Voice of Asia E-paper December 7, 2018

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America mourns former US president George H. W. Bush

June 12, 1924 - Nov. 30, 2018

VOICE OF ASIA

FRIDAY, 7, 2018 InDecember Section 2 l HEALTHLINE Things to know about Medigap policies

l BOLLYWOOD Priyanka and Nick wed!

l BUSINESS

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Vol. 32 No. 48 • FRIDAY, December 7, 2018 Published Weekly from Houston 24 Pages (2 sections) 50 cents 713-774-5140 • E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Washington sets aside divisions for Bush state funeral

by Michael Mathes

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | 12/5/2018 - A divided Washington led by the nation's five living presidents put on a show of unity Wednesday at the poignant state funeral of George

H.W. Bush, as America bade farewell to its 41st president.

Donald and Melania Trump shared a front row pew at Washington National Cathedral with past presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives as an honor guard

brought Bush's flag-draped casket into the packed prayer hall.

George W. Bush delivered a rousing and deeply personal eulogy -- at times punctuated by laughter -- as he sang the praises of his father and prede-

cessor as commander-in-chief, who died Friday at age 94.

"He was born with just two settings -- full throttle, then sleep," Bush said. "To us, his was the brightest of a thouContinued on Page 12

Former US president George W. Bush speaks at the State Funeral for his father, former US president George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. (Alex Brandon/AFP)

Renu Khator, Tilman Fertitta inducted into UH Athletics Hall of Honor UH President and Chairman of the UHS Board of Regents honored at private opening celebration of Fertitta Center

Tilman Fertitta and Renu Khator cut the ribbon together at center court.

by Chris Stipes HOUSTON - November 30, 2018 - University of Houston President Renu Khator joined Tilman Fertitta, chairman of the University of Hous-

ton System Board of Regents, as the newest members of the UH Athletics Hall of Honor.

Continued on Page 7

(L-R): President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, listen as former President George W. Bush speaks during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral for former President George H.W. Bush, December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo:Alex Brandon / AFP)

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he death of former President George H.W. Bush is cause to honor a man who made it possible for all Americans to breathe cleaner air. It also reminds us that partisan politics need not obstruct progress toward a healthier environment.

The historic Clean Air Amendments of 1990 would not have happened without the leadership of the late president Bush. Together with Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell — “the two Georges” — the Bush administration and Congress took on the hard work of crafting legislation to update the Clean Air Act, building on its strengths and repairing weaknesses that had emerged since 1970.

In 1990, smog-choked American cities. Around the United States, 98 areas were violating clean air standards for ozone.

Power plants and other industries emitted more than 23 million tons of sulfur oxides into the air each year, creating acid rain problems in the East. Toxic air pollutants were largely uncontrolled, and automobiles had still not met the reduction standards required in 1970.

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments changed all this.

Even measured against a tighter standard, today only 52 areas exceed the standard, 39 of

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George H.W. Bush put environment above politics — we should too these just barely. Sulfur oxide emissions have decreased by almost 90 percent, toxic air emissions have declined by 68 percent, and automobile pollution has dropped dramatically.

This all happened even though our Gross Domestic Product has almost doubled, we drive 50 percent more mile, and our population has grown by a third. It produced cleaner air, more mobility and a stronger economy — not bad for bipartisan collaboration.

We still face daunting challenges. Not every community has benefitted equally from cleaner air. Our changing climate brings greater health and economic risks from droughts, torrential rains, and rising seas.

A growing world population requires new, renewable sources of energy along with sustainable sources of clean water and healthy food. Technology has provided amazing, costeffective solutions to our clean air challenges, but we must do more to foster the innovations needed for a sustainable world.

The success of the 1990

Clean Air Act Amendments should nonetheless give us hope. They passed not because there was any lack of divisive issues or partisan positions.

The amendments passed because people recognized they could address their own concerns only as part of a larger effort. They passed because thoughtful representatives acknowledged, in the face of compelling science, that the risks of inaction were greater than the risks of action. They passed because people were willing to compromise, keeping the perfect from becoming the enemy of the good. Most importantly, they passed because our country had leaders who placed the needs of the whole nation first.

Bush was such a leader, along with such colleagues as EPA Administrator William Reilly, White House Counsel Boyden Gray, Sens. George Mitchell and Alan Simpson, and Reps.

Henry Waxman, John Dingell and Phil Sharp. When I tell this story to my students, they can scarcely believe it. The only

Most recent court order on immigration will have serious unintended consequences

By Nolan Rappaport

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The Justice Department issued an interim final rule (rule) which makes aliens who cross the Mexican border illegally ineligible for asylum. It is supposed to implement President Donald Trump's proclamation that suspends the entry of the illegal crossers, which he issued pursuant to his authority under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The Supreme Court upheld Trump’s use of section 212(f) as authority for his Travel Ban Order, holding that section 212(f) “exudes deference to the President in every clause.

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world they know is one where the environment has become a bitter, partisan wedge issue.

This is a tragedy. If any concern can unite us, it is to make our planet sustainable for our children. Those of us who saw the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments unfold need to keep repeating the tale. It tells us that progress is possible, that truly patriotic leadership can make good things happen, and that we, within our political system, are not hopeless victims but agents of transformative power.

Bush wanted to be “the environmental President.” History will give him credit as a good and faithful servant. We the people should honor that legacy by renewing our commitment to — and insistence on — leadership that aims at nothing less.

A. Stanly Meiburg served as acting deputy administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency from 2014-2017. He is the director of Graduate Studies in Sustainability at Wake Forest University.

a hearing before an immigration judge at which their applications would be denied.

It is possible that when the proclamation is terminated, a court will find that the termination materially affects asylum eligibility and therefore that the bar to future asylum applications no longer applies.

But the third paragraph provides that no court shall have jurisdiction to review any determination on the exceptions.

The courts, therefore, will not be able to reinstate asylum eligibility on this or on any other basis.

he legal maze facing asylum seekers at the Southern border has become even more convoluted. A recent federal court order that suspended the Justice Department regulation making illegal crossers ineligible for asylum opens up additional Catch-22 conundrums.

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It will be up to Trump to decide whether aliens whose applications are denied on account of the proclamation will be able to file another asylum application when the proclamation is lifted.

Indefinite detention It entrusts to the President the decisions whether and when to suspend entry, whose entry to suspend, for how long, and on what conditions.”

issued an order enjoining a regulation that protected illegal crossers from serious, unintended consequences.

Immigration advocacy organizations filed a motion asking a U.S. District Court in Northern California to stop the rule from going into effect.

Illegal crossers who are apprehended at or near the border are placed in expedited removal proceedings.

The parties agreed that the proclamation did not render any alien ineligible for asylum.

District Judge Jon S. Tigar found, therefore, that the case did not present the question of whether section 212(f) authorizes the president to directly limit asylum eligibility, so he did not include the proclamation in his decision.

This was a mistake. Although the proclamation doesn’t say that it is making the illegal crossers ineligible for asylum, it prevents them from getting relief of any kind that would allow them to enter the United States.

Judge Tigar granted a temporary restraining order which prohibits any action to continue the implementation of the rule and requires a return to the pre-rule practices for processing asylum applications.

My former congressional colleague Andrew Arthur has argued persuasively that the restraining order should not have been issued. He may be right, but Judge Tigar’s decision isn’t likely to be reversed until the case gets to the Supreme Court.

Arthur also points out that according to information in Wikipedia, Judge Tigard does not have much experience with immigration law.

This would explain why he

Statutory ineligibility

Judge Tigar’s restoration of pre-rule practices for processing asylum applications means that the illegal crossers will not be prevented from establishing a credible fear of persecution in the expedited removal proceedings, which will entitle them to an asylum hearing before an immigration judge.

But the immigration judge will have to deny their applications because asylum would permit then to enter the United States – and the proclamation bars their entry.

Moreover, the denial will make them statutorily ineligible for asylum if they file another asylum application later.

Why? The first paragraph in the asylum provisions states that any alien who is physically present in the United States may apply for asylum, but the second paragraph provides three exceptions.

One of the exceptions states that asylum is not available to an alien who has filed a previous application that was denied, unless he can show a change in circumstances which materially affects his eligibility for asylum.

The rule that Judge Tigar suspended would have avoided this problem by preventing the asylum seekers from getting to

Illegal crossers, however, may be able to avoid persecution by applying for withholding of removal.

Relief under the withholding provision just prohibits sending an alien to a country where it is more likely than not that he would be persecuted. Consequently, withholding would not violate the entry prohibition in the proclamation.

The relief would apply only to the alien who is at risk of being persecuted. It would not include his spouse or children.

The proclamation, nevertheless, would be a serious problem for aliens who are granted withholding. It would prevent them from being released from detention while arrangements are being made to find a suitable country that is willing to take them, and that may not even be possible, depending on the case.

Asylum seekers who go to ports of entry instead of making an illegal crossing are experiencing problems. Nevertheless, it might be wise to try at least some of the ports of entry before resorting to an illegal crossing.

Nolan Rappaport was detailed to the House Judiciary Committee as an executive branch immigration law expert for three years. He subsequently served as an immigration counsel for the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims for four years. Prior to working on the Judiciary Committee, he wrote decisions for the Board of Immigration Appeals for 20 years.

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FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

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Nithyananda Yogis to Demonstrate Divine Superhuman Powers in Houston

His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda

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n Saturday, December 8, 2018, the Nithyananda YogisSM , initiated disciples of HH Paramahamsa Nithyananda into Third Eye AwakeningSM, will be in Houston, TX, as part of a world tour, “NLighten 2018”. This one-day event, offered at no charge, at the Cullen Performance Hall at the University of Houston will feature the demonstration of various shaktis or spiritual powers.

In the original science of Yoga, problems in life (spiritual, mental, physical) are because of losing the natural state of connection to the source, the cosmos, and it is this space of oneness to this source (Advaita) that leads to manifesting Shaktis (spiritual powers). From this state, anything can be moved with just the pure will.

Some of the spiritual powers demonstrated in this

event: Read and see blindfolded - Ability to see beyond 2 physical eyes which helps to perceive and act on many situations in our life at a higher level.

See far away things - Describing locations at great distances through remote vision from the Third Eye Power of X-Ray vision - Body Scanning human/ animal/ inanimate objects, revealing the source of problems and delivering solutions from the Third Eye Power of consciousness over matter - Ability to move objects through your will Live materialization of objects Akashic Readings - the mystical gateway to answers we seek about the past, present and future Nithyananda Sangha of Houston cordially invites

Yogis will be in Houston as part of the world tour, “NLighten 2018.” Below: Yogis performing at one their earlier events. everyone to be a part of this landmark event and conscious breakthrough for mankind.

His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda, is revered, regarded, respected as a living incarnation of super-consciousness by millions across the globe. He is also the spiritual head of the Mahanirvani Akhada, the oldest and largest apex body of Hinduism.

He and His Sangha (spiritual community) around the globe are serving humanity

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by reviving the Science of CompletionSM, Science of EnlightenmentSM, and manifesting various extraordinary spiritual powers as per the Vedic Agamic Tradition of Sanatana Hindu Dharma.

To register for the event, and a more detailed description of the event happenings, visit tiny.cc/nlighten.

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COMMUNITY

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FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

First-Ever Diwali Fireworks Show in San Francisco Makes History An estimated 10,000 people attend to usher in the Indian New Year

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“We were honored to have produced the Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Diwali Day at Pier 39” says Sandrine Vohra, CEO of MIKADO International, a global multicultural advertising agency. “Representation matters. Who tells your story and how they communicate your message matters, which is why it was so important for us to design an experience on such a public platform that fully represented the beauty and significance of the traditions around Diwali, from the diyas and dancing to the family fun and fireworks.”

AN FRANCISCO, CA - November 10th, 2018, marked a historical day as an estimated 10,000 excited children and nostalgic parents came out to experience the first-ever Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Diwali Day held at San Francisco’s iconic Pier 39 to commemorate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated

by Indians around the globe.

The family-friendly event culminated with a spectacular fireworks show, an especially meaningful element of the program since it is the traditional form of celebration in India.

While fireworks are commonly associated with major U.S. holidays such as the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, this was the first time they were launched over the San

Highlights from this year’s Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Diwali Day, including the 10-minute fireworks display, can be viewed on the event’s Facebook page. Professional photos available upon request.

ABOUT BROOKE BOND TAJ MAHAL TEA With over 50 years of experience, Brooke Bond Taj Mahal is one of India’s greatest refreshment brands, offering the finest premium teas. Its tea is made from carefully selected leaves from the choicest gardens of the Upper Assam, which give it an unmatched aroma and flavor. Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea

Spectacular fireworks display.

Francisco Bay to celebrate Diwali. It was a beautiful example of cultures coming together and an understandably proud moment for the over 350,000 Asian Indians that call San Francisco and the Bay Area home--making them the second largest population of Indians in the United States.

Not to be missed, close to 60,000 people tuned in via Facebook Live to view special moments from the event including the fireworks finale. Sponsored by Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea and produced by MIKADO International, the daylong event was free and open to the public, thoughtfully curated for the entire family to enjoy in the celebrations. In addition to savoring delicious tea sam-

plings from the Brooke Bond Taj Mahal tea cart throughout the day, attendees eagerly lined up to receive henna tattoos, paint personalized diyas (ceremonial clay oil lamps), go for a spin on the teacup ride, snap selfies for the photo mosaic wall and participate in a meet and greet with celebrity Bollywood dancer Manpreet Toor and comedian Rajiv Satyal.

The much anticipated fireworks display did not disappoint, lighting up the sky and the hearts of the tens of thousands of spectators on site and online. It was a memorable moment for all South Asians witnessing the recognition of a holiday so dear to them on display over the iconic San Francisco Bay.

TOP: Guests revel at the Diwali party. ABOVE: Thousands seen watching the grand ireworks

“Asian Indians are a strong, proud and culturally rich population with traditions that have not only survived, but continue to thrive outside of our motherland. We at Brooke Bond Taj Mahal are committed to ensuring South Asian immigrants feel at home, no matter where they live, which is why we are thrilled to have been able to provide the South Asian community of the Bay Area with an authentic Diwali celebration experience echoing the traditions

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Hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Bend Economic Development Council For Sponsorship Information Matthew Ferraro at 281-491-0277 or matthew@fortbendcc.org

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Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

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

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Have fun at Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Christmas Home Tour

R

ICHMOND - You can make a difference for children and get into the holiday spirit by purchasing tickets and attending the 27th annual Child Advocates of Fort Bend Christmas Home Tour which is set for Dec. 7 and 8.

The Christmas Home Tour features five private homes in Fort Bend County beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Neighborhoods and homes vary each year, so guests who have been to the Home Tour before are guaranteed to see something new each year.

One ticket allows entry to all homes during tour hours, allowing busy guests to see the Tour all at once or visit a few homes each day, depending on their schedule. The self-guided Tour runs Friday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Valet parking will be available at the homes in Alkire Lake and Sienna Point on Friday evening.

A complete list of ticket sales locations is available at www. cafb.org.

Nationally, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18 and it is estimated that only 1 in 10 ever tells anyone.

“The number of children and families served by our Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) increased 25 percent in 2017 alone and has increased 58 percent in the last five years. In fact, by Aug. 31, we had conducted more forensic interviews for children who made outcries of abuse than in all of 2017,” stated CEO Ruthanne Mefford. “By sponsoring or participating in the Home Tour, you can help us ensure that all child victims of abuse get the therapy and healing services they desperately need.”

The Home Tour is one of Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s larg-

the whole family

November 2019 targeted for the inaugural event.

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he City of Sugar Land has announced a partnership with Spectrum Catering and Concessions to research the creation of a large, family-friendly event that the entire Sugar Land community will enjoy, tentatively calling the event “Sugar Land Family Festival”.

Sponsorships are still available for $100 - $15,000. “All sponsors who are participating at the $375 level and above

“There is still time left to sponsor and to participate in our wreath raffle. Designers and talented individuals have donated 15 wreaths for our wreath raffle. You can view the wreaths and purchase tickets at www.cafb.org.

To become a sponsor or to volunteer or for more information go to https://www.cafb. org/events/home-tour or contact Lisa Moore at 281-3445108 or lmoore@cafb.org.

About Child Advocates of Fort Bend: Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending child abuse by providing a voice, healing the hurt, and breaking the cycle of child abuse in Fort Bend County. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASATM), Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates improves the lives of more than 400 children each month and has served more than 15,000 children since opening its doors in 1991.

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Eligible projects include those such as improvements to public parks, park facilities and public open spaces and must meet the following requirements.

• The project must be located within the city’s corporate limits and on public property, an easement or enhance or protect public property.

• The applicant must contribute at least 50

event. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Sweetest City in Texas and showcasing all that Sugar Land has to offer.”

Dave Smalley, Founder & CEO Spectrum Catering and Concessions, “It is an honor to be a foundational pillar of the effort to bring a world class

Nasrullah Manji, M.D., board-certified gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

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UGAR LAND - (November 29, 2018) High-calorie meals, decadent treats and festive drinks tempt people from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, inviting the fiery sensation of heartburn and the bitter taste of reflux as unwelcome guests to the holiday festivities.

Approximately 20 percent of Americans have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Nasrullah Manji, M.D., board-certified gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, explains how you can avoid this unpleasant sensation while partaking in holiday fun.

• Tight clothing – Our stomachs need room to digest food. Tight clothing, like skinny jeans and leggings, restricts the stomach from emptying properly. When that happens, acid builds up and you end up with reflux.

• Big meals – Instead of three big meals a day, eat four or five smaller portions throughout the day so your stomach has time to digest food. If you know you’re going to eat a big meal in one sitting, try to eat earlier than usual so you have time to digest properly.

• Alcohol – Not only is alcohol acidic, but when

SL4B Joint Capital Improvement Grant Program applications due Jan. 2 he Sugar Land 4B Corporation is seeking applications for its Joint Capital Improvement Grant Program available to community-based organizations.

Tel: 713-774-5140

Enjoying the holiday New family friendly season heartburn free Sugar land event for

est fundraisers. In fact, 94 percent of the money raised by the tour goes toward programs and services.

are invited to the Sponsor Party prior to the Home Tour.” stated Moore. “New this year, our Sponsor Party will be held at The Design Firm. If you haven’t been there before (and even if you have), you’re in for a real treat. There are rooms and rooms of displays in every corner. Between the catering by Churassco’s, a beautiful dessert display, homemade macarons and a festive signature cocktail - you won’t want to miss this party!”

percent (and must provide proof of financial ability to share the cost).

• The applicant cannot have started the project or expended funds on any component of the project for which it is seeking funding through the Joint CIP participation program.

• The budget for the fiscal year 2019 program is $200,000, with a max of $75,000 awarded per project.

The Sugar Land 4B Corporation was approved

by City Council and established as a non-profit corporation in February 1995 to promote, assist and enhance economic development activities and quality-of-life opportunities within the city of Sug-

digested it creates even more acid in our stomachs. By adding a lot of alcohol to a large, fatty holiday meal, you have a recipe for acid reflux.

• Skip the after-dinner mints – Peppermint relaxes the muscles between the stomach and esophagus, which can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. While reflux triggers vary from person to person, other common triggers include tomato-based products, citrus fruits and juices, spicy cuisine, high-fat foods, chocolate and caffeinated beverages.

• Chew gum – Chewing gum stimulates acid-neutralizing saliva production.

The more you swallow, the more the saliva helps to clear acid from the esophagus.

• Take a short walk – While it’s tempting to lie down after indulging in a holiday feast, the best thing for preventing reflux is a postmeal walk to help gastric juices flow properly. Try to wait at least two hours after eating before lying down to allow time for food to go down.

To schedule an appointment with Nasrullah Manji, M.D. or another gastroenterologist in your area, call 281.274.7500. For more information on Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital visit houstonmethodist.org/ sugarland or visit fb.com/ methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

ar Land. Projects are funded by a portion of sales tax approved by voters for economic development purposes. By law, they may not be used for other purposes.

For more information and to apply, visit http://sugarlandecodev.com/CIP.

The Crown Festival Park site at Sugar Land.

The festival is looking for feature entertainment options, celebrities, interactive games, rides, media partnerships, sponsor activation booths and concessions.

Spectrum has determined that the best date to produce the inaugural festival is November 2-3, 2019. Spectrum feels this is a great weekend for several reasons: it is the weekend after Halloween, but also far enough out from Thanksgiving to provide room to differentiate and invite patrons.

Current plans are to produce the festival at The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, the city’s newest destination venue, created by the City of Sugar Land specifically with the purpose of hosting large festivals and community events. It is a total of 52 acres of beautiful, open land, located at 18355 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479. It is in close proximity to the Smart Financial Centre and the University of Houston at Sugar Land.

Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman commented, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Spectrum Catering and Concessions in bringing this regional, family-friendly event to The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land. This event will not only benefit the Sugar Land community, but also Fort Bend County and southwest Houston. Our 52-acre festival site easily accommodates thousands of visitors, making it the perfect destination for an

family festival to Sugar Land that so represents the values of this community. We know we can count on Sugar Land’s businesses to support, push and ignite this uplifting community event.”

In business since 1992, Spectrum offers full event production. From creation to fulfillment, the vision comes to life. Clients include Cirque DU Soleil’s North American Touring Hospitality Provider since 2000, NFL Super Bowl, Major League Baseball All Star Game, PGA Tour, NCAA Final Four March Madness, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival and Freedom over Texas (Houston’s 4th of July Celebration).

In addition to securing a title sponsor, non-profit will be a key theme of the festival. Spectrum in conjunction with the title sponsor will be reviewing opportunities with local organizations on being a partner of the festival program. The goal would be to find a non-profit partner that could help with the development of the event, as well as receive much needed funding and marketing.

For information on title sponsorship and non-profit opportunity contact Tony Terwilliger at Spectrum Catering and Concessions, via email at tterwilliger@spectrumfcs.com or direct at his office via phone at (713) 897-8235.

- Spectrum/Strike

It's time to kick off your Rosenberg Christmas Nights 2018 will be a Christmas to remember in Rosenberg. The event has something for the whole family, and most importantly it's FREE.

T

here may not be snow in Rosenberg, Texas, but that doesn't mean we won't be having winter-time fun at Rosenberg Christmas Nights, a FREE event put on by the Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with premiere sponsor Finnegan Auto Group, Rosenberg Main Street Program, the Cultural

Arts District, and thanks to our many additional local sponsors.

This year, the two-day event is kicking off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7th, with the lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown. Visitors will get to experience brand new activities as well as traditional favorites.

One of the new features will be a snow slide, making dreams of a white Christmas possible.

Back by popular demand is an ice-skating rink, trackless train rides, and paint-ball.

Tickets are $65 and this event always sells out. For tickets call Carrie Kmiec at (832) 5953523.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

Key Note Address: 9th World Gene Convention, Singapore, 2018 Ethical and Social issues in Genomics Research and Synthetic Biology

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Mending: Craft and Community Selections from the Museum’s Collection

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December 8, 2018–June 9, 2019

his exhibition showcases mending as an act of transformation by artists working in a wide range of craft-based materials. Through 28 objects drawn from the Museum’s collection, Mending: Craft and Community examines both formal and metaphorical examples RIGHT: Tanya Aguiñiga, Mend, 2015, cotton, wool, and copper-electroplated epoxy clay, (© Tanya Aguiña) of mending created in the past four decades, revealing techniques and personal stories in works that weave together dominant narratives of race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Dr. Krishna Dronamraju delivering his keynote address.

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r. Krishna Dronamraju, President of the Foundation for Genetic Research in Houston, recently delivered the Keynote address to the 9th World Gene Convention in Singapore.

Genome sequencing and genome studies have raised fears of ethical, legal, social and medical concerns with no satisfactory solutions in sight.

Foremost among these are the risks of discrimination, public exposure of private records with the consequent fears of possible blackmail, loss of income and employment, loss of insurance protection and medical coverage, exposure of confidential information which could result in divorce and disruption of family life, social stigma, embarassment, and possible legal actions and other complications.

When an individual undergoes whole genome sequencing, they reveal information about not only their own DNA sequences, but also about probable DNA sequences of their close genetic relatives.

This information can further reveal useful predictive information about the present and future health risks of relatives.

Hence, there are important questions about what obligations, if any, are owed to the family members of the individuals who are undergoing genetic testing. A major ethical dilemma can develop when the patients refuse to share information on a diagnosis that is made for serious genetic disorder that is highly preventable and where there is a high risk to relatives carrying the same disease mutation.

Privacy concerns can also

arise when whole genome sequencing is used in scientific research studies.

Are individuals participating in research studies free to leave anytime during the investigation of their family?

Are they free to communicate the results to anyone outside or inside the family? How can they handle discrimination in employment and insurance coverage because of their genetic disease?

These issues were discussed in his Keynote Address to the 9th World Gene Convention in Singapore by Dr. Krishna Dronamraju. He is the President of the Foundation for Genetic Research in Houston and a Visiting Professor of the University of Paris. He is the author of 22 books and numerous research publications in Genetics and Biotechnology.

Highlights include Mend (2015), a large fiber work by artist Tanya Aguiñiga created from cotton, wool, and clay, reflecting motherhood and community among women; Jaydan Moore’s Platter #4 (2012), an eight-foot-long silver-plate platter made of cut apart and reassembled serving trays; and Joyce Scott’s “Danger Done” Neckpiece (1994) of found beads and beaded black figures that comment on stereotypes of black identity. The international and U.S. artists included in the exhibition range from masters in the field of studio craft such as Therman Statom and Léopold Foulem to a younger generation including Jennifer Ling Datchuk and Aaron McIntosh.

Location The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Caroline Wiess Law Building / Alice Pratt Brown Gallery

ABOVE: Joyce J. Scott, “Danger Done” Neckpiece, Funding This exhibition is or- 1994, glass beads, found obganized by the Museum of Fine jects, and thread, the Museum Arts, Houston. of Fine Arts, Houston, Helen 1001 Bissonnet Street

Williams Drutt Collection, Museum purchase funded by the Morgan Foundation in honor of Catherine Asher Morgan. (© Joyce J. Scott)

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VOICE OF ASIA 7

HCC Weekend College wins prestigious state award

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Renu Khator, Tilman Fertitta inducted into UH ....

Continued from Page 1

HOUSTON (Dec. 4, 2018) - The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has selected the Houston Community College Weekend College for the 2018 Star Award.

The HCC Weekend College offers the opportunity for working adults to receive an associate degree in two years by attending school only on Saturdays. Classes are offered in eight-week sessions. Students take two courses at a time and the entire two-year schedule is mapped out ahead of time.

“The coordinating board is proud to recognize HCC's Weekend College program that helps working adults efficiently complete a degree.

It supports Texas students and the state's 60x30TX plan," said Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes.

"There were many excellent programs to choose from among this year's Star Award finalists, but the judges unanimously agreed that this innovative HCC program and its potential to positively impact a great number of working adult students made it the decisive Star Award winner this year."

“This award affirms HCC’s commitment to creating innovative pathways to student success,” said Chancellor Cesar Maldonado. “I congratulate our Weekend College team for this recognition.”

The coordinating board received 36 nominations and 26 applications for this year's Star Award. The program recognizes exceptional contributions toward meeting one or more of the goals of 60x30TX: Increasing the postsecondary educational attainment level of the state's 25 to 34-year old population (Educated Population Goal).

Increasing the number of students completing a certificate, associate, bachelor's or master's from an institution of higher education in Texas (Completion Goal).

Increasing the number of programs with identified marketable skills at Texas public institutions of higher education (Marketable Skills Goal).

Implementing programs or cost efficiencies that help to ensure undergraduate student loan debt will not exceed 60 percent of first-year wages (Student

Debt Goal).

The Star Award was established in 2001. Winners are selected by a review committee consisting of coordinating board members, out-of-state higher education experts and Texas community leaders.

Representatives of institutions, organizations and groups from across Texas have been recognized for their efforts to develop and implement the state's most successful programs, projects, activities and partnerships. ### About HCC Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 15 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singlyaccredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities. To learn more, visit www.hccs. edu.

Both leaders were inducted during the private opening

celebration of the new Fertitta Center. Khator’s induction was an unexpected surprise for not only her, but also the hundreds of alumni, donors and Hall of Honor members in attendance.

Their unwavering commitment to success has been instrumental in the transformation of the UH Athletics program over the past decade. Facility upgrades for football, basketball, baseball, track, golf and more along with key personnel hires and commitments from top tier recruits - have elevated success on the playing field. Over a quarter of a billion dollars has been invested in upgrading athletics facilities since Khator took office in 2008 (Fertitta was appointed to the UHS Board of Regents in 2009 and has been chairman since 2014).

“Successful athletics helps drive student success which is a top priority,” said Khator. “It’s really important to have quality facilities to help our coaches recruit the best student-athletes.

The transformation has been incredible.”

Since 2008 UH Athletics has: • Made 103 NCAA postseason

Rothko Chapel annnounces Board of Directors fully interconnects art, spirituality, and compassionate action through a broad array of free public programs.

Founded by HousMichael Piana

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OUSTON, TX (December 5, 2018) – David Leslie, executive director of the Rothko Chapel, announced that Michael Piana was elected by the Rothko Chapel Board of Directors to serve as board chair. Piana replaces Christopher Rothko, PhD, who had served in that role for the past five years. Piana is the president of Mrp Resources. Additional officers elected include Ernesto Maldonado, secretary; and Dolly H. Brenneman, treasurer. Maldonado is an architect and founding partner of GSMA. Brenneman is the president of Brenneman Consulting.

New members joining the board are Melanie Lawson, an award-winning journalist who currently serves as the coanchor of Live at 5 and Eyewitness News for Channel 13 KTRK-TV, and Chao-Chiung (C.C.) Lee, AIA, the founder and president of Houstonbased STOA International Architects, Inc. Other board members continuing their service to the Rothko Chapel are Maconda O’Connor Abinader, architect and community volunteer; Sanford L. Dow, founding partner of Dow, Golub, Remels & Gilbreath PLLC; Kristina Van Dyke Fort, research assistant professor at the Honors College, University of Houston; Ludmila R. Golovine, founder and president/CEO of MasterWord Services Inc.; Karen Rosa, vice president and executive director of the Altman Foundation; Michele J. Sabino, Ed.D., development consultant at Harris County Drug Court Foundation; Joyce Salhoot, member of Houston Hospice Board of Directors and retired health care administrator; Aziz Saibani, M.D., neurologist associated with Baylor College of Medicine; Carol Mancusi-Ungaro Steen, associate director for Conservation and Research, Whitney Museum of American Art, and founding director of the Center for the Technical Study of Modern Art, Harvard Art Museum; and honorary director Frances T. Farenthold.

About Rothko Chapel The Rothko Chapel is open to the public every day of the year at no charge. It is a contemplative space that success-

ton philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary. Today it stands as a monument to art, spirituality, and human rights.

As an independent non-profit,

non-governmental organization, the Chapel depends on contributions from foundations and individuals to support its mission of creating a space for contemplation and dialogue on important issues.

Renu Khator's reaction after the surprise announcement that she was being inducted into the UH Athletics Hall of Honor. team and individual appearances • Won 34 team conference championships • Won five NCAA individual national championships (Two Diving; Two Men’s Indoor Track & Field; One Outdoor Men’s Track & Field) • Won two NCAA relay national championships (Two Men’s Outdoor Track & Field) The football program opened TDECU Stadium in 2014 and won the American Athletic Conference championship and the Peach Bowl the following season. Basketball dedicated the Guy V. Lewis Development Facility in 2016 and two years later the men’s basketball team won its first NCAA Tournament game in 34 years and nearly advanced to the Sweet 16, while the women’s team competed in the NIT. In addition, with the opening of the Ellen and Dominic Ng Academic Center of Excellence, student-athletes are being trained to be even better leaders in their homes and in their communities.

“One of the ways you build brand awareness is through your

athletics department. It’s a proven fact that if you have winning athletics, money pours back into the university and our chancellor and president Renu Khator understands that,” said Fertitta.

Fertitta’s $20 million gift - the largest individual donation ever to UH Athletics - helped transform the UH basketball arena into a modern-day sports venue.

The former Hofheinz Pavilion was gutted beginning in spring 2017 and the $60 million transformation was completed in November 2018.

The refreshed facility seats 7,100 and features a premium club area and a courtside club.

The reconfigured bowl has midcourt seating locations closer to game action with floor-level seating for UH students opposite the team benches. Renovations include a new audio system, sports lighting and video boards, as well as new concession stands and expanded restrooms.

The UH men’s basketball team will host the University of Oregon at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in the first game played at the new Fertitta Center.

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy honored Tulsi Gabbard to hear from

by US Congressmen as a “Global Indian-Americans on possiChampion of Resuscitation” bility of a Hindu running for

US presidency in 2020

by Ajay Ghosh

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r.Vemuri S. Murthy, a well-known resuscitation educator and trainer, a veteran US and international volunteer of the American Heart Association (AHA) for more than three decades, and current faculty member of the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois @ Chicago, was honored by the US Congressmen Honorable Danny K. Davis (Democratic US Congressman, Illinois District 7) and Honorable Peter J.Roskam (Republican US Congressman, Illinois District 6) with a Medal of US Congress as a Global Champion of Resuscitation.

The award was presented at the 38th Annual Gala Banquet of the Indian American Medical Association, Illinois in Willow Brook, IL on November 17, 2018. The Medal was presented by the two Congressmen with the plaque (citation) signed by them “in recognition of his life's mission to enhance the Global Resuscitation Outcomes with ongoing community and physician education and training”.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” Dr. Murthy said in a statement, in response to being chosen to receive this honor. “I believe it recognizes the efforts of millions of global volunteers and many organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) that dedicate themselves to saving precious lives that would otherwise be lost to sudden cardiac arrest.” AHA has recognized him for “outstanding support and contributions in advancing the mission of the AHA”.

Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) lauded Dr. Murthy’s commitment to Global Resuscitation Outcomes. “He is the Chairman of AAPI Global CPR Ad Hoc Committee for a life-saving global health project of AAPI initiated in 2018 with a mission to enhance the

H

W

ASHINGTON: PTI |Nov 30, 2018 - Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, is seeking views from eminent IndianAmericans from across the country on the possibility of a Hindu running for American presidency amid reports that she is considering to run for the White House in 2020.

Those familiar with the 37-year-old Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii said that a formal announcement could be weeks away or even before the end of the year.

If she announces her candidature, she would be the first ever Hindu to be seeking presidential ticket from either of the two major political parties of the US – Democratic and the Republican.

Dr.Vemuri S. Murthy (right) being presented the Medal of US Congress as a Global Champion of Resuscitation y US Congressmen: Danny K. Davis and Peter J.Roskam at the 38th Annual Gala Banquet of the Indian American Medical Association, November 17, 2018. outcomes after sudden cardiac arrests in the US and India through ongoing community hands-only CPR training and AED awareness with multiorganizational affiliations, Dr. Parikh said. “AAPI is proud to represent thousands of U.S. physicians of Indian origin who make contributions to the motherland and to the adopted homeland,” he added.

Dr. Murthy, who is considered “a pioneer of resuscitation education in Indian Medical Colleges” for initiating mandatory resuscitation training courses in all medical colleges affiliated with Dr. NTR University of Medical Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, has commended AAPI for its life-saving Community CPR training project for India

and the US and thanked members of the CPR Committee.

Dr. Murthy, a life-member of AAPI for several years, has been a speaker at the CME events and conducted the first AAPI-AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification Program in Ahmedabad, India in 2014 as the Chairman of the AAPI-AHA liaison committee.

“I am thankful to the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the Chicago Medical Society, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, the Indian American Medical Association, Illinois, and several other organizations in the U.S. and India for their commitment to Community CPR training,” said Dr. Murthy.

On Thursday, over half-adozen eminent Hindu-Americans wrote an email to some of the top members of the community from across the country to share their "thoughts" with Gabbard on "the possibility of a Hindu running for the US Presidency" for the first time in history and the "impact" that could have on the HinduAmerican community at large.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images community and what kind of logistics or voluntary support the community can provide to her in case she decides to run.

An Iraq war veteran, Gabbard, herself has maintained silence on this issue, but her team has been touching bases with potential supporters across the country. The just concluded November midterm polls that elected a record number of women to the Congress seems to be a motivating factor as this indicates the desire of the Americans to have more women in elected offices.

According to a copy of the email, Gabbard, who was this month re-elected for her fourth consecutive term in the House of Representatives with a record margin, is expected to be in a listening mode.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown is the only Democratic leader to have come closer to announce the presidential bid.

Along with Gabbard, there are more than a dozen other Democrats who are seen as a potential 2020 candidate for the party.

During a conference call, scheduled for Sunday, community members are expected to share their thoughts with Gabbard on the possibility and chances of a Hindu woman running for American presidency.

After a grilling primary that begins in early 2020 and lasts for about six months, the Democratic presidential nominee would be challenging incumbent Donald Trump in the November 2020 presidential elections.

In addition, they are also expected to talk about the fund-raising potential of the

Among other potential Democratic candidates are Indianorigin Senator Kamala Harris,

Arya Samaj Houston honored as model Arya Samaj of the World

OUSTON - Arya Samaj Houston is in jubilation mood, having won another feather in its cap. The worldwide movement of Arya Samaj founded

by Maharshi Dayanand, to raise intellectual, moral and spiritual stature of humankind is well coordinated by its apex body in Delhi, called Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.

The apex leadership began to organize a large-scale annual gathering from the year 2006 in Delhi, shifting to a different country every year but returning to Delhi every 6 years in the age-old tradition of Kumbh Mela (Fair). So, 2012 also saw a huge gathering in Delhi, followed by the recent one during October 25 to 28, 2018.

•DAV Montessori School, a regular elementary school •DAV Sanskriti School, the Sunday school The contingent from Arya Samaj Houston attended the Delhi gathering with great enthusiasm led by Dev & Sushma Mahajan who pioneered its continuous rise since inception. One afternoon session in the main hall began with the handover of an illuminating shield to Dev Mahajan witnessed by the cheering crowd of about 100,000. Yes, you read it right – the figure is one hundred thousand from all over the globe. The statistics of the gathering are mind blowing: •Two hundred thousand people attended the 4-day event, ferried from airports and train stations at no cost, provided room and food at no cost

It would be a big dilemma for Indian-Americans if both Senator Harris and Congresswoman announce their candidacy.

Another Indian-American Nikki Haley, the outgoing US Ambassador to the UN, has already said that she is not running for 2020 presidency and that she would support Trump in his re-election bid.

However, political pundits say her eyes are on 2024 presidential election. She is highly popular across the nation and considered to be a rising star of the Republican party.

Bobby Jindal, the two-term former governor of Louisiana was the first Indian-American to have ever entered the presidential race. Jindal, who converted to Christianity in childhood, was unable to make an impact despite the best of his effort and withdrew from the race as Trump's campaign gained momentum. Both Harris and Haley are now Christians.

Gabbard, who converted to Hinduism early in her life, is highly popular among IndianAmericans and has nurtured this constituency quite well ever since she announced her candidacy to run for House of Representatives from Hawaii in 2012.

Gabbard is not an Indian. She was born in American Samoa to a Catholic father (Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard) and her mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, is of Caucasian descent who professes Hinduism. Gabbard moved to Hawaii when she was two and embraced Hinduism as a teenager and is well-versed in the scriptures.

Currently she is the Co-Chair of the powerful House Caucus for India and Indian Americans.

Her first visit to India was only after she was elected to the US House of Representatives.

In the 2016 presidential elections, she had supported Bernie Sanders and had even quit the Democratic National Committee to endorse the Senator from Vermont.

Her book, "Is Today the Day? Not Another Political Memoir" is scheduled to come out early next year. Sunday's conference with a select group of IndianAmericans would be her first serious engagement with the community on her presidential run.

Arya Samaj Houston was recognized as the Model Arya Samaj among thousands of units worldwide for immaculate functioning and wideranging contribution, principally through: •Vedic education via Sunday morning assemblies

who as of now is seen to have a much wider base and support in the party than Gabbard, the 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton and Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, in addition to the former Vice President Joe Biden.

Arya Samaj Houston honored as Model Arya Samaj of the World 2018.

•3.3 million square foot of covered area in the main hall and other 19 halls holding parallel events to every taste

the icing on the cake was the only song that was presented in presence of the president; its lyrics by our own, director of the Sanskriti School, Acharya Kavitaji, dedicated to Rishi Dayanand. Another noteworthy event was a specialist 4-day workshop on Vedic Unified Theory of Matter & Consciousness for the foreign delegates, conceived and designed by our own Acharya HarishChandraji that ran parallel, in a separate nearby venue.

•35,000 people stayed in the makeshift tents in the public ground with individual beds •About 2000 people from 32 countries were accommodated in star hotels for free •10,000 individuals performed Havan in unison, a spectacular site at dusk, a new world record, witnessed by the Guinness Book team •A large-scale event without a single untoward incident Arya Samaj Houston made its presence felt in more ways than the above recognition.

The event was inaugurated by the president of India and we were told that the president attended for the first time an

President Kovind inaugrates International Arya Mahasammelan-2018 at New Delhi event in the public ground; what an exception he made to Arya Samaj to express his grat-

itude that it was Arya Samaj and its premier educational institute in Kanpur (DAV Col-

lege) that provided his education when he hailed from a family with meager means. And,

ASGH can be reached at http:// aryasamajhouston.org or https://davss.aryasamajhouston.org/ or director.davss@ aryasamaj.org Acharya Dr. Harish Chandra Ved-Ratna

ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 10

Hong Kong cardinal defends Occupy protest leaders in court

Two Koreas start landmark journey for railway reconnection

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by Park Chan-kyong

S

EOUL, South Korea | AFP | Friday 11/30/2018 - A South Korean train crossed into North Korea on Friday for the first time in a decade -- packed with engineers on a mission to upgrade the North’s dilapidated rail tracks and create a linked, cross-border network.

Connecting up the railway systems was one of the agreements made earlier this year in a key meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South's President Moon Jae-in.

It marked the first time in a decade that a train from the South entered North Korea.

TV footage on Friday showed a red, white and blue train -displaying a banner reading "Iron Horse is now running toward the era of peace and prosperity" -- pull away from the South's Dorasan station, the nearest terminal from the western part of the inter-Korean border.

"This signals the start of coprosperity of the North and the South by reconnecting railways," Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee said.

She added the railway reconnection would help expand the country's "economic territory" to Eurasia by land, as the division of the Korean peninsula has left South Korea geopolitically cut off from the continent for many decades.

The six-carriage train is transporting 28 South Koreans including railway engineers and other personnel, and carrying 55 tonnes of fuel and an electricity generator.

There is a passenger coach, a sleeping coach, an office coach and a wagon loaded with water for showers and laundry.

When it arrives at Panmun

ONG KONG, China | AFP | Wednesday 12/5/2018 - An outspoken Hong Kong cardinal Wednesday defended leading democracy campaigners on trial over massive 2014 rallies which paralysed parts of the city, praising their commitment to peaceful protest.

Joseph Zen, the former Bishop of Hong Kong, is wellknown for his vocal opposition to political oppression in China and his support for democratic reform.

Testifying as a witness of character, he said he believed civil disobedience was a "reasonable approach" and felt "ashamed" that he did not endure the pepper spray and tear gas that many demonstrators faced.

The rallies lasted 79 days and made international headlines but ultimately failed to win political reform.

Sociology professor Chan Kin-man, 59, law professor Benny Tai, 54, and baptist minister Chu Yiu-ming, 74, are on trial on public nuisance charges over their role in the Umbrella Movement protests.

They founded the "Occupy Central" movement in 2013, calling for the occupation of Hong Kong's business district if the public was not given a fair vote for the city's leader, who is appointed by a pro-Beijing committee.

Their campaign was overtaken by a student movement that exploded the following year when police fired tear gas on gathering crowds, who used umbrellas to shield themselves.

Zen said he thought the police's use of gas to disperse

Station -- the first North Korean terminal across the border -the six carriages will be linked up to a North Korean train, and the South Korean locomotive

An outspoken Hong Kong cardinal Wednesday defended leading democracy campaigners on trial over massive 2014 rallies which paralysed parts of the city, praising their commitment to peaceful protest. (AFP photo) crowds was "unwise" and worried it would fan public anger.

public", who were affected by the blockage of major roads.

"So I took a loudspeaker and said 'let's go home, we already won, don't stay here. (The government) were irrational, they used violence'. But of course, not many people listened to me," he said.

Defendant Chan Kin-man told the court last week how the three had tried to convey their wish for competitive elections by meeting with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, then chief secretary, before the mass rallies.

Zen told the court of the trio's dedication to the principles of peaceful protest.

"There was civil disobedience because for a long time the injustice in society still could not be corrected. Therefore I thought civil disobedience was a reasonable approach," he said.

He also recalled discussing his concerns with the Occupy leaders over how the protests would develop.

"It was like the students were leading it but didn't seem to be able to control the situation. It seemed like the trio no longer had the chance to give their opinions," he said.

The prosecution has argued that the mass protests caused a "common injury done to the

will return home.

As a gesture towards reconciliation, the two Koreas reconnected the western line in 2007

But instead of a discussion Lam had "only repeatedly asked us to end this movement as soon as possible".

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

China grain traders await lower tariffs before returning to US market

Man displays imported soybeans at a port in Nantong. (File photo/AFP)

B

EIJING (Reuters) China will need to drop its steep tariffs imposed on a range of American farm products earlier this year before it can fulfill its pledge to buy a "very substantial" amount of U.S. goods, said Chinese traders on Monday.

The three men are among nine pro-democracy defendants facing charges for their part in the protests.

China and the United States agreed on Saturday to refrain from setting additional tariffs that would further escalate a months-long trade war that has roiled global markets and halted sales of American soybeans to the world's top buyer.

The justice department has prosecuted leading activists from the 2014 protests, with some also barred from standing for office and others thrown out of the legislature.

The temporary truce on trade followed talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of a two-day gathering of world leaders in Argentina.

Most of those prosecuted so far have been young campaigners, but now it is the turn of the older generation whose original idea of taking to the streets to demand a fairer system was a precursor to the rallies.

The United States said that Beijing had promised to buy an unspecified but "very substantial" amount of agricultural, energy, industrial and other products, with purchases of farm goods to start "immediately".

and limited numbers of freight trains transported materials and goods to and from the Seoul-invested Kaesong industrial zone in the North for about a year.

But no substantial purchases can happen with a 25 percent duty still in place on U.S. soybeans, corn, sorghum and wheat, said buyers and analysts.

"How can you buy U.S. products if China does not reduce the tariffs? We haven't made

any move yet," said a trader with a major Chinese trading house. He declined to be identified as he was not allowed to be quoted by media.

China's tariffs on U.S. soybeans had earlier pushed the price of soybeans from Brazil, the world's top supplier, so high that Chinese buyers could have imported American soybeans and paid the tariff for less.

But that premium has been significantly eroded in recent weeks after China built up large soybean stocks, and demand for soymeal declined in the wake of an African swine fever epidemic ravaging the country's huge hog herd.

That has in turn made U.S. beans more than $60 per tonne more expensive than those from Brazil, which is due to begin harvesting a record crop in a few weeks time.

Muted reaction in both the Chicago and Dalian futures markets on Monday underlined the lack of incentives for new purchases.

Chicago Board of Trade soybeans rose less than 2 percent while Dalian soymeal futures closed down less than 1.4 percent.

"The market isn't impreconsultant at INTL FCStone, said.

Indian American Nurses Legacy Award (IANLA) Presented by

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Making the world hotter: India's expected AC explosion

by Jalees Andrabi

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With India's AC market expected to explode from 30 million to a billion units by 2050, the world's second-most populous country could become the planet's top user of electricity for cooling.

India is already the numberthree spewer of greenhouse gases, burning through 800 million tonnes of coal every year -- and the predicted AC boom could mean the country would have to triple its electricity production to meet demand, experts say.

tepping up his attack against the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday alleged that Kartarpur went to Pakistan at the time of inde-

An Indian worker on the production line in the Daikin air conditioning plant in Neemrana. (Photo: AFP / Money Sharma) But for the hundreds of millions of Indians enduring scorching, even deadly, summers, the air conditioners are a godsend.

"Summers make our life miserable," said Kumar, a 48-yearold laundryman earning $225 a month who this year installed an AC unit in his two-room house in the town of Behror in the baking-hot desert state of

Rajasthan.

"Sleeping for few hours is a struggle after a day's hard work," he said, running a hot iron over crumpled clothes. "I am not rich but we all aspire to a comfortable life."

Vast swathes of India endure a gruelling four-month long summer, and the mercury has been inching ever higher in recent years.

India's Gambhir to retire from cricket at 37

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EW DELHI, India | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - Indian opener and World Cup hero Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, finally heeding voices that were telling him "it's over".

The 37-year-old Gambhir, an attacking yet compact lefthanded batsman, accumulated 4154 runs in 58 Test matches since making his debut in 2004 against Australia.

He also represented India in 147 one-day internationals and 37 Twenty20 matches.

But Gambhir, who formed a successful opening pair with Virender Sehwag untill 2012, started to lose favour with the selectors and last played a Test against England in 2016.

Gautam Gambhir represented India in 147 one-day internationals and 37 Twenty20 matches. (File photo/AFP)

"The thought has been with me day and night...it has accompanied me to practice sessions, mocking at me like a menacing bowler," Gambhir said in a video message on social media.

The Delhi native, who was part of the Indian team that rose to the number one Test spot in 2009, led Indian Premier League (IPL) side Knight Riders to two titles in 2012 and 2014.

"Each time I got out playing for India, or KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) or Delhi Daredevils, this thought would turn into a sharp disturbing noise and walk with me all the way to the dressing room shouting that 'it is over Gauti'," he added.

"This may sound a little wishful but I've seen wishes come true. Two World Cups, highest run-getter in the final of both of these games is the stuff dreams are made of," Gambhir said.

otal role in the team's 50-over World Cup triumph in 2011.

"Somewhere on the top is being the No. 1 Test team in the world. A trophy, I'll look at very fondly, is the one I got for being awarded the ICC best Test batsman of the year in 2009. For a

purist like me, it is a reward for somewhat knowing where my off stump was.

"The historic series win in NZ (New Zealand) and the CB series in Australia will be reflected upon fondly. But I do hope the current Indian team Down Under can overshadow our feats."

Gambhir went on to thank his coaches, teammates and family members for standing by him and said his most meaningful partnership was with the supporters of Indian cricket.

He recently turned to commentary, sharing the mike with legends of Indian and Australian cricket during India's three T20 matches in Australia.

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka suffers credit rating cuts

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OLOMBO, Sri Lanka | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - Two international credit rating agencies downgraded Sri Lanka by one notch on Tuesday following almost six weeks of political crisis.

Fitch said it believed Sri Lanka's political upheaval, which began with the sacking of its prime minister in October and has disrupted the functioning of parliament, exacerbates the Indian Ocean nation's external financing risks.

Along with Standard and Poor's, it warned that Sri Lanka was heading for tougher times with politics complicating the effects of a challenging external environment.

"Investor confidence has been undermined, as evident from large outflows from the local bond market and a depreciating exchange rate," Fitch said.

Fitch downgraded Sri Lanka from B plus to B, while Standard and Poor's also cut its rating from B plus to B. The crisis began on October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena removed Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and replaced him with the flamboyant but controversial Mahinda Rajapakse.

However with Wickremesinghe's supporters still controlling a majority in parliament Rajapakse has lost two votes of confidence.

On Monday the Court of Appeal denied Rajapakse the authority to act as prime minister and stripped his cabinet of their powers, giving Rajapakse until next Wednesday to prove his legitimacy.

Last month Moody's also lowered Sri Lanka's rating from B1 to B2.

Sri Lanka has already aban-

doned plans after the Moody's downgrade to raise money through sovereign bonds and will pursue badly-needed revenue elsewhere.

pendence because the party's leaders of that time had no vision and they did not respect the Sikh sentiments.

Referring to the recent opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor across India-Pakistan border, Modi said, "Correcting Congress's mistakes was my destiny." Addressing an election rally here, Modi used the corridor issue to attack the Congress and said the party will have to answer why this was not done 70 years ago.

"They (Congress leaders) could not see anything beyond the 'Rajgaddi' so Kartarpura went into Pakistan. The credit of the Kartarpur corridor goes to your vote," he said.

The foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district was laid last week.

The prime minister said that the country was paying the price of the mistakes committed by the Congress for its greed of power. "The then policy makers of the Congress in the country were in a hurry to come to power. Partition happened and in that too several mistakes were made for which Kartarpur Saheb went into Pakistan," he said. "A little bit of wiseness and sensitivity at that time would have ensured that Kartarpur, which is just 3 km away (from India), would not have been away from us.

It was their lack of vision and sensitivity that they did not respect sentiments of Sikh community," Modi alleged.

He said the Congress was in power for 70 years, during which the country fought and won wars, but it could not make arrangement for prayers to be offered at Kartarpur Sahib. "Why did Congress leaders commit such big mistake and injustice? It has come to my destiny to correct their mistakes. Its credit goes to your one vote and not Modi.

Don't underestimate value of your vote," he said.

Modi said that people of the country have elected a prime minister who lives for the people, remains awake for the people and bows down to the people.

Talking about surgical strike, he said terrorists used to enter army camps without any fear and kill the soldiers during the previous governments, but India has now given a befitting reply by conducting surgical strike.

Sri Lanka's ousted PM likens president to Hitler

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"Army showed the courage and its strength," he said. Talking about farmers and their problems, Modi said his government wants to make farmers "energy givers" and asked

Referring to the recent opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor across IndiaPakistan border, Modi said, "Correcting Congress's mistakes was my destiny."

Modi said Kartarpur is in Pakistan today because the then Congress leaders had no idea about the importance of Guru Nanak Dev and had no respect for Sikh sentiments.

Gambhir, who played a key role in two of India's World Cup triumphs, will play his final domestic Ranji Trophy game for his home team Delhi starting Thursday.

Gambhir was part of India's 2007 win at the inaugural World T20 and played a piv-

Kartarpur in Pakistan because of Cong's greed for power, my destiny to correct that mistake: PM

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EHROR, India | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - Ratan Kumar once battled India's brutal summers with damp bedsheets and midnight baths. Now he is among millions upon millions of Indians using air conditioning -helping make the world hotter still.

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

OLOMBO, Sri Lanka | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - Sri Lanka's toppled premier likened the president to Hitler on Tuesday as he demanded to be reinstated, almost six weeks into a paralysing political crisis in the Indian Ocean nation.

"The president has to appoint me prime minister as I command a majority in parliament," he said.

Ranil Wickremesinghe made the comments -- his strongest yet directed at the head of state -- at the prime minister's official residence, which he has refused to vacate since his dismissal in October.

President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapakse, the larger-thanlife former president credited with ending Sri Lanka's bloody civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009.

"I am telling the president not to act like Hitler who bypassed the constitution... We are not going to allow him to do that."

them to install solar panels, use drip irrigation and other modern methods of farming. "The naamdar does not know the dif-

He said the Congress leaders tell lies to deceive gullible farmers of the country for its greed of coming into power.

In 2008, total debts on farmers of the country was Rs 6 lakh crore, but they waived off only Rs 58,000 crore, he added.

"The CAG report found huge fraud in loan waiver done dur-

PM Modi with BJP leaders ference between red and green chillies," he said, hitting out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom he often refers to as a "naamdar" (dynast).

"If you tell him that farmers are getting high prices for red chilli as compared to green chilli, he'll say farmers should grown red chillies," he said, alleging that the Congress was responsible for the pain of farmers.

"I am saying this with conviction that had a farmer's child been India's first prime minister, had Sardar Patel been the first prime minister, farmers would not have been in distress today. It was due to 70 years of

ing the Congress regime. People who got benefits were not farmers... ," he said. Modi said the Congress leaders sitting in air-conditioned rooms were misleading people by devising strategies to oust the BJP from power, but they should come to Rajasthan and see the ground situation instead.

He exuded confidence that the BJP will form the government once again in the state, which goes to polls on December 7.

The prime minister also offered greetings to the Navy personnel from the state.

- Economic Times

Rohingya migrant boat lands in Indonesia

I

DI RAYEUK, Indonesia | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - A boat carrying 20 Rohingya men landed in Indonesia Tuesday, authorities said, the latest group of the vulnerable Myanmar minority to reach the world's biggest Muslimmajority nation.

living in camps, have stopped boats filled with fleeing Rohingya migrants headed mainly for Malaysia.

It has been rare for Rohingya to attempt the sea routes south since Thai authorities clamped down on regional trafficking networks in 2015, sparking a

A group of men believed to be Rohingya migrants arrived in Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh, in a rickety wooden boat on Dec 4, 2018.

(Photo: AFP) They arrived in Indonesia's western Aceh province on Sumatra island in a rickety wooden boat, according to a local official.

Most of the men ranged in age from 14 to 28, with one of them aged 50.

"They are Rohingya from Myanmar. We asked them where they were heading and they said they were going to Malaysia," said Idi Rayeuk district navy commander Razali, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

"Maybe it's because of the currents that they've landed here instead."

The group were all in good condition and authorities are trying to find them a shelter, Razali added.

In recent weeks authorities in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, where around a million of the Muslim refugees are

HAVE YOU VISTED YET? www.Voiceofasia.News

sins committed by four generations of one family," he said.

Attacking Congress over its farm loan waiver promises, the prime minister said that they talk about farmers' issues only when elections are near.

crisis across Southeast Asia as large numbers were abandoned at sea.

That year, hundreds of Rohingya came ashore in Aceh, where they were welcomed in the staunchly conservative Islamic province.

But there have been concerns the desperate community might start taking to the high seas again after mainly Buddhist Myanmar launched a new military crackdown last year that forced about 700,000 members of the Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh.

Days after an attempt to begin the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya in Bangladesh stalled, the future of the world’s most persecuted minority looks more uncertain than ever and concerns are growing that it will be years before they can return safely to Myanmar, if ever.

Efforts by the Myanmar and Bangladesh government last month to begin the repatriation of the more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox’s Bazar fell apart after not a single Rohingya agreed to go back to Myanmar, leaving one of the world’s biggest refugee crises in a further state of limbo.

US/WORLD

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Washington sets aside divisions for Bush state funeral Bush "was America's last great soldier statesman," presidential historian Jon Meacham told the guests.

Continued from page 1 sand points of light," he added in reference to his father's signature call to volunteerism.

"His life code, as he said, was tell the truth, don't blame people, be strong, do your best, try hard, forgive, stay the course."

"When the history books are written, they will say that George H.W. Bush was a great president of the United States."

After the Washington service, Bush's casket will be flown back to Houston. The former head of state will lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church, where the Bushes worshipped for decades, until Thursday's funeral.

Bush's eulogy followed an uplifting performance by Irish tenor Ronan Tynan -- a friend of Bush who sang to the president in his dying hours.

Wednesday's state funeral caps a day-long homage that saw Bush lie in state for two days in the US Capitol rotunda.

Since Bush's death, Trump has traded his usual provocative posture for one of respect and solemnity, tweeting before heading to the cathedral about "a day of celebration for a great man."

But while the service allowed Washington to hit pause on the toxic rhetoric that has engulfed the country's politics, Trump and his Democratic predecessors appeared locked in an uneasy truce as it got underway.

Trump arrived and promptly shook hands with Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama. But his greetings stopped there, as he failed to acknowledge Hillary Clinton, his defeated Democratic rival in 2016.

Clinton sat stone faced, looking straight ahead, and the pair did not make eye contact.

- World leaders pay tribute Other dignitaries in the cathedral included Britain's Prince Charles, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Polish president Lech Walesa, former vice presidents Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney, Al Gore and Joe Biden, and former secretaries of state James Baker, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.

Wednesday was a day of precision, patriotic ritual, and ceremony. George W. Bush and wife Laura stood stoically outside the US Capitol as an honor guard carried his father's flag-draped casket to the hearse.

In a show of respect, Pennsylvania Avenue was lined with well-wishers as the cortege proceeded toward the Neo-Gothic cathedral in the

Former US president George H. W. Bush .(Photo: Mandel Ngan / AFP) first presidential funeral since Gerald Ford died in late 2006.

Earlier, tens of thousands of Americans had quietly filed in to the Capitol to pay their respects to a man who steered the nation through turbulent times including the end of the Cold War -- and in a style dramatically different to the combative current president.

Trump's ascendancy to the head of the Republican Party saw him exchange vitriolic attacks with the Bushes, notably slamming the presidential son's 2003 invasion of Iraq as "one of the worst decisions in the history of our country."

Bush was looked to this week as a gracious servant of country

who aimed to bridge the political divide.

He took up skydiving in his seventies despite all the memories of burning flesh

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fter defeat to Clinton, Bush The Elder ended up retiring to Texas, where he set about proving that the American public had been wrong to assume he was a fusty ancient cretin. "Old guys can still do stuff,” was what he said when asked why he was taking up parachuting.

Of course, the last time he'd jumped out of a plane was when it was tumbling into the Pacific amid a molten rain of Japanese shrapnel. Two of his co-pilots had already been killed. The one who did manage to exit the burning fuselage died when his parachute didn't open. That day, Bush was the only survivor of his unit to be pulled from the sea. - Vice.com

A timeline of George H.W. Bush's life

But he has taken pains to demonstrate unity since Bush's death, and made a lowkey visit to the Capitol late Monday with First Lady Melania Trump to salute Bush's casket.

- 'Civility and good will' Trump declared Wednesday a national day of mourning. Many federal offices are closed along with Wall Street stock markets.

Congress also suspended votes -- even in the midst of a looming potential shutdown that requires congressional action before midnight Friday.

He served as a congressman, envoy to China and ambassador to the United Nations, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president to Ronald Reagan before winning the White House.

The posh annual awards program -- a rare night of red-carpet glamour in the US capital, now in its 41st year -- honored an eclectic class of artists: actress and pop superstar Cher, radical composer Philip Glass, country singer Reba McEntire and jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter.

Air pollution alone is now estimated to kill as many as nine million people every year

Man-made emissions have increased annually since the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord was struck and with political progress slowing, people

"Crops will be destroyed not just by flooding and rain but also by droughts. Yet this urgency is not reflected in the actions of governments," she told AFP. The People's Demands (https://www.peoplesdemands. org/) initiative has been signed by nearly 300,000 people from over 120 nations.

It calls on richer states -- who

"Bush has been engaged every time in promoting Kosovo's affairs" on the world stage, said education minister Shyqiri Bytyci at a press release.

In the 1990s, Bush's administration showed an early interest in the plight of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo who were marginalised under Serbian rule.

Kennedy Center gala honors best in arts -- and George H.W. Bush

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With nations locked in UN climate talks aimed at heading off runaway global warming, many parts of the world are already dealing with the storms, floods, fires and droughts our heating planet will suffer.

Morning classes in Kosovo schools on Wednesday will also be dedicated to the US leader.

Bill Clinton, who was US president during the NATO bombing, is also celebrated with his own boulevard and a statue on a Pristina street corner.

At a time of extraordinary and deep political fissures,

"The urgency of the climate crisis is very real on the ground because our people are suffering the different impacts of extreme weather," said Lidy Nacpil, co-coordinator of the Asia Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development.

It will be a "sign of state and civic respect for (Bush's) contribution to the freedom of Kosovo", the statement said.

A main street in the capital Pristina is also named after the late Bush's son and also an ex-president, George W. Bush, whose administration lent key support when Kosovo declared independence.

ASHINGTON, DC | AFP | Monday, 12/2/2018 - Hollywood A-listers and Washington politicos celebrated the best in performing arts Sunday at the Kennedy Center Honors gala, which opened with a standing ovation for late president George H.W. Bush.

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On Wednesday, the day of Bush's funeral, Kosovo flags will be flown at half-mast across the country in his honour, President Hashim Thaci's office said in a statement Tuesday.

In 1999, a US-led NATO air campaign forced Serbia to withdraw, ending the conflict and paving the way for Kosovo to declare independence in 2008.

Bush was a decorated World War II aviator who nearly lost his life when he was shot down on a bombing mission.

who will bear the biggest burden issued their clearest plea to date: end fossil fuels now.

Passionately pro-US, Kosovo flies American flags in front of many government offices and businesses in a sign of gratitude for the US-led NATO intervention that helped severe it from Serbia in 1999.

Less than a decade later war broke out between Serbian troops and ethnic Albanian guerillas.

by Maggy Donaldson

ATOWICE, Poland | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - Campaign groups representing citizens from across the world demanded Tuesday that big energy leaves coal in the ground as COP24 host Poland pushed for protections allowing it to continue burning fossil fuel.

P

RISTINA, Kosovo | AFP | Tuesday 12/4/2018 - Kosovo has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning for the late US president George H.W. Bush, who was seen as an early ally of the ethnic Albanians in the former Serbian province.

His government hosted Kosovo Albanians in Washington and in 1992 he warned then-Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic that the US would respond militarily if Serb troops started a war in Kosovo.

Campaigners target coal at UN climate summit

by Patrick Galey

He will be interred at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center in College Station, Texas, next to his wife, who died in April, and their daughter Robin who died of leukemia at age three.

Kosovo declares day of mourning for late President Bush

are responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions -- to honour their promises to help fund at-risk countries to adapt to climate change, and developed economies to be fully green by 2030.

They also want a ban on fracking and an immediate, worldwide moratorium on new fossil fuel exploration and extraction.

The UN's independent panel of climate experts in October issued its starkest findings yet: emissions from fossil fuels must be slashed by half within 12 years in order to hit the Paris goals of limited temperature rises.

But most Western economies remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

In a first, the Kennedy Center -- the performing arts complex that serves as a living monument to slain president John F. Kennedy -- also paid tribute to a work of art, the musical sensation "Hamilton."

Show host Gloria Estefan, a member of last year's class of honorees, opened the festivities with a somber tribute to Bush, who died over the weekend at age 94.

"I think it’s appropriate to recognize the passing of a wonderful man who dedicated his life to service and who graciously attended this event many times during his administration, laughing, applauding, singing along and even shedding a tear from right up there in the presidential box," said the pop diva.

The president traditionally sits next to the honorees, but last month, Melania Trump's spokeswoman said the first

lady and husband President Donald Trump -- who is despised by many top cultural and entertainment figures -- would once again skip the star-studded show.

Last year, they opted out after several honorees said they would boycott the event in protest at Trump's policies.

Pop queen and fashion icon Cher, a vociferous critic of the Republican president, welcomed Trump's second consecutive no-show.

Asked what she would have said to the president, the 72-year-old, sporting an offthe-shoulder black lace gown and multi-belt waist cincher, laughed and said simply: "Go away."

- 'Pivotal moment' in art For Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter, the decision to honor "Hamilton" -- the story of Alexander Hamilton and America's other founding fathers, set to show tunes and rap anthems -- was a no-brainer.

"It really felt like we shouldn't wait to acknowledge that this work has transformed how we think about art," Rutter said of the Pulitzer Prize-winning boxoffice smash that opened in New York in 2015.

"We should really note that this is a pivotal moment in the world of our performing arts."

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer and lyricist behind the groundbreaking musical, performed several numbers himself along with members of the show's original cast.

Speaking on the red carpet prior to the ceremony, the 38-year-old praised the Kennedy Center for the "celebration of our collaboration."

- Pop divas and jazz greats The awards gala -- to be broadcast on December 26 on CBS -- also featured performances from "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, jazz prodigy Esperanza Spalding and mercurial pop pioneer Cyndi Lauper.

Comedian Whoopi Goldberg showed up to honor Cher, and Paul Simon delivered a tribute to Glass.

Shorter, who was in Miles Davis' quintet more than 50 years ago, was honored for his compositions and leading role in the creation of the jazz fusion genre as co-founder of the band Weather Report.

Glass, who at 81 is one of the greatest living composers.

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Asian Chamber of Commerce hosts Holiday Networking Luncheon and Annual Meeting

Milton Young, President, ACC presenting an annual report of ACC events and activities in 2018 and initiatives for 2019.

By Shobana Muratee

H

OUSTON – On Thursday, November 29, The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) held its Monthly Meeting with a Holiday Networking Luncheon at the Hess Club.

Wes Weaver, Outgoing Board Chair, welcomed the gathering and thanked the board for their support in conducting the chamber’s operations. He later introduced and welcomed the incoming Board Chair Bin Yu. Milton Young, President, ACC gave an overview of 2018. In his report he mentioned about his participation in the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (White House AAPI) National Leadership summit early November and said that plans were to bring a regional summit to Houston early next year as part of the Asian American Business Day and the ACC is expected to be heavily involved in developing agenda for the program. ACC also supported the Asian American Journal Associations’ National Convention held here he said.

He observed that is a lot more of the Asian American organizations are choosing Houston as a site for their National con-

ventions which is a boost to business community he added.

The ACC participated in the All Texas Asian American Congress Meeting in Austin, the first one in five years, “The meeting was to start working together to meet with the legislature coming up in February next year,” Young said.

The meet will be at the Asian American Business Day at the Texas legislature in 2019.

Young also mentioned about ACC’s participation in the Japan-Texas Economic Summit that was led successfully

by Kenneth Li. An exclusive free tour of the Daikin Technology Park on Sep. 27 was also a hit. The Energy Entrepreneur luncheon on October 10th sponsored by Shell had a distinguished panel of executives from Shell, Fluor and BP discussing how to do business with large companies. This was followed by ACC’s glamorous Red Ball Gala on October 26th at the Royal Sonesta Hotel with the theme “Celebrating the Spirit of Entrepreneurship”.

Locally, the ACC was very involved in increasing the voter registration in Texas for the November 6, 2018 election. The International Import Expo 2018 Shanghai was in

At the annual meeting ACC announces election of new board chair Bin Yu and new board members Kenneth Li, Ning Kang and Paul Gor and thanked outgoing board members Shirley Kwan, Dr. Parvin Bagherpour and Wes Weaver for their years of service. (Photo credit Shobana Muratee, Voice of Asia) November from 5-10 and the Houston Construction Conference - Raindrop Turkish House will be on Dec. 3rd, young informed.

George Kurisky, Jr conducted the Investiture of the Board Members: Bin Yu, Ning Kang, Kenneth Li and Paul Gor. Incoming Chir Bin Yu in his message said, “This honor is of high respect, responsibility and accountability.” He recognized the Board members and welcomed the new members on the occasion. His focus would be on bringing value to members, corporate focus and to empower members. He said the ACC was beyond bridging Asian businesses to main stream: to make Asian businesses bigger.

Visit: http://www.asianchamber-hou.org

George Kurisky, Jr (left) during the Investiture of the Board Members: Bin Yu, Ning Kang, Kenneth Li and Paul Gor (not in any order) . (Photo credit Shobana Muratee, Voice of Asia).

Where are the drones?

Amazon’s customers are still waiting

by David Koenig and Joseph Pisani,

J

eff Bezos boldly predicted five years ago that drones would be carrying Amazon packages to people’s doorsteps by now.

Amazon customers are still waiting. And it’s unclear when, if ever, this particular order by the company’s founder and CEO will arrive.

Bezos made billions of dollars by transforming the retail sector. But overcoming the regulatory hurdles and safety issues posed by drones appears to be a challenge even for the world’s wealthiest man. The result is a blown deadline on his claim to CBS’ “60 Minutes” in December 2013 that drones would be making deliveries within five years.

The day may not be far off when drones will carry medicine to people in rural or remote areas, but the marketing hype around instant delivery of consumer goods looks more and more like just that — hype. Drones have a short battery life, and privacy concerns can be a hindrance, too.

450,000 in 2022. They are being used in rural areas for mining and agriculture, for inspecting power lines and pipelines, and for surveying.

“I don’t think you will see delivery of burritos or diapers in the suburbs,” says drone analyst Colin Snow.

“We are committed to making our goal of delivering packages by drones in 30 minutes or less a reality,” says Amazon spokeswoman Kristen Kish.

The Seattle-based online retail giant says it has drone development centers in the United States, Austria, France, Israel and the United Kingdom.

Drone usage has grown rapidly in some industries, but mostly outside the retail sector and direct interaction with consumers.

The government estimates that about 110,000 commercial drones are operating in U.S. airspace, and the number is expected to soar to about

Amazon says it is still pushing ahead with plans to use drones for quick deliveries, though the company is staying away from fixed timelines.

Delivery companies have been testing the use of drones to deliver emergency supplies and to cover ground quickly in

in Lake Victoria.

less populated areas. By contrast, package deliveries would be concentrated in office parks and neighborhoods where there are bigger issues around safety and privacy.

In May, the Trump administration approved a three-year program for private companies and local government agencies to test drones for deliveries, inspections and other tasks.

But pilot programs by major delivery companies suggest few Americans will be greeted by package-bearing drones any time soon. United Parcel Service tested launching a drone from a delivery truck that was covering a rural route in Florida. DHL Express, the German delivery company, tested the use of drones to deliver medicine from Tanzania to an island

Frank Appel, the CEO of DHL’s parent company, Deutsche Post AG, said “over the next couple of years” drones will remain a niche vehicle and not widely used. He said a big obstacle is battery life.

“If you have to recharge them every other hour, then you need so many drones and you have to orchestrate that. So good luck with that,” he told The Associated Press.

Appel said human couriers have another big advantage over drones: They know where customers live and which doorbell to ring. “To program that in IT is not that easy and not cheap,” he said.

Analysts say it will take years for the Federal Aviation Administration to write all

the rules to allow widespread drone deliveries.

Snow, the CEO of Skylogic Research, says a rule permitting operators to fly drones beyond their line of sight — so critical to deliveries — is at least 10 years away. A method will be needed to let law enforcement identify drones flying over people — federal officials are worried about their use by terrorists.

While the rules are being written, companies will rely on waivers from the FAA to keep experimenting and running small-scale pilot programs.

“People like DHL and the rest of them (will say), ‘Hey, we can deliver via drone this parcel package to this island,’ but that’s not the original vision that Amazon presented,” Snow says.

Source:Associated Press

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Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas wed in lavish India ceremony

Celebrity couple Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot in what has been dubbd India’s ‘wedding of the year’ (Photo: Instagram/PriyankaC)

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Chopra is one of Bollywood’s most identifiable stars and one of the few to have achieved success in the West.

EW DELHI, India | AFP | 12/2/2018 - Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and American singer Nick Jonas hosted an extravagant concert Sunday for their star-studded wedding guests as the couple tied the knot at a lavish Indian palace.

who exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony Saturday night.

Chopra, 36, and Jonas, 26 performed an opulent Indian music and dance routine as their friends and family clapped along at the Umaid Bhawan palace in the western city of Jodhpur.

“And what a performance it was.

Each family telling our stories through song and dance, filled with lots of laughter and love,” she posted on Instagram Sunday.

The multi-day festivities —dubbed India’s “wedding of the year” —- continued into the night with a Hindu ritual for the superstar couple,

Qatari female ‘pioneers’ bask in filmmaking spotlight the Gulf.

This is especially true as Doha remains politically isolated by neighbouring powers in a bitter regional dispute.

Since June 2017, Qatar has been cut off by former allies including neighbouring powers Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which accuse Doha of being too close to Iran and sponsoring terrorism.

Qatar denies the charges, and has sought to present itself as the most tolerant of the Gulf states.

One of the most prominent Qatari figures during the Gulf crisis has been Lolwah al-Khater, the foreign ministry spokeswoman.

Beyond films, Qatar has the highest proportion of women -- 51 per cent -- in the workplace among Gulf nations, according to the United Nations.

Qatari women film-makers pose on the red carpet during the Ajyal Film Festival at Katara Culture Village in the capital Doha on November 28, 2018

by David Harding

D

OHA, Qatar | AFP | As Qatari filmmakers gathered on the red carpet at Doha’s Ajyal Film Festival one thing stood out -- the majority of local directors are women.

“I think this is a question that everyone is mesmerised by: the idea that we have more women in filmmaking here in Doha than men,” said festival director Fatma al-Remaihi.

Among those showing movies at the annual six-day festival were Aisha al-Shammakh, Nouf al-Sulaiti and the rising star of Qatari cinema, Amal al-Muftah.

Their films focus on a variety of subjects, from “maligned” Qatari millennials and father-daughter relationships through to stories from the gas-rich country’s recent and much less-wealthy past.

The women are redressing “many misconceptions about them around the world”, said Remaihi, who also heads the Doha Film Institute.

The number of female entrants at this year’s festival, which runs until Monday, is consistent with data from recent research.

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A 2016 study by Northwestern University in Doha found that around 60 percent of all emerging filmmakers in Qatar’s nascent cinema industry were women.

Across the rest of the Middle East and North Africa region, the figure was around 25 per cent, the same study said.

The influx of women directors in Qatar comes at a time when the bright lights of Hollywood have been dimmed by the #MeToo movement’s revelations.

“I feel like it gives us a platform where we can express ourselves,” said Sulaiti. “I don’t think we had that platform or opportunity before.”

“I want that little girl to believe that she can achieve whatever (she wants). I want little girls to see that,” the 25-year-old added.

And Sulaiti said younger Qataris would understand that message.

And the fresh blood has helped diversify the nature of films produced.

“In the past, we got an education, we got married and we stayed at home with our husband.

Previously, one filmmaker jokes, it was “all pearl diving” -- a reference to Qatar’s main economic activity, before the exploitation of vast natural gas reserves.

“I think slowly [Qatari] girls are seeing we can do whatever our brothers can do.”

But now the film topics are diverse.

- Conservative or progressive? -

One example of that is Sulaiti’s short film, “Gubgub” (Crab).

Seemingly a movie about a day’s crab hunting, it really focuses on a young girl’s determination to prove she can rival her older brother at a “male” pursuit.

She succeeds by catching 10 crabs.

The emergence of female filmmakers comes at a time when conservative Qatar is seeking to portray itself as the progressive power in

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In 1999, Qatar became the first Arab country in the Gulf to allow women to vote.

- ‘Like pioneers’ Muftah received a rapturous ovation as she was introduced at Ajyal and said filmmakers in Qatar were “like pioneers”.

“I know from the outside it seems like there is segregation... but here really I feel like it’s a level field... whether you’re a man or a woman, you are treated the same,” she added.

Chopra said the colourful “sangeet” performance, which featured ornate set changes and dozens of performers, started as a “fierce song and dance competition” between their musical families.

They were married in India’s fabled “Blue City” with famous guests including Jonas’s brother Joe Jonas and his fiancee, British actress and “Game of Thrones” star Sophie Turner.

US fashion designer Ralph Lauren said the label had also been involved in the event’s styling.

“Ralph Lauren is honored to have dressed the couple as well as the members of their wedding party,” the designer posted on Twitter on Saturday.

The couple got engaged in August, sharing photos on social media showing them performing a prayer ritual in traditional Indian garb.

The wedding celebrations commenced with a traditional Indian “mehndi” ceremony, with Chopra’s arms and legs painted with henna dyes.

The bride wore vibrant Indian colours while Jonas was dressed in an embroidered kurta, an elaborate tunic.

That ceremony was capped off with a vibrant fireworks show over the city of Jodhpur -- attracting some criticism online as Chopra is a vocal advocate for improving India’s atrocious air pollution.

Chopra -- who won the Miss World pageant in 2000 -- is one of Bollywood’s most identifiable stars and one of the few to have achieved success in the West.

She starred in the ABC thriller series “Quantico” and has released songs with US chart-toppers including Pitbull and The Chainsmokers.

Jonas first found success as a child star, as the frontman of The Jonas Brothers with his two siblings.

The brothers hailed from a deeply devout Christian family and presented a wholesome image, including wearing purity rings to promote chastity.

In recent years, however, Jonas revamped his image as well as turning to acting.

LEGAL

VOICE OF ASIA 15

Section 2

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

PERSONAL INJURY

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

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS UNDER INA SECTION 245(i)

Sharlene Sharmila Richards

First, there are different deadlines on when you must file a civil lawsuit.

Texas has a two year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim. That is, you must file a lawsuit two years from the date of the injury in order to recover in a Texas Civil Court at Law for all damages suffered as prescribed under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code, Title 2 section 16.003. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this timeframe, a Court will not hear your case and you essentially have waived your right to recover from the at-fault party. It is imperative to not miss this deadline in order to protect all your interests.

responsibility. This means that you may only recover from an at-fault party if you are not to blame for the incident or are found less than 50 percent at fault.

Additionally, any compensation received will be reduced by your percentage of fault, if there is any. However, if you are held accountable for more than 50 percent, then you may not recover any damages.

For example, if you are found at fault for 10% of an accident with damages of $100,000.00, then you may recover $90,0000.00.

party escape paying all your damages from a missed deadline to file your lawsuit! Don’t let that at-fault party argue and claim you are at fault for all injurie caused solely by their negligence! It is important and essential that you get the help of a competent attorney to fight for your best interests, to receive total compensation, and to not let that negligent party off the hook for the wrong they committed.

Third, Texas implemented a cap on medical malpractice cases where a claimant may only claim up to $250,000.00 in damages per individual and no more than $500,000.00.

Medical malpractice cases are very complex to comprehend.

Further wrongful death cases have an even more complex statute to adhere to.

Mala Sharma has been practicing family law and personal injury with her family at the Law Offices of Sharma & Associates, founded in 1997. Mala is President Emeritus of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, Board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and South Asian Bar Association. She is also a member of the Houston Bar Association.

Fourth, although there is no specific statute or rule in Texas regulating dog bite cases, there is the “one bite” rule. Under this rule, owners will be found and held liable for all injuries caused by their pet animal if the owner “should have known” the animal had a propensity to be dangerous and did not proceed with caution to prevent injuries to others.

This standard must be proven by the injured person in order to prevail on a dog bite case.

Second, each state follows different standards of liability to determine who is at fault and for what percentage of liability.

This standard affects total compensation from the negligent party.

Texas, unlike other states, follows a “modified comparative negligence” standard to determine percentage of

Thus, don’t let an insurance adjuster for the negligent

About Mala Sharma

Disclaimer: This material is available for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

If you require advice on any particular legal question, you may contact Sharma & Associates at 281-893-8644 or by email at mala@sharmalaws. net to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Willy, Nanayakkara & Associates ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

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CHIRANJAYA “ CHIRO” NANAYAKKARA

GEORGE R. WILLY Principal Attorney

JAMES W. PARKER

Associate Attorney

A: In order to qualify for adjustment under Section 245(i) of the INA, the individual must be a beneficiary of a petition (I130, I-140, I-360, I-526 or labor certification) filed on his or her behalf on or before April 30th, 2001 and the beneficiary was physically present in the United States on 12/21/2000 or be the beneficiary of a petition which was filed on or before 01/14/1998. There is no physical presence requirement for those individuals who are grandfathered under petitions filed before 01/14/1998.

The other requirement is that the petition must have been properly filed and approvable when filed. The beneficiary of the petition and his or her derivatives listed on the petition will be deemed grandfathered and thus may apply for adjustment of status at any time or when their priority dates have become current.

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Q: What does approvable when filed mean?

A: This means that at date of the filing of the petition, it was properly

Q: My daughter who was 5 years of age at the time was included in my US

Associate Attorney

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A: Yes, she can. She is grandfathered under 245(i) because she was listed as a dependent under your sister’s petition. Her grandfathered status continues despite her having aged out and she can independently adjust status under a separate or different petition, in this case under her US Citizen husband’s petition. She will need to also complete Form I-485 Supplement A and pay the $1000 penalty fee.

Disclaimer: Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case.

My Bio Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court.

You may contact her at telephone number 713623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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Citizen sister’s petition for me which was filed on 04/21/2001. The petition was approved. My daughter and I came to the US illegally in 1999 and we have not departed the United States. My daughter is now married to a US Citizen and has aged out under my sister’s petition.

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Q: My US Citizen sister filed a petition for me in June 1997. I am from Mexico and I entered the US illegally in March 1997. At that time, I was also unmarried. The petition was approved several years ago and my priority date is now current. Can I adjust my status in the United States? I also got married 4 years ago. My spouse is also from Mexico and she entered illegally. Can she also adjust her status to permanent resident?

A: If your US Citizen sister had filed a petition for you before 01/14/1998, and the petition was approvable when filed, you are eligible to file for permanent resident status under Section 245(i).

Since the petition has been approved and the priority date is now current for your preference category, you may now submit your I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status together with the I-485 Supplement A. Please note that the filing fee for the Supplement A is $1000.00 (penalty fee) which must be paid in addition to the $1225.00 Filing and Biometrics Fee for the Form I-485. Since you married your spouse who had entered the US illegally, she is classified as an “after acquired spouse”. Under the 245(i) provisions, she will be able to benefit only as your derivative if she is still married to you. To benefit as your derivative, she will also need to concurrently file with you her adjustment of status application and also pay the penalty fee with the Form I485A Supplement.

GARY SPENCER

Canadian Immigration

filed (i.e signed by the petitioner; the correct filing fee was included and the petition was postmarked either with a date on or before 04/20/2001 or on or before 01/14/1998), meritorious in fact and notfrivolous (ie filed with proper substance or basis).

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Q: How does someone qualify for Section 245(i) adjustment?

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A: Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows individuals to adjust status to lawful permanent residents if they entered illegally or without inspection or, if they entered legally with inspection and are in one of the preference categories and have either overstayed their period of authorized admission or worked in the United States without authorization. Section 245(i) of the INA is known as the grandfathering provision.

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ach state has different rules governing personal injury lawsuits and how much you may recover for all damages incurred ranging from a commercial vehicle accident to even a dog bite case.

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VOICE OF ASIA 16

Young Life

Michelle Obama on book tour encourages girls at London school

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Bush High School team named state finalist in 2018-19 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest

Michelle Obama arrives at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in London, Britain, December 3, 2018.

L

ONDON, | AFP | - Michelle Obama on Monday returned to a London school she had visited as US first lady encouraging students to “practice sisterhood” as she presented a new memoir of her life.

Obama is in the British capital to promote her hotly anticipated book, “Becoming”, which has already sold more copies than any other book published in the United States this year.

She told some 300 students -- mostly girls aged between 11 and 18 -- at a north London school that her past visit there as first lady in 2009 had inspired her to work for better education.

“I was moved, touched and inspired as I always am by young people I meet around the world,” said the 54-year-old mother of two and first African American first lady.

“You reminded me of me, all

the fears, the challenges you face. You guys gave me a sense of comfort.”

Obama confessed to facing numerous hurdles and confronting teachers who “underestimated me at every step”.

came to their school.

“It did not really sink in that it was her,” 11-year-old Emma said.

“I was told: ‘I don’t think you are Princeton material’. My dreams were too high.”

Michelle Obama has however cancelled book tour stops in Paris and Berlin to attend the funeral of former US president George H.W. Bush, who died Friday aged 94.

But Obama graduated from the select Ivy League university and went on to Harvard Law School before joining a Chicago law firm where she met her future husband and president Barack Obama.

Later at the capital’s Southbank Centre, where she discussed her book with author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, she was asked what message she wanted to give to young black women.

She urged the London students to find strength in each other as they overcome their own doubters and naysayers.

“What happens to black women, you become a caricature ... the size of her hips, her style... We are demonised,” she said.

“Practice that kind of sisterhood,” Michelle Obama said.

“There are enough obstacles around.”

The students seemed amazed that such a famous speaker

“We are angry, too loud, too everything. My advice: start by getting those demons out of your head and tell yourself ‘I’m good enough’.”

Regularly eating together as a family can improve your teen’s diet, even if you don’t all get along

Pictured (from l-r) are: Ayah Said, Nolan Nguyen, Richard Embrick, Noel Obi and Ivanie Leslie.

F

ORT BEND ISD (December 3, 2018) – Congratulations to Bush High School students Ivanie Leslie, Nolan Nguyen, Noel Obi, Ayah Said on advancing to the 2018 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. These students form a STEM team, coached by their former Crockett Middle School teacher Richard Embrick, that has been named a finalist in the nationwide competition. Their team is one of five in the state and among 250 across the nation to advance in the competition.

Finalists are chosen based on their creative and strategic proposals to solve complicated issues that affect our communities by using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning. The Bush team’s project focuses on our aging population and its need for safety and preventative healthcare technologies.

“The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest showcases the talents of student innovators who are identifying and addressing issues impacting their individual communities,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “We are inspired by the desire of these students to ignite lasting change in their communities and look forward to seeing how their STEM projects unfold in the coming months.”

With $2 million in technology on the line, the 250 state finalists will submit a lesson plan by December 10 detailing how students will execute the proposed STEM project and how it addresses the identified community issue.

Family dinners can help set healthy habits for teens and young people. (Photo © skynesher / IStock.com)

N

ew Canadian research has found that sitting down for dinner together as a family can improve the eating habits of teens and young adults, even if some members don’t always get on or spend much time together.

Carried out by researchers at the University of Guelph, the new study looked at 2,728 US

participants between 14 to 24 years of age and living with their parents.

Participants were asked how often they sat down for dinner with their families, how well their family functions -defined by how family members manage daily routines, communicate, and connect emotionally with one another

-- and about their intake of fruit and vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food and takeout food.

The results of the study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that when families sit down together, adolescents and young adults are more likely to have better dietary habits.

- Relaxnews

idea, Embrick was awarded a Samsung tablet in recognition of his team achieving state finalist status. He will use the tablet to continue to enrich STEM learning at Crockett.

The team also has the opportunity to advance through the contest to win additional prizes and educational opportunities.

From the 250 state finalists, 50 state winners will be selected to submit a video of their project in action. For achieving state winner status, 40 of those schools will receive a $20,000 Samsung technology package, including a Samsung video kit to produce their video. The remaining 10 schools will progress as national finalists in the

competition. The 10 national finalists will attend a Pitch Event where they will present their project to a panel of judges. The 10 finalists will also have an opportunity to receive an additional $10,000 Samsung technology package as the winner of the Community Choice Award. The general public will be invited to elect one winner for that award. For achieving national finalist status, seven of the national finalists will receive a $50,000 Samsung technology package. The remaining three finalists will advance to the national winner stage with each receiving $100,000 in classroom Samsung technology and supplies.

Lego Boost gives kids a taste of coding

The Bush team will join Texas teams from UT Tyler University Academy, Del Valle Middle School, Science and Engineering Magnet High School and Harmony School of Excellence at the national competition.

The Lego Boost creative toolbox is out now priced $159.99.

(Image © Courtesy of Lego)

“I am so proud of the students and the hard work they have done to get this far in the state and national levels of the competition. I am equally honored and humbled to represent FBISD and lead the team in competition against these great STEM schools,” said Embrick.

The Lego Boost box comprises 840 pieces that can be used to alternately build different models, such as a robot, a cat and a guitar. Using the included motor and various sensors, the models then come to life once connected to a smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth. The Lego Boost mobile app then offers a series of activities in relation to the model.

Embrick coached the team while they were students at Crockett. He continues to mentor the students as they advance to various STEM competitions.

By submitting the team project

T

he first kit in the Lego Boost range is designed to teach kids age seven to 12 years old the basics of computer programming. This “creative toolbox” features various models to build and control via a mobile application.

It is even possible to bring to life other Lego models by attaching the motor and using the mobile app. The Stormbringer dragon from the Ninjago collection, for example, can be made to move its tail and head in different ways and make various noises.

The Lego Boost creative toolbox is out now priced $159.99.

The Lego Boost app is available to download free of charge from Google

VOICE OF ASIA 17

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

December is ‘End Hunger’ Month

Section 2

December is Type 2 Diabetes Awareness Month

Tel: 713-774-5140

Things to know about Medigap policies

Warning for mothers

Pregnancy loss, multiple pregnancies linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease

N

N

ew research has found that women who experience pregnancy loss and do not go on to have children may be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke.

ow that Medicare Annual Election period also known as Open Enrollment period for choosing Medicare Advantage plans or Prescription Drug Plans is ending on December 7th you can still consider buying Medigap or Medicare Supplement Policy any time of the year. You can move from Medicare advantage plan and get a supplement policy and a separate Prescription Drug plan until March 31st 2019 and if you already have a Medicare Supplement policy you can change it to different Plan for e.g. from Plan F to Plan G or vice versa or for that matter to any other plan such as Plan N to Plan G etc.

Carried out by researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK, and the University of North Carolina, USA, the new study looked at data gathered from 8,583 US women aged 45 to 64 years over a 30-year period.

The data included information on history of cardiovascular disease and the women’s self-reported data on their number of pregnancies and births and breastfeeding practices.

During the study 138 women reported that they had experienced pregnancy loss and had no children; 3,108 women had one or two children, 3,126 had three to four, and 1,694 had five or more.

The findings, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, showed that women who experienced pregnancy loss and had no children showed a 64 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease and 46 percent higher risk of heart failure compared to women with one or two children.

Women who had given birth to five or more children also had a 38 percent higher risk of having a serious heart attack, no matter how long they breastfed for.

During pregnancy, women may experience changes such as weight gain, higher levels of cholesterol, increased insulin resistance, and changes in the structure of the heart: Although these changes are normally temporary, they

Guaranteed renewable policies: The number of pregnancies a woman experiences may affect her risk of cardiovascular disease according to new research. (Photo © pascalgenest / iStock.com) are known to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the general population.

The team suggest that repeated pregnancies may lead to long-lasting changes within the body, which could explain the findings. The stress associated with bringing up children may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and factors such as age at menopause and health conditions may also play a role.

Immune disorders, chronic disease and dysfunction of the endothelium -- cells that line the interior of blood vessels -- may explain the association between miscarriage and cardiovascular disease, added the researchers.

“This study isn’t designed to stress and worry women, especially those who have experienced the distress of pregnancy loss. Instead we want to empower women with knowledge that will help them to reduce their risk,” says study author Dr Clare OliverWilliams.

“Most women know by the age of 40 how many children and pregnancy losses they have had, which is years before most heart attacks and strokes occur. This provides a window of opportunity to make lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

- Relaxnews

Study links lung disease in middle age to dementia later in life

W

ASHINGTON - New US research has found that middle-aged adults with lung disease may have a higher risk of also developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life. Led by researchers at the University of Minnesota, the new study analyzed data from 14,184 participants with an average age of 54 who were taking part in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

For those with restrictive lung disease, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis, the risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment appeared to be 58 percent higher than for those without lung disease, and 33 percent higher among those with obstructive lung disease.

Low results on two spirometry tests -- forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), or the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale in one second, and forced vital capacity (FVC), or the total amount of air a person can forcibly exhale -- were also associated with dementia.

The authors suggested that there may be a link between the two condi-

To have better understanding please note the following: 1.

You must have Medicare Part A and Part B. 2.

A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, while a Medigap policy only supplements your Original Medicare benefits.

3.

You pay the private insurance company a monthly premium for your Medigap policy. You pay this monthly premium in addition to the monthly Part B premium that you pay to Medicare.

4.

A Medigap policy only covers one person. If you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, you’ll each have to buy separate policies.

5.

You can buy a Medigap policy from any insurance company that’s licensed in your state to sell one.

6.

Any standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable even if you have health problems. This means the insurance company can’t cancel your Medigap policy as long as you pay the premium.

7.

Some Medigap policies sold in the past cover prescription drugs.

But, Medigap policies sold after January 1, 2006 aren’t allowed to include prescription drug coverage. If you

The participants were followed for an average of 23 years, during which time they completed spirometry tests, which assess lung function, answered questions about their lung health, and were assessed for dementia or cognitive impairment.

The findings, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, showed that adults who had restrictive or obstructive lung disease also appeared to have a higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment.

Medigap or Supplemental policies are guaranteed renewable. Even if you have health problems after having coverage under Medigap policy, all standardized Medicare Supplement plans are guaranteed renewable, meaning insurance companies can’t cancel your plan if you’re making your premium payments. This also means your policy will automatically renew every year.

New research has linked lung disease to an increased risk of dementia. (Photo: © utah778 / iStock.com)

tions as lung disease may produce low blood oxygen levels, which may lead to inflammation, stress and damage to the brain’s blood vessels.

The researchers noted that the study did have its limitations, and cannot prove a cause and effect relationship between lung disease and dementia or mild cognitive impairment. However, if the relationship is causal it could mean that improving air quality and helping people to quit smoking could not only lower rates of lung disease but also dementia.

“Preventing dementia is a public health priority, and previous studies have suggested that poor lung health, which is often preventable, may be linked to a greater risk of developing dementia,” said Dr. Pamela L. Lutsey, lead study author.

“Preventing lung disease is inherently important,” Dr. Lutsey said. “If other studies confirm our study’s findings, both individuals and policymakers will have an added incentive to make changes that protect lung health, as doing so may also prevent dementia.”

Because it was not a randomized, controlled trial, the study cannot prove a cause and effect relationship between lung disease and dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

If

these

as-

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 want prescription drug coverage, you can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

8.

It’s illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, unless you’re switching back to Original Medicare.

Medigap policies don’t cover everything Medigap policies generally don’t cover vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing.

Insurance plans that aren’t Medigap Some types of insurance aren’t Medigap plans, they include: • Medicare Advantage Plans (like an HMO, PPO, or Private Feefor-Service Plan) • Plans

Medicare Prescription Drug

• Medicaid • Employer or union plans, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) • TRICARE •

Veterans’ benefits

• Long-term care insurance policies • Indian Health Service, Tribal, and Urban Indian Health plans.

Choose right Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900.

Read previous articles on HEALTH issues by our columnist Visit us online : www. voiceofasiaonline.com

sociations are causal, the researchers wrote, this would give added weight to efforts to improve air quality and to help people quit smoking. These pub-

lic health measures might also lower rates of dementia as well as decrease lung disease.

- Relaxnews

HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Could video chat help stave off depression in seniors?

Heatwave death threat soars for elderly, city dwellers

Can staying in touch with friends and family via video chat help prevent depression? (© AFP Photo/ Jonathan Nackstrand)

Using their varied health and climate metrics, authors of a Lancet study said they had detected 18 million more at-risk people exposed to dangerous levels of heat than just two years ago.(© kazoka / Shutterstock)

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ew US research has found that using video chat such as Skype to communicate with family may help reduce symptoms of depression in seniors.

Led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, the new study set out to investigate whether using certain types of online communication technology could help reduce depressive symptoms in seniors, with estimates suggesting that almost 5 percent of adults aged 50 and above lived with major depression in 2015.

For the study the researchers recruited 1,424 adults with an average age of 64.8 who completed a set of questions about their use of technology, including video chat such as Skype or FaceTime, email, social media, and instant messaging.

Participants were then questioned again two years later to measure, among other things, depressive symptoms.

The findings, published in the

American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, showed that seniors who used video chat had approximately half the probability of depressive symptoms at the two-year follow-up compared to non-users and those who used email, social media, and instant messaging.

Use of email, social media, and instant messaging were not associated with a lower risk of depression, with participants who used these methods of communication technology showing virtually the same rate of depressive symptoms as those who used no communication technology at all.

“Video chat came out as the undisputed champion,” said lead author Alan Teo, M.D. “Older adults who used video chat technology such as Skype had significantly lower risk of depression.”

“To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a potential link between use of video chat and prevention

of clinically significant symptoms of depression over two years in older adults,” the authors wrote, with the team adding that the findings suggest video chat technologies like Skype could be a novel way to lower the risk of developing signs and symptoms of depression years later.

Teo added that the findings are not surprising, given that video chat offers users faceto-face interactions with loved ones.

“I still maintain that faceto-face interaction is probably best of all,” Teo said. “However, if we’re looking at the reality of modern American life, we need to consider these communication technologies.

And when we do consider them and compare them, our findings indicate that I’m better off Skyping with my dad in Indiana than sending him a message on WhatsApp.” - Relaxnews

International Men’s Day 2018: 5 ways men can protect their health

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onday, November 19 marked this year’s International Men’s Day. Less well-known than its counterpart International Women’s Day, the day aims to raise awareness of the health challenges faced by men.

In addition to attempting to destigmatize mental health issues faced by men and bringing men’s health challenges to light including increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease, it’s an occasion to put the spotlight on some recent research which suggests ways in which men in particular can take care of their health and reduce the risk of developing conditions such as infertility and prostate cancer.

Switch from tight briefs to boxers A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, USA, suggests that for men who plan on becoming a father switching from tight briefs to loose-fitting boxers could help boost sperm count.

After looking at 656 men aged 18 to 56 the researchers also found that sperm of boxer wearers were also more active, and levels of a reproductive hormone known as FSH were also higher. Successful sperm production requires an environment three to four degrees Celsius (5.6 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) below body temperature, with traditional boxers possibly providing a cooler environment than snug-fitting underwear.

In a worldwide stocktake of public health trends, dozens of international agencies said people over 65, those living in large cities, and sufferers of heart and lung disease were all at heightened risk of death or disability from extreme heat.

The warning came as the United Nations’ meteorological body said that the last four years including 2018 were the four warmest on record.

Globally, a total of 153 billion work hours were lost due to heat exposure in 2017, including seven percent of all labour time in India, the authors said, adding that the cost of keeping people safe from heatwaves was likely to balloon as our planet warms.

The outlook is particularly dire for Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, where mounting temperatures and an ageing population produced a “perfect storm” of risk factors, according to the study’s lead author.

“For a very, very long time we have thought about climate change as something that effects the environment some time in 2100,” Nick Watts, executive director of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Cli-

H

Quitting smoking is just one of the lifestyle changes men can make to boost their health. (© SIphotography / Istock.com)

Protect yourself in the sun According to research presented earlier this year at the 2018 UK National Cancer Research Institute Conference, skin cancer deaths among men have risen sharply in wealthy countries since 1985, while mortality rates among women have risen more slowly or even declined. The researchers say the reasons for the difference between men and women is still unclear, but evidence produced so far suggests men may be less likely than women to protect themselves in the sun, or listen to public health advice.

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ore than 150 million vulnerable people worldwide were exposed to potentially life-threatening heatwaves last year, scientists said Thursday, warning that climate change posed an unprecedented global health risk.

Quit smoking An international meta-analysis which included 11 studies with a total of 22,549 prostate cancer patients found that quitting smoking could significantly decrease patients’ risk of death. The researchers also found that smokers who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have a significantly lower risk of recurrence of the disease if they stop smoking soon after the diagnosis. Current smokers also had a significantly higher risk of developing new metastases, which is cancer that spreads from its site of origin to another part of the body.

Enjoy a glass of red wine A meta-analysis carried out by researchers at the University of Vienna, Austria, which included around 610,000 participants, found that although moderate white wine consumption, defined as one glass a day,

appeared to increase the risk of prostate cancer by 26 percent, moderate red wine consumption did not seem to increase the risk significantly, and may actually reduce the risk of developing the disease by around 12 percent.

Get some nuts Findings presented at a meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona earlier this year found that eating nuts “significantly” boosted the number and health of sperm in young men. The smallscale study looked at 119 men aged 18 to 35 and found that those who ate 60 grams of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts daily in addition to their usual “western-style” diet showed significant improvements in their sperm count as well as the shape, vitality, and movement of sperm, compared to those who didn’t eat nuts.

- Relaxnews

voiceofasia.news is your health news source

mate Change, told AFP.

total hours lost.

“When you look at climate change as a public health issue, it really turns it on its head. It isn’t just affecting polar bears or rainforests, it’s something that affects communities, children, families in the UK and Europe and around the world.”

Scientists in July said climate change was making heatwaves roughly twice as likely to occur by 2040.

- Agriculture struggling The study team comprised experts from 27 institutions worldwide who mapped a variety of climate and health trends.

Using their varied health and climate metrics, the Lancet study authors said they had detected 18 million more atrisk people exposed to dangerous levels of heat than just two years ago.

- ‘Overwhelmed’ -

Watts and his team found that while global temperatures have risen 0.3C since the mid1980s, for those most at risk of heat exposure the average temperature rise experienced was more than double -- 0.8C.

Days before officials gather in Poland for talks aimed at finalising the Paris agreement climate goals, the authors said governments were failing their populations by underfunding core health infrastructure to protect against extreme weather.

This was attributed to a mixture of factors, including migration to cities -- vulnerable to heatwaves through the “urban heat island effect”, as well as more extreme localised heat as climate change wreaks havoc with our weather systems.

They said healthcare spending to adapt to climate change increased by 3.1 percent to £11.68 billion ($14.9 bn, 13.2 billion euros) globally, which falls well short of the commitments made in the 2015 Paris accord.

“If you just look at heat, you can see what heatwaves are doing,” said Watts.

“When you read through many governments’ heat plans they are planning for heat as it has been historically,” said Watts.

“If you do what we are publishing, you end up seeing that populations are ageing, they are migrating and they are growing into the areas worst affected by climate change.”

Around 80 percent of all work hours lost to extreme heat were in agriculture, with India the worst hit in terms of

“Unless governments are preparing plans that take into account the fact that we are going to see a heck of a lot more of this, those plans are going to get overwhelmed.”

Journal reference: The Lancet

Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment

eat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke -- also known as sunstroke -- call 911 immediately and give first aid until paramedics arrive.

cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.

Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes.

If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately call 911 or transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at least a cool, shady area -and remove any unnecessary clothing.

Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat

The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

VOICE OF ASIA 19

Marriott says up to 500 million guests affected by hack

Hotels in the Starwood network include Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and W Hotels. (Photo © AFP Photo/Yamil Lage)

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arriott International said Friday that up to 500 million hotel guests may have had their data compromised in a hack of the Starwood reservation database.

Marriott said it was alerted on September 8 that there had been an attempt to hack their reservation database in the United States.

The company launched a probe, and discovered “that

there had been unauthorized access to the Starwood network since 2014.”

They discovered “that an unauthorized party had copied and encrypted information, and took steps towards removing it.”

On November 19 Marriott “was able to decrypt the information and determined that the contents were from the Starwood guest reservation

Tumblr bans porn to clean up the blogging platform

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database.”

Hotels in the Starwood network include Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and W Hotels.

“We deeply regret this incident happened,” said Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We fell short of what our guests deserve and what we expect of ourselves.”

- AFP

are likely to be stumbles.

Child porn was already against Tumblr guidelines.

“Posting anything that is harmful to minors, including child pornography, is abhor-

AN FRANCISCO | AFP | 12/3/2018 - Tumblr on Monday said it is banning adult content from the Yahoo-owned blogging platform, which saw its app pulled from Apple’s App Store last month over child pornography.

“We will leave it to them and focus our efforts on creating the most welcoming environment possible for our community.”

The decision to purge porn from Tumblr was made after “serious thought” regarding standards in the blogging community, according to the chief executive.

Television holds ground for news, as print fades: US study

The Pew Research Center report found that 47 percent of US adults prefer watching their news, while 34 percent opt for reading and 19 percent prefer listening. (Photo © vm / iStock.com)

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elevision remains the biggest source of news for Americans, with print losing further ground to digital services, a survey showed Monday.

The Pew Research Center report found that 47 percent of US prefer watching their news, while 34 percent opt for reading and 19 percent prefer listening.

The survey suggests more troubles for the ailing newspaper sector, while television is holding its ground against online video.

Among those who watch their news, 75 percent said they prefer television to 20 percent for the internet.

But among news readers, 63

percent preferred digital and 17 percent print.

Overall, that means just seven percent of those surveyed chose the print format as their preferred way of consuming news, down from 11 percent in a similar 2016 study.

Broken down by age segment, the survey offered a particularly bleak outlook for print.

Adults younger than 50 are likelier to prefer the internet as the platform for getting news, regardless of whether they read, watch or listen, the researchers found.

And even among those over 50, a third said they were likelier to go online than to print.

Radio has held steady as a

news source, but a growing number of Americans are listening to news online via podcasts or internet radio, the survey showed.

Television has also held up despite the growing number of online news video initiatives, according to Pew. “At least for now, though, Americans -- especially older ones -- have a penchant for watching news and getting that news on TV,” the researchers wrote.

The report is based on a survey of 3,425 US adults conducted July 30 to August 12, with an estimated margin of error of 2.9 percentage points.

- Relaxnews

Tumblr uses an industry database to filter content being uploaded, but child porn material that had not yet been added to the database made it onto the platform, the company said.

Tumblr will begin enforcing its new policy on December 17, giving users who host unwanted explicit content an opportunity to take their imagery elsewhere, according to chief executive Jeff D’Onofrio.

“There are no shortage of sites on the internet that feature adult content,” D’Onofrio said in a blog post.

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

The offending content was removed as soon as it was discovered in a routine audit, according to Tumblr.

D’Onofrio took over as chief of Tumblr from founder David Karp late last year.

“Posts that contain adult content will no longer be allowed on Tumblr, and we’ve updated our Community Guidelines to reflect this policy change,” D’Onofrio said.

He maintained that Tumblr will strive to balance allowing conversation about topics such as sex and relationships with banning porn, and noted there

rent and has no place in our community,” D’Onofrio said.

“We’ve always had and always will have a zero tolerance policy for this type of content.”

Tumblr’s applications for Apple devices were shut out of the App Store last month after child sexual abuse material was found on the platform.

Karp’s departure from the company came a few months after Verizon bought parentcompany Yahoo in a $4.5 billion deal.

Karp founded Tumblr in New York in early 2007 as a plat-

form where people could share writing and short-form media.

Now, Tumblr hosts some 417 million different blogs.

Yahoo acquired Tumblr in May 2013 for $1.1 billion, as part of an effort to better connect with younger online users.

Traveling to a foreign country? Google just named a language app the best app of 2018

A

language learning app that promises to teach users the basics in as little as five minutes a day has been named Google Play’s Best App of 2018.

Drops is a visual-based learning system that teaches vocabulary through illustrations and fast-paced micro-games.

For travelers headed to a foreign country, the app might come in handy, particularly in restaurants, hotels and for public transport.

Because Drops doesn’t prioritize grammar. That’s more for people who want to become fluent in a language. Instead, the basic level focuses on vocabulary, teaching 1,700 words in 99 topics.

• Small Business Administration Loans (SBA Loans) • Real Estate and Construction Financing • Commercial Financing

For languages like Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and Hindi, the app teaches a beginner alphabet course.

Users can also choose between different dialects and accents, from Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, Castilian Spanish or Latin-American Spanish, American or British English to European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese.

Overall, the Drops app features 31 languages.

- Relaxnews

Drops is a visual and games-based language app. ( Image © Google Play)

Main Office 6901 Corporate Dr. Houston, TX 77036 713-771-9700

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BEAUTY & STYLE

VOICE OF ASIA 20

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Cruelty-free beauty buys for the holiday season

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Current Crush: Glitter Gel by Kat Von D (© Courtesy of Kat Von D)

Kat Von D

GIngerbread Spice Eye Shadow Palette by Too Faced (Photo © Courtesy of Too Faced) keep your complexion radiant looking all through the season.

Beauty mogul Kat Von D has come https://www.covergirl.com up with a limited-edition ‘Current Crush: Glitter Gel’ to have you shimmying through the holidays. The rich Too Faced gold gel can be used as eyeshadow, lipstick or face and body glitter dependThis scented eyeshadow palette from ing on your mood.

Too Faced features 18 shades of warm hues in matte and sparkly finishes. But https://www.katvondbeauty.com the best part? It smells like gingerbread spice, making it ideal for those festive parties.

Covergirl

https://www.toofaced.com Coty-owned brand Covergirl received its cruelty-free status from Cruelty Free International’s Leaping BunBésame Cosmetics ny program earlier this month, so to support the brand’s new stance, check Bésame Cosmetics has teamed up out ‘Vitalist Healthy Glow Highlight- with Disney this winter to launch a er.’ The pearly ‘Moonbeam’ hue will vintage-style ‘Mickey Mouse 90th

Henkel launches new vegan beauty brand

Anniversary Collection’ featuring two brand new lipstick shades. Choose from ‘Mickey Red,’ a cool toned red with strawberry pink undertones, and ‘Ink & Paint,’ described as “a sheer blackberry lipstick with berry flavor, which goes on black and adjusts to your pH to create your own signature berry shade.” https://besamecosmetics.com/ Tarte Cosmetics Tarte has released a limited-edition version of its ‘Lights, Camera Lashes’ mascara, featuring a gold initial charm for extra swagger this season. The vegan formula comes without parabens, mineral oils or gluten, and promises to make lashes look extra long and conditioned.

- Relaxnews

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The 22-piece line will span shampoo, conditioner and treatments for hair care, as well as body wash, body lotion, body butter and liquid hand soap made using cold pressing -- a method of extracting oils from fruits and nuts without using excessive heat

Nature Box products are made with 100% cold pressed oil from avocados, coconuts, apricots, almonds, and macadamia nuts. (© Henkel) or any chemicals.

“Nature Box formulas with cold pressed oils help keep the skin from drying out, and are nourishing and

refining, making skin and hair both healthy looking and soft,” said Xenia Barth, Vice President, Marketing, in a statement. - Relaxnews

Immaculately made-up, sporting smoky eyeshadow, false lashes and winged eyeliner, he changes outfits three times during a presentation to starry-eyed fans.

But at the Tokyo temple where his father is head monk and he assists in rituals, he appears transformed. His face is bare, and he wears the plain robes of a Buddhist cleric.

It might seem like an unusual double act, but that doesn’t bother 29-year-old Nishimura.

“This is who I am,” he said. “I am not going to try to be something else.”

Nishimura is primarily a make-up artist, beautifying clients ranging from popstars to pageant contestants.

He spends most of the year in the

adults across the US, according to a National Health Interview Survey -a figure that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts could rise to one-in-three adults by 2050.

CeraVe is not the only beauty brand adapting its offerings for medical con-

Since being founded in 2005, CeraVe has carved out a reputation for science-forward dermatological solutions spanning cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens. It was acquired by L’Oreal in 2017.

- Relaxnews

Holiday beauty buys that smell good enough to eat

United States, where he first openly indulged a passion for make-up that he kept secret as a child in Japan, hiding in the bathroom to experiment.

“I would open my mum’s Chanel eyeshadow palette and I would try to put it on my face. But I looked crazy, I looked like a clown,” he laughs.

Studying in the US, he found things were different. He discovered drag queens working at make-up stores who were happy to answer his questions. At 18, he made his first purchase: mascara and eyeliner.

An internship with a make-up artist led to a job. Back home, his parents surprised him by being supportive of his career choice.

- ‘A liberation’ But he felt that something was missing. He had grown up in a Buddhist temple, playing behind its elaborate golden altar and knew one day he would have to decide whether to follow in his father’s footsteps.

ith the holiday season just around the corner, beauty brands have been indulging their inner sugar plum fairies and concocting all sorts of festive scents. Here are five products that will have you smelling like Christmas in no time.

Peppermint Candy Cane The Body Shop’s new scented holiThe Body Shop - Peppermint Candy Cane Body Butter day range includes this © Courtesy of The Body Shop dreamy-sounding ‘Peppermint Candy Cane Voluspa, whose ‘Crushed Candy Body Butter.’ Not only will the butter Cane Macaron’ candles contain notes have you smelling like your favorite of peppermint and baked cookies for festive treat; it will also keep your a cozy fragrance. The cute jars can skin feeling hydrated and smooth, even be repurposed as jewelry holdthanks to the addition of a healthy ers once the flame has burned down. dose of shea butter. https://www.sephora.com https://www.thebodyshop.com Cherries Spiced Gingerbread Swirl If cherries are your thing, then Bath & Body Works has launched check out Urban Decay’s new ‘Chera huge 300-piece holiday collection, ry-Scented All Nighter Setting Spray,’ featuring a mouth-watering array of which smells as sweet as it looks. delicious scents. In addition to its Better yet, it will help your makeup in-house classic perfumes, the brand last longer so you can dance the night has unveiled a new ‘Spiced Gingeraway in your Christmas sweater withbread Swirl’ shower gel for 2018 that out a care in the world. promises to envelop you in an aroma https://www.urbandecay.com of “warm gingersnap, fresh nutmeg, orange zest, spiced brown sugar & Gingerbread Spice roasted tonka.”

Bring a little festive spice into your http://www.bathandbodyworks. life with this scented eyeshadow palcom ette from Too Faced, which features 18 shades of warm hues in matte and sparkly finishes that smell like the Crushed Candy Cane Macaron bakery of your Christmas dreams.

Want your house to smell like a https://www.toofaced.com crushed candy cane for the party - Relaxnews season? Then look no further than

“Is it going to degrade the value of other monks?”

Kodo Nishimura (Photo © Toshifumi Kitamura / AFP)

T

“We know that people with diabetes have unique skincare CeraVe Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief concerns and these new products Cleansing Wash © Courtesy of Cerave demonstrate our commitment to providing diabetes sufferers with affordable and therapeutic skincare offerings,” said Derrick Booker, ditions -- earlier this year, the haircare Vice President of Marketing at Cer- brand Herbal Essences announced the aVe, in a statement. launch of a new packaging concept deDiabetes currently affects 29 million signed for the vision impaired.

W

Buddha and bronzer: The Japanese monk who loves make-up

OKYO, Japan - As make-up artist Kodo Nishimura sashays into a room in Tokyo balanced on pin-thin heels, he could hardly look less like a practising Buddhist monk.

The series will comprise a Moisturizing Cream, Hand and Foot Cream and a Cleansing Wash created to tackle skin itchiness, dryness, cracking and bruising -- all of which can be caused by diabetes. CeraVe’s new line uses a combination of three essential ceramides, the antioxidant-rich bilberry and urea to soothe the skin and deliver long-lasting hydration.

https://tartecosmetics.com

ersonal care brand Henkel, known for brands like Schwarzkopf and Dial, is doubling down on vegan beauty with the launch of a new brand.

Dubbed ‘Nature Box,’ the new addition will specialize in hair and beauty products, focusing on cold pressed oils, vegan formulas and certain sustainably-sourced ingredients.

The label, which WWD reports will launch to retail in January, will count five product lines, all packaged and labelled to encourage consumer recycling, with 25% of the packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic.

kincare brand CeraVe is focusing on diabetes with its latest launch.

The L’Oréal-owned label has unveiled a ‘Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief’ line, designed to combat the issues that can arise as a side effect of the condition.

T

he beauty industry is currently undergoing something of a transformation in its approach to animal testing, with several major brands cutting back on or eliminating the process from their retail models this year. In honor of the shift in attitude, here are five cruelty-free beauty treats that are ideal for giving this festive season.

CeraVe unveils skincare for diabetic patients

“I wanted to know the occupation, what we do, enough to make the decision.”

So at 24, he enrolled in a training programme in his Buddhist Pure Land sect. It involved five sessions, each several weeks long, spread over a period of around two years.

Homesick for Japan, he was excited at first, but his enthusiasm quickly faded.

But a senior monk brushed aside his concerns, pointing out that Japanese monks often wear non-religious clothing outside the temple and have second jobs. And he was uninterested in his sexuality.

“That was like a liberation for me,” Nishimura said. “That’s when I felt: ‘now I can be myself and be a monk as well.’”

- ‘There’s no one like Kodo’ -

“The moment the doors shut, the trainers started screaming,” he said. “I was like ‘oh my God, what did I sign up for’?”

He acknowledges that his work as a make-up artist, with its focus on outward appearance, might seem at odds with a religion that prioritises the inner self.

But he persevered, returning to the United States between courses, only to have a crisis of confidence near the end.

“I think in Buddhism the core message is to feel happiness, feel balanced within our hearts and to share the happiness,” he said.

In New York, he wore make-up and jewellery, worked as a make-up artist and was open about his attraction to men.

Feeling beautiful, he believes, makes people “more generous, more attentive to helping others.”

Would all that “offend the community of Buddhist monks?” he wondered.

Nishimura returns to Japan twice a year, helping his father at religious events like funerals.

For now he can balance his two lives, but eventually he will have to decide whether to inherit his father’s temple -- a prospect he admits doesn’t appeal at the moment.

“I don’t think that being in this temple is the best way necessarily to help more people.”

“Make-up and heels (are)... like a bridge for me to spread my thoughts to others.”

He has also become an advocate for LGBT rights, and has a sideline teaching transgender women makeup tricks to amplify their feminine features.

“He helps you look your best with the facial features you already have... (and) encourages transgender people to accept the way we are,” said Mio Aoki, a 27-year-old transgender woman who lined up early for a front-row seat at Nishimura’s makeup demonstration.

“There are many make-up artists who teach people make-up, but I think there’s no one like Kodo.”

- AFP

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

Home&Real Estate Off-grid Scottish house is RIBA House of the Year 2018

Expect modest housing market growth in 2019: Freddie Mac

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ASHINGTON - As the year-end approaches, we look ahead to 2019 and what are likely to be the dominant economic trends in the new year.

The effects of fiscal stimulus will wane while the Federal Reserve is likely to continue tightening monetary policy causing economic growth to cool. We anticipate that mortgage rates will continue to rise, putting downward pressure on homebuying activity.

The biggest unknown about the housing market next year is whether the recent negative trends will persist or the market will adjust to the shock of higher mortgage rates and resume modest growth. Our forecast favors the latter – modest growth. Here’s why.

Clad in charred larch and built with prefabricated, structurally insulated panels, this lakeside home perches lightly on the land. (Photos: Haysom Ward Miller Architects)

by Jennifer Baum Lagdameo

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ocated at the edge of a lake in the West Highlands of Scotland, Lochside House by British firm Haysom Ward Miller has been named the 2018 RIBA House of the Year.

Scale, material choices, use of setting, and integration into the landscape were all factors taken into consideration for the honor, which RIBA awards annually.

as possible.

Great respect was paid to having minimal impact on the surrounding and re-establishing the native flora and fauna.

tem. There is also a portion of the structure with a flat living roof.

The straightforward use of local stone and timber is an

Designed for a ceramic artist, the Lochside House is a modest and highly energyefficient modular home composed of three volumes.

Clad in Scottish larch that has been charred using the Japanese shou sugi ban technique, and surrounded by a traditional drystone wall, the off-grid abode uses highly insulated SIPs, which were prefabricated to minimize transport of materials and leave the surroundings as undisturbed

Expansive glazing frames the natural surroundings.

Additionally, the home uses solar energy and will have its own water supply, sewage treatment, and electrical sys-

homage to the “traditional croft houses and architectural buildings of the Highlands.”

- Dwell

For the anti-pine

Alternative Christmas trees that will make your holiday totally unique

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f you’ve grown tired of holiday tradition, or crave an annual switch-up, forget a real tree, or even a fake one. This year, go off the holiday grid with an alternative Christmas

Against a floor mirror, Michael Johansson stacks green books, binders and drawers, and creates a reflection effect for the full tree.

This is an alternative Christmas tree that can be fun and functional.

tree. From minimalist decals to modern light designs, there are plenty of cool ways to break free from the classic fir.

- Elle Decor

Third quarter GDP growth came in stronger than expected at 3.5 percent, down 0.7 percent from the previous quarter. This robust growth is due in part to a 4 percent increase in consumer spending and a 3.3 percent increase in government spending.

We expect GDP growth to average 3 percent in 2018 before slowing to 2.4 percent in 2019 and 1.8 percent in 2020. We do not expect our baseline forecast to be affected following the midterm elections. With splitparty control of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, we don’t anticipate any major changes to the course of federal spending under current law, which is likely to boost growth in 2019, and then start to drag on growth in 2020.

The labor market continues to be the strong point of the economy. The unemployment rate held at a multi-decade low of 3.7 percent in October. Initial jobless claims also remained at record-lows, falling nearly 0.5 percent to 214,000 in the first week of November. The 4-week moving average for continuing jobless claims hit another 45-year low, falling 0.5 percent to 1.63 million in late October.

Despite consistently strong job growth, wage growth has accelerated only modestly. Average hourly earnings grew just 0.2 percent in October but remain up 3.1 percent year over year.

We forecast unemployment to average 3.9 percent this year, then dropping to 3.6 percent in 2019 before increasing to a more sustainable long-term rate of 4 percent in 2020.

- Mortgage rates are on the rise The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate averaged 4.83 percent in October, and the most recent weekly reading reached 4.94 percent, a high we haven’t seen since early 2011. We expect

For an easy DIY, try this alternative from Geneva Vanderzeil of A Pair and a Spare. She used screws, plywood, sting and lights to create a glowing Christmas tree you can still gather around.

mortgage rates to gradually inch higher as Treasury yields continue to rise. We forecast the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate will average 4.6 percent in 2018, increasing to 5.1 percent in 2019 and 5.6 percent in 2020. A moderation in the rate of increase in mortgage rates may be just enough to let the housing market catch its breath and resume growth.

- Homes sales slow in the third quarter Almost all the trends in the U.S. housing market have been negative in recent months as housing market activity continues to adjust to higher mortgage rates. Housing starts decreased 5.3 percent to 1.2 million in September with the biggest drivers being the hurricaneaffected South and the Midwest. Given the persistence of recent negative trends in construction, we have revised our forecast for 2018 housing starts down 30,000 units to 1.26 million units and our 2019 forecast down 50,000 units to 1.30 million units. By 2020, housing starts are forecasted to climb to 1.4 million units.

Total home sales fell 3.3 percent to 5.85 million in the third quarter of 2018. Existing single-family home sales fell 3.4 percent to 5.15 million in September, the lowest rate since 2015. New home sales also fell 5.5 percent to 553,000 in September, and both August and July sales were revised down 6.9 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively. The number of new homes available for sale is up 16.8 percent since this time last year, indicating that new home buyers may have been exhausted by the relentless march higher of home prices.

If new home sales are to resume growth in 2019, builders may have to shift their focus to more modestly priced homes and smaller sized homes to help offset housing affordability concerns. But with cost pressures pinching profitability, this will be a significant challenge.

One glimmer of hope can be found in modest expansions in the share of modular and other non-site build housing which could play a role in helping to expand the construction of af-

fordable single-family housing.

We expect total home sales to decrease 1.6 percent to 6.02 million in 2018 before slowly regaining momentum and increasing 1 percent to 6.08 million in 2019 and 2 percent to 6.20 million in 2020. The growth in home sales will be entirely driven by a modest expansion in new home sales, while existing home sales will likely remain in a range close to their current level.

The growth rate of the Freddie Mac House Price Index remained flat at 0.9 percent in the third quarter of 2018. We forecast that home prices will increase 5.1 percent in 2018 with the rate of growth moderating to 4.3 percent and 2.9 percent in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Based on recent trends in homebuying activity, we downward revised our forecast for mortgage originations. We expect single-family mortgage originations to decline 9.9 percent year-over-year to $1.63 trillion in 2018, falling slightly to $1.62 trillion in 2019 and dropping once more to $1.60 trillion in 2020. With mortgage rates holding near 7-year highs, refinance originations will likely take a hit, with the refinance share of originations falling to 29 percent in 2018, 25 percent in 2019, and 15 percent in 2020.

Borrowers who refinanced their first lien mortgage in the third quarter of 2018 either kept the same interest rate or took slightly higher rates on average, compared with an interest rate drop of almost 0.7 percent rate a year earlier and much lower than the almost 1.9 percent reduction during the second quarter of 2013. Many of the refinances during the third quarter of 2018 were not for rate reduction, but rather for cashing out equity to consolidate higher interest debt, pay other bills or for home improvements. More than 95 percent of refinancing borrowers chose a fixed-rate loan, regardless of what the original loan product had been.

PREPARED BY THE ECONOMIC & HOUSING RESEARCH GROUP http://www.freddiemac.com/research

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VOICE OF ASIA 22

B

D

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS BOOK-KEEPING

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

INCOME TAX

Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations.

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The issue of beliefs might be on the agenda, which could affect how you approach an idea or project. The end of the week could also see you focused on more spiritual ideas

21 April to 20 May When you have a good thing, you want to hold on to it. However, problems occur when you try to possess someone else, Taurus. Playing it casually isn’t your style.

21 May to 20 June This remains a very positive and upbeat time for you. Big plans and high ambition will find support if you’re willing to communicate with everyone. This is a great time to network.

21 June to 22 July With a supportive aspect, you have a good deal of help to make healthy changes in your house of employment now. The Universe is making it possible to bring your excellent skills to the attention of your boss.

23 July to 22 August You seem to radiate a positively infectious vitality. Others may wonder how you manage to look and be so well. You might have to let the cat out of the bag and reveal how you made the transition from just OK to fantastic.

23 August to 22 Sept There are romantic possibilities this week for you Virgo! Friday and the weekend can be perfect for a special getaway just for you and your significant other. And real estate deals could also proceed more smoothly.

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Astrology.com

23 September to 22 Oct You may feel an especially strong desire to express yourself now. Confidently move forward with new ideas.

Be open to feedback. Work-related travel and legal matters will be productive.

23 October to 21 Nov While you may be tempted to blow off work for a little escape, try to resist! It’s better to apply your energy to solving a problem that’s common among these areas. Raking in the money will be easy when you do.

22 November to 21 Dec Don’t eat too much fatty or sugary food, and try to limit caffeine.

Balanced food that your body processes slowly, such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and brown rice, are all much easier on your system. too.

22 December to 20 Jan This weekend could be a very creative time, especially if you enjoy writing. Avoid making any agreements unless you’ve researched the fine print thoroughly.

21 January to 19 Feb If there are lots of romantic ideas swirling around in your head over the weekend, act on one of them.

You’ll never know what could happen until you try. Your unique approach is sure to make a lasting impression.

20 February to 20 Mar This is a good time for cooperative projects with a practical focus. Take extra time and attention with any budgets or financial documents. It’s a good time to do research or contact superiors concerning work benefits.

ACROSS 1. Smoothing tool 5. Fireplace mess 8. *Make a scarf, then a sweater 12. Nasal input 13. Crunched info 14. Like a snicker 15. Cautionary offering 16. *Caddie’s offering 17. Ringworm 18. *Current game 20. Bookkeeping entry 21. Express November sentiments 22. Big bang maker 23. Beach Boys: “Be True to Your ____” 26. Deducible 30. COI, OSS, SSU, CIG, ____ 31. *Interlocking challenge 34. ____ of the game 35. Legal excuse 37. Acorn maker 38. Poet Nash 39. Spanish surrealist Joan 40. Tolkien’s “The Two ____” 42. Denotes financial loss 43. Kickbacks 45. Ducks with valued down 47. Ornamental carp 48. Harvest helper 50. Chalupa alternative 52. Virginia Slim, e.g.

56. *What football and baseball have in common, pl.

57. “Put a lid ____ ____!”

58. *Hang out on the ocean or online 59. Lock horns 60. Eyeball 61. Hissy fit 62. Michael Myers’ move 63. “To Kill a Mockingbird” author 64. Thanksgiving tubers

DOWN 1. Campus drillers 2. Month before Nisan 3. Stag 4. Faster than allegro 5. Hammerin’ Hank 6. Delivery bird?

7. 3rd H in 4-H, sing.

8. *Needlecraft 9. *Half a round 10. Footnote word 11. *Afternoon’s high 13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. The Police lead singer 19. Japanese room divider 22. Parker’s angst 23. Little rascal 24. Locomotive hair 25. Like Bigfoot 26. *You fly fish in it 27. Core of personnel 28. Independent African ruler 29. Gives a helping hand 32. Messy substances 33. Horror movie franchise 36. *Bibliophiles’ get-together 38. Willow twig 40. *____ Chi 41. Make a connection 44. Opposite of tea bag 46. Black-tie 48. *Watch a season in a week, e.g.

49. Catlike 50. Queen of Hearts’ pastry 51. Aquatic plant 52. Fairly cold 53. Blackfin or Yellowfin 54. Barbershop request 55. Newts in terrestrial stage 56. Art degrees

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VOICE OF ASIA 23

HOLIDAY SEASON:

Last-minute holiday gift ideas

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FRIDAY, December 7, 2018

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Documents can be o b t a i n e d a t : w w w. hccs.edu/about-hcc/ procurement/

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD SOLUTION Don’t show up empty-handed or re-gift something generic lying around the house. Photo Source: (c) evgeniykleymenov / stock.Adobe.com

W

e’ve all been there before.

Procrastinated or overscheduled our holiday season to the point where we leave ourselves little to no time to shop for loved ones. But great gifts don’t necessarily need to be planned months in advance.

These last-minute ideas will bring cheer to the season for gift-givers and recipients alike.

• A Gift Basket: A gift basket is easy to prepare and, if created by you, won’t feel last-minute at all. With a few customizations for an individual’s preferences, this is an extremely thoughtful gift. Shopping for a person with a sweet tooth? Hit up the candy aisle and get most of your items from there. Shopping for a foodie? Prepare a basket

of interesting herbs and spices from around the world. The possibilities are endless. After you’ve arranged the items nicely, spiff it up with a few bows and flourishes in your gift recipient’s favorite colors.

• A Timepiece: If you’re stumped for a gift for that pragmatic, stylish someone that will be appreciated for both its beauty and its functionality, consider a great timepiece in a classic design that will complement a variety of styles, such as those from Casio’s Vintage Timepiece Collection. Featuring stainless steel bands in such different metallic color combinations as gold and black, and rose gold and silver, they are equipped with an LED-lit display face, a countdown timer, a 1/100th second stopwatch, as well as a

daily alarm, hourly time signal and auto-calendar. This throwback accessory is both useful and fashionable, adding a bold, retro-inspired look to any outfit.

• Movie Night: Everyone loves a trip to the movies, and these days, it’s easier than ever to send a loved one to the theater again and again. With a MoviePass membership of just $9.95 a month, you can give the gift of unlimited theater-going to your favorite cinephile.

This holiday season, don’t show up empty-handed or re-gift something generic lying around the house. There are plenty of thoughtful gifts that can be prepared at the last minute and your recipient will be none the wiser.

- (StatePoint).

How much will this season cost holiday shoppers?

A

ccording to one quirky and fun annual economic indicator, the cost of holiday shopping is on the rise this year, at least according to the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

To purchase all the gifts mentioned in the classic holiday song, it will cost 1.2 percent more than it did in 2017, according to the PNC Christmas Price Index, the 35th annual holiday economic

analysis by The PNC Financial Services Group.

The 2018 price tag for all the gifts was calculated at $39,094.93, approximately $450 more than last year’s cost. For the full report, visit www.pnc.com.

“True loves” everywhere take note, you’ll need a bit more money on-hand to fill the stockings on the mantle this season.

(StatePoint)

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