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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Tony Buzbee headed to runoff election

A last-minute change by the Texas Secretary of State's Office delayed the results of the election until early Wednesday

morning, when it became clear Buzbee had managed to keep the mayor from winning reelection outright.

Turner needed to win 50 percent plus one vote to avoid a runoff. As of 7 a.m., he had 47 percent of the vote to challenger Tony Buzbee's 28 percent.

The mayor released a state-

ment Wednesday morning after the runoff announcement: "To those who voted for me, thank you. To those who did not, I will work hard to earn your votes.

"The good news about this runoff is that Houstonians have a very simple and very clear choice for mayor: An experi-

Diwali and Govardhan Puja at ISKCON of Houston

enced leader who has been delivering for Houston for more than 30 years? Or a Donald Trump imitator who has no experience, no ideas and will say anything, do anything or spend anything to get elected?

"I trust Houstonians to make the right decision for our city."

Earlier Tuesday, Turner said the numbers were a positive sign he can win re-election, and credited taking decisive action and a strong economy for helping him lead the vote.

"I've had 10 million-plus dollars in negative ads spent against us, and yet the voters pretty much rejected that, which is good for our city," Turner said.

Buzbee showed confidence late Tuesday however, telling cautiously optimistic supporters he would ultimately win in a runoff against Turner.

One Buzbee supporter we spoke with, Gilbert Garcia, told ABC13 he is feeling really good that the mayor will not run away with the race.

Garcia added that once Turner and Buzbee enter the runoff, they will re-approach the campaign.

See story on page 3

Graphic courtesy KTRK TV

H

OUSTON (KTRK) -- After a long night, election results show Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and challenger Tony Buzbee will head to a runoff in December.

"We're going to be rolling out our plan, because we need to be a little bit more specific on things we're going to do," Garcia said.

The city of Houston, Texas, held general elections for mayor, controller, and all 16 seats on the city council on November 5, 2019. A runoff election is scheduled for December 14, 2019.

Incumbent Mayor Sylvester Turner and former Texas A&M Board of Regents member Tony Buzbee advanced from the Nov. 5 general election to a Dec. 14 runoff election for mayor of Houston, Texas. Ten other candidates ran in the general election.

Of the 11 candidates running against Turner, local media outlets identified five major challengers: Buzbee, Kendall Baker, Dwight Boykins, Bill King, and Sue Lovell. Policy debate in the race centered on Turner's record during his first term, especially regarding his handling of the city's budget and spending priorities.

Turner said his accomplishments in office included balancing the city's budget, leading the recovery effort after Hurricane Harvey, reforming the city’s pension system, easing traffic congestion, filling potholes, creating jobs, and strengthening the economy.

Buzbee and King both said corruption was creating inefficiency in Houston's government. Buzbee pledged to self-fund his campaign and proposed independent financial audits, process audits, and zero-based budgeting to improve the efficiency and transparency of the city’s resource allocation. King called for an overhaul of the city's ethics rules and said he would regulate campaign contributions from companies doing business with Houston's government.

Houston's mayor serves as the city's chief executive.

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ducation is one of Britain’s most successful exports, bringing in almost £20bn a year. Universities and ministers love to talk up its economic benefits. They are less keen to discuss the costs and compromises incurred.

That makes a new report, on defending democracy in an age of autocracies, all the more important. The foreign affairs select committee found clear evidence that such states are seeking to shape the research agenda or curricula of UK universities and limit the activities of researchers. Witnesses said that, after contact from Chinese diplomats, one vice-chancellor asked a senior academic not to make political comments, and a pro-vice-chancellor cancelled a speaker. There is anecdotal evidence of Gulf states exerting similar pressure.

The central mission of universities is to educate and to understand the world better.

Without freedom of expression, these dual foundations crumble. But commercialisation has made universities increasingly reliant on overseas sources of revenue, which provided a sixth of research income in 2017-18. Much international funding is appropriate.

But donors usually want more than a plaque. In 2011 the director of the London School of Economics resigned over its acceptance of funding from sources linked to Muammar Gaddafi, the late Libyan dictator. It was reported that its plans for a China studies programme backed by a staunchly pro-Beijing venture capitalist

by David Guth

T

he success of 9-1-1, our nation’s emergency service hotline, is undeniable. In an instant, Americans can reach police, fire and emergency services from anywhere in the country. It’s hard to fathom that before the adoption of 9-1-1, Americans had to dial the individual numbers to their local police station, fire department or EMT services in an emergency.

Yet, for millions of Americans, this remains the reality during a mental health crisis.

Crucial services, which can save lives, can be difficult to access because our nation does not have an easy-to-remember number to call for a mental health or suicide emergency.

As our nation’s leading behavioral health care providers and advocates, we are in strong support of the companion bills — H.R. 4194 and S. 2661 — to establish 9-8-8 as a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline

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autocracies: stand firm

Universities are hungry for international students and funding.

But they must not compromise their fundamental values cial relationships, and should document and publicly reject threats. They must also teach freedom of expression, not as an abstract ideal, but as the basis of life within the university – making it clear that disagreement is fine, but threats of any kind are not.

Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo

were put on hold this autumn after outrage from academics.

Overseas campuses – which have sprung up everywhere from China to Uzbekistan and Bahrain – are obviously vulnerable to pressure. So are students: last year, Saudi Arabia withdrew its scholarship programme for Canada, where thousands of its nationals were studying, after Ottawa urged it to release jailed women’s rights activists.

One obvious lesson is not

to put too many eggs in one nation’s basket. (China provides more than a fifth of the UK’s 450,000 overseas students.) Another is to establish solidarity: a code of conduct is needed. At present universities seem to be in denial – the chair of one industry body told the committee that he had not heard one piece of evidence to substantiate claims of foreign influence. It should not be left to individual academics to uphold standards. Instead, institutions must be transparent about academic and finan-

The report also urges the Foreign Office to broaden its focus beyond protecting universities from intellectual property theft and risks arising from joint research projects.

That must be done quickly: Brexit will exacerbate the cash-hunger. The government should engage with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US, where there has been much closer attention to the issue. (At least 10 American universities have closed their Confucius Institutes, Beijingfunded language and cultural centres.) Unnecessary hostility to overseas students and partners is a danger of its own; racial profiling must be avoided and international collaboration can bring immense benefits. But it must be on the right terms – not those dictated in exchange for funding.

- The Guardian Editorial Board (UK)

It's time for Congress to establish a national mental health crisis number In the U.S., suicide rates have reached a 75-year high and suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died by suicide and more than 1.4 million adults attempted suicide.

While suicide rates continue to increase, only 40 percent of the Americans with mental illness receive treatment according to a 2018 report from the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.

In response to this trend, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recommended 9-8-8 serve as the suicide prevention hotline, citing that it “would likely make it easier for Americans in crisis to access potentially life-saving resources.”

We couldn’t agree more. Millions of Americans would instantly benefit if mental health services could be accessed easily.

For too long, our system for mental health crisis services has been underfunded and undervalued. The current responsibility for 9-1-1 to handle mental health and suicide crises creates confusion, unnecessary delays and insufficient responses during people’s most difficult moments.

Establishing 9-8-8 as a separate, universal three-digit telephone number will reach those in need while simultaneously reducing the burden on 9-1-1 for mental health emergencies.

Connecting a person in crisis with mental health care to address their immediate needs will also increase access to a continuum of care that can often feel out of reach for people with mental illness. A direct line to mental health professionals through a 3-digit number will provide unprecedented access to care and undoubtedly save lives.

As a nation, we are making great strides to reduce the stigma around mental health, and the three-digit hotline will go a long way in supporting these efforts.

Yet, as mental health care becomes more widely accepted, we still see the monumental hurdles that stand in the way of individuals and their families accessing timely care in times of crisis.

The enactment of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act could change the way we deliver mental health care in this country. By establishing a national number for mental health and suicide crises, we come closer to a breakthrough to support those who may be in pain and on a journey toward a tragic outcome.

The need for this hotline is especially critical in order to connect mental health services to at-risk and underserved populations, which are statistically more susceptible to suicide.

For instance, while suicide has become the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, the statistical dispar-

ity increases for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth as they are more than four times as likely to have attempted suicide than their peers, according to the CDC. Additionally, a designated 3-digit number would increase access to mental health services for other at-risk groups with high volumes of attempted suicide, such as military veterans who are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than civilians, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Passage of this law would be a step in the right direction in providing immediate access to anyone, anytime, anywhere in debilitating emotional pain. As suicides are on the rise in nearly all demographics across the nation, a dedicated three-digit number for those experiencing a mental health crisis would be a landmark step for the field of mental health, making it easier to support those in pain and begin the journey toward hope and healing. It would transform access to care and ultimately save lives.

It is time for Congress to move quickly to establish 9-8-8 and save lives from suicide and mental health crisis.

David C. Guth, Jr. is the CEO of Centerstone, a not-for-profit organization that provides mental health care, addiction treatment and community education in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

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Diwali and Govardhan Puja at ISKCON of Houston

Sri Sri Radha Nilamadhava in the glow of hundreds of individual lamps during the candlelight aarti. (Photos: ISKCON of Houston / Thejas Rajaram)

O

n Wednesday, October 27, 2019, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of Houston held their annual Diwali candlelight aarti and festival, with special visitor: HH Giriraj Swami.

The evening festivities started off with kirtan (singing out the names of God) followed by an inspiring class on the importance of Diwali in the scriptures. The curtains were opened to show over a thousand small lamps on the altar for candlelit aarti. With the temple room lights turned down, it made for an awestricking vision of the Deities.

At 7:30pm, prasadam (blessed vegetarian food) was served in the large Gauranga Hall, to the delight of all the guests. Many volunteers had prepared and now served the large crowd.

Most returned to the temple for the nightly Damodarastakam prayers, offered in devotion during this month of Kartik.

Celebrating the Diwali or Dipavali translates to “garland of lights” in Sanskrit. The festival is a celebration of victory of good over evil that commemorates Lord Rama’s return to His kingdom after defeating the evil King Ravana. The main highlight of this festival- candle light aarti – that is offered to Their Lordships, where hundreds of candles adorn the altar, is a visual treat that’s not to be missed.

The celebrating of Govardhan Puja on the following Monday, October 28th followed a similar schedule. The special added attraction of the temple’s farm community cows (Go Puja) in the courtyard was a delight to the attendees, who showered loving affection on the pair. Sri Sri Giriraj Govardhan was given an abhishek (ritual bathing) and a multitude of food offerings (Annakut) were presented on the altar. HH Giriraj Swami gave another teaching to the devotees and guests, followed by the sumptuous enjoyment of the blessed foodstuffs.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. According to Srimad Bhagavatam, in Dwapara Yuga, when Lord Krishna observed that residents of Vrindavan were preparing a sacrifice to please Lord Indra, He suggested that they should worship Govardhana Hill instead, as it provides sustenance to the villagers.

HH Giriraj Swami (right) lead the aarti during Govardhan Puja offerings.

Accordingly, devotees prepared a variety of foodstuff with grains, butter, clarified butter, milk to offer to Govardhana Hill. The food is stacked in the form of a small hill and hence the name “Annakuta”. It is mentioned in the scriptures that the Supreme Lord entered Govardhana and personally accepted all the offerings of the villagers.

The food thus sanctified is then distributed as prasadam to the congregation.

All are welcome at ISKCON of Houston, 1320 W 34th Street, Houston TX 77018. Visit: www.iskconhouston.org for timings and special events upcoming.

Devotees and guests taking darshan of the Deities.

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Family Health

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Decision to Enroll in 2020 Medicare At-home test could boost screening for cervical cancer Advantage Plans - Part C

E

nrolling in a Medicare plan is a big decision. While you’re able to switch plans each year if you’re unhappy (in some situations more frequently) you still want to choose the best plan for your needs the first time. This means taking your out-of-pocket costs into consideration along with other factors. Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, but most are not free.

Here’s what you should expect to pay out-of-pocket throughout the year if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage/Part C plan.

Premiums

A new screening for cervical pre-cancer, called the S5 test, is based on a urine sample or a vaginal swab that women can collect themselves at home and have sent to a lab. (Photo: istock)

by Elizabeth Donovan

P

ARIS | AFP | 11/4/2019 - An athome, non-invasive screening for cervical pre-cancer could increase compliance with recommended follow-up tests, according to research presented Monday at a cancer conference.

The new screening, called the S5 test, is based on a urine sample or a vaginal swab that women can collect themselves at home and have sent to a lab.

Researchers look for a change in DNA associated with a human gene and the four most dangerous types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection linked to cervical cancer.

The protocol was developed

by Belinda Nedjai of the Molecular Epidemiology Lab at Queen Mary University to increase the compliance of women who do not return to the clinic after an abnormal test result.

These are typically older women who find the follow-up painful, she said.

The test is considerably less invasive than those requiring a speculum, Nedjai told AFP. It's also fast -- after samples are sent to the lab, it takes only hours to do the screening.

"These women can give a swab or a urine sample and we can test them," she said. "It's going to be beneficial."

pre-cancer lesions than testing for a high-risk type of HPV, she said. Vaginal samples worked equally well.

Currently, the gold standard for cervical-cancer screening is an HPV test and a pap smear, usually following a positive HPV result.

As a standalone test in patients who had not been screened for HPV, the pre-cancer was identified at least 85 percent of positive cases.

Patients with an abnormal pap smear are then referred for another screening, called a colposcopy.

Cervical screening is at a 20-year low in Britain, according to Public Health England, which launched a campaign earlier this year to promote screening.

- A win-win process The S5 screening could reduce the number of women sent for a colposcopy, Nedjai said.

It was tested on 620 patients at Royal London Hospital who had an abnormal pap smear or positive HPV test.

"We found that the S5 classifier -- with or without HPV testing -- worked well in both urine and vaginal samples," said Nedjai, who unveiled the findings today at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Glasgow.

"It distinguished between women who had no pre-cancerous lesions and those who had (higher-risk) lesions."

In patients with HPV, an S5 urine test was better at correctly identifying women with

Nedjai explained there's still a lot of research that needs to be done before the S5 test could be used in place of HPV testing.

Implementation of the S5 test may be fast-tracked in lowand medium-income countries where cervical cancer screening is not available, Nedjai said. "For them, it's a win-win process."

Premiums are the amount you pay each month out-ofpocket for your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. The estimated average monthly MA plan premium for 2020 is $30, this cost may vary significantly. Some could be $0, while others could have premiums over $100.

To join an MA plan, you must also be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. It’s important to remember that Part B has a separate premium that you are responsible for paying even if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage/Part C plan. The standard Part B premiums in 2020 will $144.50. per month. You may pay more if you delayed enrolling into Medicare Part B and have a penalty, have higher income, and/or have under 40 Social Security work credits.

In Houston area there are Medicare Advantage Plans that pay back (refund) part of the part B premium.

2020 Aetna PPO plan Harris county only and Wellcare HMO plan in Harris and other adjoining counties offer such rebates.

Deductibles A deductible is the amount

paid out of pocket by a beneficiary or insured individual before benefits begin. Only some Medicare Advantage plans have an annual medical deductible. However, many Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D/ prescription drug coverage may charge another deductible for drug coverage.

All Houston area Medicare Advantage HMO plans have $0 deductible and PPO plans in network deductible is also $0. However if you go out of network deductible is applicable in some PPO plan such as Humana PPO. Copayments/Coinsurance Copayment/Coinsurance are the portion of cost you pay for covered drugs or service like doctors’ visits, also referred to as costsharing. The amount varies, but copays are usually a flat fee while coinsurance is not a fixed dollar amount. Instead, it is a percentage of the cost of the item/service that the patient must pay.

For example, a 25% coinsurance means that the patient is responsible for 25% of cost while the plan covers 75% of the cost. Keep in mind that plans often charge higher copay and co-insurance amounts for out-of-network providers.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs These out-of-pocket costs (premiums, deductibles, and copayment) vary in each MA plan and can change every year, but the maximum out-of-pocket spending limit is consistent for all plans. For 2020 the max you will spend is $6,700, this amount changes every year.

The out-of-pocket maximum for plans that allow you to see out of network providers may be higher. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes prescription

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900

drug coverage you will have a separate out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drug costs.

Additional Considerations • If you’re enrolled in an HMO, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician to visit a specialist and there is a separate copay for that appointment.

• If you’re enrolled in an HMO, be sure that any specialist you see refers you to an in-network lab or testing facility.

• In HMO one can not go out of network. No coverage out of network.

• In PPO one can go out of network but will pay higher cost as much as fifty percent of contracted rate.

• If you’re enrolled in a Special Needs Plan (SNP) designed for individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, most of your costs are typically covered

by Medicare and Medicaid.

We represent all Medicare plans. To enroll in any suitable 2020 Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement Plans or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900.

There were more than 311,000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2018, and about 90 percent were in less-developed countries, according to the World Health Organization.

The research has not yet been submitted for peer-reviewed publication.

The NCRI Cancer Conference runs from November 3 to 5.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers program to benefit breast cancer survivors

S

toll that treatment takes,” said Sebastian-Deutsch.

“One of the most difficult issues women face after a mastectomy is a lack of confidence and comfort with how they look.

By making these products available at no charge to qualified women, we can help them overcome the stigma of their illness and advance in their recovery.”

slouch, which can cause problems after several years,” said board-certified surgeon Sandra Templeton, M.D., of Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land. “Women who choose not to undergo breast reconstruction surgery can benefit tremendously from proper fitting prostheses and post-mastectomy undergarments. This is a fantastic program that really makes a difference.”

ceive two prostheses and two mastectomy bras. Program participants can return every two years. The post-mastectomy prosthesis program was made possible in part from a grant by the George Foundation.

Finding a prosthesis that is comfortable and fits properly offers other benefits, as well. Studies show that a proper-sized breast prosthesis helps improve posture, with less muscle pain and spinal curvature.

For more information about the post-mastectomy prosthesis program, call our oncology nurse navigator line at 281.276.8989.

“The emotional aftermath of surviving breast cancer is often as difficult as the physical

“Having an asymmetrical body shape often causes women to favor one side or even

UGAR LAND—(November 6, 2019) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital provides free prostheses and mastectomy bras for qualifying Fort Bend County patients who undergo a mastectomy.

“Finding a comfortable, natural-looking breast prosthesis is a challenge for many breast cancer survivors, but it’s especially difficult for uninsured women due to the expense,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “This program is designed to benefit women who might otherwise not have the resources to get the supplies they need to look and feel healthy again.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land uses products from Nearly Me® Technologies, one of the nation’s leading designers and manufacturers of health care products for the postmastectomy population. The company’s founder is a twotime breast cancer survivor.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land provides one prosthesis and two mastectomy bras to women who have undergone a single mastectomy. Women with a double mastectomy re-

Breast Prosthesis Room

Chris Siebenaler, Regional Senior Vice President and CEO at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and Julie Platek, President of Sienna Women’s League, cut the pink ribbon to celebrate the breast prosthesis room.

To qualify for the program, applicants must complete a registration form, meet financial requirements, have completed treatment (including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and or reconstruction) and supply a prescription from their physician. Women can be fitted once their cancer treatment is complete.

To learn more about the cancer services offered, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Senior Living

VOICE OF ASIA 5

Section 2

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

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s the population of older U.S. adults grows, more Americans are taking on long-term caregiving duties for loved ones. An estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S. have provided unpaid care in the past 12 months, according to AARP. “While caregiving presents many opportunities for growing strong bonds with loved ones, the work itself can be demanding, eventually taking a toll on those shouldering the burden,” says Lakelyn Hogan, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care.

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In honor of National Family Caregivers Month observed in November, Hogan and the experts at Home Instead Senior Care are sharing tips to navigate the challenges.

Use Online Resources

To fully advocate for your loved one, it’s necessary to understand his or her medical conditions and the specific areas where extra help is needed. Doing so will help you secure support services, get information from doctors, ensure medications are being administered safely and even

help you make appropriate meal and transportation arrangements. Most reputable sources of condition-specific information can also double as a place for finding care and support.

Search for Innovative Tools

Innovative companies are taking note of the needs of caregivers and are designing everyday products to help them make daily tasks easier and more comfortable for all involved. In the realm of personal care, this trend is especially important: personal care activities were identified in an AARP survey as among

Caregiving can be a very rewarding experience for many family members. (Photo: StatePoint)

the most challenging daily activities caregivers must manage.

When it comes to shaving, a task that seems simple enough when performed on oneself, things can get tricky. Currently, 46 percent of caregivers are using a disposable razor to provide an assisted shave to their loved one at home, according to a Gillette survey. The problem? When caregivers use one of the 4,000 razors designed for shaving oneself, turning it around to use on someone else is trickier than you might expect -- not to mention time-consuming.

Fortunately, there is now a razor specifically engineered for assisted shaving.

A first of its kind, the Gillette TREO razor includes

Photo Source: (c) puckons / iStock via Getty Images Plus

C

Recently published in “Annals of Internal Medicine,” a new evidence-based guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (ACP) says that physicians should screen for colorectal cancer in average-risk adults who do not have symptoms between the ages of 50 and 75, and that the frequency of screening depends upon the screening approach.

“Not enough people in the United States get screened for colorectal cancer,” says ACP president, Dr. Robert M. McLean. “Physicians should perform an individualized risk assessment for colorectal cancer in all adults. Doctors and patients should select the screening test based on a discussion of the benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency and patient preferences.”

ACP suggests any one of the following screening strategies: • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or high sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every two years • Colonoscopy every 10 years • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years plus FIT every two years Dr. McLean stresses that ACP’s guidance statement, which relied on evidence presented or referenced in selected guidelines and accompanying evidence reports, is for adults at average risk for colorectal cancer who do not have symptoms and does not apply to adults with a family history of colorectal cancer,

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How to navigate the challenges of caregiving

What everyone should know about colorectal cancer screenings

olorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and in women in the U.S., making screening one of the most important preventive health measures to take as an adult. While no one relishes cancer screenings, new recommendations can help those of average risk for colorectal cancer learn more about the importance of screenings, and the most effective strategy for completing them.

a long-standing history of inflammatory bowel disease, genetic syndromes such as familial cancerous polyps, a personal history of previous colorectal cancer or benign polyps or other risk factors.

While the median age for colorectal cancer diagnosis is 67 years, and individuals aged 65 to 75 years derive the most direct benefit from colorectal cancer screening, screening in average-risk adults ages 50 to 75 also has benefit, ACP found.

All colorectal cancerscreening tests -- like all tests and procedures -- have both potential benefits and potential harms, which vary by person and screening strategy.

Given the tradeoffs between benefits and harms, some patients may prefer less intensive screening such as beginning at a later age, stopping at an earlier age, or screening less frequently regardless of the test selected. guidance statement is just that -- guidance. Clinical recommendations may not apply to every patient or all clinical situations,” says Dr. McLean.

“That’s why patient-physician relationships and shareddecision making are so important.”

- StatePoint The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is working with primary care clinics to get this life-saving screening to patients in Texas communities.

The FIT stool test is a colon cancer screening exam you can do at home. It is easy and it may save your life. To get a free FIT test through this program you should: Be between 50 and 75 years old, not have rectal bleeding or blood in your urine, not have inflammatory bowel disease (acute diarrhea, colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).

If your FIT test shows that you have blood in your stool, you will be offered a free colonoscopy.

special features that protect against nicks and cuts, and its clog-free design doesn’t require the use of water.

What’s more, the razor has an ergonomic handle providing greater comfort and control. These updates are particularly critical, as sensitive and thinning skin is prevalent among older adults and is a common side visit Gillette.com/TREO. As more companies introduce tools designed for caregivers, such personal care tasks as shaving have the potential to become easier, safer and more comfortable.

Make Space for Yourself Prioritizing your own health and happiness is critical. After all, if your health

suffers, it could make it impossible for you to continue caregiving. Rely on family and friends or a part-time professional to step in and give you a chance to recharge. Use the personal time to read, journal, exercise, take a nature walk, visit your doctor or simply meet with friends. You may also benefit from joining a caregivers’ support group.

Luckily, social media has made it simple for people to find one another and connect.

While the roles and responsibilities of caregiving vary, leveraging the resources designed to universally assist caregivers can help you navigate the many challenges of daily life.

-StatePoint

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

Knowledge and traditions shine during Deepavali at Chinmaya Prabha Houston

Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty seen performing puja along with priest. (Photo credit: Rajesh Thatte)

by Satchitananda

T

he most iconic of Hindu festivals – Deepavali, also called Diwali, was celebrated at Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH) on October 27th, 2019 with great fervor. Deepavali, meaning ”row of lamps,” is usually celebrated by lighting many lamps and hence the sobriquet, “Festival of Lights.” In many places, the festivities span five days. It marks the day of return of Bhagwan Rama to Ayodhya, along with Sita and Lakshmana after the defeating Ravana.

Deepavali also marks the victory of Bhagwan Krishna and Satyabama over Narkasura.

The significance compounds as it marks the day of emergence of Lakshmi during Saagar Manthan. In many communities, it marks the New Year on their calendar. In short, Deepavali signifies victory of light over darkness, of Knowledge over ignorance. The festivities are marked by social gatherings, exchange of sweets and gifts, bursting of firecrackers; it is also a time for contemplation and temple visits.

CMH brought out the festival’s grandeur through its army of volunteers. Gurudev’s pratima was decorated with flowers and colorful rangoli.

In Chinmaya Smriti hall, at the center of a colorful stage

were the murtis of Narayana with his consorts - Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Sri Ganesh Satyanarayana, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya’s priest conducted the puja in the august presence of Acharya Shri Gaurang Nanavaty.

Acharya Darshana Nanavaty also graced the occasion.

Acharya Gaurangbhai cast deep insight on the subtler meaning behind Deepavali in his crisp address. He noted that in Dussera, where good gains victory over evil, the process begins by destroying darkness through the worship of Parvati.

It is then followed by seeking spiritual wealth through Lakshmi puja culminating in Saraswati worship for getting knowledge. In Deepavali, the entire process is reversed.

It commences on Vaakbaras (Saraswati), Danteras (Lakshmi), Kalichaudas (Parvati) and ends with Deepavali. With knowledge, one begins cultivating spiritual wealth and remains vigilant against vasanas; thus shines the real dawn of inner light.

After his address, rows of families, decked in the most brilliant clothes, followed Ganeshji’s directions in performing Ganesa Puja, followed by Lakshmi Astottarasatanama puja and recital of Vishnusahasaranama. The vaidika aarti was followed by a visually

pleasing aarti that all the families did with their lamps. As is the norm in CMH, the celebration was done in two sessions.

Since CMH proudly holds on to the traditions of imparting and honoring knowledge, the families then lined up to offer Gurudakshina to their beloved Acharyas; each family, in return, was blessed with a gift.

As the festivities came to a close, the families were treated to some tasty prasad. Deepavali and CMH, both, remind us of the importance of constantly working on one’s own darkness and letting the bright light of knowledge to shine within. The inner journey continues.

CMH, its Acharyas, volunteers and family members strive to live the teachings of their great master Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. Gurudev’s entire life was one of a bright lamp shining incessantly to spread the Vedic wisdom in the simplest way to the masses.

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OUSTON- On October 22, 2019, Houston Habitat for Humanity held its 2019 Luncheon at the Westin Galleria on West Alabama to a packed audience.

Themed as Building a Dream, the event was co-chaired by Gaynell Floyd Drexler and Stephen Goldberg.

Honoree Reverend Harvey Clemons, Jr.

Wells Fargo honored with The Legacy Award

Starting in the South Bronx and expanding to under-resourced communities throughout the United States, she has created and implemented numerous green-infrastructure projects, policies, and job training and placement systems.

and demonstrating the same passion, tenacity and dedication to Houston Habitat’s mission as its founder, Carl Umland.

Reverend Harvey Clemons, Jr. received the The Carl Umland Award for his work to revitalize Houston’s Fifth Ward

Held on Saturday, October 26th, 2019

A spectacular layout of the stalls in the main hall.

by Bhargavi Golla

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EARLAND - Diwali, the festival of lights was celebrated with lot of enthusiasm at Sri Meenakshi Temple on October 26th, 2019.

The festive look of the temple with colorful lights, huge tents and filled parking lots with thousands of people was all set for the celebration of grand spectacular Diwali.

Diwali, or Deepavali, a Sanskrit word meaning “series of lighted lamps”. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil as well as truth and knowledge.

Sri Meenakshi decked in gold for Diwali.

The day started with 24rd annual free community Health fair at 9 AM and was inaugurated by dignitaries Hon. Mayor Tom Reid, Pearland, Kyle Price, CEO, Memorial Hermann, Kelly Ochoa Chief,

There was a steady stream of devotees with families throughout the day to pray, shop and participate in many activities organized by MTS simultaneously for all age groups. Kids

the temple in a silver chariot.

Several devotees took part in pulling the chariot rope to the resounding drumbeat of chenda melam.

For more information, visit www.chinmayahouston.org or call Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059.

Houston Habitat for Humanity Director Leela Krishnamurty and husband Nat (center) flanked with fellow directors and guests at the luncheon. (D Ortiz Photos)

In her keynote address, Carter said, “You shouldn’t have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one” is part of the permanent collection on the walls of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, and forms the basis of her talent-retention approach to local economic development.

Grand Diwali celebrations at Sri Meenakshi Temple

Tradition steeped in wisdom, diffused with fun is the norm at Chinmaya Mission Houston, located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353, Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX-77498.

Habitat's 2019 luncheon on 'Building a Dream'

Speaker Majora Carter, a MacArthur Fellow and Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, known is to have redefined urban revitalization strategy, earning both national and international acclaim.

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

The Legacy Award was awarded to Wells Fargo for their faithful partnership, civic and social responsibility, and longstanding support of Houston Habitat for Humanity.

Info: houstonhabitat.org

Mayor Tom Reid, Pearland, Kyle Price, CEO, Memorial Hermann, Kelly Ochoa Chief, Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann, Rebecca Lilly Memorial Hermann, Joanne Barrett, Chief clinical officer, Kindred hospital. were among the dignitaries at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann, Rebecca Lilly Memorial Hermann, Joanne Barrett, Chief clinical officer, Kindred hospital.

Service provided were Blood Pressure, EKG, Blood tests, Complete Blood Count, Metabolic Profile, Thyroid test, Lipid Profile, Dental Check, Eye Exam, Prostate Exam, Women’s wellness check and general Medical advice. Health Fair coordinator Dr. P. Vaduganathan thanked the Kindred Hospital for the generous support for the lab tests, Drs. Arun Narayanan, T. Dorairajan, Vijaya Kaila, Preethi Palvadi, Rama Rao Denduluri, Subhadra Bandhakavi. Subba Rao, Bhavani Iyer and Dr. Patel, students and residents. .This year we are blessed to have many dignitaries invited

by Honarary President of MTS Sam Kannappan attend the Diwali Bazaar. Pearland Mayor Tom Reid, Pearland City Manager Clay Pearson, Brazoria County Commissioner Stacy Adams, UH Clear Lake President Dr. Ira Blake, UH Main campus Humanities Dean Antonio Tills, Heidi Weiss, ED, Pearland Alliance for Arts & Culture, Raul Franco Jr, Manager, Chase cut the ribbon and inaugurated the Diwali Bazaar 2019.

Youth Center was beautifully decorated by Décor One with yellow and purple theme, thanks to Nalini Kannan.

More than 40 vendors had their beautiful items for sale, jewelry, saris, costumes, art works, paintings, and handicrafts that filled up the entire youth center. Under the food tent we had six local restaurants served authentic Indian food from morning 10 AM till mid-night.

A message of peace for all. enjoyed the Carnival with rides, rock climbing, moonwalks and Arcades while parents were busy shopping. Thanks to this year Carnival coordinator Senthil Devaraj, Rajini Rajendran for coordinating arts workshop and Gopee Ravipati for leading the parking coordination along with the board and volunteers.

Raja Gopuram was beautifully decorated with colorful lights and corner Mandapams with bright lights. Thanks to the generous devotees for sponsoring the lights.

Raffle tickets were sold throughout the day and raffle draw was conducted at 8:30PM. The raffle had many gift items like jewelry, art wall hangings and sarees. Thanks to generous sponsors Kirti Jewelers, Sehgal diamonds and others. Around 9:00 p.m. the grand professional fireworks show began with beautiful fireworks lit up the night sky in a blaze of glory. The crowd then joined in Garba and Dandia in front of Main Temple in Rajaveedhi.

Among the many attractions organized by MTS are the children’s cultural program.

Brightly clad children entertained the visitors by displaying their wonderful talents.

Budding artists participated in art workshop and rangoli competitions. This year Kumon, West University, sponsored the art workshop.

This wonderful free event is a great voluntary effort. It takes a lot of work and even more planning to make it happen. MTS Chairman Dr. Padmini Nathan thanked the overall event coordinator Bhargavi Golla, board, advisory council, volunteers and employees of MTS for organizing such a flawless festival year after year.

The traditional Lakshmi puja was conducted in the Main Temple at 11AM and at 6:30PM. Sri Lakshmi was then taken on a procession around

We pray to Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Padmavathi and Sri Venkateswara for a year of happiness and welfare to all.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

The Secret to a Successful Leader

Brian Greene, CEO and President Houston Food Bank, addressing the YLDP group

by Arya Gupta

O

n October 12, 2019, I, along with many other students in the Youth Leadership Development Program, were given the privilege to tour the massive facility of the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the country, and listen to an inspirational talk by the Brian Greene, CEO and pres-

ident of Houston Food Bank.

Greene has grown the Houston Food Bank from a small warehouse to the enormous production site it is today, serving over 18 counties and 800 thousand people every year.

An idea that was reiterated throughout Greene’s presentation was the importance of moral courage. Upon quoting Mark Twain as, “It is curious

YLDP Batch of 2019 with the organization's Board of Directors

that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare,” Greene explained how physical courage is an innate action and how displaying moral courage is the real challenge.

Anyone would save a drowning child, even if that meant risking one’s own life, but very few would be ready to stand up and raise a voice

against injustice. This moral cowardice is a result of the fear of social rejection present in our character. Mr. Greene emphasized the need for society to transition from moral cowardice to moral bravery.

This would help make the world equitable and success easy to attain.

After listening to Greene’s captivating presentation, I

ask myself many questions.

Where would America be if Rosa Parks had given up her seat on the bus and succumbed to the pressure of the racist American beliefs at that time? Where would India be if Mahatma Gandhi hadn’t led the Independence movement against the British rule and instead had accepted India’s inferior position in the world?

Moral courage is an essential quality necessary to be a successful leader. By conducting many welfare projects in the Houston Food Bank, Brian Greene has displayed the moral courage needed to bring change in the community and has proven himself a true leader. He is an inspiration for me and many others of my age.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford, Texas enlightens community through the celebration of Diwali

Annakut a grand offering to Bhagwan on the first day of the Hindu New Year at BAPS

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Diwali fireworks.

A new year, a fresh new start

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TAFFORD, TX - The ancient tradition of lighting lamps, or divos, during Diwali, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. The physical act of lighting lamps on Diwali symbolizes an individual's efforts to remove the darkness from one's self in forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment. Through its thought-provoking customs and traditions, Diwali presents a time to reflect and introspect for individuals, families, and communities.

Hindus and community members gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford, TX to celebrate Diwali from October 19 -28 Diwali is known as the festival of lights and holds special significance to Hindus.

Diwali is a five-day celebration that culminates with the Annakut celebration (a decorative offering of vegetarian sweets and food) on the Hindu New Year's day October 28th.

The five days of Diwali include a set of joyous cultural traditions that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family and society. Individuals take this time to start anew and commit to spiritual growth and familial harmony. Diwali presents Hindus an opportunity to connect with and celebrate the traditions of their roots with fanfare and a sense of community.

Offering his prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, BAPS guru His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj prayed for devotees’ spiritual, personal, and professional growth in this new year.

This Diwali, Mahant Swami Maharaj

Children get to participate in the Diwali celebration at BAPS.

The first arti of the Hindu New Year at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. emphasized the importance of leading spiritually centered lives, grounded in strong values and increased attachment to God for individuals and families.

Meghal Bhatt noted “my kids enjoy Diwali at the mandir because it gives me a chance to celebrate Diwali and show the how rich and colorful our culture is.”

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford, Tx is part of a more extensive network of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America. The auspicious five days of Diwali were celebrated with elaborate Annakut, lighted divos and rangoli, fireworks, and even a special children's Diwali celebration.

The celebrations were open to all members of the local community.

Attendees participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new beginnings, and had the opportunity to partake in the delicious offerings of the Annakut.

This year Kids Diwali Celebration was theme around “Bhagwan by Our Side.” This was an interactive celebration where both parents and children got to learn how God is always with us through the good and bad times.

The celebration included family time where both had a chance to participate in the fun.

Participants sitting in the Sharda Puja on Diwali day at BAPS mandir.

About BAPS The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies,

families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities.

Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure.

For more details, please visit www. baps.org.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Hindus of Greater Houston marks 30th anniversary, hosts 9th Annual Hindu Youth Awards

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

Raj Salhotra vies for Houston City Council seat

Raj Salhotra, 28, graduated from Harvard Law School in 2018 and then returned to Houston to serve his hometown. (Photo: Sadia Khan).

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OUSTON - With 44,408 votes cast in his favor, Raj Salhotra is headed to a runoff election for Houston City Council, At Large Position 1.

Winners of the Hindu Annual Youth Awards

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OUSTON Nov 2, 2019 - Hindus of Greater Houston proudly announces its celebration of 30 years of HGH and present 9th Hindu Annual Youth Awards and Gala on November 16th, 2019, from 5-00 pm at Houston Durga Bari Society, 13944 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082. This year Hindus of Greater Houston will complete 30 years since its formation. Raj Syal, a visionary brought innovation of a new direction with the unique idea of uniting Hindus together. In a span of thirty years, we have grown from 3 temples to 30 Temples currently in the Greater Houston area. Along with the growth the scope of activities for our youth has increased.

To mark the 30th year of HGH and we will have special awards evening to celebrate all Organization nominees who replied with their nominations promptly.

We will present Choir of Young Voices of youth to perform from all temples in Greater Houston joining to present two songs one on Hindu Unity and other on Lord Ram. We will also celebrate our Community Youth Leader as our Keynote Speaker to address our Youth awards. Keynote

Speaker for 2019 will be Shri. Rishi Bhutada- Board of Director, Hindu American Foundation.

We are privileged to honor our Founding member of the Advisory Board of HGH with this year's Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Our Chief Guests this year and Lifetime Achievement Awardees. are Acharya Shri Gaurang Nanavaty and Acharya Smt. Darshana Nanavaty, Founding Members of Chinmaya Mission Houston.

Hindus of Greater Houston mission is to build harmony within our community and provide outreach services to all Hindu Organizations. We organize Hindu Leaders Meeting of all Temples and organizations. We take pride in our youth and work with Hindu Heritage Youth Camp and Young Hindus of greater Houston our subsidiaries entirely managed by youth. Akash Dingra, team member of Young Hindus of Greater Houston comments” It’s been a true pleasure to be involved with Young Hindus of Greater Houston, to see our community come together and celebrate our culture and values is an enrichment to all of us. Being able to serve with this purpose in mind has been rewarding in itself, seeing

the amazing impact that is possible through community service is nothing short of inspiring. The Hindu youth awards is a meaningful recognizance for your service and truly connects you with other amazing Hindu youth. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this year’s awardees, and I can confidently say, our culture and values are in the best of hands.”

As the scope of our work has considerably increased, we plan to hire a part time Manager to work with us. Bhawna Luthra, Event Coordinator of Hindu Youth Awards commented “It is a great honor working with youth awardees and witnessing their enthusiasm and dedication for their organizations. Hindu Youth Awards gives youth the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas to take forward the noble work of perseverance and Hindu Unity.

“We solicit your donation that will be used for all our activities.

Any amount of donation is welcome to help our cause. Donations can be made to Hindus of Greater Houston by sending check mailed to: Attn: Girish Naik, 4018 Westhollow Pkwy, Houston, TX 77082 We sincerely thank you for your kind support and patronage.

The son of Indian immigrants, Salhotra, 28, ran up against incumbent Mike Knox as well as three left-leaning candidates in the general election in Harris County. Election results trickled in throughout the night on Tuesday, with final results showing Salhotra in second place with 22.11 percent of the votes, and Knox leading with 36.47 percent. Because no candidate received more than 50 percent of the votes, the top two candidates – Salhotra and Knox – will face off in a runoff election, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 14.

“We always knew this would be a two-step process,” Salhotra said to a room full of supporters during his watch party on Tuesday night. “We’re looking good on step one, and we’re ready for step two.”

Salhotra officially announced his candidacy for Houston City Council in March, and he has been campaigning rigorously for the past nine months. The son of Atul and Poonam Salhotra, Raj grew up in Houston and graduated from Rice University. He then went on to serve as a Teach for America corps member, teaching high school calculus and statistics at a charter school serving predominantly low-income, minority students.

Seeing students struggle to achieve academic success because of systemic barriers outside of the classroom inspired Salhotra to enter public service.

After graduating from Harvard Law School in May 2018, Raj decided to return to his hometown and serve his community.

“I’m running for this position because of my family and because of my students,” Raj said in a statement. “The city of Houston, and this country more broadly, has helped my family live the American Dream. But as a teacher and non-profit leader, I have worked with hundreds of students who have the exact same aspirations as I do, whose parents work just as hard as mine do, but unfortunately, because of policy issues and structural inequalities, are trapped in poverty. I’m running for City Council to build one Houston, where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.”

If Salhotra wins the runoff, he will become the first Indian to hold a Houston City Council AtLarge seat. He said he hopes to serve as an example to other minority students who are striving to enter politics.

Salhotra also serves as the president of the Young Hindus of Greater Houston, and he is the founder of a mentorship nonprofit called SWAG to College.

To find out more about Raj’s campaign, visit his website https://www.rajforhouston.com/ and follow @RajforHouston on social media.

Fort Bend View

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

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

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

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www.voiceofasia.news

Fort Bend ISD seeking feedback on calendar options for the 2020-21 school year

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ORT BEND ISD (November 5, 2019) – Fort Bend ISD has launched a survey to gain community feedback on two calendar options for the 2020-21 school year. The survey will remain open until midnight on Sunday, November 17, 2019, and the results of the survey will be shared with the District’s calendar committee before a final recommendation is presented to the Board of Trustees in January 2020.

As a District of Innovation, FBISD has flexibility to begin school before the state mandated start date of the fourth Monday in August, allowing more balance between the fall and spring semesters. Both FBISD calendar options include a start day of midAugust and an end date before Memorial Day. Similarities in Calendar Option A and B: As with the current school calendar, both calendar options include the Fort Bend County Fair Day holiday, a full week off for Thanksgiving, two full

Option A has the Fall Holiday on October 12, the last day of school before Winter Break on December 17 and students returning on January 5.

Option B has the Fall Holiday on October 30, the last day of school before Winter Break on December 18 and students returning on January 6.

View the Fort Bend ISD’s 2020-21 Calendar Options video to learn more about the process, similarities and differences in the calendar options, and more.

Visit the FBISD website (www.fortbendisd.com/calendarsurvey) to take the survey and view the two calendar options. Input is needed by midnight on Sunday, November 17.

Katy teacher named Texas Teacher of the Year by Texas Charter School Association

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UGAR LAND— (Oct. 31, 2019) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome Margaret Umah, M.D., board-certified family medicine physician.

Former Assistant City Manager Mike Goodrum named City Manager

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ugar Land City Council recently named Mike Goodrum as its next city manager after a nationwide search.

Goodrum currently serves as the city manager of Coral Springs, Fla. He will replace Allen Bogard, who plans to retire in January after a 44year career in public service that recently culminated with a career excellence award from International City/ County Management Association.

Final terms are being negotiated with Goodrum, and City Council is expected to consider a contract during an executive session on Nov. 5.

"It is a monumental task to follow in the footsteps of a legendary city manager such as Allen," said Goodrum.

"Allen has been a tremendous mentor and friend to me over the years, and I'm up to the challenge of leading this elite organization he refined during the last 20-plus years.

"I am excited to be coming home to this very special community and look forward to working with City Council, staff and residents to continue Sugar Land's legacy of excellence."

Sugar Land's national city manager search resulted in more than 50 applications. City Council conducted interviews with the top five finalists, all of whom had prior city manager experience. The selection of Goodrum was unanimous.

"Mike was the best choice for the city of Sugar Land among a pool of highly qualified candidates" said Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman.

"Mike is the embodiment of the Sugar

Theresa Gray teaches at the Harmony School of Innovation-Katy

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AN ANTONIO - Theresa Gray, a high school teacher from the Harmony School of Innovation-Katy, was named the Texas Teacher of the Year on Wednesday by the Texas Charter School Association.

Gray teaches a variety of courses, including U.S. History, Government, Economics, Entrepreneurship, as well as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course in Social Media Marketing.

The award was announced Wednesday at the TCSA’s annual conference in San Antonio by Harmony Public Schools Chief Development Officer Gina Gregory. In receiving the award, Gray was lauded for her individualized approach to student instruction, as well as her dedication to the craft

of teaching.

“Every day in the classroom, whether it’s seeing a student get a college acceptance letter or hearing them speak up for the first time in class, is a reminder that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching,” Gray said.

Gray joined the Harmony School of Innovation-Katy in 2013. The campus is a free, open-enrollment public charter school specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), College Preparedness, Career Readiness, and Character Education.

Earlier in 2019, the school was named by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top High Schools in America, along with 22 other Har-

mony Public Schools high schools. In August, the campus received an “A” Rating (98 of 100) from the Texas Education Agency on its annual Accountability Rating.

The campus begins its annual open enrollment season for new students for the 2020-2021 school year on Friday, Nov. 1.

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land welcomes Margaret Umah, M.D. to primary care practice

weeks for the Winter Break, the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Day holiday, a week-long Spring Break, Professional Development days for teaching staff, the state required 75,600 operational minutes and at least 840 minutes designated for inclement weather days.

Differences in Calendar Option A and B:

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Section 2

(713) 715-9983

Umah will begin seeing patients on Nov. 4 at the Houston Methodist Primary Care Group practice located on the hospital’s campus at 16605 Southwest Fwy., Medical Office Building 3, Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

She specializes in men's and women's health issues, adolescent health, preventive medicine, chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol disorders, and common illnesses and conditions. Umah also offers wellness exams, annual physicals and adult vaccinations.

Umah earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and then completed her residency in family medicine at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. She has been serving the health care needs of the Fort Bend community as a family physician since 2012.

“I have always had the greatest respect and admiration for Houston Methodist Sugar Land and its commitment to high-quality patient care,” said Umah. “I share my new colleagues’ approach in providing personalized, compassionate care

Land Way. He understands our community, its expectations and our organization. City Council felt that he was the clear choice to work with council members and staff to position our city for the future."

Goodrum started his government career with Sugar Land as an intern in 1999. He quickly advanced, providing valuable leadership in departments including Parks and Recreation, the City Manager's Office, Community and Environmental Services and Public Works.

He was promoted to executive director in 2013 with oversight of Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance and Parks/Recreation before becoming an assistant city manager in 2014.

Goodrum developed a reputation for being a collaborative and innovative leader in Sugar Land. He exemplified

Dr. Margaret Umah, family medicine physician to improve patients’ overall wellbeing through communication and partnership. I am very pleased to be joining Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, where my patients will have access to the full range of technology, expertise and resources that the hospital offers.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Umah, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639.

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

the Sugar Land Way - a commitment to bold and thoughtful thinking designed to make life sweeter and more refined for the people and businesses that call Sugar Land home.

During his tenure in Sugar Land, Goodrum had many notable achievements including: * the development and implementation of an internal organizational assessment program; * the facilitation of a public-private partnership to redevelop a portion of the historic Imperial Sugar site into the Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center; and * the no-cost acquisition of more than 750 acres of parkland, known as Cullinan Park, through an inter-local agreement.

Goodrum left Sugar Land in 2017 to become the city manager of Coral Springs.

- City of Sugar Land

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

BOLLYWOOD - HOLLYWOOD Section 2

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www.voiceofasia.news

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Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Janhvi Kapoor gets trolled for wearing bodycon dress The actress stepped out of a restaurant in Mumbai

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UMBAI - Janhvi Kapoor is one of the most soughtafter and popular star kids we have in Bollywood. The young actress, who is already one of the favourites of the paparazzi, is clicked every time she steps out.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, stars of "Terminator: Dark Fate," pose during a film promotion in London on October 17, 2019 (AFP Photo/Tolga Akmen)

'Terminator' takes top spot but underwhelms N. America box office

She stepped out after visiting a restaurant in the city. Dressed in a pink 'bodycon' dress, she raised the temperature as she posed for the shutterbugs showing off her hot body.

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She was trolled on social media, where some thought the dress was "too tight".

She was later photographed at a beauty salon nearby in Mumbai.

This is not the first time the 22-yearold actress and daughter of the late Bollywood actress Sridevi has gotten trolled for her attire.

In the past, actor Arjun Kapoor who is Janhvi's brother has slammed those who have trolled her for her dress sense.

Meanwhile, on the work front, after her successful debut Bollywood debut

Janhvi Kapoor was born on March, 1997 to actress Sridevi and the film producer Boney Kapoor. She has one younger sister, Khushi, and two half siblings, actor Arjun Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor. with ‘Dhadak’, Janhvi has been on a roll. She has some pretty interesting projects in her hand which includes, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’.

She will also be seen in ‘RoohiAfza’

where she will be pairing up with Rajkummar Rao for the first time. Janhvi is also part of Karan Johar’s magnum opus, ‘Takht’.

- Gulf News

Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden evacuated from film set after bomb scare

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OLLYWOOD - Actors Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden were evacuated from the set of 'The Eternals' after a bomb was found in the area.

Jolie, 44, and Madden, 33, play leaders Thena and Ikaris in the Marvel superhero movie. Star Kit Harington has joined 'The Eternals' as non-Eternal Dane Whitman.

According to a report, the base on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, had to be evacuated to allow bomb disposal experts to disarm the device.

It is believed that it was left over from a Nazi World War II base.

It also stars Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Barry Keoghan and Don Lee.

"It was obviously terrifying the bomb could have been there for decades untouched but who knows what might have happened if it was disturbed. Some of the biggest stars in

the world were on set and nobody was taking any chances. Fortunately, experts dealt with it," said a source.

Several onlookers said that panic quickly spread during shooting of 'The Eternals' and "everyone was ordered back to a safe distance".

Director Chloe Zhao will be bringing the world of Jack Kirby-created comic, which debuted in July 1976, alive. It is about super-powered beings The Celestials and their villainous adversaries The Deviants in a war set millions of years ago. The film is slated to open in the US in 2020.

OS ANGELES | AFP | 11/4/2019 "Terminator: Dark Fate" opened atop the North American box office this weekend with a take of $29 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Monday, but analysts said that figure fell far below expectations.

na Jolie playing the evil sorceress, and adds Michelle Pfeiffer as the scheming Queen Ingrith.

After all, the sixth and latest installment in the franchise -- reuniting stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton with series creator James Cameron -- cost $185 million to make.

It was a strong showing for a historical drama. The film has earned a rare A+ CinemaScore rating from audiences, and British star Cynthia Erivo has earned strong reviews for her performance in the title role.

"A storied Hollywood film franchise has been terminated -- at least for the foreseeable future," said The Hollywood Reporter.

The Paramount film has Sarah Connor (Hamilton) fighting to protect a young girl from a deadly Terminator arrived from the future.

Dark comic-book thriller "Joker," which is in its fifth week at theaters, took $13.5 million in the Friday-toSunday period. Joaquin Phoenix plays Batman's notorious nemesis in the Warner Bros. film.

In third place was Disney's "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" at $13.1 million. The film once again stars Angeli-

New biopic "Harriet" -- the story of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and work to help free other slaves -- surprised analysts with its fourthplace finish, earning $11.7 million.

In fifth was United Artists' computer-animated "The Addams Family," at $8.3 million. The funny/spooky film features the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Snoop Dogg and Bette Midler.

Rounding out the top 10 were: "Zombieland: Double Tap" ($7.4 million) "Countdown" ($5.8 million) "Black and Blue" ($4.1 million) "Motherless Brooklyn" ($3.5 million) "Arctic Dogs" ($2.9 million)

Priyanka Chopra wears mask on set as Delhi chokes in record smog

Shakira says losing voice was 'darkest moment' of her life

by Daniel Bosque

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ARCELONA, Spain | AFP | Tuesday 11/5/2019 - Colombian superstar Shakira says temporarily losing her voice two years ago was "the darkest moment" of her life, and which affected her "deeply".

In November 2017 the three-time Grammy winner was forced to postpone her hip-shaking "El Dorado World Tour" for seven months after suffering a hemorrhage on her right vocal cord.

"It affected me deeply, there is a before and after," the 42-year-old said during an interview with AFP late on Monday in Barcelona, where she lives with Spanish footballer Gerard Pique and their two young sons.

"You take many things for granted when you have them... In the case of my voice, it is something that is so inherent in my nature, it is my identity," she added in the interview at a Barcelona hotel.

"I always thought that one day I would lose many things, one day you lose your youth, you lose your beauty, you even lose friends, there are people who come and go... but I never thought my voice was something that could disappear.

- 'A miracle' "When that doubt arose, when I did not know if I could sing again, it was the darkest moment of my life," she added.

In what she describes as "a miracle",

With her mix of Latin and Arabic rhythms and rock influence, Shakira is one of the biggest stars from Latin America, (Photo: AFP file) Shakira recovered her voice naturally, without needing to undergo surgery as recommended by doctors and was finally able to carry out her tour in 2018.

A documentary about the tour, which encompassed over two decades of hits and was based on two shows she gave in Los Angeles, will open in around 60 countries from November 13.

"It is one of the most important tours of my life for what it means, for the different obstacles that I had to overcome," Shakira said.

With her mix of Latin and Arabic rhythms and rock influence, Shakira is one of the biggest stars from Latin America, scoring major global hits with songs such as "Hips don't Lie" and "Whenever, Whenever".

She was picked to perform alongside pop star Jennifer Lopez at the halftime show of the Super Bowl at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on February 2, 2020 -- which happens to be Shakira's birthday.

"We have a lot of ideas, it is hard to do them all in the short amount of time which we have. But we will try to take advantage of it as much as possible, especially the opportunity to represent Latinos," Shakira said.

The National Football League's Super Bowl championship final is the biggest annual event on US television.

The halftime show typically features some of the world’s best-known performers. Last year's show drew 98.2 million viewers.

www. voiceofasia.news Read the latest articles and news on BOLLYWOOD /HOLLYWOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Visit : www. voiceofasia.news

Instagram

By Rob Picheta, CNN

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riyanka Chopra has posted a picture of herself wearing a mask while filming in New Delhi, as the heavily polluted Indian capital grinds to a halt amid "unbearable" levels of smog.

"It's so hard to shoot here right now that I can't even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions," Chopra wrote on Instagram Sunday, while authorities in the city scrambled to deal with smog so toxic it grounded flights and forced schools to close their doors.

"We r blessed with air purifiers and masks. Pray for the homeless. Be safe

everyone," Chopra added, alongside a call for "solutions" to the crisis.

The pollution, described as "unbearable" by Delhi's chief minister and registered as hazardous on the global air quality index (AQI), is set to envelop the region for at least another week.

A public health emergency has been declared in the city, where authorities have halted work at construction sites, handed out face masks to millions of children and instituted new traffic controls limiting the number of cars on the road.

Chopra drew further attention to the crisis while on the set of "The White Tiger," a Netflix adaptation of Aravind Adiga's 2008 novel.

While growing up, the actress moved between several cities in India, which contains 22 of the world's 30 most-polluted urban areas.

Smog in Delhi -- already ranked as the most polluted city in the world -worsens at this time of year as temperatures drop and farmers light fires to clear their land.

But this year's smog has been much worse than usual. "Life in the smog is very strange," Siddharth Singh, a resident of Noida, a satellite city of Delhi, told CNN. "Many people have a persistent dry cough and itchy eyes.

Everything is hazy, so the eyes don't focus on objects in the distance. Everything looks morose."

LEGAL

VOICE OF ASIA 11

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

www.voiceofasia.news

Comparative Negligence Rules - Who Pays For Your Damages In Texas Auto Accidents?

Mala Sharma

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ave you or a loved one every been involved in an auto or commercial accident, suffered horrendous injuries, did not have a police report, and not able to receive the fair and just compensation you deserve for your damages from the negligent driver’s insurance? Each U.S. state has different personal injury auto insurance laws and are generally categorized as either “no-fault” or “at fault” states. Further, “at fault states” have adopted either a pure comparative negligence or modified comparative negligence standard in determining who pays for damages. Texas, follows the “at fault” system with comparative negligence rules for personal injury auto accidents.

Modified comparative negligence 50% rule vs modified comparative negligence 51% rule: Under the comparative negligence 50% rule, an injured party must not be found 50% or greater liable for the accident in order to be compensated for their damages.

The injured party can only recover damages if found 49% or less at fault. For example, if the injured party is found at 20% at fault with an award of damages for $100,000.00, he/she would recover $80,000.00. Under the comparative negligence 51% rule, an injured party may be compensated for their damages if the negligent driver is found to be 51% or greater at fault for the accident. The injured party cannot be found liable for fault greater than 50%.

For example, if the injured party were found at fault for 50% of the accident and total damages were $60,000.00, then he/she would only be able to recover $30,000.00 for damages. Texas follows the 51% comparative negligence rule stating that if a driver is 51% or more liable for an accident, he may not recover any damages. Al-

No-Fault vs. Fault States: No-Fault system states require each person’s auto insurance to pay for damages. That is, a person is required to have personal injury protection (PIP) for bodily injuries and collision coverage for any property damage. Contrarily, the “at fault” states also known as “fault” states, require the at fault negligent driver’s auto insurance in an auto accident to be responsible for paying damages incurred by an injured party. Further, “at fault” states use either a “pure comparative negligence” or “comparative negligence” concept.

Proportionate Responsibility: Pure comparative negligence vs. Modified Comparative Negligence: Pure comparative negligence states reduce recovery of damages by any percentage of fault by the injured party. For exam-

ways, remember, in Texas, if a driver is found 50% liable for an accident, he/she may still recover damages.

In modified comparative negligence states like Texas, liability determination is not always easy especially when there is no police report. Thus, when injured in an auto accident, always get a police report, take comprehensive pictures immediately of both vehicles with all damages, get all witness contact information, keep all medical records with bills, be careful what you say, and always seek the advice of a qualified attorney to help you recover your fair compensation when injured in an auto accident.

About the Author: Mala Sharma has been practicing family law and personal injury with her family at the Law Offices of Sharma & Associates, founded in 1997 with over 42 years of combined experience. Mala is a Board of Advocates for the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association GP Solo YLD, member of the Houston Bar Association, President Emeritus of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, and prior board member of the South Asian Bar Association.

Disclaimer: This material is available for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. If you require advice on any particular legal question, you may contact Sharma & Associates at 281-893-8644 or by email at mala@sharmalaws.net to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Sharlene Sharmila Richards Attorney at Law

www.richardsimmigration.com E-mail: srichardslaw@aol.com

CALL US today at: 713-623-8088 OUR OFFICE:

4151 Southwest Freeway, Ste: 600, Houston, Texas 77027

• • • •

Relative Petitions Citizenship Green Cards EB1, EB2, EB3, NIW

• • • •

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Other types of cases such as removal of conditions on residence, E, H-1B, L, O, P visas, PERM Labor, Appeals, Waivers etc.

Our business is rated A+ by the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.

IMMIGRATION Call Now for Your FREE Consultation

Tel: 713-774-5140

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Personal Injury:

ple, if the injured party was found 10% at fault for an accident, with $100,000.00 total damages awarded, he/ she would only be able to recover $90,000.00. On the other hand, modified comparative negligence states allow an injured party to recover damages from the negligent driver’s insurance, if the negligent driver were found equally or greater percentage liable for the accident. States that follow modified comparative negligence standards are further categorized as either (1) modified comparative negligence 50% rule or (2) modified comparative negligence 51% rule.

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

by Sharlene Sharmila Richards, Immigration Lawyer Email at srichardslaw@aol.com

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT RE-ENTRY PERMIT Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Q: What is a Re-Entry Permit?

A: A Permanent Resident who intends to travel and remain abroad for a period of one year or more risks being denied admission to the United States as he or she would be deemed to have abandoned his or her permanent resident status. A Re-Entry Permit allows a US Permanent Resident to re-enter the United States after being abroad for a period of one year but less than two years.

Q: I am a Permanent Resident and I need to return to my home country and remain there for more than one year. Do you recommend that I apply and obtain a Re-Entry Permit?

A: If you travel abroad and is absent from the US for more than one year and you do not have a Re-Entry Permit, you would be deemed to have abandoned your permanent residence and may be denied admission. The purpose of a Re-Entry Permit is to solve this problem for a Permanent Resident who plans to be absent from US for more than one year but less than two years.

Q: If my mom who is a permanent resident remains abroad for more than one year on the Re-Entry Permit, how will this affect her application for naturalization?

A: Unfortunately, it will affect her application for naturalization. To be eligible for naturalization, she needs to have been continuously resident in the US for the past 5 years prior to her applying for naturalization.

The continuous presence requirement is broken if she is absent from the US for a period of more than 180 days. Any absence of one year or more creates an irrebuttable presumption that her continuous residence has been broken. The ReEntry Permit will help her preserve her permanent residency but will not help her preserve her continuous residence. As such, she will need to wait for at least four years and one day from her return to the US before she becomes eligible to file for her naturalization.

Q: What is the difference between Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permit.

A: Advance Parole is given to a foreign national who is not yet a Permanent Resident. For example, a foreign national who is applying to adjust his or her status to become a permanent resident is eligible to apply for advance parole. Another example of those who may apply for advance parole are individuals who have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Re-Entry Permits are strictly for US Permanent Residents as well as Conditional Residents who intend to remain abroad for more than one year (but less than two years). The Advance Parole document is valid for a maximum period of one year whereas the Re-Entry Permit is typically valid for two years.

Q: What is the Form to use if I wish to apply for the Re-Entry Permit? How much is the Filing Fee? A: Use Form I-131 Application for Travel Document. The Filing Fee including Biometrics is $660.00.

The biometrics fee of $85.00 is waived for those 13 years old or younger and for those 79 years and older.

Q: I need to travel immediately and I anticipate that I will have to continue to be abroad for more than one year. Can I apply for the ReEntry Permit when I am outside the United States?

A: You must apply for the Re-Entry Permit and provide your Biometrics before departing the US. In special circumstances, you may request for the Biometrics to be expedited. In addition, you might be allowed to attend the Biometrics appointment earlier than scheduled.

In the application, you may specifically request that the Re-Entry Permit be sent to a US Embassy, consulate or DHS office overseas for you to pick up.

Q: How many times can I apply for a Re-Entry Permit? Can it be extended?

A: A re-entry permit cannot be extended. You will need to apply for a new ReEntry Permit when needed.

Also, the grant and period of

the validity of subsequent Re-Entry Permits may be for the lesser period of one year. USCIS retains the discretion to approve a Re-Entry Permit for only one year instead of two.

Q: My Re-Entry Permit is still about to expire but I need to do another extended travel. Can I apply for another Re-Entry Permit?

A: Yes, you may. But since your present Re-Entry Permit is still valid, you will need to send that ReEntry Permit in when you submit your application for the new Re-Entry Permit.

Q: My father has been abroad for more than one year with a re-entry permit. The re-entry permit still has about 9 months validity left and he cannot find it. It is lost. How will he be able to come back to the US? He wants to travel back to the US next month.

A: He has to file Form I-131A Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) to request for a travel document. According to the instructions he will need to file this application in person at the USCIS international filed office or with the Consular Section at the U.S Embassy.

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.

If you require advice or assistance, you may contact her at telephone number 713-623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Harris County Attorney Ryan and Thurgood Marshall School of Law host Immigration Seminar

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arris County Attorney Vince Ryan, in partnership with Thurgood Marshall School of Law, will hold a seminar on Nov. 8, with presentations covering the Basics of Representing Unaccompanied Children. This seminar will address issues surrounding immigration law and the fundamentals needed to represent unaccompanied children.

The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 3100 Cleburne Street.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Attorneys who attend will receive 4.25 hours of Continuing Legal Education credit. The seminar is free.

Presentations include: • Immigration Law Today

- A short recap of all the changes in immigration practice since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis in 2014.

• Detention and Release of Unaccompanied Children - A discussion of how the federal government processes and releases unaccompanied children apprehended by the immigration authorities.

• Overview of Relief - An overview of humanitarianbased immigration relief available to children in removal proceedings.

• Ways to Engage with Nonprofit Organizations - A panel discussion on different ways attorneys can engage with local nonprofit

organizations.

• Ethical Considerations in Representing Child Clients - Common ethical considerations in representing children.

• How to be a Pro Bono Attorney Ad Litem - Attorneys Ad Litem are needed in state court proceedings to represent missing parties in Special Immigrant Juvenile cases. Sign up to be part of the CILA Pro Bono List!

Presenters include the American Bar Association Children’s Immigration Law Academy, Kids in Need of Defense, the Tahirih Justice Center, YMCA International Services, and Catholic Charities.

VOICE OF ASIA 12

Section 2

Young Life

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

www.voiceofasia.news

OP-ED

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

Tel: 713-774-5140

Why is college so expensive?

Young people’s hatred for baby boomers is completely justified

by Brad Polumbo

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oomers ruin everything. Now, they’re trying to ruin the “OK Boomer” meme, too.

It all started when the New York Times published a piece explaining the slang phrase used by young people to dismiss out-of-touch arguments from their elders. Journalist Taylor Lorenz described “OK Boomer” as “Generation Z’s endlessly repeated retort to the problem of older people who just don’t get it, a rallying cry for millions of fed-up kids.”

As she reports, “Teenagers use it to reply to … basically any person over 30 who says something condescending about young people — and the issues that matter to them.”

Thus, the Times’ headline seems fitting: “‘OK Boomer Marks the End of Friendly Generational Relations.” It does indeed.

But boomers aren’t taking the slight lying down. New York Post columnist Steve Cuozzo stirred up quite a controversy with his Saturday column titled “Millennials’ extreme hatred for baby boomers is totally unjustified.” He’s completely wrong and in the most boomer way possible. In fact, the grievances that young people have with their elders are fully justified, as the baby-boomer generation has screwed us over in innumerable ways.

It’s worth noting that Cuozzo’s column is guilty of many of the same cringe-worthy tropes that lead young people to deride boomers in the first place.

For one, he spends much of the piece decrying “millennials,” when, in fact, “OK Boomer” is largely a Generation Z phenomenon. This is not exactly the best way to rebut criticisms that you're out of touch.

So, too, Cuozzo dismisses young people’s concerns over

Experts say reduced state funding and how colleges spend tuition dollars contribute to the high costs.

by Emma Kerr A screenshot of a “OK BOOMER” T-shirt designed by Grizzly Designs. student loans by reminiscing about how, back in his day, he paid his loans off. He doesn't bother to mention that the inflation-adjusted cost of college has increased by 1100% since 1978 (four times greater than inflation). He also reminisces about how he once worked 10hour shifts at a restaurant without any break. Apparently, he expects young people to shut up and accept poor working conditions because he did so decades ago.

Basically, in his column defending baby boomers, Cuozzo falls into the stereotypical boomer attitude that young people hate so much: “I suffered, so you should too!” And the Post columnist never really grapples with the more substantive grievances that young people have with his generation. For instance, baby boomers (and other older generations) have essentially left their young buried in debt they can never repay. The national debt now tops $23 trillion, a whopping $185,000 per taxpayer.

Boomers won’t live long enough to face the consequences of their spending spree. But young Americans will live to see larger annual interest payments, slowed economic growth, and increased financial instability.

That’s not all. As Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank noted, “Boomers expanded entitlement programs that are wrecking the nation’s finances; they failed to act on global warming; they presided over declining faith in virtually all institutions, from religion to the Supreme Court; and their children may be the first generation with dim prospects of doing better than their parents did.”

Of course, it’s not as if boomers have never done any good.

But Cuozzo attempts to overstate his generation's accomplishments. He takes credit in his column for everything from the defeat of communism to the digital revolution. But boomer voters didn’t control the government until the 1990s. The Greatest Generation deserves credit for winning the Cold War, not boomers. And the absurdity speaks for itself that he tries to give credit for the “digital revolution” to the generation that is still figuring out Facebook.

No individual deserves blame for the faults of a whole generation. But boomers ought to give their generation’s legacy an honest reckoning and realize that maybe, just maybe, the kids have a point.

- The Washington Examiner

U.S. rapper Jaden Smith implores young climate activists to involve parents

by Tom Finn

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ISBON, Nov 4 – Young people rallying to fight climate change should engage their parents, U.S rapper and actor Jaden Smith said on Monday, urging eco-conscious adolescents to try to influence the views of adults at home.

Smith, the 21-year-old son of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, joined mass youth-led protests that took place in cities around the world in September imploring leaders to confront the climate crisis.

“But that bond (with parents) really matters,” he noted, adding “Eventually, parents will see things have to change.”

Smith, who co-starred with his father in the 2006 film “The Pursuit of Happyness” about an entrepreneur’s struggle with homelessness, posts regularly on social media about water scarcity and global warming.

In September he urged his eight million Twitter followers to consider the environment and reduce their meat consumption.

Smith helped set up Just Water, a company that sells drinking water in bottles made mostly from paper and plantbased plastic, after spotting a discarded plastic bottle in the

While the sticker price is rarely what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, researchers at The New Center, a bipartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., set out to understand the root cause of the rising cost of tuition and the student debt crisis facing the U.S. in a report released in August.

It's easy to see why there tends to be a reliance on student loans to pay for college: Tuition prices increased 36% from 2008 to 2018, while the real median income in the U.S. grew just over 2.1% in the same period, according to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. To afford college, many students take on debt, resulting in more than 1 million people defaulting on their student loans every year, with average monthly payments close to $400.

Zane Heflin, policy analyst at The New Center and author of the report titled "The New American Dream: Alleviating the Student Debt Crisis," says the ramifications of the 2008 Great Recession are still hitting the higher education world, and students are paying the price.

"The two main drivers of the rising cost of tuition are reduced state funding and the incentive for tuition raises as an unrestricted revenue to benefit colleges," meaning colleges can choose to spend tuition money however they wish, Heflin says. "States and local communities are spending less per student. Someone has to take on that cost, and unfortunately it's been the student."

His report outlines a few

"These colleges are trying to raise tuition to appeal to a broader group of students by allowing that to take the place of actual quality," Heflin says.

"It's one of those situations where there are a lot of perverse incentives on the part of the colleges to raise their sticker price."

The cost issue has been tracked, too, on an international level by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The U.S. had an average tuition price of nearly $9,000 per year at public institutions in 2017-2018 – the second highest in the world after England. The differences reflect the different investments in postsecondary education and the various systems in practice globally, according to OECD's "Education at a Glance 2019" report.

Some countries, like Denmark, charge no tuition for bachelor's degrees at public universities and offer substantial aid to students that can help pay for living costs. Others, like the U.S., charge high tuition and fees but also provide well-developed financial aid programs.

"Countries may have different approaches to tuition fee policy and, more generally, to sharing the cost of education between governments, students and other private entities," Manon Costinot, a statistician at the Directorate for Education and Skills at the OECD, wrote in an email. "More than the level of tuition fees, what matters most is countries' ability to ensure that the cost of education does not hinder access, for instance by offering financial support mechanisms, and that educational institutions equip students with the

necessary skills to succeed in a fast-changing society."

Financial aid can help students afford to go to college, despite the rising prices. But in the U.S., options like the Pell Grant, a form of need-based federal financial aid, for example, haven't kept pace with inflation or the cost of college, says Mamie Voight, vice president of policy research at the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington, D.C. "Costs are going up for students, and that pressure is falling most heavily on lowincome students who are trying to access college and succeed in college," she says. More needbased financial aid from states would help ease this burden, she says, along with changes at the federal level currently being discussed as part of the potential Higher Education Act reauthorization.

While Voight says those changes are deeply needed, she urges families to avoid being deterred by surging sticker prices.

"College is worth it," Voight says. "Students and families should not be focusing on sticker price; they should be looking at net price. There are some tools out there that allow students to explore the net prices out there, and every college is required to have a net price calculator on their websites."

The Department of Education's College Navigator and College Scorecard are two options for finding net prices, which is the amount a family actually pays after factoring in grants and scholarships.

Before choosing a college and taking out a loan to pay for it, students should do their homework, says Ryan Clancy, senior adviser at The New Center.

"Kids think, 'College is good, I'm going to take this loan out that I won't have to think about for five years.' But remember that even though that loan is going to come due in the future, it's real. You are going to have to pay for it."

-Kiplinger's Personal Finance

As vaping-linked illnesses exceed 1,800, medical groups are calling for action

While climate activists such as 16-year-old Swedish student Greta Thunberg have targeted older generations for failing to act, Smith said involving adults was critical to tackling the threat posed by a warming planet.

“It’s amazing the youth have got so involved. And they have to stay involved,” Smith told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on the sidelines of the Web Summit technology conference in Portugal.

T

uition and fees at Columbia University in New York total more than $61,000 for the 2019-2020 academic year. While its tuition makes it the most expensive private university in the nation, according to U.S. News data, Columbia is just one of many institutions that may leave prospective students and their families baffled by the cost of a college education. But why is college so expensive in the first place?

other reasons why college is so expensive, including a need for schools to devote more money and staff toward complying with regulations set by the U.S. Department of Education; high prices at for-profit colleges; and a competitive drive among some colleges to raise prices to create a perception of quality – a sort of marketing technique, Heflin says.

File photo/AFP ocean while surfing as a teenager.

“Seeing the ocean polluted… sparked a journey into learning about the environment. I was like ‘wow, this is so groundbreaking.’ I wanted to make an impact. I started learning about the environment, about plastic, about carbon dioxide.”

Young people like Thunberg, anxious about the future of a hotter planet and angry at world leaders for failing to address the crisis, are rallying to fight climate change because they have the most to lose in future owing to their age.

Some parents have supported activist children as they skip school to protest. Smith, similarly, said his parents and teachers had played a “crucial role” in nurturing his passion for the environment.

A study by North Carolina University researchers published in May found that teen-

agers in the U.S. coastal state who were schooled in the basics of man-made climate change saw their parents become more concerned about the issue.

Currently 37 of 50 U.S. states plus Washington D.C. have adopted science education guidelines which include studying climate change as a result of human activity, according to Glenn Branch, the National Center for Science Education’s deputy director.

Smith appears in a forthcoming feature-length documentary, “Brave Blue World,” which examines how technology can tackle rising water scarcity through tools like better waste management.

A coalition of medical groups are calling on Congress and the Trump administration to more closely regulate tobacco and e-cigarette companies as the number of vaping-linked illnesses exceed 1,800.

W

ASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2019 CDC data updated Thursday shows the number of reported cases of a lung illness officials believe is linked to e-cigarette use and vaping, dubbed EVALI, reached 1,888 as of Oct. 29, with 37 confirmed deaths. Cases of the illness have been reported in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and one U.S. territory, with deaths confirmed in 24 states. Alaska is the only state with no reported cases of the illness.

“Water is everything,” he said. “It is such a special resource. We all have to care about it.”

Based on CDC data released last month on 1,364 patients with known demographic information, the agency estimated that about 80% of patients in the reported cases are younger than 35, 40% are 18 to 24 years old, and 14% are younger than 18. About 70% of patients are male.

- Thomson Reuters Foundation

Anne Schuchat—CDC's principal deputy director, who

is overseeing the agency's investigation into the matter— last month said the number of reported cases is rising at a "brisk" pace and that cases typically involve "really serious injuries." She said, "[W]e don't know how well people will recover from them, whether lung damage may be permanent."

Doctors report that patients' recoveries have varied, with some patients appearing to make full recoveries and others continuing to have trouble breathing. CDC earlier this month reported that some patients have relapsed and had to be hospitalized a second time, with readmissions occurring from as few as five days to as many as 55 days after initial discharge.

CDC said it is unclear why those patients relapsed. However, Schuchat said it is possible that the lung illness made the patients more susceptible to

other conditions. In addition, she said steroids used to treat the lung illness could "set [patients] up for increased infection risk."

CDC also said officials still do not know what is causing the illness and associated lung injuries. The agency noted that a majority of patients with the illness have reported using products containing the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the high-inducing chemical found in marijuana. However, CDC noted that 10% of cases involve patients who reported using only nicotine vaping products.

Schuchat has said the illness might have more than one cause, and the cause could vary throughout the United States.

"The phenomenon we're seeing is going to have an explanation but it may not be tomorrow," - Advisory Board

VOICE OF ASIA 13

www.voiceofasia.news

Business Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

Tel: 713-774-5140

IACCGH Hosts Generational Transition Event

by Manu Shah

O

n October 22, three fatherson duos shared the dais at Doubletree Hilton to talk about generational business transition and their induction into the family business. The panel discussion, organized by the IACCGH, is the second of its series and shed light on how business families are preparing to turn over the family business to their children and secure its future.

Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia highlighted the fact that senior panelists Bal Sareen, Abeezar Tyebji and Aku Patel have all been honored with the IACCGH “Businessperson of the Year Award.” The Gen 2 panelists were Kevin Sareen, Quresh Tyebji and Anant Patel.

Practicing family physician, Pediatrician and talk show host Dr. Subodh Bhuchar as Moderator brought his wit and easy comebacks to the discussion.

Event sponsors BB&T were enthused about underwriting the series after attending the first series which saw Houston’s three Indo American families- the Bhutadas, Malanis and the Dhingras share how they are handling transition in their business.

BB&T representative Mark Chou stated that he looked forward to a longterm relationship with the Chamber.

Welcoming the panelists, President Swapan Dhairyawan observed that many in the second generation of family owned business opted to carve out their own paths before returning to the family fold.

The panelists were from three sectors: the Sareens came from manufacturing, the Tyebjis from the service sector and the Patels from retail. Karat 22, a high end diamond and gold jewelry business was started by Meena and Aku Patel as a home based business before becoming a leading name in jewelry, Shipcom Wireless, a leading global service provider of integrated supply chain execution software solutions was founded by Abeezar Tyebji while Brask, Inc. was started

by Bal Sareen and is today the second largest manufacturer of heat exchangers in the US. According to statistics, family owned businesses account for an estimated 80% of companies worldwide and are the largest source of long-term employment in most countries. In the US, they employ 60% of workers and create 78% of new jobs.

Was Gen 2 keen to pick up the ba-

ton? Surprisingly, the answer is no. All three were reluctant to follow in dad’s footsteps. Kevin Sareen, a mechanical engineer had to prove to himself that he could do it on his own. He worked in the corporate environment for several years before taking charge of the company’s second plant in Pearland.

Quresh’s degree in architecture and business led him to designing Smart Airports in New Jersey while Anant, having seen the early struggles of the business, was set to start a job after his degree in finance and accounting.

This resistance was gradually worn down over the years. As Bal Sareen put it to Kevin “if you are going to work that hard, work for yourself. Aku Patel advised his son to talk to friends who had joined the corporate world only to return to the family business because the “opportunity to grow is exponential.” Quresh was drawn by Shipcom’s mission to “innovate simple applications because of the age we live in.”

As far as exit strategies go, Bal Sareen shared his intention to wean away from the business by 2025. He also added that when a child takes over the business and sustains the same value system, the continuity sends a reassuring signal to banks, employees and customers. The Tyebjis are looking for world class talent, meritocracy and leadership while in Aku Patel’s case, he hasn’t really considered retiring from the business because he quipped “he’s still young.”

From left- right: Dr. Subodh Bhuchar, Moderator, Panelists: Bal Sareen, Abeezar Tyebji and Aku Patel. Gen 2 panelists were Kevin Sareen, Quresh Tyebji and Anant Patel. Photo by Bijay Dixit.

All three founders share not only a strong sense of philanthropy but also a spiritual inclination. This, they believed, helped them cope with setbacks and challenges as in the case of Aku Patel, whose shop was broken into and termed as the biggest breakin in the history of Texas.

One of the challenges which all three youngsters agreed on was that generational conflict was inevitable. Knowing that the best decision will benefit the company helps Aku and Anant find common ground. For Quresh the “ying and yang balance” at the end of the day while Kevin believed that differences helped a business “evolve as it forces one to look at the other’s perspective.” True millennials, all three believed in adopting innovative technologies and data, which could sometimes “be met with some resistance.”

While Gen 1’s knowledge and experience prove invaluable, Abeezar was quick to acknowledge that he has learned tremendously from the rising generation. The hour-long dialogue

IACCGH's Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia, President Swapan Dhairyawan with honorees: Bal Sareen, Dr. Subodh Bhuchar, Aku Patel and Abeezar Tyebji. Photo by Bijay Dixit. indicated that the next generation, while feeling the weight of their responsibility, look set to “fly the flag” IACCGH continues to serve the

World's biggest trade deal nears finish despite India holdout "Whenever India is ready, it is welcome to get on board," he said.

RCEP includes the 10-nation ASEAN bloc along with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The deal has gained new traction amid a bruising US-China trade war that experts fear could drag global growth.

Indian premier Narendra Modi, who is under domestic pressure to pull out of RCEP, told the Bangkok Post over the weekend that it would create "unsustainable trade deficits".

Indian unions have staged protests calling for more of a say in the final deal.

The partnershipincludes 30% of global GDP and half of the world's people.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Monday "the text of RCEP is done", echoing the deal's

B

ANGKOK | AFP | 11/4/2019 - The world's biggest trade deal is likely to move forward without India for the time being, diplomats and officials said Monday, as negotiators pushed to finalise the sprawling Asian pact backed by China.

Houston business community with a series of events to address different sectors the next event being in partnership with the Indian Doctors Association in the Woodlands in Novem-

ber focused on how the US SBA can help doctors leverage SBA guaranteed loans and other programs. Visit www. iaccgh.com to learn more about the Chamber.

McDonald's HR chief exits after CEO shakeup

N

EW YORK | AFP | Monday 11/4/2019 - One day after McDonald's announced the dismissal of its chief executive over a relationship with an employee, the company confirmed Monday its top human resources executive also departed the fast-food giant.

David Fairhurst, who joined McDonald's in 2005 and was named chief people officer at the restaurant chain in 2015, left the company, a McDonald's spokeswoman said, declining to comment further.

The company announced Sunday that chief executive Steve Easterbrook had left the company following a "consensual relationship" with an employee that violated company policy.

"Easterbrook... has separated from the company following the board's determination that he violated company policy and demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee," the company said in a statement.

McDonald's Chief People Officer David Fairhurst (above) departed from the company on Monday, the fast food giant confirmed Monday. Fairhurst first joined McDonald's in 2005 and was promoted to Chief People Officer in 2015. (Linkedin Image) In 2018, Easterbrook's base pay was $1.3 million and his total compensation including bonus and stock options was $15.9 million.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes 30 percent of global GDP and half of the world's people.

Easterbrook's separation agreement includes six months' severance pay, plus stock options that are currently vested or would become vested within three years. Options that are not exercisable within that period will be forfeited, according to a US securities filing.

Objections by India dashed hopes of signing the deal at this weekend's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, after seven years of gruelling negotiations.

Easterbrook agreed to release any claims against the company and to not work for two years for a lengthy list of competitors that includes Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Pizza Hut.

Kempczinski, who became head of McDonald's USA in 2017, helped promote digital technology and home delivery, Morningstar said.

Even without India in the mix, RCEP will be the world's largest trade pact.

is important to offset Beijing, the world's second biggest economy.

India has raised concerns about market access, fearing its domestic industries could be hard hit if the country is flooded by cheap Made-inChina goods.

The other members have agreed on the text of the draft agreement, aiming for deal to be signed next year.

A note from Morningstar praised Easterbrook's successor, Chris Kempczinski, who joined McDonald's in October 2015 after working in a senior strategic role at Kraft Foods and previously at PepsiCo.

McDonald's shares tumbled 2.9 percent to $188.25 in afternoon trading.

Indian premier Narendra Modi, who is under domestic pressure to pull out.

"It is the 15 participating countries that have decided to move forward first," China's deputy foreign minister Le Yucheng told reporters Monday.

open-door policy.

"It is important to have India in and that is certainly our preference," he told reporters in Bangkok.

A diplomatic source in Bangkok told AFP India's inclusion in the deal

"RCEP has better strategic value if it includes India. Without India, there is no balance," the diplomat told AFP.

SMALL BUSINESSES

VOICE OF ASIA 14

B

D

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS BOOK-KEEPING

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

INCOME TAX

Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations.

S. Ram and Associates

Tel: 832-877-9625 Free Consultation asu2020.com

M.D. Associates LLP A full service CPA firm

2 Locations to serve you Houston 713-774-6533 Spring 281-251-2205

visit us at: www.mdassociatescpas.com

Selling Your Business?

We can help you get faster results though our online listing.

Call 713-774-5140.

COMPUTER SERVICES

RESTAURANTS India’s Restaurant & Catering For special parties and corporate events.

Preferred Wine list, authentic vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes, finest Indian cuisine with chef’s special dishes

Ph: 713-266-0131/0805

We cater from 10 people to 800 people for all occasions. We deliver to your venue.

Madhuram Mirch Masala 10758 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070

281.955.9878 216.338.3940 (cell)

Shiva Indian Restaurant & Catering Specializing in North Indian Cuisine, office & Corporate catering 2514 Times Blvd, Rice Village Ph: 713-523-4753 Visit us online: www.shivarestaurant.com

Networking and Computer Repair

Home & Business, on site, Microsoft MCSE & A+ certified, low flat rates, free estimates, pickup & delivery, www.PCNetworkGuru.com Call Amit at 832-971-6807

Selling Your Business?

We can help you get faster results though our online listing.

Call 713-774-5140.

STATEPOINT THEME: WORLD CUISINES

List Your Business CALL TODAY 713-774-5140

Horoscope.com

21 March to 20 April You might be determined to blast through obstacles that have been blocking your path, and with dynamic Mars angling toward power-broker Pluto, you may succeed. And yet, with fiery Mars in Libra, you may also be open to a compromise if this is possible.

21 April to 20 May he week ahead also brings the possibility of giving shape and substance to travel plans or another golden opportunity. With sobering Saturn linking to dreamy Neptune, the chance to get away from it all or explore new options could be too good to pass by.

21 May to 20 June There is potential progress to be made regarding business affairs or an enterprise of yours if you can bring practical ideas to the table.

Combining imaginative solutions with sensible options can see you going far. Someone may have a proposal for you this weekend.

21 June to 22 July The coming days are also excellent for creative collaborations and working as part of a team on plans and projects that feed your soul. A combination of practical and imaginative ideas can lead to spectacular results. Lleave no stone unturned to get to the heart of a mystery.

23 July to 22 August there is a chance to combine the spiritual with the material, particularly in a business sense. Joining forces with someone who is as eager as you to combine both qualities can be a productive experience, and one that could benefit others in the process. Family discussions may turn toward health and well-being this weekend.

23 August to 22 Sept Are you eager to connect with a love interest? While you may have all the right words with which to impress someone, you’ll need to be practical as well. In fact, showing your affection in a down-to-earth way could be the key to their heart.

23 September to 22 Oct If you’re eager to make changes around the home, the sun angling toward sobering Saturn and ethereal Neptune means this is a good opportunity to sell items that you no longer want or need. Some of them could be worth more than you think.

23 October to 21 Nov If you have an idea that’s deeply personal to you, you can take steps toward making it a reality by blending practicality with imaginative thinking. It’s also easier to be flexible under this aspect, because the qualities of ethereal Neptune support flow but not rigidity.

22 November to 21 Dec The sun is in your spiritual zone, making this a time when a vision or powerful dream could influence your future in a positive way. But you’ll need to be practical as you look at it further. Doing so will help your plan to materialize.

22 December to 20 Jan This could be a productive week for you if you can overcome an issue early on. An intense aspect involving warrior Mars in a prominent zone and manipulative Pluto in your sign could see you in a face-off with someone in authority.

21 January to 19 Feb The sun is in your sector of goals, making this is very much the time to shine. Lively Mercury continues to rewind in this zone, though, so be extra careful about committing to anything that involves a lot of time or money.

20 February to 20 Mar There could be a disagreement between you and a friend that comes to a head at this time. If you know what this is about, you can either use tact to diffuse it or, if you aren’t too bothered about staying on good terms, you might tell it like it is.

ACROSS 1. Caribbean vacation destination 6. "How Green ____ My Valley" 9. Elementary particle 13. His oyster?

14. Where couples are joined?

15. Most common vowel in English language 16. Relating to a node 17. E in BCE 18. Makes better 19. *Tex-Mex or California cuisine, e.g.

21. *Smörgåsbord, e.g.

23. Dwindle 24. In a frenzy 25. U.N. workers' grp.

28. Notary Public's mark 30. Vandalizing a car 35. Karl of politics 37. Priests' robes 39. Type of eclipse 40. One on a list 41. *Like cuisine in a fancy restaurant 43. Stalactite site 44. Las Vegas' main street 46. Very pleased with oneself 47. Location of ACL and MCL 48. John Cusack's time machine, 2010 50. Upper hand 52. Caribou kin 53. Student aid 55. Four quarters 57. *Pelmeni and borscht, e.g.

61. *Samosa and biryani, e.g.

64. Remove, as in a Pinterest post 65. Any doctrine 67. Spectator 69. Newman/Redford movie "The ____" 70. Cartographer's creation 71. "____ Line Is It Anyway?"

SOLUTION:

72. Carrying container 73. Sunday newspaper inserts 74. Editor's "Let it stand" marks DOWN 1. Grass bristle 2. Shingled house part 3. Pakistani language 4. Nonchalantly unconcerned 5. Rhymes at rap battling 6. One of Five Ws 7. Lungful 8. Tetanus symptom 9. Got an A 10. *Tom Kha Gai and Gaeng Daeng, e.g.

11. Horned birds 12. C l assic T V s er ies "_*_*_*_" 15. Israeli money 20. African sorcery 22. *Chinese pan 24. Egg white 25. *Coddle and soda bread, e.g.

26. Another word for Bingo 27. Not hidden 29. Regrettably 31. Exclamation of disgust 32. Absurd 33. Innie or outie 34. *Spanokopita, e.g.

36. Do like exhaust pipe 38. Wall support 42. Encourage, two words 45. Whimpering 49. Flapper's accessory 51. Funds 54. True inner self 56. Number of planets 57. Metal enemy 58. "Do ____ others..."

59. Rotisserie skewer 60. Cosine's counterpart 61. Mischievous fairies 62. Gel-producing plant 63. Hatchling's home 66. *Typical U.S. fare, acr.

68. Second solfa syllable, pl.

WORLD CUISINES on Page 15

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VOICE OF ASIA 15

Email Obituaries to us at: voiceasia@ aol.com Deadline for publication: Tuesdays by 5pm.

When you find some time, READ!

Houston Community College Request for Qualifications Architect and Engineering Services for New First Responders Training Facility Project No. 20-09

READ DAILY!

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, and Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/about-hcc/procurement/

15 - 30 minutes of reading daily helps your brain focus better. Grab a novel!

A Community message from Voice of Asia Group

Investigators need male identified in composite sketch

I

nvestigators with the HCSO Child Abuse Unit need the publics help identifying a male suspect wanted for Sexual Assault of a Child.

In May 2019 the male over powered the juvenile female victim on a walking trail near the Longwood Village neighborhood near Little Cypress Creek in northwest Harris County.

The female stated she was walking the trails near the Longwood Golf Club between Telge Rd and Louetta Rd when the male suspect sexually assaulted her.

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

STATEPOINT

The suspect is described as a white male with an average build, with silver or gray hair.

He may have a tattoo on his right arm around the bicep.

Anyone with information on this suspect is urged to call the HCSO Child Abuse Unit at 713-830-3250.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/ or arrest of the suspect in this case.

Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at

Image: HCSO

www.crime- stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous.

www.voiceofasia.news

Theme: WORLD CUISINES

from Page 14

VOICE OF ASIA 16

FRIDAY, November 8, 2019

Home&Real Estate Affordable DIY projects to transform your home

An urban townhouse gets a gorgeous renovation that will only look better over time

by Mandi Keiran

H

ÛT Architecture uses a simple palette of handcrafted materials to create a contemporary home for a musician and a furniture designer.

De Beauvoir Town is a lively neighborhood in trendy East London boasting a village-like atmosphere and a number of early Victorian villas and townhouses—many of which fall into a conservation area. When architect Rachel Eccles, Associate Director at HÛT Architecture, was tasked with renovating a three-story, mid-terrace townhouse for a young creative couple—a musician and a furniture designer—she turned to a simple palette of minimal, handcrafted materials.

T

ransformative home renovations don’t need to be complicated, nor do they need to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of affordable DIY projects you can do in a weekend to add beauty to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

Here are a few to consider: • Instant Ambiance: Most often associated with party decor, string lighting hung above back patios and decks can be used to create everyday ambiance. As for how to string the lights, the possibilities are endless. You may prefer taut, clean lines, slack zig-zags or concentric circles. Just be sure to use weatherproof lighting designed to withstand the elements.

• Stone Patio: A drab concrete patio, pool deck, garage floor or walkway can be an eyesore. Whether your concrete is older and looking stressed, shedding its latest coat of paint, slippery, stained -- or new, but just gray and lifeless, there’s a very easy way to spruce things up that doesn’t require replacing the materials or involving a contractor. With a pre-mixed, factory-tinted stone coating system, such as the patent-pending SpreadStone Decorative Concrete Resurfacing Kit, just about anyone can add authentic stone character to any concrete floor or wall. It not only boosts aesthetics, but also adds traction for safer walking surfaces. The real stone coating performs well in all climates, standing up to water, snow, salt, UV exposure and extreme cold and heat.

“The best part? Application is fast and simple and you don’t need to be an artist to achieve great results,” says renovation expert, James Carey, cohost of “On the House,” a national home improvement show.

• Mount Shelving: Installing floating

Photo: StatePoint shelves onto otherwise bare walls adds coziness to living spaces while creating smart storage. The lightweight, easy-to-install Ambrosia Maple Rustic Mantel Shelf from Ornamental Mouldings & Millwork is a good choice, as it can be used as either a stand-alone floating shelf or fireplace mantel, and can be left as-is or stained to complement other elements in the room.

• Stone Countertops: Have you always wanted real stone countertops but didn’t want to spend thousands on a complete remodel? You can now roll a new stone surface over any existing countertop made of laminate, cultured marble, concrete, wood, tile and other solid surface with the highperformance SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit from Daich Coatings.

"The building sits in a conservation area, and the whole row of terraces is constructed from masonry," says Eccles. "We liked the idea of a robust brick construction as opposed to a lighter-weight material and wanted the extension to have its own identity. So, we selected a brick that had a contemporary, high-craft quality and would age really well over time. I think Victorian and Georgian buildings do look better over time, after they have been lived in and developed a patina."

Robust, handcrafted materials— including terrazzo, black coal-fired bricks, timber, and steel—were selected and used "almost like a rule" throughout the renovation.

“If you can use a roller and paintbrush, you can create a new stone surface using this product,” says Peter Daich, president of Daich Coatings.

“It’s an affordable, simple alternative to putting in a new stone slab and looks just as great.”

Unfortunately, there are many homeowners who avoid desired renovations, assuming that in order to make a true impact, they’ll need a huge budget and a lot of time. The truth is that there are transformative DIY updates you can execute affordably in just one weekend.

-StatePoint

Photo: AFP FIle

As smog levels exceeded those of Beijing by more than three times, authorities also parked a van with an air purifier near the Taj Mahal -- the iconic 17th-century marble mausoleum 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of Delhi -- in a bid to clean the air in its surrounds.

With the pollution causing a rush of respiratory complaints at hospitals and the diversion of 37 flights on Sunday, a new law came into effect restricting cars from the capital's roads to alternative days, depending on if their number plate ends in an odd or even number.

More than 600 police teams were deployed at road intersections in the capital with the power to hand out fines of 4,000 rupees (nearly $60) to transgressors Exempt from the restrictions were Delhi's seven million motorbikes and scooters, public transport and cars carrying only women, stoking criticism that the measures were ineffective.

"There is smoke everywhere and people, including youngsters, kids, elderly are finding it difficult to breathe," Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a Twitter video. "Eyes are burning. Pollution is that bad."

Construction was banned temporarily late last week in the world's most polluted capital city, while schools have been closed until Wednesday, with the city government handing out free pollution masks to children.

"I have a headache every day I

property was limited to eight feet in height due to planning restrictions.

Here, HÛT installed an angled skylight with a ribbon of glazing that maximizes the feeling of volume and brings as much natural light into the interior as possible.

The extension is connected to the front of the house via an internal picture window, which maintains clear lines of sight through the entire ground-floor living space.

A view back to the living area from the kitchen in the rear extension through the picture window.

The black horizontal bricks are from Petersen Tegl, a Danish brickworks that has been run by the same family since 1791. HÛT Architecture used these bricks to construct the extension, as well as to clad the interior of the fireplace.

The fireplace, handcrafted by Granby Workshop in Liverpool, is made from recycled building rubble. This material echoes the terrazzo tile used in the bathroom. Likewise, the Douglas fir timber flooring on the ground floor is similar to the timber used to over-clad the original staircase.\

wake up. It's suffocating to breathe sometimes. And inflammation in the nostrils and all. And eyes also. Like it kind of burns," Ankusha Kushi, a student, told AFP.

N

time, it should get better and better.

We want the building to last for an-

"All you can see through this glass is trees and the sky," says Eccles. "The client is quite a tall guy, so it was important for him to have this sense of space throughout."

"It is one of our principles at HÛT— we pick materials that age well and improve over time," says Eccles. "It shouldn’t look shoddy in five years

EW DELHI, India | AFP | Monday 11/4/2019 - New Delhi banned half the Indian capital's private cars from its roads on Monday as the megacity's 20 million people spluttered with stinging eyes in the worst pollution in three years.

"We wanted to be sensitive to the existing building, keep what we could, and repair things so that it will last for another 100 years."

Available in 10 colors, all of which feature mineral accents and highlights found in natural mined rock, the proprietary stone technology gives an elegant, environmentally-friendly facelift to surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms and other home interiors.

Taj Mahal gets air purifier as Indian capital chokes

by Glenda KWEK

The rear extension uses black Petersen bricks that reflect the materiality of the original building, but with a contemporary twist that gives the volume its own visual identity.

As Delhiites woke up on Monday, levels of particulates measuring less than 2.5 microns -- so tiny they enter deep into the respiratory tract -- were at 613 micrograms per cubic metre of air, according to the US embassy in Delhi.

- Deadly over long term The World Health Organisation's recommended safe daily maximum is a reading of 25.

In central Delhi, the state air quality institute rated levels of the tiny particulates -- which can be deadly over the long term -- as "severe".

Bollywood megastar Priyanka Chopra Jonas posted a selfie in pollution mask on Instagram and said it was "hard to shoot" in Delhi.

"I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions. We r blessed with air purifiers and masks. Pray for the homeless," she posted.

Fourteen Indian cities including the capital are among the world's top 15 most polluted cities, according to the World Health Organization.

One study last year said that a million Indians died prematurely every year as a result.

other 100 years."

HÛT reconfigured the ground floor layout to create an open-plan social area for entertaining, and this culminates in the full-width kitchen-dining extension at the rear of the home. The extension is light and airy, with high ceilings and details, such as doorways, that extend all the way from floor to ceiling.

The black steel-framed glass partition that separates the living room from the entrance hallway echoes both the steel-framed glass doors that lead from the extension to the patio and the glass shower screens in the bathroom.

The point where the extension meets the boundary wall of the neighboring

"It’s about trying to connect the spaces rather than having lots of different rooms," says Eccles. "There are a lot of sight lines running through the space, and you can see right through into the garden beyond."

The connection between the extension and the garden was designed to be as seamless as possible, with a threshold that is almost completely flush. In the winter months, the two spaces are visually connected through the glass windows, and in the summer months the doors can be opened so that the living space extends into the garden.

The upper floor remains true to the original plan of the building, but it has been given a contemporary twist through the use of materials and finishes, including olive green walls and cabinetry in the master bedroom.

HÛT Architecture restored the front facade to its original state, made repairs to the sash windows and brickwork, and installed a new front door.

"If you’re a passerby on the street, it still looks like a traditional building," says Eccles.

- Dwell.com

Houston, famed for sprawl, bets on growing up

D

eveloper Jacob Sudhoff remembers when Houston had a much different profile, when the Texas metropolis was considered just a “cow and oil town” built around sprawl, suburbs, and anythinggoes zoning.

But in the last few years, Houston has seen a boom in high-rise, multifamily living that’s transforming neighborhoods around the famously decentralized city with numerous new 40-story towers taking root. Walkable neighborhoods, and the condos and apartments drawing residents to these areas, are revitalizing the Heights, Midtown, downtown, the Outer Loop, and the forthcoming McKinley Memorial City, as well as the neighborhoods near the new Buffalo Bayou Park and the Allen Parkway.

Houston is projected to add roughly 16,000 units this year alone, according to a report from commercial real estate firm JLL, with another 23,000 in the pipeline. As prices have crept up to historic heights—$1,050 a month on average, making Houston one of the nation’s best rental bargains among big cities—occupancy remains at 90 percent, leading to strong rental demand and a positive outlook for the future. For the first time this year, ac-

cording to the long-running Kinder Houston Area Survey administered

by Rice University, a majority or near majority of local respondents wanted to live in denser, mixed-use neighborhoods.

While Houston isn’t changing overnight—the city’s expansive system of interstates and expanding rings of suburban development aren’t going anywhere, and more than 60 percent of the city’s housing stock is singlefamily homes—there’s been a noteworthy shift toward apartments and condos, both as a lifestyle choice and an investment opportunity. In a metro where building out has been gospel— teachings challenged as the city’s highways become increasingly congested and Hurricane Harvey flooding brought issues with the city’s floodplain maps and development patterns to the fore—many Houstonians are looking for something different.

Demand is so high in Houston that the apartment market is forecast to run out of units by early 2020, according to an analysis by RealPage economic analyst Adam Couch, with a gap of three years before a substantial new crop of buildings enters the market.

The city also has an overall shortage of affordable units.

- Curbed.com