Covering The Multicultural Asian American Community in Georgia
www.gasiantimes.com
May 1-15, 2017
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
Publisher: Li Wong Account Manager: Adrian West Contributors: Andrian Putra, May Lee, Mark Ho Photographer: Ben Hioe
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GAT Calendar of Events GAT welcome submission of announcement pertaining to community related events. Please email event, date, venue, and time to gat@gasiantimes.com. GAT does not guarantee insertion of event announcement and has the right to deny any posting.
Celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month & Scholarship Award Ceremony Annual Unity Gala Organized by Asian/Pacific American Council of Georgia (APAC) Date: Saturday, May 6, 2017 Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Venue: Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta For more info: 770.833.7009 Atlanta Jazz Festival Date: May 26-28, 2017 Time: 11 am -11 pm Venue: Piedmont Park Admission: Free For more info: https://www.facebook. com/atlantajazzfestival 2017 International Day of Yoga Date: Sunday, June 25, 2017 Time: 7:30 am – 10:30 am Venue: Heritage Sandy Springs Park, 6110 Blue Stone Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30328 For more info, visit idyatlanta.org
GAT 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia-Awards Presentation Date: Wed, July 12, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Venue: Sonesta Gwinnett Place Sponsorship & table reservation available. 23rd Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival-Atlanta Date: Saturday, Sept 9, 2017 Time: 7:00 am -6:00 pm Venue: Lake Lanier Olympic Kayaking Center, Gainesville, Georgia For more info: DragonBoatAtlanta.com 13th Atlanta Asian Film Festival Date: Oct13-28, 2017 Venues: Georgia State University-Dunwoody, Plaza Theatre For more info: www.ATLaff.org
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia In the spirit of 2017 Asian American Heritage Month celebration, we are documenting the changing of power and the continual shifting of influence of Asian Americans in our communities. This year’s offer a listing of individuals who made an impact in arts, business, government, politics, social work, education, healthcare, and areas that influence every aspect of Georgian’s daily life. Some names are familiar as they continue to strive to make our community a better place to live. New faces are recognized for their effort and dedication to make a difference in the community. The list is made possible by the editorial staff and a selection committee comprises of community, civic, and media representatives. Commerce - Southeast chapter. He was the past president of Rotary club of Emory Druid Hills. He was also a charter member of Emory Druid Hills Rotary Club and has been a committed Rotarian ever since. In 2012 he was named his club’s Rotarian of the year and is nominated for “You are the Key” award for the year 2014.
University in Hyderabad, India and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After completing his postdoctoral training in the Department of Immunology at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, CA, he joined the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UCLA School of Medicine. He was at UCLA from 1984-1995 and moved to Emory University in 1995.
Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D. Director Emory Vaccine Center Dr. Rafi Ahmed is the Georgia Research Alliance Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, and Director of the Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He earned his undergraduate degree from Osmania
His research efforts are directed towards: 1. Understanding the mechanisms of immunological memory and using this knowledge to develop new and more effective vaccines. 2. Defining the mechanisms of T cell exhaustion during chronic viral infections and cancer and developing strategies for restoring function in exhausted T cells. Dr. Ahmed is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.
Ravi Chander CEO Softpath System Ravi is the CEO of Softpath System in Atlanta, Georgia and serves on its Board of Directors. He has led a startup that grow to over 1500 employee organization worldwide. He is responsible for company’s worldwide operations. Softpath System is an award winning IT solutions, staffing and consulting firm that caters to small, medium and Fortune 500 companies nationwide. He currently mentored and provided employment opportunities to over 1000 young skilled individuals both in India and in US. Ravi is currently the president of US Pan Asian American Chamber of
He has been instrumental in the water purification projects in India. The major aim through this project was to provide clean water for drinking and domestic purposes to the fluoride affected areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states in India. These villages not only suffer due to shortage of water but also due to several excess- fluoride diseases. His relentless passion and effort to serve the under privileged was key in installing and maintaining over 150 Reverse Osmosis Water purification projects in India. Ravi is passionate about the community - he regularly gives his time and financial support. His generosity of aiding students are on displayed with scholarships offered to students in US and India.
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia at Bank of America, overseeing the strategy for over one million customers. Outside of his day job at Bank of America, he manages a local chapter of an Asian-Focused Employee Resource Group while also serving as an Enterprise National Liaison for Bank of America to NAAAP. Outside of work, Allen is passionate about diversity and inclusion, philanthropy, and community service. He was recognized in 2016, winning the Presidential Service Award for volunteerism.
Allen Chen President & Chairman of Board NAAAP Atlanta Allen Chen is a Vice President at Bank of America within the Co-Brand and Affinity Products Organization. Allen has over 14 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. Presently, he manages the second largest Co-Brand/Affinity credit card portfolio
Stephanie Cho Executive Director Asian American Justice Center Stephanie Cho is the Executive Director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta. She brings over 15 years of experience in labor and community organizing, strategy planning, and fundraising at the local and national level. Originally born in South Korea, Stephanie grew up in Oregon. After graduating from college, she started her career in organizing and move-
Growing up as a second-generation immigrant, Allen has a deep appreciation for the Asian Community and recognizes the time and dedication that his previous generation has contributed to create a strong infrastructure for future generations. As an advocate of the Asian Community, he hopes to have a stronger united voice and representation to better the lives of members within the community.
ment work. She has been a community organizer, program director for LGBTQ youth programming, director of training for a national fellowship program, a labor organizer, and organizational consultant. Before coming to Advancing Justice, Stephanie was the Los Angeles Director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC-LA) where she worked to raise industry standards and wages for LA’s restaurant workers. Her works with Asian American Justice Center led to more than doubled the Asian American vote in the state of Georgia. She also created the Georgia Immigrant Alliance for Civic Empowerment, which represents 27 people of color organizations. She believes in creating more space for new leadership, developing healthy and sustainable ways of working towards justice for all, and is moved by transnational forms of expressions of solidarity and movement building.
management, marketing, sales, event planning, and trade show coordination. An innovative, proactive, and reliable leader in the industry. Anne is a tireless promoter and her efforts in raising awareness of Gwinnett County has a positive economic and social impact. She is an active community volunteer and serves on the board of Hudgens Center of Arts, Atlanta Asian Film Festival and the Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival. She is a member of 2016 Leadership Gwinnett.
Anne Chen Sales Manager Explore Gwinnett Anne is proven leader with over 15 years experience in the food and beverage/hospitality industry. An experienced professional in all aspects of
Amy Chomthakam Laotian American Society Amy was born in Laos, she immigrated to the US as refugee in 1981. She lost both of her parents at a young age. and overcame many hardships in life. Amy is thankful for all of the opportunities she has had and grateful for her siblings for instilling what her parents had taught them to her. Amy attended Northern Illinois University. Besides working a full time job at Bank of America for twenty years and being a very busy mom, she was also the CEO of her own company since 2004. She sold her business and recently left the corporate world. She currently serve as Operations Manager at M & S Home Health Care. Amy regard it as another way she is contributing her passion in caring for the seniors and people in need of homecare. She has been involved with Laotian America Society since 2003 and served as the President in 2014. She volunteered with Habitat for Hu-
manity; Feed the Hungry, Aids walk, Susan G Komen Walk, TEA WALK, United Way as well as many activities such as Angel Trees.
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia
Estrella Cramer Corporate Supplier Diversity Director UPS Estrella Cramer is the Corporate Supplier Diversity Director in UPS. She has more than 27 years of service across the different business units/ functions in UPS including Finance, Procurement, Marketing, Product Development and Supply Chain. She
was the Asia Pac Sarbanes Oxley Audit Coordinator for all UPS locations in Asia in 2004.
Cherish Dela Cruz Attorney at Law De la Cruz Law, LLC
Estrella is the Chairperson of the UPS Asian Business Resource Group Community Connections Committee. She serves in the board of several organizations and an active member in various Advisory Councils.
Cherish is a founding member of the Georgia Filipino-American Bar (GFAB) and is actively involved numerous Filipino associations. She is actively involved with the Georgia Asian Pacific Bar Association (GAPABA) where she chaired the Judicial Committee in 2015 and currently serves as the Executive Secretary since 2016.
She is the recipient of numerous awards, including DiversityPlus Magazine 2016 Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity, 2014/2016 Corporate Women of Achievement from YWCA, 2013-2015, Top 25 Most Influential Asian American in Georgia by Georgia Asian Times, 2014 OCA National Corporate and Community Achievement Award and Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Secretary of State. Estrella graduated Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas in Manila Philippines and pursued an MBA degree in Iona College, New York.
Howie Ewe President & owner, Sweet Hut Bakery & Café; Food Terminal Co-owner, Top Spice Thai & Malaysian Cuisine
Geerdes has been a lawyer since 2000 and in private practice since 2005. During those first five years, she served as a supervisor on appeals at the Georgia Supreme Court, where she established herself as one of the premier trial and appellate attorneys in the state, winning several important cases. As a result, from 2001 to 2005, she received the prestigious “Case of the Year” award in Georgia for her winning representations at the Georgia Supreme Court.
Howie’s relentless effort to always give back to community, sponsoring the local high schools and universities events, local nonprofit organizations,
and supporting county police department makes Sweet Hut a strong community partner.
well respected in the community and is known to be very compassionate while being effective.
Bar of Georgia in recognition of her accomplishments. She has also been appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to serve as a mentor for law students transitioning into the practice of law. In 2006, she was named Top 14 under 40 Attorneys by the Fulton Daily Report and Super Lawyer on the Rise in 2007, chosen by lawyers and judges throughout the state.
Holly Geerdes Attorney at law Geerdes and Associates
Howie’s personal motto has always been “enough is not enough”. Howie applies this philosophy to his family, his work and his community. Howie inspires all those who work around him to never be satisfied with the status quo. His leadership led Sweet Hut Bakery and Café to be the one of the fastest growing and popular Asian Bakery in Georgia, employing over 160 employees to date. Sweet Hut was also awarded the Model Business of the year by city of Doraville.
She also serves as the Legal Advisor for the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce. Cherish is also the President-elect at GAPABA. She is
As an undergraduate at the University of Iowa, Geerdes received dual degrees in business and political science, before getting her law degree at the University of Minnesota. She was named “Outstanding Young Lawyer” in 2004 by the State
“I’ve always been a champion for the underdog, and smarter, more competitive and skilled than most. I have always believed that this is a gift that should be used for good,” she says, explaining why she became a lawyer.” Geerdes’ practice focuses on business litigation and estate planning. One of the largest litigation cases dealt with a multi-million-dollar dispute. On February 2017, Geerdes and Associates was named Law Firm of the Month by Attorney at Law magazine. She feels most rewarded when she gets a win for her clients. During an interview, Geerdes mentioned: “I hate to lose. I love when you can get your clients their rights. But it’s a little anti-climactic after a win. You need to get intrinsic satisfaction by just caring about your clients.”
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia current position, she leads the development and implementation of social services and advocacy programs. She was instrumental in the formation of several CPACS programs, such as the Affordable Care Act Outreach Program and the Substance Abuse Prevention Program.
work at NACA has helped foster better understanding and improved relationship between Georgia and China at cultural and diplomatic level. Ric has previously served as the Director of Global Commerce business growth at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce since 2007. Rice was responsible for programs to increase international trade by helping expand their business in overseas market.
Ric Hubler President National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) Ric has served as President of NACA since 2015. He led the organization’s effort in their programming, operational, and hosting of visiting delegation from China to Atlanta. His
Debra Lam Managing Director Smart Cities and Inclusive Innovation Georgia Tech Debra Lam is the Managing Director of Smart Cities and Inclusive innovation for Georgia Tech, a newly created role to drive smart cities and urban innovation work across the university and beyond. Prior to this, she served as Pittsburgh’s first ever Chief of Innovation & Performance where she oversaw all technology, sustainability, performance and innovation functions of city government. She crafted the city’s first strategic plan for innovation, Inclusive Innovation Roadmap. She has been a receipt of various awards, including one of the top 50 Women in Technology nationally. She has worked and lived in New York, the United Kingdom, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and University of California, Berkeley.
He speaks Spanish and Portuguese and is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and has lived in the metro Atlanta area since 1996. He currently resides in Dunwoody, and has been active in several local charities and community organizations, including: Atlanta Community Food Bank, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Habitat for Humanity, Hands on Atlanta, KaBoom! and the Woodruff Arts Center.
Victoria Huynh Vice President, Social Services and Advocacy Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. Victoria Huynh is Vice President of Social Services and Advocacy at the Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. (CPACS), the first and largest Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) organization that serves immigrant, refugee, and underprivileged communities in the South. She began her career at CPACS as a high school student in the youth program. In her
Victoria actively advocates on behalf of AAPI communities and populations with limited English proficiency (LEP) through her membership on various local and state community groups, including Immigrant Hope-Atlanta, Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Gwinnett Multicultural Advisory Committee, Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute, Georgia AAPI Community Coalition, Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Steering and LEP Subcommittee, National Aim for Equity Coalition, Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies, Atlanta Regional Commission Millennial Advisory Panel, Cross Keys Task Force, Cross Keys Sustainability Neighborhood Initiative, and AAPI Task Force. She was named “Outstanding Georgia Citizen” by the Secretary of State in 2014 and is honored with GAT’s 25 Most Influential Asian American in Georgia award in 2015.
Shandry Law Co-founder & Entreprenuer Farmer’s Basket Restaurant Shandry Law is an accomplished and successful entrepreneur in the metro Atlanta restaurant industry. She and her husband are proud owners of the popular Farmer’s Basket Restaurant, a mall-based food court restaurant chain that serves great fresh Southern Food with stores in major malls in Atlanta, including Lenox Square, Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, North Point Mall, Mall of Georgia, Southlake Mall, Town Center at Cobb and Riverchase Galleria in Alabama. Shandry Law is an active philanthrophist in the Chinese community in metro Atlanta and Georgia. She supports various Chinese Community
organizations and is a Board member of OCA, Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival, Kwong Tung Association of Atlanta and the Chair of the Board of CACPG (Chinese American Cultural Performing Group).
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia
Richard Li President Chinese Business Association of Atlanta (CBAA) Richard Li is a senior IT executive with CONA Service, LLC (Coca-Cola) as Senior Group Manager. He is responsible for Coca-Cola North America bottlers SAP and Infrastructure Operations. Prior to Coca-Cola, Li held positions as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for RGE Group in China, Senior Vice President and CIO for OFS, Lucent Technologies and AT&T.
Jiha Moon Artist Jiha Moon is from DaeGu, Korea and lives and works in Atlanta, GA. She received her MFA from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. Her works have been acquired by Asia Society, New York, NY, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA, The Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, Smithsonian Institute, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC, Weatherspoon Museum of Art,
cork, carpet and LVT with nationwide home delivery. SimpleFLOORS is a privately held, self-funded, Atlanta-based nationwide flooring retailer, with over 20 showroom locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Li currently serves as the president of the Chinese Business Association of Atlanta. He has been heavily involved in the business community, has been promoting Asian/Chinese businesses and cultures to the mainstream. He has organized events and activities to enhance business development, collaborations and exchanges among local businesses and between US and China. Li is actively promoting and attracting foreign investors to invest in the Greater Atlanta area. He has made positive contribution strengthening the relationship between U.S. and China through economic, technology and cultural exchanges. Li is also passionate about community services and philanthropy to help people in need. In 2016, he help established a trust fund and organized a massive fund raising campaign helped raised about $250,000 for a family in need.
Greensboro, NC and The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA. Known for combining traditional Asian landscape-painting techniques with American Modern and Pop art influences, Jiha’s colorful compositions blur the lines between East and West to speak to the cultural pluralism of contemporary society.
Bin Liu CEO SimpleFLOORS
Bin is a selfless promoter to foreign companies looking to relocate and expand into Georgia. She regularly hosts delegations for the State of Georgia and has served as a business leader reference. She is also an active member of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Club.
Bin Liu is CEO of SimpleFLOORS which offers all hardwood, laminate floors, strand-woven bamboo floors,
Kathryn Negrelli Assistant Professor of Japanese Language Kennesaw State University Dr. Negrelli received her Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Georgia. She worked as Director of Development and Programming at the Japan-America Society of Georgia, and has taught Japanese at Kansai Gaidai University (Osaka, Japan), The Georgia
Institute of Technology, Oglethorpe University, Agnes Scott College, and Georgia Perimeter College before she joined the faculty of Kennesaw State University. She is coordinator of the Japanese Program, and has led two study abroad programs to Japan. Her research interests include 2nd language acquisition, foreign language pedagogy, and technology in the foreign language classroom. Widely known for her effort to promote Japanese language and culture, Dr. Negrelli has partnered with Consulate General of Japan, Japan-America Society, and Georgia Teachers of Japanese over the years to promote better understanding between Georgia and Japan.
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia work with Boat People SOS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and most recently the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. She graduated from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies with a Master of Public Administration in 2012.
Bee Nguyen Founder & Executive Director Athena Warehouse Bee Nguyen founded Athena’s Warehouse in 2009. The organization is a product of her love for women and girls and entrepreneurship. Her prior experiences include
In addition to serving as the Executive Director for Athena’s, Bee is a member of the Atlanta Regional Board Millennial Committee, a mentor for the Wren’s Nest, and a fellow with the 2015 Georgia Women Policy Institute program. She also hosts and facilitates a series of racial justice conversations What We Talk About When We Talk About Race.
of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, and served as PACCGA president in 2014 and 2015. She is also Community Affairs Director of Makabayan Georgia, Inc., a non-profit Filipino-American foundation, and a board member of the Philippine American Center of Georgia, Inc. Eleanor relishes the role of “bridge-builder” between the FilAm community and the larger AAPI community in Georgia.
Eleanor Mae Pascual President Asian/Pacific Council of Georgia (APAC) Eleanor Mae Pascual is a native of the Philippines and has been a Georgia resident for more than thirty-eight years. A familiar face in the Asian American community, Eleanor has served on the Board of Directors of the Asian/Pacific-American Council of Georgia (APAC) for several years, including as Vice President and Secretary. She is a longtime active member of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Atlanta (Fil-Am), having served in various leadership roles, including as Fil-Am President. Eleanor is on the Board of Directors
He is a strong advocate of minority community including the LGBT community. Sam won the district by defeating an incumbent on issues relating on healthcare, economy, transportation, immigration, and education.
Sam Park House Representative Georgia House District 101 Sam Park represents District 101 in the House and is the only Asian American legislator serving in the Georgia Capitol. Sam currently serves as a member of industry and labor committee, intergovernmental coordination committee, and small business development committee.
and raised in Vietnam. Tran immigrated to the United States and has resides in Georgia since 1991. As a successful entrepreneur and owner of Georgia Beauty School in Norcross, she has helped thousands of women to gain specialized skills and becomes successful independent entrepreneurs themselves. Tran regularly volunteers along with her students at the annual APAC Health Fair in Clarkston. They provide free haircuts and hair styling to newly arrived refugees and immigrants living in the area.
Besides her involvement with APAC, she serves as Corporate Advisory Board Member of the WWAAC Alliance Foundation, Inc. and as Philippine Team Captain with the Organizing Committee of the Asian Cultural Experience in Georgia. A musician by avocation, Eleanor has served for many years in music ministry – as a soloist, choir member, organist/pianist, and music director. Eleanor is currently employed as a paralegal with the Corporate Law Department of State Farm Insurance Companies. She was recognized by State Farm with a Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016, in recognition of her various volunteer efforts in the community.
Sam earned a law degree from Georgia State University and has interned with Georgia House and Senate Democratic Causes. In 2013, he received a Fellowship in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law where he obtained a Masters in law from American University Washington College of Law in Washington, DC.
Xuan Lan Tran President Vietnamese Women Association of Georgia Xuan Lan Tran currently serves as President of Vietnamese Women Association of Georgia. She was born
Tran also earned the “Volunteer of the Year” award from the American Community of Georgia in 2015 for her volunteerism, service, and dedication to the Asian community.
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia
Binh “Benny” Truong Board member United Vietnamese American Community Binh “Benny” Truong considers himself a “socialpreneur,” an eco-activist, and advocate for the future of the Vietnamese American community. Benny came to the United States as a boat person in 1984. He greatly appreciated his new adopted country for the abundance of liberty and opportunities given to him. And in turn he would like to use his resources and business acumen to invest into nurturing and creating a new generation of Vietnamese American leaders, who he hopes would contribute and transform positively to the American society.
At the same time, through advocacy, Benny’s hopes and dreams are to transform his motherland Vietnam into a country worthy of its proud history and talents. Benny joined the National Summit of Vietnamese American Leaders at its inauguration in 2011, and has committed himself to achieving the noble causes of the organization, which are “to engage leaders in open dialogues about critical issues facing the Vietnamese-American community; develop shared strategies and work collaboratively to advance the community through political engagement, economic development and community building.” Benny is currently board member of the Millennial Leadership Academy - MLA and United Vietnamese American Community (UVAC). He is an active crusader of leadership and was responsible for the successful recruiting of students in the inaugural semester of MLA. He consistently talks about and promote the need for mainstream leadership development. He also is a regular title sponsors to the Asian Student associations at all the local universities and colleges.
development projects in the western United States, Northern China, Tibet Plateau, and the mountainous regions of Nepal and India.
Li Zheng, PhD Founder & President Techtop Industries, Inc. Li obtained his BS degree in Management from the University of Science and Technology of China in 1991 and a Ph.D. degree in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1997. After graduated from Notre Dame, Li spent over 10 years working on various water resources and sustainable
Over last five years, Li has returned to his family business, founded and operated Techtop Industries Inc. in Atlanta with a focus on product innovation and resilient market-building. Li has been active within local Chinese-American community organizations since he moved to Atlanta in 2008. His passion has been working with young professionals and to provide mentoring advise. Li has served Vice Chair to led the mentorship program at National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA). He has dedicated countless hours of one-on-one coaching to develop next generation of Asian American leaders. He is widely known for his humility and not seeking limelight for his volunteerism in the community.
He also served as a Treasurer of Indian American Cultural Association (IACA), the oldest Indian Cultural organization in Atlanta. Under his guidance, IACA had one of the largest Festival of Indian celebration which was attended by more than 10000 people.
Rajan Vedak Vice President Triumph Worldwide, Inc. Rajan is currently the Vice President of Triumph Worldwide, Inc promoting commercial and trade activities between India and United States. He represented Georgia based companies several times at expos in Mumbai and New Delhi, under auspicious of SUSTA (Southern United States Trade Association), an off shoot of Department of Agriculture, State of Georgia. Products promoted in India were Georgia grown pecans, peanuts, honey, jellies among other products. Founding Member of Maharashtra Mandal of Atlanta, a 4,000 member organization in Atlanta working on promoting the cultural heritage among the NRIs in Atlanta. He had served twice as a President of the organization.
Rajan is one of the three leaders (permanent positions) of Indian Professionals Network (IPN) that meets on a monthly basis. IPN was founded by the late Dr. Narsi Narasimhan and helps to bring the professionals from all walk of life together and create a networking platform. IPN has a membership of around 10,000 members. The monthly meeting organized invites CEOs, Community leaders, State Representatives, Entrepreneurs to interact with the IPN members. He is one of the core committee members of International Yoga Day, Atlanta which has been celebrating the event successfully in last 2 years. The event is attended by more than 1000 people and is an initiative to bring multiple organizations together to organize the event. He has been playing a crucial role managing the Sponsorship and Logistics for the event.
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
Asian American Spirit Award In the spirit of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor groups who inspire others through their own acts of service, sacrifice, initiative and generosity—particularly in the areas of leadership, service to country or community and education. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon organizations who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the principles that strengthen America’s communities. Through their work and philanthropy, Asian American Spirit Award recipients exemplify the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and initiative while making unselfish contributions to their community, state, or the nation.
Asian/Pacific Council Georgia (APAC) Asian/Pacific American Council of Georgia is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit federation organization which comprised of 15 ethnic Asian member groups based in Georgia. APAC mission are to: - Preserve and promote awareness, understanding and pride in the Asian Cultural Heritage within its communities and mainstream society thru cultural activities and education; - Encourage the exercise of our civil and human rights to the fullest, especially the voting rights, practice good citizenships and promote its communities full participation and contribution to the American society; - Protect Asian American interests thru lawful means, raise awareness and recommend correction to any unfair and discriminatory policies, laws, and regulations affecting Asian American communities in Georgia. APAC host an annual gala celebrating Asian American Heritage month and conducts an annual scholarship awards program for high school students in Georgia. It also host an annual free health fair for the under-privileged immigrant community in Clarkston, Georgia. In addition, APAC is active in the Census Bureau polling outreach and grassroots support for local Asian American political candidacy in Georgia.
APAC Georgia current membership roster are: Atlanta Taiwanese Association of America (ATAA) Bangladesh Association of Georgia (BAG) Cambodian-American Association of Georgia (CAAG) Center for Pan-Asian Community Services (CPACS) Filipino-American Association of Greater Atlanta (FIL-AM) India American Cultural Association (IACA) Indonesian Community Heritage Foundation (ICHF) Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta (KAAGA) Laotian American Society (LAS) Malaysian Association of Georgia (MAG) Nepalese Association in Southeast America (NASeA) OCA- Georgia: Asian Pacific American Associates (OCA-GA) Pakistani American Community of Atlanta (PAC Atlanta) Thai Association World Center USA (TAWC USA) Vietnamese-American Community of Georgia (VACGA)
Georgia Asian Times April 1-15, 2017
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NATION
Trump celebrates first 100 days as president, blasts media Washington DC, April 30, 2017 — U.S. President Donald Trump hit the road on Saturday to celebrate his first 100 days in the White House with cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally, touting his initial achievements and lashing out at critics. Trump told a Pennsylvania crowd he was just getting started on meeting his campaign promises. He repeatedly attacked an “incompetent, dishonest” media, saying they were not telling the truth about his administration’s accomplishments. “My administration has been delivering every single day for the great citizens of our country,” Trump said in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “We are keeping one promise after another, and frankly the people are really happy about it.” The rally occurred on the same day as a climate march at which thousands of protesters surrounded the White House, and it also coincided with the annual black-tie White House press dinner in Washington. Trump and his staff chose to skip the press dinner because of what he
said was unfair treatment by the press. Trump said he was thrilled to be away from the “Washington swamp”. “A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation’s capital right now,” Trump said to loud boos from the crowd. “If the media’s job is to be honest and to tell the truth, the media deserves a very, very big fat failing grade.” Trump listed what he said were some of his key early accomplishments, including the successful confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court of Justice Neil Gorsuch and clearing away many regulations on the environment and business. He also listed his approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, killing a pending Asian trade pact, and enhanced security measures that have led to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings at the southern border. “The world is getting the message: if you try to illegally enter the United States, you will be caught, detained, deported or put in prison,” Trump said.
He shrugged off his failure to score major legislative victories on his core campaign promises, such as repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act and construction of a Mexican border wall. Trump’s ban on visitors from some Muslim nations was blocked in court. He blamed Democrats for the legislative failures so far and said all of his promises would be kept eventually. “We’ll build the wall, people, don’t even worry about it,” he said. Some supporters in the crowd said they were willing to give Trump more time. “I voted for him and I’ll give him a year. That’s enough time to whip Congress into shape and get some deals done,” said Michael Casciaro, 54, a civilian contractor for the military. Trump said he reversed course on promises to name China a currency manipulator because he wanted its help in trying to rein in North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. Trump has said all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists in its nuclear development. In an excerpt of an interview with “Face the Nation” of CBS, set to air on Sunday and Monday and conducted during the trip to Pennsylvania, Trump
said he would “not be happy” if North Korea conducted a nuclear test. Asked if that would mean military action, Trump said “I don’t know, I mean we’ll see.” Reveling in the cheers in Harrisburg, Trump made reference again to his upset victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, which he said “carried us to a big, beautiful win on Nov. 8.” Trump left Washington as another in a series of protests against his administration was winding up. Thousands of marchers made their way through Washington’s streets during the People’s Climate March, a protest against Trump’s moves to roll back environmental regulations. Asked by reporters accompanying him to Pennsylvania what he had to say to the climate change protesters, Trump said: “Enjoy the day, enjoy the weather.” After the rally, the White House said the president had signed two trade-related executive orders, one for top U.S. officials to review all U.S. trade pacts for potential abuses and another setting up an office in the White House to advise him on trade-related issues. – Reuters
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METRO ASIAN NEWS
SAUPO Conference attracts strong global interest Atlanta, April 15, 2017 — Kennesaw State University hosted its annual business conference widely known as SAUPO (Symposium on USA-Asia Partnership Opportunities) at Loews Atlanta Hotel. Over 350 attendees including participants from US, China, Japan, Korea, India and Europe networked and engaged in topics ranging from global branding to digital economy, technology and innovation, healthcare in 21st century, future of entertainment and media, and global trends in education. Sam Olens, President of Kennesaw State University delivered the luncheon keynote address. It was followed by another keynote speech by Stan Shengqi Wang, Managing Partner of Tenfunder Investment Group (China), a venture investment fund. Martin Judge, Jr., Chairman and founder of China Arena Football League (CAFL) shared insights on his sports venture and league startup in China. Along with Edward Wang, a former NFL player, he shared investment, franchise opportunities, and becoming a stakeholder in the CAFL.
“In China all sports leagues are owned in part by the government. Mine is the only league that is owned 100 percent by an individual and I’m selling it to Chinese investors and the government sponsors it, they don’t own it. They love what I’ve done,” he added. SAUPO will be hosting another conference later in October 19-21, 2017 in Shanghai, China, according to Dr. May Gao, Chair of SAUPO. “We are proud of the strong interest shown by our attendees, supporters, and sponsors. The event is becoming larger every year thanks to the support shown by them,” adds Dr. Gao. SAUPO has grown in reputation since its inception and branded itself as the largest business conference in Asia in USA.
Asian American named Navy’s OSC Atlanta Reserve Blue Jacket of the Year Dobbins Air Reserve Base, April 8, 2017 – A Lawrenceville resident who is a Navy Reservist assigned to Navy Operational Support Center Atlanta was recently named Reserve Blue Jacket of the Year at the center. Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Ying Meng, a member of the Surge Maintenance Atlanta unit, was recognized for her superior performance throughout 2016. “EM2 Ying Meng has been an asset to SurgeMain since the day she joined our unit,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dave Weber, the unit’s commanding officer, noting that Meng qualified for shipyard duties in half the allotted time and is always volunteering to help the unit. “SurgeMain Atlanta leadership is proud to count her as a part of our team and looks forward to growing her in leadership and responsibility in the future,” Weber said. In the unit, Meng is the recall bill and assistant plan of the month petty officer. As a civilian, she is a full time student at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, where she is working towards her bachelor’s degree in infor-
mation technology. She also works as a student assistant in the college library, where she was inspired to join the Navy by her supervisor, a former naval officer. Meng, who is originally from China, joined the Navy Reserve in 2013 and became a naturalized citizen in 2014. She serves with her husband, who is also from China, in the SurgeMain unit. She received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for her work with the National Park Service, cleaning beaches, supporting Earth Day events, and serving as videographer and video editor for her church. Meng said her recognition as Blue Jacket of the Year motivates her. “It’s a reward for what I have achieved, and it encourages me to continue to work hard and be a better me,” she said.
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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BUSINESS Japan’s ruling party heavyweight to attend China’s New Silk Road summit Tokyo, April 25, 2017 -- The secretary-general of Japan’s ruling party said on Tuesday he will attend China’s New Silk Road summit in May, a sign Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to improve ties with Beijing amid tensions over North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. But an adviser to Abe said Tokyo remained cautious about the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), created at least in part as a way to fund the Silk Road plan. “Given the international situation starting with North Korea, mutual understanding between Japan and China is vital,” Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai was quoted by Jiji news agency telling a news conference, adding he would attend the May 14-15 China summit.
Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Suang confirmed the attendance. Geng gave no other details. Concerns have grown that a sixth North Korean nuclear test could be imminent and that the test, or another long-range missile launch, could occur around the 85th anniversary of the foundation of the North’s Korean People’s Army on Tuesday. North Korea conducted a big live-fire exercise on Tuesday to mark the foundation of its military, media reported, in defiance of U.S. warnings against such action. Nikai, a ruling party heavyweight and second to Abe in the party, is known for his close ties to China. Japan’s ties with China have long been plagued by the bitter legacy of World War Two and mistrust over
present-day regional rivalry. But Japan, like the United States and South Korea, wants Beijing, North Korea’s main backer, to pressure Pyongyang to abandon its missile and nuclear programs. Japan’s trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, is also considering attending after receiving an invitation, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference, while Sadayuki Sakakibara, chairman of business lobby Keidanren will also go. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in announcing a list of those attending the summit earlier this month, which includes many Asia leaders, did not mention officials from Japan, South Korea or North Korea. Chinese President Xi Jinping has championed the “One Belt, One Road” initiative to build a new Silk Road link-
ing Asia, Africa and Europe, investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects. Japan, following Washington’s lead under then-U.S. President Barack Obama, did not join the AIIB, partly from concern it was a vehicle to boost China’s regional clout and a potential rival of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Manila-based institution dominated by Japan and the United States. In May 2016, the AIIB and ADB signed an agreement setting the stage for joint financing projects. “We remain cautious about AIIB and need to examine its transparency even more closely, since China plays a dominant role in its governance,” Abe adviser Masahiko Shibayama, told Reuters.
Coca-Cola to cut 1,200 jobs, boosts savings target New York, April 25, 2017 -- Coca-Cola Co said on Tuesday it would cut about 1,200 jobs as the beverage maker expands its savings target amid falling demand for fizzy drinks globally.
“We are not too worried about this quarter’s miss,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Nik Modi wrote in a note. “The important thing is that KO is raising its cost-saving estimates and we believe there is more to go.”
Shares of the Dow component were up marginally at $43.39. Coca-Cola and rival PepsiCo Inc’s soda sales have taken a hit as consumers in North America and Europe increasingly shun sugary drinks. Global soda sales fell 1 percent in the first quarter ended March 31, Coca-Cola said on Tuesday. The Atlanta-based company said it was increasing its cost-cutting target by $800 million in annualized savings and now expects to save $3.8 billion by 2019.
The majority of the additional savings would come from the corporate job reductions, incoming Chief Executive James Quincey said on a post-earnings conference call. The company, which also reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly profit, said it expects to reinvest at least half of the $800 million saved to mainly boost growth in its non-carbonated drink business.
The job cuts would start in the second half of 2017 and carry into 2018, Coca-Cola said. The company also forecast a smaller decline in 2017 adjusted profit than it had previously expected. Coca-Cola said on Tuesday it expects full-year adjusted profit to fall 1-3 percent, compared with the 1-4 percent decline it forecast in February. The company is offloading much of
its low-margin bottling business to reduce expenses, but costs associated with the refranchising have been higher than expected, weighing on profit. Coca-Cola said it recorded a charge of $84 million related to the refranchising in North America in the latest quarter. Net income attributable to the company’s shareholders fell 20.3 percent to $1.18 billion, or 27 cents per share, from a year earlier. Excluding items, the company earned 43 cents per share, missing analysts estimates by a cent, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Revenue fell 11.3 percent to $9.12 billion, declining for the eighth straight quarter.
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May 1-15, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
FASHION
New York Fashion Week announces schedule changes for spring/summer 2018 shows New York, April 21, 2017 — The various changes currently shaking up the ready-to-wear fashion world are impacting the schedules of the industry’s fashion week events. New York is the latest fashion week to announce a modified schedule, cut from eight to seven days for the spring/ summer 2018 shows, held in September. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has announced a shorter schedule for the upcoming New York Fashion Week, taking place this fall. The CFDA explains in a statement that the decision aims “to improve the overall New York Fashion Week experience and better serve attendees.” Next season’s NYFW, showcasing spring/summer 2018 collections, runs
September 7 to 13 — a total of seven days rather than the usual eight. Although the full schedule is yet to be confirmed, the CFDA has announced Calvin Klein and Tom Ford for the opening day, September 7, at 10am and 7pm respectively. Marc Jacobs is lined up to close the event with a show September 13 at 6pm The CFDA’s revised schedule comes in response to the many changes rumbling on in ready-to-wear fashion for several seasons, with show cancellations, labels moving from one fashion capital to another, and a growing number of mixed collections.
Louis Vuitton unveils exotic cruise collection show location
Paris, April 21, 2017 — Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière has revealed the next exotic location to host the luxury fashion brand’s upcoming resort collection debut.
walls made of a warm beige-coloured limestone from France — the same materials the architect used to create the pyramid and reception hall at the Louvre museum in Paris (via WWD).
The French designer took to Instagram earlier today to announce that the Louis Vuitton cruise 2018 presentation will take place on May 14 at the Miho Museum, which is surrounded by lush vegetation in the Shiga mountains near the Japanese city of Kyoto.
This will be Ghesquière’s fourth Resort collection for Vuitton, following shows presented in Monaco, Palm Springs, and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to the natural beauty of its setting, the museum — designed by I.M. Pei in 1997 — also features a striking metal tunnel, which opens up to the museum structure, complete with a steel-and-glass roof and a floor and
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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LIFESTYLE Life’s illusions catching up with Japan’s middle-aged ‘parasite singles’ Tokyo, April 20, 2017 — Their youth long gone, members of Japan’s generation of “parasite singles” face a precarious future, wondering how to survive once the parents many depended on for years pass away.
of “life-time singles,” whose numbers hit a record in 2015, according to data released this month that showed that among 50-year-olds, one-in-four men and one-in-seven women were unmarried.
Some 4.5 million Japanese aged between 35 and 54 were living with their parents in 2016, according to a researcher at the Statistical Research and Training Institute on a demographic phenomena that emerged two decades ago, when youthful singles made headlines for mooching off parents to lead carefree lives.
“During the ‘bubble economy’ until the mid-1990s, the 20-somethings were happily amusing themselves. They thought by the time they were in their 30s, they’d be married,” said Masahiro Yamada, a Chuo University sociologist who coined the term “parasite singles” in 1997.
Now, without pensions or savings of their own, these middle-aged stay-athomes threaten to place an extra burden on a social welfare system that is already creaking under pressure from Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce. Hiromi Tanaka once sang backup for pop groups, and epitomized the optimism of youth. “I got used to living in an unstable situation and figured somehow it would work out,” Tanaka told Reuters as she sat at the piano in a small parlor of an old house connected to her elderly mother’s next door. Now aged 54, Tanaka relies on income from giving private singing lessons to a dwindling number of students, and her mother’s pension to make ends meet. She has no pension plan of her own, and has used up most of her savings. “My father died last year so pension income was halved,” she said. “If things go on like this, my mother and I will fall together.” Tanaka is one of the growing ranks
“But one-third never married and are now around age 50,” Yamada told Reuters in an interview. FRAGILE FUTURE The trend is not only a factor behind Japan’s low birth rate and shrinking population. It also puts an extra damper on consumption since new household formation is a key driver of private spending. And since about 20 percent of the middle-aged stay-at-home singles rely on parents for support, they also threaten to weigh on social safety nets. “Once they use up inherited assets and savings, when nothing is left, they will go on the dole,” Yamada said. The rise in those shunning marriage, experts say, is due not only to more diverse life-styles but to an increase in low-paying, unstable jobs. Part-timers, temps or contract workers now account for nearly 40 percent of the workforce compared to about 20 percent in the 1980s. Although recent tightness in Japan’s labor market has meant a slight fall in
the number of singles living off parents, the overall trend probably won’t change, said Katsuhiko Fujimori, an economist at Mizuho Information and Research Institute. “That’s because of the increase in irregular workers and the fact that more and more people cannot marry for economic reasons, even if they want to,” he said. Some middle-aged singles living with parents once had steady jobs but slipped off the career track due to illness or corporate restructuring as companies cut costs to compete. “Once you fall off the regular employment ladder, it’s tough,” said Hirotoshi Moriyama, a member of a non-profit organization that tries to help middle-aged people find jobs. LEFT BEHIND Akihiro Karube, 53, worked in the advertising business after graduation and by his 30s was earning a hefty salary. He moved back with his parents after a short-lived marriage but paid his own rent until, aged 43, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had to quit.
Efforts to find work as a qualified home helper for the elderly have failed and he says he now relies on his father’s pension and a disability pension of his own. “I just wish I had a stable income, that’s the main thing,” said Karube, who lives with his widowed 84-yearold dad in public housing in a Tokyo suburb. The future looks especially bleak for an extreme sub-set of people who not only live at home with their parents but also seldom venture out, living out their days in hermit-like seclusion. Known in Japan as “hikikomori”, and once stereotyped as mostly young men, these stay-at-homes are also aging. Fuminobu Ohashi was one himself, but now he works with a support group that last year began holding workshops for parents worried about their offsprings’ future. “The problem is what they will do after their parents pass away,” Ohashi said. “It is a quietly ticking timebomb.” - Reuters
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HEALTH
Cases of hepatitis B and C hit 325 million, says WHO GEeneva, April 21, 2017 — An estimated 325 million people are living with hepatitis B or C and few are aware of their condition, with death tolls from the viruses rising, the UN said today. The World Health Organisation’s latest hepatitis report identifies the condition as a grave public health threat that needs an “urgent response.” Hepatitis killed 1.34 million people in 2015, a toll roughly in-line with HIV and tuberculosis. But in contrast to HIV and TB, hepatitis deaths are increasing, WHO said, recording a 22 per cent mortality rise from 2000 to 2014. Hepatitis is often symptom-free, but types B and C can trigger liver cirrhosis and cancer if untreated. Lack of awareness among those infected is driving the virus’s spread. For hepatitis B — which is spread through bodily fluids like blood and semen — only 9 per cent of those infected know their status. And for hepatitis C, primarily spread through blood, just 20 per cent of those infected are aware of their condition.
Lack of access to testing and treatment leaves “millions of people at risk of a slow progression to chronic liver disease, cancer and death”, WHO said in a statement. The hepatitis B problem is most acute in the WHO’s Western Pacific Region, which includes China, Malaysia and South-east Asia. An estimated 115 million people in the region have the virus. Second worst is Africa, with 60 million hepatitis B cases. An effective vaccine exists for hepatitis B. WHO’s latest data shows that hepatitis C — for which there is no vaccine — is most commonly spread through unsafe injections, notably among drug users. Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region are afflicted with the most hepatitis C cases at 14 million and 15 million respectively. WHO is trying to ramp up the global hepatitis response, aiming to treat some 80 per cent of sufferers worldwide by 2030.
Study shows taking beetroot juice before exercise can rejuvenate ageing brains New York, April 22, 2017 ― According to a new American study, beetroot juice followed by exercise can do much to improve blood flow to ageing brains. Just like physical exercise, beetroot has already been identified as a source of health benefits. Several studies have demonstrated that it can increase blood flow to the brain, boost stamina, and combat hypertension among older people suffering from heart disease. Now a new study conducted by researchers from Wake Forest University in North Carolina has broken new ground by revealing the beneficial effect of beetroot juice on the brains of older people who drank it before exercising.
The researchers found that beetroot juice combined with physical exercise increased the oxygenation of the brain and created an excellent environment for strengthening the somatomotor cortex, the area of the brain that controls information from the muscles. The group drinking the nitrate-rich beetroot also had higher nitrate and nitrite levels after exercise than the placebo group. Beetroot contains high levels of nitrate which interacts with saliva to form nitrite, and nitric oxide. The latter is a powerful compound that increases blood flow and thereby facilitates the oxygenation of muscles as well as other parts of the body, most notably the brain.
For the purposes of the study, researchers recruited 26 hypertension sufferers aged 55 over, who did not partake in physical exercise, and who took at least two drugs to regulate their condition. Three times a week over a period of six weeks, half of them drank a beetroot juice supplement (Beet-It Sport Shot) which contained 560 mg of nitrate one hour before 50 minutes of moderately intense exercise on a treadmill.
Researchers knew that nitric oxide increases exercise performance. With this latest study, they have demonstrated that juice followed by exercise, when compared to exercise alone, can result in a cerebral function typical of younger brains.
The other half of the study group was administered a placebo composed of beetroot juice but with a very low level of nitrates.
These findings have been published in The Journals of Gerontology.
The scope of the study was small, but it does imply that what we eat as we age could play a major role in brain health and functional independence.
Georgia Asian Times May 1-15, 2017
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SPORTS Messi’s 500th Barca goal sinks Real Madrid in thriller Madrid, April 23, 2017 — Lionel Messi scored his 500th Barcelona goal with the last kick of the game to snatch a stunning 3-2 win at Real Madrid and put the two teams level on points at the top of La Liga on Sunday.
The match was a thriller which will go down as one of the best Clasicos in history, with end-to-end action from the off.
James Rodriguez appeared to have rescued a point for the hosts with an 86th-minute strike to make it 2-2 after goals by Messi and Ivan Rakitic had overturned Casemiro’s opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious when Samuel Umtiti tripped him in the box and referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez waved away his appeal, but Barcelona were complaining afterwards when Marcelo got away with an elbow on Messi.
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Messi in the 77th minute and that left Barcelona in a strong position, until Rodriguez fired home at the near post.
The Argentine came in for harsh treatment throughout, with Casemiro lucky not to be sent off for multiple hacks on him after picking up an early booking for a foul.
But Messi’s second goal in the final minute of added time earned Barca a vital win in the title race that leaves both sides with 75 points, although Madrid have a game in hand.
The Brazilian opened the scoring for Madrid in the 28th minute, tapping home at the back post after Ramos had fired Marcelo’s cross against the post.
Five minutes later Barcelona were level and it was Messi who finished it, dancing away from Dani Carvajal and slotting the ball beyond Keylor Navas. Gareth Bale went off injured towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Marco Asensio. The youngster set up Ronaldo in the second period but the Portugal international blasted over from close range.
range strike that flew beyond Navas and then Ramos was dismissed as he lunged in on Messi recklessly. Rodriguez leveled the score after he reached Marcelo’s near-post cross but Messi had the final say, blowing the title race wide open. - Reuters
Rakitic made him pay with a long-
Djokovic should seek Federer’s advice, says former mentor Belgrade, April 23, 2017 — A floundering Novak Djokovic should seek advice from evergreen Swiss maestro Roger Federer in order to rediscover his vintage self, the Serb’s former Davis Cup coach Bogdan Obradovic said. Djokovic has suffered a spectacular fall from grace since he captured his maiden French Open title last June for his 12th major honor, completing a career slam of winning all four of the world’s top tennis tournaments. “Given that Federer was able to return into the top 10 and win this year’s Australian Open at the age of 36, I see no reason why Djokovic can’t be the world number one again,” Obradovic told Belgrade daily Blic on Sunday. “Maybe Djokovic should talk to
Federer. They are friends, they have known each other for a long time and the Swiss can certainly give him some good advice.” Having relinquished the top spot in
the ATP rankings to Briton Andy Murray in November, Djokovic made a shock second-round Australian Open exit to Uzbek Denis Istomin followed by successive defeats to Australian Nick Kyrgios in Acapulco and Indian Wells.
Having advised Djokovic several times to restore meat to his diet, Obradovic stressed he believed that Djokovic’s perceived loss of appetite on the court has come hand-in-hand with more hunger shown by rivals who have sensed blood.
The 29-year-old Serb also crashed out of the Monte Carlo quarter-finals on Thursday with a painful defeat by Belgian David Goffin after he threw away a 4-2 lead in the third set.
“All other players seem to be galvanized against him while his own motivation appears to be inconsistent and shifting all the time,” said Obradovic.
Obradovic, who steered Serbia to the 2010 Davis Cup title and the 2013 final during his 10-year spell in charge, made way in December for doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic who has since appeared in a dual player-coach role.
“He is not at his best, his serve keeps fluctuating as do elements in his game which really used to be at highest level consistently. “However, it is difficult to play at such a high level indefinitely. Murray has a huge advantage in the standings but I am sure Djokovic will be back in contention for the top spot.” - Reuters