VOICE OF ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 1
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FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
In Section 2 l HEALTHLINE
Understanding Med-Supp Plan F, Plan F select and Plan F High Deductible
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Vol. 32 No. 37 • FRIDAY, September 21, 2018 Published Weekly from Houston 24 Pages (2 sections) 50 cents 713-774-5140 • E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com
Jaipur Literature Festival in Houston showcases South Asia’s best literary minds By Shobana Muratee
A
n invigorating fall for Houstonians with the inauguration of "greatest literary show on Earth" that made its debut in Texas with Jaipur Literature Festival at Houston (JLF), in partnership between Teamwork Arts, Asia Society Texas Center, Inprint, and the Consulate General of India. The Houston leg of the festival opened on Friday, September 14 at the Brown Foundation Theater
with inaugural address by Dr. Anupam Ray, Consul General of India, Houston on “Imagining Our Worlds” also featuring speakers Namita Gokhale, Sanjoy K. Roy, Rich Levy - Executive Director, Inprint. The evening program also presented a vibrant segment “Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Namita Gokhale.” The events concluded on Saturday, Sep. 15, 2018 Traditionally, the festival showcases South Asia's literary and oral heritage, with internationally acclaimed authors
and thinkers taking part in a range of provocative panels and debates. World renowned authors and thinkers took part in a range of stimulating panel discussions and debates. Apart from Houston, Jaipur Literature Festival will be in two other cities across the United States: New York and Boulder. In Houston, the musical highlight was the performance by Pandit Suman Ghosh. Continued on Page 8
India outlaws Islamic 'instant divorce'
N
EW DELHI, India | AFP | The Indian government Wednesday issued an executive order making the Islamic practice of "instant divorce" a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison. The controversial move brings an outright ban on "triple talaq" -- when a Muslim man ends his marriage by saying "talaq" ("you are divorced" in Arabic) three times in succession -- a step closer. Muslim women say they have been divorced over messaging apps like WhatsApp or in letters, leaving them without any legal remedy. India's lower house, controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), passed legislation outlawing the practice in December. But it got stuck in the upper house, prompting the govern-
ment to issue Wednesday's executive order. It now needs only approval from the president to become law. "There was a constitutional urgency to bring this law. The curse of triple talaq has continued unabated," Ravi Shankar Prasad, law and justice minister, told reporters. In August 2017, India's Supreme Court declared "triple talaq" unconstitutional and ordered the government to legislate against it. Prasad said that 201 cases have been reported across the country even after the top court's order. The BJP has long pushed for a uniform civil code for marriage, divorce and property. India's constitution allows followers of each faith to use their religious laws to govern such matters. But
India's
180-million-
Saturday, September 15, 2018 – Jaipur Literature Festival at Houston. "Second Thoughts: A Writer and Diplomat" with, from left, Sanjoy K. Roy and Navtej Sarna in Asia Society Texas Center's Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater. Photo by Chris Dunn.
SPARC holds fundraiser for Kerala's flood victims
strong Muslim community has historically opposed such a move, saying it will erode their religious identity and violate the constitution. "The BJP's stand on the Muslim plight is well known and they have little sympathy for the community," said Yogendra Yadav, an academic and politician who heads the socio-political organisation Swaraj India. "This issue gives them a nice pretext to present the Muslim community in a poor light and themselves as defender of a retrograde practice," he said. R S Surjewala, a spokesman for the opposition Congress party, said that the next step would be to ensure Muslim women get alimony. "But the Modi government would not want that, they don't want upliftment of Muslim women," he told news channels.
Koshy Thomas, Publisher, Voice of Asia seen speaking at the fundraiser organized by Dr. Sunanda Nair (far left), SPARC Founder & Director. Photo credit: Navin Mediwala. read report on Page 5.
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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS
VOICE OF ASIA 2
by Ishani Duttagupta
VOICE OF ASIA Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief: Austin Correspondent: Marketing Director: Office Manager:
Koshy Thomas Sherly Philip Shobana Muratee Sherine Thomas Susan Pothanikat Priyan Mathew
Contributors: Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Mala Sharma Research: Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee
VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:
Shobana Muratee
All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher. Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-7745143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol. com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. - The Publisher
Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $50 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074
T
he upcoming midterm polls in the US is keeping the activists of Indian American Impact Fund (IAIF) busy these days. The Washington DC-based political action committee, which works with candidates from the community running for the US elections, recently endorsed Anita Malik, the Democratic candidate running for the US Congress to represent Arizona’s 6th Congressional district. It has already endorsed Democrats Aftab Pureval (Ohio), Sri Kulkarni (Texas) and Hiral Tipirneni (Arizona) — all of whom are making first time bids for the Congress.
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
A record number of Indian Americans are aiming for midterm polls in US
IAIF only endorses Indian American candidates in US elections. Its backing helps a candidate effectively reach out to the diaspora to raise money and support. The midterm polls, due in November, will decide the makeup of the US Congress — comprising the House of Representatives (HoR) and the Senate. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 out of the 100-strong Senate and 36 out of 50 state governorships, along with many state and local offices, will be up for grabs. If Republicans lose control of either chamber of Congress, President Donald Trump’s agenda will face roadblocks. This makes the elections crucial for the Trump administration. There are 16 Indian Americans in the fray now. Out of the 32 candidates in the running for HoR seats, 18 lost in primary elections, 9 won and 5 are yet to contest their primaries. Of the three in the race for the Senate, one has lost the primaries, another has won and the primary election for the third is yet to be held. Primaries are preliminary elections held before the general polls where voters select candidates for a particular office at the federal, state or local level. A win in the primary round confirms a seat for the candidate in the general election. A candidate can lose the preliminary election but still continue to be in the race if she has a high enough vote share and campaign money. A record number of Indian Americans – 37 — ran for the US Congress this year; 30 were non-incumbent challengers. “This reflects a surge of energy and enthusiasm in our community for public service and politics,” says Gautam Raghavan, executive director, IAIF. “That said,many of these candidates were running in highly competitive races and
K. V. Doraiswamy Bhattar 281-489-0464 or 281-948-8368 kvdoraiswamybhattar@yahoo.com kvdoraiswamy60@gmail.com
Rituals Performed: Sreemantham, Punyahavachanam, Namakaranam, Annaprashanam, Vidyarambham, Choulam, Upanayanam, Wedding, Sathya narayana puja, and all kind of Homas (Havans) and more. I can drive to your place.
Clockwise from top left: Sri Preston Kulkarni, Jitendra Diganvker, Hiral Tipirneni, and Anita Malik (Photos: ET Bureau) were up against well-funded candidates. Some subsequently lost their primary campaigns." The IAIF leadership is optimistic that at least one, if not two, new members of Congress from the Indian-American community will be elected this November. In 2016, Kamala Harris was elected to the Senate, while Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Raja Krishnamoorthi were elected to Congress for the first time. Ami Bera was re-elected to the Congress. Harris does not have to run again till 2022. The others appear to be safe with their seats after the primaries. The two most hotly contested races the community members are closely watching are Aftab Pureval¡¦s Congressional campaign in Ohio and Josh Kaul¡¦s campaign for attorney general of Wisconsin. The campaigns of Congressional candidates Sri Kulkarni in Texas and Hiral Tipirneni and Anita Malik in Arizona are also being keenly followed. "We are seeing tremendous support from the entire desi community," says Kulkarni, who joined politics after 14 years in the foreign service. He resigned in the fall of 2017 when he could no longer justify the actions of the Trump administration. "We are calling voters in 13 languages - Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu and many more - and going to
temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches all over our diverse district. And the results are showing. In the Democratic primary, we increased AsianAmerican turnout 12 times over." He adds that it is clear the South Asian community is building its power and finding its voice in this election, and that he is proud to be a part of it. Kulkarni is running against Pete Olson, a 10-year Republican incumbent.
"We are seeing a convergence behind candidates," says Rishi Kumar, who is running for reelection to the Saratoga City Council, in California. "As Indian Americans, we are in a new country and we truly understand the importance of team work and collaboration. This November, some races can have a slim margin of victory so it is very important to stay united."
In an all-desi race in Schaumburg, Illinois, businessman Jitendra Diganvker is running on a Republican ticket against incumbent representative Raja Krishnamoorthi. "I have lived in Chicago for over two decades and enjoy a lot of support from the Indian American community. My campaign is very personalised and I feel they are attracted to my support for a stronger India-America strategic relationship and overhaul of the immigration policy," Diganvker says. There are over 5 million people of Indian origin in the US, "but you don't yet see thousands contesting elections at all levels," he adds.
Anita Malik (Democrat): The daughter of Indian immigrants quit as chief operating officer of a content technology company in May 2017 to run for the US House of Representatives for Arizona’s 6th district. Sri Preston Kulkarni (Democrat): A diplomat for 15 years, he gave up his career in foreign service to run for Congress from the 22nd district of Texas. Hiral Tipirneni (Democrat): Her family migrated to the US when she was 3 and is now a doctor running in Arizona’s 8th Congressional district. Though she faced a defeat against Republican and former state senator Debbie Lesko, she still remains in the race in November.
The political ambitions of the community look bright as various organisations such as the US India Political Action Committee galvanise support for candidates, raise funds, give them access to donors and help them increase their profile within the Democratic and Republican leadership.
Jitendra Diganvker (Republican): The Chicago businessman is running against incumbent representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in Illinois’ 8th district. - Source: ET Bureau
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VOICE OF ASIA 3
Section 1
Community Email: voiceasia@aol.com
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Tel: 713-774-5140
Vivaah - An enthralling wedding theme Sri Meenakshi Temple Society held its Annual Banquet, “VIVAAH� on September 8th, 2018 by Vijay Nathan
event and endorsed the need to renovate the Kalyana Mandapam to continue to be a center of family, community, and religious gatherings in Pearland. Consul Mr. Amit Khanna represented the Indian Consulate on Houston and spoke of the authenticity and warm feeling of visiting Meenakshi Temple. Three guests also presented 2018 MTS Scholarships.
O
n Saturday, September 8th, 2018, the Meenakshi Temple Kalyana Mandapam was transformed into a grand venue richly decorated in red & gold. A fabulous stage with extended runway centered the room and guests were able to take pictures with an elaborative, decorative backdrop. To emphasize the theme of "wedding," an ornate seervarisai graced the entryway and included authentic bakshanams like large size murukku, athirasam, paruppu thengai, fruits, nuts much more. The complete decor to give an ambience of a grand wedding hall was creatively designed by Nalini Kannan. Along with this was a long line of numerous donated silent auction items of saris, framed art, silver Kalasam, jewelry, and a full set of kolu dolls. Guests dressed in grand festive wear were received with traditional kumkum, chandan, and jasmine flowers with an opportunity to decorate their hands with artistic mehendi, while being treated to unique snacks.
The MTS Scholarship recipients included: Keshav Srivaths, Shreya Thipireddy, Layaa Raja Amrithalingam, Varsha Vasu, Divya Ramamurthy, Tejna Dasari, Adith V. Ram, Advait Prakash, Sathwik Iyer, Tejas Medapalli, Vishaal Vidyaprakash, Supritha Venkatesh.
Guests of Honor Congressman Pete Olson and Pearland Mayor, Tom Reid (both in the center) with the youth who won 2018 MTS Scholarships. Also seen MTS directors . The main focus of the night was to introduce a new initiative by the MTS Board to welcome youth donors with a handmade Kalpakavriksham [Wishing]
Tree. Donors were able to hang their names on the gold tree and will be honored with their names on MTS Youth Wall upon the completion of the Kalyana Man-
dapam Renovation. Guests of Honor Congressman Pete Olson presented a Congressional proclamation
and spoke on the importance of instilling family values and community in our youth. Mayor Tom Reid presented a certificate in celebration of the
During the evening, guests were entertained to Sangeeth, a melodious vocal & instrumental ensemble by youth co-ordinated by Mahalakshmi Krishnan of Sreekrithi School of Music. A lighthearted comedy skit entitled "Love is Forever" by local talent scripted by Dr Vaduganathan was enjoyed by all and took us back in time. The grand finale was "Mangalayam Thadhunanena," a showcase of traditional wedding outfits from each region of India, co-ordinated & narrated by Vidvatha Sridhar. The evening culminated in a multi-course, wedding-style grand feast catered by Madras Pavilion served on banana leaves by temple staff & smiling volunteers. Guests left the event with favor bags for ladies & beeda pan handmade by volunteers.
Wedding outfits from each region of India being showcased as part of the event.
MTS Board of Directors.
320
Vivaah was an event to remember, honoring the historic legacy of our Temple by recognizing its historic past, invigorating our active youth in the present, and looking ahead to the future we will build together.
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 4
Life and Soul Health Fair 2018 Bringing the community together in service
Mayor of Pearland, Tom Reid with medical staff and volunteers.
O
n September 15th 2018, Love to Share Foundation America served over 250 primarily uninsured citizens of Greater Houston during its 8th annual Life and Soul Free Health Fair held at New Life Plaza in Manvel. The heath fair was officially kicked off by dignitaries - the Mayor of Pearland Mr. Tom Reid, the Mayor of Manvel Mrs. Debra Davison, Representative from Congressman Pete Olson’s office, Mr. John Paul Anders, former Mayor of Manvel, Ms. Delores Martin and Mr. Ramaswamy Subramanian representing Love to Share Foundation America. A Congressional Recognition was presented to Love to Share Foundation for its dedication to serve the community which in turn ensures the community’s well-being and development for years to come. The services offered during Life and Soul included Blood Pressure, BMI, Cho-
cluded HEB, Genesis Hearing Clinic, University of Houston, Alvin Community College–Respiratory Division, Sai Primary Care, Walgreens, Southeast Cardiovascular Associates, Coastal Vascular Center, UTMB, Texas Medical Association–Be Wise Immunize and Texas Medical Association–Hard Hats for Little Heads program, and IndoAmerican Nurses Association of Greater Houston. The sponsors of the event included Texas Medical Association, Amgen, Ying and Yang Health Care, New York Life Insurance, Walmart and HEB. Approximately 50 volunteers paved way for the event to take place in an organized manner, despite the heavy flow of participants, a multitude of tests with each participant having individual requirements and parking constraints due to wet weather. Cognizant’s Outreach program brought in 14 volunteers who did a tremen-
and education. They also conducted basic CPR and Stroke Education Classes. High school and College students from Dulles High School, Clements High School, Shadow Creek High School and University of Houston also volunteered and earned their volunteering hours at the event. Food for vendors and volunteers was sponsored by Olive Garden, Shipley’s Donuts, Chipotle, Papa John's and Biryani Express. Overall it was a pleasant day defying all weather forecasts that saw a lot of unconditional service, compassion and gratitude. Love to Share Foundation’s next event will be Life and Soul Free Health Fair – Dallas Metropolis that is scheduled for Sept 29th in Garland. Love to Share Foundation America continues to make strides in empowering the community through several programs at the grass roots level. In addition to Life and Soul, the
Volunteers explain mpart information on Stroke to the participants of Helth Fair.
lesterol, Blood sugar, Vision, Glaucoma, Fungus screening, Hearing, EKG, Thyroid Ultrasound, Bone Density, Lung Function test, Carotid Doppler, Mammograms for registered uninsured Brazoria County residents, Flu shots for the uninsured, Helmets for children to prevent head injury, Basic CPR class, Stroke and Diabetes Education. The vendors that offered screenings and services in-
dous job of handling online registration, directing patient flow in the testing stations and in parking. These volunteers tirelessly transported patients to and from the parking lot to New Life Plaza for six hours straight. The Indo-American Nurses Association of Greater Houston (IANAGH) had approximately a dozen nurses who helped out with blood pressure, blood sugar screening
other initiatives include – Reality Retreat, Body Mind and Soul, Workshops for professionals and high-schoolers and several cultural collaborations and camps to stage diverse art forms, depicting the universal harmony that is intricately woven across the cultures around the world. Please visit www. lovetosharefoundation.org to know more about us and our programs; we would love to have you be a part of this wonderful family!
To advertise on our newsletter Call 713-774-5140 or email request to: voiceasia@aol.com
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
2018 USA Karate National Champions named in Fort Bend ISD
Pictured (top row from the left are) Gregory Gurevich, Sensei Mikhail Gurevich, Sensei Cassie Pham-Korman, Sensei Ramon Veras and Sensei Nizar Albagdadi; (Middle Row from the left), Christina Korman , James Goodman Jr., Anya Singh, Meher Singh, Kaito Sengoku, Charlize Lopez (Bottom Row from the left) Tyler Lopez, Nalika Nana, Haven Lopez, Joshua Darsan and Jayden Goodman.
L
ast July 12-15, 1200 Karateka’s (Karate athletes) from across the country came to compete at Reno, Nevada among them is a group of Fourteen team from Traditional Karate center eleven of which are Fort Bend ISD student athletes. This is the largest and most prestigious competition in Karate the 2018 USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials. Forming the team from Fort Bend ISD were students Joshua Darsan (Walker Station Elementary), Jayden Goodman (Palmer Elementary), James Goodman (Garcia Middle School), Gregory Gurevich (Quail Valley Middle School), Charlize Lopez (Quail Valley Middle School), Haven Lopez (Sullivan Elementary), Tyler Lopez (Sullivan Elementary,)Nalika Nana (Oyster Creek Elementary) Anya Singh (Drabek Elementary), Meher Singh (Drabek Elementary) and Kaito Sengoku (Austin Parkway Elementary).
The FBISD students competed in Kata (which demonstrates the choreographed sequence of karate techniques), Team Kata, Team Kumite and Kobudo (the weapon). Earning awards were: Joshua Darsan, Bronze Medal (Kobudo) Jayden Goodman, Gold Medal (Kobudo and Team Kumite) Bronze Medal (Kata) James Goodman, Gold Medal (Kobudo) and Bronze Medal (Team Kata and Kata) Gregory Gurevich, Bronze Medal (Kata) Charlize Lopez, Gold Medal (Kata) Bronze Medal (Kumite) Tyler Lopez, Gold Medal (Kobudo and Kata) Nalika Nana, Gold Medal (Kata and Team Kumite) Bronze Medal (Kumite) Anya Singh, Bronze Medal (Kata)
Meher Singh, Silver Medal (Kata) Kaito Sengoku, Bronze Medal (Kata, Team Kata and Kobudo) Other team members who received awards include: Christina Korman, (Gold, Kata and Kobudo; and Bronze Medal Team Kata), Sensei Cassie Pham-Korman (Silver, Goyu Ryu Kata), Sensei Mikhail Gurevich (Bronze Kata). The students train at Traditional Karate Center under the instruction of Sensei Ramon Veras (Chief Instructor), Sensei Nizar Albagdadi (Senior Instructor), Sensei Cassie PhamKorman and Sensei Andres Sanabria. A total of 25 medals were won by the team, 10 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 13 Bronze. This hard end medals are the results of countless hours training and sacrificing of both athletes and their families.
VOICE OF ASIA 5
Fort Bend View
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place
Section 1
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
Tel: 713-774-5140
SPARC holds fundraiser for Kerala's flood victims
S
TAFFORD – “What an overwhelming evening. My heartfelt gratitude to all right from the kutties to all who participated and contributed their talents to this cause,” expressed Dr. Sunanda Nair, founder of the Sunanda’s Performing Arts Center (SPARC) and organizer of the “SPARC Save Kerala’ fundraiser held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Stafford Civic Center in aid of Kerala flood victims in India. There was an overwhelming outpour of local talents that included a range of performers: classical, semi classical dance, folk dance, Bollywood, Tollywood, Mollywood, Urban Gypsies, students from Shivangini school of Kathak, storytellers of Ekta Popat. Dr. Khushboo and her team presented Bollywood dancing while Sneha Mokkala and Sri. Sanvitha rendered some melodious and foot tapping songs. Bollywood Shake presented their gorgeous models and pageant winners directed by Ruchika Singh Diaz and Bindhiya Suresh Bab. Emcees Shiji Mathen and Reshma Vinod did a fantastic job. Among the dignitaries and heads of organizations present were: Mayor, City of Stafford, Leonardo Scarcella, Councilman Ken Mathew, Vice Consul, Jacob Abraham, HCC Trustee, Neeta Sane, IACCGH President, Swapan Dhairyawan, Publisher, Voice of Asia, Koshy Thomas, and ICC President, Nisha Mirani. Celebrity standup come-
Dance performers at the SPARC save Kerala fundraiser
Top: Bollywood Shake's Miss Teen Bollywood USA.
dian from New York, Dan Nainan served as Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Nair extended her special thanks to Navin Mediwala for photography, Sulochana Balakrishnan, Rexy Arul Mini Arakkal, and Darshak Thacker for superb acoustics. For more info log onto: www. s u n a n d a n a i r. com
Comedian and Emcee Dan Nainan.
From left to right: City of Stafford Mayor, Leonardo Scarcella, Councilman Ken Mathew, Vice Consul Jacob Abraham, HCC Trustee, Neeta Sane, and IACCGH President, Swapan Dhairyawan. Photo credit: Navin Mediwala
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 6
MCTX Wins KaBOOM! Grant Funded Through BlueCross Blue Shield; Award will help citizens build a “scenic” playground at Roane Park
M
issouri City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing greenspaces for residents and visitors has received another national award; this time through a KaBOOM! playground grant funded through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas that will be used to replace the aged children’s recreation area at Roane Park. The MCTX community unity initiative will involve two components: a “Design Day” and a “Build Day” and, to be successful, the project will require citizen partnerships. “We’re excited about winning this competitive grant that will allow us to rebuild a vital City playground at no cost to the taxpayers and we value the partnerships of KaBOOM! and Blue Cross Blue Shield,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “I’m proud of our Parks & Rec-
reation Department for earning this recognition and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition with the collaboration of our residents.” Citizen volunteers are needed for both the design and build phases to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 10, respectively. The Design Day planning event will be hosted at the Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Build Day will take place at Roane Park. Individuals interested in participating can apply to the Municipal Volunteer Program on the City’s website here: http:// bit.ly/2BOmeNI or email: volunteer@missouricitytx.gov. “The design day will be an awesome opportunity for local youth to draw sketches of their dream playground for staff and for parents to share their ideas
I
informed of spray schedule plans as we move forward,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “Mosquitoes can be a health hazard and the spraying program is a key prevention measure we have in place to keep the populations low.”
Spraying will take place by the contractor, Cypress Creek Pest Control, in all communities between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Ø DUSK/DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.
Spraying covers all streets and neighborhoods within City limits, including the private streets of communities that have provided a gate code for accessibility by the contractor. Also, in addition to the contractor’s cycle, City staff sprays common areas like parks, green spaces, and the Quail Valley Golf Course as the need arises. An environmentally friendly pesticide, Kontrol 30-30, will be used and special attention will be given to locations where mosquitoes swarm. “The City will proactively continue to monitor this issue, and will keep residents
Staff also encourages all residents to prepare themselves to “Fight the Bite” by following the 4 D’s:
Ø DRESS in long sleeves, pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent. Ø DEFEND yourself by using an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow label instructions and reapply as you would with sunscreen, after sweating and swimming. Ø DRAIN standing water in your backyard and neighborhood. Make sure that flower pots, water dishes, bird baths and wading pools are properly drained.
‘Beat the Pack’ program to help people quit smoking
as well,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jason Mangum. “Then, on build day, we will take those great ideas and develop a unique 25,000-squarefoot recreational retreat that can be a destination playground for local families.” Mangum added that the City needs about “150 volunteers for the Saturday, Nov. 10 build day and the Blue Cross Blue Shield team will consist of about half of those partners. Everyone will collaborate to put the pieces of the playground together, to spread mulch, to build benches, and to raise a shade structure over the playground.” For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@ MissouriCityTX.
Due to Recent Heavy Rains and Increase in Mosquitoes; City Officials Adding Extra Spray Days, Starting Sep. 15 n response to the recent heavy rains and an increase in the mosquito population citywide, Missouri City has added two additional spray days through Oct. 31. In addition to the City’s contractor spraying every Thursday; the company will also add Monday and Saturday to its updated schedule, which begins tonight.
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
In the event you get a mosquito bite, experts recommend the first-aid procedures below: Ø Wash the bite with soap and water Ø Apply anti-itch cream or use calamine lotion or oatmeal bath for itching Ø Place an ice pack to reduce any swelling Ø Seek medical attention immediately if you experience dizziness, swelling of lips and throat or difficulty breathing. Local experts are monitoring the mosquito populations closely as a resident in Fort Bend County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. For more information on West Nile and Zika in Texas, visit: TXWestNile.org and TexasZika.org.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers ‘Beat the Pack’ program
S
UGAR LAND – (September 11, 2018) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is offering the community a proven program to help people quit smoking. The complimentary program, called Beat the Pack®, was developed by Pfizer Inc. and is sponsored by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Respiratory Therapy Department and Cancer Center. The next fourweek series is scheduled for Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning October 25, at Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Main Pavilion Conference Room A. Participants will meet once a week for four weeks with a trained facilitator who will provide tools, tips and support to help smokers create and follow through with a personalized “quit plan.” “Studies show that close to 70 percent of smokers in the U.S. want to quit,” said Amy
Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services. “But it typically takes a smoker between six and 11 attempts at quitting to finally succeed. Beat the Pack is a proven program that can greatly increase those odds and make it easier to give up cigarettes for good.” Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting. “The health benefits of quitting begin almost immediately and continue indefinitely,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., a boardcertified hematologist oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “Within months, former smokers will have improved circulation and reduced blood pressure, enhanced oxygen flow, the return of taste and smell and less coughing and colds. After a year, their risk of heart disease will be reduced by half. After 10 years of living without cigarettes, the risk of heart attack or cancer is similar to that of someone who
never smoked.” In 2015, a thorough compilation of more than 50 smoking cessation studies that included more than 25,000 participants found that combining behavior support in a group setting with medication provides the best results. “It isn’t easy to quit, and certainly it is more difficult to do so by yourself,” said SebastianDeutsch. “Beat the Pack provides all the tools and support needed, and it does so in an informative, friendly atmosphere that offers encouragement and camaraderie.” The four-week program is offered each quarter. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist. org/events and search for Beat the Pack, or call 281.274.7500. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.
CENTERED LIVING
For more information on the City’s mosquito control program and spray schedule, read this list of frequently asked questions on the City’s website: http://bit.ly/2wMRYnF. For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram.
Read in Section 2 of Voice of Asia
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VOICE OF ASIA 7
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
SOUTH ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 8
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Jaipur Literature Festival in Houston showcases South Asia’s best literary minds
Friday, September 14, 2018 – Jaipur Literature Festival at Houston. Dr. Anupam Ray, Consul General of India, gives an inaugural address in Asia Society Texas Center's Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater..Photo credit: Kaitlyn Ellison Continued from Page 1 On September 15 program featured Shared Narratives – Speakers include Anis Shivani, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Daniel Peña, Dr. Gulchin A. Ergun, Jasminne Mendez,Jay K. Aiyer, Jovan Mays, Kathy Reichs, Sanjoy K. Roy,
Shashi Tharoor, Sharad Paul Shobha Rao, Rich Levy, Roberto Tejada, Robin Davidson, Rubén Martínez, Rajesh Parameswaran, Omar El Akkad,Novuyo Rosa Tshuma, Navtej Sarna, Mckenna Jordan, Milan Vaishnav, Mimi Swartz, Namita Gokhale, Marina Tristán, Marcus Moench, Lacy M.
Friday, September 14, 2018 – Jaipur Literature Festival at Houston. "India Sutra" with Shashi Tharoor and Namita Gokhale in Asia Society Texas Center's Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater.Photo credit: Kaitlyn Ellison.
Johnson and Kurt Heinzelman A Life Like No Other Sonal Mansingh in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy was eceptionally reviting on September 15. Equally engrossing was "The Fictional Leap' by Daniel Peña, Rajesh Parameswaran, and Shobha Rao in conversation
Guests pick thier favorite authors for book signing. with Anis Shivani. Myth and Memory in India featured Houston's own Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Namita Gokhale in conversation Saturday, September 15, 2018 – Jaipur Literature Festival at Houston. Morning Music with Pandit Suman Ghosh in Asia Society Texas Center's Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater.Phot by Chris Dunn.
10th anniversary of the Indian Film Festival of Houston
2
018 marks a decade of the Indian Film Festival of Houston (IFFH), an official competitive film festival on the international film festival circuit. Since 2009, IFFH has established itself as an integral part of Houston’s art and entertainment culture and Houston Press declared IFFH as ‘Best Film Festival of Houston’. IFFH is a calendar event in Houston bringing film-makers, guests and visitors not only locally from Houston and Texas, but from across the nation, as well as, from all over the globe – Argentina, Australia, Egypt, India, Italy, France, Germany, Mexico and Morocco. Indian Film Festival of Houston, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that emanates from a strong passion for art and film. Love for the medium of cinema and a deep desire to create greater awareness and appreciation of Indian Cinema and culture is the aim of this festival. IFFH serves as a great platform to honor artists and performers in the film industry, and for the screening of films that bring the internationally diverse Indian Diaspora’s perspectives to the forefront. The Festival opens on October 4 with a red carpet opening reception at the Asia Society. On October 5, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will personally present a special proclamation celebrating a decade of the Indian Film Festival of Houston. On October 6, IFFH will honor and present an Award of Excellence to Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston System/ University
of Houston at a special Awards Night and Celebrity Gala night at the new Hotel ZaZa Memorial City. The Gala will be an exclusive black tie/Bollywood chic event featuring a red carpet, Bollywood Stars and dancers. Invitees include members of the Houston’s diverse cultural community, as well as, distinguished members of the Houston Consular Corps and representatives from the City and the State. There will be mainstream television, radio and print media to cover and promote the event. The Indian Film Festival of Houston was founded in 2009 by Sutapa Ghosh, herself a filmmaker with multiple award-winning feature films directed by Rituparno Ghosh and a music album with Sonu Nigam, Rita Coolidge and Brent Lewis to her credit. Houston Press voted Sutapa as one of the ‘100 most Creative People in Texas’. In 2017, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) presented her with an award for her contribution and achievements in Arts and Culture. Sutapa was also the co-chair and Advisory Board Member of Houston 2025 and Beyond. Currently, she serves on the Advisory Board of Houston Community College’s Film and Television Center of Excellence. Sutapa’s passion for clean water, a leading challenge around the world, has led her to focus on her vision to assist people with sustainable access to clean water through cost effective technology.To lerarn more: https:// iffhinc.org/
After a gap of five days, the festival will be held in New York on September 20. The highlights include a
musical performance by Indian Sufi singer Zila Khan; vigorous panel discussions revolving around the history, culture, religion, foreign policy and the great passion for cricket in India; talks around the Bard of Avon and Shakespearea¿s greatest and most evocative work and a session engaging with bilingual writers, mother
languages, and the joy of communicating the "Babylonian bedlama of New York City. On September 21, the festival will return for its fourth edition at Boulder. It will feature more than 60 authors "to explore today's hot topics while engaging the community in essential dialogue".
ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 9
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Japan's Abe eyes fresh term in leadership vote
Bangladesh passes controversial digital security law despite protests
OKYO, Japan | AFP | Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is widely expected to win his ruling party's leadership election Thursday, setting him on course to become Japan's longest-serving premier.
HAKA, Bangladesh | AFP | Bangladesh's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial digital security act despite protests by journalists who say the law will severely curb media freedom in the country.
T
"I'm determined to build a new country together with you," Abe, who has managed to recover from a series of cronyism and cover-up scandals, said on the eve of the election. "I promise to take the lead in handing over a proud and hopeful Japan to younger generations," he said in a stump speech in Tokyo. Polls show Abe, 63, is expected to romp to victory in a two-horse race with former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, a hawkish self-confessed "military geek". Final results -- combining votes from lawmakers of the Liberal Democratic Party and its party members -- are expected to be announced early Thursday afternoon. A win would effectively hand him three more years as PM, allowing him to break the record of the nation's longest serving premiership held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913. While voters see the economy
Shinzo Abe is hoping to become Japan's longest-serving premier and social security as top priority, Abe aims to use the election to push his dream of reforming the country's post-World War II pacifist constitution. Abe has frequently voiced his wish to rewrite the charter, imposed by the victorious US occupiers, which forces the country to "forever renounce war" and dictates that armed forces will "never be maintained". Abe insists any changes would merely remove the country's well-equipped SelfDefense Forces from the constitutional paradox whereby they should not technically exist. But any changes to the text
would be hugely sensitive in pacifist Japan and almost certainly greeted with fury in China and the Koreas, 20thcentury victims of Japanese military aggression. In addition, surveys show that tinkering with the legal text is far from top of most Japanese voters' to-do list, as the country faces an ageing and declining population and a still-sluggish economy. Even if Abe manages to force a revision through parliament, he would face a referendum, raising the prospect of a Brexit-style political meltdown if the people vote against him, said Yu Uchiyama, political scientist from the University of Tokyo.
D
The new law, which according to a draft carries heavy jail sentences for secretly recording government officials or spreading "negative propaganda" using a digital device, was approved by a voice vote, parliamentary spokesman Mohammad Kamal told AFP. Post and telecommunications minister Mustafa Jabbar, who placed the bill, told parliament the law would help fight digital crime and protect people's lives and assets, The Daily Star newspaper said. Hundreds of journalists have staged demonstrations against the law in recent months and editors have said the law poses serious threats to freedom of expression and media in the country. This week the Sampadak Parishad, a council of top editors, urged authorities not to pass the law, saying it would seriously curtail democracy in Bangladesh. The council raised concerns
The new law carries heavy jail sentences for secretly recording government officials or spreading "negative propaganda" using a digital device (AFP Photo/KENZO TRIBOUILLARD). over some sections of the law but a parliamentary standing committee which scrutinised the draft act only made minor changes. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, the editor-in-chief of Bengali daily Manobjamin and a member of the council, expressed his shock at the passage of the law, saying it was "very unfortunate". "This law will make independent journalism very difficult in the country," he told AFP. According to a draft of the Digital Security Act 2018 ap-
Saudi King hosts Pakistan PM on first foreign visit
R
IYADH, Saudi Arabia | AFP | Saudi King Salman hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday on his maiden foreign visit since coming to power, state media said, as Islamabad seeks to stave off a financial crisis. Khan also met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and energy minister Khalid alFalih as he concluded his two-day visit, the Saudi Press
Agency said, amid speculation that he would seek economic assistance from the oil-rich ally. "Anyone who comes to power in Pakistan will visit Saudi Arabia first," Khan told Saudiowned Al-Arabiya television during his visit to the western city of Jeddah. "Saudi Arabia has in the past helped Pakistan when Pakistan has been in need," he added.
Former cricket great Khan, who assumed office one month ago, faces challenges including a faltering economy, militant extremism, water shortages and a rapidly growing population. The most pressing is a looming balance-of-payments crisis, with analysts predicting Pakistan will have to go to the International Monetary Fund for a fresh bailout.
The IMF has bailed Pakistan out repeatedly since the late 1980s. The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis. Pakistani media has speculated that Khan is eyeing Saudi Arabia and China to provide loans to rescue Islamabad from the crisis and stave off another IMF bailout. Khan was accompanied to
Jeddah by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Finance Minister Asad Umar, who met his Saudi counterpart Mohammed al-Jadaan. The two finance ministers spoke about "financial and economic cooperation" between the two countries, SPA said in a brief statement. Khan is also due to visit the United Arab Emirates following his Saudi visit.
proved by the cabinet earlier this year, a journalist could be convicted of espionage for entering a government office and gathering information secretly using an electronic device, an offence that would carry a 14year jail sentence. It also provides for a life sentence for spreading "negative propaganda" about the country's war of independence or its founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman using a digital device. Media rights groups in Bangladesh and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have already condemned the bill. Last month top journalist and activist Shahidul Alam was arrested during massive student protests in the capital Dhaka for making "false" and "provocative" statements on Al Jazeera and Facebook Live. He is being investigated for allegedly violating Bangladesh's already stringent internet laws enacted in 2006. Rights groups, UN rights experts, Nobel laureates and hundreds of academics have called for the immediate release of the 63-year-old, who says he has been beaten in custody.
FALL 2018
Learn a Language at Rice Still time to apply! Spanish | French | Italian | Portugese | Arabic | Russian | Japanese | Mandarin Chinese English as a Second Language FOREIGN LANGUAGES languages.rice.edu Learn a new language in small, interactive evening classes at Rice. Our classes are open to the public and designed to develop conversational skills for participants at all levels of proficiency. Daytime classes in Spanish and French are also available. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE esl.rice.edu DAYTIME: Intensive English — all levels EVENING: ESL Communication Skills — intermediate and advanced levels ONLINE: English Success in the Workplace — intermediate and high intermediate levels
Application deadline extended through mid-September.
languages.rice.edu | 713-348-4019 | esl.rice.edu
US/WORLD
VOICE OF ASIA 10
Google Mini captures top spot in connected speaker market: survey
'Time for concrete action' on North Korea: UN chief
U
NITED NATIONS, United States | AFP | UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for concrete action to follow up on North Korea's commitment to close a missile test site with international monitors present.
W
ASHINGTON | AFP | Google Home Mini has vaulted to the top spot in the global market for connected speakers, edging out a rival device from Amazon, a survey showed Wednesday. The Strategy Analytics report for the second quarter of 2018 showed the smallest device from Google captured 20 percent of the market with sales of © AFP/File | The Google Home Mini, launched a year ago, has become the 2.3 million. world's best-selling connected speaker, according to a survey That was slightly ahead of the Echo Dot, the similarly sized device from Amazon, with an 18 market was rapidly evolving A total of 11.7 million of percent market share. with more manufacturers enthe devices were sold in the Amazon retained its overall tering. second quarter, with Google lead with a combined market "The number of smart speak- and Amazon making four of share of 30 percent for its Echo er models available worldwide the top five devices and acand Echo Dot, the research firm has grown significantly over counting for more than half of said, compared with 27 percent the last twelve months as ven- global sales. for Google's two speakers. Alibaba's Tmall Genie sold in China was the fourth biggest seller in the survey with a seven percent market share, the report showed. Apple's HomePod was not among the top sellers but because of its high price tag, captured 16 percent of the revenue in the market, according to Strategy Analytics. The research firm said the
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Guterres welcomed the announcement by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a summit with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang. "The commitments reflected in the joint statement include important military confidence-building measures and a commitment by the DPRK to dismantle missile engine testing infrastructure in the presence of experts from related countries," Guterres said in a statement. "Now it is time for concrete action." When North Korea dis-
mantled a nuclear test site in May, Guterres complained that no international experts had been on hand to witness the closure. North Korea also expressed readiness to close its Yongbyon nuclear plant, which is key to its weapons program, if Washington takes "corresponding measures." Guterres offered UN help to advance efforts to fully rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons and called for unity among global powers. The breakthrough at the Pyongyang summit came amid preparations for next week's annual gathering at the United Nations of world leaders, during which North Korea will loom large. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has invited North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong ho for talks in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.
Pompeo said the talks in New York and meetings in Vienna will be the beginning of negotiations on the denuclearization of North Korea, to be completed by 2021. Pompeo will chair a Security Council meeting next week on North Korea to discuss US diplomatic efforts that have undergone a major shift in tone from last year. At last year's UN gathering, President Donald Trump threatened to totally destroy North Korea and derided Kim as "little rocket man." The Trump administration is facing calls from Russia and China to consider easing tough economic sanctions imposed on North Korea to create an incentive for Pyongyang to move forward. The United States maintains that sanctions must remain in place until North Korea has fully dismantled its weapons programs.
dors look to capitalize on the explosive market growth," said David Mercer, vice president at Strategy Analytics.
"Heavyweight brands such as Samsung and Bose are in the process of launching their first models, adding further credibility to the segment and giving consumers more options at the premium-end of the market."
Mavs' owner Cuban to donate $10m after harassment at franchise revealed
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OS ANGELES | AFP | Mark Cuban will pay $10 million to organizations supporting women's causes after the NBA said he did not pay enough attention to the toxic workplace culture for women in the Dallas Mavericks' organization.
provide a safe and welcoming workplace for women."
The Mavericks' owner has escaped any punishment after agreeing to donate the money following a probe that revealed more than 20 years of harassment and improper conduct within the NBA franchise.
Most of the allegations were directed against Terdema Ussery, the former chief executive officer and president who left the team in 2015.
"The findings of the independent investigation are disturbing and heartbreaking," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Wednesday. "He is ultimately responsible for the culture and conduct of his employees. "While nothing will undo the harm caused by a select few former employees of the Mavericks, the workplace reforms and the $10 million that Mark has agreed to contribute are important steps toward rectifying this past behavior and shining a light on a pervasive societal failing -- the inability of too many organizations to
The NBA also launched its own investigation seven months ago after a Sports Illustrated article which detailed a workplace environment "rife with misogyny and predatory sexual behavior."
Cuban apologized on Wednesday to the women after the NBA said while there was no direct misconduct on Cuban's part, he overlooked what was happening under his watch. "First, just an apology to the women involved," Cuban said. "I'm just sorry I didn't see it. I'm just sorry I didn't recognize it." In the SI report, Ussery was accused of multiple acts of inappropriate behavior, including sexually suggestive comments and inappropriate touching, toward female employees during his almost two decades with the team.
Himalayan Heritage to Houston
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Himalayan Siddha Secrets of Longevity & Vitality · Free with Registration
Sept 26 I 7 PM I Char Dham Temple, The Woodlands, TX
Practising Dharma in the Face of Modernism · Free with Registration
Sept 29 I 4 PM I VPSS Vallabh Hall, Houston, TX
Sattwadharman Benefit & Art Auction · Tickets: hansavedas.org/benefit Enchanting evening of art and culture! Listen to the keynote address by His Holiness about children’s education and other breakthrough projects. Enjoy a healing Ayurvedic dinner a silent auction of exquisite Indic art. h—svedalongside s!! Hansavedas
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2018
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 11
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Building institutions to serve: Two successful Indian social entrepreneurs share their vision and work
Shobhit Mathur, a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay making his presentation.
Members of the Sewa International and India Culture Centerat the Consulate General of India
H
OUSTON, September 14, 2018 - Sewa International, in collaboration with India Culture Center of Houston, organized an interactive session – “Public Policy and Public Health” on September 11, 2018 with two highly successful social entrepreneurs from India. The event held at the Consulate General of India was addressed by Dr. Anant Pandhare of Dr. Hedgewar Hospital, in Aurangabad, India and Shobhit Mathur of Vision India Foundation, New Delhi, India. Both of them shared highlights of their personal and professional journeys, and what it takes to create institutions that serve the needy, and develop leaders in public policy and good governance. Shobhit Mathur, a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the University of Washington, Seattle, gave up his job at Amazon, where he had worked for five years as he was called to serve a higher cause. He left for India where he saw that the many problems in the country could be addressed through systematic policy planning and through a proper governance model. “For those two things to happen there is an urgent need to develop leadership skills in these areas,” he said. Vision India Foundation has created a model for developing thought leadership, for which an understanding of grass root level issues as well as the cultural and spiritual values of India is necessary. Mr. Mathur shared many success stories of alumni of Vision India Foundation being recruited by various government agencies and entrusted with crucial jobs. He shared the Foundation’s vision of building a world class institution in India dedicated to developing future leaders in public policy and good governance. Incidentally, Shobhit Mathur was Sewa International’s first Youth for Sewa (YFS) intern. Later, he also worked full-time for YFS in India before joining Vision India Foundation. Dr. Anant Pandhare shared his experience as well as that of his seven colleagues’ journey of 29 years in building a hospital to provide high class healthcare at affordable price to the middleclass and poor people in and around Aurangabad, Maharashtra in Central India. The journey that started with a noble thought in mind – to serve the poor and middleclass population with high quality healthcare -- has today transformed into a 300bed hospital. The hospital serves over 40,000 patients a year and caters to over 1000 people in their Out Patient Department each day. The doctors working at the hospital work on fixed salaries, just enough to lead a simple middleclass lifestyle. This unique model helps to keep the cost low but increases the level of dedication in providing high quality service. “The aim of Dr. Hedgewar Hospital is not just to address the physical ailments but for the overall uplifting of society,” Dr. Pandhare said. Hence, under the auspices of the larger foundation -– the
“Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Pratishthan” -– more than 40 social projects are undertaken. These projects address the variety of challenges faced by people coming to the hospital, and the projects range from skills development, women’s self-help groups, building entrepreneurship, and animal husbandry. Dr. Pandhare shared the positive impact of many of these projects, and said the hospital encourages the involvement of local people to make it a
real social enterprise. Today, the hospital has 67 doctors in over 20 departments, with 400 volunteers assisting the doctors and professional staff. Nisha Mirani of the India Culture Center, and Gitesh Desai, Houston Chapter President of Sewa International welcomed the guests. Sachin Dabir, Founder/Director of Ashnik Pte Ltd, an information technology company, introduced the speakers.
Swapan Dhairyawan, CPA, offered a vote of thanks. For further information: contact Sewa International 281-909-7392 or email at houston@sewausa.org Sewa International is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based non-profit, charitable organization. Sewa serves humanity regardless of race, religion, color, gender or nationality.
Dr. Anant Pandhare of Dr. Hedgewar Hospital, in Aurangabad, India.
VOICE OF ASIA 12
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
KIM K. OGG
THE HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - PROTECTING OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES The international community is Houston. Houston is the most diverse city in America, with many foreign embassies and over 115 languages spoken by our residents. Unfortunately, crime can happen to anyone. Anyone visiting, living, or working in Harris County has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect by law enforcement – regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Police and prosecutors want to help you, and by reporting crime, you may prevent others from being victimized by the same criminal. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is the government agency responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses committed in Harris County. The office is committed to the safety of Houston’s international communities, including all foreign nationals visiting, living, or working in the Greater Houston Area. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office works with Interpretalk to offer translation services in more than 200 languages. Following a crime, they can provide immediate support over the phone for witnesses and crime victims who need to communicate with prosecutors in a language other than English. If you need immediate help, dial 911 on a telephone. Operators are available 24 hours a day to send police, firefighters or an ambulance in an emergency. Translation service is available for non-English speakers. If you already reported a crime, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office offers assistance from coordinators who are committed to helping victims and witnesses navigate the criminal justice process. For help from the Victim Witness Division or to check the status of a case, please contact (713) 274-0250.
BE AWARE
Don’t stare into your smart phone. Criminals look for people who seem oblivious to their surroundings.
LOCK YOUR DOORS
SECURE YOUR CAR
WATCH FOR SCAMS
Keep the door to your home or hotel room locked. Do not open the door unless you know who is on the other side. Be wary of unexpected visitors.
Don’t leave your purse, backpack or other items in view through a car window. Lock your car. When you return have your keys ready and enter your car without delay.
Beware of people who offer something that seems too good to be true; it probably is. Scams can be simple or elaborate. A common criminal tactic is challenging you to trust them by giving something of value.
DON’T BE THE VICTIM
OF A
SCAM!
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DOING BUSINESS: • Is the provider of the goods or services licensed by the state? • Is the provider registered with the Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce? • Have you searched the Internet for reviews of products or services? • Does the provider have a local office? • Was the provider recommended to you by someone you trust? • Can the provider give you a list of references?
PURSE SAFETY:
“Jugging” is when a robber follows someone leaving a bank, drive-through, or ATM and robs them or their vehicle at a later stop. PROTECT YOURSELF: • Look for suspicious vehicles: backed into parking spaces, with dark windows, no front license plate, or suspicious looking occupant(s). • Avoid indications that you are carrying cash. • Check the rear view mirror frequently to see if you are being followed, if so, call 911 while driving to a police station. • Avoid driving home since “juggers” may have used your license plate number to get your home address. • Call 911 if you see someone else being “jugged.”
• • • • • • • • • •
ALWAYS Be aware of surroundings! Hold your keys & LOCK YOUR CAR or carry purse when refueling. NEVER walk with purse facing out. Always hold tightly or use strap. Only carry what you NEED! SECURE it to cart’s child safety strap. Keep it closed, zipped & NEVER alone! Look around as you enter the parking lot. Put purse & child in FIRST when unloading cart. If you use the trunk RE-PARK if shopping again. Get EXPENSIVE items last before check out.
AUTO SAFETY: • • • • •
HIDE your valuables. LOCK your vehicles & TAKE keys. Never hide a 2nd set of keys.. Park in WELL-LIGHTED areas. NEVER leave your vehicle running!
“Remember, leaving your keys in an unattended, running motor vehicle is a CRIME in Texas” /SouthwestManagementDistrict
/SouthwestMD
/southwestmd
/user/GreaterSharpstown
/channels/swmd
www.SouthwestManagementDistricts.org
VOICE OF ASIA 13
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
YOUNG LIFE: CYPRESS RANCH H.S. SOPHOMORE ANUSHKA GUPTA SELECTED FOR CHAIR Page 16
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Business
Tesla confirms criminal probe into Musk talk of going private by Glenn Chapman
S
AN FRANCISCO | AFP - Tesla confirmed Tuesday that US Justice Department officials were looking into possible criminal aspects of a seemingly spontaneous, and later aborted, announcement by chief executive Elon Musk on taking the electric automaker private.
On Monday, British caver Vernon Unsworth filed a defamation suit against Musk for calling him a “pedo guy” and a “child rapist” on Twitter in a bizarre spat over the cave rescue in Thailand of a boys’ soccer team and their coach.
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SWNB Bancorp, Inc., announced that George Lee will take the role as Chief Executive Officer and Mohammed Younus as President
Despite the myriad controversies, Musk continues to have a strong fol-
Musk has since backed off talk of going private, saying the company will continue to be publicly traded. (Photo: Getty Images) Shares skidded as word spread of a criminal investigation triggered by Musk’s Twitter comments. Tesla shares ended the formal Nasdaq trading day down 3.35 percent to $284.96. Tesla said it was confident the matter would be quickly resolved with the Justice Department. “Last month, following Elon’s announcement that he was considering taking the company private, Tesla received a voluntary request for documents from the DOJ and has been cooperative in responding to it,” the California-based company said. “We have not received a subpoena, a request for testimony, or any other formal process.” A lawsuit filed earlier this month accuses Musk of trying to “burn” shortsellers by falsely tweeting that funding had been secured to take the electric carmaker private. Musk surprised markets on August 7 by announcing on Twitter he wanted to take Tesla private at $420 a share, causing the stock price to jump. Shortsellers bet on share prices dropping. Normally such a major announcement -- taking a huge company private -- would be explained in detail beforehand to regulators. Musk has since backed off talk of going private, saying the company will continue to be publicly traded. US market regulators are also scrutinizing what happened. A number of executives have left Tesla of late. The company said last week that finance executive Justin McAnear is leaving as Tesla strives to become profitable by the end of the year. Word that McAnear was heading for the off-ramp followed chief accounting officer Dave Morton’s departure after just a month on the job, citing the company’s frenetic pace. Morton’s brief tenure with the company coincided with the aborted goprivate push. Musk has also been criticized for other unorthodox behavior, including appearing on a podcast smoking marijuana and giving a tell-all interview to The New York Times in which he admitted to feeling overwhelmed and unable to sleep over Tesla’s ambitious electric car production targets.
lowing with many investors and Tesla’s market capitalization remains well above that of Ford and only slightly behind that of General Motors. The latest news on Tesla comes as it seeks to ramp up production of its Model 3, the mass-market vehicle seen as key to the automaker’s future. Tesla had struggled to overcome production bottlenecks in recent months for the Model 3, but now faces other logistical issues, according to Musk. “Service & parts supply in general will be the top Tesla priority after we get through the insane car delivery logistics of the next few weeks,” Musk tweeted. Musk is also CEO of SpaceX, the private space exploration firm that announced Monday that Japanese billionaire and online fashion tycoon Yusaku Maezawa will be the first man to fly around the Moon on a SpaceX rocket.
Southwestern National Bank Board Members along with new leadership team.
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OUSTON, TX--On September 12, 2018, The Board of Directors of Southwestern National Bank, a bank subsidiary of SWNB Bancorp, Inc., announced that Mr. George Lee will take the role as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Mohammed Younus as President effective September 10, 2018. Lee and Younus will also become members of the Board. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to have Mr. Lee as the new CEO of Southwestern National Bank,” stated Chairman C.K.Lee. “He brings an array of skills and experience that will be a vital asset to the overall growth and success of our
bank. We look forward to seeing him play a major role not only in the bank, but in the community as well.” Prior to his vast business executive experience at mainstream U.S. companies, Mr. Lee served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of MetroCorp Bancshares Inc. since July 26, 2004 and has been its Co-chairman since February 2013. He served as a Senior Advisor of East West Bancorp, Inc. since January 2014. Mr. Lee holds a Bachelors of Science in Econometrics from the University of Wisconsin and MBA in Finance from University of Minnesota. Headquartered in Houston, Texas,
Southwestern National Bank, a bank subsidiary of SWNB Bancorp, Inc. has been serving the Asian communities in Houston, Sugar Land, Austin, Plano, Richardson and Southern California since 1997. Bank employees are fluent in many languages including Chinese, Taiwanese and Cantonese as well as English. The Bank strives to stay in touch with the local Asian community by participating in charity events and cultural heritage events in the area. Southwestern National Bank also provides monthly seminars to the community, free of charge, on a variety of valuable information. For more details, contact Ling Chuang 713-2725045. (Member FDIC).
China imposes retaliatory tariffs on $60bn in US goods
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EIJING, China | AFP | Tuesday 9/18/2018 - China Tuesday announced tariffs on US goods worth $60 billion in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s decision to slap duties on $200 billion in Chinese products next week. Tariffs of between five and 10 percent will take effect on some 5,200 US products on Monday, on the same day as the new US duties, the finance ministry said. The two side already traded tariff salvos on $50 billion in goods from each country in the summer. “If the United States insists on raising tariffs even more, China will respond accordingly,” the finance ministry said in a statement. China also announced that it was lodging a new complaint at the World Trade Organization in its tariffs battle with the United States. Beijing had previously warned that it would target $60 billion in US goods if Trump made good on his threat to impose the new tariffs.
India signals Trade War truce as U.S. ramps up tariffs on China
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ndia again deferred the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. imports, signaling its readiness to find a solution to avert a trade war in contrast to the path China has taken.
The tariff plan has been deferred to Nov. 2, according to a notification from the finance ministry. New Delhi had previously planned to levy higher tariffs effective Aug. 4, but they were delayed until Sept. 18 as the two sides held meetings to avoid a full-blown trade war. - Bloomberg News
The lower Chinese figure highlights Beijing’s inability to match the US dollar-for-dollar in a tariffs war. The US imported around $500 billion worth of products from China last year, compared to $130 billion in US goods imported by the Asian country. Trump threatened to hit another $267 billion in Chinese goods if Beijing took retaliatory action. The Chinese finance ministry did not provide a detailed list of products to be hit by the new tariffs on Monday. A preliminary list in August said products ranging from pig hides to cocoa butter and condoms would be targeted with tariffs of five to 25 percent. It was unclear if the tariffs announced on Tuesday were lower to match the US plan. The US said the Chinese imports will face 10 percent tariffs through the end of the year, and then the rate will jump to 25 percent.
VOICE OF ASIA 14
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
BOLLYWOOD - HOLLYWOOD
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
‘Game of Thrones’ takes top prize at surprising Emmys
Deepika Padukone, Bollywood actor during a talk on ‘Finding Beauty in Imperfection’ organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), in New Delhi on September 08, 2018. The Times of India/Ranjit Kumar
“Game of Thrones” cast of the HBO show pose with the best drama series Emmy -- the ninth for the program this year by Susan Stumme
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OS ANGELES | AFP - HBO’s record-breaking fantasy epic “Game of Thrones” stormed back onto the Emmys stage on Monday, winning the coveted best drama series prize on a night full of surprises, including an on-air marriage proposal that stunned the audience.
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ctor Deepika Padukone was recently felicitated by Rinki Dhingra of YES BANK and YFLO Delhi member Ridhima Khanna. Also present was FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) President and businesswoman Pinky Reddy.
The other big story of the Hollywood gala, television’s answer to the Oscars, was the huge success of “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel,” Amazon’s story of a 1950s housewife-turned-stand up comic, which took home eight Emmys overall, including the best comedy award.
The gala also saw several sentimental favorites take home their first Emmys. Matthew Rhys won for best drama actor for spy thriller “The Americans,” Claire Foy was named best drama actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown” and Henry Winkler triumphed for supporting comedy acting on “Barry.” But the coveted drama prize went to “Game of Thrones,” which was ineligible for last year’s Emmys, and series star Peter Dinklage took home the best supporting actor prize for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister. “Writing for these actors behind us is the honor of a lifetime,” said the show’s co-creator David Benioff. “But we didn’t invent these characters. That was George R.R. Martin. The show could not be without the mad genius of George.” “GoT” won nine Emmys this year, meaning the blood-spattered cinematic tale of noble families vying for the Iron Throne -- which returns in 2019 for an abbreviated eighth and final season -now has 47 awards overall. That breaks the program’s own record as the most decorated fictional show since the Television Academy first handed out prizes in 1949. - ‘Mrs Maisel’ breaks through In the comedy categories, “Mrs
The actor interacted with women entrepreneurs at the FLO event on ‘Finding Beauty in Imperfection’, in association with The Live Love Laugh Foundation, founded by the actor to raise awareness about mental health in India. - ET Bureau.
‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj’: Indian-American comedian to host Netflix talk show
“The Handmaid’s Tale” -- last year’s best drama and an early favorite for more hardware in 2018 -- went home empty-handed from the star-studded event at the Microsoft Theater, after winning three minor awards handed out a week ago. The ceremony hosted by “Saturday Night Live” regulars Colin Jost and Michael Che took on a decidedly political hue at the start, with a barrage of edgy jokes on hot-button issues from diversity in Hollywood to #MeToo and Donald Trump.
FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) honor Deepika
Main Emmy winners Maisel” bested all comers in its first year of eligibility, sweeping the female acting prizes (star Rachel Brosnahan and co-star Alex Borstein) and best series honors. Earlier this year, “Maisel” won two Golden Globes. “One of the things I love the most about this show... it’s about a woman who is finding her voice anew,” Brosnahan said. “It’s something that’s happening all over the country right now. One of the most important ways that we can find and use our voices is to vote. So if you haven’t already registered, do it on your cell phone right now.” HBO dark comedy “Barry” notched two acting wins -- for Winkler and series star Bill Hader. - Politics and #MeToo The Emmys opened with a daring song-and-dance number poking fun at myriad controversies including the problem of ensuring diversity in Hollywood productions. “We solved it!” crooned “SNL” nominees Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson, with back-up from pop stars John Legend and Ricky Martin -- and even RuPaul. They then yielded the stage to Jost and Che -- who let the zingers fly. “This year, the audience is allowed to drink in their seats. Hope you’re excited about that -- because the one thing Hollywood needs right now is a bunch of people losing their inhibi-
tions at a work function,” Jost said, in a reference to #MeToo. - An Emmy-winning proposal Looking to boost audience ratings, Emmys organizers said they were hoping to shake up the broadcast -- and indeed they did, intentionally and unintentionally. A surprise marriage proposal from Emmy-winning director Glenn Weiss won over the audience -- and the internet. As Weiss accepted his award for directing the Oscars, he asked Jan Svendsen, who was sitting in the audience, to marry him. “You wonder why I don’t like to call you my girlfriend? Because I want to call you my wife,” he added to cheers, applause and a few teary-eyed actors in the audience. Svendsen then joined Weiss on stage as the director got on one knee and formally proposed. The moment was especially poignant as Weiss revealed his mother had recently passed away -- and offered Svendsen the ring his father had given his mom. - Drama showdown Other big winners included FX’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” which won Emmys for best limited series and an acting prize for Darren Criss, who earned rave reviews for his dark turn as the designer’s killer Andrew Cunanan. Thandie Newton won the best supporting actress in a drama statuette for her work on HBO’s futuristic western “Westworld.” “I don’t even believe in God but I’m going to thank her tonight,” Newton quipped.
Netflix announced the launch of Hasan Minhaj’s new show on Twitter. © Courtesy of See What’s Next/Twitte
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n what amounts to a mini-revolution in the world of US talk shows, Netflix has called on Indian-American actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj to host its latest satirical programme. The show, titled “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”, will explore the contemporary politics and pop culture that fashion our world. In the wake of the launch of original Indian and Spanish series, the streaming giant will again break new ground with the first US talk show to be hosted by an Indian-American comedian. Entitled “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”, the first of the 32 episodes ordered by the platform will air on October 28. The show’s brand-new Twitter account published a teaser to announce the news: The makers of the weekly show, which goes out on Sundays, promise that it will “explore the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity,” and draw on Minhaj’s “unique comedic voice and storytelling skill to investigate the
larger trends shaping our fragmented world.” Comedian Hasan Minhaj has already worked with Netflix for his show “Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King”, which aired in May 2017. He is also famous for his 2017 speech at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD), a major annual event in Washington DC which brings together accredited White House journalists and US politicians. In recent times the WHCD has been boycotted by the current US president and members of his administration, a fact that did not escape Minhaj’s attention. At the event he was keen to deride Trump’s White House staff and Trump himself, whom he referred to as “liar in chief”. In 2014, Jon Stewart invited Minhaj to join the team on “The Daily Show,” which is one of the popular talk shows in the United States. “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” will debut on the streaming platform on October 28. - Relaxnews
LEGAL
VOICE OF ASIA 15
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
Ted Cruz campaign sends mail to voters that resembles legal summons
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A spokesperson for the Federal Elections Commission told The New York Times that the mailers were not illegal, as “the F.E.C.’s regulations don’t speak to how candidates may choose to word particular solicitations to potential contributors.” However, Democratic Texas state representative Gene
Wu suggested on Twitter that Cruz may have violated Texas penal law, as “Texas Penal Code 32.48 states that you can not falsely send a ‘Summons’ in order to induce someone to take an action.” Cruz’s campaign said in a statement that “our mail efforts have been both effective and critical to identifying and engaging our supporters, and getting them involved in our campaign efforts to keep Texas strong.” The Texas Republican and conservative stalwart was criticized for similar tactics when he ran for president in 2016.
Cruz’s campaign came under fire before the Iowa caucus after sending potential caucus attendees an official-looking mailer that gave them and their neighbors a score for past election turnout, with the words “VOTING VIOLATION” emblazoned across the top. He won the Iowa caucus in 2016 before ultimately losing the GOP nomination to President Trump. Cruz is facing Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke in November’s general election. Numerous polls indicate that the race is close, despite Texas’ Republican tilt. - CBS News
China’s embattled human rights lawyers set up legal consultancy
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ive years after police launched a nationwide crackdown raided law firms and detained hundreds of lawyers and activists, China’s embattled human rights lawyers are increasingly left without any way of practicing law. A group of former rights attorneys who have lost their “business license” at the hands of local justice departments, and may no longer represent clients in court, have formed a company called the China Lawyers’ Club in the southwestern region of Guangxi, RFA has learned. Based in the regional capital Nanning, the club seeks to find employment and income for dozens of experienced litigators who no longer have an income in the wake of the crackdown. “The judicial environment in China is in a terrible state right now, and lawyers are facing a lot of chaos and hard times,” one of the club’s founders, Tan Yongpei, told RFA. “Through this club, we are able to carry on ... surviving, and help even more people.” The club is a legal services company, and signs lawyers in a manner similar to the way sports teams sign big stars, he said. We have it a lot easier than a lot of lawyers, because we don’t have any organization in charge of us, and we have fairly large resources to draw upon, both in the media and online, as well as the nationwide recog-
nition and support of the legal profession,” Tan said. Founder member and Guangdong-based lawyer Sui Muqing, who lost his license in January after he ignored official warnings not to take on politically sensitive cases, said lawyers don’t need a business license to advise on complaints cases. “Basically, you do not need a license for a complaints case ... because this isn’t the same thing as criminal defense work,” Sui told RFA. “If you need a lawyer with a license, you can hire one.” “There are also demolition and forced eviction cases, legal advice and consultancy and so on,” he said. “The biggest need is for help with planning strategy for cases, so there’s not much need for a license.” Sui said the club members will still have to operate within certain limits, however. “Now that I don’t have a business license, I can’t appear in court or visit a client [in detention], particularly not in politically sensitive cases,” he said. “So, I think it would be hard for me to take on such cases, for example, defending political dissidents, in future, even if I wanted to.” “It would also be hard for me to take on cases representing petitioners,” he said. The China Lawyers’ Club will be formally established on Sept. 29 by around a dozen founder members, he said.
Final chapter in litigation over Texas Voter ID law
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he final chapter in the litigation over the Texas voter ID law has concluded this week.
As reported by the Austin American-Statesman, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos, of Corpus Christi,
‘Human rights forum’ The club’s founding comes as the ruling Chinese Communist Party holds its own “human rights forum” in Beijing, focusing on poverty alleviation, rather than on protecting citizens from abuses of state power. Beijing-based rights activist Hu Jia said the government only wants to admit that its citizens have a basic right to exist and pursue an economic life. “China has been very strong on this point, especially at the United Nations Human Rights Council, talking about the right of third-world countries to exist, and to develop,” Hu said. “But at the very moment that they are shouting their propaganda about human rights, they are depriving you of your rights,” he said. “In reality, they are saying that if you don’t ... submit to me entirely, then I can totally destroy you.” “They’re not just monopolizing all economic and political resources; they are also monopolizing all rights to expression, so they can pretend that everything is going well,” Hu said. China’s embattled legal profession continues to be targeted in the wake of a nationwide police operation that has detained, questioned and otherwise restricted the freedom of more than 300 rights lawyers, law firm staff and rights activists and their family members since July 2015. - RFA News
formally dismissed the lawsuit challenging the Texas voter ID law on Monday. The decision will allow the state to enforce a weakened version of the 2011 law. In response to a request from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Gonzalez Ramos issued a two-sentence order that dismissed the case. Back in April, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had upheld the law. Because of that, lawyers for the minority voters, Democratic politicians and civil rights groups that initiated the litigation considered Paxton’s request for a dismissal was unnecessary. Paxton said in a statement the judge’s sentence is a “major legal victory” and added that safeguarding the integrity of elections in Texas is “a primary function of state government and is essential to preserving our democratic process.” - NPR
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Changing immigration policies & their impact on survivors of abuse - A statement from DAYA
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he campaign of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who is seeking re-election this year, has sent mail to voters this month in envelopes marked “official summons” and “open immediately.” A photograph of the mailer was tweeted by a Texas resident who said that his grandmother received the letter. The envelope says in the top left corner that it is an “official summons” by a “Voter Enrollment Campaign Division.” The words “Summons enclosed open immediately” are written across the envelope in large, block letters. The only indication that this is not an official legal summons is the mention of “Ted Cruz for Senate 2018” in the top left corner.
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
OUSTON, TX, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 - On a Thursday evening, September 13, 2018 Daya held an event focusing on immigration policies and domestic violence at India House. Beyond the Headlines, Examining Today’s Immigration Landscape brought to attention that domestic violence survivors from immigrant communities face intersectional trauma from their abuser and the immigration system. Daya’s executive director, Rachna Khare welcomed the attendees by providing the background on the impact domestic violence has on the individual and society. She reiterated that domestic violence is not a private matter but a public health issue. Irfana Hussain, Director of Outreach at Daya provided a quick introduction to immigration abuse, showing how abusers manipulate immigration policies to keep their victims from seeking help. Jessica Howton, a managing attorney from Tahirih Justice Center, gave an informative understanding of the limitations and remedies available for survivors of domestic violence such as the Violence Against Women Act.
The most powerful segment of the evening was the survivor story. A former Daya client told her story of abuse and courage to fight back and reclaim her life for herself and her children. The client knew she could not go back to her home country after her husband went back as she feared for her life. He had threatened to kill her. She worked with Daya and Tahirih Justice Center to seek asylum. The client emphasized the lengthy process for seeking asylum and later in obtaining permanent residency for herself and her children. Due to recent travel bans and changes in immigration policies, she could not travel outside of the United States to visit her sick mother because she was afraid she would not be able to return. Her incredible, emotional story brought the audience to tears and a standing ovation for her courage to speak out. The event concluded on a positive note by highlighting the work different organizations and coalitions are doing to address the systemic barriers and driving the community to take action. The take action panel of speakers provided specific ways individuals can
make positive change through civic and political engagement. Nabila Mansoor, former Executive Director of Emgage, spoke passionately about the upcoming 2020 Census and the importance of it for Asian Americans and all immigrants to participate. Accurate counting will benefit minority communities and help them wield political power. Debbie Chen, an immigrant attorney and activist with OCA Greater Houston, provided statistics to show that Asian Americans tend to have low political and civic engagement despite the growing population. She encouraged all to vote, help others to register to vote, and change the culture. Andrea Guttin, Legal Director of Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, focused on collaboration and how individuals can support immigrants by volunteering with and giving to organizations working for social change. The event also featured a voter registration table organized by Hindu American Foundation. Attendees left with a program that featured resources on how to take action to help support their communities and survivors of abuse.
University of Houston Law Center receives national diversity award three years in a row
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OUSTON -- “INSIGHT Into Diversity” magazine has honored the University of Houston Law Center for the third consecutive year with its Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award in recognition of the school’s efforts to increase minority representation on campus and in the legal profession.
“Many thanks go to Professor Meredith Duncan and Program Manager Kristen Guiseppi in running the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program as well as so many of our faculty and staff who show their commitment to diversity and inclusion every single day. Without their collective efforts, this recognition would not be possible.”
UHLC is the only U.S. law school to be selected for the 2018 HEED Award, which is the only national, application-based award honoring institutions of higher education for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Law Center received HEED awards in 2017 and 2016.
HEED Award recipients are selected on the basis of an extensive application, detailing demographics of the faculty and student body, recruitment practices, mentoring and resource programs, community outreach, and other efforts designed to increase diversity.
“I am humbled and honored that the Law Center has won the HEED Award three years in a row and to be the only law school in the nation to be recognized in 2018,” said Dean Leonard M. Baynes. “It is a wonderful recognition and appreciation for all the hard work that goes into making the Law Center a more diverse and inclusive place.
“The Law Center is proud to receive this award for the third time,” said Duncan, George Butler Research Professor of Law and director of Metropolitan Programs. “We value and work hard at addressing diversity issues in legal education and in the legal profession. It is wonderful to see that our efforts are being recognized nationally.”
The Law Center’s award-winning Pre-Law Pipeline Program was among initiatives cited by the magazine. The program prepares undergraduates who are first generation, low income, or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession for a career in law. “It is an absolute honor for us to be recognized by “INSIGHT Into Diversity” magazine,” said Guiseppi. “We are proud of our diversity-focused initiatives, like the Pipeline Program, Pathways to Law, Juvenile Capital Access Project, Street Law and many other efforts which serve to address the need for diversity and inclusion.” In its July/August cover story, the magazine featured the PreLaw Pipeline Program as a model of law school efforts to diversify the legal profession. It also noted the Law Center’s student body with 36.4 percent people of color exceeds the national minority law school enrollment of 31.4 percent. - UHLC News
VOICE OF ASIA 16
Young Life
Indian man fills potholes out of love for dead son
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Cypress Ranch High School sophomore Anushka Gupta to be ExecChair, Texas Gulf Coast Region Red Cross Youth Service Council
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nushka Gupta is a senior at Cypress Ranch High School this year and has been selected to be Executive Chair of the Texas Gulf Coast Region Red Cross Youth Service Council for the 2018- 2019 academic year.
Indian businessman Dadarao Bilhore fixes a hole in the road in Mumbai -- something he has done at almost 600 sites as part of a commitment he made after his son was killed in an accident caused by a pothole. (Photo: AFP) by Peter Hutchison
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UMBAI, India | AFP - Dadarao Bilhore smoothes the road surface, rests his shovel, looks to the sky and prays for his son, one of thousands of Indians killed every year in accidents caused by potholes. Prakash Bilhore, a promising student, was just 16 when he died in July 2015 in Mumbai, India’s hectic financial and Bollywood capital of 20 million people. To help deal with his grief, Prakash’s devastated father Dadarao decided he would do something about Mumbai’s roads, which like much of India’s, are notoriously shoddy. Using sand and gravel collected from building sites, Bilhore has filled in almost 600 potholes across India’s financial capital in the past three years. The 48-year-old vegetable vendor does it to pay tribute to his beloved son and in the hope that it will save lives. “Prakash’s sudden death left a huge void in our lives. I do this work to remember and honour him.
“I also don’t want anyone else to lose a loved one like we have,” Bilhore tells AFP at the modest apartment he shares with his wife, daughter and extended family. Prakash Bilhore was travelling pillion when the motorbike he was on with his cousin hit a deep pothole, sending them both flying through the air. Prakash, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, suffered fatal brain damage. His cousin, who was wearing a helmet, walked away with minor injuries. The tragic accident occurred during Mumbai’s summer monsoon when heavy rains are blamed for causing crater-like holes on the teeming coastal city’s roads. Potholes are so common that a campaign is under way to have Mumbai featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the city with the most potholes. Navin Lade, a resident, claims to have recorded more than 27,000 holes on the website www.mumbaipotholes.com, although local officials dispute his findings. - Ten deaths a day -
Government statistics show that potholes were responsible for the deaths of 3,597 people across India last year, an average of 10 a day. Citizens blame government apathy, accusing local authorities of failing to maintain roads properly. Activists say contractors hired to repave roads do a bad job on purpose so the work will need to be done again the following year. “The government needs to take responsibility and create better infrastructure,” urges Bilhore. He says he has repaired 585 potholes, many of them alone; others with the help of volunteers who are inspired by his story. Bilhore has been featured in countless Indian newspaper articles and received several awards, earning him the nickname “pothole dada”, an affectionate term in India for a respected male. “Recognition of our work has given me strength to deal with the pain and wherever I go I feel Prakash is standing with me” says Bilhore.
5 things to do in college to set yourself up for financial success later on by Abigal Hess
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s students across the country start college this fall, they face new freedom and responsibility. College finance consultant Kathy Ruby tells CNBC Make It that for most students, starting college is a “first step towards financial independence.” Over 44 million Americans hold a total of $1.5 trillion in student loan debt and it takes them, on average, 20 years to pay off those loans. In order to master the transition and not fall into dangerous amounts of debt, students need to remain disciplined and organized. These seven steps can help any incoming student start college off on the right foot and prepare for their financial future: 1. Create a budget “The first step, of course, is for kids to start to manage the money they have on their own,” says Ruby. “Create a budget.” It may be the first time a college freshman has seriously looked at the numbers. The next part of creating your budget it to track your expenses, says Ruby. “What can be helpful, especially for kids who have never done this is before is to try tracking their expenses for the first 30 days to see, ‘Where am I spending my money?’” As CNBC Make It has reported in the past, sites like Personal Capital, Mint and You Need a Budget will keep track of your purchases for you. 2. Cut costs Contrary to popular belief, there are many ways college
students can cut costs. Ruby tells students, “Even though your parents may be paying the bulk of the bill, there are also decisions that you can make that are going to make a difference in what they end up having to pay.” One of the biggest ways to save money is on transportation. “Don’t take a car to college. It is one of the biggest expenses for students,” says Ruby. “Most campuses have good public transportation systems, so if you can avoid taking a car, that’s going to save money on insurance and the cost of parking.” Students can also save money by choosing affordable housing options offered by many colleges. “Many colleges have variable housing prices. A nicer, newer apartment-style living situation is going to be more expensive than the traditional twoperson dorm,” she says. “The more roommates you have, the better.” In order to save money on expensive text books, check the college library for copies that can be borrowed. If the library only allows you to check a book out for a portion of the semester, check other local libraries for the same book. And instead of subsisting off of ramen noodles for weeks on end, try to make the most of an affordable meal plan. It will be better for the physical and financial health in the long run. 3. Keep your parents in the loop In Ruby’s experience, most students pay for college with the help of a parent or family member.
“I worked in financial aid for 27 years, and when I think about the families that did this the most successfully, no matter how much money they make, it was the families who approached it as a team,” she says. Ruby tells parents, “You’ve got to be in conversation with your kid about what their responsibilities are.” When students do not fulfill their responsibilities, it is important that they learn the hard way argues Ruby. “If your kids mess up, you have to let them mess up and not bail them out immediately, which can be really hard.” She tells students, “It’s your college experience, but you want to be communicating with your parents and working with your parents to make decisions that are good for them and good for you.” In order to promote this communication and transparency, students will need to give their parents access to their financial records. “Students have to grant permission to their parents to see certain parts of their records,” explains Ruby. “They want to give access to the bill so they are sure that their parents are seeing it and taking care of things.” 4. Explore campus jobs Having a campus job is one way for students to cover
It is quite an honor for CyRanch and CFISD to be represented in the Texas Gulf Coast Region Red Cross Youth Council since every year they have representation from the best schools in Houston. Anushka was selected to be Communications Chair in 2016 and Logistics Chair in 2017. She is the founder and President of the Red Cross Club at Cy Ranch and helped students open a Red Cross club at the Bridgeland High School. She is an all ‘A’ student and plays Oboe in the Varsity Band at Cy Ranch as the First Chair Oboe. She played with the National Honors Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, New York as part of the 2018 High School Honors Performance Series. She is a talented Oboe player who has won may awards at the region and area level every year since 7th grade. While she does so much outside school she has already been awarded ‘National AP scholar’ by the college board and maintains the most rigorous curriculum and standardized scores in the top percentile.
Anushka Gupta, Executive Chair. iliary Bluebonnet Girls State in 2018 summer. She found her true calling and wants to pursue a career in public service and government to help
those who are less fortunate. She is college bound in 2019 and her parents and teachers cant wait to see what she will accomplish in the near future.
She has won Presidential Service awards in her sophomore and junior year for community service and volunteering with the Red Cross. This kid has a heart of gold and is kind and considerate and those qualities drive her to volunteer with Res Cross and other service organizations. Anushka was selected to Represent Cypress Ranch HS at American Legion Aux-
personal expenses and help contribute financially to their degree. The type of job you can get depends on whether work-study is included in your financial aid package, but even students who aren’t awarded work-study may be able to find paid work on campus. In order to see what your options are, set a meeting with your college’s student employment office and find what kind of jobs you are eligible to apply for. Networking with older students is also a great way to learn about the best opportunities on campus. If finding campus work is proving challenging, Ruby says that there is one place that is always hiring: the cafeteria. “Sometimes you have to be willing to take the less glamorous job, but making some of your own money can really give you independence.” She also points to research from the National Center for
Education Statistics that indicates that students who work earn better grades. “There is research that shows that kids who work a reasonable amount do better academically, because it helps them structure their time and is a good non-academic way to connect with people on campus,” she explains. 5. Avoid scams Companies and banks often see college students as impressionable consumers. When getting to campus, students should be careful about the products and services that are advertised to them. In 2009, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act banned banks from aggressively marketing credit cards and financial products on college campuses. However, this regulation does not stop banks from actively pursuing college students. “There are regulations that are
still in effect but students still need to do a little bit of homework,” says Suzanne Martindale, a consumer finance expert and attorney for Consumers Union. She explains, “A lot of times these companies have marketing deals with the campus that make them look like the ‘school approved’ product, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the school has made sure that those products are in fact the best products for their students.” Female college students are sometimes targeted by fertility clinics. These companies offer to pay students thousands of dollars in exchange for eggs. Before agreeing to this kind of medical procedure, students should educate themselves about the potential risks. When it comes to deals that seem too good to be true, it’s best to follow Martindale’s golden rule: “Make sure that you are entering with full information before you sign up.”
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VOICE OF VOICE OFASIA ASIA17 17
FRIDAY, September 21, 21, 2018 2018 FRIDAY, September
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Section 2
Working nights may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer
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ith almost 12 million individuals enrolled nationwide, “Med-Supp” (also known as Medicare Supplement or Medigap) plans continue to be a popular and valued part of a consumer’s financial protection playbook. Enrollment continues to grow and according to new research, beneficiaries are overwhelmingly satisfied with their coverage.
Carried out by Canadian, Australian, and European researchers, the new study surveyed more than 13,000 women aged on average 55-59 from five different countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Spain). The participants included 6,093 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 6,933 women without breast cancer who acted as controls.
Women who worked at least three hours between midnight and 5 am every night had a 12 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who had never worked at night. Among pre-menopausal women, this risk increases to 26 percent. In addition, the team also found that pre-menopausal women who work night shifts longer than 10 hours showed a 36 percent increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who have never worked nights, with the risk as high as 80 percent among women who work night shifts longer than 10 hours for more than three nights per week.
Understanding Med-Supp Plan F, Plan F select and Plan F High Deductible
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ccording to new international research, working at night could increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, especially in those who are pre-menopause.
The findings, which were published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, suggested that the risk of developing breast cancer increases with the number of hours worked per night, as well as the number of years spent on the night shift.
Tel: 713-774-5140
Regularly working through the night could affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer according to new research. © BraunS / Istock.com However, the risk appeared to decrease two years after stopping night shift work, with women who were still working nights at the time of the study showing a breast cancer risk 26 percent higher than those who had stopped working at night at least two years previously. Although the analysis of the five surveys did not specifically consider the type of night work, the Canadian survey did compare women working in healthcare and other sectors. “The risk associated with breast cancer and night work varied little among
respondents, regardless of job type,” explained study co-author Anne Grundy, from the Université de Montréal. “Although we are not fully certain, we believe that this risk could be related to the hypothesis that night work disrupts circadian rhythm and inhibits the secretion of melatonin, which may protect against cancer.” The researchers also added that further research should be carried out to investigate the difference in risk between pre- and post- menopausal women. - Relaxnews
Having an undiagnosed STI could worsen a woman’s PMS symptoms
Med-Supp pays for significant outof-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It allows seniors to budget for medical expenses, and therefore, avoid the confusion and difficulty of handling complicated medical bills. This all helps make Medicare Supplement coverage an essential tool that mitigates unplanned health expenses while filling the gaps within traditional fee-for-service Medicare. New research from AHIP shows that beneficiaries are satisfied with their coverage. It found that nine out of 10 beneficiaries are satisfied with their coverage. Not only are they satisfied, but more than half would recommend the coverage to their friends and family. Services and benefits covered got high marks, as did the process to enroll and renew their coverage. Seniors are happy – happy with insurance coverage that is there when they need it, offered by companies that make it easy to use the coverage and are available to answer questions when they come up. When asked about their financial security, over 90 percent of those surveyed would be concerned if Medicare supplement products were taken away or drastically altered. They depend upon the coverage, both to help them plan for the future and to enjoy the present. Medicare supplement coverage has long been a source of stability, consistency, and protection for those with traditional Medicare. It offers choice and access to quality care, which is particularly valuable in the current environment of rapidly increasing costs, challenging legislative and regulatory environments, and an aging population. Those with Medicare Supplement coverage like it, they use it, and they would tell their friends and family to add it to their portfolio as well – a sign of trust that Med-Supp providers don’t take lightly. Seniors and Medicare Supplement – a positive, long-term relationship that continues to offer good news and opportunities for ongoing physical and financial well-being. The Annual Enrollment Period isn’t the only time Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage to better meet changing financial circumstances. Participants in traditional Medicare can make changes to their Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) coverage any time during the year for any reason. One such change you may recommend to your clients is moving from traditional Medigap Plan F (Medigap F) to a high-deductible Plan F (Medigap High-F).
New research has found that women with an undiagnosed STI may experience more negative PMS symptoms. © gpointstudio / Istock.com
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ew UK research has found that women who have undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections may be more likely to experience negative premenstrual symptoms (PMS). Carried out by researchers at Oxford University, the study was part of a long-term partnership with periodtracking app CLUE. The team gathered data from 865 CLUE users who logged information on the app about their menstrual bleeding patterns, experience of pain and emotions, and their hormonal contraceptive use. Users were also asked whether they had ever been diagnosed with an STI,
and if so, when they received the diagnosed and if they were given any treatment. The findings, published in the journal Evolution Medicine & Public Health, suggested that before being diagnosed, women with an STI such as Chlamydia, Herpes or HPV were more than twice as likely to report headaches, cramps and feelings of sadness towards the end of their cycle, and feeling more sensitive throughout the cycle. The authors did note that the study had some limitations, including using self-reported data, and that the CLUE app is biased towards recording negative premenstrual symptoms.
However, as many STI infections go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms -- for example 70 percent of those diagnosed with Chlamydia are unware that they have it -- the authors added that the results are significant and could help prevent additional health problems such as infertility. “Even now, when I write a research application on PMS, I still think ‘will this be taken seriously?’ that needs to change. Not understanding or even acknowledging that PMS is more than “women’s raging hormones” but rather, the byproduct of cyclical immunity
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Medigap F provides the most comprehensive coverage of the current Medigap plans offered. With Medigap F there are no annual deductibles and no out-of-pocket costs for procedures covered by Medicare. Because it offers comprehensive coverage, its
makes it harder to identify diseases and can even delay diagnosis of infections such as STIs, which can affect women’s fertility,” commented lead author Dr. Alexandra Alvergne. “Our research shows that by better understanding their period and men-
Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 monthly premium is the highest when compared to the other Medicare Supplement plans. Despite its high premium, it is the most popular Medigap plan. What is Medigap Plan F Select? The Medigap Plan F Select offers the same benefits as above EXCEPT for nationwide coverage, because of the small network that this plan offers. With Medigap Select F, you usually can see any doctor that accepts Medicare assignment, but you have a limited network of hospitals and facilities you can use. If you go outside of your Select network, Medigap is not responsible to cover your costs (except in case of emergency). The major benefit of Medigap Plan F Select is its premium is generally less expensive than traditional Plan F’s. Medigap Plan F Select is not offered in all areas. Conclusion about Medigap F and Medigap F Select The traditional Plan F will offer the most coverage. Therefore if you want to utilize the largest network of doctors and hospitals, with the most comprehensive coverage, go for the Medigap Plan F. If you are on a budget, but want comprehensive coverage, and are able to find a doctor and hospital you want to work with in your network, then go with Medigap Plan F Select. Medigap High-F has been available for several years. It provides the same coverage as Medigap F but has much lower premiums. However, it does have an annual deductible of $2,240 in 2018. How does it work? Medicare Parts A and B continue to pay covered costs first. For example, if you go to your primary care physician and the Medicare-approved cost of the visit is $100, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the cost or $80. (See table below.) Under Medigap F, the policy will pay the balance owed of $20 leaving the client with no out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Under the Medigap High-F, if the client has not yet reached the annual deductible of $2,240, he or she would pay the $20 OOP cost. The Medicare beneficiary will continue to pay the amount that Medigap F would have paid for medical services until his or her total OOP costs reach $2,240. To choose most suitable Medicare Supplement Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900.
strual cycle, women could potentially improve their health. If you know that severe PMS could be an indicator of an underlying STI, you are more likely to listen to your body.” - Relaxnews
HEALTH
VOICE OF ASIA 18
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Have diabetes? Join us for a diabetes education seminar
Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Rice University, Houston, Texas by Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee
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he science has never been clearer: flaxseed deserves to be top of the list of the world’s most powerful medicinal foods. For just pennies a day it may protect against dozens of lifethreatening health conditions. Flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the health benefits of flaxseed that he passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it. Now, thirteen centuries later, some experts say we have preliminary research to back up what Charlemagne suspected. Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. That’s quite a tall order for a tiny seed that’s been around for centuries. Flaxseed is found in all kinds of foods today, from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal. The Flax Council estimates close to 300 new flax-based products were launched in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 alone and that has increased over time. Not only has consumer demand for flaxseed grown, but agricultural use has also increased. Flaxseed is what’s used to feed all those chickens that are laying eggs
Flaxseeds: A nutrientPacked Super-Food? Part I with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Although flaxseed contains all sorts of healthy components, it owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them: • Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart -healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s. • Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxident qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods. • Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types. The Health Benefits of Flax Cancer Recent studies have suggested that flaxseed may have a protective effect against breast, prostate and colon cancers. At least two of the components in flaxseed seem to contribute,
says Kelley C. Fitzpatrick, director of health and nutrition with the Flax Council of Canada. In animal studies, the plant omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, called ALA, inhibited tumor incidence and growth. The lignan’s in flaxseed may provide some protection against cancers that are sensitive to hormones without interfering with the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Thompson says some studies have suggested that exposure to lignan’s during adolescence helps reduce the risk of breast cancer and may also increase the survival of breast cancer patients. Lignan’s may help protect against cancer by blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism and interfering with the growth and spread of tumor cell. Cardiovascular Disease Research suggests that plant omega-3s help the cardiovascular system through several different mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory action and normalizing the heartbeat. Fitzpatrick says new research
Four people “catch” breast cancer in extremely unusual and bizarre case
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The organs of a 53-year-old woman were donated to medicine after she died of a stroke in 2007. Unbeknown to doctors, she had undetectable traces of breast cancer in her body – tests taken at the time (including a physical examination, an X-ray, and an ultrasound) came back entirely negative.
It was only 16 months after the organs had been transplanted into the donor patients that one became ill and was admitted to the hospital with a transplant dysfunction. Doctors found cancer in the lymph nodes in her chest, and a subsequent analysis examining the DNA of the cancer cells found it had originated from the donor organs – in this case, two lungs.
An illustration of a typical breast cancer cell The cells were found to be breast cancer. Once again, they had originated from the organ donor. To avoid risking complications, the woman chose not to have a liver transplant and instead began radiation treatment. Initially, it was a success and the disease appeared to remain stable, but in 2014 – seven years after the transplant and three years after diagnosis
The fourth patient was a 32-year-old man diagnosed with breast cancer in the right kidney in 2011. In this particular instance, the doctors were able to remove the infected organ. The man stopped taking medication to suppress the immune system and began a process of chemotherapy, which was successful. Today, the man is cancer free. While this is an unnerving example of how donor organs can cause negative side effects, it is worth remembering that such cases are very, very rare. According to the authors of the article, there is just a 0.01 to 0.05 percent chance of tumor transmission for any single organ transplant. That is less than one instance per every 2,000 cases.
In 2010, the tests came back negative, but just a year later, a 59-year-old woman who had received the liver transplant was diagnosed with cancer.
– she passed away. The third patient to die from “donor-derived” cancer was a 62-year-old woman who had undergone a kidney transplant. Breast cancer in the left kidney was diagnosed six years after transplant, at which point it had already spread to the liver, bone, spleen, and digestive tract.
“It remains unclear whether a predonation total-body CT scan of the donor might have revealed the malignancy. The drawback of a routine postmortem CT scan for all donors is that it will increase clinically irrelevant findings, which might lead to more rejection of donors and a decrease of the already scarce donor pool.” - IFL Science
S
UGAR LAND – If you have diabetes, it’s important to work with your health care providers to stay on top of your health. “With proactive lifestyle measures, regular health care and medication, you can limit complications from diabetes and live a long and healthy life,” said Christine Fisher, M.S.N, R.N., C.D.E., inpatient diabetes educator with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “You’ll need to keep your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.” The following steps can help you stay healthy: • Follow a meal plan developed with your doctor or dietitian and exercise for at least 30 minutes most days • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight • Take medicine as prescribed • Don’t smoke • Visit an eye-care professional yearly for a complete eye exam • See your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings. Brush and floss every day • Keep feet clean and dry; check for sores, blisters or problems every day; and treat cuts immediately To schedule an appointment online with one of our primary care physicians, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 713.441.7265 for a physician in your area. DIABETES EDUCATION SEMINAR If you think you might have or are at risk for diabetes, we encourage you to join us for our diabetes education seminar at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in our Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. Topics of discussion will be identifying risks, methods of diagnosis, type 1 versus type 2 diabetes and living with diabetes. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit events.houstonmethodist.org/diabetes-sl or call 281.274.7500.
Diabetes
Inflammation
“This low incidence implies that current practices of donor screening for malignancy are effective,” they add. After a year or so of being diagnosed, she died. The remaining three donor patients were advised to go in for testing to see if their organs had also been infected with cancerous cells.
Eating flaxseed daily may also help lower cholesterol levels. The level of LDH or “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A study of menopausal women showed a decrease in LDL level after the women ate 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed each day for a year. Fitzpatrick says the cholesterollowering effects of flaxseed are the result of the combined benefits of the omega-3 ALA, fiber, and lignans.
Preliminary research also suggests that daily intake of the lignans in flaxseed may modestly improve blood sugar (as measured by hemoglobin A1c blood tests in adults with type 2 diabetes). How does flax help control blood sugars? Flaxseeds may improve insulin sensitivity in glucose intolerant people. After 12 weeks of flax, researchers found a small but significant drop in insulin resistance, perhaps related to the drop in oxidant stress due to the antioxidant qualities of flaxseeds.
n an extremely rare case reported in the Journal of American Transplants, three out of four patients died of breast cancer after receiving tainted organs from a single donor.
They now suspect the donor had metastasized breast cancer and that tiny, untraceable clumps of cells had made their way to each transplanted organ. These were then able to progress in the new bodies with the help of immunosuppressant drugs.
also suggests significant blood pressure-lowering effects of flaxseed. Those effects may be due to both the omega-3 fatty acids as well as the amino acid groups found in flaxseed. Several studies have suggested that diets rich in flaxseed omega-3s help prevent hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in the arteries partly by keeping white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessels’ inner linings. Lignans in flaxseed have been shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaque buildup by up to 75%. Because plant omega-3s may also play a role in maintaining the heart’s natural rhythm, they may be useful in treating arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and heart failure. More research is needed on this.
Two components in flaxseed, ALA and lignans, may reduce the inflammation that accompanies certain illnesses (such as Parkinson’s disease and asthma) by helping block the release of certain pro-inflammatory agents. ALA has been shown to decrease inflamma-
tory reactions in humans. And studies in animals have found that lignans can decrease levels of several pro-inflammatory agents. Reducing inflammation associated with plaque buildup in the arteries may be another way flaxseed helps prevent heart attack and strokes Hot flashes Studies of menopausal women, reported that 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed into cereal, juice, or yogurt twice a day cut their hot flashes in half. The intensity of the hot flashes also dropped by 57%. The women noticed a difference after taking the daily flaxseed for just one week and achieved the maximum benefit within two weeks. In some other studies ground flaxseed but not flaxseed oil may also help with menopausal symptoms. Research has shown that 40 grams per day may be
similar to hormone therapy for improving mild menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Flaxseed oil, like fish oil, has been studied for lowering triglycerides. Constipation Flaxseed is rich in both soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber remains in the intestinal tract. It absorbs water and adds bulk to the digestive tract. This helps keep movement through the gut regular. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is little evidence that flaxseed helps reduce constipation. Consuming it with too little water can make constipation worse and possibly lead to an intestinal blockage. Please consult your Doctor before you start on Flaxseeds.
VOICE OF ASIA 19
FOOD & BREVERAGE
Meghan Markle releases cookbook for Grenfell Tower victims
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Top tips for trying new wines
Together: Our Community Cookbook’ with the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. © Royal Foundation
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ONDON - The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has spearheaded a charity cookbook for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fires in London. The project was born last summer, when the women of Grenfell began cooking together at a communal kitchen in West London to feed their families who were living in hotel rooms without kitchens. Two days a week, the group of women would chop, dice and sauté, sharing recipes, tips, but also stories, memories and tears at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre. Eventually, they would give themselves a name, “the Hubb Community Kitchen.” Hubb in Arabic means love. Markle became a regular visitor to the kitchens after first meeting the women in January of this year. “Together: Our Community Cookbook,”
is Markle’s first project as a royal through The Royal Foundation, with profits going to the Hubb group and related projects. The book features 50 recipes from the women of the Hubb community. They include Middle Eastern, North African, European and Eastern Mediterranean recipes like green chilli and avocado dip, coconut chicken curry, Persian chicken and aubergine masala. “I immediately felt connected to this community kitchen; it is a place for women to laugh, grieve, cry and cook together. Melding cultural identities under a shared roof, it creates a space to feel a sense of normalcy -- in its simplest form, the universal need to connect, nurture, and commune through food, through crisis or joy -- something we can all relate to,” Markle writes in the forward. “Through this charitable endeavour,
the proceeds will allow the kitchen to thrive and keep the global spirit of community alive. Melding cultural identities under a shared roof, it creates a space to feel a sense of normalcy -- in its simplest form, the universal need to connect, nurture, and commune through food, through crisis or joy - something we can all relate to.” Markle was also drawn to the project, no doubt as an avid at-home cook, who cooked often for Harry during their courtship in Toronto. The fire that ripped through Grenfell Tower in West London last summer killed 72 people and left hundreds of residents homeless. “Together: Our Community Cookbook” is set for a Sept. 20 release and retails for £9.99. https://www.royalfoundation.com/ project/together-cookbook/ - Relaxnews
How to become a Michelin inspector in New York
Wines make a perfect match for brunch items, grilled meats, buttery pastries topped with anything and much more. Image courtesy: StatePoint.
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re you ready to add something new to your standard wine repertoire? To help expand your palate, two-time James Beard Award winning sommelier, Belinda Chang, is offering some expert insight into one of her go-to varietals. “Fans of Pinot Noir should consider its hip French relative, Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape which is still relatively unknown among American wine drinkers,” says Chang. “And like Pinot Noir, Gamay is a thinskinned grape that generally produces bright wines with low tannins. These wines tend to exhibit red fruit and berry notes, spices from good French oak barrels and earthy characteristics.” While they are quite similar, Gamay grapes are grown in the Beaujolais region in the southern-most part of Burgundy. Beaujolais differs from northern Burgundy in growing temperatures, soils and other factors. “If you’re looking for a delicious quintessential and easy-to-drink French wine, the Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages ($13.99) is a good one to take home,” says Chang. Louis Jadot is one of the most venerable wine houses in Burgundy and the number one French wine in the U.S. Known for a vinification process that balances tradition and technology, their wines are affordable and versatile. They can be enjoyed by the glass or paired with a variety of meals. (If
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Before you get too excited, the laundry list of job qualifications and requirements is long.
For example, the average Michelin inspector spends three weeks a month on the road, traveling the equivalent of 19,000 miles (about 30,580 km) a year, and eating 250 restaurant meals. And it’s not good enough simply to be a sophisticated and galloping gourmand. At the top of the job qualification list is a bachelor’s degree in culinary, food studies, hotel management or equivalent degree, plus at least five years of experience in the hotel or restaurant
Oh no! McDonald’s changed it’s legendary apple pie recipe!
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cDonald’s apple pies first showed up on the fast-food chain’s menu in 1968. And a recent change to the beloved dessert has nostalgic fans ready to riot. The company has announced that they are revamping the apple pie recipe in an effort to make it healthier. As Insider reports, the new recipe will feature less sugar, and the apple pie will be made with fewer ingredients overall. “Our new freshly baked apple pie
recipe is in line with other positive changes we have made,” Tiffany Briggs, a McDonald’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “We removed, for example, artificial preservatives from our Chicken McNuggets and switched to real butter in our breakfast sandwiches because those changes matter to our guests.” One of the main changes to the apple pie is the crust, as the new recipe features a latticed crust with a sugar
“Most sommeliers will confess that the Beaujolais on their wine lists are go-to recommendations to pair with anything on the menu and please every palate at the table. And, I confess that when it comes to a daily drinking red, instead of a ponderous Cabernet Sauvignon or a monster Malbec, I always want a slightly chilled, juicy Gamay,” says Chang, who recommends serving the Château de Jacques Moulin-à-Vent (SRP: $28.99) when you really want or need to impress your guests. So, exactly how do these wines hold up to food? “What grows together, goes together is a mantra that always works,” says Chang. “Look to the locals for inspiration. When it comes to Gamay and Beaujolais, you’ll find yourself in the company of some of the best chefs and eaters in the world. This is Burgundian cuisine after all, which means coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and even époisses -- the world’s greatest stinky cheese.” According to Chang, Beaujolais is one of the most food-friendly wines on Earth, in part due to the natural acidity of Gamay grapes. Bottom line: these wines make a perfect match for brunch items, grilled meats, buttery pastries topped with anything and much more. (StatePoint).
Coca-Cola looking at cannabis-infused drinks
Michelin is hiring a restaurant inspector for New York. © istock/filadendron EW YORK - Think you have what it takes to be a Michelin inspector? A tastemaker who can tell the difference between a mediocre meal and one that’s “exceptional and worth a journey?” Michelin is hiring an inspector for one of the greatest dining capitals in the world: New York City.
you prefer white wines, Jadot also produces an unoaked Chardonnay, Macon-Villages (SRP: $14.99) and a dry, crisp Rosé (SRP: $13.99) -- two good choices for warm weather.)
industry. Not good at keeping secrets? You’ll find this job challenging as anonymity is likewise high on the list: “Integrity, discretion and respect for requirement of anonymity.” Candidates must also be good writers and strong photographers. Still interested? There’s an illustrated guide on the Michelin inspection process that details what the job entails. - Relaxnews
topping, rather than the sugar and cinnamon topping that customers are used to. The healthier change has some fans fuming. And naturally, they’re using social media to express their frustration. McDonald’s is well aware of the backlash, though, and when one Twitter user said that they “like the old recipe better,” the company responded. “Our new apple pie is made with fewer ingredients such as sugar, sliced 100-percent American grown apples and a bit of cinnamon to the filling for flavor to give each one that homemade taste our customers love.” - Delish.com
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TLANTA, Georgia Coca-Cola said Monday it is studying the use of a key ingredient in marijuana in “wellness beverages,” as a growing number of mainstream companies develop cannabis-infused drinks. “We have no interest in marijuana or cannabis,” Coca-Cola said in a statement. But iconic soft drink producer is “closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD (cannabidiol) as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world.” Cannabidiol is a chemical in marijuana that does not have the intoxicating effects of THC, the major active ingredient that causes the “high.” It has been used to treat epilepsy and other maladies. “The space is evolving quickly,” Coca-Cola said. “No decisions have been made at this time.” Coca-Cola’s statement comes amid reports the company has held talks with Canada’s Aurora Cannabis to develop beverages. Some of CocaCola’s trademark cola products have struggled to grow sales in recent years due to health concerns. Canada is set to legalize cannabis on October 17 after both houses of Par-
liament voted to make the drug available for recreational use. That move has been seen as a potential prelude to further legalization in the United States, even though recreational use of marijuana is still only permitted in a handful of states. Beer giant Molson Coors announced August 1 it was teaming up with Canadian medical marijuana grower The Hydropothecary Corporation to develop cannabis-infused non-alcoholic beverages. - AFP
VOICE OF ASIA 20
Gucci just launched a new beauty Instagram
BEAUTY & STYLE
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Alexa Chung on her first runway show at London Fashion Week by Barry Samaha
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f ever you wanted to peek into Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele’s brain, you now have a window. The fashion house just launched a new Instagram account (@ GucciBeauty) for its beauty line dedicated to Michele’s “vision of beauty.” So far, it looks nothing like a typical beauty brand account—that is, flat lays of lipsticks, regrams of makeup selfies using the brand’s products, or campaign images. Instead, it resembles more of an art page. For The Art of Beauty, Gucci tapped a group of five art writers to give detailed background on the pieces pulled from galleries, private collections, and reputable museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Each caption calls out beauty elements in the paintings,
like red lips and curled hair, different beauty practices from around the world, and the unique ways each artist captured details like skin and eyes. They’re also meant to dive deeper into the idea of how beauty ideals have been preserved and evolved, and the way beauty is interpreted by different eras and cultures. This isn’t the first time Gucci beauty has gotten artsy. In April, to celebrate the Gucci Bloom Acqua Di Fiori fragrance launch, the brand tapped 15 female artists to create interpretations. The @guccibeauty platform will also be a place for Gucci to reveal looks from fashion shows, collaborations, and new launches, including fragrance and makeup. - Elle
Is your skin purging, or just breaking out? by Taylor P.
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o you just started using a sweet new skincare product that you’re really jazzed about. Then, a week or two later, it happens. Pimples. You may ask yourself, am I purging or am I breaking out? And you may tell yourself, this is not my beautiful skin! Here’s the good news: it’s actually pretty easy to tell the difference between a purge and a break out.
chemical exfoliant. Inactive ingredients simply cannot cause the increased cell turnover it takes to incite a real purge. - The Signs Of A Standard Issue Breakout Standard issue breakouts are marked (literally!) by under-the-skin cystic zits, redness, inflammation, and angry looking pustules, which are those red, inflamed looking zits.
wide brim hat may be Alexa Chung’s signature, but she has figuratively worn many others over the years. She’s been a model, television host, brand ambassador, editor and, most recently, a fashion designer—though creative director, according to her, is a more apt designation. In the latter role, the British-born, multi-hyphenated personality showed her first runway collection for her brand Alexachung at London Fashion Week for the Spring 2018 season—though hers follows the seenow, buy-now model. And yes, a few hats made their way into the lineup. What also came down the catwalk in the basement of Victoria House was a collection of spiffy separates, cute dresses, sleek overcoats and some beachwear. It was a blend of Victorian primness (possibly a nod to the presentation’s venue), ’60s dandy, bohemian luxe and ’90s glamour. Disparate as those time periods and styles are, everything flowed together nicely, with sharp tailoring being the connective thread. In particular, a Mick Jaggeresque white suit that had many doing a double-take. Other standouts include a high-slit, sleeveless dress done in a sequin paisley motif; a sky blue slip with black ruffle detailing; a blue PVC trench coat that somehow looked supple; and two iridescent silk tops with bishop sleeves that were paired with matching vests and trousers (also very Jagger). Great as these pieces were, the silhouettes overall were simple; the references were typical and there wasn’t a real clear sartorial message being presented. Supposedly, travel was the theme, as the collection was titled Arrivals and Departures, but that is misnomer at best. Save for a cream tracksuit and a floral printed jumper, nothing really looked transit-ready. It did require some explanation to finally understand the gist. But even after that, the collection still really didn’t evoke the intended feeling.
I’ve seen purging explained a few different ways in beauty mags and on blogs. Some say it’s your skin’s angry reaction to change, others claim it’s the fleeing of toxins and general skin nasties. Purging has become a confusing catchall term to reference skin getting worse before it gets better. But in most situations that’s just plain inaccurate. You see, active ingredients that increase cell turnover--AHAS, BHAs, and retinoids--can cause your skin to purge in the truest sense of the word. These ingredients speed up the shedding of dead skin cells, so it’s common to see a little flakiness and what looks like an increase in visible acne. Where you once had clogged pores, you may notice those bumps coming to a small white head and then quickly disappearing without redness, soreness, or inflammation. What doesn’t cause purging? Things like clay masks, scrubbing cleansers, oil cleansers, your beloved Clarisonic, and practically anything that isn’t a
Purging usually occurs in areas that are already prone to clogged pores and pimples. Breakouts caused by a product that’s angering your skin will appear outside of the usual trouble spots. I always know something’s up when I get blemishes on my normally clear cheeks. Another telltale sign is how long the breakout lasts. Typically, a chemical exfoliant should sweep out clogs and dead skin within one cycle of skin regeneration, or about three to six weeks. So you’re not purging if the breakout continues for several months or more. At this point, whatever you’re using just isn’t right for your skin. Put down the bottle and run, girl. - How To Diffuse The Situation If a physical exfoliant is causing irritation or pimples, reduce usage of the product to once a week, or trade it for an awesome chemical exfoliant. If you’re not sure why a new product is making your skin breakout, educate yourself on the ingredients via a comedogenicity database like cosdna.com. There, you can hopefully identify the ingredients that are common acne trig-
Amex gets a face for its fashion week program. Hats off to both of them for joining forces—or, as she described, becoming “lovely bedfellows.” At the after party, Chung—post cigarette break and dressed in a black qípáo—chatted about her first runway show, her partnership with Amex and how her brand stands out at London Fashion Week. You’re a multi-hyphenated personality. How do you define yourself in the fashion space?
of women, but also be able t provide a unique direction. Literally, when I try on the clothes, I test it on whether it makes me feel better about myself or not. If doesn’t make me feel cool; if it doesn’t make me feel sexy or if it doesn’t make me feel like it evokes an emotional response, it doesn’t make the cut, basically. How would you looking to attract customers to your brand who may not know who you are? Is this an American market scenario? Because it’s different in each territory.
That said, there was energy in the clothes. They were wearable, polished and really cool. Indeed, since Alexachung was founded in 2016, it has generally received positive feedback, with critics citing how the pieces were reflections of its designer and the lifestyle she lives. A lifestyle that many want to emulate, even by the smallest measure. Indeed, Chung is known for hobnobbing with a tony crowd at some of the most exclusive events. She has graced magazine covers, including ones where she was a contributing editor. She’s become an icon of sorts with a devoted and active fan base of 3.1 million followers on Instagram and 1.5 million on Twitter. Her influence in the fashion industry is hefty and her style is often copied (read: she played a big part in popularizing the hipster trend several years ago).
- What Purging Actually Means -
Designer Alexa Chung acknowledges the audience following her first show at London Fashion Week September 2018 show at Victoria House, London. (Photo by Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty Images)
This influence certainly enticed the executives at American Express. The credit card company sponsored both the fashion presentation and the after party that was held at Platinum House, a makeshift venue that it built for London Fashion Week for its Platinum Card members. There were other activations in play—like a VIP concert with James Bay and tours curated by Tom Marchant—but Chung, her collection and her packed soiree were the big draws. To whit: she gets capital to stage her first runway show and
gers and avoid them. Take this new information with a grain of salt, though. Some “highly comedogenic” items could work just fine for your specific skin. I won’t let cyclopentasiloxane within a mile of my face, lest I invoke the wrath of the cystic acne gods. But it’s not offensive to most people’s skin, which is why you see it as ingredient in, like, everything. Once you’ve identified the offending ingredient in a product, you can stop using it and avoid others that also contain it in the future. And next time, don’t forget to patch test, buddy. - Xojane.com
Models present creations from designer Alexa Chung during a catwalk show for the Spring/Summer 2019 collection on the second day of London Fashion Week in London on September 15, 2018. (Photo by NIKLAS HALLE’N / AFP) (Photo credit should read NIKLAS HALLE’N/AFP/Getty Images) I don’t really define myself. I don’t really think about it. I pursue what I’m interested in and curious about. As I get older, I try to understand that these pursuits are kind of legitimate. Setting up the company [Alexachung] was a move to enjoy doing [fashion] as a full-time job. The reason I was multihyphenated was because I was young when I started being on television. I was 22. Before that, I was a model. After that, I wanted to be a stylist and fashion journalist. Then I started writing for Vogue. It’s been kind of natural progression. Obviously, along the way, social media happened and all things that modern life has allowed, which means that you can be a model, DJ, TV host and so on. Because I had to grow up in the public eye, everyone’s always asking what I do, but it’s kind of always been this. So, would you call yourself a designer? I’m a creative director. I can’t pattern cut, but I can set the scene. What is the ethos of your brand Alexachung? In my mind, and hopefully that is filtered through, I just want to create clothes that are sort of emotional. I think what is interesting about our company is when people get the narratives can see it as a very deep situation, but if you just like that blouse, it is also a takeaway. I think its already doing what I want it to do, which is being embraced by lots of different kinds
In America, as I’ve come to realize, I can be confusing. It may be because of this multi-hyphenated thing, which I think is very British. This is making me trip out about how Americans perceive me [laughs]. They probably think its like cool-girl, downtown style. You don’t think that’s an apt description? No, I think its base and lacks nuance. It is more of an inclusive world than that. It’s far more intelligent than that. It’s more humorous than that. It’s just more. I don’t think it can be categorized as one particular thing. It’s coming from the cultures I’ve observed and curious about. Imbued in these collections are rock ‘n’ roll touchstones and movies that skew more indie and left-field. It starts off with these initial conversations and ends up being something completely wearable and beautiful. You did presentations before. Why did you decide to do a runway show this season? We’re a young company. We’ve only released five collections, and that’s basically a year. I think it would have been over ambitious for us to show in that format before this point. It took us a while to incubate, discover our own DNA and be able to confidently embrace something as structured and as impressive as the London Fashion Week. - Forbes
VOICE OF ASIA 21
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Home&Real Estate Houston’s real estate market is stronger than ever by Judy Levin
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By Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
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s hurricane season is upon us and we pass the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, many of us have read or watched the “One Year Later” stories for the past few weeks.
ttention Game of Thrones fans: a piece of Gosford Castle could be yours.
We’re all hoping we will get through the season this year without a bad storm! As a real estate agent, I must say that it has been an unusual year. I absolutely think we are still feeling the effects of Harvey! There are many people not back in their homes or just getting there, and there are others who cannot or will not be able to return to their homes, and are still renting or living with friends/relatives. Some very fortunate Houstonians were able to remediate and rebuild or start fresh in a new home. Harvey has left an impact on Houston’s real estate market that will stay with us forever. With many changes underway, new regulations being set and construction ongoing, many wonder how the real estate market will be impacted. I am constantly asked the question: How is the Houston market? The market has remained strong for most of 2018. Here are recent statistics from the Houston Association of Realtors. According to HAR’s latest report in July: “Houston’s real estate market had a banner June, as buyers closed on more homes than any other month in history and at sales prices never before reached.”
From low-end to luxury, houses are selling throughout the area, even as last year’s hurricane remains on the minds of many Houstonians. Still, buyers are cautious: If they find out a house flooded, they’ll walk away. And, if they find something in the right neighborhood but the house has issues, they’ll keep looking. With the market continuing to be strong in areas not affected by Harvey, many areas that are rebuilding and developing a new normal are excited by the recent bond approval. As reported in the Houston Chronicle: “On August 25, voters overwhelmingly approved a $2.5 billion flood infrastructure bond designed to protect the area in future storms.” This was fabulous news for Houston! Knowing the city is behind its residents and community brings a renewed sense of strength to all! Houston officials also are currently reviewing and approving new regulations for new construction and renovat-
ing homes in the city’s flood plains, as well. New elevation requirements are at the top of the list. With changes to the city’s infrastruction and new building regulations, homebuyers are considering opportunities that they would never have looked at before. Some are moving around the city to call new communities home, while others are moving up, literally! High-rise sales are strong, in both older and new buildings, even with monthly HOA fees factored in. There is great comfort in knowing that your residence is elevated! One important reminder I share with all my clients is that, no matter where they live, it is imperative to remember that purchasing flood insurance can be very affordable and a lifesaver if ever needed! Houstonians are strong, and with the strength of the city and the people, Houston and our real estate market will continue to be stronger than ever. - Jewish Herald Voice
Luxury real estate agents showcase newly constructed high rise apartments in downtown Houston by Jacqueline Elliott
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n a busy and bustling city like Houston, new construction is in high demand. Luxury high rise apartments are perfect for home buyers who like to work and socialize in the city. Just steps from world-class dining, highend retail outlets, and sports arenas, Downtown Houston real estate creates an understandable buzz for Houston luxury real estate companies and home buyers. Current design trends see a strong contemporary and modern influence. Natural light is an important feature of the living spaces and in Houston, luxury high rise apartments make the most of the natural light by installing floor to ceiling windows, often with high ceilings in the rooms. Sleek lines and open concept floor plans fuse design and function as kitchen islands and countertops not only provide ample space to cook and entertain, their contribution to the design aesthetic can be significant, especially when luxury materials like Carrara marble are used. A modern twist on stylish countertops is the introduction of quartz as a countertop material. Irrespective of the kitchen design, functionality is always
Live like royalty in the Game of Thrones Ccastle for $650K Designed in the Norman Revival style by London architect Thomas Hopper, Gosford Castle is about 78 miles north of Dublin, set on the 590-acre grounds of Gosford Forest Park in Northern Ireland. The castle was occupied by the Earls of Gosford until 1921 and—perhaps more famously—made multiple appearances in the third season of Game of Thrones as Riverrun, where both the red wedding and Robb Stark’s execution of Rickard Karstark took place. Now, fans can purchase a portion of the castle with offers starting at £500,000, or approximately $650,600. In total, the portion of the castle for sale includes 15 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and 10 reception rooms, all with original detailing but in need of updates—not to mention modern conveniences like heat and air conditioning.  In total, the portion of the castle for sale includes 15 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and 10 reception rooms, all with original detailing but in need of updates—not to mention modern conveniences like heat and air conditioning. 
The gorgeous castle grounds make up Gosford Forest Park, Northern Ireland’s first conservation forest.
After a restoration, modern furnishings could fit beautifully into the historical context.
In total, the portion of the castle for sale includes 15 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and 10 reception rooms, all with original detailing but in need of updates—not to mention modern conveniences like heat and air conditioning. In addition to being home to the Earls of Gosford, the mid-1800s castle served as a prisoner of war camp during World War II. Following the war, the castle was sold to the Ministry of Agriculture, which designated the Gosford Forest Park grounds as Northern Ireland’s first conservation forest in 1986. The castle fell back into military use during The Troubles before being run as a hotel from 1983. According to the listing, in 2006 the castle was bought by Gosford Castle Development Limited, which restored and converted part of the castle into 23 luxury residences. Artisans and craftsmen were called in to help retain the original
The portion of the castle which is now on the market could be converted into six apartments, some with rooftop gardens. character and historic integrity, with particular focus placed on restoring the existing vaulted ceilings and maintaining the original color palette. The portion of the castle which is now being listed has been partially developed in places, and could be converted into six apartments each with an average space of 3,500 square feet— and some with rooftop gardens. The portion of the castle which is now on the market could be converted into six apartments, some with rooftop
gardens. The gorgeous castle grounds make up Gosford Forest Park, Northern Ireland’s first conservation forest. The gorgeous castle grounds make up Gosford Forest Park, Northern Ireland’s first conservation forest. Gosford Castle, Mullaghbrack Road, is now on the market with Maison Real Estate. Offers start at £500,000 (approximately $650,608). - Dwell Magazine
Wow them with a vibrant entertaining space Houston real estate, and particularly Houston Luxury Real Estate is a comprehensive mix of property styles. New luxury high rise Houston apartments combine a great location with contemporary design. (Photo: Carnan Properties) going to be a high priority for the owner, so clever use of space to install custom cabinetry allows a potential buyer the opportunity to imagine the logistics of living in the space. With high rise apartments typically having a smaller footprint than a single family home, designs are critical in ensuring the condo not only looks good but optimizes the available space efficiently. Part of the contemporary charm of a property becomes the space itself - an openness
which is left after all the carefully selected fittings have been placed to create a natural ‘flow’ through the home, the opposite of a cluttered, closed-in set of rooms. Some of the high-end luxury apartments also come with upgrades as standard. These may include top of the line appliances for the kitchen, designer cabinets, and deluxe floor coverings. For the latest Houston real estate listings, featured listings, and to connect with Carnan Properties, visit their website at carnanproperties.com.
$170M of solar power coming to E. Texas
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endlease has announced a 200 MWAC solar power project, projected at $170 million in cost, to be built in Fort Bend County Texas. The plant is aiming to go online by March 1, 2020 and will cover 1,800 acres leased from local landowners. The project owners will receive ten years of tax abatements. As part of the application for the abatements the real estate developer showed other projects competing internally with the Texas project for funding: 1. Nazareth Solar – 200 MW, Swisher County, Texas
Australian real estate developer Lendlease is pushing forward on a 200 MW solar power project. No electricity off taker has been noted, but the project has secured town approval and a tax abatement. 2. Hudson Solar – 85 MW, Fresno County, California 3. Firehawk Solar & Storage – 75 MW + 75MW 4-Hr, Kern County, California
Construction is planned to begin next year, and the facility is expected to be up and running in 2020. The project expect to employ 150 people directly in 2019, increasing to 202 people in 2020 – before dropping to two people running the facility indefinitely. These two jobs pay $63,000/year. In application documents dating from late 2017, it is noted that final designs are not yet complete. More recent media suggests approximately 700,000 solar panels on singleaxis trackers. CenterPoint Energy owns the local transmission lines. - PV Magazine
The bright reds and primary colors on all surfaces and walls immerse the guest in a hyper-real surrounding, while light colors help ‘float’ the seating above large tile flooring. The wall-mounted TV screen is integrated seamlessly into a background, while an illuminated quartet of abstract paintings add a visual placemat for the eye to rest upon. And black and white pillows help define the couch as relaxation furniture. (Photo: brucall.com)
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Romantic situations could be confusing over the weekend, so don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for an opinion. The people who care the most have your best interests at heart.
21 April to 20 May As talkative Mercury and the sun move into a more intense sector of your chart on Friday and Saturday, the coming four weeks can be a good opportunity to get to the heart of an issue.
21 May to 20 June This time your practical good sense is colored by a greater sensitivity to the moods of others. Events will encourage honest conversations, but there could be some confrontations.
21 June to 22 July This week you have planets facing off in the sky, each wanting its own way. The activity falls in the area of your chart associated with makeovers. Look towards things you could improve on.
23 July to 22 August When the planets are in harmony you can expect to feel psychically in tune with what is most important to you. You can sense how important it is for you to exercise before you socialize. Hit the gym or yoga class!
23 August to 22 Sept As inquisitive Mercury and the sun move into your money zone on Friday and Saturday, you might feel moved to balance your accounts. Spending on stylish and beautiful items could also appeal, but watch your budget.
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23 September to 22 Oct Just because you share good memories with an ex doesn’t mean you should get back together right now. Keep things platonic for the time being, but don’t rule out a reunion at some point.
23 October to 21 Nov Expect to be busy but upbeat. This is an ideal time for team meetings, program planning, and networking to market your interests. Events encourage greater employee cooperation. You can make points if you’re sensitive to others’ needs.
22 November to 21 Dec An intense situation can be the catalyst for constructive change. It’s very important to stay positive. Any inner negativity or lack of trust will work against your best interests. If you hide, people could interpret it as selfishness.
22 December to 20 Jan You have a busy week ahead with planets affecting your career and authority. You’re assuming a more powerful position at work now, and may have a new title to go along with it.
21 January to 19 Feb You could be suffering from more headaches than usual. The cosmos is stirring up emotions that you don’t usually notice. This might be a good time to try flower essences that are used in vibrational healing.
20 February to 20 Mar With chatty Mercury and the sun in the last degrees of your relationship zone, tackling any important matters from a more logical point could be helpful. If there’s a way to compromise, this can ease matters, too.
ACROSS 1. Capital of Tunisia 6. Gumshoe 9. “____, over here” 13. #18 Across, alt. sp. 14. Busy one 15. Misrepresent 16. “____ One” on a ticket 17. ____ ____ mode 18. Become hardened to 19. *Pinching crustacean 21. *SquarePants 23. *Female #19 Across 24. Frigid shipping hazard 25. Medicinal baths locale 28. Microsoft browser 30. Peter of Peter, Paul and Mary 35. Stay out of its way! 37. Like word of mouth 39. Truth, in the olden days 40. American Society for Clinical Investigation 41. *a.k.a. solvent of life 43. Title for Turkish leader 44. Woodwind mouthpieces 46. Large, prefix 47. Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr, e.g. 48. Alaskan archipelago 50. Agitate 52. Before, in verse 53. Fire starter, in a pinch 55. Lamb serving 57. *Star of Raffi’s song 60. *Where ocean meets river 64. Not a trick 65. Boozehound 67. It is best not mentioned 68. Eagle’s nest 69. Grass bristle 70. Japan to U.S. in WW2 71. Gwyneth, for short 72. Actress ____ Thompson 73. Official state sport of Wyoming
DOWN 1. *Ocean color, bluish green 2. Ctrl + Z 3. Like after a novocaine shot 4. March marchers 5. Parlor piece 6. Alpine transport 7. *Snake-like fish 8. ____-fire 9. Teller’s partner 10. Terrestrial gastropod 11. Make children 12. Kickoff prop 15. Methane 20. Furnish with a fund 22. Be nosy 24. “Egg ____,” egg substitute 25. *Thresher ____ 26. Promenade in Spain 27. Formed a curve 29. SI unit of mass 31. Beatles’ “Abbey ____” 32. “____ One: A Star Wars Story” 33. Not the same one 34. *Giant mammal 36. Calf-length skirt 38. Toy block 42. Train runners 45. “Yes, Sir!” gesture 49. Party barrel 51. It’s “sealed with a kiss” 54. Like allergy spray 56. *Excrement of sea birds 57. Tea or beer 58. Strange and spooky 59. Been in bed 60. Volcano in Sicily 61. Tucked in 62. Capital of boot-shaped country 63. Walk-the-dog toy 64. “You’re it” game 66. Be obliged
SOLUTION on MARINE LIFE on page 23
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3 Questions to Ask Before Accepting That Job Offer
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
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any people view their job search as an opportunity to prove their worth to potential employers. Yet, it is important to keep in mind that finding the perfect match goes both ways, and the right job needs to work for you, too – especially in today’s economy where employers need to work hard to make their job offers stand out. For greater job satisfaction, be sure to evaluate the full offer, including salary and bonus structure, paid time off, relocation assistance, voluntary benefits like those offered by Aflac and health care benefits. Plus, don’t forget to get the following questions answered before accepting any job offer. 1. Does this company offer opportunities for professional growth? Some positions are designated as a path for growth, and others are not. Find out if yours has a clear pathway for promotion or if it is a dead-end. You may also wish to inquire about the availability of de-
velopment opportunities, like webinars and off-site training sessions, as well as get a sense about whether or not your supervisor is able and willing to take on a mentorship role. 2. How will this employer support my long-term financial success? Your financial wellness is determined by more than just your salary. Benefits matter a great deal, too, and these days, they may go far beyond the standard offerings. Insurers like Aflac now provide many employers with offerings called value-added services, which can range from assisting employees and their families with college planning and financing to making sure employees are taking care of their financial and legal wellness. Easy-to-use online resources, tutorials and digital tools can help employees reach financial and legal goals. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Com-
pany of Columbus, American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company. To learn more, visit aflac.com. All that said, you might not want to limit your decision to the prospect of generous take home pay alone. 3. What is in it for my family? Does your potential employer offer any services or benefits that can improve the lives of your family members? For example, do health benefits include round-the-clock access to telemedicine? Are there health advocacy services offered to help employees and their families reduce stress over navigating the heath care environment? These are the items that can make or break that job offer. These are also services that you could suggest to your current employer as an option to help keep talent happy, productive and at the company. (StatePoint).
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TRAVEL / LEISURE
VOICE OF ASIA 24
Canada named world’s most ‘spiritual’ country
Why ‘shoulder season’ is the best time to travel by Josh Lew
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ravel is an investment, and most travelers want to make sure they get a fair return. Factors like weather can wreak havoc on vacation plans. That’s why so many of us are willing to put up with crowds and high-season prices in return for the best possible odds of good weather. After all, the whole point of going to the Caribbean in winter is to experience warmth and sunshine, and the main reason to go to the Rockies during the winter is snowfall and ideal ski conditions. What if there were a way to experience ideal (or near ideal) conditions without the crowds? Many destinations have a kind of secret season when you can avoid crowds and high prices without sacrificing sunshine (or snowfall). Canada tops a ranking of the most spiritual countries in the world. © istock/visualcommunications
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new ranking has named Canada the most spiritual country in the world. On the Global Spirituality Index, released by luxury travel planning agency Wayfairer Travel, Canada took the top spot after ranking highly in categories like quality of life and religious freedom. Because for the list, authors evaluated countries on more than just the number of people who report a religious affiliation. Along with religious population, diversity, and spiritual sights, the report also scored
countries on religious tolerance, freedom, wellness and quality of life.
Here are the top 10 most spiritual countries on the Global Spirituality Index:
Interestingly, while Canada scored low marks in the category of religious population (2 out of a possible 7 points), it made up for it for the loss in categories like diversity and quality of life, with a perfect seven out of seven score.
1. Canada
After Canada, Italy, India, Japan and the UK round out the top five spots.
7. Mexico
At the other end of the spectrum, Syria landed at the bottom of the heap, after Slovakia and Iraq.
2. Italy 3. India
FRIDAY, September 21, 2018
Travel agents and insiders call this time of year “shoulder season.” It occurs directly
before or after the peak travel season or major holidays. These weeks and months are defined by mostly pleasant weather, uncrowded attractions and low prices. Shoulder season benefits can be especially pronounced in popular travel destinations such as the Caribbean, South Pacific or Western Europe, but every place that has a peak tourism season should have a shoulder season just before and/or afterwards. - So when is shoulder season? In most Northern Hemisphere destinations, the main shoulder season falls between September and November. This is after the traditional summer vacation but before the holidays and snowbird season. Beach and ski destinations often have a second shoulder season in late April and early May (after spring break but before summer vacation). The exact dates vary, but every destination has a “tell.”
When hotel rates and airfares start falling (and there’s no other obvious reason for the discounts), this is a sign of the start of shoulder season. - Managing weather risks Caribbean aficionados are often quick to point out that September, October and early November are still within hurricane season. This is true, and it could be a potential risk for travelers, but savvy West Indies and Eastern Mexico visitors can use strategies like buying trip insurance or visiting places like Aruba that are outside of Hurricane Alley. In many cases, there’s a sweet spot between storm season and the start of peak travel season. Discounts in hot spots like Cancun or elsewhere on the Riviera Maya can reach 50 percent if you travel in late November, but before Thanksgiving. How much can you save? A lot! If your schedule allows it, traveling during shoulder season can bring significant savings, more authentic experiences and fewer crowded attractions. - Mother Nature Network
Booking.com treats chocoholics to a life-sized chocolate cottage
4. Japan 5. UK 6. USA 8. Australia 9. Philippines 10. Tie: Germany, Switzerland - Relaxnews
India’s singing village, where everyone has their melody
Book a stay in a genuine chocolate cottage at Booking.com © courtesy of Booking.com/A.Bonnet
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eservations for an 18-square-meter cottage made entirely from chocolate will open on the accommodation giant’s website, September 19 and 26. This home sweet home is designed and made by Jean-Luc Decluzeau and is located on the outskirts of Paris, France.
Locals use a unique melody to communicate and the the village is full of musical sounds. AFP photo by Biju Boro.
by Alexandre Marchand
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ONGTHONG, India | AFP | Curious whistles and chirrups echo through the jungle around Kongthong, a remote Indian village, but this is no birdsong. It’s people calling out to each other in music -- an extraordinary tradition that may even be unique. Here in the lush, rolling hills of the northeastern state of Meghalaya, mothers from Kongthong and a few other local villages compose a special melody for each child. Everyone in the village, inhabited by the Khasi people, will then address the person with this individual little tune -- and for a lifetime. They have conventional “real” names too, but they are rarely used. To walk along the main road in this village of wooden huts with corrugated tin roofs, perched on a ridge miles from anywhere, is to walk through a symphony of hoots and toots. On one side a mother calls out to her son to come home for supper, elsewhere children play and at the other end friends mess about -- all in an unusual, musical language of their own. “The composition of the melody comes from the bottom of my heart,” mother-of-three Pyndaplin Shabong told AFP. “It expresses my joy and love for my baby,” the 31-year-old said, her youngest daughter, two and a half years old, on her
knee. “But if my son has done something wrong, if I’m angry with him, he broke my heart, at that moment I will call him by his actual name,” rather than singing lovingly, said Rothell Khongsit, a community leader. - Harmony with nature Kongthong has long been cut off from the rest of the world, several hours of tough trek from the nearest town. Electricity arrived only in 2000, and the dirt road in 2013. Days are spent foraging in the jungle for broom grass -- the main source of revenue -- leaving the village all but deserted, except for a few kids. To call out to each other while in the forest, the villagers would use a long version lasting around 30 seconds of each other’s musical “name”, inspired by the sounds of nature all around. “We are living in far-flung villages, we are surrounded by the dense forest, by the hills. So we are in touch with nature, we are in touch with all the gracious living things that God has created,” says Khongsit. “Creatures have their own identity. The birds, so many animals, they have ways of calling each other.” The custom is known as “jingrwai lawbei”, meaning “song of the clan’s first woman”, a reference to the Khasi people’s mythical original mother. And unusually for India, this
is a matrilineal society. Property and land are passed down from mother to daughter, while a husband moves in with his wife and takes her name. “We consider the mother the goddess of the family. A mother looks after a family, after the inheritance we get from our ancestors,” Khongsit said. - Modern world But according to anthropologist Tiplut Nongbri, a professor at Jamia Millia Islamia university in Delhi, it is something of a “disguised patriarchy”. Women “don’t have decisionmaking powers. Traditionally, they can’t take part in politics, the rules are very clearly demarcated between male and female,” she told AFP. “Taking care of the children, that’s the women’s responsibility. Statecraft and all that is (a) male function.” The origin of “jingrwai lawbei” isn’t known, but locals think it is as old as the village, which has existed for as long as five centuries. The tradition’s days may be numbered, though, as the modern world creeps into Kongthong in the shape of televisions and mobile phones. Some of the newer melodic names are inspired by Bollywood songs. And youngsters are increasingly going off singing out their friends’ melodic names, preferring instead to phone them.
Chocoholics could see one of their wildest dreams come true, as Booking.com is offering them the opportunity to experience life in a world made entirely from their favorite sweet treat. The accommodation platform has joined forces with artisan chocolatier, Jean-Luc Decluzeau, who has designed and manufactured a small house with everything guests could need to spend a comfortable night. The choco-
latier, known for his collaboration with the Belgian chocolate firm Leonidas, has form when it comes to creating chocolate masterpieces, wowing visitors to the French capital’s Salon du Chocolat chocolate industry trade fair with chocolate reproductions of Parisian monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palais Garnier opera house. His sculptures never fail to impress visitors with their size, which speaks volumes about the hours of work that go into creating such detailed masterpieces. Some 1.5 tons of chocolate were used to build this 18 sqm cottage, which sleeps four. Guests will feel perfectly at home in this chocolate wonderland, which has nothing to envy of a real cottage, with features such as a kitchen and a
fireplace. The cottage even has a garden, with a white chocolate duck pond and a chocolate flower bed. Thankfully, the experience won’t just be a life-sized temptation for chocoholics, as guests will be able to tuck into certain objects during their stay. The chocolate cottage is located in L’Orangerie Ephémère in the gardens of the Cité de la Céramique in Sèvres, on the outskirts of Paris. Reservations open at 10am on September 19 and 26 at www.booking.com, for the nights of October 5 and 6 respectively, costing €50 per night. Those who don’t manage to book a stay can visit the chocolate cottage during an open afternoon, held October 7. - Relaxnews
Noma to open reservations next week for 2019
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openhagen restaurant Noma will open the reservation line next week for the opening season of 2019 that will focus on seafood. Globetrotting gourmands who are organized enough to plan out their gastronomic itinerary months in advance will want to bookmark September 18, when seats for Noma’s seafood season go online. Seafood season will run between January and May of 2019 and spotlight Scandinavian fish and shellfish when they’re at their best -- during the cold winter months. The menu is USD $388. The restaurant is wrapping up the second of their three 2018 seasons, Vegetables, which ends its run Sept. 15. Game and Forest season begins Oct. 9. Reservations open at 4 pm CEST (2 pm GMT) via the eatery’s online booking system.
Clams at Noma Restaurant © Courtesy of Jason Loucas.