessive drinking is a symptom of a deeper problem. Nearly half of people with alcoholism also suffer from depression. Depression and alcoholism feed into each other. Often alcoholics will feel sad and down. Depressive thoughts can also lead one to seek refuge in the bottle. If you have depression or anxiety its is crucial that you get treated for those conditions. It will help you stay sober.

There are a number of treatment options and many people are able to curb their drinking. Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are two psy-

chological techniques that can treat alcoholism and depression. The Greater Toronto Area has a number of alcoholics anonymous meetings. Alcoholic anonymous provides support for recovery. The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health has an OHIP covered program to treat alcoholism. There are a number of private treatment facilities. Those tend to charge a fee for their services. In practice, I have seen hypnotherapy work for a number of compulsive behaviors, including drinking.

A warning, alcohol can be particularly dangerous if mixed with medications.

Sleep medications, antidepressants and allergy medications do not combine well with cocktails. Health Canada advises no more than two drinks a day for women. Men are advised to consume no more than three.

Avoid drinking daily. Pay attention to your drinking during stressful times. Alcohol abuse can creep up on us while we are distracted with the stresses of our lives. Speak to your health care provider if you feel you drink too much. There is help.

The benefits of daily exercise Monique Bartlett Fitness Many people don’t realize how much better they will feel both physically and emotionally when they exercise. Daily exercise offers you plenty of benefits so don’t overlook it.

Physical activity will allow you to shed those extra pounds so that you will have more self confidence and self esteem. When we are happy with our physical appearance it carries over to every aspect of our lives.

Heart disease is the #1 killer in North America for both men and women.

Exercising on a regular basis is going to reduce the risk of that and other diseases from occurring for you. With a healthy heart, you

have the opportunity to live a longer and healthier life overall.

As well as physical benefits to exercise there are also emotional ones. The body releases natural endorphins when you exercise. This is why your mood will improve when you work out. Stress will also decrease as you work out. Taking time to do something for yourself makes you feel good as well as giving you the energy and health to be able to be a role model for your friends and family.

The right combination of exercises for losing weight and toning are important if you want to change your body shape. A combination of resistance training and cardio will help to improve your overall shape and body tone. Take your current body shape into consideration. If you have areas you would like to see changed, find the right exercise plan to make it happen.

Keep in mind though that you need to do an overall workout. You can’t allow your body shape to dictate what you will do.

For example, if you feel that your stomach

needs to be tighter you can’t just work on your abdominal region. Instead, you have to work on your entire body and those changes will occur over time.

The only way you are going to really stick to a great exercise plan is to do something that you enjoy. Don’t view working out as something you have to do like housework or going to work. Instead, change your mindset so that think of it as the tool to help you achieve the body of your dreams.

When you find the types of exercise that you enjoy, that will the motivate you to want to continue to do them and enjoy them. Something as simple as walking, yoga or Pilates can really change the shape and tone of your body.

Take the time to put yourself first.

Let go of the guilt that you aren’t spending every single extra minute with your spouse, your children, or focused on your career.

Once you take care of yourself you will have more energy to be a better person, a better spouse and more focused on your career. So take the time to exercise and eat right.

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Accepting an Offer, Private Lending & RRIF Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate: Accepting an offer for your property can be nerve wrecking. Common concerns are: Are they offering too little?

Am I making the right decision? Can I get more for my home? While these are certainly valid questions, other factors to consider are the conditions in the offer and the closing date. An offer will usually be accompanied by a schedule “A” with conditions for approval of financing and a home inspection. A condition for an apartment or condominium may also include a status certificate. A firm deal is always better than a conditional deal.

You may come across an offer that has no conditions that may be fifteen thousand dollars less than an offer that may have a finance condition. It becomes a personal choice on which offer to accept. Ask the advice of your sales representative whether the market is a buyer’s market or sellers’ market. This may affect your decision because in a seller’s market you could expect more offers.

Mortgage: The mention of private lending sometime make clients cringe. It is however, not an avenue that brokers and agents neglect. Clients that may not qualify under the regular guidelines need to consider this option. Experience in buying properties and

understanding interest rates would be an asset to clients in their ability to understand the choice of private lenders. Private lenders provide an avenue for financing for clients that may already have a home, may have a lower credit bureau score or may not be able to provide the necessary documents to secure a commitment letter from a financial institution. Such lenders rely on the amount of down payment or equity the client has and the interest is typically higher than a typical bank or financial institution. You may be eligible for a first, second or third mortgage depending on your situation. Some private lending are interest only, which means you borrow a sum of money and throughout the term you make interest payments. At the end of the term you are required to repay the initial sum of money that is borrowed.

Finance: A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is a fund that is transferred from a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), a Registered Pension Plan (RPP) or from another Registered Retirement Income Fund. A RRIF can be established at any time but must be done no later than the year an individual turns seventy one. A RRIF account can be set up through a bank, credit union, trust or insurance company. Your financial advisor or agent will assist you in choosing the right type of RRIF and should discuss the contents of the investments within the RRIF. Once a RRIF has been established, the following year you will receive a yearly minimum amount. You may take out more than your yearly minimum amount but not less than that amount. For more information please visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ ndvdls/tpcs/rrif-ferr/menu-eng.html.

407 ETR wants you to pay for their oversights Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters Reading through 407 ETR’s Factum filed to the Supreme Court of Canada, on their quest to quash the Appeal Court’s ruling on how it treats bankrupt people in the Province of Ontario, was like listening to the company whine about how we should be responsible for their chosen business model. They bought a highway without a gate and now want to hold the Province of Ontario and the Citizenry responsible to make sure it is financially viable. They are a private, for profit corporation. Last time I checked we were not under a fascist regime.

407 ETR agreed when they signed the concessions agreement with the Province that they would obey all the laws of Ontario and Canada while operating their business.

NOWHERE in the 407 Act does it say that the company is exempt from the Bankruptcy Insolvency Act. Reading page after page of an argument the Province should be having if it felt their jurisdiction was being encroached upon by the Federal Government, was like listening to an addict in denial refusing to go to rehab. The addiction in this case is the company’s unwritten license to print money and the rehab is the Province regulating this company’s business practices. Like a typical addict, everyone knows there’s a problem,

but the addict is in denial and the Province has been the company’s enabler. It’s time for some tough love.

We have been told by the Province that because of a 2006 ruling, their hands are tied with respect to section 22 plate denial requests sent by 407 ETR. The Province has refused to regulate this company’s atrocious behavior towards consumers.

When you consider the regulatory power the Province has and how this company’s business practices seems to fly in the face of any consumer protection legislation we know of in Canada, it begs the question why? Why is the Province relying on a 2006 ruling, that wasn’t appealed, to blindly honor the company’s request for plate denial, without any justification that the tolls, fees and interest claimed are lawful? Now the company is arguing on behalf of the Province that the Province indeed has the power to regulate. Really?! It seems to me this company wants to suck and blow at the same time.

When it’s convenient for them, the Province can regulate, BUT if the Province wanted to regulate to make sure the company is complying with all the other laws of the Province and Canada, as the company promised to do in the Concessions Agreement, it’s NOT OK because the company wants to protect its unwritten ability to print money. Am I missing something here?

How this company has been treating consumers has become a contentious issue for many that have been slammed with a bill for thousands and thousands of dollars in unexplained, unjustified tolls, fees and interest. This company is desperately trying to hang onto its power to rip people off.

Continued On Page 27

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

407ETR Oversights Continued From Page 26 -- In the Factum filed by 407 ETR to the Supreme Court, the company tries to paint Mr. Moore as a deadbeat that is blatantly refusing to pay the company for ALMOST 2000 trips he made from August 1998 – March 2007. The company claims that there were two vehicles registered to Mr. Moore that drove on the highway, a 2002 Mercedes Benz that drove on the highway every month between January 2002 and March 2007 and a Pontiac.

The company claims that Mr. Moore didn’t dispute the charges.

What 407 ETR doesn’t tell you is where the bone of contention lies and allows for so much ambiguity. 407 ETR would prefer to rely on things that remain unsaid to paint the picture it wants. I feel the line is blurred with respects to the authority the Province has because the Province tells us that the company calls all the shots. This is not a question of a Province’s authority. It’s a question of a company gone rogue.

What remains unsaid paints a picture of a company that is ripping people off to the tune of thousands and thousands of dollars in hidden interest and fees.

Here are my questions to the company. Out of those ALMOST 2000 trips it claims Mr. Moore made, how many kilometers were traveled in total? $34,977.06 seems to be a rather excessive toll bill considering the average trip on Highway 407 is about 17 KM’s and even at today’s rate of approximately $.25/KM that would make the bill for tolls under $8,500.00. How much money did Mr. Moore pay over the nine years you claim he traveled on your highway? Did you ever offer Mr. Moore a prepaid option to travel on your highway?

Keeping in mind that the first section 22 was sent for a vehicle you claimed traveled from Jan 2002 - March 2007, if Mr. Moore was delinquent in paying his bill, why did it take you over three years to send a section 22? According to section 16 and section 22 of the 407 Act, a section 22 should have been sent within 4-5 months of a delinquent bill. Was there a problem locating Mr. Moore? How many invoices did you send Mr. Moore? Were the invoices sent to Mr. Moore’s address? Since Mr. Moore had been traveling on your highway since 1998 with his Pontiac, why did it take you eight years to send him a section 22 on that account? Did you properly and transparently inform Mr. Moore of his right to dispute the bill you claimed he owed? Did Mr. Moore at any time ask what he was being charged?

Did Mr. Moore at any time disagree with your version of events? Did you give Mr. Moore all his options to dispute including appealing to the Independent Arbitrators?

The answers to those questions are what the 407 ETR wants to remain unsaid because it doesn’t help them paint a picture

of a deadbeat customer that’s trying to skip out on paying tolls. Instead, it paints a better picture of the frustrations consumers have had when dealing with this company. This company is notorious for practicing invoice suppression that trumps up thousands and thousands of dollars in hidden interest and fees. Despite some people’s best efforts in trying to get a bill from the company, the company has sat on details that would help a consumer fight the company on bogus charges. I think it’s very possible that Mr. Moore did dispute the charges, however, there was no adequate documentation or avenue to dispute the charges available to him.

407 ETR made a decision to purchase a highway without a gate. It is NOT up to us to make sure the company’s profitability is protected, but it seems this company is bent on making us pay for their oversights.

We are not under a fascist government. The government is not responsible for making sure this company makes money. This was the company’s choice to buy into this business model.

If the company finds it difficult to offer unsecured credit, why hasn’t the company offered a prepaid option to travel on their highway?

Sun Pass in Florida has done this successfully for many years.

With all the details of a person’s account now available online, it sure would minimize this problem they seem to be having with “lending credit”. Furthermore, isn’t the company now making a case for manned toll booths? The Province may not want manned toll booths for other agendas they have, but if the Province refuses to regulate this company’s behavior to better protect consumers from financial abuse at the hands of this rogue company, then I don’t see any other choice but to put up manned toll booths.

Montreal welcomes more than 1900 new Canadians MONTREAL -- This week, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Montreal office welcomed more than 1900 new Canadian citizens from approximately 115 countries at 16 ceremonies across the province. Over 700 of these citizens were sworn in at two large ceremonies held downtown today.

Ceremonies like these demonstrate how the government is working to make the citizenship program more efficient and helping more people realize their dream of

becoming Canadian sooner. Recent changes to the Citizenship Act, which received Royal Assent on June 19, 2014, will allow for further improvements to the efficiency of the citizenship program. The new streamlined decision-making process and other changes to the Citizenship Act are expected to bring the processing time for citizenship applications down to under one year and reduce the citizenship application backlog by more than 80 percent by 2015-2016.- CIC

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 27

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FOR RENT SALE FOR ESTHETICS ROOM: In the Oakwood ave and St Clair area contact Gurline 647345-1752

LOOKING : Guyanese East Indian male easy going 5.9 medium built is seeking female age 18+ who is Guyanese or Trinidadian East Indian, busty and medium built easy going for relationship. Please call Sunil 416-422-2935.

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COMPANIONSHIP : Mature Jamaican lady age 65 to 70 seeks male 65 to 70 for companionship. If you are serious about meeting someone please call 416-510-2583

FOR GREETINGS SALE BIRTHDAY

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FOR SALE WANTED MATURE LADY: Mature lady, non smoker and drinker with drivers license seeks work in exchange for accommodation. Call 647-267-6949

30 Wednesday, October 8, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - October 8th 2014 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Don’t expect to sit around waiting or wondering what to do next. You’ll soon find yourself inspired, provoked, tantalized, or taken completely by surprise. While Mercury retrograde can often set you back, Saturday’s Mars/Uranus, Tuesday’s sun/Uranus, and next Wednesday’s Aries eclipse thrust pedal to the metal. A second chance, next leg, or fresh page gains tremendous momentum.

Travel, new freedom, and new love are exhilarating.

You may have a good handle on it so far, but get ready for an onslaught. Don’t rely on appearances or promises; do your research, look under the hood. As is typical of the Mercury retrograde cycle, folks or issues can resurface.

Saturday could re-route you, but it could work out better that way. Tuesday/Wednesday takes you from one extreme to another. Seize opportunity.

The weekend may not go according to expectations, but such is the nature of Mercury when it turns retrograde. You may have to drop one thing for another. Conversations, choices, or plans have a life of their own. A problem or dilemma could solve itself. Tuesday/Wednesday strikes great social, romantic, or moneymaking flint. The eclipse can also prompt a parting, departure, or reappearance.

A lover, a child, or an agent of change now makes a deeper impact on choices. Mercury in Scorpio underscores the karmic replay nature of this relationship or circumstance. What’s budding, brewing, or nagging is about to hit a rapid-fire track. The eclipse can deliver something abrupt and unexpected that requires an immediate response. Life offers you a great second chance. Take it.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

As of Saturday, you are wise to revise, repeat, revisit, restate, reclaim, or renovate.

The backup plan is likely to be your best option. Go over it again and you could spot a better solution, answer, or price. Tuesday/ Wednesday can take you by surprise. Watch for fresh opportunity, big news, a saving grace, a great brainstorm, or a reason to hit the gas pedal.

Whether it’s a rethink, another look-see, or a second chance, Mercury retrograde shifts it for you in some significant way. There’s opportunity to make a better impression, negotiate a better deal, nip it in the bud, or pick up where you left off. Tuesday/Wednesday can thrust you into the uncharted or the costly. Impulsiveness could overtake you. Courage is called for.

Mercury’s retrograde start could blow your budget or plans, but there’s likely a great reason for it. Karmic or actual, there’s a contract to rewrite. Tuesday/Wednesday, the eclipse throws the action switch in some striking way. There’s a fresh battle to face, but whether chosen or heaped on you, it’s a lucrative one to take on: it’s your all-access pass to the future.

You’ve made great headway since Mercury’s recent dip into Scorpio. As of Saturday, when the retrograde cycle begins, a temporary pullback or regroup is wise and perhaps necessary. Create a space or an opening and it will immediately be filled. Another target, project, or fight will now overtake you.

Tuesday onward, it’s break-through, bustloose, all-in-or-all-out time.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Simmer switches to full brew once Mercury turns retrograde on Saturday. On the ice, between the sheets, or watching the action, a sports night hits it just right. Mars in Sagittarius keeps you flying high and loving it during the next week. It’s an excellent time to get the show on the road. Tuesday and Wednesday are exceptional, strike-gold days.

On Saturday, just as you think you’re finished or have it sorted out, there’s something more to add, pursue, or intrigue you. Buy it, do it, enjoy it. You can ease along Sunday/Monday, but by Tuesday/Wednesday, it’s slamming.

You’ll hit all systems go and full steam ahead.

Timing is everything. Jump on it fast—you’ll be glad you did.

The brakes come off, the remaining doubt or hesitation is removed as of Saturday, when Mercury switches to retrograde. From here, it’s full steam ahead. Endings, beginnings—a key someone could set major wheels in motion. Tuesday’s news, meet-up, stroke of luck, or hot iron fast-tracks you. Wednesday’s lunar eclipse is a game-changer.

Mercury retrograde brings an ideal time to revisit faces and places, rekindle a passion, retrace steps, or build upon a previous success. Mars, Uranus, Jupiter, and next week’s eclipse will fire it up for you in some striking, perhaps surprising way. It’s an excellent time to travel, branch out, or seek greener pastures.

March 20 - April 19

July 22 - August 22

November 22 - December 21

April 19 - May 20

August 22 - September 22

December 21 - January 19

May 20 - June 21

September 22 - October 23

January 19 - February 18

Across 5) Directional pad plus buttons 7) Street ____ 8) Grand ____ Auto 9) Yellow ghost-eater 11) FIFA 14 sport 12) PlayStation manufacturer 13) Blue Sega hedgehog 14) Master Chief’s franchise 16) Coach NFL games are named after

Down 1) Mario’s brother 2) 360 or One 3) ____ Kombat 4) Old-school console 6) Tomb Raider’s Lara 7) Final ____ 9) Prince of ____ 10) Super ____ Bros.

15) Legend of Zelda main character

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Insurance: We all need it, we hope we never have to use it, itʼs complicated, most donʼt understand it... the negative consequences are even greater.

DON’TS: DON’T use a “different” address to get a lower price – Address fraud has increased significantly CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP and insurance companies are using Insurance Matters sophisticated means to fight back.

Once discovered, the penalties will Here are some things to keep in be even greater than the savings. mind when shopping for insurance: DON’T pay a FEE to find CAR inDO’S: surance – Insurance brokers do not DO use a broker to get more op- charge to shop for you. Beware of tions – Brokers represent more than “insurance consultants” who charge one insurance company and offers you upfront fees to connect you with you choice in products and optional a broker. coverages.

DON’T take out different policies DO make sure your budget allows with different companies – Not for the monthly installments – only do you miss out on multi-vehiNSF situations resulting in non-pay- cle discounts, but it often raises susment cancellations have a negative picion about who the operators are. impact on future ratings.

DON’T lie about vehicle use and DO disclose all drivers in your im- drivers – not disclosing that you mediate household – do not hesi- drive to work, or use your vehicle tate to add your under aged children for business, could result in a claim once they are licensed, so that they being denied, among other consecan start building their own insur- quences. ance history. Neglecting to do so could result in a cancellation for Be an informed consumer, shop for non-disclosure. insurance wisely, and always present the true facts. It would be my DO disclose all tickets, suspen- pleasure to do the shopping for you. sions and cancellations – Whatever Get the service you deserve from a information you provide will be ver- broker you can trust! ified; however if you fail to disclose it prior to the verification process,

Sherene Cole

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 31

32 Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Colleen Lindberg Business Development Marvelous, fabulous, amazing, talented and I could go on and on about the greatness inside of you. It’s time for us as people to start believing in ourselves, standing in our greatness and most of all getting over the fear that we are not enough.

I grew up with the feeling that I was always never enough. I have no idea where I first got this impression, it’s not like my parents didn’t love me or encourage me, just somewhere along the line I believed that I wasn’t enough. So I kept trying to prove to myself, to others and doing all these things to help make them happy, so they would think I was enough… isn’t this insane! It totally is. If you reflect back in your life,

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

maybe you have or currently feel this way.

Are you striving for others instead of your own well-being and sanity? It’s time to really acknowledge this and really it’s time that we stop because you are enough, you don’t need anyone else’s acceptance. The only person you should be looking for acceptance from is yourself.

Most of us have not grown up in environments like this where we have been encouraged to own it. Do you agree? I personally never heard anyone, up until three years ago, tell me to own it, accept myself, believe in me. It was more like do this for me, you will never be enough, work hard for me and make me millions and the list can go on and on and on… I really feel it’s time that we start to acknowledge our awesome talents and abilities. It’s time for us to start owning our lives and believing in ourselves.

How do we go about this you ask? Let’s outline it.

1) Asking yourself the question before you make a decision, is this for me? Will this take me closer to the goals that I want? Is

this a distraction (such a great one for me to acknowledge, I love a great distraction)?

Does someone else want me to do this, but it’s not really what I want? All of these questions are important in the process of you gaining confidence to own it. You have to be sure of the decision in order to really stand behind it. Now please don’t think that I am saying you need to be selfish in a negative way and not do things for others, I am saying that there is a balance and a time that doing things for you will only enhance your ability to do things for other people, so by standing in these decisions, in the long run will only solidify your ability to give.

2) Once you make the choice or decision, give it all you got. Standing in the space of it and committing to the result. Owning the outcome. It’s that simple, you decide and now you act, leaving all the other awesome distractions on the side lines while you star in the game. Period.

3) Remind yourself every day that you are worth it. That might mean having a say-

ing posted somewhere in your house, i.e.; fridge, mirror, office wall, etc. that reminds you. An alarm that goes off on your phone on a daily basis that says you are worth it.

Maybe it’s a great friend that has known all along that you are a star who calls you every day and says… “Remember… “ Your thought process about yourself will not change overnight, some of us have had years of “I’m not worthy” imbedded in us, but it starts with small steps, an action based approach and a real belief that you do own it. Through my social media posts over the last few days I have been #ownit on all the activities that I am doing to move myself closer to my goals, when I # I feel the importance for me of the saying, it doesn’t matter what anyone else sees, it’s my reminder that I get to make the choice I want, that takes me to the place I want to go. So I challenge you today to own it, pick a place in your life to start, whether it’s in business, your health, your relationships, your addictions, your faith and own it. Stand behind it and execute. It will be worth it.

That I know. #ownit!

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