Voice of Asia e paper December 23 2016 by VoiceOf Asia

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FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

CMS finalizes 2018 exchange rules ahead of Trump administration Read on Page 18 or Call 832-806-1000

Vol. 29 No. 51 Friday, December 23, 2016 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Indian Americans Celebrate Speakers Inspire at ‘Women Mean 9th ‘Hamara Desi Christmas’ Business’ Event by IACCGH

ouston’s one and only Indian Christmas celebration was hosted last Saturday, the 17th of December 2016 at the Stafford Civic Center. As always the auditorium was packed and the audiences were treated to an awe inspiring program by the Houston Indian Fellowship.

The Houston Indian Fellowship (HIF), a group of Indians from across the metropolitan Houston area, conducts an annual Christmas Celebration to share with joy and cheer the true meaning of Christmas to Houstonians from different walks of faith, religion, and

social status. In addition to the Christmas event HIF conducts events such as dance competitions and painting competitions in order to bring the community together for a time of fun. They also provide free health care for the needy. Continued on Page 3

L to R: Shell Projects and Technology CIO Amy Sulz, Wood Group CEO Michele McNichol, HMSDC President Ingrid Robinson, IACCGH President Joya Shukla. Photo credit - Bijay Dixit. by Manu Shah

out of 200 applicants for the position long held by Houston’s father of Diversity - former HMSDC President Richard Huebner.

but proved that they could do so without compromising on their personal values and putting family first.

Ingrid Robinson was singled

These remarkable women not only beat the odds to succeed

Continued on Page 3

ood Group CEO Michele McNichol was once told she could never lead a project because she was a woman.

Club 24 Plus Wraps up 2016 with Holiday Luncheon by Vimal Kothari OUSTON - Club 24 Plus ended the 2016 event calendar with a celebration for the holidays with a luncheon for its’ members and their children. This was held on December 11 at the upscale Tony Vallone’s eatery Ciao Bello. The event was held in the restaurant’s spacious indoor patio. The natural lighting

and interesting mosaics on the wall lend a lovely charm to the overall ambience. About 115 people attended the lively, fun filled event. The guests arrived dressed up in the Christmas spirit. Samosas and other snacks were served along with Ice Tea and Soft drinks. Everyone had an opportunity to mingle with the fellow members and they were seated to their beautifully decorated tables.

Left: Members of Club 24 Plus at the Holiday Luncheon. Photo credit Bijay Dixit.

Pradeep Gupta, President, Club 24 Plus welcomed everyone to the holiday event.

He was appreciative of all the members that attended the over-subscribed event. He introduced the chair of the event, Mrs. Savita Rao. Savita, in turn, requested some of the younger kids that attended to come forward and introduce themselves. About eight children spoke and introduced their parents and in some cases grandparents that attended the event with them. Following

the

introduc-

Continued on Page 9

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

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FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief: Austin Correspondent: Print & Media Marketing: Marketing: Office Manager:

Koshy Thomas Sherly Philip Shobana Muratee Sherine Thomas Jacob David Susan Pothanikat Priyan Mathew

Columnists: Legal: Richard M. Alderman Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Research: Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Health Insurance: Sudhir Mathuria Astrology: Hardik Vyas

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Shobana Muratee

All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher. Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol.com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@ voiceofasiagroup.com Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $30 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074

It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. - The Publisher

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{ What’s left to talk about? {

by Andrew Gilholm

f anyone doubted that the post-war consensus on free trade and economic integration was under pressure, the inauguration of an avowed foe of both should dispel the notion. The election of Donald Trump marks the first time an economic nationalist has led the Republican Party since 1940, when Wendell Willkie lost to Franklin Roosevelt. Combined with Britain’s vote to exit the EU and a surge in support for populist movements across Europe, economic nationalism changes the tenor of the global conversation in 2017. It will also intensify growing pressure on the relationship between the world’s most important economic and political actors: the United States and China. In decades past, free trade and globalization created a buffer to the often conflicting national interests and prickly pride that separate China and the United States. Economic priorities have helped contain political crises and rapidly repair ties afterward. The 1999 bombing of China’s embassy in Serbia, the 2001 Hainan spy plane incident, and multiple disputes over dissidents and hacking along the way: any might have upended a more fragile relationship. The major force underpinning restraint has been the belief on both sides that, on balance, the bilateral trade and investment

relationship is too important to jeopardize. When Trump takes the oath of office, that feeling may no longer be mutual. - Free trade under fire The extent to which Trump can or intends to follow through on his election promises is unknown. Faced with the realities of office, the campaign version of some policies may give way to a more pragmatic version. There have already been signs of backtracking from, or at least redefining, his high-profile call for a 45 percent tariff on all Chinese imports. And dramatic withdrawals from trade agreements will not necessarily preclude future re-engagement once Trump has shocked interlocutors into giving the United States a better deal. Nonetheless, in affirming that he will end US participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade accord, as well as its European variant, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), Trump has put down a marker: free trade is in the crosshairs. No target looms as large as China. Trump has strong domestic incentives to aggressively pursue punitive action against China and other low-wage manufacturing nations through the WTO, and to consider a raft of unilateral tariffs targeting Chinese steel, aluminium, auto parts, and select electronics. This would partially fulfill key promises of his campaign,

but also invite retaliation. The uncertainty is concerning for companies exposed through complex global supply chains, markets, and investments. Many in Beijing are not yet convinced Trump will bring different tactics than his predecessors who talked tough on China. President George W. Bush took office vowing to treat China as a “strategic competitor” not a “strategic partner,” but after an early crisis of relations presided over one of the most stable periods of US-China relations in decades. The United States and China traded tariff-slapping and WTO complaints shortly after Barack Obama took office, but the outgoing president apparently found little value in that approach, using it sparingly thereafter. - A fragile relationship China’s leaders appear aware of the stakes. During the September G20 summit in Hangzhou, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anti-protectionist speech reflected his concern at what was transpiring in the US presidential campaign. Since the end of World War II, and in an accelerated form since the end of the Cold War, the United States has been the chief proselytiser for globalization and free trade, and an architect of the institutions that underpin it. In 2017, Beijing is expected to be a louder defender of free trade than Washington, even as China seeks greater influence in those

Solar is Clean, Popular and Under Attack Opinion by Elly Boehmer

clean energy in Texas.

All of these benefits mean that solar power is tremen-

olar energy is growing, renewable and more popular than ever.

Rather than value the full benefits of distributed solar energy, these utilities and their fossil

The amount of solar energy installed in the U.S. has quadrupled since 2010, generating enough energy to power 1 in 20 American homes. In 2016, the United States witnessed its 1 millionth solar installation and the industry expects to hit 2 million solar installs in just the next two years.

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All of this growth in solar power brings tangible benefits to local communities. Environmentally, solar power reduces the need for harmful fossil fuels and cuts pollution that science shows us causes climate change. Here in Texas, we know we need to act now to reduce the worst impacts of climate change, as we already see its effects in flooding from sea level rise and more extreme and frequent tropical storms, as well as in our poor air quality and high asthma rates. Economically, solar can lower energy bills over time as an energy source with zero fuel costs and also creates local jobs; in 2015, solar employed 1,963 in Texas. At the end of 2015, solar employed more Americans than the oil and gas extraction industry. Civically, solar power fosters engagement between decision makers and energy stakeholders, from homeowners to school principals and small business owners, creating more invested parties in the future of

A Palestinian man stands next to solar panels installed on the roof of Gaza City’s children’s hospital al-Nasir. Set up in January 2013 at a cost of $100,000 (74,000 euros) and is now providing 20 kilowatts of electricity per day. (Photo: AFP/File) dously popular, even across the political spectrum. Recent polls show that majorities of Republicans and Democrats support the advancement of clean energy. Now here’s the bad news: As solar power has grown, it has been attacked by incumbent energy interests who especially see rooftop solar as an existential threat to their bottom line. A new report by Environment Texas Research & Policy Center, Blocking the Sun, documents 17 fossil fuel backed groups and electric utilities running some of the most aggressive campaigns to slow the growth of solar energy in Texas and throughout the country.

fuel backers have attempted to cut credits to solar customers and charge them extra fees. In some states, they have even attempted to do away with renewable energy standards altogether. The fact is we can’t maintain a status quo mostly filled with an energy portfolio of gas, coal and nuclear power plants that threaten our environment and our health. We need to tap into solar and renewable energy sources on rooftops all across Texas and beyond. Of the findings, the report documents how the Koch brothers have provided funding to the national fight against solar by funneling tens of millions of dollars through a net-

It is certainly too soon to declare that the US elections and Brexit signal an end to the era of globalization—a period that has seen an unprecedented movement of capital, goods, and people across international borders, and history’s greatest improvements in poverty, infant mortality, life expectancy, and per capita income. Globalization is seriously challenged, but is still the operating system of the global economy. What is certain is that the footing of global business in 2017 will feel less firm and familiar. Similarly, with Trump not yet installed in the White House, it is impossible to say how he will ultimately affect the crucial USChina relationship. But tests and turbulence are certain in the coming year. The incoming US president has not been tested as a handler of high-stakes geopolitical disputes and crises. Leaders in Beijing are vastly more experienced, but we have little precedent for how they may react if pushed and provoked by the United States on sensitive issues. There are still enough shared interests and economic interdependence at stake to renegotiate the terms of the relationship. A “grand bargain” seems to be what Trump and his advisors envisage, and China is not entirely averse to such a game. But there is an alarming gap between the two sides’ perception of what is “fair” in the economic relationship. The risk is that cracks are appearing in the economic glue that has held together this troubled political relationship, just as it is about to be vigorously shaken by Trump. (-China Business Review)

work of opaque non-profits including Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). During the 2015 General Assembly session, the Republican leadership in the House of Delegates pushed legislation nearly identical to the Reliable and Safe Power (RASP) Act, a piece of model legislation written by Americans for Prosperity to block the US EPA’s Clean Power Plan, the US’s first-ever limits on carbon pollution from power plants. ALEC has provided utility and fossil fuel interests with access to state legislatures and inspired anti-solar legislation in a set of states. In mid-2016, there were at least 84 ongoing policy actions in U.S. states that could impact the growth of solar energy, including through limitations to net metering or new charges to make rooftop solar power less economically viable. “More and more Texasans are adopting solar to ensure energy freedom, create jobs, and strengthen the resilience of the electric grid,” said Aaron Sutch, Program Director for VA Sun, a solar advocacy organization that works to strengthen solar policies in Texas. “Efforts to block this choice (as outlined in the report) are not only disturbing, but will prove unsuccessful in light of the tremendous support that solar has across a broad constituency.” With all the advantages of solar energy, we can’t just turn our back on tapping the power of the sun. Our leaders at both the state and federal level must stand up for solar and push back against attempts to stunt the growth of renewable energy, this year and beyond.

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FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Second Front Page

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Speakers Inspire .....

municate that value to the world and not settle for less.”

Speaker: Wood Group CEO Michele McNichol. Photo credit - Bijay Dixit.

Speaker: HMSDC President Ingrid Robinson. Photo credit Bijay Dixit. Continued from page 1

make it to the event.

At the Women Mean Business event held on December 13th at the Junior League of Houston, the two Keynote speakers shared their remarkable journey and the guideposts that guided them to a gathering of over 60 IACCGH members and guests who as President Joya Shukla remarked must be lauded for “fighting the traffic” to

In his remarks, IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia recognized Gitesh Desai who represented Wood Group, one of the sponsors of the 2008 Trade Mission to India led by Judge Ed Emmett. The delegation’s efforts led to Mahindra & Mahindra, the world’s largest tractor company expanding their facility in Harris County creating local jobs and boosting Hous-

ton’s economy. He also acknowledged Vibhu Sharma’s role in connecting the Chamber with Michele McNichol. President Joya Shukla welcomed the gathering and thanked Shell’s senior leadership not only for sponsoring the Chamber’s events but also giving up their “personal time to coach, mentor, strategize and share ideas” for the Chamber’s continual success. The economic impact of diversity in Houston is a staggering $22.8 billion. Ingrid Robinson, President of HMSDC, an organization that pro-

vides certification for women owned enterprises shared several statistics that highlighted the phenomenal growth and leadership of firms owned by women of color over the last decade. Women, she noted, are not only leaders in Corporations but are increasingly embarking on an entrepreneurial path. Houston, she continued, is far ahead of its times and is showing “other cities the impact of encouraging diversity.” She wrapped up her talk by emphasizing that every woman who aims to be a successful entrepreneur must “set their own value, com-

In an equally thought provoking address, Keynote Speaker and CEO of Wood Group Mustang Michele McNichol underscored the importance of “Finding Your Purpose” – a practice which involves defining your life and vision. Her advice: Look deeply into what inspires you, define your best qualities and never lose sight of personal values which can be found by “digging into your soul.” As women and “nurturers,” she continued, we tend to neglect ourselves but it is important to invest time in any activity that is energizing, which for her, was as simple “as watching the waves on the beach.” These are questions that may take a bit of “soul searching” but when applied to life’s challenging moments can help you make conscious decisions that lead to success. Shell representative and CIO Amy Suhl proposed the vote of thanks and presented plaques of appreciation to the Speakers. (IACCGH’s next event – “2017 Inaugural Networking Works” will be held on January 11th at 4:00pm at the City Hall and will present the new Board led by President Allen Richards of United Airlines. For more information, please contact iaccgh.com).

9th Hamara Desi Christmas.... Continued from page 1 The admission for the event was free, and it was followed by complimentary dinner for all the attendees. The dinner was catered by the acclaimed Annam Indian Cuisine. HIF, by hosting events like these, strives to bring Christmas cheer to people from different faiths and regions of India. The Consul General of India, Houston, the Hon. Anupam Ray graced the occasion as the Chief guest of the event. His simple speech with the underlying message of uniting people of different beliefs and faith through Christmas was astounding! The boisterous MCs Chrisie and Anisha hosted this year’s event with elegance. They were engaging, entertaining, and kept the audience feeling at home. This year’s celebration included a variety of dances from different parts

of India, all presented professionally to an awe inspiring audience. A shadow play was also presented retelling the birth of Jesus, and His life depicting the true meaning of Christmas. The stage was overflowing with vibrant colors as costumes from different parts of India were used for the variety of dances enriching and bringing to life our very own culture several thousand miles away. The audience was speechless, and they were glued to their seats as HIF performed these programs. Prahalad James, a member of Grace Community Church awarded the winners of the painting competition. Tablets were given to the first prize winners in each category and the second prize winners were given a gift card. Finally, students from the University of Houston performed the famous Christmas number, Jingle Bell Rock, as others in the audience joined Santa and the HIF team in wishing everyone a merry Christmas.

The audience was raving about the event. “Wow! This is the best organized Desi event I have been to in the Houston area! Well organized and well catered event. The programs were crisp, clear and professional.” Reuben Joseph, one of the coordinators of the event said “We thoroughly enjoyed participating in the event this year. It’s a joy to practice hard and see that people savor and enjoy the fruit of our labor.” Deepak Israel, a member of HIF proudly stated, “This event brings an opportunity to bring our own south Asian culture to be enjoyed thousands of miles away here in Houston. More importantly it is a free event accessible for everyone so we can all share the Christmas spirit with joy!” He said to “Expect a much more culturally diverse and bigger event next year!” Dr. Robello Samuel, integral member of HIF, said “Seeing the spirit of Christmas freely shared with everyone gives me great satisfaction as that is the whole idea behind the celebra-

Children take the center stage with variety of dances. tion!” The sponsors for this event were Red Oaks Hospital, Annam Indian Cuisine, Confidant Realty and other individuals. The University of Houston students along with other families and friends helped behind the scenes – all of which helped make this celebration a memorable one.

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FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

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Parent may not be responsible for injury caused by child Q. What are my legal rights as far as forcing the parents of a child my son was playing with to pay his medical bills? My five year-old son was playing on their property with their children, and was hit in the eye with a ball. Shouldn’t the parent’s homeowners insurance pay for this injury? A. As a general rule, the parents of a young child are not responsible for injuries caused by that child. For the parent to be responsible, the injury must have resulted from the parent’s failure to properly supervise the children. In other words, if your son was injured simply due to an accident that occurred between two five year olds, the parents have no liability. On the other hand, if the parents who owned the property were not properly watching the children, and that is why the injury resulted, the parents would be liable. The law would say that the parents were “negligent,” and that is why your child was hurt. The fact that the accident occurred on their property does not matter. A property owner is not automatically liable for accidents on his or her property. To establish responsibility you need to show negligence or fault on the part of the owner. I also should point out that these liability rules are not affected by whether the property owner has homeowner’s insurance. The existence of insurance does not alter the laws regarding liability. Insurance simply pays amounts for which the

homeowner would otherwise be responsible. Q. I know someone who never got divorced and now lives with his common law wife. How can someone have a common law marriage if they are already married? A. You cannot! A common law marriage is no different from any other form of marriage. You may be married to only one person. Until you get a divorce, you cannot have another marriage, common law or otherwise. Q. I am an individual. I sold a used car to someone. The buyer has now come back and threatened to sue me because I did not disclose some major problems with the car. She says that I violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. What is this law? Does it apply to me? I am not a business. A. The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act is our state’s consumer protection law. It protects any consumer, including most small businesses. Under this law, a seller can be liable if the seller misleads or deceives the buyer, or fails to disclose material information. A seller who acts “knowingly,” may be liable for up to three times the buyer’s damages. The Deceptive Trade Practices Act is designed to protect consumers anytime they buy or lease anything. It applies to all sellers, from the largest businesses to an individual. If, as a seller, you knew about serious problems with the car and didn’t tell the buyer so he would buy it, you prob-

ably have violated this law. Q. I own a timeshare. I can no longer afford the maintenance fees. How do I get rid of this thing? Can I force them to take it back? Can I just tell them I no longer want it? A. Unfortunately, “getting rid” of a timeshare can be difficult. Unlike personal property, you cannot just abandon a real estate interest. Even if you tell them you do not want it, it still belongs to you and you will be responsible for the maintenance fees. To end your ownership you must either get the company to agree to take the property back, sell it to someone else, or donate the property to another entity that agrees to take it. Q. I remember reading about an organization that helps consumers resolve problems. What was the name of this organization and how can I contact them? A. The organization you are referring to is the Texas Consumer Complaint Center. The Center is located at the University of Houston Law Center, and helps consumers with any type of consumer problem. Whether it is a problem with a landlord, car dealer, plumber, debt collector or laundry, the Center can help. Staffed by lawyers and law students, the Consumer Complaint Center is available to help you solve your consumer problem. You may contact the Center at 877-839-8422 or www.TexasCCC.com.

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It is important to be aware of the potential changes on U.S. immigration policy which could affect both the DREAMers as well and those who are here in the United States and who are not U.S. Citizens. Just before the 114th Congress concluded on December 9th, 2016, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced a bill to temporarily protect DREAMERS who have been granted protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated under President Barack Obama’ executive action. There are currently around 800,000 DACA recipients under the program. Ending DACA abruptly would have a devastating and profound effect on the lives of DREAMers. Because of the threat of the abrupt end of DACA by President elect Donald J. Trump, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Durbin (D-IL), Feinstein (D-CA), Schumer (D-NY), Graham (R-SC), Flake (R-AZ) and Murkowski (R-AK) called Bar Removal of Individuals Who Dream and Grow Our Economy (BRIDGE) Act (S.3542) is designed to temporarily protect the DREAMers from deportation. The BRODGE Act will allow DREAMers to transition to a new provisional status and to receive work authorization under three year renewable permits. The applicants would have to satisfy the same eligibility requirements as they would for DACA such as presence here in the United States from a young age; pay a filing fee; undergo criminal background checks and demonstrate that they are not a threat to public safety. Despite his harsh anti-DACA rhetoric about deporting DREAMers during his election campaign, President elect Donald Trump recently appeared to have softened his hardline stance and stated that “we are going to work something out that’s going to make people happy and proud. They got brought here at a very young age, they’ve worked here, they’ve gone to school here. Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And they’re in never-never land because they don’t know what is going to happen.” Because the BRIDGE Act only contains provisions to protect the DREAMers, it will not protect most undocumented immigrants and their families including those who

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may have been here for many years and without any means to legalize their status. Their presence here is now more under threat because of the incoming Trump’s administration’s seemingly harsher stance on immigration and proposals for the swift deportation of criminal aliens. The BRIDGE Act also does not address any other immigration reform such as increasing the number of visas, reducing long waiting lines for intending immigrants etc.

not guilty of the offence, the bill mandates that the individual be detained for the remainder of their removal proceedings. In addition, the bill also mandates that local law enforcement agencies hold and detain individuals in their custody beyond what is considered constitutionally permissible for purposes of handing those individuals over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal.

It is essential to note that on December 9th, 2016 Senator Flake (R-AZ) who is also the co-sponsor of the BRIDGE Act had introduced another bill called the Securing Active and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Act (S.3546). The SAFE Act contains identical language of the BRIDGE Act (S. 244A to provide Provisional Protected Status to DREAMers) but carries additional provisions with call for the mandatory detention and a 90 day mandatory completion of removal proceedings for certain individuals. Even though the Act purports to focus on those who are illegal or unlawfully present in the United States and with serious criminal offences, of serious concern is that it mandates for the detention of individuals accused of even minor crimes and even those who have been completely exonerated of those crimes. The implementation of the SAFE Act could result in the following:

3) 90 day mandatory completion for removal proceedings

1) Hurting DREAMERS, their families and immigrant communities Even though the bill purports to protect the DREAMERS, it is using the protection for these DREAMERS in exchange for greater and harsher immigration enforcement which would target many immigrants who present no public safety threat and affect even those with longstanding and deep ties to our community including the parents, older siblings and other relatives of the DREAMERS which the SAFE Act intends to protect. 2) Detention of Those Arrested for Criminal Offences and Pressure on Local Law Enforcement to Act as Immigration Enforcement The bill requires that anyone who is unlawfully present and who has been arrested for certain criminal offences be held in custody throughout their removal proceedings. Not only violent criminals will be targeted but those who commit minor or nonviolent offences or misdemeanors such as theft, traffic offences could also be at risk. In addition, even after a person is exonerated or found

The bill also contains a requirement for a 90 day mandatory completion of removal proceedings against individuals who are detained. In order to accomplish the requirement to speed up the removal process of such individuals, the bill authorizes massive funding of $100 million for the hiring of up to 100 temporary immigration judges and 150 Immigration and Customs trial attorneys. A mandatory requirement for removal proceedings to be completed in a 90 day period will likely result in many individuals not getting their fair day in court and losing their right to due process. When the 115th Congress convenes on January 3rd, 2017, these two contrasting bills will need to be reintroduced to move forward in the legislative process. Therefore, it remains to be seen what will happen and whether the DREAMers will end up with any legislative protection whatsoever and how the present policy would be changed with regards to the detention and removal of criminal aliens in the United States. Disclaimer: Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case. My Bio Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. You may contact her at telephone number 713-623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

FORT BEND VIEW Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Developer to build $30.5 million retail center in Sugar Land

Tel: 713-774-5140

“A-F accountability ratings don’t make the grade!” A message from Kristin K. Tassin, Fort Bend ISD Board President

The $30.5 million The Village at Riverstone retail center will be anchored by a new Kroger and is expected to be complete in spring 2018 (Photo: Regency Centers Corp)

ORT BEND - Work will begin in early 2017 on The Village at Riverstone, a $30.5 million retail development in Sugar Land. Regency Centers Corp. announced Wednesday that the 165,000-square-foot retail center will be anchored by a new 100,000-square-foot Kroger store at University Boulevard and LJ Parkway. Other retailers have not been named. Completion is scheduled for spring 2018. The intersection is one of the crossroads for the Riverstone master-planned community.

“There are key ingredients every shopping center needs to be successful: high barriers to entry, superior demographics, main & main intersection and a market-dominant anchor,” Regency’s vice president of investments Abe Pacetti said in a statement. “We’re fortunate that The Village at Riverstone has them all.” Regency has 307 groceryanchored and community retail centers across the U.S. including Sweetwater Plaza, also in Sugar Land, and other properties in Houston, Magnolia, Spring and The Woodlands.

Children’s Book Week at Fort Bend County Libraries

uring the week coming up, Friday-Thursday, Dec. 23-29, babies born during this week may receive a special baby book bag, courtesy of the Friends of Fort Bend County Library. Each bag contains a book, a bib, a special certificate, a list of suggested reading for children, and information on parenting and on

library services. The bags represent the library system’s commitment to serving county residents throughout their lives. Event runs all week and is free. Fort Bend County Libraries Central Administration, 1003 Golfview, Richmond (including Katy and Cinco Ranch branches). 281633-4762.

uring the 83rd Legislative session in 2013, parents, teachers and students made it clear to state legislators that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) needed to reduce the number of high-stakes tests that were being given to high school students. The STAAR assessments went too far and overburdened students and teachers in public schools. Our community spoke out and state legislators listened by reducing the number of STAAR End-ofCourse tests for seniors from 15 to five. It’s time for parents, teachers and community members to speak up again. As we begin 2017, a legislative change from the 84th Texas Legislature in 2015 is set to go into effect, with the potential to negatively impact our students, their schools, and our community. Starting with the 2017-18 school year, the TEA will label each public school district and campus with a rating in the form of an A-F letter grade to comply with House Bill 2804. Although the state has not yet released exactly how the letter grades will be calculated, approximately 55 percent of our campus and District overall grades will be based on highstakes, standardized tests – the same tests our communities fought to reduce in 2013. Coming in January 2017... The state is set to release the set of indicators that will be used to measure and evaluate school districts and campuses by December 16, 2016. School districts across the state will receive provisional A-F grades in the new system in January 2017. These grades will be given to schools, as if the system were already in place.

The official new accountability system will be introduced during summer of 2018. These changes are an attempt at simplifying accountability – but to be clear: the work of Fort Bend ISD’s 5,000 educators is complex, as they are charged with meeting each student’s individual needs. A single letter grade is not a good indicator of how well our schools, teachers and especially our students are performing. Looking Beyond the Label All of our children – and our campuses – have unique needs, and our children need an accountability system that helps the District improve instruction. We believe in continuous improvement in everything we do, and we are committed to improving teaching and learning each year. However, A-F ratings systems create a false impression about an entire neighborhood of children and could potentially negatively impact students, undermining the work they put in each day and the growth they accomplish throughout the academic year. A-F rating systems have not worked in 16 other states, and they fail to account for varying socioeconomic conditions that influence performance. Our board does not believe A-F ratings adequately reflect the work our educators are doing to meet the needs of all students, or how students are responding to instruction. A-F ratings systems can also negatively impact neighborhoods and property values, affecting residents whether or not they have children in schools. Our students deserve more than an A-F rating system and would be better served by an accountability system that

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‘Sounds of the Season’ Fort Bend Chamber holiday draws big gathering

UGAR LAND - A large, successful holiday luncheon for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce ushered in the holiday season in Sugar Land at the Sweetwater Country Club recently. On December 15th, a Thursday near noon time, the Chamber hosted ‘Sounds of the Season’, the anticipated holiday gathering for business owners, entrepreneurs and active employees. With a jazz piano accompaniment, the business leaders networked and celebrated the last meeting for the year.

everyone at the event. All guests were invited to join Mayor Joe Zimmerman and City Manager Allen Bog-

Lawyers Deborah Crain and Tariq Zafar catching up. (Photos courtesy FBCOC/Facebook)

The guest speaker was Libby Spears, author of the new book Kavita Mulchandani Self and Adrienne Barker “What’s Your at the Sweetwater Country Club event Plan BE?”. She has spent the last 20 years in teaching ard for the annual State of the communication skills, educat- City: Sugar Land at the new ing professionals on the essen- state-of-the-art Smart Finantials of her instruction to “Edu- cial Centre at Sugar Land on cate, Liberate and Entertain”. Thursday, January 19 from Her book was also available to 8:00 - 9:00am.

looks beyond high-stakes, multiple-choice tests to meaningful assessments that have value for students, parents and teachers, as well as measures what each community deems important in promoting college and career readiness.

I ask you to join me in advocating for our students and letting your state legislators know what you think about TEA’s new A-F Rating System. Our students deserve better. Our students are more than a letter grade.

Himesh Gandhi

Judge Jay Karahan

Mayor Pro Tem of Sugar Land

Harris County Courts, Houston, Texas www.judgejaykarahan.com

wishes families in Houston A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year I wish Voice of Asia News Group and their Staff a Happy Holiday Season!

Mayor Allen Owen Missouri City, Texas

wishes families in Houston A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year I wish Voice of Asia News Group and their Staff a Happy Holiday Season!

Colonel Raj & Kanwal Bhalla

wishes families in Houston A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year I wish Voice of Asia News Group and their Staff a Happy Holiday Season!

Season’s Greetings And Best Wishes For The New Year

Wadhwa and Associates Dr. Krishna & Michele Dronamraju and

The Foundation for Genetic Research

wishes families in Houston A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year We wish Voice of Asia News Group and their Staff a Happy Holiday Season!

wishes families in Houston A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year Website: www.geneticsfoundations.com Email:kdronamraj@aol.com

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

Clements High School UNICEF raises more than $3,000 during annual Trick or Treat fundraiser

From left to right: Nikita Maganti, Pranav Juturi, Tommy Le, Prith Choudhury, Kathi Ackerman Porter (Houston UNICEF), Shiv Chopra, Sahar Ali, Esther Lite (Sponsor).

ORT BEND ISD (December 19, 2016) – The Clements High School UNICEF students took part in the Trick or Trick for UNICEF fundraiser in October and raised $3,348.16. “By encouraging a schoolwide classroom competition, as well as efforts of UNICEF members on Halloween night, Clements High School staff and students came together to collect change and to raise

awareness for UNICEF efforts around the globe,” said Esther Lite, Clements High School UNICEF sponsor. Lite says the proceeds they raised this year is the most successful fundraiser to date for the organization. Last month, the students presented a check to UNICEF. “We are extremely thankful for the unwavering support of the community in making

this year’s fundraiser a huge success.” UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects.

Rosenberg Police report car burglars using electronic devices to break into cars

OSENBERG, TX -Car burglars are becoming a little more high-tech, and in some cases are using electronic devices to get inside locked cars. Car burglars typically have used various methods to get into vehicles that include popping the door locks with a screwdriver or simply smashing the window with a brick. Burglars are beginning to employ high-tech methods. In fact, residents in the Summer Lakes subdivision in Rosenberg have seen several car burglaries where there doesn’t seem to be any forced entry. Car burglars, in some cases, are now using a reprogrammable remote or key fob that allows thieves to unlock vehicles and even disarm the alarm

system so they can easily get in and look for valuables they can steal. Concerned residents in Summer Lakes are spreading the word about the crime and warning everyone to be watchful until police catch the thief. While keyless entry systems have been available for cars in rudimentary forms since the late ‘80s, modern transmitter codes are generally encrypted, and most transmitters rely on a “rolling code” that changes in a planned sequence to prevent would-be thieves from standing near the car as the owner opens it and listening in on the UHF signal that the transmitter sends to the car. The Register noted that last year saw a spike in BMW break-ins due to the sale of a $30 on-board diagnostics bypass tool that allows hackers to reprogram blank keys for use

Missouri City to Close Non-Emergency Offices for the Holidays Regular solid waste pick-up will occur through the season

ll non-emergency City Hall offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23, Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2 for the holidays. This includes: *City Hall, 1522 Texas Pkwy. *Inspections & Permits, 1522 Texas Pkwy. *Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd. Residents who have questions about City services and programs should call 281.403.8500 and leave a voicemail message. Residents and businesses with questions about inspections and permits should call 281.403.8600 and leave a message. City Staff will promptly return all calls. For emergencies, please call 281.403.8700. The Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., will be closed Dec. 24 – 25 and on Jan. 1. The Center will be open for regular hours of operation throughout the remainder of the holidays; visit the City’s website to see hours of operations and recreation center class schedules: http://bit.ly/2i7YTMb. The Quail Valley Golf Course and the City Centre at Quail Valley, 2880 La Quinta Dr., will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 (the last tee time will be at 11:52 a.m.) and will be closed all day on Sunday, Dec. 25. The golf course and City Centre will be open and maintain regular

business hours throughout the New Year’s Day weekend. For tee times and other information, call 281.403.5910. The City Centre at Quail Valley will host its annual New Year’s Eve party at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, until 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. This year’s party will have a Havana Nights theme and include a City Nights Band; all attendees are encouraged to dance the night away Cuban-style. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased here: http://bit. ly/2h2Ci5V. Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste Program will receive regular trash pickup throughout the holiday. For assistance and further information, residents may contact WCA at 281.403.5800. On Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Tuesday, Jan. 3, City Hall and Inspections & Permits will reopen for regular business hours at 8 a.m.; Municipal Court will reopen for business at 7:30 a.m. For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter and Instagram—@MissouriCityTX and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

on specific cars, but the US attacks appear to be different. One interesting theory, however, was put forth two months ago on their YouTube channel. “One has to wonder if they were using signal repeaters to join the car to the key—which was presumably inside the house some distance away,” one commenter wrote. “Usually both the key fob and the car must be close together but with a repeater to boost the strength in both directions, the distance could be extended significantly.

Bring a New Family Member Home for Holidays!

UGAR LAND, TX - The Sugar Land Animal Shelter is offering a special intended to provide every shelter dog and cat with a loving home for the holidays.

From Dec. 17-24, dogs and puppies will be available for $30 instead of the normal fee of $105, and cats and kittens will be $20 instead of $95. The fees include vaccinations, spaying/neutering and a microchip with a lifetime registration. The shelter is also taking requests for special deliveries of adopted pets by Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. Santa Clause will have time to make up to four deliveries to families who live in Sugar Land’s corporate city limits. “The Sugar Land Animal Shelter has many cats, kittens, dogs and puppies available for adoption,” said Animal Services Manager Kathryn Ketchum. “Choosing an animal is a big decision, so the shelter offers a ‘sleepover’ program.” Those interested in adopting a pet will have a chance to see if their choice is a perfect match before making the commitment. If it’s a perfect match, just return to Sugar Land Animal Services to finalize the adoption. For more information about providing Sugar Land’s pets the gift of a forever home this holiday season, visit Sugar Land Animal Services, 101 Gillingham Lane, or call (281) 275-A-DOG (2364). Available animals may also be viewed online at www. SugarLandPetopia.org.

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Dulles Elementary awards School Teacher of the Year

believe that genuine teaching comes from the heart, and the knowledge relayed can only be received through the positive bond that is created between the teacher and her students. Every child is an individual who comes to me with a history, with schema and with difference in learning styles. Every year, my students and I begin our journey of learning with the mutual understanding that we will learn our curricu- Leena Kurian, First Grade, Six lum well enough to teach Years in FBISD on her values others. We are a team that will understand the importance and apply newly learned we are never done learning in concepts to our everyday life. our lifetime. My students are encouraged to Mahatma Gandhi once said, use their natural curiosity to “Be the change that you want ask questions, make educated to see in the world.” As a guesses, find solutions and be teacher, I know that I can posiable to justify their findings. tively impact eternity through My goal is to teach my stu- the minds and hearts of my dents to take each and every students. You too are equipped stone that they stumble upon to make a difference in this and turn it into stepping stones world. Let’s all continue to for a successful future. Each make a positive impact for child of mine is taught to never those around us and for the fugive up and to understand that ture generations to come.”

New Sugar Land history museum will open in 2017 Current exhibit space closes Dec. 31 fter housing city artifacts in an “interim museum” for five years, the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation plans to open its permanent history museum in 2017.

historic district,” said Dennis Parmer, the heritage foundation’s executive director, and when the Imperial Market is finished, visitors and residents alike will be able to wander in and learn about it’s history.

That means the temporary exhibit space, in the old Imperial Sugar refinery’s engineering building, will shut its doors for good Dec. 31.

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation - a nonprofit created by the city more than a decade ago to create this museum - will soon launch a capital campaign for the first permanent exhibit, Parmer said. That first exhibit will be a timeline that details Sugar Land’s history, starting with the story of the land before it was settled.

The new museum - slated to open sometime in the second or third quarter of 2017 - will be part of the Imperial Market development, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex being built in and around the former refinery’s historical buildings. It’ll share space in the old Imperial container warehouse with the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and the convention and visitors bureau. “We’re in the epicenter of the

The interim museum, originally intended for a threemonth run, turned out to be “more permanent than anybody ever thought,” Parmer said. The current exhibit space at 198 Kempner St. will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays.

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Houston Hindu Worship Society

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

‘A pantheon of Gods and Goddesses’ by Swapan K Bhattacharjee

or overseas Hindu communities, the temple became an important symbol of ethnic regrouping. Hindu temples have served as a place of worship and, even more importantly, as a symbol of heightened cultural identity. The history of Hindu temples in the United States begins with the one event that made Americans conscious of and raised awareness about the great religion of Hinduism. Of course, we refer to the incredibly famous speech given by the legendary Hindu saint, Swami Vivekananda at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions, Chicago. The American public was charmed and completely won over by this extraordinary man, who stressed on the genius of Hinduism, and what made it so special. Temples were built in all cities in the United States that saw a sizable growth in their Hindu communities, with professionals and business owners making important contributions. The intention was to establish and promote the Hindu culture and religion in the country, and also to provide a sense of belonging to the new generations of Hindus born in the United States. Indeed, the primary motivation for Hindu immigrants to contribute massively towards the building of these temples was to make sure that their children didn’t lose touch with Hinduism, its culture and traditions. The Hindu Worship Society Temple (HWS) is the oldest Hindu Temple in Houston and in south east Texas that was built with these motives. This temple meets the needs of all the sects of Hindu religion. The aim in establishing this temple was to provide a place for the Hindu community in Houston to pray, to congregate, and to get together as a community.

Lord Ganesha is among large number of Gods and Goddesses at the HWS

Unlike in India, and common in almost all Hindu temples in USA HWS does not have a single presiding deity but a large number of Gods and Goddesses’. It has Shivji, Ambe Ma, Hanumanji, Ram Sita and Laxman ji, Radha Krishnaji and Ganpatiji. This feature is very important and significant because many Hindus have their own favorite Gods depending on which part of India they originally hail from, and so these temples cater to all Hindus in the community, regardless of whether they are from any state, north or south of India. This inclusive approach has paid huge dividends, as it assures Hindus that no matter from where they originally are, idols of their favorite Gods will certainly be present. Therefore this HWS temple in Houston, is a source of great pride for the increasingly prosperous and thriving Hindu-American community, serving not just as a place of worship, but as a home away from home. The HWS temple is located in Spring Branch area of West Houston, close to I-10 corridor at 2223 Wirt crest Lane, Houston TX 77055 It has a resident priest Pandit Bhawani Shankar Shastri and his residence is within the Temple-complex. Panditji received his formal training in Sanskrit and scripture studies from Sri Bhartiya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vrindavan Dham- Mathura, with 20 years or so of experience as a Hindu priest in India and in US. The Temple is open 7 days a week and visiting times twice daily, morning and evening. Sunday’s are special when we have bhajans sang by local devotees after which Panditji gives a religious discourse on the Bhagawat Gita or Ramayana and other holy books. This

is generally followed by the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, and a few yogic exercises and an elaborate Arati. Sunday prasadam is offered to all present in the temple, with the help of volunteers. Some Sundays there are private families who sponsor the prasadam and devotee families are encouraged to host the Sunday lunch. We often see several senior citizens visiting this Mandir on Sundays – a great source of inspiration for our youths. Sometimes Sunday program includes visitors or special guests presenting their achievements and planting “to do” things in both ethical and moral world of each person. HWS also does participate in joint-program of Hindu temples from surrounding counties of Harris County, TX such as Shri Krishna Janmastami at G B Convention Center of Houston organized by Hindus of Greater Houston. So next time when you want to say a prayer or visit a temple do come to The Hindu Worship Society- You won’t be disappointed. Swapan K Bhattacharjee is a Devotee and Trustee, The Hindu Worship Society, Houston TX.

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An ornate Altar at the HWS

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Akshaya Patra Tampa Bay to build kitchen in Gujarat Tampa Bay community along with philanthropists Dr. Kiran Patel, Dr. Vijay Patel and businessman Vijay Patel pledged to raise $3.1 million

The proposed structure

he Akshaya Patra Foundation USA’s Tampa Chapter raised $2.5 million to build a new kitchen in Mota Fofalia, Gujarat, at its annual benefit on Saturday, November 19th. Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program, and provides school meals to 1.6 million children in 13,210 government schools across India. Dr. Kiran Patel, a local Tampa doctor and community philanthropist, galvanized the event supporters with a $1 million pledge to build a new kitchen in Mota Fofalia, a rural village south of Vadodara. Dr. Kiran Patel, says, “The gift of education is the best that somebody can give to anyone. Imagine a holistic approach where you also provide nourishment for the needy so you are providing health and education together”. Dr. Vijay Patel, a local Tampa doctor, community philanthropist, and a member of Volunteer

L-R: Desh Deshpande, Piyali Dutta, Manisha Gandhi, Emily Rosenbaum, Dr. Kiran Patel, Dr. Pallavi Patel and Omi Vaidya at the 2016 fund raiser in Houston for children in my home town of Dabhoi, Gujarat also.” The Tampa Volunteer Chapter plan to raise a total of $3.1 million.

Your donations go directly to the welfare of young children Committee pledged $500,000. Dr. Vijay Patel, says, “I feel pride in joining with Tampa community and Dr. Kiran Patel to take the path of Akshaya Patra and build a kitchen in Gujarat in where over 50,000 children will be fed.” Local businessman, Mr. Vijay Patel pledged $250,000 with an additional $250,000 pledged by Tampa bay community members. Akshaya Patra Director of Development, Manisha Gandhi

says, “It has been a remarkable experience to develop Tampa Bay Chapter. This was only the second event but the community is very passionate and came together to fund a kitchen in Gujarat. Dr. Kiran Patel, Dr. Vijay Patel, and businessman Vijay Patel are leading the project with highest in contributions. Dr. Kiran Patel is an inspiration for many in the USA with his Philanthropic efforts. It is heartwarming personally because this kitchen will provide meals

Dr. Kiran Patel, Dr. Vijay Patel, and Mr Vijay Patel created an appeal video for the Mota Fofalia fundraiser, which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ dStQtsTSn0E Desh Deshpande, Chairman of the Akshaya Patra Foundation USA and the event’s keynote speaker, congratulated the Tampa Chapter, saying, “The Tampa Chapter is an example of what a community can accomplish when they come together to improve the futures of children in a community a world away”. Dr. Kaushal Chari, Chair of the Tampa Chapter, “I would like to thank Dr. Kiran Patel, Dr. Vijay Patel, Mr. Vijay Patel and

the Tampa Chapter for bringing the Mota Fofalia kitchen to fruition. When completed, the Mota Fofalia will nourish the dreams of the 100,000 children the kitchen will serve every day. Their outstanding generosity and continued dedication to reaching their $3.1 million goal inspires our organization to reach greater achievements of impact and scale. For every $15 they raise, they are providing food for education”. The 2016 Tampa Event Volunteer Committee was led by Dr. Kaushal Chari, Mr. Fazal Dasankop, Dr. Dilip Mehta, Dr. Ashok Modh, Dr. Vijay Patel, Mr. Vijaya Prakash, Dr. Raju and Anita Rao, Dr. Madhavi Sekharam and Mr. Sri Sridharan. Akshaya Patra operates 26 kitchen facilities across India. Each of the 24 centralized kitchens utilizes state-of-the-art

technology to freshly prepare 100,000 hot, nutritious meals daily. Each of the kitchens follows the highest standards of hygiene and food safety, and 13 of the kitchens have received already been certified as FSMS ISO 22000:2005 compliant, which means they meet the standards of the International Food Safety Management System (FSMS). The International Organization for Standardization established the ISO 22000 certification to ensure the safety of the global food supply chain. Akshaya Patra operates three other kitchens in Gujarat in Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Surat. These kitchens prepare meals for 407,992 children in 1,475 government schools. To support the Akshaya Patra Tampa Bay Mota Fofalia campaign, please visit: https://www. foodforeducation.org/campaign/mota-fofalia-kitchen

Nagar Samaj lends help to SEARCH Homeless Services NATH is grateful & appreciate kind generosity of City of Sugar Land Park & Recreation Department for allowing us to

conduct our town hall community gathering at their community centers within Sugar Land.

For more information, contact NATH at Nagarsamajhouston@gmail.com

Surangan Music School lives up to its reputation again

NATH members and their families

agar Association of Texas Houston (NATH) community believes in what Mahatma Gandhi once said “Generosity consists not the sum given but the manner in which it is bestowed”. As NATH celebrated of festival of lights, Diwali 2016 on 5th November, “Community Service” was the theme. Every family attended the event donated “Holiday Gift Stockings” to donate to SEARCH Homeless services. “NATH is the first community based organization to donate Holiday gifts to SEARCH Homeless Services this holiday season and we appreciate their support to the commu-

nity” said Katherine White, Volunteer Service Coordinator at SEARCH. “Serving our community and those less fortunate in our neighborhood is the best way we could have celebrated festival of lights” was the common statement by all the members of NATH. Pride of helping homeless families through SEARCH was quite evident on their faces as they filled gift stockings with gifts like, grocery store gift cards, winter clothing accessories, sweets, books and other articles. Youngest child of 3 year old to the oldest member 85 year old had only one sentiment of

Club 24 Plus ....

making someone else holidays special this season. “Volunteering to donate these gifts made me realize how lucky and fortunate I am” said Prateer, 10 year old NATH member.

Students and teachers following the tremendous musical event (Photo: Pradip Ghosh)

NATH is a non-profit organization based in Houston where Nagar community members come together to foster cultural & social network of Nagars living in Texas and USA. NATH vision is to share and promote Nagar values & culture to the next generation growing up and living here in USA. Nagars are believed to be the oldest of “Brahmins” group founded primarily in Gujarat and also in some other states of India.

he aim of Surangan Music School is to nourish, nurture and carry forward the rich Bengali heritage. The evening of December 4 proved that fact to a tee, when the school held their annual student appreciation day at the HDBS Sur Auditorium. The school in its 6th year under the dedicated efforts of founder director Rupa Ghosh has grown in size, maturity and professionalism.

chosen, at random, to help answer these questions. It was fun to watch some of the Adults struggle with Christmas trivia. Luckily, the organizer allowed the audience to help answer the questions.

The school trains students in the classical, semi classical, Rabindra and Nazrul songs. It also takes pride in conducting periodic workshops with eminent artists from Bangladesh, India and the US and participates in several live stage shows, some in collaboration with other performing cultural organizations of the diverse, vibrant city of Houston.

Following the game, the famous Tony Valone’s Italian lunch was served. This consisted of delicious Vallone Salad followed by a sumptuous choice of Chicken Frascati, Eggplant Parmigiana or Paglia Fieno Genovese. The dePradeep Gupta, President, Club 24 Plus watches as children introduce themlicious dinner was selves at the Luncheon. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit. topped with a to-die for Chocolate Cake, nized a Christmas Trivia game. Continued from Page 1 traditional Indian Hansa had a stocking filled “Mithai” sweets and Coffee. tions, Savita and committee with Christmas trivia questions member Hansa Kothari orgaSavita and Hansa then kicked and about ten members were

by Sanchali Basu

December 16, also being the Victory Day of Bangladesh was commemorated in the program and participants were all dressed in shades of red and green representing the Bangladeshi national flag. The evening started with a brief introduction by emcee Sanchali Basu and Rupa opened with her melodi-

of the White Elephant game, in which the members could pick any gift from the table of gifts in return for the gift that they had placed on the table. Everyone enjoyed the fes-

ous rendition of Rabindra Sangeet “Jagate ananda jogge” and captivated the audience’s attention. 3 group songs were sung by her entire group of students and they included Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and a Bangladeshi patriotic song. Each individual student namely Sarat, Tansin, Sadaf, Shyon, Naiza, Mehenaz, Joti Priya, Prithika, Sharoni, Prova Joti, Pritha, Seeryn, Mohd Ali, Aryan, Sedra, Sreya, Puja, Dona, Mukta and Fareeha then took the stage and sang beautifully with very little help from the Guru. They ranged in age from 4 to anywhere over 30. Each one of them had the lyrics memorized and most of them played the harmonium while they were singing. As if this was not commendable enough, there was hardly any American accent in their Bengali pronunciation. Even the non Bengali mother-daughter duos of Vanini-Sheena and DipikaSonia sang, “Kothao aamar” with perfect Bengali diction. A dance performance by Shawon to “Mor bhabona re” brought some variety to the evening’s show. As is the tradition, Raja Banga, director of the Prana School tive occasion. Pradeep Gupta announced that the next Club 24 event will be the Valentine event to be held at Maggiano’s Restaurant in early February 2017.

of Music, an eminent music school of Katy along with a few of his disciples joined in the evening’s celebrations. His students also hailed from different age groups and delighted the audience with various percussion instruments including tabla, djembe, Cajon box drum, drums and keyboard. Rupa in her inimitable style delighted the audience with a Rabindra Sangeet and 2 Nazrul songs. The highlight of the evening was the mesmerizing renditions of Rabindra Sangeet by guest artists Kamalpriya Roy and Amit De with the impeccable accompaniment of Biplab Samaddar on the violin, Alok Roy on the mandira and Raja Banga on the tabla. Both have been trained in the traditional Rabindra Sangeet style from Santiniketan and the former is a faculty member at Kala Bhavan, HDBS. Shudhu tomar Bani sung by Kamalpriya deserves special mention. The audience wanted to hear more but the request could not be kept since the organizers were saving the best for the last. Biplab Samadder and Raja Banga drew much appreciation from the crowd with their jugalbandi on the Raga Chhhaya Nat. A vote of thanks was offered by Rupa and all guest artists were presented with uttoriyo and flowers. Appreciation certificates were handed out to students. Arrangement for snacks was made for all. Please visit www.surangan.org for further information.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 10

Indian-American elected as Mayor of Californian city

ASHINGTON (PTI) - For the first time, an IndianAmerican woman has been elected as the new Mayor of the key Californian city of Cupertino, globally known for its Apple headquarters.

mother who had flown in from India. “This is definitely a very momentous moment in my life,” Vaidhyanathan told a packed house at community hall in Cupertino, ‘The Mercury News’

American Mayor of Cupertino, which according to Forbes is one of the most educated small towns in the country with local

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

public schools ranking highly.

an-origin,” said Savita.

According to her campaign website, Savita has been a Cupertino resident for over 19 years and has been deeply involved in several community activities in the city.

“Yes, I do take a lot of pride and prestige in that, but I do want to thank the residents of the city of Cupertino thatvoted me in not looking at ethnicity at all. Thank you for your trust in me, and maybe we did break that silicon ceiling and put a few more cracks in that glass ceiling,” she said.

“I’ve had several congratulatory messages saying that I’m the first woman mayor of Indi-

On December 1, 2009, Cupertino became the first city in Northern California to have an Asian-American-majority city council. Cupertino is the 11th wealthiest city with a population over 50,000 in the United States. 63 percent of Cupertino’s population was of Asian ancestry as of 2010. (-Economic Times).

Savita Vaidhyanathan is the first Indian-American Mayor of Cupertino, California

“This is definitely a very momentous moment in my life,” Vaidhyanathan told a packed house at community hall in Cupertino, ‘The Mercury News’ reported Savita Vaidhyanathan, an MBA who worked as a high school Math teacher and an officer in a commercial bank as well as in non-profit management, was sworn in last week in a ceremony attended by her

reported. Two days after taking charge, she issued her first proclamation as the Cupertino Mayor in education. Savita is the first Indian-

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Greek anarchists Turkey begins detentions after force food recall killing of Russian envoy assassin dead, investigators target before Christmas With U.S.-based imam Fethullah Gulen, as nation’s

THENS, Greece | AFP | Tuesday 12/20/2016 - Four prominent Greek and multinational food companies recalled goods from supermarkets Tuesday after receiving a contamination threat from anarchists. A group calling itself Green Nemesis on Monday said it had tainted several dozen units of products by Coca-Cola, Nestle, Unilever and Greek dairy giant Delta. “We have appropriated products from the main supermarket chains in the greater Athens area,” the group said in a statement posted on an antiestablishment website.

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Thousands leave Aleppo as UN plans new peace talks

security challenges deepen

STANBUL—Turkey detained six people overnight in response to the assassination of Russia’s envoy to Ankara, one of a string of recent terror attacks that emphasize the nation’s security challenges. Hours after Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov was gunned down by a Turkish policeman, another Turkish man early Tuesday fired nine rounds from pump-action shotgun outside the U.S. Embassy, one block from where the Russian envoy was killed. No one was hurt.

heading to the gallery, where Mr. Karlov was to give an opening speech at an exhibit of photographs of Russian landscapes. Russian officials leave a Turkish forensic institute in Ankara on Tuesday after an autopsy following the shooting of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov. ENLARGE Stopped at the door, Mr. Altintas, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and tie, showed his police badge to clear security with his gun. As Mr. Karlov delivered his remarks, his assassin

“The products have been poisoned with chlorine and hydrochloric acid,” it added.

Syrian children evacuated from Aleppo arrive in opposition-controlled Khan al-Assal on December 19, 2016 (AFP Photo/Omar haj kadour)

Greek authorities initially said the country’s anti-terror squad was looking into the case and the food safety watchdog had also been informed.

LEPPO (Syria) (AFP) The Syrian government suspended the evacuation of civilians and fighters from the last rebel-held parts of Aleppo on Friday, leaving thousands of people trapped and uncertain of their fate.

In a joint statement the multinationals said the recall was “a preventative measure”.

Appeals came in from around the world for the evacuations to resume, with UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon warning that Aleppo had become “a synonym for hell”.

Delta took the same step, saying it regretted the damage inflicted on producers “and all of Greek society”. The self-styled anarchists said they had laced Unilever’s Caesar salad sauce and tomato sauce as well as Coca-Cola and Nestle drinks. Delta milk was also said to have been contaminated. “The operational aim is to sabotage the above companies, forcing them to fully withdraw their products for two weeks,” the group said, declaring that they would return the allegedly tainted goods to store shelves between December 22 and January 5. Green Nemesis made a similar claim in 2013, forcing two multinational companies to recall products.

For UK, Brexit eclipsed everything else in 2016

ONDON (AFP) -Britain’s historic vote in 2016 favouring an exit from the EU was a political upheaval of seismic proportions as it led to a leadership change which brought to power a woman Prime Minister whose first bilateral visit outside Europe to India signalled the depth in ties. Theresa May’s choice of India for the trip after assuming office following the June 23 referendum sent a positive message but her government’s recent crackdown on student and professional visas can hardly be called India-friendly.

‘Brexit’ also emerged as the word of the year due to the massive projected repercussions of the June referendum The early indications for Indo-UK ties seemed positive as there was widespread excitement over the prospect of a free trade agreement between India and Britain, one of the EU’s big three economies, freed from the perceived shackles of its membership of the 28-nation economic bloc after four decades. “As we leave the EU, we will forge our own trade deals. The leaders from India, Mexico, South Korea and Singapore said they would welcome talks to remove trade barriers,” the new Prime Minister told the House of Commons in September. She then followed up on this promise during her November visit to India which came under very different circumstances than the other high-profile UK visit in April by Prince William and wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Her visit also came nearly a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to the UK, the first by an Indian premier to the country in nearly a decade. Ahead of the visit, May said she would use this visit to “reaffirm the importance of the strategic partnership we already have, which delivers huge benefits for both our countries, and to work with Prime Minister Modi to agree to concrete steps to realise our shared vision of going even further in our cooperation across trade, investment, defence and security”. However, this message was somewhat overshadowed by her government’s wider efforts to curb immigration into the UK, with a crackdown on student and professional visas expected to hit Indians the hardest. Modi was candid in his message as he opened the UK-India Tech Summit in New Delhi alongside May, “Education is vital for our students and will define our engagement in a shared future. We must, therefore, encourage greater mobility and participation of

U.S. based cleric Fethullah Gulen at his home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 29, 2016 (Photo: AFP/File) The U.S. and Iran each closed some of their missions in Turkey on Tuesday, citing security risks.

stood behind him, as if a member of an official security detail. Then, he shot the Russian ambassador in the back.

The attacks on diplomats and foreign missions come on the heels of suicide bombings in Istanbul and Kayseri in the past 10 days that killed at least 58 people, most of them soldiers and policemen.

Saying the attack was retribution for the Kremlin’s Syria policies, the assassin also shouted, “Only death can take me from here,” before police raided the compound and killed him.

The violence deepens the security crisis facing Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization member, and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, since a failed attempt to overthrow him in July. The coup bid sparked a massive crackdown against alleged enemies of the state. Tens of thousands of security officials have been purged as Turkey also battles a fierce Kurdish insurgency at home and Islamic State in Syria. “No matter how much terror you unleash, no matter how many heinous people you assemble, you won’t be able to divide this nation,” Mr. Erdogan said on Tuesday during the inauguration of a $1.25 billion tunnel linking Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. Russia and Turkey said that the assassination wouldn’t disrupt improved relations. Diplomats met Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the Syria crisis. The initial phase of Turkey’s investigation is focusing on U.S.-based Turkish imam Fethullah Gulen and his religious network, according to three Turkish officials. Turkey has charged Mr. Gulen and his alleged followers with plotting the July 15 coup attempt. Mr. Gulen rejects the accusations and a spokeswoman denied allegations that Mr. Karlov’s assassination was in any way linked to the imam. The investigation remained in the early stages, as a team of 18 Russian investigators arrived in Ankara to assist the probe. The 22-year-old assassin, Mevlut Mert Altintas, prepared for Monday evening’s attack at a hotel in downtown Ankara near the contemporary art center when the Russian envoy was to speak, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency. The area is home to major embassies and parliament. Mr. Altintas called the hotel last Wednesday to reserve a room for Monday night and checked in before

young people in educational and research opportunities.” Within days, tougher new rules announced on November 24 by the UK Home Office for the Tier 2 intra-company transfer (ICT) category, raising the salary threshold requirement to 30,000 pounds, came into force. With Indian IT workers accounting for nearly 90 per cent of visas issued under this route, the tightening of this visa category as well as an expected halving of the number of student visas issued to non-EU applicants, including Indians, is unlikely to be seen as very India-friendly.

A Turkish security official said it was clear that Mr. Altintas was on a suicide mission. But it was unclear whether the assassin had any ties with known extremist or political groups. The six people detained overnight were family members of the assassin, according to Anadolu. One of them, Mr. Altintas’s uncle, was the headmaster of the Kusadasi American Turkish Academy in the province of Aydin. The school was closed by decree for its alleged affiliation with the Gulen network after the failed coup, as Turkey clamped down on what authorities were the organization’s financial and recruitment resources. Turkish officials are also pursuing other leads that may establish a connection between Mr. Altintas and Mr. Gulen’s movement, which Turkey classifies as a terrorist organization. They include his performance in police academy entrance exams, which Turkish prosecutors said have routinely been stolen by and distributed to Mr. Gulen’s followers, and testimony regarding Mr. Altintas’s attendance to meetings of the religious network. Turkish officials are also pursuing other leads that may establish a connection between Mr. Altintas and Mr. Gulen’s movement, which Turkey classifies as a terrorist organization. Two police officers who penned recommendations for Mr. Altintas when he applied to the Rustu Unal Police Academy in Izmir were dismissed over alleged links to Mr. Gulen’s organization well before the attack on Monday, the official added. Mr. Altintas’s class is “chock-ablock” with Gulen sympathizers, said the Turkish security official. The assassin graduated from the academy in Izmir in 2014 and has been deployed with the riot squad in Ankara for the past 2½ years. “We are looking into other possibilities too, there’s no definitive finding, but we’re focused on Gulen links,” the security official said, playing down the likelihood of ties to Syrian rebels or jihadist groups. (-WSJ.com)

“This is a vote of confidence in India’s growth story. And it’s a vote of confidence in London as the world’s leading financial centre,” she said, adding the potential to expand the commercial opportunities for both countries is huge. The “Leave” vs “Remain” campaign itself had a distinctly Indian flavour with so-called “curry wars” dominating much of the debate around the perceived bias against migrants from outside the European Union, including countries like India.

However, during her visit, May said there were “more opportunities for Britain and India and a clear message that Britain is very much open for business”.

Priti Patel, the then UK employment minister and Cameron’s Indian Diaspora Champion, led the Brexit charge with claims that Britain’s membership of the EU meant unmanageable levels of European migration which led to Indian chefs being denied visas.

Taking about the capital required for India’s infrastructure, she said that since the launch of the first masala bond in London in July, rupee-denominated bonds worth over GBP 900 million have now been issued, “and we expect a further four bonds with a total value of GBP 600 million to be issued in the next three months”.

She said, “There are over 12,000 Indian restaurants in the UK. But the future of this sector is under pressure and at risk while we remain in the EU. Curry is often voted Britain’s favourite meal. But there are fewer and fewer chefs able to come into the UK to cook curry dishes and train the next generation of chefs.”

The United Nations urges “the parties to take all necessary measures to allow safe resumption of this evacuation process”, he said in New York. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also called for all sides to respect the Aleppo deal. Rebel backer Ankara, which helped broker the accord with regime ally Moscow, said thousands of people were still waiting to leave. Turkey and a Syrian military source said the evacuation had been suspended but was not yet over, while Moscow insisted the operation was now “complete”, with all women and children moved from the city. Amid the confusion, a convoy of evacuees that had already left the east when the operation was suspended was forced to turn back, an AFP correspondent said. The delicate operation to bring the last civilians and rebels out of east Aleppo began on Thursday and continued overnight, with thousands of people leaving in buses and ambulances. But on Friday morning it was abruptly suspended, with the government accusing rebels of violating the terms of the accord. “The evacuation operation has been suspended because the militants failed to respect the conditions of the agreement,” a security source told AFP. State television said rebels had tried to smuggle heavy weapons and hostage out of Aleppo.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has supervised the evacuation, confirmed it was on hold. The opposition accused the government of suspending the operation in a bid to secure the evacuation of residents from Fuaa and Kafraya, two villages under rebel siege in northwest Syria. The government and its other main ally Iran have reportedly sought to add an evacuation of civilians from the villages to the terms of the Aleppo deal. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, also said the suspension appeared to be related to the two villages. It said pro-government fighters had blocked the road out of Aleppo that the evacuation convoy had been using and rebels were refusing the evacuation of residents of Fuaa and Kafraya. The evacuation of the last pocket of rebel territory in Aleppo had been scheduled to begin on Wednesday, but was delayed by a day because of government objections, including over Fuaa and Kafraya. Clashes resumed for several hours before the deal was revived, and on Thursday afternoon buses and ambulances began transporting evacuees to rebel territory in the west of Aleppo province. The Observatory estimated some 8,500 people had left before the operation was suspended, including around 3,000 rebels. Syrian state media reported a figure of around 8,000. Ahmad al-Dbis, a doctor helping coordinate the evacuation of the wounded, said at least 500 evacuees had wounds or illnesses requiring attention. It is unclear how many people remain in east Aleppo, with tens of thousands fleeing to territory held by the government or Kurds in recent days, but perhaps tens of thousands are still inside.

Employer’s duty to accommodate disabled employees

nder both Texas and federal law, most employers cannot discriminate against an employee for an actual or perceived disability, no matter how minor the disability may seem. There is also a requirement for employers to try to reasonably accommodate an employee’s disability so that the employee can do his/her job, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer (an “undue hardship”). A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment to help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. Some examples may include making the workplace accessible for wheelchair users, allowing more frequent breaks or doctor’s visits, providing a special chair or desk, or periodically working from home if possible. An “undue hardship” means that the accommodation would be too difficult or too expensive to provide, in light of the employer’s size, financial resources, and the needs of the business. An employer may not refuse to provide an accommodation just because it involves some cost. However, the employer is generally not required to change the expectations for the position or permit poor performance. Whether a proposed accommodation is “reasonable” is often disputed and litigated. Also, even if an employee proposes an unreasonable accommodation or an accommodation that may be an undue burden for the employer, the employer is still obligated to engage in an “interactive process” to explore alter-

Nitin Sud, Board Certified Labor and Employment Attorney native options. Failing to engage in this “interactive process” could subject the employer to liability as well. Employers also cannot retaliate against employees for requesting an accommodation, regardless as to whether the accommodation is provided. Ultimately, there are significant obligations on an employer to comply with disability-related laws, and the failure to do so could result in substantial liability. Board Certified Labor and Employment Attorney Nitin Sud represents employees, executives, and small businesses in the following matters: Litigation in state and federal courts, Wrongful termination and employment discrimination claims, Overtime claims, Employment contracts, Severance agreements, Non-compete and non-solicitation matters. For more information, visit www.sudemploymentlaw.com

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 29 No. 51

Section 2

by Rob Lever

ASHINGTON | lifestyle - It may be a jilted lover looking for payback after a breakup. Or it could be a hacker releasing intimate images of a celebrity. So-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;revenge pornâ&#x20AC;? -- or the posting of nude or explicit pictures without that personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consent -- affects one in 25 Americans, according to a new study.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

VOICE OF ASIA 13

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

A Pervasive Threat

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Tel: 713-774-5140 Americans have had someone threaten to post nearly nude or nude photos or videos of them online to hurt or embarrass them. Young people -- ages 15-29 -- are most likely to report being threatened. More women than men are impacted, with one in 10 women under the age of 30 saying they experienced threats about posting such content. Among internet users who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, 15 percent said someone threatened to share a nude or nearly nude photo or video of them.

The issue gained public attention in 2014 when nude photos of celebrities including actress Jennifer Lawrence and model Kate Upton were posted online by a hacker, in the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebgateâ&#x20AC;? scandal.

- Men are victims too â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we recognize that men are also victims of nonconsensual pornography,â&#x20AC;? Lenhart said.

Lead study author Amanda Lenhart at the Data & Society Research Institute said this was the first national survey on revenge, or nonconsensual pornography. Two percent have had someone post an explicit photo or video of them online without their permission, and many others faced such a threat. Taken together, four percent were victimized by posting of images or by threats, which would amount to some 10.4 million Americans, according to the survey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nonconsensual pornography can have a devastating and lasting impact on victims, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital that we understand how common this is and who is affected,â&#x20AC;? Lenhart said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if images are never actually posted publically, perpetrators may use threats to post such images as a method of controlling or intimidating victims.â&#x20AC;? In some cases of revenge porn, explicit images were stolen from private online or cloud servers, while others were secretly or forcibly photographed or taped.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Male victims are often invisible -but hopefully this report will challenge us to think differently.â&#x20AC;? Victimsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; advocates have called for laws punishing perpetrators of revenge porn, but civil liberties defenders have argued these measures could violate free speech protection. So-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;revenge pornâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or the posting of nude or explicit pictures without that personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; affects one in 25 Americans, according to a new study. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFP Relaxnews

Revenge porn takes toll on millions, study shows Young people - ages 15-29 - are most likely to report being threatened. Some images come from jilted romantic partners while others are stolen by amateur or professional hackers.

tresses, models, and athletes, many of whom spoke of the emotional distress they experience.

Public attention on revenge porn increased after the Celebgate hack of ac-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a public figure, just because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an actress, does not mean

To protect themselves, more American Muslim women give up hijab by Harry Bruinius

hree and a half years ago, when Nassrene Elmadhun was 8-1/2 months pregnant with her first child, she never dreamed she would ever go out without wearing hijab. Since her early teens in Colorado, Dr. Elmadhun has worn a headscarf, both as an expression of her traditional Muslim faith and her commitment to its requirements for public modesty. She wore it throughout her years as a doctor in Boston, where she became the chief surgical resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a top trauma center and affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

She was wearing it on April 15, 2013, when her husband texted her. A bomb had exploded near him at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got my scrubs on and waddled into the hospital and did my best to aid the victims,â&#x20AC;? says Elmadhun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still have my fleece with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boston Strong.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that will be forever burned into my memory.â&#x20AC;? That day marked a turning point, however. Though she had been acutely aware of the fact that her headscarf made her stand out, Elmadhun says, she always felt confident and strong wearing hijab, both as a Muslim and as an American who felt, in a deeply

personal way, her countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise of liberty and religious freedom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even after the difficult days following Sept. 11, 2001. Instead of second glances, she became the object of angry stares. Instead of folks assuming sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from another country, or expressing surprise she speaks without an accent, they began to openly associate her with the Tsarnaev brothers, who perpetrated the Boston bombings, or other Muslim extremists.

that I asked for this,â&#x20AC;? Lawrence said in an interview after the incident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime. It is a sexual violation.â&#x20AC;? The survey found three percent of

several years, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been this growing unease, feeling uncomfortable in my own skin,â&#x20AC;? the surgeon says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And that is something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new.... I was feeling less and less welcome in my own community, and more and more like there was a target on my back.â&#x20AC;? And so, like a number of Muslim women this year, Elmadhun made the wrenching personal decision to stop wearing her headscarf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You feel fear, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s human nature,â&#x20AC;? says Mariana Aguilera, who converted to Islam 10 years ago and now runs

According to the study, 30 states have passed legislation over the past three years attempting to define and criminalize â&#x20AC;&#x153;revenge porn.â&#x20AC;? National legislation has been introduced in Congress without passage. The report was based on a survey of 3,002 American internet users ages 15 and older, from May 17 to July 31, 2016. The margin of error was estimated at two percentage points. Lenhart said there are no previous comparable studies which show a trend, but noted that revenge porn â&#x20AC;&#x153;has been assisted by the development of digital cameras, smartphones and social media.â&#x20AC;?

The Demureist, a Queens-based website for women of all faiths looking for fashion that embraces a conservative lifestyle, including Muslim women wearing hijab. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But this is more than about our fear,â&#x20AC;? says Ms. Aguilera, who has decided to keep wearing her headscarf, despite receiving verbal threats this month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason why we have this religious freedom in our country, and if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do something â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this climate is destroying our values, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dangerous.â&#x20AC;? (-CSMonitor.com)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the last

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LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 14

AUTO: 4 great year-end luxury car lease deals by Jerry Edgerton, MoneyWatch.com eople who drive luxury cars have always liked to lease them. But for the first time this year, it appears that luxury dealers will lease more cars than they sell. Edmunds.com reports that leasing is on track to hit 51 percent of luxury transactions.

That number has risen from a low of 27 percent in 2003, according to Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds. For the entire industry, including luxury and mainstream brands, leasing will account for just over 30 percent this year, also an all-time high, according to Edmunds. In addition, December is an especially strong month for taking home a luxury car. So the parent companies of luxury brands have rolled out very attractive year-end lease deals. If leasing a luxury car revs your engine, here are five of the best 2017 model December deals as picked from data compiled by U.S. News. The deals that make the list have relatively low monthly payments compared with their competitors.

a month for three years with $3,794 down. The 2017 model has had a minor redesign with a new look for headlights and a wider grille. The A3 comes equipped with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine is rated for 26 MPG in city driving and 35 on the highway. The A3 sports the latest safety gear, including a sensor that warns of cross traffic to the car’s rear as you back up. INFINITI QX30 - If a luxury SUV is on your list, consider the Infiniti’s QX30 -- new for this model year. It’s leasing for $299 a month for 39 months with $2,799 down. This subcompact SUV can seat five but

works better with four.

AUDI A3 - Long a critics’ favorite among small luxury cars, the A3 is leasing for $299

Miss Puerto Rico lands Miss World 2016 crown

The QX30 earns praise for its luxurious interior and comfortable ride. Its 2-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers ample power, is rated for 24 MPG in city driving, 33 on the highway. LEXUS IS - The 2017 IS, which has had a styling update with a sportier front end, is leasing for $349 a month for three years with $2,499 down. The IS 200t version is powered by a turbocharged fourcylinder engine rated for 22 MPG in city driving, 32 on the highway. Test drivers praise the IS for its elegant interior and comfortable ride.

Moving to Canada now a crapshoot for parents, grandparents

ACURA ILX - If you want to start at the bargain end of luxury sedans, the ILX lease may be for you. With a list price that begins at $27,900, this lease offers monthly payments of $219 for 39 months with $2,499 down at signing. Though it can’t match some rivals for thrilling acceleration, the ILX delivers some of the best fuel economy in the class, with EPA ratings of 25 MPG in city driving, 35 on the highway. Reviewers also praise its responsive steering and sharp handling on twisting roads.

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Miss Puerto Rico Stephanie Del Valle (C) was crowned Miss World 2016. Seen with runners-up from the Dominican Republic and Indonesia (Photo: AFP)

XON HILL, United States | AFP | 12/18/2016 - Stephanie del Valle of Puerto Rico was crowned Miss World 2016 on Sunday, edging out runnersup from the Dominican Republic and Indonesia, and beauties from around the globe. Del Valle, 19, is a brown-eyed brunette student who speaks Spanish, English and French, and hopes to get into the entertainment industry.

Several nations gathered in Ottawa, Canada to explore the country’s unique refugee system on December 14, 2016 (AFP Photo/ Geoff Robins).

TTAWA, Canada | AFP | Canada will hold a lottery in 2017 for parents and grandparents seeking to immigrate and reunite with their offspring, the government an-

nounced Wednesday. The new system, which would see winners moving in 2017, aims to level the applicant field and clear a processing backlog.

Immigration Minister John McCallum said it is fairer than the old oversubscribed first-come, first-serve visa program. That system reportedly saw couriers charging hefty fees to get applications to the top of the pile for spots in January and others camping out for hours at immigration of-

Crowned by Miss World 2015 Mireia Lalaguna of Spain, del Valle called it an “honor and a great responsibility” to represent her Caribbean homeland. First runner-up was Yaritza Miguelina Reyes Ramirez of the Dominican Republic, followed by Miss World Indonesia Natasha Mannuela.

Canada’s Miss World representative, Chinese-born Anastasia Lin was embroiled in a controversy when pageant officials reportedly warned her against speaking to the press for three weeks about human rights abuses in China. She was given the green light again on Wednesday.

Contestants from Kenya and Catriona Gray of the Philippines also were in the final five.

Last year, China blocked Lin from attending the same contest when it was held in the city of Sanya.

fices.

to have their name chosen.”

“We’re listening to what past applicants had to say and making the process fairer for people who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents,” he said in a statement.

Starting January 3 for 30 days, sponsors will be able to submit an online form.

“We’re ensuring everyone can access the application process by giving them the same chance

The ministry will randomly select 10,000 individuals from those who filled out the form, and those people will be invited to send in a completed application package.

Zuckerberg builds software butler for his home

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on December 19, 2016 that his artificial intelligence-imbued software “butler”, named Jarvis, is now in service ©Justin Sullivan (Getty/AFP/ File) by Glenn CHAPMAN

AN FRANCISCO Mark Zuckerberg’s artificial intelligenceimbued software “butler” -named Jarvis -- is now in service, and even plays with his family, the Facebook chief said Monday. Zuckerberg took on the personal project this year, devoting about 100 hours to making a system inspired by the “Iron Man” film character Jarvis as a virtual assistant to help manage his household. “In some ways, this challenge was easier than I expected,” Zuckerberg said in a post on his page at the leading social network. “In fact, my running challenge (I also set out to run 365

miles in 2016) took more total time.” Jarvis is not a physical robot, but an application Zuckerberg can access through his phone or computer to control lights, temperature, music, security, appliances and more. The software learns his tastes and patterns, as well as new words or concepts, and can even entertain his one-year-old daughter Max, according to Zuckerberg. - Knowing faces Natural language processing and facial recognition capabilities were built into Jarvis, enabling it to understand spoken or texted commands and recognize who is issuing them, Zuckerberg noted.

him think of it more as a real person, he noted.

The software can determine when a guest at the door is expected and let them into the home, while notifying the family that someone has arrived, according to the post.

played without the AI being told which room, especially if a napping baby is a factor. The more context AI has, the better it can handle open-ended requests, he noted.

“Ever since I built voice into Jarvis, I’ve also wanted to build in more humor,” Zuckerberg said.

“One aspect that was much more complicated than I expected was simply connecting and communicating with all of the different systems in my home,” Zuckerberg said.

“At this point, I mostly just ask Jarvis to ‘play me some music’ and by looking at my past listening patterns, it mostly nails something I’d want to hear,” he said.

“Part of this is that now it can interact with Max and I want those interactions to be entertaining for her, but part of it is that it now feels like it’s present with us.”

Zuckerberg said he tends to text his Jarvis using a ‘bot’ he built for the Facebook Messenger service instead of speaking to it, mostly not to disturb people around him.

He told of teaching the AI a game in which they ask it who they should tickle, and Jarvis randomly picks someone in the family, including the dog, to target.

“Most appliances aren’t even connected to the internet yet.” Assistants such as Jarvis would not only need devices in homes to be linked to the internet, they would have to run on common standards, according to the Facebook co-founder and chief executive, who returned to his software-writing roots for the project. His foray into AI also impressed upon him the importance of getting software to understand context, such as who is speaking and where they are.

- AI personality Speaking to the AI had the psychological effect of making

Zuckerberg planned to continue improving Jarvis, and said he was more convinced

than ever that AI technology would improve greatly in the coming five to 10 years. “I’d love to have Jarvis control my Big Green Egg and help me cook, but that will take even more serious hacking than rigging up the T-shirt cannon,” he said, referring to a popular brand of ceramic cooker. “In the longer term, I’d like to explore teaching Jarvis how to learn new skills itself rather than me having to teach it how to perform specific tasks.” AI is getting a foothold in people’s homes, starting with devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers which links to personal assistants to answer questions and control connected devices.

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“When I tell it to turn the AC (air conditioning) up in ‘my office,’ that means something completely different from when Priscilla tells it the exact same thing,” Zuckerberg said, referring to his wife.

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HEALTH, SC & TECH

Elon Musk wants to start tunnel-boring company to address traffic congestion

Taking to social media he promised to build a tunnel boring machine and begin digging tunnels, presumably to build an underground labyrinth of roadways. A tunnel boring machine, also known as a “mole” is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section. And it also happens to provide a nice play on words for when billionaire entrepreneurs are stuck in traffic and feel like joking around. It was clearly a lighthearted rant, but his ensuing insistence has media speculation in overdrive. To prove just how serious he supposedly is about his new business venture, Mr Musk even edited his Twitter bio which now reads: “Tesla, SpaceX, Tunnels (yes, tunnels) & OpenAI.” It’s certainly not the first time the PayPal co-founder has mentioned his keenness to build a bunch of tunnels. Following an event in January this year dedicated to a competition to design passenger pods for the Hyperloop train conceptualised by Mr Musk, he

Elon Musk (Photo: Eric Ogden) spoke of his fondness for tunnels. “It’s a really simple and obvious idea and I wish more people would do it: build more tunnels,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the event. “Tunnels are great. It’s just a hole in the ground, it’s not that hard. But if you have tunnels in cities you would massively alleviate congestion and you could have tunnels at all different levels; you could probably have 30 layers of tunnels and completely fix the congestion problem in high-density cities. So, I strongly recommend tunnels.” Musk recently joined US presidentelect Donald Trump’s economic advisory team after attending a meeting of tech leaders and the real estate mogul turned politician. Mr Trump has signalled his intention to be a president that invests in infrastructure projects, and building tunnels is certainly a better idea than building border walls. Anyone who is routinely caught in peak hour traffic would surely welcome any ideas to effectively reduce road congestion. However the logistics and cost of building a bunch of underground roads probably makes it an unlikely venture at this point. But it’s far from Elon Musk’s craziest idea.

Indian scientists name new spider after Harry Potter hat UMBAI | AFP - Indian scientists have discovered a new species of spider that looks “uncannily” like the sorting hat in Harry Potter and have named it after its owner Godric Gryffindor, they said Thursday.

A review by experts confirmed that the spider, which mimics the shape of leaves to avoid predators, was indeed a newly discovered species. The discovery was published in December’s Indian Journal of Arachnology and sparked a wave of excitement

Is it a leaf? No, that’s a magical new spider named after the Hogwart’s sorting hat. It was named eriovixia gryffindori (Photo: Indian Journal of Arachnology) The ardent fans of the boy wizard came across the seven millimetre (around a quarter of an inch) spider in October last year during a survey of the lush Western Ghats mountain range in south-west India. “My colleagues and I are geeks and we all thought, ‘Hey this curious little spider looks exactly like the sorting hat.’ It was uncannily similar,” scientist Javed Ahmed told AFP. “So we made a pact that if this turns out to be a new species we will name it after the sorting hat,” he added, referring to the magical headwear that assigns students to their houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the hugely popular series. By June, Mumbai-based Ahmed and his fellow scientists were “100 percent” sure it was a new species so they went ahead and named the pointyshaped and nocturnal spider Eriovixia Gryffindori.

NASA scientist: We’re woefully unprepared

He is, of course, Elon Musk.

The crux of his idea: tunnels.

“Earth is overdue for an asteroid strike”

esearchers at Harvard University have created the world’s smallest radio receiver – and it’s made from diamonds. The radio is based on nanosized flaws in the pink diamond, with functional building blocks the size of only two atoms.

Now it seems he wants to solve the scourge of traffic congestion that plagues major cities around the world.

On Sunday, Mr Musk was clearly frustrated by the slow moving traffic and decided to make a very public pledge to do something about it.

Scientists create diamond radio receiver

by Weston Williams

e wants to put a human colony on Mars, fill the world with electric-powered driverless cars, charge your house with a battery and conceptualise super speed trains.

The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla has got many world-changing projects currently in the works but judging by an impromptu Twitter rant over the weekend, the innovative 45-year-old now wants to eradicate traffic congestion.

Tiny tunes:

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

on social media, with Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling taking to Twitter to express her delight. “I’m truly honoured! Congratulations on discovering another #FantasticBeast!,” Rowling tweeted to Ahmed. “How many geeks have the opportunity to describe a species, much less name it, after a pop culture icon and then have the creator of that icon tweet you saying she was congratulated and honoured? I was so thrilled!” said Javed. Gryffindor’s spider is not the first species to be named after a popular icon, fictional or real. In 2009 a yellow spider discovered in Malaysia was named after late rock star David Bowie. Three years later Australian scientists named a fly with a goldencoloured rear “Beyonce.”

While the sound quality of the receiver may not receive any awards, the world’s smallest radio receiver works perfectly for playing music on a local radio station. It’s a device built on a micro-scale unheard of when human-created radio transmissions were first invented in the late 19th century. In addition to its Lilliputian dimensions, the pink diamond basis of the receiver means that this piece of nanotechnology is highly resistant to external conditions, making future versions of the device ideal for use in space or other extreme environments. The technology at the core of the receiver might also be used in quantum computing, potentially pushing future computer processing power forward by leaps and bounds. A normal radio has five components, including its receiver: a power source, a transducer (which converts the high-frequency electromagnetic signal in the air to a low-frequency electric current), some sort of speaker to translate that current into sound, and a tuner to isolate and amplify the specific EM wave the listener wishes to access. According to a Harvard statement, the receiver in this device is based on imperfections in the pink diamonds called nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. These NV centers are tiny, only the width of two atoms. Since diamonds are made of pure carbon, the researchers were able to take advantage of the uniform structure to create useful flaws in the diamonds, in the form of these NV centers. The scientists could remove one carbon atom in the diamond and replace it with a nitrogen atom. Next to the nitrogen atom, the scientists removed another carbon atom, creating an atomic-scale system consisting of a nitrogen atom with a hole next to it (thus, “nitrogen-vacancy”). These NV centers were each able to emit single photons and detect magnetic fields. The researchers then pumped green laser light into the diamond, exciting the electrons in the NV centers. Once excited, these electrons are able to detect electromagnetic fields, including radio waves, and convert these signals into red light. From there, a photodiode could read the red light and convert it into a current, which was then translated into sound. A strong magnetic field around the diamonds allowed scientists to tune the device by changing the receiving frequency of the NV centers. This atomic-scale radio receiver is capable of being tuned over 300 MHz. For context, FM radio usually falls between 87.5 MHz and 108 MHz, so this receiver, despite its size, is fully usable by usual standards. While researchers used billions of NV centers to boost the signal, the receiver technically works with just one, though since only one photon is emitted at a time instead of a constant stream of red light, it is harder to detect. But the NV centers’ ability to transmit information in the form of photons on an atomic scale makes it a promising candidate for quantum computation, which could one day use quantum physics to overcome the limitations of traditional binary computers. But for now, there are already plenty of potential uses for a nano-scale radio receiver embedded in diamond, one of the strongest materials in the world. The researchers detailed the process for creating the world’s smallest radio receiver in a paper published in the journal Physical Review Applied. (-CSM.com)

Large, dangerous asteroids and comets are extremely rare (NASA.com) by Lindsay Dodgson NASA scientist has warned that if a gigantic asteroid heads towards our planet, there’s pretty much nothing we can do about it.

At the annual meeting of American Geophysical Union last week, the Guardian reports that Dr Joseph Nuth, a researcher with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said that Earth is woefully unprepared for an asteroid strike. We’re particularly defenceless if it’s the size of the one that is thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. Although rare, Nuth said of dangerous asteroids and other space rocks: “They’re 50 to 60 million years apart, essentially. “You could say, of course, we’re due.” It is generally believed that dinosaurs became extinct around 66 million years ago after a 10km-wide asteroid hit the area which is now the Gulf of Mexico.

Nuth said that Earth had a “close encounter” with a comet in 1996 and again in 2014, when one passed “within cosmic spitting distance of Mars.” In that case, if we had been unlucky and the asteroid was in fact heading towards us, we probably wouldn’t have had enough time to prepare. - We have the technology to deflect asteroids of basically any size. Taking on an asteroid would probably require two space missions, said Nuth. The first mission would send a robotic probe towards the asteroid to knock it off course. The second mission would be a follow-up to launch a “gravity tractor” spacecraft to fly alongside the asteroid to nudge it further and further away by using a gravitational tug. Such a strategy would probably only work on asteroids up to 400m wide. Larger space rocks would require several impacts from probes, or attempts to destroy the asteroid with a nuclear bomb. (-Business Insider)

Pregnancy alters size and structure of brain, new study shows by Pam Belluck

regnancy changes a woman’s brain, altering the size and structure of areas involved in perceiving the feelings and perspectives of others, according to a first-ofits-kind study published on Monday. Most of these changes remained two years after giving birth, at least into the babies’ toddler years. And the more pronounced the brain changes, the higher mothers scored on a measure of emotional attachment to their babies. “Just fascinating,” said Dr. Ronald E. Dahl, director of the Institute of Human Development at the University of California, Berkeley, who was not involved in the study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. He said the researchers’ interpretation that changes in the brain enhance women’s maternal responses is “provocative, and I think it’s likely to be true.” In the study, researchers scanned the brains of women who had never conceived before, and again after they gave birth for the first time. The results were remarkable: loss of gray matter in several brain areas involved in a process called social cognition or “theory of mind,” the ability to register and consider how other people perceive things. What might the loss mean? There are three possibilities, said Paul Thompson, a neuroscientist at the University of Southern California who was not involved in the study. “The most intuitive is that losing gray matter is not beneficial, that later on there may be negative consequences.” Or, he said, it could be just a “neutral” reflection of pregnancy-related “stress, diet, lack of sleep.” A third possibility is that the loss is “part of the brain’s program for dealing with the future,” he said. Hormone surges in pregnancy might cause “pruning or cellular adaptation that is helpful,” he said, streamlining certain brain areas to be more efficient

at mothering skills “from nurturing to extra vigilance to teaching.” The study strongly leans toward the third possibility. “We certainly don’t want to put a message out there on the lines of ‘pregnancy makes you lose your brain,’ as we don’t believe this is the case,” said Elseline Hoekzema, a researcher at Leiden University in the Netherlands, who led the study at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona in Spain. “Gray matter volume loss does not necessarily represent a bad thing,” she said. “It can also represent a beneficial process of maturation or specialization.” Pregnancy, she explained, may help a woman’s brain specialize in “a mother’s ability to recognize the needs of her infant, to recognize social threats or to promote mother-infant bonding.” The study, which took more than five years, involved 25 women in their 30s in Spain who had never been pregnant but were hoping to conceive. Their brains were scanned before becoming pregnant and within few months after giving birth. For comparison, 20 women who had never been pregnant were also scanned twice, about the same number of months apart. Only the pregnant women showed gray matter reduction, thinning and changes in the surface area of the cortex in areas related to social cognition. Changes were so clear that imaging results alone could indicate which women had been pregnant. The researchers said they did not yet know what was being reduced in size: neurons, other brain cells, synapses or parts of the circulatory system. Many of the women had been recruited for the study at a fertility clinic, and the 16 who conceived after fertility treatment were compared with nine who conceived naturally. Fertility treatments caused no difference in brain changes; nor did the sex of the babies. (-New York Times)

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Section 2

Young Life

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

China’s ‘missing’ girls

The millions hiding from the one child policy by Debra Killalea

esearchers may have found millions of women and girls who were believed to be missing across China. It was estimated that between 30 and 60 million girls were “missing” in the world’s most populous country, with many believing they were either killed before or after birth simply because of their gender.

areas, would turn a blind eye to extra children as they had to work and live in the village where such policies were implemented. One farmer he spoke at this time called his second daughter “the nonexistent one”. In the 1980s rural Chinese were allowed to have a second child if their first was a girl. The farmer, from the northern Shaanxi province, had a third child, a

But new research suggests 25 million girls do actually exist after all and didn’t appear on government records because they simply weren’t registered. The findings raise the possibility that the country’s serious gender imbalance is not as severe as previously believed. John Kennedy, an associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas, along with co-author Shi Yaojiang, an economics professor at Shaanxi Normal University, believe these girls went unreported at birth.

by Rahul Choudaha and Di Hu

hina and India are the two leading sources of international students coming to the U.S. As at November 2016, American universities and colleges enrolled over 202,000 students from India and 314,000 from China , according to the latest data released by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Any major shift in the number of students coming from these two countries can have serious implications for international enrollment at many American institutions. With the increase in concerns about the China slowdown, institutions have been banking on India as the next big source country to meet enrollment goals.

However they later appeared on government census records. Prof Kennedy said it now appeared the administrative story had to do with how births are registered at local levels in China. “People think 30 million girls are missing from the population. That’s the population of California, and they think they’re just gone,” he said on the university’s website.

The policy was introduced in the 1979 by then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in a bid to curb China’s rapidly growing population.

“Most people are using a demographic explanation to say that abortion or infanticide are the reasons they don’t show up in the census and that they don’t exist. But we find there is a political explanation.”

But the one-child policy meant couples faced severe penalties, including fines and reported forced abortions if they had further pregnancies and children.

The sex ratio at birth was 118 males for every 100 females the 2010 Chinese census found.

Concerns were also raised about the gender imbalance given the societal preference for boys while claims of sex-selective abortions or infanticide targeting girls also emerged.

However according to the new research, published this month in the journal China Quarterly, the female to male ratio isn’t as dire as it sounds. Using interviews and observations with villagers in rural China, the researchers analysed national population data which spanned a 25-year period.

The policy was loosened for rural families and ethnic minorities as concerns were filed over an ageing population and a perceived gender imbalance.

They found a combination of late registration and unreported births helped explain a larger portion of the “missing girls” than previously cited in Chinese sex-ratio-at-birth statistics.

Further reforms occurred in 2013 when the government allowed couples to have a second child if they were only children themselves, however this did little to appease the problem with too few people taking the opportunity, AFP reported.

Prof Kennedy, who began looking into this issue 20 years ago, said they found authorities, particularly in rural

Some critics claimed it was too little too late to address the looming population crisis. (-AFP)

How unpaid student loans are leading to lower Social Security checks by Madeline Farber, Fortune.com

n an effort to recover millions of dollars in unpaid student debt, the government has been increasingly taking money from Social Security recipients’ checks. Since 2001, the government has collected about $1.1 billion from recipients of all ages, with $171 million in 2015 alone. This has left thousands of retired or disabled Americans below the poverty line, according to the report from the Government Accountability Office. As of September 2015, 114,000 Americans who were 50 and older had their Social Security benefits reduced to offset defaulted student loans, according to the report. Since 2002, that figure has increased by 440%. Typically, a borrower 50 and older had about $140 in Social Security income taken out each month. However, it is important to note that those whose checks were garnished are in default— meaning they haven’t made a payment on their student loans in at least a year, according to the GAO.

Although the government has the ability to garnish Social Security checks (up to 15% of an individual’s benefits—a figure that hasn’t been adjusted for current living costs), some congressional Democrats—like Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts— believe the government’s tactics to do so have become too aggressive, setting its sites on those who will never be able to repay, the Wall Street Journal reports. The government’s ability to garnish checks comes as a way to protect taxpayers, who end up covering any unpaid debt on federal loans. “The growth is stunning,” McCaskill told the Journal in an interview. “I believe this is the tip of the iceberg of what may be to come if we don’t work harder on this problem.” Overall, the GAO’s report reflects an increasing number of baby boomers who enter retirement with student debt. According to the report, about 43% people whose Social Security checks were decreased have held their student loans 20 years or more.

One of the key motivations for demonetization was to flush the black money generated through tax evasion and corruption and take India towards a “cashless economy.” However, cash was also the mechanism of short-term borrowing for many Indian students. Visa approval processes for international students requires showing proof of availability of funds for the first year of tuition and living expenses. Given that total annual expenses can range from US$ 30,000 to US$

I remember learning about how different doctors and volunteers come on Saturdays to provide free services to various patients at the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic (IDC clinic), regardless of who they are.

They then compared the number of children born in 1990 and compared it with the population figures 20 years later, discovering an extra four million people, with a million more females than males.

Last year, Beijing announced it was officially ending the one child policy after a bill was signed off allowing all married couples to have a second child.

circulation invalid as a legal tender.

own talents to help others. One source of inspiration was hearing about the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic while my father was the President of the Indian Doctors Association.

Researchers also found girls such as this were often reported later in life, often from the age of 10.

‘DAMAGING POLICY’

Demonetization of Indian currency would affect enrollment of Indian students in the US (AFP/File Photo) 70,000, many Indian students were using short-term borrowing for visa approvals and education abroad. The timing of demonetization could not have been worse for many institutions who were still making sense of the implications of the American Presidential elections on international students. The deadlines of most institutions range from November to February creating further time pressure as there is a lot more uncertainty about the external environment. (-Forbes.com)

Clear lake student tells how she was inspired to help IDCC

boy, and registered his son instead as his second child.

“If we go over a course of 25 years, it’s possible there are about 25 million women in the statistics that weren’t there at birth,” Prof Kennedy said.

Tel: 713-774-5140

Demonetization of Indian currency to impact students coming for U.S. study

However, a recent change in the Government of India policy can negatively affect the growth of Indian students going abroad. On November 8, the Prime Minster of Indian announced a demonetization policy which made 86% of the currency in

China’s one-child policy raised concerns about a gender imbalance with reports emerging of girls being abandoned at orphanages (AFP Photo/Wang Zhou)

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Mallika Tripathy by Mallika Tripathy

lbert Schweitzer once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” Currently, I am a senior at Clear Lake High School. I participate in debate, DECA, Red Cross, and many other clubs at school. I’ve grown up hearing about the importance of leaving your own mark on the world by creating an environment of positivity with a smile on your face wherever you go. It is this belief that has led me to want to create change in society to make the lives of all individuals better. I have always found great interest in pursuing my

I was astounded to hear how dedicated these doctors were to helping others as they took time out of the only free days they get in the week (Saturday Clinic). Seeing the efforts on their part, I understood the importance of other individuals in the community helping out to ensure that the services can always be provided, which made me want to donate money to this charity organization. Three years ago, I started a business alongside my sister where we make handmade beaded jewelry and sell it at different forums. The money we have made has been donated to various charities including the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic and many other non-profit organizations. In the month of March in 2014, I organized a bake sale at school and donated over $150 to the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic. I was overjoyed to hear the appreciation from the members of the organization. This pushed me in wanting to give back to the commu-

nity I grew up in, before I embarked on to college. As President of the Youth Committee in the local Indian Cultural Center of Clear Lake, I went into the year with a desire to bring a balance between cultural activities and community service projects done by the youth. We organized various events including canned food drives, clothing drives, socials, and a car wash. Using the $840.75 we ended up making throughout the course of this year, I decided I wanted to further our community service work by donating a portion of the revenue towards an organization that stood out in its efforts in giving back to the local Houston community. In my mind, the one that stood out above all was the Indian Doctor’s Charity Clinic because of its deeper meaning for me in terms of my heritage paired with its core values of kindness and selfless service. At our ICCL year-end review meeting, I was proud to announce our donation of $471 to this charity organization (Indian Doctors Charity Clinic). Nothing makes me happier than seeing smiles on individuals’ faces because of something that I have contributed towards. I am more than overjoyed to have been able to help someone else through my own actions and hope I can help many more in the years to come. For details on Charity Clinic log on to: www.indiandoctorscharityclinic. org

‘I don’t know what to do with my major’ and other reasons college grads can’t find good jobs by Robert J. LaBombard, CEO, GradStaff, Inc.,

espite the improving entrylevel job market, a new survey shows that many new grads still struggle to find the right fit for their skills and interests. In a survey of 503 entry-level job seekers by national career matchmaking firm GradStaff, recent college grads seem largely unaware of career opportunities and unsure of how to apply their skills in the workforce. The survey, conducted from May to September 2016, revealed inefficient career preparation, job search methods and entry-level recruiting tactics. Among the key findings: Nearly 70 percent of respondents were either unemployed or working in a full-time non-professional job to make ends meet. Another 20 percent had full-time professional jobs, but were already looking for a new one. Respondents had been looking for work an average of 3.6 months and applied for about 23 jobs – an average of less than two applications per week. About half of respondents had participated in fewer than two interviews during the average job search time frame. 86 percent of respondents reported having no job offers pending at the time they took the survey.

motivation, is most lacking: When asked: “Other than lack of work experience, what are the top two obstacles in your job search?” more than 75 percent of respondents answered “I don’t know what positions are a fit for me.” The second most common response (46 percent) was “I don’t know what to do with my major.” These answers would indicate a lack of career coaching and counseling. Additional data from the survey supports this conclusion: Almost 71 percent of survey respondents indicated that they visited college career services two times or fewer. Nearly 35 percent said they never stepped foot in career services. Of those who used their career services department, only 36.6 percent rated their overall experience as a 4 or 5, with 5 being the highest rating. The most popular job search strategies focused on job-posting aggregators like Indeed, conventional job posting sites such as CareerBuilder and Monster, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Although 78 percent of respondents reported having created a LinkedIn profile, only 24 percent said they used this tool “very often” in looking for a job. In terms of personal networking, only 40 percent said they used this job search strategy “very often.”

While a compelling need for technology skills and a steady number of baby boomers retiring are prompting many employers to increase their hires at the entry-level, the research indicates that many new grads are unaware of these opportunities.

Regarding employer size, 92 percent of respondents stated they’d prefer employers of 1,000 employees or less, with 30 percent of the total preferring smaller employers of 100 employees or less. With only 8 percent preferring large employers, the Class of 2016 is strongly interested in working for the small and medium employer.

What are some of the obstacles new grads face in finding and seizing career opportunities? The survey shows that awareness and guidance, not skill or

Interpreting the survey data leads me to several important conclusions: New graduates are often leaving col-

lege without the knowledge necessary to conduct an effective job search. Not knowing what jobs are a fit or what can be done with a specific major is clearly an obstacle. Unfortunately, this information is readily available as colleges can collect this data from alumni, but, in most cases, this information is not available to students. Career services departments are not connecting with students. We believe that the data points to two reasons. First, students are pushing off their job searches until after graduation, whether to take some time off, travel, or to just try and figure out what’s next. Second, with only about 37 percent giving their career services department an above average rating, it is clear colleges need to improve the student experience. Job seekers continue to rely heavily on online search tools. Based on the finding that college grads “don’t know what jobs are a fit for me,” it is highly likely that many jobs are overlooked due to lack of knowledge not available through online search tools. A psychology major working in a healthcare software position may not be obvious, but is a real life example of what can happen with the right knowledge. With new grads more interested in small and medium employers, job prospects are good since employers of 500 employees or less create two-thirds or more of the new jobs in the U.S. economy. However, these companies don’t typically interview on campus. Thus, personal networking is critical in finding opportunities with small and medium employers – a technique used by less than half of job seekers. The data shows that the pathway from student to entry-level professional worker is both long and hard for many new college graduates. Students must start the process earlier and colleges must improve the services they offer students in career readiness and practical job search skills.

VOICE OF ASIA 17

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Bollywood -Hollywood

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Julia Roberts to star in TV series Ranveer Singh: Playing Annapurna project follows a woman who is determined to have the best day ever, but life gets in the way. Peshwa Bajirao changed my life The

anveer Singh has thanked director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for giving him an opportunity to play the character of Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao in his magnum opus ‘Bajirao Mastani’. The 31-year-old star says that playing the character was a life-changing experience.

The actress will star in a limited series based on Maria Semple’s latest book, Today Will Be Different, which hit shelves in October via Little, Brown and Company. Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures has scooped up the film rights to the book and will produce the project.

“A character that changed my life forever. Thank you Sanjay Sir @deepikapadukone @ priyankachopra and TeamBM Unforgettable #1YearofBajiraoMastani.” Ranveer wrote on Twitter. The film also starred Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra as Mastani and Kashibai. Deepika, who has previously worked with Bhansali in ‘RamLeela’ alongside Ranveer, also celebrated the one year anniversary of the film and thanked the director for her “most memorable role”. “Thank You for giving me one of my most challenging and memorable characters and thank YOU all #sanjayleelabhansali #ranveersingh #priyankachopra #1yearofbajiraomastani.” she wrote along

Semple, who has worked as a writer and producer on TV series including Suddenly Susan and Arrested Development, will write the adaptation.

Ranveer Singh as the lead in ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (Photo: Eros Int’l) with a picture of herself and Bhansali holding trophies in both hands.

@deepikapadukone @RanveerOfficial #1YearofBajiraoMastani.”

While, Priyanka tweeted, “Thank you for making #Kashibai such a memorable character. Love you Sanjay sir.

Ranveer and Deepika have once again collaborated with Bhansali for his upcoming film “Padmavati”. (-dnaIndia.com)

Now Showing in Pakistan Again: Bollywood Movies After self imposed three-month ban hit revenues, Indian movies are back on in Pakistani cinemas by Qasim Nauman

akistani cinemas resumed screenings of Bollywood movies Monday, after a self-imposed three-month ban on Indian films cut revenue in half, said Zoraiz Lashari, chairman of the All Pakistan Film Exhibitors Association. The organization suspended Bollywood screenings in September after the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association said it would cease working with Pakistani actors, musicians and technicians. Both decisions came in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after 19 Indian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack in the Indianadministered part of the Kashmir region in September. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge denied by the latter. Later that month, India claimed to have carried out “surgical strikes” against militants inside Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan said no Indian troops crossed the de facto border in the region “We wanted to show unity with our [artists’] community. Initially, we’d planned for a 15-day suspension, but then it was extended,” Mr. Lashari said. “Now, the message has been registered, that everyone here and there [in India] should operate gracefully and it’s high time that we resume [screenings].” Despite a history of hostilities between the South Asian neighbors that dates back to 1947, when India and Pakistan became independent states at the end of British colonial rule, Bollywood films are immensely popular in Pakistan.

ulia Roberts is heading to the small screen.

The story shows a day in the life of Eleanor Flood, who had ambitions to wake up and have the best day of her life, but is forced to abandon those plans when she finds a strange, new future unfolding. No network is currently attached to the hot project. Semple, who was featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s Most Powerful Authors in Hollywood list, is already teaming with Annapurna on the feature film adaptation of her 2012 book Where’d You Go Bernadette. Richard Linklater is attached to direct and Cate Blanchett is attached to star in the film, which Color Force is also producing. Annapurna, known for making notable films such as Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!!, Spike Jonze’s Her and the animated comedy Sausage Party, has been recently expanding beyond films, launching a video game department and moving into television. Today Will Be Different is the first new series announced under Annapurna’s new TV initiative. The company hired former HBO exec Sue Naegle in September to expand its TV focus on development for broadcast, cable and digital platforms.

Julia Roberts Roberts will produce the series through her Red Om Films banner, with Semple, Ellison and Naegle serving as executive producers. “I’m giddy that Eleanor Flood will be brought to life by Julia Roberts and am elated to collaborate with Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle and the team at Annapurna on this endeavor. This will be a fun ride!” said Semple. The development of Today Will Be Different as a limited series is just the latest in a string of TV projects that have A-list movie stars attached. Meryl Streep is starring in

a Warner Bros. Television drama from J.J. Abrams, and Annapurna and Amazon are developing a TV series with David O. Russell that has Julianne Moore and Robert De Niro attached. This project isn’t Roberts’ first foray into TV — she previously appeared in Ryan Murphy’s HBO TV movie The Normal Heart. She was most recently seen in Jodie Foster’s Money Monster and will next be seen in Wonder, an adaptation of RJ Palacio’s book about a young boy with a facial deformity. (-HollywoodReporter.com)

Sylvester Stallone ‘flattered’ but not interested in Trump’s chairman offer A man stood in a DVD shop displaying posters of Bollywood movies in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (Photo: Faisal Mahmood) Some Bollywood superstars, like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, enjoy a cult following in the country. Bollywood brings in around 60% of cinema revenue in Pakistan, according to the All Pakistan Film Exhibitors Association. Without that revenue, Pakistani cinema owners were forced to lay off 1,700 employees and halve screenings during the nearly three months long Bollywood ban. Mr. Lashari, the association chairman, said Pakistani productions and English-language films didn’t fill the revenue gap. Not everyone was pleased with the association’s decision. Many voiced their opposition on social media, citing clashes in the past three months in the disputed Kashmir region that left dozens of civilians and soldiers dead. #DontLiftBollywoodBan was among the top Twitter trends in Pakistan Monday.

The return of Bollywood movies to Pakistani cinemas could boost support for peace in the region by helping change public perceptions, said Nadeem Mandviwalla, CEO of Mandviwalla Entertainment, which owns two major multiplexes in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, and the capital Islamabad. “We need to work towards normalcy, towards peace, towards dialogue, towards building those bridges that are always broken during hostility,” Mr. Mandviwalla said. “Cinema has been the biggest bridge.” T.P. Aggarwal, president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association said: “They have lifted the ban because their industries are doing badly.” He said his association wouldn’t lift its recommendation for members not to work with Pakistani artists until the two countries’ relations improved. (WSJ/India.com)

ylvester Stallone revealed Sunday that he would turn down a position in Donald Trump’s cabinet. Several publications suggested last week that the president-elect was reportedly considering the actor for chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency tasked with funding artistic endeavors that was founded by Congress in 1965. “I am incredibly flattered to have been suggested to be involved with the National Endowment of the Arts,” Stallone said in a statement to People. But the star said he would prefer to highlight issues faced by US veterans. “However I believe I could be more effective by bringing national attention to returning military personnel in an effort to find gainful employment, suitable housing and financial assistance these heroes respectfully deserve.”

an interview with Variety in January, the actor ― who denied identifying as a Republican ― voiced concerns about Trump’s leadership skills.

don’t know how that translates [laughs] to running the world.”

The statement leaves room for the suggestion that Stallone might be willing to work with Trump’s administration if there were a suitable position for the 70-year-old actor. However, in

“I love Donald Trump,” the actor said. “He’s a great Dickensian character. You know what I mean? There are certain people like Arnold, Babe Ruth, that are bigger than life. But I

Established in 1965, the NEA is an independent federal agency which distributes government grants to arts organisations. (-HuffingtonPost.com)

Sylvester Stallone

Stallone, famed for his role in the Rambo and Rocky films, is also an artist.

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

HEALTHY LIVING VOICE OF ASIA

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5 Tips for Healthier Comfort Food by Bethany Thayer, MS, RDN

s the weather turns colder, cravings for warm, gooey concoctions take over. Cheesy quiche for breakfast? Absolutely! Creamy chowder for lunch? You bet! Warm (but heavy) casserole for dinner? But of course! The good news: Satisfying your comfort food cravings doesn’t have to derail a healthy diet. These 5 strategies can help you modify even the most decadent recipes into diet-friendly indulgences. 1. Break out the crockpot. The beauty of the crockpot, or slow cooker, is that you can dump all the ingredients in the pot before work and have dinner served when you return. Perfect for busy schedules and comfort food lovers! But many crockpot faves – like pulled meat dishes —are calorie- and fat-laden. Taking the extra step of browning meat ahead of time (and draining the fat) trims the calories and fat content and boosts flavor. Bonus: Many people focus on slow cookers for the main event, but they’re equally convenient for cooking up healthy sides. Try winter squash such as acorn, spaghetti and butternut or use it to make soup. 2. Whip up some homemade soup. Turns out the idea that chicken soup can relieve cold/flu symptoms has some sound scientific backing. Hot liquids, like tea or broth-based soups, help loosen mucus and keep your body hydrated. Researchers have also found that chicken soup with vegetables may have anti-inflammatory properties. And let’s not forget the positive psychological effect a comforting bowl of soup can have when you’re feeling sick or just a little down. Bonus: Homemade broth-based soup can be fairly low in calories so it can help you manage your weight. It’s also a good vehicle for getting more vegetables into your diet, and you can customize it to your tastes or whatever veggies you need to use up. Whether you’re making your own stock or using stock from the store, be sure to watch the sodium content.

Does this cold weather have you craving decadent comfort foods? Good news: you can modify nearly any comfort food recipe to make it lower in calories and fat and higher in nutrients (Photo: Shutterstock) 3. Warm up with chili. With meat, beans and cheese, chili is a classic comfort food. Unfortunately, it also tends to pack a hefty hit in the calorie department, particularly when it acts as a dressing for hot dogs or a side dish for burgers! But chili doesn’t have to be a dietary disaster. In fact, the signature ingredients in most chili recipes, including beans, tomatoes, onions and garlic, are surprisingly good for you! Bonus: Experiment with slimmer chili variations such as white bean chicken chili, or turkey or vegetarian varieties. 4. Get creative with casseroles. Rather than resort to the fat-laden, cream-soup based casseroles of yesteryear, lighten up your favorite recipes with smart substitutions. Slash the fat by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo, making creambased soups from scratch (with lowerfat ingredients) and cutting the amount of butter, cheese and other fattening extras in half. It’s also fun to experiment with newer one-pot/pan meals that combine healthy ingredients, like a ginger chicken and brown rice casserole. Bonus: Whether you’re making

Shepherd’s pie or cheesy Chicken Divan, you can easily throw in extra fresh (or frozen) veggies for an added dose of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Spinach, tomatoes, peas, and broccoli make awesome additions. 5. Cut back on carbs. Rather than overload on calorie-heavy carbohydrates (mashed potatoes, pasta), use fiber-rich veggies to revamp comfort food classics. Mix whole wheat fettucine with zucchini noodles, use riced cauliflower in lieu of mashed potatoes, and replace starchy potatoes with cannellini beans in soups and winter salads. Bonus: Making these smart swaps not only helps you cut back on fat and calories, it also gives you a chance to add immune-boosting nutrients to your meals that can help keep you healthy and strong through flu season. You can modify nearly any comfort food recipe to make it lower in calories and fat and higher in nutrients. Cook foods at a low temperature for a longer period of time to draw out natural flavors. And remember every food fits in a healthy lifestyle — even the unmodified classic recipes. The key, of course, is portion control.

Three genes could explain why some people are obese but healthy

cientists have offered a genetic explanation for why some people are obese and healthy while others develop diabetes and heart disease as a result of their weight.

while being overweight or obese is a risk factor for diabetes, liver disease and heart disease, about 15-20% of those who are obese appear to suffer no health consequences.

The study identified three genes, which appear to influence whether fat is compartmentalised and stored around the outside of the body or whether it spills into the circulatory system. Higher levels of fat in the blood supply increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and can lead to fatty deposits around the heart and liver.

Other research, involving more than 100,000 adults in Denmark, found that those with an “overweight” body mass index (or BMI) were more likely to live longer than those in the “healthy”, “underweight”, and “obese” categories, suggesting that the relationship between weight, health and lifespan is not straightforward.

Professor Haja Kadarmideen, a geneticist who led the work at the University of Copenhagen, said: “People who have the ability to store large amounts of fat are able to be fat, but not unhealthy.”

“We wanted to ask what is it that allows some people to be overweight and remain healthy,” said Kadarmideen.

Previous studies have found that

The findings suggest that an individual’s genetic makeup influences the weight threshold at which health problems begin to emerge – and for some

people this will fall outside a “healthy” body mass index (BMI), as defined by public health guidelines. Conversely, a small proportion of people within the healthy BMI range are so-called TOFIs (thin on the outside, fat on the inside) and develop metabolic problems normally associated with obesity. The study involved 60 men and women, all of whom were morbidly obese (average BMI of over 45), half of whom had metabolic disease and half of whom were healthy. The participants were all undergoing elective bariatric surgery. He added that the findings should not be interpreted as an excuse for abandoning guidelines for a balanced diet or forgoing exercise, because these lifestyle factors have an impact on health, regardless of a person’s weight. (-AFP)

The findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine were based on a sample of more than one million people whose records were analyzed from 2011 to 2014. Those with female doctors were

significantly less likely to die within 30 days of admission, or to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge. If men could achieve the same success as women in this realm, researchers estimated that there would be 32,000 fewer deaths each year among Medicare patients alone, a group that includes people over 65. The number is about the same as the death toll across the United States from car accidents in a given

year, the report said. “The difference in mortality rates surprised us,” said lead author Yusuke Tsugawa, research associate in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The gender of the physician appears to be particularly significant for the sickest patients.” The study was described as the first national assessment of its kind to compare outcomes among pa-

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CMS finalizes 2018 exchange rules ahead of Trump administration The CMS has made a handful of final changes to the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplaces for 2018, just a little more than a month before Donald Trump takes over the White House and congressional Republicans move to repeal the healthcare reform law. A final rule published late Friday cements many of the CMS’ proposals from August. Some of the most notable changes involve the ACA’s permanent risk-adjustment program, which funnels money from insurers with lower-cost enrollees to companies that have higher-cost enrollees. For example, risk adjustment for exchange plans will now factor in the effects of people who are enrolled for only part of the year and prescription drug data will be included in its complex formula. The CMS proposed those changes this year after many insurers complained risk adjustment was heavily flawed. More than 4 million people signed up for health coverage through the HealthCare.gov exchanges as of Dec. 10, and the government extended the deadline for Jan. 1 coverage to Dec. 19 because of an uptick in enrollment. Republicans have not coalesced around a plan to replace the ACA, leaving many wondering if it will be years before the law is changed or simply rebranded. Policymakers view changes to the exchanges in 2018 as vital, especially if the hope is to prevent health insurance companies from leaving the marketplaces due to the uncertainty, which would toss millions of people off their health coverage. “The administration will leave the marketplace on a stable path that, when fully implemented, will ensure quality coverage is available for all Americans well into the future,” CMS acting Administrator Andy Slavitt said in a news release. Friday’s final rule is not the federal government’s only major update to the individual exchanges as of late. Earlier this month, the CMS implemented a rule to stop providers, like dialysis centers, from signing patients up for private exchange coverage when those people are eligible for Medicare or Medicaid. Be Ready for Medicare Part D Cost in 2017 Medicare Part D beneficiaries are eligible to change Medicare Part D plans each year between October 15 and December 7, and for most people it’s worth considering a switch. Two-thirds of Part D plan enrollees are facing premium increases if they stay with their current plan in 2017, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of 2017 Medicare Part D plan offerings. But premium prices are only one aspect of selecting the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that best meets your medication needs. Many other factors influence your out-of-pocket costs including the plan’s formulary of covered medications, deductible, co-pays, coinsurance and network

tients of female and male doctors. It found that patients treated by a female physician had a four percent lower relative risk of dying prematurely compared to those treated by men.

Patients of female doctors show better survival: study IAMI | AFP - Elderly people who were treated by female doctors in the hospital had significantly better survival rates and fewer readmissions than those treated by male doctors, said a US study Monday.

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Patients cared for by women doctors had a five percent lower relative risk of being readmitted to a hospital within 30 days. “The association was seen across a wide variety of clinical conditions and variations in severity of illness,” said the report. The study did not delve into the reasons for the differences. However, previous research has shown that female doctors tend to follow clinical guidelines more closely than men, and that women provide more patient-centered communication.

Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6776 Southwest Freeway Suite # 178 Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com of preferred pharmacies. Here are the costs you should consider as you select a Medicare Part D plan for next year. Premiums. The average Medicare Part D premium will be $42.17 in 2017 if retirees stick with their current plan, That’s a 62 percent increase from the average of $26.04 per month retirees paid in 2006, the year the Medicare Part D drug benefit was introduced. However, premiums vary widely among plans. Among the 10 plans with the highest enrollment, premiums range from $16.81 to $71.66 per month. Medicare beneficiaries have an average of 22 Medicare Part D plans to choose from, so most retirees have a variety of options to consider. Deductibles. The standard Medicare Part D deductible will increase by $40 to $400 in 2017. The majority of Part D plans (62 percent) will charge a deductible in 2017. The standard deductible is the most common amount, but some plans have smaller deductibles or no deductible. Co-pays and coinsurance. Most Part D plans have five tiers of covered medications with different costsharing requirements. There are typically two tiers for generic drugs, with small or no copayments for preferred generic drugs and slightly higher co-pays for medications on the non-preferred generic tier. The next tier is for preferred brand name drugs, which typically involves a $40 copayment in 2017, but a few plans charge 20 percent of the cost of the medication. The cost often jumps to 40 percent of the price of the medication for drugs on the non-preferred brand name tier. Most Part D plans also have a specialty medication tier for expensive drugs, and plans generally charge either 25 percent or 33 percent of the cost of the medicine. Enrollees usually pay higher out-of-pocket costs when plans pass on a percentage of the price of the drug to patients rather than a set copayment amount,

To choose right Medicare or Obamacare health plan contact Sudhir Mathuria @ 713-771-2900.

A better understanding of the different approaches is now more important than ever, said senior author Ashish Jha, professor of health policy and director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. “There was ample evidence that male and female physicians practice medicine differently. Our findings suggest that those differences matter and are important to patient health,” said Jha. “We need to understand why female physicians have lower mortality so that all patients can have the best possible outcomes, irrespective of the gender of their physician.” Female physicians now account for approximately one third of doctors in the United States, and about half of all US medical school graduates.

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Here’s how Americans spent their Uber defies California, keeps self-driving cars rolling money in the last 75 years Between 1941 and 2014, spending on food and clothing has fallen when adjusting for inflation, not so for education and health care

ousing expenses have almost always been the largest drain on American budgets, unchanged in over 70 years.

The ridesharing giant said it disputed the interpretation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles that the cars require a special permit, saying they had the same autonomy capabilities as Tesla cars which have an optional “autopilot” feature.

Between 1941 and 2014, Americans spent money on most of the same things, with a few changes. Housing has persisted as a large area of spending for Americans, as has the food category. However, spending on food and clothing has fallen when adjusting for inflation while spending on education and health care has risen quickly.

Anthony Levandowski, Uber’s vice president for advanced technologies, said that as with the Teslas, the cars driven by Uber still have a driver capable of assuming control at any time.

That’s according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, adjusted for inflation and representing median spending of all Americans, charted here. There is one exception to housing’s dominance, in 1941, when spending on food averaged $8,311 annually, topping the $7,537 spent on shelter that year. Interestingly, in 1941 the government included alcohol in the food spending category, which inflates the food spending data for that year. In other years, alcohol was given its own category. Americans spent the most on clothing in 1961, at an average of $4,157. In every year measured since 1961, spending

Unprecedented spending trends in America (Graphic courtesy HowMuch.org) on clothing fell, even when accounting for inflation. At the same time, Americans began spending more on education, transportation and health care. Spending on education has increased far more than any other category, jumping from $242 in 1941 to $1,236 in 2014. Education spending

increased at a particularly fast rate between 1984 and 1994 and onward. While spending on health care increased between 1941 and 2014, overall spending dipped between 1973 and 1984, but then began rising rapidly thereafter.

don’t know who first declared “cash is king,” but it was Ralph Waldo Emerson who is said to have counseled, “When you strike at a king, you must kill him.”

Political leaders in India and Venezuela are doing their best to follow Emerson’s advice. In early November, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unexpectedly announced that nearly 90 percent of the paper money in circulation would soon become unusable. Circulating 500- and 1,000-rupee notes were instantly voided, and Indians had 50 days to deposit their cash into bank accounts or redeem their nowuseless bills for redesigned notes. Or at least, that was the theory; exchanging old bills for new ones proved such an unwieldy process that the government told banks to stop making such exchanges. The surprise was strategic. One of the major goals of India’s demonetization is to crack down on black market activity, and the government did not want bad actors to unload their illicit cash ahead of rumors it might soon become worthless. Other aims include improved tax compliance and more accurate monitoring of commercial activity in a country where even large transactions are routinely conducted with cash. Of course, the disruption has been huge, especially since many Indians do not have bank accounts and the redesigned bills required engineers to retrofit existing ATMs to dispense

them. But Indians should take at least small comfort in the fact that things could be worse. They could, for instance, live in Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro announced on Dec. 11 that the country’s 100-bolivar note would be invalid within 72 hours. This represents about 48 percent of the country’s cash – less than India’s demonetization, yes, but in an economy that was already in shambles. And, in a move that made India’s 50-day window look generous by comparison, Venezuela’s government decreed that anyone who had not deposited their bills by the time they became invalid would only have 10 days to submit them at the country’s central bank, where the currency-holder could also expect questioning from the secret police. Maduro blamed the “mafia” operating on the country’s border with Colombia for damaging Venezuela’s economy. He claimed that invalidating the 100-bolivar note would mainly hurt criminals, and he closed the Colombian border until the end of the 72-hour transition period in order to prevent the supposed Colombian criminals from getting their stacks of Venezuelan cash back into the country. India’s stated reasons for the dramatic strike against paper rupees are probably fairly close to the truth. Venezuela’s, on the other hand, are almost certainly not. In that desperately unfortunate nation, there is barely anything left to buy with cash anyway – so taking a large portion of it out of circulation

“We respectfully disagree with the California DMV’s interpretation of autonomous regulations, in particular that Uber needs a permit to operate in San Francisco,” Levandowski told a conference call with journalists. “While these are considered state of the art today, they still require monitoring by a vehicle operator at all times.”

Levandowski said Uber did not plan on seeking a state permit and for now planned to continue picking up passen(Report: Rachel Koning Beals/ gers in San Francisco despite the threat of legal action. MarketWatch.org)

Striking a blow at King Cash by Larry M. Elkin

AN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Uber said Friday it planned to keep its self-driving cars on the streets of San Francisco, defying a state order to halt the test program.

helps keep crowds from gathering at stores whose shelves are empty. It also reinforces the power of an authoritarian government that can dole out limited supplies of the remaining cash to its most loyal and most necessary supporters, including the military and the police. Governments around the world consider anonymous money movements a big problem, but it’s a problem that has distinct first- and third-world versions. In poorer, less-developed countries like India and Venezuela, large segments of the population conduct virtually all their business in cash. This provides cover for crime, smuggling and government corruption, while also undermining already abysmal compliance with tax laws among the broader population. In the developed world, a much larger share of business transactions are far too large to be conducted in cash, and a much greater percentage of the population already handles payments via debit and credit cards, old-fashioned checks and newer vehicles such as mobile payment services. Financial institutions follow strict antimoney-laundering and knowyour-customer rules (on pain of exorbitant fines), and are required to report significant cash deposits and withdrawals. It is even a crime in some places, including the United States, to break up your cash deposits simply to avoid crossing the $10,000 threshold that triggers reporting. These mechanisms relieve the pressure to restrict the use

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A pilot model of the Uber self-driving car is displayed at the Uber Advanced Technologies Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (AFP Photo/Angelo Merendino) ing,” he said.

public safety.

Levandowski said Uber was having “frank conversations” with regulators and hoped to convince them that its autonomous cars were no different from Tesla’s, which allow a driver to turn over many operations to an onboard computer but still need a human behind the wheel.

“It is illegal for the company to operate its self-driving vehicles on public roads until it receives an autonomous vehicle testing permit,” he wrote.

“We have a person sitting in the driver’s seat, and there’s also a person next to them looking at the system and trying to confirm that everything is going well,” he said. “They are able to override and take control of the vehicle at any time.”

He called it “an important issue of principle” about “uneven application of statewide rules.”

The announcement by the global ridesharing colossus came two days after state regulations said the testing program was not authorized.

“We cannot in good conscience sign up for regulation of something we are not do-

In a letter to Uber, DMV counsel Brian Soublet said the permit is required to protect

of cash – but they don’t eliminate it. Tax cheating is rampant, and corruption is even more widespread, in some European Union countries, mainly in the continent’s southern tier. So it will not be a surprise if regulators there, too, eventually move against cash. Right now, however, they have more urgent issues to address, so restricting cash transactions is on the back burner.

the Andes to the Urals, where genuine greenbacks are prized. True, it is not our responsibility to serve as the world’s central banker, but Americans (especially those who travel) benefit from the widespread acceptance of our money, and that state of affairs is not something to lightly toss aside.

Here in the States, we are in the odd position of providing the de facto currency for large parts of the world. Discussion of restricting the supply of our $100 bills and larger banknotes has historically been shortlived because of the troubles it would cause in countries, from

But fiscal authorities in the developed world cite many of the same complaints about anonymous money that Indian and Venezuelan authorities are claiming as justifications for their actions. Here, the complaints are not so much about the money movements themselves, which are generally easy to spot, but about the vehicles through which they

“It is essential that Uber takes appropriate measure to ensure safety of the public. If Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit, DMV will initiate legal action.” Backers of autonomous vehicles say the technology can reduce more than 90 percent of accidents, which mostly are due to human error. Since its debut in 2010, Uber has grown into a worldwide phenomenon despite regulatory hurdles and resistance from traditional taxi operators. In its latest funding round, Uber was valued at more than $60 billion, but has racked up losses at it expands and takes on competitors such as Lyft.

are moved – often trusts and limited liability companies whose true beneficial owners are not easy to identify. Tunnelvisioned bureaucrats and lazy, narrow-minded journalists see only nefarious motives for such anonymity. In the end I doubt India and Venezuela will accomplish much by invalidating large swaths of their currencies. Their problems run much deeper. So my guess is that, until those underlying problems are fixed, new currency will just end up taking the place of the old. Those governments may have struck king cash, but they haven’t killed it. The more effective blows are being landed right here in the West.

CULTURE

VOICE OF ASIA 20

Berlin outcry over Christmas ‘ban’ at Istanbul school ERLIN, Germany | AFP Berlin voiced outrage Sunday over an alleged decision by a German-backed international school in Istanbul to scrap Christmas festivities, although the claim was swiftly denied in Turkey.

key-Germany relations”. German politicians had reacted with fury over the reports. Left party lawmaker Sevim Dagdelen told Tagesspiegel the government must “immediately summon the Turkish ambassador and send a note of protest to Ankara”.

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Witness to history: Bangladesh's oldest jail opens to public by Sam Jahan

HAKA, Bangladesh | AFP Many of Bangladesh’s most significant political prisoners have been incarcerated within the walls of the two-century old Dhaka Central Jail. Now the prison that has borne witness to much of the country’s brutal history has opened to the public as a museum. The last inmates of the 228-yearold prison in the capital’s old Mughal quarters were relocated in July this year, and the gates of the 35-acre (14-hectare) facility opened, allowing people to explore the jail for a 100 taka ($1.25) ticket rather than being arrested first. Over the last two centuries, the jail -- the biggest in Bangladesh until it closed -- has been a central stage for much of the country’s history.

A man carries a freshly sawn Christmas tree from a conifer tree plantage near the small Bavarian village of Tuerkenfeld, southern Germany (AFP Photo/ Christof Stache) “We don’t understand the surprising decision by the management of the Istanbul Lisesi,” said the German foreign ministry. “It is too bad that the good tradition of pre-Christmas intercultural exchanges at the school with a long German-Turkish tradition has been suspended,” it said. “We are of course taking this up with our Turkish partners.” Set up in 1884, Istanbul Lisesi is a Turkish-German bilingual state school but is partly backed by the German government. The school denied any such ban. “The reports in German media about restrictions on Christmas festivities of German teachers do not reflect reality,” it said. “A concert was cancelled by the German teachers in question without explanation and there is no question of the school or its management placing an obstacle in its way or prohibiting it.” Ruling AKP party MP Mustafa Yeneroglu also denied the claims, saying “such false reports do nothing for Tur-

The Greens’ education policy spokesman Ozcan Mutlu said the alleged ban is “simply shocking”. If the ban remains, then the question of whether German taxpayers should continue to fund the school must be examined urgently, he told the media group Redaktionsnetzwerk. Andreas Scheuer, the general secretary of the CSU -- Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Bavarian allies, said the move was “new proof that (President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan’s Turkey is burning all bridges with Europe”. Christmas is part of Germany, and that applies too for a German school abroad, Scheuer told the Funke regional media group. Relations between Ankara and Berlin have been strained in the wake of the July failed military coup, with Germany repeatedly expressing concern over the scope of a massive crackdown on Erdogan’s opponents. Developments in Turkey have a strong resonance in Germany, home to a three-million-strong ethnic Turkish population, the legacy of a massive “guest worker” programme in the 1960s and 1970s.

Scores of mutineers were hanged and their bodies left to rot in the 1860s following a rebellion against the British, which became known as the Sepoy Mutiny. After the British left in 1947, thousands of political leaders who stood against the new rulers were detained in the prison. Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman -- whose daughter Sheikh Hasina is the current prime minister -- spent years in one of the jail’s cells, leading the country’s budding separatist movement from there until the 1971 independence war against Pakistan. In November 1975, just months after Rahman was assassinated in a coup, army officers stormed the jail and killed four top political leaders, plunging the country into prolonged military rule. Hasina and her sister -- the only members of Rahman’s family who survived the coup -- were among the first visitors to the newly opened jail. The premier, who regularly visited her jailed father during the 60s, appeared overwhelmed with emotion as she visited the tiny cell where Rahman spent years. She spent some quiet time in there reminiscing about her father. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said there was a plan to turn the old

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Visitors peer into a former cell as they walk around the grounds of Dhaka Central Jail (AFP Photo/Munir Uz Zaman) jail into a “historical and entertaining place”, with schools, shopping centres, a park and museum. Jail official Ashraful Islam said logistical problems prompted the authorities to shift the jail to a new compound just across the Buriganga River. “The number of inmates were almost tripled than its capacity, the authorities therefore built the new jail and transferred them,” Islam told AFP. “The jail lies at the centre of Mughal Dhaka. It is a key witness to our history, right from the British Raj to the recent execution of the war criminals,” historian Muntasir Mamun said. “It’s an important symbol of the independence struggle. It has housed thousands of state prisoners and saw the hangings of thousands of them,” said Mamun, who spent time inside the jail as political prisoner. - ‘A nightmarish place’ The British-era scaffolds, where the political prisoners were executed -- including most recently the leaders of the country’s top Islamist party who were hanged this year -- are closed off to the public and heavily guarded. But the cell where four of the country’s former leaders were kept in solitary confinement and then killed are open to the public. The room’s yellowish walls still bare the marks of the bullets that felled its one-time inhabitants.

“We needed to see these (rooms) to learn about their sacrifices,” said Taufiq Hasan, who travelled 220 kilometres (136 miles) from the central city of Faridpur to visit the prison. Former inmate Fayzur Mia, a 35year-old flower seller, choked back tears as he showed his two daughters the tiny cell where he spent nearly a year after being caught up in a political riot in 2014. “I’ve passed the most difficult phase of my life here and I wanted to show my children how the place looks,” Mia said, standing inside a narrow cell that he shared with dozens of other inmates. The tiny dark room -- with just two small meshed windows and no electric light -- was so packed that the inmates were forced to sleep in shifts and share one squat toilet, Mia recalled. “It was a nightmarish place,” he said, adding that he was pleased it was now a museum: “a symbol of centurieslong struggle and injustice”. Several visitors who said they had spent months -- even years -- incarcerated in the jail without facing trial -- said the facility reminded them of the harshness of the country’s criminal justice system. “It is a symbol of our brutal justice system. I spent months here without knowing what was my crime. Students and young men must visit this place to know a harsh reality of our life,” a visitor said, without giving his name.

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SPORT

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Football:

Cricket:

India end 2016 as No 1 in ICC Test Rankings

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;FIFA are not world doping policeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - Infantino

ERLIN, Germany | AFP FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ruled out taking the 2018 World Cup from Russia in the wake of the latest findings of the McLaren report.

Virat Kohli can safely be branded best captain in the world

â&#x20AC;&#x153;FIFA is not the world police and certainly not the world doping police,â&#x20AC;? the head of world footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governing body told German magazine Der Spiegel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our disciplinary bodies will take care of anything in the McLaren report which has anything to do with football. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boycotts and bans have never solved any problems,â&#x20AC;? Infantino added as he ruled out stripping Russia of the 2018 World Cup finals. The McLaren report, the second part of which was announced ten days ago, revealed systematic doping in Russia between 2011 and 2015 which involved more than 1,000 athletes in several sports, including football. Infantino says FIFA are still waiting for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;relevant informationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the McLaren reports which mentions 31 tampered doping samples from footballers. The Swiss says â&#x20AC;&#x153;if measures need to be taken, they will beâ&#x20AC;?, but he pointed to the work FIFA is already doing to combat doping.

Gianni Infantino (Photo: AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Testing was not implemented by Brazil in 2014 or by South Africa in 2010 and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be carried out by Russia in 2018, but by FIFA,â&#x20AC;? he added.

national federations.

If something goes wrong, â&#x20AC;&#x153;that will be our responsibility, our fault,â&#x20AC;? said Infantino, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but we are confident our anti-doping measures will work.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;So it makes sense to give the responsibility to the unions and federations.

When asked about the recent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Football Leaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, reported by several publications including Der Spiegel, which alleged tax evasion by highprofile stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, Infantino said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter for individual

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is naive to believe that FIFA can know everything from Zurich which goes on during every transfer in the world,â&#x20AC;? said Infantino.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;They should check the transfers, which take place in their own country.â&#x20AC;? He added â&#x20AC;&#x153;when someone hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t paid their taxes, drives too fast or is drunk behind the wheel, then FIFA is not responsible for that.â&#x20AC;?

BBVA Compass Stadium to host CONCACAF Gold Cup Doubleheader on July 11

OUSTON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced that Houston will host a Group A doubleheader at BBVA Compass Stadium on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 as part of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage. This marks the third consecutive edition of the tournament in which BBVA Compass Stadium will serve as a host venue for the Gold Cup. Previous editions of the tournament have been held at the stadium in 2013 and 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proud to host the CONCACAF Gold Cup at BBVA Compass Stadium for a third straight cycle,â&#x20AC;? said president Chris Canetti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an important international soccer event, and we are honored to have it back at our stadium and in our community for fans to enjoy.â&#x20AC;? The Gold Cup is the official national team championship of the region, taking place biannually. BBVA Compass Stadium hosted a doubleheader in the 2013 edition of the tournament that featured Honduras, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. Two years later fans witnessed backto-back stoppage time goals in two thrilling contests as Jamaica defeated Canada and Costa Rica drew with El Salvador in downtown Houston.

Tennis:

To date, seven of the twelve national teams scheduled to participate have qualified for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament: Canada, Mexico and the United States from North America, as well as Curacao, French Guiana, Jamaica, and Martinique, from the Caribbean, will compete for the Confederation crown in July. Canada, Mexico and the United States automatically qualify for the Gold Cup in representation of North America. The four Caribbean nations already qualified did so by winning their groups in the recently completed semifinal stage of the Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup. The top four finishers from Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UNCAF Central American Cup, to be played in Panama, will also qualify. Three additional Caribbean nations, Haiti, Suriname and Trinidad

& Tobago, have qualified for an additional series of matches in January, the winner of which will face-off next year in a two-leg playoff against the fifth-place team from the UNAF Central American Cup to determine the final participant in the 2017 Gold Cup. Taking place every two years, the CONCACAF Gold Cup is the official national team championship of the region, which includes North and Central America and the Caribbean. Drawing large crowds and millions of television viewers across the region, the Gold Cup is a celebration of soccer, sportsmanship, and culture.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about returning to playing sport, it will be about six months,â&#x20AC;? surgeon Radek Kebrle told reporters, a day after performing a four-hour operation on the Czech starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s injured left hand. A spokesperson for Kvitova estimated that the world number 11 would not even be able to grip a racket for at least three months while she recovered after fighting off a knife-wielding burglar at her home in the eastern Czech town of Prostejov.

HENNAI | AFP (December 20,2016) - India have ended the year as the No 1 ranked Test side after posting a 4-0 win over England in the five-match series, which culminated with an innings and 75 runs victory for the home side in Chennai on Tuesday.

the annual cut-off date of 1 April 2017 for the ICC cash awards not far away.

The series win has helped India gain five points and they have moved to 120 points in the last Test team rankings update of 2016, 15 points ahead of second placed Australia.

The ICC Test Team Rankings have seen an interesting year, with Australia, Pakistan and India holding the top ranking between 21 August and 11 October.

In contrast, England, which had started the series tied with Australia on 105 points but was ahead on decimal points, have slipped from second to fifth position.

The Virat Kohli-led side, which was awarded the ICC Test Championship Mace on 11 October following a 3-0 home series sweep over New Zealand, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be overtaken this year since the team rankings are updated only at the end of each Test series.

England are now on 101 points, one point behind Pakistan and South Africa, who are both on 102 points each with Pakistan ranked third on decimals points. This means that four teams are now within four points of each other with

The side at the top of the rankings on 1 April 2017 will receive $1 million. The second-placed side will be awarded $500,000 while the third and fourth placed sides will receive $200,000 and $100,000 each.

The next Test series to be completed is the ongoing one between Australia and Pakistan with the third and final Test slated in Sydney from 3-7 January.

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Australia unchanged for second Pakistan Test

RISBANE, Australia | AFP Australia named an unchanged 12-man squad Monday for the Boxing Day Test after

may yet call for reinforcements if required. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the option to add to the squad depending on how the bowling

Kvitova to miss six months after knife attack RAGUE, Czech Republic | AFP (December 21, 2016) Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will need at least six monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rest after her left hand was badly cut in a home invasion, the doctor who carried out her operation said on Wednesday.

Indian cricket team led by skipper Virat Kohli is ecstatic after Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory over New Zealand in October. (AFP Photo/Ian Kington))

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The Australians, who prevailed by 39 runs over the tourists in a final-day thriller in Brisbane, kept paceman Chadd Sayers in their squad for the second of the three-Test series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Selectors said experienced batsman Shaun Marsh was not considered for the Melbourne Test as he recovers from a finger injury.

Hohns said the squad had been selected only for the Melbourne Test and would be assessed for the final Sydney Test, starting on January 3.

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He said selectors will assess the players over the next 24 hours and

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;These players have performed extremely well in earning back-to-back Test victories against South Africa and Pakistan and deserve the opportunity to stay together as a group to continue their development.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best-case scenario is that Petra will be able to return to the tennis court after six months.

unit pulls up after getting through a lot of overs in Brisbane,â&#x20AC;? Hohns said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Petra will be on bed rest for 14 days, she will begin slow rehabilitation at around 6-8 weeks post operation,â&#x20AC;? read a statement from her management.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will be assessed by a specialist this week and will hopefully be given the all clear to return to unrestricted training,â&#x20AC;? interim chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said.

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HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

Your Horoscope for the Week of December 23, 2016 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

by Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April Domestic & personal decisions which will tend to make you feel more secure in who you are. Your energy has recently been weakened by others trying to pull you down. Don’t allow others to make you feel inferior, make your mark & stick to it. Family & friends will express their genuine gratitude for your honest efforts. Entertaining, attending social events will allow you to network your ideas.

Listen to your inner voice, the sound of it may surprise you at first. Let your true feelings come to the surface, deal with little problems before they compound into larger ones. Your positive approach in dealing with others’ problems will help them to heal emotionally, spiritually. You may also have the gift of being able to push others in the direction you want them to go. You understand how to use the energy of the team, and this enables you to stretch a dollar with great success. Be careful not to get in the middle of delicate situation at work.

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Your ability to win others over to your side & Your style alone will make you popular. You’re at home with a full plate of tasks and a busy room to entertain. You may feel tired of being in the supporting role and be ready to quit. Hesitate on the quitting and focus on your message. Be open about your feelings. Take a bigger slice of the responsibility than usual. By boosting your confidence, you’ll raise the value of your work. A new you is beginning to emerge. With your resources, lucrative people will find you to be indispensable.

The future is yours if you know what to do with it. First you need to find out how things work, then you will know how to repeat the conditions when necessary. You need to put more effort into achieving your goals. An almost finished project will get an extra creative push. You’ll be able to find exactly who you want on your team. Avoid any new developments that aren’t directly related to what you must do. You know where you belong because everyone there knows you too well. Family issues should be re-examined.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June It’s Time for Spark in your personal and professional relationships. They will grow & blossom beyond your expectations. Utilize your energy to organize, re-build & prepare for upcoming events. Your personal magnetism & appeal will certainly give you an edge in everything you do. Be careful about miscommunication with others, be honest with your approach. Recent changes in your lifestyle could prove to be a positive influence on others. You may be pleasantly surprised by comments made by higher ups.

Your quick mind, calmness & memory will help you in any creative endeavors you try. Strong friendships that came about by is just you being yourself. It’s hard sometimes for you to be open about yourself, but this week you’ll find yourself feeling confident enough to confide in others. Travel could bring you cultural knowledge that can’t be learned in any other way. Be careful not to put too much trust in relatives who are incapable of comprehending your personal situation.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July You’ll feel a new energy that’s been building up inside you for some time. You need to change with the times, face the challenges at hand. If you aren’t already in control, you soon will be. An old schedule or budget may no longer be relevant. The world awaits your next move so don’t waste this rare opportunity. Luck is on your side as long as you are reasonable in what you ask for. Confidence and hard work are an excellent combination to get the job done right. Don’t compound things by being defensive.

Take a risk and reach out for new goals & targets. Get ready for some serious sitdown negotiations now. It’s vital that you know what you want before the discussion begins. You don’t want to be with some hardheaded person who is going to bully you. Your best protection is preparation. If possible, rehearse. This allows you to consider all the possibilities, rather than have to deal with them on the spot. Your interactions with the people around you should be free and easy.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Try to reflect on positive influences rather than the negative ones. Your keen understanding of the direction you’re headed in will enhance your confidence & assist you in achieving your goals. High emotional & spiritual feelings are Your motives & could be challenged by those you love & trust. Focus your energy, exhibit your generous nature & understand other’s feelings. Your rewards will far outweigh the effort. You’ll be able to achieve success, if you trust your gut feelings & remain loyal to your friends & family.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Take your position, with confidence & others will show their support. Think positive & pieces will fall into place. Focus is on finding a perfect niche for your style. Your independent spirit should help you find the perfect place for you to enjoy what you do. An exciting person may push you to try something new, possibly even dangerous. A little risk-taking could be good for you. Open the doors & be yourself. Take pride in how you handle your time with organization & confidence.

Feelings, of being overworked and undervalued. You and your partner can connect and tell each other your troubles. Even though you may feel unusually high-strung, don’t allow your tension to cause you to make a wrong move or a false start. Stick with what you know, both in things and in people. Someone you’ve known a long time may contact you from a long distance. If possible, you should plan a reunion along with mates and partners. You could be a little emotionally touchy.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March Expect some interesting change of plans. Unfinished business may distract your focus. Someone can appear reasonable and attractive one minute, then just the opposite a moment later. You may receive invitations to social events. Take the time to express your views publicly & your plans will become crystal clear. Your universal appeal will help to make your dreams come true. If you go with the flow & you’ll gain recognition for your sensitivity & down to earth approach. Don’t be afraid to tell your story, you’ll find out who cares and who doesn’t. You need loyal allies now, the weak need not apply.

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VOICE OF ASIA 23

Houston Community College Request for 4XDOLÂżFDWLRQV 5)3 /DQGVFDSLQJ DQG Grounds 0DLQWHQDQFH 6HUYLFHV 6HUYLFH $UHD 1R 3URMHFW 1R Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/district/departments/procurement.

Houston Community College Parking Lot & Parking Garage Cleaning Services RFP 17-24 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday,February 7, 2017. Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/district/departments/procurement.

HARVEST RICE, INC NOW HIRING HARVEST RICE, INC., a family owned rice milling and packaging operation, with facilities located in McGehee, AR, and in Otwell (near Jonesboro), AR, is looking to build a community of employees who value loyalty, dedication & hard work. We are looking for the right candidates to help us expand our family of employees. The positions needed are as follows: ADMINISTRATIVE / OFFICE / TRANSPORTATION for both locations SKILLED LABOR, i.e., PACKAGING, MANUAL, MACHINE OPERATORS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; McGehee, AR location Harvest Rice, Inc. is family owned and operated for over 25 years and we value employer / employee relationships, so in addition to our competitive compensation & benefits package, we will consider offering assistance with relocation and schooling, depending on the circumstance. Anyone interested in this unique opportunity, please send resumes to Deborah Shriver, H.R. Manager at: dshriver@ gulfpac.com. Please visit our company website at www.gulfpac.com to find out more about our capabilities, our technologies & innovations and our commitment to quality & food safety.

Houston Community College - Invitation for Bid (IFB) Asphaltic Parking Lot Reconstruction & Restoration Project No. 17-20 Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No.11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. A Pre-Bid Conference (NonMandatory) for IFB 17-20 will be held at HCCS Central Campus, San Jacinto Building, Room No. 112, Houston, Texas 77004, on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. (local time). Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/departments/procurement.

Houston Community College Request for 4XDOLÂżFDWLRQV 5)4 0HFKDQLFDO (OHFWULFDO 3OXPELQJ (QJLQHHULQJ 6HUYLFHV 3URMHFW 1R 6HDOHG TXDOLÂżFDWLRQV ZLOO EH UHFHLYHG LQ 3URFXUHPHQW 2SHUDWLRQV 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5RRP 1R % +RXVWRQ 7H[DV XQWLO 30 ORFDO WLPH RQ :HGQHVGD\ )HEUXDU\ 'RFXPHQWV FDQ EH REWDLQHG DW ZZZ KFFV HGX SURFXUHPHQW

GULF RICE MILLING, INC., NOW HIRING Gulf Rice Milling, Inc., a leader in rice milling and rice packaging and distribution, has an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual looking to be part of a company that is experiencing tremendous growth. Gulf Rice is looking for a PRODUCTION PLANNING MANAGER to help implement our companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high standards by managing the production scheduling, warehouse and shipping departments. This position is located in Houston, TX. The main job responsibilities are as follows: Organize the production scheduling process to maximize output and lower labor costs while maintaining a high on-time service. Implement a new schedule that considers machine capacities and material availability. Improve inventory accuracy to reduce machine downtime Ensure efficient and accurate shipping of finished goods. Work closely with Production, Sales and Purchasing Departments. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Industrial Engineering, preferable and a big plus, or other Operations and Supply Chain majors Minimum 5 years of experience managing a Production Planning Dept. High MS Excel proficiency Preferably bi-lingual English/Spanish Our employees enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package that includes Medical Insurance, 401K Plan, Vision, Dental, Sick Time, Paid Vacation and Holidays. Please send resumes to Deborah Shriver, H.R. Manager at dshriver@gulfpac.com. Please visit our company website at www.gulfpac.com to find out more about our capabilities, our technologies & innovations and our commitment to quality & food safety.

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE WEEK

Avoid Micromanaging by Setting Clear Targets for Your Direct Reports

IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS Indian SuperMarket Are you looking to join a winning team? Our employees enjoy doing their jobs with warm smiles and a real passion for helping customers. We are passionate about food and take pride in providing exceptional service. We are hiring at our Houston, Hillcroft store for the following part time & full time positions: â&#x20AC;˘ Cashiers (multiple openings) â&#x20AC;˘ Admin Assistants / Package Shipping Clerks Email Resume to jobs@subhlaxmigrocers.com

Accounting Assistant

ax Consulting Firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accepting resumes from qualiďŹ ed entry level accounting graduate for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Accounting Assistantâ&#x20AC;? Position. The position challenge to all aggressive accounting graduates who would like to apply their accounting knowledge. Please forward your resume for review to: P. O. Box 36770, Houston, TX 77236-6770.

E-mail: HarryTax@aol.com

Micromanagement isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a personality flaw; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a breakdown in the fundamentals of delegation. As a manager, you should be able to give someone a task without having to look over their shoulder. The key is to provide clear goals. If you want your direct report to improve customer satisfaction, define by how much and specify which elements of satisfaction are most important. You should also explain the constraints of the project: â&#x20AC;&#x153;stay within this budgetâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;follow these policiesâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;get my approval on this type of decision.â&#x20AC;? Without these guardrails youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to leave the person flailing, and you, in turn, will want to hover. But be careful not to give too many constraints. Telling your general counsel, for example, to â&#x20AC;&#x153;get the contract in placeâ&#x20AC;? and then handing him the term sheet on a napkin is likely too vague. But saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to approve all edits in each step of the negotiationâ&#x20AC;? is too much of a constraint and will waste everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time. You need to find the right balance for you. Adapted from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why Is Micromanagement So Infectious?â&#x20AC;? by Niko Canner and Ethan Bernstein WWW.HBR.ORG

Houston Community College Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSP) Culinary Art Building Project No. 17-31 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Pre-proposal meeting will be held on January 10, 2017 at 11:00 am at Central Campus, 1300 Holman Street, San Jacinto Auditorium, Houston, Texas 77004. Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/procurement.

The Houston Fire Department Urges Citizens to use Safety when using Heating Devices The Houston Fire Department urges citizens to be careful and follow some simple safety tips when using space heaters, fireplaces and other supplemental heating sources. Any shift away from the exclusive use of central heating presents an increased possibility for fire. Citizens should always keep in mind that: Space Heaters Need Space. The Houston Fire Department recommends the following safety tips when using supplemental heating sources: l Make sure you have a working smoke alarm. l Never leave children unattended in a room with a space heater - Children knock over space heaters especially if they are placed on top of wobbly tables or stools and near where the children play. Children may also stick paper or toys in the grates of the space heaters especially gas space heaters. l Keep all combustible materials, including yourself at least 3 feet from the heater l Open face heaters should have a screen l Provide ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning l Vented Gas / Fired Heat-

ing Appliances Tips - Central heating units, floor furnaces, recessed wall heaters, and vented space heaters. Inspect annually by a qualified service technician. w Do not use these type units without a proper vent pipe. Vent pipes must exhaust to the outside! w If your flame is not blue, it is not burning properly. It is producing Carbon Monoxide,which canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen, smelled or tasted. Turn it off. w Use flexible metal tubing with threaded ends to connect the heater to the gas valve. There should be a cutoff valve for the heater at the wall. Never use a rubber hose to connect a space heater to the gas valve! w Use soapy water to check all connections and valves for leaks. NEVER use a match to test for a gas leak! w Look for the American Gas Association label and follow the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations for proper usage. Electric Heaters Tips - Never overload outlets or breakers - Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use extension cords for the heater. If the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater

and unplug it! - Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly. Lint and dust will burn! - Fireplace safety from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) According to the NFPA While fireplaces often conjure up images of warmth and comfort, they also represent a source of home heating fires. Creosote - a sticky, oily, combustible substance created when wood does not burn completely - rises into the chimney as a liquid and deposits on the chimney walls, and plays a role in nearly onefourth (23%) of all home heating fires each year. Just like a space heater, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, and create a three-foot â&#x20AC;&#x153;kid-free zoneâ&#x20AC;? around open fires. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room Never leave a fireplace fire unattended, particularly when children are present. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, and kept at a safe distance from your home.

6213 Skyline Drive, Suite 2100 Houston, Texas 77057

sphilip@llppc-law.com

VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, December 23, 2016

HERE ARE 51 REASONS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

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We’ll keep you entertained with our top-ranked museum district, our renowned theater district and one of the nation’s best ballet companies. We’re home to top-notch Tex-Mex, the best BBQ and over 10,000 other restaurants serving the food of more than 70 countries and American regions. You may have heard we’re the most diverse region in the U.S. and speak over 145 languages. We have the world’s largest medical center, including the premier hospitals in the country. We have the award-winning Buffalo Bayou Park, the massive Memorial Park (3X the size of Central Park), the beautiful Discovery Green and more golf courses than you can shake a putter at, making us one of the 10 greenest cities in the U.S. Galveston beach is a short drive away. So is the San Jacinto Monument, Battleship Texas, The Woodlands Waterway and the Kemah Boardwalk. If you’re looking for a job, we’re a top city for young professionals, with the most Fortune 500 companies outside of NYC. And even better, our paychecks stretch further than anywhere else.

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As the nation’s fourth-largest city, we’re the Energy Capital of the World and have a nightlife full of energy. We’re the birthplace of NASA, Dennis Quaid (and brother Randy), Jennifer Garner (Golden Globe winner), Jim Parsons (AKA Sheldon Cooper), ZZ Top (formed here in 1969) and, of course, Beyoncé. Ever heard of the rodeo? Ours is the world’s largest. And our Port of Houston is a pretty BIG deal, too (it’s #2 in total tonnage). We’re passionate about the Houston Zoo, the Houston Texans and everything about J.J. Watt. Don’t forget out outstanding bar scene, the Anheuser-Busch brewery and nearly a dozen craft breweries with arguably the best beer in the country. Our 655 square miles could contain NYC, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Seattle, which gives us plenty of space for our 15 million visitors each year. (It helps to have two major airports, including one of the nation’s largest.) So clear your schedule, and get your gear from The Galleria. Gather the whole entire family for 10 free days of Super Bowl LIVE. Get pumped for live music, some good ol’ Texas eats and football at its ﬁnest, because the Super Bowl is coming to Houston, y’all!

We’ve earned our bragging rights.

Super Bowl LI is produced by the NFL and the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee