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Ekal makes history reaches 100,000 school milestone
Mohan Wanchoo Event Chair pledged $1 m over the period of 5 years by Prakash Waghmare, “EVF”
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EW YORK- November 9, 2019 will remain as the historic day in the annals of “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF)”. On this day, in star-studded, glamour filled “Future of India” Gala in New York City, Ekal reached 100,000 school milestones within minutes of its beginning. Going into the ‘Gala’, Ekal had 99,200 schools and so the evening was full of anticipated excitement to ring the bell for magical 100,000-school landmark. As soon as ‘Mohan Wanchoo’, took the reins of the evening as the chairperson of the gala, he took everyone by surprise with his trailblazing announcement. He pledged $1 Million over
the period of 5 years patching, with immediate effect, shortfall amount for 800-schools to reach the magical figure of 100,000-schools. These additional schools will be established shortly and will benefit 25,000 children bringing annual literacy total to 2.7 Million children. Mohan Wanchoo’s pronouncement was not only celebrated with thunderous applause and sparkling ‘fireworks’, but it also set in motion exuberant outpour of generosity, for the rest of the evening. By the end of the evening $3.1Million were raised. This was in addition to Los Angeles Gala were $2 Million were raised. Continued on Page 6
Bangar Reddy for Congressional District 22 Campaign Kickoff by Shobana Muratee
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ATY – On Friday, Nov. 15, Bangar Reddy, Republican candidate running for Congressional District 22 had a formal kickoff for his 2020 campaign at The West Grand in Katy. Longtime friend and supporter Dr. Nik Nikam, Publisher, Nano News Network welcomed the gathering after the US National Anthem was sung. In his opening remarks Dr. Nikam said, “In 38 out of 40 years, District 22 has been represented by a US House of Representative who was a conservative Republican candidate like Pete Olson and his predecessors. We want to continue the legacy of these leaders so that we preserve all the good things that we have come to enjoy in District 22.” Continued on Page 8
Bangar Reddy, Republican candidate running for Congressional District 22 addressing the gathering at the kickoff on Friday Nov. 15, 2019. Roy Photography.
Kanye West and Joel Osteen prepare for Jesus Is King: Sunday experience by Tom Abrahams
H
OUSTON, (KTRK), Monday, November 18, 2019 - This may be the start of a long lasting friendship, the first steps in hip-hop star Kanye West's professed journey of faith. "It's something we don't have to be
Kanye West professes faith, new friendship in Houston visit. Screen grab. KRTK afraid of," West said. "I think people have made the idea of giving your life
to God, is an idea that you're scared Continued on Page 7
OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS
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By Joe Concha
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ess than a week into publicly-televised impeachment hearings, the public’s overall interest in the historic proceedings is relatively low. And that’s not a good sign for Democrats.
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
3 reasons why impeachment fatigue has already set in
The first day of the impeachment hearings were watched by nearly 13.8 million people across multiple broadcast and cable outlets. So that's a strong number showing an engaged nation, right? Nope. And here’s why:
Contributors: OpEd: Dr. Chandra Mittal Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Mala Sharma Health: Sudhir Mathuria Research: Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee
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Editor Online: Shobana Muratee All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher. Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol.com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com. It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. Although paid advertisements may appear inVoice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, theVoice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. — The Publisher Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $50 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074.
The 13.8 million people who tuned in on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, CSPAN and PBS marks a 31 percent drop from the number of people who watched former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee in June 2017, which delivered more than 19 million viewers. The 13.8 million who watched the first day of the impeachment hearings were also two million fewer than the number who tuned in to former Trump personal attorney and fixer Michael Cohen's testimony, which delivered 15.8 million viewers. It’s also 1.5 million fewer than the number who tuned in to the first Democratic debates, which didn't have the benefit of being on most of the major broadcast networks and all of the cable news networks. On Friday, the number declined even further, with just 12.7 million tuning in, a drop of more than one million viewers from Wednesday. That's a horrible sign for Democrats. So why are the impeachment viewership numbers so flat? Here are three reasons: By Former Sen. Bill Frist
H
umans are a part of nature. We can’t be healthy if the world around us isn’t healthy enough to sustain, nourish and protect us. And without a healthy population, we can’t achieve our full potential for generating strong economies, driving innovation and securing a safe future. Nature is at the heart of it all. Supporting nature and supporting ourselves is one and the same task, and it is a critical task. Right now, Congress has a chance to make big gains in
Photo illustration: Elise Swain/The Intercept; Photo: Getty Images
1. All the media’s chips were pushed to the middle of the table during the Mueller investigation. Russian collusion with Trump to fix the 2016 election was the big, sexy sell. But after nearly two years of covering (more speculating than covering, actually) a story that more than a few people thought would end the Trump presidency, the report released in April 2017 showed no collusion and therefore no payoff for the half of the country that wanted Trump gone. Ukraine and talk of quid pro quos now serve as the limp sequel to all things Russia. The story isn’t as easy to understand as collusion, nor is it remotely as sexy. According to a new CBS News poll, just one in five Americans say they think “the events surrounding impeachment have been very easy to follow so far.” That's a stunningly low number. 2. This impeachment has no intrigue: In 1974, 410 mem-
bers of Congress voted in favor of starting the impeachment process, while just four voted against. In 2019, not one House Republican voted in favor of starting impeachment proceedings. Back then, the public was very much engaged in the process. According to Gallup, 71 percent of Americans tuned in to watch the Nixon impeachment hearings. In 2019, the number is less than 5 percent of the population in terms of TV viewership. 3. The messenger isn’t trusted. Rep. Adam Schiff (DCalif.) is officially the face of impeachment on the Democratic side. If the goal is to create some Republican buy-in to make this process look even a little bipartisan, Schiff is about the last person on Capitol Hill you'd hire for the job. And polls reflect that: 52 percent of those polled by CBS News say Democrats are do-
ing a bad job of handling the inquiry thus far. In the end, this feels more like a political food fight than any honest search for truth. Impeachment continues this week. Numbers will likely continue to fall unless the president himself testifies, something he wrote Monday he's open to doing. And after this week, we're in Thanksgiving week, which means many people will be traveling and visiting family. Then comes December and the holiday season before the 2020 race takes center stage. Democrats are already almost out of runway on impeachment. The American public already appears bored. As hard as it is to believe, impeachment of a president isn't the ratings blockbuster, must-see-TV event it once was. Joe Concha is a media reporter for The Hill.
Doctor's orders: Support land and water conservation supporting nature by enacting a solution that already has broad bipartisan support: Fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This program was created over 50 years ago to help protect everything from national parks to local ballfields to historic sites. Although it can receive up to $900 million each year, it typically gets half of that or less. It varies every year, making its ability to meet conservation needs unpredictable. LWCF balances the use of one natural resource, offshore oil and gas production, by investing a portion of oil and gas revenues to protect other natural resources. At no cost to the American taxpayer, LWCF has helped protect national parks, preserve forests and wetlands, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in every state. In my home state of Tennessee, LWCF has invested approximately $214 million to help protect places like Cherokee National Forest, Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These are places where we hike, camp, fish and explore. They are important for outdoor recreation, creating jobs and safeguarding communities. Protecting them through LWCF helps ensure we can pass on our
outdoor heritage to future generations — a pressing need while America loses a football field’s worth of natural area every 30 seconds to development and other uses. I’m also focused on one of the more under-publicized benefits of conserving nature: our individual health and wellbeing. As a physician I’ve seen this personally, and research proves it. Places safeguarded by LWCF help provide safe, clean drinking water for our families and communities. Forests are the largest source of drinking water in the United States, supplying drinking water for 180 million Americans in 68,000 communities. When we conserve forests through programs like LWCF, we contribute to human health and often save communities money by avoiding the cost of water filtration plants. All the economic, environmental and health benefits of conserving our lands and waters are clear, and they add up to broad and strong support. Earlier this year, lawmakers of both sides of the aisle in Congress voted by wide margins to make LWCF a permanent program. It proved, once again, that protecting lands and waters for future generations is an area where lawmakers can find common ground. Now that LWCF’s future is se-
cure, the necessary next step is to make sure it truly receives its authorized $900 million every year. Congress has diverted more than half of the money owed to LWCF over its lifetime — $22 billion total — for other purposes. This is a broken promise to the American people, and we’re only hurting ourselves. Luckily, we are seeing signs of progress. Bipartisan groups of lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced legislation to fully fund LWCF and make that funding permanent. Doing this would create greater certainty for this program, allowing it to better do the often years-long work necessary to conserve important places. Given the increasing strains on our planet, partisan division in our political discourse, and competing financial priorities, it isn’t always easy to support our lands and waters the way we need to. However, it is necessary, and when solutions are simple and widely supported, Congress needs to jump on the opportunity to make them happen. It's time for Congress to work together to get LWCF the full, dedicated funding it deserves. Bill Frist, M.D., a heart transplant surgeon and a former Republican Senate majority leader, is vice chair of the global Board of Directors of The Nature Conservancy.
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VOICE OF ASIA 3
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Second Front Page
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Katy Premier League volunteers at Houston Food Bank, Founding member donates $10,000 as ‘Charity Thru Sports’
Katy Lipman (far left), Corporate Engagement Senior Manager, Houston Food Bank seen receiving the check for $10,000 from a young KPL volunteer.
by Shobana Muratee
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OUSTON – (Nov. 16, 2019) – Katy Premier League (KPL) has distinguished itself as the one of the biggest ‘Charity Thru Sports’ competitive sports event happening in Houston for the past eight years. KPL started in 2012 when a group of fervent Indian American sportsmen in the Katy, Texas sought to organize sports like volleyball and throwball within the community, as a way of engaging families. Over time, KPL grew to 46 volleyball teams with over 450 players, and 10 throwball teams with 60 plus players from across the country. A total of 56 companies sponsor the 56 teams. The uniqueness of KPL is its mission to serve the needy through the funds
they receive for their events. KPL has successfully raised and donated over $400,000 toward various causes in the last eight years. On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, a group of KPL volunteers, including young girls and boys, served at the Houston Food Bank for four hours. This was the first time KPL has volunteered at HFB and it was a field day, especially for the children who got a firsthand experience at community service and charity. At the conclusion, KPL’s founding member Ravi Varre donated $10,000 to Houston Food Bank as ‘Charity Thru Sports.’ The check was received by HFB’s Katy Lipman, Corporate Engagement Senior Manager on the occasion. Hari Rao, KPL Chair, said
around 35 people had volunteered at the HFB on Saturday. KPL conducts different sporting activities for men, women and kids. KPL believes in creating a familyfestive atmosphere that the whole family will look forward to every year, to make a difference in someone’s life. Earlier this year, Oct 11- 12, KPL2019 hosted 56 teams that competed at various levels in the ‘Charity Thru Sports’ event. KPL did a family night on Oct 12th with games and entertainment for kids, followed by a Gala Dinner. Over 1500 people attended the event this year despite inclement weather conditions. Sports, charity and volunteerism have come to be the cornerstones of KPL. The concept ‘Charity Thru Sports’ was realized when
KPL volunteers served for four hours at HFB on Saturday Nov. 16, 2019.
one of the KPL volleyball player and first beneficiary, Ramana Vattikuti, a Katy resident, who was fighting cancer. For the first time a fundraiser was started for him. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to save him, but he lit a fire in us,” said Shankar Tangirala, founding member and key organizer of KPL. He became the inspiration and the driving force to campaign for a cause through sports. KPL continue raising funds and found a way of giving back to the community. Today, KPL’s beneficiaries range from children, students, cancer patients, families who have lost dear ones, and those with serious medical conditions and in need of financial assistance. In 2017 KPL raised $ 46,000, a portion of which was donated toward a Harvey relief fund. In 2018, funds up to $131,000 was
raised a part of which went toward rebuilding homes in Kodagu District affected by Kerala-Karnataka floods in India. This year, KPL raised and distributed $212,000 to multiple beneficiaries: Giri Cancer Fighters, Youth Cricket Empowerment, FARA, and Merit Scholarships, to name a few. Through the last eight years KPL was able to donate more than 400 thousand dollars through its events. KPL members are from Katy area and come from various backgrounds: IT, staffing consultants; a few have their
companies. The core team of KPL has always been people of Indian origin, Tangirala said. Asked how anyone can receive aid from KPL Tangirala explained, “We took baby steps to get to this level, but it was always been through word of mouth. When anyone in the community with no medical insurance, Gofundme, or any other funds coming and are left on an island, we support them,” he said. KPL does not have a set amount to give but distributes all the funds that it has raised that year to those in need.
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VOICE OF ASIA 4
Section 2
Family Health
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
New tech puts virtual sense of touch at our fingertips by Elizabeth Donovan
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2020 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs. Medicare Part B Premiums/Deductibles
Today, the Illinois-based retired veteran wears a prosthetic which allows him to pick up objects and have basic mobility.
The new technology could allow the retired veteran to simultaneously clasp the hands of his two children (AFP Photo)
But it cannot duplicate the sense of touch.
- 'Deeply moving experience'
The system, developed by researchers at Northwestern University and described in the journal Nature, incorporates 32 individually programmable actuators -- a device that emits electric impulses or vibrations -- which are embedded into a pliable material made from silicone that adheres to the skin. Controlled by a wireless touchscreen such as a smartphone or tablet, each actuator -- the size of a small coin -- vibrates to create the perception of touch. The user can control the pressure and the pattern of the sensation. Anderson tried the system, integrated with his prosthetic. While wearing a patch on his skin, he could feel sensations from his prosthetic fingertips transmitted to his arm. Over time, the brain converts that sensation to what researcher John Rogers describes as a "surrogate sense of feeling". - 'Emotional connection' -
The authors say the device could also be used for social interactions, offering a stroke of an arm to a loved one during a video call, or a pat of encouragement to a teammate during a virtual game. "Our sense of touch provides the most profound, deepest, emotional connection between people," Rogers said in a statement. In the study, published Wednesday, the authors described a scenario in which a young girl touches her grandmother's hand during a video call. "We are interested in fine touch -- a finger stroke across the arm or shoulder, or a pattern of sensation that can reproduce a surrogate of touch," Rogers told AFP. The device is wireless and does not require battery power. It uses the same near-field communication protocols found in smartphone banking applications, such as Apple Pay. "With this wireless power delivery scheme, we completely avoid the need for batteries, with their weight, size, bulk and limited operating lifetimes," Rogers said. "The result is a thin, lightweight system that can be worn and used without
constraint, indefinitely." -
For Anderson, the technology may finally allow him to simultaneously clasp the hands of his children, aged 13 and 10. But it will also have practical applications, such as being able to sense how much force he’s applying when gripping a fragile object or touching someone. "I remember when I was first injured, I grabbed my mom's hand and almost broke it because I did not know the amount of pressure I was using," Anderson told AFP. Rogers said his aim is to improve quality of life, and that working with Anderson was "a deeply moving experience." The prototype is only a first attempt, and researchers are working to make the device lighter and slimmer. In the future, they would also like to explore thermal inputs, which will allow someone with a prosthetic hand to feel how hot or cold a drink is. "When I explain to others how it works they are floored by what people are able to develop," Anderson said.
Fight for safe abortions is far from over, say experts
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It is Official-2020 Medicare Premium and Deductibles 2020 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
ARIS, France | AFP | Wednesday 11/20/2019 - Garrett Anderson has never known the pleasure of holding hands with both his children at the same time. While deployed in Iraq with the US army in 2005, a bomb blast shot shrapnel through his right arm, severing it just below the elbow.
A new second-skin "virtual reality" technology -- designed to work with both prosthetics and gaming applications -may change that.
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Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. Each year the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayment rates are adjusted according to the Social Security Act. For 2020, the Medicare Part B monthly premiums and the annual deductible are higher than the 2019 amounts. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $144.60 for 2020, an increase of $9.10 from $135.50 in 2019. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $198 in 2020, an increase of $13 from the annual deductible of $185 in 2019. The increase in the Part B premiums and deductible is largely due to rising spending on physician-administered drugs. These higher costs have a ripple effect and result in higher Part B premiums and deductible. From day one, President Trump has made it a top priority to lower drug prices. Currently, for Part B, the law requires CMS to pay the average sales price for a drug and also pays physicians a percentage of a drug's sale price. This incentivizes drug companies to set prices higher and for physicians to prescribe more expensive drugs – because that leads to a higher Medicare payment.
Through the President’s drug pricing blueprint, the Trump Administration is working to lower drug prices in Medicare Part B drugs. CMS is committed to empowering beneficiaries with the information they need to make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage options, including providing new tools to help them make those decisions through the e-Medicare initiative. In addition to the recently released premiums and cost sharing information for 2020 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, we are releasing the premiums and cost sharing information for Fee-for-Service Medicare, so beneficiaries understand their options for receiving Medicare benefits. As previously announced, as a result of CMS actions to drive competition, on average for 2020, Medicare Advantage premiums are expected to decline by 23 percent from 2018, and will be the lowest in the last thirteen years while plan choices, benefits and enrollment continue to increase. Premiums and deductibles for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans are already finalized and are unaffected by this announcement. Medicare Part A Premiums/Deductibles Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care services. About 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicarecovered employment. The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries will pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,408 in 2020, an increase of $44 from $1,364 in 2019. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care
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in a benefit period. In 2020, beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $352 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization ($341 in 2019) in a benefit period and $704 per day for lifetime reserve days ($682 in 2019). For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $176.00 in 2020 ($170.50 in 2019). Enrollees age 65 and over who have fewer than 40 quarters of coverage and certain persons with disabilities pay a monthly premium in order to voluntarily enroll in Medicare Part A. Individuals who had at least 30 quarters of coverage or were married to someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage may buy into Part A at a reduced monthly premium rate, which will be $252 in 2020, a $12 increase from 2019. Certain uninsured aged individuals who have less than 30 quarters of coverage and certain individuals with disabilities who have exhausted other entitlement will pay the full premium, which will be $458 a month in 2020, a $21 increase from 2019. Source: CMS To select most suitable Medicare plan or Obamacare Plan contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900.
by Marion Douet
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AIROBI, Kenya | AFP | Friday 11/15/2019 - The fight for safe abortions is an uphill struggle with half of all terminations worldwide still conducted in risky conditions, pro-choice advocates told a major women's health conference in Nairobi. Despite gains in many countries, there are huge barriers in poorer parts of the world, they told the ICPD25 summit in Nairobi, where progress on goals made 25 years ago for improving women's health were reviewed. The last ICPD summit was held in Cairo in 1994. There, 179 nations promised to strive for better outcomes for women's health, committing to long-term goals on slashing maternal deaths and protecting reproductive rights. But abortion was taboo and was not even up for discussion, said Shilpa Shroff, director of advocacy at the International Campaign for Women's Rights to Safe Abortion. A quarter century later, much has changed, with abortion legalised in many countries, she said. But other nations have regressed, revoking or tightening laws allowing safe terminations, and forcing women underground. "We are 25 years since the ICPD in Cairo, and still safe abortion remains an unfinished agenda," Shroff told a panel at the conference in Nairobi cohosted by Kenya, Denmark and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In 2019, concrete data on abortions is still difficult to obtain. By Shroff's best estimates,
There were demonstrations outside the venue. 56 million abortions were performed between 2010 and 2014 -- nearly half of them in unsafe conditions.
Some nations, including Algeria and Iraq, had gone backwards, tightening rules around terminations.
Such terminations were usually conducted in unsterile or dangerous environments, experts say, and contribute to maternal mortality -- something delegates at the conference in Nairobi vowed to eradicate by 2030.
In many African countries, laws still criminalise abortion although almost all of them have signed the Maputo Protocol -- a 2003 charter adopted by the African Union to empower women's health decisions.
The overwhelming majority of unsafe abortions occur in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, Shroff added. Even in regions that have undergone great social and political upheaval, attitudes on abortion have been harder to budge, the panel heard. - Mixed results Hedia Belhadj, president of the Tunisian women's health association Tawhida Ben Cheikh, said the Arab Spring had encouraged free speech across the Middle East and also emboldened anti-abortion movements. "80 percent of women of childbearing age live in countries where there is restrictive abortion laws" in the Middle East and North Africa region, she said.
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Abortion remains illegal and banned under any circumstances in six African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) said in a June 2018 report. "The biggest challenge that we have is that it's criminal, you can be arrested," Ernest Nyamato, head of IPAS, a global non-profit body promoting safe access to abortion, told AFP.
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Religion is the main obstacle across the continent, he said. In Nairobi this week, Christian groups and members of clergy held church services and staged protests against the summit, accusing delegates of promoting abortion and contraception. "I am Catholic, and I have been condemned by my own
church," Nyamato said. Even in countries where abortion is legal, such as South Africa, healthcare providers will sometimes not offer terminations or doctors won't have been trained to perform them, he added.
"Even when the law is open it's not a priority for many governments, there is no money put into that service. So the cost is high for women."
the early 1990s, the IPPF said.
More than eight million abortions were performed in Africa every year between 2010 and 2014 -- rates similar to those of
"Making abortion illegal does not reduce the number of abortions -- it just makes them unsafe," said Shroff.
Three-quarters were are not carried out under safe conditions, it said.
Senior Living
VOICE OF ASIA 5
Section 2
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
How tech is paving the way for better senior living by Renuka Shahane
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ovember 20, 2019 Improved life-spans, shifting demographics and shrinking families has led to a large number of seniors who are susceptible to loneliness and lack of care, especially in the developed nations. In the developing nations conventionally the family members were the primary caregivers. Today, this is observed to be rapidly changing, creating a huge proposition of senior healthcare. Irrespective of the cultural differences specific to particular countries and socio-economic layers, elder care or elderly care is now one of the key priorities for governments and welfare associations across the world. In the US, assisted living is gaining wide popularity to provide senior care for elders who cannot live independently or want assistance owing to medical conditions. In other countries as well, seniors are relying on government provisions for better healthcare and living. And this is exactly why the importance of technology in healthcare is more crucial than ever. Technology is offloading senior care concerns and it is preferred to extend reliable, efficient and affordable senior healthcare. The world of IoT and connected devices has streamlined senior care, let’s see how: - Role of technology in senior care Most of the elderly population across the world live by themselves. They are subjected to loneliness as well as the bur-
den of performing multiple dayto-day activities on their own. Smart homes and virtual assistants help seniors in carrying out simple tasks such as making to-do lists, setting alarms & reminders and driving home automation systems- from home security, lighting to microwave operations. If a senior runs into any medical emergency, providing instant medical care and attention is a key priority and IoT devices such as smartwatches can help in detecting falls, amplified health vitals, etc. These IoT devices and smartphones can also help in tracking the live location of the seniors, helping immensely in tracking seniors with special needs such as Alzheimer’s disease. Further, mobile devices provision instant communication tools helping the seniors in living a safe and joyous life. For professional caregivers working in assisted homes or pension homes, digital devices such as tablets can help in maintaining health records, medical reports and current medication details to ensure a smooth transition between shifts or patient transfers. For the elderly, there are quite a few limitations in using technology. It includes physical limitations such as chronic pain and arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Dementia that limits them from using handheld laptops, tablets or mobiles or visual or hearing impairment due to ageing that doesn’t allow them to leverage the digital devices to full capacity. - Security Boulevard
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Palliative care certification achieved by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
S
UGAR LAND — (November 15, 2019) — The palliative care program at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in Texas to be certified by DNV GL Healthcare, one of the world’s leading risk management/quality assurance organizations. The designation recognizes excellence in both quality care and patient safety. Palliative care is specialized medical and nursing care for people with chronic conditions. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress and mental stress at any stage of illness, to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family. “Palliative care is a complex specialty because we are engaged with patients who are dealing with symptoms and side effects from a broad range of serious illnesses and treatments, as well as family members who are often overwhelmed by their loved one’s situation,” said Asha Wurdeman, D.O., director of the hospital’s palliative care program. “That complexity requires a unique level of knowledge, expertise, skill and compassion. This certification demonstrates that our palliative care program, and our caregivers, are meeting and exceeding the high standards set for our profession – and most importantly, we are making a significant, positive impact on the patients and families we serve.” To determine whether a hos-
Palliative care team. L-R: Dr. Asha Wurdeman, chaplain Aaron Mussat, palliative care coordinator Haley Mattiza, social worker Alicia Youngblood and Dr. Channon Hudgins pital qualifies for certification, DNV GL Healthcare evaluates responses and data from a written survey and conducts an on-site visit by a qualified assessor.
stressful and difficult time, they are extremely grateful. Palliative care is a relatively new specialty, but there is growing recognition of the value that it brings.”
Houston Methodist Sugar Land introduced its palliative care service in April 2018, and it quickly made a positive impact.
Although palliative care is sometimes used in end-of-life situations, it also can be helpful in alleviating the challenges involved in ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety or depression. The palliative care team works alongside the patient’s physician to coordinate care and arrange for supportive resources, such as the hospital’s social workers and chaplains.
“One of the keys to our acceptance has been our ongoing efforts to educate the medical staff and patients and their families about the important role we play,” said Wurdeman. “Once people recognize that our service helps seriously ill patients and their loved ones during what is an extremely
“The palliative care team’s
positive impact on our patients and their family members has been immeasurable,” said Ranganath Kandala, M.D., a Houston Methodist Sugar Land hospitalist. “There has been a paradigm shift in how we support patients with chronic illnesses and family members who are making endof-life decisions. The palliative care team here is invaluable.” Visit houstonmethodist.org/ palliative-care to learn more about palliative care at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 6
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister visits Houston
Picture from left: Perumal Annamalai, S. Narayanan, Sam Kannappan, Vijay Prabhakar, Chicago, Acting Consul General Rakesh Banati, Hon. O. Panneerselvam, Principal Secretary S. Krishnan,Tupil Narasiman, DCM’s PS Nagarajan, Consul Ashok Kumar,Naa Ganesan. Standing: Thiru Arumugam, Parthiban Shanmugam, S.G. Apppan.
H
onorable Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Sri O. Panneerselvam (OPS) visited Houston, Texas on November 14th and 15th, 2019 at the invitation of Houston Tamil Studies Chair (HTSC). On Thursday, Nov. 14th OPS visited Sri Meenakshi Temple (MTS) where he was conferred the title “Panbin Sikaram” by Dr. Padmini Nathan, Chairman MTS. The same evening HTSC organized a grand reception for OPS attended by about 300 people representing HTSC and members of various organizations. OPS was honored by Sockalingam Sam Kannappan, President of HTSC and his wife Meenakshi Kannappan. Mayor of Pearland Hon. Tom Reid proclaimed November 14th 2019 as OPS day in Pearland. Organization representatives from Bharathi Kalai Manram, Tamil Nadu Foundation Houston Chapter, Dallas Metro Tamil Sangam and Namadwaar also honored OPS. He unveiled for the opening of rebuilt MTS Kalyana Madapam.
On Friday, Nov. 15th, OPS met with Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston System (UH) wherein OPS and Renu Khator launched the HTSC Electronic donor wall at the Chancellor’s office. The HTSC electronic donor wall displays the names of the HTSC donors. OPS privately met with HTSC board members Sockalingam Sam Kannappan, S.G Appan, Sockalingam Narayanan, Tupil Narasiman, Naa Ganesan, Thiru Arumugam and Perumal Annamalai during which the HTSC board made a presentation to OPS about the HTSC mission and the agreement signed between HTSC and the UH to set up a Tamil Studies Chair at the University. HTSC board requested a significant support from the Tamil Nadu Government. HTSC is deeply honored that OPS not only announced his personal contribution of $10,000 to HTSC but also expressed strong support for HTSC with this statement “Tamil Nadu should also con-
tribute its might to the establishment of a Chair for Tamil in the University of Houston. I assure you that on my return to Chennai I will consult the Chief Minister and arrange for appropriate support from Govt. of Tamil Nadu to the Tamil Chair in Houston”. HTSC organized an investors meeting with OPS and the Principal Secretary, Tamil Nadu Govt. Finance Department, Mr. S. Krishnan, I.A.S. who addressed the Investors at the Indian Consulate office, Houston. Arun Kumar of Dallas coordinated the investors meet. Board members of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce met with OPS and offered to assist with investments in Tamil Nadu. The Deputy Chief Minister OPS’s visit created tremendous enthusiasm among the Tamil community of Houston and made us Tamils here very proud of our culture and heritage, which indeed is the main focus of HTSC’s endeavor to establish a Tamil Studies Chair at the University of Houston.
Ekal makes history - reaches 100,000 school milestone
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Anil Srivatsa and the gift of life adventure From being the Chief go GET what life ofExecutive Officer of Kings fers rather than waitXI Punjab an IPL Cricket ing to TAKE what it franchise team, an editor does. Voted as the top and publisher of Blossom 10 'Love Gurus' of the City, Bangalore, first city world by IBN live magazine, the Chief Oper( h t t p s : / / w w w. ating Officer of Radio Tonews18.com/phoday broadcasting launching togallery/india/ India's first FM network top-10-gurusfor women only, Executive of-love-sex-andVice President at ImaginAdhokha-785127.html) sian TV, Director of worldfor his radio talk wide Marketing and Public show 'Between the Relations for RTV UK, to sheets' incubator of a new media company that used IPTV Post his Kidney technology to deliver niche donation, he has travtelevision channels using eled across 40 counthe public internet, Director Srivatsa speaking at the local radio station during tries in his own car of Cricket and South Asian Anil his visit to Houston to spread awareness Programming at Kelly about Organ DonaBroadcasting Systems, his tion and is currently career is a mosaic of the does! involved in legal battles with eclectic and the creative. He runs the marathon as deft- the government with an objecBefore his career took wings ly as he shakes a leg with his tive to ensure easy processes he worked odd jobs like being friends, he is as much an astute for people to donate and rea Domino's pizza delivery boy, business man as he is an out- ceive life saving organs. waiter, restaurant manager, doors man, he is as genuine as Anil is currently on his way construction site worker, roadhe is shrewd, Meet Anil. from Alaska to Argentina and side vendor for kababs and fireworks before he landed an He recently moved on to recently stopped by Houston entry level job at a local radio pursue his passion for radio where he addressed the audistation. as Co-Founder of Radiowalla. ence of HUM 106.1 FM with in Using the digital medium to Jagat Kamdar, Subodh Buchar If The Radio Person of the bring change in thoughts and and Dhinkar Chadda, the KBC year award in 2007, the Limattitudes among the ever evolv- of Houston and the patrons of ca Book of Records entry in ing Indian women and the men the Meenakshi Temple Society 2003, Cable Ace Award nomiwho struggle to keep up with this past weekend. He is currently in Texas visiting Austin nation for the Docudrama on them. and San Antonio after which he TV 'Medical Detectives' with
Anil Srivatsa with the Open Forum team in Houston him as head of production and the Creative Voice Award in 2001 does not describe him, the twinkle in his eyes that reflects his joyful pursuits of being a columnist, an ardent movie critic, a DJ, a model
He is a free mason, a Rotarian and a humanitarian. A Criminologist by education with an MSc. In telecommunications from the USA, he was a special Police officer for 2 years. A motivational speaker on how to
Continued from Page 1 This year, NYC magnificent Gala was hosted at lavishly decorated majestic ‘Gotham Hall’ and was attended by the elite of the society and Ekal’s dedicated supporters. Although rooted in literacy, Ekal has blossomed into empowerment of rural-tribal folks across India. The evening’s keynote speaker and star-attraction was Bollywood celebrity and philanthropist ‘Vivek Oberoi’. In addition, distinguished speakers included ‘Raju Reddy’, a successful entrepreneur whose company was acquired by Hitachi, and ‘Ragy Thomas’, leading social-media management & marketing enterprise. ‘Ranjani Saigal’, the Executive Director of Ekal, traced 32-year history of the Ekal, including its transition into a nation building movement. Vivek Oberoi completely stole the show with his pledge to put all his entrepreneur might behind rural issues and spearhead small-scale solar power solutions for energy requirements of villages. He said,” I have already received a commitment of over half a million dollars for such initiative”. At the conclusion of his captivating speech, he applauded Ekal getting Iconic “Gandhi Peace Prize” from the government of India for its social work in rural-tribal areas with gender equality. This award, which is given to only one organization each year was recently bestowed on ‘Ekal Abhiyan’ by Hon PM Modi and President Ram Kovind. For the benefit of people assembled, the ‘Peace Prize’ it-
Ekal raised $3.1million in addition to Los Angeles Gala where $2 million were raised. Ekal team presenting the check
Vivek Oberoi - Keynote Speaker
self was ushered on the stage by a select group of people and presented to the gathering by Prakash Waghmare, a member of PR national committee and Suresh Iyer, President of EkalUSA. There was a brief panel discussion also moderated by ‘Amrita Saigal’, a young entrepreneur to highlight various aspects of Ekal that appeal to the Donors. Ragy Thomas pledged strong support to education and pledged $100,000 to accelerate its pace. Raju Reddy, partnering with Ekal expressed desire to bring transformation to rural Telangana. ‘Sarva Mangal Family Trust’ and ‘Keshap Group’ confirmed to match technological intervention in education in ‘digital-tablets’ format. A mo-
will head south towards Mexico and South America. Do follow Anil and his wife Deepali, who have committed themselves to spreading awareness about organ donation at GiftofLifeAdventure.com and on Facebook.
mentous turn occurred when 13-yr ‘Riya’ donated $1000 from a fund-raiser she had at her home. Vivek Oberoi was so touched by this that he appealed to the gathering to match her cute gesture and the gathering responded by additional $30,000. Several dignitaries were honored, including India Consul General of New York, Sandeep Chakravorty and New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Ekal also recognized several supporters for their distinctive projects. Among them were Dr Kavita Navani of ‘Sankalp’ for aiding 625 Ekal schools; Himanshu Shah of ‘Shah Capital’ for supporting ‘Gramothan Resource Ctr’; Adish & Asha Jain and Vandana & Vivek Sharma for corroborating in integral village development; Subra & Anu Dravida for promoting digital literacy through ‘Ekalon-Wheel’ project. ‘Perfection of Man Foundation’ made significant announcement at the end of the evening to support planting of 1 Million trees in Ekal villages. Pradeep Goyal, Chairman of ‘Ekal Abhiyan Trust’ and S.K. Jindal, a Trustee had specially had flown from India to grace this occasion and to boost the morale of everyone to make gala a grand success. No gala is complete without the musical treat and this was no exception. To preserve the upbeat nature of the Gala’s success, Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap kept the crowd sizzling with her singing and enticed them to dance to her tunes. Unlike most of such events, the remarkable thing about this event was the participation of young professional in large number. This is an indication that Ekal’s future is on rock-solid foundation.
To read your Community News, Visit us @ voiceofasia.news
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 7
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) celebrated 2nd Clinical Excellence in Nursing by Suja Thomas (NAINA) & Merlin Mendonca (AAINJNJ2) The National Association of Indian Nurses of America, a nonprofit professional organization held its 2nd Clinical Excellence Conference in East Hanover, New Jersey on November 2nd, 2019. The theme of the conference was “Population Health: Bridging Gaps and Improving Access to Care” which was hosted by American Association of Indian Nurses of New Jersey, Chapter 2 (AAIN-NJ2). This event was attended by over150 health professionals including nurse executives, advanced practice nurses, nurse educators and registered nurses from across the country. This conference is an effort of the Advance Practice forum of the National Association of Indian nurses of America, celebrated during the Nurse Practitioner week November 10th- Nov
16th 2019.
development of AAIN-NJ2 since its inception. The global campaign of Nursing Now initiative was launched during this conference to empower NAINA nurses to tackle health care challenges.
Ms. Sandra Emmanuel, President of AAIN-NJ2 welcomed all the attendees and Dr. Rachel Koshy, APN Committee chair of NAINA gave an overview of the conference. The event was moderated by Siby Varughese and Surya Chacko. Dr. Agnes Therady delivered her Presidential address. The keynote speaker Mr. Nashon Hornsby, Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health Division of Community Health Services spoke about Equity: A Discussion Regarding the Interplay between Social Structures and Health Outcomes Nancy Holecek, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of RWJ Barnabas health system was the guest of honor and was felicitated with a lifetime achievement award for her unceasing support and commitment to the growth and
Several experts in the local chapters and NAINA addressed the audience on topics related to the theme of population health through podium and poster presentations. Posters were displayed at the conference and winners were awarded prizes.
Nancy Holecek, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of RWJ Barnabas health system was the guest of honor and was felicitated with a lifetime achievement award
Uma Venugopal, Secretary, AAIN-NJ 2 delivered the closing remarks.The Conference attendees received 7 contact hours by NAINA, an accredited provider of ANCC. The conference augmented the knowledge and understanding about population health and highlighted the significance of nurses’ roles in providing safe, high quality and cost-effective health care for all.
Untimely demise of young professional Prashanth Padal
Members of The National Association of Indian Nurses of America at the Conference.
Celebration of Shrimad Rajchandra, Endowed Chair in Jain Studies at University of California, Riverside
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he sudden demise of Prashanth Padal, age 32, a U.S.-based Indian professional on Nov. 9, 2019 in Tampa, FL due to cardiac arrest has deeply shocked the community. Married just four month prior, Padal's leaves behind his newly-wedded wife Sindhu who has now been rendered out of status, and may eventualy result in her return back to India, it was reported.. The North America Telugu
Society (NATS) has started a fundraiser to help the family of Prashanth Padal, through the GoFundMe campaign (found here: https://bit.ly/359BcvE), the organization is actively working with family members and friends and funeral home to make all funeral arrangements and fund-raising support. The fundraiser with a goal of $100,000 indicates it has already received contributions of $68,008 so far.
Kanye West and Joel Osteen prepare for Jesus Is King: Sunday experience Continued from Page 1 Jain Studies” at University of California of, and being a Christian and giving your life to God is one of the most fulfilling things. It's fun."
by Dr. Sulekh Jain
J
ain Chair at UC Riverside is the fastest Chair that Jain Community has orchestrated in Southern California from initial feasibility study to actual hiring of the Chair! It was a very joyous occasion as we celebrated the inauguration of first Chair “Shrimad Rajchandra Endowed Chair in Jain Studies” at University of California, Riverside (UCR) on 23rd October 2019. Associate Professor Mrs. Ana Bajzelj is the incumbent occupant of the chair. Around 75 people gathered at UCR for the event. The ceremony began with Navkar Mantra prayer by Samani Chaitanya Pragya and Samani Him Pragya, who specially travelled from Florida International University in Miami for this celebration. Senior Director of Development Emily Rankin then invited Dr. Sulekh Jain who had flown in from Houston for the occasion to give history of Jain Academic education in North America and the chronology of events of Jain Chair at UCR. He mentioned that Dr. Harvinder Sahota and Dr. Pashuara Singh who is the Chair of Religious Studies at UCR encouraged him to discuss with the Dean Milagrosa Pena of School of Humanities, Arts and Social Science about Jain Chair. Dean Pena, Emily Rankin, and others visited Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) and met with the Jain community. Seeds were plant-
West said when he's driving, he listens to classical music and to Joel Osteen. He said it was his privilege to stand in front of the congregation of Lakewood Church on Sunday morning. "It was really good to feel the inspiration, and to see Joel deliver his anointing in real life," West said. "I just appreciate him standing next to me so early into me being delivered." For his part, Osteen is
acutely aware of the mutual benefit. Both of them have platforms which are broad but don't necessarily always intersect. "We're so honored to have Kanye and what he stands for and who he reaches," Osteen said. "I know he will reach people that I never reach, and so, we just feel blessed we could have this friendship." West, alongside his wife Kim Kardashian, said this is just the beginning. He has a long way to go. And it is something for which he is thankful. "It's fun to worship God and be of service to him, and watch him handle all these things in your life and to pray, to pray about things we would have normally worried about," West said.
JAINA President, Mahesh Wadher addressing the gathering ed then for further discussions. Two donor families Mr. Mahesh & Usha Wadher and Drs. Jasvant and Meera Modi took the pledge to raise $ 1 Million required to establish the Chair. Mr. Vijay and Madhu Chheda, Mr. Dilip and Sushama Parekh and others have also contributed. JCSC, Shrimad Rachandra Mission Dharampur and Jain Temple of Los Angeles were involved in helping gather necessary funds. Next, JAINA President Mr. Mahesh Wadher spoke on behalf of donors and gave significance of Jain chair in spreading of Jain principles. He also gave a brief about who Shrimad Rajchandra was and his influence on Mahatma Gandhi in following the path of Non-Violence. He also ap-
He was very appreciative of UCR for their generosity to establish a Jain Chair. He believed that Jain teachings are very important in present day and age to curb the violence in the world. C h a i r Ana Bajzelj spoke about the progress Chancellor Kim A. Wilcoxbeing honored. Dr. Sulekh Jain is also seen 3rd from made after left she started at UCR and preciated the blessings of with Shrimad Rajchandra’s presented Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai who teachings about Jainism. the first Shrimad Rajchandra has been guiding his family award to an undergraduate
student, Austin Attaway. Chancellor Wilcox then took the podium and spoke about the importance of diversity in the university and how critical it is to be able to offer different religious perspectives to students. JAINA presented a plaque to UC Riverside recognizing their generosity that was accepted by Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox. We all had several group pictures after the speeches. The event ended with a sumptuous dinner catered by Jaybharat of Jain Vegan food. The Jain community is thrilled and we all look forward to great progress in Jain teachings to mainstream American students with the help of Shrimad Rajchandra Endowed Chair Ana Bajzelj.
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 8
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Bangar Reddy for Congressional District 22 Campaign Kickoff
Dr. Vijay Sreenarasimhaiah, Campaign Advisor addressing the gathering. Roy Photography
I-ACT members from L-R: Ramesh Cherivirala, Sujeeth Draksharam, Radha Dixit, and Ramana
Marie McCoy, Executive Director, Craig LeTulle, Fort Bend Republican Party Christian Voices for Life. Outreach Director, He vehemently opposes the socialist way of governance, “Conservative values help stop socialism pervading Texas,” he said. Speaking of pro-life, he said “It is a fabric of our conservative life, it is within us. “It is unfortunate that we have to keep saying we need to be prolife.”
Continued from Page 1 Dr. Nikam compared gas prices, income tax, sales tax in states like California and New York to Texas driving home the message that conservative Republican leadership has been working well in Texas, especially in District 22 where he grew up. Marie McCoy, Executive Director, Christian Voices for Life, spoke at length on pro-life; “It’s a scientific fact that human life begins at conception,” she said elaborating on the ills of abortion. “Sixty million children have lost their lives due to abortion,” she said. “You will never know what the contributions those individuals would have made as doctors and lawyers, teachers, husbands and wives and parents. But what is more visible is the harm that has done to millions - perhaps to tens of millions of women and men - who have been profoundly wounded by their involvement in abortion. Women who have aborted are much more likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, suffer from depression, anxiety, have relationship problems, and physical problems as well,” she added. McCoy also touched on the faith and morality aspects of the matter. We have a real problem, she said, “when
Dr. Nik Nikam actions that are immoral and destructive in our society are sanctioned as legal by the government.” Vijay Sreenarasimhaiah , MD, a well-known nephrologist and Campaign Advisor spoke of Reddy’s dedication and community service for 15 years, that he has known him and worked alongside him. Speaking about District 22 and the Republican race, he pointed out that in 2018 the Republicans lost the House. “This is a big deal,” he said. “You got a President, you got a Senate but you cannot get the legislative agenda done unless you
Friends and supporters with Reddy at the kickoff. Roy Photography. got both chambers of Congress - very inefficient.” The Republicans have to win back every seat if possible. Dr. Sreenarasimhaiah pointed to what some political pundits are suggesting as solutions: “Change the faces in the Republican party.” “The Republicans don’t have any faces that look like the country,” or “Why waste your time on these minorities and people that don’t look like you and who may not vote for you,” or “Water down your conservative policies, make the borders little open.” All of the three changes are hogwash, he said. Further, he cited several
anecdotes to illustrate the irrelevance of such changes. “We don’t anyone who is an easy target; we need someone who is a Teflon man (non-stick kind). There are 18 people running and no one is as unique as Bangar,” he said stressing on his family values, background, hardships, achievements and commitment.
is a Houston based conservative philosophy awareness group for Americans of Indian origin in US. Others who also spoke briefly on the occasion were Craig LeTulle, Fort Bend Republican Party Outreach Director, and JJ Clemence, candidate of Fort Bend County Tax Assessor - Collector
Indo-American Conservatives of Texas (IACT) Houston representatives: Radha Dixit, Sujeeth Draksharam, Ramesh Cherivirala and Ramana showed their support to Reddy and shared their views on Republican values and how Reddy abides by them. I-ACT
Reddy in his message said, “I have a combined experience of what is.” He was referring to his life growing up in India in a poor working-class agricultural family. Reddy expressed his strong faith in the conservative values which he said pulled their family through hard times.
Bangar Reddy is a resident of Fort Bend County for the past 22. “I’m not a career politician. I love serving America,” says Reddy who has served onboard several nonprofits over the last 20 years and is well known name the community’s elite. He served as team leader at ground zero during natural disasters including Hurricane Ike, and Hurricane Harvey and continues to be involved in various community service initiatives on education, health fairs, entrepreneurship, events. Reddy and his wife Manjula have two daughters. “I want our children to have a good future and access to greater opportunities in life. We don’t want to build second class America with socialist programs that divide the country into haves and have nots. We are one America,” he says. Learn more on Bangar Reddy at Reddy4Congress.com and Reddy2020.com
VOLUNTEER TODAY! Would you like to join others in efforts to enhance the quality of life for your family, friends, and neighbors as we age? Whether you’re already committed or want more information, AARP in Houston would love for you to join us. We welcome you to learn more about the Houston volunteer team and its mission to create positive social change through advocacy, information, and service. Find out how your time and talents can create meaningful change in our community. Join us and discover the possibilities where you live. Get to know us at aarp.org/Houston.
VOICE OF ASIA 9
Fort Bend View
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place
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Bush High School’s Team ANN-Tech Houston Methodist Sugar Land named state finalist in 'Samsung Solve physician named to U.S. Soccer's for Tomorrow' contest Olympic team medical staff
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UGAR LAND, (November 18, 2019) — Orthopedic surgeon Kyle Borque, M.D., of Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land has been named to the medical staff for the U.S. Soccer Men’s Olympic team. Borque is one of four physicians from around the country who will serve as team doctors for the team, which begins qualifying play in March.
Pictured (from left to right) are Team ANN-Tech members Nolan Nguyen, Rodrigo Cabrera, Noel Obi and Ayah Said.
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Borque has a special affinity for soccer. He played for years while growing up in Sugar Land, and he remains a fan today. But today Borque is much more than a fan. He has specialized training to treat soccer-related injuries at the highest level.
ORT BEND ISD (November 18, 2019) – Congratulations to Bush High School’s (BHS) Team ANN-Tech on being named a state finalist in the 10th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. This is the second consecutive year that the BHS team has been named a state finalist. The team is among only 300 selected from a pool of more than 2,000 entries nationwide. The competition encourages students in grades 6-12 to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills creatively to solve a community challenge. Team ANNTech – which includes BHS sophomores Nolan Nguyen, Rodrigo Cabrera, Noel Obi and Ayah Said – created the Soteria bracelet, a multi-faceted alert system that helps prevent death of children and adults. The digital bracelet was inspired by popular models and features a removable pin on the side to allow users to discretely alert emergency contacts when in danger, while the temperature and heart rate sensors automatically signal a threat to the user’s heart. The team also created its own non-profit organization that provides mentoring services to youngsters in STEM classes at their former middle school, Crockett Middle School. The organization’s goals are to prepare young engineers for: their first competition where they can showcase their inventions and innovative ideas; advancing to qualifying, regional and national contests; and winning cash prizes toward college and future careers in STEM, all while helping them fully comprehend the engineering pro-
Team members are shown during the eCybermission national competition.
cess and how to build on and present an idea. The team is also encouraging like-minded students at other high schools to form engineering clubs of their own for competition at the national level. “Since launching the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest a decade ago, we’ve seen students tackle some of the biggest issues facing their generation and this year is no different,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “From suicide prevention to single use plastic alternatives, teachers and students are stepping up to creatively address these important issues head-on. We’re thrilled to congratulate the state finalists of the 10th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest and look forward to seeing these STEM projects progress in the coming months.”
As a Texas state finalist, Team ANN-Tech was awarded a Samsung tablet that will be presented to their team sponsor, Richard Embrick of Crockett Middle School, for use in his STEM classroom. The team also has the opportunity to advance through future phases of the contest to win additional prizes. Team ANN-Tech has a history of wins. The team advanced to nationals for three competitions last summer. The team also won the People’s Choice Award in the 17th annual eCybermission national competition sponsored by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program and National Science Teachers Association, and earned third place at the Thomas Edison Pitch competition.
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The bodies include one woman and a 14-year-old child.
Borque and the other three team physicians are taking turns supporting the Olympic squad at training camps in the build-up to the qualify-
ing tournament, which begins March 20, 2020, in Guadalajara, Mexico. The region’s top eight teams will compete, and the first- and second-place finishers will advance to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. If the U.S. advances, Borque will be in Tokyo for at least a portion of the Olympic Games, working with the athletic training staff to keep everyone healthy and treating everything from daily knocks and bruises to serious knee/leg injuries and concussions. “It’s a great feeling to be involved with U.S. Soccer and to be a part of the excellent medical staff that is supporting the team,” he said. “Going to the Olympics would make it even more special.” The specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine have extensive experience as team physicians, working with top professional, college and high school athletes to keep them healthy and in playing condition. Borque says that experience translates into better care for every patient. “The work I did in London was definitely challenging, because I was treating high-
profile professional athletes who rely on healthy knees for their livelihood,” Borque said. “But I’m able to utilize the expertise and knowledge gained there for all my patients here in Sugar Land – designing tailored treatment and recovery plans that fit their unique injuries or conditions. The goal is the same regardless of age and level of fitness or athleticism – providing every patient with the best possible care and helping them recover fully in the quickest amount of time.” Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is located at 16811 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land campus. T o make an appointment with Borque or any of the Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physicians, call 281.690.4678. 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.
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Half a dozen demonstrators yelled, "Test the DNA, find the families," during a remembrance ceremony Sunday night in Sugar Land.
Historians believe the remains belong to incarcerated AfricanAmericans who were part of the convict leasing and labor program, which ended in the early 1900s.
“During my fellowship, I assisted on surgeries for players on more than 10 Premiership teams, as well as Olympians and professional rugby players,” Borque said. “It was an amazing opportunity, working every day alongside Dr. Williams, who is so well-known in the soccer community. That experience combined with the time I spent on the sidelines with the New England Patriots provide me with confidence that I can provide the highest level of care to our U.S. soccer players.”
(281) 217-7330
UGAR LAND, Monday, November 18, 2019 (KTRK) -- Some protesters are calling for the bodies of 95 African-Americans found at a Fort Bend ISD construction site to be DNA tested.
Protesters had to be escorted out of the ceremony, which was meant to bless the ground where the so-called "Sugar Land 95" were discovered in April 2018 at the construction site of Fort Bend ISD's James Reese Career and Technical Center off Highway 90.
In 2018, Borque completed a five-month fellowship in complex knee surgery studying under famed orthopedic surgeon Andy Williams, M.D., at the Fortius Clinic at Chelsea Westminster Hospital in London. Williams, widely considered the top knee surgeon in England and the leading expert on soccerrelated knee injuries, consults with 18 of the 20 teams in the Premier League, England’s top soccer league.
Kyle Borque, M.D.
Learn more about Ann-Tech at www.anntechnology.org
Protesters want descendants of 95 slaves found before FBISD reburial
They don't want the remains reburied until the descendants are located.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be selected for this opportunity,” Borque said. “It really is a dream come true for me.”
Bodies of 95 African-Americans found at construction site close to having final resting place. (Photo: KTRK) Over the summer, Fort Bend ISD announced that the remains will be reinterred at the same site where they were found. As part of ongoing negotiations with the county, the district also plans to dedicate 10 acres of land to the county for a future planned memorial park where members of the community can visit and pay tribute. "This has been an unprecedented journey for Fort Bend ISD," said FBISD Board President Jason Burdine back in July. "We are thankful for the offer of
county leaders to join us in this effort to memorialize these individuals and learn as much as we can about the convict-leasing system." The district said earlier this year it will collect DNA analysis from the bodies, which will be processed at the Texas Archaeological Research Laboratory at the University of Texas. There is no definitive date yet for the reburials, but caskets will arrive this week.
(713) 715-9983
VOICE OF ASIA 10
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
BOLLYWOOD - HOLLYWOOD Section 2
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Aamir Khan posts first look from 'Laal Singh Chaddha' An adaptation of Hollywood film 'Forrest Gump'
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UMBAI, Nov 18 (PTI) Superstar Aamir Khan on Monday shared his first look from the much-awaited film "Laal Singh Chaddha". An official remake of Tom Hanks' 1994 feature "Forrest Gump", the film is being directed by Advait Chandan. Kareena Kapoor Khan is playing the female lead. Aamir took to social media to post the first look poster from the film that introduces him as the titular character.
Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar (L) and Kareena Kapoor Khan pose for a picture during the trailer launch event of their upcoming comedy-drama Hindi film 'Good Newwz', in Mumbai on November 18, 2019. (Photo: Sujit Jaiswal / AFP)
The actor, who seems to be sitting in a train compartment, sports an innocent smile as he looks at the camera. He is donning a light pink turban and has a thick beard with a handlebar moustache.
Akshay a rare movie star who supports first-time directors: Karan Johar
"Sat Sri Akaal ji, myself Laal... Laal Singh Chaddha," he wrote in the caption. The poster comes days after he shared a short video clip that revealed the film's logo.
M
UMBAI, Nov 18 (PTI) Filmmaker Karan Johar on Monday said actor Akshay Kumar is one of the rare Bollywood stars who chooses content over the scale of a project or director.
The video contained a brief song with the lyrics, "Kya pata hum mein hain kahani, ya hain kahani mein hum." Aamir, 54, had announced the project on his birthday in March. The actor, whose last film "Thugs of Hindostan" did not perform well at the box office, had said that he would be losing around a lot of weight for his role in the film. "My next film is finalised it is called Laal Singh Chaddha. It is being made by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and
After working on action dramas such as "Brothers" and "Kesari", Karan is once again collaborating with Akshay -- this time on the lighthearted "Good Newwz". Aamir Khan Productions together. It will be directed by Advait Chandan. It is an adaptation of Hollywood film 'Forrest Gump'," Aamir had told re-
porters. "Laal Singh Chaddha" will release on Christmas 2020.
How 'Bala' went from a story on pollution in Ganga to film about self-love by Justin Rao
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UMBAI, Nov 18 (PTI) "Bala" was initially a critique on the industrial exploitation of the Ganga river and in the subsequent drafts, its protagonist was envisioned as a Bollywood film buff.
The producer said he originally planned to make a big-budget feature with the actor but Akshay decided on the upcoming comedy. "I have loved Hrishikesh Mukherjee's films and I always wanted to make such movies but Dharma (his production house) has never made a film like that. I went with a big film to Akshay because he is a mega movie star. "Akshay's uniqueness is that he searches for content. He never looks for scale or opulence or who is the director. He is one superstar who has always supported first-time directors
and that's rare for a movie star," Karan told reporters here. He was speaking at the trailer launch of "Good Newwz", directed by debutant Raj Mehta. The film also features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani. Karan said "Good Newwz" marks Akshay's 23rd film with a budding director, claiming he is "the only movie star who has worked with so many debut directors". Akshay recalled getting a narration from Karan regarding the other "big" film and said he found himself gravitating towards the slice-of-life story. "I asked Karan what else he was making. He told me he was making a small film called 'Good Newwz'. I asked him to narrate its story to me. After listening to it, I told him, 'Let's drop the other one and do 'Good Newwz'," the actor added. The film is scheduled to be released on December 27.
But he was in "two minds" about the plot idea and it was after he met director Amar Kaushik, that made the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer what it is today: about a person coming to terms with his looks. With Ayushmann Khurrana as a young man struggling with receding hairline, Yami Gautam as a small-town TikTok star and Bhumi Pednekar as a girl fighting prejudices against dark skin, "Bala" opened to rave reviews and fantastic box office numbers last week. Niren, whose credits include National Award-winning Marathi feature "Ventilator" and Rajkummar Rao's "Made in China", said he is overwhelmed with the response to "Bala". "This is such a good high. My phone hasn't stopped ringing, people are writing to me. This is a wonderful feeling," he said. The film's journey began when Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films was developing Pavel Bhattacharjee's original idea about a man in Banaras, who finds out that a company dumping waste in Ganga was responsible for his balding and decides to start a campaign against it. "I wasn't too kicked about it (original idea) and was still in two minds. Then Amar came on board as a creative producer. When we sat together, he started telling me his experiences as he started losing hair in his early 20s."
Ayushmann Khurrana in and as Bala. Conversations between the two centered around the latter opening up about the "everyday disappointments" a man with receding hairline goes through, ranging from waking up and checking the pillow for fallen hair or watch strands of hair go down the drain during shower. "It became about the complex you feel when you step out, this lack of confidence which seeps in because of balding. I knew this is the story. It's a common problem. It's not a city-specific problem, it's a global thing." Niren, who has written the film's story, screenplay and dialogues, said the process started last October and went on till May this year, with round-theclock revisions during the shoot. The idea further evolved into a film about self-love, than just a story about a bald man. "We thought, the film shouldn't only be about balding. Beneath this, it's about self image and loving oneself. From there we thought we will have two love stories, somewhere you'll feel he might go with Yami or Bhumi but
finally the love story is with himself." "Bala" is also loaded with Bollywood references, acting as both, a hat-tip to its cultural impact and its critique for normalising stereotypes. It was important for Niren, who feels he had to call out romanticising of everything wrong in mainstream films. This also seeped in how the character of Bala was shaped. "We wanted him to be a mimicry artiste. The whole arc was, he mimics someone else and in the end starts doing stand-up where he's playing himself. One becomes a mimicry artiste if you're a film buff. When we started writing, we had two options- either he can do Salman or Shah Rukh Khan, whatever the actor is comfortable with. "Salman, because we wanted him to be like Radhe from Tere Naam with that iconic hairstyle. But Ayushmann was more comfortable with Shah Rukh so we went with that, then he does mimicry of Ranbir Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Amitabh Bachchan. So, Bollywood was always there.
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn poses during the promotion of his upcoming biographical period drama Hindi film 'Tanhaji' in Mumbai on November 18, 2019. (Photo: Sujit Jaiswal / AFP)
LEGAL
VOICE OF ASIA 11
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
www.voiceofasia.news
Family Law:
by Sharlene Sharmila Richards, Immigration Lawyer Email at srichardslaw@aol.com
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Sharlene Sharmila Richards
Mala Sharma
There are many different types of violations of divorce decrees. The most common are not paying child support, not obliging with visitation and custody orders, or not complying with divisions of the marital property after the decree is ordered. These violations typically arise from anger or revenge by the violator, or even attempts to control the other party after the divorce. What to do if your exspouse violated the order? You must file a contempt of court motion if one party has violated the court ordered divorce decree and must receive confirmation that he or she has been properly served with the motion, including notice of the date and time for
the contempt of court hearing. In this motion, you must specifically state what issue you are addressing by stating the specific language in the divorce decree that your exspouse has not complied with and state the facts of how he or she violated the order. It is imperative that you create a detailed and strong case with supporting documents to prove your case in court. It would be wise to keep a detailed account of the violation. Next, you will have to go to court to present your argument in order for the court to review your case and decide whether there is enough evidence to order a contempt of court. If a court determines you have sufficient evidence, the judge will issue an order of contempt and how to resolve it. If your ex still does not comply with the order, the judge may order an arrest warrant and your ex may be jailed until willing to comply. One of the most common violations are over property division where your ex refused to comply with the division of marital property. There is nothing that can confirm cooperation with a marital property divorce decree order where one spouse is or-
dered to turn over half of the marital property or finances. However, it is always wise to seek consultation of an attorney to discuss different ways to enforce your divorce decree order. 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.
Harris County Attorney Ryan wins approval to opt out of opioid settlement negotiation class
H
OUSTON - Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan has won Commissioners Court approval to opt out of a group that includes all cities and counties in the United States that have been impacted by the opioid crisis. This group is a first-of-itskind “negotiating class,” established to promote settlements in cases brought by 2,800 local governments nationwide against opioid manufacturers, distributors and sellers. Ryan believes that the county’s being a part of the negotiation class is not in the best interests of the residents of Harris County. In December 2017, Ryan filed suit against drug manufacturers and distributors, doctors and a pharmacist for their roles in promoting the opioid epidemic that has cost Harris County residents their health and even their lives and cost taxpayers millions to pay for health care and law enforcement.
In September U.S. District Court Judge Dan Polster of Cleveland, Ohio, who is overseeing the opioid cases established a plan to allow more than 34,000 local governments across the U.S. to enter into a universal settlement with some of the largest companies in the nation, including Cardinal Health.
bound by a settlement negotiated by others,” said County Attorney Ryan. “The damages suffered by Harris County and its residents were incurred in Harris County. We believe that our judge, our county, our juries in Harris County have the right to decide the fate of this lawsuit and should be the ones to do so.”
Court-appointed lawyers would attempt to reach settlements with defendants on behalf of all local cities and counties in the United States. The plan required settlement class members to decide whether to opt out by November 22 before any settlement had been negotiated.
Ryan explains that although Harris County is the thirdlargest county in the country, it was not included among the 49 counties designated as “class representatives.” Neither were its attorneys chosen to negotiate with the defendants. Despite this, Harris County would be bound by any settlement approved by a super majority of the parties if it had remained as part of the group.
After November 22, local cities and counties that had not opted out would be bound by the settlement even if they disagreed with its terms. Settlements would be divided among the settlement class counties and cities based on a pre-determined formula. “Harris County should not be
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Difficulties Enforcing Your Divorce Decree? After a divorce has been finalized and the judge has signed the divorce decree, this order is final. If either party seeks to change the order, they may file a modification. However, if one party violates this court order, they may be held in contempt of court, as the divorce decree must be complied with once it is finalized and signed by the court.
“Participating as a Class Member in the negotiated class settlement efforts would preempt the discretion and authority of local elected officials,” Ryan said. “I fully expect the case to be tried in Harris County.”
Q: My adjustment of status application (Form I-485) has been pending for almost one year. I am adjusting my status in Houston, TX based on my marriage to a US Citizen. How can I check the status for my case? I called USCIS and they told me to just wait and never explained why I just need to wait. How do I notify USCIS that maybe something is wrong with my case and they need to look into the delay instead of just waiting? A: To check the status for your case, you will need to go to the USCIS website at www.uscis. gov. Select “Check Case Status’”. Enter the receipt number for your application Form I-485. There should be information that your case is still pending. Currently, before you can contact USCIS to do a service request about your case being delayed or that there is something wrong with your case, your case must be ‘outside normal processing time’. In order to determine this, scroll down to ‘USCIS Processing Times’ and click on that link. It will take you to the ‘Case Processing Times’ page. Here you will select the appropriate Form name which is I-485 in your case and select the appropriate Field Office or Service Center location of for your Form which will be Houston, TX. The processing times will be shown for each Form Type. Only if your case was filed before the date shown on the “Receipt Date for Case Inquiry” column can you then contact USCIS and state that your case is outside normal processing times. If your case is not outside normal processing times, USCIS will not accept any service inquiries about the case if it pertains to an inquiry about processing delays. Only if your case is outside normal processing will USCIS entertain your service request to look into your case for processing delays. If it is outside normal processing, you may call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 (or TTY 1-800-767-1833 for deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability) or submit a case inquiry at www.
uscis.gov by selecting Case Outside Normal Processing and completing all the fields in the questionnaire. Q: When I filed my I-130 Petition for my brother, I mistakenly put the wrong date of birth for him in the petition. The receipt for the I-130 Petition shows this wrong date of birth. What can I do about correcting this mistake? A: You can submit the request for a correction based on typographical error. Go to www.uscis.gov and under ‘Tools’ select ‘Typographic Error’ to make the typographic correction for your petition. Q: I need to do a change of address for my application for permanent residence. I also filed for work authorization and advance parole. My husband who filed the I-30 petition also moved with me to the new address. What do we need to do? A: You must do a change of address for all your related applications – the permanent residence (I-485), the work authorization (I765) and the advance parole (I-131). Your husband must separately do the change of address for his pending I-130 petition. Go to www.uscis. gov and under ‘Tools’, select ‘Change of Address’ and then select ‘Online Change of Address’. Since you have several related applications, do not forget to include all the pending applications in your change of address form (by adding the I-765 and I-131). Q: My Permanent Residence Card has expired and I applied for a renewal of the Card by filing Form I-90. My I-90 is still pending and now I need to travel urgently because my mother is really sick and I like to go visit her for a few weeks. I have a valid passport to travel but my residence card is not. What can I do about this? A: You will need to contact USCIS to schedule an Infopass appointment for an I-551 (permanent residence) stamp to be included in your passport. This I-551 stamp will enable you to return to the US eventhough your permanent resident card has expired. To schedule the
Infopass appointment you must call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or TTY 1-800-767-1933 (for deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability) to request for this appointment. When you call make sure you have a copy of the I-90 filing receipt with you to provide all the necessary information about the I-90 which you had filed. Q: I checked online at the USCIS website for my case status and saw that my I-589 Application for Extension of Status was approved about two months ago. However, I have not received the approval notice. What should I do about this? I like to have a copy of the approval notice with me so that I have proof I am not out of status. A: Please do a service request by contacting USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to inform USCIS that you never received the approval notice. Or you may go online to USCIS’ website at www.uscis.gov to do the service request. Select ‘Tools” and then select ‘Did Not Receive Notice by Mail’. Complete the required fields. USCIS will then contact you with the next course of action. Disclaimer Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case. My Bio Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration Lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. 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.
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VOICE OF ASIA 12
Section 2
Young Life Email: voiceasia@aol.com
www.voiceofasia.news
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Tel: 713-774-5140
Pakistan consider debut for 16-year-old whose mother just died
List released of top 10 elementary, middle and high schools in Houston area
RISBANE, Australia | AFP | Tuesday 11/18/2019 - He is only 16 and reeling from his mother's death last week, but Pakistan believe express bowling sensation Naseem Shah can be a match-winner in the opening Test against Australia.
OUSTON, Monday, November 18, 2019 , (KTRK) -- Texas education nonprofit Children at Risk revealed its annual list of the top 10 elementary, middle and high schools in the Houston area on Monday.
Houston ISD
- Houston ISD
3) Devers Elementary in Devers ISD
9) Fort Settlement Middle Fort Bend ISD
4) Creekside Forest Elementary - Tomball ISD
10) Beckendorff Junior High School - Katy ISD
The group analyzed more than 1,400 public schools from eight counties in the area alone.
5) Rummel Creek Elementary - Spring Branch ISD 6) Commonwealth Elementary - Fort Bend ISD
Top 10 Houston High Schools
B
played this season. "He's bowled well here too and is the standout bowler for us. The way he's been bowling, he can be a match-winner for us," he added. Pakistan have a history of blooding promising players
world-class batsmen such as Steve Smith and David Warner remains to be seen. Seasoned campaigner Smith warned he won't be afraid to exploit Naseem's inexperience if the young gun gets the nod. "He's half my age. It'll be in-
H
The regional rankings include Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties. The schools were measured by STAAR test achievement in reading and math, growth over time in those subjects, an adjustment of achievement indicators to eliminate bias toward campuses with low percentages of economically disadvantaged students, and college readiness, which includes graduation rates, SAT/ACT participation rate and scores, and AP/IB participation rate and scores. Pakistan's 16-year-old quick Naseem Shah in action. (Credit:getty Images) The exciting teenager is on the cusp of selection for the game at the Gabba in Brisbane starting Thursday after impressing with a fiery eightover spell against Australia A in Perth. If he makes the grade, Naseem will join a handful of others to debut at 16, including Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. The youngest-ever Test player listed by Cricinfo was Pakistan's Hasan Raza in 1996, aged just 14, although his date of birth was later disputed. "The best thing about Naseem Shah is the control he has on his bowling," head coach Misbah-ul-Haq told cricket. com.au. "He has a very good bowling action and knows which deliveries to bowl. He can bowl with a very good control. He knows his stuff and bowled really well in the first-class matches he
early, accounting for six of the 10 youngest to play Test matches. But Naseem is also carrying the huge extra burden of his mother passing away. "He spoke to his family and they said 'this is where your mum would have wanted you to be'," Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan told the Sydney Morning Herald on why Naseem opted to remain in Australia. "Everyone has rallied around him, keeping a close eye on him, making sure he's okay. "He's got a few confidantes in the team that he can go to if he's feeling low or not feeling great. He wanted to stick it out," Wasim added. Naseem has only played seven first-class games and while selectors clearly like what they see, how he copes in the heat of battle over five days against
teresting ... 16 is young," Smith told reporters. "I dare say you'd be pretty nervous at 16 playing a Test match, particularly away from home. He's obviously got some skill if they're picking him and you don't take anyone lightly. "For us we'll be trying to get as many overs into him as possible and trying to wear him down. He wouldn't be used to bowling lots and lots of overs, so that'll be the plan." Pakistan's squad -- hampered by the retirement this year of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz -- also includes 19-yearold fast bowlers Musa Khan and Shaheen Afridi. They also have Imran Khan senior, who back in the Test squad for the first time since their Australian tour in 2017, along with the dangerous Mohammad Abbas and prolific leg-spinner Yasir Shah.
Can philanthropy connect with today’s youth? Opinion by Juliette Kang Stableski and Katie Kirchner
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e are facing a moment of reckoning in US politics. Since our nation’s founding, elites have regularly reinforced their wealth and power by stripping it from others, capturing the country’s institutions. In recent decades, conservatives, under the guise of neoliberalism, have skewed US politics— and policymaking—in ways that benefit a small minority of people. Progressives are hardly innocent of concentrating power among their own elite, of course. But a key difference is that conservatives have built a multigenerational pipeline of talent coupled with powerful ideology, one that progressives, at least until recently, have struggled to match. The long conservative “bench” available to fill US Supreme Court vacancies is just one of many obvious signs of this disparity. By failing to address the underlying systemic power imbalance built into this country, progressives, ironically, have perhaps unwittingly helped to enable the level of corruption and consolidation of power we’re seeing at this moment. We believe, however, that progressive philanthropy could help rectify this. At its heart, progressivism is about, or is supposed to be about, forward motion. And so is democracy—the process and system by which a society strives for equitable governance of the people, by the people, for the people—all people. Student movements and young folks are key to this; historically, youth have often pushed society forward. But progressive philanthropy has failed to make them central to their strategy, and that often shows up in a lack of
movement cohesion. Conservative philanthropy does not take the value of its youth for granted. The right’s successful campaign to undermine our democracy has been decades long, and youth engagement is at its foundation. Conservatives have funded paid fellowships, stipends, and grants to ensure their movement’s longevity and its future. It is notable that Brett Kavanaugh joined the Federalist Society during his time in law school, while still in his twenties, as did Neil Gorsuch. In fact, all five conservatives currently serving on the Supreme Court are current or former Federalist Society members. The initial investment in Kavanaugh thirty years ago is paying off now with his lifetime appointment, clinching a conservative majority that could shape our society for generations. Just one well-funded conservative organization, the Federalist Society, had $22.7 million in revenue according to its most recent Form 990 filing and has been able to wield this immense power. Where is the parallel example on the left? - The Current Reality Progressive groups have been trying to break down structural barriers to political participation and strengthen democracy, but they have far fewer resources. For example, the annual budget for the Roosevelt Network is about $1.6 million. By contrast, based on Form 990 filings, Turning Point USA’s budget is $10.6 million and Young Americans for Freedom’s budget is $24.9 million. Both of these conservative groups are also standalone organizations, whereas the Roosevelt Network, like many progressive youth and student organizations, is housed within a larger institution. The Roosevelt Network is a program of the Roo-
sevelt Institute (where we both work), Generation Progress is part of the Center for American Progress, Planned Parenthood Generation Action is part of Planned Parenthood, and the NAACP Youth and College Division is part of the NAACP. There are benefits to having support from a parent organization that can keep programming running. However, the pervasion of “housed” student and youth programs belies a hard truth: youth engagement is treated as a “nice to have” addon rather than a priority in and of itself. While younger Americans skew ideologically progressive, large and consistent levels of investment on the right have ensured that conservative youth organizations continue to flourish. When progressive funders do invest in youth, they’ve often done so in reactionary ways, creating an unsustainable boom-and-bust cycle. Youth grants often focus on advocating around a single issue or, every two to four years, on voter registration or get-out-the-vote efforts. This helps with immediate mobilization, but it atrophies the longer term development of a truly engaged citizenry. When the philanthropic flavor-of themonth inevitably changes, that shift hinders momentum and harms longevity. Whether we admit it or not, money drives outcomes. As it stands, progressive groups have to focus more on short-term survival and electoral cycles than competing groups on the right. This leaves many progressive groups unable to focus on a long-term strategy to address the political, economic, and social structures that breed systemic oppression. Sadly, while many envision a more inclusive country, the funding reality often reinforces the kind of structural exclusion we seek
Some schools even moved up in the rankings compared to the list Children at Risk released over the summer. The schools are listed as follows: Top 10 Houston Elementary Schools 1) Spring Branch Academic Institute - Spring Branch ISD 2) T.H. Rogers School -
7) Cornerstone Elementary Fort Bend ISD 8) West University Elementary - Houston ISD 9) Mandarin Immersion Magnet School - Houston ISD 10) Galatas Elementary Conroe ISD Top 10 Schools
Houston
Middle
1) Spring Branch Academic Institute - Spring Branch ISD 2) T.H. Rogers School Houston ISD
1) DeBakey High School for Health Professions - Houston ISD 2) Kerr High School - Alief ISD 3) Carnegie Vanguard High School - Houston ISD 4) Eastwood Academy Houston ISD 5) Young Women's College Prep Academy - Houston ISD 6) East Early College High School - Houston ISD 7) Alief Early College High School - Alief ISD
3) Austin Middle School Galveston ISD
8) North Houston Early College High School - Houston ISD
4) Cornerstone Academy Spring Branch ISD
9) Challenge Early College High School - Houston ISD
5) Project Chrysalis Middle School - Houston ISD
10) Houston Academy for International Studies - Houston ISD
6) Mandarin Immersion Magnet School - Houston ISD 7) Harmony School of Innovation - Katy Harmony School of Science 8) Energized for STEM Academy West Middle School
You can get a detailed profile of each school in Children at Risk's Texas School Guide. You can also find the full state rankings and the methodology on the group's website.
Mario mugs, Zelda tote bags as Nintendo opens first Tokyo store
T
OKYO, Japan | AFP | Tuesday 11/19/2019 - Nintendo this week throws open the doors to its first bricks-and-mortar store in Tokyo, offering everything from Super Mario mugs to Zelda handbags as part of a new gaming complex in the heart of the city. Set in a refashioned department store on one floor just minutes from the famed "scramble crossing" in Shibuya district, the giant retail space also includes shops selling merchandise from some of the biggest names in gaming including Capcom and Pokemon. Nintendo's outlet is the game giant's first directly operated in Japan, and only its second worldwide following a similar New York shop. "Young people and foreign people flock to Shibuya. We picked this location, aiming to attract a wide range of people," a Nintendo official said at a press preview before Friday's official opening. Half its stock will be available exclusively at the store, with the 1,000 items on sale ranging from game hardware and software to clothing, mugs
to end. - The Future of Democracy is at Stake By not prioritizing support for the progressive talent pipeline, we not only miss out on helping young people develop a progressive worldview, but also reinforce the work of conservatives. Younger Americans tend to believe that democracy can and should work, but they know that it’s not working right now—and, as we all know, the problems are far deeper than the outcomes of any single election. Today’s youth, living in a flawed system, struggle to hold onto civic ideals. The Pew Research Center estimates that only 17 percent of Americans trust government. That number, by the way, had consistently been above 60 percent under Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson. Yet despite this, 70 percent of today’s youth favor an increased use of public power to solve societal problems. Why would young people be distrusting of government, yet so eager to increase its power? It helps to understand that youth
The shop will be called Nintendo TOKYO and will be stocking a slew of exclusive merch and games, alongside demo stations and other novelties. (Instagram @N_Officialstore) and stationery branded with Mario, Zelda and other characters from the firm's hit game titles.
Touken Ranbu video game, including a silver hand mirror in a wooden box on sale for around $460.
On the same floor are several shops offering goods by other big-name gaming brands, in what officials hope will become a major draw for tourists and local fans of Japanese games and comics.
Another store offers items from Monster Hunter and other Capcom games, while a third specialises in goods featuring heroes from "One Piece" and other manga comics that have grown from the popular JUMP weekly.
Next to the Nintendo store is a shop offering physical versions of items seen in the
today increasingly question private business leaders and companies as well, a reality likely influenced by growing up during and after the Great Recession, and living with the reality of today’s climate emergency. Present-day ambiguity presents an opportunity for influence. As we know all too well, simply believing in democracy cannot defend against its corrosion. According to the Census Bureau, roughly 36 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds reported voting in the 2018 midterms, a 79-percent jump from the nearly 20 percent who said they voted in 2014—and the highest level of youth participating in a midterm cycle in at least the last 25 years. But if votes don’t translate into change—if government doesn’t respond to younger voters’ demands on such matters as climate action, immigration reform, gun control—disillusionment may return. Electoral victories are important, but insufficient. Elected officials in office without a movement behind them are just in office—
There's even a Pokemon Center shop, with swanky offerings featuring the game's famed star character Pikachu -- including a statuette studded with Swarovski crystals. Nintendo has had enormous success with its Switch console, and unveiled the pocketsized Switch Lite earlier this year. It has also seen brisk demand for its games, with this year's releases "Super Mario Maker 2", "The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening" and "Fire Emblem: Three Houses" all becoming multimillion-unit sellers.
not in power. Their ability to govern, to push forward the progressive ideas and policies people on the ground champion and need, is dependent on the longevity and the power of the movements backing them. As we head toward another presidential election, we cannot afford to only think of young people in the context of one election. Across the board, we need avenues in place for young people’s demands to be heard in 2020 and beyond. - Nonprofit Quarterly
VOICE OF ASIA 13
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FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
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Oil prices tumble amid US-China trade uncertainty
Anil Ambani, four other directors resign from Reliance Communications
EW YORK | AFP | Tuesday 11/19/2019 - Oil prices tumbled Tuesday as lingering questions over the US-China trade talks weighed on sentiment on a mixed day for global equity markets.
he development comes a day after details of RCom's consolidated loss of Rs 30,142 crore for the second quarter were made public late on Friday
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lier gains, while Wall Street finished mostly lower, with the Dow and S&P 500 retreating from records, even as the Nasdaq notched a third straight all-time high.
construction would help offset what is likely to be a slowdown in consumption to a more sustainable pace. "The major unknown remains the trade tensions," he
A day after Reliance Communications reported a consolidated loss of Rs 30,142 crore for the second quarter, Anil Ambani on Saturday resigned as Director of Reliance Communications.
Both US benchmark West Texas Intermediate and London's Brent oil fell sharply on signs Beijing and Washington may be drifting further apart again. Worries about the trade war have weighed on the global growth outlook, crimping petroleum demand. Analysts are also on edge ahead of a weekly US oil inventory report that is expected to show higher stockpiles. "The lack of breakthrough or concrete progress on an initial US-China deal continues to create headwinds, particularly after both sides had offered indications that a signed phase one agreement was seemingly imminent only a few weeks earlier," said a note from Robbie Fraser, senior commodity analyst at Schneider Electric. The latest hang-up in talks has been signs that China will agree to a "phase one" agreement only if Washington agrees to remove some existing tariffs, something US President Donald Trump has opposed. At the close, European stocks were mixed after giving up most or all of their ear-
Along with him, four other senior officials of the firm have also stepped down from their posts. These are Chhaya Virani, Ryna Karani, Manjari Kacker and Suresh Rangachar.
Alamy Stock image
- Home Depot slumps -
added.
The Dow was weighed down by a more than five percent drop in Home Depot shares as it slashed its full-year sales forecast, saying the payoff from investments in e-commerce and other ventures was taking longer than expected.
Earlier, Hong Kong's main stocks index extended Monday's rally with another surge but continuing protests in parts of the city -- particularly a violent standoff at a university -- remained a source of worry.
Despite that disappointment, analysts took heart in other aspects of the Home Depot report, including a 3.6 percent increase in comparable sales.
The gains come as the widespread protests that hammered the city's transport network last week appear to have become less disruptive over the past two days.
They also cited better-thanexpected US home construction data. "The economy seems to be settling into a trend level growth pattern of something in the 2% range," economist Joel Naroff said in a client note. "An improvement in home
The pound, meanwhile, retreated after strong gains on Monday, with expectations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative party will win next month's general election with a healthy majority, helping him to push through his Brexit deal.
Coty to pay $600 mn for majority stake in Kylie Jenner cosmetics brand
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EW YORK | AFP | Monday 11/18/2019 - Beauty products giant Coty announced Monday a deal to take a majority stake in Kylie Jenner's cosmetics and skincare company, marrying Jenner's celebrity prominence with Coty's distribution and commercial prowess.
rates as "one of the most influential voices among beauty consumers globally," said a statement from both companies.
Under the transaction, Coty, whose brands include Hugo Boss and Burberry fragrances, will pay $500 million for a 51 percent stake in Jenner's company.
"I'm excited to partner with Coty to continue to reach even more fans of Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin around the world," Jenner said.
Jenner, the youngest daughter of Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, has more than 270 million social media followers and
She launched the brand in 2015 with "Kylie Lip Kit" and has since added eyeliners, eye shadows, blushes and other items.
"This partnership will allow me and my team to stay focused on the creation and development of each product while building the brand into an international beauty power-
house." Coty described the deal as part of its effort to become a "more focused and agile company" adding that its global capacities in research and development, manufacturing and distribution, as well as expertise in cosmetics, would enable Jenner's products to thrive as a "high growth, digitally native beauty brand." Coty Chief Executive Pierre Laubies said the deal "will leverage our core strengths around fragrances, cosmetics and skincare, allowing Kylie's brands to reach their full potential." Shares of Coty rose 3.3 percent to $12.31 in early trading.
Lawsuit claims Burger King's Impossible Whoppers are contaminated by meat by Jonathan Stempel, Richa Naidu
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TLANTA, Georgia, November 18, 2019 - (Reuters) - Burger King was sued on Monday by a vegan customer who accused the fast-food chain of contaminating its meatless “Impossible” Whoppers by cooking them on the same grills as its traditional meat burgers. In a proposed class action, Phillip Williams said he bought an Impossible Whopper, a plant-based alternative to Burger King’s regular Whopper, at an Atlanta drive-through, and would not have paid a premium price had he known the cooking would leave it “coated in meat by-products.” The lawsuit filed in Miami federal court seeks damages for all U.S. purchasers of the Impossible Whopper, and an injunction requiring Burger King to “plainly disclose” that Impossible Whoppers and regular burgers are cooked on the same grills.
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Burger King, a unit of Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International Inc, declined to comment, saying it does not discuss pending litigation. Its website describes the Impossible Burger as “100% Whopper, 0% Beef,” and adds that “for guests looking for a meat-free option, a non-broiler method of preparation is available upon request.” Williams’ lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the disclaimer or the available cooking options. Impossible Foods Inc, which helped create the Impossible Whopper, has said it designed the product for meat eaters who want to consume less animal protein, not for vegans or vegetarians. “For people who are strictly vegan, there is a microwave prep procedure that they’re welcome to ask for in any store,” Dana Worth, Impossible Foods’ head of sales, said in a
recent interview. Burger King began selling the Impossible Whopper in August. Restaurant Brands also owns the Canadian coffee and restaurant chain Tim Hortons, and is overseen by Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital. The case is Williams v Burger King Corp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, No. 19-24755.
"Manikantan V has also tendered his resignation as a Director and Chief Financial Officer of the company earlier. The aforementioned resignations will be put up to the committee of creditors for their consideration," the company said in a statement. The development comes a day after details of RCom's consolidated loss of Rs 30,142 crore for the second quarter were made public late on Fri-
Anil Ambani has resigned as Director of Reliance Communications. (File photo) day after provisioning for statutory license fee and spectrum usage dues as compared to a profit of Rs. 1,141 crore last year during the second quarter. In a regulatory filing on Friday, the company said that it has set aside Rs 28,314 crore after the recent Supreme Court verdict on the calculation of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of telcos.
This is the second-worst loss reported by an Indian corporate to date, behind Vodafone Idea's reported loss of Rs 50,921.9 crore in Q3 this year. Bharti Airtel stands third after a loss of Rs 23,000 crore, as it reported on Thursday. The company is undergoing insolvency proceedings and owes over Rs 50,000 crore to banks.
California sues e-cigarette firm Juul for targeting minors
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OS ANGELES | AFP | Monday 11/18/2019 California announced Monday it is suing Juul, the United States' largest electronic cigarette manufacturer, for illegally targeting minors with its marketing campaigns. E-cigarettes have soared in popularity among young people since they were introduced about a decade ago. California law prohibits the sale of vaporizing products to persons under the age of 21. A joint lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and his Los Angeles counterpart alleges that Juul Labs failed to meet its obligations to verify the age of its customers. "Today, we take legal action against the deceptive practices that Juul and the e-cigarette industry employ to lure our kids into their vaping web," said Becerra.
"We will hold Juul and any other company that fuels a public health crisis accountable." The San Francisco-based firm also retained the email addresses of customers it had identified as minors in order to send them advertisements, according to the lawsuit. Juul sales represent more than 64 percent of all e-cigarettes in the US. The company has denied that its products -- including mango, mint and creme brulee-flavored e-cigarettes -- were aimed at minors. Ahead of a possible ban by health authorities, the firm this month pulled its mint-flavored products after a study found it was the favorite flavor among high school students. It now sells only three flavors in the US: two tobacco-
flavored varieties and menthol. US federal regulators this summer opened an investigation into potentially "deceptive marketing" by Juul. Juul said at the time it has "never marketed to youth" but said it regretted a 2015 marketing campaign aimed at 2534 adults that "executed in a way that was perceived as appealing to minors." "JUUL adopted the tobacco industry's infamous playbook, employing advertisements that had no regard for public health and searching out vulnerable targets," Becerra said Monday. The lawsuit comes as the vaping industry is facing tough scrutiny amid a mysterious epidemic of lung conditions linked to e-cigarette use that has killed more than 40 people and sickened more than 2,000 in recent months.
Burger King eyes big bite of Europe market with 'veggie Whopper'
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ONDON, United Kingdom | AFP | Tuesday 11/11/2019 - US fast-food giant Burger King on Tuesday launched its meatless burger in Europe, hoping to capture a substantial slice of a growing market. The vegetarian version of its prime "Whopper" hamburger is being added to the menu in 25 countries and 2,500 restaurants after testing in the United States and Sweden. "It's the biggest production launch ever done in Europe. We see the potential in the future that this is a growing category," company president David Shear told AFP. The new meatless sandwich is to be launched in Britain at a later date, possibly around the start of next year, the firm said. Burger King, which is best
known for flame-grilled patties, said with the new product it was now the biggest European fast-food restaurant chain offering a veggie burger. The company said the vegetarian product had boosted sales of traditional burgers in the United States, as it attracted new customers who normally did not patronise fast-food outlets. Some critics noted however that if the same cooking grills were used for meat and chicken products, strict vegetarians would shun the new offering. Shear did not provide details on sales or European market targets, meanwhile. The fast-food giant and competitors Yum Brands and Kentucky Fried Chicken have got a step ahead of McDonald's in the United States in recent months. In April, McDonald's launched a test in Germany of its Big Vegan burger, developed in collaboration with Nestle. It has also been testing a meat-free cheeseburger in Canada since late September but is not yet at the stage of largescale sales. The global food industry has seen competition open up for alternative proteins to draw in growing numbers of consumers who have adopted a vegan diet
for dietary, ethical or environmental reasons. JPMorgan has said the plantbased "meat" market could be worth $100 billion in the next 15 years because of the climate emergency, as beef production is a major global polluter. British tycoon Richard Branson has invested in Impossible Foods, while Beyond Meat is part-financed by the billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates. They are in competition with Dutch firm The Vegetarian Butcher, which was bought recently by the multinational group Unilever, and which supplies Burger King in Europe. Nestle already has had a soya protein and wheat-based hamburger on sale in European and US supermarkets since the end of September. Consultants Deloitte said in a recent study: "Gone are the days when plant-based alternative products were for the niche consumer and warranted limited shelf space... "The European plant-based alternatives market leads the way in terms of market size, with the European meat substitutes market accounting for around 40 percent of the global market." The market is forecast to grow to 2.4 billion euros ($2.6 billion) by 2025 from 1.5 billion euros in 2018, it added.
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Week of November 22, 2019 HOROSCOPE.COM
21 March to 20 April You get romantic inspiration from a lot of different sources at the start of the week thanks to the creative Leo moon. Doing one thing differently can change everything. Compromise is the key to happiness while the moon is in fair-minded Libra late in the week. You don’t have to get your way every time.
21 April to 20 May Endless little misunderstandings, delays, or mechanical breakdowns will begin to subside. Jump into any area that requires written or spoken reports. This is also a positive time for marketing efforts. You may find strong support for your creative imagination. Expect good working relationships. Things could be more stressful later. Your plans may be limited or challenged.
21 May to 20 June Aspects are showing a need to bring more creativity and beauty to your working life. At the same time, there’s a push/pull relationship between the money you have and earn and the money you owe. It’s time to strike a balance between the two by creating a payment plan for any credit cards while figuring out how to bring in more money each month.
21 June to 22 July Nervous tension could be your biggest problem. You could be doing a lot more work with your brain now. At times like this, when you’re so intent on achieving your work goals, it’s all too easy to forget to take care of your body. Try to take time away from the mental activities in order to exercise and eat well. This can be a chance to streamline your affairs and get back on track with your wellness routine.
23 July to 22 August The moon spends time in your outgoing sign at the start of the week, so you won’t be afraid to approach your crush. Just be yourself, Leo. That usually works! Mercury finally goes direct while in Scorpio midweek, so communication issues might still be on the shady side. The only difference now is that you’re doing it on purpose!
23 August to 22 Sept The stresses of the last few weeks could seem to continue. An expansive energy can have you feeling especially anxious. Take time to clean and put your workspace in better order. Update goals and objectives. Make new lists. All these efforts will help you feel more centered and in control. Steadily improving your skills will pay long-term benefits.
23 September to 22 Oct You may feel the Universe supporting your projects and goals this week. But you might need to access your communicative powers to speak your mind and get what’s coming to you, financially and otherwise. In other news, indications show that your debt picture is about to get much better. You’ve done a lot of good work, so enjoy the rewards.
23 October to 21 Nov This week you have the foundation upon which to build additional security. Activity in your house of debt makes it easier to pay off credit cards and lines of credit. You’re able to earn more now and allocate it as you see fit. Go easy over the weekend, because focused Mars opposes emancipated Uranus and you and another could clash.
22 November to 21 Dec The cosmos could trigger many emotions now. Beware of resorting to comfort foods in an attempt to stuff your feelings back down again. If you’re on a diet, you could easily fall off it. If you give in to temptation once, you might then feel it’s pointless to continue. That isn’t the case at all. Just acknowledge that you slipped and renew your efforts.
22 December to 20 Jan The dignified Leo moon at the start of the week reminds you to keep your cool despite awkward dating situations. You can’t control every minute of your love life, but you can control how you react. You’re happy to get back to “normal” when Mercury goes direct in Scorpio midweek, although tension can still run high when you struggle to get in the last word.
21 January to 19 Feb The energy is very unsettled. Your best hope of getting a job or making the right decision is now. After this, it’s best to go with the flow. You may be feeling especially lazy or else particularly creative and imaginative. Those with artistic careers will be most at home with this energy. You can expand your customer base. Travel for work is favored as well. Set long-term financial goals.
20 February to 20 Mar This week you have aspects making you more magnetic and even more unique. The tough part is that your career sector requires more attention now so that you can make your work sustainable, lucrative, and secure. Don’t leave anything to chance now. Build what you want to see. The weekend could see you making an instant decision that might not be helpful.
ACROSS 1. Ten Commandments word 6. Problem with concentrating, acr. 9. Black sheep's gift 13. "The game of unspeakable fun!" 14. "Fancy that!" 15. One Direction's "Truly, ____, Deeply" 16. Consumed, two words 17. Finish, with "up" 18. Extra software 19. The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You ____ in Magic" 21. *Badger State capital 23. Snow runner 24. Boris Godunov, for one 25. Every American's uncle? 28. Aquarium organism 30. Hound or plague 35. He sacrificed a rib? 37. Nordic native 39. Singular of salpae 40. Sites 41. Joker or Batman, e.g. 43. Olympic one is 50 meters long 44. Terminate mission 46. Boor 47. If it fits... 48. *Centennial State's capital 50. Form of approval 52. As much as this and a leg 53. Saintly glow 55. Rub the wrong way 57. *Pine Tree State capital 61. *Garden State capital 65. Idle talk 66. Morning condensation 68. Île de la Cité river 69. Painter Degas 70. U.N. workers' grp. 71. Samurai dagger 72. Fraternity recruitment season 73. Dog tags 74. Ancient Greek building for entertainment SOLUTION:
DOWN 1. Bayonet wound 2. Angie Thomas' "The ____ U Give" 3. Killed by Cain 4. Jazz musician Armstrong. 5. *Sunflower State capital 6. Fit of shivering 7. *____ Moines 8. Regards 9. Dry riverbed 10. Bookie's quote 11. Mishmash 12. Country singer Loretta 15. Hot curry dish 20. Mexican revolutionary 22. "I see!" 24. Food thickener 25. Type of bar 26. Acrobat maker 27. Wine from Mâconnais 29. Chutzpah 31. What Kanye does 32. *Greeting in Honolulu 33. Animal trail 34. *Beaver State capital 36. Type of missile 38. *St. ____ 42. It can lead up or down 45. Movie preview 49. Hard to escape routine 51. Faster than allegro 54. Forearm bones 56. Work the dough 57. Copycat 58. Pakistani language 59. Silences 60. *Salt Lake City State 61. A child's "terrible ____" 62. Pitchfork part 63. Aware of 64. Ne 67. Old age, archaic
STATE CAPITALS on Page 15
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In Loving Memory
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
CRIME
Community Message:
Email Community: Internal Hit and Run driver who Obituaries injured bicyclist -5600 blk. Investigation Leads to to us at: Detention Officer’s Arrest Bellaire Blvd. voiceasia@ ovember 18, 2019 – ovember 20. 2019 - multiple leg and collarbone Flores began working for An internal investi- the Sheriff’s Office in March. Crime Stoppers and fractures. The victim was aol.com gation has resulted in He has been relieved of duty. the Houston Police taken to a local hospital for the arrest of a Harris County Department’s Vehicular Crimes treatment. Detectives believe “The overwhelming majorSheriff’s Office detention offineed the public’s as- the vehicle may be a Hyundai Deadline Division cer on five felony drug charg- ity of Harris County Sheriff’s sistance identifying the suspect Sonata with possible damage Office detention officers are es. responsible for a Hit and Run – to the right headlight from the for committed to upholding their Failure to Stop and Render Aid. collision. Jason Flores, 19, is charged responsibility for the care, with five felonies that in- custody and control of the inOn Friday, September 27, Crime Stoppers may pay publication: 2019, clude manufacture/delivery mates in our jail,” said Sherat approximately 11:59 up to $5,000 for information of a controlled substance, iff Ed Gonzalez. “Those who a.m., the victim was riding a leading to the charging and/ with intent to de- betray that trust will be held bicycle across the 5600 block or arrest of the suspect in this Tuesdays of Bellaire Boulevard (at the case. Information may be re- possession liver a controlled substance, fully accountable. I commend and possession of a prohib- our Internal A ffairs Division Chetwood Drive intersec- ported by calling 713-222ited substance in a correc- for conducting a swift and tion) in Houston, Texas. The TIPS (8477), submitted online by 5pm. tional facility. suspect’s vehicle (a light blue
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Varkey George Valayil was born June 11, 1925 to Varkey Varkey and Sosamma Varkey in Nattakom as the third of their eleven children. He was a well known machinist at Travancore Cement Factory and worked diligently for 30 years, gaining the respect of his co-workers and local community. He and Elachiamma Valayil were married on May 5, 1950 and were blessed with five wonderful children: Sunny, Roy, Sali, Saji, and Molamma. He is survived by his wife, Elachiamma Valayil; his children, Kurian (Roy) Valayil, Mathew (Sali) Valayil, Abraham Saji) Valayil and Omana (Molamma) Kuriakose; daughters in –law, Benny Kuriakose; his grandchildren, Minu, Anu, Levin, Subin, Ruben, Ryan, Sarah, and Priya, and his great grandchildren, Leannah, Johan, and Lizbeth is well as a host of family and friends around the world. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at the Forest Park Westheimer Funeral home in Houston, Texas.
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sedan) struck the victim as it made a turn through the intersection. The suspect fled the scene without rendering aid to the victim. As a result of the collision, the victim sustained
at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. HPD 1264766-19
Flores was arrested on Saturday when he reported for duty at the jail. He has since been released from jail after posting $105,000 bond.
thorough investigation, resulting in these serious felony charges.” HCSO
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FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
Home&Real Estate Best Midcentury renovations in Austin celebrating their retro roots
Buyers maintain demand for Houston housing in October Home sales rise for a fourth straight month as mortgage interest rates remain low
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OUSTON - Continued low mortgage interest rates kept consumers in a buying mood in October, powering home sales to a fourth consecutive positive month. According to the latest monthly report from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), sales of single-family homes across the greater Houston area totaled 7,231 in October. That is up 8.1 percent compared to a year earlier. On a year-to-date basis, home sales are 4.2 percent ahead of 2018’s record volume, making it ever more likely that 2019 will establish a new record for local real estate.
4.94 percent a year ago. - Lease Property Update Lease properties staged a mixed performance in October. Single-family home leases rose 2.4 percent while leases of townhomes and condominiums fell 15.2 percent. The average rent for single-family homes increased 2.3 percent to $1,795 while the average rent for townhomes and condominiums was unchanged at $1,543. - October Monthly Market Comparison -
Homes priced between $500,000 and $750,000 led the way in sales, climbing 13.0 percent versus October 2018. That segment was followed closely by homes in the $250,000 to $500,000 range, which rose 12.9 percent. The luxury segment, which is made up of homes priced from $750,000 and above, was unchanged year-over-year.
The Houston real estate market registered across-the-board gains in October. Single-family home sales, total property sales, pricing, total dollar volume and inventory all increased compared to October 2018. Monthend pending sales of single-family homes totaled 7,682. That represents a 19.7 percent increase over last year. Total active listings, or the total number of available properties, rose 6.9 percent to 43,468.
Single-family home prices set new October highs. The median price (the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less) increased 2.1 percent to $239,900 while the average price rose 1.3 percent to $298,354. Despite the record prices, the increases are among the smallest of 2019 and reflect signs of pricing moderation as the year draws to a close.
The October inventory of singlefamily homes grew slightly to a 4.0-months supply compared to 3.9 months a year earlier. However, it is below the 2019 peak of 4.3-months reached over the summer, in June and July. For perspective, housing inventory across the United States currently stands at a 4.1-months supply, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
In addition to the incentive that lower mortgage rates create, buyers benefited from a slightly larger supply of homes on the market with housing inventory up to a 4.0-months supply in October versus 3.9 months in 2018. So far this year, the peak inventory was reached in June and July when it grew to a 4.3-months supply.
-Single-Family Homes Update -
Sales of all property types climbed 6.2 percent in October, totaling 8,579 units. Total dollar volume rose 7.9 percent to $2.4 billion. “Consumers continue to take advantage of attractive buying conditions, between low interest rates, a healthy supply of homes on the market and a strong overall Houston economy,” said HAR Chair Shannon Cobb Evans with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene. “Interest rates are currently forecast to remain low into the new year, so it’s possible that we get through the holidays without too much of a seasonal slowdown in home sales, but we’ll just have to see how things go.” The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell slightly to 3.69 percent the week ending November 7, approaching levels last seen in November 2016, according to figures released by Freddie Mac. It was 3.78 percent the prior week and
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However, the list prices for the 10 houses were much more uniform, falling between roughly $3 million and about $5.5 million, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. HAR ranked the homes by sales price, but does not disclose those figures. (The listing price is included for refer-
With its funky personality and plethora of vintage stores, Austin is also home to many neighborhoods constructed in the postwar years— leading to a bevy of midcentury residences that have been remodeled and retrofitted over the years. Here, we take a look at some of our favorite midcentury home renovations that still keep their groove.
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ustin-based architecture firm Thoughtbarn set out to renovate an H-shaped residence in a wooded, hilly neighborhood known for its midcentury, ranch-style homes, but quickly discovered that the home’s slab was structurally failing and would need to be replaced. This replacement ultimately led to the construction of a new home based on the footprint of the original—but with
Home prices climbed to the highest levels ever for an October. The median price was $239,900, up 2.1 percent from one year prior. The average price rose 1.3 percent to $298,354. Despite that, the increases are among the smallest of 2019 and reflect possible pricing moderation as the year winds down. The townhouse and condominium segment has been on a roller coaster ride throughout 2019, with alternating months of up and down sales. After an 8.2 percent year-over-year rise in September, sales fell 3.2 percent in October with 510 units sold compared to 527 in October 2018. The average price dropped 5.2 percent to $199,045 while the median price rose 6.8 percent to $164,500. Inventory expanded from a 4.3-months supply to 4.7 months. - HAR.com
a small addition to the south. The exterior is clad in board-and-batten siding, while the front porch is covered with stained pine. Both materials have
a vertical emphasis, which speaks to the heritage oak trees on the .75-acre property. (Photography: Nick Simonite/Dwell)
When Austin-based firm Matt Fajkus Architecture was tasked with renovating this classic midcentury home, they sought to open up the interior—not only by unifying the common areas into an open-plan layout, but also by literally raising the home's roof. This strategy increased the ceiling height on three sides of the home, allowing for the insertion of clerestory windows to create a bright and airy open living space. "The raised ceiling maintains the original pitched roof geometry to stay harmonious with the existing gabled roof in the private zone," explain the architects in a statement. (Photo courtesy Matt Fajkus)
October was the fourth consecutive positive month of single-family home sales, with 7,231 units sold across greater Houston compared to 6,687 a year earlier. That represents an 8.1 percent increase. On a year-to-date basis, sales are running 4.2 percent ahead of 2018’s record pace.
Most expensive homes sold in October include a 16K-SF mansion and a 90-year-old house he 10 most expensive homes sold in the Houston area in October span an impressive range of years, sizes and geographic areas.
These clever interventions keep Austin weird—in the best way.
Right: Designed in 1950 by A.D. Stenger, this three-bedroom, threebath residence was remodeled by Chioco Design in 2012 — which was inspired by the original Stenger architecture, but ended up becoming a completely new work of art. The flatroofed structure is constructed with metal siding and wood, and adds a dynamic component to the original materials of the home's exterior. (Photo: Paige Alexus/Dwell) Below: When the husband-and-wife team behind Austin-based Co(X)ist Studio set out to remodel their 1962 ranch-style house, they wanted to update it to suit their modern lifestyles— as well as demonstrate the design sensibilities of their young firm. (Photo: Kate Reggev/Dwell)
ence.) Although seven of the homes were built between 2006 and 2019, one is 26 years old and the other two were built several decades ago. The oldest home on the list was built in 1929, while the second-oldest was built in 1946. Both of those homes, as well as one other in the top 10, are located in River Oaks. Another five homes on the list are located in other neighborhoods inside or not far from the 610 Loop: Univer-
sity/Southside, Tanglewood and Briar Hollow. However, unlike the list of most expensive homes sold in September, October's list features homes as far north as Lake Conroe.
90 W. Grand Regency Circle in The Woodlands was listed for $5.5 million.
The most expensive home sold last month is also the largest — spanning 16,163 square feet — and is found in the posh Carlton Woods section of The Woodlands, while the second-largest home on the list spans 10,088 square feet and is in the Lake Conroe area. No other home on the list cracked 10,000 square feet, but two were well over 9,000. Similar to the prior month, the average size of the top 10 homes was 8,356 square feet.
Set on a sweeping landscape, one of River Oaks’ finest properties is a stunning renovation of a historic Tudor-style home that was originally built by the Hogg Brothers in 1929 on a double lot. It was listed for just over $5 million.