Voice of Asia Jan 09 2015

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Tulsi Gabbard and Ami Bera John Kerry to discuss Barack Obama take oath for their second term visit, strategic ties during India trip

W

ASHINGTON: (Jan, 8, 2015) US Secretary of State John Kerry during his India visit will discuss President Barack Obama’s upcoming trip and aspects of bilateral strategic and economic relationship will high-level Indian officials, his spokesperson said today.

“While he (Kerry) is there (in Ahmedabad), he’ll have meetings with a range of officials. Certainly, they’ll be discussing the (US) President’s upcoming trip as well as our economic relationship, our strategic relationship, our relationship on issues like energy,” State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki, told reporters.

Gabbard was administered the oath of office by the Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.

Read on Page 7

Kerry is travelling to India over the weekend to attend the Vibrant Gujarat

Welcoming the New Year at Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Math

Kerry is travelling to India over the weekend to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit which would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Summit which would be inaugurated

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On his return, Kerry would brief Obama, Psaki said. The US President is scheduled to travel to India later this month to attend the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26 as its Chief Guest.

“The Secretary’s looking forward to having those discussions, and he’ll certainly be briefing the President in between trips,” she said.

Kerry would be addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global Innovator Summit in which he would be speaking about a range of issues.

“And certainly, innovation, our en-

H

Devotees perform kirtan and aarati at the temple on New Year’s Day.

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US’ new Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma arrived in New Delhi last week ahead of the two important trips.

“He (Verma) obviously is somebody we felt was a strong choice to be our ambassador to a country where we’re continuing to grow our relationship with. He’s just been on the ground for a couple of weeks. I know he has an ambitious agenda there, so we’ll look forward to seeing him this weekend,” Psaki said. (PTI).

OUSTON - Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha welcomed the New Year with beautiful devotional bhajans, kirtan, aarati, Tulasi puja and prasadam. Over three hundred attended in the specially decorated 8,000 square foot temple hall.

There was much to be grateful for and much to celebrate. Last year was wonderful and the coming year promises to be another good one for the temple and its devotees.

es accompanied by harmonium, mridanga, flute and khartals. The melodies and words of the bhajans carried everyone’s hearts to the spiritual realm and reminded us of the true reality often obscured behind the maya (illusion) of daily life.

There were several melodious voic-

Continued on Page 3

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

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United States Needs Chinaneutral Policy towards India An Indo-American Perspective

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n the eve of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to the United States last Fall, CNN journalist Fareed Zakaria interviewed the Prime Minister and asked the lead question – “……will India be the next China” and “……do you worry about China” like Vietnam, Philippines, etc. because of its military expansion.

Modi’s answered calmly…...

“Dekhiye (See), India does not need to become anything else.

India must become only India”. He also stated that India was not worried about China in this age of global partnerships and interdependence. Profound responses indeed with a lot implied in them.

The China-centric mindset of the US media and policy makers, as represented by this line of questioning, conveys the preoccupation of the United States with China when dealing with India. It also suggests that in US’s calculations India’s relevance is derived primarily from being a counterweight to China. But such perception may well be an oversell and prove to be a slippery slope for the US policy makers. Mr. Modi’s responses is quite revealing as it

implied two basic facts. One, that US should be not view India through the China-lens, and second that countries have bilateral relationships in multiple areas with pragmatic balance.

While the Prime Minister’s resolute and unambiguous answers might have surprised some in the US, it provided glimpses of things to come in building US-India bilateral relationship in the future.

As President Barak Obama gears up to visit India later this month as the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebration on January 26th, the Pundits and scholars are busy conjecturing, speculating, and analyzing the significance of his visit from the long-term perspective. Besides strengthening the US-India ties in areas already agreed upon during the September Obama-Modi Summit in Washington, D.C., the launch of a new “Indo-U.S. Defense Agenda” is on the horizon when President Obama arrives in India. The Agenda will include a new 10-year defense framework between US and India. This will, reportedly include several defense-related projects under the ‘Defense Trade and Technological Initiative’ to boost overall military cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies. There is also talk of coproduction of some military hardware by Indian and US

Sulekh C. Jain

T

he title of this article may appear catchy but this is how a friend of mine from North Carolina started his conversation when he called me last week. He mentioned that he has come to know (directly or indirectly) of at least 3 families of Indian origins in North America who changed their religious following when struck with tragedies such as accident, stroke, heart attack, major surgery disability, falls, brain hemorrhage, terminal illness, burning and destruction of their house, tornado, burglary, death of a spouse and several other such mishaps. In those times of real need and helplessness, hardly anyone from Indian community came to help, assist, support, and console them when they really needed it most. He did say that such stories /incidents are not rare. Similar stories exist nearly all over USA. On the other hand in the time of such needs, many non-Indian families and organizations immediately sprang into action.

They opened their hearts and homes right away. They took them to their homes, set us hotlines, teams of volunteers were always there asking for

their welfare, taking/driving them to doctors and grocery stores , visiting them in hospitals, bringing food , helping in feeding, bringing medications and signing them up for all available/eligible assistance.

These affected Indian families found that most of their Indian friends were good enough as chai friends only with big lectures on spirituality and talks of other worldliness.

With the timely love, care and support that they got, they realized-what good is clinging to their own community. They should belong to a community of caring and sharing people that provides help, shelter and a sense of belonging. They willingly and appreciatively on their own opted to change and adopt the new tradition that offered them what they needed and got. One interesting common thread in all these stories was that prior to, during and after all these helps, there was no proselytizing or brain washing to change their religions. There was not even a subtle hint to that effect.

I mentioned to my friend, that here in Houston the community has set up several organizations like Daya, Cancer Network etc. but still I personally know several families who are in similar situations of dire needs and they too are frustrated for lack of community support. My friend emphasized

From India’s standpoint, an open antagonism (perceived or real) of China either alone or in consortium could be particularly complicating. It shares thousands of miles of border with China with some disputes. It also has anti-India constituency within its own borders that gets support from China. Besides, China’s close friendship with Pakistan, an adversary of India, is also not a source of comfort for India. Plus China has recently announced a 20 Billion Dollar economic investment in India. Taken these realities

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that many Indo American communities in USA significantly lack organized initiatives and whatever is there is not adequate.

Last week, I was watching on Television a 2 hour show on PBS “From Jesus of Nazareth to Jesus Christ and Evolution of Christianity”. The show narrated historical events how followers of Jesus for nearly 350 years faced horrible torture and persecution but they absolutely and unconditionally followed the motto of SEWA (service to needy and comradery), never compromised and walked away from this basic principle and thus won the hearts and minds of many people.

I am talking about here is the dire need for Sewa within the Indian community.

My appeal to my community leaders, brothers and sisters is that now we have successfully created the entire necessary infrastructure within the Indian community. Let us now equally dedicate ourselves to the second aspect that is of Sewa too. Sewa all the time does not require dhan (money). More than money (which we Indians have plenty) it requires Man and tan (mental and physical) commitment. In the case of the affected families that my friend mentioned, none of those families needed money. What they needed most was man and tan.

In all Indian religions and particularly in Jainism the principle of Ahimsa (non-harming and non-hurting) is supreme.

Ahimsa has 2 facets; I will not harm or hurt others and at the same time I will proactively work to reduce the suffering of others. Only then we can follow the full meaning and essence of ahimsa. This second aspect is Sewa/service. In my opinion, Christians practice this second aspect of Ahimsa to the fullest extent and are a role model for all of us.

One of my friends from Washington, D. C wrote me “any religion that does not serve its People/Community is bound to fail, disintegrate and disappear. It’s a matter of time and 21st Century is going to be the ruthless one”.

Here I want to categorically say that purpose of my writing this article is not at all talking about the willing or non-willing kind of conversion. What

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together India does not appear to be seeking active confrontation with China. Hence, it will have to walk a very thin line in balancing these multi-national defense collaborative relationships. Some Indian media reports suggest that India may be already developing “cold feet” to take on China as part of the international “defense consortium” led by the US.

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Attendant with these bilateral developments is also an ongoing “Asia dialogue” involving India-US-Japan “trilateral” defense talks, which Australia too wants to join to make it a “quadrilateral” affair. Such multi-nation defense cooperation with US participation is essentially a power-balancing act, and is meant to contain recent Chinese military expansionary moves in the AsiaPacific region. But, it is likely to be an irritant for China and a challenge for both US and India in reliably pursuing their bilateral objectives. After all China is an emerging economic power in Asia, whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to some measures, has either already surpassed the United States or will do so in near future.

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FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Second Front Page

Friday, January 9, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

India House Brings Good Tidings for 2015

Welcoming the New Year at Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Math

the dance platform. Cheers and rhythm filled the air as some enjoyed dancing without paper as well.

Finally it was time to sing the ‘Final Countdown’ from 10 to 0 as the hands of the clock ticked 12. A joyous cheer from the crowd was audible wishing each other ‘Happy New Year’.

Every corner echoed the cheers as people exchanged hugs and kisses with warm and hopeful wishes for a new year. ‘I’ll walk at least one mile every day and eat less greasy food.’, said Suparna Paul, a food scientist who was also one of the guests, when asked about her new year resolution.

Event organizers: Col. Vipin Kumar, General Manager, India House. and Mousumi Banerjee with party guests.

by Somdatta Gangopadhyay

A

huge queue, busy hands adding the final touch to tables, organizing committee working like busy bees was a part of the evening on 31st December, 2014 at the India House, Houston.

As it was time to bid farewell to the past, people dressed in gorgeous colors were eager to get in the crowd and be a part of the New Year Eve Bash at the venue. After a brief introduction by the anchors, Dipayan Bhattacharya’s Neele Neele Ambar (In the Blue Sky) inaugurated the grand event.

Swaying movements could be noticed as Bhattacharya, a software engineer as well as a popular singer performed Mei Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon. Relishing snack items like samosa, kebab and paneer accompanied the musical moment. Brief performances like Na Tum Hamein Jano and Hounton Se Chu Lo Tum by volunteers added to the musical effect.

Guests had the opportunity to

A family ambience could be felt as there were children and their parents as well as senior citizens. Each and every guest had his own share of fun as shutter bugs could be seen con-

participate in games too. Bollywood came into existence as participants were provided with paper chips containing names like Pritam Chakraborty, Salaam Namaste, Salman Khan, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, and participants had to find respective paper chip matches.

After music, snack and games, it was time to shake legs. The dance session which followed next had children as well as elderly people, all on the floor.

For food lovers it was an opportunity to dig in some mouth watering stuff like dal makhani, butter chicken, saag paneer, gulab jamun, naan and much more! Food was provided by Bombay Brasserie.

‘Uncertainty as to how many people you will get is a challenge. Unless you know the exact number of people, you can’t organize the games properly and also order the amount of food,’ said Mousumi Banerjee, organizing committee and also a full time software engineer.

Continued from Page 1 Everyone was enthralled seeing so many young devotees who sing so well and lead all in wonderful worship of the Deities. Two young devotees dedicated a dance to Lord Krishna in keeping with the festive New Year’s Spirit.

An inspiring lecture was delivered by Subal Sakha prabhu, in which he reminded everyone that this life is temporary and that real happiness lies in devotional service. He encouraged everyone to make the New Year resolution to dedicate themselves to the service of the Lord and His teachings. He explained that the temple is planning to significantly expand its spiritual educational and cultural activities for children and that everyone can help expand various services that the temple offers.

Dipayan Bhattacharya, singer, performing at the event.

Partly organized by Col.Raj Bhalla, the party had a dance segment called ‘Paper Dance’ where participants were given papers and each couple was supposed to use the paper as

Temple’s presiding Deities at the Temple are: Sri Radha Govindaji, Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sita Rama Laksmana Hanuman. were richly adorned on the day.

stantly flashing. ‘India House is my house, your house, our house. We want every Indian to be there,’ said Col.Vipin Kumar, General Manager, India House.

The evening’s worship was followed by a sumptuous South Indian feast prepared by the South Indian devotees and congregation members of the temple.

The presiding Deities at the Temple are: Sri Radha Gov-

indaji; Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sita Rama Laksmana Hanuman.

There are six regular aaratis and darshans every day. Visitors are warmly welcome anytime and are especially encouraged to attend our Sunday services.

You will find traditional Vedic teachings, worship and values in an American setting.

Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha temple is located at 16628 Kieth Harrow Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. It is very convenient for the following areas: Katy, CyFair, Sugar Land, the Energy Corridor, Memorial and Tomball. Every Sunday bhajans and kirtan start 5 PM; Vedic lecture (English) at 5:45; aarati at 6:45 followed by delicious healthy prasadam. Gurukula for children in grades K-12 is at 5:45 PM. Hindi classes (levels 1 and 2) are at 5 PM. For more information, please visit our website: www.sggm.org or call (832) 464-4686.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Sankara Eye Foundation The People’s Lawyer (SEF) beats the Million Dollar Matching Goal www.peopleslawyer.net

Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

Legal problems? The Texas Consumer Complaint Center can help Q. I am having a dispute with my landlord and he seems to be completely unreasonable. I do not want to go to justice court but can’t seem to get any meaningful discussion with him.

Any suggestions?

A. Resolving consumer problems can sometimes be difficult and frustrating. Even when the law is “on your side,” asserting your rights is not always easy. And that is why the Center for Consumer Law at the University of Houston Law Center started the Texas Consumer Complaint Center.

The Texas CCC is a one-stop center for consumers. Staffed by lawyers, law students and paralegals, it offers information, advice and assistance. In most cases, the Center works with both sides to reach an amicable resolution of the problem. Whether your problem involves a landlord, debt collector, car dealer, bank or other merchant, the Consumer Complaint Center is there to help. To contact the Consumer Complaint Center, go to www.TexasCCC.com, or call toll-free 877-839-8422.

Q. Can I be put in jail for non-payment of credit card balance? The debt collector said he was going to call the police to arrest me.

A. Debtor’s prison was abolished many years ago. You cannot be put in jail or arrested for not paying your debts. In fact, any threat by a debt collector to put you in jail violates both state and federal debt collection laws. Look at the debt collection section on my website to see what a debt collector may and may not do, www.peopleslawyer.net.

Q. I was recently involved in an automobile accident. It clearly was the other person’s fault. She was speeding and ran a stop sign. She received several tickets. Her insurance has paid to repair my car and my medical bills. Fortunately, I was not seriously hurt and my car is fine. How much can I now sue for? Shouldn’t I be entitled to something because the accident was her fault?

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n January 14th, 2014, land was procured for the 225-bed community eye hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and SEF set goals to start fundraising for its tenth hospital while still wrapping up the work on its ninth hospital in Kanpur, which was completed and inaugurated in October 2014.

To help achieve the fundraising goal for the Rajasthan Hospital, an anonymous donor stepped forward and threw a challenge to SEF and its supporting community. The donor offered to match dollar for dollar, up to one million dollars, for the upcoming Rajasthan Hospital but only if the donations came in before December 31st, 2014. With around $100K in the bank for the Rajasthan Hospital, SEF fundraising went into full gear around October 2014 to meet this new challenge. As usual in the last moments, SEF volunteers and

the generous Sankara donors rallied and toppled the goal of $1M dollars, just hours before the deadline.

SEF would like to extend its heart-felt gratitude to its donors and supporters across the country, who have come through to make this goal possible.

To date, SEF’s accomplishments include screening around 3.3 million people and performing over 1.2 million surgeries across 339 village blocks, 79 districts, and 10 states. Today, SEF is the largest community eye care provider in the world. While WHO (World Health Organization) states that the maximum success rate achievable for cataract surgeries is 91.1%, SEF has been able to deliver 98.8% success rate through the rigorous quality processes, governance models and protocols.

SEF not only gifts vision but also gifts lives as in a patient with Steven Johnson syndrome, who until recently had never seen her children or grandchildren. This patient was implanted with synthetic cornea developed at SEF. Free life-saving procedures are also performed for young patients who suffer from retinoblastoma (eye cancer).

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VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Grand New Year & Vaikunda Ekadasi Celebrations at Sri Meenakshi Temple

by M.K.Sriram and Akilan Gopal

dian Consul General Sri Harish with his wife among them.

At around 11 AM, the deities on the Garuda Vahanam were taken in a procession around the temple to the chanting of Purusha Sooktham and various other Vedic verses. It was truly amazing that there was a non-stop stream of ardent devotees walking through Swarga Dwaaram from 10 AM till late in the evening. Later at 5 PM, Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswara most beautifully decorated were taken in a procession around the temple on a pallakku (palanquin) by hundreds of devotees. The priests tirelessly performed the archanas non-stop all day and till late evening for all the deities.

I

t was a great and divine start to 2015 for several thousand devotees who worshipped at Sri Meenakshi Temple on New Year’s day.

The forecasters predicted a rainy and cold day, but this did not make any impact on the spirits and minds of the devotees – they came in large numbers from far and wide, from tiny tots to the elderly – a truly extraordinary display of their faith.

It is indeed a very rare occurrence to have Vaikunda Ekadasi falling on January 1st.

The Laksharchana for Lord Venkateswara was concluded with the participation of hundreds of devotees, while hundreds more lined up for the Vaikunda Swarga Dwara darshan outside the temple.

This is the one time every year when the “Gates to Heaven” open and devotees have the blissful experience of having darshan of Maha Vishnu in his abode in heaven. As the doors

MTS New Year: Mr. Sam Kannappan, as Hon. President, Dr. SG. Appan as Hon. Trustee with Dr. GS. Goplakrishna Hon. Vice Presdient and Dr. P. Vaduganathan, Chairman with Board and Council members of MTS. opened at about 10 AM, there was rapturous chanting of Govinda Govinda and devotees entered the Lord’s abode.

It was an indescribable sight to see the Lord with His consorts Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi adorned with dazzling alan-

karams seated on His Garuda vahana. Hundreds of devotees thronged through the heavenly gates to have darshan, the In-

This was also the day when Mr. Sam Kannappan, a founding member of the temple was appointed as the Honorary President and Dr. S.G. Appan, a long time highly respected member, as honorary trustee for a period of four years, in front of a packed devotees.

The whole atmosphere was

very festive. The afternoon cultural program “ Dhasavathar” was organized by Mala Gopal. It consist of songs and dances from local dance schools followed by Carnatic music concert by Mrs. Shoba Ramesh, an All India Radio artist accompanies by Charan Rajan on Miruthangam and Divya Ramachandran on the violin.

And to make this even more authentic, local Indian restaurants brought the taste of India.

Chairman Dr Vaduganathan summarized that this day has been the most unprecedented day in the temple history with an over 7500 people visiting the temple, that too in spite of inclement weather. MTS Joint secretary Mr. Murali Ravuri, the event coordinator was ably supported by the temple Board members, several volunteers with their spouses, their children, the temple staff, priests and shilpis by putting in hundreds of hours of hard work to make this all happen. This is indeed a great beginning to the New Year!

Namadwaar Celebrates 7th Annual Srimad Bhagavata Mahotsava

M

ANVEL TX - Dec 21 to 27, 2014 was a joyous, blissful week in Houston with the Srimad Bhagavata Mahotsava and Grand Madhura Utsav spiritual and cultural celebration held at Houston Namadwaar. Organized by Global Organization for Divinity and Love to Share Foundation America, the event saw over 100 devotees from across the USA join Houston devotees for this unique celebration – from Orlando, RichmondVA, Raleigh-NC, Boston, New Hampshire, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, Bay Area-CA, Redding-CA and other cities.

The days were packed with kirtanam and katha shravanam with little chance to think of anything other than Bhagavan.

Every day began with Prabodhanam and Tiruppavai recital at 6 am. This was followed by the commencement of Srimad Bhagavata parayanam (18000

slokas in 7 days) which went on until about 1pm daily. Simultaneously, in the mornings and afternoons there was either vahanam processions or Sampradaya bhajan with Sri Jayadeva Ashtapadis and kirtans of numerous other mahatmas including Sri Thyagaraja, Sri Purandara Dasa, Sri Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji and Panduranga bhaktas’ abhangs.

Every evening was magical, as everyone was transported to Gokula and Brindavana through the wonderful exposition of Sri Krishna Leela by Sri Ramanujamji, disciple of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, at Sri Meenakshi Temple. This discourse series was co-sponsored

by Meenakshi Temple Society.

Sri Ramanujamji delved to great depths into many of Sri Krishna’s bala leelas, bringing out and explaining many enjoyable points in the stories through the commentaries of various mahatmas. It was truly an amazing

discourse series. On a couple of days, after the discourse, the day of Krishna Jananam and Rasa Leela, women devotees danced in joy and celebration, around Bala Krishna and Sri RadhaKrishna respectively.

The discourse series was preceded daily by cultural dance performances by Houston dancers including students of Smt. Sravanthi Modali (Kuchipudi), Smt. Rathna Kumar/Sri Venugopal Josyula (Bharatanatyam), Smt. Supradipta Datta (Odissi), Smt. Indrani Parthasarathy (Bharatanatyam) and Smt. Padmini Chari/Kum. Surabi Veeraragavan (Bharatanatyam). On one day, children of G.O.D.’s Gopa Kuteeram heritage program from all across the USA presented a musical play depicting all the Cantos of Srimad Bhagavatam, and on another, Gopa Kuteeram Youth presented a “Street Play” on how they follow Bhagavata Dharma. These cultural performances were

on violin and Sri Karun Salvady on mridangam.

It was an exhilarating week that rejuvenated everyone and inspired all to do more service, kirtanam, katha shravanam and celebrate Bhagavan in their own lives!

Overflowing Namadwaar on Radha Kalyanam day. conducted under the auspices of Love to Share Foundation America.

Other special events during the week-long utsav at Namadwaar included celebration of Nandotsavam (with children dancing around baby Krishna), Govinda Pattabhishekam and Anna Koototsav, Radha Kalyanam (divine

wedding of the divine couple), Madhura Gitam quiz (quiz on the compositions of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji), beautiful Jhoola Seva at night amid diya lamps and Nikunjotsavam with an extremely melodious vocal concert themed on Krishna Bhakti by Kum. Shilpa Sadagopan. Shilpa was accompanied

by Smt. Deepa Ramachandran

Global Organization for Divinity and Love to Share Foundation express their heartfelt gratitude to the many restaurants and grocery establishments who came forward to sponsor dinner prasad for the week-long event – Annam Indian Cuisine, Balaji Bhavan, Bhojan restaurant, Hyderabadi House (Woodlands), Madras Pavilion, Maharaja Bhog restaurant, Meena Catering, Raja Sweets, Sagar Indian Cuisine, Shiva Indian Restaurant, Shiv Sagar restaurant, Patel Brothers (Hillcroft), Subbulaxmi Grocers (Hillcroft), Swadeshi Grocers (Pearland), Chipotle, Olive Garden, HEB, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Food Town and Fiesta.

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 7

Indo-American photojour- Tulsi nalist Rajan Devadas dies Gabbard dia’s one of the highest civilian and Ami awards. As he could not travel to New Delhi to receive the award on health grounds, then Bera take Indian diplomat Lalit Mansingh presented it to him at a conven- oath for tion of the Federation of Kerala Association in Chicago. their second Devadas, who was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in term Rajan Devadas; photo by Mathew Karmel WASHINGTON, PTI (December 28, 2014) - Rajan Devadas, one of the most admired Indian-American photojournalists whose lenses chronicled US-India relations for more than half a century, has died.

Devadas, a Padma Shri awardee, died of cardiac arrest at Hebrew Home of Greater Washington on Friday. He is survived by his wife and eight children. He was 93.

In a career spanning more than five decades, Devadas has covered US visit of every Indian Prime Minister from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh besides photographing every US president from John F Kennedy to George W Bush.

He could not cover Narendra Modi’s visit in September.

“He was a chronicler par excellence of India-US relations and he had a memory of key events in this chequered relationship that stretched back to the Kennedy Administration when our then Ambassador B K Nehru encouraged him to take up media-related works for the Embassy,” form er Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao, said.

Devadas had celebrated his 93rd birthday in the suburb ofWashington earlier this summer which was attended by some of his close friends and community leaders.

In 2002, he was bestowed with the Padma Shri award, In-

1921, spent much of his childhood in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and studied at the Banaras Hindu University.

“He had met, listened to and spoken with Gandhiji and many others who belonged to India’s greatest generation. He knew Madan Mohan Malviya and I spoke with him at length about Malviya when I was to speak to a group of BHU alumni at our Embassy in DC (Washington) in 2013,” Rao said.

GET THE LATEST ON SOUTH ASIA & DIASPORA www.voiceofasiaonline.com

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni among the 20 most influential global Indian women Diva of the Diaspora

by Ishani Duttagupta

C

hitra Banerjee Divakaruni debuted in 1997 with The Mistress of Spices. The Los Angeles Times declared it as the best of that year.

Eight years later the novel was made into a film by Gurinder Chadha starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, catapulting the author into an even bigger league.

After having worked as an administrative assistant at the BHU, Devadas came to the US in 1955 to attend a one year program at the Pendle Hill Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation.

Then he moved to New York to attend New School for Social Research, where he took two courses in journalism and public relations that sparked his interest in photography.

For several decades, Devadas worked as an official photographer of the Indian Embassy in Washington.

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

L-R: Tulsi Gabbard (D) and Dr. Ami Bera.

W

ASHINGTON: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and her Democratic congressional colleague Dr. Ami Bera have been sworn in for their second consecutive term in the US House of Representatives.

Gabbard, the first ever Hindu lawmaker, took her oath on Gita as the 114th session of the US Congress began yesterday. She was administered the oath of office by the Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.

Two years ago, she had taken her oath on Gita too, which she presented to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when she met him in New York last September.

Bera, the only serving Indian-American in the current Congress, has been elected as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans - the largest countryspecific caucus in the House of Representatives.

After Dalip Singh Thind and Bobby Jindal, Bera is the third ever Indian-American elected to the House of Representatives.

The debut novel opened up avenues for Divakaruni to publish her work in more than 50 magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly and The New Yorker.

Her writings have been included in over 50 anthologies. She’s won the American Book Award and her books have been translated into 29 languages. Divakaruni, who teaches creative writing at the University of Houston, says Indian immigrants have shaped Indian

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues from both parties over the next two years; together is the only way we can move our country forward. We need to start by rebuilding an economy that works for the middle class, getting our debt under control with a responsible budget, and strengthening Social Security and Medicare for this and future generations, and I will make those my top priorities in this Congress,” Bera said.

Bera will continue serving on the House Committees of Foreign Affairs and Science, Space and Technology and as a leader of the Problem Solvers Caucus, made up of members committed to bipartisanship.

Gabbard who just returned

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni values and cultures to their needs in the US in some amaz-

ing ways. Courtesy: The Economic Times. 4 Jan, 2015

from her nearly two-week long India trip, during which she met Modi and top Indian leadership said that her visit was highly successful.

House of Representative and Senate -- for the first time since the 109th Congress (2005-2006).

“I feel this trip was a great success,” she said. “I went to India hoping to introduce and familiarise people with Hawaiʻ and to help warm the relationship between our two countries. I think we accomplished both goals, and I am optimistic that there will be increased collaboration between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy,” the Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii said.

As the 114th Congress kicked off yesterday with swearing in of members, Republicans formally took control of both chambers - the

A new Pew Research Centre study said there is relatively little change in the overall religious makeup of Congress.

More than nine-in-ten members of the House and Senate (92 per cent) are Christian, and about 57 per cent are Protestant, roughly the same as in the 113th Congress (90 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively). About three-inten members (31 per cent) are Catholic, the same as in the previous Congress.

Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus combined represent roughly two per cent of American adults and one per cent of Congress.

VOICE OF ASIA 8

COMMUNITY/CULTURE

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Makar Sankranti: The first festival of the year, use of Til (sesame seeds) and its significance on this occasion to be blessed with bountiful harvests that year.

Astrological Significance: Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee,

by Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee, Rice University, Houston TX.

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akar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus, and is celebrated almost universally across the country, in many forms and hues, with great devotion, fervor & gaiety.

As the first festival in the year’s calendar, it is eagerly awaited by one and all. Considering India’s size and diversity, it is no surprise that the celebration of Sankranti is varied, and is celebrated in many different ways. The celebration of this festival has more than spiritual reasons to it. Deep scientific and cultural reasons also exist for the gaiety and vibrancy of the festival.

Scientific Significance As the earth orbits around the sun over the course of one year, it also wobbles about its axis, just like a spinning top.

This makes the sunlight fall on different parts of the world at different angles, bringing about the different seasons. For half the year, the sun travels northwards, and the other half of the year, it travels southwards.

That is why, when the Northern hemisphere has winter, the Southern hemisphere has summer. In the Northern Hemisphere,

Unlike other festivals, which are based on the traditional Indian Calendar, which is set according to Lunar positions, sankranti is a solar event. Thus, while the dates of all Indian festivals keep changing every year, the English calendar date of Makar Sankranti is always the same - 14th January.

Culture & Festivities: This festival is celebrated differently in different parts of the country.

In Uttar Pradesh, Sankrant is called ‘Khichiri’. People take a dip in the Ganges or other holi waters and eat the rice and lentil preparation of Khichri.

In Bengal it’s called Makar/ Til Sankranti. Every year a very big Mela is held at Ganga Sagar where the river Ganga is believed to have dived into the nether region and vivified the ashes of the sixty thousand ancestors of King Bhagirath.

People take a dip in the holy rivers and a lot of sweets called “pethas” are made out of rice, jaggery,til etc and exchanged.

Special prayers are organized.

In Tamil Nadu Sankrant is known by the name of ‘Pongal’, which takes its name from the surging of rice boiled in a pot of milk, and this festival has more significance than even Diwali. It is very popular particularly amongst farmers.

Rice and pulses cooked together in ghee and milk is offered to the family deity after the ritual worship. In essence in the South this Sankrant is a ‘Puja’ (worship) for the Sun God. In Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as a three-day harvest festival Pongal. The Telugus like to call it ‘Pedda Panduga’ meaning big festival. The whole event lasts for four days, the first day Bhogi, the second day Sankranti, the third day Kanuma and the fourth day, Mukkanuma. In Maharashtra on the Sankranti day people exchange multicolored tilguds made from til (sesame seeds) and sugar and til-laddus made from til and jaggery. Til-polis are offered for lunch. While exchanging tilguls as tokens of goodwill people greet each other saying – ‘til-gul ghya, god god bola’ meaning ‘accept these tilguls and speak sweet words’. The under-lying thought in the exchange of tilguls is to forget the past ill-feelings and hostilities and resolve to speak sweetly and remain friends. This is a special day for the women in Maharashtra when married women are invited for a get-together called ‘Haldi-Kumkum’ and given gifts of any utensil, which the woman of the house purchases on that day.

In Gujarat Sankrant is observed more or less in the same manner as in Maharashtra but with a difference that in Gujarat there is a custom of giving gifts to relatives. The elders in the

family give gifts to the younger members of the family. The Gujarati Pundits on this auspicious day grant scholarships to students for higher studies in astrology and philosophy. This festival thus helps the maintenance of social relationships within the family, caste and community. Kite flying has been associated with this festival in a big way. It has become an internationally well-known event. In Punjab where December and January are the coldest months of the year, huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Sankrant and which is celebrated as “Lohari”. Sweets, sugarcane and rice are thrown in the bonfires, around which friends and relatives gather together. The following day, which is Sankrant, is celebrated as Maghi.

The Punjabi’s dance their famous Bhangra dance till they get exhausted. Then they sit down and eat the sumptuous food that is specially prepared for the occasion. In Kerala the 40 days anushthana by the devotees of Ayyappa ends on this day in Sabarimala with a big festival. In Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh this festival of Sankrant is known by the name ‘Sakarat’ and is celebrated with great pomp and merriment accompanied by lot of sweets.

Many tribals in our country start their New Year from the day of Sankrant by lighting bonfires, dancing and eating their particular dishes sitting together. The Bhuya tribals of Orissa have their Maghyatra in which small home-made

articles are put for sale. In Assam, the festival is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu. In the coastal regions, it is a harvest festival dedicated to Indra.

Importance of Til (Sesame seeds) in Makar Sankranti Before distributing sweets made out of sesame seeds, they are kept in front of an idol or a picture of a Deity on one’s altar. This helps retain the Shakti (Divine Energy) and Chaitanya in the sweets. It is known to eliminate sins if used in drinking water, bathing, applying til oil on the body and other uses.

When distributing sweets made of sesame seeds, bhāv (spiritual emotion) and Chaitanya is awakened in us. All the members of the house derive the benefit of the increased Chaitanya in the environment. The prembhav in people increases and they are able to overcome negative thinking and replace it with positive thinking. According to Āyurvēda, eating sesame seeds in winter is beneficial for our health. Spiritually, sesame seeds and sesame oil have the ability to absorb and emit Sattva frequencies more than any other oil. Hence, during Makar Sankranti, sesame seeds are favorable for good sadhana to happen. Importance of sesame seed sweets: Sesame seeds have the ability to absorb and emit high amounts of Sattva frequencies. By consuming sesame seed sweets, inner purification happens which helps improve one’s sadhana. By distributing these sweets to each

other, there is an exchange of sāttviktā, which helps increase everyone’s sattvikta Health Benefits of Sesame seeds Not only are sesame seeds an excellent source of copper and a very good source of manganese, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1,B6 Thiamin Folate and Niacin, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, and dietary fiber, proteins and carbohydrates. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage. Significant health benefits of Sesame seeds include prevention and control of diabetes; reduction in risks of cancer; improving and support of bone health; as a strong antiinflammatory agent; facilitating and improving colon health, digestion and preventing constipation; boosting oral health cellular growth and metabolic function. It is also known to help in reducing cardiovascular diseases and hypertension; reduces signs of premature aging and strengthening muscle tissue and hair. It is known to be very beneficial in protecting DNA from harmful effects of radiation either from accidental or natural sources or caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Caution: Excessive consumption may cause irritation in stomach and colon.

Happy Makar Sankranti to all readers!

December 21 is the day when we are tilted the furthest away from the sun. That is the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. When the sun travels southwards, the days are shorter, colder, there is less sunlight and crops don’t grow well and as desired. Thus, for Indians, the northward journey of the sun is advantageous and eagerly awaited.

According to the Hindu astronomy, on Makar sankranti, the sun enters the Makara rashi (Capricorn).On Makar Sankranti day, 14th January, the sun no longer moves southward and begins its northward journey (Uttarayan). Makar Sankranti marks the end of a long winter with the return of the sun to the Northern Hemisphere and hence the name Uttarayan. After this day the days start becoming longer and warmer, and thus the chill of winter declines.

It signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring, when the trees start becoming green again, the flowers bloom and the weather becomes pleasant. Sankranti represents the beginning of the farming season and people across the country rejoice, and therefore it is no surprise that this festival is universally celebrated and welcomed with glee by the farmer community, who pray

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SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Pakistan court re-detains Indian MP says Hindu Mumbai attacks ‘mastermind’ women must have four kids

I

SLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Supreme Court Wednesday reimposed a detention order on the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, court officials said, the latest in a tussle over his custody that has strained ties with India.

Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who is accused over the terror siege in India’s commercial capital, was granted bail on December 18 by an anti-terror court but authorities later detained him under a public order law, which in turn was then suspended by the Islamabad High Court on December 29.

A two-judge panel has now suspended Islamabad High Court’s interim order and directed it to hear the case again from January 12, a court official told AFP. The judges ruled that the high court did not hear the arguments of federal government and suspended Lakhvi’s detention orders in haste, the official said.

Lakhvi has never been let out of Adiyala Prison in Rawalpindi during the back and forth over his detention, which prompted an angry response from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was initially granted bail.

The Mumbai attacks left 166

decide whether they wanted a government run by “the children of (Hindu god) Ram or the children of bastards”.

In his speech, Maharaj went on to support a recent spate of ‘re-conversions’ to Hinduism, an issue which paralysed parliament last month and stalled the right-wing government’s economic reforms agenda.

Pakistani security personnel escort Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi (C), alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, as he leaves court after a hearing in Islamabad on January 1, 2015 (AFP Photo/Aamir Qureshi) people dead and were blamed on banned Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

India has long seethed at Pakistan’s failure either to hand over or prosecute those accused of planning and organising the violence.

Lakhvi and six other suspects have been charged in Pakistan but their cases have made virtually no progress in more than five years.

It was also seen as an embarrassment for Pakistan’s government, which has promised to crack down on all terror groups

-- including those that target arch-rival India -- in the wake of the Taliban school massacre that killed 150 people, mostly children, last month.

The government had approached the country’s Supreme Court last week to reinstate Lakhvi’s detention under a public order law.

Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a charitable organisation seen as a front for LeT, operates openly in the country and its leaders frequently appear on television delivering fiery speeches against India.

Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015

G

UJARAT, India, The preparation of 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit, which is planned during 11th to 13th January 2015 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India have began well ahead by the Government of Gujarat after the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit resounding success.

Last summit has given an example of a visionary approach of the Government of Gujarat towards inclusive and sustainable development. The sixth edition of the summit provid-

Religious groups and political opponents have accused radical organisations linked to the BJP of forcing or enticing religious minorities to convert to Hinduism.

Sakshi Maharaj

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EW DELHI, AFP, | 1/7/2015. - A lawmaker from India’s ruling party has called for Hindu women to have at least four children to “protect” their religion, sparking calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in his hardline supporters.

Sakshi Maharaj, who represents a seat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh for Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said in a speech Tuesday that Hindus should see it as their duty to have large families.

“The time has come when a Hindu woman must produce at least four children in order to protect the Hindu religion,” Maharaj said at a religious congregation in the city of Meerut. ed enormous prospects to the State to display its strengths, progressive stand, initiatives taken to improve governance, investor friendly climate and art & culture of Gujarat.

Gujarat CM Smt. Anandiben Patel Inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show seen with Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of overseas Indian Affairs & External Affairs, Govt. of India.

Six summits held so far have been a resounding success that immensely contributed to transformation of Gujarat into a “Global Business Hub”.

The brand “Vibrant Gujarat” began as an “investors’ summit” has now evolved into an ideal platform for knowledge

Maharaj’s remarks sparked a backlash on social media with his name trending on Twitter while political opponents demanded an explanation from Modi who has a reputation as an unashamed Hindu nationalist.

“Why has the prime minister maintained silence even for 24 hours? Is this the new population policy of India? The country wants to know, the nation wants an answer,” said Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a senior figure in the former ruling Congress party.

Modi also came under fire last month for rejecting calls to sack another BJP lawmaker who told a campaign rally crowd to sharing, social and business transformation. The Summit gradually evolved into a round-the-year investment promotion exercise with events scheduled well in advance of the main Summit planned in 2015.

The prime focus of Government of Gujarat is Inclusive development and the key areas for development identified included: Innovation, Sustainability, Youth & Skill Development, Knowledge Sharing

While Hindus account for more than 80 percent of India’s 1.2 billion population, the country is officially secular and is home to sizeable numbers of Muslims, Buddhists and Christians.

India’s birth rate has declined dramatically in the last two decades due in part to rising female literacy, according to a government study published last month.

The Total Fertility Rate -- the number of children the average woman will have in her lifetime based on current trends -- fell to 2.3 in 2013 from 3.6 in 1991.

Maharaj’s latest comments came barely a month after he stirred controversy by calling independence hero Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin a ‘patriot’. and Networking. Also, this Summit is an ideal convergence for other states and other countries to showcase their strengths, highlight business opportunities, facilitate knowledge dissemination etc.

It also provides an attractive opportunity to its participants to understand the potential of Gujarat in various sectors.

Besides, it provides platform to interact with policy makers, industry leaders, and renowned academicians from all over the world.

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WORLD/US

VOICE OF ASIA 10

Global condemnation, solidarity after ‘barbaric’ Paris attack

by Alice RITCHIE ONDON,| AFP | 1/7/2015 The UN Security Council led global condemnation of the “terrorist” shooting at French magazine Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday which left 12 people dead, in a shocking attack on freedom of speech in Europe.

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US President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II offered their condolences to those affected after masked men armed with Kalashnikov automatic rifles opened fire at the Paris offices of the satirical weekly.

On social media, people across the world showed their solidarity with the publication by posting the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie -- “I am Charlie”.

Tens of thousands also rallied in cities across France and Europe in a show of solidarity with the victims.

French President Francois Hollande condemned as a “terrorist attack” the massacre at the publication, which has been in confrontation for years with Islamists who accused it of attacking their religion through cartoons.

Hollande’s characterisation of the incident was echoed by the 15-member UN Security Council, which condemned the “barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack”.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the “horrendous, unjustifiable and cold-blooded crime” was “meant to divide. We must not fall into that trap”.

Obama said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult time.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry later addressed the people of France in televised remarks in French, saying: “All Americans stand by your side.”

In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi went to the French embassy to say: “We are all French, because we think freedom is the only ‘raison d’etre’ of Europe and European citizens.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron said the attack was “sickening”, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel called it “despicable”, sentiments reflected across European capitals.

In a rare statement on international events, Queen Elizabeth offered her “sincere condolences” to those affected by the attack.

There was also condemnation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the Chinese foreign ministry among others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his part called for global unity to fight the “scourge” of radical Islam.

Terrorism, Islamophobia ‘interconnected’ Iran also condemned the massacre but reiterated its criticism of the magazine’s 2006 publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

“Making use of freedom of expression... to humiliate the monotheistic religions and their values and symbols is unacceptable,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham told the official IRNA news agency.

The gunmen were heard to shout “we have avenged the prophet” and “Allahu akbar” (“God is greatest”), according to French police.

Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam’s most prestigious centre of learning, called the attack “criminal” and said “Islam denounces any violence”, while the Arab League also condemned the attack.

The foreign ministry of Qatar, which is accused of backing radical Islamic groups, added: “Such acts that target unarmed

UN chief to promote sustainable development in India

U

nited Nations, AFP UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will travel to India at the weekend to attend an investors’ summit in Gujarat and to meet with leaders in Delhi.

focus on “the need to promote inclusive and sustainable development in India and globally,” said Stephane Dujarric.

Ban will be making his fourth trip to India as UN chief, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Ban will visit a solar power plant and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he pushes for a global deal on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to be reached in Paris later this year.

The UN chief will deliver an address at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit on Sunday that will

Energy-starved India is seen as one of the major hurdles to a deal.

Religion must be subject to satire, Rushdie says

Pope Francis said there could be no justification for “the horrible attack that plunged the city of Paris into mourning”.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said the shooting was a “brazen assault on free expression in the heart of Europe”, while Reporters Without Borders called it a “black day”.

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

L

World leaders, media groups condemn ‘barbaric’ Paris attack civilians contradict all principles and moral and human values.”

‘Religions deserve criticism’

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his country condemned all forms of “terror”, but said terrorism and increasing Islamophobia in Europe were “interconnected”.

Salman Rushdie, the BritishIndian writer who was forced into hiding in 1989 after Iran issued a death sentence on him for allegedly insulting Islam, hailed Charlie Hebdo’s style.

“We must fight against increasing racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia in Europe which threaten all our values. We must also fight against any form of terrorism,” he said.

“I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity,” he said.

In Mali, where the French military launched an offensive in 2013 against radical Islamist groups, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita condemned “the attack against democracy and freedom” and reaffirmed his country’s commitment in the fight against terrorism.

He added: “Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect.”

Media rights groups also criticised the attack.

“The scale of the violence is

appalling,” said Robert Mahoney, deputy director of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.

“Journalists must now stand together to send the message that such murderous attempts to silence us will not stand.”

Security was reportedly stepped up Wednesday at the Danish newspaper that provoked angry and sometimes deadly protests worldwide by publishing a series of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in 2005, later reprinted by Charlie Hebdo.

“Completely defenceless and innocent people became the victims of what appears to be an attack on free speech,” said Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

ONDON, AFP | 1/7/2015 - BritishIndian writer Salman Rushdie paid tribute to the work of satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo following a deadly attack on its offices Wednesday, saying religion must be subject to satire.

yes, our fearless disrespect.”

Rushdie was forced into hiding after Iran issued a death sentence on him for allegedly insulting Islam with his 1988 book “The Satanic Verses”.

Rushdie issued his statement on Twitter, along with the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie, which many users have been tweeting in a show of solidarity.

“I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity,” he said.

“Religion, a mediaeval form of unreason, when combined with modern weaponry becomes a real threat to our freedoms,” the author of “Midnight’s Children” said.

“’Respect for religion’ has become a code phrase meaning ‘fear of religion’. Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and,

“This religious totalitarianism has caused a deadly mutation in the heart of Islam and we see the tragic consequences in Paris today.”

Wednesday’s shooting in Paris, which left at least 12 people dead, took place after years of confrontation between Charlie Hebdo and Islamists infuriated by what they saw as the publication’s attacks on their religion.

VOICE OF ASIA 11

LIFESTYLE

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 2 Friday, January 9, 2015 Section 2 Page 11

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140

Electronics show a window into the ‘Internet of Me’

Dogs bred for meat in S.Korea start new life in US

Snowball, who was rescued from a dog meat farm in South Korea, settles into the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria shelter January 5, 2015 (AFP Photo/Robert MacPherson)

A

LEXANDRIA, AFP - A dozen dogs originally destined for dinner tables in South Korea arrived in the Washington area Monday to be adopted as pets.

AFP/Robyn Beck - An attendee rides a bicycle equipped with a yellow Connected Cycle smart pedal during a media preview event at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show on January 4, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada

by Rob Lever

L

AS VEGAS, AFP | - New technology is getting more personal.

So personal, it is moving to connect and analyze our movements, our health, our brains and our everyday devices.

Welcome to the so-called Internet of Me. One of the major themes at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is connecting thousands of objects that people use each day -- clothing, cars, light bulbs and home appliances.

But the challenge facing developers is making that information useful, and the CES is increasingly seeing inventions related to digital “coaches” and ways to improve health or fitness, or get better information about our cars or appliances, said Shawn DuBravac, chief economist at the Consumer Electronics Association in his outlook for the show.

These new technologies “continue the trend of deploying the Internet in a personal way,” DuBravac said. “Nothing gets more personal than wearables.”

He said this represents a “third phase of the Internet,” after personal computers and mobile devices, to wearables and other connected objects.

“We are moving the Internet now from two billion smartphones to 50 billion objects,” he said.

“We are taking the Internet to new places, to your wrist.

And you are going to see that across the show... It’s not just

The show also features new big-screen televisions with “ultra” high-definition displays, and an array of drones for personal and industrial uses.

It also includes expanded sections for robotics and automotive technology.

rozone and Japan and “weak expectations” in big emerging economies such as Brazil, Koenig explained.

The exhibition opens amid a mixed economic outlook for the global technology industry. The Consumer Electronics Association, which organizes it, said spending on technology rose a mere one percent in 2014 to $1.024 trillion, but that it is too early to know the trend for 2015.

The association predicted a drop in tech spending of five percent in Europe and Latin America, and it remains unclear whether the rest of the world will pick up the slack.

“We have a very mixed spending picture,” CEA ana-

Russia, another large emerging economy, is being hit by economic sanctions that could dent tech spending.

Koenig said smartphone and tablet sales are growing at a healthy pace in China and other developing economies, and demand for new televisions

- Next phase of Internet Smartwatches and other wearables are far more prominent at the show than ever before.

The farmer -- who acknowledged a personal fondness for dogs -- agreed to give up the animals, accept an offer of compensation and grow blueberries instead, HSI director of companion animals Kelly O’Meara told AFP, as the mongrels settled into kennels at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Virginia after a long flight from Seoul.

HSI has been working with local groups in China, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to raise public awareness of the dog meat trade.

P

arrot is ramping up its Flower Power with a pot that not only detects whether plants have enough light and fertilizer, but waters them as needed.

“No longer the focus is on what can technologically be done but what is technologically meaningful.”

Smart clothing, connected smoke detectors and dozens of new smartwatches and fitness devices are also in the mix.

Washington-based Humane Society International (HSI) located the dogs at a farm in Ilsan, northwest of Seoul, where they were being bred specifically for human consumption.

Every year, between 1.2 million and two million dogs are consumed in South Korea, she said, supplied by farms that number “at least in the hundreds.”

O’Meara said it was the first time that dogs from South Korea intended for human consumption had been rescued and brought into the United States, where a brisk demand for adopted dogs and cats is met by a thriving network of animal rescue groups and shelters.

All 23 South Korean dogs -the second batch is due to arrive Tuesday -- will undergo veterinarian checks in Alexandria, before being distributed among five other shelters in the MidAtlantic states for adoption.

“By helping these 23 dogs, we’ll be helping a lot of other dogs in South Korea” by raising public awareness of the dog meat trade, said Megan Webb, executive director of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which finds homes for about 1,000 dogs a year.

‘Smart pot’ watches over house plants

“The key to all of this is that something happens in the physical space, and we digitize it and feed it back into the physical space,” he said.

Some of the new devices on display at a preview Sunday included apps to monitor and improve the quality of sleep, a connected baby bottle to measure infant nutrition intake, and sensors that analyze one’s golf swing to compare it to that of the pros.

They were the first of a total of 23 dogs being imported into the United States this week as part of a campaign to combat the eating of dog meat in East Asia.

“But South Korea is unusual because it actually farms dogs to supply demand,” O’Meara said, while other countries target feral dogs as food.

A Parrot “smart pot” is heading for global release this year at a price yet to be revealed by the Paris-based company known for drones and in-car communications and audio.

The Slow Control smart baby bottle is displayed at CES Unveiled, the opening event for the media preview days at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 4, 2015 about the distribution and dissemination of information. The way we use the Internet will change.”

CES, which officially opens Tuesday, is one of the world’s biggest trade fairs devoted to technology, with some 36,000 exhibitors and an estimated 160,000 people in attendance.

lyst Steve Koenig said.

The market is being driven by strong demand for new products like tablets and smartphones in emerging economies in Asia, and by modest economic growth in North America.

The picture is clouded by economic stagnation in the eu-

is being driven by a “robust upgrade cycle” to the “ultra” high-definition displays.

At the same time, spending is being capped by the decreasing price for new mobile devices.

“A flood of low-cost devices is coming into the marketplace,” he said, noting the prominence of phone makers in China such as Xiaomi, which has pushed into the top ranks of manufacturers.

Sensors in pots measure light, moisture, temperature, and the level of fertilizer to determine whether plants are getting proper amounts of each to flourish, Vanessa Loury of Parrot told AFP on Sunday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“There is also water in the pot so it will water the plants for you,” Loury said.

Each pot holds enough water to irrigate a plant for several weeks to a month, depending on the type.

If plants need more light or fer-

tilizer, alerts are fired off through free Flower Power applications available for mobile devices powered by Apple, Android or Windows software.

A database compiled with help from scientists boasts a catalogue of more than 7,000 plants from herbs, to flowers, to teas to Cannabis.

The smart pot builds on technology in a Flower Power sensor released about two years ago for use with plants in old-fashioned dumb pots.

“This is not a crazy idea,” Loury said. “This is something we are really interested in.”

Parrot also works with farmers to survey crops with drones equipped with cameras that scrutinize leaves to determine when fertilizer is needed, according to Loury.

“It is a green approach, and a cost saving for the farmer as well,” she said.

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VOICE OF ASIA 13

China Ice Festival launches without a bang The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opened on Monday (Jan 5) but officials cancelled a firework display to allay safety concerns after a deadly New Year stampede in Shanghai.

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Kanye West and Paul McCartney team up on lullaby

Kanye West performs during the World AIDS Day (RED) concert in Times Square in New York on December 1, 2014 (AFP Photo/ Timothy A. Clary)

Tourists ride a horse-drawn carriage in front of ice sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in the northern city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China in this file photo from January 5, 2014. Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

H

N

ARBIN, China: A spectacular ice festival opened in China on Monday (Jan 5) but officials cancelled a firework display to allay safety concerns after a deadly New Year stampede in Shanghai.

ew York (AFP) Kanye West and Paul McCartney, two legendary performers from different musical traditions, have teamed up in an unlikely collaboration on a new single released Thursday called “Only One”.

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, in the chilly northeastern province of Heilongjiang, draws tens of thousands of visitors each year to its enormous ice buildings and sculptures.

But organisers told AFP they had cancelled a firework show originally planned to open the festival because of safety concerns, days after a crush in the Chinese commercial hub Shanghai killed 36 revellers.

That disaster happened as people packed into the waterfront Bund to usher in 2015.

The Harbin fireworks were set to be held at a theme park featuring massive and dazzlingly lit ice replicas of Chinese palaces, Russian churches and French cathedrals. The festival regularly attracts more than 800,000 people during its run.

The soft ballad, which West said was inspired by his daughter, features the vocals of the world-famous rapper and former Beatle McCartney on the organ.

The lullaby-like collaboration has been in the works since early 2014, when the two met in a bungalow in Los Angeles, according to a statement from West’s label Def Jam recordings.

Bright lights, big city: Visitors preview the incredible sculptures at Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival But visitors gave the fireworks cancellation a frosty reception on Monday as the mercury dropped to a piercing minus nine degrees Celsius (16 degrees Fahrenheit). “It was the main reason for us coming here today,” said Li Chen angrily af-

ter she was told by security that it would not be taking place.

“Shall we go home now? It’s too cold,” said her boyfriend, taking Li’s hand.

But others refused to let the cancellation stop them having

fun at the festival, which features an ice maze and slides.

“I am not bothered,” said one six-year-old boy who gave his name as Liu, moments after he had reached the bottom of a three-storey-high ice slide.

“I just want to see how fast I can go.”

Movie being made of kiss-and-tell book by French leader’s ex

by Marc Burleigh

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The producer, Saida Jawad, told French celebrity magazine Gala in an interview published on Monday that she and Hollande’s ex, Valerie Trierweiler, “are currently developing the movie adaptation of the bestseller and are looking at coproductions with French and international companies”.

The memoir lays bare the turbulent, six-year relationship that Trierweiler experienced with Hollande, including 18 months by his side after he became president in 2012. It portrays France’s unpopular Socialist head of state as a callous egotist and -- perhaps most damagingly -- alleges he once insulted the poor as “toothless”.

Trierweiler’s relationship ended a year ago when another French celebrity magazine, Closer, published photos of Hollande cheating on her with a

“The process that would result in ‘Only One’ began with a simple brainstorming session between the two, with McCartney improvising on the keyboards and Kanye vocally sketching and shaping ideas in a streamof-consciousness riff,” it said.

The song was inspired by West’s daughter North, who was sitting in his lap when he sang to her, “Hello my only one.”

West said his own mother used to sing those words to him as a child.

“My mom was singing to me -- and through me -- to my daughter,” said the hip hop artist, whose first name also means

“only one”.

Def Jam called the collaboration “one of the most powerful and unexpected music collaborations in modern history”.

The single was released late New Year’s Eve, and will be available on iTunes in 119 countries for one week.

West, 37, is married to US reality television star Kim Kardashian, who sent a tweet about the new tune to her 27 million followers.

“People always ask me what my favorite Kanye song is and it’s ‘Only One’. Kanye feels like his mom sang thru him to our daughter,” Kardashian wrote on Twitter.

“I cry every time I hear this song,” she wrote.

West has frequently paired up with other musicians -- from rapper Jay Z to British rockers Coldplay -- on his albums.

Liverpool-born McCartney, who linked to audio of the new song on his Twitter page, is one of two surviving members of the Beatles. He continues to play music and tour around the world.

This is the first time the duo have worked together on a song.

Nepal introduces women-only buses to combat groping

aris (AFP) - A movie adaptation of a kissand-tell bestselling book that deeply embarrassed French President Francois Hollande is in the works after his journalist ex-girlfriend who wrote it agreed to team up with a producer friend.

The news will be a fresh blow to Hollande, who was embarrassed by Trierweiler’s book, “Thank You for this Moment” (“Merci Pour Ce Moment” in French), which first came out last September before being translated into 12 languages including English.

Paul McCartney performs at PETCO Park on September 28, 2014 in San Diego, California (AFP Photo/Kevin Winter)

A 17-seater minibus with a large “women-only” sign will operate on key routes in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu during morning and evening rush hour in a bid to protect female passengers from sexual assault. (Photo: www.bbc.com) Actress Julie Gayet in Lyon, France, on October 13, 2014 (AFP Photo/Jeff Pachoud). glamorous actress, Julie Gayet.

Jawad, who is also an actress as well as a screenwriter and a producer through her company Romarin Films, said “I guarantee that you will discover new things” in the movie adaptation. She said Trierweiler -whom she described as a very close friend -- would have final say over the film.

- ‘Not a controversial film’ The biopic would require changes from the book to make it work for the big screen, notably with the character representing Trierweiler “recounting her story to a confidante, so the political context is better understood,” Jawad said.

But Jawad added: “I’m not looking to make a controversial film, I just want to tell the story of the fight of a woman in love, even if the story is exceptional because the man she loves is the president.”

Trierweiler, 49, who works for French magazine Paris Match, has already earned more than 1.3 million euros ($1.5 million) in France alone from her book, according to her publisher. It remains in the top three books being sold in France.

Hollande, whose popularity ratings are hovering near record lows on the back of a stagnating economy, admitted

at the end of 2014 that he had been through a “tough year”.

He has sought to keep his post-Trierweiler personal life out of the public gaze, but to little effect.

In November, the celebrity magazine Voici published new photos of him and Gayet on a private terrace of the presidential palace, prompting him to transfer five of his staff who might have taken the snaps to other posts.

The only companion Hollande is now officially said to be frolicking with is a black Labrador puppy named Philae, given to him for Christmas by Canadian war veterans

K

ATHMANDU - Nepal’s capital has introduced women-only minibuses in a bid to protect female passengers from sexual assault, the transport operator organizing the service said on Monday.

Four 17-seater minibuses were flagged off in Kathmandu with large “women-only” signs on Sunday and they will operate on key routes in Kathmandu during morning and evening rush hour.

“Groping and sexual assault is a problem for women who use buses, especially during peak hours when buses are overcrowded,” said Bharat Nepal, president of the Bagmati Federation Transport Union, which introduced the service.

“This is our small initiative to

make commuting safe and secure for female travellers.”

Only one of the buses currently has a female conductor but he said that the goal was to eventually employ an all-women crew.

In a 2013 World Bank survey, 26 percent of female respondents aged between 19 and 35 years said they had experienced some form of sexual assault on public transport in Nepal.

In 2011, a 21-year old Buddhist nun was gang raped in a bus in eastern Nepal by five men, including the bus driver.

Complaints about groping prompted authorities in neighboring India to introduce women-only carriages on the metro system in the capital New Delhi in 2010.

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Friday, January 9, 2015

Section 2

Page 14

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

‘Small screens’ prevent kids New Ways to Find One-of-afrom sleeping: US study Kind Gifts for Birthdays and

Special Occasions

Those with a TV in the bedroom got 18 minutes fewer of slumber than kids without televisions in their rooms.

C

hildren who have access to tablets or smartphones in their bedrooms get less sleep than children who do not have the devices with them at night, a US study said Monday.

The findings in the January 5 edition of the journal Pediatrics show that having a so-called “small screen” within reach was slightly worse than a television set when it came to sleep deprivation in a group of 2,000 middle school kids.

Overall, those with access to smartphones and tablets got nearly 21 fewer minutes of sleep per night than children whose rooms were free of such technology, and they were more likely to say they felt sleep deprived.

Those with a TV in the bedroom got 18 minutes fewer of slumber than kids without televisions in their rooms.

“Presence of a small screen, but not a TV, in the sleep environment, and screen time

were associated with perceived insufficient rest or sleep,” said the study led by Jennifer Falbe of the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health.

“These findings caution against unrestricted screen access in children’s bedrooms.”

Participants in the study included 2,048 fourth- and seventh-graders enrolled in the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Study from 2012 to 2013.

Tips for Using Student Loans for Online Education tO receive federal financial aid, online students must be enrolled at an accredited institution.

Unique art from independent artists is becoming more widely available, thanks to online retailers.

(StatePoint)

W

hen it comes to creative gift-giving, you may feel you’ve exhausted your options, especially for those who seem to have everything. But there’s no need to make a birthday tradition out of giving the same old gifts year-in and year-out.

cessories and useful items an alternative to the mass retailers,” says Faith Sedlin, CMO of Redbubble a diverse creative community and marketplace that brings together artists and designers from across the globe.

“We also wanted to make these items affordable.”

Luckily, you don’t need to look far to see beyond traditional sources of inspiration.

Whereas in the past you may have had to schedule a trip to a vintage store, art gallery or antique market and pay top dollar to score a unique find, new online marketplaces are conveniently bringing consumers the creativity of artists and designers.

Offering more than 14 million designs, Redbubble, is a great place to start your search for that perfect birthday or special occasion gift. Is your gift recipient a fashionista, a metal-head or a sci-fi fan? The site sorts designs by interest, making it easy to find artwork that suits any gift recipient. You then have the option of applying the design to a high-quality item such as a t-shirt, hoodie, throw pillow, tote bag, duvet cover and more.

“We wanted to provide those hungry for unique and beautiful wearables, housewares, ac-

A unique, one-of-a-kind gift will mean so much more than something generic or predictable. Not only can you help your gift recipients transform the look and feel of their living spaces with cool wall art, or stand out in the crowd with one-of-a-kind apparel that reflects their personalities, you will support an independent artist in the process. Just be sure to order with plenty of time, as personalizing your order may take several days to process and ship.

For gift ideas and inspiration, visit www.Redbubble.com.

Before you hit the shops, consider reaping the benefits of the artistic renaissance taking place in cyberspace. SOURCE: (StatePoint)

UH - Spring On-Campus Housing Registration is NOW Available!

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egistration is now open for students who want to take advantage of living on campus during the spring semester.

Most of the University’s seven residential communities have rooms available. To sign up, students should log in to AccessUH using their myUH ID and password then click on the myHousing icon.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those who have considered living on campus,” Online students tend to drop out at higher rates than traditional students – which means they may run a higher risk of student loan default.

by Betsy Mayotte, (US News & World report) Jan. 7, 2015

Y

ou’ve seen the ads on television encouraging students to get a degree online, work at their own pace and save time and money. For some students, online courses are a great way to earn a degree or certificate, especially if their work or family schedules make it difficult to commit to a class that’s held at the same time every week.

But just like choosing a traditional brick-and-mortar college, choosing an online program means doing your homework before starting classes, including making sure you know how to pay for them.

Studies show that the number of students who complete, or graduate, from their online degree or certificate program is lower than those who enroll in traditional college courses. But while you might not finish your degree, the student loan debt will remain, as well as a higher risk of default.

In many cases – but not always – an online program may be a cheaper alternative to obtaining a degree at a school’s physical campus. Just as with any big purchase, it’s important to shop around to see which school offers the best value for the credential you are seeking. The luxury of online learning options is that the location of the institution is no longer a restriction to the choices available.

While you can obtain federal financial aid for many online education programs, there are some restrictions. The most significant restriction is attending a school outside the U.S. While you can obtain federal student loans to attend some foreign schools, regulations do not allow any part of that program to be online, even if it’s just a single class.

If you do need to dip into federal or other financial aid resources to afford college, it’s all the more important to ensure the quality of the program is high. Ensuring the program has been accredited by recognized regional or national accreditors is one way to verify that the program meets at least minimum standards – and increases the chances of your credits being transferable if you should decide to attend a different school midway through. Some schools are starting to refuse to accept online transfer credits, regardless of accreditation, due to what they say is low standards in some online programs.

It’s also important to note that you must be enrolled at an accredited institution to receive federal financial aid and most other state and private aid. Your schools should be able to tell you right away if they are accredited and if so by whom.

Online education may also offer a higher risk of overborrowing than a traditional program. Even though your tuition and fees may not be any cheaper, the remainder

of your cost of attendance should be significantly cheaper as you won’t be incurring additional transportation or room and board expenses than you had prior to enrolling in school.

While that is usually the case, schools are required to offer similar cost of attendance totals to online students as they do to students attending the same program on campus, which means a high possibility of being offered more loan funds than you’ll need to pay the cost of the program.

While it can be tempting to hang on to those extra funds, they can add up quickly to a higher student loan debt than you expected.

The Department of Education’s College Navigator is a great tool to help consumers evaluate all these traits as they research online programs. The site includes statistics on a school’s graduation rate, debt level, student loan default rates and net cost, among other items, and can be valuable for comparing schools and their online – and other – offerings.

Betsy Mayotte, director of regulatory compliance for American Student Assistance, regularly advises consumers on planning and paying for college. Mayotte, who received a B.S. in business communications from Bentley College, is a frequent contributor to ASA’s SALT Blog; responds to public inquiries via the advice resource “Just Ask;” and is frequently quoted in traditional and social media on the topics of student loans and financial aid.

said Don Yackley, executive director of Student Housing and Residential Life. “Our communities provide services and programs that will enrich the overall student experience at UH.”

On-campus living offers numerous advantages, including convenience. Residents are just a short walk away from their classes, campus activities, the library and dining halls. They don’t have to worry about finding a parking space. It’s also educational. Live-in faculty

from different disciplines and fields live in most of the residential facilities. They work with housing staff to provide residents with fun and educational programs.

More information about each of the facilities can be found on the Student Housing and Residential Life website. Each facility has its own eligibility requirements. To find out what they are, go here. For questions, contact Student Housing and Residential Life at 713743-6000 or housing@uh.edu

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VOICE OF ASIA 15

BOLLYWOOD MASALA

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Friday, January 9, 2015

Section 2

Page 15

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Amitabh Bachchan: I will work with Rekha if appropriate story is offered

Tel: 713-774-5140

Trisha announces engagement

Trisha Krishnan

T

amil film actor Trisha Krishnan has announced that she would be getting engaged to film producer and real estate entrepreneur Varun Manian on January 23 in a private ceremony.

Trisha confirmed the news of her engagement on Twitter. She

wrote, “To my fans n friends from d media, I will be getting engaged to Varun on the 23 of Jan in a very private ceremony between our families.” The actor appealed to the media and fans not to speculate about her future in the industry or about her wedding.

She categorically stated that

she had no intention of leaving the industry. “I have no intentions of quitting films. In fact will be signing two new films soon and looking forward to four of my releases in 2015.”

While she said the date for the wedding was yet to be decided, it is believed plans are on for a year-end wedding.

Aamir Khan’s PK gets OK from Delhi High Court

N

Dhanush, Akshara Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan at the launch of Shamitabh’s trailer MUMBAI, (PTI) - Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha are considered to be an all time popular on-screen pair in Bollywood and the megastar says he will not rule out the possibility of working with the veteran female actor in future films.

The two have starred together in films like Silsila, Mr Natwarlal, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar and the 72-year-old actor, who will be next seen in R Balki’s Shamitabh, said the director wants to make a movie with him and Rekha.

but of Akshara Haasan, who is the younger daughter of actor Kamal Haasan and Sarika.

When asked about the unique title of the film, Balki said, “A title like Dhamitabh or Hamitabh would have sound very weird so that’s why this unique title.”

Dhanush, who made his Bollywood debut in 2013 with Raanjhanaa, said he feels blessed to work with Bach-

chan.

“It was a great experience just watching him,” he said.

Akshara thanked Balki for showing confidence in her and casting her in the film alongside Dhanush and Bachchan.

“I was very scared to work with Mr Bachchan and Dhanush but they both made me comfortable.”

Shamitabh will hit theatres on February 6.

“Balki keeps threatening me that he wants to design a film together... Let me see if someone has a story which is appropriate... then why not,” Bachchan said during the trailer launch of the film here.

Shamitabh also stars Rekha and there were speculations about the pair coming together on the screen but Bachchan has cleared the air saying the Silsila actor does not share any scene with him in the film.

“We actually don’t come together, it is a part of a sequence.

When people will watch the film they will understand. It is always nice to have such great luminaries in the film,” he said.

Shamitabh is Balki and Bachchan’s third collaboration after Cheeni Kum and Paa. The film also has south superstar Dhanush and will mark the de-

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EW DELHI - Finally after hundreds of protests against it, there is something good for Aamir Khan and his most recent film PK. The film that is winning accolades from all around, and brickbats of a few extremist elements, has won the court approval.

and their followers have gone on rampage in many cities attacking theaters and vandalizing many places. But this seems to have absolutely opposite impact on the film’s performance.

The protests have given a new lease of life to a film that is not really very good on cinematic grounds.

The Delhi High Court has said that the film cannot be banned as it has nothing objectionable. The film highlights the influence of godmen in the Indian society.

In the meantime Aamir Khan must have taken a sigh of relief as Delhi High Court earlier today announced that there was nothing offensive in Aamir Khan-starrer film ‘PK’ and there was no substance in allegations that it has defamed and maligned Hindu culture and religious practices. PK, directed

by Rajkumar Hirani, is a satirical take on superstitions and godmen and it seems that these godmen are feeling exposed from his wrong number.

After the likes of Asaram and Dera Scha Sauda, besides many other similar farces, people’s respect for such unrespectable figures has gone down substantially. But to be true there are thousands of similar godmen who seem to be fooling the common people across the country without any fear of the government and the law.

The film seems to be very timely. But it seems to have hit where it hurts most. A few godmen with huge fan-following

The court while announcing its ruling in the case said, “What is wrong in the movie?

You cannot take offence at everything. We do not find any substance in the allegations

made in the petition. We will pass an order on merits”. Earlier during the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain had informed the honorable court that a similar plea has already been dismissed by the Supreme Court. The PIL was filed by Ajay Gautam seeking directions to delete “objectionable” scenes from the movie ‘PK’ claiming that the contents of the film have hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

The petitioner while pleading before the court had said, “There are certain sequences in the movie which have the potential of hurting Hindu religious sentiments and the Censor Board has not given it a serious consideration while granting the certificate of fitness for its release in theatres”.

It went on to add that the court should “Restrain opposite parties to ensure that the film is not displayed in any theatre or on any of the TV channels in any form with offensive sequences”.

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Friday, January 9, 2015

Section 2

Page 16

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Cancer often due to bad luck, not genes or environment many cancers arise from this process, compared to family history or environmental factors.

Some 22 cancer types arising in 31 tissues studied could be traced back to random mutations, the study found.

The other nine “had incidences higher than predicted by ‘bad luck’ and were presumably due to a combination of bad luck plus environmental or inherited factors,” the university said.

These nine types included lung cancer and skin cancer -which are influenced by exposure to smoke and sunshine -as well as some cancers known to be hereditary.

A dosimetrist looks over a cancer patient’s image scan to help plan a radiation treatment on August 4, 2010, in Fayetteville, North Carolina (AFP Photo/Chris Hondros)

M

IAMI, (AFP) January 1, 2015 - Cancer is often caused by the “bad luck” of random mutations that arise when cells divide, not family history or environmental causes, US researchers said Thursday.

The study in the January 2 edition of the journal Science was led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and based on a statistical model that includes many types of cancer in a range of human tissues.

However it did not include breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, or prostate cancer, which is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer.

In the adult cancers they did measure, about two-thirds could be explained by random

mutation in genes that encourage tumors to grow, while the remaining one third was due to environmental factors and inherited genes.

“good genes.”

“This study shows that you can add to your risk of getting cancers by smoking or other poor lifestyle factors,” said study author Bert Vogelstein, a professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

- Stem cells divide The team sought to look at cancer in a new light, by searching the scientific literature for information on how many times stem cells divided over the course of an average person’s lifespan.

“However, many forms of cancer are due largely to the bad luck of acquiring a mutation in a cancer driver gene regardless of lifestyle and heredity factors.”

This process of self-renewal occurs naturally in the body and helps repopulate cells that die off in a specific organ.

He added that people who live a long time without getting cancer, despite being longtime smokers or being exposed heavily to the Sun, do not have

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

“The truth is that most of them simply had good luck,” he added.

Researchers have long understood that cancer can arise when stem cells make random mistakes, known as mutations.

But the study represents the first attempt at comparing how

The findings mean that an even greater emphasis should be placed on early detection of cancer and research that could detect these harmful random acts before they lead to widespread cancer.

“Changing our lifestyle and habits will be a huge help in preventing certain cancers, but this may not be as effective for a variety of others,” said biomathematician Cristian Tomasetti, an assistant professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“We should focus more resources on finding ways to detect such cancers at early, curable stages.”

Breast and prostate cancers were not included in the study because the literature did not show reliable stem cell division rates in those areas of the body, the authors said

Read more on Health - Latest Health News Updates Visit: www.voiceofasiaonline.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Millions More Sign Up for Obamacare Health Insurance, Have You?

A

bout 2.5 million new people have signed up for health insurance next year on the 1-year-old Obamacare exchanges, federal officials said Tuesday. And that doesn’t include a lastminute rush to sign up in the three days before Dec. 15, the deadline to get health insurance that starts on the first day possible in January.

“It’s been a strong start,” said Andy Slavitt, principal deputy administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs the exchanges.

It’s a big improvement over a year ago, when the federally run exchanges and many of the state exchanges crashed on their scheduled rollouts in October and were barely up and running by mid-December. The enrollment period ended up being extended into April. The exchanges are the centerpiece of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare. They’re a way for people to buy private health insurance without relying on an employer, and often with hefty federal government subsidies.

They’re also a way for the federal government to better control what the administration has considered the worst excesses of insurers.

Anyone offering a plan on an exchange may not cap coverage once people spend a certain amount, they must take all applicants who can pay, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, and they must provide for a minimum of care, including cancer screenings and vaccinations.

Slavitt says the technology is holding up this year and the sites have never

Asian American Diabetes Post-traumatic stress type 2 diabetes even if you are not overweight.

Christine Goodson, RD, LD, CDE

A

sian Americans are twice as likely to develop diabetes as compared to other cultures in the United States. This has sparked numerous initiatives at home and abroad to try to find out why and how to prevent this from happening. As a diabetes educator at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital this is of great interest and concern to me. I think we can all say that Houston is the best city in the nation and mainly because of our cultural diversity. Houstonians are very lucky to be able to enjoy and participate in each others’ traditions. Memorial Hermann embraces cultural differences and educates their employees on their differences so that our patients understand that we do care about their well-being. When I first found out about the prevalence of diabetes among Asian Americans I said to myself, “but they eat a healthy diet, how can that be?”

Currently, 60% of the world’s diabetic population is Asian.

So what is diabetes and why this increase? Diabetes is a chronic condition in which sugars build up in the blood beyond what is a normal amount.

In someone without diabetes, the hormone insulin moves these sugars into the cells so that it can be used as energy. In a person with diabetes, either not enough insulin is produced or the body is resistant to the insulin. But, it is preventable!

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include overweight and obesity, excess weight around the waist, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity, smoking, genetics and family history. In the Asian population, it is not uncommon to develop

If you are Asian, measure your waist circumference to predict your diabetes risk more accurately.4 Measure waist circumference by putting a tape measure around your body at the level of your belly button.

Your target measurement for waist circumference should be less than or equal to 90 cm (35.5 in) for men and 80 cm (31.5 in) for women.5 Having an apple shape or excess belly fat increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Step one is everyone’s prevention plan should be going to your physician to get screened for diabetes. This screening is very important since it can also inform you if you are pre-diabetic. This diagnosis means you need to take action now. If you are overweight, losing just 10% might mean avoiding the disease. .

But, if you experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, fatigue, very dry skin, or wounds that are slow to heal, you should contact your doctor.

This could mean you have type 2 diabetes.

Step two in your prevention plan is to get in touch with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Numerous diabetes prevention studies have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of getting type 2 diabetes by simple changes in lifestyle like increasing physical activity, eating healthier and losing weight. If you have type 2 diabetes, teaming up with a CDE is vital. Knowledge is power and with power comes control. A CDE is professionally licensed and trained in diabetes management. Our goal is for you to avoid getting diabetes and if you have it, to be able to live a long healthy life without it affecting you and your loved ones. CDE’s are the educators that stay informed of current research and will teach you the absolute best techniques to staying healthy. Whether you have

questions about medications, insulin, or stress reduction we are trained to help!

There are numerous reasons for the sharp increase in the Asian population but the one that tops the list is less physical activity. This is true for all cultures. We have remote controls for the television, garage doors and even our car stereos!

In addition, Asian diets consist mainly of processed grains like white rice and unhealthy fats like palm oil. Asians all over the world are also eating more fast food which is filled with sugary drinks, processed grains and unhealthy fats. In Asia, 50% of males smoke and air pollution has become a problem. Both have shown to increase insulin resistance leading to belly fat and possible diabetes.

In summary, it is never too late to be proactive with your health. Small changes in your lifestyle can lead to big rewards when it comes to preventing or even treating your diabetes.

Living a long healthy life if you have diabetes should be your ultimate goal. At Memorial Hermann, we are here to help you achieve that for your whole life!

References: 1 Chan JC, Malik V, Jia W, et al. Diabetes in Asia: epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology.

JAMA. 2009;301(20):2129-2140.

4 Huxley R, James WP, Barzi F, et al. Ethnic comparisons of the cross-sectional relationships between measures of body size with diabetes and hypertension.

Obes Rev. 2008;9 Suppl 1:5361.

Christine Goodson, RD, LD, CDE is a Certified Diabetes Educator at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. With 18 years of experience and a passion for helping persons with diabetes, she has been actively involved in the diabetes community through various outreach programs for her entire career.

She has been pre-diabetic and her father has had diabetes for over 40 years. If you need help, call 713-867-4515.

doubles diabetes risk in women

About one in nine women experience PTSD at some point, which is twice the rate among men, according to background information in the article.

MIAMI, AFP (1/7/2015) Women who suffer from posttraumatic stress are almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as women not affected by the disorder known as PTSD, a US study said Wednesday.

The research in the journal JAMA Psychiatry was led by public health scientists at Columbia University and Harvard University, and provides the “strongest evidence to date of a causal relationship between PTSD and type 2 diabetes,” the journal said in a statement.

The data was based on surveys given to nearly 50,000 US women from 1989 to 2011.

Researchers found that about half the increased risk for diabetes was attributable to the use of antidepressants (34 percent) and overeating, as measured by elevated body mass index (14 percent).

But the other half of the heightened risk could not be explained, and researchers ruled out potential links to smoking, diet, alcohol intake or exercise.

The study also found that

the more symptoms of PTSD a woman had, the higher her risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

About one in nine women experience PTSD at some point, which is twice the rate among men, according to background information in the article.

“Not only is PTSD devastating to mental health, but it affects physical health too, raising risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity,” said senior author Karestan Koenen, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School at Columbia University.

Researchers urged healthcare professionals to be on the lookout for signs of diabetes in women who have endured traumatic events.

“As fewer than half of Americans with PTSD receive treatment, our study adds urgency to the effort to improve access to mental health care to address factors that contribute to diabetes and other chronic diseases,” said first author Andrea Roberts, research associate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard School of Public Health.

Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com been overwhelmed.

Last year, just under 7 million people signed up on the exchanges. They’ll be automatically re-enrolled unless they decline to be. Several million more people got health insurance, often for the first time, in the more than 20 states that agreed to expand the Medicaid statefederal health insurance plan for people with low incomes.

“I am pleased with the response to date on Open Enrollment, but we know we still have a lot of work to do between now and February 15,” Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a statement.

“This shows that millions of Americans want access to affordable quality health insurance and they came to the Marketplace to find it.”

There are 37 states that used the federal HealthCare. gov platform. The others have their own websites.

Consulting firm Avalere Health projects that 10.5 million will have health insurance on the exchanges by the end of 2015 — more than the federal government’s projection of 9 million. People have until Feb. 15 to enroll in coverage on the federal exchanges.

Consumers face a Feb. 15, 2015, deadline to buy insurance, after which those without coverage could be hit with fines of $325 per adult or 2 percent of family income, whichever is higher. Uninsured people looking to escape the penalties are turning to the exchanges before they close, while insurance companies and tax preparers are seizing on the looming tax hit as a business opportunity.

One recent mass mailer from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield obtained by The Hill warned potential customers in the Washington, D.C., region that going without health insurance coverage would come with a steep cost.

When you don’t have health insurance ... you put your financial security at risk,” the mailer states.

“That’s because under the new Affordable Care Act legislation, millions of Americans will have to pay an increased penalty tax of at least 2 percent of their income in 2015 if they go uninsured.”

The “good news,” the letter said, is that CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has “solutions” to help people avoid the penalty, including coverage that is “compatible with financial assistance or free money from the government that will help qualifying individuals pay for insurance.”

The company declined to comment on the mailer.

The message is part of a shift in focus for the health insurance industry as Obama Care continues a relatively smooth second year of enrollment.

So call Health Life 360 at 832-415-3180 0R Sudhir Mathuria @ 713-771-2900 for prompt enrollment before January 15 for February 1 effective date.

VOICE OF ASIA 17

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Friday, January 9, 2015

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Section 2 Page 17 Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Obama takes US economic Global factors a risk for bright spell on the road US economy: Fed minutes

by Jérôme CARTILLIER

W

ASHINGTON - Riding high on a stronger economy, President Barack Obama is setting out on a US tour to highlight the improved numbers, with hopes that his approval rating follows suit.

A newly elected Congress led by Obama’s Republican opponents and forthcoming 2016 elections mean a combative year lies ahead where hot-button topics such as energy and health care are concerned.

But on the economic front, things are on the up and up, and Obama isn’t afraid to say so.

“Pick any metric that you want -- America’s resurgence is real.

We are better off,” Obama said at a year-end press conference, before leaving for vacation in Hawaii.

Amid a recession in Japan and a near-stall in the eurozone, the world’s largest economy is posting healthy results.

US growth surged to its highest level in 11 years in the third quarter with a five-percent increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) between July and September, the Commerce Department said at the end of 2014.

Unemployment is below the six percent mark and consumer confidence is at its highest level in nearly seven years.

It is against this backdrop that Obama embarks Wednesday on a series of stops in a ramp-up to his January 20 State of the Union address, in which the president sets forth his priorities for the coming year.

The president will deliver remarks Wednesday at a Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, where he plans to highlight the “resurgent” US automotive and manufacturing sectors.

At a high school in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, Obama will announce new measures to help more people “achieve the American dream of owning a home.”

And on Friday, the president will make remarks at a university in Knoxville, Tennessee, about education and vocational training.

‘Politically unpopular decisions’ Obama has seen a slight rebound in popularity seemingly linked to improved employment figures, as well as executive actions to overhaul aspects of America’s immigration system and US plans to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba.

His approval rating had long hovered near the 40 percent mark.

But according to the latest Gallup poll, Obama’s job approval recently came in at 48 percent, the highest since August 2013.

In an interview with The Detroit News published Wednesday, the president highlighted decisions he took in the first weeks of his White House tenure in 2009 that allowed US auto manufacturers to “get back in the game.”

Obama noted that he chose to rescue Chrysler in March 2009, despite the objections of his advisers who pressed for focusing only on GM and Ford. The decision saved thousands of jobs.

Over the last several months, the White House has tirelessly emphasized Obama’s decisions upon arriving in office six years ago, when the economy was in an upheaval.

“He had to make some pretty politically unpopular decisions to rescue the American economy,” said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

“The result has been not just

that we staved off a second Great Depression, but we’ve actually laid the groundwork for a stronger recovery that’s actually the envy of the entire world.”

The claim begs the old question about how much real influence the president wields over the US economy.

“The standard answer among economists, at least when they aren’t being political hacks, is: not much,” said Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman, before adding a slight caveat in Obama’s case.

“Is the president responsible for the accelerating recovery?

No,” Krugman, a columnist for the New York Times, wrote in the paper.

“Can we nonetheless say that we’re doing better than we would be if the other party held the White House? Yes,” he wrote, citing the impact of Obama’s stimulus package in particular.

Republicans say Obama is playing deaf to the message sent by voters when they dealt a devastating blow to the president’s fellow Democrats in November’s mid-term elections.

Mitch McConnell, the majority leader in the Senate that has newly fallen under Republican control, acknowledged that the recent numbers are encouraging.

“After so many years of sluggish growth, we’re finally starting to see some economic data that can provide a glimmer of hope,” he said in Congress.

But he was also quick to highlight that “the uptick appears to coincide with the biggest political change of the Obama administration’s long tenure in Washington: the expectation of a new Republican Congress.”

“So this is precisely the right time to advance a positive, progrowth agenda,” McConnell added.

The US Federal Reserve in Washington, DC is seen on December 10, 2013 (AFP Photo/Karen Bleier)

W

ASHINGTON, - The Federal Reserve was concerned about international risks to the US economy but saw no evidence of wage inflation, according to the minutes of the last meeting published Wednesday.

“Many participants regarded the international situation as an important source of downside risks to domestic real activity and employment,” said the minutes of the December 1617 meeting, as officials mulled when to raise interest rates.

The potential for a negative spillover effect would rise “particularly if declines in oil prices and the persistence of weak economic growth abroad had a substantial negative effect on global financial markets,” the minutes said, “or if foreign policy responses were insufficient.”

The meeting of the Fed’s policy arm, the Federal Open

Market Committee (FOMC), came amid a plunge in oil prices since June that has deepened further, more than halving the value of crude oil to below $50 a barrel currently.

The sharp fall in oil has roiled financial markets, especially in the first trading days of the year, as investors worry about weaker demand in a slowing economy teamed with abundant supplies.

The FOMC, in considering when to raise rates that have been pegged to near zero for six years to support the economy’s recovery from deep recession, saw in December a potential boon from dropping oil prices.

A few participants said the effect was likely to be positive on overseas employment and economic growth.

For the US economy, several participants expected slower economic growth abroad to curb the US economy, mainly through lower net exports.

“But the net effect of lower oil prices on US economic activity was anticipated to be positive.”

The policymakers saw “broad-based improvement” in the labor market since their October 28-29 meeting, with solid gains in job growth, a small reduction in the unemployment rate and increased hiring.

But despite the labor gains and the economy growing at a moderate pace, “most participants saw no clear evidence of a broad-based acceleration in wages.”

According to the minutes, “most participants” agreed to adding language in the FOMC statement about being patient in deciding to raise interest rates, expected in mid-2015.

“Most participants thought the reference to patience indicated that the Committee was unlikely to begin the normalization process for at least the next couple of meetings.”

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of January 9, 2015

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

READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

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

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

You quest to attain perfection, or your own version of perfection. Just when you think you have the ability to control your own destiny, things will start to erode slightly. Prepare to deal with the consequences of getting involved in someone else’s personal problems. You may be driven you to take chances that you normally wouldn’t even consider, otherwise. Let your basic grasp of cause and effect be your guiding light, for the moment. The circular nature of events will shed light on your past mistakes.

Keep up with everyone else’s expectations. You may need to curb some activities so you don’t spread yourself too thin. Don’t get lazy at the wrong moment. Encourage your partners to go forward with exciting and challenging plans. Your home may be a haven that enables you to express the best of your ideas and intellect. Children & elder family members will require your attention. People will respond easily to you, and you’ll seem to have your finger on the pulse of the public.

Scorpio (N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Use your powers of persuasion to influence other’s ideas. Don’t be shy about expressing your opinions. Value the things that you have to offer to important public projects.

Go full steam ahead with important projects, especially those that may lie at a distance from your present locale. There may be something you need to prove to yourself. Any work that you do now will be touched by your sincerity. Your present actions are destined to become the stuff that memories are made of.

Your psychic energy will be very strong. Predictions can influence your current reality without really overriding it. You may think that you need to keep peace, at any price. Be willing to walk away from events that require any force. Lead the way by simply doing what you do best. Your ultimate stroke of charm is your ability to laugh at yourself. Just a few words from you can make all the difference to those you love. A partnership hinges not only on what is said, but on what is understood, as well.

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Keep yourself grounded & realistic. Don’t sell yourself short. You are in the company of people who think the world of you. You’ll regain a measure of control over your life by being more confident in who you are. Your behavior will be understood by those who know you and love you. Seek their help to get yourself back on track. Accepting help doesn’t mean that you’re doing a bad job on your own, everyone can always stand a little improvement in their methods.

Communicate your plans & get started on your future agenda. This way, you’ll be able to put additional points in the bank and that will provide you with bigger dividends later on. Your creative fire will blaze brightly. This is a time of breakthrough and personal triumph. Experience is the best teacher for you right now. Take a risk if it will bring your dreams closer to coming true. A real commitment brings an instant return. Your stars show a ‘disappointment’ of some kind, possibly a schedule glitch and likely an elder or power person in the family ‘doing a change up on you’.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Nothing can stand between you and what you want. You have an exciting chance to express a more compassionate, caring and emotional part of yourself. You words will be well headed. Romance may sweep you off your feet, and you may feel loved and cared for. Emotional highs are certainly welcome. Find a way to create excitement in your social and public life. Enjoyment is key to the kind of work you can plan. You’ll be amazed by the amount of income potential, especially if it derives from partnership activities.

Trust your gut instincts & be aware of your own power and effectiveness. Some situations in your personal life may be trying, to say the least. Try not to let them to make you feel down. speak to someone impartial & get their perspective. Don’t allow expectations of family members to apply undue pressure on you. If you lose your focus, you could get careless. You will be effective in projects that you are able to promote on an international level. Partners/spouse could be important to the kind of success that will put your creative ideas on the map.

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August

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

Conserve your energy for important tasks to structure new public and career projects.

Investments and gambles may not pay off. If you’ve recently been disappointed in romance, felt abandoned, you may act in a way that you’ll regret later. Organizational discussions may not go well, either. You may be tempted to say some things you’ll wish you hadn’t. Be objective and try to understand how others might react to your actions. Show your compassion and utilize your sense of humor. Persevere in the face of apparently overwhelming odds.

Some emotional meltdown, either yours or someone else’s, close to you. Use any stress reduction techniques you can, (Yoga, Meditation, Prayers….) to help keep yourself cool. Take a break from what you’ve been doing, and check in with your partner before going any further.

Language & communication are tools you can use with great skill and power. If others aren’t prepared to give you what you deserve, reach out and take it for yourself. Celebrate your genius, even if you have to do it alone. Find and maintain your natural rhythm.

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

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Your ability to sit back, observe and proceed to follow your own best interests. Try noTread lightly on weakened personal & professional relationships. People at a distance may hurt your pride. Some may disapprove with your tactics, and will clearly let you know, how they feel. Don’t try to take on everybody by yourself. Group projects may require the use of kid gloves. Emotions & feelings will interfere with your ability to bring people closer together. You need to take a closer look in the mirror & face your own personal challenges.

Recognize your abilities and follow your dreams. Your home could be a wonderful base of operations. Your future success may include working creatively from a home office or shop.

QR

Your careful research and caution make falling in love, dealing with children, or expressing a talent, secure areas of your life. Ideal financial conditions could seem elusive, right now. You may think that someone who should want to cooperate has undermined your position with a public event. Let others take the glory, if that is the issue. You may have other vegetable to cook and can go on to other projects with ease once you’re really willing to let go the present. The desire to clarify all matters and be involved in high-minded projects is worth all your effort. Your words may not have come out right on the first attempt, Try again and this time add a little more feeling, passion.

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Houston Tamil Church (.org)

• 2130 Lone Star Dr. Sugar Land, Ph: 281-494-2981

• Welcome to our Sunday Worship Service @ 10 AM • Bible Study / Sunday School @ 9 AM • VBS Classes August 13, 14, and 15.

Rev. Duraimony Dickson • (281)208-8924

• 2514 Times Blvd. Rice Village, Ph: 713-523-4753

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CLASSIFIEDS

VOICE OF ASIA 19

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Part Time Accountant

Seeking a Gujarati Live-In

Property Management Company in Houston is looking for a part-time accountant with the following qualifications:

for cooking & light house-keeping in Houston, Texas for a Gujarati family.

Minimum base salary of $2,200 with additional incentives of $50/week for performance based bonus.

Only apply if Gujarati and legal resident.

• Degree in Accounting or Business preferred.

• Must have good working knowledge of Quickbooks and Excel.

Call 1-281-858-3005

• Experience in generating financial reports & bookkeeping.

• Other duties as assigned.

Good compensation for an experienced person

To apply please email your resume to:

princeville.investments@gmail.com (Please indicate in the subject line: “Accounting Position”)

Know Your Words

Here’s your chance to be a Vocabulary Sleuth!

Guzzle - (verb) To swallow greedily or hastily; gulp.

Hydrous - (adjective) Watery.

Inebriate - (verb) To intoxicate.

Jocose - (adjective) Done or made in jest.

Kingling - (noun) A petty king.

Free community events on: www.voiceofasiaonline.com Calendar!

Got a favorite word? Let us know!

Email us: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

Now You Know!

Amazing facts from all over the WORLD!

• a strawberry is the only fruit which seeds grow on the outside.

• french fries are originally from Belgium.

• 96% of candles sold are purchased by women.

• Hawaii was originally called the Sandwich Islands.

• bats are the only mammals that fly.

Free community events on: www.voiceofasiaonline.com Calendar!

Got a favorite fact? Let us know!

Email us: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

SAFETY

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Hiring and Onboarding Process Consultant Services Project No. 15-06 Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/ departments/procurement.

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06 Houston Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

R

according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while children and

KTRK-TV, the ABC owned station in Houston, TX is looking for someone who has a passion for news, a love of writing and a burning desire to one day become a newscast producer in a top 10 market. We are now accepting applications for our ASSOCIATE PRODUCER TRAINEE. This is a one-year training position. The AP Trainee will gain valuable experience in all areas related to producing a television newscast – including the important relationship between our broadcast and digital platforms. Candidates must be willing to work overnights and weekends. College degree preferred. Preference will be given to those with previous television news experience. You must have a strong desire to pursue a career as a television newscast producer. Those most successful in this position seek continual feedback, can prioritize assignments and thrive under pressure.

Being a journalist is not just a job, it is a way of life. Only serious candidates should apply. This is a one year training position. There is no assurance of continued employment at the end of the training program. To be considered for the position all interested applicants must apply on-line at: www.disneycareers.com. Applicants must upload cover letter, resume and references. In addition, please send writing samples to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 241523BR on ALL materials submitted. Equal Opportunity Employer Female/ Minority/ Veteran/ Disability. No Telephone Calls.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) Bid Package #3 – Civil, Structural, Architectural & MEPF HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HISD)

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY FROM HBR.ORG Tackle New Projects After Prioritizing the Old Ones

T

he new year is a good time to think about trying fresh initiatives that can help move your organization forward. But if you want them to be successful, you need to manage the time involved.

Don’t give your team more assignments without taking some away first. If you don’t communicate clear priorities, people won’t know what’s important and what can wait, and it won’t be long before almost everyone feels overstressed and overworked. Once you let your team know which areas are ripe for improvement, free up time to move toward that vision by consolidating, eliminating, or streamlining current activities. Then encourage shortterm experiments that will help them learn how to get to the vision quicker and with greater impact.

Adapted from “Help Your Team Spend Time on the Right Things” by Ron Ashkenas and Amy McDougall.

Read Voice of Asia for Community News

Tips to Prevent Slips and Falls in Your Bathroom oughly 234,000 injuries occur in the bathroom annually,

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER TRAINEE

adults over 70 are most at risk, more than half of all injuries involve people between

Cadence McShane Construction as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Government Code 2269, will receive bids or proposals from all qualified subcontractors for the Bid Package 3 – Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Protection.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 3:00 pm at the Houston offices of the AGC located at 3825 Dacoma St., Houston, TX 77092. A Site-Visit of the project will be held immediately following the preproposal conference for those interested.

Bids or proposals are due Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 2:00pm, and bids or proposals should be emailed to: houstonbids@cadencemcshane.com or mailed/ delivered to the Cadence McShane Construction, 7701 W. Little York, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77040. Late bids will not be accepted.

There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract, or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, Cadence McShane, will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. Cadence McShane, is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. Bids or proposals submitted without all required information, and in the order and manner specified, may result in the bid or proposal being considered non-responsive.

HISD, the Owner, reserves the right to waive any informality and/or to reject any, or all bids, or proposals.

Contact Bob Bedrich at bbedrich@cadencemcshane.com or Wm. Earl Finley, C.P.M., A.P.P. at wfinley@houstonisd.org for additional information on this project.

Drawings and specifications are available on iSQFT (www.isqft.com) and in the Cadence McShane office located at 7701 W. Little York, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77040.

Drawings and Specifications may also be reviewed at: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 • McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098.

(832) 613-0201

ages 25 and 64.

A few safety prevention measures can make your bathroom safer: • Grab bars: Gripping things like shower doors or towel bars can lead to injury. Reduce your risk of failing in the tub or shower by installing a grab bar.

• Seats: For those with balance concerns, a seat, chair or

bench in the shower can be a good idea, as shower floors can become particularly slick.

Also, remember to use a shower mat.

• Toilet safety: Elevated toilet seats can help those with mobility issues ease onto the seat. Safety bars are another smart addition.

If aesthetics are a priority, check out manufacturers who put a premium on design, and

VOICE OF ASIA

whose products meet American with Disability Act safety requirements. For example, Moen Home Care offers safety fixtures in varying styles and finishes like chrome, brushed nickel and old world bronze. More information can be found at www.Moen.com/ homecare.

With a few additions to your bathrooms, you can make them serene, stylish and safe.

SOURCE: (StatePoint)

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 VOICE OF ASIA 20

FRIDAY, January 9, 2015

Branding

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• kind, grade, or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark, or the like: example: the best brand of coffee.

• to promote as a brand name.

To advertise: Having a weekly budget is wise planning, most successful businesses plan for the entire year.

Businesses set apart 7 - 8% or more for advertising from their revenue.

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Plan and Execute: Plan your mode of advertising, print or online, video or banner ads, e-mail blasts, there are several ways which can be combined to get you Results over time.

VOICE OF ASIA

The largest newsweekly for Asian Americans and South Asian families, reaching Fort Bend, Harris and Brazoria Counties...

has been helping businesses for 25 years, since 1987 to get their message heard, time and again, to get them new and repeat customers.

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