voice of asia e-paper june 17 2016

VOICE OF ASIA 1 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

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Vol. 29 No. 25 Friday, June 17, 2016 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: [email protected]

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HOUSTON, June, 7, 2016 - On 11 December 2014, the United Nations General As-

sembly declared 21st June as the Inter-national Day of Yoga receiving broad support from 177 member states, in-cluding USA. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of 21st June as International Day of Yoga by Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi during his address to UN Gen-eral Assembly on 27 September 2014.

Consulate General of India, Houston in association with the Pralaya Yoga Studio Houston will be celebrating

2nd Int’nal Day of Yoga on June 21st at Discovery Green

by Manu Shah

A soaking Houston officially welcomed the new Consul General Anupam Ray, his wife Amit Gold-berg and family to the Bayou City at a community

wide reception hosted by 22 Indo American organizations. Held on June 12th at India House, the CG met with leaders and key members of the organizations, delivered a brilliant address and in the words of IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia “bowled everyone over” with his de-meanor.

Founding Trustee of India House Dr. Durga Agrawal introduced the CG highlighting his illustrious career and knowledge of the scriptures as well as referred to his work with the Ramakrishna Mission and the revival of the famed Nalanda University in Bihar. As Joint Secretary in the Min-istry of External Affairs, CG Ray played a key role in get-ting it off the ground in 2014 with 15 students. Dr. Agrawal also enjoined the CG to help bring PM Modi to Houston.

“A man of action with a democratic purpose, very inclu-sive, focused and likes to get things done” were some of the descriptions that were used by IAPAC President Karun Sreerama in his remarks.

Continued on Page 5

Welcome reception for Indian Consul General by Indian Americans in Houston

the second International Day of Yoga on Tuesday, 21 June 2016 from 1830 hrs. at Discovery Green, Downtown, Houston in close coordination with Patanjali Yogpeeth USA, Hindus of Greater Houston, Hindu Swayam Se-vak Sangh, VYASA Houston, Sana-than Hindu Center, Samskriti, Cen-ter for Indian Performing Arts, Ekal Vidyalaya, ISHA Foundation, India House, Ismaili Council, Art of Living, SEWA , Sri Meenakshi Temple Soci-ety and Texas Yoga Association.

The event is free and open to the public. Events in Texas on Page 5.

Consul General Anupam Ray addressing the audience on June 12th, 2016 at India House. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit.

Heads of 22 Indo American organizations of Houston with Consul General Anupam Ray and his wife Amit Goldberg (seated center) at the India House on June 12, 2016. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit.

Participants of the 2015 International Day of Yoga. Photo credit Bijay Dixit

Joe Zimmerman is Sugar Land’s New Mayor

Joe Zimmerman. Courtesy Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc.

SUGAR LAND, TX - Former city Councilman Joe Zimmer-man won in the June 11 runoff

mayoral election by securing 61.12 percent of the vote to city councilman Harish Jajoo’s 38.88 percent, accord-ing to unofficial results tabulated by the city.

Zimmerman who replaces Mayor James Thompson, is a businessman and engineer by profession and train-ing, Zimmerman is the director of development at Cobb, Fendley & As-sociates, Inc., the 10th-largest Hous-ton-area civil and structural engineer-ing firm.

“My journey to become Sugar Land’s Mayor began over a year ago. Nancy and I sincerely thank the many people

who were part of the Joe Zimmerman campaign,” Zimmerman thanked his supporters.

Jajoo, has been Sugar Land’s Dis-

trict 4 city council member since 2011. If elected, Jajoo would have been the first South Asian Mayor of Sugar Land. “While I was not elected, to say the campaign was not a success

overlooks the important milestones reached, both for me personally and for the Indo-American community as a whole,” were his reflections of the campaign. (See on Page 4) .

VOICE OF ASIA 2 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

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Publisher: Koshy ThomasAssociate Publisher: Sherly PhilipEditor-in-Chief: Shobana MurateeAustin Correspondent: Sherine ThomasPrint & Media Marketing: Jacob DavidMarketing: Susan Pothanikat Office Manager: Priyan Mathew

Columnists:Legal: Richard M. AldermanLegal: Sharlene Sharmila RichardsResearch: Prof. Meenakshi BhattacharjeeHealth Insurance: Sudhir MathuriaAstrology: Hardik Vyas

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Editor Online: Shobana Muratee

All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher. Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Email for editorial submissions: [email protected]; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: [email protected]

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

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The Indians now realized what was at stake; but they were unable to decide what to do. They requested Gandhi to postpone his departure and help them. He agreed to stay on for another month and organize re-sistance to the new bill.

Late that night the Indians held a meeting ill Abdulla Seth’s house under the presi-dentship of Seth Haji Muham-mad, the most influential Indian merchant there. They resolved to oppose the Franchise Bill with all their strength.

Telegrams were sent to the Speaker of the Assembly and the Premier of Natal request-ing them to postpone further discussion on the bill. The Speaker promptly replied that the discussion would be put off for two days.

The Natal Indians then drew up a petition to the Legislative Assembly pleading against the bill. This was followed up by another petition to Lord Ripon, the then Secretary of State for the Colonies. This was signed by more than ten thousand In-dians. Copies of the petition were circulated in South Af-rica, England, and India. There was much sympathy for the Natal Indians’ plight, but the campaign had started too late to stop the bill becoming law.

However, the campaign did do some good. For the first time, the people of India came to know of the conditions in Natal. An even more important result was the new spirit that now awakened the Indians in South Africa. The Natal Indians pressed Gandhi to remain and

guide them for a little longer. Gandhi told them that he was prepared to stay on if the In-

dian community would provide him with sufficient legal work. They gladly agreed to do this. Twenty merchants turned over all their legal business to him.

When Gandhi applied for en-rolment as an attorney to argue cases in court, the entire bar, composed of white lawyers, strongly opposed him. The Su-preme Court of Natal overruled the objection, however, and he was allowed to practise.

Soon Gandhi became one of the busiest lawyers in Durban; but to him law was a subordi-nate occupation. His main inter-est was his public work. He felt that merely sending in petitions and protests would not help the Indians much. A sustained agi-tation was necessary.

So he proposed the formation of a permanent organization to safeguard the interests of Indians. A meeting was called to discuss this matter. The spa-cious hall in Dada Abdulla’s house was packed to the full. It was there, on that occasion,

that the Natal Indian Con-gress was formed. In 1894 the Natal Government sought to impose an annual polltax on the indentured Indians. These were laborers who had been recruited from India on a five-year contract, but on starvation wages. Under the contract they could not leave their employer. They were treated practically as slaves. These men had been taken to South Africa to help the white colonizers in agri-cultural work. The Indians did more than had been expected of them. They worked hard, pur-chased land, and started culti-vating their own fields. Their enterprise did not end there. They soon built houses and raised themselves far above the status of laborers. The white people did not like this. They wanted the Indian workers to return to India at the end of the contract period.

To make things much harder for them, the Government now imposed an annual poll-tax of £25. The Natal Indian Con-gress started a strong agitation against this. Later, at the in-tervention of Lord Elgin, then Viceroy of India, the tax was reduced to £3. Still Gandhi considered it an atrocious tax, unknown anywhere else in the world. The Natal Indian Con-gress continued its agitation, but it was 20 years before the poll-tax was finally withdrawn.

In three years in South Afri-ca, Gandhi had become a well-known figure. And his practice was well established. He real-ized that he was in for a long stay. He knew that the people there wanted him with them, so in 1896 he asked their per-mission to go home and bring his wife and children to South

Africa. Besides, a visit to In-dia would be useful in gaining more support for the Indians in South Africa. He had arranged his work so well that he could look forward to six months’ leave.

In the middle of 1896 Gandhi sailed for India, and after twen-tyfour days landed at Calcutta. From there he went to Rajkot. It was a happy family reunion when Kasturbai welcomed him with their two sons. But the plight of the Indians in South Africa was so much on his mind that he could not be content to enjoy domestic bliss in peace. He therefore launched a cam-paign to acquaint the people of India with the real condition of the Indians in South Africa. He met the editors of influential newspapers and important Indi-an leaders, including Lokaman-ya B. G. Tilak, the hero of Ma-harashtra, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale who, like Gandhi, was already famous at the age of 27. Wherever Gandhi went, he tried to make the people aware of the lot of their compatriots in South Africa. Many news-papers published his views and

strongly supported his case. Summaries of these newspaper reports and comments reached South Africa long before Gan-dhi returned there.

Meanwhile, plague broke out in Bombay and threatened to spread to neighboring areas. In Rajkot Gandhi volunteered to join a group who tried to edu-cate the people about the need for sanitation and other mea-sures to prevent the spread of the disease.

At the end of November, however, Gandhi received an urgent message from Natal ask-ing him to return immediately. There were some develop-ments which required his pres-ence there. So Gandhi set sail for South Africa once more, taking with him Kasturbai and their two sons and also the only son of his widowed sister.

However, a message reached Gandhi advising him not to land with the others but to wait until evening, as there was an angry mob of whites at the dock. Kas-turbai and the children were sent to the house of Gandhi’s Parsee friend, Rustomji.

Later, accompanied by Jason Laughton, the legal adviser of Dada, Abdulla & Co., Gandhi went ashore. The scene looked peaceful, but some youths recognized him and shouted, “Look, there goes Gandhi.”

Soon there was a rush and much shouting. As Gandhi and his friends proceeded, the crowd began to swell until it was impossible to go any fur-ther. Suddenly Laughton was pushed aside and the mob set upon Gandhi. They pelted him with stones, sticks, bricks, and rotten eggs. Someone snatched away his turban, others kicked him until the frail figure col-lapsed. He clung to the rail-ing of a house. The fury of the white mob was unabated and they continued to beat him and kick him.

“Stop, you cowards,” cried a feminine voice. “Stop attacking the poor man.” It was the wife of the Superintendent of po-lice. She came up and opened her parasol and held it between Gandhi and the crowd. This checked the mob. Soon the po-lice arrived and dispersed the crowd. — To be continued.

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When Gandhi ap-plied for enrolment as an attorney to argue cases in court, the entire bar, composed of white lawyers, strongly opposed him. The Supreme Court of Natal overruled the objection, however, and he was allowed to practice.

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The Board and Staff of Daya express our sorrow and outrage over the loss of 49 innocent lives in the mass shooting on 6-12-16 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. As a domestic vio-lence organization serving the South Asian community,

Daya stands against all forms of violence, especially those based on gender, race and sexual orientation. The people who lost their lives in Orlando represented the rich American mosaic that makes this country unique and desir-able. We are saddened by their tragic end and extend our sym-pathies to the Orlando com-munity. We oppose the hate and fear that are behind any

Ban assault weapons now June 15, 2016 - A common

thread links the mass slaughters of first-graders in Newtown, Connecticut, of county workers in San Bernardino, California, and of nightclub patrons in Or-lando: The killers used assault-style weapons that are efficient machines of murder.

Such weapons are accurate and quick, firing with just the twitch of a finger, perfect for mowing down human beings, particularly if equipped with high-capacity magazines. They have become the weapon of choice of people intent on may-hem, most recently Omar Ma-teen in Orlando, who brought an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle to the packed nightclub where he killed 49 and wounded 53 early Sunday.

Conveniently for aspiring mass killers, such weapons are easy to buy legally in most states. Which is one reason that after just about every mass shooting, there are calls for a national ban on this style of weapon, originally designed for war. And to outlaw the high-capacity magazines, with more than 10 rounds, that help make them so deadly.

Would these bans prevent all mass shootings? Of course not. Are they a substitute for doing everything possible to identify and thwart would-be Islamic terrorists? No. Would the bans save lives and make it harder to carry out mass murder? Yes. And that alone makes them worth doing.

Assault weapons were

banned once before, for a de-cade starting in 1994. Law-abiding citizens were still able to defend themselves. Hunters were still able to hunt. Mass shootings did not end, but two studies suggest the law helped by gradually reducing the num-ber of assault weapons used in crimes.

While assault weapons equipped with high-capacity magazines are used in only a small percentage of crimes, holding down the size of maga-zines could save lives, Johns Hopkins’ researchers reported in 2012. Even if the ban eventu-ally prevented only 20 percent of those incidents, that would translate into 100 fewer ho-micides and 500 fewer people wounded by gunshots per year.

The 1994 law might have been even more successful had it been crafted more strictly. But gun makers are adept at finding legal loopholes, and this was no exception. They tweaked their products and sold the revised version legally.

A tighter measure could do more, while explicitly exempt-ing hundreds of hunting rifles and shotguns. An attempt to do just that failed in the Senate in 2013, even in the wake of the massacre of elementary school-children. The ever-powerful gun lobby stands in the way of such logical changes by twist-

ing any move to limit the sale of certain kinds of guns into a menacing attempt to take away all guns.

The abundance of assault weapons, and the ease with which they can be purchased in the USA, is a gap that gives mass shooters an edge and has buoyed even the nation’s worst enemies. An American-born spokesman for al-Qaeda observed in a 2011 video that

“America is awash with easily obtainable firearms” and asked aspiring killers, “So what are you waiting for?”

As Americans mourn the deaths of 49 innocent people, they should be asking the same question of members of Con-gress standing in the way of commonsense gun safety mea-sures.

Courtesy: USA Today

Daya Inc. – Statement on Orlando Shooting

Editorial

act of violence targeting a par-ticular community or group. As Americans, every one of us should speak out against hate and violence if we want to continue to enjoy the free-dom, opportunity and choices that this country offers to her citizens. Daya condemns the Orlando shooting not only for its horror and for the loss of precious lives but also for the way the tragedy has cut into the core of what America rep-resents – inclusion and diver-sity. At this time of collective grief, Daya renews its resolve to promote a violence-free so-ciety by supporting women, children, minorities and mar-ginalized groups in their quest to live their lives with dignity, respect and equality.


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Orissa Culture Cen-ter (OCC) in col-laboration with Sri

Sitaram Foundation is all set for celebrating the ninth chariot festival in Houston on 9th July, 2016 at the In-dia House, 8888 W Bellfort Blvd., Houston, TX 77031.

This year OCC is proud to present several classical dances presented by emi-nent dance schools in Od-isha and Houston. The clas-sical dances include Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Odissi from different schools in Houston. Most notable among these pre-sentations are the two Odissi dance troupes from Odisha called “Adruta” and “Anan-ta”. “Adruta” is a unit of the RAWA (Art for Service and Blessedness) and has the sole objective of nurturing deserted and deprived chil-dren to gain excellence in the art of dance. Adruta team of artists has earned recog-nition in India by their per-formance of Odissi and folk dances. They have achieved excellence under the tutelage of Guru Bharat Charan Giri. Every dance presentation of

The Chariot Festival – A Unique Spiritual and Cultural Event(Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra – 2016)

Adruta bears testimony of the uniqueness of the Odis-si style improvised by late Guru Devaprasad Das.

The core belief system that binds all humanity is rooted in the ancient Vedic Philoso-phy of Universal Brother-hood. The origin of Vedic Philosophy dating back to the dawn of human civiliza-tion identifies every soul as the manifestation of the ul-timate divine force that we call God. For over one thou-sand years, the rituals sur-rounding Lord Jagannath in Puri, Orissa, has influenced the art, culture and spiritual evolution in the Indian sub-continent in many ways.

The Odissi dance has evolved from the temple dance to the form we see to-day as one among the most popular Indian classical dances. Jayadeva’s lyrical Geeta Govindam in praise of Lord Jagannath has in-fluenced the literature and music of Indian subcontinent resulting in numerous im-mortal compositions. On the spiritual front, many saints and Vedic scholars have visited the shrine at Puri to

seek spiritual uplift and have helped spread the philosophy of religious tolerance among masses. Adi Sankara of the 8th century visited Puri and established the Govardhana Matha for propagation of Rigvedic Philosophy. He also established three other Vedic centers in West, North and South of India. Lord Chait-anya of 14th century visited Puri and saw Lord Jagannath as the manifestation of Lord Krishna and propagated the Bhakti movement to differ-ent parts of India.

Celebration of this festival is possible by generous sup-port and sponsorship of par-ticipating organizations and individuals. For sponsorship and other details please visit www.houstonrathyatra.org. The event is partially fund-ed by a grant from Houston City Arts Alliance. Please stay tuned for further details to be published soon.

For information, please vis-it www.houstonrathyatra.org or call 832-225-2376 or e-mail at [email protected]. You may connect on https://www.facebook.com/HoustonRathYatra

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospi-tal neurologist helps Rosenberg wom-an with rare Foreign Accent Syndrome

SUGAR LAND – (June 6, 2016) — A physician at Houston Methodist

Sugar Land Hospital is work-ing to uncover new information about a rare neurological dis-order that has impacted fewer than 100 people worldwide since it was first described in 1907.

For Lisa Alamia, 33, the trou-ble began when she had surgery on her jaw in December 2015 to correct a serious overbite. The surgery was successful, and Alamia had minimal swelling. However, when she began to speak, her voice suddenly had a distinct British accent.

“I didn’t notice it at first,” said Alamia. “But my husband told me I was talking funny. My surgeon thought it was just a physical result of the surgery and that it would go away as I healed.”

When the accent persisted, however, Alamia’s surgeon sug-gested she see her primary care physician, who later referred her to board-certified neurolo-gist Toby Yaltho, M.D., with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates. Yaltho diagnosed Alamia with Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS), which causes patients to suddenly be-gin speaking with a new, dis-tinct accent. It is frequently a consequence of head trauma or stroke, but not always. “This is a fascinating and very rare case,” said Yaltho. Although Yaltho had studied about FAS, he never expected to treat someone suf-fering from the rare condition. “Most neurologists work their entire careers and never come across FAS,” he said.

Yaltho conducted a complete neurological exam on Alamia, including an MRI scan of her brain to determine if she had suffered a stroke or other injury, and an electroencephalogram (EEG), which is used to detect abnormalities in brain waves that could lead to seizures.

“Everything came back nor-mal,” said Yaltho. “There was

Toby Yaltho, M.D. and Lisa Alamia. Phot credit. HMSLH.

no evidence of stroke or other abnormalities.”

Meanwhile, the accent made Alamia extremely self-con-scious and kept her from inter-acting with others. “For a while, whenever I went out in public, I was afraid I would see someone I know and I would have to talk with them,” she said. “I didn’t want people to laugh or to think I was talking this way on pur-pose, but Dr. Yaltho has helped me to understand that there is something going on in my brain that is triggering the accent, and that’s made me feel more com-fortable.”

Although some people with FAS find that their accent di-minishes over time, in some cases it is permanent. There is no known cure. For Alamia, the next steps involve speech therapy and a functional MRI of the brain, which tracks activ-ity in specific parts of the brain by measuring changes in blood flow.

“The human brain is a com-plex organ, and we don’t know if we will ever be able to com-pletely understand what causes FAS” said Dr. Yaltho. “When

we have the opportunity to learn more, we have to do all we can. We hope to learn as much as possible to contribute to the understanding of FAS to hopefully help future patients and their physicians.”

A similar FAS case involving oral surgery surfaced in 2011, when a native-born Oregon woman awoke from a routine dental procedure and found that she spoke with an Irish ac-cent. Like Alamia, over time she learned to handle the ques-tions and comments from both friends and strangers.

“I’ve learned that not every-thing in life has an answer,” said Alamia, “but the accent doesn’t define who I am. I’m still the same person I was be-fore surgery; I just talk differ-ently.”

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Neuroscience & Spine Center, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Toby Yaltho, call 281.274.7979. Vis-it our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the lat-est news, events and informa-tion.

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Texas Consumer Complaint Center offers free help to consumersQ. You once mentioned

a program at the Univer-sity of Houston Law Center that provides assistance to consumers with problems. What was the name and how do I contact them? Is there a charge for its ser-vices?

A. The program you are referring to is the Texas Consumer Complaint Cen-ter. The Texas CCC, as it is known, was established the Center for Consumer Law ten years ago to help con-sumers resolve simple con-sumer disputes. The CCC is staffed by attorneys and law students, helps with any type of consumer prob-lem, and does not charge for its services. It deals with everything from debt collection and landlord ten-ant problems, to faulty re-pairs or construction, and defective products. To file a complaint with the CCC, visit www.texasccc.com, or call (713) 743-4570.

Q. My neighbor built a new flowerbed all long the property line. The bed is substantially higher than our lot and when it rains, we now flood. Is this legal?

A. As far as the law is concerned, your neighbor does not have the right to alter the natural flow of water and is liable for any damage caused if he does. As a practical matter, you should discuss this with your neighbor and try to convince him to install proper drainage. If he re-fuses, you may need a local real estate attorney to assist you with your negotiations.

Q. I just got a notice to be out of my apartment in

three days. I have not been able to pay rent and I know I will be evicted but can it hap-pen this fast. Can I be evicted in three days? Will he just put my stuff on the street?

A. Assuming the landlord has the right to evict you, for example you have not paid rent or violated the terms of your lease, the three day evic-tion notice is sufficient. You will not, however, be thrown-out in three days if you do not move.

A landlord does not have the right to just remove you or your property from the apartment or lock you out. To evict you, the landlord must go to court. [He may change the locks, but if he does this he must make a key available for you to come and go, 24-hours a day.] If the landlord goes to court to have you evicted, a prompt hearing will be sched-uled to determine whether the landlord has the right to evict you. Assuming he does and the judge agrees you should be evicted, you will be in-structed to leave. If you do not promptly leave, the landlord can go back to court and get an ordered directing the con-stable to remove all of your property. The property will then be put in storage and you will have to pay a substantial fee to have it returned.

The eviction process can take a few weeks, but my advice is to not wait to leave the apartment. You can’t be thrown out in three days, but I recommend you move out as soon as possible, and defi-nitely before the constable shows up and removes your property.

Q. You have written about our consumer protection law,

the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Can I file a claim under this law in jus-tice court without an attor-ney? Can I get three times my damages?

A. You may file a claim in justice court, the Texas small claims court, for money damages under any legal theory recognized in Texas, including the De-ceptive Trade Practices Act. The only limitation is that your claim must be for $10,000 or less. The Deceptive Trade Practices Act allows you to recover up to three times your dam-ages, but only if you show the person you are suing acted knowingly. Basically this means that he knew or should have known that he was misleading or deceiv-ing you.

If you ask for additional damages in your petition, be sure to state that you believe that the defendant acted knowingly. You also must send the defendant written notice of the na-ture of your claim and your amount of damages, excluding any additional damages, 60 days before you file suit. If the defen-dant offers a reasonable settlement, my advice is to take it. Rejecting a reason-able settlement could result in attorney’s fees being as-sessed against you if you don’t collect more or lose in court.

To learn more about your legal rights, including the Deceptive Trade Practic-es Act, visit my website, www.peopleslawyer.net.

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by Harish Jajoo

My campaign to become Mayor of Sugar Land – city I have come to cherish – ended last week.

While I was not elected, to say the campaign was not a success overlooks the important milestones reached, both for me personally and for the Indo-American community as a whole. As a person, and as a citizen, taking part in a municipal election enlarged my sense of both civic pride and Americanism.

As a person of Indian ancestry, it was clear to me that I would be viewed as a window into our community, its culture, its place in Ameri-can society, and its aspirations. Though India is a place of many faith traditions, scores of dialects, and a rich and complex network of social groups, it was inevitable that many vot-ers would draw conclusions about Indian com-munity as a whole from what they saw in the campaign.

It was gratifying, first, to see the Indo-Amer-

Reflections on the campaign

ican community not simply offer support, but to participate in larger numbers than usual in the Sugar Land Election. While I was grateful for their support, it is important to note that some Indo- Americans felt confident enough in their place in American democracy to sup-port my opponent. That is a healthy sign, one that speaks volumes about our assimilation into our home.

It was equally satisfying to know that, win or lose, I had visited with my fellow citizens of all backgrounds, heard their thoughts, and per-haps made myself and so many other “new” Americans, seem a bit less foreign.

I am here to say that America is fulfilling its promise to its immigrants. For all the tur-bulence and strife that surround our political system, the Indian-American community has a role to play in fulfilling the great experiment that is our new and wonderful land.

For that, we can all be both grateful and op-timistic as we look toward the future and our place in it.

Harish Jajoo

VOICE OF ASIA 5 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016COMMUNITY

Consul General Anupam Ray’s address to the commu-nity members was, simply put, rocking. Peppered with slokas from the Gita, lines by Tag-ore and laced with humor, he brought the gathering to their feet in a standing ovation.

Some of the highlights of his speech are given here:

CG Ray described India as “a country that is one of the fast-est growing and most dynamic economies of the world; a country that is at the high table

Welcome reception for Indian Consul General by Indian .......

Continued from Page 1 of International diplomacy; a country that is certain to ac-quire great power status and its imprimatur - a permanent seat on the UN Security Council; a country that is a beacon for liberty and freedom; a country that inspite of great challenges never deviated from the ardu-ous path of representative de-mocracy; a country that faces many problems; but never ducks them; never attempts to sugarcoat them; and never backs down. Whatever the odds, we said to ourselves… – Never despair”

“The famous Indian intel-

lectual K. Subramaniam spoke to us during our training. He exhorted us never to accede to nuclear apartheid…We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the African National Congress when it fought apartheid in South Africa. We will fight apartheid when it comes to international arrangements. Whether it comes to the nu-clear non-proliferation order; whether it comes to World Trade negotiations; whether it comes to climate change talks; we will do what we think is right. We will not break the law. But we will not accept a law that we see as unfair. Even if we are alone. That is the way we are.”

“Openness, honesty, a proven track record – these make India a reliable partner. That is why there is recognition across the United States, across all shades of the political spectrum, across all barriers and fault lines, that the relationship between India and the US will be what Presi-dent Obama described 6 years ago as the “most defining part-nership of the 21st century.”

“I look forward during my stay here to build and strength-en the bridge that connects our two countries. The bridge did not appear. It was built brick by brick. Sometimes, pain-fully. Sometimes, joyfully. Through political understand-ings. Through business deals… Through yoga. Through Holly-wood and Bollywood. Through Christmas and Diwali…Through grieving together

when terrorists strike; through celebrating when Mangalyaan reaches Mars and when the lat-est model of the iPhone emerg-es.”

“All of you contributed. And I know that you will continue

IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia speaking at the India House event. Photo by Bijay Dixit.

to contribute to strengthen this mighty bridge between two great nations, separated by the oceans but joined in mind and values.”

“Engagement with the diaspora is now one of the fun-

damentals of our foreign pol-icy. When I began my diplo-matic career, the only term that was used to describe an over-seas Indian was NRI. The NRI of yesterday has been joined by the PIO and the OCI, and now the OI. The multiplicity of choice, I know, infuriates and confuses some of you…We are working within the limitations of law and systems…The de-termination of the Government of India to retain the affections of Indians everywhere is evi-dent. We are determined to not let you go. You are not paraya dhan for us.”

“Stressed and challenged as our Governmental systems are, we have been able to create a network within the Govern-ment that engages the diaspora globally….All of us diplomats in the field are tasked with en-gaging you and working with you. We will continue to refine our thinking and improve on how we interact with you and include you in our national journey.”

The Consul General con-cluded his address by assuring the community that he will al-ways be available to them, add to the responsiveness, further improve service delivery and engage them more intensively.

In his vote of thanks, ICC Trustee Swapan Dhairyawan thanked the attendees for their support and cooperation as well as all those who helped move the event smoothly.

The gathering also observed a one minute silence in mem-ory of Ashok Dhingra, a key member of the community who passed away on June 3rd and for the lost lives in the chilling Orlando massacre.

International Day of Yoga 2016 Events In Texas

Separate events are being organized in Texas to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. These events will be held as the per the following schedule:

1. Date: Saturday,18 June, 2016Venue: Tripoint Event Center, San Antonio Organizers: Yoga Day, Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh, SEWA USA, SA 2020 and EKAM.

2. Date: Sunday,19 June, 2016Venue: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza, Irving Organizers: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas, Irving.

3. Date: Tuesday, 21 June 2016 Venue Discovery Green, Downtown, Houston. Organizers: Consulate General of India, Houston in association with the Pralaya Yoga Studio Houston and in coordination with Patanjali Yogpeeth USA, Hindus of Greater Houston, Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh, VYASA Houston, Sanathan Hindu Center, Samskriti, Center for Indian Performing Arts, Ekal Vidyalaya, ISHA Foundation, India House, Ismaili Council, Art of Living, SEWA , Sri Meenakshi Temple Society and Texas Yoga Association.

4. Date: Sunday, 26 June 2016 Venue: NASA, Houston. Organizers: Consulate General of India, Houston in coordination with Patanjali Yogpeeth USA, Hindus of Greater Houston, Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh, VYASA Hous-ton, Sanathan Hindu Center, Samskriti, Center for Indian Performing Arts, Ekal Vidyalaya, ISHA Foundation, India House, Ismaili Council, Art of Living, SEWA, Sri Meenakshi Temple Society and Texas Yoga Association.

5. Date: Saturday 30 July, 2016 Venue: State Capitol, Austin. Organizers: Consulate General of India Houston in coor-dination with ISHA Foundation, Art of Living, AGNI, Hindu Swyamsevak Sangh, SEWA International, New York Life and University of Texas at Austin.

SUGAR LAND, TX – Sugar Land is looking for volunteers interested

in giving their time, energy and expertise to serve as members on the City’s boards and com-missions, groups that provide valuable insight and advice on various issues and events.

City Council has opened the recruitment process for all boards.

All applications must be sub-

Serve Your City Government, Apply for Boards and Commissions

ICC Trustee Swapan Dhairyawan proposing a Vote of Thanks on the occasion. Photo by Bijay Dixit.

Founding Trustee of India House Dr. Durga Agrawal introduced Consul General Ray at the event. Phto by Bijay Dixit.

mitted electronically by July 20 at 5 p.m. through the Serve Sugar Land website at https://volunteer.sugarlandtx.gov/.

Each board and commission exercises a number of advisory and quasi-judicial powers and functions that are essential to the operation of city govern-ment. Serving on one of the City boards can be a very re-warding and hands-on experi-ence.

In August, City Council will review all applications and se-lect nominees for further con-sideration. Appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions will be made in September.

For more information on the board and commission applica-tion, nomination, interview and appointment process, contact the Office of the City Secretary at 281-275-2730 or email [email protected].

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NEW YORK, PTI | Jun 13, 2016 - A nine-year-old Indi-an-origin girl has earned the

distinction of being the youngest app developer at Apple’s annual developer conference with her apps for children and she now dreams of meeting the tech giant’s CEO Tim Cook.

Anvitha Vijay from Australia is the youngest attendee at WWDC 2016 in San Francisco and has already built several apps for iPhone and iPad, a report in Fortune said.

Vijay spent a year watching free coding tutorials on YouTube and the web, and learned how to program.

“Coding was so challenging. But I’m so glad I stuck with it,” she said.

Vijay, who has been developing apps about empowering children, hopes to meet Cook during the con-ference.

“It’s my dream to go to WWDC and meet Tim Cook,” she said.

Vijay is attending WWDC as part of Apple’s scholarship program, which gives hundreds of free tickets to de-velopers from around the world who are creating apps for Apple devices.

Out of 350 recipients this year, 120 are students under the age of 18, For-tune said, adding that the number of women who applied for the scholar-ship tripled this year, and this year, 22 per cent of scholarship winners are women, which is an increase from last year.

The report said Vijay’s apps were inspired by her toddler sister, who was learning how to talk and identify animals.

Her brainchild was the Smartkins Animals app, which uses sounds, and flashcards to help teach children 100 different animals’ names and sounds.

She then developed another similar interactive iOS app for children to help them learn colors and is now al-ready working on her next app, which wants to help kids her won age with setting goals.

“Turning an idea for an app in-volves a lot of hard work,” Vijay said. “There are so many components to building an app, including prototyp-ing, design and wirreframing, user interface design and then coding and testing.”

With WWDC, like most tech con-ferences, overwhelmingly dominated by white and Asian males, the com-pany has been making efforts to di-versify the attendance at the annual event.

Scott Lilly, who is vice president of programs at the Thurgood Mar-shall College Fund, said that Apple approached his organisation to offer scholarships to WWDC last year.

“I think they are making sure that diversity is represented,” Lilly said.

Under that programme this year, Lilly is sending two female African American college students and three African American men to WWDC.

PIO girl youngest attendee at Apple’s developer conference

Hillary Clinton Hires Activist from Bernie Sanders Campaign to Win Youth Demographic

WASHINGTON (PTI) — In an effort to extend her campaign’s reach into the

younger demographic, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and her campaign team announced June 9 it hired Indian American Ku-noor Ojha.

Ojha, who was previously part of the 74-year-old Bernie Sanders campaign, will serve on Clinton’s campaign as the national campus and student orga-nizing director.

Sanders attracted more support from voters under 30 years old than Clinton and Donald Trump put together — 71 percent in a two-vote race — which kept him in the nomination hunt long after it became clear he wouldn’t make the cut.

Clinton’s announcement of the Illi-nois-based youth activist Ojha’s hire came hours after President Barack Obama virtually extinguished Sand-ers’ run for the White House by en-dorsing his former secretary of state.

Ojha began her political activism as a field organizer on the ‘Obama for America’ campaign in Chicago in 2011, and worked in various state-lev-el campaigns before joining the Sand-ers bandwagon in 2015.

The campaign’s outreach to stu-dents, fuelled primarily by the pledge to make college tuition free, saw America’s youth flock to him.

Early in the race, Sanders was beat-ing Clinton 84-to-14 among Demo-crats under 29. Even in the 30-to-44 demographic, he had a 21 percent lead. It was only in the 45-to-64 age group that Clinton retrieved ground

(58 percent to 35 percent), increasing it to 69 percent to 26 percent in the 65 and up age group.

Now the Clinton campaign is mov-ing quickly to ensure that the Sand-ers’ youth brigade remains firmly in the Democratic fold. Although there is little danger of them bolting to the Trump camp — a Harvard Institute of Politics poll earlier this year found 61 percent of voters under 30 would back Clinton, compared to 25 percent for Trump in a two-way race — they want to ensure a high youth turnout.

That’s where Ojha comes in.

She has plenty of experience in this area, having worked as a field direc-

tor for political campaigns tasked with organizing volunteers and ensuring Election Day turn-out. Of course, it will need a lot more to win over the youth, many of whom believe Clinton is part of the “establishment” regard-less of political colors.

Many of them are in fact disappoint-ed with Obama. A Sanders rally in Washington, D.C., even after Obama virtually asked him to stand down by endorsing Clinton, attracted a large and passionate crowd waving anti-war and anti-student placards.

Sanders made no mention of his meeting with Obama or Clinton at the rally. He still intends to contest the last primary in Washington, D.C.

Kunoor Ojha. LinkedIn photo.

Thousands of NRIs come to their Mother Land for vacations at least once a

year. Especially those have parents still alive back in India. Elsy and Mathew are not any different from those ordinary people. Every year they looked into this vacation time. Since their children were grownups and taking care of themselves Elsy and Mathew were worry free cou-ple. They love to spend time in their flat in Kerala and take some side trips while they are in India

This year also they started their vacation travel from Houston Texas were they are settled now. But this time on second day of their arrival in Aluva Kerala all their plans got shattered. Vacation became a night-mare and tension filled days.

They became vic-tims of a crime they fell in without their willingness or knowl-edge. But they did not lose their faith and trust in other good people. Good people in India showed will-ingness to help them. How the drama un-folded at the end and who were the players in this drama? How Elsey and Mathew became victims? Who helped them to find an end to that difficult pe-riod?

BOOK Release: Nine DaysAnvitha Vijay (pictured) travelled from Melbourne to take part in the famous event, after the app she created to help teach her younger sister learn about animals turned heads in the tech industry. Photo credit Eddie Jim

B. John Kunthara’s second book Nine Days was released by Padmabooshan Dr. K.J Yesudas.

VOICE OF ASIA 9 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016COMMUNITYPearland St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Church blessed on Sunday, May 29th, 2016

PEARLAND - The City of Houston, which falls under the St. Thomas Syro Mala-

bar Diocese of Chicago, has come into a new church, St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Pearl-and. It is located in Pearland, and is

a part of St. Joseph’s Syro Ma-labar Forane Church. The new church was blessed on Sunday, May 29th, 2016.

Pearland Syro Malabar Catholics’ dream church, St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catho-lic Church, was consecrated by Chicago diocese’s current bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath and auxiliary bishop Mar Joy Alappat.

The event was initiated by re-ceiving the bishops and priests with the traditional ‘thaalapoli’ (receiving guests with lights and flowers), drum show (chenda melam), and ornated umbrellas. The new church that was sanctified during the Holy Mass was presented to the parishioners by the bishop.

The bishops were assisted during the Holy Mass by the church’s vicar, Rev. Fr. Ku-rian Neduvelichalumkal, the Eparchial Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vethanath, the for-mer mission director, Rev. Fr. Christy Parambkattil and Rev. Fr. Wilson Antony, along with many other priests from around the nation. Rev. Fr. Kurian and assistant vicar, Rev. Fr. Step-her Kanipilli, assisted by Sister Agnes MSMI, led the blessing prayers. Priests and nuns from areas around the nation were present to take part in this out-standing ceremony.

The remarkable performance by the choir added grace to the Holy Mass and blessing cer-emony.

St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic is officially the 38th parish under Chicago’s St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catho-lic Diocese. The church’s cor-ner stone ceremony took place with the blessing of Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath on April 11, 2015.

Soon after, the construction commenced on July 27th. The church expands over approxi-mately 12000 sq. ft., and took only 9 months to be complet-ed. Fr. Kurian credited this achievement to the involve-ment of God and the abun-dance of prayers from all the parishioners.

The blessing ceremony and the Holy Mass were followed by a general meeting that insti-gated with a welcome speech by trustee Jacob Thomas. In addition to the bishops, the event was set apart with the presence of Pearland’s mayor

Tom Reid, Stafford Deputy Mayor Ken Mathew and many other presti-gious personnel.

Pearland’s Mayor Tom Reid an-nounced his congratulations to the whole community and promised his help with any future milestones. The former mission director, Rev. Fr. Christy Parambkaattil also pro-nounced his felicitations and bless-ings. The meeting was concluded with an appreciation speech from trustee Siby Jacob. The events were overseen by the trustees (Siby Jacob, Jacob Thomas, Jimmy Kumbatt, and Tennyson Mathew), Parish Council, Building Committee, Women’s Fo-rum, Jesus Youth, SMCC, etc. The inauguration of the church became a grand success due to the combined efforts of the Reception Committee, Food Committee, Parking Commit-tee, Liturgical Committee, Decora-tion Committee, Print Media Com-mittee, etc. The day concluded with a musical performance by the youth and children followed by a delight-ful dinner. Rev. Fr. Kurian showed his appreciation to all those who at-tended this blessed day.

Pearland’s Mayor, Tom Reid ad-dressing the gathering during the inauguration.

The Syro Malabar Catholic bishops at the inaugural ceremony and Holy Mass.

Children of the choir perform during the ceremony. Bishops bless the church during the ceremony.

VOICE OF ASIA 10 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016US/ASIA

WASHINGTON, Jun 15, 2016 - A legislative

amendment that aims to bring defence sales with India at par with Americas close allies and NATO mem-bers failed to get the US Sen-ates nod.

Called the “Defence and Security Co-operation with India”, the legislative amend-ment was moved by Illinois Senator Mark Kirk on May 25 as part of the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017.

“Unfortunately the Sena-tors amendment was not included in the final NDAA FY17,” a Congressional aide to the Senator told PTI.

Notably the US House of Representatives has already passed a similar amendment attached to the NDAA-2017.

The two versions of the bill would now have to be recon-ciled by both the Chambers of the Congress through con-ference.

It is only after the common version of the bill is passed, US President Barack Obama would sign that into law.

Another amendment moved by Senator John Mc-Cain, Chairman of the Sen-ate Armed Services Commit-tee, that sought to recognise India as a global strategic and defence partner by mak-ing necessary modifications to defence export control regulations could not get the Senates nod.

The legislative move is not linked with the recent joint India-US statement in which Obama Administration had recognised India as a “Major Defence Partner”.

The statement was issued last week after the meeting between US President Ba-

Senate fails to pass amendment to boost Indias defence salesrack Obama and Prime Min-ister Narendra Modi at the White House.

As per the joint statement, under Major Defence Part-ner, the US will continue to work toward facilitating technology sharing with In-

dia to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners, it had said.

McCain in a statement ex-pressed disappointment over several legislative move, say-ing that even though they had bipartisan support they could

not get through the Senate as part of NDAA-2017.

“I regret that the Sen-ate was unable to debate and vote on several matters critical to our national secu-rity, many of which enjoyed broad bipartisan support,”

McCain said without specifi-cally mentioning the legisla-tive amendment related to India.

The McCain amendment said that the relationship be-tween the US and India has developed over the past two

decades to become a multi-faceted, global strategic and defense partnership rooted in shared democratic values and the promotion of mutual prosperity, greater economic cooperation, regional peace, security, and stability. PTI

VOICE OF ASIA 11 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016V AOICE OF SIA

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AHMEDABAD, India | AFP | 6/13/2016 - An Indian business student who went un-dercover to expose child labour at a factory

promised Monday to keep up the fight after her ef-forts led to the rescue of more than 100 children.

Jharna Joshi, 22, was visiting relatives in the west-ern state of Gujarat when she noticed large numbers of children going to work at a ceramics factory.

She asked local people about the issue but could not confirm the workers were under-age, so decided to apply for a management trainee job at the fac-tory.

“In the factory I accessed records of these workers and found that the majority of them were below 18 years of age. Some were even below 14 years which is illegal,” she told AFP.

When her appeals to local child protection authori-ties went unheeded, she wrote to the state’s Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and travelled to the capital Gandhinagar to lobby state government officials.

Earlier this month government officers raided the factory and rescued 111 child workers, most of them girls.

Millions of children in India work in factories, mines and other areas, according to aid agencies and government data.

The law bans those under 14 from working in hazardous jobs, but activists say it is not properly implemented.

Joshi said she was attacked as she went to the po-

Indian student goes undercover to expose child labor

In this photograph taken on June 12, 2016, Indian business stu-dent Zarna Joshi poses in the village of Charadava some 170km from Ahmedabad. PHOTO: AFP

Fashion Show at the Pakistan show in houston. Photo Credit - Jasleen Kaur & Sheikh NajamPakistan Show

STAFFORD, TX- The 2nd edi-tion of The Pakistan Show was back this year in Houston for

an outstanding 5-day exhibition at the Stafford Center. The event was held from June 2 to 6, and was organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Com-merce & Industry and managed by Pakistan World Trade & Expo Centre, with the support of Handicrafts As-sociation of Pakistan. The Indus Cou-ture Fashion show was organized as part of the event by Bollywood Shake, which also organizes various events in Houston.

After the success of the first edition of The Pakistan Show, Houstonians were eagerly looking forward to the event this year. The grand opening ceremony held on Thursday, June 2nd was attended by Congressman Al Green, Consul General of Pakistan and President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the event was to showcase the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Pakistan. The Pakistan show has been a sequel of Pakistani exhibitions being organized since 2007, across the globe in coun-tries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Mau-ritius and UK.

Pakistan Show in Houston showcases Indus Couture Fashion

The bazaar at Pakistan Show. Photo Credit - Jasleen Kaur & Sheikh Najam

The Pakistan Show featured an ex-clusive exhibition of Pakistani prod-ucts with 68 exhibitors from Pakistan ranging from clothing to jewelry and handicrafts. Houstonians came out in large numbers to attend and witness the wide range of products on dis-play.

The Indus Couture Fashion show, organized by Ruchika Dias of Bol-lywood Shake, added glamour and glitz to the event over a period of two days, Friday June 3 at 7:00 pm and Sunday June 5 at 5:00 pm. Some of Pakistan’s top brands and designers showcased their collection including Lala’s Textiles, Fashion Factory by AmnaFarhan, Shirts & Style by Asif, Nobeen Durrani’s Traditional Outfits, Meer Designer by Shahzia Fahed and Shireen’s collections. The models left

the trail blazing with trendy, stylish and attractive Pakistani style kurtas, suits, lahengas and bridal wear.

Raza Hasan choreographed the breathtaking fashion show, Deco Art made the venue look spectacular, DJ Asim Ramping of Dholi Beat Interna-tional rocked the music and Sumedha Chand managed the backstage. Hous-ton’s prominent fashion models who dazzled the runway at the show in-cluded Ashley Afroz, Hinna Akhtar, Jakaline Rios, Jasmine Beguesse, Jenna Bracewell, Juhaina Nelson, Lenna Shillings, Marcela Bedoya, Meghan Silva, Neha Sukumar, Nida Khan, Nina Desai, Rushali Sarkar and Sandhya Ayyar.

A wonderful musical program en-tertained the crowd on Saturday June 4, by Nadeem Ashrafi’s band.

In addition to the entertainment, an-other prominent feature at the event was the Real Estate Pavilion brought to you by the Express Real Estate Group. Consumers were presented with various projects for investment in Pakistan and leading insight into market trends.

The Pakistan Show was brought to Houston by some highly experienced and talented members mentioned be-low:

Mian Humayun Pervez (President, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & industry)

M. Khurshid Barlas (President, Handicrafts Association of Pakistan, Chairman, Inter regional Trade Com-mittee at Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry)

Fahad Barlas (Director, Pak World Trade & Expo Centre)

The next edition of The Pakistan Show will be held in Dallas between August 19 to 22, at Embassy suits by Hilton in Frisco. With the huge suc-cess of this event and the massive par-ticipation and registrations, the orga-nizers anticipate the next event to be extravagant and majestic.

lice station to record her statement by two men who pulled her off her scooter.

But she vowed to continue the fight, saying she knew of more factories in the area that em-ployed under-age workers.

“I will continue to fight until the ceramic unit owners are behind bars. They used to make children work in such sub-human conditions,” she said.

Pakistan Show. Photo Credit - Jasleen Kaur & Sheikh Najam

VOICE OF ASIA 12 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016LEISURE

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Tokyo, Japan | AFP | Friday 6/10/2016 - Japan’s first “na-ked restaurant” opens in Tokyo next month with draconian rules of entry -- podgy prospec-tive diners will be weighed and ejected if found to be too fat.

Following the lead of estab-lishments in London and Mel-bourne, “The Amrita” -- San-skrit for ‘immortality’ -- also has strict age restrictions, with only patrons between 18 and 60 allowed in, after they check in their clothes and put on paper underwear provided by the res-taurant.

“If you are more than 15 kilos (33 pounds) above the average weight for your height, we ask you refrain from making a res-ervation,” a list of rules posted on the restaurant’s website states, explaining that patrons could be weighed if they do not appear to be within the correct weight range.

Guests found to be “over-weight” will be refused entry to the restaurant, which opens on July 29, and will not be en-titled to a refund, its website points out. All payments must be made in advance on an on-line booking page.

“In London they allow over-

Japanese ‘naked restaurant’ to ban overweight diners

weight patrons in and some guests complained they had a terrible experience,” Amrita spokeswoman Miki Komatsu told AFP, denying that the es-tablishment was guilty of dis-crimination.

“If fat people are allowed in it could be miserable for some guests,” she added. “Guests can see the guidelines clearly on our homepage. We are aiming for a sort of Roman aesthetic, like the beautiful paintings you see in museums.”

The list of rules asks visitors not to “cause a nuisance to other guests” by touching or talking to fellow diners. Tattooed cus-tomers are barred from entry.

Those who meet the restau-rant’s entry requirements will be asked to lock away mobile phones and cameras in a table-top box.

Guests will fork out up to 80,000 yen ($750) for tick-ets entitling them to eat food served by muscle-bound men wearing g-strings and watch a dance show featuring male models.

Meal tickets, not including a show, will cost from 14,000 to 28,000 yen depending on choice of menu.

New Delhi, India | AFP | Fri-day 4/8/2016 - 10:05 GMT | 261 words

An alcohol ban imposed in the Indian state of Bihar was supposed to clean up public life.

But it has had the unintended effect of deterring worshippers from temples, where liquor is the traditional offering.

Bihar’s Chief Minister Nit-ish Kumar this week fulfilled an election pledge to introduce prohibition -- a move popu-lar among women voters in the poverty-stricken eastern state who were sick of seeing the family income blown on booze.

But it has proved less popu-lar in the state’s many Hindu temples, which have suffered a sharp drop in worshipper num-bers after alcohol shops were forced to shut.

Anant Marathe, a priest in Gaya district’s Bhairav Sthan temple, said the number of

visitors had fallen by around 70 percent.

“As the tradition goes, the devotees offer alcohol to the deity,” he told AFP by phone.

“They pour some of it on the idol and take the rest of it home or distribute it among other devotees.”

Offerings are often given on special occasions such as mar-riages or religious festivals, although some particularly de-vout worshippers give them on a daily basis.

“I haven’t visited the temple this week because I can’t get liquor to offer,” devotee Pro-modh Kumar told AFP, call-ing on the government to relax the ban to allow alcohol to be bought for religious purposes.

But Satyendra Kumar Sinha, an excise officer, said the gov-ernment had no plans to make any such concessions.

“We will not allow liquor

Indian state’s alcohol ban hits worshippers

by Adrija.BoseHuffington Post, 14/06/2016

If you have not been liv-ing under a rock, you know who Donald Trump is. You may have heard some of his speeches too where he declares that a wall must be built around America to keep Muslims and immigrants away. For most rational individuals, Trump is part meme, part joke, and com-pletely stuff liberal nightmares are made of. Racist, misogynist, liar, caricature—these are the words that are frequently used in the same breath as Trump.

Like some people from across the world, most of us Indians too regard Trump as a ridicu-lous example of what happens when endless privilege meets endless ignorance.

No, we don’t particularly relish the idea of celebrating Trump’s birthday, but we must have wondered what kind of people celebrate the birth of this strange piece of work? Today, I was presented the opportunity of finding that out and decided to not miss it for anything.

That’s how I found myself among a mob of people cel-ebrating Donald Trump’s 70th birthday in New Delhi, 14,000 kilometres away from the Re-publican presidential candi-date’s home.

Two weeks ago, when I was talking to Vishnu Gupta, Na-tional President of a fringe right-wing organisation, re-garding their plans to hold an armed training camp in New Delhi to “fight against Islamic terrorism,” he seemed more upbeat about a party. So what was this party that got Gupta more excited that the prospect of shooting dolls in skull cups? Donald Trump’s birthday, he told me.

“Didi, don’t tell anyone now but we are planning to cel-ebrate Trump ji’s 70th birth-day. We will get a big cake,” he said, emphasizing the word ‘big’. “Will it be 70 kilograms, Vishnu ji?” I asked. “Yes Didi,” he responded.

As promised, the Hindu Sena leader sent me a WhatsApp in-vite for Trump’s ‘birthday par-ty’ that he was hosting at Jantar Mantar. “Please come and cel-ebrate with us,” he added.

This was the first time I was invited to a celebrity’s birthday, so what if the man of the hour wasn’t present himself?

By the time I managed to reach the venue, the grand cel-ebration had already begun. Gupta, who was arrested last year for allegedly making a “false complaint” about beef being served at Kerala House, was wearing a blue coloured party hat. He also looked very pleased celebrating the birth-day of a man, reviled by most, and who had no clue that Gupta

existed.He was surrounded by some

ten workers, all of them wear-ing saffron coloured mufflers around their neck. The more adventurous ones wore party hats too. A banner in the back-ground read, “Hindu Sena celebrates birthday of Donald Trump.”

The little tent was filled with blue and orange balloons and there was a three tier cake placed on the table. To my dis-appointment, it was only a sev-en-kilogram cake, not seventy.

But what caught everyone’s attention was a large cut out of Trump, holding a gun.

After observing a minute’s silence for the victims of last weekend’s shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the leaders cut the cake, sing-ing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, which sounded nothing like the one you have been hearing at birthday parties: “Happy Birth-day Trump ji, Trump ji Zinda-baad,” the right-wing leaders shouted, scarring every memo-ry I had of birthday songs.

As soon as the cake was cut, someone from the crowd asked Gupta to ‘feed’ Trump. “Trump ji ko cake khilao.” Gupta, turned towards Trump ji - the menacing gun wielding cut-out - and smeared his face with cake. What is more fearful? A gun-holding bigot or a gun-

holding bigot with a big blob of vanilla cream on his face? I am still figuring out.

“Donald Trump is speak-ing the entire world’s mann ki baat against Islamic terror and we support it,” he announced. Prime Minister Modi’s may want to cringe at the insinua-tion, but Gupta seemed mighty pleased to have brought his ‘idols’ together in one sen-tence.

In what must have been a clever tribute to Trump’s ri-diculousness, Gupta spouted one gem after another, nearly threatening to pale the Republi-can politician’s ignorance with his own.

“Trump is about to become the king of the world,” Gupta said. “How will we attack Paki-stan without his support?”

“So, are you saying you want Trump to remove Is-lamic terrorism with that gun he is holding? What about gun control laws?” someone from the crowd asked. “No. I don’t know anything about gun con-trol,” Gupta responded.

“I found this picture on Google, and I really liked it. So we decided to get a big print out of it and keep it here,” he said.

The crowd burst into laughter, but Gupta continued. “If Trump supports India, Prime Minister

Modi can go to Pakistan and kill all the terrorists there, just like how the US killed Osama,” he said.

When asked about the sup-port he was getting from other leaders or political parties, he said that no political leader was ready to speak against Trump because they are afraid of him. “The BJP used to speak against Islamic terror, but after coming to power it has also become a ‘secular party’.”

Gupta also said they plan to organise events in support of the New York businessman outside the American embassy in New Delhi and JNU campus soon.

“If I ever meet Trump, I will ask him to remove Islamic ter-rorism from India too. I am sure if he reads news and he knows that we are praying for his win,” Gupta said.

Earlier this month, the Hindu Sena leaders conducted prayers in the capital’s Jantar Mantar to show support for Donald Trump and pray for his win.

While Gupta mentioned ‘Is-lamic terrorism’ about fifty times, a few steps ahead of this celebration venue, The Delhi University Teachers Associa-tion (DUTA) staged a protest against the University Grants Commission (UGC). “UGC, down down,” the sloganeering continued.

Hindu Sena leaders celebrating Donald Trump’s birthday may even leave him a little red-faced

Celebrating Donald Trump’s 70th birthday in New Delhi, Vishnu Gupta, National President and members at the cake cutting ceremony.

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VOICE OF ASIA 13 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016HEALTH, SC & TECH

by Mariëtte Le Roux

Paris, | AFP | 6/9/2016 - Air pollution was fingered for the first time as a major contributor to death and disability caused by stroke, especially in devel-oping nations, in a health re-view published Friday.

Air pollution, both inside from cooking fires and out-side from traffic fumes, ranked among the top ten causes of stroke, along with better known risks such as smoking, high blood pressure and obesity.

An international research team analysed data from a swathe of other studies, reports and official statistics to create a mathematical model estimating stroke risk for 188 countries from 1990 to 2013.

“A striking finding of our study is the unexpectedly high proportion of stroke burden attributable to environmental air pollution, especially in de-veloping countries,” said study co-author Valery Feigin of New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology.

The authors said theirs was the first study to quantify the world’s stroke burden in terms of healthy years lost due to peo-ple becoming sick, disabled, or dying because of stroke.

About 15 million people worldwide suffer strokes every year, of which nearly six mil-lion die and five million are left disabled -- including loss of vision or speech, paralysis and confusion.

Globally, though with huge differences between countries and regions, the top risk factors were high blood pressure, a diet low in fruit, being overweight, eating too much salt, smoking, and not eating enough vegeta-bles, said the team.

Ambient pollution came in seventh place and household air pollution from solid fuels in eighth.

A diet low in whole grains and high blood sugar complete the top ten.

The researchers found that 90.5 percent of the stroke burden was attributable to “modifiable factors” -- mainly behaviours such as smoking, eating too much sugar and not exercising enough, as well as the associated health problems, such as diabetes and heart dis-ease, these choices result in.

Controlling lifestyle factors, which played a much larger role in rich countries than poor ones, “could prevent about three-quarters of strokes world-wide,” said Feigin.

- Sugar up, smoking down -The study also listed air pol-lution as a “modifiable factor”, meaning that people or gov-ernments can do something to change it.

“These findings are impor-tant for education campaigns, evidence-based planning, pri-ority setting and resource al-location in stroke prevention,” the team wrote in The Lancet Neurology.

“Air pollution has emerged as a significant contributor to

Study places air pollution among top 10 stroke risks

global stroke burden, especial-ly in low-income and middle-income countries, and therefore reducing exposure to air pollu-tion should be one of the main priorities to reduce stroke bur-den in these countries.”

In low- and middle-income nations in Asia and Africa, al-most a fifth of stroke burden was attributed to household air pollution, while a similar per-centage was blamed on ambi-ent air pollution in China and India.

Air pollution may boost stroke risk by raising blood pressure, hardening blood ves-sels or causing them to become blocked.

The risk factor whose con-tribution shrank most between 1990 and 2013 was second-hand tobacco smoke, said the team, especially in developed countries.

The fastest-growing stroke risk was consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.

The Healing Power of Onions - Part I

Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee, Rice University, Houston TX

by Prof. Meenakshi Bhat-tacharjee,

Onions are best known for two things: bad breath and tears. The popular vegetable found in most types of cuisine gives dishes their flavorful taste, transforming any meal to an ar-omatic experience. Raw onions not only provide an excellent taste for our palates, but pro-vide therapeutic and antibacte-rial properties that cleanse and detox our bodies to eliminate disease. The antioxidants pres-

ent in this vegetable provide it with its sweet flavors and dis-tinct aroma. Consuming onions supplies the body with soluble fiber and flavonoids, antioxi-dant compounds that fight free radicals. These flavonoids as-sist in thinning blood, decreas-ing inflammation and fighting cancer. Onions have antibiotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and carminative properties to help

you stay away from infections. Onions are rich in sulfur, fibers, potassium, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin C and they are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.

ASTHMAOnions have antihistamine ef-

fects due to quercetin, an antiox-idant that acts like an antihista-mine and an anti-inflammatory agent. In test tubes, quercetin

has proven to prevent immune cells from releasing histamine, which are chemicals that cause allergic reaction. Based on this observation, researchers believe the antioxidants may reduce histamine, and other allergic or inflammatory chemicals in the body, and can be a promising asthma treatment.

CANCEROnions are packed full of an-

ticancer compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolics. Shal-lots, Western Yellow, Northern Red and pungent yellow onions assist in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which may protect against the development of co-lon and liver cancer. Onions can help reduce cancer risk when combined with turmeric. More-over, regularly consuming on-ions can help detoxify potential carcinogens.

DIABETESA high intake of onions could

lower the level of glucose. The essential oil of an onion, allyl propyl disulphide, is found to mediate this effect, and lower blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of free insulin that is available. The allyl propyl dis-ulphide competes with the insu-lin, which is also a disulphide, to occupy the sites in the liver where the insulin is inactivated. This is what leads to an increase in insulin available, which low-ers blood sugar levels. A study published in the journal Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry found onion’s essential oil led to a significant fall in blood glucose levels, and a significant rise in the serum of insulin lev-els after being administered to six normal volunteers after a 12-hour fast.

HEART DISEASEWhen we think of heart

healthy food, onions do not

come to mind. However, quer-cetin is found to significantly reduce high blood pressure in hypertensive adults, accord-ing to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. Onions are involved in maintaining good blood pressure, inhibit hard-ening of the arteries, and keep the arteries elastic. Onions may also assist in thinning blood, as they contain thiosulfinates -- the agents that provide an onion with its pungent odor and cause teary eyes when in contact with this vegetable. Additionally, this sulfur compound prevents plate-lets in the blood from aggregat-ing and operates as a natural blood thinner. When platelets cluster in blood, the risk of a stroke or heart attack signifi-cantly increases. Onions should be eaten raw for maximum thio-sulfinate content, as cooking on-ions significantly decreases the quantity of this compound.

TOOTH DECAYRaw onions may make our

breath stink, but they can actu-ally improve our oral health. Simply chewing a raw onion can strengthen teeth and elimi-nate bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Two to three min-utes of chewing on an onion can kill most germs in the mouth. This is also used for toothaches and tooth decaying

SOURCE OF GOOD FIBERFiber is present in all plant-

based foods, including onions. Consuming fiber in the diet as-sists in regulating blood sugar, decreasing bad cholesterol, promoting healthy intestinal functioning and maintaining an optimal body weight. Onions also contain a special form of soluble fiber known as fructan. When you consume fructan, this soluble fiber turns into a gel-like substance in your colon and con-verts to fatty acids. These fatty acids act as a natural laxative,

stimulating bowel movements. The fructan in onions, inulin fructan, promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestines, which may combat any infec-tions in the colon.

ANTI-INFLAMATERYOnions may help reduce in-

flammation, as they contain or-ganosulfur. Inflammation in the body can cause and exacerbate symptoms of asthma, arthritis and heart disease. Onion seeds are also revolutionary anti-in-flammatory agents. As a result, these seeds also reduce head-aches caused due to inflamma-tion. They are potential analge-sics those can cut the sensation of pain upon consumption. Inflammation from arthritis in the joints can be healed with onions.

SKIN BENEFITS-ANTI-AGING

This humble vegetable can provide a healthy and glowing skin. Both the consumption and the topical application of onions can provide numerous ben-efits to the skin. Onions possess enormous anti-aging benefits. The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E fight against the damage caused by the harmful UV rays as well as prevent free radical damage that is responsible for causing premature aging of our skin. Onion is one of the richest sources of quercetin, the most powerful antioxidant that can keep the skin wrinkle-free. Vi-tamins and sulfur, on the other hand, protect the skin, and keep it soft and supple. The anti-aging qualities of onion can be attributed to the presence of sulfur-rich phytochemicals. Massaging your skin with fresh onion juice helps increase the blood circulation and improves the overall appearance of your skin by imparting a more youth-ful and radiant appearance.

Continued next week

Onions


Section 2 Email: [email protected] Tel: 713-774-5140

Young Life

by Sharanya ChanderOn Sunday, May 15th, the

YLDP Class of 2016 concluded a wonderful year with a mod-erated panel discussion on cur-rent topics, an inspiring speech by Consul General Anupam Ray, and an award ceremony celebrating the accomplish-ments of the young leaders.

The session began with a moderated discussion on five different topics: Addiction (prescription painkillers), Data Privacy, Economics, Terrorism, and the Environment. Each team was led by a team leader who summarized their respec-tive topic and coordinated the discussion, while the other members highlighted various facets of their topic. Though the graduation ceremony was conducted differently than were previous sessions, the hard work and preparation the stu-dents had put into their roles, as well as the skills learned through prior sessions of YLDP ensured that the discussions ran smoothly. The techniques that we picked up from the orga-

The YLDP of Houston Class of 2016 graduation day

nization over the course of the year were made evident to the audience members through our speeches, and the main points of each topic were communi-cated effectively.

In between the student dis-cussions, a spotlight was shone onto accomplished Consul General Anupam Ray. His story kindled interest amongst the eager students, as he is not only a neurosurgery physician, but also a member of the elite Indian Foreign Service (he lat-er remarked that his work as a physician was a back-up plan). His work as a Joint Secretary for the Indian government is only the tip of the iceberg in his career, and his diplomatic ac-complishments are numerous. As the Consul General began speaking, he piqued interest through his knowledge of the rise of India as a world power, and emphasized the subject not only through statistics, but also through his own personal knowledge. The Consul Gener-al concluded his discourse with some excellent answers to the numerous questions addressed

FORT BEND ISD – At its 2016 Grant Awards Program, the Fort Bend Education Foun-dation presented Fort Bend ISD with a check for nearly $460,000 to fund Grants for Teachers and Schools, Profes-sional Development Grants, and New Teacher Grants.

Fort Bend Education Foundation awards nearly $460,000 in grants to FBISD teachers and schools

Since its inception, the Edu-cation Foundation has awarded $5 million in grants to teach-ers and schools. For the 2015-16 school year, the Education Foundation awarded 185 grants totaling $288,772 to support the Grants to Teachers and

Schools Program. The Founda-tion also awarded $38,755 for two Founders Grants, 311 New Teacher Gifts for $24,803, an additional $25,000 in Profes-sional Development Grants and $82,036 in pass-through grants for a total of $459,366 this year.

Shown presenting a check to FBISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck(right) is FBEF President Frank Petras (left), with FBEF Board of Directors in the background.

to him. As a closing remark, he wished us all the best of luck in our future endeavors, and he re-minded us to be sensible in our pursuits.

At the conclusion of the stu-dent discussions, the YLDP Board Members held an award ceremony to recognize the achievements of dedicated pupils. Various awards were given, including for commit-ment to the organization, for in-volvement within the sessions, and for the top essays/articles completed within the program.

All in all, the YLDP gradu-ation was a wonderful event made prominent by the appear-ance and energizing words of Consul General Anupam Ray. The leadership traits that this organization has instilled upon its students will be prominent for a lifetime, and will aid us in our future ventures. All of the students finished the event with a bittersweet feeling, as we would miss the monthly discussions from various lead-ers. Ultimately, YLDP is a program that assists the youth of today in the pursuit of their goals— goals that will impact our world tomorrow. Undoubt-edly, it is a program that all who have participated in would highly recommend.

YLDP Class of 2016 Graduation Event

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Consul General of India, Houston Dr. Anupam Ray delivering his address to the YLDP students at India House.

YLDP board of Directors with Consul General Dr. Anupam Ray


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MUMBAI, India | AFP | Monday 6/13/2016 - A top

court told India’s film censor board Monday not to act “like a grandmother” as it over-turned a controversial demand by the notoriously strict body for 13 cuts to a film depicting drug addiction.

The makers of “Udta Pun-jab”, a Bollywood movie set in Punjab, went to the court after the Central Board of Film Cer-tification (CBFC) demanded 13 cuts and said all mention of the northern state should be removed, including from the title.

(From left) Indian Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor poses with actresses Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan during the trailer launch of the forthcoming Hindi film ‘Udta Punjab’ in Mumbai on April 17, 2016 (AFP Photo/STR).

MUMBAI - Punjab is due to hold lo-cal elections in

2017 and critics alleged that the CBFC was censoring the movie to avoid embarrassing the state government.

On Monday the Bombay High Court, Mumbai’s highest judicial authority, ordered the board to clear the film with just one cut. It is due for release on Friday.

“The CBFC should issue a fresh certificate within two days with the cut suggested by this court,” Justice C.S Dhar-madhikari said, ruling that a scene showing a character uri-nating should be removed.

“Do not act like a grand-mother. Change as per the times now. The CBFC need not be over-sensitive in the matter of art. The CBFC cannot stop creative people abruptly as it may discourage them,” he added.

India’s censors have a long history of barring movies and cutting scenes, including those deemed too racy or capable of causing religious offence.

The CBFC last year blocked the release of a toned-down version of “Fifty Shades of Grey” and deemed two James Bond kissing scenes unsuit-able for an Indian audience. Filmmakers accuse the censors of intolerance.

The Bombay High Court said filmmakers should be allowed to choose the backdrop for movies, ruling that the CBFC’s “exercise of power should not violate the constitutional guar-antee of freedom of speech and

Stop acting like ‘grandmother’, India court tells censor

“Udta Punjab” poster.

expression”.

It overruled the board’s de-mand that the words “elec-tion, MP, parliament, and party” should be cut and said a scene where a character in-jects himself with drugs could be shown.

References to a dog called “Jackie Chan” will also be al-lowed to remain.

“I’m terribly pleased and relieved with the verdict,” the film’s director Abhishek Chaubey told reporters outside court, adding that he hoped it would force the board to change its approach.

Several Bollywood ac-tors and directors praised the court’s decision.

“Landmark judgement by the honourable Bombay High Court on #UdtaPunjab. Great victory for the filmmakers,” Madhur Bhandarkar, a film-maker himself, wrote on Twit-ter.

“Thank U Judiciary for giv-ing back the makers of Indian Cinema their right to express,” tweeted filmmaker and dis-senting CBFC board member Ashoke Pandit.

“Udta Punjab” stars Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor.

by Indrani.BasuHuffingtonpost.in

If you see a post on Face-book from a friend that worries you, and you’re

concerned about their emo-tional health, you can now alert mental health profes-sionals using a new feature on the social networking site that helps them get access to counselling services.

Facebook India on Tuesday rolled out a suicide preven-tion feature, similar to ones released earlier for users in

Facebook Is Launching A Suicide Prevention Feature In India With Deepika Padukone’s NGO

US and UK, that will help Indian users flag friends’ posts where they appear to be struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

“Often, friends and fam-ily who are the observers in these types of situations don’t know what to do,” said Ankhi Das, the public policy director for Facebook in In-dia, South & Central Asia. “They’re concerned, but they’re worried about saying the wrong thing or somehow making it worse.”

Anupam kher has signed his 500th movie, a Hollywood drama produced by Judd Apatow

by Ankur PathakHuffPost India

While one perceives Anupam Kher as one of the most

prolific actors around, the sheer number of films he’s done is, to put it mildly, staggering.

In a statement released today, it has emerged that Kher is cur-rently filming his 500th film. Yep, you read that right.

And it’s no average fare. Be-fitting its momentous number, the film is a Hollywood pro-duction directed by Michael Showalter and stars Oscar-win-ner Holly Hunter (The Piano, O Brother, Where Art Thou), Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks, Our Brand Is Crisis), Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond), and actor-writer-producer Ku-mail Nanjiani (currently fea-tures in Silicon Valley).

The film, titled The Big Sick, revolves around the marriage between a Pakistani man and an American woman. Kher will be seen playing father to Nan-jiani’s character, who is Paki-stani. The film is produced by renowned Hollywood screen-writer-director, Judd Apatow.

This isn’t the first Hollywood film for the 61-year-old actor, who has acted under Oscar-winning director David O. Rus-sell in Silver Linings Playbook, Woody Allen in You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, besides appearing in films like Bride and Prejudice, Lust, Caution, and Mistress of Spices.

Hollywood legend Rober De Niro wished Kher by posting this video on Twitter.

Reflecting on his undoubt-edly illustrious career, Kher said in the statement, “Many people have played an impor-tant role in my career. The pro-ducers and directors gave me work. But I want to dedicate this achievement to the unsung, nameless and faceless workers of our industry: the spot boys, the technicians, the assistant cameramen, the make-up art-ists, the costume assistants; in-deed everyone working behind the scenes to make the magic happen on the big screen.”

Kher made his film debut in 1984 with Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh, which went on to achieve box-office success and

tremendous critical acclaim. The actor wasn’t the film’s original choice and had to fight through its producers to stay in the film as they wanted a more ‘known’ name.

After the film’s success, Kher went on to do several iconic roles in multiple blockbuster movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Karma, Lamhe, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Kho-sla Ka Ghosla, Special 26, A Wednesday.

His autobiographical play, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, has also been very well-received.

“It has taken me 32 years to achieve this watershed mo-ment, but when I look back, it is as if all that time has flashed by in a blink,” Kher shared.

Anupam Kher

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V AOICE OF SIAHEALTHY LIVING

Sudhir MathuriaContact: Sudhir MathuriaLicensed ProfessionalHealth Life 3606650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900www.MyMedicarePlanning.com

Controversy erupts over Medicare observation care requirements

From: U.S.A.Today

In just two months, a federal law kicks in requiring hospitals to tell their Medicare patients if they have not been formally admitted and why. But some physician, hospital and consumer representa-tives say a notice drafted by Medi-care for hospitals to use may not do the job.

The law was a response to com-plaints from Medicare patients who were surprised to learn that although they had spent a few days in the hospital, they were there for observation and were not admit-ted. Observation patients are con-sidered too sick to go home yet not sick enough to be admitted. They may pay higher charges than ad-mitted patients and do not qualify for Medicare’s nursing home cov-erage.

The NOTICE Act requires that starting Aug. 6, Medicare patients receive a form written in “plain language” after 24 hours of ob-servation care but no later than 36 hours. Under the law, it must ex-plain the reason they have not been admitted and how that decision will affect Medicare’s payment for services and patients’ share of the costs. The information must also be provided verbally and adoctor or hospital staff must be available to answer questions.

And patients could have ques-tions, said Brenda Cude, a Na-tional Association of Insurance Commissioners consumer repre-sentative and professor of con-sumer economics at the University of Georgia. She said the notice is written for a 12th-grade reading level, even though most consumer materials aim for no more than an 8th-grade level. It “assumes some health insurance knowledge that we are fairly certain most people don’t have.”

Medicare is soliciting feedback on the draft notice through June 17.

Medicare officials declined to comment while the draft form is under review. But they have ex-pressed support for efforts to ex-plain observation care.

“We are in complete agreement with the notion that the patient should certainly know their status and know it as early as possible,” Sean Cavanaugh, Medicare’s dep-uty administrator, told a Senate committee last year when asked about the notice legislation. “And we’ve been pushing very hard through educational channels, even providing sample materials that hospitals could use to educate their beneficiaries on what status they have.”

Many hospitals also support the effort. “It’s important for patients to understand their status in the hospital,” said KatieTenoever, senior vice president and gen-eral counsel for the Federation of American Hospitals.

But the form does not meet the expectations of Rep. Lloyd Dog-gett, D-Texas, who co-sponsored the law.

“I am concerned that the pro-posed notice fulfills neither the spirit nor the letter of the law,” Doggett said in an interview.

It doesn’t require the hospital to explain exactly why the patient is getting observation care instead of being admitted, he said, and doesn’t clearly explain the differ-ence between Medicare’s Part A hospitalization and nursing home benefit and Part B, which covers outpatient services, including doc-tor’s visits, lab tests and hospital observation care.

The notice, he said, also does not sufficiently explain why ob-servation patients are ineligible for Medicare’s nursing home cover-age, which under law requires at least three consecutive days as an admitted patient.

The draft notice also has raised some concerns among doctors. It says that observation care is pro-vided in order to help the doctor decide whether the patient is sick enough to be admitted. But Dr. Jay Kaplan, vice chairman for emer-gency services at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans and presi-dent of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said it should explain that the doctor’s decision is not always final. Hos-pital officials also can decide that patients don’t meet the admission criteria and should get observa-tion care. If Medicare auditors find that hospitals erred by admitting patients who should have been in observation, Medicare pays noth-ing for their care.

The number of Medicare obser-vation patients rose to almost 2 million in 2014,

5% more than 2013, according to government statistics.

For Medicare or Long Term Care planning contact Sudhir Mathuria @ 713-771-2900.

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New Delhi, India | AFP | 6/14/2016 - Malnutrition is becoming the “new nor-

mal” as rising rates of obesity across the world coincide with persistent undernutrition in many poorer coun-tries, according to a major study re-leased Tuesday.

The Global Nutrition Report says the number of people who are obese or overweight is rising almost every-where, fuelling an increase in diabe-tes and other diseases.

Malnutrition covers a range of problems -- from deficiencies in im-portant vitamins and minerals for the undernourished to excessive levels of sugar, salt, fat or cholesterol in the blood for the obese.

At least 57 of the 129 countries studied were experiencing serious levels of both undernutrition and adult obesity, putting huge pressure on health services, said the study.

“We now live in a world where being malnourished is the new nor-mal,” said Lawrence Haddad, senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute and co-author of the report.

“It is a world that we must all claim as totally unacceptable.”

The study found some progress was being made, with the number of stunted children under five declining on every continent except Africa and Oceania.

Stunted children grow up to be weaker than their well-nourished counterparts, with their brains and immune systems compromised.

But the report’s authors said there had been too little progress in the fight against all forms of malnutri-tion.

Malnutrition becoming ‘new normal’ amid obesity boom: study

At least 57 of the 129 countries studied are experiencing serious levels of both undernutrition and adult obesity, putting huge pressure on health services (AFP Photo/Fred Dufour).

Almost every country studied was falling behind in reducing levels of diabetes and of anaemia in women, for example.

One in 12 people globally now has diabetes and nearly two billion people are obese or overweight, ac-cording to the authors, who called for more funding for government initia-tives on nutrition.

Their analysis found a $70 billion global funding shortfall to meet 2025 milestones to tackle stunting, severe acute malnutrition and anaemia.

The report highlighted the cost of malnutrition, which it said was “the number one driver of the global bur-den of disease”.

Africa and Asia lose 11 percent of gross domestic product every year due to malnutrition, it said.

Haddad said the key to success was

political commitment.“Where leaders in government, civ-

il society, academia and business are committed -– and willing to be held accountable -– anything is possible,” he said.

“Despite the challenges, malnutri-tion is not inevitable -— ultimately, it is a political choice.”

The Global Nutrition Report is an annual assessment of countries’ prog-ress in meeting global nutrition tar-gets established by the World Health Assembly -- the world’s highest health policy body -- in 2013.

These include a 40 percent reduc-tion in the number of children under five who are stunted; a 50 percent reduction of anaemia in women of reproductive age; and a halt in the rise in the number of adults who are overweight, obese or suffering from type two diabetes.

WASHINGTON, | AFP | 6/13/2016 - A diet that in-cludes three daily servings

of whole grains appears to help people live longer, including by reducing the rates of death from heart disease and cancer, according to findings released Monday.

For each 16-gram serving of whole grains, public health researchers at Harvard University noted a seven per-cent decrease in overall risk of death, including a nine percent decline in risk of heart disease death and five percent decline in risk of cancer-relat-ed death.

Upping whole grain intake to three servings per day, or 48 grams, brought about a 20 percent drop in overall risk of death, including a 25 percent de-cline in risk of heart disease death and 14 percent decline in risk of cancer-related death.

Whole grain consumption could lead to longer life: study

For their research, scientists ana-lyzed results of more than 12 previ-ous studies conducted between 1970 and 2010 in the United States, Britain and Scandinavian countries, involv-ing 786,076 male and female partici-pants.

“These findings further support cur-rent dietary guidelines that recom-mend at least three daily servings (or 48 grams) of whole grains to improve long-term health and prevent prema-ture death,” senior author Qi Sun of Harvard’s Department of Nutrition said in a statement.

He warned against popular low-car-bohydrate diets that ignore the benefits of whole grains, saying they should be “adopted with caution” because they may be linked to higher risk of heart disease and death.

Whole grains include foods such as whole wheat, oats, brown rice and quinoa. They contain fiber, which may improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and type two diabetes.

Whole grains also provide nutrients like B vitamins and minerals that are lost during the refining process.

The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and says least half of grain consumption should be whole grains.

Among the participants in the combined studies, there was a total of 97,867 deaths, including 23,597 deaths from cardiovascular disease and 37,492 deaths from cancer.

The study was published online in Circulation, the journal of the Ameri-can Heart Association.


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WA S H I N G T O N , AFP | 6/10/2016 - Six US airlines

have been licensed to operate up to 90 round-trip flights per day to Cuba, potentially open-ing up a new era for mass tour-ism.

The US Department of Transportation announced the licenses on Friday, as the for-mer Cold War foes continue to negotiate a new relationship now that decades of enmity are over.

“Last year, President Obama announced that it was time to begin a new journey with the Cuban people,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.

“Today, we are delivering on his promise by re-launching scheduled air service to Cuba after more than half a century.”

Cuba and the United States restored diplomatic ties in July 2015 after a long stand-off, and in February this year agreed to

Washington, United States | AFP | Tuesday 6/14/2016 - 13:07 GMT | 190 words

US consumers spent slightly more than expected in May af-ter a strong surge in retail sales the prior month, official data showed Tuesday.

Retail and food services sales rose 0.5 percent in May, slow-ing from the 1.3 percent jump in April, the Commerce De-partment reported. Analysts had forecast a smaller 0.3 per-cent gain.

The retail sales data is a key gauge of consumer spending in the United States, the main mo-tor of the economy. Retail sales were up 2.5 percent in May from a year ago.

by Bill LovelessUSA TODAY June 14, 2016

Should managing your energy needs at home be as easy as booking

an airline flight or monitoring your bank accounts with a mo-bile app?

For most consumers and electric utilities, the answer is probably “yes.” But despite all of the advances in informa-tion technology over the years, and the proliferation of mobile apps, utilities is seen as one sector where such innovation is still lacking.

And to be fair to utility com-panies, do their customers re-ally care how much electricity they’re using at a time when those bills account for only a fraction of their overall person-al expenses?

Well aware of that challenge, a Boulder, Colo.-based compa-ny is teaming up with Duke En-ergy, one of the largest utilities in the U.S., to provide a mobile app that they say goes well be-yond any similar attempt in the industry to engage consumers.

“Today when you down-load an airline app, you can do almost anything through that app,” said Adrian Tuck, the chief executive of Tendril. “That’s not true in the utility space where billing and out-age notifications and so on are separate experiences. This is an attempt to unify things.”

More control over power usage? There’s an app for that

World’s most expensive car tyres em-bedded with gold, diamonds sold for Rs 4 cr in UAEThey were decorated by the world’s most exclusive jewellers -- artisan jewellers in Italy -- and designed in Dubai, Z Tyres said in its website.

A set of four tyres made by NRI-owned firm in Dubai was sold for more than Rs 4 crore.

DUBAI | PTI, June 15, 2016 - Embed-ded with 24-carat

gold and specially selected diamonds, a set of four tyres made by an NRI-owned firm in Dubai was sold for more than Rs 4 crore, setting the Guin-ness world record for most ex-pensive set of car tyres.

The first and only set of tyres of this kind, the gold-plated tyres were developed by Z Tyres in Dubai.

They were decorated by the world’s most exclusive jewel-lers — artisan jewellers in Italy — and designed in Dubai, the company said in its website.

The application of gold leaf-

ing was done in the UAE by the same craftsmen who have worked on the new presiden-tial palace in Abu Dhabi.

The tyres were included as “World’s Most Expensive Set of Car Tyres” in the Guinness Book of Records, the compa-ny claimed.

They were sold for 2.2 mil-lion dirhams (USD 600,000 or Rs 4.01 crore) at REIFEN trade fair in Dubai, it said.

The company will donate the money to the Zenises Founda-tion.

“We’ve always treasured the outstanding skills and dedi-cation involved in develop-ing our Z Tyre range so we

thought what better way to celebrate this achievement than with a record-breaking special set of tyres especially commissioned for a unique buyer,” Harjeev Kandhari, Founder and CEO of Zenises which ownes Z Tyres said.

“In keeping with the spirit of the holy month of Rama-dan, Z Tyres will donate all profits from the USD 600,000 sale to the Zenises Foundation which focuses on improving access to education across the world,” he added.

Tendril announced its new product, called MyHome, on Monday, during the annual meeting of the Edison Electric Institute, the trade association for investor-owned electric utilities, in Chicago.

The company, which devel-ops energy-reporting and other software for the utility industry, said MyHome will enable Duke and eventually other power pro-viders to establish an “energy identify” for their customers by collecting data on the size and energy consumption of their dwellings, local weather condi-tions and personal preferences.

For example, the software will organize customers into specific groups based on wheth-er cost, comfort or environment motivates their energy choices. The profiles help a utility per-sonalize communications with customers and offer informa-tion and products that match their interests.

That said, one of the big-gest challenges for Tendril and utilities is stirring up interest in homeowners regarding their electricity consumption. With electricity relatively inexpen-sive, many utility customers pay little attention to how much power they’re using unless the cost skyrockets because of a heat wave or a cold snap.

The trade publication Public Utilities Fortnightly reported in February that electric bills rep-resented just 1.4% of personal-

consumption expenses, despite the saturation of electronic gad-gets in our homes.

Tuck and his colleagues at Tendril saw this consumer apa-thy in recent years as they stud-ied the potential impact of new “smart” energy devices, such as Google’s Nest, the program-mable thermostat, on home en-ergy patterns.

For many consumers, “there was no reason to get these things,” he said. “There was no strong energy-value proposi-tion. People didn’t think about energy a lot.”

But those attitudes appear to be changing now, especially as the technology-savvy millenni-al generation takes on a larger share of the utilities’ markets.

“We’re hearing from vendors of other products, like refrig-erators and windows and things that energy now consistently rates as one of the top three buy-ing criteria that customers look at, after price and features,” he said. “That’s changed over the last three years.”

Still, for other consumers, making sure the temperature at home is at the optimal level for their comfort or reducing their carbon emissions may be far more important than cutting their utility bills.

Tuck said the MyHome pro-gram will cost Duke $3 to $5 a year per customer, an expense

he maintained can be offset by improved efficiencies in deal-ing with the utility’s custom-ers.

In addition to Duke, Indiana Power and Michigan Power, two subsidiaries of the utility giant American Electric Power, will test parts of the MyHome application, Tendril said.

Tendril is hardly the only software developer focused on providing more sophisticated communications to utilities and their customers, though Tuck says its capabilities are more extensive than competitors.

The Arlington, Va.-based Opower, which was recently acquired by Oracle, is another pioneer in the field, helping utilities manage shifting de-mand and collect payments, and enabling their customers to compare their energy use with their neighbors.

“We do think this is a totally different way for utilities to interact with their customers,” Tuck said. “It can drive signifi-cantly better customer experi-ence, especially for those new energy customers who come from a generation used to inter-facing with everybody” with a tap of their mobile phone.

Courtesy: USA TODAY

Bill Loveless —@bill_love-less on Twitter — is a veteran energy journalist and podcast host in Washington.

Six US airlines licensed to start Cuba flights

resume flights.

On Friday, Foxx awarded li-censes to American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Sil-ver Airways, Southwest and Sun Country Airlines.

They will each be permitted to operate flights from their hubs in Miami, Fort Lauder-dale, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Philadelphia.

The Cuban cities served will be Camaguey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Hol-guín, Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.

US airlines also asked to serve the Cuban capital Ha-vana, but requests exceeded the slots available so officials are sorting through the requests.

A decision on the Havana routes will be made later this summer and all the flights could begin this fall, the de-partment said.

US retail sales rise a tick more than expected in May

“This is a solid report,” said Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics. “Now that the weather has returned to nor-mal with the fading of El Nino, and with Easter distortions out of the data, the consumer is back on track.”

Gasoline sales jumped 2.1 percent, reflecting in part in-creased prices. Online sales growth slowed to 1.3 percent, nearly half the pace of April, but sales at restaurants and bars, and clothing stores picked up.

Auto sales increased 0.5 per-cent, marking a sharp downturn from March as the auto indus-try cools from a 2015 boom.

Stripping out auto sales, retail sales rose 0.4 percent in May.

MUMBAI, India, PTI, Jun 15, 2016 The rupee appreciated 8 paise to 67.19 against the US dollar in early trade today on fresh selling of the American unit by exporters.

Besides, a higher opening in the domestic equity market supported the rupee. However, dollar’s strength against some currencies overseas capped the gains, forex dealers said.

Yesterday, the rupee closed

Rupee gains 8 paise to 67.19 in early trade

lower by 13 paise at 67.27 on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers following a stronger greenback in the over-seas market.

In the last four trading days, the domestic unit plunged 62 paise or 0.93%.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 136.19 points or 0.51% to 26,531.90 in early trade today.

VOICE OF ASIA 18 FRIDAY, June 17, 2016HOROSCOPEYour Horoscope for the Week of June 17, 2016

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 AprilYou could have the feeling of being under siege, as several social events end up

at your place, or people invite themselves around at the last moment. Don’t let your space be invaded. Learn to put your foot down. Make a new resolution, not to let oth-ers get away with making hurtful remarks. Some people simply don’t realize they’re

hurting your feelings, so make sure you let them know. Don’t let your financial situation get you down, once you snap out of this mood, you’ll find a solution.

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 MayA part of you is avoiding commitment, preferring to keep all your options open. There

comes a time when you have to choose, and a decision will have to be made in the next few weeks. No matter what others have to say, you are perfectly entitled to change your mind. Don’t be afraid to make a U-turn. You may be breaking your word but the outcome

will be positive for all concerned. You have what it takes to make a key decision this week, and one which will make your future look considerable brighter.

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 JuneConflict or misunderstanding is a possibility in love matters. A family situation is

becoming increasingly complex, leaving you feeling baffled and confused. The air has to be cleared, but you will not be the one to make the first step. You’ll be compensated for your ability to compromise. Others recognize that you are making an effort and will

do the same. Your ability to communicate is at a peak. Although you may not receive the answer to all your prayers this week, you will be rewarded with a financial bonus of sorts.

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 JulySome of the people you care for most may prove difficult to get along with, through

no fault of your own. That’s just the way the planets are lying and you will all have to learn to compromise. A forthcoming family gathering or reunion could be causing some strain. Don’t worry, all will go well. All you have to do is remain detached and

not let others tell you what to do. Travel and distant places are high on your list of priorities at the moment.

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 AugustAs you look ahead to the next few months, you wonder where you are heading. Now

is the time to lay the groundwork for a new personal project. There is a new opening for you, but you don’t know enough about this matter to make the most of it. Gather more information and don’t be afraid to ask questions whenever you can. Financially

you may feel that you are working flat out just to make ends meet, with little left over for fun and games.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 SeptemberExpect to be feeling more enthusiastic for home affairs, as a new form of domestic

energy takes hold of you, allowing you to deal with matters which are usually over-whelming for you. Watch out, you may have a tendency to be overly idealistic about your career situation this week. Face up to reality. When you do, you will realize that

some things need to be changed. A professional acquaintance whom you look up to may have a deci-sive influence on your career.

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 OctYou have been struggling for too long, and now you’ve had enough. Support comes

in both financial and moral forms, to give you new energy as far as home is concerned. Start doing research now and it will serve your well. Recent developments have meant that a decision has to be made, and you have put this one off for too long. You’ve had enough time to think. You will be rewarded for your patience this week, as you finally

receive a positive answer to a request or application you have made.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 NovYour personal relationships require faith, trust and confidence, if you feel this is lack-

ing, don’t take it out on the other person. When you have some time to yourself, don’t shut yourself away others. Stay with friends, seek out crowds and parties. Other peo-ple’s energy will recharge your batteries. Once you are re-charged, you will be unstop-

pable. Even the most challenging situations will be walkover for you. A seemingly negative situation regarding your finances can be turned into a great opportunity.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 DecYou’ll just end up going round in circles. When it comes to dealing with domestic

affairs, just go with the flow. Don’t try to push things through when it becomes obvi-ous that there is resistance. Wait for a new opportunity. Communication improves and so does understanding, as you make a decision to compromise and to adapt to existing

circumstances. A badly thought out financial plan could go wrong this week, so make sure you think long and hard about your moves before going into action. Caution is advised.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 JanYou are currently on an interesting path, paved with good intentions. Be warned, as

you move on, you may be in for a bumpy ride. This will be a learning experience, but one which could take you by surprise. You are full of energy and ready to party this week, but try not to burn the candle at both ends. You need some rest and peace and

quiet if you want to keep the pace. Progress has ground to a halt this week and you may begin to think that progress is impossible. Don’t despair, new opportunities are just around the corner. Be patient.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 FebYou will soon recover your wits and come up with the right response. Plutonic and

intimate relationships come into the spotlight this week, as you are asked to make a greater commitment or prove your feelings. You come through all tests with flying colors. Luck is on your side, which means that games of chance are likely to bring dividends of some sorts. Take a few risks (well thought out ones of course) and you

could double your money.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 MarchThings seem just too good to be true, and you wonder when someone will pull the rug

out from under your feet. Rest assured, all is well and things are set to go from good to better. When tension mounts, or you feel tired or unmotivated at home, it’s time to get to the bottom of it all. You will discover just where all that energy is draining away to. As soon as you have a little cash to spare, your spending goes wild and you’re broke

again! Try to break this cycle and put some cash away this week.

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

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Avoid Fighting With Your Spouse When You Get Home From Work

The most challenging part of the day can be when you arrive home and inadvertently get into a fight with your spouse. It happens because we often forget our interpersonal skills as soon as we walk through the door. We tend to think we can just “be ourselves” without wor-rying about how we’ll be perceived or the impact on our partners. But people skills are just as neces-sary at home as they are at work. It’s unrealistic and unhelpful for couples to expect that they’ll au-tomatically be in sync when they arrive home; different needs, different recovery times, and differ-ent experiences during the day make it more likely that you’ll be out of sync. That’s why it’s important to identify your needs as individuals and talk about them as a couple — but don’t do it right when you get home. Set aside some time to talk when you’re both feeling more relaxed.

Source: Adapted from “How to Not Fight with Your Spouse When You Get Home from Work,” by Ed Batista.

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Reddy & Neumann PC law firm located in West Houston is seeking to hire immigrant friendly Admin-istrative Assistant. Candidate will be required to pre-pare and process legal documents and papers. Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients or to government agencies. Organize and maintain records and case files. Send resume to Rahul Reddy at [email protected]. Our office is located at: 11000 Richmond Avenue, Suite # 600, Houston, TX 77042.

Administrative Assistant Needed

Sealed bids addressed to Lovett Commercial on behalf of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10, will be received in the office of Ward, Getz & Associates, LLP; 2500 Tanglewilde, Suite 120; Hous-ton, Texas, 77063 (phone 713-789-1900) until 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 1, 2016, at which time all bids will be opened and publicly read for the furnishing of all material, equipment, labor and su-pervision necessary or incidental to Construction of Left Turn Lanes and Traffic Signalization for Kingwood at West Lake Houston Parkway and Kingwood Drive.

Scope of Project:

Approximately 713 CY of Excavation and Disposal;Approximately 1,606 SY of Subgrade Preparation and 8” Concrete Pavement;Approximately 1,532 LF of Reinforced Concrete Curb;Traffic Control Plan;Traffic Signalization. Plans, specifications and bid documents may be purchased at Ward, Getz & Associates, LLP, for a $75.00 non-refundable fee.

A MANDATORY PRE-BID is scheduled to be conducted at the office of Ward, Getz & Associates, LLP, on Friday, June 24, 2016 @ 10:00 a.m.

A bid bond or cashier’s check in the amount of 5% of the total bid amount must accompany each bid. The successful bidder will be required to provide a performance bond, a payment bond, and a one-year maintenance bond as provided for in the bid documents, for the full amount of the con-tract. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

In constructing the public improvements, the Developer and the Contractor shall comply with the City’s Minority and Women Business Enterprises programs set out in Chapter 15, Article V, Code of Ordinances, City of Houston, to the fullest extent permitted by law, by making good faith efforts to award subcontracts and supply agreements in accordance with the program.

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

It’s that time of year again. Whether you’re shop-ping for a new graduate

or something special for Dad, you’ll want to find the perfect gift.

This Father’s Day and gradu-ation season, skip the tie or the gift card -- old standards are great, but you’ll want your gift to stand out. Here are three cool ideas to consider:

Big Sounds, Small Space

Whether it’s for dad’s man cave or a graduate’s small apartment, new innovations are offering great sound in a compact instrument for musi-cians tight on space. For ex-ample, Casio’s Privia PX-160 features piano sounds recorded from a nine-foot concert grand piano, as well as newly devel-oped string ensemble sounds. For quiet listening, it also fea-tures two headphone outputs, and USB connectivity that can be used with Mac or Windows computers.

DIY Food Fun

Is your dad or grad a foodie? Rather than indulging in one shared meal out on the town,

Dads and Grads Season: How to Pick the Right Gifts

consider giving a gift that keeps on giving. These days, amateur foodies are taking cer-tain things into their own hands -- they are pickling their own vegetables, brewing their own craft beers and even creating their own hot sauces. Specialty kits are fun and offer all the knowledge and supplies neces-sary to get started.

Better Movie Nights

Beef up a home theater sys-tem with the latest tech gear. A portable projector that doesn’t require a mercury lamp is a fun and versatile present for anyone

that loves to host movie and video game nights or sports-viewing parties. For example, Casio’s LampFree projectors combine Laser and LED tech-nology for high brightness that can last up to 20,000 hours. The newest models offer clear, bright images, and the projec-tors are only 1.7 inches thick and weigh five pounds.

This season, go beyond the standard gift items you know everyone else is giving. Get creative in your effort to find something useful and cool.

Courtesy: (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) limitofcontrol - Fotolia.com

We need a reliable person for Murphy’s Deli. They will be responsible for operating the Cash Register, managing cli-ents, making sandwiches/wraps, keeping the Deli clean and delivering catering orders. They should be able to drive to the Galleria Area 5-6 days a week. There is some flexibil-ity around hours but we definitely need the person around lunch time on weekdays & from 10am to 3pm on alternate Saturdays. We are open to hiring part-time or full-time. Flu-ency in English is not required but they should be able to communicate in English. We need somebody with a pleas-ant personality. Email your resume: [email protected]

Deli Associate Wanted

READ OUR HEALTHLINE

MAGAZINE ONLINE

healthlinemag.com


He�l�� L��WELLNESS EXPO

Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM September 17, 2016

Empowering families to live healthy lives through education

• FREE ENTRY & PARKING FOR EXPO • GET A FREE BOOTH*

This expo provides a great opportunity for families to get to know Healthcare businesses and Insurance Providers on a one-on-one basis.

WHEN:STAFFORD CENTRE - 20,000 sq.ft hallWHERE:

The most convenient place in Fort Bend County with easy access from major highways like 59, Main 90 and highway 6.

Mark your Calendars. Reserve your date. Come prepared with your questions for healthcare providers.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES &

BOOTHS AVAILABLETo Become a Sponsor Call 713-774-5140

For more details, visit us online: www.healthlinemag.com Part of our proceeds

will go to benefit H.O.P.E

non-profit organization to help Autistic children

live better lives.

*With sponsorship packages.

CURRENT SPONSORS

Booths going fast. Get your booth today!

10:30- 11 - The Rose - Speaker: Chris Noble

“Breast Cancer - Prevention and Treatment”

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM Fort Bend Regional Council

Payal Patani and Lauren Ibekwe. “Drug Trends Among Youth and What Parents Need to Know”

12:30 PM - 1 PM Know Autism Non-Profit

Judy Blake, Founder, Understanding Autism

Detecting Autism in Early Childhood

3 More Speaking Sessions Available. Speakers on Health Issues invited!Call 713-774-5140 or Email: [email protected] today.

Win DoorPrizes Every

30 Minutes!

Meetand GreetHouston Police

Department

StaffordFire

DepartmentSafetyDisplay

Health Topics Addressed by Professionals to Benefit Families

voice of asia e-paper june 17 2016

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