Voice of Asia Epaper December 04 2015

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FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

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Vol. 28 No. 49 Friday, December 4, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

US charges man over Muslim cab driver shooting

Majestic Mahakumbhabhishekam ceremony at Sri Meenakshi Temple

Two California shooting suspects dead, one person detained: police

EW YORK, AFP | 12/2/2015 - US police in Pittsburgh have arrested and charged a 26-yearold man with shooting a Muslim cab driver in the back in the early hours of Thanksgiving, officials said Wednesday.

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AN BERNARDINO, | AFP | 12/3/2015 - A man and a woman suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at a center for the disabled in California on Wednesday were killed in a shootout with police, while a third person was detained, police said.

Muslim activists allege the shooting was a hate crime, but police told AFP those charges were still under investigation.

Anthony Mohamed, 26, from Hazelwood, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, in the state of Pennsylvania, is charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt homicide and recklessly endangering another person, police said.

The victim was identified by a local newspaper as a 38year-old Moroccan immigrant.

His name has not been released and officials say he wishes to remain anonymous for fear of safety.

The driver told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the passenger asked whether he was from Pakistan and then talked about the extremist Islamic State group killing people.

“I noticed that he changed his tone and he began to satirize Mohammad, my prophet,” he was quoted as saying by the paper.

Police said Mohamed got into the taxi outside a casino at 1:13 am (0613 GMT) on November 26.

He allegedly asked the driver to wait so he could get money to pay the fare, but returned a few minutes later with a rifle.

As the victim drove off, he was shot in the back by a bullet that blew out the taxi’s rear window, police said.

He was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

The slain suspects were armed with assault rifles and handguns, San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan told reporters, adding that investigators were looking at the possibility that the suspects had left an explosive device at the scene of the shooting.

Simultaneous Kumbabhishekam of the five Gopurams being performed at the Sri Meenakshi temple on Sunday, November 29, 2015.

by Dr P. Vaduganathan, Chairman MTS

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EARLAND, TX - ‘The Sri Meenaskhi Temple Day’, as proclaimed by

Honorable Mayor of Pearland Tom Reid, will forever be remembered by the 3000 people who were blessed to witness it on Sunday, November 29, 2015. They stood awe-inspired

by the unique and simultaneous Mahakumbhabhishekam over five Kumbhas or the Vimanams of the Main temple.

the temperature mellowed and the mood was pleasantly moderated to greet the much anticipated pouring of the holy

The clouds had dissipated,

Continued on page 5

India court demands action over Delhi’s filthy air EW DELHI, | AFP | India’s environmental court slammed the Delhi government on Wednesday for failing to improve its notoriously toxic air, as the capital spent another day blanketed in grey smog.

permit such a state of affairs causing serious environmental pollution to prevail,” the bench said, according to the Press Trust of India

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A senior official told AFP that a meeting of top environmental experts was under way late Wednesday following the court’s demand.

The National Green Tribunal demanded authorities hold a crisis meeting to come up with a strategy to tackle the haze that has worsened across the city in recent days as winter cloud traps pollutants.

“What is the status of air pollution? All you can say is that there is no pollution... All stakeholders who are dealing with air pollution indicate that Delhi is highly polluting,” the bench said in remarks directed

Successive Delhi governments have faced flak for failing to clean up the city’s filthy air, ranked as the worst in the world by the World Health Organization.

The Indian capital New Delhi is known to be one of the world’s most polluted cities (AFP Photo/Roberto Schmidt). at the city government.

“The level of PM2.5 and

PM10, both are more than prescribed limits. We cannot

Courts have been pushing authorities to act, including ordering a toll tax on the thousands of diesel-guzzling trucks entering the city every night.

A body could be seen near a bullet-riddled SUV, with dozens of police vehicles swarming around, according to live television footage.

Bomb disposal experts could be seen surrounding the vehicle and fanning out across the neighborhood in a large-scale police operation.

“There is an active scene unfolding in San Bernardino.

Preliminary info is a suspect is down, officers are ok. Not confirmed if related,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department tweeted.

Cervantes said it was not known if any officers were hit in the exchange of fire.

“I know all officers are okay.

Whether or not they were struck I don’t know.”

Police said earlier that up to three people had entered a center for the disabled in San Bernardino, killing at least 14 people before fleeing the scene in a dark colored car.

Courts, city and county buildings in the surrounding area were locked down as a manhunt unfolded for the suspects.

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Dr. Piya Sorcar CEO, TeachAIDS, HuffPost IMPACT

D

ECEMBER 1, 2015 Today is World AIDS Day 2015. While the outlook for people living with HIV has never been better, many challenges persist throughout the world relating to HIV prevention and education. I’m acutely aware of these problems every time we launch a new version of our researchbased HIV prevention software, as we are doing in February in the Tibetan language.

I began the work which became TeachAIDS in late 2005, and our team has been full-time since spinning out of Stanford in 2009. Over the years, we have all learned a great deal about scaling and running a nonprofit social venture. One of the most humbling and educational parts of our work has been getting to meet others working on social causes who have had a profound influence on the world.

There is no better example of such a person than His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who has been a source of great inspiration to us and countless others. I was recently given the opportunity to meet His Holiness, to receive his guidance on pursuing social causes and service. His kindness, generosity, and humor gave me a renewed sense of purpose and focus. Here are some of his words on serving humanity; I hope they resonate with others, particularly everyone who has worked tirelessly to improve the human condition.

Serve the world, not just our

It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints.

Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

This World AIDS Day, the Dalai Lama Offers Wisdom on Solving Global Problems

Red ribbon symbolizing World AIDS Day. individual groups.

The Dalai Lama said that we should serve all of humanity, not just our own individual sections of it. Local and regional causes necessarily have a smaller scope, but for global challenges, we should ask ourselves are we doing our best to help everyone we can? One of the defining characteristics of TeachAIDS has been that we are pursuing a transnational approach to HIV prevention education. Our software is simultaneously local -- in that every version is designed for a specific language and culture -- and global, in that we repeat this approach systematically for regions with the greatest HIV prevention needs. Nonetheless, we are constantly thinking

The Dalai Lama said that every human activity comes from a particular motivation, but if that motivation is something selfish, then it’s impossible to be open. It’s liberating and empowering to be able to function in a fully transparent fashion.

One of the areas in which I see this illustrated is in our decision to be a nonprofit organization and distribute our materials for free under a Creative Commons License. When we began TeachAIDS, one of the questions we would routinely get from governments and NGOs around the world, after they had heard our pitch, was “OK, this sounds great, but how much does it cost?” When we told them the software was free, it was a revelation to them. There are many social enterprises that

When anyone in the world suffers, we all suffer.

The Dalai Lama said that “we must recognize that the suffering of one person or one nation is the suffering of humanity.”

As I write this, I’m looking out the window, watching rain pour over Chennai. It’s been ten years since the city has been buried in water this late after the monsoon had passed; locals are boating through the streets to reach their destinations. I spoke earlier with Desingh Raja, the manager of our animation team for the last five years. He told me that he had walked through two-and-a-half feet of water to reach our animation studio in Velachery to meet the team. I told him he would get sick and that he should go back home, but he ignored me, replying

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about what else we can do to ensure that our materials have the widest possible distribution. We have had the software displayed in non-interactive form on national television stations, shown during halftime at World Cup soccer games, and played on laptops hooked up to car batteries by NGOs in villages without electricity.

Unfortunately, there are also groups that are not reached by any of our channels, so we are working to bridge those gaps as well.

Help others for unselfish reasons.

attempt to balance the motive of making a profit with the goal of helping the world. Many of these organizations are doing great things, but striking that balance is always a challenge.

We have found that, at least for HIV prevention software, transparency around the lack of a profit motive allows progress on a scale that would otherwise be impossible. For example, in India, in just a few years, we have launched versions of our software for more than half-abillion people, which are now being actively and freely disseminated by governments and NGOs.

“no, we have to finish. This is for the children of India”.

It’s this kind of selflessness which amazes me about so many of the people working on TeachAIDS as well as other social causes. This World AIDS Day, I think about how much progress has been made in the fight against HIV over the years, thanks to people around the planet coming together with a common goal.

Many thanks to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his guidance and words of encouragement. Here is a short video of the meeting:

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Rev. Fr. Joseph Kalladan

August 8, 1939 - November 18, 2015

Well known as Father KK, he was ordained on December 26th, 1969 as a member of the Salesian Don Bosco Missionary Group. After serving 8 years in Kerala, he started his pastoral services in Jamaica, and the US. He has been serving various parishes in the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston for the past 35 years. He retired from regular administrative responsibilities in 2014.

Fr. KK is from the Kalladanthyil family of Neendoor, Kerala, India. His parents are the late Mr. Kuriako and late Aley Kalladanthyil. He is survived by his siblings: Annamma and late Chackochen Mutholath (Chicago); Mathew and Late Thresiamma Kalladanthyil (Tampa); Mary and Korah Kaniyamparambil (Houston); Michael and Mary Kalladanthyil (Chicago); and Lukose (Rajan) and Elsy Kalladanthyil (Chicago).

The viewing was held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 between 5 PM - 9 PM at the Houston Knanaya Catholic Community Center in Missouri City, Texas. The Wake Service was held on Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 6PM - 9PM at the St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church in Missouri City, and the Funeral Service was held on Monday, November 23rd at 10:30 AM at the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Sugar Land, Texas. Burial was at: Forest Park Lawndale Cemetry in Houston, Texas.

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FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

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ICCL’s Cultural Evening Experience In Houston

by Runmee Barbara

O

n November 21, The India Center of Clear Lake, ICCL, celebrated Diwali at the Bayou Theatre in University of Houston, Clear Lake Campus. The Indian community hosted the cultural gala event which started with Rangoli competition and then a colorful cultural evening followed by gourmet dinner. With exquisite Indian food, extraordinary entertainment and wonderful hosting, the cultural evening was a resounding success.

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. Despite living in a land away from home, Indian festivals are followed by almost every Indian household in Houston. India is a unique in the sense that of language, religion, dance, music, architecture, food, and customs differ from place to place within the country. Since this was a platform for all cultures in India to unite, Mrs Probha Saikia, a member of the Indian community in Clear Lake initiated to present a Bihu dance from her state, Assam. This was for the first time that a traditional Assamese Bihu dance was being introduced and performed for Diwali celebrations in Clear Lake.

Despite the flurry of activity centered around 23 performances, nearly 600 people present in the ceremony gave their undivided attention to the performers and demonstrations on stage, which included classical dances, Dance for Gods, songs, Bollywood dance numbers, Bharatnatyam and many entertaining regional folk dances. It was a testament to the level of interest among the families and children who had come to explore cultures and enjoy the evening.

Bihu dance was performed

by Archana Parashar,Barnasha Barua, Plabita Barua, Runmee Barbara and Kavita Sharma who was also the choreographer. It was a unique experience for the audience as they were seeing a traditional Bihu dance of Assam for the first time.

The dancers wore traditional Muga Silk Mekhela Chador (Two piece saree) with authentic Assamese jewelry and Gam Kharu (Bangles). Even though the audience could not comprehend the lyrics, they seemed to applause and enjoy the soulful music and dance moves thus justifying the saying that says “Music Is The Universal Language Of Mankind”. The sound of Dhul (Drum) & Pepa (Flute) with rhythmic beats and unique dance moves captured the hearts of everyone present there. It was

A variety of performances were showcased as part of Diwlai celebrations hosted by the India Center of Clear Lake on Nov. 21, 2015

a moment of great pride for us to be a part of it and to promote our culture. Thanks to the board of members for giving us this opportunity. We experienced an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the audience.

The Assamese community of Houston is very active and close knit. There are nearly 40 to 50 Assamese families residing in Houston. Keeping the Assamese culture alive every year we get-together to celebrate Bohag Bihu, Magh bihu

and Sri Manta Xankordev Jonmohotsav. It literally feels like home as we not only get to eat and cherish assamese culture and cuisine but also perform traditional Xotriya dance, husori and bihu. Most of the families have settled here in the late 80’s and are overwhelmed to see the growing assamese population here in Houston.

The modern world is changing and festivals are the only way to keep our culture and

traditions alive. Houston is a place where diversity is respected and recognized. Indian community helps to acknowledge the various ethnic groups by organizing shows, cultural events and religious functions.

Contributions from all groups are encouraged and people are given opportunity to fulfil their potential. Differences and diversities of India are celebrated in these occasions and the trend of preserving our rich cultural heritage is kept alive.

The Most Comprehensive Health Magazine Empowering families People live longer and better lives with proper healthcare New Technologies are making it more easier

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To send articles, email us at voiceasia@aol.com To place ads: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com For other information, call us at: 713-774-5140 Performers of the traditional Bihu dance of Assam

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FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Overseas Friends of BJP give a rousing welcome to India’s The People’s Lawyer visiting Advocate, Ameet Mehta www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

Even a private seller must disclose known defects Q. I am a recent graduate of the University of Houston, and was hoping to get your advice.

To make a long story short—my friend is trying to sell his flooded vehicle. The buyer offered around $16,000, which is about the right price if it was not flooded. The event of flooding has yet to make it to AutoCheck, which is why the price is near what it is worth in very good condition. What are the repercussions of selling this vehicle and not saying about whether it was in a flood?

A. It my opinion, not disclosing that the car was in a flood will violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This is our state’s consumer protection law and it applies to all sellers, not just those in business. This law requires any seller disclose facts he knows will matter to the buyer. It sounds like your friend is aware that this information would matter to the buyer, and the law requires he disclose it. If he does not, he could be responsible for three times the buyer’s damages, plus attorney’s fees.

Q. My tenant failed to pay rent on May 1st. He advised me on May 12the he was voluntarily moving out. On May 16th he said he would finish moving everything out that day. We entered property approximately 48 hours later and found items he had left. Is the intent of the tenant to vacate the property enough to consider the personal property left after May 16th abandoned?

A. This one does not have a simple answer, and I would not rely on his “intent” to abandon the property. If you destroy the property and he did not abandon it, you could be liable for damages.

The easiest approach is to contact the tenant and ask if he has abandoned the property and if you have permission to remove it. If you cannot contact him, you can remove the property, then send him notice you have it and that you will keep it a reasonable time for him to claim it. Tell him that after that you will consider it abandoned. Another approach is to go ahead with an eviction and let the constable remove the property.

Q. There is a man that keeps calling me and says he is collecting a credit card company debt.

He has been harassing me over this ten-year-old debt. He said that I would be served an arrest warrant for fraud if I don’t take care of this problem. He even said that I would be served at my place of employment or my residence. Can he do this?

A. Based on what you say, it sounds like he is violating state and federal debt collection laws. Basically, these laws prohibit a debt collector from harassing you, or threatening an arrest. Texas law also requires a lawsuit be filed within four years, and threats to sue after that time period violate the same laws. To see what these laws say, take a look at the “Legal Topics—Debt Collection” section my website, www.peopleslawyer.net.

Next time he calls get a name, let him know you know about these laws, and demand he stop all further communication. Under federal law he may only contact you one more time after you tell him to stop.

Overseas Friends of BJP with Ameet Mehta, Advocate (6th from left) with Coordinator Sangeeta Dua (in red) and guests. n November 20th 2015, the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) and the Indian community organized a function to honor Ameet Mehta, Advocate and President, Mumbai legal cell of India’s ruling BJP party, at Houston’s India House. Mehta, who is also Managing Partner of the Law Firm Solicis Lex was selected for the BJP’s role by Ashish Shelar, President of the Mumbai wing of BJP and his close confidant.

O

The function was organized by Anand Sharma, coordinator for OFBJP Houston and was coordinated by Sangeeta Dua, CEO of TV Houston and Mack Ajani who had made special efforts in Mumbai to invite Mehta to Houston. Among the dignitaries who attended were Raed Gon-

Mehta and few others.

There was a packed crowd for his welcome at the India House.

The evening started with lighting of the lamps and singing the national anthem. The meet addressed many issues such as partnership between both the countries, field of education and satellite Campus, Infrastructure, Immigration, Community Services, Social Issues Transportation, Logistics and so on.

Mehta said in his address that the calibre of people selected in BJP, including those for cabinet posts is very high. There has not been a single scam in the last 18 months of the BJP rule while there was routinely a scam every three months or so for the last 10 years under the former government. He said that the

by people who have dedicated all their lives for selflessly serving mother India. Their first priority is to defend and develop India and not change its policies by counting votes or any extraneous factors like caste, family, greed etc.”

Mehta and coordinator Dua were presented an award by Rahman Moton from the office of congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee for their joint effort to expand culture across the countries. Clippings from various video recordings were played

by Arun Nagpal of TV Houston including messages from BJP leaders like President of Mumbai cell Ashesh Shelar and Anurag Thakur, BJP Member of Parliament and secretary for the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Q. I have an eviction on my record from four years ago. I currently have two years of a good rental history and I am looking for a new place to live. However, I am being denied because of the past eviction. How long can apartment’s look back into your rental history?

A. Unfortunately, they can go back as long as they want. At some point, however, your current payment history should be more important than what you did in the past. I suggest you speak with the landlord when you first apply and explain your situation. Hopefully, you will find one that believes you have turned things around. Maybe save up and offer a larger security deposit.

Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Check out my website, www.peopleslawyer.net Note: This is a repeat column. The information was earlier published in May 28, 2015 issue of Voice of Asia.

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Anand Sharma complemented with Mehta further on the subject by adding “BJP is formed

Special thanks was extended to Neeraj and DGN restaurant for sponsoring excellent food and service, Vipin Kumar of India House for providing great support for the event. Dua proposed a vote of thanks that was followed by a sumptuous dinner.

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Majestic Mahakumbhabhishekam ceremony ......... halakshmi under the tutelage of Mrs. Rajarajeswari Bhatt.

Honorable Consul General Sri. P. Harish Parvathaneni and Pearland city Honorable Mayor Tom Reid unveiled the granite time-markers of the 1982 and 2015 Kumbhabishekams.

The huge mass of devotees crammed the quadrangle of the temple beholding the priests who performed the simultaneous Mahakumbhabhishekam on the five (5) Vimanams, to the accompaniment of Devi stuthi and Mahalakshmi Ashtakam recitation. It was a once in a lifetime experience of bliss.

Vaduganathan and AVN Reddy carrying the Gold covered Mahalashmi kalasam Continued from page 1

were created for Mahalakshmi and Utsava Murthis.

water over the Kumbha. The Sun peeped out and a Garuda flew over the Rajagopuram.

Devotees arriving early were greeted with Kumbhakonam coffee with hot breakfast and MTK 2015 T- shirts designed

by MTS youth.

After a Ganesha slokam by the popular classical and play back singer Srimathi Mahathi from Chennai, about 70 children and adults recited Sangeetha Samarpanam with “Devi Neeye Thunai” on Meenakshi and “Sri Bhargavi” on Ma-

After conclusion of the final Yaga Sala Puja, the 16 eminent priests from MTS, other US temples and India garlanded Chairman P. Vaduganathan, Vice chairman S. Narayanan, Secretary Srikanth Venugopalan and Treasurer Padma Golla and proceeded to the Vimanams for the Kumbhabhishekam.

Opening ceremony with Consul General Harish Parvathaneni and Mayor Tom Reid

After Mahabhishekam for all the murthis, Thirukalyanam of Meenkashi - Sundareswara and Padmavathy - Srinivasa was conducted, followed by Rathothsavam and Vahana Purappadu.

After a sumptuous lunch, there was music concert by Kruthi Bhatt with Vittal Rmaurthy, Erode Ngarajan, Mahesh Iyer, Keerthana Bhatt and Ravi Balasubramanian.

Cultural events included a concert by Srimathi Mahathi from Chennai on Friday and dances on the glory of Goddess Meenakshi by local dance schools on Saturday. A special Souvenir was released.

The “Curtain Raiser” or the Opening ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. P. Vaduganathan.

He recalled that this first Shakthi temple in North America was initiated in 1977 and the Main temple constructed in 1982. After 33 years, the much needed expansion and renovation was taken up in the Main Temple Renovation Project (M.T.R.P.) adding a new sanctum and Vimanam for Goddess Mahalakshmi. Over a hundred artisans worked on it.

Kumbhabhishekam is a Hindu Temple ceremony that homogenizes, synergizes and unites the mystic power of the deity. Kumbha is the Head or Shikara or Crown of the temple also known as Vimanam. To the three existing Vimanams for Shiva, Meenakshi and Venkateswara, two new Vimanams

Consul General Sri Harish ceremoniously opened the main door made in India out of teak wood. The crowd hurried in to get a glimpse of the newly expanded Main temple.

Every one could experience the grandeur of the expanded space with new columns, tall ceiling, new Lakshmi Sanctum , the pradhakshina around each sanctum, and the ornate new teak wood sanctum doors with silver kamalam.

Devotees waiting eagerly for the Mahakumbhabhishekam move to the main Sri Meenakshi Temple.

The project cost of 1.5 million dollars was fully raised by the Fund raising committee led by A.V. N. Reddy. The construction committee was led by Vinod Kaila and ably assisted

by A.V.N. Reddy. Padmashree Muthiah Sthapthi the chief temple architect from Government of Tamil Nadu supervised the project as Ashok Mungara the local architect managed the construction.

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VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

VHP of America-Houston Chapter The MTS Kumbabishekam celebrates Thanksgiving with Grand Finale Carnatic Concert Bhutanese refugees at Los Arcos apts. by Kumari Kruthi Bhat

Kumari Kruthi Bhat accompanied by Sri Vittal Ramamoorthy (violin), Sri Erode Nagaraj (mridangam), Sri Ravi Balasubramaniam (ghatam) and Kumari Keerthana Bhat (vocal and tambura).

The Bhutanese refugee community at Los Arcos apartments being served by VHP volunteers.

O

n November 26, 2015, Thanksgiving day is celebrated throughout America, Friends and family get together, eat together and thank each other.

This is a very significant holiday and that’s exactly what VHP-A-Houston chapter did by sharing the happiness with the Bhutanese refugees at the Los Arcos apartments.

Dr. Swamy Behara and entire family, a long time VHP member has been doing this since the last two years and brings his entire family including his nephew Srinivas to be a part of this wonderful experience of giving. Dr. Swami believes that the joy of

giving back to the society is very important and wants his entire family to understand, experienceand also appreciate it.

Girish Naik, President of VHP-A also addressed the families and told them that today was a day to be thankful that we are all safe and have a place to stay. We should all share what we have and someday when you have plenty you will also give back to the community. He also informed that VHP runs a Hindu heritage camp each year and will sponsor if their kids would like to attend.

We are also thankful to

Dhan Baraily, also a Bhutanese refugee but spend most of his childhood in Nepal for helping coordinate the giving of the food with Doctor Swamy and his entire family.

After the distribution of the food we were invited to local temple within the apartment complex. They have daily prayers and on every Sunday do a bhajan program.

VHP president Girish Naik said this was one of the best Thankgiving day he had and was very happy to see the Bhutanese community has maintained the culture and also have a temple within their community complex.

by Dr. Lakshmi Srivaths

T

he atmosphere at Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland, Houston was filled on November 29, 2015, with mesmerizing music

by Houston’s young carnatic star, Kumari Kruthi Bhat. The youngster was proficiently accompanied by seasoned veterans Sri Vittal Ramamoorthy on the violin, Sri Erode Nagaraj on the mridangam and Sri Ravi Balasubramaniam on the ghatam. Kumari Keerthana Bhat ably provided vocal and tambura support. The concert was organized by the Meenakshi Temple Board on the grand occasion of Mahakumbabishekam for Goddess Mahalakshmi. The venue was packed by music students and enthusiasts of Houston and vicinity. The afternoon began with a succinct introduction of

L-R: Girish Naik (far left) with the Behar Family: Raju Behara; Meenakshi Behara; Manasa Behara; Dhruv Nellutla; Vasu Nellutla; Srini Chaganti; Swamy Behara; Isha Chaganti (front row) Venu Nellutla (front row).

the artists by Mrs. Mala Gopal, cultural secretary of MTS Board and Mrs. Uma Ranganathan, a local carnatic artist and teacher.

The concert began with a soulful rendition of the extraordinary varnam “Angayarkanni Aanandam KondaLe”, a navaragamalika composition by Sri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, depicting the life of Goddess Meenakshi.

The artist enraptured the audience with the various ragas swaying the hearts of the audience with navarasas, setting the stage for the ensuing renditions. This was followed by the beautiful Bahudari krithi Brova Barama by Saint Thyagaraja. It was only apt to follow this with the pleading verses of Sri Arunachalakavirayar, “Eppadi Manam Thunindhadho” in Huseni, wherein Goddess Seetha probes how Lord Rama could think of leaving her to depart to the forest. The heartache of Seetha was palpable in the poignant presentation of the krithi by the artist. The varali alapanas by Kumari Kruthi Bhat followed by Sri Vittal Ramamoorthy were equipoised, drenched with classicism and filled with bhava. This led to the mellifluous composition on Seshachalanayaka by Sri Muthuswami Dikshithar. Halaasya natham smarami was a priceless krithi on Lord Sundareshwara and all the deities in Sri Meenakshi temple in raga darbar rendered with vivacity. The main krithi in PoorviKalyani was a fitting choice. Dikshithar’s jewel “Meenakshi Memudam”, wherein he attained moksha in the midst of the song rendition, was sung brilliantly by the young artist. The preceding alapana was elaborate, the neraval was intricate, and the succeeding kalpana swaram was an aggregate of complex korvais, gathis and swara patterns. The violin vidwan supplemented throughout with his outstanding performances, superbly embellishing the vocalist’s singing. The mridangam and ghatam vid-

wans engaged the audience very effectively, culminating in a remarkable Thani avardhanam, when the percussion exchanges scaled a variety of tones and rhythms through the masterly display of fingering techniques.

The last segment included all time favorites of Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s compositions “Chinnanjiru Kiliyae” and “Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai”. The mellifluous interlude “Tum Bin More” in Varamu by Meera Bhai melted the hearts of one and all as Kruthi’s melodious voice flowed effortlessly interspersed with gamaks.

The ragamalika Viruttam on Lord Karthikeya lead to “Kanda NaaL Mudhalai” in Madhuvanthi, followed by Sri Kanakadasa’s gem “Bharo Krishnayya”. Hailing in the Lalgudi’s lineage, the concluding Tillana in ragam Karnaranjani composed by the violin legend was the precise choice, Kruthi’s shruthi shuddham, clarity of pronunciation and ability to effortlessly traverse across octaves were stupendous, leaving the audience spell bound and speechless. The concert proved to be not only a delightful musical event but also a great educational experience for many music students in the audience! The emotions of the audience were expressed expertly by Houston’s elderly music lover Sri Anantha mama as he praised the artists for a brilliant concert.

The artists were felicitated with plaques and praises by MTS Board chairman Dr. Vaduganathan and Mrs. Mala Gopal. As rightly said by the latter, it was indeed a proud moment for the Houstonians to see their own homegrown vocalist emerge and excel as an accomplished star, and perform amidst renowned instrumentalists, in our very own Sri Meenakshi temple. We pray to Goddess Meenkashi to bless the artist/s enormously for a rewarding and gratifying musical journey ahead.

ALL ARE INVITED

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Hosts Double Open House On February 4 2016 for its Heart & Vascular Center and Breast Care Center’s advanced technologies and state-of-the-art facilities advanced facilities, expertise, and friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to care for its patients.

ar Land Hospital at the Heart & Vascular Center and Breast Care Center double open house on Thursday, February 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tours of both facili-

Join Houston Methodist Sug-

ties will be offered, as well as refreshments, door prizes and a free gift for all attendees. To RSVP, please visit houstonmethodist.org/events.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Breast Care Center.

S

UGAR LAND— (November 30, 2015) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is inviting the Fort Bend community to see its newly streamlined Heart & Vascular Center and Breast Care Center at a special double open house on Thursday, February 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Heart & Vascular Center, a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, was recently expanded to expedite care for cardiac patients.

The specially designed facility boasts state-of-the-art technology and provides 24/7 interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery services. The center includes four cardiac operating rooms, two hybrid operating rooms, four cardiac catheterization labs, two procedure rooms and a 19-bed observation unit, which are run by highly-trained medical staff. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Center was the first hospital in the United States

to install a hybrid operating room in 2012 that combines a Maquet operating table and a Siemens Healthcare C-arm robotic system for angiography, and is still one of the few hospitals in the nation to have advanced hybrid operating rooms of this kind. The hybrid operating rooms incorporate advanced technologies with traditional surgery capabilities to offer patients a new range of diagnostic and treatment procedures that can streamline care, and reduce recovery time and complications. In fact, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the only facility in Fort Bend County that performs open-heart surgery, including the most complex cases.

The most significant feature of the Heart & Vascular Center is that in the event of a cardiac emergency, it stands ready with a team of experienced specialists including cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic/vascular surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists and specialty-trained nursing staff.

The facility’s benefits reach

beyond patients entering the Emergency Department with heart attack symptoms, and ensures physicians are able to swiftly diagnose patients and carry out the course of treatment as quickly as possible.

Advanced technology can also be found in Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Breast Care Center, which offers the latest in breast cancer screening advances, including low-dose radiation tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography.

Tomosynthesis is more accurate in detecting breast cancer than standard mammography equipment and detects 41 percent more invasive breast cancers, which leads to earlier diagnosis. The center is also proud to have a Breast Care Navigator on staff to help guide patients and their families through the entire care process.

Touring the Heart & Vascular Center and Breast Care Center can give Fort Bend residents peace-of-mind knowing that if a cardiac or breast service is ever needed, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has the

AARP presents healthy Mexican recipes for the Holidays

H

OUSTON -- AARP Texas presents “Healthy Mexican Recipes for the Holidays,” a unique cooking demonstration and dinner Thursday, December 3, 6 – 8 p.m., the Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer Rd. Awardwinning cookbook author and chef, Adán Medrano is the featured chef for the evening. He will demonstrate how to cook a Holiday Party Buffet using recipes from his book “Truly Texas Mexican: A Native Culinary Heritage in Recipes.” His book explains how traditional, native cuisines use very little fat, very little salt, whole grains, and a

variety of nutrient-rich and delicious local ingredients.

“Mexican food is absolutely healthy, when cooked the traditional way,” said Medrano.

“Beyond being good for you, Mexican food is ‘Sabroso”-delicious!”

This event will help address a major health problem in the US, the widespread problem of diabetes. Diets high in fat and salt play a role in developing this disease, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. That number is

up from the previous estimate of 26 million in 2010. More alarming is that one in four people with diabetes don’t they have it.

Medrano’s demonstration on Thursday, Dec. 3, will feature both familiar and inventive items, including: Chile Ancho Meatballs; Interactive, do-ityourself Tostadas; Gulf Shrimp in Red Chile with Cactus.

People in the audience will not only get to learn how to make these healthy dishes, but they will taste the dishes too. A free book signing will follow the dinner.

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VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

SOUTH ASIA/US

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

‘Botched’ India cataract surgery leaves 15 with sight loss ficer Vinod Kumar Gupta said the organisation, Sarv Kalyan Sewarth Samithi, did not have government permission to hold the surgery.

“We are on the ground right now to inspect the hospital and our medical teams are collecting details from the patients,” Gupta told AFP. “So far we only know of 15 patients who were operated on and their surgeries botched.

“We know that when they came to the government hospital they had lost vision in the eye which had been operated upon.”

An Indian doctor inspects the eye of a patient, who lost his eyesight after undergoing free cataract surgery, at a government hospital in Amritsar on December 6, 2014 (AFP Photo/Narinder Nanu)

N

EW DELHI, India | AFP | 12/1/2015 - At least 15 people in northern India have lost the sight in one eye after having “botched” cataract surgery, lo-

cal officials told AFP Tuesday.

The surgeries were performed last week at a mass surgery organised by a charity in Haryana state’s Ambala

district, but the problems only came to light after patients began turning up at a local government hospital.

Ambala’s chief medical of-

The patients only realised they had lost their sight after the bandages were removed from their eyes.

Cataract surgery is generally considered low-risk, but such incidents are not uncommon in India.

The latest incident came days after 14 people lost their sight after undergoing the same

Brother kills sister for voting in Pakistan

I

SLAMABAD, Pakistan | AFP | Wednesday 12/2/2015 - REFILES to correct spelling of victim’s name in para three from xxxAsifxxx to xxxAsifaxxx An angry brother shot his elder sister dead because she voted in Pakistani local elections after he had forbidden her to do so, police said Wednesday.

The murder occurred in the town of Taxila 25 kilometres (15 miles) west of Islamabad on Tuesday, according to officials.

Danish Ali, 20, was furious because his sister Asifa Noreen, a 32-year old schoolteacher, had defied his in-

“According to a report filed by the deceased’s father, Ali shot Noreen with his pistol and she died on the spot at their home,” Abbas said.

A Pakistani polling agent marks a voter before he casts his ballot at a polling station in Islamabad on Monday (PHOTO: AFP).

defending family “honour”.

The Aurat Foundation, a campaign group that works to improve the lives of women

in Pakistan’s conservative and patriarchal society, says more than 3,000 women have been killed in such attacks since 2008.

any of the government’s set infrastructure standards for such a facility”.

No one at the Sarv Kalyan Sewarth Samithi could immediately be reached for comment.

Cow is safer in India than a Muslim: Tharoor

N

EW DELHI, Dec 1, PTI - Congress leader Shashi Tharoor today quoted some “Bangladeshi friend” to contend that a “cow is safer in India than a Muslim” to suggest “growing intolerance” in the country.

Participating in the debate on intolerance in the Lok Sabha, he said the Modi government cannot promote ‘Make in India’ while there is “hate in India”.

Targeting Narendra Modi for his “silence”, Tharoor said he was a “different person” before becoming the Prime Minister as cited how he had avoided resorting to “divisive” politics unlike any “clever politician” when bombs exploded during his rally in Gandhi maidan in Bihar in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls.

India cannot sell itself to the world as a “land of pluralism, tolerance and Gandhianism while encouraging intolerance, communal hatred and minority insecurity within the country,” Tharoor said.

Police were still hunting for Ali, who is on the run.

But incidents of women being killed for voting are rare, although hundreds of Pakistani women are murdered each year in cases of domestic violence or on the grounds of

Gupta said the medical facility where the victims underwent surgery “doesn’t meet

“The government must know you cannot promote ‘Make in India’ abroad while condoning ‘hate in India’ at home,” he said.

structions and cast her vote, local police official Naeem Abbas told AFP.

Women’s turnout is usually weak in the most conservative rural parts of Pakistan because of male perceptions that their place is in the home.

procedure in western India, with local authorities saying hospital staff failed to sterilise equipment properly.

In this context, he said a Bangladeshi friend of his on a visit told him that “Islamic fundamentalists in his country were having a field day attacking India as a place where it is safer to be a cow than a Muslim.”

The member from Kerala said Modi was “silent” even when his party colleagues are resorting to “political polarisation” in the country.

“They are such explosives who can destroy Indian ideology,” he said as he went on to reciete urdu couplet ‘Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna (Religion does not teach animosity against each other)’.

Tharoor said he had seen a “different” Modi before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when bombs exploded in Gandhi Maidan in Patna during his election rally.

Modi had not used divisive politics or provoked, he said.

“He (Modi) continued his speech peacefully and so no one in the crowd of 3-4 lakh came to know of the blasts that had killed six people.”

His positive message at the rally was that Hindus had options of fighting either poverty or Muslims.

“In such a situation a clever politician could have said that his rivals or a terrorist from a particular community has tried to distrupt the rally. But Modi knew that if he said that it would provoke communal violence in which innocent people would be killed. At the end of the rally, Modi asked people to go home peacefully so there is no stampede,” Tharoor said.

“Modi did not try to reap benefits of divisive politics,” he said. “But what has happened to Modiji now. Where has he lost is voice. After he became Prime Minister, he has forgotten the policy of taking along everyone. His senior party leaders are using political polarisation but he is silent.

This Christmas, for all your shopping needs... Look Nowhere Else!

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 49

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 11

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

Storm in a herbal cup: Indonesian elixirs get a modern twist

A café employee preparing a drink of traditional Indonesian herbal medicine, known as ‘jamu’, for a customer in Jakarta. AFP

by Arlina Arshad

J

AKARTA, Indonesia (AFP) - The trendy cafe looks like a typical coffee shop in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, but in fact it sells herb-infused brews promising to fix every ailment from coughs to impotence.

Indonesians have for generations taken herbal medicine, known locally as “jamu”, as a remedy for common ailments, and many children’s early memories include being forced to gulp down concoctions of ingredients such as ginger and turmeric.

Now entrepreneurs have fused the age-old love of tonics made from the archipelago’s vast selection of herbs with the younger generation’s desire for a fashionable setting, and come up with beverages that focus on modernday problems.

And as demand for alternative medicines grows from the Middle East to Africa, Indonesian jamu manufacturers hope the country can use its expertise in the sector to become a major player in the global herbal medicine industry.

A resurgence in domestic popularity is being driven by hangouts such as the Jakarta cafe, which welcomes young professionals and students to a retro setting that mixes old-fashioned furniture with touches of the past, such as black and white prints and vintage bicycles.

“Potent!” exclaims the menu, which features a picture of a beaming man wearing a traditionally patterned cap and a smart suit as he promotes a “stamina-boosting aphrodisiac”, named the Ginseng Prakoso Plus.

Next to him is a picture of a woman with her hair meticulously styled into a bun, offering a drink called the “Tight Cavity”, which aims to help improve a couple’s sex life after a woman has given birth.

- ‘Wives always smiling’ -Other brews at the cafe, named “It’s a long time such we had jamu”, tantalisingly promise to “keep husbands at home” and “wives always smiling”.

The cafe, which opened two years ago, also offers a range of lighter, more palatable jamu, such as drinks made from the herb rosella to recharge the immune system, turmeric to boost stamina, and ginger to fight colds and coughs.

“Initially the bitter taste put me off, but I have grown accustomed to it,” said graphic designer Io Woo, 23, who gets her particular amu fix at the cafe three to four times a month.

“It’s less dreadful to consume it with friends here, where it’s cosy and comfortable.”

It is not just hipster cafes seeking to breathe new life into jamu. Traditional healer Retno Widati has since 2011

been teaching people seeking to open their own businesses how to make jamu ice cream from green beans, rice and galangal, a herb related to ginger common in Indonesia.

“Young people are not taking jamu as often as in the old days, they fear the bitter taste,” she said, adding her aim was to re-introduce it to people in a “more modern form”.

The “jamu movement” has some high-profile supporters, notably Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who reportedly starts his day with a glass of boiled turmeric and ginger.

The government has thrown its support behind the industry, which currently employs 15 million people and boasts more than 1,000 manufacturers, including some listed on the Jakarta stock exchange.

Industry Minister Saleh Husin in September urged more exports of jamu products, and said the sector aims to generate revenue of up to 20 trillion rupiah ($1.45 billion) this year, up from 15 trillion rupiah in 2014.

An employee of a cafe selling traditional Indonesian herbal medicine known as ‘jamu’ prepares a jamu drink for a customer in Jakarta (AFP Photo/Bay Ismoyo) - The old ways -Producers of jamu products see great opportunities abroad. Asia remains the stronghold for herbal remedies but their popularity is growing around the world, according to experts.

But Jamu Entrepreneurs Association chairman Charles Saerang said Indonesia, which is home to around 6,000 varieties of herbs, was still punching below its weight and remained a small

player in the $50-billion herbal remedy industry, which is dominated by countries including China and India.

He said the sector should focus on exporting good quality, cheap raw ingredients instead of simply readymade products, as it mainly does now, which could increase annual earnings four fold.

Despite the arrival of hip cafes seen as key in driving jamu’s modernisa-

tion, there remains a hardcore of Indonesians who prefer the old ways -- tonics served at streetside stalls, or in unpretentious, inexpensive local shops.

“Why should I pay five times more for something that’s essentially the same? I’d rather save my money because more money means more jamu to enjoy,” said school handyman Agustinus Martanbaim, 38, who buys his herbal drinks from local vendors.

Sex, lies and spies: Vatileaks plot thickens

by Angus MACKINNON Vallejo Balda was secretary to the commission. His assistant Nicola Maio is the fifth person charged under legislation the Vatican introduced in reaction to the first Vatileaks scandal.

T

he trial, in which three Vatican insiders and two Italian reporters face potential prison terms of up to eight years, was adjourned until next week after one of the accused asked for more time to prepare her defence.

That erupted in 2012 and involved former pope Benedict XVI’s butler revealing the extraordinary scale of bitter infighting in the upper echelons of the Church’s bureaucracy, the curia.

Francesca Chaouqui, a PR expert accused of leaking classified documents to journalists, asked for five days to study the prosecution case against her and possibly introduce new evidence after replacing her court-appointed lawyer with her own defence counsel.

The prosecution did not object and the presiding judge said proceedings would resume on December 7, dashing the hopes of Vatican officials that the high-profile case might be wrapped up before the official start of a Catholic Jubilee year the following day.

Pope Francis, who has been away on a visit to Africa, told journalists on his return flight to the Vatican on Monday that the leaks scandal “has not kept me awake at night”.

“This isn’t the Lucrezia Borgia era,” he quipped in a reference to the daughter of Pope Alexander VI in the 15th century, who was accused of incest, poisoning and murder.

It emerged Monday that Chaouqui’s co-accused, Spanish Monsignor Lucio Vallejo Balda, 54, wrote a statement six days after his arrest in which he admitted to having been sorely tempted to have an affair with Chaouqui, 33, and that he believed she was working for Italy’s secret services.

- ‘I couldn’t succumb’ -All five accused in Vatileaks II have been charged with obtaining and disclosing confidential papers “concerning the fundamental interests of the Vatican State”.

The Vatican has been widely criticised for pursuing the prosecution of two Italian journalists over leaks which they used as the basis for books depicting irregularities and extravagance in the Holy See’s spending (AFP Photo/Andreas Solaro).

According to Italian daily La Repubblica, the statement was made on November 8 to a lawyer no longer working for Vallejo Balda.

Several Italian media have reported that the priest’s new counsel plans to ask the court for his client to undergo psychiatric evaluation -- implying he may seek to put forward mental issues as a mitigating factor in his defence.

- ‘No proof against me’ -There was no time for that on Monday as a result of Chaouqui’s delay request, which she said was necessary because she still had no idea of what she was supposed to have done wrong.

“I don’t understand anything,” she told reporters after the brief hearing.

“There is no proof against me. I need

this extra time to understand why I am here.”

The Vatican has been widely criticised for pursuing the prosecution of two investigative journalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, over leaks they used as the basis for books depicting irregularities and extravagance in the Holy See’s spending.

Chaouqui had access to potentially embarrassing material after being asked to join a commission on economic reform set up by Pope Francis shortly after his election in 2013.

The appointment raised eyebrows at the time after it was revealed Chaouqui had published critical tweets about the Vatican and posted racy pictures of herself on social media.

Vallejo Balda, who has been in detention since his November 2 arrest, Chaouqui and Maio are additionally charged with organised criminal association.

In the statement published by La Repubblica, the priest suggests his relationship with Chaouqui was of a romantic, flirtatious nature and came close to being consummated.

“I could not succumb, in my mind’s eye I always had the pope talking about the sanctity of married women and marriage,” the priest reportedly wrote.

He goes to claim that Chaouqui had assured him her marriage was a cover for her real role as a spy.

“She sent me photos of (him) with another woman whom she said was his real wife,” the statement reads.

Chaouqui said in a post on her Facebook page last week that she is pregnant and very happy with her partner.

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

‘Bachelor ban’: Qatar mulls family-only mall days

by David Harding and Ibrahim Badawy

Many work on major infrastructure projects directly or indirectly related to the World Cup.

D

OHA, Qatar | AFP Qatar’s only directly elected body is to discuss introducing family-only days at major shopping malls in a move dubbed a “bachelor ban” that is likely to restrict access for foreign labourers.

- ‘Segregation’ -The proposal has already caught the eye of human rights groups, which have been quick to warn the policy could further impact on Qatar’s reputation, which has been savaged since being awarded football’s biggest tournament.

What sounds like an innocuous idea is proving highly contentious and threatens once more to expose the 2022 football World Cup host’s fraught relationship with its vast foreign workforce.

“This looks like discrimination by stealth,” says Nicholas McGeehan, Gulf researcher at Human Rights Watch. “It will certainly have a detrimental effect.”

The proposal, which will be discussed by the Central Municipal Council (CMC) on December 1, would restrict entrance to the country’s eight biggest malls to families only on one day each weekend, either Friday or Saturday.

Many blue-collared male workers who have moved to Qatar alone, sometimes leaving behind families, would in effect be banned from entering the nation’s most popular malls, potentially on the only day of the week they get to relax.

The proposal is being championed by a CMC member, Nasser Bin Ibrahim Al-Mohannadi, who claims the presence of the male labourers in the malls is intimidating for locals, especially women.

“Qatar is a family-based society, and it is the right of families to have a day especially for them,” he told AFP. “Malls are not just for shopping but also for entertainment and family gatherings.”

Mohannadi

represents

the

McGeehan says he “doesn’t buy” the explanation that the proposal is motivated by family concerns and says it raises the prospect of “segregation”.

“When you are receiving so much criticism on workers’ rights, why would you add racial discrimination to the mix?”

Shopping malls play a central role in the day-to-day life of people in Qatar, especially during the baking hot summer months (AFP Photo/ Karim Jaafar). coastal city of Al-Khor, around 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of the capital, Doha.

Sheikha Al-Jufairi, who described it as “an absolutely essential requirement”.

He said locals there had complained to him about the “large number” of labourers gathering in one of the city’s malls.

“Families are complaining that they cannot enter the big malls on weekends because of the huge number of labourers,” she said.

His solution was to revive the idea of a “family day”, a policy previously in place but which had fallen out of favour because it was not enforced.

“Families suffer and we want to allocate one day, either Friday or Saturday, and the rest of the week is open to labourers.

Mohannadi has the backing of one of the two women who sit on the 29-member CMC,

“Moreover, there are many other malls they (labourers) can use on that family day.”

She added, however, that the proposal was not aimed specifically at blue-collared workers.

“It is not a matter of labourers. It is a matter of singles and families from all nationalities, even single Qataris. We do not discriminate against anyone.”

The CMC does not have the power to enforce the ban, but has asked the economy and commerce ministry to intervene to ensure malls comply.

An official from that depart-

ment will attend December’s meeting.

Malls play a central role in the day-to-day life of people in Qatar, especially during the baking hot summer months.

On most days throughout the year, the biggest malls will be full, used by Qataris and expats, including many labourers.

There are about 1.8 million foreign workers, mostly male, who make up about 90 percent of the population in the tiny Gulf state.

It also comes on top of a recent map published by the country’s urban planning ministry showing which areas in Qatar, including large parts of Doha, were designated “no-go zones” for labourer accommodation.

George, a pipe-fitter from Ghana who lives in Qatar but has a wife and two children back home, told AFP while in the popular City Center Mall in Doha that any shopping restrictions would cause a “big problem”.

“This is bad news. Friday is when I do my shopping,” he said, adding: “We are treated as second-class citizens here.”

‘Virtual Trees’ Turn the Eiffel Tower Green for COP21

P

ARIS: The Eiffel Tower turned green Sunday for the opening of the Paris climate conference, marking the launch of an art project that will see “virtual trees” grow on the landmark to support reforestation.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard attended the launch of the week-long “1 Heart 1 Tree” project, which allows smartphone users to “plant a tree” on the tower.

“Everyone will be able to plant a virtual tree on the Eiffel Tower, which will grow to the beat of their heart, and then every virtual tree will be re-

ally planted in a reforestation programme,” said Naziha Mestauoi, the digital artist behind the concept.

Users can download a smartphone application which records their heartbeat via a sensor and then projects this along with the image of a tree, their name and a short message onto the landmark, using lighting and mapping technologies.

Participants will be able to track the growth of their reallife trees, which will be planted in areas of Australia, Brasil, Senegal, India, France, Peru and Ivory Coast from 2016.

Each tree costs between three and 10 euros, depending on the

species.

“The idea is to connect the virtual and the real, technology and nature, and give everyone the opportunity to act in a tangible sense,” the artist said.

The launch came as some 150 world leaders gathered in Paris for a fortnight of talks starting today intended to clinch the first international pact to limit emissions of the greenhouse gases blamed for climate change.

The Eiffel Tower was closed for three days this month following the wave of terror attacks on Paris and was lit up in the French national colours blue, red and white when it reopened.

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VOICE OF ASIA 13

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Naturalist David Attenborough says sun can save Earth “The essence of the thing is that it should be cheap,” the acclaimed documentary-maker told AFP.

emissions.

“It is much easier not to do anything,” he said of the yearslong struggle to get nations to agree on action.

“Goodness me... if we could catch one five-thousandth part of the energy that the Sun sprays onto the Moon, onto this globe every day, we would supply all the energy requirements of humanity.

“It is much easier to say: ‘Oh no, no there’s no problem really... we’re doing fine, we’re making a lot of money, what’s the problem?’ It’s much easier saying that.”

“So how inefficient are we that we can’t get that much?”

Attenborough is one of the public faces of an initiative dubbed the Global Apollo Programme, which seeks to make renewable energy cheaper than coal within 10 years.

Filmmaker David Attenborough says governments with science research budgets should be spending their cash on finding new ways to gather, store and distribute energy from sources like the sun, wind and waves

F

ilmmaker David Attenborough, whose soothing voice narrated the vicarious journey of millions of TV viewers through the wonders of the natural world, called at a climate summit Monday for scientific investment in “saving the world”.

Governments with science research budgets should be spending their cash on finding new ways to gather, store and distribute energy from sources like the sun, wind and waves, he said on the sidelines of a UN conference tasked with clinching a climate rescue pact.

Supporters of the scheme include Lord Nicholas Stern -- author of a landmark 2006 report on the economics of climate change -- and Lord Martin Rees, a leading astronomy and former head of the Royal Society, Britain’s prestigious academy of science.

The goal would be achieved by convincing governments to invest $15 billion (14.2 billion euros) a year in research and development -- a patch, the programme says, on the $100 billion spent annually on

Attenborough said he was encouraged by the tone of US President Barack Obama’s address Monday.

David Attenborough. Photo By Larry French defence-related R&D. The resulting knowledge and technology should be made freely available to all.

The incentive?

“Only saving the world,” said Attenborough. “It’s a small thing, but that’s what it is.”

While humans cannot survive without Earth, he added, “the planet will survive, the planet will do very much better” if we disappeared.

- Easier to do nothing Making renewables cheaper than energy from coal, oil and

gas was the only answer, added Attenborough.

“Then the nations of the world, developed or undeveloped, would choose to use that rather than carbon-derived fuel so that the coal and oil which has caused so much trouble now will stay in the ground where it’s out of trouble.”

Attenborough, 89, travelled from London for Monday’s opening of the high-stakes November 30-December 11 conference in Paris, which seeks to avert dangerous levels of global warming by curbing climate-altering greenhouse gas

But he called for greater ambition, citing the 1960s Apollo space programme whose name inspires the new drive for cleaner energy.

“I would like there to be in the same way as the United States declared, that was Kennedy who declared, that ‘In 10 years we’ll put a man on the Moon’. It would be very nice if President Obama said: ‘In 10 years we would have solved this problem.’”

Attenborough narrated hugely popular BBC nature programmes, including the 1979 “Life on Earth” series watched by an estimated 500 million people around the globe.

Rich countries must not impose end to ‘conventional energy’: India PM

L

E BOURGET, France - Rich countries should not force the developing world to abandon fossil fuels completely, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday at the UN climate summit in Paris.

“We still need conventional energy -- we need to make it clean, not impose an end to its use,” said Modi, who has argued India will continue to need coal to power its rapid economic growth.

chance of boosting their prospects without turning to cheap and plentiful coal.

The balance between limiting carbon emissions and allowing industrial development in poor countries is set to be a central debate during the November 30-December 11 climate talks in Paris.

“The prosperous still have a strong carbon footprint and the world’s billions at the bottom of the development ladder are seeking space to grow,” he said.

Echoing demands made earlier by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Modi called on rich nations to meet their commitment to muster $100 billion (950 billion euros) a year from 2020 to help poor countries cope with climate change.

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“We hope advanced nations will assume ambitious targets and pursue them sincerely. It’s not just a question of historical responsibility -- they also have the most room to make the cuts and make the strongest impact,” Modi told the gathering of world leaders.

“Developed countries must fulfill their responsibility to make clean energy available, affordable and accessible to all of the developing world,” Modi said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the COP21 World Climate Change Conference on November 30, 2015, “We still need conventional energy -- we need to make it clean, not impose an end to its use” (AFP Photo/ Bertrand Guay)

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VOICE OF ASIA 14

Section 2

Young Life

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Study warns of risks from ‘distracted walking’

W

ASHINGTON - You might think you can safely walk and text on your smartphone at the same time. But watch out for the other guy.

Most of those surveyed agreed that distracted walking -which could involve talking, listening to music or texting on a handset -- is “dangerous,” yet 31 percent were likely to do so anyway, confident in their “multitasking” abilities.

F

The message however does not appear to be getting through to smartphone users, and many Americans appear to take the position that “it’s not me, it’s you,” according to the academy.

The survey found Americans are confident in their ability to multitask. When asked why they walk distracted, 48 percent said “they just don’t think about it,” 28 percent feel “they can walk and do other things,” and 22 percent “are busy and want to use their time productively,” the survey found.

New York City residents were most likely to view distracted walking as a serious issue (86 percent). But the city also had the highest number (39 percent) of people who said they walked and used their phones simultaneously.

The survey conducted by the polling firm Ipsos queried 2,008 US adults October 8-20, and had a margin or error estimated at 2.5 percentage points.

Tracy Drain, systems engineer with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, will deliver the keynote ad-

A new study on distracted walking released today by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) finds that more than three quarters (78 percent) of U.S. adults believe that distracted walking is a “serious” issue; however, 74 percent of Americans say “other people” are usually or always walking while distracted, while only 29 percent say the same about themselves.

90 percent say they see walkers talking on the phone (and 37 percent admit doing so themselves) 88 percent are engaging in conversation (vs. 75 percent themselves) 88 percent are listening to music (vs. 34 percent themselves) 85 percent are using a smartphone (vs. 28 percent themselves) 64 percent are generally “zoning out,” or not focused on walking (vs. 38 percent themselves) SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

JVB Preksha Meditation Center hosts “College Planning from A to Z” Seminar by: Vani Jain

A

s part of community outreach, JVB Houston Center organized a workshop on Virtuous Character, 21st Century Skills, and College Planning from A to Z for the 2nd time. The event was held on Sunday, Nov 15th inside the JVB’s Pyramid Hall and was conducted by Mr. Peter Han, the founder of College Planning A to Z, a full service college planning advisory firm.

The seminar was targeted for high school students and their parents. About 50 people attended this highly informative workshop. The objective of this 2 hour seminar was to share as much information as possible to help families find, select and afford colleges that best match their children in near future.

Anusha Gandhi, a 12th grader and JVB youth council member was the Emcee of the program.

She welcomed the community members with a short speech.

Mr. Han opened up the session with information on what it takes to get into college today including the financial aid system and how it works; how to maximize student’s potential to receive scholarships, grants and other forms of merit-aid; im-

portance of SAT & ACT tests and how colleges value them; and what the more selective colleges really want to see on a student’s application. He highlighted that making the right choice from the start results in more positive outcomes for students and financial savings for parents.

Furthermore, Mr. Han discussed 3 big mistakes made by families in college planning.

His presentation included an informational timeline for high school students and parents regarding the activities to focus on in different grades in their high school career as well as important deadlines, optimum number of college applications, time and expense of applications, resumes, essays and interviews.

He went over the 10 questions that audience had e-mailed prior to the session including, Public vs. Private colleges, Profit vs.

Non- Profit, Large vs. Small colleges, and life afterwards. He explained how one must be and willing to collaborate with others in order to lead a successful life.

His presentation was extremely informational, educational, and inspirational, and audience was very engaged and interested

Fort Bend ISD joins the Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugar Land and JASON Learning in hosting a STEM Open House, Dec. 10

ORT BEND ISD – Fort Bend ISD, in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural ScienceSugar Land and JASON Learning, is pleased to present a unique opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the District’s offerings in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning. On Thursday, December 10, all FBISD students, their families and community members are invited to a free Open House at the Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugar Land (13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land 77479), from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The association pointed to a 2013 study showing a sharp increase in pedestrian accidents between 2004 and 2010, with mobile phone use a key factor in the rise.

“Many of us simply need to force ourselves to set down our devices and focus on what’s in front of and around us.”

Tel: 713-774-5140

Space is limited to first 500 attendees for this “first come, first served” event – No reservations required

A study released Wednesday by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found 78 percent of US adults believe that distracted walking is a “serious” issue but only 29 percent say it’s a problem for them.

“Today, the dangers of the ‘digital deadwalker’ are growing with more and more pedestrians falling down stairs, tripping over curbs, bumping into other walkers, or stepping into traffic causing a rising number of injuries -- from scrapes and bruises to sprains and fractures,” said Alan Hilibrand, a spokesman for the association.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Peter Han during his presentation. throughout. After his presentation, Mr. Han stayed past his time to discuss and answer specific questions from audience and even did a one- on- one consulting with individual families.

This workshop was organized

by JVB youth council Anusha Gandhi, Neha Daga & Ashish Sacheti with help from Senior class at JVB Gyanshala Udai Jain, Neer Jain, Vani Jain and Manya Jain.

In closing, Neer Jain did the vote of thanks and Udai Jain presented Mr. Han a Holiday gift basket as a token of appreciation.

(PS : If you would like to receive additional details on Peter Han, or a copy of the presentation, please e-mail Pramod Bengani at info@jvbhouston.org) The JVB Preksha Meditation Center conducts regular Preksha Meditation sessions which is the practice of purifying our emotions, consciousness and realizing our own self. Mediation augurs attitudinal change, behavioral modification and integrated development of one’s personality.For more info, please visit www.Jvbhouston. org

dress. Students may recognize Drain as one of the host scientists from JASON. Attendees will also enjoy free access to the museum’s exhibits and a showcase of STEM-related offerings (including clubs and organizations) available in FBISD. Door prizes will also be awarded during the event.

Space is limited to the first 500 attendees. This is a “first come, first served” event. Museum doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are not required.

About JASON Learning: JASON Learning is a nonprofit organization that connects students, in and outside of the classroom, to real science and exploration to inspire and motivate the m to study and pursue careers in STEM related areas. JASON is brought to FBISD students through a generous donation from Chevron.

For more information about JASON Learning and Tracy Drain,

5th Annual Season’s Readings!

Presented at the Houston Public Library All programs are free and open to the public.

For more details visit www.houstonlibrary.org

T

his year start your holiday season at the Houston Public Library (HLP)! Children of all ages are invited to join the Holiday cheer with entertaining familyfriendly and literacy-inspired programs.

HPL will feature Fantastic Journeys: Animated short films and then a jolly good time through dance activities, craft-making, and Santa visits at your neighborhood libraries! To find a neighborhood library location near you and program times visit houstonlibrary.org and check the events calendar.

Featured program to be presented is: Aurora Picture Show Fantastic Journeys: Animated Shorts Saturday, December 5, 2015 | 3 PM Julia Ideson Building, Norma Meldrum Children’s Room | 550 McKinney St., 77002 HPL kicks off the holiday season with the Aurora Picture Show, featuring films from the Children’s Film Festival Seattle 2015. Zip around the world with a dazzling selection of high-energy, high-imagination shorts. Join a space-alien potato on his zany adventures, witness the creation of the alphabet, sing along with a brave little octopus, and grow up along with a rebellious daughter made of frosting, in this vibrant celebration of creativity.

Season’s Readings events include: Houston Ballet presents Ballet Talks: “The Nutcracker”.

Santa Claus is Coming...to

Your Library! Take your kids to see Santa at any neighborhood library.

Activities will include: Firebird Storytime – Discover the debut picture book written by Misty Copeland, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre and awardwinning illustrator Christopher Myers.

Dancing Spaghetti – Science meets art for hands-on fun.

Make-and-Take Crafts – Snowflake ballerinas, paper doll marionette dancers, and curly bird ornaments.

Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy – Warm up this winter season by learning classical Spanish dance!

About the Houston Public Library The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 35 neighborhood libraries, four HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.

VOICE OF ASIA 15

Section 2

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Bollywood Masala

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

How Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Shot Gerua in Iceland. It’s Not Pretty

Tel: 713-774-5140

Silent Bollywood shuns India’s political limelight

Bollywood’s Top actors Aamir Khan (R) and Shahrukh Khan. AFP photo.

by Udita Jhunjhunwala

M

A scene from the film Dilwale with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the song sequence ‘Gerua.’

n a new ‘making of’ video, Dilwale co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol explain what it took to film their song Gerua, dressed in summery outfits in the bone-chilling temperatures of Iceland.

It involves an errant dupatta, layers of warm clothing in between takes and a director - Rohit Shetty - who just isn’t happy unless he’s shooting in

I

an impossible location.

waterfall. Behind, yes.

Summer in Iceland, as SRK, Kajol and the crew swiftly discovered, is plainly not the sort of season that lends itself to the Yash Chopra-esque billowing skirt-fluttering sari style of Bollywood romance. They also learnt that it’s deadly difficult to shoot a passionate scene atop an iceberg, climb a mountain in a sari and strike a pose behind a

There was also the moment that Kajol saved Shah Rukh Khan’s life. Gerua, which means saffron, is choreographed by Farah Khan and was the first of the film’s songs to be released.

Dilwale, also starring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, opens on December 18.

Ranveer Singh to host ‘Crime Patrol’

M

UMBAI, Dec 1, 2015 - Ranveer Singh is making his TV debut with “Crime Patrol”, where the actor will host two episodes of the crime reality television anthology series.

To salute the bravery of the cops of the country and felicitate the service provided them in safeguarding the society, the channel will telecast a special series in association with “Ba-

jiarao Mastani” team.

“I am glad to associate with Sony Entertainment Television’s longest running and pioneering crime show, ‘Crime Patrol’. This week Crime Patrol along with Bajirao Mastani pays tribute to the heroic super cops of our country.

“I will be hosting the show for 2 episodes, thus making a contribution towards creating awareness about crime in our

society. I have always admired and supported the show and it was a wonderful experience working with the ‘Crime Patrol’ team,” Ranveer said in a statement.

The actor will be seen hosting December 14 and 17 episodes of the show.

“Bajirao Mastani”, also starring Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, hits theatres on December 18. (PTI).

Priyanka says role of Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani, very challenging

UMBAI - | AFP | 11/30/2015 - A furious backlash against two Bollywood stars who complained of rising intolerance in India has highlighted the film industry’s uneasy relationship with politics, in contrast to Hollywood where celebrities are often lauded for their activism.

Top actors Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan were accused of being unpatriotic after suggesting Hindu-majority India was becoming more intolerant, with members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading the onslaught.

“We have these highly polarised and heated responses to any political stand a film personality takes,” movie director Hansal Mehta told AFP.

A

that she has a very challenging role in the film which she took on only for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

“I did this film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I know you all will ask me, ‘Mastani is played

by Deepika (Padukone) and

The rows were a rare foray into political comment for Bollywood celebrities, who usually remain quiet for fear of damaging their film prospects. If they do speak up, it is to pander to the ruling party.

“The fault lies somewhere in the Bollywood system,” said Mehta, director of popular hits

“Instead of focusing on the point (Aamir) Khan has made, people are attacking his films, discussing his marriage and downgrading the app for the brand he endorses,” he told The Times of India newspaper.

“At one level, this shows the disproportionate response India has to celebrities -- it’s either complete adulation and deification or absolute vilification,” Desai added.

Bollywood has not always shied away from tackling politics in its films, leading to runins with the government of the day.

In 1977 a satire on Indian politics called “Kissa Kursi

Aamir -- the star of “Dhoom 3”, one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of all time -- provoked a furious response when he said that a sense of “insecurity” and “fear” was gripping India.

Aamir, who like many Bollywood stars is Muslim, also revealed that his Hindu wife had even questioned whether the couple should leave the country.

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain warned Aamir it was “not all right to malign” India and told the actor: “Don’t forget, India made you a star.”

The 50-year-old was the latest in a series of high-profile figures from the arts world to raise concerns about religious and cultural intolerance since Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected last year.

ctress Priyanka Chopra, who is playing the role of Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani, said

Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya accused Shahrukh, one of India’s most recognisable actors, of being “anti-nationalist” and said the actor’s “soul is in Pakistan” in a series of tweets he later retracted.

tosh Desai, the angry response equated to the level of hysteria with which Bollywood stars are idolised across India.

“There is no room for debate or discourse, especially when it comes to Bollywood celebrities,” he added.

Television footage showed dozens of activists burning posters of Aamir in several Indian cities, while police protection at his Mumbai home was upgraded and social media was awash with criticism of the star.

A still from Bajirao Mastani. Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh.

But fellow Bollywood icon Shahrukh Khan sparked a similar furore earlier in November when he referred to “extreme intolerance in India” after the lynching of a Muslim man in October over rumours he had eaten beef.

Shahrukh Khan in conversation with Aamir Khan on the right.

“Shahid” and “CityLights”.

- Bollywood populism -”We want to hobnob with politicians and be extremely diplomatic.

We don’t take a stand, and this is reflected in our films which are populist in their discourse.

“People can have political opinions in private, but in public they want to be in favour and this is often because of fear of a backlash,” he added.

In marked contrast, many Hollywood idols such as George Clooney and Susan Sarandon have voiced support for numerous issues, including climate change and human rights, without having their patriotism questioned.

Few of these were film stars.

For social commentator San-

Bajirao is played by Ranveer Singh. So why did you do this film?’ Let me tell you, I was the first person to be cast in this film. I remember Sanjay came to me with this script and he was clear he wanted me to do this film,” said Priyanka.

This is a feminine character and it was very challenging for me to do the role. It’s a special film for me. I am just super excited to be part of it,” she added.

“I thought Kashibai’s character was very heart-breaking.

Kashibai was the first wife of Peshwa general Bajirao I. “It was not easy to do this

Ka” (The Story of the Chair) was banned by the then-ruling party.

“Aandhi” (Storm) was also banned two years earlier as it was allegedly based on the life of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was later released.

Bollywood and Indian politics have sometimes intertwined.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan was briefly a Congress MP, but Vir Sanghvi -- a columnist with the Hindustan Times -- says the relationship “has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with threats”.

“Bollywood stars pander to those who threaten them. They are scared of people who might disrupt their cinema screenings or organise demonstrations against them,” he told AFP.

role. I wanted to get the Maharashtrian accent right and there were many dramatic scenes which I used to take back home. I am generally a switch on and off actor but this character was very heartwrenching,” she said.

The film is slated to release on December 18.

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VOICE OF ASIA 16

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING VOICE OF ASIA

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

New York adopts first US menu salt warnings

HIV diagnoses hit record low in New York EW YORK, AFP | The number of new HIV diagnoses in New York has hit a record low after falling nearly 40 percent in the last decade, city authorities said Tuesday.

N

The city said 2,718 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2014 compared to 2,832 in 2013 and 4,397 in 2004, a decline of more than 38 percent.

The logo of a salt shaker, meant to warn consumers of high sodium content in food, appears on an Applebees menu on December 1, 2015 in New York City (AFP Photo/Andrew Burton).

by Thomas URBAIN ew York on Tuesday became the first US city to adopt salt warnings on restaurant menus for food containing more than the daily recommended limit, in a bid to fight heart disease.

N

The law applies to chains with more than 15 restaurants across the country and enforces a salt shaker icon next to items that contain 2.3 grams or more of sodium -- about a teaspoon’s worth.

It also requires chains to post a warning statement advising that high sodium intake can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke -- the two biggest killers in America.

Chains have 90 days to comply with the new rule, which was passed unanimously by the city health board in September, before $200 fines are imposed from March 1.

The sodium law is the latest in a long line of public health measures designed to foster healthier behavior, including a pioneering ban on smoking that has since been adopted across the world.

It comes as the US departments of agriculture and health and human service, recommend that Americans reduce their daily sodium intake to less than 2.3 grams of sodium a day.

New York authorities say the average adult in the city consumes almost 40 percent more sodium than the recommended limit per day, with black and Hispanic New Yorkers most affected.

“Too few understand the link between high sodium intake and hypertension, heart disease, and stroke,” said Mary Bassett, city health commissioner.

“These icons will help New Yorkers make more informed choices when dining out,” she added.

Chains account for one-third of the restaurant clientele in New York, city authorities say.

difficult place to do that,” said Sonia Angell, deputy commissioner for prevention and primary care.

“The vast majority of sodium in our diet doesn’t come from what we’re adding at the table, it doesn’t come from what we add when we’re cooking. It’s coming from processed and packaged foods.”

But the National Restaurant Association plans to take legal action against what it calls an “overly onerous” regulation as establishments work to comply with federal law demanding calorie data on menus by December 2016.

Applebee’s is among those restaurants who have willingly adopted sodium warnings on menus in the city.

In 2008, New York became the first US city to force chain restaurants to include calorie counts on menus -- which will now become federal law from December 1, 2016.

- Legal action -”We want our guests to have as much information as needed to make informed decisions,” said Zane Tankel, CEO of Apple-Metro, the company that owns Applebee’s restaurants in the city.

The NRA says it wants uniform, nationwide labeling that gives consumers across the country the same nutritional information.

A study carried out at the University of Minnesota found the mean sodium content in food served by the eight biggest US restaurant chains rose 23 percent between 1998 and 2010.

“While the board of health thinks they are targeting corporate chains, in reality they are dealing yet another blow to many of New York’s small businesses,” it said in a statement.

“Restaurants -- for those of us who want to limit the sodium in our diet -- it becomes a

The NRA and other groups overturned an attempt by the city two years ago to ban large

pleted his residency in internal medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center and fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ Health System and Stony Brook University Medical Center, respectively.

Koo is board certified in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and internal medicine, and is board eligible in interventional cardiology. He speaks both English and Korean.

“Dr. Koo brings strong skills in interventional cardiology to our team, along with a compassionate approach to patient care,” says John Passmore, M.D. “We are pleased to have him work alongside us as we

The new HIV diagnoses are predominantly men, black or Hispanic, young, men who have sex with other men or people living in poor areas.

To mark World AIDS Day on Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $23 million plan towards stamping out the epidemic in New York and matching a statewide goal of 750 cases per year by 2020.

To date, more than 600,000 Americans have died from AIDS-related causes, including more than 100,000 New Yorkers, according to the New York City Aids Memorial.

sugary drinks. Other studies also suggest there is a limited impact in labelling menus.

A study carried out by researchers at New York University School of Medicine suggested that calorie labelling at fast-food chains did not impact dishes selected between 2008 and 2014.

It “remains an unproven strategy for improving the nutritional quality of consumer food choices,” the study concluded. “Other options must be considered as ways to combat obesity.” AFP.

Last Few Days Remaining for 2016 Medicare Open Enrollment Last few days remaining for 2016 Medicare Enrollment. If you have not done anything it may become too late. Don’t be left out.

To-day we will explore What Medicare covers for Home Health Care: If you’re eligible for Medicare-covered home health care (see page 5), Medicare covers the following services if they’re reasonable and necessary for the treatment of your illness or injury: ■ Skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing services are covered when they’re given on a parttime or intermittent basis. In order for skilled nursing care to be covered by the Medicare home health benefit, your care must be necessary and ordered by your doctor for your specific condition. You must not need full time nursing care and you must be homebound.

See page 5. Skilled nursing services are given by either a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

If you get services from a LPN, your care will be supervised by a RN. Home health nurses provide direct care and teach you and your caregivers about your care. They also manage, observe, and evaluate your care. Examples of skilled nursing care include: giving IV drugs, shots, or tube feedings; changing dressings; and teaching about prescription drugs or diabetes care.

Any service that could be done safely by a non-medical person (or by yourself) without the supervision of a nurse, isn’t skilled nursing care.

Home health aide services may be covered when given on a part-time or intermittent basis if needed as support services for skilled nursing care. Home health aide services must be part of the care for your illness or injury.

Medicare doesn’t cover home health aide services unless you’re also getting skilled care such as nursing care or other physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speechlanguage pathology services from the home health agency.

■ Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speechlanguage pathology services.

Medicare uses the following criteria to assess whether these therapy services are reasonable and necessary in the home setting: 1. The therapy services must be a specific, safe, and effective treatment for your condition.

2. The therapy services must be complex or your condition must require services that can safely and effectively be performed only by qualified therapists.

3. One of the three following conditions must exist: ■ It’s expected that your condition

Michael Koo, M.D.

continue to grow the level of cardiac care available here in Fort Bend and surrounding counties.”

To make an appointment with Koo or any of the physicians at Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates, please visit houstonmethodist.org/ online-scheduling or call 713.776.9500. Learn more at houstonmethodist.org/spg, or visit our Facebook page at FB.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

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At the height of the New York AIDS crisis there were more than 12,000 AIDS diagnoses in 1993, according to city data.

Call 713-774-5140 to advertise on our website www. voiceofasiaonline. com

Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates welcomes Michael H. Koo, M.D. SUGAR LAND, (November 30, 2015) — Board-certified cardiologist Michael H. Koo, M.D., is joining Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates.

“It’s an honor to join the team that has a long history of bringing the most advanced and sophisticated cardiac care to Fort Bend,” says Koo. “My approach to patient safety and comfort is a perfect fit with the culture and mission of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and I’m excited to begin seeing patients at Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates.”

Koo earned his medical degree from New York Medical College. He com-

In 2001, when records began, there were 5,862 new diagnoses.

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Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com will improve in a reasonable and generally-predictable period of time. ■ Your condition requires a skilled therapist to safely and effectively establish a maintenance program. ■ Your condition requires a skilled therapist to safely and effectively perform maintenance therapy. 4.

The amount, frequency, and duration of the services must be reasonable. ■ Medical social services. These services are covered when given under the direction of a doctor to help you with social and emotional concerns related to your illness. This might include counseling or help finding resources in your community.

■ Medical supplies. Supplies, like wound dressings, are covered when they are ordered as part of your care.

Durable medical equipment, when ordered by a doctor, is paid separately by Medicare.

This equipment must meet certain criteria to be covered.

Medicare usually pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for certain pieces of medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker.

If your home health agency doesn’t supply durable medical equipment directly, the home health agency staff will usually arrange for a home equipment supplier to bring the items you need to your home. Note: Before your home health care begins, the home health agency should tell you how much of your bill Medicare will pay. The agency should also tell you if any items or services they give you aren’t covered by Medicare, and how much you will have to pay for them.

This should be explained by both talking with you and in writing.

Last few days remaining for 2016 Medicare Enrollment. If you have not done anything it may become too late. Contact Sudhir Mathuria @ 713-771-2900 for last minute guidance.

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VOICE OF ASIA 17

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Section 2

by Glenn CHAPMAN

M

ark Zuckerberg has grown from a Harvard dropout who changed what it means to be social into a billionaire philanthropist bent on shaping a better world for his daughter.

Business VOICE OF ASIA

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Zuckerberg: from Harvard dropout to Silicon Valley legend

Zuckerberg and Chan also pledged to give away their Facebook fortune to make the world a “better place” for baby daughter Maxima and others.

The hoodie-wearing 31-yearold, depicted in the Hollywood drama “The Social Network” as a socially challenged computer geek, has evolved into a confident chief executive presiding over an online community boasting more than 1.5 billion users monthly as of September.

Despite his massive wealth, Zuckerberg still favors t-shirts, jeans and sneakers, topped off by his trademark hooded sweatshirt and a mop of brown, curly

Zuckerberg left Harvard in May 2004 for Silicon Valley, where he received his first major funding -- $500,000 -- from PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel followed by nearly $13 million the next year from Accel Partners.

Zuckerberg’s Facebook page, which is “followed” by more than 43 million people, features pictures of his wife and daughter, along with their dog, Beast.

In a letter to Maxima posted on his Facebook page, the couple said they were going to give away 99 percent of their company shares -- estimated value $45 billion -- during their lives in an effort to make a happy and healthy world.

The $16 billion IPO was structured to keep control of Facebook in the hands of Zuckerberg, who has been Time’s “Person of the Year” and cracked the Forbes list of 20 richest people in the world.

Tel: 713-774-5140

Despite recurring privacy complaints, Facebook has gone from strength to strength. Analysts credit the social network with innovating, or acquiring new technology, to stay popular in an Internet Age known for fleeting loyalties to online services.

Zuckerberg and his doctor wife, Priscilla Chan, set the Internet abuzz this week with news of the birth of their first child, a girl named Maxima.

Zuckerberg cemented his fortune, and a place in Silicon Valley history, by leading Facebook to a historic Wall Street debut in 2012. Facebook shares on Wednesday were trading at nearly triple the initial public offering price of $38.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla hold their baby daughter Maxima (AFP Photo/-)

hair.

He has donned suits, though, while meeting with high-profile figures such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama.

Zuckerberg is known for setting annual goals, which have included wearing ties every day; only eating meat of animals he kills himself; and learning to speak Chinese to be able to chat with members of his wife’s family who speak that language.

He has grown more outspoken socially and politically. Zuckerberg has marched with hundreds of Facebook employees in San Francisco’s grand Gay Pride Parade and publicly backed US immigration reform.

Quotes credited to Zuckerberg included “What would you do if you weren’t afraid” and “Move fast and break things.”

Zuckerberg is known for advocating a “hacker way” of

boldly twisting software or systems in promising directions.

- Thefacebook -Born on May 14, 1984, Zuckerberg was raised in Dobbs Ferry outside New York, one of four children of a dentist father and a psychiatrist mother.

He began writing computer programs at the age of 11, including one said to resemble Pandora’s musical taste program which reportedly drew the interest of AOL and Microsoft.

He went to high school at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, where he was captain of the fencing team, before entering elite Harvard University.

Zuckerberg launched Thefacebook.com, as it was then known, from his dorm room on February 4, 2004 with some of his roommates and classmates.

nected.”

Facebook’s early years were not without controversy, however.

In 2008, a $65 million settlement was reached with three Harvard classmates -- twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra -- over their charges that Zuckerberg had stolen the idea for Facebook from them.

The conflict was at the heart of “The Social Network,” the Oscar-winning film written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher.

His “likes” include charities such as his newly formed Zuckerberg Chan Initiative; US politicians Obama and Hillary Clinton, actors Seth Rogan and James Franco, and the book “Enders Game.”

Zuckerberg has been referred to by some as being struck in the mold of late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs. Zuckerberg has praised Jobs as a friend and a role model.

Similarities between the men have been said to include not being afraid to risk falling down while chasing big dreams, and passionately pursuing visions despite obstacles or detractors.

It’s time to get covered. Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage starts on November 1 and runs through January 31. HealthCare.gov is working for millions of Americans and it’s ready to help even more get covered. The deadline is December 15 to sign up for coverage that starts on January 1, 2016. If you want to start the New Year with coverage, you must sign up by December 15.

For people who enroll after December 15, coverage will begin on February 1.

Financial assistance is available. Most people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. Over 7 out of 10 people can find a health insurance plan for as little as $50 or less per month.

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Assistance is available in 150 languages. The call is free.

For free in-person help in your community, visit: Localhelp. healthcare.gov.

US business plans for investment, hiring hit 3-year low

by Veronica SMITH

The stated goal: “Making the world more open and con-

“Having this child has made us think about all of the things that should be improved in the world for her whole generation,” Zuckerberg said in a video of himself and Chan posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Self-employed?

Get Ready for Open Enrollment for 2016

Bank and renew expired tax provisions,” he said in a statement.

W

ASHINGTON - US businesses are increasingly pessimistic about the US economy and are slashing plans for investment that is vital for growth, a private survey showed Tuesday.

The Business Roundtable, a group of top corporate leaders, said its fourth-quarter survey found chief executives voicing “growing caution” about the near-term economic outlook.

Its CEO Economic Outlook Index, grouping sales projections and plans for investment and hiring, dropped 6.6 points from the third quarter to 67.5 in the fourth quarter.

That was the third straight quarterly decline for the index, which measures CEOs’ expectations for the coming six months.

“Lower expectations for sales and investment reflect CEOs’ ongoing caution about the nearterm prospects for US economic growth,” said Randall Stephenson, chairman of Business Roundtable, and the chairman and chief executive of telecom giant AT&T. “Congress and the administration need to work together to continue to fund the government, expand trade, agree on a long-term transportation infrastructure investment plan, reauthorize the US Export-Import

The fourth-quarter decline in the index was led by plans for capital spending, such as investments in equipment and property, which plummeted nearly 17 points quarter-over-quarter to 53.6.

“The sharp drop in capital spending is alarming,” Stephenson said in a conference call with reporters. Businesses are reluctant to invest when the US tax code is “uncompetitive” and the highest in the 34-country OECD, he said.

In the fourth quarter, he said, businesses were particularly hampered by the uncertainty of whether certain tax provisions, such as bonus depreciation and a research and development tax credit, would be renewed at the end of the year.

Sales expectations weakened while plans for hiring were essentially unchanged from the third quarter, when they fell almost eight points, according to the survey.

- Regulatory burden -Regulation continued to be a particular concern of the members of the Business Roundtable, which includes companies that make up more than a quarter of the value of the US stock market, including Wal-Mart, ExxonMobil, Caterpillar and Bank of America.

Respondents to the survey “once again” cited regulation as their top business cost pressure, ahead of labor costs and health care costs.

Stephenson called on the Obama administration to address regulation costs, noting they did not require congressional action.

“It appears Congress is moving” on some business-friendly issues, like tax extenders and a multi-year transportation bill that would include reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, he said.

Funding for the Ex-Im Bank, which provides favorable financing to US firms seeking to sell products abroad, expired on June 30.

The Business Roundtable is heavily skewed to strong exporting firms, including General Electric, which in recent months has announced the creation of jobs and investments outside the US, blaming Congress for allowing the Ex-Im Bank to expire.

The Federal Reserve’s plan to raise interest rates from near zero, perhaps as soon as midDecember, would have “not much of an impact” on investment plans, Stephenson said.

Despite their downcast outlook, the CEOs estimate US economic growth next year will be 2.4 percent, in line with economists generally.

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HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of December 4, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

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

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April You are giving yourself some time to be inspired, to rediscover the world of makebelieve. Reality will be back soon enough so let your imagination fly. You’ll be stimulated by new ideas. It may be a challenge to digest them all, but it’s a good time to let your mind explore all of your options. You appear ‘raring to go but may be stopped in your tracks by the lack of support coming from trusted members; don’t get mad, just make a new game plan.

You are beautifying of your surroundings in some way which is favored now. You are feeling hospitable and want to share your comfort with close friends and family. Use your ability to nurture others who need your help. You may spend more energy trying to keep everyone ‘on the same page’ calm, focused, happy or appeased than you to accomplishing for yourself this week! Hold a good ‘sit down’ family dinner so difference can be ‘aired’.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May This being a lively time, Past experiences will prove where your true talents lie.

You’ll need to keep moving and to have exciting projects to work on. Your inventiveness can work on your behalf. Take your fresh and original ideas to the right people.

You may be able to sign a lucrative contract. You may have to sink a lot of money with a widevariety of needs; all practical and most necessary, especially medical and food related issues.

You are having the ability to get your plans soaring on a new path. You may not have the patience but your initiative is definitely on the upswing now. Try not to assess your selfworth on the basis of your current work. Find your self-confidence to gain more understanding of your career direction. Emotions and lengthy discussions are likely throughout the week, and it is pivotal that you do not. Several small issues may need more strong focus early in the week than may appear on the surface.

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June You are helping people to see things from a better perspective. You’ll be able to settle your differences without giving up your individuality or beliefs. Communicate your ideas and insights to find others who are like-minded. Your magnetism will lead you to many new social and professional networks. You are going to need to focus on all the ‘small’ errands, basic needs, making them ‘feel’ they are heard, addressing issues even if you have no intentions of acting/spending upon them now and being willing to show you are ‘paying close attention.....

You are trying a new approach when addressing your own personal goals. You need to relax. You’ll be more intense with the people closest to you. Deep emotions, both positive and negative are stirred up within you. Your mind is active. You’ll think and talk fast. New ideas and passionate words should be your aim. This week starts out with a full plate and a hefty financial agenda but you’ll cut through it. . Almost ‘like new’ your family dynamics, cheer level or even ‘financial picture’ may change ‘over night’ in some cases.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July You are feeling more impressionable and open. However you may feel far less precise and clear mentally. Your psychic sensitivity will be heightened. Use your wit to display your charm. You’ll come across as being quite clever once you put new energy into your groundwork for a new adventure. It is not going to make this an ‘easy’ week but if you hustle your duties in as quickly as possible, you can make it easier on yourself.

Time for brilliance and original ideas, Try not to be too hasty in your comments.

You’ll need to push yourself hard to get back on track. It’s an excellent time to complete research that you’ve been working on. You’ll be motivated to learn underlying causes behind someone’s behavior.

Your stars show a busy and demanding early week that may drain your bank account faster/more than your patience account!

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

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August You are being in a philosophical mood. Your visions aren’t always practical so give them the test of time to see if they can be turned into reality. Conversations, sharing plans and ideas can be very fruitful now. You can make yourself clearly understood and also comprehend other’s concerns. Spending due to losses from not fixing needs on time or ‘right way the first attempt’ are likely. Going from ‘one extreme to the other’ is also a form of ‘duality’ and you may find that one ‘play out’ in your career life.

Your concentration will be very strong. You may become so engrossed in your research that you can’t stop until you find the info that you seek. Your persuasiveness and conviction will put you ahead of the pack. You may find yourself in the position of rallying others to a given realization. Coming out of a poor ‘spot’ from a culmination may have you starting the week out at ‘some level of disadvantage’. Most of you who hit this one will find it unfolds in a wide variety of ways such as ill health, extra work, loss/setback and grief/anxiety.

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

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Personal subjects which will be the topic of discussion, in coming days. Reminiscing, remembering, daydreaming about and reflecting on the past is likely. You’ll be able to express yourself boldly and confidently. You’ll care less about others approval thus freeing yourself to act on your intuition. Don’t let the little stuff shake you and when/if you ‘put your foot down’ on an issue, stand behind it or your ‘threats’ will carry very little weight. You are likely to have some common illness or financial challenges and the dignity with which you handle them.....

QR

Need to express feelings that have built up, Be careful who you direct them at. Your anger could cause misdirected, hurtful words. Discovering new places and new ideas, new can be fascinating. You can appreciate other’s style even if you don’t understand their appeal. Your personal life may move into high gear so quickly, that your head spins off its axis! Taking a chance on any personal dynamic, especially in-laws or spouse may put you ‘on the outs’ faster than you can say.

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VOICE OF ASIA 19

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Restaurants For Sale • Indian Restaurant in Katy:

Established Indian Restaurant since 2005 in Katy with great clientele and good business opportunity. Owner retiring after many years in the restaurant business. Has liquor license too. Catering and partyorders throughout the year.

• Halal Gyro/Sandwich Shop in Mall Food Court

Running business for owner operator. Easy operation, No cooking and Mall hours.

Contact: Ron Aga 832-423-6973

Amazing facts from all over the WORLD!

• 11% of people are left handed.

• August has the highest percentage of births.

• Unless food is mixed with saliva you can’t taste it.

• The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes.

• An ostrich’s eye is bigger than it’s brain.

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Got a favorite fact? Let us know!

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2 Weeks $80/-* New Feature

Houston Community College Notice of Procurement Opportunities Project No. IFB 16-04 Reroofing at HCC’s Katy Campus A pre-bid meeting for IFB 16-04 will be held at HCCS Katy Campus, 1550 Foxlake Drive, Houston, Texas 77084, on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. (local time). Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/ departments/procurement. Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015.

Hiring for Desi Distribution Business

Looking for Receptionist Plus QuickBooks Operator for invoicing.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/district/departments/procurement.

Sealed qualifications will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, January 7, 2016.

Also post online weekly $10/www.voiceofasiaonline.com

Now You Know!

Houston Community College Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Real Estate Broker & Consulting Services Project No. 16-19

Houston Community College Notice of Procurement Opportunities Project No. IFB 16-05 Reroofing at HCC’s Administration Building, 3100 Main A pre-bid meeting for IFB 16-05 will be held at HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas 77002, on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. (local time). Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/ departments/procurement. Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

M-F Call Lala 281-546-8964 and Email resume to FamousfoodProducts@gmail.com

Restaurant for Sale

Houston Community College Request for Qualification Architectural and Engineering Services Pool Project No. 16-15 Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/district/departments/procurement.

Sealed qualifications will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Arbitrage Rebate Compliance Services Project No. 16-17 Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs. edu/district/departments/procurement.

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Wednesday, January 6, 2016.

Price $ 18,000 Reasonable Profit

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Contact: 832-542-0951

for Real Estate Agents Post your listing!

Open House / Home for Sale!

Open House is Optional!

Know Your Words Here’s your chance to be a Vocabulary Sleuth!

Amity n. Friendship.

Sell your Listing

Amenable adj. Willing and ready to submit.

FASTER!!!

1234 Main st, Houston, TX 77074 MLS #: 1234567890 | Year Built: 2006 3 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Car / 1757 sq.ft Agent Name: John xxxxxxxx Phone: 123-456-7890 Open House: xx/xx/2013 4 - 6 pm

Befriend v. To be a friend to, especially when in need.

Your Photo here Company Logo Here (Optional)

*Need 2 week committment minimum to get this rate. Reg $50/week.

To get started, call: 713-774-5140 10,000 copies, 150 locations, weekly! Post it online, add $10 / wk.

Calvary n. The place where Christ was crucified.

Engrave v. To cut or carve in or upon some surface.

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Got a favorite word? Let us know!

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VOICE OF ASIA 20

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015