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WHY BINGE HOLIDAY DRINKING IS ANYTHING BUT MERRY

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’Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. Some of us, however, take those festive suggestions to dangerous lengths and end up binge drinking. While one night of imbibing multiple drinks may only leave you with a hangover, using the holidays as an excuse to drink abusively from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve can lead to alcoholism and other negative brain/body effects.

Why do people drink too much during the holidays?

“A lot of traditions at this time of year involve alcohol,” says Carrie Carlton LCSW at Beachway Therapy in Boynton Beach, Florida.  “You’re with friends and family who you may not see all the time, and you want to have a good time, and so you celebrate with a few drinks. This isn’t harmful as long as you’re aware of your limits.” Unfortunately, that can be more difficult when you’re not used to drinking a lot, as well as when you’re guzzling seasonal cocktails that you’re unaccustomed to.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is typically defined as more than 5 drinks for men and 4 drinks for women within a short span of time, usually 2 hours. The safest course of action, if you must imbibe, is to pace yourself and space out your drinks to give your liver time to break down the alcohol.

What is “holiday heart syndrome”?

Holiday heart syndrome is a term for a reason. The name was coined in 1978 after doctors in New Jersey started noticing patients showing up to emergency rooms with arrhythmias after bouts of heavy drinking, usually during weekends or holidays. These patients were apparently healthy with no history of heart problems or other risk factors. Continue reading “WHY BINGE HOLIDAY DRINKING IS ANYTHING BUT MERRY”

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Telugu action entertainer ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ to hit screens on Nov 16th

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Eros International acquires highly anticipated Telugu film Amar Akbar Anthony

 Eros International Media Ltd, a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, in association with Mythri Movie Makers will be releasing Telugu action entertainer Amar Akbar Anthony. The action filled romantic drama is slated to hit the screens on November 16.

Co-produced by Naveen Yerneni, Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili and Mohan Cherukuri under the banner Mythri Movie Makers, the film has all the elements of a masala entertainer – action, comedy and romance. Largely filmed in the USA, Amar Akbar Anthony is directed by Srinu Vaitla starring celebrated Telugu actor Ravi Teja in three different roles along with Ileana D’Cruz, marking the fourth venture of the hit couple together.

Srinivas Reddy, Raghu Babu, Jayaprakash Reddy, Tanikella Bharani, Satya, Vennala Kishore, Ravi Prakash, Tarun Arora, Aditya Menon, Abhimanyu Singh, Vikramjit, Rajveer Singh, Shiyaji Shinde, Subhalekha Sudhakar comprise the remaining cast. The music has been composed by renowned composer, S Thaman.

Speaking on the announcement, Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd said, “We are excited to collaborate with Mythri Movie Makers once again for Amar Akbar Anthony. The film looks very promising with its mass appeal and popular pairing of lead actors. We are looking forward to entertaining the audience with this light rom-com action film and remain focused on expanding our regional presence across languages and genres”. Continue reading “Telugu action entertainer ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ to hit screens on Nov 16th”

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GSLV MkIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29

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India’s GSAT-29 communication satellite was successfully launched by the second developmental flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkIII (GSLV MkIII-D2) on Wednesday, November 14th,  from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

GSLV MkIII-D2 lifted off from the Second Launch Pad of SDSC SHAR at 17:08 hours (IST), carrying the 3423-kg GSAT-29 satellite. About 17 minutes later, the vehicle injected the satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) as planned.

After injection, ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan has assumed the control of the satellite. In the coming days, three orbit raising manoeuvers will be executed to position the satellite in the Geostationary Orbit at its designated location.

GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Two massive boosters with solid propellant constitute the first stage, the core with liquid propellant form the second stage and the cryogenic engine completes the final stage.

GSAT-29 is a multiband, multi-beam communication satellite, intended to serve as test bed for several new and critical technologies. Its Ku-band and Ka-band payloads are configured to cater to the communication requirements of users including those from remote areas especially from Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern regions of India.

In addition, the Q/V-Band communication payload onboard is intended to demonstrate the future high throughput satellite system technologies. Geo High Resolution Camera will carry out high resolution imaging. Optical Communication Payload will demonstrate data transmission at a very high rate through optical communication link. Continue reading “GSLV MkIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29”

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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir celebrates Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights in Toronto

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A glittering array of twinkles filled the night as traditional candles were lit by devotees during the Diwali and Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat 2075) Celebrations on Thursday November 8, 2018, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located at 61 Claireville Drive, Toronto.

The ancient tradition of lighting candles, or diva, during Diwali symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the diva lit on Diwali remove physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions and rituals go deeper – inviting individuals to make efforts in removing darkness from within, in the forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment.  Diwali presents a time to reflect and introspect.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto marked the auspicious festival of Diwali and its associated five days of celebrations with an elaborate Annakut, lighted diva, fireworks, and a special children’s Diwali celebration. The celebrations were open to all. Visitors participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new beginnings and had the opportunity to taste in the delicious offerings of the Annakut. Several dignitaries also participated in the celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, The Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario said, “said, “Happy Diwali, Happy New Year to everyone. Each and everyone of you make me feel right at home when I come here. I wish everyone in Ontario could see this [the Annakut], it’s absolutely unbelievable. I understand it’s all about ‘Unity’ and what at great message…I just wanted to emphasize, you have treated our family incredibly well here…we are forever grateful to you. The contribution of your community to the province is absolutely incredible.” Continue reading “BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir celebrates Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights in Toronto”

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Glittering Lights, Live Music, Skating & Winter Fireworks November 24, 2018

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Cavalcade of Lights to kick off Toronto’s holiday season November 24 at Nathan Phillips Square

On Saturday, November 24 at 6 p.m., Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Great Gulf, will mark the official start of the holiday season in Toronto. This holiday tradition features the first illumination of Toronto’s Official 60- foot (18 metre) Christmas Tree, spectacular fireworks, a skating party, circus act and performances by some of Canada’s top musical talent.

“Cavalcade of Lights is a 52-year Toronto tradition that brings families together to celebrate the start of the holiday season,” said Mayor John Tory. “This spectacular event includes a great lineup of performances, dazzling fireworks and the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree. I invite everyone to come and join the festivities.”

“Great Gulf is absolutely delighted to return as the presenting sponsor of this incredible Toronto tradition,” said Madeline Zito, Vice President of Public Relations, Great Gulf. “The 52nd annual Cavalcade of Lights provides a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation of the communities we serve and it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season with a celebration of goodwill.”

This holiday tradition illuminates Nathan Phillips Square under the twinkle of more than 525,000 energy-efficient lights and 500 ornaments provided by Toronto Hydro. Continue reading “Glittering Lights, Live Music, Skating & Winter Fireworks November 24, 2018”

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“We honour every Canadian who has served and sacrificed so we may live free”-P.M. Justin Trudeau

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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Remembrance Day:

“Today, we honour every Canadian who has served and sacrificed so we may live free. We fall silent to acknowledge a debt we can never repay. We remember.

“One hundred years ago today, the Armistice between Germany and the Allies ended the First World War. As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, we also mark Canada’s Hundred Days.

“During the ‘100 Days Offensive,’ Canadians spearheaded attacks that overcame the last lines of German defences and paved the way to final victory. These soldiers were the face and strength of a young country that sacrificed beyond measure and never faltered in its duty.

“Their bravery garnered the respect and admiration of the world, and marked a turning point for Canada. We began to define ourselves as a country – a force on the world stage, confident, and in control of our own destiny.

“Since then, every generation of Canadians has stepped forward to serve. Thousands have fought, and continue to fight, to defend the principles of peace, freedom, and democracy around the world.

“At 11:00 am, I call on all Canadians to observe the two minutes of silence. We remember every Canadian who has sacrificed their future for generations beyond their own. We stand today, free and at peace, because of them.

“Lest we forget.” Continue reading ““We honour every Canadian who has served and sacrificed so we may live free”-P.M. Justin Trudeau”

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Mind Boggling Museum Where Education Meets Entertainment

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— Nita Balani

A brand new museum opened in Toronto which is fast becoming the talk of the town!. The Museum of Illusions has opened its doors to the public this week on November 7th 2018 and will stay permanently in its new home at Front Street East, Toronto. The hugely popular museum has attained world wide acclaim and has opened in 14 cities across the globe including Berlin, Athens, Dubai, New York and Kuala Lumpur. Toronto is the first Canadian city on the map.

The museum appeals to all ages as it takes you through interactive, tactile rooms and displays which play on your mind and eyes. The illusions and installations all “tease the senses while bringing out a playfulness in guests of all ages” explains Michaela Radman, owner and curator of the Museum. The entire experience takes about an hour and a half or so and guests can take photographs and videos to post and share with friends over social media. The display has mind boggling images, rooms, optical illusions and plays tricks on your “mind’s eye”. The 80 plus exhibits take you through multiple visual deceptions which are all based on science, maths, and psychology.

The tilted room (not for the faint of heart) is truly amazing as you struggle to keep your balance even as your mind tries to figure out what is going on. There are also reverse rooms (where everything is upside down), asymmetrical rooms and vortex tunnels to walk through which are fun to experience.

The optical illusions chair really is a thrill. The person sitting on the chair, when photographed relative to someone else standing next to it, shows us how perception relative to size works in our minds and eyes. Continue reading “Mind Boggling Museum Where Education Meets Entertainment”

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Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny and Will Smith to open the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®

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The Biggest Night in Latin Music® to air live on the Univision Network Nov. 15 from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central)

The Latin Recording Academy® today announced that six-time Latin GRAMMY ®  and two-time GRAMMY winner Marc Anthony, current Latin GRAMMY nominee Bad Bunny, and four-time GRAMMY® winner Will Smith will perform their new song “Está Rico” live for the first time at the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®.

Actress Ana de la Reguera and singer Carlos Rivera will host The Biggest Night in Latin Music® live on the Univision Network Nov. 15  from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Previously announced performers include Ángela Aguilar, El David Aguilar, Pablo Alborán, J Balvin, Jorge Drexler, Karol G, Kany García, Halsey, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, Maná, Victor Manuelle, Banda Los Recoditos, Carlos Vives, and Sebastián Yatra.

A very limited number of tickets for the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, are still available for purchase through www.axs.com.

LatinGRAMMY.com will offer through Facebook Live, exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. The live stream will include interviews from various locations, including the red carpet, Latin GRAMMY Premiere ceremony, backstage, and the media center, beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. Continue reading “Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny and Will Smith to open the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®”

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Diwali Greetings – May the Festival of lights brings Illumination, Peace and Prosperity

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has sent his greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Deepawali.

In his message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens in India and around the world.

This festival is an opportunity to foster fraternity and unity among all citizens. Deepawali guides us from darkness towards light. On this occasion let us spread and share our happiness with those who are less fortunate than us.

I also urge all citizens to commit themselves to celebrating a pollution-free and safe Deepawali”.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali. In a message, he said that Deepawali signifies the victory of Good over Evil and reaffirms our faith in the noble qualities that Lord Rama embodied. May this festival bring illumination, peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives, he added.

“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, the festival of lights.

Celebrated with traditional fervor and zeal, Deepawali signifies the victory of Good over Evil and reaffirms our faith in the noble qualities that Lord Rama embodied. Also associated with Goddess Lakshmi – the harbinger of wealth, grace and prosperity – Deepawali is celebrated on a grand scale not only in India but all over the world by the people of Indian origin.    Continue reading “Diwali Greetings – May the Festival of lights brings Illumination, Peace and Prosperity”

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JET AIRWAYS’ COMMENCES INDIA’S FIRST NON-STOP SERVICE BETWEEN MUMBAI AND MANCHESTER

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~Manchester becomes the 21st international destination on the Jet Airways network~~New flight is the airline’s 5th direct service between India and the UK~ ~Student to benefit from the unique EduJetter programme~ ~Tailor made holiday options from JetEscapes~

Manchester, further expanding the airline’s connectivity in the United Kingdom (UK). This new service is the first non-stop service connecting India, via its economic capital with Manchester, the 3rd largest city in the UK.

With the launch of its 5th non-stop service to/from the UK, Jet Airways is now the largest carrier between Mumbai and the UK and Manchester, the 21st international destination on the carrier’s network. 

Ahead of the launch of its inaugural service from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Jet Airways conducted a multi-faith prayer followed by ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony to mark the occasion of its inaugural flight. This inaugural function was led by Mr Raj Sivakumar – Senior Vice-President, Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Jet Airways. Continue reading “JET AIRWAYS’ COMMENCES INDIA’S FIRST NON-STOP SERVICE BETWEEN MUMBAI AND MANCHESTER”