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2020 census citizenship question dropped as Trump Administration reverses course

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | Tuesday 7/2/2019 - President Donald Trump's government on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents.

The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling that the case for adding the citizenship question was not convincing.

Trump's initial reaction to the ruling had been to call for a delay in the imminent printing of the 2020 census forms, holding up the census in order to allow time for a new appeal.

administration on the issue.

That bid has now been dropped, ending any chance of changing the format of the massive, once-every-decade survey.

"It is a big difference to me between being a citizen of the United States and being an illegal," he said.

"We're glad the #2020Census will begin printing without a citizenship question," said New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who led a group of states challenging the

Just this Monday, Trump had been defiant, telling reporters he wanted the census to find out who was a citizen "as opposed to an illegal."

Opponents argued that the question -- which has not been included since 1950 -- would drive many immigrants to avoid answering out of fear Continued on page 10

Protesters outside the Supreme Court demonstrate against adding a citizenship question to the US census. (AFP Photo/Mandel Ngan)

IACCGH receives Mayor Turner's Proclamation for 20 years of service

Collapsed wall kills 22 in Mumbai monsoon chaos

An Indian woman mourns at the site of a wall collapse in Mumbai that killed at least 22 people during monsoon rains. (AFP Photo/ Punit Paranjpe).

IACCGH Proclamation at City Hall - June 25th, 2019 with Proclamation. (Photo credit: Biyani Photography)

O

n the heels of a successful 20th anniversary gala that saw a turnout of 850 members, guests, elected officials and the city’s top business leaders; IACCGH was honored with a Proclamation for their 20 years of dedicated service to the business community.

This recognition was cosponsored by Vice Mayor Pro tem Jerry Davis and Council member Jack Christie. It was read out and presented

by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner at the City Council

Chambers and marked June 25th 2019 as the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston Day.

living testimony of the partnership between Houston and India”.

Appreciating the Chamber’s efforts in accelerating Houston’s economy through its many Outreach efforts and connecting Houston and India through trade delegations, Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Davis stated “As the IACCGH represents the most dynamic companies and the most ingenious entrepreneurs in the Houston region, their determination is

Council member Dr. Jack Christie also spoke highly of the Chamber noting that “There are no better loyal friends than the members of the Indo-American Chamber.”

The Proclamation was accepted by IACCGH President Swapan Dhairyawan and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia. Several Chamber members and Resource Partner SBA’s Deputy District Director Mark

by Peter Hutchison

M

juries, increasing the previous death toll of 21, the Press Trust of India reported.

As the Chamber enters its third decade of service, Executive Director Ahluwalia reaffirmed the Chamber’s “commitment to encourage entrepreneurship and promote businesses.”

UMBAI | AFP | Tuesday 7/2/2019 - A wall collapsed and killed at least 22 people in Mumbai on Tuesday as the heaviest monsoon rains in a decade brought chaos to India's financial capital and surrounding areas.

Accepting this honor, President Dhairyawan stated “we truly appreciate the unique recognition from the City of Houston and will continue to do the good work for years to come.”

Scores more were injured when the structure came down at nighttime in a slum, said Tanaji Kamble, a disaster management spokesman for Mumbai's local authority.

Authorities declared Tuesday a public holiday and advised all residents to stay indoors.

Schools and colleges were closed while more than 100 flights were either cancelled or diverted from Mumbai airport.

For more information visit www.iaccgh.com

By late Tuesday one more person had succumbed to in-

Continued on Page 9

Winchester were also present.

The tragedy came during heavy rains which lashed the teeming coastal city of 20 million residents for a second consecutive day, bringing it to a virtual standstill.

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ositive economic signs like low unemployment, rising wages, and growing GDP mask a troubling trend. America has an innovation problem. We are less entrepreneurial today than we were decades ago. The decline in innovation is consistent across sectors. From manufacturing to agriculture, Americans today are starting businesses less frequently than their parents or grandparents. This puts us at a strategic disadvantage in an increasingly competitive, technology-powered world.

As geopolitics and technology are increasingly intertwined, the United States risks falling behind in this critical “Geotech” competition. Our competitors are moving quickly to surpass us in the deployment of advanced technologies. By closing off its technology markets, subsidizing innovation, and using forced technology transfer and intellectual property theft, China serves as the authoritarian vanguard in this technological competition.

Beijing’s vision is a technological future that builds on innovation for both economic strength and strict control of its citizenry.

To ensure that future technological innovation reflects open, rather than authoritarian, ideals, policymakers must take steps to dramatically increase American innovation. With a global economy, we cannot simply contain or confront our challengers, we must outcompete them. A 21st century innovation framework would increase entrepreneurship, create well-paying jobs, maintain a global vision, and incorporate America’s strengths — technology, capital, and talent — into our strategy for great power competition. With a bold vision reflecting this challenge, we can start by updating and reforming existing policies.

First, we must look to how government and the private sector work together for innovation. For decades, the United

By Christopher R. Hill

T

he Trump administration’s approach to North Korea has been guided to two conflicting instincts: 1) that there is no hurry in achieving denuclearization, and 2) that everything must be done all together, a so-called “grand bargain.”

The problem with this strategy, of course, is that by declaring that there is no hurry, North Korea can continue to engage in further production of fissile material both from its Yongbyon plutonium producing reactor and from enrichment facilities. It also can use the patience granted it by President Trump to engage in more research and development of delivery vehicles, namely its robust and expanding missile program.

Meanwhile, the “grand bargain” approach, compelling as it might be to those with an attention deficit disorder, is something in which the North Koreans never actually have engaged or shown any interest.

 IMMIGRATION LAW  PERSONAL INJURY/ ACCIDENT  CRIMINAL DEFENCE  FAMILY LAW

In short, to achieve meaningful progress, President Trump will need to pick up the pace of the negotiations, even if in doing so it might risk bringing the long-shot process to a head soon, quite possibly in advance of the 2020 U.S. presidential elections. North Korea is something the president counts as a major foreign policy success, even in the absence of any real achievements on the ground apart from the missile testing moratorium.

Can he do it?

Mala Sharma has received “10 Best Attorneys” by American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys and “Top 40 Under 40” for Civil Plaintiff Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers.

Sunday’s impromptu DMZ summit suggests the two leaders want to do more. Indeed, they apparently agreed on a timetable to restart the process and to get their teams back to work.

Sharda Sharma, JD, CPA has received “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Advocates.

One issue, however, is that neither leader seems to have been entirely satisfied with his own negotiating team.

In Trump’s case, while he hasn’t criticized the officials involved, he has preferred to designate himself as the negotiator. In the case of Kim Jong Un, he has at various times fired his own teams (or possibly things much worse).

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The North Koreans also have made clear that they prefer to deal with President Trump.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who might have done well to delegate the negotiating

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Innovation is key to winning the global great power competition opportunities.

Photo: Getty Images States government has been the world’s leader in research and development. In 2017, across more than 300 federal labs, America taxpayers spent $134 billion on science and technology research. However, many of the most promising labbased inventions never reach the commercial market. Since the 1980s, taxpayer-funded invention has become decoupled from commercial innovation.

This was not always the case.

From World War II through the Cold War, robust collaborations between government, academia, and industry led to unprecedented breakthroughs.

The value of technologies that had narrow military applications was unlocked to transform the economy. It is no wonder that two recipients of massive wartime research and development spending— Silicon Valley and Cambridge, Massachusetts—are now global centers for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology investing. The former led to the latter.

Be it in concert with the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, or the national labs, American entrepreneurs should have readily available, no-cost access to a wide range of taxpayer-funded technologies. Increasing and streamlining collaboration be-

tween government researchers and entrepreneurs would supercharge our economy and strengthen our national security.

Second, we must also ensure that our small business programs are adapted and modernized to reflect the pace of technological innovation. The Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) program—administered by Small Business Administration (SBA) —calls itself “America’s Seed Fund.”

Its sister program, The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), expands funding in the “federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena.” Together, SBIR and STTR set aside roughly $2.85 billion per year in non-dilutive funding. These funds are administered through eleven federal agencies.

Entrepreneurs commonly opt-out of SBIR/STTR—an otherwise attractive financing opportunity—because the process is too long, too cumbersome, and too opaque. It often works at cross purposes with private capital, and some of the policies can ultimately disincentivize growing a company beyond the government definitions of “small business.”

America’s seed fund should be reformed so that it is making big bets on transformational

Finally, people drive innovation; policy supports or inhibits it. We must ensure that our workforce provides the pool of talent needed for successful innovation. Lessons from examples overseas serve as a useful starting point. Israel's ability to pair talent with technology—and bridge defense and commercial innovation— has allowed it to stay ahead of fast-moving threats in a violent region. Germany and Switzerland have built educational models that pair classroom education with on-the-job skills growth provided by long-term apprenticeships through high school and higher education.

We can also ensure that changing curriculums not only emphasize STEM education, but also highlight how the arts and humanities, with creative skills and critical thinking, can work together for innovation.

America has a long history of being the world's leader in innovation. China and others are actively and directly challenging our dominance. We cannot “out-China, China” by adopting a closed, overly bureaucratic approach. Our strengths in innovation and enterprise are the foundation we must build upon. We broke out of the existing paradigms to win World War II, the Space Race, and the Cold War. To win the great power competition of the 21st century, America needs a 21st century policy framework that places innovation at the center of our economic and national security.

Glenn Nye is a former Member of Congress and President and CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Brendan Hart is a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

- The Hill

It's time for Trump to put a little pressure on Kim — and on John Bolton matic effort. A broader diplomatic architecture can give the Trump administration some additional and very necessary leverage in the process.

Photo: Getty Images

to others after the first summit in Singapore, has been a particular target of North Korea’s ire. The North Koreans, though not Kim personally, at various times have denounced the Pompeo for “gangster-like” tactics, a personal insult that the U.S. side, including President Trump, has chosen to ignore. It is not up to the North Koreans to choose the U.S. team, and it might be worthwhile to tell them that.

Completely missing from the weekend DMZ gathering was any mention of denuclearization, by the North Koreans and by President Trump, who may not have wanted to make his interlocutor uncomfortable during the festivities. Given that Trump’s gesture of crossing into North Korea was enormous, and one that the North Koreans have pocketed as a sign of respect for their young leader, the North Koreans need to understand that they have to deliver on some expectations.

At some point early on, there needs to be a return to what this bromance supposedly is

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all about. President Trump needs to make clear that North Korea will have a far better future without weapons than with them. He needs to convey clearly that, without North Korean denuclearization, there will be no economic assistance, let alone beachfront condos or Trump hotels, in North Korea’s future.

The process has to start somewhere, and the main source of fissile material produced to date might qualify as a good place to do so. During the DMZ summit, President Trump indicated he might be willing to part with some sanctions in return for partial denuclearization.

What happens between North Korean leaders and Chinese leaders tends to stay between the two. But it could well be that the Chinese in coming to Pyongyang in June may have had a positive effect on Kim Jong Un. If so, Xi Jinping may have written himself into the script, just as the South Korean leadership did at the start of the U.S. diplo-

Finally, President Trump might want to have a heart-toheart talk with national security adviser John Bolton, who has made a career of eschewing any and all discussions with the North Koreans.

During the George W. Bush administration, despite abundantly clear guidance from the president, Bolton — both as the counter proliferation undersecretary at the State Department and later as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations — made no secret that he opposed the president’s effort to engage the North Koreans.

Now Bolton is at a more senior position than ever before and, if this entire “Hail Mary” with the North Koreans is going to have a chance of working, he is going to have to support the policy — and, most importantly, put his own ideological views to the side.

Denuclearizing North Korea is hard enough as it is.

Christopher R. Hill was a four-time ambassador including as U.S. ambassador to South Korea in 2004-05. He also served as State Department’s assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs 2005-09 and was chief U.S. negotiator with North Korea, 2005-08.

- The Hill

Food Distribution at India House

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India House in collaboration with Houston Food Bank will be distributing food (fresh produce & grocery) every month to 400 needy families.

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All individuals and families in need of assistance are welcome.

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We provide food regardless of citizenship, race, social or economic status, national origin, or religion.

We believe that no one in our community should go hungry.

Next Distribution Date: Tuesday, July 9 | Tuesday, July 23 10:00 am to 1:00 pm 8888 West Bellfort Ave. Houston, TX

Thank You Our Sponsor For This Month

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For Sponsorship/Donation and more information: 713-929-1900 | vipin@indiahouseinc.org | www.indiahouseinc.org/programs-services/food-distribution

VOICE OF ASIA 3

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Community Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Tel: 713-774-5140

Dynamic Duo: Meera Borle and Veda Charthad’s Bharatanatyam Performance

Meera Borle performing Bharatanatyam

by Anima Pundeer

M

eera Borle a rising junior at Clements High School, Sugarland, TX and Veda Charthad a rising senior at the same school gave a delightful Bharatanatyam performance as part of their Arangetram in Houston on June 29, 2019. They have been learning the Indian Classical dance form since the tender age of 5 years and since 2012 have been under the guidance of Shri Venugopal Joysula and Guru Dr. Rathna Kumar at the Anjali Center of Performing Arts in Sugarland. Bharatanatyam is a multdimensional art form that uniquely integrates elements of dance, music, theater and literature into its repertoire. The origin of this dance can be traced to sage Bharata Muni’s ‘Natyasastra’ and got further refined in the temples of South India.

‘Arangetram’ meaning ‘ascending the stage’ is a time-honored tradition of presenting the student as a blossoming young dancer. The dancer performs various dances and exhibits the knowledge acquired over years of training.

Meera and Veda performed a set of seven dances, four solos and three duets. All the dances were specially selected and choreographed by their

Guru Dr. Rathna Kumar keeping in mind the strengths of each dancer.

Meera and Veda’s passion for dance and perfection were reflected throughout, in each and every dance.

Starting with a duet performance ‘Tandav Nritya Kari’, they beautifully offered a paean to the dancing Ganesha, who is accompanied on the mridang (percussion), while Brahma wields the cymbals.

Followed by a Solo ‘Jathiswaram’ performed by Veda who effortlessly demonstrated a complicated rhythmic sequence of steps set to different patterns of swaras (musical notes).

Veda Charthad and Meera Borle during their ‘Arangetram’performance on June 29, 2019.

Another set of solo performances by Meera and Veda followed. Veda performed the ‘Vrindavani Venu’ where she delightfully depicted the effect of Krishna’s flute. Her depiction brought to life nature’s joy and abandonment as it is profoundly impacted by the divinity of sound from Krishna’s flute.

Meera presented the next piece ‘Omkaara Kaarini’ where she embodied Goddess Durga in annihilating the buffalo-headed demon ‘Mahishasura’.

Meera brilliantly portrayed the Devi in all her fierceness as well as compassion as she devours evil and cares for her devotees.

Meera’s solo followed where she skillfully presented the ‘Petavi Lanka Hanumanth’ an excerpt from the ‘Geet Ramayan’, a very famous Marathi musical. The scene depicted Hanuman burning down Ravana’s city of Lanka where he went as a representative of Rama after the abduction of Sita.

The Tillana that ensued had a beautiful blend of grace and pace, with sculputuresque poses and the brisk footwork that a climactic dance demands. ‘Mangalam’, the concluding piece was a final salutation by Meera and Veda to God, the Guru and the audience expressing their gratitude for the blessings and encouragement.

The ‘Petavi Lanka Hanumanth’ was followed by the most strenuous piece of the performance, the Varnam, an ultimate test of the dancer’s talent, combining complex footwork with elaborate storytelling. Meera and Veda connected with the audience depicting stories in praise of the Lord of Dance, Nataraja.

Meera and Veda were accompanied by a renowned live orchestra consisting of Arun Mahadevan on vocal, N.K Kesavan on Mridangam, B. Muthukumar on Flute, and their Guru, Dr. Rathna Kumar on Nattuvangam. The venue was the Kaplan Theatre at Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston.

Veda Charthad performing Bharatanatyam.

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FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Texas Health Officials Encourage Local Groups to Host July 5 HIV Testing, Awareness Beach Cleanup in Galveston June 27 Marks National HIV Testing Day

A

USTIN – Texas Health and Human Services is encouraging people throughout the state to get tested for HIV, know their status, and connect with care and treatment services available to them as needed.

“One in seven people who have HIV don’t know it.

Early detection is imperative to helping people live longer, healthier lives and is key to decreasing transmissions,” said Dr. Courtney N. Phillips, HHS executive commissioner. “As part of our mission to improve the health, safety and well-being of Texans, we are encouraging people to know their status and talk with a physician about their HIV risk.”

More than 90,000 people in Texas are living with an HIV diagnosis. Through testing, services and public health interventions, Texas health officials are aiming to decrease the prevalence of disease in Texas and are calling for increased testing and early diagnosis.

“The first phases of HIV infection often have no symptoms, so timely testing is critical to preventing more serious illness and preventing the spread of new infections,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Department of State Health Services Commissioner. “Anti-HIV medications can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to an undetectable level, helping people with HIV stay healthy longer and greatly reducing the risk of transmitting the infection. But you have to know your status to know how best to protect yourself and those around you.”

DSHS is partnering with Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens to encourage people to help stop the HIV epidemic by getting tested on National HIV Testing Day. Walgreens is offering free testing at 43 stores in 14 cit-

ies around Texas from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 27. There is also a list of providers that perform free or reduced-cost testing in more than 40 Texas cities at http://www.dshs.texas.gov/hivstd/testing. Or ask your health care provider for an HIV test during your next visit.

As part of the national effort to increase awareness and testing, people can locate free and low-cost HIV testing sites through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://go.usa.gov/ xmm6E. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. The only way

a person can know for sure whether he or she has HIV is to get tested.

More than 4,000 Texas residents were diagnosed with HIV in 2017, and public health experts estimate that 18,000 Texans currently have HIV and don’t know it.

This year’s National HIV Testing Day theme, “Doing It My Way,” highlights how and why people make testing part of their lives. People can increase awareness with social media posts using the #HIVTestingDay, #DoingItMyWay and #NHTD hashtags.

More details about HHS programs are available at https://www.hhs.texas.gov.

G

ALVESTON — This Friday, the Galveston Island community will have the opportunity to give resident sea turtles and other wildlife a helping hand by cleaning up trash left on beaches after the Fourth of July at the Star Spangled Beach Cleanup.

Hosted by Turtle Island Restoration Network and Galveston Island Brewing, the Star Spangled Beach Cleanup will be held on Friday, July 5 from 8am to 10am at two locations on Galveston Island—East Beach and Seawall & 37th.

Following the cleanup, event participants will receive a free beer from Galveston Island Brewing.

“Every year we see a disturbing amount of trash left on our beaches after the holidays,” said Turtle Island Restoration Network Gulf Program Director Joanie Steinhaus. “We

need to work together to restore the coastline following the impacts of the Fourth of July, and we’re so thankful to Galveston Island Brewing for joining a community-wide effort to keep our sea turtles and our coastal environment safe.”

Volunteers will meet at the cleanup location and receive a special grain sack donated

by Galveston Island Brewing.

After the sack is filled with trash from the beach, Galveston Island Brewing is offering cleanup participants one free beer and 10% off their tab on the day of the beach cleanup.

“Craft brewers have made sustainability a priority for our industry on a national level,” said Galveston Island Brewing Owner Mark Dell’Osso. “For us at GIB who live, work and play on the water, it’s a very personal commitment. Especially when it comes to our beaches. We need to set the example for our visitors to follow.”

The beach cleanup will run from 8-10am and Galveston Island Brewing will be open from 10-11am for beach clean up participants.

To join Turtle Island Restoration Network and Galveston Island Brewing for the Star Spangled Beach Cleanup, please register online or check-in on the morning of the cleanup at the registration stations. For more information, visit seaturtles.org/star-spangled-beachcleanup or call 409-795-8426.

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THE STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

Gandhi goes to England to study law

A

fter passing his high school examination, Mohandas joined the Samaldas College at Bhavnagar.

He did not find the classes interesting and returned home after the first ten days. A big surprise awaited him at home. His eldest brother and a family friend suggested that Mohandas should go to England to study and become a barrister. Mohandas was thrilled. Here was a chance to see the world. But his mother did not like the idea. She did not want her youngest son to stay away from her.

There was also the problem of money and she feared that Mohandas would lose his caste if he crossed the ocean (an age-old taboo against overseas travel among the high caste Hindus).

The family friend assured her that there would be no such difficulty and everything would be all right.

But his mother was still opposed to the idea. “I know many reasons why it is dangerous for a Hindu to leave India,” she explained to him.

“You will have to eat meat. They drink alcohol there and you will be tempted to drink it. Then you might fall into bad company and there are many other temptations which may spoil you.”

“No, mother,” said Mohandas. “I am no longer a child. I can look after myself.” He pleaded with her to allow him to go, and he took a vow not to eat meat, not to drink, and not to touch a woman.

Putlibai at last gave in and allowed him to go to England. Mohandas was sorrowful when he left Rajkot for Bombay, because he had to leave behind his mother, his wife, and son

Gandhi as a law student in London.

Harilal, who was only a few months old.

On September 4, 1888, Mohandas left Bombay to set sail for England.

Dressed in western style, he stood on the deck as the ship slowly steamed out of the harbor.

Mohandas never forgot his first morning on board. He felt most uncomfortable in his black suit, a white shirt, a stiff collar and a necktie. The stiff collar pinched him. It was quite a job to knot his tie properly. The tight, short coat also made him ill at ease. He thought that Indian attire was much more comfortable. Yet a glance in the mirror made him feel proud of himself. He thought he looked very impressive. Mohandas was shy. He rarely left his cabin. He even ate by himself. He was not sure of all those unknown foods served on the ship. He thought they might contain meat and

one to follow. One popular example is the debt snowball plan, whereby you pay off bills smallest to largest, no matter the interest rates. Or, use the debt avalanche method, paying off highest interest rate debts first, or balancing transfers to credit cards with the lowest interest rate.

• If your company offers an employee purchase program, consider enrolling, as this can offer you greater financial flexibility. One example is Purchasing Power, one of the fastest-growing voluntary benefit providers, which gives workers the option to pay for consumer goods and services over the course of six or 12 months through automatic payroll deduction. With no interest on the purchase, no fees and no credit check, this a viable

did not wish to break his vow to his mother never to eat meat. So he lived mainly on the snacks and sweets he had brought from home.

friend. “All this foolishness is at an end. I am living in one room and cooking my own food. Hereafter I shall devote all my time to study.”

On landing at Southampton he looked around and saw that all the people were in dark clothes, wearing bowler hats and carrying overcoats flung over their arms. Mohandas was embarrassed to find that he was the only one wearing white flannels.

His meals were simple. He avoided expenditure on transport and went on foot everywhere in London. He started to keep an account of every penny he spent. Mohandas joined the London Vegetarian Society and soon found himself in its executive council. He wrote articles for the magazine Vegetarian.

In London, he stayed at first at the Victoria Hotel. Dr. P. J. Mehta, a friend of the Gandhi family, was the first to meet him. Mohandas was impressed with Dr. Mehta’s silk top hat. Out of curiosity, he passed his hand over it and disturbed the pile of the silk. Dr. Mehta then gave him his first lesson in European manners. “Do not touch other people’s things,” he said. “Do not ask questions as we do in India when we meet someone for the first time. Do not talk loudly. Never address people as “sir” while speaking to them, as we do in India. Only servants and subordinates address their masters in that way.”

Young Gandhi found everything around him strange. He was homesick.

He almost starved until he discovered a vegetarian restaurant. Struggling to learn western manners and customs, he rented a suite of rooms. He bought well-tailored clothes and a top hat. He spent a lot of time before the mirror, parting his straight hair and fixing his tie. He took lessons in dancing, but soon gave it up as he had no sense of rhythm. He tried his hand at playing the violin, but failed. He took lessons in French and elocution, but went to sleep. His attempt to be an Englishman lasted about three months. Then he gave up the idea. He converted himself into a serious student. “I have changed my way of life,” he told a

The bar examination did not require much study and Gandhi had ample time to spare. Oxford or Cambridge was out of the question because it meant a long course and much expense.

He therefore decided to appear for the London matriculation examination. It meant hard work, but he liked hard work. He passed in French, English, and chemistry but failed in Latin.

He tried again, and this time passed in Latin too.

Meanwhile, he progressed in his study of law and in November 1888 was admitted to the Inner Temple.

It was the tradition of the Inns of Court for the students to dine together at least six times each year. The first time Gandhi dined with his fellow students, he was nervous. He was sure the boys would rib him for refusing meat and alcohol. When wine was offered, he said, “No, thank you.”

The boy sitting next to him said, “I say, Gandhi, don’t you want your share? As a law student in London you pay for it, you know!”

When Gandhi replied that he never touched wine, the boy shouted to his friends, ‘By Jove, fellows, we are in luck to have this chap sitting with us.

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That gives us an extra half bottle.”

“You can have my share of roast, too,” Gandhi told them, looking quite content with his bread, boiled potatoes and cabbage. He was pleasantly surprised to find that his strange habits did not make him unpopular.

The next time he went for the dinner, he had a pile of law books with him.

He was taking the books to his room to study. “Gandhi,” said a student, “you are not really going through this stuff, are you?”

He snatched up one of the fat volumes. “Look, you chaps,” he cried, “he is actually reading Roman law in Latin!”

The students laughed. One of them said, “Let me tell you, Gandhi, I passed the last examination in Roman law by spending two weeks on a printed summary. Why do you slave at it like this?”

Gandhi explained to his lighthearted friends that he worked so hard for sheer interest in the subject, and that he wanted to acquire knowledge for its own sake. After a short trip to France, he prepared for the final law examination. The results were soon declared. He had passed with high marks. On June 10, 1891, Gandhi was called to the bar. He was admitted as a barrister and the next day was formally enrolled in the High Court. The following day, June 12, he sailed for India. Gandhi’s threeyear stay in England was eventful.

Those were days of great intellectual activity, and there was tolerance for every school of thought. The country as a whole was a living university. As Gandhi sailed for home on the S.S. Assam, he felt that, next to India, he would rather live in England than any other place in the world.

(To be continued)

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Trump says US-China trade talks 'already begun'

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | Monday 7/1/2019 - US manufacturing activity last month fell to its lowest level in nearly three years -- well below the pace when President Donald Trump took office -- another warning sign for the world's largest economy as it marks the longest expansion on record.

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | Monday 7/1/2019 - US President Donald Trump said Monday that talks on a trade deal with Beijing have resumed following a weekend truce struck with China's Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit.

deal. It has to be a deal that is somewhat tilted to our advantage."

Trump and Xi agreed Saturday to hold off on new tariff increases as the world's top two economies negotiate a final agreement to resolve their yearlong trade war.

But the Republican leader said any final resolution of the matter would have to come when both sides strike a final bargain.

Trump also offered to relax some restrictions on US technology exports to Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, triggering a backlash from some US lawmakers.

"It's already begun," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if trade negotiations had restarted.

"They're speaking very much on the phone but they're also meeting."

But he suggested the deal should be "tilted" toward the United States.

"It has to be better for us than for them because they had such a big advantage for so many years," he added, referring to China's soaring US trade surplus, which Trump views as a loss for the United States.

"Obviously, we can't make a 50/50

At the weekend, Trump also offered to relax some restrictions on US technology exports to China's telecoms giant Huawei, which American officials describe as a tool of Chinese espionage.

The apparent thaw in US-China trade relations drew a collective sigh of relief from global markets, which staged a relief rally Monday even though major questions about any deal remain unanswered.

Trump in May jacked up tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese imports after accusing Beijing of suddenly reneging on commitments made during extensive negotiations begun last year.

Washington has accused Beijing of massive state intervention in markets as well as the forced transfer and outright theft of American technological know-how.

But analysts say China is unlikely to accede to US demands, which could undermine the Communist Party's hold on power.

Tel: 713-774-5140

US manufacturing hits 32-month low amid weakening demand

by Douglas Gillison

US trade representative Robert Lighthizer (left), China's Vice-Premier Liu He and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Friday. (Photo: AFP)

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

The manufacturing slowdown was driven by weakening demand for USmade goods, with factories reluctant to produce stock they may not be able to sell, according to the Institute for Supply Management's monthly survey.

The report coincides with precipi-

tous drops in regional manufacturing surveys that took a hit from President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Mexican imports and the drought in new orders suffered by crisis-hit Boeing.

and customer inventories and order backlogs both shrank.

ISM's nationwide manufacturing index fell to its lowest level since October 2016, falling 0.4 percentage point to 51.7 percent.

"We're coming down quicker than the last four expansion declines," he said. "Usually we go down and come back up, go down and come back up.

Not this time."

While that more or less matched analyst expectations and continued to indicate modest growth, it was a far cry from the blistering pace of 2018 and from the 56 percent level when Trump took office. Any reading above 50 percent indicates expansion.

New orders, deliveries, inventories and imports were all essentially flat,

Timothy Fiore, chair of ISM's manufacturing survey, told reporters the steady decline and weakening demand are "a little disturbing."

As the US economy marks the 10 year anniversary of the recovery from the global financial crisis, the expansion is showing signs of strain, especially given Trump's aggressive and unpredictable trade policies and slowing in other major economies.

Ease on Huawei sanctions sparks anger, confusion

by Rob Lever

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | Monday 7/1/2019 - The US trade war truce with China which could ease sanctions on Huawei has prompted a backlash from lawmakers over national security concerns amid confusion over how the deal may impact the Chinese tech giant.

In the weekend agreement with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to resume negotiations and hold off on new tariffs, US President Donald Trump suggested a potentially softer position on Huawei, a sticking point in the trade war.

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Sunday there's "a good chance" the deal will open the door to "new licenses" allowing more exports to the Chinese firm suspected of working with Beijing's intelligence services to facilitate spying -- a charge that the world's number two smartphone supplier denies.

Last month the US government added Huawei to an "entity list" of companies barred from receiving USmade components without permission

from Washington.

Some lawmakers accused Trump of selling out on national security.

"If President Trump has in fact bargained away the recent restrictions on #Huawei, then we will have to get those restrictions put back in place through legislation," Republican Senator Marco Rubio tweeted.

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer echoed those remarks, tweeting that "Huawei is one of (the) few potent levers we have to make China play fair on trade."

Kudlow maintained that Huawei will remain on the Entity List.

Trump told reporters after the Osaka G20 meeting that US companies "can sell their equipment to Huawei" if there's no great security problem attached.

"Huawei is a complicated situation" that would be discussed as part of a broader trade agreement, he said, adding: "We have a national security problem, which to me is paramount."

- Undercutting security claims Republican

Representative

Jim

Banks called the deal "extremely troubling" and said it would make it harder to negotiate with China.

"Why not keep #Huawei on our blacklist until China demonstrates a change in behavior?" Banks tweeted.

Michael McFaul, a Stanford professor and former ambassador to Russia, said Trump's decision undercuts his argument about national security.

"When you tell the world one day Huawei is a security threat and then reverse that argument the next day, you undermine the veracity of the initial security claim," McFaul wrote on Twitter.

It remained unclear, however, what the deal would mean for Huawei, which under US restrictions could be denied key software including much of the Google Android system and important hardware to allow it to keep making smartphones and other equipment.

Asked about the agreement, a Huawei spokesman said only: "We acknowledge President Trump's comments related to Huawei over the weekend and have nothing further to add at this time."

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FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Indian-American population grew by 38 percent between 2010-2017: Report

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In general, the population of American residents tracing their roots to South Asia grew by 40 per cent.

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ASHINGTON: PTI | Jun 18, 2019- The population of Indian-origin people in America grew by 38 per cent in seven years between 2010 and 2017, a South Asian advocacy group has said in its latest demographic report.

In 2017, the population of Indian-Americans with multiple ethnicities was recorded as 44,02,363, up 38.3 per cent from 31,83,063 in 2010, the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said in its snapshot.

There are at least 630,000 Indians who are undocumented, a 72 per cent increase since 2010, it said.

The increase in illegal Indian-Americans can be attributed to Indian immigrants overstaying visas, it said.

Nearly 250,000 Indians overstayed their visa in 2016 therefore becoming undocumented, it said.

In general, the population of American residents tracing their roots to South Asia grew by 40 per cent. In real terms, it increased from 3.5 million in 2010 to 5.4 million in 2017, SAALT said.

The Nepali community grew by 206.6 per cent since 2010, followed by Indian (38 per cent), Bhutanese (38 per cent), Pakistani (33 per cent), Bangladeshi (26 per cent) and Sri Lankan populations (15 per cent).

There are currently at least 4,300 active South Asian Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.

As of August 2018, there are approximately 2,550 active Indian DACA recipients. Only 13 per cent of the overall 20,000 DACA eligible Indians have

applied and received DACA. SAALT said that as far as DACA recipients from other countries are concerned, there are 1,300 from Pakistan, 470 from Bangladesh, 120 from Sri Lanka and 60 from Nepal.

The immigrant population density of the country shows that undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants live in New York (19,000); Michigan (4,000); Virginia (3,000); and California (2,000).

The demographic snapshot is based primarily on Census 2010 and the 2017 American Community Survey.

According to the report, income inequality has been reported to be the greatest among Asian Americans.

Nearly one percent of the approximately five million South Asians in the US live in poverty.

SAALT said there has been a rise in the number of South Asians seeking asylum in the US over the last 10 years.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained 3,013 South Asians since 2017. US Customs and Border Patrol arrested 17,119 South Asians between October 2014 and April 2018 through border and interior enforcement, it said.

According to SAALT, since 1997, more than 1.7 million dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders have received H-4 visas.

In 2017, 136,000 individuals received H-4 status. Nearly 86 per cent of H-4 visa holders are from South Asian countries.

In 2015, DHS granted work authorisation to certain H-4

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Nearly 472,000 or 10 per cent of the approximately five million South Asians in the US live in poverty, the report said.

Among South Asian Americans, Pakistanis (15.8 per cent), Nepalis (23.9 per cent), Bangladeshis (24.2 per cent), and Bhutanese (33.3 per cent) had the highest poverty rates, it said.

Bangladeshi and Nepali communities have the lowest median household incomes out of all Asian American groups, earning USD 49,800 and USD 43,500 respectively, it said.

Nearly 61 per cent of noncitizen Bangladeshi American families receive public benefits for at least one of the four federal programmes including TANF, SSI, SNAP and Medicaid/CHIP, 48 per cent of noncitizen Pakistani families and 11 per cent of non-citizen Indian families also receive public benefits, the report said.

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In the lead up to the 2020 elections, South Asians are becoming an increasingly powerful segment of the American electorate, SAALT said.

According to the Current Population Survey (CPS), 49.9 per cent of voting-age, Asian American citizens cast a ballot in 2016. The number of Asian American voters in the last decade has nearly doubled from about two million voters in 2001 to 5 million voters in 2016.

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Of these, Indians account for more than 1.5 million, followed by Pakistanis (222,252) and Bangladeshi (69,825), SAALT added.

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USTIN – Texas roads this week will be even more crowded with holiday travelers. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) asks all Texans to please remember to slow down or move over if you see emergency vehicles – police, fire, EMS, highway response trucks and tow trucks – with their lights activated on the roadside.

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So many BENEFITS. So many OPTIONS.

Texas traffic laws require drivers to leave the lane closest to the vehicles stopped on the road (if the road has more than one lane traveling in the same direction) OR slow down at least 20 miles per hour below the speed limit.

Driver safety is important to TDLR because we regulate the Driver Education and Safety program, which oversees Texas driver education, parent-taught driver education and the Drug and Alco-

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visa holders. As of December 2017, approximately 127,000 visa holders were approved for H-4 EAD, the report said.

TDLR: Motorists must slow down or move over around emergency vehicles

“First responders, including tow truck operators, are vulnerable when they’re stopped on the side of the road helping someone. Tow truck operators are often the first people on the scene of a wreck, and they work hard to get traffic cleared up quickly.

Please help make sure that all of us get to our destinations and back home again safely this weekend,” said Brian E. Francis, TDLR executive director.

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hol Awareness Program. We also license tow truck companies and drivers, who you may need to call on if you experience trouble on the road.

Several Texas tow truck operators and emergency workers have been either injured or killed this year while stopped to help motorists who have broken down on the side of the road.

Slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing. If you get tired, pull over in a safe spot and walk around to re-energize.

Designate a (sober) driver.

Don’t drink and drive, even a little bit.

Stay off the mobile phone – this includes texting. Designate a “co-pilot” to be in charge of the phone while you’re driving so you can concentrate on the task at hand.

Stay weather-aware. We’re not expecting bad weather, but this is Texas and you never know. If it’s rainy, slow down!

Leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Roadways are likely to be crowded. Drive friendly – the Texas way!

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VOICE OF ASIA 7

Parikh Family Pledges $150K Gift Toward Cerritos College Student Scholarships

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital honored with quality achievement award for stroke care

The Parikh family. Photo credit: Cerritos College

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ORWALK, Calif. June 27, 2019 - Cerritos College today announced donors Bhupesh and Kumud Parikh established the Kumud Parikh Family Endowed Scholarship in the amount of $125,000 for Cerritos College students. The Parikhs also pledged to raise $25,000 for additional scholarships, totaling $150,000 toward student success.

The Parikh family has a long history of philanthropy in higher education, community colleges and four-year institutions in the United States. The Parikhs have a strong connection to Cerritos College through their community and business partnerships in the City of Artesia. The City has a thriving Indian community in Southern California.

College. “Their generous gift is a testament of their commitment to open the doors for higher education to everyone in our community.”

“It just feels right to support Cerritos College and its students. The campus is beautiful and open to the community.

Most importantly, it provides a high quality education for students, many of whom are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Mr. Parikh.

"If we give to the small community colleges where we live and work, and where we make money, that is beneficial. It is our way of saying thank you to America."

“The Cerritos College Foundation is honored to accept the generous endowment from the Parikh family,” said Clara Potes-Fellow, the Foundation’s Interim Executive Director.

“Their gift makes it possible for Cerritos College students to receive scholarships for years to come, and adds to the Foundation’s Finish Great campaign to raise a scholarship endowment of $8 million.”

Bhupesh immigrated to the United States in 1960 from Kadi, India. He earned his M.S. in structural engineering from the University of Southern California in 1964 and began a successful commercial real estate development practice, Pari Enterprises in Glendale, California. He is a founding trustee of Shreeji Temple located in Southern California and two local banks. The Jain Center of Southern California recognized Bhupesh for his outstanding contribution in the construction of the Jain Bhavan in 1988. Subsequently, Kumud is a well-known Gujarati literary author who has published three short-story collections.

The Kumud Parikh Family Endowed Scholarship is currently receiving gifts from friends and family. Interested donors can contact Monica Lee Copeland, Development Officer at mcopeland@cerritos.edu to contribute. “We have many ways for the community to make an investment in our students as the Parikhs have done.

We invite interested parties to take a tour of the campus and explore the possibilities.”

Front (left to right): Rita Richards, RN; Carisa Liew, MD; Tricia Lewis, RN; Luz Malit, RN Back (left to right): Larry Tran, MD; Daisy del Rosario, RN; Tiffany Bell, RN; Charlene Manzano, RN; Diane McGraw, RN; James Ling, MD; Jo Gilbert, RN; Kelly Ward, RN; Toby Yaltho, MD; Jinal Shah, MD

S

UGAR LAND — (July 2, 2019) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Shri Sadhguru, Shankar Mahadevan, Kapil Dev, Preity Zinta at AAPI Convention

Houston Methodist Sugar Land earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a followup visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

AAAPI’s Convention Host Team Working Hard To Make A Memorable Experience To Over 2,000 Delegates in Atlanta

“Houston Methodist Sugar Land is dedicated to improv-

“After having the opportunity to spend some time with the Parikhs, I am humbled by their generosity and their love for the United States of America and the opportunities this country has afforded them,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, President/ Superintendent of Cerritos

ing the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said James Ling, M.D., medical director of the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Program. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land additionally received the association’s Target Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll award.

To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

“We are pleased to recognize Houston Methodist Sugar Land for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get

A

TLANTA, Georgia: June 30, 2019) Over 2,000 delegates from across the nation are expected to attend the 37th annual convention organized by The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) from July 3rd to July 7th, 2019 at the fabulous and world famous Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

Sadhguru, recognized around the world for his pioneering efforts to nurture global harmony, will lead an Isha Foundation Spiritual Forum during the Convention. some of the major themes as part of the CME sessions include: Pursuit of Happiness In Medicine; Burnout Prevention and Well-

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

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

About Get With The Guidelines® Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with tools and resources to increase adherence to the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 6 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

oncology, gastroenterology pathology, endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology along with many other fields.”

The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s Atlanta Chapter, headed

by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. “The convention team is working incredibly hard to provide a delightful 4 days of events packed with educational CME credits, world-class entertainment, leadership seminars, networking opportunities, exhibits, and more,” Dr. Gangasani added.

“This meeting offers a rich educational program featuring the latest scientific research and advances in clinical practice. In addition, physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene to develop health policy agendas and encourage legislative priorities for the upcoming year.”

Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI, says, “The 37th Annual AAPI Convention & Scientific Assembly will offer an intimate setting that will facilitate our ability to convoy cutting-edge research and CME, promote personal, professional and business relationships, and display ethnic items. The convention is filled with cuttingedge CMEs, product theaters, women’s forum, great entertainment from Bollywood and local talent and lot more.”

It’s a well-known fact that physicians of Indian origin excel in their respective areas of work and continue to play key roles in patient care, administration, academics and medical research. In order to cater to its diversity of medical specialties, AAPI continues to use a multi-disciplinary conference format.

With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

AAPI regional Directors ness in Physicians; Easy Life of a Hospitalist: An Illusion; and, Meditation and Mindfulness.

Shankar Mahadevan, the popular award winning Bollywood playback singer is all set to take the delegates by storm during the Convention. Shankar Mahadevan and his troupe will perform live at the much anticipated AAPI’s annual convention enthralling over 2,000 delegates from across the nation, who are expected to attend the Convention.

Golf With Cricket Star Kapil

Dev is another major attraction.

Kapil Dev, the popular cricket star who won India the World Cup will be the keynote speaker at the convention. In addition, he will play Gold with AAPI members and will sign a coffee table book on Sikhism – ‘WE THE SIKHS’, by the legendary cricket star.

Preity Zinta, the famous Bollywood actor will be the keynote speaker at the much anticipated Women’s Forum, which has come to be a popular agenda item at every convention.

In addition, there will be, for the first time a Youth Public Speaking Competition and the much anticipated and appreciated “AAPI Has Got Talent” where the AAPI members showcase their talents before their colleagues.

Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields will provide comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective

quality care outcomes. At the end of the activity, it is expected that attendees will gain an understanding of the causation, diagnosis and the best clinical practices for the management of the diverse group of diseases discussed during this program.

Dr. Hemant Yagnick, Academic Chair for the Convention, says, “Medical specialty representation includes pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesiology/pain management, cardiology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology,

As though responding to the growing need: “Physician, heal thyself,” especially when there are growing signs of burn out among physicians, AAPI is focusing on themes such as how to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in, while serving hundreds of patients everyday of their dedicated and noble profession.

Accordingly, some of the major themes as part of the CME sessions include: Pursuit of Happiness In Medicine; Burnout Prevention and Wellness in Physicians; Easy Life of a Hospitalist: An Illusion; and, Meditation and Mindfulness.

For complete report visit www. voiceofasia.news

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VOICE OF ASIA 8

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FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

GOPIO-New York Seminar calls for more autonomy for Indian museums

lobal Organization of People of Indian Origin – New York Chapter (GOPIO-New York) organized a highly successful seminar on Rejuvenating Indian Museums by GOPIO Life Member and GOPIO Cultural Council Co-chair Vinod Daniel from Sydney, Australia.

The seminar was held on June 21st at the Indian American Kerala Center in Elmont, New York, where Daniel called upon Govt. of India and state government to provide more autonomy to Indian museums.

in museums but are in temples and private hands," said Daniel.

The program started with welcome greetings and messages from Kerala Center President Thambi Thalappillil and GOPIO-New York President Beena Kothari. GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham introduced the speaker Vino Daniel, an Australian citizen of Indian origin, who is an internationally renowned museum specialist with over 20 years in senior management roles with the Australian Museum (Sydney) and the J Paul Getty Trust (Los Angeles).

Daniel suggested to include new governance arrangements that provides greater autonomy, human resource development and funding for better infrastructure including for storage and displays.

Daniel has been working on Museum projects in over 45

"There has to be checks and balances in place to ensure these artifacts are not stolen and then smuggled out of countries to be sold to unsuspecting buyers and museums," he said.

“India is at a very exciting phase in its transformation and would be important that the Government prioritize culture especially museums and works at a 10 to 15-year transformation strategy,” Daniel added.

Photo: Seminar organizers and some participants with speaker Vinod Daniel, Sitting in the front row, from l. to. r. Dr. Rohini Ramanathan, Prof. Rupam Saran, Prof. Parmatma Saran, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Dr. Vinod Daniel, Beena Kothari and Thambi Thalappilil.

Standing at the extreme right is Kerlal Center Founder E.M. Stephen. countries and provides leadership to several national and international heritage bodies including being Chairman of the Board for AusHeritage and a Board Member of the International Council of Museums,

the museum peak body representing over 43,000 museum professionals and 20,000 museums from over 140 countries.

Daniel said that museums across the world have only a

small percentage of collections and artifacts and the majority are outside the museums in temples and private collections. He called upon government around the world to establish digital databases, particularly in countries like India, to maintain required

checks and prevent valuable antiquities from being smuggled.

“You can protect the museum very well but what do you do with all the collection that is outside. Most objects are not

Daniel, who is CEO of India Vision Institute (IVI, www. indiavisioninstitute.org), a charitable Trust assisting underprivileged communities in India to access a pair of glasses also spoke on how NRIs and PIOs could get involved to help under privileged to get reading glasses. The charity is currently involved in projects in over 18 Indian states.

Federation of Indian Association of NY Indian tycoon wins legal bid to appeal NJ CT - Curtain Raiser

extradition from UK

F

ederation of Indian Association of NY NJ CT held its 26th Curtain Raiser at the Indian Consulate unveiling the 2019 theme of ' Support our troops - Salute our troops'. The event was opened with national anthems of USA & India followed by a themed performance done on Bollywood medley. The spectacular performers were from Nritya Dance Academy and the performance choreographed by Meena Basu Naag.

The emcee of the evening was up and coming model and actress Nisha Kalamdani. Addressing the gathering, Alok Kumar, President-FIA, elaborated on the theme and placed emphasis on the need to appeal to the community to do more in saluting and supporting the men and women in uniform. Kumar applauded the contribution of his team and pointed out the hard work that goes in on a day in day out basis by the 100% voluntary team that place a prolonged hard work and effort to bring the parade festivities to fruition. Kumar complimented and expressed gratitude on behalf of the FIA fraternity to the CGI-NY Hon. Sandeep Chakravorty, DCG Shatrughna Sinha and the CGINY team for their warm welcome and recep-

Kingfisher beer owner Mallya left India in 2016 owing more than $1 billion (885 million euros) after defaulting on loan payments to a state-owned bank and allegedly misusing the funds AFP/File

Consul General of India-NY, Hon. Sandeep Chakravorty, addressing the gathering.

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ONDON | AFP | 7/2/2019 - Tycoon Vijay Mallya on Tuesday won the right to challenge in court Britain's decision to order his extradition to India to face fraud charges.

A two-judge panel at the High Court in London ruled the appeal by the 63-year-old owner of Kingfisher beer, who also heads the Force India Formula One racing team, should proceed to a full hearing.

Mallya is one of the most high-profile of several extradition cases between Britain and India.

He faces being returned to India to stand trial after British Home Secretary Sajid Javid signed an order for his extradition in February.

The Federation of Indian Associations tri-state area (FIA) hosted a kickoff ceremony for the annual India Day parade, at the Indian Consulate in New York. (From left to right): Surjal Parikh, Albert Jasani, Shobhna Patel, Sandeep Chakravorty, the Consul General of India in New York, Ramesh Patel, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, the Founder and Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, Alok Kumar, the President of FIA, Shatrughna Sinha, the Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Padma Shri H R Shah, Mohan Kothekar, District Sales Manager, Air India, New York, and Ankur Vaidya. Photo: Peter Ferreira.

That followed a December court decision against Mallya, who left India in 2016 owing more than $1 billion (885 million euros) after defaulting on loan payments to a stateowned bank and allegedly misusing the funds.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled then that he had misrepresented how loans received from banks would be used and

therefore had a case to answer there.

She said bankers had been "charmed" by a "glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy" into losing their common sense.

However, at the High Court hearing Tuesday Mallya's barrister Clare Montgomery argued that "fundamental features" of Arbuthnot's decision were wrong.

She told the court that the judge made findings "premised on serious, and in some cases very obvious, errors".

Judge George Leggatt, one of the pair hearing the appeal, said that was "reasonably arguable" and allowed the case to continue to another hearing on an unspecified future date.

But the court dismissed Mallya's claim on all other grounds, including that his prosecution in India was politically motivated.

Mallya was once known as the "King of Good Times" but dropped off India's most wealthy list in 2014, engulfed

by Kingfisher Airlines' massive debts.

tion extended to FIA for nearly 3 decades.

Guest of Honor and keynote speaker, CGI-NY Hon. Sandeep Chakravorty cited the need of including youth and the 2nd generation in the festivities and extended his help and support with elevating youth participation in the parade by including more schools and inviting them to participate as well as engaging the youth. He pointed the need to introspect on how the changing and growing community needs should reflect into a large event such as the India day parade which should become adaptive and inclusive of the changing times in its event format.

FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel reflected in brief on how the parade as an event has evolved and how support from the community needs to grow to further the outreach and grandeur of the parade festivities. The curtain raiser showcased distinguished dignitaries including

5400SqFt PRIME SPACE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE - Whole or Part Alok Kumar, President-FIA, speaking on the occasion.

FIA Trustee & Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, FIA Trustee & Padma Shri Dr. H R Shah, Albert Jasani, Anand PatelDunkin Donuts, Anil Bansal, Andy Bhatia, Srujal Parikh, Shobhna & Dr. Dinesh Patel among other speakers. Concluding Alok Kumar acknowledged the women team of FIA along with the 2019 Executive Committee comprising of Hi-

manshu Bhatia-EVP-who also delivered the vote of thanks, Imm. Past President Srujal Parikh, VP-Saurin Parikh, Gen. Secretary Amit Yadav, Jt. Secretary Mardavi Patel & Treasurer Amit Ringasia. The curtain raiser also showcased live music as well as authentic appetizers and a full dinner sponsored by the Royal Alberts Palace.

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SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Kohli hails 'best' man Sharma as India Britain's William and Kate announce Pakistan visit enter World Cup semi-finals

by Faisal KAMAL

in all forms of the game but the skipper was unstinting in his praise of Sharma.

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IRMINGHAM | AFP | 7/2/2019 - India captain Virat Kohli hailed Rohit Sharma as the "best one-day player around" after the opener's fourth century of the tournament saw the side book their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup with a 28-run win over Bangladesh at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

Sharma's attacking 104 laid the foundation of India's 314 for nine after Kohli elected to bat first in India's penultimate match of the league phase.

Yet for the second match in a row Sharma -- as happened during India's 31-run defeat by England at Edgbaston on Sunday -- was dropped in single figures before making a hundred.

"In my opinion he is the best one-day player around, he is having the tournament of his life and when he plays well everyone has so much confidence," said Kohli.

"When he plays well we know we are heading for a big score. He gives everyone confidence to go out and bat."

India's Rohit Sharma celebrates making his century.PHOTO: AFP India's bowlers then combined to dismiss Bangladesh for 286 with two overs to spare after star batsman Shakib Al Hasan top-scored with a valiant 66.

Jasprit Bumrah took four

wickets and fellow paceman Hardik Pandya three, including the prize scalp of Shakib.

- 'Tournament of his life' Kohli may be widely regarded as the best current batsman

Kohli added: "Bangladesh played some really good cricket and deserve credit for the fight they put up. We had to work hard for the win and we are happy to see a 'Q' (qualified) in front of our name now."

Defeat ended Bangladesh's slim hopes of a place in the last four after they had impressed during wins over South Africa and the West Indies.

Collapsed wall kills 22 in Mumbai ...

Continued from Page 1 The airport's main runway was shut after a SpiceJet plane carrying 167 passengers and crew overshot it shortly before midnight Monday.

about kidnappings and bomb attacks -- particularly near the restive Afghan border.

Pakistan welcomed the royal visit.

"Government and the people of Pakistan warmly welcome the announcement of the Royal visit," tweeted Pakistan's envoy to Britain, Nafees Zakaria.

He wrote: "People of Pakistan cherish & fondly recall visits of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II to Pakistan during 1961 and 1997."

"Upcoming Royal visit reflects the importance UK attaches to Pakistan. Both countries enjoy historical links and wish to strengthen them further."

The visit comes 13 years after Charles and Camilla -- the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwell -- toured the country in 2006.

Two planes overshoot runways in India

Sri Lanka president rebuffs UN chief over hangings

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OLOMBO | AFP | 7/1/2019 - Sri Lanka's president said Monday he had rejected a telephone appeal by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to reconsider his push to reintroduce the death penalty after 43 years.

Rescuers sifted through the debris of the collapsed wall in Mumbai's north, hoping to find more survivors.

- 'Begging for water' The dead included a 10-yearold girl, who was trapped alive under the debris for hours before rescuers pulled out her body in a 12-hour unsuccessful operation.

"I told the Secretary General that I want to save my country from drugs," Maithripala Sirisena told a meeting in Colombo to mark his anti-narcotics drive.

"The EU told me that they will withdraw the GSP Plus (tariff concession) if I go ahead," Sirisena said. "This is interfering with the sovereignty and independence of our country. It is unacceptable."

Pakistan has battled homegrown militants for more than a decade, with tens of thousands of people killed, but the security situation has stabilised recently after crackdowns on insurgents.

Many Western countries continue to have travel warnings in place, warning their citizens

The deluge left low-lying arA man helping with rescue operations looks towards fire brigade personnel at the site of a wall collapse eas submerged. in Mumbai on July 2, 2019. Photo: AFP / PUNIT PARANJPE "Everything around us is flooded. It's scary and the ing close to the city's Mithi its banks, said Kamble, the problem persists every year 32-year-old resident of the river were evacuated to higher disaster management spokesdespite government prom- Dharavi slum, told AFP. ground as it threatened to burst man. ises," Vishal Agawane, a Around 1,000 people livWaterlogged tracks disrupted train services on Mumbai's colonial-era rail network, a lifeline for the city's population, while motorists were seen pushing cars through flooded streets.

He accused the European Union of interfering in the internal affairs of his country, saying that EU diplomats had threatened him with tariffs if Sri Lanka went ahead with the executions.

I

SLAMABAD | AFP Prince William and his wife Kate will visit Pakistan later this year on the first royal trip to the country in more than a decade, Kensington Palace announced Sunday.

"Further details (of the visit) will be advised in due course," Kensington Palace tweeted.

According to Skymet Weather, a private weathertracking agency, large swathes of Mumbai received around 350 millimetres (13 inches) of rain overnight into Tuesday morning, the most in a decade.

Sirisena told reporters on Wednesday that he had signed death warrants for four drug offenders, but did not give their names nor say when and where the executions would be carried out.

by Nasir JAFFRY

The royal couple's visit, requested by the Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, shows London's renewed interest in the country.

"Currently secondary runway is in use, our team is trying their best to bring the main runway back in operation and this may take up to 48 hrs," the airport tweeted.

"He telephoned me last week shortly after I signed four death warrants. I told him to please allow me to stamp out the drug menace," Sirisena said.

The royal couple's visit, requested by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, shows Britain's renewed interest in Pakistan AFP/Ben STANSALL

Sirisena faces several court challenges to his decision to restore the death penalty AFP/File

He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and at non-governmental organisations that had criticised him over his stance.

Wickremesinghe had on Sunday said that a majority of parliament members were against Sirisena's decision to resume executions.

Sirisena faces several court challenges to his decision to restore the death penalty.

In the latest case filed in the Supreme Court Monday, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) noted it was long recognised that hanging by death was a cruel and inhuman form of punishment, not befitting a multi-religious and civilised

society.

"Though convicts have been sentenced to death, the long recognised practice in Sri Lanka for over 43 years has been that they were not executed," the CPA's executive director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu said.

Justice ministry sources said they were yet to fill the vacancies for two hangmen, although 26 candidates had been shortlisted for the job.

An executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014 although no hangings were carried out since June 1976. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows.

A local rescue volunteer earlier in the day told the NDTV channel that they heard the girl crying in pain and begging for water.

Building collapses are common during the monsoon, when dilapidated structures buckle under the weight of continuous rain.

Three people, including a toddler, were also killed Tuesday in Thane district, which borders Mumbai, when a wall collapsed at a school.

Two waiters were electrocuted after rainwater gushed into a restaurant and came in contact with a live wire in Thane.

Another person was critically injured.

And six labourers died near the western city of Pune, 150 kilometres (around 100 miles) from Mumbai, when a wall fell onto their makeshift shacks.

At least 15 labourers died in a similar accident on Saturday.

Mumbai's streets regularly flood during the monsoon.

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EW DELHI | AFP | 7/1/2019 - Two incidents of dangerous landings by commercial planes carrying more than 200 passengers were being investigated, Indian officials said Monday.

A state-owned Air India Express flight skidded off the runway and ended up in a muddy grass patch in the southern city of Mangalore late on Sunday.

The flight, carrying 183 passengers from Dubai, remained stuck in the mud for hours before being removed using recovery vehicles.

No one onboard the plane was injured, an official said.

"An inquiry has been ordered into the cause of the skidding incident," K. Shyam Sundar, Air India Express chief operating officer, told AFP. Mangalore airport was the site of a deadly accident in 2010 when an Air India flight

from Dubai crashed during landing, killing 158 people.

Eight passengers survived the crash that authorities blamed on the pilots overshooting the runway.

Officials in the western city of Surat said meanwhile they were also investigating a private airline after it overshot the runway on Sunday.

The Spice Jet plane -- carrying almost 50 passengers and crew -- failed to stop at the designated spot, with the plane coming to a halt in a red zone.

Surat Airport director Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi said that the pilots could not apply the brakes due to poor visibility following heavy rains.

The airport was temporarily shut and efforts were made to remove the plane.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

500-yr-old gurdwara in Pakistan’s Punjab province opens doors for Indian Sikh pilgrims

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AHORE, (PTI) JULY 01, 2019 - Earlier, Indians were not allowed to visit the Babe-de-Ber gurdwara which is situated in Sialkot city, about 140 kms from here, The Express Tribune reported.

A 500-year-old gurdwara in Sialkot in Pakistan’s Punjab province has now opened its doors for Indian Sikh pilgrims, a media report said Monday.

Earlier, Indians were not allowed to visit the Babe-de-Ber gurdwara which is situated in Sialkot city, about 140 kms from here, The Express Tribune reported.

Several religious sites in Punjab are frequented by Sikhs

from several countries including India.

Pilgrims from Pakistan, Europe, Canada and the US were allowed to visit the gurdwara.

Punjab Governor Muhammad Sarwar directed the province’s Auqaf department to include Sikh pilgrims from India to the list, so they can visit the Sialkot gurdwara, the report said.

Every year, thousands of Indian Sikh devotees visit Pakistan on the birth and death anniversaries of Guru Nanak -- the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus -the martyrdom of Guruwar Jin Devji and the Besakhi festival and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

US/WORLD

VOICE OF ASIA 10

USA Soccer at Finals in France

Women's World Cup excitement 2020 Three things we learned from England v USA

by Terence Daley

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USA coach Jill Ellis caused a stir when she named a starting line-up from which Megan Rapinoe was missing. The 33-year-old's heroics in the previous two rounds had dragged her side into the last four, but the surprise choice made little impact on how her team performed.

Rapinoe later revealed that she had picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-1 quarter-final win against France, which made her the story of the tournament after she scored a match-winning double amid a spat with American president Donald Trump over her comments that she would boycott any team visit to the White House.

She had scored all four of the USA's knockout stage goals coming into the semi-final, including another huge brace in their 2-1 win over Spain in the last 16, but Christen Press proved a worthy replacement.

Continued from page 1

US senator says Libya shipments could end UAE arms sales

of being caught up in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

YON, France | AFP | Tuesday 7/2/2019 The USA are in pole position to win the women's World Cup for the fourth time after beating England 2-1 to make Sunday's final, while the Lionesses miss out in the last four in their third straight major tournament.

- No Rapinoe, no problem for USA -

census...

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

This would render them invisible, skewing the population count and resulting in fewer government resources for the areas they live in, while distorting the lines of congressional districts, which are based on numbers of residents.

Megan Rapinoe's ommission from the USA's starting line-up was a shock before she revealed she had a hamstring injury. (AFP Photo) The 30-year-old opened the scoring with a fine header and the USA's fine attack barely missed its pink-haired star, with Press and Tobin Heath willing on the flanks and Kelley O'Hara providing a pinpoint assist for Alex Morgan to score the second goal just after the half-hour mark.

- Morgan teas up Golden Boot Morgan celebrated her 30th birthday in the best way possible, ending a four-game goal drought and showing she's still one for the big occasion with a headed winner that puts her in a strong position to win the Golden Boot.

Morgan came into the match level on five goals with England's Ellen White, Rapinoe and Australia's Sam Kerr having not scored since her opening game salvo against Thai-

land, but she gave herself the perfect present when she put the USA back in front in the 31st minute with her sixth of the tournament, celebrating with a cheeky imaginary cup of tea.

With teammate Rapinoe out injured and White, who had beautifully clipped home Beth Mead's cross to level the scores, denied a second by a cruel VAR offside decision, Morgan showed she can lead her team with a fine centre-forward's display and now has a great chance to seal the top scorer gong.

This was the intention all along, said Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the contest to become the Democratic opponent to Trump in 2020 presidential elections.

"Make no mistake, the Trump Administration added a citizenship question to the Census to deliberately cut out the voices of immigrants and communities of color. It's wrong and goes against our core values as a nation," Biden tweeted.

The Census Bureau's experts said that 1.6 to 6.5 million immigrants, notably Hispanics, would avoid the census or lie to census takers if faced with the citizenship question.

- England unable to bridge gap The USA and England have been in some tight battles in recent encounters and Tuesday was no different, but the Americans have a clear edge after coming out on top by a singlegoal margin for the fourth time

US brands Baloch militants in Pakistan as terrorists

in six meetings.

White's fine finish after Jill Scott's superb flicked through ball with 23 minutes left could only have been ruled out in the VAR era, so tight was it.

But in the end it was Steph Houghton's duffed penalty with just six minutes remaining ended England's hopes.

US Senator Robert Menendez, seen here in 2015, has warned that an alleged arms transfer to Libyan rebels could end US arms sales to the United Arab Emirates. (AFP/File Photo)

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ASHINGTON | AFP | 7/2/2019 - A Democratic senator warned Tuesday that the United States could cut off arms sales to the United Arab Emirates if proven that it shipped US missiles to Libyan rebels, as the US ally denied it was involved.

In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, demanded an investigation and asked for explanations

by July 15 on arms agreements with the UAE. "You are surely aware that if these allegations prove true you may be obligated by law to terminate all arms sales to the UAE," Menendez said.

He warned that the transfer would be a "serious violation" of US law and "almost certainly" break the UN arms embargo on Libya.

The New York Times reported on Friday that forces loyal to Libya's unity government had discovered four Javelin missiles at a base used by men under the command of Khalifa Haftar, who has waged a months-long offensive to take Tripoli.

The newspaper said that markings on the US-made missiles indicated they had been sold to the United Arab Emirates in 2008.

The UAE foreign ministry on Monday said it was committed to the UN resolutions on the arms embargo and said it was "denying the ownership of weapons found in Libya."

"The UAE also urges all parties to de-escalate tensions and to re-engage in the UN's political process," it said in a statement.

The State Department earlier said that it took allegations of misuse of US weapons seriously and was seeking answers.

Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris racially targeted online

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ASHINGTON, (PTI) JUNE 30, 2019 - Senator Kamala Harris, born in the U.S. to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father who were both immigrants, has directly confronted critics before who have questioned her black heritage.

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator and one of the top Democrats eyeing the White House in the 2020 presidential run, has been racially targeted online of her identity as “not an American Black”, according to media reports.

Pakistani sailors and residents carry the coffin of a soldier killed in a fight with gunmen at the fivestar Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar in May 2019 (AFP Photo/Atif Hussain)

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ASHINGTON | AFP | 7/2/2019 The United States on Tuesday designated militants fighting Pakistani rule in Balochistan as terrorists after it carried out deadly attacks targeting Chinese interests.

The State Department said it was classifying the Balochistan Liberation Army as a global terrorist group, making it a crime for anyone in the United States to assist the militants and freezing any US assets they may have.

The Balochistan Liberation Army "is an armed separatist group that targets security forces and civilians, mainly in ethnic Baloch areas of Pakistan," the State Department said in its designation.

Pakistan has been fighting insurgents in the southwestern region since 2004, with the militants recently finding a new focus in rallying against China's investment that is part of its major Belt and Road initiative.

The Balochistan Liberation Army has targeted China in Pakistan multiple times, including a brazen daylight attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi that killed four people in November.

In May, five people including a soldier were killed after gunmen stormed the only five-star hotel in Gwadar, the port city which Pakistan is hoping to develop into a major commercial hub.

Claiming responsibility for the hotel attack, the Balochistan

Ms. Harris, 54, who was born in the U.S. to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father who were both immigrants, has directly confronted critics before who have questioned her black heritage.

Liberation Army warned China to stop its "exploitative projects in Balochistan" and not to support the "genocide of Baloch people," threatening further attacks.

Ms. Harris, Senator from California, was the target of birtherism-like attack, the latest jabs to racism faced by former President Barack Obama, CNNreported.

Pakistan has been accused of widespread human rights violations in its crackdown in Balochistan.

“Birtherism,” promoted by some Republicans, including President Donald Trump before he assumed the presidency, was a movement that denied former President Obama was a natural-born U.S. citizen, implying he was ineligible to be President.

Pakistan denies wrongdoing and accuses its historic rival India of fomenting the insurgency, an assertion scoffed at

by New Delhi.

The US designation of the group comes despite vocal concerns by Washington over the Belt and Road initiative, with Washington accusing China of imposing debt traps on developing nations.

“Kamala Harris is *not* an American Black. She is half Indian and half Jamaican,” the critic, who identified as African American, tweeted on June 27.

“I’m so sick of people rob-

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks during the Democratic primary debate hosted by ‘NBC News’ at the Adrienne Arsht Centre for the Performing Art, in Miami, on June 27, 2019. (Photo credit: AP) bing American Blacks [like myself] of our history. It’s disgusting. Now using it for debate time at #DemDebate2?

These are my people not her people. Freaking disgusting,” the critic tweeted.

The viral tweet by right-wing personality Ali Alexander, has also gone by the name Ali Akbar, The New York Times reported.

The tweet was however, retweeted by President Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. Mr. Trump, a valuable Republican surrogate as his father faces a bruising 2020 race, posted the tweet of unverified information, then asked his more than three million fol-

lowers: “Is this true? Wow,” the report added.

“Don’s tweet was simply him asking if it was true that Kamala Harris was half-Indian because it’s not something he had ever heard before,” said the spokesman, Andy Surabian, “and once he saw that folks were misconstruing the intent of his tweet, he quickly deleted it.”

‘It won’t work now’ Ms. Harris officially launched her campaign in January for the U.S. presidential election next year.

If elected, Ms. Harris would create history by becoming the first woman in the White House.

VOICE OF ASIA 11

Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Section 2

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

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

•

Samsung enhances the moviegoing experience with largest-ever Onyx Cinema LED screen installation in the U.S.

www.voiceofasia.news

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ICHMOND, TX – June 30, 2019 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. is partnering with dine-in theater chain Star Cinema Grill in their brand new Richmond, Texas location to introduce the 46 ft.

(14m) wide Samsung Onyx p3.3 Cinema LED, now open in it's third week.

"We are thrilled to partner with Star Cinema Grill to install the latest and largest Onyx theater in the United States," says Nick Conti,Business Development Sr. Manager, Cinema at Samsung Electronics America

guests the ultimate dine-in theater experience,” says Jason Ostrow, Vice President of Development at Star Cinema Grill. “From the exceptional food and beverage options to Premium Pod seating with heated seats and priority service, we consistently ensure we are delivering the highest-level experience to our guests. The addition of the Samsung Onyx will take that experience to the next level. We couldn’t be more excited and ready to show it off.”

As more theaters continue to upgrade to the Onyx screen globally,

City Council raises residential homestead exemption to offset residential tax bill impact

S

ugar Land City Council voted on June 25 to raise the residential homestead exemption for the 2019 tax year to 12 percent.

The inclusion of the final phases of the voter-approved parks bond projects and the use of the homestead exemption to offset the residential impact of the resulting tax rate increase is part of a larger “Sugar Land Way” strategy -- a commitment to bold and thoughtful thinking designed to make life sweeter and more refined for the people and businesses that call Sugar Land home.

“The strategy allows the city to move forward with fulfilling its commitment to implement voter-approved projects within five to seven years from the election while also rebalancing the residential share of the overall tax burden -- a recognition that residential revaluation has outpaced commercial value growth in recent years,” said Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman. “The projects will be completed with no additional tax impact to our residents because the Sugar Land City Council increased the homestead exemption to 12 percent from 10 percent. Going into the fiscal year 2020 budget process, our priorities are to ensure that the upcoming budget reflects the priorities our residents have told us are important to them, builds trust within the community and inspires pride in our hometown.”

Three projects remain from the 2013 voter-approved general obligation

The new movie multiplex in Richmond/Katy.

The LED picture quality and crystal-clear audio turns theaters into an entertainment haven. With the installation of Onyx at Star Cinema Grill Richmond, we invite local movie enthusiasts to visit and enjoy an immersive and memorable viewing experience."

Samsung Onyx makes the modern theater feel bigger and brighter by eliminating bulky projector equipment, so theaters can accommodate more seats, offering content to wider audiences and increasing ROI for theater owners. With a light-resistant design, cinema operators no longer have to worry about interference or disruptive distractions.

Available in variations extending between 5 and 14 meters (16.4 – 46 ft.) in width, the Samsung Onyx display accommodates any venue configuration while delivering visual quality, technical performance and reliability beyond that of traditional projectorbased operations. With the 4K model earning validation as the world’s first Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI)certified theater display, the Samsung Onyx translates the combination of advanced LED and High Dynamic Range (HDR) picture quality to lifelike big screen content.

“We are dedicated to giving our

Tel: 713-774-5140

Fiscal year 2020 budget to include final phases of 2013 voter-approved parks bond

The increase offsets the residential impact of a planned tax rate increase of approximately 1 cent to fund the remaining parks bond projects approved by voters in November 2013.

Photos courtesy Star Cinema Grill

•

Samsung is working with cinema content developers to ensure that the displays are optimizing upcoming films.

Samsung will continue to collaborate with leading cinema technology services providers to deliver HDR-compliant content that shine on the Onyx

parks bond: • First Colony Trail: This project will fulfill the intent of creating a connected trail network within the First Colony area by building 10foot wide trail connections from Lexington Boulevard and Austin Parkway to the Woodstream Trail with pedestrian bridges and trailheads – and reflecting community and Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes (PARCS) Board consensus on the preferred trail alignment.

• Ditch H Trail: This project will provide a north/south connection between the Imperial Connector Trail and First Colony Trail network, including a 10-foot wide trail with pedestrian bridges and trailheads.

• Final Brazos River Park Phase II Improvements: This project includes a roadway connecting Brazos River Park and Sugar Land Memorial Park. Due to the ongoing studies regarding erosion along the Brazos River, City Council has recommended that the originally planned mid-lake and boathouse be postponed until a definitive determination can be made in future years as to the sustainability of those elements.

The City Council will continue to refine the scopes of the final voter-approved parks bond projects throughout the budget process to reflect all available information, including updated cost estimates and the availability of grant opportunities. In total, the City will have raised the tax rate less than 2 cents for the parks bond projects, significantly less than the maximum 3.1cent tax rate impact stated at the time of the November 2013 election.

As part of the budget process, City

screen.

Samsung Onyx is currently installed in 16 countries around the globe. The Star Cinema Grill installation in Richmond is now the second screen in the U.S.

Fort Bend Country Club closes after 69 years

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In a newsletter posted on the golf club's website, the severe weather that hit Fort Bend County on May 7 served as a reminder for the club's owners that it was time for additional water detention capabilities.

The plan was to give golfers another

In accordance with the City Charter, the city manager will file the recommended fiscal year 2020 budget and five-year capital improvement program at the City Council meeting on July 16. Formal City Council consideration of the budget and tax rate – which remains the second lowest in the state of Texas among similarlysized cities – will occur in September after a series of budget workshops and public hearings.

More information about the 2013 voter-approved parks bond projects is available at www.sugarlandtx. gov/2013ParkBonds.

- City of Sugar Land

Star Cinema Grill Richmond is the company’s most advanced and luxurious theater to date that will serve as the model concept going forward.

Guests can visit www.starcinemagrill.net for upcoming showtimes.

fer compensation for the course closing early.

"After Hurricane Harvey caused widespread flooding in the region, Fort Bend County and the development community have been working to improve drainage and detention in the area. With that need in mind, ever since we purchased the Fort Bend Country Club property back in 2017, we have always intended on providing a significant amount of detention volume within the boundaries of the country club property that is naturally low and adjacent to Rabbs Bayou."

"We literally, we cried," said avid golfer Kay Beard. "It was heart wrenching. I personally didn't think it would close early. I kept telling them, 'We are going to get another year.'"

The golf club was purchased by a housing developer a couple years ago, and the group is now building homes to the east of the golf course at the Veranda.

The bonds represent an investment of approximately 3 cents on the tax rate or about $10 per month for the average Sugar Land homeowner – less than the cost of a ticket to a movie theater – to fund items such as drainage improvements, a public safety training facility, a public safety dispatch and emergency operations facility, an animal shelter expansion and road projects.

Johnson Development Corp. sent out the following statement:

ICHMOND - The Fort Bend Country Club has really closed its doors after 69 years of operation.

"Discussion of the matter was already buzzing around town and the rain was just one more tap on the shoulder," read the newsletter posted on May 24.

Council will consider further investments to maintain the “Sugar Land Way.” Residents have identified these investments to address drainage, mobility and public safety; however, the cost to fund these capital improvements exceed the city’s ability to maintain a flat tax rate. City Council is considering an approximate $90 million bond election for November to fund projects prioritized by residents in the most recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey and following Hurricane Harvey and the May 7 rain event – with over half of the proposed package going toward drainage improvements.

Despite this, some members can't believe the course is closing early.

The Club's dining room served untold numbers of local officials, politicians and business owners over its roughly seven decades. (File photo) year and a half to enjoy the course.

round was on June 30th.

Instead, the developer, Johnson Development Corp., announced the final

By closing early, the developer plans to pay memberships to golfers, and of-

"Everybody was shocked," said club member George Lising. "All the members, including myself, were shocked they were going to close June 30, effective July first, no one is able to play here."

The club's final day of business was June 30, and the golf course remained fully operational until that day.

-KTRK

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

BOLLYWOOD - HOLLYWOOD Section 2

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Bollywood star quits acting over Islamic faith

M

UMBAI, India | AFP | 7/1/2019 - A Bollywood actress who starred in India's highest-grossing movie said she is quitting acting because it is incompatible with her Islamic faith, sparking a social media storm.

Shah Rukh Khan is Dubai’s ‘Be My Guest’ campaign. (File/AFP)

Dubai honors Shah Rukh Khan with a star at Walk of Fame

In a lengthy social media post published Sunday, Zaira Wasim said she was leaving the profession because becoming a Bollywood star had "damaged" her relationship with God. The 18-year-old won major awards for her two film roles to date and was considered a rising star of Indian cinema.

"This field indeed brought a lot of love... my way, but what it also did was to lead me to a path of ignorance, as I silently and unconsciously transitioned out of imaan (faith)," she wrote on Instagram.

"While I continued to work in an environment that consistently interferes with my imaan, my relationship with my religion was threatened," she added.

Wasim, from the restive Indianadministered area of Kashmir, shot to fame in 2016 when she starred alongside Bollywood icon Aamir Khan in the hit movie "Dangal".

She won a National Film Award for her role as an aspiring female wrestler, and the film went on to become India's highest-grossing movie. It also enjoyed massive success in China.

Wasim followed that up with a Filmfare Critics Award for her outing in 2017's "Secret Superstar", in which she played a young, Muslim singersongwriter who becomes a YouTube

Zaira Wasim, who shot to fame in the hit 2016 movie "Dangal", said becoming a Bollywood star had 'damaged' her relationship with God. (AFP/File) sensation.

Bollywood has a long tradition of Muslim movie stars -- the three Khans: Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh have dominated box offices for the last three decades.

There are far fewer Muslim actresses however -- in particular from the divided Kashmir region -- and some social media users took to Twitter to criticise Wasim for invoking Islam as her reason for stepping away from acting.

"Exit is your choice, reason, by all means. Just do not demean it for everyone else. The industry where all work shoulder to shoulder, no differences, caste, religion or where you come from," wrote actress Raveena Tandon.

Jammu and Kashmir police officer

Imtiyaz Hussain said he respected her decision, but added that she "can't invoke religion and faith" to justify it.

"Are others in the field some kind of sinners? This dawning of new reality should be her own truth & her own interpretation of religion. Period," he wrote.

Others rallied to her defence.

"It's her life to do with as she pleases.

All I will do is wish her well & hope that whatever she does makes her happy," tweeted former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

D

UBAI: Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, is the second celebrity to receive a tribute in Dubai Stars’ lane of stars scheduled to open later this year.

The company said SRK was one of the most nominated A-list celebrities for the Hollywood-style Walk of Fame being reading along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai.

The Bollywood star was also chosen to be the face of Dubai’s ‘Be My Guest’ campaign, where he shot six videos exploring various locations and activities in the city through a series of quests.

Dubai Stars, a walkable tribute by Emaar, plans to launch its first 400 stars in October and has honored Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab with the first star for his work and being ‘the pride of the Arab world.’

The personalized stars will honor different national and international celebrities and personalities for their positive impact in their respective fields including music, film, art, sports and literature.

Upon the completion of the project, the landmark is expected to have more than 10,000 stars.

-Arab News

Wasim's last film will be "The Sky is Pink", due out in October, where she will be seen alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

The filmmakers said in a statement that Wasim had been "a complete professional" throughout the shooting of the movie, which finished in June.

Lady Gaga among surge in new female members to join Oscars body

"This is a purely personal decision, which she has taken after much thought and we will be supportive of her in every way - now and always," they said.

OS ANGELES | AFP | Monday 7/1/2019 - Half of the 842 people invited to join the organization that awards the Oscars are women, the body said Monday, with Lady Gaga among those to be admitted this year.

Panther" cast members Sterling K. Brown and Letitia Wright.

Family of Syrian toddler washed ashore objects to new film

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issues a round of invitations annually, and has significantly boosted its female and ethnic intake in recent times due to criticism over its mainly white, male member-

In the world of music, singers Adele and Annie Lennox and producer Mark Ronson are among those selected for their work on movie scores.

L

Newcomers span multiple generations, from British 23-year-old "Spider-Man" star Tom Holland to legendary French actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, 88.

The Academy has drastically in-

Shah Rukh Khan in Be My Guest’ campaign. (YouTube screengrab)

M

ONTREAL, Canada | AFP | Saturday 6/29/2019 - Family members have sharply denounced a new film about the young Syrian boy who became a symbol of Europe's migration crisis after wrenching photos emerged of his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach.

"I'm really heartbroken right now," Tima Kurdi, an aunt of little Alan Kurdi, told the CBC network. She lives in Port Coquitlam, near Vancouver in western Canada. "It's unacceptable."

The boy perished in 2015 along with several other family members fleeing Syria as they tried to reach Greece by boat.

The heartbreaking photo of Alan's body, face down on a beach, sparked a deep emotional reaction in Europe, pushing the European Union to temporarily open its borders to Syrian refugees.

US musician Lady Gaga. (Picture: AFP) ship.

Invitations to the likes of Claire Foy, Elisabeth Moss and Gaga, who won a best original song statuette for "A Star Is Born," will bring the overall proportion of female members to 32 percent, from one-quarter in 2015.

It is the first time an annual intake has reached 50 percent female, organizers told AFP. Among the latest batch of members, just below one-third are people of color, meaning non-white membership will have doubled since 2015 -- albeit from a low bar of just eight per cent.

The recruits include "Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon Chu, "Roma" actress Marina de Tavira, and "Black

creased its overall intake numbers in a bid to rapidly redress gender and ethnic imbalances since the viral social media campaign #OscarsSoWhite in 2016.

The overall size of the Academy was traditionally capped at around 6,000 members, but will shoot comfortably above 9,000 with the latest inductees.

The number of new members was slightly down on last year's 928, but still the second-largest in the Academy's history.

Some 21 Oscar winners join the ranks this year, with new members drawn from 59 countries.

Those invited to join tend to accept.

Tima Kurdi told the CBC in an article posted Friday that no one had asked the family's permission to make the new movie about her nephew. She said she had learned about it only from the boy's father, Abdullah Kurdi, who is now living in Iraq.

film's poster on social media. He hopes to sell the movie to Netflix.

much broader in scope, dealing with the overall refugee crisis.

"This will be 'Aylan Baby,' it will not be 'Aylan Kurdi,'" he said, adding that it was now too late to change the title.

"He called me and he was crying, too," she said.

According to Tima Kurdi, who has published a book about her nephew titled "The Boy on the Beach," the family has turned down several proposals for a film.

Sarikaya, for his part, told CBC that while the theme of his film resembled the story of the Kurdi family, it was

"He said, 'I can't believe somebody is already making a movie.' He said, 'I cannot even imagine that my dead son -- two years old who can't even talk -- I cannot imagine him coming alive'" on film.

The movie, titled "Aylan Baby (Sea of Death)," is being filmed in Turkey, with a cast including American action film star Steven Seagal, the CBC said.

(Initial reporting gave Aylan as the spelling of the boy's name.)

Its Turkish writer/director, Omer Sarikaya, has posted photos of the

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

Tima Kurdi, co-founder of the The Kurdi Foundation, holds her necklace bearing an image of her nephews, Alan and Ghalib Kurdi, as she poses for a photograph in London on August 15, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Ben Stansall)

But one apparently early version of the movie poster seen on Sarikaya's Instagram account shows the famous boy-on-beach photo under the words "Aylan Kurdi (Sea of Death)."

'Spider-Man: Far From Home' rides word-of-mouth to $98M open

T

he Sony superhero pic is on pace to reach $200 million in China, while Japanese anime film 'Spirited Away' continues to trounce Disney's 'Toy Story 4.'

Spider-Man: Far From Home swung

into China over the weekend — one week ahead of North America — and clocked the second-biggest Hollywood debut of the year in the country.

The Sony Pictures film earned an enormous $98 million, which is the seventh best start ever for a Hollywood studio film. It was also the fourth best for a superhero pic, behind only Avengers: Endgame (2019), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Sony's own Venom (2018).

The opening was also 46 percent ahead of Spider-Man: Homecoming's $70.8 million start in September 2017.

Far From Home had the advantage of unfurling in China ahead of North America, however, whereas Homecoming didn't release in the Middle Kingdom until two months after its stateside start.

Homecoming ultimately earned $116 million of its $880 million worldwide total in China.

- Hollywood Reporter

LEGAL

VOICE OF ASIA 13

Section 2

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FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

www.voiceofasia.news

All About Child Support In Texas

Mala Sharma

Y

ou may have asked when is child support owed, how is it calculated, and what are the proper procedures to pay? Under Texas family law, child support is set by the proper court in a temporary order or final order to provide support for the day to day expenses of the child(ren) to the custodial parent and paid by the noncustodial parent. That is, the parent designated primary conservator with physical custody of the child(ren) will always be the recipient of the child support payments (the “Obligee”) and the other parent will be the payor (the “Obligor”). In some cases, no child support is required if both parents agree to no child support payments. Parents may also agree to split custody evenly in a modified possession order, if circumstances are appropriate.

Child Support payments are due monthly and can be structured to be paid weekly, biweekly, or once a month by a specific day. These payments cannot be paid directly to the custodial parent but instead to the state disbursement unit at Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 659791, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791 which will then be remitted to the primary conservator.

A wage withholding order will be filed prior to the order being finalized and the Obligor’s employer will issue the child support pay-

The minimum amount of child support owed is calculated primarily by the total income of the non-custodial parent and the total number of children pertaining to the child support order. Total income is assessed with the pretax total amount for all salary, wages, tips, bonuses, commissions, overtime, government benefits, retirement benefits, additional income from other sources, gifts, alimony. Then, all taxes will be deducted, all costs, and living expenses considered to determine the net monthly income to be used in calculating minimum child support. The net monthly resources is then multiplied by

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ment directly to the state disbursement unit. Child support payments may also be sent directly by the non-custodial parent to the state disbursement unit with identifying information on the check, if he/she is self-employed or has an agreed order to pay in this method. It is important that no child support is paid directly to the other parent as these payments will not be considered child support payments by the office of attorney general and may cause the non-custodial parent to pay twice to account for the obligation, or worse, create an arrearage of child support. In certain cases, a notarized affidavit with the applicable child support documents, may be used to receive credit for any informal payments made directly to the custodial parent.

For any and all outstanding child support payments or arrearage of child support on record with the attorney general office, the office of attorney general has authority to withhold any income such as tax returns, personal injury settlements, winning the lottery, or issue a warrant of arrest.

20% for one child, increasing in 5% increments for each additional child to calculate minimum child support.

That is, for two children 25% would be required, for three 30% is required, and 40% is always required for five or more children. For example, if the net monthly resources for the non-custodial parent is $5,000.00 and there are two children from the marriage, the minimum child support obligation would be $1,250.00. The minimum child support owed may be challenged by either parent and an experienced attorney will help in advocating for the most appropriate amount in the best interest of the child(ren).

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.

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

Sharlene Sharmila Richards

With the current aggressive policies to detect, detain and remove undocumented immigrants, we as members of a community need to know our rights when encountering ICE. ICE may show up at our home or at our workplace or we may just encounter them in the street while going on with our busy daily lives taking our children to school, going to church etc. Undocumented immigrants including those who have been living here without any criminal history and are trying to be law abiding residents, and who may have children or other family members who are US Citizens, all face this daily risk of deportation and separation from their family.

With the impending threats of massive ICE raids in the coming days in many cities across the US, many concerned members of the public have called to try to understand and know their rights.

Q: I am a US Citizen.

My son has a final removal order as his appeal from removal was denied. What do I do if ICE comes to my home?

A: For ICE to show up at your home, they first have to know that your son lives there. For individuals with final deportation orders who are targeted for removal, ICE will go to the last know address they have for the individual. Sometimes, they are still able to locate the individual by making inquiries at known places associated with the individual, such as his or her workplace. If ICE shows up at your home looking for your son, do not open the door. Opening the door means that you are giving the agents permission to enter your home. Ask for identification to know who they are – you can ask to see their ID through the window or have them slip their ID under the door. Then ask if they have a warrant as that is your right. If they have one, ask to see it, again through the window or have then slip it under the door. If the warrant does not have the required information, it is not valid and can ask them to leave.

The kind of warrant you will be looking for, if there is one, will be a warrant of

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE)? removal / deportation. However, please note that such a warrant DOES NOT give the agent the right to enter your home. You can tell them that they do not have a right to enter your home as this warrant is not for you and ask them to leave. Your son will need to step out of the house to avoid any kind of further hostile and aggressive actions by ICE which may mean forcefully entering your house.

Q: I am an undocumented single mother with two young children. I am here in the United States without any family. I do not have any criminal convictions and have never had any encounters with ICE. I live in an apartment complex and have seen many immigrants like me who have been picked up and deported. With the recent announcement by President Trump and ICE that they will soon be conducting massive raids to remove those who have final removal or deportation orders, I am still worried as I keep thinking that perhaps the last occupant at my address had a final order of removal and what if ICE shows up at my door to try to find that prior occupant? Can they also pick me up?

A: You are right to be concerned. Do not open your door and ask to see identification and the immigration warrant of removal / deportation through the window or have them slip it under the door.

Tell them that the individual is not known to you and that they do not have the right to enter with that warrant and to leave. If ICE somehow manages to enter your home, they can detain you because of your undocumented status, even if they did not have a warrant for you in the first place.

Q: I have a final removal order. What do I do if ICE come to my house? My wife and children are US Citizens and I do not want any harm to come to them.

A: If the warrant of removal / deportation is for you and you have ascertained that, step outside but make sure everyone else remains inside the house. If they agents force-

fully enter your home with or without a warrant, tell them that you do not authorize entry and let them know if there are children, elderly or sick people in the house.

Ask to speak to a lawyer.

Q: What are things we need to be aware of to minimize the stress if we encounter ICE? A: If you are a US Citizen or Permanent resident or have a legal right to remain in the United States, carry your necessary US Identification documents such as a valid Driver License, Permanent Resident Card or valid passport. It will be easier for you to verify your immigration status when you have your documents. Never carry any false documents with you; never run if approached by an immigration officer or if you encounter them in a raid; do not lie to any immigration agent if questioned; do not resist or fight back if they are arresting or detaining you; you have a right to remain silent before speaking to your attorney and let them know that this is your right.

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.

Sharlene Sharmila Richards Attorney at Law

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

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Young Life

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Music students score better in math, science, English than non-musical peers

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The research was published in the Journal of Educational Psychology.

The researchers examined school records for all students in British Columbia who started the first grade between 2000 and 2003; completed the last three years of high school; had completed at least one standardized exam for math, science or English (10th or 12th grade); and for whom they had appropriate demographic information (e.g., gender, ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status).

Of the more than 112,000 student records studied, approximately 13% of the students had participated in at least one music course in grade 10, 11 or 12. Qualifying music courses included concert band, conservatory piano, orchestra, jazz band, concert choir and vocal jazz. General music or guitar courses did not qualify as they required no previous music experience and, in the case of general music, did not require music-making or practice, according to Gouzouasis and his co-authors, Martin Guhn, Ph.D. and Scott Emerson, MSc, also from the University of British Columbia.

"Students who participated in music, who had higher achievement in music, and who were highly engaged in music had higher exam scores across all subjects, while these associations were more pronounced for those who took instrumental music

R

And the death toll has crept up incrementally each year as smartphones become more sophisticated and selfie-sticks increase the range at which people can snap themselves, prompting them to take bigger risks for the perfect shot.

Between October 2011 and November 2017, at least 259 people died taking selfies around the globe, according to India's Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, compared to just 50 people killed by sharks in the same period.

While women take the most selfies, young men, who are more prone to take risks, make up three quarters of the selfie deaths -- in drownings, crashes, falls or shooting accidents.

India, with a population of more than 1.3 billion and 800 million cell phones, holds the record for the number of people dying in the act of photographing themselves, with 159 recorded so far.

That is more than half of the global total -- and a testament of sorts to the nation's love of group photos and its youthful population.

India has seen selfie-snapping groups of youths die when they were hit by a train or drowning when their boat sank at the moment they were clicking the shutter.

The situation has become so dire that India has set up "no selfie" zones -- 16 of them in the city of Mumbai alone.

The country came in far

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by Joaquín Sarmiento

C

ALDAS, Colombia | AFP | 6/28/2019 - "Anthony" cried so hard at night that Susana Ortegon couldn't sleep. The weekend felt like an eternity for the 13-year-old.

So when she handed back her "robot baby" it was with great relief.

She had taken part in a program launched by the Caldas municipality in Colombia to try to tackle the problem of teenage pregnancies.

"This experience was pretty tough, it's not easy being a mommy or a daddy," Ortegon told AFP. The baby's cries were so loud that they even bothered her parents.

Credit: CC0 Public Domain rather than vocal music," he said. "On average, the children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years, and were now playing in high school band and orchestra, were the equivalent of about one academic year ahead of their peers with regard to their English, mathematics and science skills, as measured by their exam grades."

Apart from the strength of the associations, the researchers were most surprised by the consistency of the associations across all three subject areas (math, science and English). These associations continued to be significant even when the researchers controlled for demographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background and prior achievement on similar exams in seventh grade.

Gouzouasis believes that some skills learned in band, orchestra, and conservatory music lessons transfer very broadly to adolescents' learning in school.

"Learning to play a musical instrument and playing in an ensemble is very demanding. A student has to learn to read music notation, develop eye-hand-mind coordination, develop keen listening skills, develop team skills for playing in an ensemble and develop discipline to practice. All those learning experiences play a role in enhancing children's cognitive capacities and their self-efficacy," he said. "We think that the effects we see

are partly a result of the fact that children engaging in school music over many years mostly receive quality music instruction and need to master the high expectations of performing at a high school band or orchestra level.

In fact, it is that high levels of music engagement for which we saw the strongest effects."

The researchers hope that their findings are brought to the attention of students, parents, teachers and administrative decision-makers in education, as many school districts over the years have emphasized numeracy and literacy at the cost of other areas of learning, particularly music.

"Often, resources for music education—including the hiring of trained, specialized music educators, and band and orchestral instruments—are cut or not available in elementary and secondary schools. The argument has frequently been that we need all our money to focus on math, science and English," said Gouzouasis. "The irony is that music education—multiple years of high-quality instrumental learning and playing in a band or orchestra or singing in a choir at an advanced level—may be the very thing that improves all-around academic achievement and an ideal way to have students learn more holistically in schools."

Article by American Psychological Association

Selfies: five times more deadly than shark attacks IO DE JANEIRO, Brazil | AFP | Selfies, which have become a global sensation in the last decade or so, have remarkably killed five times more people than shark attacks.

Robot babies tackling teenage pregnancies in Colombia

JUNE 24, 2019 - High schoolers who take music courses score significantly better on exams in certain other subjects, including math and science, than their non-musical peers, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.

"In public education systems in North America, arts courses, including music courses, are commonly underfunded in comparison with what are often referred to as academic courses, including math, science and English," said Peter Gouzouasis, Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia, an author of the study of more than 100,000 Canadian students. "It is believed that students who spend school time in music classes, rather than in further developing their skills in math, science and English classes, will underperform in those disciplines. Our research suggests that, in fact, the more they study music, the better they do in those subjects."

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

ahead of Russia (16 deaths), the United States (14) and Pakistan.

In Russia, people have fallen from bridges and high-rise buildings, shot themselves or even died while handling a land mine. Police issued a guide to "selfies without danger" in 2015.

In the United States, most of those involved in selfie deaths fatally shot themselves while seeking the perfect pose. A number of people have fallen to their deaths at the Grand Canyon.

Rescue services in Croatia used Twitter to ask tourists to "stop taking stupid and dangerous selfies" after a Canadian miraculously survived a 75-meter (250-foot) fall in the Plitvice lakes region.

In January, Taiwanese social media celebrity Gigi Wu -- known as the "Bikini Climber" for taking selfies on top of mountain peaks dressed in a bikini -- died when she fell into a ravine. She was 36.

- Inappropriate selfie spots Even when they are not fatal, selfies can be extremely macabre.

In 2014, a Brazilian woman sparked rage online when she took a smiling selfie in front of the coffin of presidential candidate Eduardo Campos at his funeral.

Social media influencer Sueli Toledo also caused a stir online when she posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, "My look today for the funeral of a super friend."

Selfies in places deemed sacred or hallowed -- especially when they honor the dead -can also raise questions.

"It's awful! Awful! On top of that, the baby never stops crying and you've got to look after it all the time," she added.

The baby -- a rubber doll with built-in software -- cries when it wants to be fed, have its diaper changed or simply needs a cuddle.

It's a voluntary program launched in schools by the Caldas municipality, just outside Medellin, in a bid to reduce the high level of teenage pregnancies in the town of 78,000.

The initiative has been used in at least 89 other countries and is being included in the local authority's social project that includes workshops and sex education classes.

"With this strategy we managed to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies by a huge amount," said Juan Carlos Sanchez, the local authority's health secretary.

When the program began in 2017, the municipality registered 168 pregnancies of girls aged 13-19, which was down to 141 last year, Sanchez said.

More than 1,200 teenagers have taken classes in Caldas, where almost 15 percent of the population is aged 10-19.

In Colombia as a whole, a fifth of babies born in 2018 were to mothers aged 10-19, the national statistics bureau said.

- 'I got so desperate' The robot babies are programmed to behave according to a specific age. Ortegon's was designed to mimic the behavior of a two-month-old, which meant it needed care on average once an hour.

"It's like having a real baby," said Ortegon. "Last night I got so desperate I started crying."

At first she called her baby "Tony Stark" after the lead character in

"Iron Man" but she later realized the exercise was serious and changed his name.

It's not just teenage girls taking part in the project.

Miguel Angel Suarez spent his entire weekend at home looking after "Sofia" while his friends played football.

"Pregnancies are not just the responsibility of women," said the 17-year-old, just seconds before Sofia started to cry.

"This teaches us a lesson."

Authorities say the program has been well received by parents, even though some were opposed to sex education, believing it promoted sexual activity among students.

"I think it's a great project because it raises awareness among teenagers that having a child at such a young age, especially without finishing their studies, is very difficult," said Viviana Sierra, Ortegon's mother.

- Opposite effect The exercise appears to be working.

"No way am I thinking about having one at this age," said Suarez, who wants to wait until he has a job so his children can have "a dignified life."

Ortegon, though, worries the program could have the opposite effect.

"It's an authentic experience, but there are some people who could take it in the opposite way," she said, noting that some may feel a real baby "would provide them with company."

She may be right. A study published in the medical journal The Lancet in August 2016 found that teenagers who took part in the initiative showed a greater propensity to get pregnant than those that didn't.

Researchers followed a group of 3,000 teens aged 13-15 until they were 20.

Around half were given the baby simulators and the others a more traditional form of family planning education.

The study found that those included in the Virtual Infant Parenting program showed "higher rates of pregnancies and abortions."

Sanchez admits that on their own, the simulators are not enough.

"But hand in hand with the other (measures) we're using, the intervention, in our case, has been relatively successful and so we're going to keep doing it and extend it for a third year," said Sanchez.

At the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz in Poland, visited by 2.1 million people every year, museum staff do not hesitate to contact people who post selfies deemed to be inappropriate.

From Brazil to Vietnam and Germany, witnesses to traffic accidents have posted selfies at the scene of the crash -- generally seen as gauche.

More and more, selfies -even in tourist havens -- are becoming a bit of a nuisance for locals.

Residents of the picturesque Rue Cremieux in Paris were so disturbed by the constant stream of selfie-snapping tourists outside their windows that they started their own Instagram account, clubcremieux, where they publish pictures of the most absurd posers outside their doors, skewering them with barbed captions.

The same thing happened in Hong Kong, where residents of the vast multi-colored Quarry Bay apartment complex put up signs banning photos.

In Brazil, several youths made a buzz on Facebook in 2017 when they posted smiling selfies taken among terrified bus passengers who had thrown themselves to the floor during a shooting.

Facing the mad frenzy of endless selfies, Vienna has launched a campaign for a digital detox.

The Belvedere Museum has put up a large copy of Gustav Klimt's classic painting "The Kiss" near the original and added a giant red hashtag, so that visitors can take their selfie next to the facsimile and actually look at the real work of art.

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VOICE OF ASIA 15

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

July is Ending Hunger Month

July is Reducing Food Wastem Month

Section 2 Tel: 713-774-5140

High blood pressure: Consuming this popular product could help to reduce your reading High blood pressure shoots up without any visible signs, so people must stick to a healthy diet to ward off the risks. One study links a popular food group to a lower blood pressure reading.

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ONDON - High blood pressure describes what happens when the blood in a person’s body pushes against the sides of the blood vessels.

Over time this can cause a wealth of serious health complications.

The study, published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, examined the habits of almost five thousand men and women.

The researchers found that those who consumed more than three servings of milk and dairy products per day were 36 per cent less likely to have high blood pressure than those who ate the least amount of dairy, less than half a serving per day.

Low-fat dairy products, such as fatfree and low-fat milk, may be the best choices to reap the blood pressure benefits.

Study participants who ate three servings of dairy a day that also limited their saturated fat intake were 54

Long-Term Care Rider

A

If blood pressure is consistently high, it puts extra strain on vital organs.

Reducing salt intake is one of the main ways to mitigate the risks, but surprisingly, a new National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute study showed that people who consumed more low-fat dairy products like fat free and low-fat milk had lower blood pressure too.

Understanding Benefits of Annuity riders offered by Insurance Companies

Photo, article: The Express per cent less likely to have high blood pressure than those who ate a low-saturated fat diet with less dairy.

Interestingly, a recent UK study also suggested that drinking CherryActive, a Montmorency tart cherry juice supplement, may reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, major risk factors associated with high blood pressure.

Lead author Terun Desai commented, “Our most noteworthy cardiovascular response observed in the study was the significant reduction in systolic blood pressure for the first two hours after consumption.

"The unique composition of tart cherries, including the synergistic influence of anthocyanins, other polyphenols, and fibre may be a factor.”

Desaid added, “Global rates of metabolic syndrome are on the rise and the results of the present study suggest Montmorency tart cherries, in juice or capsule form, could exert beneficial effects for adults with this condition when incorporated into an overall healthy diet”.

The research found a “significant” reduction in systolic blood pressure two hours after consumption when compared to placebo.

It is important to have routine checkups to monitor your blood pressure reading. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80). People over the age of 40 should get their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years.

Understanding PKU: A Rare Genetic Condition

I

mbalances in mood, learning, memory and motivation could be a result of PKU, which is short for phenylketonuria.

Also known as PAH deficiency, this is a rare genetic condition that disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain and requires a special diet.

s people are living longer all the time, providing longterm care has become a growing concern. But the basic problem with long-term care is that it’s incredibly expensive. Not only that, but there are a decreasing number of insurance companies that provide policies to cover long-term care. But you can add a long-term care rider to an annuity, so that you will have that contingency covered within your plan.

The annuity will provide the income specified in the contract, but will also pay a long-term care benefit should that become necessary.

What the long-term care rider does is to adjust the income payout to help accommodate the cost of long-term care. For example, let’s say that the cost of long-term care will be $6,000 per month. If the annuity is scheduled to provide you with monthly income payments of $3,000, the payment will double to $6,000 per month in the event that you have been medically determined to require long-term care.

A long-term care rider usually provides a benefit that will be double the normal income payment from the annuity. For this reason, if you know that long-term care in your area runs about $6,000 per month, you might set your annuity with an income payment of $3,000 per month. That will give you the ability to be able to afford longterm care, should it become necessary.

The increased payments are typically available for up to 60 months, and generally apply to just one person – either you or your spouse. It also typically applies to a single long-term care situation. For example, if you are in long-term care for three years and then come out, the benefit will not carry over to a second stay. There are various hybrid annuities are available providing three times the long term care benefits of the invested amount.

Lifetime Income Benefit Rider The lifetime income benefit rider (LIB) is commonly available with variable annuities. With the rider, the insurance company guarantees that you will receive regular income payments from the annuity, whether that is monthly, quarterly, or annually. The payments will continue for the rest of your life, even if the actual balance in the annuity is fully depleted.

For the approximately 16,500 people living with PKU in the U.S., there is good news. Not only can strict diets that limit many high protein foods and other lifestyle changes help, ongoing research has led to the approval of two therapies for the condition, and a third is currently under development. To learn more about PKU, as well the work being done by BioMarin, a pioneer for research and treatment of PKU, visit www.PKU. com.

The LIB can ensure that you never outlive your money, which is a common concern of retirees. For example, let’s say that you invest $200,000 in an annuity. The contract provides for a 5% annual income – but after 20 years the annuity is fully depleted.

The insurance company will continue paying you the agreed-upon annual income benefit, in this case $10,000 (5% of $200,000) for the rest of your life.

The LIB rider is an excellent idea for a person who begins taking income benefits at say, 60, and expects to live another 25 or 30 years.

Recognizing the signs of PKU and getting treatment is critical for proper management of the condition.

-StatePoint

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit A guaranteed withdrawal benefit rider comes in at least two different flavors, a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB), and a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB).

A guaranteed withdrawal benefit rider provides you with another way to get access to your money. The GLWB rider provides for immediate withdrawals from the invested balance, without having to annuitize the investment. The amount that you can withdraw is determined by a percentage of the total investment in the annuity.

A GMWB provides the annuity owner with the ability to withdraw a certain percentage of their original investments from the annuity until they have withdrawn the full amount of that initial investment. This protects the principal invested in the annuity by the annuity owner. For example, the annuity owner can withdraw 10% of the annuity balance each year, until the full amount of the initial investment has been fully recovered. In the meantime, the remaining balance in the plan continues to grow with the market.

Death Benefit Rider The death benefit rider gives you the ability to provide death benefit for your heirs in the event of your death, converting the annuity to both a living benefit and a death benefit contract.

A death benefit rider guarantees that your heirs will receive at least the amount of the premium that you paid for the annuity. For example, if you pay $250,000 to establish the annuity, and as of the date of your death only half of the premium has been returned to you, your heirs will be entitled to death benefit of $125,000. Source: Good Financial Cents.

To plan for Medicare Benefits and or Annuity Investment that can provide additional income and or health benefits contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900.

PHOTO SOURCE: -StatePoint

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VOICE OF ASIA 16

HEALTH - DIET & EXERCISE

New therapy targets gut bacteria to prevent and reverse food allergies

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

'Wonder of nature': Serbia's ultra-expensive donkey cheese

by Brigham and Women's Hospital

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ASHINGTON, June 24, 2019 - Every three minutes, a food-related allergic reaction sends someone to the emergency room in the U.S. Currently, the only way to prevent a reaction is for people with food allergies to completely avoid the food to which they are allergic. Researchers are actively seeking new treatments to prevent or reverse food allergies in patients.

Recent insights about the microbiome—the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in the gut and other body sites—have suggested that an altered gut microbiome may play a pivotal role in the development of food allergies. A new study, led by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, identifies the species of bacteria in the human infant gut that protect against food allergies, finding changes associated with the development of food allergies and an altered immune response. In preclinical studies in a mouse model of food allergy, the team found that giving an enriched oral formulation of five or six species of bacteria found in the human gut protected against food allergies and reversed established disease by reinforcing tolerance of food allergens.

The team's results are published in Nature Medicine.

"This represents a sea change in our approach to therapeutics for food allergies," said co-senior author Lynn Bry, MD, Ph.D., director of the Massachusetts Host-Microbiome Center at the Brigham. "We've identified the microbes that are associated with protection and ones that are associated with food allergies in patients. If we administer defined consortia representing the protective microbes as a therapeutic, not only can we prevent food allergies from happening, but we can reverse existing food allergies in preclinical models. With these microbes, we are resetting the immune system."

The research team conducted studies in both humans and preclinical models to understand the key bacterial species involved in food allergies. The team repeatedly collected fecal samples every four to six months from 56 infants who developed food allergies, finding many differences when comparing their microbiota to 98 infants who did not develop food allergies. Fecal microbiota samples from infants with or without food allergies were transplanted into mice who were sensitized to eggs. Mice who received microbiota from healthy controls were more protected against egg allergy than those who received microbiota from the infants with food allergies.

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Using computational approaches, researchers analyzed differences in the microbes of children with food allergies compared to those without in order to identify microbes associated with protection or food allergies in patients. The team tested to see if orally administering protective microbes to mice could prevent the development of food allergies. They developed two consortia of bacteria that were protective. Two separate consortia of five or six species of bacteria derived from the human gut that belong to species within the Clostridiales or the Bacteroidetes could suppress food allergies in the mouse model, fully protecting the mice and keeping them resistant to egg allergy. Giving other species of bacteria did not provide protection.

"It's very complicated to look at all of the microbes in the gut and make sense of what they may be doing in food allergy, but by using computational approaches, we were able to narrow in on a specific group of microbes that are associated with a protective effect," said co-first author Georg Gerber, MD, Ph.D., MPH, codirector of the Massachusetts HostMicrobiome Center and chief of the Division of Computational Pathology in the Department of Pathology at the Brigham. "Being able to drill down from hundreds of microbial species to just five or six or so has implications for therapeutics and, from a basic science perspective, means that we can start to figure out how these specific bacteria are conferring protection."

To understand how the bacteria species might be influencing food allergy susceptibility, the team also looked at immunological changes, both in the human infants and in mice. They found that the Clostridiales and Bacteroidetes consortia targeted two im-

portant immunological pathways and stimulated specific regulatory T cells, a class of cells that modulate the immune system, changing their profile to promote tolerant responses instead of allergic responses. These effects were found both in the pre-clinical models and also found to occur in human infants.

The new approach represents a marked contrast to oral immunotherapy, a strategy that aims to increase the threshold for triggering an allergic reaction by giving an individual small but increasing amounts of a food allergen. Unlike this approach, the bacteriotherapy changes the immune system's wiring in an allergenindependent fashion, with potential to broadly treat food allergies rather than desensitizing an individual to a specific allergen.

"When you can get down to a mechanistic understanding of what microbes, microbial products, and targets on the patient side are involved, not only are you doing great science, but it also opens up the opportunity for finding a better therapeutic and a better diagnostic approach to disease.

With food allergies, this has given us a credible therapeutic that we can now take forward for patient care," said Bry. Bry and Gerber, along with senior author Talal Chatila, MD, of Boston Children's Hospital, are founders and have equity in ConsortiaTX, a company that is developing a live human biotherapeutic product (CTX-944).

(Co-senior author Rima Rachid, MD, of Boston Children's Hospital, also has equity in the company.) ConsortiaTX is preparing for a Phase 1b trial in pediatric food allergy, followed by expansion into additional allergic diseases.

A farmer milks a female donkey on June 19, 2019, on a nature reserve in northern Serbia called Zasavica. (Photo: AFP)

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ASAVICA, Serbia | AFP | 6/28/2019 - White, dense and rich in flavour, Serbia's oneof-a-kind donkey cheese is not only tasty but good for your health, says maker Slobodan Simic.

There's only one catch -- at 1,000 euros ($1,130) a kilo, it may well be the most expensive cheese in the world.

Since 2012, Simic and his team of farmers have been milking a herd of more than 200 donkeys who live on a nature reserve northern Serbia called Zasavica.

Their milk has similar properties to breastmilk and is touted by Simic as a cure for a range of ailments, including asthma and bronchitis.

"A human baby can take this milk from the first day, without having it diluted," he says, calling it a "wonder of nature."

While a lack of scientific studies make it difficult to assess its health properties, the milk is high in protein and has been recognised by the UN as a good alternative for those with allergies to cow's milk.

But "what no one in the world does, and could never make, is the donkey cheese," Simic says of his flagship product.

Donkey milk has low levels of ca-

sein -- a type of protein that acts as a binding agent in cheese-making.

But a staff member at Zasavica discovered that portions of donkey milk could be mixed with some from goats in order to craft the crumbly mounds of cheese.

The mixture also helps make up for the fact that donkeys produce less than a litre of milk a day -- a fraction of the 40 litres a cow can provide.

The farm sells between six and 15 kilos of cheese a year, mainly to foreigners and tourists who visit, says Simic.

They also produce donkey milk soap and liquor.

For Simic, the business is also a way to protect the Balkan donkey, an animal that has become less prevalent as machines take their place in agriculture.

"We are maintaining the need for this animal and now there are more and more donkey farms, the demand for donkeys is higher... which is a very good thing for us and the region," he says.

The unique product made headlines in 2012 after false rumours spread that Serbia's tennis star Novak Djokovic had bought up an annual supply -which he denied.

Restaurants could be 1st to get genetically modified salmon

Is your supermarket reducing plastic pollution? from single-use plastics and toward refill and reuse systems.

Notable retailers making positive changes, according to the report, include ALDI, which ranked highest due to its plastic reduction target, comprehensive reduction plan, transparency and commitment to implement refill and reuse systems; Kroger, the only retailer of its size to ban single-use plastic checkout bags; and Albertsons Companies, which has made a commitment to reduce its plastic footprint. However, even these top-ranked retailers have a long way to go toward eliminating single-use PHOTO SOURCE: (c) WavebreakmediaMicro / stock.Adobe.com plastics.

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lastic pollution is a crisis for communities, oceans and waterways, according to environmental experts, who point out that supermarkets -- as major contributors to the growing problem -- are in an important position to acknowledge and address the issue.

A recent report from Greenpeace, “Packaging Away the Planet,” ranked 20 major U.S. grocery retailers on their efforts to eliminate single-use plastics, evaluating them on their policies, plastic reduction efforts, innovation and initiatives and transparency. The report found that, across the board, U.S. supermarkets are not adequately addressing the plastic pollution crisis.

“While some retailers have started to take small steps toward reducing their

plastic footprints, none are acting with the urgency needed to match the scale of the problem and their contribution to it, despite growing consumer demand for plastic-free solutions,” says Greenpeace plastics campaigner, David Pinsky. “Not only do these large companies have the resources to reimagine their stores with refill and reuse systems, they can use their buying power to pressure consumer goods companies to act as well. The question is whether retailers will take responsibility and act.”

According to experts, eliminating plastic straws or making small changes to produce bags is not enough, and major retailers wishing to adequately address the problem will need to immediately create and implement ambitious, public-facing plans to shift away

Hoping this year’s report will serve as a baseline to measure future reforms, Greenpeace plans to follow up with retailers to assess progress on plastic reduction initiatives, and report those efforts publicly. Consumers can also get involved by asking their grocery store managers to phase out throwaway plastics. To learn more, visit greenpeace.org/usa/ shopping-for-plastic-2019/.

While there’s a long way to go to address the global plastic pollution crisis, supermarkets, which have relationships with both consumers and consumer goods companies, are an important industry to start with, say experts. Working together, the reduction of plastic use will mean direct relief for communities, oceans and waterways worldwide.

-StatePoint

To produce its fish, Aquabounty injected Atlantic salmon with DNA from other fish species that make them grow to full size in about 18 months. (Photo: AP)

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EW YORK: (AP), June 21, 2019 Inside an Indiana aquafarming complex, thousands of salmon eggs genetically modified to grow faster than normal are hatching into tiny fish. After growing to roughly 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) in indoor tanks, they could be served in restaurants by late next year.

The salmon produced by AquaBounty are the first genetically modified animals approved for human consumption in the US. They represent one way companies are pushing to transform the plants and animals we eat, even as consumer advocacy groups call for greater caution.

AquaBounty hasn’t sold any fish in the US yet, but it says its salmon may first turn up in places like restaurants or university cafeterias, which would decide whether to tell diners that the fish are genetically modified.

“It’s their customer, not ours,” said Sylvia Wulf, AquaBounty’s CEO. To produce its fish, Aquabounty injected Atlantic salmon with DNA from other fish species that make them grow to full size in about 18 months, which could be about twice as fast as regular salmon. The company says that’s more efficient since less feed is required. The eggs were shipped to the US from the company’s Canadian location last month after clearing final regulatory hurdles.

As AquaBounty worked through years of government approvals, several grocers including Kroger and Whole Foods responded to a campaign by consumer groups with a vow to not sell the fish.

Already, most corn and soy in the US is genetically modified to be more

resistant to pests and herbicides. But as genetically modified salmon make their way to dinner plates, the pace of change to the food supply could accelerate.

This month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to simplify regulations for genetically engineered plants and animals. The move comes as companies are turning to a newer gene-editing technology that makes it easier to tinker with plant and animal DNA. That’s blurring the lines around what should be considered a genetically modified organism, and how such foods are perceived. In 2015, an Associated Press-GfK poll found twothirds of Americans supported labeling of genetically modified ingredients on food packages. The following year, Congress directed regulators to establish national standards for disclosing the presence of bioengineered foods.

But foods made with the newer gene-editing technique wouldn’t necessarily be subject to the regulation, since companies say the resulting plants and animals could theoretically be produced with conventional breeding. And while AquaBounty’s salmon was produced with an older technique, it may not always be obvious when people are buying the fish either.

The disclosure regulation will start being implemented next year, but mandatory compliance doesn’t start until 2022. And under the rules , companies can provide the disclosures through codes people scan with their phones. The disclosure also would note that products have “bioengineered” ingredients, which advocacy groups say could be confusing.

ART & CULTURE

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Mexicans hail Paris designer amid cultural appropriation row

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Danish culture builds bridges to India Classic diplomacy is not always the most effective way to mutual understanding between people. This is one of the main reasons Denmark has opened a cultural institute in New Delhi

by Eric Schoon

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EW DEHLI - Ever since the idea for what is now called the Danish Cultural Institute was born in an occupied Denmark during 1940, the aim of the initiative has been to spread Danish culture in the world and use culture as a springboard for understanding between people.

At present, the Danish Cultural Institute has seven departments worldwide. They represent Danish culture in Belgium, Brazil, China, the Baltics, Poland, Russia and from January 19 this year, in New Delhi, India.

The newly-opened institute in May and I talked to the institute’s head, Thomas Sehested, about his vision for an expanded cultural co-operation between Denmark and the cultural giant that is India.

- Cultural tensions And there really was a need for a new tone in the co-operation between the two countries. The background for this was, in short, that official relations between Denmark and the world’s largest democracy, India, had not been optimal for the last few years.

This Kahlo headdress by Maurizio Galante was said to represent the "mix and the clash between the native cultures and that of the arriving Europeans" in Mexico.

(Photo: Christophe Archambault/AFP)

by Fiachra Gibbons

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ARIS, France | AFP | Sunday 6/30/2019 - Italian designer Maurizio Galante gave a lesson Sunday in how to take inspiration from indigenous cultures without being accused of cultural appropriation.

With the fashion world shaken this month by the Mexican government threatening legal against New Yorkbased label Carolina Herrera for "ripping off" native designs, Galante gave Mexican artisans top billing in his Paris haute couture show.

The courtier worked with Mexico's top fashion institute and makers in 18 parts of the country on a collection which picked up on the ongoing sartorial dance between Aztec, Mayan and other native cultures and Europe.

With a Mexican politician and officials in the front row giving their seal of approval, he sent out trousers suits inspired by the Aztec god of learning Quetzalcoatl -- the "feathered serpent" rendered in silk organza scales -- and the jaguar diety Tezcatlipoca.

Each of his 21 highly-worked looks come with a spectacular halo of sunshaped straw and metal jewellery made by indigenous artists Antonio Rendon Cornelio and Carlos Piedras.

- Kahlo headdresses Galante called the collection "Resplandor" after the Tehuana ceremonial headdress immortalised by the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in her selfportraits.

He included a few of his own and told AFP that legend has it that indigenous women created them by putting European dresses that washed up in a trunk on their heads.

NGO. Before putting the intricate clothes together in his Paris studio, including bolero jackets made with tiny woven maize baskets -- traditionally used for necklaces -- he consulted Mexican experts to find the best artisans.

- Hidden 'soul' of its makers Galante said he turned a finelyembroidered coat inside-out to show the hidden "soul" of the garment and highlight the genius of its makers.

Mexican MP Julio Carranza Areas from the ruling left-wing National Regeneration Movement sat in the front row to support the show.

He said Galante -- unlike Herrera's US designer Wes Gordon -- had been open and included Mexican groups and officials in his process from the start.

Areas felt that Galante was showcasing the "work of Mexican hands" unlike Venezuelan-born Herrera who "did not give credit" where it was due.

Appropriation of native designs has become a political hot potato in Mexico, with a long list of labels accused of ransacking the cultural heritage of poor villagers.

Galante -- who worked with Moroccan women on his collection that was based on the kaftan -- refused to be drawn into the controversy.

"Every show I try to tell the story of a different voyage. Like the great travellers for the 18th century, you go into the unknown, not knowing what you will find," he said.

"I am not someone who invades a country to steal things, I am looking for a dialogue," he added.

The Paris-based creator said it was this "mix and the clash between the native cultures and that of the arriving Europeans" that made Mexico such a rich cultural crossroads.

"I can't speak for others, but when someone invites you to their table for dinner you have to respect their rules.

It is normal that I respect the local culture and not abuse it."

"Silks and other materials coming from the East also came through Mexico first which added another level" of colour and texture, said Galante, who visited the country four times on research trips working with a Mexican

Haute couture is the very pinnacle of fashion, with only an elite band of designers allowed to show their luxurious handmade creations in the French capital, some of which cost tens of thousands of euros (dollars).

Bangladesh needs national gallery to preserve artworks: Kalidas

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The reason was an extradition case from 2007, where Denmark refused to extradite a Danish citizen for trial on charges of terrorist activity in India back in 1995. To begin with the Danish ministry of justice gave the green light for extradition, but the decision was countermanded by the Danish courts.

India reacted by freezing co-operation between the two countries and cancelling official visits and conversations between Indian and Danish civil servants. The situation was unfortunate for both parties, so the news that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Danish counterpart Lars Løkke Rasumussen had shaken hands on a deal renewing co-operation during Modi’s visit to the Nordics in April last year was received with considerable joy and relief . This included, among other things, the opening of a Danish cultural institute in New Delhi.

- Let the lawyers sort it out The leaders of the two countries simply agreed that the purely legal

The artist also thinks that youths should wage a movement to have such institutions established in the country.

“Young artists will have a greater scope and a nationwide art movement can be launched if art museums are set up in major cities.”

He lamented that the country has an insignificant investment in the fine art

- 400 years of Danish interest in India Next year it will be 400 years since Denmark began a co-operation with the mighty country in the east by establishing Tranquebar on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in what is now the state of Tamil Nadu. More than 200 years was to pass before Denmark gave up its official presence and handed over its possessions – that apart from Tranquebar also included the trading station at Serampore (or Frederiksnago-

Before we departed we had also managed to establish the first modern university in Asia. It was situated in Serampore that from 1829 had the status of being Denmark’s third university town after Copenhagen and Kiel. Denmark carried on building energetically on the bridges that were constructed and has shown great interest in the development of the fastgrowing country ever since.

- Backdrop for celebration It is therefore completely natural that the upcoming 400th anniversary of Danish-Indian co-operation should provide the framework for a long series of cultural events. The leader of the new Danish Cultural Institute in New Dehli, Thomas Sehested, has big plans for this occasion in particular.

With his background as an historian and with a passion stretching over many years for India and its colourful culture, there is absolutely no doubt that he will make an active contribution to ensuring that the new DanishIndian cultural co-operation will start off with a bang.

- The CPH Post

Brilliant dancer Sudeshna Swayamprabha Tathoi has been pursuing Indian classical dance forms -- Manipuri and Bharatanatyam -- since early childhood from her mother, eminent danseuse Sharmila Banerjee. Later, she took lessons on the genres under the tutelage of Sharmila Banerjee, Belayet Hossain Khan and Tamanna Rahman at Chhayanaut. “I am blessed with receiving Bharatanatyam from Padma Bhushan Professor C V Chandrasekhar. Besides, I took intensive Manipuri training from Smt Kalavati Devi at Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka,” says Tathoi.

With an ICCR Scholarship, Tathoi went to Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata to study dance. She bagged four awards, the University Medal (Gold), Nirod Baran Memorial Prize, Sunit Basu Memorial Prize and Asit Chattopadhyay Memorial Prize at the 44th annual convocation ceremony, securing the highest score at the MA (Dance) Examination among the students of all the seven dance departments under the Faculty of Fine Arts, of the university. “I felt very happy to achieve the recognition. It’s a great impetus that has made me more responsible towards the art form.”

The artiste also completed her BSS

Art-Echo is a monthly talk-show in the city centre. (Photo: Kalidas Karmakar)

The Ekushey Padak-winning artist lauded the artworks of the country’s young artists. “Works on par with International standard are being produced by Bangladesh’s young artists.

However, they are barely being promoted,” he said.

The new cultural institute was inaugurated on January 19 this year at a separate address that is not part of the Danish embassy with an impressive ceremony. Among those participating were the DKI secretary general Camilla Mordhorst, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and the chairman of the board of the Carlsberg Fund, Flemming Besenbacher – as well as a number of Danish and Indian cultural personalities.

re) – to England in 1845.

by Zahangir Alom

“Unlike many countries, Bangladesh still has no national gallery to display its artworks,” he said, “art museums should be established in Dhaka, as well as other major cities.”

sector, implying that there must be a change. “The identity of a country lies in its arts, not the economy.”

complications arising from the extradition case ought to be handled by the judicial system and that this disagreement ought not to stand in the way of closer co-operation between the two democracies.

Sudeshna Swayamprabha: Telling tales through the body

HAKA - Kalidas Karmakar, a painter and printmaker of international repute, said on Saturday that Bangladesh needs a national gallery as well as art museums to preserve its artworks.

Kalidas Karmakar made the remarks while speaking at the fourth edition of Art-Echo, a monthly talk-show of Cosmos-Atelier 71 Printmaking Studio, titled Alluvial Soul and Beyond at Cosmos Centre in the city’s Malibagh area.

In a bid to boost peopletopeople ties and cultural exchanges, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen recently inaugurated a Danish Cultural Institute in New Delhi. (Photo: The Hans India)

While talking about the Performance Art, Kalidas described it as part of “our culture”. “Performance Art didn’t originate in the West; rather they took the concept from us. It is a part of our lives.”

He expressed his satisfaction on Performance Art has becoming popular form of art in the country.

-The Daily Star

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed (Honours) and MSS in Anthropology from the University of Dhaka. “As I have pursued dance from an early age, and I wanted to further study dance to learn the theoretical aspects of it. That’s why I did another MA in Dance. Besides, dance is a dominant feature of Cultural Anthropology. The art form has its distinctive impact on society circling various festivals,” said the dancer, who dreams of experimenting with dance forms with the aspects of Cultural Anthropology. “I want to create some scholarly works mingling dance with my research on the themes like -- where does dance belong and how does the art form contribute to the society?”

forms.

In April, 2019, Tathoi participated in the art project ‘Transforming Narratives’ organised by British Council, UK and Arts Council, UK, in Birmingham. The project aims to connect cities from Bangladesh and Pakistan with Birmingham. “There is a large pool of generations of Bangladeshi diaspora communities there. The project shed light on different narratives about society, art and culture. I had wonderful experiences and experiments with global dance artistes, choreographers and musicians. As I learned from them, I shared my expertiese with them as well,” says Tathoi.

Tathoi also performed at the prestigious Khajuraho Dance Festival.

In February this year, she went there to perform with her Guru Bimbavati Devi, who is the daughter of eminent Manipuri dancers Guru Bipin Singh and Smt Kalavati Devi. “As a member of Manipuri Narthanalaya, I regularly perform in different states of India.

Every dancer eagerly looks forward to performing in the Khajuraho Dance Festival someday. It was a divine experience for me to perform at the festival,” says Tathoi. “We performed in Bimbavati Devi’s latest production Ghana Baari Barikhata, that she premiered in Kolkata last year, marking the birth centenary of her father, Guru Bipin Singh.”

The artiste, also a dance teacher at Chhayanaut and Nritya Nandan, also learned the forms of Mohiniyattam and Odissi. Currently, she is taking tutelage from renowned Manipuri exponent Bimbavati Devi and also working with her troupe, Manipuri Narthanalaya in Kolkata. Even though she is dedicated to the beauty of four classical dance forms, Tathoi has a knack for creative and contemporary dance, where she can blend mudra from different dance

Organised by the Goethe Institut Bangladesh, Tathoi participated in ‘Young Choreographers Platform’, an initiative to promote and foster talents of young and potential choreographers in Bangladesh. This programme was held in 2016 with the guidance of Tomas Bünger, a dancer and choreographer based in Bremen, Germany.

“There is no end of learning; be it academic or artistic. A dancer should always keep her/his mind open to learn new things, challenging their own body. My knowledge was enriched with that platform, as Tomas made us think about new things in choreography.”

Sudeshna Swayamprabha Tathoi was recently at Weimar, Germany, where she had an overwhelming experience while attending the Kultur Symposium Weimar 2019. Goethe Institut Bangladesh gave her the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful event.

- The Daily Star

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

VOICE OF ASIA 18

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

New ways to save money in your digital life

www.voiceofasia.news

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | 7/1/2019 - Facebook said Monday it would take new steps to eliminate content promoting white nationalism and white separatism after an external audit said its efforts were "too narrow."

"As a result, content that would cause the same harm is permitted to remain on the platform," said the audit team led by Murphy, formerly of the American Civil Liberties Union.

W

e’ve all heard those time-tested ways to save money -- dine out less, sign up for rewards programs or switch off the lights when you leave the room. But in today’s digital world, there are some great ways to save that you may not have thought about.

From swapping wireless carriers to installing smart home devices to shopping electronically, here are several new ideas to save cash on your digital lifestyle.

Make Your Discount Work for You Today, around 50 million people take advantage of discounts from their employer or affiliated organization to save on talk, text and data plans.

These deals are often so great that consumers never think to comparison shop to see if they could save more by switching. In fact, approximately 30 percent of wireless customers with discounts say they stay put because of their deals.

Take another look at what’s out there -- you might just be surprised at what’s new. For example, T-Mobile recently announced it will match or beat eligible wireless discounts

from other major carriers when you switch to their Magenta plan, which is packed with benefits like unlimited talk, text and data, a Netflix subscription, and mobile hotspot.

T-Mobile’s Magenta plan also has taxes and fees included, so you’ll also save money each month there. The company promises that once you switch, it will match or beat the discount: up to $15 for one line or up to $30 for two or more lines.

Plus, T-Mobile typically has special offers on phones for those switching carriers. Learn more at www.T-Mobile.com.

Make Your Home Smarter You used to save money by simply turning down your thermostat in winter and up in summer. Now you can make your home (and wallet) smart by using a smart thermostat, such as those from Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell or other home automation companies.

These smart devices help you wring more savings from your thermostat than traditional temperature management.

Some models come with sensors to place around your home to more finely tune your temperature, adapt to your routines, and allow you to control them from your phone, PC or tablet. You can even change

settings while on-the-go, so you don’t waste energy when your routine changes without warning.

Shop Better Electronically First there were physical coupons. Then came online coupons. Now there are couponing apps and web browser extensions to make it even easier to save.

For instance, Ebates empowers you to earn as much as 40 percent cash back when shopping at over 2,500 stores -- including Kohl’s, Sephora, Old Navy, Walmart, Amazon, Gap and others -- without having to keep track of points or fill out forms. When shopping through the mobile app or via a plugin through your web browser, you automatically save. Stores pay Ebates a commission for sending you their way, and that money gets shared with you.

Just don’t shop so much that you buy things you don’t need!

Re-examining your daily routine can help you find new ways to save on just about every service or staple you use.

Try these effective solutions to save more and spend less in today’s digital world.

(StatePoint)

For latest on Science and Technology Visit us @

voiceofasia.news STATEPOINT CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Tel: 713-774-5140

Facebook to broaden effort to root out white nationalist content

The audit led by civil rights attorney Laura Murphy indicated Facebook's policy did not go far enough by only barring "explicit praise, support, or representation" of these terms.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) F8studio / stock.Adobe.com

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Responding to the civil rights audit begun last year, Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said Facebook would seek to tighten its policy on these kinds of hate speech.

The social network has been battered by criticism that it was more focused on growth than protecting users or thwarting deception, bullying and harassment.

"Today's report recommends we go further to include content that supports white nation-

alist ideology even if the terms 'white nationalism' and 'white separatism' aren't explicitly used," Sandberg said in a statement.

"We're addressing this by identifying hate slogans and symbols connected to white nationalism and white separatism to better enforce our policy."

The report was the second

by Murphy, who began a civil rights audit in May 2018 at the request of the leading social network, which has more than two billion users.

"While this audit report shows Facebook is making progress, there is still much more work to do -- and Facebook acknowledges this," Murphy said.

"As the company's work in this area continues, I want this effort to be even more robust and deeply embedded in the company's DNA." The auditors pointed out that Facebook has been plagued by "persistent enforcement errors" in its efforts to remove hate speech.

"For example, sometimes users post photos that would otherwise violate Facebook's hate speech policies, but accompany those photos with captions to

indicate they are not embracing the hateful content but instead are calling attention to racism or hate," the auditors said.

"Facebook's investigation revealed that its content review system does not always place sufficient emphasis on captions and context... More explicitly prompting reviewers to consider whether the user was condemning or discussing hate speech, rather than espousing it, may reduce errors."

On a related matter, Facebook said it would ramp up efforts to thwart any effort to manipulate the 2020 US census, treating the population survey as if it were an election.

Sandberg said Facebook has made it a priority to prevent manipulation in elections and census counts, as noted in the audit.

"We're building a team dedicated to these census efforts and introducing a new policy in the fall that protects against misinformation related to the census," she said.

"We'll enforce it using artificial intelligence. We'll also partner with non-partisan groups to help promote proactive participation in the census."

With plastic straw ban, Washington turns its back on its own invention

by Sébastien Duval

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | Thursday 6/27/2019 - "How do you drink a milkshake without a straw?"

It is a question the city of Washington will soon face after deciding, in the interest of the environment, to ban plastic drinking straws -- an almost sacrilegious act in the birthplace of this simple object, a seemingly indispensable part of daily American life.

In the last century, millions of straws were produced in the Stone Straw Building, a stolidlooking structure of yellowing brick in a residential neighborhood. The building now houses the capital's transit police headquarters.

The only visible sign of its historic character comes from a discreet commemorative plaque affixed to a wall above a garbage bin that honors the memory of Marvin C. Stone, "Inventor of the Paper Straw."

According to legend, Stone, who settled in Washington after being wounded while fighting for the Union side in the Civil War, had the inspiration one evening while sipping on his favorite cocktail, a mint julep.

cigarette holders, instead wrapping spirals of paper around a pencil-like cylinder, attaching the ends with wax and then removing the cylinder.

of vegetable-based material -many of them more expensive or flimsier than those of plastic -- and says he has yet to find a "good solution."

He filed for a patent in 1888 -- the objective, he said in his application, was to create a "cheap, durable and unobjectionable substitute for natural straws commonly used for the administration of medicines, beverages, &c." -- and the rest is history.

The youthful "Captain" Kirk, who wears a Cookie Monster cap over his curly brown hair, knows that most of his customers don't really care that much: "Customers want a straw that works well."

But almost a century and a half later, his ungrateful adoptive home became the second large US city, after Seattle, to ban the plastic descendants of Stone's popular invention.

The ban technically took effect January 1 but it came with a grace period, meant to ease the transition for restaurants and businesses, that ends July 1.

- Everything 'to go' "A lot of businesses are still using plastic straws and don't have a strategy," said Kirk Francis, who manages the Tastemakers food hall in a former mayonnaise factory adjoining the Stone Straw Building.

At that time, people sometimes used actual straws -dried lengths of ryegrass -- for drinking, but Stone was put off by the inescapable rye-flavored residue they imparted.

The young, environmentally minded entrepreneur faced the same existential question years ago when he launched "Captain Cookie and the Milk Man," a food truck selling baked treats and dairy products: "How do you drink a milkshake without a straw?"

So he adapted a machine already in use for making paper

He considered straws of metal, of biodegradable paper or

VOICE OF ASIA

So getting people to give up their straws will not be easy.

They have been an inextricable part of American culture since they were first promoted as a way to curb the spread of disease at a time when people would share a common cup when drinking from public fountains.

Another American, Joseph Friedman, elaborated on Stone's invention in the 1930s after watching his daughter struggle with a milkshake. His modification, the flexible straw, has grown in popularity alongside other mainstays of Americans' consumer culture: soda fountains, carry-out food, iced drinks with lots of ice.

- Plastic on plastic The ban on plastic straws is really just a symbolic beginning, said Sarah Perrin, a Tastemakers customer, who was with her young daughter.

Five-year-old Lily was using a plastic straw to sip fruit juice from a plastic cup topped with a plastic lid.

"Without a straw, she would spill it all over," her mother said.

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Week of July 5, 2019 21 March to 20 April Your approach to love softens when romantic Venus enters watery Cancer midweek, and showing your softer, more emotional side can be a beautiful quality. Don’t be surprised when you attract people that aren’t usually drawn to you.

21 April to 20 May You may be in touch with your feelings to an unusual degree now. This can make you very effective at selling an idea or product to others. You can build morale if you’re a sympathetic listener. It may be difficult to decide if you’re making progress or going backward. Just do your best. Try innovative approaches.

21 May to 20 June Lucky energy regarding other people’s money means you may benefit from shared property, investments, or an unexpected inheritance. This unleashes all sorts of good stuff in this area of your life. Other aspects affect past lives, dreams, and karma. Do unto others what you would have done unto you, financially speaking.

21 June to 22 July Take it easy for a few days. You might be in danger of overdoing it. Working out is meant to invigorate you, not make you so tired you can barely function. If you feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back regarding your fitness program, reflect on your goals. You can create a flexible routine that suits you better.

23 July to 22 August Something’s in the air, Leo. Can you feel it? Don’t be oblivious when someone else is into you. If you want them, too, it’s time to go for it! Communicative Mercury is in your sign when it goes retrograde at the end of the week, so the words you usually depend on might let you down. Test out new pickup lines before actually trying them out on someone new.

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astrology.com

23 September to 22 Oct You may be whirling like a dervish, calling credit card companies, paying off balances, and cutting up old cards. Nice work! This same burst of energy will help you set a new financial course at this time in your life. But your workplace may need some adjusting. It’s too early to leave, though.

23 October to 21 Nov You may be thinking about your health as a way to improve your image. It isn’t just your image that needs boosting your confidence does, too. If you look good, you’ll feel good. If you work out and eat well, your whole appearance will glow with health. This will do more for you than all the plastic surgery in the world.

22 November to 21 Dec Aggressive Mars pairs with outgoing Leo at the start of the week, bringing a fiery energy to your love life. Making the first move now brings some very good results. Talkative Mercury is also in Leo’s competitive sign when it goes retrograde at week’s end, so it might be hard to get a word in edgewise.

22 December to 20 Jan These are high-energy days that will see you at your most happy-go-lucky and optimistic. You can shine in any area that allows you to teach or express your opinions. Work-related travel is also favored. This period brings a strong focus on home and family. If you’re in a supervisory position, be careful that you aren’t too demanding or limiting anyone’s freedom. Discipline isn’t your strong suit.

21 January to 19 Feb Aspects affecting past lives, dreams, and karma release your most interesting, individualistic ideas. What may have been blocked by obstacles in the past becomes freer and easier to achieve now. Some of your best ideas may emerge from your subconscious.

You’re being asked to consider working from home or bring in extra money by using your home creatively. It’s your call.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Undesirable row

1. Between Fa and La

5. *Genetic stuff

2. Door opener

8. *Public health org.

3. International Civil Aviation Org.

11. Fairytale start 12. Aphrodite's son 13. Once more 15. Bakery unit 16. *Blood component, pl.

17. Like plum turned to prune 18. *Type of fitness class 20. Type of hot sandwich 21. Not taken and taken 22. M in rpm, abbr.

23. *Beginning of a workout 26. *A, B or C 30. ____ Khan 31. Not wholesale 34. Russian governmental agency 35. *Juice cleanses, e.g.

37. Michael Jackson's early hit 38. *Green entrée 39. Never without n 40. Remove from political office 42. Computer-generated imagery 43. Gets ready for publication 45. *An apple a day keeps this one away 47. Boiling blood 48. Fire in one's soul 50. Spanish lady 52. *End of workout 55. ____ de la Frontera, Spain 56. What pep talkers do 57. Bye in Palermo 59. *Estrogen producer 60. Spot to hang a heavy picture

23 August to 22 Sept This is a positive time to work as a group leader. You’ll understand what’s needed and find win/win solutions, often by talking others around to your point of view. Your ability to communicate excitement encourages action. This period is ideal for traveling or sharing good times with the family. Invite any lonely co-workers to partake of the fun.

20 February to 20 Mar Communicative Mercury goes retrograde in loud Leo later in the week, which puts a strain on the way you like to approach your love life. Don’t feel pressured to be someone you’re not, Pisces. Don’t say anything before you’re absolutely ready.

61. Grams, e.g.

62. 4 qts.

63. Greek letters on campus 64. Like baby's bottom

4. Twist out of shape 5. Scary movie consequence 6. Socially acceptable behaviors 7. Make haste, in a letter 8. Be unsuccessful 9. *Prescribed food selection 10. Common conjunction 12. "The Shawshank Redemption" theme 13. "____ One" on a ticket 14. Lesser Antilles island 19. What band does 22. A cool one, as in money 23. Nilla ____, sing.

24. Tequila source 25. Torn down 26. Cheney or Pence 27. Defraud 28. Idealized image 29. Rock bottom 32. *Soaks in D 33. *Traverse and oblique muscles 36. *Personal helper 38. "The Day the World ____ Still" 40. Beehive State native 41. Befuddled 44. Has bats in the belfry 46. Croci, sing.

48. *Largest artery in human body 49. Scallywag 50. Deity in Sanskrit 51. *Like dental exam 52. Spew profanities 53. Drunkard 54. Lack of guile 55. *Not a walk in the park 58. Baseball Giant and hall-offamer

SOLUTION: Health and Fitness on Page 19

LIFESTYLE & LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 20

Seoul food for Trump as Moon serves up US steak

FRIDAY, July 5, 2019

Louis Vuitton has a new immersive exhibit in honor of the brand's 160-year history

by Stacey Leasca

L

OS ANGELES - In 1885, just one year after Louis Vuitton founded his fashion house, he received a simple request from a customer: Make me a bed I can take anywhere.

The designer immediately got to work crafting a luggage trunk that a world traveler could take on all of his journeys to faraway lands. When opened, the trunk revealed a pop-up cot, which resembles a modern-day beach lounger. This way, the traveler could get a good night’s rest under the stars no matter where he landed. That was one of the many brilliant baggage inventions to come from the design star.

Steamed sea urchin with tofu, one of a dozen cold Korean starters on the guests at the diplomatic meal. (File photo)

S

EOUL, South Korea | AFP | Saturday 6/29/2019 - South Korea's President Moon Jaein sought to appeal to Donald Trump's personal preferences on Saturday with a US steak dinner and a guest list including a star woman golfer.

The US president is known for his love of the sport and his simple culinary tastes -- he likes his meat welldone.

In the past he has bonded with Shinzo Abe, the conservative prime minister of South Korea's neighbour Japan -- who Trump has regularly described as his friend -- over burgers and several rounds on the course.

The relationship between Trump and Moon -- also the leader of a country in a security alliance with the US, but a somewhat reserved former human rights lawyer -- is nothing like as close.

But as Trump arrived in Seoul ahead of a trip to the Demilitarized Zone Sunday and third meeting with the North's Kim Jong Un, the South's presidential Blue House appeared to have crafted a dinner to appeal to the guest of honour's particular tastes.

The main dish was a sirloin steak made of US beef, accompanied by bulgogi sauce, pickled garlic leaves and other side dishes.

And as well as the 12 cold Korean starters on the official menu -- among them steamed sea urchin with tofu, and pan-fried mung beans -- minihamburgers were served, Blue House officials said.

Serving western-style food along with Korean dishes symbolised the "collaboration and harmony" between the South and the US, Seoul's presidential office said.

When Trump last visited in 2017, the Blue House prepared a menu in-

fused with "local, traditional flavour" and featuring a beef rib dish accompanied by a gravy using a 360-year-old soy sauce.

Then, Seoul also sought to score a diplomatic point by featuring a prawn caught in the waters off Dokdo, disputed islands controlled by the South but claimed by Japan.

In another diplomatic jab, Moon's office invited a former wartime sex slave for Japanese soldiers to that state dinner, leading Tokyo to call the move "inappropriate".

This time the guests at the meal -eaten in a traditional-style building in the grounds of the presidential complex in Seoul -- included retired star golfer Pak Se-ri, who has five majors to her name.

Trump spoke at length with her, saying at one point: "She's gonna be my partner."

South Korea dominates the women's game globally -- and Trump highlighted the success of the country's players when he spoke to its parliament two years ago.

Sparkling water was provided as Trump does not drink, the Blue House said, and a separate Kosher meal was provided for his daughter and advisor Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, who are Jewish.

Also among the guests were members of K-pop band EXO -- Ivanka's children are known to be fans -- who handed the President and his daughter signed albums.

Trump is known to enjoy fast food.

But Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said that had the meal been a more formal occasion such as a full state banquet, serving burgers as the main dish would be "improper in any diplomatic setting".

Now, that ingenious 134-year-old design is on display alongside hundreds of other works at Louis Vuitton X, an immersive celebration of the fashion house’s 160-year history.

The 10-room exhibit is located in Beverly Hills. Inside the space, which encompasses two full floors on Rodeo Drive, guests are transported into both the mind of Louis Vuitton and into the creativity of the brand’s collaborators throughout the decades.

In the first room, guests are greeted with two larger than life portraits of the designer from his youth. Next, visitors seamlessly flow into a room filled with pieces from the brand’s archives, including the aforementioned beach chair of every frequent flyer’s dreams.

M

ACAU, China | AFP | Sunday 6/30/2019 - As one of the world's most decorated chefs, Alain Ducasse is known for his forensic attention to detail -- from thrice-ironed tablecloths to handpicked decor and cutlery.

But he has an unexpected weapon in his pursuit of perfection: he closely monitors social media to keep an eye on customer reviews of his culinary empire.

The 62-year-old is arguably the doyen of France's "grande cuisine".

His eateries currently have 20 Michelin stars, more than any living contemporary, and three of his restaurants have the coveted three-star accolade.

But just as Ducasse -- who now boasts more than 30 restaurants across seven countries -- blends tradition and modernity in his menus, he sees tech as a way to finesse the dining experience.

It's through social media that he discovered Benoit, his popular New York bistro, was messing up a classic French dish.

"Looking at the customer reviews we realised there was an issue. Everyone was complaining about the roast chicken," Ducasse tells AFP during a visit to Macau.

"It was unbelievable," he recalls, adding that this helped them spot -and fix -- the issue immediately.

That Ducasse personally monitors the social media of all his restaurants is indicative of a man who insists on maintaining control over a sprawling inter-continental business.

"Before we opened here we spent three years choosing every detail. I know every object, there was a lot of personal involvement," Ducasse says of his eponymous restaurant in Macau at the Morpheus, a new 40-storey

luxury hotel designed by the late Zaha Hadid that is held together by an eyecatching steel exoskeleton.

- Chefs as a brand The last two decades have seen chefs with global status rapidly expand their international footprint, sometimes at a cost.

Gordon Ramsey's culinary empire has had a financial journey of peaks and troughs almost as notorious as the British chef's famous temper -- and his career high of 16 Michelin stars is now trimmed to seven.

Fellow British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver saw his UK business go into liquidation earlier this year with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs.

Yet Ducasse -- much like the late Joel Robuchon whose restaurants earned 32 Michelin stars during his career -- sails on, expanding with no shortage of critical acclaim.

His Macau restaurant Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, which just celebrated its one year anniversary, earned two Michelin stars within six months.

Ducasse's arrival in Macau was fortuitous.

The gambling hub has been ordered

by Beijing to diversify away from casinos and become a more familyfriendly destination, leading to a dramatic surge in fine dining given the plethora of well-heeled, primarily mainland Chinese tourists that flock to the city.

It now boasts three three-star restaurants and five two-stars -- an astonishing per capita ratio considering Macau is home to just 620,000 people.

Macau, Ducasse says, is now "very competitive. (You) cannot sleep, you have to stay awake".

Ducasse's first foray into Asia began some 15 years ago in Japan, followed

by Hong Kong and then Macau. Later

That piece is surrounded by other travel gems, including the original designs for the Stokowski Secretary Desk. In the room, guests are also treated to the first showing ever of Vuitton’s personal sketches for his very first perfume bottles.

In the next rooms, guests can get up close with some of the brand’s most iconic collaborations including Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Supreme, Marc Jacobs, and more. And, Louis Vuitton is even using the space to launch a few new collaborations with Urs Fischer, Sam Falls, Alex Israel, Nicholas Hlobo, Tschabalala Self, and Jonas Wood.

Each designer used the Louis Vuitton

Capucines bag as a starting point then gave it their own creative interpretation. And it’s all on display for fans to adore before they buy them from the shop upstairs.

At the event, guests will even find a few custom QR codes on the walls so they can add Louis Vuitton filters to their Instagram stories.

Indeed, the event is a marriage of the old with the new in one giant celebration of Vuitton. And now it’s your turn to experience it too. Head over to the "Louis Vuitton X" event open June 28 to September 15, 2019, on Rodeo Drive.

- Travel+Leisure

A life of leisure? That sounds like hard work Automation is ultimately a test of the richness of our interior lives.

Not all of us will pass it Opinion by Janan Ganesh

A

rare drag of writing for the Financial Times is the perception — the dangerous perception — that I know something about finance. I field requests for investment advice from plane-seat neighbours, from friends of friends and, god help them, for they do not have the money to lose, from Uber drivers. Somewhere on Interstate 295, between Baltimore airport and Washington, the man at the wheel learns of my employer, and I brace for “Stocks or bonds?” or “Recession next year?”. He stumps me with a more strategic inquiry.

Photo: Getty Images

“What should my daughter study?”

I blurt something counter-intuitive about the humanities (generalism being more time-proof than coding), but later I succumb to l’esprit de l’escalier.

Whatever she studies, I should have

Secrets of a superchef: Alain Ducasse on pursuing perfection

by Jerome Taylor

Photo courtesy Of Louis Vuitton

this year he plans to open a restaurant in a glitzy Bangkok mall and a Mediterranean influenced grill in Singapore's Raffles hotel.

But Asian cooking, he says, is something he never plans to take on.

"I'm not going to be a sushi master because it takes ten years to learn to be a master of sushi. I do not have enough time," he says.

Customers in Asia, he explains, are looking for the best of French cooking.

- 'Haute couture' The one overseas cuisine he says he feels more comfortable incorporating into his top-end restaurants is Middle Eastern fare -- something France understands because of its colonial footprint.

While all of Ducasse's top-tier restaurants are unabashedly French -London's Dorchester, the Plaza Athenee in Paris and the Le Louis XV in Monaco -- his restaurant IDAM in Qatar, he says, is an exception to this rule.

"It's an incredible location, we're doing very high Middle Eastern gastronomy," he enthuses. "With French techniques, it's very interesting as a job."

Much of his cooking inevitably caters to the one percent -- the tasting menu at Le Louis XV clocks in at $410 a head while one of his most famous signature dishes pairs rockfish jelly with a generous dollop of gold caviar.

But followers of Ducasse's food empire have noticed a shift in recent years to more accessible eateries.

New openings such as Spoon 2 in Paris, Omer in Monaco -- even the Singapore and Bangkok ventures -are more brasserie than haute cuisine.

With rising anger about inequality

said, she must also learn how to do nothing. She must prepare for the hardship of eternal spare time.

the type. It is, I suspect, a dread of introspection — of where the mind might go.

A lot is said about the impending crisis of automation, in which most jobs are innovated out of existence.

One candidate for the White House, Andrew Yang, is unabashedly monomaniacal about it. Truck-driving, back-office work and manufacturing are always said to be in technology’s crosshairs. The scourge of obsolescence could creep up the income scale until all but the most creative occupations are redundant.

Those who rate themselves betterprepared for a life of repose should not be so sure. The holidays we take are fun because they intersperse the working year. The interiority we cultivate through books and museums fill up the 10 per cent of mental space we have left over from our jobs. The watercolours that retirees paint in the park enliven the October to December of their lives. It is, in other words, the supplementary quality of these things that give them their value. If they had to form the greater share of our lives, defining instead of embroidering them, they would not be nearly enough.

In the bleakest scenario, civil strife will erupt that makes the smashing of looms by British textile workers two centuries ago look like a Regency caper. All the same, the record of our species suggests that, after a transition, however wrenching, we will broker a new settlement. Perhaps a universal basic income will replace that quaint thing: a wage.

It is at that point, I think, where the real dystopia begins. Humans have adapted to changes in their material lot since the Neolithic revolution.

What we have never had to contend with, at least not in large numbers, is total leisure.

For now, a person’s challenge is to find relevance in a labour market turned newly Darwinian by technological substitution and wage competition. In 30 years, the challenge could be to find meaning in recreation. The first is a practical burden. The second is a test of the richness of our interior lives. Not all of us will pass it.

Every Philip Roth novel has its toiling patriarch, for whom it is not just improper, but almost physically impossible, to not work. I know — was raised by — people who would be at a loss without the constant doing of things. Circumstances denied them the chance to stockpile other interests. You need not be an immigrant, nor any kind of minority, to recognise

in the West, is Ducasse looking to democratise his cooking?

He rejects this idea and says it's more down to business realities -the sheer amount of time and effort required for the top-end restaurants cannot be replicated ad hoc.

He draws on a fashion metaphor.

"You cannot just multiply haute

Even if we threw ourselves into family instead, a child, as I understand it, is self-piloting within two decades. When it flies the coop, the dire question — What do I do? — would come around again.

If it happens, the decoupling of work from our right to material comfort will be a civilisational breakthrough. As a happy accident, it should also uncover more Spinozas and Montaignes, geniuses who need stillness, even isolation, to flower.

There must be more than a few currently wasting their time in regular jobs around the world. The maladroit misfit in your office might be one.

It is just that progress is not progress without unintended consequences. At the moment, the automation nightmare is taken to mean the threat posed by robots to our earned incomes.

But with a bit of imagination, fiscal policy can solve that problem. What is the technocratic fix for cradle-tograve ennui? The gods of antiquity were said to envy humans their mortality. Generations to come might envy us our labour.

- Financial Times

couture, each time it requires special creations, it's the same with culinary creations and space," he says.

Those restaurants that bear the full name -- like Macau's Alain Ducasse at Morpheus -- are what he devotes the most energy to.

He explains: "Everything else is pret-a-porter."