1.Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip?
It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat. 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps,
which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin,Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? LaborDay?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you
haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
I hear Santa Claus has been working out & using his health supplements, so he is looking much younger & very svelte this year.... ;)
I'll see you all there, as well...
Chet
_____________________________
From: Anthony Le <anthony_le@...> Subject: Ho...Ho....Ho....Photos with Santa Claus this Sunday, December 20th, 2009 @ Thai Spice Asian Bistro
Date: Monday, December 14, 2009, 6:34 PM
Dear Friends,
Thai Spice Asian Bistro would like to bring Santa Claus to the Community and especially to our beloved children in the Alief Area. On Sunday, December 20th, from 11 AM - 4:00 PM, Santa Claus and Thai Spice Asian Bistro will hold our first annual "Santa in Alief" Christmas Photo Event. This is a special time to visit Santa and to take some personal photos as well as family portraits for Christmas. Thai Spice Asian Bistro is very graciously hosting the event along with some special helps from our dedicated photographers in the Community, at a very low price. As a special donation, Thai Spice Asian Bistro will provide to the first 100 children who attend with a free 4 x 6 Santa photo and frame to commemorate this magical holiday season.
If you, or someone you know, might have a child that would enjoy this wonderful event, contact Anthony Le at anthony_le@.... Also, we encourage you to forward this e-mail to educators,
social workers or community leaders who work with children. Please help us spread the word about this very special event!
Due to the nature of the event, we will be taking Santa photos with children and/or family photos on a first-come, first-served basic. We would also cherish your opinions on how to make this a special event for the Community.
What:Ho...Ho....Ho....Photos with Santa Claus this Sunday, December 20th, 2009 from 11 AM to 4 PM
Photo: You can have your photos taken with Santa Claus and/or have your Family Portraits for Christmas
Eligibility center open at El Franco Lee Health Center
By ROBIN FOSTER CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT
Dec. 14, 2009, 4:38PM
After a slight delay the Southwest Eligibility Center has opened alongside El Franco Lee Health Center, 8901 Boone Road in Alief.
The eligibility center qualifies patients for financial assistance with primary and specialty health services provided by the Harris County Hospital District, which operates El Franco Lee Health Center and 12 other community health centers, three hospitals, mobile and school-based health clinics throughout the county.
While medical care is not free at these facilities, the hospital district does provide financial assistance for those who qualify through its Gold Card Program.
Applicants work with an eligibility counselor to determine whether they qualify for full or partial financial assistance based on their household income. Applicants may qualify for full or partial financial assistance, on a sliding scale, including: full pay, half pay, co-pay or no-pay. Applicants are required to provide proof of identification, their residence and their dependents as well as insurance information, immigration documents and proof of household income during the past 30 days.
El Franco Lee Health Center opened in May and is equipped to provide health care services for 100,000 patient visits each year.
The center's hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The eligibility center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 713-526-4243.
For more information about eligibility for financial assistance, call 713-566-6509 or visit the hospital district's Web site at www.hchdonline.com.
Thai Spice Asian Bistro would like to bring Santa Claus to the Community and especially to our beloved children in the Alief Area. On Sunday, December 20th, from 11 AM - 4:00 PM, Santa Claus and Thai Spice Asian Bistro will hold our first annual "Santa in Alief" Christmas Photo Event. This is a special time to visit Santa and to take some personal photos as well as family portraits for Christmas. Thai Spice Asian Bistro is very graciously hosting the event along with some special helps from our dedicated photographers in the Community, at a very low price. As a special donation, Thai Spice Asian Bistro will provide to the first 100 children who attend with a free 4 x 6 Santa photo and frame to commemorate this magical holiday season.
If you, or someone you know, might have a child that would enjoy this wonderful event, contact Anthony Le at anthony_le@.... Also, we encourage you to forward this e-mail to educators, social workers or community leaders who work with children. Please help us spread the word about this very special event!
Due to the nature of the event, we will be taking Santa photos with children and/or family photos on a first-come, first-served basic. We would also cherish your opinions on how to make this a special event for the Community.
What:Ho...Ho....Ho....Photos with Santa Claus this Sunday, December 20th, 2009 from 11 AM to 4 PM
Photo: You can have your photos taken with Santa Claus and/or have your Family Portraits for Christmas
--- On Thu, 12/10/09, Hung Le <lehm999@...> wrote:
From: Hung Le <lehm999@...> Subject: Re: [HoustonVietInfoNetwork] VCSA Educational Workshop for PARENTS Sat 12/12, 1:30pm-4pm To: "Chet Machen" <ongbocau@...> Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 12:43 PM
Hi Chet,
The workshop is for BOTH parents and their children (middle school and high school students).
Thanks,
--- On Tue, 12/8/09, Chet Machen <ongbocau@...> wrote:
From: Chet Machen <ongbocau@...> Subject: [HoustonVietInfoNetwork] VCSA Educational Workshop for PARENTS Sat 12/12, 1:30pm-4pm To: "Houston Viet Info Network Yahoo Group" <HoustonVietInfoNetwork@yahoogroups.com> Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 1:44 PM
Don't forget to go vote in the City Elections at Alief Library before the Workshop!
Polls open 7a-7p on Sat, 12/12 for runoff election. :)
Chet
From: Space-Time [Le, H] <lehm999@yahoo. com> Subject: [VHKH-Houston] Educational Workshop Sat 12/12, 1:30pm-4pm To: vhkh-houston@ yahoogroups. com Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 10:25 AM
Hi all,
Sorry for the late notice, but pls arrange your time to attend a very important educational workshop THIS COMING SAT as follows:
Date: 12/12/2009 Time: 1:30pm - 4pm Location: Our center (4615 Belle Park Dr Houston, TX 77072) Phone: 281-933-8118 Topic: "What to do so our children can succeed in college" and "How to prepare our children in high school". (We will focus on "Character Education" (Ddu*'c du.c) and its importance on a child's education) Target audience: Parents and middle school and high school students Speakers: Mr Nong Duy Truong (former teacher at DeBakey High School for Health Professions and Ms. Vu Kim Yen (Principal of Stafford Primary School).
I know we are all concerned about education so pls try to attend this workshop - it could be the event that changes your child's future.
Pls call our center to register or to know more about the
workshop.
From: Kiem-Lieu Thi Le <kiemle@...> Subject: college students internship
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 2:50 PM
Hi Loan, Please link this to VCC-web site if possible and also note that the web site update yearly around November. Most of the student-internship-applications for Summer due by March of that year.
Chet, Would you link this to the web sites that you do the maintenance also?
Hi all, Please forward it to students that you think they may need this information.
Don't forget to go vote in the City Elections at Alief Library before the Workshop!
Polls open 7a-7p on Sat, 12/12 for runoff election. :)
Chet
From: Space-Time [Le, H] <lehm999@...> Subject: [VHKH-Houston] Educational Workshop Sat 12/12, 1:30pm-4pm To: vhkh-houston@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 10:25 AM
Hi all,
Sorry for the late notice, but pls arrange your time to attend a very important educational workshop THIS COMING SAT as follows:
Date: 12/12/2009 Time: 1:30pm - 4pm Location: Our center (4615 Belle Park Dr Houston, TX 77072) Phone: 281-933-8118 Topic: "What to do so our children can succeed in college" and "How to prepare our children in high school". (We will focus on "Character Education" (Ddu*'c du.c) and its importance on a child's education) Target audience: Parents and middle school and high school students Speakers: Mr Nong Duy Truong (former teacher at DeBakey High School for Health Professions and Ms. Vu Kim Yen (Principal of Stafford Primary School).
I know we are all concerned about education so pls try to attend this workshop - it could be the event that changes your child's future.
Pls call our center to register or to know more about the
workshop.
-- Riyad Abu-Taha President/Freelance Media Group Founder-Chairman/The Ambassadors' Club 2001 Potomac Dr. Houston, TX 77057 713-977-4923 FMG411@... www.theambassadorsclub.org
The first 2010 VA NGO Network Regional Meeting & Capacity Building Workshop is free and open to all VA NGO Network Members and Friends. We would like to encourage new organizations working in Vietnam to take the opportunity to come learn about the VA NGO Network and its planned activities in 2010 to serve members and NGOs. Attend the Open Discussion and join the Initiative on Health Education - to be launched as a new collaboration between VA NGOs.
Dr. John Nguyen, Founder and President of the Lighthouse Leadership will also hold a workshop on leadership development for NGOs, "Social Intelligence and the Principles of Leadership."
Further details to follow, please mark your calendar and save this date! For more information please send e-mail to info@.... To register http://tinyurl.com/vango-January
Houston, TX- (October, 2009) - Danny Nguyen Commercial, a full service real estate company, has announced the multi-million dollar sale of the nearly 50-year-old, 200,000 square foot JC Penney building in Sharpstown Mall, located at 7500 Bellaire Blvd. and the Southwest Freeway (US 59). The sellers and buyers were undisclosed. The buyers were represented by Hau “Howard” Trinh who commented that the purchase of this location will promote growth in Southwest Houston. His clients are planning to lease the building to quality tenants. Mr. Trinh says there has been an influx of phone calls regarding the interest of who will occupy the space next. The new owners are at the beginning stage of repositioning the space and are open to all offers.
“This is very exciting for the future of southwest Houston. Sharpstown Mall was one of the most exclusive shopping centers in the country at one time. It was the second mall to be built in Houston after Gulfgate Mall in 1956. Sharpstown was the first air-conditioned, enclosed shopping mall in the Houston area, and opened September 14,1961 just days after Hurricane Carla hit Houston. One of the guest speakers at the opening was the future U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. This mall represents the retail history of Southwest Houston and it can now again become part of its future with the repositioning of the center,” Trinh said.
Danny Nguyen, President of Danny Nguyen Commercial said, “The sale of this building says a lot about the outlook the buyers and many others, including I, have on the economy. History has proven that crisis breeds new opportunity and now, more than ever, it is the best time to plant the seeds of investment. This sale will bring new business opportunities which will lead to new availability of jobs for this area. Our building is located right down the street from Sharpstown so we have a strong interest in helping this project hit its goal of becoming 100 percent leased within the next two years. Our office is preparing the leasing strategy for Trinh’s clients. Retail tenants, large or small, schools, professional services, etc. are all welcomed. There is a lot of space inside and about 10 acres of parking. This is a perfect environment for entrepreneurs. Who could ask for a more
convenient location? The population is high, the area is well known, and the demand is there. We are at the beginning stages of planning so any ideas for the facility will be looked at. I love ‘out of the box’ thinking.”
About Danny Nguyen Commercial:
Danny Nguyen Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm that offices at 9999 Bellaire Blvd., Ste 909 in Houston, TX. We offer a full range of real estate services including commercial brokerage of retail properties, land, office, industrial, multi‑family, and income producing properties. The company also offers development and construction services. DN Commercial has various properties all over Houston and the surrounding areas. Some of the newest developments the company is involved in are on Shadow Creek Pkwy in Pearland, TX, The Waterlights District at Hwy 288 and Beltway 8 and on Texas Parkway in Missouri City, TX where Wingstop Restaurant will open soon. Anyone interested in any of these projects can call 713-270-5400.
From: d_vu@... <d_vu@...> Subject: people traveling back to VN for Lunar New Yr To: ongbocau@... Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 11:10 AM
Hello,
I have been asked by many people, where they can go get vaccinated when traveling back to VN. Can you find out where people with health insurance can goto get their shots? The 2 main shots are Typhoid and Hep A. But I am not sure what hospitals give out these 2 shots. Thank you.
From: Rosen, Marni - MYR <Marni.Rosen@...> Subject: Vietnamese Translators Needed to Assist at H1N1 Flu clinics To: "'Phale Le'" <phale.le@...>, "'Chet Machen'" <ongbocau@...>, "Nguyen, Thanh - HFD" <Thanh.Nguyen@...> Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 2:40 PM
Hello Cassady, Chet, and Thanh,
I have been informed that the Medical Reserve Corps is in need of Vietnamese translators to assist (in non-clinical roles) at the various H1N1 flu vaccination clinics around the city.
I will forward details regarding the call for volunteers (CERT as well as community volunteers) to support these clinics, in a separate correspondence. When you receive the information, please forward to your contacts in the Asian community.
From: Brian Burks Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 4:35 PM Subject: HPD looking for Robbery Suspects
HPD has reported the Robbery of a postman at the Aqua Post Office near Bellaire and Kirkwood on Monday, November 30th. Information on two suspects as follows:
Black Male 20-25, 5’5 to 5’7, 140 to 150 pounds wearing a red hooded sweat shirt and black pants
Black Male 20-25, 5’5 to 5’7, 140 to 150 pounds wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt and unknown color pants.
Suspects Robbed postman of his mailbag throwing it over a fence at apartments. One suspect squeezed through a hole in the fence to retrieve the bag, the other fled West toward Kirkwood having been unable to squeeze through himself. No weapons reported.
Any information can be sent to this e mail address or you can contact HPD Officer J C Upton at HPD Westside Command Station at : 281 584-4700
*We want our constituents to have a safe and happy holiday season, so be aware of your surroundings and please report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police immediately. Remember: Getting involved makes a difference!
From: Leung, Daniel H <dhleung@...> Subject: Viral Hepatitis Clinic for children at Texas Children's Hospital To: "'OngBoCau@...'" <OngBoCau@...> Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 12:29 PM
Hi Chet,
I saw your posting on the Houston Viet Info Network and wanted to share a new service we are providing at Texas Children’s Hospital which will impact our Asian community. I am a pediatric liver specialist/gastroenterologist at Texas Children’s and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine who was brought on to develop a Viral Hepatitis Clinic for children in the Houston area. As Hepatitis B and C are so prevalent within our Asian community in Houston , many of our young and older children are having to deal with these dangerous viruses. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of hepatitis B and C can prevent the development of cancer, cirrhosis, or the need for liver transplantation for these children. As a long time Houstonian and Chinese-American, I am passionate about providing these services not only to the
Texas Medical Center , but to the children in our Asian community who are affected by these chronic diseases. Doctor referrals or appointments for children dealing with hepatitis can be made through our Liver Center coordinator, Denise Espinoza, at 832-822-1050. Let me know if you have any questions or I can be of help in any way!
All the best,
Daniel H. Leung, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Divison of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Shao Shao has forwarded this email to you with the following message: Dear friends, Please help me to spread the words around, and wish you all can make it to the Preimere on Dec 12th, 2009. Shao
Please Note: You have NOT been added to any email lists. If you no longer wish to receive these messages, please contact shaoshao0202@....
We need your help. Please go online now and buy all of the tickets available ad the most important award is the peoples choice award! If we can sell out then they might give us an addition screening!!
The exclusive Hotel Sorella 800 West Sam Houston Parkway North Building 9 Houston, Texas 77024 713.973.1600 - Phone http://www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com
Special rate of $89.00 a night for film festival patrons.
Houston voters will head back to the polls beginning Monday, Nov. 30, to decide runoff elections for mayor, controller and five city council positions, including two district seats that serve the city's west side.
Runoffs also will be held for two seats on the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees and for two seats on the Bellaire city council.
Candidates for Houston mayor are City Controller Annise Parker and attorney Gene Locke. City Council members M.J. Khan and Ronald Green are in the race to replace Parker as controller.
Also undecided are the District A and District F seats on the Houston City Council held by Toni Lawrence and Khan, who are term-limited, and three at-large positions currently held by Peter Brown, who lost his bid for the mayor's job, Sue Lovell and Jolanda “Jo” Jones, both incumbents in the runoff to keep their seats.
Candidates for the Houston city council are:
• District A: Lane Lewis, an elementary school teacher, and Brenda Stardig, a real estate broker.
• District F: Al Hoang, a defense attorney, and Mike Laster, a real estate attorney.
• At-large Position 1: Karen Derr, founder and broker for Karen Derr and Associates Realty, and Stephen Costello, president and co-founder of civil engineering firm Costello, Inc.
• At-large Position 2: Andrew C. Burks Jr., a pastor who also heads telecommunication business AM-PM Telephone Service Inc., and incumbent Sue Lovell, a former business owner currently serving as vice mayor pro-tem on the council.
• At-large Position 5: Jack Christie, business owner and former chairman of the Texas Board of Education, and incumbent Jolanda “Jo” Jones, attorney and businesswoman.
Candidates for the Houston ISD Board of Trustees are:
• District 1: Educator Alma Lara and Anna Eastman, a stay-at-home mom and community organizer.
• District 9: Adrian Collins, a member of the White House advance staff and former deputy director for state Sen. Rodney Ellis, and incumbent Larry Marshall, a former educator.
Candidates for the Bellaire city council are:
• Position 3: Corbett Daniel Parker, a corporate transactional attorney, and Roseann Rogers, sales and marketing manager for KTBU-TV Channel 55.
• Position 5: Andrew Friedberg and James B. Jameson, both attorneys.
Registered voters can cast their ballots at any of 21 early voting locations from Nov. 30 through Dec. 8. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first week, Nov. 30 to Dec. 4; from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5; from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. The runoff election is Saturday, Dec. 12.
Early voting locations are:
• Inside Loop 610: First floor of the Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston; Moody Park Community Center, 3725 Fulton; Julia C. Hester House, 2020 Solo; Ripley House, 4410 Navigation Blvd.; H.C.C.S. Southeast College, Learning Hub, 6815 Rustic Street; Palm Center (Justice of the Peace/Constable Entry), 5300 Griggs Road; Fiesta Mart, Inc., 8130 Kirby Drive, and the Metropolitan Multi-service Center, 1475 W. Gray.
• Outside Loop 610: Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding; Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington; The Power Center, 12401 South Post Oak Road; Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet (near Hillcroft); Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, (one block East of Sam Houston Tollway); Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road; Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Road, and the Hardy Senior Center, 11901 West Hardy Road.
• Outside Beltway 8: Humble ISD Instructional Support Center, 4810 Magnolia Cove, Kingwood; Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane in Clear Lake; Henington-Alief Regional Library, 7979 South Kirkwood in Alief; Courtyard by Marriott, 12401 Katy Freeway, and Lac Hong Square, 6628 Wilcrest Drive.
To see a sample ballot and map of the early voting locations visit www.harrisvotes.com or call 713-755-6965.
I am looking for someone to help me learn Vietnamese. I bought the Rosetta
Stone but I don't quite understand how to use it. I have been to VN twice in the
past year. My fiance is over there. She has never been here. We are trying to
get the k-a visa. She had her interview last month and it didn't go great. Her
next appointment to provide more documents was 2 weeks ago. Since then, the
Consulate has not responded or finished processesing out petition. Does anyone
familiar with this process or the workings if the U.S. Consulate General in HCM
have and advice??
Thanks
Steve
This is a Chinese Culture Show that is going to perform in Houston from Dec.21 to Dec.23, this would be a great learning experience about Chinese culture. Thought I share this with you.
Currently, the three companies of Shen Yun are touring 80 cities in the globe for the season of 2009. This is a golden opportunity to see the pinnacle of Chinese renaissance, a 5-millennia old Chinese culture in 2 and half hour on stage.
Please find the links about Shen Yun below with a video link.
--- On Wed, 10/28/09, ShenYun DivinePerformingArt <shenyunhouston@...> wrote:
From: ShenYun DivinePerformingArt <shenyunhouston@...> Subject: Divine Performing Art back to Houston right before Christmas To: PETERNAVARROJR@... Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 11:22 PM
Dear Patrons,
The Southern USA Falun Dafa Association is proud to bring Shen Yun (formerly known as the Divine Performing Arts) back to Houston ’s Jones Hall from December 21th to 23th, 2009 with an all-new program.
During its 2008-2009 season, Shen Yun performed over 320 successful shows in over 100 cities in the world, delighting the hearts of 800,000 people of all ages and backgrounds. You already saw the past show and I'm sure you'd like to come back and share this spectacle with your loved ones as well.
Profound. Sublime.. Inspiring. That was the unequivocal response to last year’s show. It is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be—a brilliant blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Coupled with an innovative full orchestra, dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless flowing patterns. Thunderous drums shake the stage, while spectacular backdrops take you to another world.
Location:CenterPoint Energy Building, 12330 Bellaire Blvd.
Directions:Drive through the East gate (closest to Cook Road)
Enter the building through the patio.
Hospitality: DINNER/SNACKS sponsored by
The NGO Foundation
Sponsors for hospitality or food donations for our monthly meetings are always welcome and needed.Businesses, HOAs, or individuals, are invited to volunteer. If you are able to help with this project, please contact ASNC council member
L'Tisha Michaels( LMichaels@... or 832-888-9596) . Thank you.
Nov. '08 - Elsie Smith of Edward Jones Investments
Oct. '08 - Honorable Hubert Vo, TX State Rep District 149 & Mr. Greg Meyers, HISD School
Board
2008- A' Chau Chinese Restaurant (Bellaire @ Synott), Harris County Judge Ed Emmett; Unity Adventist Worship Center, City Council Member, JoLanda Jones; State Rep. Jim Murphy, Beechnut Auto; Thai Spice Asian Bistro
2007- Elsie Smith, Edward Jones Investments; Beechnut Auto; Unity Adventist Worship Center; Danny Nguyen Commerical; M.J. Khan, Mr. Zaf Tahir, Wal- Mart Neighborhood Market (Beechnut @ Kirkwood)
2006: Beechnut Auto Repair, IBC Bank, Unity Adventist Worship Center, HCC, Mr. Talmadge Heflin, Rep. Hubert Vo, Dist 149
2005: Ford Doctors, Cantina Laredo, H & A Williams, Realty Associates
2004: Hubert Vo, Sam's Hair, Wal-Mart(Beechnut),
Alief Marine, Ford Doctors
COLLEGE LIFE: Monique Pham of Alief, now a student of Houston Baptist University, is en route to meet friends on campus. She spent her senior year in high school as a member of the Alief Super Neighborhood Council.
MONIQUE PHAM
• Age: 18
• Occupation: Houston Baptist student
• Fast fact: Volunteered for several organizations such as the Houston Area Food Bank and Texas Children's Hospital
• Quick quote: “I realized that it was something that I was meant to do; something that I was good at.”
In 2007, as a junior in high school with a plan to promote her high school band and orchestra events, Monique Pham, 18, started attending the Alief Super Neighborhood Council meetings. The next school year her talent and leadership was recognized when she was appointed as the first student board member in 2008.
“When I started going to meetings, I was very interested in seeing how they were trying to fix things within our community, and I loved hearing politicians meet with us to address the issues,” Pham said. “Then I became involved in community service programs, and the board decided that I could provide valuable input in community issues as a student.”
Now a 2009 graduate of Kerr High School, Pham is a freshman at the Houston Baptist University, majoring in biology and business with a plan to go on to medical school. Even though she is no longer on the board as the high school student member, since she still lives in Alief, she remains committed and involved in the council.
Last year she helped with the Let's Make Houston Beautiful campaign in the Alief area. For several years she has also helped with the Alief International Parade, which this year took place on Sept. 26.
During Hurricane Ike, she was involved in discussions as to whether Alief would be a point of distribution. The president of the board asked her to round up student volunteers to pass out meals, and Pham readily complied.
“I was inspired by the student leaders at my high school as well as various leaders around the world — I was so amazed that they willingly gave up their time to help others, and I wanted to do this as well,” Pham said. “I realized that it was something that I was meant to do something that I was good at. It is extremely hard to be enthusiastic about leadership, commitment, and service when some people these days do not take these things seriously. By being involved I hope not only to help others, but to also show others how rewarding it is to just help out, whether it involves passing out meals or participating in school activities.”
Aside from her community work, she plays violin and in high school received superior rating at UIL competitions, as well as a freshman award (2006), president's award (2008) and a master musician award for orchestra (2008). She was actively involved in Kerr's student council as well serving as president, and received various leadership awards and scholarships including the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award & Scholarship in 2008. Pham was also a member of National Honor Society and the Key Club.
For her time volunteering at the Houston Area Food Bank, Bayou City Arts Festival, Texas Children's Hospital and other public events, she was the recipient of the 2008 President's Volunteer Service Award.
Aside from her schooling and volunteer work, she currently plays violin as an affiliate/alternate for the Infinity Strings Quartet, which performs at weddings and events.
With seven men in the race for the Houston City Council District F seat, a runoff election was inevitable.
Surprisingly, Mike Laster, the perceived front-runner, was an also-ran much of the night Nov. 3. Not until around 10 p.m. did the count shift in his favor over Al Hoang. In the end, just 85 votes, less than 1 percent of the total ballots cast, separated the two candidates. Laster totaled 2,436 votes to Hoang's 2,351.
Even after the strong showing, Hoang was at work the next day assessing his organization and strategy for the Dec. 12 runoff election.
“I know Mike Laster is a strong candidate and has a lot of support, so I have to campaign even harder now,” Hoang said.
For his part, Laster wasn't surprised with the outcome, given the district's history and the number of candidates in the race.
“We believe in democracy in District F, and people come out and run,” he said. “The vote split out the way we expected it to.”
Crime, infrastructure and neighborhood protection are among the top issues in the district, where many residents believe their needs have been overlooked by the city.
Still, fewer than 15 percent of registered voters in the district cast ballots in the election. Runoffs historically attract even fewer, but Laster said that may not hold true on Dec. 12.
“There are a lot of factors to get them (the voters) interested in the runoff — the election for mayor, controller and three at-large races and their own home-turf district. People who are watching this stuff and care about it are watching their district. I think we'll have a lot of turn out.”
Both candidates plan to keep their campaigns positive.
Hoang is a native of Vietnam who came to the United States at age 13 after Saigon fell to communism. He earned his law degree from Texas State University in 1997 and works as a defense attorney at Hoang and Associates. His campaign is about increase and decrease.
“I want to decrease the crime in the area and increase investment and income for the area,” Hoang said.
He said he would ask for a police storefront in the district and work to increase gang-prevention and after-school programs. He also likes the idea of creating a reserve unit of retired police and military.
Laster grew up in rural Texas and obtained his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He specializes in real estate law with Williams, Birnberg and Anderson LLP and previously worked as a senior assistant city attorney for the city of Houston from 1989 to 1995.
Laster is chairman of the Sharpstown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and Redevelopment Authority and serves on the board of the Greater Sharpstown Management District and the Sharpstown Civic Association, which represents 6,800 homes.
“Now we move forward and make the case to the voters for a positive future for the district,” Laster said.
He said there is “broad spectrum” agreement about crime and how that relates to blight and neighborhood development.
His campaign will reach out to his former opponents and voters to find the best approach to address those issues and unify the district.
“What we have to do is address those issues, and make sure the neighborhoods feel their involvement is being heard and understood. It's an ongoing process, and I'm trying to respond to that,” Laster said.
NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals)
Please read below for upcomming events. RSVP and pre-pay to the following at www.naaaphouston. org
NAAAP Houston presents an Asian Senses Luncheon of Sake and Food.
For Sake enthusiasts or those that just want to learn more about Sake. We will explore the theories behind sake and food pairings by sampling some specially prepared dishes to compliment several different types of sake.
Menu:
First: Salad with Yuzu dressing
Second: Citrus Snapper Sashimi
Third: Pan Seared Scallop and Petit Filet
Fourth: Marinated Fruit Medley
*All courses are portioned for "tasting" and not full dishes.
Sake Pairing:
First: Moonstone Asian Pear Sake
Second: Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Sake
Third: Ichishima "Silk" Deluxe Sake
Fourth: Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling Sake
Cost: Members: $35 / Non-Members: $45 (Cost includes tax and gratuity)
Date:Saturday; November 28th, 2009
Time:12:30PM to 2:00PM
Location: Kenzo Sushi Bistro
Address: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Suite R140 Katy , TX 77494
The Educational Rainbow (ERC) is a non-profit organization initiated by Lithcon Corporation to stimulate interests in our youths to the importance of mathematics and sciences by holding math contests for average students in the third through sixth grades. This semi-annual event is a catalyst for progress in the education of young children in public schools in the Greater Houston area and a venue for Americans of Asian descent to serve in that capacity.
NAAAP Houston will be volunteering for a variety of events such as team proctoring, team judging and helping to serve lunch to participants and volunteers on day of event
Team Test Proctoring
Duties:To proctor group test.Be sure that teachers are not telling the students how to solve the assigned math problems.Further instructions will be provided on the day of event.
Team Test Judging
Duties:To evaluate the presentation made by students on their solution of the assigned math problem when they are brought in by Test Coordinator in the room. Further instructions will be provided on the day of event.
Team Test Coordinators
Duties:For your grade assigned, bring various grade teams (its students and its teacher) to the judging room.Further instructions will be provided on the day of event.
Celebrate the holidays with winter's most popular pastime - ice skating!NAAAP-Houston' s ice skating rendezvous features an exclusively reserved rink at the Galleria for members and guests. Get into the holiday spirit by donating a gift and toys to Charity.
Centered in the middle of Houston 's upscale Galleria mall, the state-of-the- art Polar Ice Rink hosts skating guests from all over the world.Young and old enjoy skating in this elite rink, which has been an icon in the Houston area for over 35 years.
Cost details to be announced as the date approaches. Check back often on NAAAP Houston's website for more information.
November 10, 2009 713.755.6738 / 713 539.0114 or hdeleon@...
IMPORTANT DECEMBER 12, 2009 JOINT RUNOFF ELECTION DATES
Houston, TX- Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman, the chief elections officer of the County, provided the public a calendar of important dates for the Dec. 12th Joint Runoff Election today.
“Aside from important dates, registered voters should know that they may vote in the Dec. 12th Joint Runoff Election even if they did not vote on Nov. 3rd, as long as they reside in one of the political subdivisions that will have an item on the ballot,” stressed County Clerk Kaufman. “For the upcoming election, it means that a voter must reside in the City of Houston , Bellaire or in the Houston Independent School District .”
IMPORTANT DECEMBER 12, 2009 JOINT RUNOFF ELECTION DATES
•First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail, Wednesday, November 4, 2009
•Last Day to Register to Vote, Thursday, November 12, 2009
•First Day of Early Voting, Monday, November 30, 2009
•Last Day to Apply for Ballot for by Mail (Received, not Postmarked), Friday, December 4, 2009
•Last Day of Early Voting, Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From: lucy@... <lucy@...> Subject: FW: Landmark health bill passes House on close vote 3 min ago Sunday Nov. 8, 2009 To: "'Chet Machen'" <ongbocau@...> Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 10:28 AM
Chet, please post. I think people need to know this.
Thanks / Lucy
Landmark health bill passes House on close vote
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer Erica Werner, Associated Press Writer– 3 mins ago Sunday Nov. 8, 2009
WASHINGTON – The Democratic-controlled House has narrowly passed landmark health care reform legislation, handing President Barack Obama a hard won victory on his signature domestic priority.
Republicans were nearly unanimous in opposing the plan that would expand coverage to tens of millions of Americans who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry.
The 220-215 vote late Saturday cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.
A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi compared the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.
Obama, who went to Capitol Hill earlier on Saturday to lobby wavering Democrats, said in a statement after the vote, "I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year."
"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.
But minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate on the 1,990-page, $1.2 trillion legislation.
"We are going to have a complete government takeover of our health care system faster than you can say, `this is making me sick,'" said Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich.
In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups.
The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees.
Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defied the government's mandates.
Insurance industry practices such as denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions would be banned, and insurers would no longer be able to charge higher premiums on the basis of gender or medical history. The industry would also lose its exemption from federal antitrust restrictions on price fixing and market allocation.
At its core, the measure would create a federally regulated marketplace where consumers could shop for coverage. In the bill's most controversial provision, the government would sell insurance, although the Congressional Budget Office forecasts that premiums for it would be more expensive than for policies sold by private companies.
The bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who holds an overwhelmingly Democratic seat in New Orleans . Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.
From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement saying, "We realize the strong will for reform that exists, and we are energized that we stand closer than ever to reforming our broken health insurance system."
To pay for the expansion of coverage, the bill cuts Medicare's projected spending by more than $400 billion over a decade. It also imposes a tax surcharge of 5.4 percent on income over $500,000 in the case of individuals and $1 million for families.
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