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Indian Consulate in Atlanta hosts Hanukkah celebration

Karya Kares First Gala Dinner An Evening of Hope and Giving

by John Ruch | Dec 5, 2018 India’s Atlanta consulate, based in Sandy Springs, hosted an annual Hanukkah celebration in the Indian tradition on Dec. 2. Among the many attendees were Indian Consul General Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni; Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer of Israel’s Atlanta consulate; and Dov Wilker, director of the American Jewish Committee’s Buckhead-based regional office.

Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, left, the consul general of Israel in Atlanta, and Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni, the consul general of India in Atlanta, light menorah candles during the Dec. 2 Hanukkah celebration at the Indian consulate in Sandy Springs. (Special/American Jewish Committee Atlanta)

Swapnil Agarwal (CEO - Nitya Capital) donating $15,000 to Lone Star Veterans Association. Also seen are Congressman Pete Olson and Consul General of India, Houston Dr. Anupam Ray. Photos credit: Jenny Clifton. by Matt Palmquist

by John Ruch

TLANTA | Dec 5, 2018 - India’s Atlanta consulate, based in Sandy Springs, hosted an annual Hanukkah celebration in the Indian tradition on Dec. 2. Among the many attendees

were Indian Consul General Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni; Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer of Israel’s Atlanta consulate; and Dov Wilker, director of the American Jewish Committee’s Buckhead-based regional office.

The event included a menorah-lighting and a minute of silence in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of a series of Islamic terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, according to the Indian consulate. - Reporter Newspapers

Celebrating Lunar New Year: US Postal Service to dedicate Year of the Boar 'Forever' stamp The Year of the Boar begins Feb. 5, 2019, and ends on Jan. 24, 2020.

Read report on Page 3

OUSTON- (December 18, 2018) The Post Oak Hotel was beaming with stars and VIPs on Friday, as it was the chosen venue for the Inaugural Karya Kares Gala. The grand event was graced by the presence of dignitaries and prominent Houstonians and overwhelmed over a thousand people. George Springer (Houston Astros), Mayor Sylvester Turner, Sheriff Ed Gonzales, Congressman Pete Olson, Consul General of India Anupam Ray, and Bollywood Film actresses Jinal Pandya and Prachi Tehlan were also dignitaries and celebrities in attendance. Jim “Mattress Mack” Macingvale, Honoree Speaker, spoke of hope and taking pride in one’s community was joined by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott relaying his gratitude and appreciation to the works of Karya Kares Foundation and to Swapnil Agarwal and Vivek Shah via a recorded video message. Honored during the evening

were several United States War Veterans that had served in all branches of the military as well as a $15,000 donation on behalf of Karya Kares to the Lone Star Veterans Association and Lone Star Survivor Foundation. "Swapnil Agarwal & Vivek Shah are some of the greatest men I have ever met in my life…" said George Springer of the Houston Astros. "It is only natural for them to spearhead such a foundation that will ben-

efit so many." Karya Kares was founded with principles of enriching lives of those who cannot do for themselves. Several past projects include Free Water Education courses to youth at many apartment complexes in Texas. Our most recent project, #allsmilesnoguns, gave 5,000 clear backpacks to youth residents across the State of Texas raising awareness and prevention of gun violence in schools.

Charlise & George Springer (Houston Astros), Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Swapnil Agarwal and Vivek Shah.

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

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by Josh Rogin Columnist, The Washington Post, December 19, 2018.

Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief: Austin Correspondent: Marketing Director: Office Manager: Data Entry:

Koshy Thomas Sherly Philip Shobana Muratee Sherine Thomas Susan Pothanikat Priyan Mathew Satish Philip

Contributors: OpEd: Dr. Chandra Mittal Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Mala Sharma Research: Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Health: Sudhir Mathuria

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Editor Online: Shobana Muratee Marketing Director: Susan Pothanikat All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher. Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol.com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com. It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. — The Publisher Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $50 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074.

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n Monday, the U.S. special representative for Syria engagement publicly pledged that the U.S. commitment to Syria would not waiver. The very next day, Trump reportedly decided to rapidly withdraw all U.S. troops there. Trump appears to be discarding his entire Syria and Iran strategy at a single stroke, giving up any and all U.S. influence in the region — and disregarding the advice of his top national security officials.

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Trump undermines his entire national security team on Syria

If he follows through, Trump’s decision will have devastating and dangerous consequences for the United States, the region and the Syrian people. Trump seemed to confirm over Twitter on Wednesday reports that he has instructed the Pentagon to plan for the rapid withdrawal of some 2,000 U.S. forces from Syria’s northeast, which was recently liberated from Islamic State rule. “We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency,” he tweeted. A National Security Council spokesman didn’t respond to requests for clarification. As with most Trump policy decisions, there’s plenty of confusion and miscommunication, and the details are still unclear. But there’s no doubt that as of Monday, James Jeffrey, the U.S. special representative for Syria engagement, was advertising a diametrically opposed strategy. In a presentation at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Jeffrey said the United States would stay in Syria until three goals are met: ensuring the lasting defeat of the Islamic State, rolling back Iranian influence and achieving a political solution to the crisis. “The strategy is to use these various levers, the lever of all these military forces running around … the fact that much of the territory and many of the more valuable resources such as oil and gas are not in the hands of the regime,” to prevent the Assad regime, Russia and Iran from achieving total victory on their own terms, Jeffrey said. Jeffrey said the U.N.-led political process was “very close to a potential breakthrough or a breakdown this week.” He scoffed at the idea that all Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has to do is wait for the United States to throw up its hands and go home. “I think if that’s his strategy, he’s going to have to wait a very long time,” Jeffrey said, calling our military and financial commitment in Syria “something that is certainly

President Trump, flanked by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in June in Washington. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) sustainable for us.” Jeffrey didn’t seem aware that Trump was about to announce a complete reversal of the decision he made in September to keep U.S. troops in Syria until the three stated goals were achieved. “The new policy is we’re no longer pulling out by the end of the year,” Jeffrey said at the time. “That means we are not in a hurry. … I am confident the president is on board with this.” Apparently not. Trump is now contradicting what all of his other top national security officials have been telling the world for months. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in August that U.S. troops would stay until progress was made on the political track. National security adviser John Bolton said in September: “We’re not going to leave as long as Iranian troops are outside Iranian borders and that includes Iranian proxies and militias.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an October speech that the goal of defeating the Islamic State was “now joined by two other mutually reinforcing objectives”: a peaceful resolution to the conflict and “the removal of all Iranian and Iranian-backed forces from Syria.” Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. said earlier this month that the U.S. military still had “a long way to go” in its mission to train local forces in Syria to keep the Islamic State at bay. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) told me Wednesday morning

that the timing of the move could not be more counterproductive. There’s no sound reason for the United States to announce it’s giving up all leverage just as the next round of negotiations begins. “History will look at that as one of the stupidest strategic moves before a negotiation,” he said. “In order to have a successful diplomatic outcome, you have to have a military option and a military presence.” What’s worse, he said, is that Trump is repeating the same mistake President Barack Obama made in Iraq — withdrawing and leaving a vacuum that the Islamic State and other extremists are sure to fill. There’s also no clarity on whether this also means that the United States will abandon its military base at Tanf, where a few hundred U.S. troops are working with local Sunni Arab partner forces to hold a strategic location near the Syria-Iraq border. Bolton personally lobbied Trump not to withdraw from Tanf this year. Trump is abandoning all of the partner forces the United States has been fighting with over the years. We’ve also spent billions of dollars building and supporting them. The mostly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, which are in control of Raqqa, will have no choice but to cut a deal with the regime, returning Syria’s resource-rich northeast to Assad’s control. Local Arab forces working with the United States will also be forced to switch sides to survive.

“It’s a sad state of affairs when our key allies on the ground, who’ve shed blood and thousands of lives for our fight against ISIS, are to be well and truly abandoned,” said Charles Lister, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. Lister said Trump might have struck some deal with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding U.S. support for Kurdish forces during their phone call last Friday. The Trump administration theory (up until now) was that the Assad regime, Russia and Iran will need the United States and the international community to help pay for the reconstruction of Syria, to help refugees return, thereby giving the West some leverage. More likely, Assad and his partners have no desire for the return of millions of angry Syrians and no desire to economically restore the areas of the country that fought against him. His rule over the nowliberated parts of Syria will be cruel and deadly, causing more refugees, more extremism and more threats to our regional allies. U.S. policy in Syria has been flawed from the start, a mix of halfhearted engagement, wishful-thinking diplomacy and broken promises. But the U.S. withdrawal Trump is proposing will saddle him with the sad distinction of taking a bad policy and turning it into a strategic blunder that will come back to haunt us. Source: Post

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Celebrating Lunar New Year: U.S. Postal Service to dedicate Year of the Boar Forever Stamp Contines from Front Page

right pink peach blossoms highlight the 2019 Year of the Boar stamp, the 12th and final stamp in the U.S. Postal Service’s Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Boar begins Feb. 5, 2019, and ends on Jan. 24, 2020. The first-day-of-issue event is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #LunarNewYear. Luke Grossmann, vice president, Finance and Planning, U.S. Postal Service Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at 11 a.m. CST Chinese Community Center 9800 Town Park Drive Houston, TX 77036 Background: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/lunarnewyear. Around the world, millions of people welcome a new year with gifts, music and celebration. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China and Tet in Vietnam, is the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities. The stamp design features original artwork by Kam Mak with elements from the previous series of Lunar New

Year stamps — Clarence Lee’s intricate cut-paper design of a boar and the Chinese character for “boar” drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun. Ethel Kessler was the art director for this stamp. In China, peach trees typically bloom in early February, just in time for the new year. The striking pink blossoms mark the beginning of spring in Chinese culture. The Year of the Boar stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp in self-adhesive souvenir sheets of 12. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-7826724), by mail through USA Philatelic catalog or at Post Office locations nationwide. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps. com/postalfacts.

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Tel: 713-774-5140

GOPIO-CT elects officials for the year 2019, raises funds for American Charity Teach for America

OPIO CT elected new Executive Committee Members for the term 2019; President – Anita Bhat, Executive Vice President – Santosh Gannu, Vice President – Bhavna Juneja, Secretary – Prasad Chintalapudi, Joint Secretary – Gayatri Mahesh, Immediate Past President – Shelly Nichani, Trustees: Srinivas Akarapu and Shailesh Naik. The Annual General Body Meeting was held on Friday, December 14th at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford. All were elected unanimously. The nominations and elections were conducted by a committee headed by Dr. Thomas Abraham along with Varghese Ninan and Meera Banta. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Neelam Narang, Sanjay Santhanam and Varghese Ninan will continue as Trustees. At the General Body meeting, President Anita Bhat gave report of the activities in 2018. Bhat said that the chapter’s signature event was its Annual Awards Banquet at which those Indian Americans from Connecticut who have achieved in various fields were recognized. GOPIO-CT gave scholarship to three graduating high school students and one student joining Norwalk community College. GOPIO-CT sponsored five soup kitchens at the New Covenant House in Stamford where GOPIO-CT volunteers also cooked and served the food. GOPIO-CT also participated in the cancer walk to raise funds for Stamford Hospital’s Bennet Cancer Center. A series of Meet and Greet sessions with First Selectmen

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GOPIO-CT team for 2019 with CT Assemblymen-Elect at the Annual Holiday Party. From l. to r. CT Assemblyman-Elect Raghib Allie-Brennan, Treasurer Viresh Sharma, Joint Secretary Gayatri Mahesh, Vice President Bhavna Juneja, President Anita Bhat, Exec. Vice President Santosh Gannu, Trustee Srinivas Akarapu, Trustee Neelam Narang, Trustee Sanjay Santhanam, Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham and CT Assemblymen-Elect CT Assemblyman-Elect Matt Blumenthal. of the following towns were held in 2018, in Westport, New Canaan, Trumbull, Greenwich and Darien at which members of Indian American community could interact with the First Selectmen. Following the election, GOPIO-CT had its Annual Holiday Party which also served as fundraiser for Teach For

America, whose Executive Director from New Haven Nate Snow spoke at the event on the organization’s mission to "enlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation's most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence.” Snow called upon Indian-American

community to participate in Teach For America programs. Two of Connecticut’s newly elected assemblymen Raghib Allie-Brennan and Matt Blumenthal were honored guests who committed to closely work with community groups such GOPIO-CT for the welfare Connecticut’s residents as well as the society at large.

VOICE OF ASIA 4

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

VOICE OF ASIA 5

Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place

Section 1

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City employees adopt 'Angels' for Rainbow Room

Sugar Land employees recently collected donations ensure area families have a merry Christmas. Pictured are (top level, L-R) Executive Secretary Liliane Kelada, Employee Engagement and Wellness Coordinator Shondra Holmes, Facilities Tech Jason Garcia, Facilities Services Tech Carroll Mcafee, Digital Communications Manager Jacob Schnitzer, (left side of stairs, top to bottom) Senior Administrative Assistant Pat Bartling, Human Resources Specialist Paula Allen, Human Resources Manager Sharon Maddings, (right side of stairs, top to bottom) Executive Assistant Mary Seto, Hernandez, Management Assistant 1 Paulina Valero, (middle, L-R) Department Specialist Alex Willacker and Treasury Specialist Alpa Patel.

UGAR LAND, TX City of Sugar Land employees sponsored 94 children and adults for the Fort Bend Rainbow Room Christmas Angel Project. The Fort Bend Rainbow Room is a charitable organization dedicated to helping children and families in crisis by supporting the efforts of caseworkers.

During the holiday season, the city partners with the Fort Bend Rainbow Room to participate in the Christmas Angel Project to give children and adults in protective custody the opportunity to request Christmas gifts. The city has participated in the Christmas Angel Project since 2006. This year, Sugar Land employees fulfilled the Christmas

wish lists of 80 children and 14 adults with the help of various city departments, including police, fire-EMS, parks and recreation, public works and others. "This project would not be a success without the giving hearts of our employees giving back to our community," said Rainbow Room Christmas Angel Project coordinator Ashley Hernandez.

Spark Park at Briargate Elementary now open

ORT BEND ISD (December 19, 2018) It’s official! The new SPARK Park at Briargate Elementary (BGE) is officially

open to the community following a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the campus on December 17. The SPARK Park is the third in FBISD and is a

cooperative venture of BGE parents, students and the community. Info on the SPARK Park Program is at www.sparkpark.org.

Tel: 713-774-5140

City begins a new chapter of leadership with inauguration of newly-elected Mayor Yolanda Ford

issouri City marked a historical transition in leadership tonight (Monday, Dec. 17), as newly elected Mayor Yolanda Ford was administered the oath of office by Presiding Judge Debra Sinclair. Ford was elected by voters citywide in the Dec. 8 Runoff Election. Council Chambers and City Hall was filled with citizens, stakeholders, family members and supporters who came to witness the ceremony first-hand. Ford is the City’s 11th Mayor and succeeds the Honorable Allen Owen, who was recognized tonight for his 32 years of service, of which 24 years were as Mayor. Also sworn into office tonight was Councilmember Chris Preston, who serves as At-Large Position #2.

Mayor Ford (Top), Councilmember Chris Preston takes the oath. For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor,

watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

City to Host Citizen Open House for Cangelosi Detention Improvement Project on Jan. 17, 2019

ISSOURI CITY, TX At their Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 Regular Meeting, Councilmembers authorized staff to continue the application process to utilize the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG – DR) Hurricane Harvey infrastructure funding through the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in the amount of $954,306, and opened the 30day comment period for citizen participation. The grant funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for recovery from Hurricane Harvey and is being disbursed through the GLO.

City staff has notified GLO of the City’s intent to use the CDBG – DR funds for the Cangelosi Detention Improvement project. This project is currently identified within the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program and is estimated to cost approximately $2 million (Design and Construction) to implement. The broad scope of work includes channel widening and raising the embankment of the existing channel/detention facility. This project when implemented will alleviate flooding in the contributing watershed in addition to accommodating new developmental projects. As a requirement of allocating these funds, this project loca-

tion falls within the CBDG eligible program boundary area. To ensure public participation, a Cangelosi Detention Improvement Project Citizen Open House is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 at 6 p.m. in the Old Municipal Court Room, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Citizens may also provide written or oral comments regarding the Cangelosi Detention Improvement Project until Monday, Jan. 21, 2019 to the following address: Attn: Chalisa Dixon, City of Missouri City, 1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, Texas, 77489. For more details, contact Community Development Coordinator Chalisa Dixon at chalisa. dixon@missouricitytx.gov

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

BITSAA- Int'l Houston Chapter meet for Holiday celebrations

OUSTON - BITSAAInt'l Houston Chapter members met at Nirvana restaurant on Dec. 15th to celebrate the 2018 holiday season. It also provided an opportunity for the young Bitsians who moved to Houston recently to meet with the senior Bitsians living in Houston. Though accurate numbers are unavailable, it is estimated that there are more than three hundred Bitsians living in and around Houston greater metropolitan area, mostly employed in the Oil and Gas, IT, Engineering and Financial sectors. Ms. Nikhita Punna (fifth from Left, in the photo below) was the event coordinator. About BITSAA International BITSAA International Inc. is a not-for-profit organization

registered in New Jersey, USA with several chapters through out USA. Locally, Houston chapter was officially launched on BITSAA Day,Aug.2, 2013 by erstwhile Consul General of India,Hon.Parvathaneni Harish who himself was an Engineer before becoming a diplomat. BITSAA's mission is to "Maximize the potential of BITSians and BITS Pilani". It engages in charitable and educational activities by raising funds for setting up endowments, creating scholarships, rewarding teaching and research and generally promoting the development of resources at Birla Institute of Technology and Science at Pilani, Dubai, Goa & Hyderabad campuses. Govt. of India has recently named BITS,Pilani as one of the six Institutes of Eminence

in India, a special category. BITSAA International aims to strengthen the ties, friendship and communication amongst former students, alumni faculty and friends of the Institute. BITSAA International provides a number of channels for people to stay connected with each other and with Birla Institutes of Technology & Science. BITSAA Int'l invites all Bitsians to join their facebook group : https://www.facebook. com/groups/BITSAAHouston/ For more information, please visit BITSAA website : https:// www.bitsaa.org/page/aboutbitsaa-international For information on BITSAA Houston chapter, please call Krishna Vavilala:713-795-5169.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez launches Safe Gun Surrender Initiative

OUSTON: State and federal laws prohibit a person against whom a protective order has been granted from possessing a firearm.

give those under protective orders the option of depositing their weapons for temporary storage with the Sheriff’s Office until the owner is legally permitted to take back possession.

Until now, these people have had to sell or give away their weapons. With limited options, many abusers have kept their firearms, in violation of the law.

Who: Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, State District Judge Judy Warne, District Attorney Kim Ogg, and Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Executive Director Barbie Brashear

More importantly, their failure to give up possession of their guns has put their domestic violence victims at greater risk of harm or death. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has now ordered his deputies to work with Harris County judges to

When: Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. Where: Harris County Sheriff’s Office Media Room; 1200 Baker Street Social Media: Follow live on Facebook at @HCSOTexas

BITSAA- Int'l Houston Chapter members: Front Row(L to R): Nikhitha Punna, Viveka Nalluri, Rachna Shetty, Palak, Sandeep Gade, Sharva, Utkarsh Gupta, Rajat Jain Back row (L to R):Krishna Vavilala, Ashish Rohil, Vidya Sagar ronanki,Shweta P, PS Raju, Vyom, Ashwin, Manish Sood, Hari Krishna U Photo credit: Sandeep Gade.

Southwest Management District teams with major sponsors to donate new gym equipment to HPD Midwest by Susan Pothanikat

OUSTON - On December 13, 2018, Commander Y. Bashir of the HPD Midwest Division, thanked all community members and generous sponsors including: Southwest Management District, Indus Management Group, Small Independent Motel Association -- Southwest members, for helping them raise $32,500 to purchase their new gym equipment. Their previous equipment was over 10 years old and was in need of replacement. Assistant Chief Wendy Baimbridge thanked everyone for their generosity in helping to keep our officers healthy as they continue to answer the call of duty by protecting the citizens. Many times officers take on multiple shifts and are unable to incorporate a fitness routine into their daily schedules. Sadly, with job stress and lack of exercise, offers die because of heart disease. With the new gym equipment, officers will have access to up to date equipment at the office location. HPD Midwest invites the community to take an active role by participating in yearround events including: Back to School Bash, Trunk or Treat Candy Giveaway, Blue Santa, Holiday Bash Toy Giveaway. HPD Midwest also has many programs for young students who are interested in learning more about daily job responsibilities including: Houston Police Explorers, Police Activities League, Teens and Police Service. Students have the opportunity to shadow officers to learn more about pursuing a career in the police force. For more details please visit: https://www.houstontx.gov/ police/divisions/midwest/index.htm

HPD Midwest Thanks Sponsors for New Gym Equipment Sponsors:

Pic 1: Ribbon cutting Pic 2: Check presentation by sponsors to HPD

• Southwest

Management District

Pics 3 (row): Speakers

• Indus Management

Pic 4: SWMD Media partners Voice of Asia’s Publisher Koshy Thomas with HPD’s Commander Yasar Bashir

Group

• Small Independent Motel Association Southwest members

Pic 5: Check presentation

Pic 1

Photos credit: Priyan Mathew

Pic 2 Pic 3

HPD’s Commander Yasar Bashir

Public Safety Committee Chairman Peter Acquaro

Amzim Global Investments Jin Laxmidas

HPD Asst. Chief Wendy Baimbridge

Indus Management Group Raj Adnani

Photo credit: Priyan Mathew

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Southwest Management District

Pic 4

Pic 5

Houston Police Departmnet

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VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Indian community in RAK to launch suicide prevention hotline

SAD DEMISE

"A toll-free hotline for distress calls will be announced soon." by Ahmed Shaaban

AS AL KHAIMAH, UAE (December 19, 2018) Alarmed over recent suspected suicide cases, the Indian community in Ras Al Khaimah sprang into action by forming a team of social workers whom people in distress can talk to for help and counsel. Speaking to Khaleej times, social worker Prasad Sreedharan said the Indian Relief Committee (IRS) in the emirate is forming a special disaster team that is tasked to lend an ear and a helping hand to people who needed them most. "A toll-free hotline for distress calls will be announced soon and a dedicated team will handle the issues and help people find solutions to their problems," Sreedharan said.

The committee's lines will be open round the clock and anyone in distress may call the team anytime, he added. Year-long medical camp Besides the emergency hotline project, IRS is also gearing up for a year-long free medical camp, which will kick off on Friday at New Indian School in Al Mamoorah, Sreedharan said. The camp aims to offer free healthcare services and medicines to those who cannot afford them, he said. "The event is to be held under the patronage of the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, in association with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Interior, the Department of Public Works in RAK, Association of All Kerala Medical Graduates,

RAK Hospital, Julphar pharmaceutical company and many other civil society partners." Around 25 groups, along with social workers in Ras Al Khaimah, are part of the camp's organising committee, Sreedharan said. "More than 20 general practitioners, 30 specialists, 20 consultants and 150 paramedics will work together for the success of the camp," he said. "It will start at 8am and registration will continue till 3pm." The camp is open to all nationalities and free for everyone, Sreedharan added. It will be inaugurated by Neeraj Agarwal, head of chancery from the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, and MoH officials on Friday. - Khaleej Times

Indian man goes missing in Abu Dhabi He was supposed to return to Kerala before he went missing.

BU DHABI, (December 18, 2018) - An Indian man has reportedly gone missing in Abu Dhabi and his family is seeking help to trace him. 27-year-old Haris Poomadath from Kerala was last seen on December 8 in Al Shamkah area, according to his brother Suhail. He was working as a driver at a restaurant since past one year. "He called me on Saturday, December 8 and said he was coming to Al Shamkah to meet me. That was the last I heard from him," Suhail told Khaleej Times. He said he has filed a police complaint and is also seeking help through social media to trace his brother. "We are doing everything possible to find him. Our mother in Kerala is desperate to hear from Haris. She has not eaten food for days now and is inconsolable."

Image source: Khaleej Times

Suhail said their father died six months ago and Haris is the youngest of the 11 siblings in the family. "Yesterday, I reported the matter to the Indian Embassy and filed a

petition seeking help to find my brother. He was supposed to return to Kerala for good and had some issues with the company. I hope he is safe," he said. -Khaleej Times

Mrs. Mary Philip 1937 - 2018

rs. Mary Philip, long time resident of Houston, Texas, went to be with Our Lord, on Monday, December 17, 2018. She was born on July 13, 1937, in Kozencherry, Kerala, India to Theketh -Valluparambil House, to Mr. T.M. Thomas, a teacher and Mrs. Annamma Thomas. She attended St. Mary’s High School and then Scudder Memorial Nursing School, in Tamil Nadu, India. She and her husband, Rev. Fr. M. T. Philip had three children, while living in Kuwait. In 1973, the family moved to the US. She was known as “Kochamma” in all the Malankara Orthodox Church parishes across the US, where Rev. Philip started churches. Despite working full time as a registered nurse, their home was always known for her constant hospitality to all who entered. Her cooking was so renowned, she wrote a cookbook and shared the book with anyone who asked for her favorite recipes. She retired from Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas as Assistant Head Nurse, in 2001. Mrs. Mary Philip, will be lov-

ingly missed by her husband, Fr. M. T. Philip, her 3 children, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren, the extended families of Manon and Theketh Valuparampil, numerous relatives and close friends. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for her over the years and showed their love, during this difficult time. Her love endures in every life she touched. Details of services are listed below: Wake / Visitation Friday, 12/21 - 5: 30PM – 8:30PM Connor-Healy Funeral Home 537 Union St Manchester, NH 03104 Funeral Services Saturday, 12/22 – 9AM St. Mary’s Church

Indian

Orthodox

65 Great Rd, Maynard, MA 01754 Interment Service (directly after the funeral) Pine Grove Cemetery 765 Brown Ave, Manchester, NH 03103.

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FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

28,523 Indian nationals died in Gulf countries in last 4 years, Lok Sabha told

Tech whiz starts 'firm' at 13, works with 3 'employees'

EW DELHI (PTI) - A total of 28,523 Indian nationals died in the Gulf countries of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the last four years, the Lok Sabha was told on Wednesday.

UBAI, UAE - What began as a hobby to beat boredom for this Dubai-based 13-year-old has now become a life-long pursuit to be the next big thing in technology.

The highest number of deaths of Indian nationals was recorded in Saudi Arabia between 2014-2018 at 12,828 followed by the UAE at 7,877, Minister of State at the External Affairs Ministry V K Singh told the Lok Sabha in response to a question.

About 1,021 deaths of Indian nationals between 2014-2018 at 12,828 followed by the UAE at 7,877, Minister of State at the External Affairs Ministry V K Singh told the Lok Sabha in response to a question. About 1,021 deaths of Indian nationals between 2014-2018 was recorded in Bahrain while 2,932 deaths were recorded in Kuwait. About 2,564 deaths of Indian nationals were recorded in Oman while 1,301 deaths were recorded in Qatar, he said.

Singh said that in order to prevent workers' death such as suicides and road accidents in the Gulf countries, awareness campaigns are conducted by the missions and posts through labour camps organised by Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in collaboration with the Indian missions. The highest number of deaths in these Gulf countries in the last four years was recorded in 2016 when 6,013 Indian nationals died followed by 2017 when 5,906 Indian nationals died in these countries.

Nasscom raises concerns over US govt latest proposal on H1-B visas

EW DEHLI (PTI) Nasscom has raised concerns over the US government's latest proposal that will require H1-B visa seeking firms to electronically register their petitions in advance, saying this will lead to "uncertainties" and could put US jobs at risk. The IT industry body, in a statement, said it will carefully review the 139-page proposal and evaluate its implications for US companies and the economy, and then submit comments. The Trump administration on Friday proposed major changes to on Friday proposed major changes to the H-1B application process, including a new rule requiring companies to electronically register their petitions in advance, aimed at awarding this popular American work visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers. "There is not much time between now and when the next H-1B lottery season opens in April 2019. Companies have already begun assessing their

needs and planning their submissions for next year, so we are concerned about the about the uncertainties that could arise as the government seeks to implement another major change in the H-1B process during that timeframe," Nasscom said in a statement.

pressure to send more IT work abroad, rather than performing it in the US," Nasscom pointed out.

It added that it will review the proposal before submitting comments and "take other actions as appropriate to best ensure that the process makes sense, is fair, and does no harm".

"Speaking for our members, India-based and India-centric global IT services companies play a critical role helping US companies be nimbler and more competitive, enabling them to grow and create more jobs and opportunities for Americans," it stressed.

The Department of Homeland Security said public comments on the proposed rule may be submitted starting December 3, when the proposed rule publishes in the Federal Register, and must be received on or before January 2. "To the extent US policy makes it more difficult and costlier for global IT service companies to provide their expertise in the US, it will weaken the US companies that depend on them to help fill their skills gaps. Contrary to what is intended, this action could put US jobs at risk and create

The apex industry body highlighted that the proposed rule would affect all companies employing H-1B workers.

Nasscom said its members are already investing billions of dollars in the US, employing more than 1.5 lakh people, and spending millions of dollars on upskilling programmes. "It is important that they and other continue to have access to the necessary talent," Nasscom urged. Over the past many months, there has been increased scrutiny related to work visas across countries like the US, the UK and Australia.

by Dhanusha Gokulan

Aadithyan Rajesh, a student of Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira, was only nine years old when he developed his first mobile application. Since then, Aadithyan has begun uploading mobile apps on Aptoide, an alternative marketplace for Android mobile applications. He has also been designing logos and websites for clients, and finally, at the age of 13, has launched his own 'company' - Trinet Solutions. Speaking to Khaleej Times a year into the launch of his website design and software development company, the Kerala native said he started using a computer when he turned five. "I was born in Thiruvilla, Kerala, and my family moved here when I was five. The first website my dad showed me was BBC Typing, a website for kids where young students can learn typing," he said. Aadithyan said his interest in technology and computers was developed primarily because his family used to live in a neighbourhood where he did not have too many friends. "I was six years old and would spend a lot of time on YouTube reading cartoons and playing spelling bee games. I began to become fascinated with computers and technology." After playing games online for a while, Aadithyan decided he wanted to begin developing mobile applications himself. "I developed an app called 'Ashirwad browser', a web browser similar to Google Chrome but with the lesser customisation. I was 9 when I developed the app, and I used Android Studio," he explained. However, since the Google Play store requires a base fee

Aadithyan Rajesh was only nine years old when he developed his first mobile application. (Photo: Khaleej Times) of USD 25 to upload an app, Ashirwad never went live. "Instead, I started uploading on the Aptoide marketplace," he said. After this point, there was no turning back for Aadithyan. "I began learning everything I could about software, app development and hardware as well. I became increasingly interested in cybersecurity, too. On December 17, 2017, I started Trinet Solutions. I wanted to be good in design, and later perform coding and provide this service to people free of cost," said the Grade 7 student. Trinet has a total of three employees, who are his friends and other Grade 11 and 12 students from Aadithyan's school. "We're not an LLC," he said. "I need to be over the age of 18 to actually become an established company owner. However, we function like a company. We have worked with over 12 clients, and have given them our design and coding services entirely for free," he said. Eventually, the young IT prodigy would like to make his company a multinational one and start developing apps on the iOS platform. "We can register the company only when he turns 18, but he runs it like his company now.

He helps his classmates, teachers, and all the school projects are done entirely free of cost. We are not involved in his activities at all. This is all him," said Aadithyan's father Rajesh Nair. Aadithyan is currently busy with a class management app for his teachers. "It is something that my teachers can use. The main mission is to reduce teachers' daily work by developing pop-up notification for tests, upcoming classes, noting down marks, etc," the whiz kid said. The youngster is also an avid YouTuber and vlogs on his channel 'A Craze'. "Through the vlog, I teach others whatever knowledge I have and I spread it to my friends. I am working on Android app development courses on my YouTube channel." "My parents and sister Aaradhya have been really supportive. My sister is six, and she shoots all the videos for my YouTube channel," he said. The IT whiz works mostly during the weekends. "In the morning, I go to school, then I head back home and rest for a while. After which, I learn Math, and then spend time on company work and on the YouTube channel." - Khaleej Times

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Pak court to deliver judgment in two corruption cases against Sharif by Sajjad Hussain

The accountability court had

HAKA, Bangladesh | AFP | 12/18/2018 - After nearly half a century navigating Bangladesh's thousands of miles of rivers, the country's most celebrated swimmer has hung up his trunks -- but not before one final, arduous paddle upstream. Kshitindra Baisya, 67, plans to spend his retirement on dry land inspiring younger generations to embrace the water in a country criss-crossed by huge rivers but where few swim. "I didn't have much idea about the beauty of this country until I swam dozens of its rivers," Baisya told AFP. A veteran of Bangladesh's

Sharif, who religiously followed the proceeding by appearing before the court for at least 78 times, told the media after the court reserved the judgment that he not committed any corruption.

File image of Nawaz Sharif. AFP

indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income in August 2017. The judge rejected application by Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Harris to provide one

1971 independence war against Pakistan, Baisya taught himself to swim at 18 and before long was paddling marathon distances along murky channels. A decade later, the fatherof-two earned some notoriety when he swam 74 kilometres (46 miles) of India's Bhagirathi river. He opts for a methodical breaststroke, head above water, rather than the freestyle preferred by purists. "It helps preserve energy," he told AFP as he stretched before a dip in a Dhaka pond recently. Baisya has not broken any speed records -- but his selftaught technique has allowed him to cover vast distances

British Airways announces return to Pakistan after a decade

SLAMABAD, Pakistan | AFP | 12/19/2018 -British Airways will resume flights to Pakistan next summer, the carrier announced Tuesday, in a major vote of confidence from a Western airline a decade after suspending operations due to security fears. The British carrier, which halted services in 2008 after the deadly Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad, will return in June 2019 with three weekly flights from London's Heathrow airport to the Pakistani capital, airline officials said. BA had six weekly flights to the Pakistani capital before the Marriott attack, which killed more than 50 people and triggered a major drawdown by embassies and international agencies over safety concerns. The carrier's announcement was "a reflection of the great improvements in the security situation in Pakistan" in the years since, said British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew in a statement. "We only fly somewhere when we know it's safe to do so," Robert Williams, BA's head of sales for Asia, told a press conference in Islamabad. Tickets starting at $630 were due to go on sale from Tuesday. BA said the route -- which will be serviced by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner -- is among four direct long-haul flights being introduced in 2019, along with Pittsburgh and Charleston in the US, and Osaka in Japan. The announcement caused a stir on Twitter, where it was greeted with jubilation by many Pakistanis. The army tweeted its gratitude to the airline using the hashtag #PeacefulPakistan, while the government's official account proclaimed the country a "new investment destination of Asia". - Dramatic shift Britain is home to more than a million residents of Pakistani origin, making it the largest Pakistani diaspora community in Europe.

He told court officials that he came to see a woman in northern Pakistan he befriended on Facebook, his lawyer Qazi Muhammad Anwar told AFP.

The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

Bangladesh's most celebrated swimmer hangs up trunks at 67 by Sam JAHAN

convicted for spying and forging documents in 2015.

The court decided to hear their cases separately once they returned back.

Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik of Islamabad-based accountability court reserved judgment after completion of hearing in the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases against 68-year-old Sharif.

If found guilty, Sharif can be sentenced up to 14 years in jail.

Lovestruck Indian jailed in Pakistan returns home

court even for a single time.

SLAMABAD, Dec 19 (PTI) An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Wednesday said it will deliver judgment on December 24 in two remaining corruption cases against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The verdict will be announced on December 24, which is the revised deadline set by the Supreme Court to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the three-time former prime minister.

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

week time to submit more documents but allowed him to provide any document by Friday. The judge also observed that the court was bound to follow December 24 final deadline set by the Supreme Court.

In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his sonin-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. His two sons - Hassan and Hussain - were also co-accused in all three cases but they were declared absconders for failing to appear before the

Pakistan has a rich cultural and archaeological heritage, along with serene alpine valleys, pristine beaches and vast deserts peppered with vibrant Islamic shrines. The country is also home to some of the world's tallest peaks including K-2 -- the second highest summit after Everest, which sits atop a region of 120 other mountains rising above 7,000 metres (23,000 feet).

Ansari returned through an overland border crossing near Lahore and northern India's Amritsar city on Tuesday afternoon. An AFP photojournalist at the border crossing said that Ansari was received by his waiting family members on the Indian side of the frontier. Local media showed Ansari hugging his mother and bowing to touch his head to the ground after crossing over to India. Ansari and his family were escorted away by local security officials before they could speak with the waiting journalists. "It is a matter of great relief, especially for the family members, that six years of incarceration of the Indian civilian in (a) Pakistan jail is coming to an end," the Indian foreign ministry said on Monday. Arch-rivals Pakistan and India have fought three major wars since independence from Britain in 1947. They routinely arrest each other's citizens on spying charges.

Manipuri journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem. Image Credit: Twitter

EW DELHI, India | AFP | 12/19/2018 An Indian journalist has been jailed for a year after he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook, in the latest example of what critics claim is a clampdown on free speech. Kishorechandra Wangkhem was arrested last month in the remote northeastern state of Manipur under a draconian

law that allows authorities to detain anyone for up to a year without trial. The 39-year-old television journalist is accused of posting an "inflammatory" social media video in November, in which he accused Modi and state chief minister Biren Singh's government of promoting rightwing Hindu ideology in the region. Local media said he called

Singh a "puppet" of Modi and of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a hardline Hindu group and ideological mentor of Modi's ruling party. Authorities said the arrest was made to "prevent him from acting in any matter prejudicial to the security of the state". Police had initially detained him on charges of sedition but he secured bail from a local court, which castigated him for using indecent language. He was re-arrested days later under the stringent National Security Act before a government panel approved his yearlong detention on Thursday.

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Pakistan has battled homegrown militancy for nearly 15 years, with tens of thousands of people killed.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed to revitalise Pakistan's struggling tourism industry in effort to bring in much-needed revenue to its fragile economy.

Indian journalist jailed after Modi Facebook post

Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific was one of the last major international carriers to cease operations in Pakistan after dozens were killed during a 2014 siege at Karachi airport by Taliban militants.

Many Western countries have travel advisories in place to warn their citizens of the potential for kidnapping and bomb attacks, especially in areas near the Afghan border.

Hamid Nehal Ansari illegally crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, and was

The apex court initially set six month deadline to conclude the cases but it was subsequently increase around eight times on the request of the accountability court.

Since the Marriott attack the country has been largely dependent on Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates and Etihad, with most international flights routed through the Gulf, making travel expensive and cumbersome for many passengers.

Militants retain the ability to carry out devastating attacks, however, and analysts have long warned that Pakistan has yet to tackle the root problems of extremism.

AGAH, India | AFP | 12/18/2018 - A lovestruck Indian man who spent six years in jail for spying after travelling to meet a woman in Pakistan returned home on Tuesday.

Three cases Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the apex court that disqualified Sharif.

The struggling Pakistan International Airlines is currently the only carrier with direct flights between the two countries.

But the country has seen a dramatic turnaround recently, with security largely stabilised following several military offensives along the Afghan border and crackdowns on insurgents in urban centres.

"Not a penny of corruption has been proven against me I am very happy that I have done my duty, and I think that since I have stepped in politics I have never indulged in corruption nor have misused my power," he said.

But police were waiting for him at the woman's house and arrested him on the spot, Anwar said.

Ansari pictured before he went to Pakistan.

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FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

S.Korean grain silo transforms Tattoos still give Japan the into world's largest mural needle as Olympics loom by Alastair Himmer

OKYO, Japan | AFP - When Mana Izumi got her first tattoo at 18, she wasn't trying to rebel or shatter any taboos -- just copy Japanese pop diva Namie Amuro's beach-bronze "surfer chick" look. In Japan, where tattoos have for centuries been demonised for their association with criminals, former porn star Izumi turns heads with her copper tan, bleach-blonde bob, and an array of designs inked across half of her body. "I wasn't really an Amuro fan but I thought her tattoos were cute," the 29-year-old told AFP.

A mural listed by the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world is displayed on a grain silo in Incheon port. (© Ed Jones / AFP)

OUTH KOREA - AFP Dec. 19, 2018 - A dreary grain silo that was transformed into an enormous colourful artwork in South Korea has been named by Guinness World Records as the largest outdoor mural in the world.

The mural was commissioned by the city's government and port authority as part of efforts to improve the negative view of aged industrial facilities, an idea which originated from the community art projects of the 1920s that swept the United States The painting which depicts a and Mexico, according to the young boy's journey into adult- South's Yonhap news agency. hood covers the outside of giant storage containers in the port Twenty-two artists used more city of Incheon, west of Seoul, than 850,000 litres of paint to taking up 23,688 square meters. tell the story which reflects

the seasons and resembles 16 individual book covers, at a cost of 550 million won (US$487,000). It topples the previous record holder by a significant margin -- the Pueblo Levee Project in Pueblo, in the US state of Colorado, at 16,554 square meters. Government and port officials also hope the mural will give a boost to tourism on Wolmi Island, one of the top tourist spots near Incheon.

Lil Pump angers China with racially offensive song

"When my mum first saw my tattoo she burst into tears and I thought my dad was going to kill me. But I like being a bit different." Tattoos still provoke deeprooted suspicion in Japan as the country prepares to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. People with body ink are refused entry to public swimming pools, bathing spots, beaches and often gyms, while visible body art can be harmful to job prospects. "It's pathetic the way people discriminate against tattoos," Izumi said while getting a $500 Aztec skull inked onto her leg. "People might think I look a little scary," she added, taking a drag on her cigarette. "But I don't regret getting inked." Japan has long had a prickly relationship with tattoos. In the 17th century criminals were branded as a form of punishment, while today Japan's yakuza mobsters pledge their loyalty with traditional, fullbody "irezumi" tattoos. As Japan opened up to the outside world in the 1800s, tattoos were outlawed -- along with snake-charming and public nudity -- because the Japanese feared outsiders would think they were "primitive," according to Brian Ashcraft, author of "Japanese Tattoos: History, Culture, Design". At the same time, European royalty would come to Japan to secretly get inked, so coveted were the country's tattoo artists. - Police crackdown The ban lasted until 1948 when the occupying American forces lifted it but the stigma remains in Japan.

US rapper Lil Pump performs onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2018 at Fillmore Miami Beach in Florida on Oct 6, 2018.PHOTO: AFP by Kelly Wang / Lianchao Lan

HANGHAI, China | AFP | Wednesday 12/19/2018 - US rapper Lil Pump has triggered an uproar in China after posting a video of a song containing racially offensive lyrics and a squinty-eye gesture, inspiring Chinese rap artists to fire back with "diss tracks".

The song, "Butterfly Doors", prompted Chinese rapper Li Yijie -- whose stage name is Pissy -- to hit back with a diss track titled "Fxxx Lil Pump". Pissy, of Sichuan hip-hop group CD Rev -- or Chengdu Revolution -- told AFP he had "to take action if he humiliated me, a Chinese citizen, in a rapper's way that we both understand".

The 18-year-old ColombianAmerican rapper, whose real name is Gazzy Garcia, posted the song on his Instagram account on Monday, drawing more than four million views and a slew of angry comments, many written in Chinese.

His lyrics go: "The fact is you and white racists the same/Respect yourself, you've suffered the pain / You don't know anything bout the history / Cuz you a nation of immigrants, and if you really won't take it serious. Check it out on those Indians."

While pulling the corner of his eyes, Lil Pump mentioned China's retired NBA legend Yao Ming and used a racial slur that mocks the way Chinese people talk: "They call me Yao Ming 'cause my eyes real low (Ching Chong)".

The hashtag "CD Rev's official fightback" was one of the hottest topics on China's Twitter-alike Weibo and was viewed more than 440,000 times. Pissy's original video was taken down on Weibo, and he acknowledged that it was prob-

"They look at tattoos and

Tattoos still provoke deep-rooted suspicion in Japan. (AFP Photo) they think 'yakuza' -- instead of admiring the beauty of the art form," said Ashcraft. "Until that changes, tattooing will continue to exist in a grey zone." Authorities turn a blind eye to the ban for the most part but a recent crackdown involving several police raids and fines has plunged Japan's tattoo industry into confusion. Meanwhile, a potentially game-changing legal battle recently ended after Osaka tattooist Taiki Masuda was arrested in 2015 for violating an obscure law that dates back almost 70 years. The 30-year-old was fined 300,000 yen ($2,600) under the Medical Practitioners' Act, which forbids anyone other than a doctor from performing medical procedures. A 2001 Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry notice ruled that tattooing was medical work because it involves needles, technically criminalising Masuda's job. He decided to fight the law and last month, a court overturned his previous guilty verdict after a lengthy and controversial appeal process. "There's no legal framework regulating the tattoo industry in Japan," Masuda told AFP. "Livelihoods are at stake -that's why I had to fight it, to hopefully help legalise tattooing." Masuda's struggle polarised opinion among Japanese tattooists, estimated to number as many as 3,000. Noriyuki Katsuta, a member of "Save Tattooing in Japan", a non-profit co-founded by Masuda, called his arrest "a human rights violation". But many older artists are fiercely protective of tattooing's underground roots and resist the idea that it should be-

come a legitimate profession. - 'Like pepper on noodles' "Tattoos should have a dash of the outlaw about them," insisted Horiyoshi III, who slammed Masuda's actions as "provocative" and unhelpful. "It's like adding pepper to noodles -- if you just ate pepper it would be too hot, but as a spice it adds flavour." Katsuta estimates between 500,000 and a million Japanese -- or one in every 100 or 200 people -- have tattoos. Japan's squeamishness about tattoos will be put to the test at the Tokyo Olympics, and before that at next year's Rugby World Cup, both set to bring an influx of foreign visitors -— including athletes with body art. "I don't know how much the Olympics is actually going to change opinions," said author Ashcraft, noting that Japanese television still blurs out tattoos. "When people look at foreigners with tattoos they kind of see that as foreign culture." At the root of much of the prejudice towards tattoos in Japan is the ancient Confucian idea that defacing the body inherited from one's parents is disrespectful, according to Ashcraft. "I don't think people are actively thinking that it's dirty anymore," he added. "But I do think that collective consciousness still lingers." Izumi has little time for such outdated arguments. "Among my mum's generation, anyone tattooed-up like me was thought to be yakuza," she shrugged. "But when people preach about spoiling the body my parents gave me, it really makes me sick. I don't feel I have to explain myself to anyone."

ably due to him cursing in the song. Pissy's group CD Rev is famous for its close connection with the government and for singing patriotic rap. "(The Chinese) hip-hop scene wants to give a voice to the public on international news. Rap is our weapon to protect ourselves or to fight," Pissy told AFP. PG One, co-winner of a hit TV show "The Rap of China", also posted a new diss track titled "Repeater" on Weibo, mocking the repetition in Lil Pump's best-known song "Gucci Gang". The response comes as rap has faced some restrictions in China, with a leaked government directive indicating this year that television programmes should ban guests from "hip-hop culture", "with tattoos" and "decadence culture."

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Queen guitarist Brian May releases tribute to NASA spacecraft

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

US Syria pullout will have wide ramifications

Brian May, guitarist for rock band Queen (ÂŠ AFP/Shaun Curry)

amming and astrophysics go hand-in-hand for Queen lead guitarist Brian May, who announced Wednesday he is releasing a musical tribute to a far-flung NASA spacecraft that is about to make history. The US space agency's New Horizon's spacecraft will soon make the most distant flyby of a cosmic object ever, zipping by an object called Ultima Thule -- a billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) beyond Pluto, on January 1. A NASA scientist involved with the mission asked the legendary British guitarist behind "Bohemian Rhapsody" -- who also holds a doctorate in astrophysics -- to contribute some music to play as the flyby occurs. And May, 71, agreed. The "New Horizons" track (Ultima Thule mix), which will be released New Year's Day, is his first solo single since 1998. "For me it's been an exciting challenge to bring two sides of my life together -- astronomy and music," said May in a statement. "I was inspired by the idea that this is the furthest that the Hand of Man

has ever reached -- it will be by far the most distant object we have ever seen at close quarters, through the images which the spacecraft will beam back to Earth," he added. "To me it epitomizes the human spirit's unceasing desire to understand the Universe we inhabit." Portions of the wailing guitar track, overlaid with the voice of the late legendary scientist Stephen Hawking, are already available on www.brianmay. com. A third installment in expected in the next few days. Scientists do not yet have a clear picture of exactly what Ultima Thule is, whether a single object or a cluster, spanning about 19 miles (30 kilometers) in diameter. But when New Horizons passes, it should capture images at a resolution of 98 to 230 feet (30 to 70 meters) per pixel. New Horizons completed a successful flyby of Pluto three years ago, and returned stunning images of the dwarf planet. - AFP

Israel prosecution to recommend Netanyahu charges: reports

US-backed forces near the village of Susah in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, near the Syrian border with Iraq (AFP)

ASHINGTON | AFP | 12/19/2018 - The withdrawal of US troops in Syria will have an impact on the battlefield and well beyond, with wideranging geopolitical ramifications. Here is a look at some of the likely effects of President Donald Trump's decision to pull out the 2000 US troops as he declared the defeat of the Islamic State group: - Kurdish fighters and Turkey Among the most alarmed at a US pullout will be Kurdish fighters who form the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces, an opposition force that has seized about one-quarter of the country with Washington's backing. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed this week to "remove" the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which he sees as linked to the Kurdish Workers' Party, or PKK, the force that has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. Turkey had earlier been forced to tread cautiously in Syria, with any injury to US troops certain to trigger a crisis. Hours after Trump's announcement, the United States said it had approved a $3.5 billion missile package for Turkey, a NATO ally which had earlier angered the United States by signing an arms deal with Russia. - Can ISIS come back? Kurdish fighters who were on the frontlines of fighting the Islamic State movement, often known as ISIS, will certainly shift focus if they come under attack from Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses parliament in Jerusalem on December 19 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses parliament in Jerusalem on December 19. (Photo: AFP)

ERUSALEM | AFP | 12/19/2018 - Israel's prosecution will recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be charged with corruption in at least one of the investigations against him, media reports said Wednesday. State attorney, Shay Nitzan, was said to have forwarded the recommendation to the public prosecution, according to the media reports, which did not give specifics about the case. Netanyahu has been under investigation for alleged corruption that threatens his long-running hold on power. According to the media reports, there was sufficient evidence to charge him with corruption in the Bezeq case, named after a telecommunications company. Netanyahu has faced questioning by police over suspicions that he sought

positive coverage on the Walla! news website in exchange for regulatory breaks by the government. Police have recommended he be charged with corruption, fraud and breach of trust in two other cases, one relating to gifts he and his family had allegedly received. In the other case, investigators suspect the prime minister of trying to reach an agreement with the owner of Yediot Aharonot newspaper for more favourable coverage. The decision to charge him is up to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, a former Netanyahu aide who has on occasion opposed the government. Netanyahu has denied all charges and rejected any talk of stepping down. He is not legally required to resign if he is charged.

Canadian gets 40 years for ISinspired plot against New York

EW YORK | AFP | Wednesday 12/19/2018 - Canadian man who plotted to bomb the New York subway and Times Square and "create the next 9/11" in support of the Islamic State group was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years in prison.

in Pakistan, Talha Haroon, and Philippines native and resident Russell Salic.

Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 20, of Mississauga, Canada, pleaded guilty two years ago to seven counts of terrorism-related offenses following his arrest in May 2016.

The Justice Department said he had acquired materials to make bombs and a place to stay just outside of the city from which to stage the attacks.

But the charges against him were kept under seal until October 2017 while US authorities sought other participants in the plot. According to the Justice Department, El Bahnasawy launched the plot together with a US citizen living

El Bahnasawy scouted out possible attack locations in New York, including bombing targets and concert venues where he would shoot people, with his target date in mid-2016.

"Demonstrating his commitment to carry out the attacks, El Bahnasawy pinpointed bomb locations on a map of the subway system, and acquired an array of bomb-making materials. El Bahnasawy aspired, in his words, to 'create the next 9/11,'" said Geoffrey Berman.

The United States has not announced an end to its air war in Syria, but it would be relying on significantly less intelligence without troops on the ground. Critics of Trump's decision noted that ISIS sprouted in Iraq after former president Barack Obama, also eager to end a foreign intervention started under his predecessor, withdrew. Ilan Goldenberg, a former US diplomat now at the Center for a New American Security, said that a successor to ISIS could similarly re-emerge, prompting a fresh US intervention. "We're about to make the exact same mistake in the Middle East that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been making again and again for the past 20 years," he wrote on Twitter.

- Risks for Europe While the Islamic State group has lost virtually all of its territory in Syria, it is believed to have thousands of supporters who may carry out attacks overseas, often blending into local populations in Europe. The US withdrawal leaves France, which still has a small contingent of special operations troops in Syria. Former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt said a US withdrawal would be a victory for Russia, Iran, Turkey, Turkish proxies and the Syrian regime.

As the United States withdraws, Assad's allies Russia and Iran have shown no sign of leaving.

"Unsurprisingly, it leaves Europeans more vulnerable -- and shows how wrong it is that we do not have a defense force able to help stabilize our immediate neighborhood," he wrote on Twitter, amid French-led calls for a European-wide army separate from NATO.

Russia sees longtime ally Syria as a strategic asset in its quest to restore a global role, while Iran's Shiite clerical state sees a religious imperative in fighting Sunni hardliners and protecting President Bashar al-Assad, a member of the heterodox Alawite sect.

Trump -- much like Obama, despite his distaste for his predecessor -- has called for an end to long-term foreign military interventions, which are costly and have limited support in the general public.

Jonas Parello-Plesner, a Danish diplomat at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, said that Trump's move "would make Russia decisively the outside power-broker in Syria."

Trump's decision nonetheless was condemned both by the rival Democrats, who said he had not thought through his decision, and Republicans, who feared the geopolitical effects.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly pledged to "defend ourselves" in Syria, an allusion to Israeli strikes on targets of Iran and its Lebanese-based ally Hezbollah.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, usually a loyal supporter of Trump, charged that ISIS was not defeated and that a withdrawal would embolden Iran and abandon Kurdish allies.

- Reinforces Russia and Iran -

- Effect on US politics -

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India court allows Vedanta to reopen controversial plant

EW DELHI, India | AFP | Sunday 12/16/2018 - An Indian copper smelter at the centre of a police shooting that left 13 protesters dead has been granted permission to reopen by the country’s environmental court.

has said it will appeal the decision in India’s highest court. The city of Thoothukudi, previously known as Tuticorin, had been rocked by long-running protests over the plant, one of the largest in India.

The Sterlite plant, owned by British mining giant Vedanta Resources, was closed after the bloody police crackdown in May on protesters who say the smelter is poisoning the air and water. Vedanta Resources, owned by Indian-born billionaire tycoon Anil Agarwal, had appealed against the plant’s closure by the state government of Tamil Nadu where it is located. The National Green Tribunal, a federal authority which rules on environmental matters, ordered Saturday that the plant in Thoothukudi city could resume operation. Sterlite CEO P. Ramnath on Sunday welcomed the decision. “We are happy that all those affected by the closure will get back their source of livelihood and the town of Thoothukudi will revert to normalcy,” he said in a statement on Twitter. The Tamil Nadu state government

Protesters say it harms the environment and the health of those living near it, claims the company has long denied. The demonstrations intensified in May after Vedanta sought to double the annual capacity of the plant. On May 22, police opened fire on thousands of protesters, killing 13 people. The plant was shuttered by the state government in the aftermath of the shooting. The company denies all charges and maintains that it adheres to the best environmental standards. The federal green court ordered Vedanta to spend one billion rupees ($13.9 million) over three years to assist local communities. But it criticised the pollution regulators in Tamil Nadu, saying they stalled the case by tying up the company in paperwork.

Civil rights groups call for Facebook board overhaul by Glenn Chapman

AN FRANCISCO | AFP | Wednesday 12/18/2018 - Dozens of civil rights groups on Tuesday called on Facebook to purge Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg from its board for blunders including “weaponizing anti-Semitism.” Advocacy and rights group took direct aim at Zuckerberg and Sandberg for Facebook enlisting Definers Public Affairs to conduct research on company critics. “You retained the services of Definers Public Affairs to investigate, undermine and attack our allies, mimicking the tactics of the worst, disreputable political operatives and hate groups,” read the letter. “It’s an absolute disgrace that Facebook sought to deflect criticism and discredit advocates by exploiting antiSemitic campaigns against philanthropist George Soros.” The letter called on Zuckerberg and Sandberg to step down from the Facebook board as long as they serve as top executives, and to expand the board with members reflecting the social network’s diverse global community.

The 32 groups signed to the letter included Arab American Institute; Bend the Arc Jewish Action; Freedom From Facebook, Media Matters for America; MomsRising; MoveOn NAACP; National LGBTQ Task Force, Southern Poverty Law Center, and The Sikh Coalition. - #LogOutFacebook The letter was sent the same day that the NAACP kicked off a “#LogoutFacebook” boycott of the social network to protest treatment of nonwhites at the social network and in the workplace. The NAACP called on the Congress to further investigate Facebook in the wake of a Senate Intelligence Committee report revealing that the Russian influence campaign “made an extraordinary effort to target AfricanAmericans.” “Facebook’s engagement with partisan firms, its targeting of political opponents, the spread of misinformation and the utilization of Facebook for propaganda promoting disingenuous portrayals of the African American community is reprehensible,” NAACP president Derrick Johnson said in a release.

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China’s economic reforms are having a midlife crisis by Mark Gongloff

any people have midlife crises when they hit 40. The sweeping economic reforms launched by China’s Deng Xiaoping in 1978 are no different. Deng’s staggeringly successful “Reform and Opening Up” plan is arguably responsible for China’s decades-long economic boom. But China’s Communist Party seems to forget just how important the “reform” and “opening up” parts of that plan were to its success, writes Mihir Sharma. Instead, the party wants to take all the credit, ignoring the contributions of the rest of the world and its own people. This shortsighted view may lead China to close up again, which won’t help its economic future, Mihir writes.

Billionaire Anil Agarwal, owner of Vedanta Resources. (Photo: Economic Times)

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Andrew Polk is more optimistic; he sees evidence China knows it has annoyed the world with its recent protectionism. Generous deals with BMW AG, Exxon Mobil Corp. and other foreign companies suggest it has learned its lesson, Andrew writes. And it had better; if China’s leaders don’t channel Deng’s bold openness,

The leadership seems to have forgotten what made Deng Xiaoping’s plan work. (Photo: Bloomberg) then they risk sinking China back into isolation, Bloomberg’s editorial board writes. Their job isn’t easy; they don’t want to be seen caving to President Donald Trump, who has turned global trade into a zero-sum game played with comically large Captain Caveman clubs. But Deng’s memory offers them face-saving cover for embracing needed reforms.

Whatever happens, China will soon be the world’s biggest economy, notes Noah Smith. That means many of the benefits that now flow to the U.S. — the concentration of commerce, geopolitical influence and a reserve currency, to name a few — are slowly shifting in China’s direction. - Bloomberg

New 401(k) legislation could bring big changes for retirement savers by Brian Menickella

mericans are living longer. From 1960 to 2016, the average American life expectancy increased by nine years. Despite the increase in life expectancy, workers are retiring at the same age as they did in 1960. Yet, the landscape of retirement plans has changed, as the private sector has moved away from lifetime income annuities and pensions, called “defined benefit” plans. They now offer employer-sponsored 401(k) plans instead. A majority of employer-sponsored plans are set up as defined contribution (DC) plans, meaning that unlike defined benefit plans where the benefit is defined (usually a percentage of current income) a defined contribution (DC) plan defines the contribution that can be made to the plan subject to IRS limits. An employee can only withdraw what has accumulated in the plan and since typically the money is invested in the stock market, payments are not guaranteed for both participant and survivor as under traditional pensions and annuities. Unfortunately, these stiffer plans mean retirees must make their retirement savings last longer or risk outliving their savings. However, the House Ways and Means Committee is looking to change this bleak financial outlook. - Brady retirement provisions Many plan sponsors avoid lifetime annuity offerings in their retirement plans in fear of lawsuits. Under the current law, plan participants who select a lifetime-income option that could later be discontinued by the plan sponsor can suffer from “surrender fees,” taxes or early distribution fees. To avoid the risk associated with plan discontinuation, plan sponsors choose to offer only DC plans that are easily rolled into an IRA. Without lifetime annuity options, many 401(k) participants are left to manage their saving, and more importantly their distributions, on their own. H.R. 88, the provision from outgoing House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, would allow

Photo: USA Today any participant to convert their retirement savings into a stream of income. Employees converting their retirements can avoid the hassle of manually withdrawing cash or rolling over their account balance into a separate annuity. - Additional proposed retirement changes Brady’s provisions include other options that make retirement savings both more manageable and available for all workers. One requirement would let small employers join other employers in multi-employer retirement plans. This provision gives retirement options to the oftentimes lowest-paid employees while allowing small employers the ability to offer a benefit not typically available to them. Another Brady provision would require plan sponsors to provide lifetime income illustrations to employees. This lifetime-income disclosure grants transparency and planning abilities to employees regarding their retirement savings. Unfortunately for the Republican Brady, incoming Democrat Rep. Richard Neal, is expected to take over the chairman position in the House Ways and Means Committee. However, this change in leadership does not mean that all proposed changes to retirement legislation are dead. Neal has proposed his own ver-

sion of retirement regulation changes under H.R. 4524, titled “Retirement Plan Simplification and Enhancement Act of 2017.” - Neal’s retirement proposal Neal’s bill proposes several changes to current retirement regulations. One of the most important provision regarding retirees outliving their savings is a lifetime income portability option. Under the portability option, participants can avoid early withdrawal penalties and taxes of a discontinued sponsored plan by moving their funds to another plan. While it is common for employees to rollover funds from one employer to another, the provision adds an important component to current regulations. The receiving plan sponsor does not need to provide a lifetime income option for the employee to move the funds. Essentially, this provision removes existing barriers for workers selecting a lifetime income investment. Potential issues with the provisions While the proposed legislation appears to offer only good news to employees saving for retirement, some issues could arise if the legislation is passed. Life insurance agents and financial professionals will have to deal with a different retirement landscape. Continued on page 23

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‘Roma’ by Alfonso Cuaron in the running for Oscar in 2019

‘Aquaman’ sees off ‘Spider-Man’ to retain top spot at global box office

he DC superhero holds on to the top spot at the global box office, adding $126.4M to its total grosses. “Aquaman” is followed by “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in second place and “The Grinch” in third. Now out in some 40 countries, “Aquaman” has grossed $261.3M since opening in China December 7. This week, the superhero, played by Jason Momoa, sees off competition from “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse,” which grossed $56.4M. “The Grinch” comes in third place with $34.9M. “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Fan-

“Aquaman” is the number one film at the global box office for the second weekend in a row. © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

tastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald” are both still hanging on in the top 10, totaling $636M and $596M respectively since release. This week’s new entries include Clint Eastwood’s latest movie, “The Mule.” Grossing $17.2M, the movie, based on a true story, lands in seventh place. Global box office top 10: 1. Aquaman - $126.4M 2. Spider-Man: Into The SpiderVerse - $56.4M 3. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch -

$34.9M 4. Bohemian Rhapsody - $24.2M 5. Mortal Engines - $19.0M 6. Ralph Breaks The Internet $17.5M 7. The Mule - $17.2M 8. Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald - $15.4M 9. My Neighbor Totoro 30th An Studio Ghibli - $13.0M 10. Dragon Ball Z Super: Broly - $8.7M - Relaxnews

Bollywood bling light up the ‘Star Screen Awards’ evening runway

“Roma” by Alfonso Cuaron could well win an Oscar in 2019. © Courtesy of Netflix

OLLYWOOD - Acclaimed by the critics, Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron’s latest oeuvre is one step closer to an Oscar. “Roma” has joined the shortlist for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film alongside eight other features, including the 2018 Palme d’Or “Shoplifters.” With a month left to go until the announcement of nominations for the 91st Oscars, the Academy has disclosed a shortlist of nine contenders for its Best Foreign Language Film prize. Not surprisingly, “Roma” by Alfonso Cuaron, a critically acclaimed drama released on Netflix on December 14, is among the films in the running. It will face stiff competition from “Shoplifters” by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, the winner of the most recent Palme d’Or, as well as other films which won prizes in Cannes: “Cold War” (Poland’s en-

try), “Ayka” (Kazakhstan), “Capharnaüm” (Lebanon) and “Burning” (South Korea). Also on the shortlist are “Birds of Passage” (Colombia), which featured in the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selection, “The Guilty” (Denmark) and “Never Look Away,” a German film which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The five finalists will be revealed on January 22, when the nominations for the Oscars are announced. The Best Foreign Language Film winner, which will follow on from last year’s “A Fantastic Woman” (Chile), will be announced on February 24 at the 91st awards ceremony. The Academy has disclosed other shortlists for the forthcoming Oscars, which can be found on the official Oscars website (www.oscars. org). - Relaxnews

Yo Yo Honey Singh aims for song heights with ‘Makhna’

usic sensation Yo Yo Honey Singh is all set to make his comeback with his new song release Makhna. Makhna’s trailer is already out and there’s a lot of excitement among the fans of Honey Singh for the same. While there’s immense excitement amongst fans after the trailer of the song, Yo Yo Honey Singh shared a behind-the-scenes video from the song adding to the excitement. - DNA

he season of Award functions is upon us and B-town celebrities arrived all decked up to attend this year’s first awards night. Adding bling to ‘Star Screen Awards’, Jacqueline Fernandez, who also performed at the event, arrived at the venue dressed in a pastel gown featuring a thigh-high slit (Above left). Newlyweds Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh made a quirky fashion

outing in color-coordinated outfits (Center left photo).

red carpet wearing matching black tuxedos.

Alia Bhatt, who was nominated for the best actress category for ‘Raazi’ kept it subdued in a nude colored gown (Above right). Salman Khan stuck to his formals while Katrina Kaif turned heads in a shimmery white ensemble (Center right photo).

Earlier today, Vicky took to his Instagram account to share a series of pictures, where he can be seen doing some “Hosting Rehearsals” with Ayushmann. Daisy Shah, Urvashi Rautela and ‘Badhaai Ho’ stars Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao were also clicked at the event.

Hosts of the night, Vicky Kaushal and Ayushmann Khurrana, graced the

- DNA

Shah Rukh Khan on a promotional spree with his team ‘Zero’

anand L. Rai directorial ‘Zero’ is one of the highly anticipated films of the year and as the movie hits the screens this Friday, the lead actors of the film -Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma with Shah Rukh Khan are leaving no stones unturned for the promotions of the film. The team Zero was in the national capital recently for the promotion of the movie. In a recent picture posted by the actors, the team can be seen promoting the movie in Delhi. Shah Rukh Khan along with the leading ladies Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma director Aanand L. Rai, donning their beautiful smile for the picture. Anushka is wearing a faded brown polka dot dress whereas Katrina is looking glamours in her brown gown while Shah Rukh Khan looks elegant in the middle in his grey t-shirt. The star cast of the film along with director Aanand L Rai can be seen engrossed

Director Aanand L. Rai, Katrina Kaif, Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma. (Photo/report: DNA) in a fun-filled conversation about the film. Katrina and Anushka have shared the picture on their respective Instagram accounts. “Together at last,” wrote Katrina and Anushka, who posted a similar picture, captioned it as, “All in one frame.” While the songs of the film are already topping the music charts, the trailer also became an instant hit with the fans who were amazed to see the SRK in the role of a vertical-

ly challenged man for the first time. Zero showcases Shah Rukh Khan as the vertically challenged Bauua, Anushka Sharma as Aafia, a girl who is a scientist living with cerebral palsy and Katrina Kaif as a popular actress named Babita Kumari. Zero, a Christmas release is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. It’s set to release on December 21st.

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Q: I have been granted asylee status by an Immigration Judge in the United States. I like to bring my wife and three minor children who are still back in my home country. Is this possible? When I filed for asylum here in the United States, I did not have to pay any fees for the asylum application. Is that still the case for my family? Also, do I need to show that my family was also persecuted?

A: You can petition for your wife and three minor unmarried children under the ‘follow to join’ process using Form I-730. Form I-730 must be filed within two years of your admission as an asylee or refugee in the U.S. If you file outside the two-year deadline, you must provide a good reason for the late filing to be excused for humanitarian reasons. There is no filing fee for Form I-730. You must file a separate Form I-730 for each family member. You do not need to show that your family members were or have been persecuted in the home country to apply. Q: What is the I-730 Process to get the visa from overseas?

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ly. Can I file Form I-730 as my derivative?

A: No, you may not. Your wife does not qualify as your derivative under Form I-730. To qualify, the relationship between you and your wife must have existed on the date you were admitted as an asylee, not formed after you became an asylee. Q: Can I petition for my mother and father using Form I-730?

A: No, you may not. The Form I-730 is limited to immediate relative spouse and minor unmarried children of asylees and refugees. You may have to wait until you become a Naturalized US Citizen in order to petition for your parents to immigrate to the United States. For refugees or asylees who have lived in the US for less than 5 years, and if they come from certain countries listed by the US Government, under the Family Reunification – Priority 3 Program, the asylee or refugee may file an Affidavit of Relationship (AOR) for their overseas family members to acquire refugee status under the U.S Refugee Admissions Program. The class of eligible overseas family members include the spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21, parents and other household members. The category of individuals who could benefit under this family reunification program also includes household members if it can be shown that they shared the same resources during the time when the refugee lived together with them and if exceptional and compelling humanitarian circumstances exists that they be also granted refugee status. To qualify under this program known as “Priority 3”, your country must be on the list of qualifying nationalities which are designated by the US Government each year. Countries known to be on the list include Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi,

Colombia, Congo (Brazzaville), Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC/Kinshasa), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uzbekistan. Because the ‘Priority 3’ program has been known to be susceptible to fraud, the process will also require that the applicant and his family members seeking the refugee status provide DNA proof of the family relationship, if such relationship is claimed. The Affidavit of Relationship essentially verifies that the relationship exists between the refugee or asylee living in the US and his or her relatives who are overseas seeking refugee status. The refugee or asylee in the US will complete this Form at the local HIAS affiliate agency in the US and then sent to the Refugee Processing Center in the qualifying country.

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A: For following to join beneficiaries residing in most countries, after the I-730 petition has been filed, the petition will be transferred by USCIS for adjudication at the USCIS Filed Office overseas, which would also conduct the beneficiary’s interview. If the interview is successful, the beneficiary will then need to apply for the visa – Visa 92 (if derivative of asylee) or Visa 93 (if derivative of refugee). Q: I got my asylee status a year ago and I just married my wife who is from the same country as me. She came here illegal-

Disclaimer:

Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case. My Bio

Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. You may contact her at telephone number 713623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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Young Life

‘No place for a mother’: S. Korea battles to raise birth rate

The problem for Asian-American children: too successful, not diverse enough by Prabhudev Konana

by Jung Hawon

In most elite universities, Asian-Americans comprise a far higher percentage of students than is reflected in the overall population. Yet, that percentage could be higher. Recent lawsuits targeting Harvard University and Yale University illustrate this point. The lawsuits allege discrimination against highly qualified Asian-American students as institutions seek to “balance” their admissions.

EOUL, South Korea | AFP | Tuesday 12/17/2018 - When Ashley Park started her marketing job at a Seoul drugmaker she had a near-perfect college record, flawless English, and got on well with her colleagues -- none of which mattered to her employer once she fell pregnant. Nine months after she joined, Park said, “They said to my face that there is no place in the company for a woman with a child, so I needed to quit.”

Park’s case exemplifies why so many South Korean women are put off marriage and childbirth, pushing the country’s birth rate -- one of the world’s lowest -- ever further down. Earlier this month Seoul announced its latest set of measures to try to stem the decline, but critics say they will have little to no effect in the face of deep-seated underlying causes.

The population of the world’s 11th largest economy, currently 51 million, is expected to start falling in 2028. (iStock photo)

Many South Korean firms are reluctant to employ mothers, doubting their commitment to the company and fearing that they will not put in the long hours that are standard in the country -- as well as to avoid paying for their legallyentitled birth leave.

Earlier this month it announced yet another round of measures.

After fighting for about six months, she finally relented and offered her resignation, giving birth to a daughter a month later. Aside from a brief stint at an IT start-up that did not keep its promise of flexible working hours, she has been a stay-at-home mother ever since. “I studied and worked so hard for years to get a job when youth unemployment was so high, and enjoyed my work so much... and look what happened to me,” Park told AFP. Now 27, she has been rejected at several job interviews as soon as she revealed she had a child, and has given up seeking employment, trying to set up her own trading business instead. “The government kept telling women to have more children... but how, in a country like this?” she asked. - Working women The South’s fertility rate -- the number of children a

woman is expected to have in her lifetime -- fell to 0.95 in the third quarter of 2018, the first time it has dropped below 1 and far short of the 2.1 needed to maintain stability.

encourage more young people to wed and reproduce, without success.

As a result of the trend, which has been dubbed a “birth strike” by women, the population of the world’s 11th largest economy, currently 51 million, is expected to start falling in 2028.

They included expanding child subsidies of up to 300,000 won ($270) a month, and allowing parents with children younger than eight to work an hour less each day to take care of their offspring.

Many cite reasons ranging from the expense of childrearing, high youth unemployment, long working hours and limited daycare to career setbacks for working mothers. Even if women hold on to their jobs, they bear a double burden of carrying out the brunt of household chores. Patriarchal values remain deeply ingrained in the South: nearly 85 percent of South Korean men back the idea of women working, according to a state survey, but that plummets to 47 percent when asked whether they would support their own wives having a job. Employment rates for married men and women are dramatically different -- 82 percent and 53 percent respectively. Now nearly three-quarters of South Korean women aged 20-40 see marriage as unnecessary, an opinion poll by a financial magazine and a recruitment website showed. But almost all children in the South are born in wedlock. - ‘Harsh conditions’ Against that backdrop, the South’s government has spent a whopping 136 trillion won ($121 billion) since 2005 to try to boost the birth rate, mostly through campaigns to

More daycare centres and kindergartens will be built, and men will be allowed -- but not obliged -- to take 10 days of paid birth leave, up from the current three. But many measures were not legally binding and carried no punishment for firms that denied their workers the promised benefits, and the package met a disdainful response. “The government policies are based on this simplistic assumption that ‘if we give more money, people would have more children’,” the Korea Women Workers Association said in a statement. Seoul should first address “relentless sexual discrimination at work and the double burden of work and housechores” for women, it added. The centrist Korea Times newspaper also questioned whether such “lacklustre” state policies would bring in real change unless the government tackled the real drivers of women shunning marriage and childbirth. “Unless these harsh conditions for women change, no amount of government subsidies will convince women having children is a happy choice.”

Houston selected as regional NCAA youth basketball camp

he NCAA has selected locations and dates for its newly created youth development college basketball camps. The events will provide promising Division I men’s basketball prospects an opportunity to develop their skills while also preparing them for college both as a student and an athlete. The camps will be held on Division I campuses in four geographic regions, including:

‘Universities preach ethics. It is time they practice what they preach’

Unfortunately, this problem is only going to get worse because elite institutions are playing a zero-sum game.

All the women working at the firm were single or childless, she suddenly realised, and mostly below 40.

When Park refused to quit, her boss relentlessly bullied her -- banning her from attending business meetings and ignoring her at the office “like I was an invisible ghost” -and management threatened to fire her husband, who worked at the same company.

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

• South Region: University of Houston • Midwest Region: University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign • East Region: University of Connecticut (Storrs) • West Region: Grand Canyon University (Phoenix) Two three-day sessions will occur at each site location. The first session will be July 23-25, and the second will be held

July 26-28. The new camp initiative was created as part of the NCAA’s recent reforms to college basketball and aim to integrate the higher education experience with the traditional recruiting process. These camps are designed to complement already existing recruiting opportunities. The camps will invite as many as 2,400 rising seniors, juniors and select sophomores, - NCAA.com

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian-American population went up from 10.4 million in 2000 to 18.9 million in 2017. The total average college enrollment of AsianAmericans went up from 1.1 million during 2000-2007 to 1.5 million during 2012-2015, an increase of 40 percent. In contrast, total admission to Harvard College has remained steady during this time, while the number of total applicants has doubled. Likewise, at Stanford University, the number of those admitted has marginally declined even though the number of applicants has doubled since 2008. As the number of students from all races and ethnic groups continues to increase, the competition is expected to intensify at elite schools. During the internet boom years in the 1990s and early 2000s, the U.S. attracted nearly 200,000 highly qualified individuals, mostly from Asia, each year under H-1B and L1 visas. Now their children are applying to colleges in large numbers. The number of international students in the U.S. has increased from about 407,000 in 1990 to 1.04 million in 2016. Of this number in 2016, about 700,000 came from Asia. They will continue to add to the Asian-American population in the U.S. These professionals came to this country primarily because of their education. There is an obsession, in general, for high grades among these immigrant families. Scoring one point less would put them thousands of spots below in the priority list for admissions to elite schools

in their home countries. That obsession is transferred to their children raised here. Many Asian-American parents take their children to relentless prep classes, music classes, sports, cultural programs, and volunteer work on top of making them take advanced courses. There is tremendous pressure on these children; if a kid gets 99 out of 100 on math, the next question will be, “Why did you lose that one point?” Don’t argue that elite schools don’t matter to them. Parents and students know what it means to get degrees from places that have created scientists, Nobel laureates, and great intellects. They know where the founders of Yahoo, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon and so many other companies went to school (even when they dropped out). If schools don’t matter, Princeton wouldn’t be showcasing the room where Einstein taught, and Caltech wouldn’t discuss Richard Feynman. Today, I see a systematic attempt to discredit high GPAs and SAT/ACT scores from Asian-American students as somehow tainted and the result of “privileged” upbringing. The truth is their high scores are because they worked hard and not by virtue of legacy or political power. This bias has left many Asian-Americans red-faced despite their communities’ having championed and supported diversity in all walks of life. These elite universities have broken the trust of hardworking Asian-American aspirants.

The objective of achieving a diverse student body is essential and desirable – but the process is so opaque and insincere that it is giving rise to anger and frustration. In some cases, universities seem to be shifting metrics from objective to subjective measures in an attempt to justify rejecting applicants. The University of Chicago says it doesn’t care about ACT/SAT scores. Just send a two-minute video, as if videos will un-bias the system. Now, young scholars have to make sure their looks appeal to the admission folks. I recollect a comment made about a prospective student’s video: “Will this student appeal to our recruiters?” Code word – not good-looking enough. College admissions is a complex and emotion-laden topic. Leading universities must increase enrollment numbers rather than taking pride in their low admission rates. They can support diversity and academic excellence but make the admission process transparent. Universities should give additional points to those who come from difficult backgrounds but should not discount hard work, talent and motivation as somehow tainted. Admission process collectively should not become a zero-sum game. Prabhudev Konana is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and the William H. Seay Centennial Professor of Business in the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. A version of this op-ed appeared in USA Today.

PC gaming made up 25% of industry revenue in 2018 by Dustin Bailey

OS ANGELES - $1 out of every $4 spent on gaming in 2018 was spent on PC. The computer side of the industry brought in $33.4 billion dollars this year, a 3.2% improvement over 2017. But hold up before you think this means PC gaming has taken over – the other two big industry segments are still bigger, and they’re growing even faster. In fact, that market share is a bit smaller than 2017, when PC gaming made up 28%. Now console gaming makes up 28% of the industry, and has grown 15.2% year over year to $38.3 billion dollars. That leaves us with mobile games to make up the remaining 47%, at a whopping $63.2 billion dollars, up 12.85 from 2017. This data comes courtesy of Newzoo, as compiled in GamesIndustry.biz’s annual rundown of the industry worldwide. The PC market is splitting

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the year, up 7% compared to 2017 – as if you needed any further indication that PC gaming has ditched retail big time. - PC Gaming Magazine

VOICE OF ASIA 17

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

December is ‘End Hunger’ Month

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December is Type 2 Diabetes Awareness Month

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Eleven die after eating ‘toxic’ rice at Indian temple

EW DELHI, India | AFP | 12/14/2018 - Eleven people have died after eating rice that had likely been contaminated with a toxic substance at a Hindu temple ceremony, a health official said Saturday. Another 29 people were critically ill and undergoing emergency treatment across various hospitals in Mysore, a city in the state of Karnataka. “11 people have died so far and 93 others are hospitalised. Out of them, 29 are on ventilator support,” said K. H. Prasad, the health officer for Chamraj Nagar district where the temple is located. “It is likely that some toxic sub-

stance got mixed with the rice. The samples have been sent for forensic testing,” Prasad told AFP.

queue consumed the food nonetheless,” he was quoted as saying by the NDTV news network.

The patients were being treated for vomiting, diarrhoea and respiratory distress, Prasad added.

“A little while later they started vomiting and frothing at the mouth.”

According to the police, devotees had gathered in large numbers at the Kicchukatti Maramma temple for the consecration ceremony on Friday, after which rice was served as a sanctified offering. Murugappa, a devotee who was present at the temple, said they were offered tomato rice and flavoured water. “A foul smell was emanating from the food, but those at the head of the

State Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of 500,000 rupees (around $7,000) each to the families of the victims. India’s religious festivals are often badly managed with police and volunteer stewards overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowds. A stampede in eastern West Bengal state last year killed six women and 24 people died in a similar incident in Uttar Pradesh state in 2016.

Dream of augmented humans endures, despite sceptics by Laurence Coustal

ARIS, France | AFP | 12/18/2018 - Brain implants, longer lives, genetically modified humans: for the prophets of transhumanism -- the scientifically assisted evolution of humans beyond our current limitations -- it is just a matter of time.

Sooner or later, they argue, the movement that crystalised in the cando culture of 1980s California will hit the brick wall of the scientifically impossible.

The backlash from the scientific community led to his work being suspended, as questions were raised not just about the quality of the science, but the ethics of the research.

Despite ethical questions, transhumanists see no reason why they cannot experiment with what is already technically possible, such as technology seen here for use with retinal implants to see on the infra-red spectrum Despite ethical questions, transhumanists see no reason why they cannot experiment with what is already technically possible, such as technology seen here for use with retinal implants to see on the infra-red spectrum. (AFP Photo)

But the transhumanist dream is nothing new, says Marc Roux, president of the French Transhumanist Association (AFT). “It appeared when we realised that we could make considered choices to use techniques to intervene in our biological evolution,” he said. - Investing in the futureSome of today’s giants of technology appear to take a similar view.

Blay Whitby, who studies the ethical implications of transhumanist research at the University of Sussex, England, is sceptical. “Some transhumanists sign their emails to me with slogans like ‘Death is now optional’ or ‘The first person to live to 500 has already been born’,” he remarks. “They are clearly more optimistic than me.” - The right to experiment Sceptics point to the mountains science still has to climb. A whole series of clinical trials has

• Traditional Medicaid — Traditional Medicaid is for those who can’t be in managed care. Traditional Medicaid is also called fee for service. • STAR — STAR is Medicaid for children, newborns, pregnant women and some families and children. People in STAR get their services through health plans, also called managed care plans. You can see how well some STAR health plans perform by looking at the STAR health plan report cards. • STAR Kids — STAR Kids is a new Medicaid program for children and adults 20 or younger who have disabilities. Under STAR Kids, you will get basic medical and long-term services and supports through the health plan’s provider network. You also will get Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) waiver services through the health plan’s provider network, if you are eligible.

• STAR Health is Medicaid for children who get Medicaid coverage through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. STAR Health also is for young adults who were previously in foster care and have either: • Medicare-Medicaid Plans - In six Texas counties, HHSC and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have set up combined MedicareMedicaid health plans for people in those counties who have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage, known as dual eligible. The six pilot counties are Bexar, Dallas, El Paso, Harris, Hidalgo, and Tarrant. By having one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP), Medicare and Medicaid benefits work together to betRoux, in the transhumanist camp, regrets that the movement is too often reduced to the views of its most extreme advocates.

Google recruited computer scientist Ray Kurzweil, a leading light in the transhumanist movement. And it is backing Calico, a research company devoted to using technology to help people live longer and healthier lives. And Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla, has set up Neuralink in San Francisco to develop “implantable brain-machine interfaces to connect humans to computers”.

here are four Medicaid programs in Texas: STAR, STAR+PLUS, STAR Health and traditional Medicaid. The type of Medicaid coverage a person gets depends on where the person lives and what kind of health issues the person has.

• STAR+PLUS — STAR+PLUS is a Medicaid program for people who have disabilities or are age 65 or older. People in STAR+PLUS get Medicaid basic medical services and long-term services through a health plan, also called a managed care plan

But many scientists insist that some problems are not so easily solved.

The most recent controversy was in November, when Chinese scientist He Jianjui claimed to have created the world’s first genetically edited babies, who he said were HIV-resistant.

Understanding Texas Medicaid Star Program

“Already today, a great number of things are possible,” he argues.

Some companies are researching the development of implantable “brainmachine” interfaces to connect humans to computers instead of external ones as seen here. (AFP Photo) so far failed to find a cure for the neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer’s, which blights many people’s final years. Life expectancy has actually fallen in some countries, such as the United States. And a number of studies have concluded that there is a limit to how old humans can realistically expect to be able to live. And there are limits, says Nathanael Jarrasse of the Institute for Intelligent

Systems and Robotics (ISIR) in Paris. “We only talk about time and money, denying the possibility that we might never manage to understand certain things -- denying the scientifically impossible.”

He acknowledges the ethical issues raised by advancing technology. But the transhumanist position is that modifying future generations to impact heredity is not in itself abominable. “Why would that necessarily be a bad thing?” he asks. “There is no lon-

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 ter meet the member’s health-care needs by offering basic health care and long term services and supports. CHIP is designed for families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford to buy private health insurance. To qualify for CHIP, a child must be age 18 or younger, a Texas resident and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. CHIP enrollment fees and copayments are based on the number of people in the family and the family’s income and assets. Enrollment fees are no more than $50 a year for all the children in the family. Some families pay no enrollment fee. Copays for doctor visits and prescriptions range from $3 to $5 for lowerincome families and $20 to $35 for higher-income families. CHIP enrollment fees and copayments are based on the number of people in the family and the family’s income and assets. Mothers-to-be also can apply for CHIP perinatal coverage. All CHIP services are delivered through managed care medical and dental plans. To enroll in Dual eligible Medicare and Medicaid Plan or Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement or Medicare Prescription Plan contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900. ger any debate on these questions. We are condemned on principle but people have forgotten why.” Transhumanists see no reason why they cannot experiment with things that are already technically possible: retinal implants so you can see on the infra-red spectrum; cochlear implants so you can pick ultrasonic sounds. That does not sit well with Edouard Kleinpeter, a research engineer at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 18

Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder

- Electroconvulsive therapy -

chizoaffective disorder is a mental disorder in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania. The two types of schizoaffective disorder—both of which include some symptoms of schizophrenia—are:

For adults with schizoaffective disorder who do not respond to psychotherapy or medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered.

Bipolar type, which includes episodes of mania and sometimes major depression

Untreated schizoaffective disorder may lead to problems functioning at work, at school and in social situations, causing loneliness and trouble holding down a job or attending school. People with schizoaffective disorder may need assistance and support with daily functioning. Treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. - Symptoms Schizoaffective disorder symptoms may vary from person to person. People with the condition experience psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, as well as symptoms of a mood disorder—either bipolar type (episodes of mania and sometimes depression) or depressive type (episodes of depression). The course of schizoaffective disorder usually features cycles of severe symptoms followed by periods of improvement with less severe symptoms. Signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder depend on the type—bipolar or depressive type—and may include, among others: Delusions—having false, fixed beliefs, despite evidence to the contrary Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there Symptoms of depression, such as feeling empty, sad, or worthless Periods of manic mood or a sudden increase in energy with behavior that’s out of character Impaired communication, such as only partially answering questions or giving answers that are completely unrelated Impaired occupational, academic, and social functioning Problems with managing personal care, including cleanliness and physical appearance - When to see a doctor If you think someone you know may have schizoaffective disorder symptoms, talk to that person about your concerns. Although you can’t force someone to seek professional help, you can offer encouragement and support and help find a qualified doctor or mental health professional. If your loved one can’t provide his or her own food, clothing or shelter, you may need to call 911 or other emergency responders for help so that your loved one can be evaluated by a mental health professional. Suicidal thoughts or behavior Talk of suicide or suicidal behavior may occur in someone with schizoaffective disorder. If you have a loved one who is in danger of attempting suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room. - Causes The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is not known. A combination of factors may contribute to its development, such as genetics and variations in brain chemistry and structure. - Risk factors Factors that increase the risk of developing schizoaffective disorder include:

Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder involves ruling out other mental health disorders and concluding that symptoms are not due to substance use, medication, or a medical condition. Determining a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder may include: Physical exam. This may be done to help rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications. Tests and screenings. These may include tests that help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs. The doctor may also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan. Psychiatric evaluation. A doctor or mental health professional checks mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and potential for suicide. This also includes a discussion of family and personal history. Diagnostic criteria for schizoaffective disorder. Your doctor or mental health professional may use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. - Treatment People with schizoaffective disorder generally respond best to a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and life skills training. Treatment varies, depending on the type and severity of symptoms, and whether the disorder is the depressive or bipolar type. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed. Long-term treatment can help to manage the symptoms. - Medications In general, doctors prescribe medications for schizoaffective disorder to relieve psychotic symptoms, stabilize mood, and treat depression. These medications may include: Antipsychotics. The only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder is the antipsychotic drug paliperidone (Invega). However, doctors may prescribe other antipsychotic drugs to help manage psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Mood-stabilizing medications. When the schizoaffective disorder is bipolar type, mood stabilizers can help level out the mania highs and depression lows. Antidepressants. When depression is the underlying mood disorder, antidepressants can help manage feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or difficulty with sleep and concentration. Psychotherapy In addition to medication, psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, may help. Psychotherapy may include: Individual therapy. Psychotherapy may help to normalize thought patterns and reduce symptoms. Building a trusting relationship in therapy can help people with schizoaffective disorder better understand their condition and learn to manage symptoms. Effective sessions focus on real-life plans, problems, and relationships. Family or group therapy. Treatment can be more effective when people with schizoaffective disorder are able to discuss their real-life problems with others. Supportive group settings can also help decrease social isolation and provide a reality check during periods of psychosis. Life skills training

Having a close blood relative who has schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder

Learning social and vocational skills can help reduce isolation and improve quality of life.

Stressful events that trigger symptoms

Social skills training. This focuses on improving communication and social interactions and improving the ability to participate in daily activities. New skills and behaviors specific to settings such as the home or workplace can be practiced.

Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs Complications People with schizoaffective disorder are at an increased risk of: Suicide, suicide attempts, or suicidal thoughts Social isolation Family and interpersonal conflicts Unemployment Anxiety disorders Developing alcohol or other substance abuse problems Significant health problems Poverty and homelessness Diagnosis

Top US doctor urges ‘aggressive’ steps against vaping, e-cigarettes

- Coping and support -

Depressive type, which includes only major depressive episodes Schizoaffective disorder may run a unique course in each affected person, so it’s not as well-understood or welldefined as other mental health conditions.

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. This focuses on helping people with schizoaffective disorder prepare for, find and keep jobs. - Hospitalization During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and basic personal care and cleanliness.

Schizoaffective disorder requires ongoing treatment and support. People with schizoaffective disorder can benefit from: Learning about the disorder. Education about schizoaffective disorder may help the person stick to the treatment plan. Education also can help friends and family understand the disorder and be more compassionate. Paying attention to warning signs. Identify things that may trigger symptoms or interfere with carrying out daily activities. Make a plan for what to do if symptoms return. Contact the doctor or therapist if needed to prevent the situation from worsening. Joining a support group. Support groups can help make connections with others facing similar challenges. Support groups may also help family and friends cope. - Self Magazine Asking about social services assistance. These services may be able to help with affordable housing, transportation, and daily activities. Also, avoid drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Drugs, tobacco, and alcohol can worsen schizoaffective symptoms or interfere with medications. If necessary, get appropriate treatment for a substance use problem. Preparing for your appointment If you think you may have schizoaffective disorder or that your loved one may have it, take steps to prepare for the appointment, whether it’s with a primary care doctor or a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist. If the appointment is for a relative or friend, offer to go with him or her. Getting the information firsthand will help you know what you’re facing and how you can help your loved one.

What you can do To prepare for the appointment, make a list of: Any symptoms you’ve noticed, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes All medications, vitamins, over-thecounter medications, herbal preparations, and any other supplements, and the doses Questions to ask the doctor to help you make the most of your time

File photo of a man blowing vapour from an e-cigarette. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP).

ASHINGTON DC | AFP | 12/18/2018 - The top US doctor on Tuesday called for “aggressive” action against e-cigarette use, which he said has exploded to epidemic proportions among youth and puts their health and brain development at risk. “We must take aggressive steps to protect our children from these highly potent products that risk exposing a new generation of young people to nicotine,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said in a rare public advisory. “E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless,” he said, noting that “nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain -– which continues to develop until about age 25.”

- Market surge The devices first came onto the US market around 2007. Since 2014, they have been the most commonly used tobacco product among American youth. For adults, research has shown that ecigarettes have fewer harmful components than regular cigarettes, and may help smokers wean themselves from cigarettes. With smoking still the leading cause of preventable death in America, cutting out cigarettes remains a worthwhile goal, said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “E-cigarettes could help many American adults end their addiction to traditional cigarettes,” he told reporters.

It is only the second public advisory by the surgeon general since he took the post 16 months ago.

“But we cannot let them ensnare younger Americans into a new addiction.”

The last advisory, in April, called for more people to carry the overdose antidote naloxone as the nation grapples with a record number of opioid overdoses.

Just three percent of US adults use e-cigarettes, far fewer than the rate among high schoolers, which tops 20 percent.

Vaping has also reached all-time high proportions among American youngsters. In the past year alone, e-cigarette use increased 78 percent among high school students, one in five of whom now say they vape -- using batterypowered devices to inhale nicotine liquids that are often fruit or candy flavored, and highly addictive. In all, more than 3.6 million US youth, including one in 20 middle school students, use e-cigarettes.

Vaping among US 12th graders, those in their final year of high school, doubled in the past year alone. Azar described the surge as an “unprecedented challenge.” - Steps urged Adams said many teenagers think that e-cigarette vapor poses no danger. “We know that the notion that e-cigarette aerosol is harmless water vapor -– something even my 14-year-old son thought was true -– is a myth,” Adams said.

Johnson & Johnson shares plunge after report on asbestos in baby powder

Some basic questions to ask include: What is likely causing the symptoms? Are there any other possible causes? How will you determine the diagnosis? Is this condition likely temporary or long term? What treatments do you recommend? What are the alternatives to the primary approach you’re suggesting? What are the side effects of the medication you’re prescribing? Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend? Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions during the appointment. What to expect from your doctor Your doctor is likely to ask several questions, such as: What symptoms have you noticed? When did you start noticing symptoms? Have symptoms been continuous or occasional? Have you thought about or attempted suicide? How are you functioning in daily life — are you eating regularly, bathing regularly, going to work, school or social activities? Have other family members or friends expressed concern about your behavior? Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions? Has anyone else in your family been diagnosed with or treated for mental illness? Be ready to answer these questions so you’ll have time to go over any other points you want to focus on.

EW YORK | AFP | Friday 12/14/2018 - US pharmaceutical and cosmetics group Johnson & Johnson saw its shares plunge Friday after a media report alleged the group had deliberately concealed for decades that its baby powder sometimes contained asbestos. A lengthy investigation by the Reuters news agency, which reviewed thousands of company documents, showed the company marketed talcbased products that, at least between 1971 and the beginning in the 2000s, sometimes contained asbestos. The company’s executives, researchers, doctors and lawyers were aware but deliberately chose not to disclose this information and not to refer it to the authorities, according to the report. Johnson & Johnson strenuously rejected the claims made in the article, calling it “one-sided, false and inflammatory.” “Simply put, the Reuters story is an absurd conspiracy theory,” the company said in a statement. “Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder is safe and

asbestos-free.” J&J stock closed down more than 10 percent at $133 on the New York Stock Exchange, its worst one-day fall in 16 years. The controversy has long dogged the company, which has been facing a wave of several thousand court cases claiming the baby powder is causing cancer. In July, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $4.7 billion in damages to a group of 22 women claiming to have developed ovarian cancer following the use of the powder. The company said Friday there were rigorous tests showing the talc did not contain the cancer-causing mineral. In addition, “J&J has cooperated fully and openly with the US FDA and other global regulators, providing them with all the information they requested over decades.” According to Reuters, the company also tried, unsuccessfully, to block regulations that lower the maximum level of asbestos allowed in talcbased cosmetics.

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BEAUTY & STYLE

VOICE OF ASIA 19

Young Russian fashion designers take inspiration from history

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Miss Philippines wins 2018 Miss Universe crown

Catriona Gray of the Philippines finished first in the glittering televised event Yukhann Nikadimus makes kokoshniki, traditional women’s high headdresses popular in the 19th century by Anaïs Llobet

OSCOW, Russia | AFP- In her workshop in a Moscow attic, Maria Andrianova is using a sewing technique she learnt from elderly women in the forested Karelia region of northwestern Russia. “For me, sewing is a way to learn about my origins,” said the 31-year-old designer. She describes her “Masha Andrianova” fashion line as “for the modern world” but uses some sewing techniques dating back to the Tsarist era. Her flowing dresses, highnecked blouses and pleated skirts are made of natural materials in pale or autumnal colours. “In Karelia, the locals showed me a way of sewing that I didn’t know about. They had learned it from their mothers, it was like a family secret,” she said, lightly braiding two threads together. More and more young Russian fashion designers like Andrianova are finding inspiration in traditional sewing methods that have fallen into disuse, seeing them as a way to stand out from the Western brands that poured into the country after the fall of the USSR. “We don’t want to look any more at what the others are do-

ing in the West,” she said. “We want to find our own methods, because we also have many traditions and a very rich culture.” Learning about such traditions could be a way for young Russians to explore further back into their country’s past than the relatively familiar Bolshevik revolution, she said. Andrianova has taken inspiration from sketches by an ancestor who owned a weaving factory as well as from the life story of her great-grandmother, who headed a dressmaking business. She also learnt techniques from her grandmother, who was born in the Soviet era. “But I’m not restoring period clothing,” she said. “I’m creating modern clothes that carry Russian history in them.” - ‘Natural process’ At 35, Yukhann Nikadimus decided to devote himself entirely to making kokoshniki -traditional women’s high headdresses that were particularly popular in the 19th century. Working in a factory that dates back to the 16th century but was renamed after Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin in the Soviet era, the tall bearded man carefully embroiders pearl patterns on to canvas stretched on a wooden frame.

While he gets his ideas from period photographs, he insists that his kokoshniki can work in any contemporary wardrobe. “You could wear a kokoshnik with a modern wedding dress, for example,” he said. “National dress shouldn’t be something that is fixed,” he insists. “It changes all the time -- new techniques appear, you have to incorporate them, it’s a natural process.” - ‘Time of introspection’ For cultural commentator Ilya Oskolkov-Tsentsiper, founder of Moscow’s Strelka design institute, such a revival of interest in pre-revolutionary dress among young designers was “almost inevitable.” “During Perestroika (in the 1980s) and the following decades, Russians were fascinated by the West and everything that came from there,” he said. “Back then we underestimated the value of what we had (in Russia) and overestimated the beauty of everything outside.” “Now though we are living in a time of introspection, we are trying to figure out who we are, what shapes our identity and what makes us unique. “This isn’t just about fashion -- it goes a lot deeper. It is connected to design, music and film. It goes beyond politics.”

ANGKOK, Thailand | AFP | Monday 12/17/2018 - Miss Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on Monday in Bangkok after a trailblazing ceremony praised for featuring its first transgender candidate but marred by gaffes about the English-speaking ability of two Asian contestants.

that I’d like to pursue.” Gray -- a student of music theory -- beat more than 90 contestants from around the globe in the 67th instalment of Miss Universe, which was held in the Thai capital’s Impact Arena. During the competition, which was broadcast live, candidates were asked questions on press freedom, legalisation of marijuana, refugees and the #MeToo movement.

Catriona Gray, 24, finished first ahead of the South African and Venezuelan finalists in the glittering televised event hosted by American comic turned This year’s event drew posiTV host Steve Harvey and su- tive feedback for themes of permodel Ashley Graham. inclusivity and an all-women In the final round, Gray panel of judges made up of earned applause describing her business leaders and former work in the slums of the Philip- Miss Universe titleholders. pine capital Manila.

After winning she told reporters she would like to expand her work with an organisation in the Philippines that promotes education on HIV and AIDS. “A few years ago I lost a close friend to health complications with HIV,” she said. “So spreading awareness on that cause and encouraging people to get the simple test and knowing their status is definitely one of my first projects

Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender candidate in a competition once owned by President Donald Trump, whose administration has attempted to block military recruitment of transgender people. “I always say: having a vagina didn’t transform me into a woman. I am a woman, already before birth, because my identity is here,” Ponce told AFP on Saturday, gesturing to her head.

She added she wanted her appearance to be empowering and that she hoped for a “new generation of human beings who are raised a lot better, more tolerant and respectful.” But issues of tolerance and respect came centre stage during the competition when Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers appeared to poke fun at Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia on social media for not being able to speak English. The comments went viral but Summers later posted an apology on Instagram, saying she did not “intend to hurt” her fellow competitors. Gray’s victory was closely followed in the Philippines, where beauty pageants are hugely popular. Social media exploded with clips of fans jumping for joy and hugging each other as the Filipina contestant went through each successive round and eventually won. A spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte in a statement praised Gray’s win for putting the Philippines on the world map “for its beauty and elegance”.

Miss Spain breaking barriers as first transgender Miss Universe hopeful

Herbal Essences unveils new shampoos with environment-friendly credentials

erbal Essences is making it easier than ever for shoppers to make greener beauty choices. The Procter & Gambleowned haircare brand is launching two new sulfate-free botanical shampoos, formulated to meet the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) ‘EWG Verified’ status -- a credential that requires a brand to be extra-transparent with consumers about its ingredients and formulas. Herbal Essences is the first mass hair care brand to achieve the accolade.

Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender candidate in the Miss Universe competition

“EWG Verified will take awareness about chemicals in products to the next level by giving shoppers useful information from a team of scientists they have come to trust,” said Nneka Leiba, director of EWG’s healthy living science program, in a statement. “Only products that include robust ingredient labels and meet our stringent criteria, will be awarded our mark,” “The mark will make shopping even easier for overwhelmed consumers who want to quickly find a bottle of shampoo and other personal care products that meet our rigorous standards,” added Jocelyn Lyle, EWG Vice President of Development. The new bio:renew sulfatefree shampoos are the result of a partnership between Herbal Essences and EWG that has been ongoing since 2016, and follow a recent trend by the label for sharing more information about the ingredients used and avoided in its products.

by Dene-Hern Chen

ANGKOK, Thailand | AFP | Friday 12/14/2018 - Carrying a bold message of inclusion, transgender rights and a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump, Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce is blazing a trail as the first transgender contestant in Miss Universe’s 66year history. The willowy beauty is making history since the pageant reversed a longstanding policy in 2012 that participants must be “naturally born” women.

Herbal Essences bio:renew Birch Bark Extract Sulfate-Free Shampoo. © Courtesy of Herbal Essence “Now more than ever, consumers are demanding transparency with their beauty products and with this partnership, we can provide consumers with

the reassurance that our products are clean, safe and verified by a by a trusted group like EWG,” said Herbal Essences Brand Manager Lynn Hicks.

Explaining her broad appeal the plain-speaking 27-yearold says “who hasn’t suffered from prejudice? Who hasn’t had to deal with bullying?” Outside the walls of Miss Universe -- whose finals will be held early Monday in Thailand’s capital Bangkok -- the transgender community continues to be marginalised and misunderstood, with high rates of suicide.

A leaked White House report said President Trump’s administration is considering pushing changes to the law to define gender by biological traits at birth, while trying to block transgender people from military service. Ponce is defiant about how to respond to Trump, a former owner of Miss Universe, and others who would try to box her in by physical traits. “I always say: having a vagina didn’t transform me into a woman. I am a woman, already before birth, because my identity is here,” she told AFP, gesturing to her head. She also took issue with the classification of trans people by large sections of society based on prejudice and narrow assessments of gender. “Outsiders say what I can and cannot do, what I am and what I am not,’” Ponce said. “No, I’m sorry. To be a woman is your identity. It doesn’t

matter if you are white, black, if you have a vagina... if you have a penis.” Ponce, who works with a foundation in Spain helping children struggling with stigma linked to being trans, is aware of the visibility she brings to the Miss Universe platform. Her performance has so far drawn praise, from her portrayal of a flamenco dancer during the national costume portion of the competition to her strut down the runway in a shimmery mermaid-like gown in the evening dress category. “You can empower yourself like I have and turn something negative into your biggest strength,” she said. “Children are born without prejudices and I think that if we talk to them about diversity from a young age... we can create a new generation of human beings who are raised a lot better, more tolerant and respectful.”

TRAVEL

VOICE OF ASIA 20

This Is TSA’s 2018 ‘Airport of the Year’

The TSA has also named Boston Logan an “Innovation Airport. (File photo/AFP) by Andrea Romano

he votes are in and it looks like Boston is the best place to catch your flight.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Boston Logan International Airport its 2018 Airport of the Year, according to KLFY. “The TSA team here in Boston consists of nearly 1,500 employees from frontline TSA officers to inspectors, canine handlers, explosives experts, managers, program analysts and a host of others who work together every single day of the year to ensure that we protect the traveling public to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce,” said TSA’s Federal Security Director for Massachusetts, Bob Allison in a statement on the TSA website. “The TSA officers and the others who comprise our team demonstrate their commitment daily through their hard work, professionalism and integrity.” According to the TSA news release, Boston Logan is “the fourth fastest growing airport in North America with a 6 percent increase in passenger traffic.” And, despite its uptick in passengers per day, the average wait time to get through the security checkpoint is just under 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the short wait time has

no impact on the airport employees keeping passengers safe. “TSA officials at BOS focused on optimizing threat detection and developed and implemented an online system this year to provide real time trending data, which allowed leadership to identify opportunities for improvement,” the news release stated.

Additionally, the airport has invested in new programs, including focus groups, monthly team meetings and an “Officer of the Month” program to engage with TSA employees and contribute to a better work life overall. Travelers in Boston can be assured they’re getting the best experience in the country. - Travel & Leisure

end-of-year travel since AAA’s been tracking it since 2001.”

Starting Thursday, the friendly skies will be getting a little friendlier for the holidays. Airlines are adding more flights, 143,000 more seats per day, to make room for the 46 million people who are expected to fly for the holidays

Johnson says more Americans have more money to spend because of a stronger economy, and because they’re spending less on gas.

As busy it’ll be in the skies, it’ll likely be busier on the roads. “112 million will be traveling this year,” says AAA’s Tamra Johnson. “That is the highest travel volume for

by Alex Schechter ith a new year comes a fresh opportunity to see the world. And luckily for those in the U.S., there are plenty of amazing destinations right in our own national backyard. For January, Travel + Leisure whisks you off to the snow-capped mountains of northern Idaho, on a treasure hunt for glass globes on an island in Georgia, and to a new Minneapolis hotel set to open right in time for the Super Bowl. Whether it’s adventure or an escape from the cold that you’re after, here are the best places to travel to in January.

In addition, many people will be using the holidays to burn unused vacation time at true vacation hot spots. “Locations like Florida, California, Hawaii, Dominican Republic as well as Mexico are on the Top Ten list,” Johnson says.

Milwaukee is no longer just a weekend escape for residents of Chicago. The beer-famous city has been growing in popularity, and January is the perfect time to go. In addition to welcoming Wisconsin’s first-ever Shake Shack, the acclaimed Milwaukee Art Museum will house a new exhibit, “The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip” that’s sure to be of interest to travelers.

The modern city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Getty Images) Nashville, Tennessee The Holston River is one of the most scenic parts of southwestern Virginia and Tennessee — and now, there’s a hotel named after it. The Holston House officially opens in downtown Nashville this January, as part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection of boutique hotels. The historic property originally went up in 1929, and will feature art deco details and a rooftop pool bar. Palm Desert, California With year-round sunny skies and mid-80s temps, southern California’s Palm Desert makes for a great midwinter escape. El Paseo, the town’s main thoroughfare, is loaded with upscale shops and art galleries, earning it the nickname “Rodeo Drive of the desert.” There hasn’t been a new luxury hotel in Palm Desert in over 30 years, but that’s about to change with the opening of Hotel Paseo, whose highlights include a backyard with a pool and Bocce Ball, an on-site spa, and a Billiards Suite complete with its own billiards table. Miami Beach, Florida Nobu isn’t the only place to have a fantastic meal in Miami. Next month, the famed Eden Roc Miami Beach will celebrate the opening of a brand

Igor Russak—NurPhoto via Getty Images

lying with a suitcase stuffed to the brim with presents for your friends and family this week? They may be unwrapped courtesy of the TSA. The Transportation Security Administration is regularly called out during this peak travel season for undoing passengers’ hard work with wrapping paper, ribbon and bows — and shoddily putting it back together, if at all. But there’s a good reason for their Grinchy actions and an easy way to avoid a mishap of your own.

The easiest way to avoid this unfortunate surprise, according to the TSA? Wait until you arrive at your holiday destination to wrap your gifts with pretty paper. If a package is deemed suspicious for any reason by airport agents, it might have to be unwrapped. If you must have a present ready to gift upon touching down, the TSA says, “please consider using a gift bag or a gift box.” This way, “resolving the alarm will just mean removing the item from the gift bag or gift box without needing to unwrap it.” The agency also remind travelers to

Los Angeles, California

Be careful with liquids and foods. You can check a bottle of wine in your luggage, but you’ll want to be extra careful to wrap it so it doesn’t break — ideally in clear bubble wrap so agents can see what it is. But even that may not safeguard you against breakages and spills; some social media users have shared photos of bottles that were unwrapped and not properly rewrapped. check it’s general banned item list for carry-ons as it may apply to seemingly safe presents. Those considering gifting a snow globe, for example, need to remember the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid policy for carry-ons. (Liquids must be in 3-ounce containers or smaller, in 1 quart-size clear plastic bag, and 1 bag per traveler.) Snow globes containing more than 3.4 ounces of liquid must be packed in a checked bag or it won’t make it onto the airplane.

front views, as well as access to one of Idaho’s most stunning natural features, Payette National Forest. With over 300 inches of snow per year, it’s an alternative to bigger name ski resorts like Aspen and Sun Valley, and there’s even high-end lodging at Shore Lodge, which has an award-winning spa and a brand new trail-to-table steakhouse opening on January 19. Boston, Massachusetts

Vail, Colorado

by Madison Roberts

1. The TSA can (and will) unwrap your presents if need be

new restaurant, Malibu Farm, marking the first east coast location for Swedish cookbook author Chef Helene Henderson’s burgeoning farm-to-table empire. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, saffron couscous, and fresh fruit cocktails, and the stunning beach views will have guests lining up at the door.

This January, sci-fi fans have a new reason to visit the 326-room technology-driven Yotel Boston: The hotel’s first customized robot, YO2D2, officially begins reporting for duty. Standing 36 inches, YO2D2 is programmed to deliver linens, amenities and to-go meals; unlike the Yotel robot in New York (which is solely used for storing luggage), however, this one will have a “mingle” switch that allows for social interactions with guests.

-NBC News

Yes, the TSA can unwrap your Christmas presents: How to prevent this and more travel nightmares

The TSA shared several tips for avoiding having your gifts unwrapped by someone other than their intended recipient, along with several other ways to avoid extra stress at the airport this year. Here’s what you need to know:

Nashville (Getty Images)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“Boston also hosted a technology demonstration of two new automated screening lanes in Terminals A and C,” the release said, adding: “BOS is at the forefront of using credential authentication technology, which uses devices that determine whether a traveler’s identification is valid.”

his may be a record year for holiday travel.

That’s the most ever.

The best places to travel in the U.S. in January

In addition to being named the best airport, TSA has also named Boston Logan an “Innovation Airport,” meaning the airport is eligible to pilot new technology programs for TSA screening and other security efforts.

Record holiday travel predicted

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Other holiday items, like English-style exploding Christmas crackers can’t fly, even in a checked bag. 2. You can travel with most food — but not all According to the TSA, you can travel with your baked goods and other solid foods (i.e. ham and turkey). “If you’ve spent time baking your favorite Christmas cookies, fruitcake, pie or other holiday treats, you can bring these

Well-known to design lovers, West Hollywood is a surefire way to brighten up mid-winter blues, whether you’re coming to shop at Christian Louboutin and Stella McCartney, or simply want to poke your head in art galleries clustered around Melrose and La Cienaga. This January, Kimpton will open La Peer Hotel, which offers yoga mats in every room, along with a dedicated fitness trainer and inroom cocktail service. Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina Sandwiched between Savannah and Hilton Head Island, the coastal town of Bluffon, South Carolina, makes for a memorable winter escape, whether you’re holed up in the new residences at Montage Palmetto Bluff (two- to four-bedroom units with cozy fireplaces and large dining rooms), wandering the property’s 20,000 acres of forest trails, or you’re simply out exploring scenic South Carolina Lowcountry on your own. Each January, outdoor enthusiasts head to the resort for Field + Fire (January 19-21), an adventure-filled weekend of sporting clays, archery, and a ladies shooting school. McCall, Idaho Set in the northern part of the state, the town of McCall offers serene lake-

By no means an under-the-radar ski destination, Vail is a timeless winter destination for beginners and pros alike. With roundtrip flights from New York still available from $375, the central Colorado town is ripe for booking. Overnight at the Arabelle at Vail Square: the luxury resort is celebrating their 10th anniversary in January, with live music and ice sculptures taking place throughout the month. Minneapolis, Minnesota True Superbowl fans will have booked their tickets months ago. For the rest of us, a chance to visit Minneapolis as it gears up for the 2018 event promises to be a seriously memorable weekend. While you’re in town, stop by the new Graduate Hotel, whose creative vibe has made it a hit in other cities like Berkeley, CA and Ann Arbor, MI. Meanwhile, important landmarks like the Walker Art Center and the city’s plethora of breweries will be eager to show off their attractions in the lead-up to the big day. Lanai, Hawaii Ever wanted to have a 90,000-acre Hawaiian island all to yourself? Four Seasons Lanai might be the closest you’ll get. During winter, guests at the island’s only resort can sit by the pool as North Pacific humpback whales make their way across the bay. Up for more adventure? Take off into the backroads of Lanai in a 4x4 Jeep, or try out a brand new horse yoga class, which takes place at sunset on the hotel’s private ranch. - Travel & Lesiure

sweets and other food items with you when you fly,” they write, pointing out that as long as the food item is solid, it’s safe to pack it in your carry-on luggage. However, if it contains more than 3.4 ounces of liquid, it must be packed in your checked bag. “If you’re unsure if your food item should go into a checked bag, consider this: If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then please pack it in your checked bag.”

to check-in and get through security. In order to avoid missing your flight, TSA recommends arriving two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and three hours prior for international flights when leaving from a major airport. “It’s peak travel season,” they write. “Remember that you aren’t the only one who wants to fly during the holiday.”

3. Don’t pack any prohibited items

The security checkpoint can often be the biggest hold up at the airport, but if you’re prepared, the time it takes to move through can be expedited. TSA recommends finishing all of your beverages while in line or before you get to the airport, and says you should consider bringing the empty bottle through security so you can refill it once you’re in the terminal.

If you are unsure whether an item can be taken through a security checkpoint, the TSA has many resources you can use to find out. The “What can I bring?” feature on their website allows travelers to type in the item in question for an immediate answer as to whether it goes in your checked bag, carry on, either or neither. This feature is also available on the free myTSA app. If you tweet a photo of the item or its name to @AskTSA, they will respond to let you know which bag it belongs in or if it should stay home, with live assistance available from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Travelers can also use Facebook messenger as a resource to ask questions, with live assistance available during the same hours or call TSA’s contact center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET weekdays and 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekends and holidays for any questions. 4. Arrive at the airport early Even if you’re an expert packer, the airport is likely to be especially crowded this time of year, and it will take longer

5. Be prepared while in line at security

While in line, they also recommend pulling out your boarding pass and ID before you get to the TSA agent so you aren’t rummaging through your bag to find them at the podium. And remember that when traveling with children, parents and guardians should present their own boarding passes and IDs before handing over the ID for each of the children. They also recommend getting a headstart on the x-ray machine by emptying everything from your pockets while in the checkpoint line and adding things to your carry-on bag in advance. When you step up to the conveyor belt, remember to remove all of your large personal electronic devices (laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, etc.) from your bag and place them in a bin. - People Magazine

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Home&Real Estate Houston’s commercial real estate market still recovering from oil downturn

A garden studio opens up to the outdoors with sliding glass walls

The office market, in particular, is still struggling with high vacancy rates.

by Michele Koh Morollo

This ultra-flexible backyard garden studio functions as both a guesthouse and a communal space.

by Florian Martin

ouston has, for the most part, survived the oil downturn, but some areas are still in recovery.

Though Houston’s commercial real estate market is doing well overall, the office sector is still struggling with high vacancy rates.

n the coastal town of Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia, local practice Harley Graham Architects elevates the Australian “garden studio” with this 646-square-foot granny flat. Named Marvel Street Studio, the guesthouse is an addition to a home designed by Paul Uhlmann.

Eli Gilbert, director of research at commercial real estate firm JLL in Houston, said this has to do with oversupply and jobs lost during the downturn. Also, companies have learned to be more efficient with less space.

The architects created seamless connections between the existing home’s patios, the lawn, and the garden spaces by giving the studio a transforming envelope with a wide-open corner.

“Looking at the overall vacancy rate,” he said, “particularly in the office market, in the future a higher value that has historically been seen may become the new normal for the region.”

The architects refer to the studio’s form as an “operable pergola.” The building provides an externally accessible toilet, an outdoor shower, a basin, and storage that can be accessed by residents of the main house without disturbing guests residing in the studio.

The office vacancy rate is currently around 20%, with estimates placing the amount of vacant office space between 50 and 60 million square feet, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2019 Employment Forecast. Gilbert said population growth is the main driver for the other commercial real estate sectors, which include industrial, retail

Photo: Younan Properties and multi-family. The industrial market, in particular, is benefiting from an

increase in online sales and demand for distribution centers. - Houston Public Media

Freddie Mac warns housing supply problem is compounding

ne of the biggest threats to the U.S. real estate market next year will be a familiar one, according to Freddie Mac economists: a lack of inventory due to sluggish building activity. In its latest Insight Report, Freddie Mac put that oft-repeated statement into new perspective. Assuming current trends continue — fewer homes being built despite high demand — the country may well be about 2.5 million housing units behind the pace necessary to meet the needs of its growing population, an aging housing stock and a market where prices continue rising. “After nearly a decade of low levels of building, housing stock is well short of what the United States needs,” Freddie Mac economists wrote in the report. “Until construction ramps up, housing costs will likely continue rising above income, constricting household formation and preventing homeownership for millions of potential households.” The report suggests that new housing coming onto the market has lagged far behind demand for more than a decade. In 2017, homebuilders hit a post-recession high of 1.2 million new homes completed. But according to Freddie Mac’s analysis, this was still 370,000 fewer units than needed to satisfy demand. Last year’s construction numbers appeared even worse in

historic terms. Looking at data from 1968 to 2007, Freddie Mac found only one year (1982) saw a lower count of new housing units than 2017. Therefore, while the U.S. market may be missing 370,000 new homes in 2017, it has an even larger deficit to catch up with following 10 years of anemic growth.

household formation (primarily driven by population growth), replacing existing units, secondhome buyers, and a stable yearround vacancy rate. The model offers a baseline estimate of U.S. housing needs: 1.6 million new units per year. But Freddie Mac economists cau-

“The Studio’s form adopts a midcentury influence to complement the existing Paul Uhlmann-designed dwelling, and is shaped to function effectively in a subtropical climate,” says the practice’s founder Harley Graham. The design team also added a small pool cabana to the studio to further unify the architectural elements of the backyard.

The studio is set upon a floating concrete slab. The wood-wrapped facade provides passive cooling through cross ventilation.

The self-contained studio is well suited for the Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and it can function as both a private quarters and a shared social space. “This garden studio provides the opportunity to inspire and influence an increased public utilization of the backyard studio typology—creating sustainably interwoven suburban communities with increased outdoor amenity through operability, and an improved sense of connection within and between singular lots,” says Graham. - Dwell

The report suggests that new housing coming onto the market has lagged far behind demand. (File photo)

“If supply continues to fall short of demand, home prices and rents are likely to outpace income and household formation will fail to reach potential,” the report noted. “The inadequate level of U.S. housing supply is a major challenge facing the housing market in 2018 and likely for years to come.” To determine where the country should be in terms of annual housing construction rates, Freddie Mac economists created a model that accounts for four key sources of demand:

tioned that there is a wide degree of uncertainty that the model could not account for. Perhaps population growth will be much faster in the near future, or it may turn out that fewer young adults than expected will create new households, for example. If Freddie Mac’s model is overshooting, the lowest annual tally of new homes necessary to meet demand could be as low as 900,000. On the other side of the model’s margin, demand could be as high as 4 million new homes per year.

Either way, construction activity is expected to come closer to the “best-case scenario” of lower-than-expected demand than higher-than-expected homebuilding rates. Freddie Mac’s most recent economic forecast estimated that housing starts will improve marginally each year, finally reaching an estimated 1.4 million new units by 2020. - Boston Agent News

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VOICE OF ASIA 22

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23 October to 21 Nov Hold your temper now. You operate from a position of strength when you refuse to get ruffled. This will help if you have a difficult client or boss. This is an ideal time to apply for a job or start any new plan or project.

22 November to 21 Dec Now you get an extra dose of energy. You’ll be doing plenty of communicating, since aspects affect your house of style and putting yourself out into the world.

22 December to 20 Jan

21 June to 22 July You’re eager to get fit and stay healthy. The cosmos is giving you the incentive to create healthier habits, ones that will pay big dividends in feeling and looking good.

With today’s planetary alignment, you will be especially sensitive to the needs of others - with a special emphasis on family and children. You may want to consider enhancing your home environment.

21 January to 19 Feb

23 July to 22 August You’re taking a few more risks in your money life now. Someone close not only has the keys to your heart but may also provide some key information about an investment opportunity. Do your research for best results.

There will still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself, but you’ll also feel a need to reflect and recharge. Don’t give yourself too much to do on Saturday because the full moon could see you busier than usual.

20 February to 20 Mar

23 August to 22 Sept If someone is trying to attract your attention, it could become obvious. Saturday’s full moon might coincide with a grand holiday party or other lively occasion.

Astrology.com

Getting out of your weekend routine could lead to love if you keep an open mind. Just because you’ve never done something before doesn’t mean you won’t be good at it. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.

21 May to 20 June This is a powerful time for long-term planning and organizing for the future. You’re likely to be enjoying a big dose of extra energy now. Put it to good use by improving your skills.

THEME: YEAR-IN-REVIEW

23 September to 22 Oct

21 April to 20 May

patient.

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21 March to 20 April

Did you just meet someone you have a strong connection with? Could this be your soul mate? If you haven’t had that feeling yet, be

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Week of DECEMBER 21, 14, 2018 You might feel genuinely moved by an encounter or a group meeting, and this could have a profound effect on you. Despite the run-up to the holidays, you might be eager to tie up loose ends.

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the obvious.

Your dreams could be the key to finding your soul mate over the weekend, so pay attention to the clues your subconscious is giving you. Don’t ignore

ACROSS 1. Bundle of wheat 6. ____-been 9. Urban apartment 13. Peter, South of the border 14. In the manner of, French 15. Photo-editing color option 16. Chieftain 17. Not well 18. Lively 19. *Late McCain 21. *American Duchess 23. “Some Kind of Wonderful” actress Thompson 24. Your majesty 25. Floor cleaner 28. Greek portico 30. *Super Bowl champs 35. Swear, not curse 37. Place for an ace? 39. Type of newspaper 40. Bar order neither red nor white 41. *Halfpipe winner 43. Toothy wheel 44. Be needy 46. Hindu dress 47. Unfavorable prefix 48. Ballpark grub 50. Lion’s share 52. It can be red or black 53. Burden 55. Break bread 57. *First North Korean to cross Demilitarized Zone 60. *October disaster 64. Acoustic output 65. In the past 67. Tanzania’s neighbor 68. Coral reef island 69. First off sinking ship? 70. Type of closet 71. Not there 72. Dashboard unit 73. Clear the board

DOWN 1. R&R destinations 2. Part of hemoglobin 3. “I Dream of Jeannie” star 4. “He’s ____ ____ nowhere man,” Beatles 5. Strong suit, pl. 6. Age of Aquarius flick 7. Nothing alternative 8. Game ragout 9. Onion’s kin 10. October stone 11. *CA’s Camp ____ 12. “Tit for ____” 15. Schmear 20. Often taken with a bible, pl. 22. Aretha’s first three 24. Arabic greetings 25. *”____ For Our Lives” 26. Convex molding 27. Suggest 29. Sounds of amazement 31. *Cooper’s leading lady 32. Property claims 33. Fill with spirits 34. *April missile strikes target 36. Make one’s way 38. EU unit 42. One born to Japanese immigrants 45. 10 to the power of 100 49. Bearded antelope 51. Take on, as in a project 54. Take gun away 56. Not our 57. Burlap fiber 58. Airy emanation 59. Cairo’s waterway 60. “Like a ____ to a flame” 61. *Starred with Blake in “A Simple Favor” 62. Some have them on the back of their head? 63. Swimmer’s row 64. Follows #29 Down, sing. 66. Year off

SOLUTION: YEAR-IN-REVIEW page 23

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Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Student Financial Collection Services Project No. 19-18

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFQ) External Auditing Services Project No. 19-23

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, R o o m N o . 11 B 0 1 , Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on January 18, 2019. Documents can be o b t a i n e d a t : w w w. hccs.edu/about-hcc/ procurement/

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, R o o m N o . 11 B 0 1 , Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on January 17, 2019. Documents can be ob tain ed at: w w w. hccs.edu/about-hcc/ procurement/

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP-C) Phase II - Advanced Attack Mobile Burn Room Project No. 19-29

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (IFB) Sale of Approximately 23.402 Acres of Land (Westheimer) Project No. 19-30

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, R o o m N o . 11 B 0 1 , Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on January 16, 2019. Documents can be o b t a i n e d a t : w w w. hccs.edu/about-hcc/ procurement/

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, R o o m N o . 11 B 0 1 , Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on February 20, 2019. Documents can be o b t a i n e d a t : w w w. hccs.edu/about-hcc/ procurement/

Tips to keep clothes looking their best in winter the steam to work thoroughly through the clothes, and then slowly vents the vapors out of the bag and dryer. • Act fast: When clothes get soiled, it’s important to act fast, particularly when dealing with salt and slush- related stains, which can be difficult to treat. The sooner you deal with stains, the greater the likelihood you’ll be able to restore your clothing to mint condition.

When clothes get soiled, it’s important to act fast, particularly when dealing with salt and slush- related stains,

But you can keep your clothes looking their best this winter, without breaking the bank at the dry cleaners, using the following tips: • Use garment bags: Get a head start on looking your best by ensuring your clothes look good before you even put them on for the day. Store suits, dresses, sweaters and other delicate items in garment bags to keep them safe from dust, moths and other closet hazards at home and when traveling. • Waterproof: On wet days, consider wearing waterproof shoe covers and tucking your pants into them to protect shoes, as well as the hems of your pants, from puddles and slush. • At-home dry cleaning: Slash your dry cleaning expenditures by up to 90 percent and skip the hassle and harsh chemicals by opting for at-home dry cleaning using your own dryer. With the right product, it will be an effective way to safely and thoroughly clean your spe-

cial care clothes at home. For no fading, shrinking or stretching of your winter weather gear like scarves, hats, sweaters and more, consider using Dryel, a quick three step process which works in the convenience of your dryer in as

little as 15 minutes. The heat of the dryer activates a cleaning solution to release a steam that removes body soils and odors from clothes, and a fabric protection bag maintains the optimal balance of cleaning agents and heat, allowing

This winter, protect your wardrobe from seasonal elements. New tools and old tricks can help your favorite winter gear survive the season in great condition.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFQ) Real Estate Appraiser Services Project No. 19-36

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, R o o m N o . 11 B 0 1 , Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on January 17, 2019. Documents can be o b t a i n e d a t : w w w. hccs.edu/about-hcc/ procurement/

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Houston Community College Request for ProposalsCommodity (RFP-C)

It’s easy to advertise on our newsletter Simply call 713-774-5140 or email request to: voiceasia@aol. com

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Holiday crowd arriving? How to clean your house fast

o you have company coming in an hour and the house is a mess? Or maybe you’ve just been putting off those chores and want to get it over with as quickly as possible. So, how do you clean your house fast? When I was in college I worked a couple summers as a hotel maid and house cleaner. I picked up a few tricks and I’m telling you that yes, you can clean an ENTIRE average size house in an hour but it takes work-and focus! No getting distracted while gathering up those old magazines, or checking your phone for the latest on Facebook. If you keep moving and follow this guide you’ll have that house sparkling in no time! Start at the Top No matter what room you’re

Clear counters.

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inter is dirty, and unfortunately, all that slush, salt and mud coincides with the use of the delicate and expensive part of your wardrobe, from wool and cashmere sweaters and scarves to swanky party wear.

• Landing area: Create a mud room. This can be just a few square feet of space by the entrance to your home and ideally located near the washer and dryer for quick transfer of clothes that need to be laundered. This is also the place to immediately remove boots and outerwear to avoid tracking mud into your home.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP-C) Cast Bronze Plaques Project No. 19-32

cleaning, clean from the top down so that dirt and dust from higher surfaces falls on lower surfaces that haven’t yet been cleaned. Dust ceiling fans, then furniture wiping dirt directly on the floor. Clean all of the floors as your last step to remove the dirt and dust. Bedrooms - 6 minutes per bedroom

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Strip linens and remake beds. When making beds rather than hunch over tucking bottom sheets under the mattress use one hand to lift the corner while tucking the sheet with the other. Clear all clutter, if you’re in a hurry gather clutter in a spare basket or bin for later organization and tuck out of sight in a closet. Wipe down furniture with a dusting spray and microfiber cloth, working top to bottom. Bathrooms - 7 minutes per bathroom I like to clean all of my bathrooms at once-make a quick trip around all the bathrooms in the house to clear counters and spray counters and tubs with cleaner, allow to sit while you clean toilets and wipe down the outer toilet surface. Go back and wipe down counters and rinse tub then clean mirrors. Come back to clean the floors when cleaning the kitchen floor. Living/Dining Rooms - 7 minutes Clear all clutter. Starting in one corner of the room and working around dust all surfaces top to bottom. (If you have blinds and/or ceiling fans, dust those first.) Use an upholstery attachment and vacuum upholstered furniture. Vacuum floors along with all house carpeting as last cleaning step. Kitchen - 12 minutes

Theme:YEAR-IN-REVIEW from Page 22

Load all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and fill sink with hot soapy water. If your stove top has removable burner pieces that need to be cleaned, place in water as well.

Dunk sponge in hot water and squeeze out excess, wipe down cabinets, counters and other surfaces again working top to bottom. Rinse sponge in hot water as you clean-you’ll be amazed how much dirt comes off! Wipe down appliances. (When you have more time consider doing this trick for preventing fingerprints on stainless steel!) Finish cleaning any stove pieces and replace. Clean floors last along with all hard flooring surfaces in the house. Floors - 15 minutes whole house When vacuuming carpeted rooms work your way back-

Project No. RFP-C 19-33 Portable Scans and Flaw Detectors Proposal Submittal Due date: on Friday, January 11, 2019 by 2:00PM (local time) Project No. RFP-C19-34 Various Lincoln Equipment Proposal Submittal Due date: on Friday, January 11, 2019 by 11:00AM (local time)

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002). Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/procurement.

wards out of the room moving quickly and without too much overlap to save time. (I use this vacuum and have for 3 years now, it’s the best vacuum I’ve ever had, amazing at getting pet hair out of carpets, I highly recommend it!) Vacuum, don’t sweep hard floors-use an attachment to get corners where dust and pet hair can accumulate. This helps prevent kicking dust into the air that will quickly settle again and aggravating allergies. Steam mops or Hardwood Floor Cleaners (this is my favorite) also make cleaning hard surfaces much faster than traditional mops, so I highly recommend investing in one of those to keep your cleaning quick! - The Happier Homemaker

New 401(k) legislation... Continued from page 13 The provisions could potentially lead to a reduction in the number of retirement plan rollovers that occur. Retirees who opt for lifetime income annuities will no longer need to shop for annuities at the time of retirement. Rollovers into Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Individual Retirement Annuities generate work and income for financial professionals. Also, life insurers could change their desired consumer, becoming more interested in courting plan sponsors who offer lifetime income provider needs and less interested in retirement savers and their financial advisors. Although innocuous at first glance, the lifetime-income disclosure could bring about lawsuits while other provisions are trying to minimize risk. One concern is that if the disclosure projects more income than will be available, it will cause retirees to run out of savings regardless. What is unknown at this time are the potential costs and fees that could be associated with the provisions. Changes like the

provisions recommended could bring about hidden fees for plan sponsors as the regulations are implemented. While all the provisions are attempting to align with nine recommendations to facilitate retirement health, potential industry impacts have yet to be uncovered. This information is not intended as authoritative guidance or tax or legal advice. Each plan has unique requirements, and you should consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation. In no way does advisor assure that, by using the information provided, plan sponsor will be in compliance with ERISA regulations. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply to annuity withdrawals. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. - Brian Menickella is a cofounder and managing partner of The Beacon Group of Companies, a broad-based financial services firm based in King of Prussia, Pa.

VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, December 21, 2018

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