Voice of Asia E-paper August 10, 2018

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 1

The Largest Asian-American Newsweekly in Texas

Serving Harris, Fort Bend and Surrounding Counties for 30 years Vol. 32 No. 31 • FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Published Weekly from Houston

24 Pages (2 sections)

50 cents 713-774-5140 • E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

VOICE OF ASIA 2

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

VOICE OF ASIA The Largest Asian-American Newsweekly in Texas

India celebrates 72 years

Serving Harris, Fort Bend and Surrounding Counties for 30 years

Vol. 32 No. 31 • FRIDAY, August 10, 2018 Published Weekly from Houston

Kulkarni wins support of influential Indian Americans

24 Pages (2 sections)

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

In Section 2 l HEALTHLINE Medicare's diabetes prevention program slows to crawl

l LEISURE Subscription hotels: The new timeshare?

l

BUSINESS

PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi stepping down as CEO

50 cents 713-774-5140 • E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Two dead in stampede at Indian politician's funeral: reports

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HENNAI, India | AFP | Wednesday 8/8/2018 -Indian police Wednesday used batons to drive back tens of thousands of mourners thronging the funeral of a revered regional politician, triggering a stampede that reportedly left two devotees dead.

Grieving supporters of Muthuvel Karunanidhi poured into the southeastern city of Chennai to pay last respects to the man who died Tuesday aged 94.

A sea of mourners swelled in the streets as the coffin was taken to its resting place in the Tamil Nadu state capital.

But there was a stampede as police pushed back against mourners as they strove for a final glimpse of Karunanidhi.

Tom and Sarah Abraham give supoort to Sri Preston Kulkarni (right) at the Sugar Land home of Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy on Friday, August 3, 2018. (Photo: Shobana Muratee). Read Report on Page 7.

Two people were killed and others injured in the melee, Indian news outlets reported. Police officials contacted by AFP were unable to confirm the reports.

Body of missing boater found in Texas City

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EXAS CITY - The body of a man who fell from a boat in Moses Lake on Friday was recovered Saturday afternoon in Texas City, officials said.

Three men told investigators that while they were on the boat, they looked back to see their friend, identified by Texas EquuSearch as 40-year-old Jinu Joseph, missing. They did not know when he fell, or where. The friends said Joseph was not wearing a life jacket, according to officials.

40-year old Jinu Joseph was found dead on Saturday in Galveston Bay. (Photo: Gofundme)

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Supporters reacting with grief outside of the hospital after the death of revered 94-year-old political leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi. (Photo: ARUN SANKAR / AFP).

Tension had been building in the city after the state government Tuesday denied permission for the politician to be buried at the popular Marina beach.

Karunanidhi's party, the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), approached the state's highest court. Born to a working class family, Karunanidhi's public life began It ruled that the five- at age 14. Getty Images time state chief minister should be buried next to styled champion of the poor, reshaped his mentor C.N Annadurai at the sea- regional politics through his opposiside memorial. tion to high-caste hegemony and was Karunanidhi, a charismatic self-

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COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

VOICE OF ASIA 4

Sri Preston Kulkarni: My story, my community pride

VOICE OF ASIA Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief: Austin Correspondent: Marketing Director: Office Manager:

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

Contributors:

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:

democracy.

These experiences reinforced how important it is for the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest to be examples for others, and for us all to recognize the significance of living in a democratic system, compared to its alternatives.

Sri Preston Kulkarni

Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Mala Sharma

Shobana Muratee

All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher.

Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-7745143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol. com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management.

Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor.

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FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

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s the son of an Indian father who was born two years before independence and an American mother whose family arrived in the 13 Colonies before the American Revolution, celebrating Indian Independence Day in America has a special significance for me. In my 14year career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, I traveled the globe and saw many forms of government, including dangerous authoritarian regimes and countries struggling with n the spring of 1947 the leaders of India’s independence movement reached a fateful decision.

The right to vote in the soonto-be-born Indian republic, they agreed, would no longer be restricted as under the British Raj, but open to every adult citizen. The move created the world’s largest democracy, and also burdened it with a colossal challenge.

As Ornit Shani, an Israeli historian, deftly explains in a new book, the logistics alone were daunting. With more than 170m eligible voters to register—some 85% of them illiterate back then—it took tens of thousands of workers two full years just to compile the rolls for India’s first general election, conducted in 1951. At the time Rajendra Prasad, a politician who was to become the country’s first president, made a back-ofenvelope calculation. Bound in one volume, he reckoned, the voter lists would be 200 metres thick.

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Today that “phone book” is five times thicker. At India’s next general election, to be held sometime in the coming year, more than 900m people will be eligible to vote. But after seven decades of practice, the toughest challenge for Indian democracy is no longer logistical. It is that players have grown increasingly skilled at gaming the system.

India and America have much in common. Both won independence from the British. Both abolished titles of nobility and formed unions out of disparate states that chose their leaders democratically. But the most striking parallel is not simply that we hold popular elections—it is that our democracy and our diversity go hand-in-hand.

While free and fair elections are of course critical, any true democracy must also wrestle with giving all its people a voice and preserving a common basis for our society, despite myriad differences which exist amongst its citizens.

America opens its doors to immigrants from every nation in the world. India is the only country where almost every state has its own language.

Virtually every religion in the world is represented in America, with American Hindus and Muslims each numbering more than 3 million. India has the world’s second largest Muslim population and Indian Christians number more than the total population of Australia or Canada. How we deal with this diversity will demonstrate the true strength of our nations’ characters. Our greatest challenge as democratic nations is uniting people with different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs around a shared set of values which bring them together in society.

As an Indian American, I take great pride in the democratic traditions that have defined both of these countries. I also see a great responsibility

for our community. If we are to honor the legacy of these two great democracies, we must also take responsibility for maintaining them. For the Indian diaspora in the United States, that means not just paying attention to politics in India, but also taking an active role in civic engagement, voting, and the political process here in the community where we live. It means ensuring that we have representation in this government which appreciates how integral we are to this society. Above all, it means we must be a beacon of democratic values, whether in India or in our American home. As we look forward to the American elections this fall, I hope our entire community recognizes the privilege of being connected to two of the world’s great democracies, and that we have the duty to fight for them.

Jai Bharat, Jai America.

People in India should look at the big picture Just as Indians habitually vote at local, state and national elections, they also habitually moan at the skulduggery of Indian politics, which can seem a constant parade of horse-trading and bald-faced influencepeddling. Suffice it to note that about a third of MPs in recent Indian parliaments have had pending criminal cases against them.

Even for a public inured to garish politics, events of late have proved worrying. Take the election held in May for the legislature of Karnataka, a southern state with a population the size of Britain’s. As many had predicted, the vote split three ways, leaving a hung parliament. Blithely ignoring an agreement between two of the parties to form a majority coalition, the state’s governor instead tapped the third party to rule, granting it an unseemly two weeks to

cobble together a majority.

Unseemly, because in practice this decision gave the anointed party, which happens to be the governor’s own Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)— also the party in power in Delhi—a full 15 days in which to bribe, threaten or otherwise cajole enough newly elected opposition legislators to switch sides and join it in government.

Amid stories that ministerial posts, and sums of up to 1bn rupees (around $15m) had been offered as lures, the opposition allies corralled their legislators into three hotels to shield them from outside influence. Only after India’s Supreme Court intervened were the two parties allowed to form a majority coalition, which the governor shamefacedly accepted.

This was hardly the first occasion when a party had locked its politicians in purdah to preserve their chastity from a

predatory rival. What was disturbing this time was the abject failure of the governor—a centrally appointed official with few powers—to act impartially, as well as the scale of the bidding war which the BJP appeared prepared to mount.

Given the party’s hold in Delhi as well as in 20 other Indian states, and the fact that, by official reckoning, it has far more money than all its rivals put together, this grab for power in Karnataka looked unsporting even by the standard of Indian politics.

Messy as it may be, India’s political system may be credited with some great achievements. It has helped hold a huge and almost impossibly diverse country together. It has kept the army out of power. And it has upheld civic freedoms that, for all their fragility, remain the envy of many of India’s neighbours. -The Economist

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FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Section 1

Community Email: voiceasia@aol.com

VOICE OF ASIA 5

Tel: 713-774-5140

Ramyani Roy's 'Manchapravesh' Announces a Brilliant Odissi Performer

Ramyani Roy, 16 started lerarning Odissiat the age of 6.

by Sanchali Basu lthough the official name is Ramyani Roy, she is lovingly called Rini by one and all. It was a delight to see the 16-yearold budding talent’s debut Odissi performance, also known as “Manchapravesh” at the Old Stafford Civic Center on Saturday, July 28, 2018.

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The guests were welcomed with an array of delectable snacks, catered by Amar Indian-European Cuisine, during the social hour. Rini’s cousins introduced emcee Piyal Sengupta to conduct the evening’s proceedings.

Chief guest Swami Atmarupananda, the minister in charge of the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston, began the program by blessing Rini on her special day. Rini’s entrance on stage with the invocation piece, Mangalacharan, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, just took everyone’s breath away. Her beauty, poise, and collectedness caught everyone’s attention immediately.

Batu, the next dance in the repertoire was a musical piece, in Eka taali where Rini got to demonstrate the beautiful sculpturesque postures and poses describing actions of playing the drums, veena, flute, and cymbals- the instruments used over ages in Indian classical dance. The intricate rhythm patterns with her fluid body movements, combined with strong footwork and immense stamina got highlighted. Patdeep Pallavi, an elaborate pure dance item followed, where a beautiful tapes-

try of rhythm, music, and movement was showcased.

Rini’s friends from all over the country who belong to the Odissi Dance Company, and learn dance from their Guru, Dr. Aparupa Chatterjee via skype and in person, then came on stage to speak about the funloving, jokester nature of Rini. Another pure Nritta, “Natangi,” involving graceful and lyrical movements to the melodious accompaniment of instrumental music ensued and Rini was par excellence in this piece too. The classic Dashavatar took us through the Indian mythical theory of evolution where the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu were depicted through Abhinaya or expression through hand, face, body gestures and mime.

Rini’s fascination for dance and Indian culture started at the very tender age of 6 when she started learning Odissi. She has attended several Odissi workshops, performed at several places in the US and India. She received the “Odissi Pratibha” award in 2016 in Bhubaneshwar, India and was featured in several Indian publications in 2017 for her performance at the Kelucharan Guna Keerthanam Festival in Kolkata, India. She also has a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo under her belt and performs as a cellist in her school orchestra, in addition to being a member of several student organizations. Her friends from outside of her dance school then shared some sweet anecdotes about

Ramyani Roy with her parents Nirmalya and Rituparna Roy and Guru Smt. Aparupa Chatterjee Rini.

Next a neo-classical item, Ye ho vitthale, in praise of Lord Vishnu resonated the experimental play with pure dance movements. The Guru Smt. Aparupa Chatterjee praised Rini for her hard work, sincerity, and dedication despite the long-distance training, at times. She presented Rini with her certificate of graduation and blessed her to keep dancing forever. Rini thanked her parents, Guru, the emcee, helpers and the well-wishers for making the program a success. Mokshya, the final dance of the repertoire, signifying the ultimate release and the total surrender of the dancer to God was danced with great devotion.

Rini’s parents Nirmalya and Rituparna Roy congratulated Rini for achieving this huge milestone and expressed their gratitude to everyone for their help, encouragement, and support.

Ramyani Roy during her Manchapravesh. Photos by: Sushanta Bose.

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VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

India's Independence Day Special Last Chance: Peacock in the Desert Closes Sunday, August 19 What: Houstonians have only two more weeks to see Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India, before it closes on Sunday, August 19, 2018. Featuring lavishly made ceremonial objects, sumptuous jewels, a RollsRoyce, a 1944 L-5 Sentinel aircraft, and more, the epic presentation brings nearly four centuries of Indian masterpieces and relics to the United States for the first time.

On Thursday, August 9, in celebration of the exhibition’s final weeks, the MFAH will host a free screening of Junun, the cross-cultural music documentary about the court musicians of the Mehrangarh Fort, whose museum’s collections and treasures are featured in Peacock in the Desert.

FINAL DAYS!

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enturies of royal treasures from India come to the United States for the first time, in an epic presentation. Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India features masterpieces and relics—never before seen beyond palace walls—that illustrate the history and artistic legacy of the Rathore dynasty.

The exhibition showcases nearly four centuries of artistic creation from the kingdom of Marwar-Jodhpur, in the northwestern state of Rajasthan.

Lavishly made ceremonial objects; finely crafted arms and armor; sumptuous jewels; a monumental 17th-century court tent; intricately carved furnishings; a Rolls-Royce; a 1944 L-5 Sentinel aircraft; and more outline the dynamic history of the Marwar-Jodhpur region and the Rathore dynasty that ruled it for more than 700 years.

Some 250 objects from Indian courtly life illuminate how the Rathores acquired and commissioned objects amidst cross-cultural exchanges to leverage patronage, diplomacy, matrimonial alliances, trade, and conquest. Drawn primarily from the collections of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the private collections of the royal family of Jodhpur, Peacock in the Desert includes textiles, tapestries, ceremonial regalia, paintings, jewels, furniture, tents, canopies, carpets, and weapons. Large-scale photomurals evoke the stunning setting of the Mehrangarh Museum in Jodhpur.

Presented in conjunction with Peacock in the Desert is the retrospective Modernism on the Ganges: Raghubir Singh Photographs, featuring the work of visionary Indian photographer Raghubir Singh, on view in the Beck Building from March 3 through June 10.

When: Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Thursday; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 12:15–7 p.m. Sunday.

Where: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston The Caroline Wiess Law Building 1001 Bissonnet Street Admission: Tickets to Peacock in the Desert are $23 for adults; $18 for senior adults (65+), and military members with ID; $10 for college students (19+) with ID and youth (13–18); and free for children (12 and younger).

Tickets are free for MFAH members.

Organization & Funding Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in collaboration with the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur, India.

Lead Underwriters: Nidhika and Pershant Mehta

15 AUGUST 2018 Independence Day of India will be celebrated by the people all over the India and India Diapor on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at Wednesday. This year in 2018, India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day to pay tribute and remember all the freedom fighters who had contributed in making India an independent nd soverign nation.

The first Independence Day was celebrated in India on 15th of August in 1947.

HAPPY INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

“Happy Indian Independence Day! As the child of an Indian immigrant, I take special pride today in celebrating the birth of the world’s largest democracy.”

- Sri Preston Kulkarni, Democratic Nominee for Congress, TX-22 ENDORSED BY

Kamala Harris Raja Krishnamoorthi Ami Bera US Senator US Representative US Representative

EARLY ELECTION MONDAY - FRIDAY | OCT 22 - NOV 2

ELECTION DAY TUESDAY | NOV 6 PAID FOR BY KULKARNI FOR CONGRESS

VOICE OF ASIA 7

Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place Section 1

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Kulkarni wins support of influential Indian Americans in Sugar Land

by Shobana Muratee

Tel: 713-774-5140

HMSL Hospital offering Free Flu Shots to benefit Santa’s Exchange

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UGAR LAND - Noted Indian American couple Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy hosted a Meet-and-Greet for Texas' District 22 Congressional candidate Sri Preston Kulkarni on Friday, August 3 afternoon at their residence in Sugar Land.

A small group of Indian Americans and Sugar Land residents including Former Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Sugar Land Tom Abraham and his wife Sarah attended the event to give their support and discuss campaign strategies, especially in connecting with the large South Asian community in Houston. “The biggest achievement is activating all the different sub-communities within the South Asians,” Kulkarni said, and mentioned that he has taken every opportunity to address gatherings at various South Asian events.

“But there are still many community sub-groups that need to be addressed.”

He also mentioned that during the election primary, the group which he got the least support from was from the Malayalees, and Tom agreed to connect with some “aggressive members in that community,” which he is well connected to. One way to garner votes Kulkarni mentioned was to commit with Vote Cards, where potential voters pledge their vote with their contact details and they will be sent an early voting day reminder. Phone calls, voter

Flu Shot Toy Drive volunteers.

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Pictured from left to Right: Srini Vasan, David Manners-Weber (Campaign Manager), Tom Abraham (Former Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Sugar Land), Nat Krishnamurthy, Sarah Abraham, David Garvin Leela Krishnamurthy, Sri Preston Kulkarni, Suranga Cholia, Prem Cholia, Margaret Kulkarni, Padma Srinivasan, Suzanne Silvers, Harini Sampath, K. Sampath and Kiana Akhlaghi (volunteer). (Photo: Shobana Muratee)

registration and event attendances were other concrete suggestions. Yard sign distribution was another must.

“This is time we have to make history, we have the chance we have a good candidate if we do our civic duties then nothing is impossible,” Tom Abraham stated.

Sri said that he would like to make the race ‘polite’ and not get make it ugly.

For more information on the Congressional candidate visit kulkarniforcongress. com Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy with Sri Preston Kulkarni

UGAR LAND—(August 2, 2018)—With fall around the corner and the holiday season not far behind, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is once again offering Fort Bend and surrounding area residents the opportunity to donate a gift and receive a free flu shot.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land, in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land, Rotary Club of Fort Bend and Toys for Tots Fort Bend, is offering free flu shots on Saturday, Oct. 20 to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend and surrounding area residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item in exchange for a free flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area.

“We are proud to partner again with the local exchange and rotary clubs and Toys for Tots to provide this com-

munity offering,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season.”

In 2017, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to nearly 5,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County.

“Our community is well known for its philanthropic values, so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys or clothing even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.

If you want to participate in this community event, please bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to the Main Pavilion lobby of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital between 8 a.m. - noon Saturday, Oct. 20.

For more information, please visit events.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl or call 281.274.7910.

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Special Issue

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

I would like to offer my congratulations on your observance of the 72st Anniversary of your National and Gazetted Independence Day on August 15th. The Indian community plays a very important role in making our City one of the most diverse ones in our Region.

Please accept my best wishes for your successful celebration events and your observance of this Holiday.

Mayor Allen Owen Missouri City, Texas

nd

Celebrate India’s 72 Independence Day at India House Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | Flag Hoisting at 10:30 am

Happy Independence Day!

We invite you with your family and friends to come and celebrate the joy & happiness of free India at O. P. Jindal Center, India House, 8888 West Bellfort Ave., Houston, TX 77031 (Light refreshments will be served)

For more information contact: 713-929-1900 | vipin@indiahouseinc.org | www.indiahouseinc.org

Special Issue

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Sri Adi Para Sakthi – A theatrical like 'Bahubali'

Prahlad Bommineni as Lord Shiva with TCA Executive Members. (Photos: Satish Bhamidipaty)

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OUSTON - The evening of Aug 4th 2018 is something that Telugu community of Houston will not forget anytime soon.

Cullen performance hall was bursting at its seams with fully packed audience, who were thoroughly enthralled, entertained and whisked away into another realm, the original, the absolute and the origin of everything that exists- “SriAdiparasakti” realm.

Telugu Cultural Association (TCA), Houston, a well renowned non-profit serving Telugu community of Houston for the past 4 decades and incessantly striving to promote the culture and language has set a new mile stone. It is not exaggerating to say that they have reinvented themselves by digging deep into their roots, looking at the right place and holding hands with those who can help them in their quest to attain the authenticity and originality of their objectives and the fundamental principles on which it was founded.

Sri Mathrudevi Vishwashanthi Ashram Trust (SMVA

Trust) is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization which creates a better world through programs that reduce poverty, provide food, housing, clothing, medical treatment, education, humanitarian assistance, clean water and environmental stewardship.

Surya Teja Arts is non-profit, founded by Balu garu who is a visionary director, registered in the state of Washington and Greater Seattle’s dance, drama and music group focused on promoting India’s art forms, who seek to sustain and develop the traditional and cultural heritage of India. They offer a diverse range of cultural programs, fund raisers, charity benefit shows for a variety of non-profit organizations in the USA. TCA, under the able leadership of visionary Kiran Maddineni and other TCA Executive Leaders , saw potential in Surya Teja Arts and vowed to bring this exemplary show to Houston. They also wanted to do their part in helping for SMVA trust’s cause “Education for all”. The decision was

Spiritual Immersion Week at ISKCON of Houston

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mmerse yourself in spirituality, combined with great festivities and cultural extravaganza this September! ISKCON of Houston (Hare Krishna Temple) has planned something for everyone during this upcoming Labor Day weekend, as well as a special cultural event on Friday, September 7th, 2018.

Festivities kick off with our annual festival, Kirtan Fest Houston. Starting on Saturday, September 1st and continuing through Tuesday, September 4th. Come and experience the bliss of Kirtan, mantra - call and response - meditation, at our majestic temple. Enlivening kirtan singers will take one to a place that transcends the ordinary, whilst simultaneously deepening one’s faith in the Lord’s holy names. This year’s special guests include: Giriraj Swami, Indradyumna Swami, Bhakti Bhringa Govinda Swami and Bhakti Sundar Goswami. Latin Grammy Award winner Havi Das (Ilan Chester), along with Bada Hari Das, Akincana Krishna Das (formerly with the Glassjaw band) and Krishna Kishora Das (Mayapuris). They are bound to transform our hearts!

A nominal registration fee allows us to serve daily breakfast, lunch and dinner to all our guests. Register at www. kirtanfesthouston.com!

Janmastami (Lord Krishna’s Appearance Day) This festival is on Monday (Sept 3), Labor Day - a national holiday for most of us.

The temple is planning costume and coloring contests spread over 2 days (Sunday and Monday). The costume contest is for children ages 11 and under and will consist of 3 age groups. This program starts at 3 PM on Sunday (Sept 2) and 4 PM on Monday (Sept 3). Special aartis (lamp offerings to Their Lordships) are planned for our sponsors on Monday between 7 PM, 9 PM and also at Midnight aarti. Kirtan Fest will continue

while we celebrate Lord Krishna’s appearance day in the presence of exalted devotees of the Lord. See our website for additional details. Registration for the costume contest is also available. Details at www. iskconhouston.org. If you’d like to become a sponsor, we request you contact us at (management@iskconhouston.org).

Srila Prabhupada Festival (Founder Acharya’s Appearance Day) - This special day is on Tuesday (Sept 4). With so many disciples of Srila Prabhupada present with us, it is bound to be a glorious glorification festival for our founder!

Come join us and celebrate Srila Prabhupada’s labor of love while we celebrate and feast on this special auspicious day!

Viva Kultura – An extraordinary evening of dance, musical theater, martial arts, live music and spoken word poetry will unfold in in Houston for the very first time on Friday, (Sept 7) and you do not want to miss this show! This cultural extravaganza seeks to entertain, inspire, educate & broaden one’s perspective. Artists from 15 countries will awe the audience with ballet, dance, hip-hop tunes, jazz music and poetry. They have traveled world-wide and ISKCON of Houston is humbled to bring them to town to perform at the Cullen Performance Hall (University of Houston) at 6 PM. Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine will be serving sumptuous food items. Tickets can be purchased at www.vivakulturahouston.com! *Please Note - Parking for the Janmastami festival (Monday, Sept 3 is at Waltrip High School, 1900 West 34th Street). Free shuttle service will be transporting all festival goers back and forth to temple all evening.

Connect with us: ISKCON of Houston (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) www.iskconhouston.org

not easy. Theatricals, especially Indian, are fading from the minds of people. They are a thing of the past. To put it precisely, Kiran and his team had to take the path less travelled.

It was a bold decision that each one of the TCA executive committee would perhaps always cherish. The current committee comprises of Kiran Maddineni, Ramu Uppalapati, Vinod Udthawar, Janaki

Artists protraying the roles of SriVishnu and Rakshasas.

Peri, Indira Cheruvu, Srinivas Manthena, Manoj Paladugu and Raghu Kanithi.

The result was exceptional, surpassing all expectations.

The theatrical was about the transformation of the Mother-SriAdiparasakti, the eternally limitless power, the active and vibrant energy that brought forth the creation from nothing. The script, screenplay, direction were

brilliant, technological standards were very high. Performances-breathtaking, visual effects extraordinary. There were subtitles in English and the summary for every scene.

The show stirred powerful emotions, touching our core and making the hair standing on end (goosebumps).

The TCA’s Whatsapp groups, created only to promote this show, were inundated with

praises on TCA for bringing such a mesmerizing show and giving them the experience of their life time. Borrowing the words of a member of the audience, it is suffice to say that this event has set a very high standards and can be phrased as “Bahubali” of all the TCA events. From now on it is before and after “SriAdiparasakti” for the entire Telugu community of Houston.

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VOICE OF ASIA 10

American Red Cross awards $500,000 grant to Sewa International: Little Cambodia to benefit

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OUSTON, August 6, 2018-The American Red Cross awarded Sewa International a $500,000 grant to rebuild homes of the economically underprivileged devastated by Hurricane Harvey in Rosharon Village, Brazoria County, TX. This grant in the next 18 months will help Sewa reconstruct 11 completely destroyed homes and 24 partially-damaged homes thus benefitting 154 men and women, including 35 seniors and 47 children.

Since day one of Hurricane Harvey’s sweep across Southern Texas damaging property and destroying lives, Sewa International has been at the forefront of rescue operations initially, and then in relief and rehabilitation efforts. One of the most affected communities was Rosharon in Brazoria County which suffered major damage.

Known as Little Cambodia, Rosharon with a population of approximately 1,400, is 30 miles south of Houston in an underserved rural area. Home to predominantly Cambodians refugees, and some Laotian and Mexican refugees, the majority eke out a livelihood in this insular setting through subsistence farming. Families here had fled Cambodia in the late 1970s escaping the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge.

Nearly fifty percent of the families are involved in growing water spinach, a staple of Asian cuisine. When Hurricane Harvey roared through South Texas it devastated Little Cambodia, bringing down houses rendering people homeless, and leveling greenhouses thus destroying livelihoods.

The Sewa International team members in Houston, many of whom themselves had to bear losses to their homes, have been hard at work, in raising funds from its supporters across the US, and then applying for grants from organizations who sought the help of trustworthy

Sewa International's Houston Chapter Coordinator Achalesh Amar (in yellow T-Shirt) supervising the distribution of construction materials to Harvey affected residents in Rosharon, TX.. and qualified groups to carry out relief and rehabilitation.

Sewa raised over $2 million for disaster recovery in less than a year since Hurricane Harvey hit, including the latest American Red Cross grant of $500,000.

Sewa was the recipient of a $397,000 grant awarded by the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) in December 2017, providing case management help for 600 individuals. Completing the work in record time, Sewa International ended up helping 1,600 individuals from minority and underprivileged communities, earning kudos from GHCF. Thus, this grant from the American Red Cross is an affirmation of the good work done by Sewa as well as acknowledgement of the can-do spirit of this Hindu faith-based charitable organization standing out amongst its mainstream peers. The total cost for rebuilding and repairing homes at Rosharon for this project is estimated to be about $675,000, out of which Sewa International’s donors are contributing $175,000 or 25%.

“Despite the generous support of funding agencies, the task at hand is enormous,” said Achalesh Amar, Coordi-

nator of Sewa Houston who has continued spearheading the disaster recovery efforts in Rosharon for nearly a year.

Ecstatic on hearing the award of this grant, he continued, “The experience of rebuilding Rosharon has been demanding, sometimes frustrating, but more often rewarding and always an optimistic one. The American Red Cross grant allows us to lay the foundation, literally – one home at a time -- to rebuild and revitalize Little Cambodia.”

Gitesh Desai, President of the Houston Chapter of Sewa International who has for months lived in a hotel room as his house was flooded, said “We are honored for the recognition by American Red Cross, a major humanitarian organization. We are grateful to them for reposing their trust and confidence in us through this amazing gift. The grant further strengthens Sewa International’s resolve to fulfill our mission of giving back to the society through selfless service – a cornerstone of our Hindu faith.”

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

www.SarahDeMerchant.com

Wishing You Happy India’s Independence Day August 15th

Sincerely,

L. Sarah DeMerchant for Texas State Representative District 26

VOTE FOR SARAH (Sugar Land, Richmond and SW Houston)

For further information, contact: Achalesh Amar, houston@sewausa.org, phone: 713-357-8216.

Pol ad paid for by L. Sarah DeMerchant for State Rep, Harry Truong, Treasurer

Sarah DeMerchant endorsed

by National Women’s Political Caucus Texas

Wishing all Indo-Americans on S India’s 72nd Independence Day! - Dr. Krishna and Michele Dronamraju Foundation for Genetic Research, Houston kdronamraj@aol.com

UGAR LAND, TX. (8/6/18) – Sarah DeMerchant has been endorsed by the National Women’s Political Caucus Texas, a multi-partisan grassroots organization which supports prochoice women candidates for elected and appointed offices at all levels of government.

The National Women’s Political Caucus is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to increasing women’s participation in all areas of political and public life. Spurred

by Congress’ failure to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in 1970, the founders (among them Gloria Steinem) believed that economic and social equity would come about only when women were equally represented among the nation’s political decision-makers. Their faith that women’s interests would best be served by women lawmakers has been confirmed time and time again, as women in Congress, state legislatures and city halls across the country have introduced, fought for and won legislation to eliminate sex discrimination and meet women’s changing needs.

About Sarah DeMerchant: A Native Texan and nationally recognized technology professional, L. Sarah DeMerchant is the Democratic candidate for Texas State House District #26.

She is member of AAUW-Fort Bend and is a founding member and chapter lead of Organizing for Action-Fort Bend

(OFA). She has also volunteered for Women in Public Policy (WIPP), First Colony Little League, Lexington Creek Elementary School as a reading tutor, United Nations and Junior Achievement. Sarah has been actively involved in both the W e n d y Sarah DeMerchant Davis and B a r a c k Obama campaigns and has lobbied with the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment (FACE) for the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Medal Act, which was signed by President Obama in 2016.

About the National Women's Political Caucus – Texas: NWPC-TX is a state affiliate of the National Women's Political Caucus, which was founded in 1971. NWPC-TX is a multi-partisan organization open to all women and men who support our issues.

To learn more search @NWPCTX on Facebook or messenger. Information on the

National Women’s Political Caucus can be found at http:// www.nwpc.org/.

More information about Sarah is available on her website: www.democratdemerchant. com

Visit www.VoiceofAsiaOnline.com For latest n What's Happening In the Community

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VOICE OF ASIA 11

Best Wishes from the Unique Industrial Product Company family!

Jugal & Raj Malani

Pankaj & Avnic Malani

Pradeep & Kiran Gupta

Atman & Nikita Shukla

12600 Cardinal Meadow, Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.275.3900 · Fax: 281.275.3995

WWW.UNIQUEINDL.COM

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Business Email: voiceasia@aol.com

PepsiCo: Indra Nooyi stepping down as CEO

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by John BIERS

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EW YORK | AFP | Monday 8/6/2018 - Indra Nooyi, one of the most prominent female CEOs, will step down as head of PepsiCo following 12 years navigating the soft drinks and snacks company through a tricky climate of often unpredictable consumer preferences on health and sustainability.

Nooyi, 62, who was born in India, will be replaced as chief executive by President Ramon Laguarta on October 3, but will remain as chair of the board until early 2019 to oversee the transition.

Among the 500 companies in the S&P 500, only 25 -- or five percent -- are led by women, including Nooyi.

Her tenure included sparring with activist investor Nelson Peltz and fighting against a spate of municipal soda taxes.

In October 2016, PepsiCo unveiled 2025 sustainability targets that included vows to reduce waste and to ensure at least two-thirds of its global beverage portfolio contain less than 100 calories per serving.

Even as Nooyi has stressed these long-term targets, she has been unapologetic in touting the company’s products, which include snacks under the Frito-Lay banner such as Dorito chips, in addition to sugary carbonated drinks such as Pepsi cola and Mountain Dew.

executives in introducing sustainability targets into business performance and for upping its portfolio of healthier foods.

“She has delivered strong and consistent financial performance, managing with an eye toward not only the short-run, but the long-run as well,” Cook said of Nooyi.

“And shareholders have benefited: $1,000 invested in PepsiCo in 2006 is worth more than two-and-a-half times that amount today.”

- Defender of soda Nooyi came to the United States in 1978 to attend the Yale School of Management on a scholarship and worked at PepsiCo for 12 years prior to being tapped to lead the company.

Under her leadership, PepsiCo net revenues rose from $35 billion in 2006 to $63.5 billion in 2017, with much of the growth coming from international markets.

PepsiCo’s moves included buying a 50 percent stake in US hummus maker Sabra in 2008 and acquisition of Brazilian snack company Mabel in 2011, a year that also saw the company unveil an alliance with Tingyi Holding in China.

Nooyi came under pressure from Peltz, who called for the company to be broken up in 2014. But Nooyi successfully beat back the challenge with a

series of cost-cutting measures.

Peltz exited the stake in 2016.

Nooyi has described consumer tastes as often unpredictable, veering from a desire for artificial sweeteners to suspicion at unnatural ingredients. She discussed “tapering the consumer” to accept less sweet drinks over time during a November 2016 interview.

“Overnight you can’t take away the sugar because the consumer says ‘I like that, why did you take that away?’” she said. “So the consumer is schizophrenic.”

During the same interview, Nooyi dismissed soda taxes as panacea and said the surge in obesity needed to be countered in a “holistic” way to address huge portion sizes and other factors.

During the interview, which was held just days after the 2016 presidential election, Nooyi expressed concern that Donald Trump’s actions on trade could harm US multinationals in foreign markets and decried his rhetoric against immigrants and women.

“Our employees, especially our employees who are nonwhite or who are LGBT, are asking, ‘Are we safe?’” said Nooyi, who had backed Hillary Clinton in the race.

“The first thing we have to do is assure everyone in the US that everyone is safe.”

Section 2 Tel: 713-774-5140

Hanmi Financial Corporation announces FDIC approval to complete pending merger with SWNB Bancorp OS ANGELES, Aug. 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC) (“Hanmi”), the holding company for Hanmi Bank, announced today that it has received regulatory approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to complete its pending merger with SWNB Bancorp, Inc. (“SWNB”) and the merger of their subsidiary banks. Hanmi expects to receive the final regulatory approval from the California Department of Business Oversight in the near future.

Never lost the fizz: Indra Nooyi, one of just 25 women CEOs of the S&P 500 companies, led Pepsico for 12 years (AFP Photo/Spencer Platt)

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

The merger of Hanmi and SWNB remains subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including SWNB stockholder approval.

SWNB is scheduled to hold a special stockholders’ meeting on August 16, 2018 to vote on the transaction. We expect to close the transaction in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2018.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about (1) the benefits of the merger between Hanmi and SWNB, including anticipated future results, cost savings and accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the merger; (2) Hanmi and SWNB’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts; and (3) other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” or words of similar meaning.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements: the businesses of Hanmi and SWNB may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer than expected; the cost savings from

the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger may be greater than expected; governmental approvals of the merger may not be obtained, or adverse regulatory conditions

may be imposed in connection with governmental approvals of the merger or otherwise; the stockholders of SWNB may fail to approve the merger; credit and interest rate risks associated with Hanmi’s and SWNB’s respective businesses; and difficulties associated with achieving expected future financial results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Hanmi’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov).

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters attributable to Hanmi or SWNB or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, Hanmi and SWNB do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

Important Additional Information This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger between Hanmi and SWNB. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval.

In connection with the proposed

transaction, Hanmi filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on June 22, 2018, that includes a proxy statement of SWNB and a prospectus of Hanmi (the “Proxy Statement/ Prospectus”), as well as other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction. The registration statement on Form S-4 has been declared effective and the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus was first mailed to stockholders of SWNB on or about July 18, 2018. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of SWNB are urged to carefully read the entire registration statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. The documents filed by Hanmi with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by Hanmi may be obtained free of charge at its website at www.hanmi.com or by contacting Hanmi Financial Corporation, 3660 Wilshire Boulevard, Penthouse Suite A, Los Angeles, California 90010, Attention: Richard Pimentel, Corporate Finance Officer, telephone (213) 427-3191.

Hanmi and SWNB and certain of their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of SWNB’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Hanmi and their ownership of Hanmi common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for Hanmi’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on April 13, 2018. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may be obtained by reading the Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the proposed merger. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

-Source: Hanmi Bank

Analyst Neil Saunders praised Nooyi for leading during an “extremely challenging” period in consumer products, praising in particular the decision to stick with snacks.

Elon Musk jolts Wall Street with tweet on going private

“With demand for soda under pressure, PepsiCo can now take comfort in the fact that it has a balanced portfolio of products -- including in emerging areas like plant-based snacks from its recent acquisition of Bare Foods,” said Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail.

EW YORK | AFP | Tuesday 8/7/2018 Controversial Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tuesday he was considering taking the company private, sending shares sharply higher before trading was halted.

PepsiCo presiding director Ian Cook hailed Nooyi as a “pioneer” among major chief

Musk, who has cut a controversial figure on social media and beyond, sent the financial

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world abuzz again around 1650 GMT, tweeting, “Am considering taking Tesla private at $420. Funding secured.”

Musk said in subsequent tweets that he would remain chief executive under a goprivate transaction and that any deal would benefit shareholders.

“Am super appreciative of

Tesla shareholders,” Musk said.

“Will ensure their prosperity in any scenario.”

Musk, who has previously discussed possibly taking Tesla private, has had bumpy relations with Wall Street, often dismissing questions over financing.

Shares rose 7.4 percent to $367.25 before being suspending shortly after 1800 GMT.

Elon Musk (Photo: Tesla)

Tuesday’s gains following the tweet added to upward movement on the stock after The Financial Times reported earlier Tuesday that a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund had built a stake of between three and five percent in the company.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Musk’s tweet comes as Tesla faces continued pressure to ramp up output of the Model 3 sedan, its first effort at the middle market.

The company began hitting production targets last month after missing a series of earlier benchmarks.

- Going against the grain -

Tesla shares have been on the upswing since it reported on August 1 a bigger-thanexpected second-quarter but signaled that it expects to reach profitability in the third quarter and remain in the black for the foreseeable future.

Musk’s approach to a possible go-private transaction went against the grain of many companies that release major news in non-trading hours. By contrast, Musk made the initial comment on Twitter and then embellished on the remarks in a series of responses to users on the platform.

No stranger to controversy, Musk last month apologized for calling British caver Vernon Unsworth, who helped rescue 12 Thai boys from a cave a “pedo,” short for pedophile,

after Unsworth spoke dismissively of the Tesla chief’s proposal for bringing the boys to safety.

He has also had a prickly relationship with Wall Street, apologizing last week to equity analysts after refusing to answer questions on a May investor call.

The billionaire Musk himself owns a bit more than 20 percent of Tesla stock. He has frequently lambasted “short” sellers of Tesla shares -- those who take bets that the stock will fall in value.

Following the company’s surge after last week’s earnings, Musk took aim again at a short-seller in a reposted short YouTube video that likened these investors to Hitler’s last days.

VOICE OF ASIA 14

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

BOLLYWOOD - HOLLYWOOD Section 2

Yet to make a film I’m entirely in love with: Karan

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UMBAI, Aug 7 (PTI) Filmmaker Karan Johar has helmed some of the biggest romantic films of this generation but the director says he is yet to make a movie he entirely loves.

Karan, who debuted with “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, and went on to direct films like “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”, “My Name is Khan”, “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”, says he often cringes when he sees some portions of his work.

“In retrospect when I look back and see some parts of my movies I cringe and feel terrible that I actually subjected an audience to those portions. Some of them got fortunate, other parts in those films made them reach a certain success mark,” Karan said.

“I’m not proud and happy with each and everyone of them. I am yet to make a film that I entirely love,” he added.

He was speaking at the launch of his radio show “Calling Karan” season 2 on Ishq 104.8 FM. On the show, the director gives love advice to callers but says he never takes a cue to help people from his films.

“No, what we show in the movies is ridiculous. You can’t possibly ruin people’s lives by giving those situations. Those are meant for cinema halls but not for people,” he said.

Karan said he is so honest with his advice that often he has broken relationships.

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

I’ll never direct a sex comedy again, says Satyameva Jayate director Milap Zaveri Milap Zaveri, who made a name for himself writing dialogues for films like Grand Masti, Kya Kool Hai Hum 3 and director Sunny Leone’s Mastizaade, says he was underselling himself with such work.

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UMBAI, Aug 7 (PTI) - Milap Zaveri became popular for his adult comedies but at this juncture in his career, he has realised that he was limiting himself as a filmmaker and now wants to explore other genres.

Zaveri wrote dialogues for sex comedies like “Grand Masti”, “Kya Kool Hai Hum 3” and directed Sunny Leone-starrer “Mastizaade”.

“I’ll never direct a sex comedy again. I have nothing left to do in that genre. I’ve exhausted myself as a creative person in those movies. I have nothing against the genre. I’d keep watching them but as a director, as a writer, I’m done with it. It doesn’t excite me anymore,” Zaveri told PTI. Though he was a writer for films like “Ek Villain”, “Shootout at Wadala” among others, Zaveri was mostly associated with adult comedies- something which bothered him when “Mastizaade” tanked at the box office.

“The tag didn’t bother me till ‘Mastizaade’ failed. After that it bothered me. I felt I was underselling myself.

I was capable of something more.

Music no longer a character in Bollywood movies says Rahman

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UMBAI, August 7 (PTI) Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman believes music should be treated as a character in films and not something that is dispensable.

When asked about the deterioration of music in Bollywood, Rahman said people are not working on integrating music with the story.

“People are not convinced about lip-syncing or having a song because they are not working on the screenplay that can sustain a scene with beautiful music,” Rahman said in an interview here.

“Music should become a character.

In films like ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Taal’, they had music as a central force. If

you treat it like a chewing gum, just one song or two song and then spit it out, then that’s what you get.”

Rahman, credited as one of the most influential music composers in Indian cinema, said good music demands honesty and spirituality.

“When power comes and we want more money and more money, then you leave beautiful things out and you go to gross things. We need to invest a certain sense of spirituality, honesty and love to make beautiful musicals,” he added.

The music maestro is currently doing a series for Amazon Prime Video.

Called “Harmony with A.R. Rahman”, the series will see him exploring India’s rich music heritage.

My biggest fear is failure: Priyanka Chopra

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EW DELHI, Aug 6 (PTI) - Priyanka Chopra may be one of the biggest and most successful Indian stars, but the actor says failures still scare her.

The 36-year-old actor, who forayed into the West with ABC thriller “Quantico”, said she feels “miserable” when she faces a setback in any aspect of her life.

“My biggest fear is failure. I hate failures. I am miserable when I fail.

My mom tells everyone, ‘Let her be alone for while’, whenever I fail.

But because I am so afraid of failing that developed a way of not being nervous,” Priyanka said.

The actor believes the fact that

women have always had lesser opportunities makes them worry a lot about their lives and in the quest to make the best of the options they have, they “tend to pull each other down”.

“When I entered the entertainment industry I came in through a beauty pageant. I was also thinking that only I should get the job. So I had to teach myself that I had to be the most confident of the lot. After spending three-four years in the industry I realised if I wear my confidence well I don’t need to elbow anyone out.

“I felt if I just be great then I can be the person who actually pushes the other person up,”she said.

You tend to get slotted in what you choose. I chose to write and direct sex comedies so I got slotted.

“That’s my fault. Only I could help myself get out of that tag so I made ‘Raakh’, a short film. That was important because I was appreciated and people thought I can do this too,” he adds.

Zaveri says the failure of the film put a dent, as several of his projects found trouble taking off.

“At that point I was ready to do anything because I needed work.

I was signed by Kumar Mangat sir for a film called ‘Paagpanti’ it didn’t happen because no actor wanted to work with me. I was supposed to do a film with Pritish Nandy.

“But that didn’t happen again because no hero wanted to do it. After ‘Raakh’ was appreciated, I decided I want to make an action film,” he says.

He finally zeroed on “Satyameva Jayate”, his latest action-drama featuring John Abraham and Manoj Bajpayee.

Zaveri took one and a half months to write “Satyameva Jayate”, but the idea was with him since 18 years.

Initially wanting to turn it into a web series, he started writing it as a feature after his industry friends suggested him the same.

“I would like to continue making powerful films which have drama,

Even before the release of Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran, John Abraham was seen juggling between schedules. Reason? He has been shooting for his next film Satyameva Jayate simultaneously. It seems that the makers of the said film were keen on releasing it this year itself. Keeping it in mind, they have gone ahead and announced the date of release of Satyameva Jayate, which will be August 15. Furthermore, a new poster too has been unveiled.

In the said new poster of Satyameva Jayate, John Abraham is seen in a bulky and intense look. From the looks of it, it seems that the film will celebrate the theme of the day which will be patriotism. As the tagline suggest, ‘Beimaan Pitega, Corruption Mitega’ [The dishonest will be punished, corruption will vanish], the film deals with the story of a man who fights against the system. It is also said to star Manoj Bajpayee and it marks the Bollywood debut of Aisha Sharma. action and heroism. I want to make heroic films. Next, I plan to make an action film. There’s dialoguebaazi, action, love story, music. I’m making it with Nikkhil Advani. We are

working out things and will make an announcement soon,” he says.

“Satyameva Jayate” is scheduled to release on August 15.

-PTI /Hindustan Times

West Hollywood council says Trump’s Walk of Fame star must go

by, the once beloved comedian now convicted of sexual assault.

Trump’s star was also vandalized in October 2016 while he was the Republican candidate for president.

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OS ANGELES | AFP - A small district of Los Angeles has asked that Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame be removed, in part because of the way he treats women.

The initiative by the city council of West Hollywood comes less than two weeks after the star was vandalized by a man with a pickax.

The body unanimously approved a motion urging the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to remove the brassrimmed star, which was installed in 2007 in recognition of Trump’s performance on the reality TV show “The Apprentice.”

West Hollywood is a liberal district with a large LGBT community and free- wheeling nightlife.

The council said the star must go because of Trump’s “disturbing treatment of women and other actions that do not meet the shared values of the City of West Hollywood, the region, state, and country.”

However, the city council does not have jurisdiction over the Walk of Fame. It’s up to the Chamber of Commerce whether to remove the tribute to Trump.

In 2015, it rejected a request to remove the star of Bill Cos-

The remains on Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after it was vandalized in July. (AFP Photo)

LEGAL

VOICE OF ASIA 15

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Rick Gates digs the knife in deep and twists with detailed account of tax fraud scheme According to Gates, Manafort had a great deal of knowledge and control over the dispensation of funds

by Matt Naham

A

LEXANDRIA, Va., August 7th, 2018 Rick Gates clarified various aspects of the government’s case against his former boss Paul Manafort during extensive direct testimony on Tuesday. Through patient explanation, volumes of otherwise dry and somewhat confusing evidence regarding tax evasion was brought into context by special counsel Robert Mueller‘s star witness.

Much of Gates’ testimony focused on laying out the multiple moving parts within Manafort’s alleged overarching scheme to avoid paying taxes on millions of dollars worth of income. The behavior charged in the indictment allegedly began in Cyprus, but following that nation’s banking crisis in 2011, activity and accounts eventually shifted to the Grenadines/St. Vincent.

Here’s how Gates said the scheme worked.

“In essence, you had four people setting up a Cypriot entity,” but without the name of the person in charge appearing on most of the documents.

Those names were typically lawyers associated with Ukrainian attorney and politician Kypros Chrysostomides, who in court goes by the handle, “Dr. K.” When asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Greg Andres whether Gates understood there was “some level of secrecy involved,” Manafort’s former right-hand man assented and added that “[Manafort] understood his name would

Paul Manafort (L) and Rick Gates (R) (File photos/AFP) not be represented.” These accounts, Gates added, predated his tenure at Manafort’s DMP International.

After setting up the relationship with a Cypriot bank, the name of a shell company was then chosen by Dr. K or another attorney at his firm, Gates said.

Thus the odd and seemingly unrelated names attached to Manafort’s 15 foreign entities.

And those entities, Gates testified, never once did any sort of actual business—they were simply a vehicle for Manafort’s funds to escape detection. The “sole purpose,” Gates said, was to facilitate Ukrainian payments to Manafort. Gates noted that all such payments were income earned via Manafort’s political consulting work in Ukraine.

The transfers would usually occur when Manafort made requests for Gates to initiate them—often through a list of to-be-sent wire transfers provided by Manafort to Gates via

email.

Gates also testified that he received a “template” from attorneys in Cyprus which he then used to create fake “consultancy agreements” at Manafort’s direction. These fake agreements were necessary, Gates said, “in order to make transfers” out of the Cyprus-based entities.

After Cyprus’ financial collapse, a more through form of documentation was required in St. Vincent. This time, however, Manafort himself provided Gates the template to be used for vendor payments, according to the witness. Gates would fill out such templates based on information he received from Manafort and then Dr. K’s law firm would move the funds.

According to Gates, Manafort had a great deal of knowledge and control over the dispensation of funds—personally signing on the payments “hundreds” of times.

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Tel: 713-774-5140

Stephen Miller wants to deny more legal immigrants Green Cards and citizenship

by Matthew Zeitlin

W

ASHINGTON, Wednesday, August 8, 2018 - The White House is planning to add new restrictions to green card and citizenship applications for a wide range of legal immigrants who have used public services in their time in the United States, NBC News reported.

NBC News said that under the proposal, “immigrants living legally in the U.S. who have ever used or whose household members have ever used Obamacare, children’s health insurance, food stamps and other benefits could be hindered from obtaining legal status in the U.S.”

Stephen Miller is seen during an immigration event with President Donald Trump in the South Court Auditorium, next to the White House, on June 22. (Photo: Mandel Ngan/Getty Images)

The move is part of a broad campaign by White House adviser Stephen Miller and other immigration hawks to persecute immigrants of various legal statuses whom they can portray as a drain on public resources.

tions mean the U.S. “is on track for a decline in immigrants granted green cards by 20 percent and naturalized citizenship will drop by 10 percent by the end of October compared to fiscal year 2016,” NBC News reported.

Even without any new formal guidance, the administration’s current immigration restric-

The planned policy change comes as the Trump administration’s anti-immigration

Sometimes, however, Gates said he would perform the same task without Manafort’s direction or knowledge in order to embezzle funds from his employer. Or, in Gates’ own words, to make “unauthorized transfers.” This later became an obvious sticking point for the defense, who ultimately cajoled an unwilling Gates to actually use the E-word.

Even as he related his crimes, though, Gates was unshaken. He sounded practiced. He answered the prosecution’s questions as quickly as they could be asked.

Manafort sat motionless in his chair a few feet away, his eyes fixed on his former protégé. How would one of D.C.’s most venerable operators work his way out of this one?

Another discussion focused on Manafort’s practice of classifying income as loans and then later creating whole-cloth documents in order to misrepresent those false “loans” as valid. This kept the scheme mostly hidden from accountants and bookkeepers—though immunized witness Cynthia Laporta earlier testified that she had her doubts about the veracity of Manafort’s and Gates’s representations surrounding the loans.

When asked by Andres why payment for consulting pur-

legislative push has largely washed out: Money for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border remains unappropriated (although Trump has threatened to shut down the government over it), and a proposal to cut legal immigration in half and substantially change who gets new visas has gone nowhere.

-Slate.com

poses was being disguised as loans, Gates said, “I believe [Mr. Manafort] was trying to decrease the amount of taxable income on his tax return.”

ally loans, Gates said:

While reviewing another purported “loan agreement,” Gates was asked what the purpose of such documents were. He replied, “It was a way to make sure every financial transaction…was tracked.” When pressed to clarify whether any of the transactions were actu-

Judge T.S. Ellis III then asked Gates to clarify if those “loans” were actually just income— specifically payment for services—earned and not declared

by Manafort.

“They were documented as loans, but in reality they were funds moving between the accounts.”

Gates replied, “Correct.”

-Law and Order.com

K. V. Doraiswamy Bhattar 281-489-0464 or 281-948-8368 kvdoraiswamybhattar@yahoo.com kvdoraiswamy60@gmail.com

Rituals Performed: Sreemantham, Punyahavachanam, Namakaranam, Annaprashanam, Vidyarambham, Choulam, Upanayanam, Wedding, Sathya narayana puja, and all kind of Homas (Havans) and more.

I can drive to your place.

More than 30 years of experience as Priest in major temples including Sri Meenakshi Temple Pearland, TX. Can speak 5 languages (Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English)

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Young Life

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Open House at DAV Montessori School - Palestinian teen says no regrets after Friday 10th August 9 AM to 12 PM release from Israeli prison

D

AV Montessori & Elementary School (DAVMS) has been serving the Indian community since August 2000. As said, actions speak louder than words. So is true with DAVMS because its alumni have now entered into prestigious universities. It is a unique school, probably only one of this kind in this part of the world that successfully blends western traits with the time-tested Indian wisdom; the school’s motto is: Academic Excellence and Spiritual Growth. The school was established and is run by Arya Samaj Houston known to convey spiritual values in a manner that children can confidently vouch for in their adulthood. Its director Ms. Arti Khanna has tirelessly gathered a number of feathers in its cap, too many and must be listed in a brief manner: • Academics include Vedic values, Indian culture and Hindi language • Accredited by Texas Alliance of Accredited Private schools (TAAPS) • Traditional and Montessori program with Hindi, Vedic mantras recitation, Prayers and Moral Values taught by Arya Samaj’s Acharyaji.

• Montessori curriculum in Preschool till 1st grade.

• 2nd to 5th grade study an accelerated Common core and TEKS based curriculum with special focus on Math and Science.

• School’s philosophy and methods have been proven by the success of its ex-students excelling in academics along with the pride in their heritage and confidently transition to the large and diverse school environments.

• DAV Montessori graduating students have been accepted in prestigious programs (Vanguard, Magnet, Gifted & Talented) in both private and public schools in the Greater Houston area. In these schools, the children are excelling academically and confidently participate in all the school activities.

• Graduates from the first few years of DAV Montessori are now at some of the top universities in the country.

• Professional, dedicated & experienced teachers are enthusiastic educators committed to creating an inviting and warm atmosphere.

• Low student/teacher ratio leads to individualized attention and a personalized learning plan, designed to help each child reach their full potential.

• Stage performances and cultural programs in front of

large gatherings in the beautiful Arya Samaj hall builds unparalleled stage presence and confidence.

• Yoga, PE, Art and technology are part of the school curriculum.

• Students scoring 2-3 grade levels above on National standardized tests.

• Participation in the Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) competitions and have won first place in state and district.

• Afterschool clubs – Chess, Lego league, Music, Dance, Girl Scouts, Mad science, Soccer • Gated, safe and secure school compound.

• Vegetarian Food • Extended school day facility available 7 am to 6 pm.

• Bus service available for students.

What more, the school will open its doors wide open Friday 10th August 9 am to 12 pm. Come along and see for yourself what the DAV Montessori School has to offer for your kids to blossom into a confident person. If intending to be at the open house or want to schedule a personal tour at another hour, write to: davmontessori@gmail.com, or call 281.759.3286.

by Joe Dyke

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ABI SALEH, Palestinian Territories | AFP | 7/30/2018 - Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi said Monday she was deeply changed by her eightmonth sentence in an Israeli jail for slapping two soldiers, but does not regret any of her actions.

Tamimi, who was 16 when she was arrested in December for hitting and kicking soldiers in front of her house in the occupied West Bank, was released Sunday and swarmed by media from across the globe.

In an interview the day after her release, the now 17-yearold told AFP that she understood she had become a “symbol” of the Palestinian cause.

“Of course my life has been changed a lot. I changed a lot in prison,” said Tamimi.

“I became more focused, more aware also. Prison ages a person. In one day you age 100 years,” she said in the backyard of her home in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh.

Asked if she would have done the same thing if she had known it would land her behind bars for months, she said yes.

She pointed to the circumstances in which the soldiers had entered the garden of her house in December during a day of major protests that saw her cousin shot in the head with a rubber bullet.

Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi, 17, listens during an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP) in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh on July 30, 2018. (AFP Photo/Abbas Momani)

Her confronting of the Israeli soldiers was recorded and went viral online.

“I didn’t do anything wrong that I should regret,” she said.

“If I had known I would be in jail eight months, of course I would have done it because it was a natural reaction to a soldier being in my house shooting at people, people from my village,” she said.

The video of the altercation does not show the soldiers reacting to Tamimi’s actions or using their weapons, and the teenager was arrested four days later.

Tamimi said she hoped to study law to expose the issue of Israel’s occupation to the rest of the world.

“Any person in this situation -- I hit him, maybe there are people that would have killed him.”

Israel has long said Tamimi and her siblings have been manipulated by her parents -longtime activists -- and used as pawns in staged provocations.

Israel’s military said the two soldiers had been in the area to prevent Palestinians from throwing stones at Israeli motorists.

When she was only 14, a picture of her biting a soldier’s hand to prevent him from arresting a family member went viral.

Teen becomes youngest woman jailed in UK for terrorism

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ONDON, United Kingdom | AFP | 8/3/2018 - A London teenager was jailed for life on Friday for plotting a terror attack, becoming the youngest woman to be sentenced for terrorism offences in Britain.

Safaa Boular, 18, who together with her mother and elder sister formed the country’s first all-female cell linked to the Islamic State group, will spend a minimum of 13 years in prison.

She had planned violent attacks in the British capital, using coded language themed around a tea party, after UK authorities stopped her travelling to Syria to marry an IS fighter she had met online.

“However much she may have been influenced and drawn into her extremism, it appeared she knew what she was doing and acted with open eyes,” said Judge Mark Dennis in sentencing her at London’s Old Bailey.

“Her views were deeply entrenched,” he added, rejecting claims she had renounced extremism.

The Ultimate College Teaming Up in Houston

H

OUSTON - Colleges across the country are designing academic and career pathways, improving student transfers between institutions, or reforming how they provide remedial education -- all to improve student outcomes and increase graduation rates.

In Houston, some of the region’s two- and four-year institutions have taken those efforts one step further. They are partnering to create pathways across sectors as a way to improve graduation rates not just at individual colleges but throughout the entire metropolitan area. The University of Houston System, which is composed of four institutions; Texas Southern University,

a historically black college; Houston Community College System; Lone Star College System; San Jacinto College District; Wharton County Junior College; Victoria College and College of the Mainland have all signed on to the initiative, called Houston GPS, and teamed up with Complete College America to achieve that goal.

The initiative was started four years ago after Tom Sugar, the former president of Complete College America and now vice president of partnerships at EAB, a research and technology services company, had a conversation with Paula Short, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University of Houston System, about

In June sibling Rizlaine Boular, 22, was also jailed for life, with a minimum term of 16 years, while their Moroccoborn mother Mina Dich was handed a minimum sentence of six years and nine months for aiding the plots. guided pathways and other college initiatives to increase student success.

The two decided that focusing on how students go to college and putting the interest of students ahead of the institution was the way to go.

“Ultimately that bet will be good for colleges, too,” Sugar said.

Guided pathways are traditionally designed to set an academic course for students from the time they enroll until they graduate. While many of those initiatives decrease the amount of time it takes students to earn degrees, the programs have shortcomings, Sugar said.

He and Short wanted to address those weaknesses. What if they approached guided pathways in the same way as students approach attending college, they asked.

Visit: www.houstongps.org for more information.

-Inside Higher Education

Safaa Boular was only 16 when she made contact with British-born IS fighter Naweed Hussain, 32, discussing marriage and how they would don his-and-hers suicide belts.

But her hopes of joining him were dashed when she was stopped at the airport in August 2016 following a family trip to Morocco, and her passport was confiscated.

- ‘Murderous intent’ Instead Boular decided to plan an attack in Britain, detailing it in coded language -- such as using “pineapples” for grenades -- to online contacts, who were in fact undercover agents.

Hussain was later killed in a drone strike.

When Boular was charged with preparing terrorist acts in April 2017, she handed responsibility to her sister Rizlaine, 22, and their mother Mina Dich, 44, who hatched their own plan.

The trio were taped talking

Safaa Boular had wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Syria, the trial heard. (Photo: PA) about an Alice in Wonderlandthemed tea party, which the prosecution argued was code for an attack.

Rizlaine Boular and Dich were arrested after being tracked by police visiting potential sites around Westminster and buying knives.

They pleaded guilty to terror offences, but Safaa Boular denied involvement in the plot.

She remained expressionless as she was jailed Friday for two counts of preparing terrorist acts after being found guilty at trial in June.

Dean Haydon, Britain’s top counter-terror police officer, said then the plot “involved a family with murderous intent, the first all-female terrorist plot in the UK connected to Daesh (IS)”.

A 7-year-old girl convinced the New Zealand Transport Agency to change its sexist road signs By: Carmen Williams

B

ecause you’re never to young or too old to fight the good fight.

A seven-year-old girl made the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) change its signs by pointing out that “women can be line-workers too.”

According to the Guardian, Zoe Carew decided to write a letter to the agency last month after noticing signs along the road that seemed unfair to her.

Next to the people working on the power lines along the road, there was a bright orange sign that read “LINEMEN.” Zoe and her family talked about the sign and “wondered why it said ‘MEN’ when women can be line-workers too,” she wrote in her letter.

“Why does the sign say ‘LINEMEN’ when the people working on the lines may be men or women?” wrote Zoe.

“I think that this sign is wrong and unfair.”

And the best part? They agreed with her!

Fergus Gammie, the chief executive of the NZTA, wrote back to Zoe and said they thought she was right. Fergus said that all roadside signs will be changed to read “LINE CREW.” According to the letter, “the new signs will replace the old ones when they need replacement due to wear and tear, this may take some time.” Fergus also commended Zoe “for taking action where you think something unfair should be fixed. Well done.”

In a tweet, NZTA praised Carew’s letter, saying “great ideas can come from anyone.”

And yes, they really can.

Anyone can change something that seems small, but is an example of injustice. Even if you’re only seven.

VOICE OF VOICE OF ASIA ASIA17 17

FRIDAY, FRIDAY,August August10, 10,2018 2018

August is Immunization Awareness Month

Section 2

Tel: 713-774-5140

FEATURE

Why are there so many Filipino nurses in the USA?

Medicare’s diabetes prevention program slows to crawl

by Valerie Caulin’ rom Chicago to London, you are bound to find Filipino nurses working in hospitals across the globe. It comes as no surprise, as The Philippines is the largest exporter of nurses in the world – out of the 2.2 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), 25% commit their lives to caring for others.

CMS has refused to fund virtual programs, and has slowed implementation of the in-person programs

F

Senior officials at CMS are dragging their feet over expanding services for diabetes prevention programs that evidence shows can reduce insurance costs and improve the health of millions of Americans.

- The Colonial Connection The high influx of Filipino nurses in highly developed countries actually has a deep historical background.

Under the 1898 Treaty of Paris, the United States of America acquired many Spanish colonies including the Philippines. Under the Americans, Filipinos were assimilated to American culture through education, particularly by teaching English. This started the American dream of many locals. During the malaria and cholera outbreak, there was a shortage of American nurses in the Philippines.

Thus, local women were recruited to become Volunteer Auxiliary Contract Nurses.

In 1903, by virtue of the Pensionado Act, qualified Filipino students were sent to the U.S. to study, including the volunteer auxiliary contract nurses. This became the first batch of Filipino nurses coming to the United States. Some stayed behind as immigrants, inspiring their families back in the Philippines to go the U.S. This started the waves of nurses from the Philippines, living the American dream.

Photo: Instagram/tarukography the elderly and sick family members, Filipinos fit the bill for nursing. A country with different dialects and a culture formed from different cultural influences, Filipinos are adept in adjusting to new cultures as well as learning new languages. Employers also like that fact that Filipinos won’t mind taking longer hours, hoping to earn more money to send back home.

- A country’s asset -

During the Second World War, Filipino nurses played major roles in helping wounded soldiers. With Filipinos’ familiarity with the American culture, specifically their ability to speak their language, these new immigrant foreign workers easily adjusted to their new home.

2009, when former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry complained to the press: “In fact, it’s so bad, that if you go to the hospital now, you find a number of immigrants who are nurses, particularly from the Philippines,” Barry told the Examiner.

“And no offense, but let’s grow our own teachers, let’s grow our own nurses — and so that we don’t have to be scrounging around in our community clinics and other kinds of

About 90 million Americans are estimated to have prediabetes.

About half the private insurance plans in the country offer weightloss programs to prevent it, company officials say, but prediabetes is especially prevalent among Medicare-eligible seniors. The American Diabetes Association says about a quarter of the elderly have the condition.

As countries saw a shortage of nurses and the cost-effectiveness of hiring of Filipinos rather than training their own nurses locally, other countries began hiring nurses from the Philippines. Saudi Arabia became the leading destination for Filipino nurses. European countries also tapped Filipino labor for their health care, with Filipinos working as nurses in Germany, the U.K. and Ireland. Neighboring countries like Singapore and Japan also began hiring Filipino nurses.

For many Filipinos, being a nurse makes it easy to become a professional foreign worker – there is less competition from the local workforce and other foreign workers. Working abroad as a nurse is also more profitable compared to other jobs held by Filipinos like domestic helpers and construction workers.

With American-standard nurse training, English fluency and the innate nature of Filipinos to care for

A host of startups have received nearly $200 million in funding to provide virtual weight-loss and diabetes prevention programs. But CMS officials are offering them little reason to hope the government will start paying for their services, reversing momentum that was developing in the Obama years.

CMMI’s leadership seems to have lost interest in the diabetes prevention program, startup executives say, and appears more focused on an overarching strategic review prompted by the change in administration.

- The nursing diaspora -

A lot of Filipino families view the nursing profession abroad as the ticket to better life – as seen in more than 500 nursing schools in the Philippines today. A nurse’s salary abroad is 15 times bigger than working in local hospitals in the Philippines.

The diabetes prevention program was one of the crown jewels of the Obama administration’s efforts to reinvent health care. CMS’s Innovation Center in 2013 started a major clinical trial, whose results showed it improved health while cutting costs by $2,650 per participant. Because of these results, policymakers recommended the program be scaled up. The program involves group coaching of participants at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes because of unhealthy weight gain. In-person and virtual programs have been developed. But CMS has refused to fund the virtual programs and has slowed implementation of the inperson programs over what officials say is concern about fraud.

Diabetes prevention has vast potential, proponents say. In in a pilot study conducted by the Y, participants who completed a prevention course averaged a 5.2 percent weight loss. CMS’ actuaries said that in ad-

Red Cross Filipino Nurses (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) OFWs are highly prized resources in the Philippines with their remittances helping the local economy.

Former president Ferdinand Marcos seized an opportunity, exporting labor to the Middle East. The government also set up government agencies to help protect Filipinos working abroad. Today, OFWs give up to $28 billion to the Philippine government in the form of remittances.

- Grow your own The passage of restrictive legislation was fueled by nativist fears of foreign nurses taking American jobs as was expressed in July of

places — having to hire people from somewhere else.”

Grow your own nurses the US did.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, US nursing schools produced close to a million nurses from 2006 to 2011.

The past decade saw a big boom for the nursing industry with schools offering up to 29 sections for their nursing classes.

Like any bubble industry, the local nursing industry also faced problems like surplus of nurses eligible to work abroad and the shortage of adept nursing staff in local hospitals in the country.

Still, the nursing industry is not hampered by these challenges as Filipinos continue to leave the Philippines for greener pastures working the hospitals.

-The Culturetrip

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 dition to health care cost savings, participants were healthier and longer-lived. But though CMS started reimbursing providers in April, only 70 program locations across the country are qualified to provide the service, it says, though it believes more providers will be able to bill Medicare soon. About 400 programs have earned certification from the CDC, a prerequisite on the path to qualifying for Medicare reimbursement.

Qualifying for payments is an arduous process. To allay fraud concerns, owners of organizations applying for reimbursement must undergo fingerprinting for background checks.

One of the flagship prevention programs — the Y — has had only three of its local affiliates qualify for Medicare, out of 200 that offer the service.

A Y spokesperson said the agency was not surprised by the slow pace of qualification. But in its rulemaking to establish the program, CMS said it expected to pay out $23 million to providers, with an average payment per participant of $320 — meaning it anticipated around 71,000 participants during 2018.

To enroll in right Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement Plan or Medicare Prescription drug Plan including special need diabetic plan contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713771-2900.

Urgently Need - White Blood Cell (WBC) Donors For Dr. Vik Vaz Go to:MD Anderson Blood Center 2555 Holly Hall Road, Houston, TX (In Med Center – Free Parking) Dr. Vik Vaz, 37 yrs of age, is in urgent need of WBC donors. He is currently battling leukemia treatment at MD Anderson and needs WBC donations to be able to undergo surgery. The screening process for WBC donors is a bit more rigorous than simply donating blood, and so finding suitable donors has been a challenge.

If you’re willing to become a donor and have healthy veins, visit the location mentioned above and let them know you are there for Vik Vaz. Blood type is not relevant. WBCs have no shelf life and need to be transplanted immediately. Parking at the site is easy and free.

Additional information on the donation process is available here https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/other-ways-to-help/giveblood/donation-instructions.html Disqualifications: Ensure that you haven’t taken any aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication in the past 48 hours. If you have lived in Europe or UK between 1980 and 1996, or traveled to India in the past 12 months, or are currently taking any antibiotics, then you will not qualify either.

Contact: Hubert Vaz at (281) 866-7757 if you have any additional questions about this.

HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 18

Indian mothers campaign to end breastfeeding stigma

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Keeping your joints healthy, free joint pain seminar planned

by Abhaya Srivastava

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OIDA, India | AFP | Friday 8/2/2018 - Clutching his elephant toy, Avyaan’s conversation is pretty much limited to a happy gurgle, but the nine-month-old might be about to go down in history for helping make breastfeeding in public more socially acceptable in prudish India.

Public breastfeeding carries a social stigma in much of the world -- a situation that World Breastfeeding Week until August 7 hopes to change -- but in highly conservative India it is particularly taboo.

The country’s hundreds of millions of women are expected to dress modestly, and even a glimpse of a breast during feeding is a strict no-no, all too often inviting disgusted demands to desist and even unwanted sexual advances.

So this is what a petition brought in little Avyaan’s name -- by his middle-class lawyer parents Neha and Animesh Rastogi -- and currently before the Delhi High Court is aimed at chipping away at.

“I was flying to Bangalore and my co-passengers were male. My son was exclusively on breast milk and it was so difficult to feed him there,” Neha Rastogi, 30, told AFP at her home in Noida, a satellite city on the outskirts of Delhi.

“We want the government to set aside space in flights and at all public places because we can’t feed in the open simply because breast is just seen as a sexual organ.”

The signs are good that the case may make some progress, with the court demanding city authorities come up with a response at the next hearing day on August 28.

Nader A. Ayub, DO and Nish L. Shah, MD are rising physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land in the field of sports medicine. (Photos: HMOSM)

A legal petition brought in little Avyaan Rastogi’s name aimed at making public breastfeeding easier in India where it remains taboo. (Photo: AFP) tell Kerala: don’t stare -- we need to breastfeed”, landed her and the publisher in court on charges of nudity, obscenity and endangering society’s moral fabric.

milk from donor women who pump it at home. It is then pasteurised and provided to newborns in hospital or to mothers who are unable to breastfeed.

The court dismissed the petition but Joseph found herself at the sharp end of torrents of abuse.

A new report released by UNICEF and the World Health Organization Tuesday ahead of World Breastfeeding Week underscored the benefits of nursing babies from the word go.

“I don’t care what others say about me. The photoshoot was part of a campaign on how to be confident while feeding in public,” the 28-yearold told AFP. “Our society is so sexualised that men connect everything with sex.

They are having a problem (with my picture) because for them the body is only for sex.”

- Best start -

“Breastfeeding gives children the best possible start in life,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in the report.

“We must urgently scale up support to mothers -- be it from family members, health care workers, employers

- ‘Obscenity’ But setting aside special places is one thing. Getting wider acceptance for women to feed their babies wherever and whenever they like is a much bigger challenge.

This was what Gilu Joseph, an actress from Kerala in the south, was trying to alter when she posed with a baby -- not actually her own -- at her bare breast on a magazine front cover earlier this year.

The photoshoot, captioned “Mums

Problems found in Chinesemade heart medications

S

HANGHAI, China | AFP | 8/6/2018 - Two more Chinese drugmakers have announced that a blood-pressure medication they exported to Taiwan contained a potentially cancer-causing impurity, a month after the same problem at another Chinese manufacturer prompted a global recall.

Tianyu Pharm and Rundu Pharma said batches of valsartan, an active ingredient widely used in medications for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, contained N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is believed to potentially cause cancer through long-term use.

Tianyu Pharm made its announcement in a statement Monday to the Shenzhen exchange, where both companies are listed, while Rundu admitted the same in an exchange statement on Friday.

Shares of both companies plunged by the maximum daily limit of 10 percent on Monday.

Last month Europe’s medical regulator issued an alert over supplies of valsartan produced by another company, Shanghai-listed Huahai Pharmaceutical, followed about a week later by a similar notice from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Huahai has since launched a global recall.

Tianyu Pharm said the problem was caught before its valsartan was distributed to end-users in Taiwan, while Rundu Pharma said its products made it onto the island’s market but would be recalled.

China’s government is struggling to shore up public confidence in the pharmaceutical sector following the revelation last month that a major Chinese manufacturer of rabies vaccines was found to have fabricated records and was ordered to cease production.

The government has said the suspect rabies vaccines did not enter the market, but the case has provoked unusually strong outrage online from consumers fed up with recurring product-safety scandals, particularly in the drug sector.

Roopam Gupta, a working mother, also had a taste of how hostile society can be when she started expressing milk for her six-month-old daughter in the car coming home from work.

The driver “tried to put up covers inside the car,” Gupta told AFP. “I told him he must change his mindset because I am not going to change mine.”

Her place of work though is helping to fight back -- the Fortis La Femme hospital, home to Delhi’s first “milk bank” for mothers, set up in 2016 but still only one of a handful.

The Amaara facility collects breast

and governments, so they can give their children the start they deserve.”

Breastfeeding is even more important in a developing country like 1.25-billion-strong India where many cannot afford formula milk and dailywage earners often take their infants to work.

The restrictive atmosphere prompts many mothers to stay at home, exposing them to the risk of postnatal depression, while also acting as a brake on getting women into the workforce.

“I believe in breastfeeding and want every woman to be open about it,” said Gupta.

S

UGAR LAND - Primary care sports medicine physicians with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, have some important pointers for dealing with joint pain for every decade of your life.

“When we’re young, we take our joints for granted — running and jumping with wild abandon. It’s not until we’re older or face an injury that we realize what our joints do for us and why protecting them is important,” said Nish Shah, M.D., board certified primary care sports medicine physician with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land.

20s and 30s: Protect Your Joints “Individuals in their 20s and 30s should exercise regularly and lift weights to strengthen the muscles that support joints,” said Nader Ayub, D.O., board certified primary care sports medicine physician with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land. “Maintain a healthy weight and make sure you have a balanced diet that includes the proper amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D to support bone and joint health.”

Though many people are more active at this age, those who are overweight or have experienced a severe injury within the past 10 years may begin to develop early signs of osteoarthritis, including joint pain and stiffness.

40s and 50s: Keep a Healthy Weight The toll of earlier injuries or joint damage related to excess weight over time starts to mount. You may notice creaking or popping in your knees when climbing stairs, stiffness for a few minutes after waking, or a dull ache in your hips after exercise.

Weight loss, physical therapy or antiinflammatory medications may alleviate these mild symptoms.

“Every extra pound gained puts four pounds of additional pressure on your knees and can further exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms,” Shah said.

Teetotallers, like big drinkers, more prone to dementia

P

aris, France | AFP | 8/2/2018 - People who have sworn off alcohol for decades or longer run a higher risk of dementia late in life than moderate drinkers, according to a new study.

With heavy drinking, however, dementia became even more prevalent, though for different reasons.

But the startling results are robust, and should prompt government-funded trials to assess “the possible protective effect of light-to-moderate alcohol use on risk of dementia,” commented Sevil Yasar, an associate professor at the John Hopkins School of Medicine who was not involved in the study.

At the same time, the study cautioned, the findings “should not motivate people who do not drink to start drinking given the known detrimental effects of alcohol consumption for mortality, neuropsychiatric disorders, cirrhosis of the liver and cancer.”

Worldwide, about seven percent of people over 65 suffer from some form

As you age, chances are greater that you’ll develop osteoarthritis in your hips, knees or shoulders. “Genetics, past injuries, excess weight and physical inactivity all play a role in its development and severity,” Ayub said.

Severe symptoms, like constant pain and very limited mobility, aren’t uncommon, but anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, physical therapy and exercise can help. “Even in late age, losing weight can help decrease joint pain in the knees and hips, while regular stretching and strengthening can help lubricate hip, knee and shoulder joints and increase flexibility,” Ayub said.

Unfortunately, some people will reach a point where the pain is unbearable. “In the most severe cases, osteoarthritis can make it hard to walk, lift or reach, or even be selfsufficient,” Shah said. “In these cases, joint replacement can provide pain relief, improve range of motion and mobility, and restore independence.

Joint replacement is a good option to have down the road in a worst-case scenario, but the opportunity to decrease your chances of needing one is in your hands today.”

To schedule an appointment with Nader Ayub, D.O., or Nish Shah, M.D., visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics-sl or call 281.690.4678.

Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/ methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

FREE JOINT PAIN SEMINAR Is chronic joint pain slowing you down? Join Nader Ayub, D.O., or Nish Shah, M.D., for a free seminar at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, in Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Brazos Pavilion Conference Center.

From diagnosis to rehabilitation, both physicians will discuss the latest medical advances to help you get back to the active life you enjoy.

For more information or to register, visit events.houstonmethodist.org/jointpain-sl or call 281.274.7500.

“Future research will need to examine drinking habits across a whole lifetime, and this will help to shed more light on the relationship between alcohol and dementia,” Sara Imarisio, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, told the Science Media Centre.

Long-term teetotallers were roughly 50 percent more likely to suffer Alzheimers or another form of neurodegenerative disease, scientists reported in the BMJ, a medical journal, on Wednesday.

The results were based on a review of medical records rather than the more scientifically rigorous clinical trials used to assess new drugs, and the number of cases examined was relatively small.

60s, 70s and Beyond: Stay Active

Because the study only tracked alcohol consumption starting in midlife, it is also possible that a prior history of heavy drinking might have contributed to dementia many decades later, one expert not involved in the study cautioned.

by Marlowe HOOD

Unlike earlier research, the study did not find a link between abstinence and a shorter life expectancy, as compared to occasional drinkers.

“Help your joints last as long as possible by eating right, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.”

So-called polyphenolic compounds in wine may offer some protection to neural networks and blood vessels, but such findings remain controversial (AFP Photo/ Alejandro Pagni). of dementia, a percentage that rises to 40 percent above the age of 85. The number of sufferers is expected to triple by 2050.

The research, led by Severine Sabia at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, also found that -- among moderate drinkers -- wine consumption correlated with a lower risk of dementia than beer or spirits, such as whiskey, gin or vodka.

“Light-to-moderate” drinking was defined, during middle age, as oneto-14 drinks per week, corresponding to the maximum limit recommended for both men and women in Britain.

The 14-drink-per-week maximum -- similar to guidelines in other countries -- is the equivalent of six medium (175-millilitre) glasses of wine at 13

percent alcohol, six pints of four-percent beer, or 14 25-ml shots of 40-degree spirits.

The study was not set up to explain why non-drinkers might be more prone to cognitive decline, but the findings offered possible clues.

- Alcohol carries other risks “Some of the excess risk of dementia in abstainers was explained by greater risk of cardiometric disease,” such as stroke, coronary heart disease and diabetes, Sabia and her team concluded.

Non-drinkers canvassed were more likely to be burdened with lifestyle diseases, but the link with dementia held true even after these health problems were taken into account, they reported.

In the case of wine, earlier studies have suggested that so-called polyphenolic compounds may offer some protection to neural networks and blood vessels, but such findings remain controversial.

The findings are based on health records -- part of the Whitehall II study on long-term health -- for more than 9,000 British civil servants who were 35 to 55 years old in 1985.

Alcohol intake of participants was monitored regularly for two decades, and hospital records were examined for signs of heart and alcohol-related disease.

A total of nearly 400 dementia cases -- with onset occurring, on average, at age 76 -- were reported.

The study also confirmed that heavy drinking is strongly linked to dementia, with a 17-percent increase in risk for each additional seven drinks per week.

Chronic heavy drinking has been clearly established as a major risk factor for all types of dementia, especially early onset of the disease.

STYLE & BEAUTY

VOICE OF ASIA 19

‘Millennial pink’ the most popular shade on the planet, according to new global lipstick trend poll

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Gucci twins pile on

M

illennial pink’ is officially the hottest lip color globally, according to over 23.5 million daily virtual lipstick try-ons recorded by AR beauty app YouCam Makeup.

The trend — discovered as part of an initiative by YouCam Makeup parent company Perfect Corp in celebration of National Lipstick Day (Sunday, July 29) — found that ‘Millennial pink’ shades accounted for over 20% of virtual lipstick tryons in the United States and the UK, and 15% of those in China and Japan.

Recording the virtual lip color tests of more than 280 million users around the world, YouCam Makeup also revealed that while pink overall was the most preferred color in the West — with almost 50% of the top lip colors being pink shades in the United States and the UK — users in the East preferred to mix it up more.

China showed the most diverse lipstick color trials overall with purples, oranges and lighter sheer shades taking the top spots, while Korean users comparatively preferred bold,

‘Millennial pink’ is officially the most popular lip colour globally, according to online figures by AR beauty app YouCam Makeup. (© PeopleImages / istockphoto.com)

darker pinks, purples, and reds.

Preferences for lip finishes also differed from East to West, with matte finishes ruling the West, while sheer reigned supreme in Asia. The two-toned lip trend, however -- first noted on the New York Fashion Week

runway in Jason Wu’s Fall 2017 collection -- is a global hit, and is fast gaining in popularity across all nations, with AR try-ons of two-toned lip colors up 74% this summer, indicating a huge interest in this new makeup style.

Real Simple launches ‘one-stop-shop’ for lifestyle e-commerce American women’s magazine and lifestyle brand Real Simple has expanded its empire with the launch of a new online shopping destination to provide local fans with access to a curated range of products, across several categories.

T

he Real Simple Shop -- live from this week -- is available to only US-based customers for the moment, and will stock Real Simple-branded products, and handpicked items for every aspect of the home life -- from decorating, cleaning and organizing to cooking, skincare and fashion.

In a nod to the brand’s publishing roots, the shop will also offer a selection of expert buying guides to help readers make the best buying decisions possible.

The launch of the e-store marks yet another addition to the brand’s current digital and licensing boom, which has recently also seen the addition of a growing stable of licensing products including Real Simple Style, a collection of refined accessories and handbags; Real Simple of-

The elementary school teacher Ryu Ji-ee (right) and the designer Ryu Jin (left) are two twin sisters of two eggs, completely different approach to wardrobe. In the center of old clothes in Shanghai, one looks for elegance and the other looks for a vintage bargain contrasting with playful. (-Art direction: Noriko Kuramoto /Vogue Japan) All clothing, shoes, accessories by Gucci.

Youth focus helps Prada sashay back to profit growth

M

The Real Simple Shop will sell products for all aspects of the home life -- from decorating, cleaning and organizing to cooking, skincare and fashion. (© realsimple.com) fice, stationary and fashionable party paper goods at TJ MAXX; Real Simple Sleep, an innovative memory foam mattress; as well as hundreds of solution-based products at Bed Bath & Beyond.

This announcement also follows the recent opening of Real Simple Cooking School, a new multiplatform cooking series that teaches viewers the basics of cooking. -Relaxnews

ILAN, Italy | AFP Italian luxury goods house Prada on Wednesday reported a return to net profit growth, following four years of threadbare results, as its strategy of targeting younger fashionistas paid off.

Net earnings rose 11 percent in the first half of the year to 106 million euros ($124 million) on sales of 1.5 billion euros, 3 percent higher than the same period last year.

Prada’s CEO Patrizio Bertelli called the results “very satisfactory” and said they confirmed “the soundness of our strategic choices”.

There was still “great potential to be unlocked through integration with digital technologies”, he said in the earnings statement.

Bertelli and his wife, the designer Miuccia Prada, turned the company from its humble beginnings as a Milan leather goods company into a global power house and Italy’s biggest luxury group by turnover.

View of the Prada store in Beijing, built with a multi-sensory canvas media wall of cutting-edge technology. (Shutterstock/ J. Lekavicius)

need for leisure wear, including sneakers for younger buyers.

The 18-35 age segment will account for 45 percent of global luxury goods purchases, according to the KPMG consultancy.

But the latest figures, said

At its latest Milan fashion show catwalks, Prada appeared to be embracing a more youthful look, including for “young sexy men”, in the words of Miuccia Prada.

In the first half of this year, Asia-Pacific sales rose strongly

Apart from the Prada brand, the group also owns Miu Miu, Car Shoe and Church’s.

But Prada, whose shares are listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, suffered declining sales in recent years, with net earnings down more than 10 percent last year.

Prada fought back by upgrading its retail network and developing digital technologies, a strategy that started to bear fruit towards the end of 2017 as online sales improved.

The company also revamped its existing product lines and launched new ones, in an apparent attempt to end over-reliance on its famous, and pricey, handbags, and emulate the competition’s diversification.

“Prada has been much slower than its conglomerate competitors, Kering and LVMH, to adapt to the changing profile and behaviour of the modern luxury consumer,” Euromonitor International analyst Lorna Hennely commented Wednesday.

“The group showed resistance to change, particularly when it came to engaging in e-commerce and strengthening their digital presence.”

Sector experts also said Prada may have underestimated the

Meghan Markle wears pink Prada with Queen at Buckingham Palace reception for Young Leaders charity event last month. (-AFP) Euromonitor’s Hennely, “suggest the brand has entered a new phase, and Mr. Bertelli’s accompanying statement finally acknowledges the importance of the ‘new generation’ for the future of the group. After all, it is indeed tech-savvy Millennials who are driving the vast majority of growth in the sector”.

with 14 percent growth at constant exchange rates.

Greater China booked a 17 percent increase, in a reversal of fortunes after slowing sales weighed on results in recent years.

The US returned to sales growth and Japan saw a “significant recovery”, Prada reported.

LEISURE / TRAVEL

VOICE OF ASIA 20

Are subscription hotels the new answer to time shares?

A

re second homes about to become obsolete? Subscription hotels could offer the benefits of more traditional out-oftown hideaways with the added luxury of not tying their owners down. This is the concept advanced by the founders of Km127, a new eco-resort hotel, which is proposing subscriptions that vary from 95 to 279 euros per month for a range of accommodation options.

Vacationers can choose to spend between two and seven week-ends per year, divided between low and high seasons, in this luxury four-star hotel come secondary residence.

During the week, subscribers to some packages will be able to stay as long as they want. And this will also apply for school vacation times and bank holidays. A specific smartphone application will enable users to reserve their rooms at the touch of a button.

Named after the number of kilometers that separate it from the French capital, Km127 will be comprised of eight fiveroom lodges, a restaurant and a permaculture vegetable garden on a 45-hectare estate in Normandy, about one hour and 40 minutes drive from Paris.

Along with its unusual subscription system, Km127 will

Gyms, music librairies, video streaming platforms... subscription serivces are increasingly part of everyday life. So will we soon be signing up for an annual quota of hotel time? The backers of new eco resort in Normandy, France, which is scheduled to open for business in September 2019, are convinced we will.

be distinguished by its low carbon footprint and off-grid water and electricity supplies .

The founders of KmGroup which is behind the project are already planning to open five more French hotel estates in the next five years, all of which

will be located within close range of large cities. Lyon is the next on the list. Thereafter they are hoping to develop the concept for the international market with a further ten locations elsewhere in Europe.

-Relaxnews

Frozen in time, Havana looks to put a modern stamp on its 500-year history

H

avana could be compared to the colorful 1950s classic American cars that fill its roads: an object of desire for historians and tourists alike.

To walk through its streets is to take a step back in time.

Run-down homes show signs of salt erosion as waves from the Caribbean Sea batter away at the city’s seawall, while at the day’s end the setting sun paints the sky orange.

Despite the visual signs of deterioration, Havana is spiritually alive.

The Cuban capital will celebrate 500 years in 2019, with an urban restoration plan aiming to give space to modernity while maintaining respect for its vintage character.

“Havana remains frozen in time. The revolution’s aims were to look after the country,” city historian Eusebio Leal, who’s in charge of restoring the historic center, told AFP. “Undeniably there’s been a cost. When you go around you can see the city’s damaged and covered by a veil of decadence.”

“There have been no new bridges or wide avenues built in the city, there are no traffic problems and there have been no wide-scale demolitions like in other Latin American cities.”

But Leal insists the city has

These are the best days to book your Thanksgiving and Christmas flights this year

by Talia Avakavian

much greater depth than simple aesthetic beauty.

“Havana is not just a romantic ruin, nor a city of classic American cars, or a city of dancers and palm trees. It’s a city of intense culture,” he said.

“What’s surprising is that there isn’t enough time to sample the cultural life that extends from ballet festivals to book festivals, from historic cities to jazz.

“And its plastic arts are amongst the most desired in the world by collectors.”

- Changing landscape The neo-baroque Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso, home to the National Ballet and guarded by marble statues, and the majestic Capitolio building with its impressive cupola really stand out, as does the music that greets visitors on every street corner.

But the landscape has started to change, not least since the country eased open its doors to foreign investment, with luxury stores and “capitalist” brands, restaurants and hotels slipping into historic buildings and sharing public space with damp, old rooftop terraces and colonialstyle balconies.

“Over the last decade, Havana has seen an injection of large private initiatives... which has given rise to an architectural renaissance and creation of jobs,”

Denver Parade of Lights (Facebook/DenverCC)

S

ummer is still in full swing, but it’s not too early to start thinking about booking flights for the holidays if you want to save.

CheapAir has released its 2018 Holiday Flights Report, tracking some 11,000 itineraries from the most popular markets to show you, in real-time, the average fare you can expect to pay for flights this Thanskgiving, Christmas, and New Year.

Besides showing daily airfare rates, the report breaks down expected monthly flight price fluctuations for each holiday and the days to book the best deals.

WIll we soon be subscribing to hotels? (© DragonImages / Istock. com)

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

before the holiday, while flying on the morning of Thanksgiving can also offer more affordable options if you have to wait until the last minute. Booking a return flight for the Tuesday af-

Knowing when to book could save you hundreds of dollars.

For Thanksgiving, flights booked in August and September can yield some of the biggest savings, with fare averages of $406 in August and $393 in September. Flights start to rise in October, with an average of $430, while November has the highest prices at an average of $500 per ticket.

ter Thanksgiving can save you around $209 per ticket instead of on the Sunday after, which is the busiest and priciest day to fly.

Booking flights on the Monday of Thanksgiving week can save an average of $40 compared to flights booked the day

Christmas and New Year flights average $450 in August, $411 in September, $416 in October, $465 in November, and

$529 in December.

For those who can take a longer vacation, flying from Dec. 18 through Dec. 28 is the cheapest time, while flying on Christmas Eve instead of on Dec. 22 can also save you an average of $76 per ticket.

Similarly, flying on New Year’s Eve is the cheapest day if you’re looking to ring in 2019 away from home, while waiting until Jan. 3 as opposed to Jan. 2 to fly back can mean saving $60 on average per ticket.

If you do see an affordable ticket that works for you, book it quickly as there may be only a few seats with these rates, and they tend to go fast.

-Travel&Leisure

CENTERED LIVING

said Leal.

The admittance of private enterprise has had a dramatic effect, with 13 percent of the labor force now employed in the private sector. Private hospitals and restaurants cater to tourist demands.

One of the oldest cities in the Americas, Havana was a modern metropolis at the start of the 20th century but also a haven for mafia organizations.

Following the 1959 socialist revolution, a spiritual cleansing saw the proliferation of brothels and casinos consigned to history, but physically the city was neglected.

Its streets are poorly maintained and badly lit, but Havana is a much safer city than many other Latin American metropolises. In 2017, it attracted 4.5 million tourists.

- ‘Cultural riches’ “Havana is a joyous and fun city and its people are welcoming and caring. It’s a place where I feel safe wandering its streets,” Brazilian tourist Debora Naves, 41, told AFP. “However, I think it needs foreign investment to truly show off its cultural riches.”

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Leal says it is that “vision of a lively but calm city, a peaceful country without major crime that makes it attractive.”

-Relaxnews

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VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

Home&Real Estate Booming Houston real estate market ranks among 5 best buys for apartment investors

by Steven Devadanam

H

OUSTON - As local developers, renters, and anyone trying to navigate all the new construction knows, Houston is in the midst of an apartment boom.

A just-released, national report suggests that boom may not slow anytime soon, as it lists Houston as a top buy for apartment investors — and an area that will see rising rents in the foreseeable future.

Ten-X Commercial, an online platform for commercial real estate transactions, also identified Fort Worth as a city that commercial investors should target in its annual U.S. Apartment Market Outlook.

Only three other American cities are considered strong buys for apartment investors: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Salt Lake City, Utah. The data in the report is generated from the more than $20 billion worth of transactions handled by TenX Commercial.

In analyzing the two Texas cities, Ten-X Commercial finds that both offer strong net operating income benefits (a key driver in commercial real estate) to investors for years to come. Houston’s apartment rents are buoyed by a “resurgent energy sector” that is “turbocharging the local economy” and jumped 6.1 percent yearover-year. The report also forecasts that Houston is “likely to prove considerably more resilient during a modeled downturn than other markets.”

A quick breakdown of the numbers illustrates good news

Candytopia, Color Factory: more Instagram-friendly pop-ups on the way The trend of immersive, madefor-Instagram “museum homes” is showing no signs of stopping!

C

Photo courtesy of Vantage Med Center

for anyone looking to cash in on Houston’s apartment market.

Q1 2018 rent: $987 2021 projected rent: $1,184 Q1 2018 vacancy: 6.2 percent 2021 projected vacancy: 4.4 percent Things look equally promising in Fort Worth, which the report notes is enjoying “low unemployment and solid job growth, with total employment up 3.1 percent year-over-year.”

Apartment rents in the city are projected to leap to 12.3 percent higher by 2021.

With every top buy report comes a warning to sell. Cities where investors should consider unloading are New York; Miami; San Francisco; Oakland, California; and San Jose, California. These markets are witnessing rising vacancies and flattening rents.

But how much is too much growth? Nationally, according to the research, multifamily completions should reach an

all-time peak in 2018 as more than 300,000 new units flood the market, outpacing even the highest absorption levels in recent history. As a result, vacancies are expected to drift above 5 percent by the end of the year for the first time since 2011.

Ten-X Chief Economist Peter Muoio noted in the report that “while millennials and other demographic groups continue to forego homeownership in favor of renting in walkable neighborhoods, developers appear to have gotten ahead of themselves in creating rental supply.”

Muoio added that the pipeline “can reasonably be described as a flood and though demand for these units is likely to come in the years ahead, we can expect to see some significant digestion issues in the near term.”

Until that happens, Houston renters would be wise to lock in their rents, as it’s clear that our apartment market is anything but flat. - CultureMap

olor Factory got its start in San Francisco, where an intended month-long run last August wound up lasting for another sold-out eight months. The two-story pop-up museum featured 15 interactive experiences, including a bright-yellow ball pit, a curtain of 10,000 colored ribbons by Swedish artist Jacob Dahlgren and a scratchand-sniff wall.

Now Color Factory is headed to New York, bringing a new interactive exhibit to a 20,000foot space in SoHo for a limited run starting August 20. Said to be inspired by the colors of the city, it will feature 16 installations from a roster of artists, designers and creatives.

The Color Factory in San Francisco The New York installment, at Penn Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, will feature favorite exhibits from Santa Monica -- colossal candy creations, flying unicorn pigs and marshmallow tsunamis are all promised -- along with new, New Yorkinspired elements.

Candytopia opens August 15 in New York, while in San Francisco, another of its confectionery wonderlands is slated to open September 6. Find out more about both, and buy tickets, at www.candytopia. com.

-Relaxnews

Highlights include an “ombré floating balloon room,” a custom Mochi Bar, a luminous dance floor, an interactive installation by artist Lakwena Maciver, known for her technicolor street art, and Color Factory’s signature ball room.

Find information and tickets at www.colorfactory.co.

Candytopia will be arriving in New York by way of Santa Monica, where it attracted long lines and celebrities earlier this year. Said to bring to life a “sugar-coated dreamworld candy factory,” it features more than a dozen rooms and offers visitors a range of candy samples along the way.

Candytopia (© Courtesy of Mathew Tucciarone)

SMALL BUSINESSES

VOICE OF ASIA 22

B

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FRIDAY, August 10, 2018

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Your love life may improve, with your partner perhaps showing greater sweetness and understanding. Business partners, friends, and those you meet in everyday life may seem more pleasant.

21 April to 20 May Romance is a marathon, not a sprint. You like to take your time and do it right rather than rush through the motions, so your perfect match is someone with patience. You’re great at making deals at the end of this week.

21 May to 20 June If you’re looking for a new or better job, this period can bring news that will steer you in the right direction.

You or someone supervising you could become particularly bossy.

21 June to 22 July This week the Universe affects the area of your chart governing your home. It’s time to put not just words but also ideas into practice. You’ve been sitting on a potential gold mine. Taking your talents online will mean direct sales.

23 July to 22 August The cosmos sheds light on any health problems you may be having. If you’re uncertain about which aspect to tackle first or how to approach a new exercise regimen, read books or blogs to see what others have done.

23 August to 22 Sept the solar eclipse in your spiritual sector over the weekend can be an opportunity to kick-start a phase of personal development that can help you live to your full potential. Remember that relaxation is good for you.

THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL

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Week of AUGUST 10, 2018 21 March to 20 April

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

Astrology.com

23 September to 22 Oct Your directness over the weekend gets a positive response, but you may not be ready for what comes next.

You’re a great flirt, but don’t use suggestive innuendo unless you’re ready to act on it.

23 October to 21 Nov There could be some communication difficulties now. There could be problems with people who seem domineering and unwilling to find the middle ground. Certain ideas or approaches could seem unfair or threaten your pride.

22 November to 21 Dec Get out and explore all that life has to offer, from the emotional to the physical to the spiritual. It’s imperative to go with the flow when it comes to the changes on your money front. They aren’t bad, but they will require some patience.

22 December to 20 Jan If you have to work late, don’t forget to look after your body. If you’re out socializing, drink more water than usual. It would help if you cut back on caffeine so you can sleep well in between your very active waking hours.

21 January to 19 Feb There is a lot going on in your relationship zone this month, with a solar eclipse in this sector developing this week. If emotions feel more powerful than usual, the eclipse could be the reason.

20 February to 20 Mar Your lifestyle sector is also highlighted this week, with a solar eclipse encouraging you to take your well-being more seriously. This is very much a time to let go of bad habits and adopt more life-enhancing ones.

ACROSS 1. Téa Leoni as ____ Secretary 6. Lending letters 9. Cat-headed Egyptian goddess 13. Round openings in architecture 14. Pilot’s estimate 15. Short tale 16. Deprived of a limb, e.g.

17. Popular pickup 18. Revolving mechanism 19. *L in LMC 21. Peninsula with Portugal 23. Not a win nor a loss 24. Lou of The Velvet Underground 25. The ____ Four 28. Unpleasant road display 30. Authoritative declaration 35. The 15th of March 37. Rubik’s puzzle 39. *Sorority letter 40. Pinocchio’s lie detector 41. Do-re-do-re-do-re-do-re, e.g.

43. Same as alighted 44. Perpendicular to the keel 46. Major in the sky 47. Condoleezza ____ 48. *Varsity award 50. *Multiple choice challenge 52. *Where Driver’s Ed occurs 53. Richie ____ 55. *Standard aptitude assessment 57. *”Sideways Stories from ____ School” 61. *Hall order keeper 65. George Clooney’s recurring character 66. Shakespearean “fuss” 68. Heating outlet cover 69. Muse of love poetry 70. Confession subject 71. All the words in a language 72. Withered 73. Id’s partner 74. Same as #30 Across

DOWN 1. Gangster’s gal 2. Berry high in antioxidants 3. Avoid these mistakes 4. Red or orange announcement 5. Somewhere above ground 6. Bald eagle’s nest 7. *Parents+teachers, acr.

8. China Grass 9. Uncouth one 10. Not in favor 11. Roofed colonnade 12. Seaside bird 15. *Extra of it can help students 20. Act against 22. Made in the morning?

24. Spring event 25. *Type of assessment 26. Acrobat maker 27. Continually annoy 29. Buddhist teacher 31. Burn to a crisp 32. Denoting the final end or purpose 33. Carthage’s ancient rival 34. *Alma ____ 36. *Assigned spot 38. More 42. Rodeo rope 45. Breed of sheep prized for wool 49. Free 51. Hair knot 54. This and desist 56. Clichéd 57. Things to lament 58. Homesteader’s measure 59. *180 days, in most states 60. Fill to satisfaction 61. Kissing disease?

62. De Niro’s ride, 1976 63. Like an ear infection 64. None of this for the weary 67. Like a lot

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