Voice of Asia E-paper October 30 2015

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

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Over 27 years of dedicated service to the community Vol. 28 No. 44 Friday, October 30, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Vedanta Society of Greater Houston celebrates Sri Durga Puja

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev delivers an inspirational talk on yoga

An Asia Society Texas Center and Consulate General of India, Houston initiative

Visiting Rev. Swami Maharaj, performing the puja at VSGH.

HOUSTON - The year 2015 has been a very delightful and active year for the devotees of the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH). After enjoying the visits by twelve monks (one of them being Revered Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, the General Secre-

very successful Youth Programs; and observing Sri Ramakrishna’s Birthday with a wonderful worship and beautiful Homa, performed by Sw. Mahayoganandaji Maharaj, an American Swami of the Order, the devotees celebrated Sri Durga Puja on Saturday,

Consul General of India P Harish welcoming over 250 guests in attendance and introducing Sadhguru (seated) at Asia Society on 22 Oct.

Consulate General of India, Houston in collaboration with Asia Society Texas Center, Houston presented a talk by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on ‘Yoga: A Force of Transformation’

H

Consul General of India P Harish and wife Nandita Harish were the Guest of Honor at the the celebrations.

tary and Head of the Administration of the Ramakrishna Order, and another Swami Sarvapriyanandaji Maharaj, one of the best speakers of the Order ); getting a lot of young devotees involved in the two

Oct. 17, 2015.

Sri Durga Puja is an annual celebration of the VSGH which is held in the open, under a tent in the premises of Continued on page 6

OUSTON - TX - Addressing the UN General Assembly on 27 September 2014, the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi had termed Yoga “an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition” and called on the international community to work “towards adopting an International Yoga Day.” The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga on Dec 11, 2014.

Consulate General of India, Houston in close partnership with various Houston based Yoga and other institutions, including the Asia Society, organized the first International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2015 at George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston witness-

ing a turnout of over 3500 from “Houston’s Yoga Family”.

As part of a similar initiative, the Consulate General of India in collaboration with Asia Society presented a talk by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation on ‘Yoga: A force of Transformation’ at Asia Society Texas Center, Houston on 22 October, 2015.

It was a sold out event comprising of over 250 guests including members of Consular Corps of Houston, Elected officials and their representatives, Media, Houston-based prominent Yoga gurus, Yoga enthusiasts, Isha Foundation volunteers and general public.

The event began with a welcome address by Asia Society’s Ms. Elizabeth Orton, Senior Director of Operations & Administration. A short video on Isha foundation was played in the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater at Asia Society.

Consul General, Mr. P Harish gave his greetings to the community on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. He introduced and

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is seen speaking on ‘Yoga: A Force of Transformation’ at Asia Society on 22 October, 2015. welcomed Sadhguru to Houston which was his third visit.

Sadhguru spoke on the definition of Yoga, the Four Paths of Yoga– Karma, Bhakti, Gnana and Kriya, the transformational potential of Yoga and how physical postures represent small part of the framework of Yoga.

He gave very interesting and insightful examples on Yoga and

its impact on life. The program concluded with a Q&A session where the audience interacted with Sadhguru on various topics.

The gathering at this talk at Asia Society exemplified spirit of harmony, oneness of Yoga and harnessing the power of Yoga for personal transformation.

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

The Benghazi Bungle: A HighPowered Political Deception

Chandra K. Mittal,Ph.D.

by Chandra K. Mittal

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ast week’s testimony of Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton before the Congressional Select Committee investigating the attack on US Diplomatic Complex in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012 was a demonstration of American democracy in action. No country in the world can match such transparency in national governance. The star witness Secretary Clinton scored a “home run” with her stellar performance and endurance as she appeared absolutely “presidential” to the eyes of some partisans.

The Republicans members of the Select Committee, on the other hand, were made out to be “villains” by Democrats and some media outlets. Some called it an “over-reach” while others a political witch-hunt meant to derail her presidential aspirations. Many blamed the Republicans of badgering Secretary Clinton. CNN contributor David Gergen characterized the questioning as morally low and a national disgrace.

Political posturing, partisanship, and intrigue aside which only political Pundits can deciby Anit Mukherjee

I

ndia must have a serious dialogue with African countries on its role in future peacekeeping operations on the continent.

India has participated in nearly all UNPKO in Africa. Most famously, India helped set the trend in “peace enforcement missions” by deploying a sizeable contingent in Congo from 1960 to 1963.

India’s participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) is probably without parallel; it has been

pher, for regular folks the public hearings provided a valuable insight into the tragedy of Benghazi which resulted in the death of the US Ambassador Christopher Stevens along with three others on the night of September 11, 2012.

Whereas the Republicans raised several substantive issues and questions, the Democrats principally shielded Secretary Clinton by criticizing Republicans for asking such questions. The forgotten in this whole saga was the truth behind the tragedy.

Unfortunately, on her part Secretary Clinton did not come clean about her “Governmentmandated” role as Secretary of State in the entire Benghazi affair. Many of her answers were not credible or persuasive. She took the overall “blanket” responsibility for the Benghazi tragedy - a bureaucratic cliché for not being accountable. Her answers to specific questions were evasive at best. These were replete with generalities, deflections, repetitiveness, and at times irrelevant. It was a brilliant “political act” that earned her accolades from partisans. But she exhibited a lack of personal morality as she did not answer specific questions in several critical areas.

US Department of State, 1998 Accountability Review Board stated “First and foremost, the Secretary of State should take a personal and active role in carrying out the responsibility of ensuring the security of U.S. diplomatic personnel”.

But Secretary Clinton was unable to explain why more than 600 security-related requests from Ambassador Stevens were not responded to by her.

Or why did she not directly speak to the Ambassador after May 2012. These inactions of Secretary Clinton did not appear logical to an objective audience and left doubt about her personal integrity.

If the purpose of the public testimony by Mrs. Clinton before the Benghazi Select Committee (which reportedly Mrs. Clinton’s Presidential campaign insisted on) was indeed to convince the general public about the “truth” behind the Benghazi tragedy, she failed in achieving her objective. She could not at all explain why her personal e-mails to her daughter and the Egyptian Govt. gave one reason for the Benghazi attack but a completely different reason to the American people.

This sounded glaringly an attempt to mislead the American public for some ulterior political reason.

In the practice of statecraft, the hazards and risks the diplomats and the Foreign Service officers face are well known.

People remember the bombing of US Marine barracks in Beirut in the 1980s or the 1998 US Embassy bombing in two East African cities. So, the tragedy in Benghazi was nothing new for the United States. But the politicization of a national tragedy by mass manipulation, misrepresentations and trickery is offensive to most honest

African crossroads one of the largest contributors of peacekeepers and has suffered the most casualties in the process. 80%of India’s peacekeepers are presently serving in Africa, and 70 per cent of all casualties have been sustained there. UN missions serve as the bedrock of India’s military engagement and assistance to Africa. However, there is growing debate on the efficacy of these missions, and benefits for India from its continued participation. In more ways than one,

India and Africa are at a crossroads on this issue. Both need to move beyond platitudes and engage in a serious dialogue on India’s role in the future security architecture in Africa.

Historically, India has participated in nearly all UNPKO in Africa. The end of the Cold War led to a pronounced increase in UNPKO in Africa; India has been an active contributor in almost all missions.

It is presently engaged in 12 of the 15 active peacekeeping

citizens. The citizens demand transparency and consistency in government actions, which are totally missing in the Benghazi affair at all levels.

It is more likely that by asking for the open-public hearing Mrs. Clinton and her staff played the master stroke and politically outmaneuvered the Republicans to strengthen her Presidential campaign. The open public-forum restrained Republicans from probing Mrs. Clinton too much on “sensitive and classified” information. Nor could they compel her to admit the real “truth”.

She got away with evasive and deflective answers without revealing the truth, and at the same time gained political mileage for her Presidential campaign.

Finally, the US history will record the tragedy of Benghazi in its own demeanor but its reasoning and conclusions will always look illogical or political marred with opacity, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies. It will also likely cast a long shadow on the legacy of President Barak Obama whose 2012 election to the 2nd Presidential term will always be associated with political deception – The Benghazi Bungle.

Dr. Chandra Mittal is Professor at Houston Community College and Co-Founder of Indo-American Association, Houston. He can be contact on drckmittal@yahoo.com or followed on twitter @drchandramittal.

missions.

Many question the benefits accruing to India from its considerable investment of manpower and military resources.

In addition, critics cite the bad publicity generated due to instances of sexual misconduct and corruption allegedly committed by some Indian peacekeepers, and allegations that India failed to adequately protect civilians. These criticisms should not be brushed aside and instead provide an opportunity to debate the future of UN peacekeeping and India’s role in Africa.

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

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IACAN presents Art as Therapy for its Survivor Group to brush stroke techniques used by Van Gogh. While we were trying to sketch the various items of the painting, Neeta talked about the benefits of painting to the body, mind, and spirit.

Neeta encouraged us to experiment and express ourselves and not just copy the painting. At first Van Gogh’s “Stary Night“ looked intimidating to paint. But with Neeta’s step by step instructions we first began to sketch with chalk the outlines of the rolling hills, the clouds, the house and church, the trees and the moon and the stars. We then started to apply different color paints to each of the items as appropriate. As our creative juices started to flow, before long, we could see, one by one the different components of the picture begin to evolve.

We were surprised to see the transformation of our latent talent for art work flow on to a blank canvas resulting into a wonderful picture. Everyone showed a sense of accomplishment with their work.

Neeta patiently guided and applauded the effort put forth by each of us. Soon everyone was engrossed in completing and perfecting their painting as much as possible.

Neeta mentioned that she started painting as a way of relaxation and enjoys painting with her friends at her leisure.

While enjoying very healthy dinner, all of us viewed the work of others, appreciated the effort and enthusiasm put in by others.

Art therapy gives a sense of well-being. It creates a harmonious balance between the mind, body and the sprit that stimulates the body’s natural self-healing process. This rejuvenates our body and increases the strength and improves our sleep. IACAN is planning to bring many more such complementary therapies/activities to cancer patients and survivors.

For IACAN information: iacannetwork@gmail.com www.iacannetwork.org

Art class in session with Neeta.

A

ccording to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, over 30% of adults and nearly 12 % of children use non-mainstream or conventional medicine approaches to health care.

Many take the “integrative” approach to medicine; that is using non-conventional approaches along with conventional treatments.

Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, music therapy, oncology massage etc have shown to benefit some cancer patients when provided under physician guidance during their cancer treatment. Other forms of therapies such as healing through art has been found to reduce stress and anxiety and have positive effects on personal growth, coping and help with social interaction for cancer survivors.

IACAN, Indian American Cancer Network strives to educate and expose cancer survivors to complementary therapies such as art, music in order to help reduce the level of anxiety, fatigue and help to boost their immune system during their recovery.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, IACAN presented an art therapy session to its survivor group. Neeta Balsaver, an avid painting enthusiast from Sugar land opened her heart and her office to show the cancer survivor group and their families the basics of painting.

Neeta provided all the necessary art supplies. The art “students” age ranging from 6 years to over 70 years enthusiastically absorbed all the tips offered by Neeta. For this beginner’s class Neeta chose “Stary Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. Neeta walked us through various steps of painting, from sketching the outline of the hills, the houses, the trees, the moon and the stars

IACAN Members with participants displaying their work of art.

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YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER

The People’s Lawyer

Answers to your Immigration Questions

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

www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

ANSWERS TO YOUR CITIZENSHIP QUESTIONS Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Most information stays in your credit report for seven years Q. I have kept current with all my bills except one—a credit card bill I could not afford. After several months of negotiations, I settled in full with the company. My credit report still shows my delinquency and that the debt was past due. It does indicate that the debt was paid. Now that the debt is settled, how do I get this information removed from my credit report?

A. A credit report is simply a compilation of information about your credit history. The credit bureaus gather information from all of your creditors and report it. The law requires that information be complete and accurate. If there is incorrect or incomplete information in your report, you may demand the credit bureau reinvestigate and remove or correct the information. Under the law, most information stays in your report for seven years, after which time is becomes obsolete and is generally no longer reported. A bankruptcy is reported for ten years and unpaid tax liens generally remain on your credit report indefinitely.

In your case, it sounds like the credit bureau is accurately reporting the activity with your account. Your account was past due, and it was ultimately settled and paid. There is no way to have this information removed, and it will remain for seven years. Having said that, I also should add that although this information will hurt your credit, the harm may be small and after time may have little effect. One bad account that is settled in full will negatively affect your credit rating, but my guess is that if you continue to maintain good credit and pay your bills on time, you will soon return to the same position your were in before this problem.

Q. My father gave my husband and me the down payment for our house. He sent us a letter stating that the money was a gift and there was no expectation for repayment. A few weeks later, he asked us to sign a promissory note for the amount that he gifted us. We signed it. Now he wants us to repay him and is going to enforce the promissory note. Is it enforceable?

A. This could be complicated, but based on what you say my opinion is you are not bound by the note. If your father in fact made a gift, your subsequent promise in the promissory note is not enforceable. To be enforceable, a promise must have what the law calls “consideration.”

In other words, the promise must be given in exchange for something else. If he asked you to promise to repay him when he gave you the money, your promise would be enforceable. The “consideration” would be the exchange of money for your promise. In your case, however, your promise was not made in exchange for anything else. The money had already been give to you, and therefore, your promise to repay is not legally enforceable.

Q. My husband pays child support for one child. Is child support computed based on salary plus overtime? I thought overtime was not included because it is not guaranteed.

A. The law requires that the court consider all “net resources” when computing child support payments. This term is defined to include overtime, tips, and bonuses. When computing the amount of support, however, the court will take into consideration the fact that overtime pay may not be earned on a regular basis.

Q. I recently had an automobile accident. The other person promised to pay for my damage, but has yet to give me any money. How many days after an automobile accident do I have to file a suit in justice court?

A. A claim to collect damages from an automobile accident is a “tort” lawsuit. In most cases, the claim is based on the fact that the other party was “negligent” and caused the accident. In Texas, suits based on negligence must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.

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Q: What is Adjustment ofQ: I like to apply for citizenship through naturalization. How do I know if I am eligible?

A: To be eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization, you first have to have been a permanent resident for at least five years unless you fall within one of the exceptions for example you are a spouse of a US Citizen, an asylee or refugee or U.S military personnel.

The other requirements are you must be at least 18 years old; been residing in the district or state for at least three months prior to filing the application for naturalization; been physically present in the United States for at least half of the last five years; have not broken your continuous residence which means that you have not spent more than 180 days outside of the United States in the five year qualifying period; possess good moral character in the last five years; able to speak, read and write in English; able to pass the US history and government test and lastly, you are willing to swear that you believe in the principles of the United States constitution and will be loyal to the United States.

Q: I recently became a naturalized US Citizen. My son who is now fourteen years of age became a Permanent Resident at the same time as I did.

How does he apply for his citizenship?

A: Your son may have automatically acquired US Citizenship in this instance. A child born outside of the United States may automatically become a United States Citizen if all the criteria have been met on or before February 27, 2001.

These criteria include the following: The child has at least one parent including an adoptive parent who is a US Citizen by birth or through naturalization; the child is under 18 years of age; the child is residing in the United States in the physical and legal custody of the US

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Q: My wife went to India where she stayed for more than 6 months but less than one year in the last 5 years. Her mother was very sick in hospital and my wife overstayed because of the funeral. Is this a problem for her citizenship application?

A: I am assuming that your wife qualifies for citizenship in all other respects. Generally, any single absence between 6 months and a year within the requisite 5 year statutory period creates a rebuttable presumption that continuous residence has been interrupted. Because this presumption is rebuttable, she can present evidence to show that her continuous residence was not interrupted. Examples of these may include documentation that she maintained her residence in the US such as filing of federal tax returns; she maintained her employment in the US and did not obtain employment abroad, retained full access to her home in the US and that her close family members continued to remain here during the period of her absence will be helpful. In addition to that, it is advisable that she provides a written explanation as to the circumstances of her overstay and substantiate that with her mother’s hospital records and death certificate.

Q: I had a re-entry permit and stayed abroad for more than one year during the required statutory period. I applied for citizenship. Will it be denied?

A: Yes, your citizenship application will be denied because any absence of more than one year during the period which continuous residence is required interrupts the continuous residence requirement. As such, you

may reapply to naturalize four years and one day after your return from that overseas trip or two years and one day under the rules for spouse of a U.S. citizen.

Q: My mother’s English is not very good. Can she still pass the citizenship test as she does not qualify for the English Language exemptions?

A: To apply for naturalization, the applicant must have elementary level reading, writing and understanding of the English Language. He must also have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of US history and government. If he is at least 65 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, he can take the easier test of US History and Government. My advice in such a circumstance is for her to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine if she possesses or will be able to achieve the required level of literacy skill needed for such an application and to pass the interview.

We have successfully assisted many clients who thought their literacy skills were inadequate for the naturalization process.

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.

Bio: Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration Lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas.

She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. If you require immigration advice or assistance, you may contact her at telephone number 713623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Student Appreciation Day by Hermann Park Recognized As One of 15 Great Places in America by Surangan School of Music American Planning Association

T

he American Planning Association has released its annual list of Great Places in America, and Houston’s Hermann Park has a prominent place on it. Hermann Park has been a favorite spot for Houstonians since its creation in 1914, and now this prestigious organization and the rest of the nation recognize its beauty and importance. At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015, Mayor Annise Parker, Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Joe Turner, and Hermann Park Conservancy Executive Director Doreen Stoller will host representatives of the A.P.A. in a ceremony at the park’s McGovern Centennial Gardens, 1500 Hermann Drive, 77004.

Surangan founder director Rupa Ghosh shares a fond moment with her students. Photo credit: Apu.

by Sanchali Basu Another year has rolled by and Surangan has grown in size, maturity and professionalism. Their annual student appreciation day was held at the Maharaja Banquet Hall on October 10 with tremendous enthusiasm and passion. The school in its 5th year dedicated to keeping the cultural heritage of Bengal alive among the immigrant and specially the 2nd generation Bengalis growing up in the US is surely keeping its promise.

The efforts of founder director Rupa Ghosh have definitely not gone in vain and got reflected in the outcome of the production and the unconditional outpouring of love from the students and others. The school trains students in the classical, semi classical, Rabindra and Nazrul songs, and has recently started a Skype based training program for some to accommodate their busy schedules. 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.

This year, another feather was added to their cap with the performance of Tagore’s, “Jodi tor daak shune,� by a non Bengali student Sonia, proving once again that music surpasses the barrier of language. Rupa, started her musical training at the tender age of five under Sri Nirmalendu Chowdhury

who was instrumental in bringing Bengali folk songs into the limelight in the sixties and seventies. She then trained in classical music and Rabindra Sangeet under renowned Gurus and has won several accolades throughout her singing career.

She brought this passion along with her to Houston to enable the next generation to continue with the tradition and connect with their roots. An audio album of hers featuring 10 Tagore songs will be released soon.

The evening started with a slide show of the Surangan school by Kiron, bringing back memories. Rupa thanked everyone with her welcome speech and Razu presented his slide show. The evening was very effectively guided by master of ceremonies Sriti. Group songs, recitations and solo songs by students ranging in age from 5 to adult all resonated sincerity and diligent execution.

ing each of the 5 poets. What made it even more interesting was the picture slide of the artist that accompanied each individual’s performance. Rupa’s immense emphasis on perfect Bengali pronunciation and diction among the young budding next generation performers is highly remarkable and made the renditions more pleasant to the ears.

Raja Banga, director of the Prana School of Music, an eminent music school of Katy along with a few of his disciples delighted the audience with a Tabla concert. He, Biplab Samadder and Bidyut Ghosh on the tabla, violin and mandira respectively provided able accompaniment to all the vocal renditions. Appreciation certificates were handed out to students and the program ended with Rupa’s personal tribute to the 5 poets and cake cutting.

Please visit www.surangan.org for further information.

“Public spaces are essential as gathering places and recreational venues in our communities, and designing them to be innovative, multifunctional, and culturally beneficial requires thoughtful collaboration and planning,� said Carol Rhea, F.A.I.C.P., president of A.P.A. “The Great Public Spaces of 2015 illustrate how to effectively create spaces that enhance the lives of residents and visitors alike, and we commend them on this tremendous achievement.� “We are honored that Hermann Park has received this designation,� said Houston Mayor Annise Parker. “It is an iconic jewel that is a favorite of all Houstonians. We are thankful that the public private partnership that has worked to develop so many of these beautiful amenities has been recognized by the American Planning Association.�

Hermann Park was originally gifted to the city by George H. Hermann in 1914. Its 445 acres

This year’s theme was to honor and pay tribute to the five great poets and composers of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, Atul Prasad Sen, Rajanikanta Sen, Dwijendralal Roy and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Befittingly they paid respect to the Pancha Kabi by representing compositions of all 5 poets. Bengal’s rich tradition in the field of poetry and music was very well portrayed.

Gronti, Priyanti, Purnata, Samien, Naiza, Shyon, Smita, Seeryn, Vanini, Sharoni, Puspita, Tinni, Dipika, Rafid, Dona, Sreya, Tithi, Sheena and Arun Islam were all very deserving in their own right in highlight-

$BMM UPMM GSFF i 5"+ :06u XXX USBWFMDPPM DPN

of land are one of the most popular places visited by Houstonians year-round. “This park is one of the places that make Houston such a unique and wonderful place to live,� said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “It is not only beautiful, but the amenities range from wild prairie to manicured gardens, with museums, entertainment venues, a worldclass Zoo, and a mini-train, to boot.� “The revitalization of Hermann Park is a miracle of community engagement,� said Doreen Stoller, Executive Director, Hermann Park Conservancy. “The park has become a place not just loved by the Houston community, but also supported by it, through institutions, corporations, and families.�

As part of National Community Planning Month, A.P.A.’s Great Places in America pro-

gram recognizes streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States that demonstrate exceptional character, quality, and planning that enrich their communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country. Hermann Park’s 101 years have involved a great deal of development, carried out according to master plans by such famous landscape architects as Arthur Comey, Hare and Hare, and Laurie Olin. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is the steward for the park and the Hermann Park Conservancy has been its partner for the last thirty years of development. Today’s park represents a diverse environment with a wide range of attractions, located in the heart of a busy, vibrant city. To be on the Great Places list, it must have a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, a legacy of planning, and a vision for the future. Hermann Park fits all of these criteria, and more.

Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in San Francisco The Consulate General of India in San Francisco via an epress release informed that the Government of India through Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) and the Consulate General of India, San Francisco in coordination with the Regional PBD Los Angeles Inc. organization comprising of various community leaders, is organizing the 9th Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (RPBD) - Regional Conference for Indian Diaspora, in Los Angeles, California on Nov. 14-15, 2015.

In this connection, Hon’ble Consul General OF India, San Francisco, Shri Venkatesan Ashok would address a Press Conference of all our media friends in Bay Area San Francisco on 26th October, 2015 (Monday) at 6:00 PM in Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Milpitas (Address: 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-934-1130).

VOICE OF ASIA 6

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Diwali and Govardhan Puja Vedanta Society of Greater at ISKCON of Houston Houston celebrates ....

November 11th and 12th, 2015

File photo of Govardhan puja at ISKCON of Houston in 2014. Photo by Tejas.

I

SKCON of Houston is celebrating two wonderful festivals in November! Diwali or the festival of lights falls on Wednesday, 11th November and New Year - Govardhan Puja is on Thursday, 12th November. The ISKCON temple, located on 1320 W 34th Street has been celebrating these time honored festivals for decades now, bettering itself each year.

Diwali or Dipavali in Sanskrit translates to numerous lights and is a festival that is close to many a heart, appealing to old and young. To some, the significance of the festival is an inspiration. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to His kingdom after defeating the evil King Ravana and it also serves as a reminder to all of us to allow the good within oneself to reign over the evil.

One of the highlights for Diwali celebrations at ISKCON is the candle light aarti. This is a one of it’s kind, unique visual treat where the magnificent Deities, decorated with fragrant flowers are worshipped

in a divine a t m o sphere.

As is central to the practice of Krishna consciousness, the chanting of the Holy Names of ISKCON Temple of Houston the Lord will form a core part of the worship. the hill as His incarnation, and Praising the Lord with His worship the cows and bulls Holy Names is the meditation who are dear to the Lord. At followed by these spiritual the end of the festival, the hill of prasadam (sanctified food) seekers.

Govardhan Puja or Annakut is distributed to the public. is celebrated the day after Di- Also a New Year Day and wali. It was on this day that hundreds of devotees visit the Lord Krishna protected the temple during 4:30 AM Maninhabitants of Vrindavan from gala Aarti for a very auspithe onslaught of Lord Indra’s cious start of the New Year.

Celebrations on both evewrath by lifting the Govardhan hill. To celebrate this fes- nings begin at 6:30 pm. There tival, devotees build a replica will be cultural programs and of Govardhana Hill made of celebrations on Sunday, 15th various opulent foods, wor- November at 5:30 pm. Free ship Lord Krishna as the lifter vegetarian feast is served on of Govardhana Hill, worship both days after the festivities.

Swami Maharaj, performing the Durga puja at VSGH. Continued from page 1

the temple. It began in 2009 on the open lot, even before the present building was constructed. The worship is performed by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order.

Saturday, October, 17 was like one of the beautiful “Sharad” season days in India – a cool sunny day, with some white clouds in the sky, the sunshine not bright, but still had a rich golden color.

It was so nostalgic that some of us who had grown up with Durga Pujas in India could remember and smell the fragrance of the blooming ‘Parijat’, or ‘Shiuli” flowers, and recollect the white swaying “Kash” flowers (Kans Grass) in the light breeze. The celebration began with the statue of Mother Durga being carried to the ‘mandap’ to the accompaniment of the lively beats of the ‘dhak’ and the blowing of the ‘conch shell’. The

devotees decorated her with flowers, bouquets, garlands and “chandmalas”, and She looked radiant and blissful.

Her entrancing eyes showered blessings on each and every one present. The puja, performed by Swami Kripamayanandaji Maharaj of the Vedanta Center of Toronto, began at 10 a.m. The divinity of the worship was further enhanced by the accompaniment of ‘Chandi’ chanting by Dr. Amrit Achari, a neurosurgeon in Houston; and Dr. Bishnupada Goswami, the priest from Durga Bari. The beautiful devotional songs sung by the VSGH choir during the prayers further augmented the sanctity of the celebrations. It seemed like even the weather was offering its salutations to Mother Durga by keeping the temperature very comfortable for the devotees. The puja ended with the magnificent ‘Arati’ performed by the Swa-

mi with the chandelier lamps, and ‘pushpanjali’, the offering of flowers, by each and every devotee. Fruit & lunch prasad were served to all attendees.

Many of the devotees commented that the Durga Puja celebrations at VSGH bring back wistful memories of their childhood and youthful days during Durga Puja in India.

VSGH still has a couple of programs in its calendar.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, VSGH will celebrate Kali Puja at 7:30 p.m. Worship will be performed by Dr. Bishnupada Goswami, the priest from Durga Bari and dinner prasad will be served.

Furthermore, from Nov. 19 to Nov. 22, Pravrajika Vrajaprana, a nun from the Santa Barbara Vedanta Convent will be visiting VSGH and will be conducting a retreat on “Holy Company & its Value”. Please visit www.houstonvedanta. org for more information.

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

NRIs buy 3 lakh ‘e-bricks’ to contribute to new Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amravati

PM Narendra Modi being welcomed at Gannavaram Airport by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

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YDERABAD, (27 Oct, 2015): About three lakh ‘e-bricks’ were purchased by Telugu NRIs in the US on a single day to contribute to the construction of Andhra Pradesh’s new capital Amravati, state IT minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy said today.

Each ‘e-brick’ is priced at Rs 10. The NRIs based in North America Bay Area bought about three lakh e-bricks following an appeal made by Reddy who is on a visit to the US, a release from his office here said.

The state government has introduced the e-brick scheme to promote participation of people in the development of the new capital, coming up in Vijayawada region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Amravati on Octo-

N Chandrababu Naidu believes Amaravati has the strength of both ‘vastu’ and an auspicious name.

He even sprinkled water and soil brought from holy places of all faiths and from across the state with the hope that this will give further strength to Amaravati. The Andhra Pradesh government has also provided incentives to the original owners of land by exempting them from capital gains tax and stamp duty on the first sale. ber 22.

Reddy, who participated in Oracle Open World, an IT

summit, in San Francisco, appealed to the IT companies and NRIs to make investments in Andhra Pradesh.

He met the top officials of Oracle Corporation, Intel and other firms.

GOPIO’s New York meeting seeks protection of NRIs’ properties in India

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he Global organization of People of Indian Origin - New York chapter organized a community meeting where many issues of NRIs buying, selling and owning properties in India were discussed. It was jointly organized by the Indian American Kerala Center at its auditorium in Elmont, New York. The speakers were New York Attorney Anand Ahuja who is also the President of GOPIO-New York and Mr. Pambayan Meyyan, Senior Vice President of Forest Hills Financial Group. The meeting was chaired by GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham.

Several issues were brought out at this meeting especially buying, selling and owning real estate properties by NRIs/PIOs in India. It was pointed out that there have been growing number of scams against NRIs/ PIOs hereditary, residential and commercial properties and due to these reasons, NRIs/PIOs are being greatly discouraged to invest in India ”NRIs/PIOs are at a great disadvantage to contest property issues in courts in India due to the length of the time (10-20 years) it takes, and/or due to the fact that in both civil and criminal cases NRIs/PIOs need to be present on many occasions before the court,” said Dr. Abraham. The meeting requested GOPIO to take up this issue with Govt. of India to have Fast Tack Courts.

The meeting also called upon the Government of India to enact another legislation to provide Title Insurance to ensure that their ownership in real estate is protected against forged signatures on the deed and for any such fraudulent transfer of their properties.

It was also pointed out that NRIs and PIOs are subjected to higher TDS (tax deducted at source) than resident Indians

for capital gains and while selling properties. GOPIIO meeting passed a resolution covering all these issues and plans to present it at the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Los Angeles on November 15th.

GOPIO-NEW YORK – KERALA CENTER SEMINAR RESOLUTION Investments In Properties & Disputes WHEREAS many NRIs/PIOs are keeping their emotional ties alive to their motherland by maintaining their hereditary property; and WHEREAS NRIs/PIOs are committed to contribute financially and otherwise to the growth and progress of India; and, WHEREAS many NRIs/PIOs have substantially invested and/ or are in the process of investing in residential and commercial real estates; and, WHEREAS there has been a growing number of scams against NRIs/PIOs hereditary, Residential and Commercial properties; and, WHEREAS due to growing property scam NRIs/PIOs are being greatly discouraged to invest in India; and, WHEREAS one of the main reasons for these growing scams against NRIs/PIOs is that the NRIs/PIOs are at a great disadvantage to contest property issues in courts in India –due to the length of the time (15-20 years) it takes, and/or due to the fact that in both civil and criminal cases NRIs/PIOs need to be present on many occasions before the court, and WHEREAS despite several attempts to bring this problem to the attention of the Central Government Agencies and Ministers no corrective measures have been taken so far.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that GOPIO urges the Government of India to enact legislation to designate Fast

Diwali Celebration For Children at Sugar Land Branch Library The Youth Services department at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will recognize the culture of India in a “Celebration of Diwali” on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 4:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

Children in grades K through 5 are invited to learn about Diwali, one of the most important Hindu festivals across India and in parts of Nepal. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is celebrated in autumn every year.

Library staff member Bharathi Ramakrishnan will show children how to make traditional lanterns, sweet Indian milk treats, and Sand Art. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Sugar Land Branch Library at 281-238-2140.

Speakers, organizers and some participants at the recently held community meeting on NRI Property Issues in India. Seated in front row from L. to R.: Kerala Center President Thambi Thalappillil, GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-New York President and panelist Anand Ahuja, Panelist Pambayan Meyyan, GOPIO-New York Founder President Lal Motwani and Kerala Center Executive Director E.M. Stephen.

Track Courts for NRIs/PIOs for the speedy settlement of their property issues in India, and

enact another legislation to provide Title Insurance to ensure that their ownership in real es-

tate is protected against forged signatures on the deed and for

any such fraudulent transfer of their properties.

VOICE OF ASIA 8

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Tragedy strikes young Indian student Diwali celebration for children at Sugar Land Branch Library A college student from India was among four people killed when a car crashed into a crowd watching the homecoming parade at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Saturday.

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ikita Prabhakar Nakal, 23, a graduate student at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmund, died in the crash, police and her school said.

A retired Oklahoma State professor and his wife, Marvin and Bonnie Stone, and 2-year-old Nash Lucas, the son of an OSU student, also died in the crash. Dozens of others, including several children, were injured. Four remained in critical condition on Sunday.

Nikita Nakal was originally from Mumbai, India, police said.

According to her Facebook page, she moved to the United States in late July to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“New home it is!! missing amchi Mumbai already,” Nakal wrote in a post on July 22 from the DallasFort Worth airport, on her way to Oklahoma City.

Nakal was pursuing her master’s degree in business administration, according to the University of Central Oklahoma.

UCO President Don Betz said in a statement: “While our thoughts and prayers are with the Oklahoma State University community tonight following the tragic events during OSU’s homecoming parade this morning, it is with deep sadness that I ask you to extend those sentiments to the family and friends of one of our own students.

Our students come to Central with their unique goals, hopes and dreams, and Nikita was undoubtedly no different. While we mourn the potential unrealized, let us also honor her life by pulling closer and appreciating the strength of our Broncho family.

It is incredibly difficult to face the death of a close friend or family member.”

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis said Nakal was at the homecoming parade with friends. The “Sea of Orange” homecoming parade and game annually draw more than 80,000 to

T

he Youth Services department at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will recognize the culture of India in a “Celebration of Diwali” on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 4:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

Children in grades K through 5 are invited to learn about Diwali, one of the most important Hindu festivals across India and in parts of Nepal.

Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is celebrated in autumn every year.

Library staff member Bharathi Ramakrishnan will show children how to make traditional lanterns, sweet Indian milk treats, and Sand Art. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Sugar Land Branch Library at 281-238-2140.

Head Start programs coming to Fort Bend soon Miss Nakal moved to the United States in late July to pursue a graduate degree at the University. (Facebook) Stillwater.

Police and witnesses say the Hyundai sedan driven by 25-yearold Adacia Chambers crashed into an unoccupied police motorcycle before hitting the crowd.

“All I remember is a gush of wind, and then the sound. Leo, who was standing next to me, wasn’t standing next to me. He was off to the side,” said Mark McNitt, who was standing beside his stepfather, Leo Schmitz, who was injured in the crash. McNitt told reporters the crash was like a bomb going off.

At the scene, multiple helicopters were used to airlift victims to Stillwater Medical Center. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the recovery process.

The accident occurred at the corner of Hall of Fame and Main Street, a very populated area just two blocks from the football stadium.

The parade, featuring floats and high school marching bands, makes its way down Main Street in Stillwater near Boone Pickens Stadium and is known as “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

S

ome of the most important years in a child’s development are between birth and age 5, but not all families have the resources to send their child to pre-school.

Houston-based Neighborhood Centers Inc. has brought one “Head Start” program to Fort Bend county and plans on adding six more over the next few months.

Last week, the Sugar Land City Council approved the use of a city-owned building at 112 Avenue D in Sugar Land for one of those seven campuses, and four others are located on school district property within the county.

“We provide a holistic approach – it’s not only education. we get our families ready with health, wellness and nutrition, parent engagement and parent education,” said Diane Stanton, director of Neighborhood Centers’ Head Start programs, which serve 2,232 children across 21 locations in the Houston area.

Families can apply through grants, but they must be at or below the federal poverty line.

Seven hundred and fifty-five children in Fort Bend are expected to be served by the program. Statistics have shown that students who participate in Head Start programs are in a better position to succeed in school.

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

VOICE OF ASIA 10

COMMUNITY

Keynote with Hugh Forrest: An Entrepreneurs Guide to SXSW Interactive (TiE)

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Samskriti presents “Fire and Ash” and “Dwita” Two incredible performances for the price of one featuring the most outstanding artists presented on stage.

It was a Sold Out Event (over 123+ guests)

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n Oct 19, 2015, Mr. Hugh Forrest went through the rules of SXSW - #1 Rule – formulate/create a game plan for the event; Think about what you want to learn, discover, who you want to connect with; He then went over Founder-focused content (start-ups); Start-up Village – will have all startup related sessions; SXSW came about in October of 1986. First event held in March 1987.

SXSW has changed in many surprising and meaningful ways since 1987, but at its core, SXSW remains a tool for creative people to develop their careers by bringing together people from around the globe to meet, learn and share ideas. (And maybe have a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences.)

Today it is also a launching pad for new creative content; providing exposure for creators; global networking; providing intellectual and creative intermingling amongst industry leaders;

SXSW holds variety of events: SXSW Interactive – 5 days of keynotes, panels, presentations and fun [Includes Tradeshows, Health & MEdTech Expos (great value for Houston’s Health Sciences entrepreneurs; Health and MedTech sessions run Friday March 11-15th) and Gaming Expo] SXSW all about discovering new and innovative ideas; making career enhancing connections. SXSW will have Accelerator Pitch Competition (has previously raised more than 2.9 Billion in funding).

Application deadline is Friday November 6 for SXSW Accelerator; Only 10% of entries accepted; Release lt at SXSW (for companies releasing at SXSW; can be a startup that is launching during event; or company with new product, service or app); Must have launched

by January 1.

VR/AR Track – will cover a variety of ways VR/AR technology will impact our future

Folks interested in launching a company at SXSW should have launched their company earlier - before January 1st. It’s not too late to apply for 2017!

SXSW will have 500+ sessions (largest for 2016) (www.sxsw.com/interactive)

Great value in attending SXSW – Networking, making connections, if you are launching a company – great launching platform, take part in the pitch competition; SXSW is inspirational, showcases creativity and innovation;

Hugh Forrest has offered generously a discount for TiE Houston - Buy Tickets for each session: Access to Music, Film & Interactive: $1425; Gold Badge $1125 for Access to Film & Interactive; Interactive Badge is for $925 (March 11-15, 2016); Music Badge $695; Film Badge $550; SXSW Edu Badge $295.

Houston Entrepreneurs should contact HATCH Pitch (Greg Wright) to get more prequalifying information on SXSW (hatchpitch.com);

Read more about Hugh Forrest: www.austintexas.gov/blog/hugh-forrest

“Fire and Ash,” produced by Gowri Ramnarayan tells stories of Lord Siva.

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ire and Ash producer Gowri Ramnarayan has linked together the different arts with her narration and her understanding of the essence of the Indian philosophy.

Gowri, grand daughter of Kalki Krishnamurthy and grandniece of the world famed Smt. M.S. Subbalakshmi aims at Duo performance by Rama Vaidyanathan and Dakshina Vaidyanathan bringing the ancient to the contemporary, and thus succeeding in transporting the Omnipotent table performance. consciousness, but still man and Omniscient to the Time“DWITA” Bharatanatyam endeavors for both to become lessness of Space. style performance by duo one. DWITA depicts all these Introducing Bhakti through Rama Vaidyanathan and Dak- dichotomies that make life the language of the common shina Vaidyanathan. Dwita is mysterious. Live Orchestra acman, as against the orthodoxy a Sanskrit term that means du- companiments on Nattuvangam of Sanskrit, in this journey, ality, explores the double take -Dr. S. Vasudevan Savita Narasimhan successfully wielded the paint brush and digitally through her music and the visual dimension in form of dance provided by Anjana Anand. This performance “Fire and Ash’ takes you on a journey that extolled the concepts and attributes with anecdotes and stories of Lord Siva in a inimi-

on different aspects of life. The Devi is compassionate as well as ferocious, Love for the Divine can be sensual as well as spiritual, the Ardhanareeswara is a male as well as a female, and a Mother’s love is protective and yet it does not chain her daughter. There is the finite man and the infinite supreme

Vocal- K.Venkateshwaran, Mridangam – Ramamoorthy Sriganesh and Flute- Rajat Prasanna When: On NOV.8th, 2015, 3.30PM Where: at Bayou theater, uh Clear Lake, 2700 Bayarea blvd, Houston, TX 77058.

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Rosy, airy and shiny -- three takeaways from Sao Paulo Fashion Week shining against a general backdrop of grey and skin-tones.

Boots by Gloria Coelho had

a coppery sheen, while the Lolitta collection made widespread use of combined silver and copper.

“Metals are beautiful and still used a lot,” Kalil said.

A model presents a creation by Lino Villaventura during the 2016 Winter collection of the Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil on October 22, 2015 (AFP Photo/Nelson Almeida)

Artists bring ‘outdoor living room’ to New York

A model presents a creation by Fernanda Yamamoto during the 2016 Winter collection of the Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil on October 22, 2015 (AFP Photo/Nelson Almeida).

by Natalia RAMOS

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AO PAULO, Brazil Where Sao Paulo Fashion Week goes, much of Latin America follows, and this year the message from the catwalks is to look rosy and airy -- while throwing in a metallic glint.

Although a younger sister to the New York, Paris, London and Milan versions, Sao Paulo Fashion Week is the biggest on the continent and part of a growing southern hemisphere fashion scene.

That Brazil’s supermodel Gisele Bundchen chose the Sao Paulo catwalk for her retirement in April didn’t hurt its credibility either.

SPFW, which closed Friday, featured winter 2016 collections from more than 30 designers, including local favorites such as Ronaldo Fraga, Reinaldo Lourenco, Fernanda Yamamoto, Joao Pimenta and Vitorino Campos.

And as the fashionistas pack their bags, here are three takeaways: - Rose-tinted -

Fraga, Campos and Animale seem to be wearing the same glasses: rose-tinted.

Pink in different shades found its way into coats and trousers, with Animale combining a pale version with hot yellow.

“I saw a lot of pink, but you have to be careful. It’s a difficult color and you have to take care in how you use it so that it doesn’t become childish,” Brazilian fashion guru Gloria Kalil told AFP. White was also widely used, adding to the light touch.

- Winter, what winter? -

That suits Yamamoto, who goes several times a year to Paraiba in remote northeastern Brazil to visit women making traditional lace, then adding contemporary twists.

“The lace creates a different texture, it’s part of the tendency toward using feathers and rope in an artisanal style,” Brazilian style consultant Camila Toledo said.

The southern winter will also see plenty of ankles on show, with designers favoring wide flared trousers rising several centimeters higher than standard.

- Metal -

Brazilian winters are a relative concept, so this collection was never going to come furlined.

Instead the well-dressed Latin American is looking for airy, easily adaptable clothing to cope with those slight dips in the thermometer.

“We can use these lighter and more delicate clothes with lace and perforations,” Kalil said.

There’s a harder edge coming too.

Flower and animal prints have gone with the summer.

Stripes and geometric shapes are in, especially in black and white, with collections from Lourenco and the Iodice label being typical examples.

The metallic look also caught the eye this year. The alwayspopular silver was less in evidence, with copper on the rise,

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Sebastien Renauld rests on his bed on October 20, 2015, along Broadway in New York City, where he and fellow street artist Laurent Boijeot have been living outdoors for 30 days as part of a moving performance-art installation (AFP Photo/Jewel Samad).

by Brigitte DUSSEAU

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ew York - They set up chairs, tables and beds on the sidewalk and engage New Yorkers in chat: French performance artists have spent three weeks living and sleeping on Broadway.

Laurent Boijeot, 34 and Sebastien Renauld, 33 -- accompanied by photographer Clement Martin -- started in Harlem and each day, pack up their encampment, move south, and set up home again.

They live in the open air and chat with hundreds of New Yorkers, normally rushing by with heads buried in phones, but suddenly curious and glad to stop for an impromptu conversation.

After spending a month on the street, the threesome will finish their New York adventure in Battery Park on Sunday.

They have been bowled over by the welcome.

New Yorkers “quickly understand it’s performance art, and some come down to thank us,” says Boijeot. “’Welcome’, ‘thank you’ -- it’s the first time I’ve heard that so much,” says Renauld,

drinking a cup of coffee out of a coconut at their simple, pine table.

Police let them be, despite complaints from doormen who do not appreciate these nomads of art, each day hulking furniture on their backs and luggage in cardboard suitcases.

New Yorkers have bombarded them with offers of showers, helped set out their tables and chairs and brought them pastries.

They spent several days in the rain -- not a happy experience says Martin -- enjoyed an Indian summer and braved a cold snap.

They have a bank of great memories: an opera singer who came to sing them Carmen, an impromptu duet with a passing violinist, and what Renauld calls “artistic-philosophical discussions at three in the morning with police on what is art.”

of his life.

So what’s the point? “Art, to produce collective emotions,” says Renauld, an architect by training.

He says the table and modest pine chair mock social hierarchies, putting everyone on an equal footing.

“I think it’s great,” says yoga teacher Jennifer Landesman.

“I think that humanity needs more connection and relationship, that there’s so much digital media that takes us out of connecting in a human way.”

Boijeot and Renauld have done similar but shorter stays in European cities such as Venice, Dresden, Brussels and Zurich.

Next month they head to Tokyo for a similar traversing of the city from November 20 to December 21.

New Yorkers “are not scared of others,” says Boijeot.

Beyond that, they hope to take the experience to Dakar and Latin America “where people use the street differently,” said Renauld.

But they can be over-sharers.

Conversations quickly turn personal -- sometimes too personal. He tells of one man who confided the soap opera details

“Some people ask us, ‘Is it a reality show?’ And I just answer them, ‘It’s not a show, it’s better -- it’s just reality,’” said Boijeot.

- Next stop: Tokyo -

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Zubin Mehta’s new book released ‘The Score of My Life’

Watch worn by US astronaut on Moon sells for $1.6 mn

by Jennie MATTHEW

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EW YORK -An exceptionally rare watch worn by an American astronaut on the Moon which bears remnants of lunar material has sold for more than $1.6 million, a US auction house said Friday.

Dave Scott, the commander of the 1971 Apollo 15 mission, wore the Bulova Chronograph while conducting experiments on the Moon after his standardissue Swiss Omega became damaged.

It is the only watch worn on the Moon in private hands and was bought by a Florida businessman in a frenetic, 12-minute bidding war with a rival in Britain, said Boston-based RR Auction.

It is also the only American-made watch worn on the Moon and its $1,625,000 price smashed the auction house’s pre-sale estimates of $750,000 to $1 million.

It was exposed to the lunar surface for more than four hours, and bears remnants of chalky, ash-type lunar material on its band and scratches on its face, the auction house said.

Zubin Mehta has created a body of work with the world’s greatest orchestras, including the Vienna, Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York Philharmonics. Zubin Mehta: The Score of My Life is a frank and direct account of Mehta’s entire musical life. From his childhood days in Bombay to his journey to Vienna to study music at the age of 18, on through his entire professional career, he shares with us an insider’s view.

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

“It’s worth what it sold for,” Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction, told AFP. The watch “played a major role in the safety of the mission,” he added.

The dozen American men who have walked on the moon all wore NASA-issued Omega Speedmasters, which are considered US government property, and many are housed in institutions.

Omega won the contract to equip the Apollo program, bidding against five or six other companies, but Bulova was determined to get NASA to change their mind, testing their watch rigorously against the Speedmaster, Livingston said.

After he returned to the cabin following his second moonwalk, Scott saw that the crystal of his Omega had popped off, so for his third moonwalk, he strapped on his personal backup, the Bulova.

- Amazing scratches “Among the decisions I made, the monitoring of time was perhaps most important,” said 83-year-old Scott in a detailed five-page letter that accompanied the sale.

Timing was the only way he could know how much oxygen was left in his life-support system, as he risked his life on a mission where every moment was filled with conducting experiments.

Until now, the watch has been in his personal collection. He offered it for sale to help raise money to support scholarships for the next generation of astronauts, RR Auctions said.

Scott used the watch during the four hour, 49 minute and 50 second mission on the Moon’s surface, during which he drove the lunar rover in the open air, gathered lunar material and conducted other scientific experiments, Livingston told AFP. “The scratches on the crystal are just amazing, because it just shows you what conditions the Bulova was under,” he said.

Scott is photographed saluting the American flag on the Moon with the watch strapped to his left wrist and after splashing down to safety in the ocean with a big smile on his face.

“Bidding was incredibly fierce and emotional, it was great,” Livingston said. “The live portion took about 10-12 minutes.”

The watch was the highlight of a space and aviation auction, which sold just under $3 million worth of items in 400 lots.

Another standout item was the Mercury 9 flight plan roller used by Gordon Cooper, the first American to spend more than 24 hours in space, which sold for $89,775.

Apollo 15 was the fourth manned lunar landing mission and the first to visit and explore the moon’s Hadley Rille and Apennine Mountains on the southeast edge of the Sea of Rains.

Award recipient aims to show On stony ground: Asian cricketers find Saudi solace ‘human side’ of Syria war

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ASHINGTON Zaina Erhaim, the Syrian recipient of the Peter Mackler Award for Courageous and Ethical Journalism, said Thursday she hopes her work can convey “the human side” of the horrific conflict.

“I’m not a war zone reporter.

I wouldn’t be there if it was not my home country,” she said ahead of accepting the award from Reporters Without Borders, Agence France-Presse and Global Media Forum, a journalist training organization.

“I went back because I’m Syrian. I belong to that homeland.”

Asian expats working in Riyadh play cricket on a sandy and stoney ground beside a shopping mall parking lot (AFP Photo/Fayez Nureldine)

by Ian Timberlake

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IYADH, Saudi Arabia - Even the best groundkeeper’s skills would be lost on this grassless pitch in the Saudi capital Riyadh where Asian expats make the most of an improvised version of cricket.

belongs to a team of Sri Lankans, the Rising Stars, cricket is a chance to “release the tension”.

Mihar, who played under19 cricket in his homeland, works as a household driver and would be back on the job

“This ground is full of stones and everything,” said Kiran Ravi, 26, from India, blaming the sandy lot beside a shopping mall’s parking lot for his team’s slow run buildup on the first day of a tournament.

There are no carefully manicured grass pitches for cricketers in this city carved out of the desert. In Riyadh, there is hardly any grass at all.

The players make do with what they have: lots of asphalt or, in this case, the dangerous rock-strewn sand beside Granada Mall and the multilane roads that surround it.

Millions of expatriate workers from cricket-mad South Asia work in Saudi Arabia.

For the talented players among them, Ravi’s Warriors and other teams offer a chance to relax, even without a normal pitch.

“You don’t find anything like entertainment” in the ultra-conservative Islamic kingdom, said team-mate Vasant Warrier, 36.

He was seated on the back of a pickup truck, marking off the runs for his team on a scoresheet.

“We play cards. We play cricket. Sometimes we play football.”

For Fazeel Mihar, 27, who

after Friday’s match, toiling until the wee hours of Saturday.

Other players work in everything from juice production to sales and logistics. Friday, the Muslim weekend, is their day off -- and their match day.

Erhaim, who lives and works in Aleppo, Syria, has trained about 100 citizen reporters from inside Syria, approximately a third of them women, in print and TV journalism, and helped establish new, independent newspapers and magazines in the country.

The 30-year-old Erhaim is also the Syria project coordinator for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), an international organization that

supports journalists in countries undergoing conflict, crisis or transition.

Erhaim studied in London before returning to Syria to report on the conflict.

She said she has been training others because “I wanted to help my fellow citizen journalists. I feel a burden to complete what my colleagues and friends have died for. They died to make the world see what is going on.”

The work of some of her students has been published in major international news outlets, but Erhaim said her goal is to help convey the human element of life in Syria.

“What I was trying to do in the last three or four years is just report on lives and not just wars or massacres,” she said.

“International politicians are dehumanizing the Syrians; they have lives, they are interested in living, loving having kids.”

Erhaim said working as a journalist has never been easy in Syria -- ranked 177th among 180 countries in terms of press

freedom by Reporters Without Borders -- but that now she and others are frequent targets of both the government and the Islamic State, also knows as ISIS. “I’m wanted by three different security branches because I’m a journalist,” she said, and in ISIS-controlled areas she must use a false identity. “I’m wanted by them too.”

She said journalists can face arrest or worse simply by reporting or carrying a camera.

“Many of those I trained have been arrested by the regime, some were killed by ISIS,” she said.

Erhaim is the seventh recipient of the award, named for the late Peter Mackler, a longtime AFP journalist who died in 2008.

The award is administered by Global Media Forum, the US branch of Reporters Without Borders, and Agence FrancePresse to journalists who fight courageously and ethically to report the news in countries where freedom of the press is either not guaranteed or not recognized.

Sugar Land Opens First Universally Accessible Playground

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UGAR LAND, TX ¬– The City of Sugar Land recently opened its first universally accessible playground at First Colony Athletic Park.

from a variety of private donors, granting organizations, and businesses. Combined with a contribution from the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, a total of $400,000 was collected to reach the funding goal to construct the playground.

A ribbon cutting ceremony included City officials, the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation and members of the Dream League.

This unique playground serves as a place where all children can play together and foster friendships in a welcoming and safe environment.

The 5,500 square foot playground includes new “inclusive” equipment with longer platforms and ramps. Other added amenities include bonded rubber surfacing that makes it easier for wheelchairs and children with disabilities who need a more even surface to access the equipment.

The City worked with the Dream League to identify appropriate improvements at the park and the nearby baseball complex. The Dream League was established in 2007 as a

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the opening of a universally accessible playground at First Colony Athletic Park. Participants included Sugar Land Legacy Foundation Board members, members of Sugar Land City Council, city management and the players and coaches from the Dream League. challenger division of First Colony Little League to enable children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities from

all over Fort Bend County to enjoy the game of baseball.

Funding for the project was

raised through a capital campaign launched by the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, a group that collected $200,000

Donors to the project included The Jabez Foundation, The George Foundation, The Fort Bend Junior Service League, Sugar Land Rotary Club, The Sugar Land Skeeters Baseball Foundation, Paul and Manmeet Likhari, Don and Celia Olson, the Rotary Club of Fort Bend County, Minute Maid, the National Recreation and Park Association, Longhorn Steakhouse, Macy’s First Colony, MOMS Club of Sugar Land North, Chloe & Tayte Choudhury and Tanches Global Management.

The new playground replaced the former playground at First Colony Park and provides a place where all children can play together and foster friendships in a welcoming, safe and accessible environment.

VOICE OF ASIA 15

HEALTH, SC & TECH

Facebook expands smartphone alerts to news, weather

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AN FRANCISCO, Facebook, making a bigger push to deliver personalized information to its members, said Monday it was expanding its mobile alerts to include sports scores, weather updates and local news updates.

Until now, the huge social network’s alerts to smartphone users had been focused around postings by friends, birthdays and upcoming events.

Facebook’s expanded alerts will now also include community news and events, storm

warnings and other weather information, and suggestions for television programs or nearby movies.

“We’ve heard feedback that people wanted to add important information that they can easily see, all in one place,” said Facebook product manager Keith Peiris.

Members will be able to personalize these messages for “things happening around your community, like local events and news that is popular in the city you live in,” Peiris added.

Facebook said the change will be rolling out gradually to users of Android and iOS devices but that the notifications will be opt-in.

“Your current notification settings will not change, and you can adjust those any time in your settings,” through “cards” on the social network, Peiris said.

“We’ll continue to listen to feedback about the information people find most useful and may periodically add more cards to choose from.”

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In unexpected discovery, comet contains alcohol, sugar

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ASHINGTON| AFP | Scientists on Friday identified two complex organic molecules, or building blocks of life, on a comet for the first time, shedding new light on the cosmic origins of planets like Earth.

Ethyl alcohol and a simple sugar known as glycolaldehyde were detected in Comet Lovejoy, said the study in the journal Science Advances.

“These complex organic molecules may be part of the rocky material from which planets are formed,” said the study.

Other organic molecules have previously been discovered in comets, most recently in comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko, on which the European space agency’s Phi-

lae found several organic molecules -- including four never detected before on a comet.

Since comets contain some of the oldest and most primitive material in the solar system, scientists regard them as time capsules, offering a peek and how it all started 4.6 billion years ago.

But while the latest study does not end the debate over whether falling comets indeed seeded Earth with the components necessary for life, it does add something to our knowledge, said study co-author Dominique Bockelée-Morvan, an astrophysicist at the French National Center for Scientific Research.

“The presence of a major complex organic molecule in comet material is an essential step toward better understand-

ing the conditions that prevailed at the moment when life emerged on our planet,” she told AFP. “These observations show a possible explanation for its (life’s) origin on our planet,” she added.

Other hypotheses exist too, including the gas from volcanic eruptions.

Comet Lovejoy is of particular interest to scientists because “it is one of the most active comets in Earth’s orbital neighborhood,” said the study.

The research was done using a 30-meter (yard) long telescope at the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique in Sierra Nevada, Spain in January of 2015, when the comet was brightest and most productive.

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Hands-free gadgets create safety hazards for drivers: study

by Rob Lever

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ASHINGTON Are those handsfree tech tools aimed at helping motorists keep their eyes on the road a safety hazard?

A new study commissioned by the American Automobile Association found that these tools which aim to cut down on “distracted” motorists driving” could be distractions themselves.

The findings released this week raise fears that motorists who use wireless, voice-activated tools as they heed warnings about texting and driving may be doing little to improve safety.

A new study raises fears that motorists who use wireless, voiceactivated tools as they heed warnings about texting and driving may be doing little to improve safety (AFP Photo/Robyn Beck)

Researchers found that potentially unsafe levels of mental distraction can last for as long as 27 seconds after using some of these tools, which allow drivers to send texts and emails or perform other tasks without taking their eyes off the road.

nine led to “high” levels of distraction and one created a “very high” distraction level.

drivers is not a good idea. It’s better not to use them when you are driving.”

Different cars were associated with varying levels of distractability. The lowest level was in the Chevrolet Equinox, the highest in the Mazda 6.

- Singling out technology -

“Drivers should use caution while using voice-activated systems, even at seemingly safe moments when there is a lull in traffic or the car is stopped at an intersection,” said Marshall Doney, AAA’s president and chief executive.

The researchers found that a driver traveling at 25 miles (40 kilometers) per hour continues to be distracted for up to 27 seconds after disconnecting from “highly distracting” phone and car voice-command systems, and up to 15 seconds after disconnecting from the moderately distracting systems.

“The reality is that mental distractions persist and can affect driver attention even after the light turns green.”

The study led by the University of Utah for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety rated 13 voice-activated systems -- 10 from vehicle manufacturers as well as Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana and Google Now. The study found that three systems created “moderate” levels of cognitive distraction,

“Just because these systems are in the car doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to use them while you are driving,” says University of Utah psychology professor David Strayer, who led the research.

“They are very distracting, very error prone and very frustrating to use. Far too many people are dying because of distraction on the roadway, and putting another source of distraction at the fingertips of

But Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association, said these technologies should not be singled out as the source of distracted driving.

“In-vehicle distractions arise from a variety of sources, from eating while driving to using paper maps,” Shapiro said.

“The big overall goal is to reduce distracted driving, rather than ignore all controllable factors except for voice recognition,” he said.

“Technology continues to reduce distractions. Voice controls are obviously safer than sitting with a paper map in your lap.”

Shapiro argued that “innovation holds the key to safety for drivers, and rapidly evolving technology can help make the driving experience even safer.”

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Section 2

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

Four South Asian Children won International Google Lunar XPRIZE Moonbots Competition! contribute to STEM education by sharing their innovation with children and adults in their community.

Santa Ana, CA., October, 2015 – Four future scientists with interests ranging from filmmaking, acting, 3D printing, math and robotics. Nadia (11), Rayyan (10), Kamran (10) and Aleena (8) bonded over their love for space and their desire to explore the moon.

For their inspirational tale, this fantastic foursome have envisioned a state of the art, ‘Lunar Resort’ (ie. temperature guided movable space camp) that will change the face of space travel forever. Through their agency, GalacTech Getaways, these young explorer-entrepreneurs will provide safe, cost-effective access to the moon.

Just a few days ago, the dynamic foursome from Orange County, CA, Team GalacTECHs, got some much awaited news about their big win! With a passion for science and technology, their winning project used the VEX IQ Robotics platform and built a lunar landscape that features a resort that showcases state of the art features for its visitors.

The ‘Four MOON Seasons’ is the brainchild of GalacTECH Getaways, a lunar tourism company powered by Team GalacTECHs.

XPRIZE, the global leader in incentivized prize competitions, and Google today announced the winners of the 2015 MOONBOTS Challenge, also considered the “Google Lunar XPRIZE for Kids.” It is an international competition that inspires the next generation of space explorers and innovators by inviting kids ages 8-17 to design, create and program their own lunar rover, based on a legend or theory that inspires them about the moon. Team GalacTECHs from Orange County, CA was among the 4 teams worldwide to win this prestigious honor.

The student competition, which began in April 2015, attracted 235 teams from 29 countries who entered phase one by submitting a written or video entry about what inspires them about the moon. Teams are comprised of 2-4 members (ages 8-17) and one team captain at least 18 years old. A panel of judges selected 30 teams to qualify for phase two, each of which was provided one of three platform systems (LEGO

The winning teams will travel to Japan in October to meet up with the Google Lunar

XPRIZE teams who are gathering for an annual Team Summit in Tokyo and share their idea and project with them. Team GalacTECHs will learn how these Google Lunar XPRIZE teams are planning to reach the Moon with their innovative robotic technology.

“We are so excited about winning this competition. All our hard work over the summer paid off. We can’t wait to go to Japan” said Aleena Ali (one the youngest members of the team) expressing her delight over the news. The team members are getting ready to embark on a once in a lifetime trip and meet the other winning teams from all over the world.

Follow Team GalacTech on Facebook: www.facebook. com/teamgalactech

Robotics Team.

MINDSTORMS EV3, VEX IQ, MECCANO Meccanoid G15 KS) to build and program

a unique simulated robotic mission based on the moon tale they submitted in phase one.

In addition, they were asked provide a demonstration to the judges via live webcast and

Team GalacTECH_Robot_Playfield

‘Afghan Malala’ speaks up for refugee children

by Issam AHMED

In “shuras” (consultative councils) organised by the group, Aziza quickly identified pressing issues faced by the 500 or so children in her camp, and others like it in Kabul.

ABUL, Afghanistan | AFP - At the age of just 14, Afghan rights activist Aziza Rahimzada has already surmounted legal hurdles preventing 25,000 refugee children from attending school, and cajoled authorities into providing tap water to a camp housing more than 100 families.

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Foremost among these was the lack of running water, which meant children were sent far away to fetch heavy pails of waters for the family -- until Aziza intervened, securing a pipe that pumps water into the camp and serves 144 families.

Now she has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize -- an award previously won by Malala Yousafzai -- and, like her Pakistani counterpart, hopes to spread her message of universal education and fundamental rights for Afghanistan’s youth.

“These children are the products of war,” Aziza says during an interview with AFP from the Kabul camp for internally displaced people where she was born after her family fled fighting in the Parwan province in 2001.

“They have suffered a lot during the war years. I give them advice and council them on the value of education,” she says in Dari, wearing a black-andwhite headscarf as she sits on the floor of the tiny mud brick home that houses her family of eight.

“Their families are also uneducated so sometimes we have

14-year-old Afghan girl, Aziza Rahimzada, (C), who has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize, speaks with her father Jandad Rahimzada at a refugee camp in Kabul (AFP Photo/Noorullah Shirzada). to convince them too.”

It is a thin line to walk, both for someone so young and without stirring a backlash in a conservative society unused to children, particularly girls, speaking up for themselves.

- Forceful advocate Aziza’s confidence impressed the Mobile Mini Circus for

Children (MMCC), an international humanitarian group founded by Danes Berit Muhlhausen and David Mason, who moved to Afghanistan shortly after the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.

The group works throughout Afghanistan with a local partner and aims to bring children together through play, while identifying young leaders who can represent the needs of their communities.

In a country ravaged by decades of war, where more than 60 percent of the population are under 25, those needs are great.

“She was very special from the beginning. She was thinking more than the others, advocating for others, asking questions. Gradually she became a representative for the other children,” said Mason.

Another key issue was education. As children of refugees born into abject poverty, those in the camps lacked the necessary documentation for admission into the capital city’s schools, with Kabul authorities viewing the internally displaced people as temporary migrants who would eventually return to their home districts.

Helped by the MMCC, Aziza led the children in lobbying local officials and then parliament, with the aid of some high-profile lawmakers like women’s rights activist Fawzia Koofi.

Her persistence eventually led to a breakthrough allowing some 25,000 children living in Kabul’s 59 refugee camps to register in the capital, making them eligible to attend school.

“This was an achievement of astronomic scale. I saw those

kids in school uniform, and I couldn’t recognise them. It was such a relief to see them -- it was such a radical transformation,” said Mason, the MMCC director.

- Bridging the gap Aziza’s unique talent, Mason’s partner Muhlhausen argues, lies not only in her gifted rhetoric, but in her ability to forcefully advocate for her fellow children without stirring controversy.

She is among the final three nominees for the award along with Abraham Keita, 17, from Liberia and Jeanesha Bou, also 17, of Puerto Rico, with the winner announced in the Hague on November 9.

But the teenager, who says she wants to found her country’s first Ombudsman’s office to redress her fellow citizen’s grievances, says her work is far from complete.

“What I have achieved so far is nothing,” she says, emphasising that as time goes on, her country will have to stand on its own feet.

“The foreign NGOs will one day stop their aid. That’s why we need to strengthen our own institutions and improve social justice for our people,” she said.

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Section 2

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Bollywood Masala

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

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Diyas galore in Salman Khan’s Prem AR Rahman receives Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award Ratan Dhan Payo’s Jalte Diye Song UMBAI, Oct 26 - Renowned music composer A R Rahman was conferred with Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award here this evening.

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Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai presented the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award to Rahman on the 78th birthday of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, well-known composer and the younger brother of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

“The music of Hridaynathji is an inspiration,” Rahman said, adding that the Mangeshkar family has been upholding a great musical traditions across generations.

Ghai, who has worked with the 48-year old musician in “Taal”, said more than being a celebrity, Rahman is a beautiful soul.

“He didn’t know Hindi or Punjabi but worked 70 nights on the music of “Taal” and proved he is the best musician.

He is not only a big celebrity, he is a beautiful soul,” Ghai said.

A R Rahman Hridaynath Mangeshkar said Rahman had made the country proud with his outstanding contribution to music.

Grammy Award winning Hindustani classical musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and 2014 Grammy winner Ricky Kej were also present at the event.

The first Hridaynath Award was given to Lata Mangeshkar.

Asha Bhosle, Amitabh Bachchan and veteran actress Sulochana have also received this

award in the past.

Rahman won the Oscar for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, sharing it with lyricist Gulzar, for Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” in 2009.

The composer has also won four National Awards in a career spanning over two decades.

He has recently composed for Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone starrer romantic-comedy “Tamasha”, directed by Imtiaz Ali. (PTI).

Vidya turns coolie for TV show

Actor Salman Khan with Phptp credit : Yahoo

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UMBAI - Bollywood star Salman Khan‘s films are grand in every manner, and so is his next film ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. The latest song from the flick, ‘Jalte Diye’ has already impressed the audiences and now a very interesting fact has been revealed. Apparently, a total of 7000 diyas were used to shoot the song sequence in the film. Not just that, around 150 people had to work in order to light the diyas and keep them lit throughout the shoot. Quite a lot of work for one song!

But well, when you have a director like Sooraj Barjatya

teaming up with his favourite Prem star Salman Khan, then grandness is something that comes hand in hand. Sooraj wanted to add the utmost royal look possible to the song, and thus took extensive measures to pull it off. The song was released on Wednesday and is slowly becoming an anthem for Bollywood music lovers. We must say, the decoration does look magic like to the fullest!

‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ is a out and out family drama that will see Salman Khan in his Prem avatar once again after a long time. Actress Sonam Kapoor is also doing her job of

adding the glamour quotient to the film, which we can see from the promos, music videos and the film’s trailer. Salman and Sonam’s jodi is being loved by all the fans and this new song ‘Jalte Diye’ proves why their on screen jodi is adorable to the core.

‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ is all set to release during this Diwali season on November 12, 2015.

The film also stars actors Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Swara Bhaskar, Armaan Kohli and Deepak Dobriyal among others. Are you ready to get dazzled by Salman Khan this Diwali? (Yahoo BOC).

‘Angry Indian Goddesses’ wins at Rome Film Festival

Actress Vidya Balan (with luggage) poses as coolie.

UMBAI, Oct 26 (PTI) Indian actress Vidya Balan will be seen donning the avatar of a coolie for upcoming television show “Mission Sapne”.

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For the show, the national award winning actress has chose to support Manju - Rajasthan’s first female coolie.

The celebrities will have to pull out all the stops with their talent, wit and star persona to ensure that the business does even better.

“As public figures, we sometimes forget that most people face hardships and struggle to make ends meet. Stepping into Manju’s shoes has been an eyeopening experience for me.

The difficulties she faces are tremendous, specially in a job that is completely dominated by men, who believe that being a porter is not a woman’s job,” Vidya said in a statement here.

The money earned by the celebrity will then be multiplied by 100 and he or she will hand over the amount to the person.

“I am glad that through ‘Mission Sapne’ I have been able to facilitate some change in Manju’s life. I really hope that

“Mission Sapne” will show a celebrity living a commoner’s professional life for one day, learning their skills along the way.

I have been able to make a sizable contribution to help her in building her children’s future,” she said.

Smruti Shinde, producer of Sobo Films, says, “Vidya epitomises woman empowerment in every sense and redefined the way women were perceived in Indian cinema. That made her the ideal personality to support Manju, Rajasthan’s first female coolie.”

While the first season of “Mission Sapne” had Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar and Ranbir Kapoor among others, the second season will add some popular names from the entertainment industry.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Thanksgiving Friday

10

2

O ctober th through November 9 th Tickets available at

or at TexRenFest.com

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A scene from “Angry Indian Goddesses” UMBAI, Oct 26 Indian filmmaker Pan Nalin’s female buddy movie “Angry Indian Goddesses” has bagged the BNL People’s Choice Award at the 10th Rome Film Festival.

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The film is described as a fresh and unbridled portrayal of women in India today.

It stars Sandhya Mridul, Sarah-Jane Dias, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anushka Manchanda, Amrit Maghera, Rajashri Deshpande and Pavleen Gujral.

fied that the quality of the films has been consistently praised by both the foreign and the Italian press,” said Antonio Monda, artistic director of the Rome Film Fest.

“Throughout the Fest, our spectators have appreciated the richness of this year s programme. I am proud and grati-

The movie bagged the runners-up Grolsch Peoples Choice award at the 40th Toronto International Film Festival. (PTI).

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING VOICE OF ASIA

Section 2

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Breast Cancer Awareness: Know Your Risk At Every Age

by Adriana M. Higgins, Susan G. Komen® Houston Executive Director

O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with the annual Susan G. Komen® Houston Race for the Cure® wrapping up the month on October 31, Komen Houston is encouraging Houstonians to support breast cancer education, garner information about screening and treatment options and continue to generate awareness efforts in the fight to end breast cancer.

Education is a large part of Komen Houston’s mission.

Houstonians should be aware of the two most common risk factors for breast cancer: being a female and simply getting older. Although some women stop getting routine mammograms after age 70 due to declining health, it is still an important screening to have on an annual basis, especially if the patient is in relatively good health and could potentially benefit from treatment in the event cancer is identified.

A risk factor is anything that impacts your chance of devel-

oping a disease such as cancer.

Some of these factors, like family history, background or age, cannot be changed, and others are linked to our environments and habits and can be altered or changed over time. One way to better understand your is risk is to talk with family members about their health history and discuss your personal risk with your doctor. It is also important to know your normal, get screened and make healthy lifestyle choices.

There are several factors which have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, including habits we can control ourselves, such as alcohol intake, significant weight gain and lack of exercise. Other risk factors include an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes, high breast density, hyperplasia, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, use of birth control pills or menopausal hormone therapy, and not breastfeeding or waiting until later in life to have children. While these factors may increase your risk of breast cancer, the exact causes of breast cancer are unknown.

Komen Houston’s grants help to fund breast cancer screenings and treatments for at-risk and under insured women and men all over the Greater Houston area. Komen Houston awards funds to more than 20 local organizations (called funded partners), which allow them to provide these services at a lower cost. In 2014, Komen Houston’s fundraisers and community partner events raised $2,000,000 million for research, education, screening, and treatment.

One of Komen Houston’s funded partners, the American Cancer Society, offers a transportation program, which helps patients find reliable transportation to and from treatment appointments. Oftentimes, radiation treatments may require daily trips for 6-to-8 weeks, and patients who no longer drive depend on a reliable form of transportation. With more than 80 percent of all breast cancers occurring in women over 50, and more than 40 percent being detected in women 65 and older, this transportation option is an extremely valuable service.

At any age, a breast cancer diagnosis is incredibly scary and intimidating, and Komen Houston works with local organizations to help patients cope and understand their treatment process. From funding support groups, such as those provided

by Reconstruction of a Survivor, to end-of-life care and counseling through Houston Hospice, Komen Houston’s grants ensure patients receive support throughout their care.

This year, Komen Houston aims to fund 25,000 mammograms in celebration of our 25th year serving Houston.

We challenge each Houstonian to help us in this mission by raising or donating $1,500, or funding ten mammograms, by the end of the fundraising season on November 30. The cost of one mammogram is $150, so anything you can do to help us reach our goal of funding 25,000 mammograms will be key to reducing the number of breast cancer cases and deaths due to the disease. One appointment can save a life.

For more information and resources, visit www.komenhouston.org.

Sausages, ham cause cancer, red meat ‘probably’ too: agency

by Mariette LE ROUX ARIS, France | AFP | 10/26/2015 - Sausages, ham and other processed meats cause bowel cancer, and red meat “probably” does too, a UN agency warned Monday, in a potentially heavy blow for the fast-growing livestock industry.

P

A review of 800 studies from around the world found “sufficient evidence in humans that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer,” said the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The finding, it added, supports “recommendations to limit intake of meat” -- particularly in processed forms.

The category includes meat that has been salted, cured, fermented or smoked -- hot dogs, sausages, corned beef, dried meat like beef jerky or South African biltong, canned meat or meat-based sauces.

For every 50 grammes (1.8 ounces) of meat eaten on a daily basis, the population-wide risk of developing colon cancer was 18 percent higher, said the agency.

This meant enlarging the group of people likely to develop bowel cancer in their lifetime from six to seven out of every 100 who eat a threerasher bacon sandwich every

single day, explained statistician David Spiegelhalter of Cambridge University, who was not involved in the study.

The agency cited research attributing about 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide to diets high in processed meat.

This was dwarfed by the estimated one million cancer deaths attributed to tobacco smoking, 600,000 to alcohol use, and more than 200,000 to air pollution every year, said the agency.

The IARC said its data did “not permit” the determination of a safe meat quota.

- ‘Tortured data’ “It is not yet fully understood” how cancer risk was increased, the agency added -- speculating about the potential role of chemicals that form during meat processing or cooking.

Meat producers slammed the report, as independent experts

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The IARC agreed the cancer risk was statistically “small”, but “increases with the amount of meat consumed.”

For unprocessed red meat -beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse or goat, the review found “strong” evidence of a link, but not convincing enough to place it in the group of confirmed cancer-causing agents which includes tobacco smoke, asbestos, and now also salami.

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The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with the amount of processed meats consumed, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says (AFP Photo/Remy Gabalda) urged caution in interpreting the numbers.

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) said the IARC “tortured the data to ensure a specific outcome”.

NAMI vice president Betsy Booren pointed to the high consumption of processed meats like salami and ham as part of the Mediterranean diet, yet “people in countries where the Mediterranean diet is followed, like Spain, Italy and France, have some of the longest lifespans in the world and excellent health.”

British nutrition expert Elisabeth Lund said: “Very few people in Europe eat sufficient meat to fall into the high meat

consumption category,” and stressed it remained a crucial source of iron and zinc.

Ian Johnson, a Britain-based nutrition researcher, added that “there is little or no evidence that vegetarians in the UK have a lower risk of bowel cancer than meat-eaters.”

The IARC’s cancer warning is the latest on a long list of troubles for the meat industry: from salmonella and “mad cow” scares, to dietary fat blamed for disease-causing high cholesterol and livestock methane emissions contributing to global warming.

“How many more health scares must we endure before people realise that animal protein is not good for us?” asked Jasmijn de Boo of The Vegan Society, a group that advocates against human use of animal proteins.

According to another UN agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), meat

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a pneumococcal shot to prevent pneumococcal infections (like certain types of pneumonia). Part B also covers a different second shot 11 months after the exam where you got the first shot. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider to see if you need the shot.

The shingles shot isn’t covered by Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Generally, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) cover all commerciallyavailable vaccines (like the shingles shot) needed to prevent illness. Contact your Medicare drug plan for more information about coverage.

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Your costs in Original Medicare You pay nothing for pneumococcal shots if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment.

Tdap shot (tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis shot) How often is it covered?

Tdap is the adolescent and adult booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (also called whooping cough).

The childhood shot is called DTaP. Both protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Generally, Medicare preconsumption has doubled since 1980 in developing countries, as populations and income expand, while remaining static in the rich world.

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The report of the IARC, based in Lyon, France, was compiled by 22 experts from 10 countries.

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India moves up in World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business List’

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s aspiration to turn the country into a top investment destination has got off to a positive start, with India now ranked by the World Bank at 130 of 189 countries on “Ease of Doing Business.” That is up 12 places from its original ranking last year and four places from its rank on a revised list.

1) India was ranked 142 by the World Bank in 2015 on ease of doing business and later its rank was revised to 134 based on a new methodology.

2) PM Modi has said that he wants India to be among the top 50 countries on the list compiled each year by the World Bank in its report on doing business.

3) China is now ranked 84, moving up six spots. Singapore, New Zealand and Denmark occupied the first three spots in the list while South Sudan, Libya and Eritrea were ranked at the bottom three.

4) Terming the improvement in India’s ranking a “remarkable achievement”, World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu said, “Going from 142 in the world to 130, as India has done, is very good sign. It gives a good signal about the way things are moving in India.” Mr Basu added that India can be in the top 100 countries next year if it continues with the set of planned economic reforms, including the crucial goods and services tax (GST).

PM Modi has said that he wants India to be among the top 50 countries on the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ list. (File photo)

6) In May 2015, the government eliminated the minimum capital requirement to start a business and also ended the requirement to obtain a certificate to commence business operations, which helped it improve its rankings, the World Bank said.

7) The biggest improvement was seen in the area of providing power to businesses, where India’s ranking improved from 99 in 2015 to 70 in 2016, the World Bank said. “Now companies can get connected to the grid, and get on with their business, 14 days sooner than before,” the report said.

8) The World Bank noted that India recorded the biggest increase in the distance to frontier (a measure of a country’s absolute perfor-

mance) score in South Asia since 2004. “More reforms are ongoing - in starting a business and other areas measured by Doing Business - though the full effects have yet to be felt,” it said.

9) India is ranked 8th in terms of protecting minority investors, 42nd in getting credit, 70th in getting electricity, but scores poorly in dealing with construction permit with a rank of 183 out of 189 countries. Enforcing contract (rank 178), paying taxes (rank 157), resolving insolvency (rank 136) are other areas where India ranks poorly.

10) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed optimism that India’s position is likely to improve further next year.

“A large number of steps which we have already taken are going to be reflected in the rankings next year.

“These rankings are only up to June 1 and some of those steps, whose impact is not seen on the ground, as yet have not been factored into this,” he said. (NDTV)

Tel: 713-774-5140

$11.1bn Apple profits as iPhone and China sales soar

A

5) The rankings are based on 10 indicators such as how easy it is to start a business and sometimes form the basis of foreign investments in a country. According to the new report, it takes 29 days to start a business in India now; it took 127 days in 2004.

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

pple has announced its financial details for Q4 2015, revealing an $11.1 billion quarterly profit on $51.5 billion in revenue. Both numbers are significantly higher than the comparable quarterly results from last year, which topped at $8.5 billion in net profit.

Apple largely has the iPhone to thank for its growing profits, with the fourth quarter ushering in record sales. In addition, the Apple Watch’s expanded availability and record Mac sales also played an important role.

The iPhone is Apple’s primary breadwinner, with the device making up 62% of the quarter’s total revenue — a big jump over last year’s 56%.

The average iPhone sales price jumped, as well, hitting $670 in the quarter. A total of 48 million iPhones were sold during Q4, while the iPad slipped in significantly lower at 9.9 million and Mac came in at 5.7 million.

Android users represent a significant number of the fourth quarter’s iPhone buyers, with those making the switch from Google’s system to Apple’s reaching the 30%

Apple’s anticipating Q1 seeing increased iPhone growth, citing the trend it is seeing among Android switchers, among other things.

mark. China, meanwhile, has also become increasingly fertile land for Apple, which saw its sales in the nation double over the comparable quarter last year.

In addition, Apple doesn’t anticipate any sort of slowdown when it comes to China, with the nation’s continually growing middle class boosting iPhone sales. (APPLE)

Uber officially launches food delivery service in Houston

S

an Francisco-based Uber Technologies Inc. will officially launch its food delivery service Oct. 29 in the Houston market.

The Houston Business Journal first reported that Uber was considering launching UberEats this fall, following a job posting on the company’s website. UberEats has already launched in Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles and several other cities around the world.

Uber is launching the service in partnership with Houston’s Coltivare restaurant, home to executive chef Ryan Pera, who was nominated as one of the southwest’s best chefs in Food and Wine magazine. Other partner restaurants include Triniti, Tout Suite, Eight Row Flint, Pondicheri, Common Bond, Jackson Street BBQ, Mala Sichuan and others, according to a statement.

UberEats doesn’t work like every other food-delivery service. Instead, it partners with

local restaurants to offer a set meal for a set price, usually in the neighborhood of $7 to $10, according to other market’s sites. The menu changes on a regular basis and features a broad range of food options.

Orders are usually delivered in under 10 minutes.

Uber has also established a regional headquarters in the Montrose neighborhood in central Houston and plans to hire 40 employees locally to handle operations from College Station to Galveston. (HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL)

Top 100 CEOs’ retirement savings =116 million average American nest eggs

by Kelley Holland

T

he 100 largest CEO retirement accounts combined are worth $4.9 billion — equal to the retirement savings of 50 million American families, according to a new report by the Center for Effective Government and the Institute for Policy Studies think tanks. The number of families represents about 116 million Americans, the report said.

Overall, the retirement assets of the 100 CEOs with the

most stashed away average $49.3 million, which would generate a monthly retirement check of $277,686.

That figure is in sharp contrast to the median 401(k) account balance of $18,433 at the end of 2013, according to Employee Benefit Research Institute data. And apart from 401(k) plans, employees’ retirement savings options are limited: Only 18 percent of private-sector workers had access to defined benefit pension plans as of March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Companies have been banking more money by not making their workers secure,” said Scott Klinger, director of revenue and spending policies at the Center for Effective Government and a co-author of the study. When they cut the cost of providing retirement benefits to rankand-file employees, he added, “the stock goes up, CEO pay goes up, and that increases their retirement assets.”

The largest retirement nest egg in 2014, at $234 million, belongs to David Novak, now executive chairman of Yum Brands, the report found.

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Why Pakistani Hindus leave their homes for India Pakistani Hindus, who have arrived in the Indian capital in recent months, tell BBC Hindi’s Zubair Ahmed that they fled their homes to escape discrimination and religious persecution.

M

ala Das can just about write her name. At 16, this has been her greatest achievement. “When I came here I was completely unlettered. Today I can write my name,” she says.

But Mala is still unsure about numbers - when asked about the year she came to India, she draws a blank.

Her family and neighbours say they arrived in 2011 from the Pakistani city of Hyderabad in Sindh province to escape “religious and cultural persecution and government apathy”.

About 1,200 people, who have migrated from Pakistan in the past five years, are housed in three camps in Delhi and many say one of the biggest problems they faced back home was that they were unable to educate their children.

Bhagwan Das, who was among a group of 71 people who reached Delhi three weeks ago, has two growing children with no formal education. He says they were treated like “second-class citizens” in Pakistan.

“Our children don’t feel welcome in schools there. Muslims taunt us for being Hindu.

Our girls are also sexually harassed,” Mr Das says.

There is a primary school in the migrant camp where children are taught how to read and write.

Rajwanti, 13, and other children in the camp allege that Hindu boys and girls are made to read the Quran (Muslim holy book) in Pakistani schools and that Muslim students laugh at their religious practices.

About 1,200 people, who have migrated from Pakistan in the past five years, are housed in three camps in Delhi. (Zubair Ahmed, BBC HINDI) Mala says she is happy to see that Hindus in India can practice their religion openly. “Here Hindus pray without fear in temples and organise religious festivals outdoor. In Pakistan we prayed at home. If we went to temples, we avoided the gaze of our neighbours.”

Ishwar Lal, 18, who came to Delhi five months ago, says he feels liberated in India. “We have full religious freedom here. We are free.”

Moreover, he says, in India “everyone is respectful of each other’s faith”.

Pakistan was created in 1947 after being carved out of India’s mainly Muslim areas. A huge exchange of population took place during the partition which was often bloody.

Today, Muslims constitute 14% of India’s population, while in Pakistan, Hindus are said to be just over 2%.

There is no official estimate of the number of Pakistani Hindus living in India, but over the years, small groups have been crossing the border to reach Delhi or other northern states, such as Rajasthan and Haryana.

Once in India, they apply for asylum and, eventually, citizenship.

Islamabad has repeatedly said its Hindu community is safe and reports of their leaving are exaggerated.

In a written reply to a BBC query, the Indian government has revealed that more than 1,400 Pakistanis have been given citizenship since 2011 and that an overwhelming majority of them are Hindus.

Those living in the Delhi camps, however, say they are yet to get Indian citizenship.

“We applied in 2011 but nothing has happened. The BJP government which claims to have sympathy for us is no different from other governments.

We feel frustrated,” says Arjun Das, who is regarded as the leader of Pakistani Hindus in Delhi camps.

Pahlaj, who arrived three weeks ago, says he is disappointed that “no Hindu leader or neighbour has visited us yet”.

But most say they are happy to be in India where they feel “at home” and Pahlaj says most Pakistani Hindus want to leave their country.

“A small number has come to India. Millions of Pakistani Hindus are waiting for an opportunity to do the same.” (BBC)

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Nepal just elected its first female president

by Svati Kirsten Narula

K

ATHMANDU, Nepal - A month after adopting a new national constitution, Nepal has elected Bidhya Devi Bhandari as its next president. She will be the country’s first female president and only the second president since Nepal became a democratic republic in 2008.

The new constitution required an almost entirely new government, beginning with parliament’s election of prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli. He and Bhandari both represent Nepal’s Unified MarxistLeninist Communist party.

It also required that either the president or vice president be a woman, and that one-third of parliamentarians be women. Parliament’s first female speaker, Onsari Gharti Magar, was elected last week.

Bhandar has reportedly advocated for women’s rights and was responsible for the mandate that one-third of parliament members be women.

However, according to the Nepali Times, she has been criticized for justifying certain traditions of patriarchal discrimination.

Bhandari became involved in politics as a teenager in Nepal the 1980s, but stepped away from the action after marrying communist leader Madan Bhandari and having two children with him. After becoming a widow in 1993, when her husband was killed in a mysterious car accident, she stepped back in and campaigned to take his place in parliament.

Nepal is still reeling from the violence and unrest sparked by the adoption of the new constitution. Minority groups complain that it marginalizes them, while others are dismayed at its secularism. India, Nepal’s neighbor, appears to have sided with the dissenters by instituting an unofficial blockade of fuel and other supplies across its border.

She’ll be sworn in on Oct. 29. (AP/Niranjan Shrestha)

Sri Lanka,India to free detained fishermen

C

OLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka is preparing to release more than 100 Indian fishermen detained for poaching and India will free dozens of Sri Lankan fishermen in its custody, an official said Wednesday.

Representative photo Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mahishini Colonne said that the process of releasing the 120 Indian fishermen held in Sri Lanka began Wednesday morning. She said all of them “will be released in the next few days.”

Colonne said that India will release the 36 Sri Lankan fishermen held in that country, adding that both countries have released fishermen detained for poaching from time to time “on humanitarian grounds.”

Poaching has become a contentious issue between the two nations. On several occasions, officials from both sides have discussed releasing detained fishermen and taking long-term measures to prevent unlawful fishing in each other’s waters.

Myanmar jade industry worth $31 bn, profits elites: report

B

ANGKOK, Thailand | Myanmar’s secretive jade industry is worth an estimated $31 billion, far higher than official accounts, with most profits going to powerful military and ex-junta figures instead of the state coffers, a corruption watchdog said Friday.

Shady income derived from the trade has long driven conflict in Myanmar, undermining efforts to stabilise its nascent democracy ahead of landmark elections next month, an investigation from London-based Global Witness said.

Jade mining, which was firmly in the hands of the military and elites during the final years of junta rule, remains cloaked in secrecy despite reforms under a quasi-civilian government that came to power in 2011.

In a report published Friday Global Witness estimated the value of jade produced in 2014 was around $31 billion -- far exceeding the $3.4 billion sold at Myanmar’s gem emporium last year, the country’s only official market for international

sales of the precious stone.

The estimated value of last year’s jade haul would amount to almost half of the impoverished country’s GDP. “The numbers are staggering,” said Juman Kubba from Global Witness, saying the country’s jade trade “may be the biggest natural resource heist in modern history”.

She added that there has been a “massive escalation” in jade extraction ahead of the November 8 elections since largescale mining resumed last September.

The vote is likely to be swept

by Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition, which is contesting a general election for the first time in 25 years, if free and fair.

The watchdog also alleged links between jade firms and powerful figures in the military, drugs trade and the former junta, including strongman Than Shwe’s family.

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ing huge amounts of money so that raises questions,” said Kubba.

The Myanmar government did not respond to AFP’s request for comment.

- Highly prized Most of the world’s best quality jadeite is mined in Hpakant, a strip of torn earth in Myanmar’s insurgency-wracked northern Kachin state bordering China, a country with a voracious demand for the precious stone.

But the shadowy nature of the industry makes it difficult to ascertain where the money goes.

is highly prized in China as a symbol of virtue and power.

Official Chinese import data from 2014 indicates more than $12 billion of precious stones were imported from Myanmar -- the vast majority jade -- dwarfing Myanmar’s official figures.

Jade is also thought to be an important revenue stream for the Kachin Independence

Army (KIA) -- large amounts of the stone are sold through illegal mines and in rebel-held areas -- as it battles the Myanmar army.

Myanmar signed a ceasefire with several ethnic minority armies this month, but the KIA was one of the major groups which declined to ink the agreement.

The nation’s lucrative jade

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FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of October 30, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

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Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April

Your close relationships may need a little boost of imagination. Relax your restless and assertive spirit and ask your partner to join up with you in pursuing your creative impulses. Creative pastimes shared with your mate are likely to spark new adventures.

If you are single, you may be easily enchanted by someone who is very charming and sophisticated. Your stars show ease but conflict or difficulty and at the very least ‘poor

Your current personal status could be changing for the better. You will need to listen to your heart. Financial opportunities will present themselves at social gatherings.

Your future will be in your own hands. Push the envelope, ask questions and seek answers. You will find easy conversation and a comfortable setting will help you to unravel some mysteries. Cooperation is good and a ‘big plan or dream’ may fall ‘easily into place’. cooperation’.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Your ability to keep yourself on track will enable you to reach out to new resources for solutions to nagging problems. Your past experiences will help you to see past facades to find answers. You will know what you need to do to make yourself feel first-class. Put your imagination into everything you carry out. Take this knowledge to the next level and re-invent yourself. An emotional weekend is indicated but many ‘situations’ can be ‘fixed well’.

You may want to take offense but try to keep your dealings pleasant and meaningful.

This will give you the opportunity to bring a better balance to your relationships diplomatically. You may be afforded a unique insight to find new ways to deal with life’s everyday obstacles. Problems that are identified now will encourage you to move forward with better perspective. Get as much done early in the week as you can since your stars show very poor cooperation the later days of week...

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Your immediate plans should include a little bit of rest and relaxation. Take this time to rejuvenate yourself and get started on a new regime of healthy eating and exercise.

Time may be ticking, but you need to make sure you have the best plan before you commit. A chance meeting will excite you. You will seek people who can offer you a different perspective. Strong demands and some ‘hair pulling’ situations are possible for a reasonable cross section of you, with many of you prevailing nicely, possibly with the help.

Take a real deep breath and don’t allow others to take advantage of your good nature.

You need to trust your instincts and your creative talents. Push hard on your own objectives. There may be some intense competition or personal conflict that will try to take you by surprise. You will feel you must at least stand up for your rights in the face the opposition. Practical matters may dip into your cash reserves, especially plumbing, home repairs, vehicle maintenance and travel expense.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Emotional gestures from strangers will touch your heart deeply. Take advantage of any opportunity of communication to spread your message. Positive reactions will prevail. Dreaming of new lands to travel will give you a real thirst for adventure. You will be able to enjoy new adventures while researching the cuisine of distant places of interest. Get as much packed into as you CAN since your stars show you are likely to be ‘down’ for with issues like common illness/injury or other distractions or unusual complications.

Don’t allow pressure to push your goals out of focus. Your ability to communicate dynamically will gain the interest of those who matter. Think hard and fast to remember all the facts. You will feel you are at your best when you allow music and art to transform your lifestyle. It may enhance your creativity to make handling life’s ordinary details a bit simpler. Unexpected expense, escalating arguments, moving costs, home repairs, vehicles expense, appliance replacement and electronics needs may blend to take a big juicy bite out of your wallet.

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

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August You will be motivated and interested in probing far beneath the surface. Your research will enable you to understand the underlying causes behind an event or behavior. Regardless of your profession, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to improve your methods. This knowledge will help you to deal with situations you encounter at work. Get as much as you can done this week as your stars show you MAY get/be ‘stone walled’ and you’ll need family support..

You simply may not be seeing people objectively. You may be a little smitten with someone only to be disappointed when you discover that they are not at all who they seemed to be. Your dreams, wishes and fantasies about love are strong. You may be reluctant to share or express some of your thoughts and ideas for fear that others will have very different opinions. Your ‘emotional family life’ may fall under the gun this week ‘big time’ with complaining members, warring factors, old problems, issues with elders, ....

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Your close relationships may need a little boost of imagination. Relax your restless and assertive spirit and ask your partner to join up with you in pursuing your creative impulses. Creative pastimes shared with your mate are likely to spark new adventures. If you are single, you may be easily enchanted by someone who is very charming and sophisticated.

Keep this week simple and ‘low key’ on demands and spending, especially when your more ‘practical side’ is willing to spend. Repairs to vehicles and ‘transportation and travel expense’ is likely.

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Travel, visitors, several errands, vehicle expense and other forms of excitement and need are likely to fill. Your ESP is sharp and respecting your gut instincts may save you time, money, grief and hassle for yourself and other members. Enjoyable gatherings are likely but an early day ‘distraction’ of some kind could cause delays or costly setbacks.

Relations with the women in your life will bring out your sensitivity and sympathetic reaction. You may reflect on the past and decide to dedicate yourself to resolving these issues.

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VOICE OF ASIA 23

CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015

MORNING NEWS PRODUCER

Part-Time Graphic Artist

Wanted: an aggressive, cool-under-pressure producer who knows what it takes to put together a well-paced newscast for morning viewers. Not Wanted: A formulaic show stacker. KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station in Houston, TX is looking for a confident producer who excels at finding interesting content, knows how to showcase creatively and is nimble enough to scrap everything for breaking news. You must have excellent news judgment and be a strong writer who knows how to advance stories effectively. Knowledge of ENPS and desktop editing a plus. Candidates need complete understanding of social media and digital content, how to use it within newscasts and how to use it to reach viewers. Candidates should have at least three years line- producing experience in a major market. Must be willing to work overnights, early mornings, weekends and/or holidays. To be considered applicants MUST apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. Please send writing samples and a copy of your latest newscast including one that demonstrates your ability to handle breaking news to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 307063BR on all materials submitted. Female/ Minority/ Veteran/ Disability/ Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity. No Telephone Calls Please.

ABC-13/KTRK-TV, the ABC/Disney owned television station in Houston, TX, has a part-time position for an experienced Graphic Artist for both broadcast and digital. The ideal candidate will have a degree in graphic design and professional experience using design applications, such as Adobe Creative Suite, to create content and graphics for television, web pages and social media. Qualified candidate would also be willing to assist with the station’s live studio or remote productions. We offer a collaborative and creative work environment. To be considered for the position you must apply online at disneycareers. com, ref job #306805BR. Please upload a cover letter, resume, link to online portfolio, and list of references. Equal Opportunity Employer - Female/ Minority/ Veteran/ Disability/ Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity. No Telephone Calls Please.

NEWS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Programming Photographer/ Editor - Temporary

KTRK-TV, Houston’s leading news organization, is looking for an Executive Producer with a proven track record in broadcast and digital. This person must be a strong leader, effective communicator, with a ‘can do’ attitude. Consistently able to solve problems, turn visions into reality, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure, especially in breaking news situations. Must have exceptional news judgement. Will be required to do some hands-on producing, writing, and copy-editing. Needs to be passionate about the news. Quick at identifying, promoting and executing great content. Must be organized, efficient, capable of juggling multiple projects and staffers. Candidates should have at least 5 years producing experience in a major market, and some managerial experience. Will be supervising and motivating a diverse group of broadcast and digital employees, as well as mentoring and coaching less experienced staff. Must be willing to work overnights, early mornings, weekends and/or holidays. Strong internal candidate. To be considered all interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, reference job # 307064BR. Please upload a cover letter, resume and list of references. Female/ Minority/ Veteran/ Disability/ Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity. No Telephone Calls Please.

KTRK-TV, the ABC/Disney owned station located in Houston, TX has an immediate opening for a Temporary Programming Department Photographer who can do it all. (Shoot, edit, produce) Responsibilities will include working on a variety of innovative station programming projects both long and short form. Qualified candidates must be detail-oriented with the creative knack for compelling storytelling through sound and pictures. Must have a valid driver’s license and be flexible to working any shift assigned. All interested candidates should send a video sample of your best work to be considered. To be eligible candidates must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file. Please Reference Job ID: 307067BR on all materials submitted. Send non-returnable DVD resume tape to the attention of Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet; Houston, TX 77005 and include the job ID. Female/ Minority/ Veteran/ Disability/ Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity. No Telephone Calls Please.

Team Player Seeking a Motivated Team Player who can work well in a small, fast paced company environment.

Responsibilities can include order taking, order dispatch, data entry, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and providing support to other roles. A 4 year college degree preferred. Please send your resume to:

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VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, October 30, 2015