Events:

1000 Lights For Peace-Oct. 1, 2006
Houston paid homage to the life of Mahatma Gandhi with a candle light vigil in the heart of
Downtown Houston. Thousands showed, including dignitaries such as Mayor Bill White and
Sheila Jackson Lee.  It was a true testament to the life and message that he conveyed.
"In the midst of darkness, light persists"---Gandhi




AADA- Masquerade Ball
S2Productions Mission DVD
This event is AADA's annual fundraiser to support Asian women in the community that are victims
of domestic violence.  We were there for the presentation of a DVD that S2Productions put
together outlining the organizations mission and its services.


International Festival in Houston, TX  April 2006
Even though this year's festival was focused on Jamaica, the Indian vibe continued from last year.  
An Indian cultural zone consisted of food, dances, fashion shows, and local organizations
representing the Indian community.


Daya "Hope Through Harmony"--February 25th, 2006
Celebrating Daya's 10 year anniversary, the organization hosted their annual fund raiser featuring
music by Penn Masala.  It was a packed house, as people enjoyed the evening and helped to raise funds and awareness for the cause.

Daya was created in 1996 to serve South Asian families in crisis.  The mission is to increase
awareness through education and outreach, as well as serve as a hub for women seeking help
through their helpline. They serve women that have been victims of domestic violence, sexual
assault, and other issues.  South Asian women feel more comfortable dealing with Daya, as there
are many cultural and language barriers involved. One of the most important goals of the
organization is to establish a shelter for those in emergency crisis situations and to make others
aware through programs and seminars.

Support of Daya will continue to make a difference in the lives of South Asian women affected and
their families. www.dayahouston.org


International Festival of Houston-April 2005
In the 32 years that Houston has hosted Ifest, this was the premier year for India to be spotlighted.
The event was one of the top ten in attendance and featured food, traditional artifacts, fashions, as
well as Bollywood dances and fashion shows

We were there to get feedback from the crowd and business owners, as well as soak up a little
India in the heart of Downtown Houston.



The Dalai Lama visits the University of Texas, Austin-September 2005
His holiness, The Dalai Lama,  visited UT Austin on September 20, 2005.   The spiritual leader of
Tibetan Buddhism spoke on "The Meaning of Compassion in Everyday Life" and on "Tolerance
and Universal Responsibility."  His visit was very much welcomed during these troubled times.




News:Our World Today:

Make your vote count! As Hilary concedes and throws her support behind Obama, everyone is wondering if  she will join Obama's ticket as VP. We will all have to stay tuned and keep our fingers crossed as we witness a hopefully historic move into the White House!

 Massive Earthquake Strikes China

A magnitude of 7.8, a powerful earthquake struck China on monday affecting all of Southeast Asia with the tremor affecting Vietnam and Thailand. Nearly 9,000 have been killed and these numbers are expected to increase. The quake struck close to the Sichuan Province and capital of Chengdu, killing thousands of people and students and flattening schools along the way.  Many  people are buried below the rubble of the many collapsed buildings. President Bush offered his condolences to the chinese government and said that the US stands "ready to help."  Please log on to the Red cross/Unicef sites listed below to see how you can help.

Myanmar Cyclone Emergency

Cyclone Nargis created havoc as mother nature slammed into Myanmar over the weekend. Thousands were killed, the death toll may hit approximately 100,000, according to the top U.S Diplomat. UN says that these numbers will continue to rise significantly. Approximately 10,000 people are homeless. "The situation is increasingly horrendous and there is a shortage of food and water in the region", said Shari Villarosa, head of US Embassy.  Immediate needs include water purification tablets, plastic sheeting sets, emergency health kits and food.  Unicef's Myanmar office has already delivered essential suppplies including first aid kits and oral dehydration salts to Laputta township, the hardest hit. Teams are now being deployed to Yangon and Irrawaddy. Foreign aid flights and Unicef workers are still not being let in by the Myanmar Junta, as they are forbidding any entry which would consist of delivery and managing operations. However, at this time they are allowing in one single US Military cargo airplane with supplies for victims, according to the Bush administration.  There are great concerns that supplies, food and water will not reach the people that are suffering. Supplies and help are greatly needed. Children are always the most vulnerable in these times of disaster and susceptible to disease. Please log on today to see what you can do to help the children and people of Myanmar.

unicefusa.org

www.redcross.org

AIDS crisis in India
Epidemic reaching epic proportions in India.  Estimated that between 20 to 25 million people will
be infected with HIV by 2010, one in six people.   The key to prevention lies in education.  Get
involved...this effects all of us!   
www.gerefoundation.org
www.healingthedivide.org  
www.pedaids.org

Discussion/Topics: Travels

We just got back from London and Europe where we visited family and took in the sights. It was an amazing reunion of family and fun. Then off we(my sis and I) went to Paris. There was only one incident that I had with a very rude waiter. I think he got the picture that I was not taking his attitude, along with his lousy service. My sister was a little surprised by my reaction. Why should we entertain the idea of paying for less than decent service? As consumers and customers in this economy, we want to feel that we are making good, economical choices for travel and life.  So, are the French all rude? That is the generalization, however we had a great time and made some great friends along the way. So, not all are rude and inconsiderate and I refused to let one person ruin Paris for me. Would I return to Paris? The Eiffel Tower and city are so breathtaking in person. So, the answer would definitely be Oui.

 Child Advocacy

 I have been a Child Advocate for more than four years, working with abused and neglected children. It has always been a rewarding, yet heartbreaking experience for me and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It will always be close to my heart. For more info on how you can make a difference in the life of a child, please log on to  www.Childadvocates.org

Here at S2, we look forward to continuing our role in raising global awareness within the community, world and media.  Make sure to stay tuned for more to come!