Austin South Asian. February. 2017

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 10 No. 02

Six Indian Students -Honored for Research

By: Giovanni Albanese, Jr. The Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science and the Public Nov. 1 announced the winners of the sixth annual national Broadcom MASTERS competition, with

are pursuing their passions in science, technology, engineering and math,” Broadcom Foundation president Paula Golden said in a statement. “Celebrating the success of our 2016 Broadcom MAS-

On Mindfulness

By Mamata Misra In the last few years, we are hearing the word ‘mindfulness’ more

TERS winners gives us a chance to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of young people everywhere who are pursuing their dreams to become scientists, engineers and innovators and to thank the millions of parents and family, teachers, after school program leaders, mentors and friends who encourage them daily to achieve great heights in STEM.” The STEM award winners, chosen for demonstrated acumen and promise in science, technology, engineering and math, doled out a $3,500 prize for first place and $2,500 prize for second place to support his or her choice of a STEM summer camp experience in the U.S., as well as an iPad. In the science category, Ganesh, of Sandy Springs, Ga., won first for her project, “Bruxism: Using Myoelectric Signals to Treat a Common Health Problem.”

(Courtesy: India West)

inside

5 Steps To Prepare.......02 Advice From Experts.....04 Scribblings By Arun......06 Serena Williams...........07 Treating Your Illness.....08 Easy Goals...................09 Eyes Healthy In 2017....09 Resolutions For Moms...11 Malik’s Page........02,12,15 and more. Anderson Cooper has reported on it on 60 Minutes. Employees in corporations are being asked to practice mindfulness.

six Indian Americans among those honored.

The competition for sixth, seventh and eighth graders was narrowed down to 30 finalists — including 10 Indian Americans (see previous I-W story http://bit.ly/2eVHat8) — from 2,342 nationwide competitors.

At the four-day STEM competition, four top winners were chosen, as well as two winners each in science, technology, math and engineering categories, a team award, and two rising stars.

Indian Americans Ananya Ganesh, Adishree Ghatare, Shreya Ramachandran, Emhyr Subramanian and Anushka Naiknaware each were awarded in the STEM categories, Naiknaware was honored again in the team award, and Ashini Modi was named one of the rising stars.

“The 30 finalists of the Broadcom MASTERS are exemplars of the millions of young people who

It is entering public schools, medical clinics, offices of lawmakers, and the military in many coun-

February 2017

Mosque Burns Down

By Sumaiya Malik

On January 15, the Islamic Center of Lake Travis (ICLT) and the Lake Travis United Methodist church gathered with community members in light of last week’s mosque fire.

(Continued On Page 12)

tries. Keeping with the times, it has come to our fingertips in the form of apps on smart phones.

(Continued On Page 05)

New FCC Head President Donald Trump has picked a fierce critic of the Obamaera “net neutrality” rules to be chief regulator of the nation’s airwaves and internet connections.

In a statement Monday, Ajit Pai said he was grateful to the president for choosing him as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Several reports last week had said he was the pick.

(Continued On Page 19)

March 2017 HEALTH Special

512-828-6709 TaxPayer Owed 11%....13 How To Tell If You Have Flu, Cold, Stomach Flu..16 Tips Wheelchair Users..17 Republic Day................18 Avoid Buying Vehicle....19 Community Calendar....21 Heat Resistant Material.21 Children’s Page........22,23 Shop At Last Minute.....23 Space Travel May Cause Genetic Changes..........24 Entertainment.........25,26 Oscars 2017 - Nominations For The 89th Academic Awards..............27

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Austin South Asian | February 2017

Teji’s: Art Of Making The Fluffiest Nan

By Sumaiya Malik The word is out. Teji’s Indian Restaurant on Guadalupe by UT,

Teji’s patrons come back for more and more as they try the different items in the menu. Teji’s midpriced menu features a variety of

on RR 620 and Cedar Park has the best nans in Austin. For those who don’t know what ‘nans’ are, compare them to bread that is a cross between a tortilla and a pita but cooked in a Tandoor.

well-known Indian dishes cooked with only the freshest ingredients.

The manager on Guadalupe looked at me in bewilderment when I asked him if the nans were made inside the restaurant.

This winter, stay ahead of frost and freezing temperatures by taking some easy steps to get your home ready for the cold months ahead.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are some quick step-by-step directions to get you in the DIY spirit. How to seal off drafts: Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of drafts in your home, but there are products that make sealing them simple.

While product packaging often provides instruction, online videos may be a better resource. For instance, Duck brand provides a step-by-step tutorial for how to seal window drafts with its RollOn Window Kit and Heavy Duty Weatherstrip Seals, which provide tight barriers to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Or, for drafty doors with thick gaps, the Double Draft Seal easily slides onto the bottom of doors to block unwanted chill.

Visit duckbrand.com to learn more.

How to prevent freezing pipes: Every winter there are billions of dollars in insured losses due to burst pipes and other winter-related damage, according to the Insur-

ance Information Institute.

To prevent frozen pipes, it’s imperative to drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Plus, have in-ground sprinkler systems winterized, as well. You can review a quick 4-minute video at thisoldhouse.com, where experts show you how you can do this easily and efficiently.

How to clean your gutters: Frozen gutters are another prime source of snow and ice damage. Ice can accumulate on the edge of the roof and prevent melting snow from draining.

That’s why it’s important to clean debris from gutters several times a year. Keep the ladder on a level surface with another person as a spotter.

Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself, and drop debris onto a tarp or bucket below.

Flush the gutter with a hose to check for proper flow, and finally check down spouts for anything that might be lodged.

How to insulate your water heater: Wrapping your water heater with an insulated blanket reduces heat loss and saves energy. It’s simple:

He was surprised and reassured me that all their menu items are made from scratch. I could not decide which were their best appetizers, entrees, drinks and dessert as the delicious items on the menu were plenty. Foods to try are their biryani, chicken karhai, dal with butter, paper-thin papar with chatni, Malai Boti and Reshmi boti. Their Qeema Nan along with the plain ones is great!

Their ‘paki hui’ Chai is the most delicious ending to a hearty meal.

I know I will go back for their nans.

I tried plain, with Qeema and with cheese. All were good. The cheese did not have much flavor though.

The atmosphere at Teji’s is casual.

Patrons have to go up to the counter to order. They take their number and sit and food is brought to their table by courteous staff.

You can seat yourselves wherever you like. The crowd is quite mixed

Prep Home For Winter

just measure the circumference of your water heater and cut the blanket to size.

Products such like Duck brand’s Water Heater Insulation Blanket come with tape for easy installation and it’s made of non-irritating recycled cotton, not fiberglass.

How to protect outdoor items: Highwind gusts and cool temperatures can wreak havoc.

Be sure to store or protect outdoor furniture and accessories. Smaller items, such as cushions, umbrellas and drained hoses, should be stored in sheds or basements.

Protect larger patio furniture and grills with tarps or custom-fit covers.

(StatePoint)

with students and adults with all palettes finding something they like. Teji’s cater large events – Marriages, baby shower, birthdays – rentals silverwares, delivery,

servers, bar tenders with full service. For details please visit their website. http://www.tejifoods. com/

Ways To Commemorate Black History Month February, which is Black History Month, is a great opportunity for schools and individuals to turn their focus toward an important aspect of American history.

There are many ways citizens can commemorate the month across the country.

This year, many are planning trips to the nation’s capital to visit the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture.

This Smithsonian Institution museum features exhibitions on slavery, emancipation, social justice, cultural traditions and more.

Another way some are choosing to celebrate the month is to see the new film, “Hidden Figures,” which tells the story of a trio of AfricanAmerican women mathematicians whose behind-the-scenes calculations made several NASA missions possible.

(Continued On Page 23)

3

Austin South Asian | February 2017

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Austin South Asian | February 2017

Advice From The Experts To Avoid Weight Gain

It’s easy to gain a few pounds here and there if you’re not careful.

While one or two pounds doesn’t sound dramatic, this pattern can mean accumulating weight over

yourself at parties and big dinners.

Don’t Skip Meals

“In preparation for a big feast, do not skip meals throughout the day,”

“Skipping meals can result in overeating later on.”

Instead, Mangieri recommends eating foods full of protein and high in fiber that will fill you up and satisfy hunger.

Don’t Forget to Exercise Even with a busy schedule full of working, parenting and socializing, it is still important to make time for physical activity.

“Make it a tradition to go for a walk after dinner,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Toby Smithson.

“It’s a great time to create memories, share in conversation and sneak in exercise.”

the years.

With just a few strategies from nutrition experts, you can avoid weight gain while still enjoying

says Heather Mangieri, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.

Don’t Overdo the Buffet At buffet-style gatherings, it is easy to overeat and many make the mistake of taking second and third helpings.

However, before you return to the buffet table, note that it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you are full.

To avoid overeating, Mangieri recommends loading your party plate with lean protein and veggies.

“But that poses a problem at many parties because treats and snacks are often all that fill the countertops.

Stay in control by taking your own healthy protein options with you such as turkey meatballs, chicken skewers or a shrimp cocktail platter,” says Mangieri.

Don’t Splurge on Sweets

“It is okay to save room for dessert, but try to choose only one splurge item,” recommends Smithson.

“These sweet treats can stick to your waistline and the added sugar may make you crash later.”

Avoid overdoing it on dessert and limit sugary beverages.

Use these expert tips to maintain a healthful eating plan, even in the face of big feasts, dessert and special occasions.

(StatePoint)

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5

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Great Tips To Get In Shape In 2017

Every year, losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle top millions of people’s New Year’s resolutions lists.

your drink of choice. Eliminate high-calorie beverages like juice and soda from your diet. Start the New Year off by setting a sim-

and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats like olive oil; often offers better nutrition, better flavors and better results

only lost 6.3 pounds.

tions.

Make Exercise Fun

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. According to Modere, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Here are some sustainable tips to help you lose weight and feel great in 2017!

Exercise is critical for a healthy body and mind. Whether it’s taking the dog out for a daily walk, signing up for a dance class or committing to hitting the gym three to four times a week, find a workout routine you love and can commit to so you don’t think of movement and exercise as a chore.

Set Goals Mindfully

Seek Support

Setting a goal to “lose weight” sounds great, but it is pretty vague.

It’s hard to achieve a goal without a specific plan or focus. Remember to think about your health beyond just the number on the scale.

Even a well-balanced diet combined with exercise can use extra support.

Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to set a goal than it is to actually achieve it, so it’s important to have a game plan if you want to see results.

Whether it’s deciding to train for a 5k race or choosing to reduce your sugar intake by half, getting specific and setting realistic goals helps you get a clear sense as to whether you were successful.

ple goal of drinking at least five 12-ounce glasses of water a day.

Sustainable Meal Planning

Get Hydrated

A sustainable diet is not about deprivation, it’s about eating nutritious, enjoyable meals.

One simple way to cut back calories and sugar is to make water

For example, a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh fruits

(Continued From Page 01)

It is a central theme of the Buddhist text “Satipatthana Sutta” and the Buddhist practice called Vipasana, translated as ‘insight’ in English.

Literally, sati means ‘remembering’.

than a fad diet.

In fact, people who followed a Mediterranean diet lost 52 percent more weight than those with a standard low-fat diet says a study published in a peer reviewed journal.

Over a period of two years, the Mediterranean diet group lost 9.7 pounds while the low fat diet group

One great program that works in conjunction with a Mediterranean diet is the M3 system by Modere, an innovative weight management system combining credible products with real food and flexible lifestyle behaviors to help users detox.

The plan includes a thermogenic fat-burning supplement taken in the morning, a protein-rich shake for lunch, and an evening fiber drink to help control dinner por-

“The lifestyle-based approach to dieting can mean better and more sustainable results than fads that require you to eat only from limited list of foods,” says Greg Horn, formulator of Modere M3.

The plan also requires you to make key changes that support health and weight management by letting you pick three of the five healthy lifestyle behavior options such as committing to walking 7,500 steps a day, cutting out fried foods and sugary drinks, or avoiding refined flour and white rice.

To learn more about how M3 can help you this year, visit www.

TakeM3.com.

Make 2017 the year you stick to your resolution!

(StatePoint)

On Mindfulness

The word is being associated not only with health and wellness, clinical psychology, and neuroscience but also with education, parenting, economics, and business ethics.

The number of research papers on its benefits has grown exponentially.

Many products are being marketed using the buzzword. At the same time, its critics have warned that it may not be for everyone.

All this brings us to the question, what is ‘mindfulness’?

The word ‘mindfulness’ is the English translation of an ancient word ‘sati’ in Pali, or ‘smriti’ in Sanskrit.

Remembering what? Remembering to be fully aware in the present moment.

Mindfulness is the capacity of the mind to observe, to simply know, what is happening in the present moment exactly as it is, without distortion, coloring, or judgment, using only as much energy needed, without striving or straining.

Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of many books on the subject, the creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindful-

ness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, defines mindfulness as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.”

Being in the present moment fully, may seem impossible, because we have learned to delegate much of our routine work to autopilot, so that we can use our attention to attend to something that may be more important or enjoyable.

We listen to music or watch TV while exercising; read or check emails while eating; talk on the phone while cooking, cleaning, or taking care of a child; catch up

with news while driving, all to be able to do more in less time.

sitting quietly and walking with intention, with certain attitudes.

But this tendency can also produce undesirable results: we may find ourselves in an unintended place, miss what a loved one is feeling, misunderstand a conversation, be lost in recurring thoughts of worries and anxieties or anger, or feel trapped in adverse external circumstances beyond our control.

These practices serve as a foundation for cultivating positive health behaviors and foster psychological and emotional resilience even when facing stress, illness, and pain.

Mindfulness teaches how to cultivate a different relationship with the things that challenge us in life.

We learn to rely upon our own inner resources for learning, growing and healing.

Mindfulness can be developed by simply practicing awareness of the breath, gentle yoga movements,

According to the Center of Mindfulness, practice of mindfulness, along with medical and psychological treatments, has been proven to be effective in helping to treat people who suffer from many challenges, including: chronic pain; anxiety & depression; cancer & chronic disease; work, family and emotional stress; eating disturbances; heart disease; and sleeplessness.

(Continued On Page 14)

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Austin South Asian | February 2017

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Scribblings By Arun Debunking Myths About Home Garbage Disposals Hard To Find

All the colleagues, May not be friends.

Some aren’t close, Though long associates.

The neighbors around, May not be friendly.

Many just designed, To be with us merely.

Beyond all relations, A few become friends.

To be happy while we are glad, To share and console while we are sad.

A helping hand, They always extend, Feeling proud On our progress made.

Shoulders, they lend to cry, At times we are down.

Shoulders, they lend to carry, At last when we are gone.

For true friendship, No strings attached.

But finding such friends, Might be hard.

Over half of all Americans have a garbage disposal.

ning the disposal.

Unfortunately, many may not be properly maintained due to common misconceptions.

It’s important to understand what will help improve a garbage disposal’s performance to keep the machine running efficiently.

The experts at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath-

“At the end of the day, if you don’t have a reliable, quality machine,

room fixtures, are debunking the common misconceptions of using a garbage disposal to help homeowners keep their disposals running at peak performance.

your care tactics won’t make a dif-

ference,” says Cassy Osborne, senior marketing manager at Moen.

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“Look for a disposal with a powerful motor that operates quickly to effectively grind particles and help reduce jamming.”

Austin South Asian

Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-828-6709 info@austinsouthasian.com Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar

©All rights reserved.

No material herein or portions thereof be published without the wirtten consent of the publisher.

The deadline for advertisement and article is 20th of every month.

512-828-6709 info@austinsouthasian.com ww.austinsouthasian.com

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Austin South Asian | February 2017

Serena Williams To Play Fewer Tournaments To Aid Grand Slam Quest

Serena Williams plans to play fewer tournaments in the future to aid her quest to win more grand slam titles, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

The 35-year-old American won her 23rd grand slam title on Saturday at the Australian Open, breaking the open-era record she held jointly with Germany’s Steffi Graf.

Serena will now manage her schedule as she chases down the all-time leader Margaret Court, the Australian whose record of 24 grand slam titles straddled the amateur and

professional eras.

“Mentally she has to stay fresh and mentally excited when the grand slams start, because they are the goal,” Mouratoglou told a group of reporters after Serena’s 6-4, 6-4 victory over her sister Venus Williams gave her a seventh Australian Open title.

At one stage in 2016, Serena held the world number one ranking based only on seven events over a 52-week period.

Germany’s Angelique Kerber over-

second only to Poland’s Agnieska Radwanska, who won 289.

But while Radwanska lost 107 matches in that period, Serena lost just 29.

Homeowners across the country

realize that potential contaminants can compromise the quality of water that comes out of the tap at home, work or other community sources.

“That’s her motivation. This won’t change until she maybe one day wakes up and is not motivated to win grand slams, but for now she is.

At a time when safe tap water is not necessarily a given, consider investing in an easy-to-use and maintain water filtration system that can be used at-home or on-thego to improve water quality.

For example, LifeStraw, first introduced for people in developing countries without access to safe water and for victims following natural disasters, now makes a range of water filters and purifiers designed for uses like emergency preparedness, outdoor recreation,

That’s enough. The record is not the thing that makes her play.”

travel and everyday hydration.

The refillable LifeStraw Go water bottle features a built-in filter, and removes 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella) and 99.9 percent of waterborne chlorine, organic chemical matter, bad taste, and muddiness.

took her when she won the U.S. Open last September but Serena will return to top spot when the rankings are updated on Monday.

As an added bonus for the charitablyminded, consider that improving your own water quality can have a global

From the start of 2012 to the end of 2016, Serena won 288 matches,

impact, too.

Mouratoglou said numbers alone were not the main factor behind Serena’s continuing hunger, even in her 20th year on tour.

“She was not motivated by 22, she was motivated to win grand slams,” he said.

“So we have a lighter schedule – not lighter than last year, which would be difficult (when she played just eight events and did not play after September) – but lighter than the year before (11 events).”

What To Know About Your Drinking Water Recently there has been growing concern about the quality of the water we drink, outside and inside our own homes.

is not going to change, it’s meant to adapt to situations. But generally speaking it’s already set for the whole season.”

Serena has traditionally played fewer tournaments than most top players, but since she usually reaches the final, she is able to pick and choose.

Mouratoglou said Indian Wells, in March, would be Serena’s next stop but didn’t expect to see her at too many events before the next grand slam, the French Open, which begins on May 29.

And Mouratoglou said Serena would not obsess over the record of 24 held by Court.

“With all the respect for Margaret Court, it was another era, the draws were like 16 players and they were not professionals,” he said.

“We’ve already done the schedule for the whole year,” Mouratoglou said.

“Of course the record is here and we definitely want to beat it, but there was a professional era and the record was Steffi Graf.”

“It doesn’t mean that the schedule

(Courtesy: Times Of India)

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Austin South Asian | February 2017

What To Know About Treating Common Illnesses

For short-term conditions that come on quickly like the common cold, to chronic conditions such as arthritis or allergies, homeopathic medicines are among the safest types of drugs, say experts.

pared a report for AAHP. It showed less than one percent of all pharmaceutical reports to the nationwide network involved homeopathic

medicine.

For the $1.2 billion homeopathic industry, this is proportionally below the rate of its market share of

“Homeopathic treatments offer another choice for those looking for low-risk over-the-counter options with natural active ingredients,” says Mark Land, president of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP), which represents the majority of the manufacturers, distributors and marketers of homeopathic products.

While many may be unfamiliar with homeopathy, Land and the experts at AAHP offer some useful facts that could help you approach illness differently in the future.

What is Homeopathy?

Contrary to common belief, “homeopathy” is not a synonym for “natural” or “herbal supplement.”

It’s a specific system of medicine that uses high dilutions of plants, animals or minerals to relieve the same symptoms that they can cause at full strength.

Where Can You Find It? Local health food stores provide an abundance of homeopathic choices for a wide variety of conditions, while national retailers, including drugstores, offer popular top sellers. Prices are competitive with their conventional counterparts.

What to Look For?

Safety Benefits Amassing a long record of safety, these traditional homeopathic remedies demonstrate very little possibility of adverse events.

In 2015, the America Association of Poison Controls Center pre-

Product labels provide familiar drug information, including what the item treats and instructions for use.

The active ingredients are Latin for their source and are followed by a dilution level.

For more information about homeopathy, visit aahp.info/consumerinformation.

The next time you are under the weather, consider a homeopathic remedy.

Due to the safety features, these therapeutic options are ideal as a first-sign-of-symptom defense before a condition escalates.

(Statepoint)

Mid-Year Motivation For Students And Educators The school year can seem long for students and educators alike. However, a mid-year infusion of new technology and tools can provide just the motivation needed to ace

Seventy-one percent of teens use more than one social media site already, according to recent Pew research. However getting comfortable using these tools in a

cording to the National Association for Music Education. Be sure your tools of the trade are up to the task.

For students learning to play a keyboard, be sure their instrument features the same sound quality as a traditional piano, but with the additional benefits a higher-tech option brings.

For example, the Privia PX-160 from Casio, an 88-key digital piano that boasts the sound of a 9-foot concert grand, features left and right audio outputs, making it easy to connect to other devices for external amplification or recording purposes.

The medicines’ health claims are based on traditional uses of these 200-year-old active ingredients.

However, the agency oversees their manufacturing and marketing.

Generally, homeopathic preparations have very low risk of side effects, overdose, or interaction with conventional medications or herbal remedies, according to the AAHP. They also don’t mask or suppress symptoms, which is helpful in the case of misdiagnoses.

For example, a micro-dose of a coffee bean can help alleviate nervousness.

Given their long history, the products are not evaluated through the Food and Drug Administration’s new drug approval process.

non-prescription drugs in general.

the rest of the year.

Here are several tools and technologies that can pave the way to better, more enthusiastic learning at home and in the classroom.

Social Media Teachers are increasingly communicating with students and parents over social media, whether it is tweeting updates about today’s lesson or field trip or using Pinterest to share ideas and student work.

more formal capacity can have real world implications for students, as more industries and professions require social media proficiency.

Making Music Students and teachers of music know the varied benefits of a highquality arts education.

Learning music can help develop math and pattern recognition skills, increase coordination and foster left brain development, ac-

Additional features include dual headphone jacks, 18 authentic piano tones, duet mode, a USB port and a two-track recorder.

Whether you are outfitting a home or a classroom with musical instruments, additional information can be found at CasioMusicGear.com.

Noise Canceling Headphones Peace and quiet are not always available during crunch time, particularly for students with many siblings, or college students living in a dorm room.

Help scholars achieve greater serenity with a good set of noise canceling headphones that don’t compromise the quality of the audio.

Classroom Revamp Many schools are looking to go green and save some money while upgrading technology. By combining a laser and LED light source, Casio’s LampFree projectors are a unique, high-brightness, mercuryfree tool that uses half the amount of power per unit than its traditional lamp-based counterparts.

They save educators time and money because they require minimal maintenance and eliminate the cost of replacement lamps, as they have a 20,000 hour lifespan.

The XJ-F210WN model features Intelligent Light Control, which senses ambient light in the room and automatically adjusts the projection brightness accordingly.

This can be particularly beneficial to teachers, who may be using their projectors in classrooms with a lot of natural sunlight.

You can help make the school year feel new again with educational tools that revamp learning.

(Statepoint)

9

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Easy Goals For A Healthier You

Setting big health goals can be a double-edged sword.

While many of us feel inspired to improve our health, happiness and wellbeing, we often find the chang-

tices.

Check out these tips for starting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Baby Steps

their fitness routines and eating habits quickly become discouraged when results aren’t immediate.

Instead of cancelling your new gym membership and opting for a box of chocolates, set achievable and realistic goals to stay on track.

If losing weight is the objective, aim for 10 pounds instead of 50.

If you succeed at losing the first 10, celebrate and make a new goal.

es hard to sustain, and sometimes end up reverting back to old prac-

Many people hoping to improve

-- even savory vegetables like beets -- the possibilities are endless.

Fuel Up to Get Fit Sticking to fitness goals takes the right fuel. Eating whole foods instead of processed foods will give you more and longer-lasting energy.

Plus, a whole-food diet is more simple and sustainable than restrictive calorie counting or elimination diets.

Instead of adopting an extreme diet, cut back on one snack a day or incorporate a smoothie as a healthy meal replacement.

Powering your body with snacks like low-fat yogurt topped with granola, fresh hummus and wholegrain pita, or an apple and peanut butter, will carry your body through a workout and help you feel fuller longer.

Use ingredients like fresh fruit, dark leafy greens, flax or chia seeds

To make delicious homemade nut butter, throw three cups of roasted,

Tips For Coping With Cold Sores During Winter Months It’s winter, which means it’s also the season for colds, the flu and stress, all of which can trigger fever blister and cold sore outbreaks, which may make many people feel embarrassed.

Unfortunately, fever blisters can be painful, itchy and unattractive.

While there is no cure for them there are ways to manage symptoms.

The reality is that this mild affliction is very prevalent.

Fifty percent of people will experience cold sores by the time they are 20 years old.

“The acid in these foods could irritate the skin, slowing the healing process and increasing pain,” says Dr. Sadick.

• Keep the cold sore moist.

Apply a cool, clean, wet towel directly to the cold sore for about five to 10 minutes a few times each day to help reduce redness and irritation.

Moreover, eight out of 10 people carry the (HSV-1) virus that causes the sores, so people that have fever blisters aren’t alone.

The Herpes Simplex Virus lives deep within nerve tissue. While “dormant,” the virus does not replicate, but when the virus becomes active it starts producing symptoms like a tingling or burning sensation around the affected area that lets one know a cold sore is on the way.

outbreak, avoid foods and beverages that contain acid, such as citrus fruits, red wine, coffee and tomatoes.

Suffering from cold sores? Consider these tips from Carmex, makers of lip balms and Carmex Cold Sore Treatment and Dr. Neil Sadick, M.D. a New York City-based dermatologist.

• During the duration of a cold sore

“You will also want to apply a cold sore treatment under your lipstick or concealer to prevent the cold sore from becoming dry and cracked,” recommends Dr. Sadick.

• Use a topical treatment, such as Carmex Cold Sore Treatment at the first sign of an outbreak. It works on contact to block pain and itch with 10% Benzocaine, while also minimizing the appearance of a sore. It

features TriPLEX Advanced Technology, which combines three different masking technologies that help to minimize the appearance of cold sores, so you can feel more comfortable and confident while experiencing symptoms.

• Be patient. Even if properly treated, you will need to have patience and let the cold sore run its course.

A cold sore outbreak can often last from seven to 10 days, so during this time, avoid squeezing, touching or picking at a sore, as this will only delay healing.

• If symptoms do not improve, or you develop a fever, rash or swelling, it’s time to consult your physician.

More tips to cope with cold sores can be found at www.mycarmex. com.

While cold sores are not preventable, living a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress and using a cold sore treatment in combination with a lip balm containing SPF can help to reduce your risk of outbreaks.

(Statepoint)

unsalted peanuts or cashews into a high-powered blender like a Vitamix machine and blend for a minute or so.

The result is a gooey, good-for-you treat that will provide ample energy for healthy pursuits.

While grocery shopping, stick to the outer perimeter of the store and pick up nutrient-rich and versatile ingredients like avocados, chickpeas, bananas, nuts and spinach, that can stand alone or be mixed into everything from healthy salads to frozen desserts.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth Being healthy and eating whole foods doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your sweet tooth.

Before you plunge into a tub of cookie dough, consider other ways to curb cravings.

Make your own, customized whole-food ice cream without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives using a blender.

Varieties like apple pie and spiced strawberry will delight without guilt.

Or try a simple sorbet: blend two peeled oranges, two tablespoons sugar and four cups of ice.

Use a blender with special settings for this purpose, such as the Vitamix Professional Series 750.

Its Frozen Dessert program, one of the machine’s five pre-programmed settings, allows you to make an easy, healthy dessert in minutes.

Looking for something that feels even more decadent?

Find recipes like chocolate hazelnut spread and more at vitamix. com/Find-Recipes.

For a healthier you, focus on small, attainable goals, and use whole foods to get creative with your diet.

(StatePoint)

10

Austin South Asian | February 2017

5 Resolutions To Keep Your Eyes Healthy In 2017

The new year is the perfect opportunity for reflection, renewal and the chance to start fresh. Consider making lifestyle changes that can improve your vision and health throughout the year.

Here are five ways that you can help keep your eyes and body healthy in 2017.

1. Get an eye exam. An annual trip to the eye doctor is critical for the entire family to en-

sure healthy and sharp vision. But did you know your visit to the optometrist is important to your overall health too?

A routine eye exam can potentially detect signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and more. Because many symptoms of health conditions often don’t appear until damage has occurred, eye exams are a powerful, preventative health tool to keep tabs on what’s happening in your body.

An eye exam is a small investment for your eyes and body that’s well worth it, and a vision plan can help you keep the cost down.

To search for a vision plan, visit vspdirect. com.

2. Eat an eye-healthy diet. You probably know carrots are good for your eyes, but so are dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for a hefty punch of key vitamins, and a vision protecting-substance called lutein.

3. Quit smoking (or never start). Smoking cigarettes has many well-known associated health risks, such as cardiovascular problems and cancer.

Did you also know that smoking can contribute to the cause of many vision problems?

Research links smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.

4. Maintain a healthy weight. Weight is a contributing factor for your overall health as well as your eyes. Conditions such as obesity and diabetes can lead to vision problems,

like cataracts. By eating healthy portions and exercising regularly, you can reduce your risk.

5. Protect eyes from blue light. Much of our days are spent with our faces glued to devices like smartphones, computers and televisions.

Those digital screens emit high-energy blue light, which causes digital eye strain that leads to headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck pain.

Ask your eye doctor about the best options to help you reduce eye strain, including using lenses with coatings that reflect and absorb blue light. You can also follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something at least 20 feet away.

With a balanced approach to preventative care, you can help keep your eyes and body healthy throughout 2017 and beyond.

(Statepoint)

11

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Realistic Resolutions For Busy Moms

Time is perhaps the most coveted thing moms have and it’s crucial to manage it effectively for you and your family.

To help moms everywhere make the most of their precious minutes in 2017, actress, director, producer, entrepreneur, mother-ofthree and Nutrisystem ambassador, Melissa Joan Hart reveals her New Year’s Resolutions, crafted from years of juggling different time consuming tasks.

• Just say “no”: Sometimes you just have to decline requests or pick and choose which ones are doable. And remember, it’s okay to ask for a rain check.

• Limit screen time: It’s easy to fall into the screen time black hole. Instead, be present -- put your phone down and limit your children’s time in front of their screens. Even talk to your spouse!

simply do nothing with a cup of coffee in • Set aside 20 “Mom Minutes” daily: Do hand. something for yourself for 20 minutes every day-- meditate, do a quick workout, call a • Have one-on-one time with each child: friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or Create no-fuss activities like coloring or

playing cards that you can do with each child individually based on his or her personality. Spending quality time separately will feed your soul and theirs.

out the day and maintain a consistent exercise schedule.

• Try to be guilt free: As a working mom, you are doing things for your family even when you are at work, so don’t feel guilty about the time away from loved ones.

I chose Nutrisystem because it was simple and fit with my lifestyle. I lost 40 pounds and feel better than ever!”

• Make simple healthy changes: Remember that your kids are always watching, so being a good role model when it comes to health and fitness will pay dividends for them and for you.

Simple, easy changes in your daily routing can help you with your health goals. For example, drink a nutrient-rich shake for breakfast, such as Nutrisystem Turboshakes, drink more water through-

And if you want to lose weight, as so many do in the New Year, Hart says, “look for a plan that works for you.

For a kick start to your New Year, consider Nutrisystem Lean13, a new program designed to help you lose up to 13 pounds and seven inches in your first month. More information can be found at nutrisystem.com.

• Plan quality couple time: Make time to reignite your romance. Go out to a movie, take a walk together, write each other love notes.

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make grand resolutions,” says Hart. “It’s the small resolutions that can make every day just feel better.”

(Statepoint)

Five Morning Tips To Prepare For The Day

Are most of your mornings spent running of women’s routines, the team at Carefree is out the door with breakfast in-hand, and ap- offering some tips to make mornings easier. plying your makeup on-the-go?

1. Rise and shine. Do you hit the snooze It’s easy to snooze, and rush all the way to button one too many times? Avoid being

You may not have time for a full workout in the morning, but moving a bit upon getting out of bed can get the blood flowing, help wake you up and give you a metabolism boost.

Start the day with a few stretches and body weight exercises, such as lunges and planks.

2. Perk up. Perk up with a morning ritual that activates your mind. Enjoy your cup of coffee or green tea alongside a brain teaser, Sodoku or crossword puzzle.

Or spend the time writing a journal entry, scanning the morning headlines, or reading a chapter of a book.

Taking a few moments to warm up the mind can encourage greater productivity all day long.

work – but building a routine that gives you a calm and efficient morning can make you feel more prepared to take on your day. If you haven’t nailed it yet, don’t fret.

late again. Place your alarm out of reach so that in order to turn it off, you have to get out of bed. If you use your phone to wake up, consider setting your alarm tone to a song that annoys you -- you’ll be happy to To celebrate the similarities and differences get out of bed to make it stop!

a full morning makeover, stick to the basics.

Start with a moisturizer with SPF so you can protect your skin and keep it hydrated. Use under eye concealer to easily eliminate any signs of fatigue.

If you do need to abbreviate the full eye makeup routine, don’t omit a quick coat of mascara, which can help you look wider-eyed and more awake with a few seconds of effort.

Lastly, give lips shine and protect them from chapping with a lip balm that preferably contains SPF. 5. Be Free to Be You. Feminine care is one routine element that links all women. It’s a part of life, and as we all know – it’s not always predictable.

3. Eliminate bed head. You can shave substantial minutes off your morning routine by doing your hair the night before.

“Liner Up!” every morning with Carefree ActiFresh liners, which are soft, thin and absorbent enough to go unnoticed, helping you feel confident as you go throughout your day.

After washing and conditioning your locks, leave hair up in buns or clips while sleeping.

In the morning, undo the up-do and use a little spray before heading out the door.

It is easy to incorporate them into your daily regimen by storing them in your underwear drawer—you will never forget to give yourself a layer of protection again.

4. Makeup magic. When there’s no time for

(StatePoint)

12

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Solidarity With The Community After Mosque In Lake Travis Burns Down (Continued From Page 01) The “Solidarity with the Community” event was held at the Lake Travis United Methodist Church on RR 620 in North Austin bringing in members from different religious backgrounds in the light of the mosque fire on January 7 which burned down the mosque under construction and two months from completion.

Leaders from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith shared their prayers and cast a light on understanding and brotherhood.

ICLT gave a background of the mosque under construction and the Travis County Fire Marshal updated the community about the current investigation regarding the fire.

The auditorium was packed with people of different faiths and all seats were taken.

“It’s an unfortunate event that we are gathering together on this event after the fires that affected the Islamic Center of Central Texas, but we are also really glad and overwhelmed with the support and love that we got from the community,” Rashed said.

Pastor Ray Kiser said what happened was unfortunate and as neighbors they will do all they can to help rebuild and create trust and understanding.

People from the audience wanted to know how to get to know Muslims and where they could get information.

IACT, Red Bench, CAIR (Council of American Islamic Relations) representatives were present and urged the audience to join those organizations where the idea of goodwill to the community is already well established.

On January fire burned down the

two-story Islamic Center of Lake Travis that was under construction at the time.

They have also created a campaign and is asking for donations in hopes to rebuild the mosque.

Islamic The Austin Fire Department and Lake Travis Fire and Rescue responded to the fire around 3 a.m. at the 4700 block of Doss Road in Hudson Bend.

APPEAL TO NON PROFITS

Once they arrived to the scene, fire crew discovered a three-story building fully engulfed in flames.

Crews extinguished the exterior of the building to keep the fire from spreading.

The building was still under construction for the Islamic Center of Lake Travis.

Authorities say no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Please donate at: https://www. launchgood.com/project/islamic_ center_of_lake_travis#/

Please help us in updating the contact information. Please email correct information if you think the published information needs update.

We appreciate if you can also provide a contact number so that your members / community can reach you. We will also carry this on our website and keep it updated for the benefit of community.

The Islamic Center of Lake Travis held their annual fundraiser on Saturday, January 21.

info@austinsouthasian.com 512-828-6709

to take their children.

religious journey with her children.

Two Pakistani Austinite families, the Khans and the Sattars, went for Umrah with their kids this last winter break.

She said, “We take [our children] everywhere.

Two Pakistani Austinite Families Proceed To Perform Umrah In Winter Holidays

By Sumaiya Malik

Umrah is a religious journey for the Muslims to the house of God in Mecca during those dates in the Islamic calendar, which are not set for Hajj.

It is a journey made to worship Allah and it is not a fard (mandatory act).

While Hajj is a fard on all able Muslims who can afford the journey, Umrah is not.

It is up to the people to decide if they want to go.

Many Muslims go, but lucky are those who decide

Both couples had performed Haj before, but still they found the Umrah a completely different experience.

The familes flew to Madina, Saudi Arabia to visit Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) grave and Masjide-Nabvi.

They stayed there two days, wore their ihram (specific white clothing for men and covered clothing with hair covered for women) and went to Mecca for Umrah.

Uzma Khan, who has two kids, went with her husband Dr. Fida Khan.

The Austin South-Asian asked her why she decided to undertake the

Why not here?…to teach them spirituality.”

Uzma’s son added that he had fun in the trip, but wearing the ihram is an experience he will not forget.

His younger sister remembered running between Safa and Marwa, two marked locations between which Muslims have to walk seven times in Mecca.

The family of Adnan and Hawama Sattar also went at the same time.

Hawama said,”I would recommend everyone to go for Umrah with kids/family...because it is a spiritual experience/journey that helps a family grow together versus growing apart.”

Myra, her daughter added, “The

best part of the entire experience was Mecca… because we always hear that NYC never sleeps, but truly Mecca is the city that never sleeps.”

They all enjoyed the food from all over the world.

Both families would love to go there again.

Steps in Umrah include: • wear Ihram • Do tawaf-e-Kaaba • Sa’yee between the hills of Safa and Marwah • Shaving or clipping of the hair There are many duas whose recital is necessary to complete the umrah.

The Austin Souht Asian wishes the two families Umrah Mubarak.

13

Austin South Asian | February 2017

When One Taxpayer Owed 11% Of India’s Individual Income Tax Moneycontrol Bureau Just one taxpayer owed 11 percent of the income tax that was to be paid by

all Indians for the assessment year 2014-15, according to data from Income Tax department analysed

by IndiaSpend.

The data from 2016 – the latest available – shows an unnamed taxpayer owed the government Rs 21,870 crore.

income of Rs 16.5 lakh crore and were liable to pay Rs 1.91 lakh crore as income tax - an increase of 23 percent and 37 percent, respectively, over assessment year 2013-14.

Three individual taxpayers declared business income of more than Rs 500 crore, while two individual taxpayers declared longterm capitals gains of more than Rs 500 crore in 2014-15.

Data revealed by Central Board of Direct Taxes last year showed on that only 3.81 percent of Indians pay income taxes The data is further indication of income equality in the country.

Their names have not been made public.

According to data published by Oxfam India, a think tank, the richest 1 percent Indians own 58 percent of India’s wealth and 57 billionaires have the same amount of

India had 36.5 million individual taxpayers who declared taxable

money as the poorest 70 percent of India.

In the US, the top 1 percent accounted for 19 percent of income and 38 percent taxes paid, according to government data.

Oxfam had earlier reported that just eight individuals, all men, own as much wealth as the poorest half of the world’s population.

It also stated that the wealth of the 1 percent richest people in the world amounts to USD 110tn (£60.88tn), or 65 times as much as the poorest half of the world.

Food And Wine Pairing Ideas For Your Next Party This season, get together with friends and family to indulge in delicious food and wine pairings.

To guide you through the party planning, here is some expert advice on how to alleviate the potential stress of being a host.

has a good acidic backbone.”

Ingredients:

With this tip in mind, work past the traditional thought process that ‘red wine only pairs with red meat’ and remember that the key to a successful meal is thoughtful preparation.

• Four 6 oz. boneless chicken breasts • 1/2 c. all-purpose flour • 3 tbsp. canola oil • 2 tbsp. butter

“Planning a menu can be a challenge.

Lemon Butter Sauce

Cooking Instructions: Preparing the Chicken • Slice chicken horizontally into three or four thin pieces, then pound flat using a meat mallet.

Knowing the flavor profile of each course, salty, sweet, sour or savory, will help you pair wines with your meal,” says Dean Busquaert, senior wine educator at Napa Valley’s Sequoia Grove Winery.

• Dredge the chicken in the flour until coated.

• Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick sauté pan and add the chicken.

With more than 30 years of experience in Napa Valley, the team at Sequoia Grove Winery have become specialists in not only producing delicious wine but also educating their customers on wine and food pairings.

Brown and cook on each side; approximately 3-5 minutes per side depending on its thickness.

• Place each piece in an oven safe dish until all of the pieces have been cooked.

“If your meal is mainly savory dishes, the Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (SRP: $39.99) would be a terrific choice.

It is elegant, with concentrated dark fruit flavors and wonderful structure.

Cabernet Sauvignons do not live up to their full potential in the presence of sugar, but become soft, almost velvet-like with a sauce that

broth • 1 lemon, zest and juice • 1 tbsp. chives • 1 tsp. thyme, de-stemmed • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

The winery recommends a recipe for Sliced Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce.

• 2 tbsp. butter • 1 garlic clove, minced • 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour • 2 c. low-sodium/fat-free chicken

• Add the lemon zest, juice, chives and thyme.

Bring to a boil then allow to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

•Top chicken with the sauce, then bake in a 350-degree oven for 1520 minutes.

Serves six (approximately 12-14 pieces of chicken) The recipe pairs nicely with the complexity of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Busquaert, adds, “The secret is to eliminate sweetness and embrace tart flavors.”

The recipe pairs nicely with the complexity of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Preparing the Sauce

Busquaert, adds, “The secret is to eliminate sweetness and embrace tart flavors.”

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then whisk in the flour forming a roux.

For more information about Sequoia Grove winery and its educational food and wine tasting seminars, visit sequoiagrove.com.

• Gradually add in the chicken broth, whisking as you pour to create a smooth sauce.

Use these helpful hints at your next dinner party to create a meal with the perfect wine pairings.

(Statepoint)

14

Austin South Asian | February 2017

On Mindfulness

(Continued From Page 05)

It is interesting to note that 2500 years ago, Gautama Buddha, out of empathy and helplessness of watching human suffering, had made it his mission to find a way to deal with it; and after years of experimentation and skillful observation, came up with a practical solution, with mindfulness in its center.

Modern science and technology has made life easier with external comforts and cures for many illnesses.

larity and spread to so many countries to the east of India.

But human suffering, in the form of stress, illness, and pain remains.

In the last 40 years or so, mindfulness has spread to the West and people are finding out that it works even here and even now.

Mindfulness as a tool to face suffering or stress must have worked at the time, guessing from its popu-

Scientists are discovering the neuroplasticity of the human brain, its ability to rewire itself.

Perhaps one can think of it as exercise. Physical exercise is known to be good for health in general.

“Neurons that fire together, wire together,” explains Dr. Daniel Siegel, leading neurobiologist, speaker, and author, in his talks.

At the same time it can produce muscular pain if overdone, and has risks of injury.

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Scientists are beginning to understand why the practice of paying attention, with non-judgment,

But how would you know if mindfulness is right for you?

If one has had a physical injury in the past that may have healed but left some residue, exercise may aggravate it, and one needs to know one’s limits, seek medical advice before engaging in any new kind of exercise, and work with a trainer.

Similarly, mindfulness can be thought of as an exercise for the mind and the nervous system, with which muscles of the mind and the brain are strengthened and it is

good for us in general.

But people who may have experienced psychological trauma, or may have a psychological disorder, must seek medical advice before engaging in mindfulness in a heavy way and should practice under the guidance of a teacher.

There is a saying in India that the word ‘eggplant’ in a book is not the same as the eggplant that grows in your garden.

Similarly the word ‘mindfulness’ is not the same as the mindfulness one experiences.

The best way to decide if mindfulness is right for you is to explore it at an introductory session.

For free introductory mindfulness classes in Austin, check out the websites of local mindfulness teachers: Geeta Cowlagi, www. joyfulliving.com and Mamata Misra, mamatamisra.weebly.com.

15

Austin South Asian | February 2017

What Is Fake News?

By Sumaiya Malik Fake news is not a new phenomenon.

People have always made up stories, but they were never in the news media the way they are today.

Is fake news what you don’t like or it is something made up?

When people push their agenda in the news is it fake or real?

It fake news something which has not been fully investigated?

If the news reflects what you want to believe, would you think of it as

With the advent of Twitter, Facebook and Buzzfeed, it has become hard to navigate through what is real news and what needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Somehow along the way the common reader gave up the power of critical thinking and started to believe whatever he read.

It’s time to take critical thinking back and be responsible for what you believe.

Factcheck.org published tools to verify fake news in their article, How to Spot Fake News (By Eu-

gene Kiely and Lori Robertson Posted on November 18, 2016): 1. Consider the source 2. Read beyond the headline.

3. Check the author’s background.

4. What’s the support?

5. Check the date (can be distorted facts if actual event is outdated) 6. Is this some kind of joke? Could be satire eg. The Onion 7. Check your biases. We know it is difficult but do it any ways.

8. Consult the experts. Between FactCheck.org, Snopes.com, the Washington Post Fact Checker and PolitiFact.com, it’s likely at least one has already fact-checked the latest viral claim to pop up in your news feed.

Try to use these tools. Next time you are alarmed at what you read, don’t be.

For the sake of our readers, the Austin South Asian has made a list of points to consider regarding fake news:

Look at the entire piece keeping in mind the above points and you are bound to have a better day.

No Records Of Fake Currency Deposited In Banks: Reserve Bank Of India NEW DELHI: There is no record available of the fake currency which has been detected in the demonetised notes deposited in banks, Reserve Bank of India has said.

RBI has said no information is available with it.

real or would you verify it?

Responding to an RTI inquiry from Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgali seeking to know the extent of fake currency found in demonetised notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 deposited in banks till December 10, 2016, the

Earlier, RBI had refused to disclose information about consultation undertaken before the demonetisation move was announced by the Prime Minister on November 8.

Even Prime Minister’s Office had refused to disclose if Chief Economic Adviser and finance minister were consulted before the decision was announced.

(Courtesy: Times Of India)

16

Austin South Asian | February 2017

How To Tell If You Have Flu, Cold Or Stomach Flu, And What To Know

While each year millions in the U.S. are sickened during flu season, many can’t distinguish be-

and upper respiratory system, flu symptoms affect the whole body and come on quickly.

cally, an immune system weakened by seasonal flu can leave you vulnerable to these so-called stomach flu viruses.

What You Need to Know Although high fever and body aches occur with both seasonal flu and viruses that attack the gastrointestinal system, these symptoms are more prevalent and severe in seasonal flu cases, and are accompanied by fatigue and headache.

tween symptoms of the seasonal strain of the flu, a cold and the “stomach flu.” Knowing the difference, and how to properly treat each virus, can speed recovery.

Telltale signs of the flu are fever and body aches. However, these are also symptoms of stomach flu, which isn’t related to a flu virus at all.

Similar Yet Different While cold symptoms come on slowly and are limited to the head

Common viruses that wreak havoc on the digestive system include the norovirus and the rotavirus. Ironi-

The norovirus and the rotavirus both get the misnomer “stomach flu” from primary symptoms being watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea or vomiting.

Fever and body aches can also occur but are milder.

No matter what the cause of a fever, it’s best to monitor your temperature. See a healthcare professional if a fever is too high or lingers for days.

Treatment For seasonal flu, the homeopathic medicine Oscillococcinum has been clinically shown to shorten both the severity and duration of symptoms.

When patients took it within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, nearly 63 percent showed “clear improvement” or “complete resolution” within 48 hours.

The key is to act quickly when symptoms surface, nipping them in the bud in a way that won’t interact with other medications or cause unwanted side effects like drowsiness.

For stomach flu, stop eating solid food for a few hours. This will help settle your stomach. Then -- stick to foods that are easy to digest, such as toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken -- avoiding fatty or spicy options.

Stop eating if nausea occurs. Additionally, ibuprofen may upset the stomach, and anti-diarrheal medications may slow down the elimination of the virus. Trust the body’s natural process.

No matter what ails you, Vitamins D and C are important when you are recovering, helping to boost immunity.

Remember, antibiotics do not treat viruses and their overuse contribute to the spread of the superbug, a strain of bacteria that becomes resistant to antibiotic drugs. More information and tips about the flu can be found at Oscillo.com.

Seasonal illnesses such as the flu, cold and gastrointestinal viruses are not only painful and unpleasant, they can be dangerous.

Take precautions to stay healthy, and remember to treat symptoms right away.

(StatePoint)

Tips To Get Organized, Set Priorities And Be More Efficient

No matter what your work or family circumstances are, your days are likely a juggling act.

You need to adopt personal strategies for making sure everything gets done -- whether that’s running a business or keeping the household organized.

have them shower.

Streamline Shopping

You can also decide what to make for breakfast and pack purses and backpacks and place them by the

Whether you are shopping for your business or for your household, you may find that all the stuff life

To help, Staples has teamed with entrepreneurs and bloggers as part of its #makemorehappen campaign, to share some top tips and tricks from these experts.

“Mompreneur On Fire” Ashleigh Blatt recommends doing the following at night: “Pack the kid’s lunches, lay out their clothes and

ness-friendly retailers helped her coordinate her effort strategically.

Cappetta points out that many retailers are aiming to give customers a more convenient experience these days, and that taking advantage of new shopping options can save you time and hassle.

Resources like Staples, which offers price match guarantees, UPS and USPS mailing services, same day pick-up and online coupons, can help you save time and money.

For example, Staples has a shop online and pick-up in store option, with many items available in an hour, which “can make life simpler, while giving you more time to focus on your business.”

Start Smart Consider making it a habit to perform some of your morning tasks the evening before. This will help you avoid getting burned out early and help you get the day started on the right foot.

Project Eve, which provides news and resources to women.

Be Thoughtful

door so you can grab them on the way out.

throws at you leaves little time and energy to shop for necessities.

“Be thoughtful about how you spend your money,” advises Lucy Ross, Editor-in-Chief of “Like a Boss Girls,” a digital space for Millennial women.

The importance of a light morning is that you start your work with energy and in a good mood.”

“You need as much time as possible to focus on work and life, not going down every aisle in a store.” says Kristina Cappetta, a blogger at

Ross, who recently executed a branded shipment to give customers a better sense of her company’s personality, says that using busi-

More information about can be found at Staples.com.

Take Time to Celebrate It may sound counterintuitive when you’re pressed for time, but time-outs are crucial, especially when you’ve reached a goal.

“It’s important to celebrate small wins,” says Blatt, who acknowledges success in an effort to stay motivated.

Consider smart strategies from the experts, to help you get more done with more time and resources to spare.

(Statepoint)

17

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Travel Tips For Wheelchair Users

The stress of travel can impact anyone, but add in the need to find wheelchair-accessible transportation, hotel rooms or restaurants, and that stress is amplified considerably.

The experts at Mobility Ventures, maker of the MV-1 -- the only mo-

their taxi and rental car fleets, to make accessible travel easier for wheelchair users and their friends and families.

en travel stress for people who use wheelchairs and their loved ones.”

“Mobility and accessibility can improve the quality of life, independence and mobility of all wheelchair users,” says Pat Kemp,

• Be sure to allow at least 90 minutes between flights to allow time to deplane -- wheelchair users are always the first to board and the last to deplane.

Air

• Protect mobility devices from damage while in flight with a cover (e.g., sleeves for wheelchair frames).

• If you use a removable wheelchair cushion, bring it with you on board the airplane to be sure it is not lost or damaged.

trak for example, there are two different onboard seating options for passengers traveling with wheeled mobility devices, depending on the type of device.

• Amtrak also has “accessible rooms” for passengers with disabilities.

These rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and should be booked 14 days in advance.

• If you require a companion or an attendant while traveling, check for companion fare or discounted tickets.

• Check the room for any barriers at check-in.

A room can be ADA compliant but that does not mean that there will not be any mobility barriers.

• If you have difficulty pushing a manual chair, request a room near the elevators or on the first floor.

Ground Transportation • Search for taxi or rental companies with wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Visit mv-1.us/mv-1s-for-hire for an interactive map that highlights cities with MV-1 vehicles in their taxi and rental car fleets.

• If you need special assistance, inform the airline gate agent upon check-in.

• Passengers who use oxygen equipment can bring the equipment onboard trains with certain restrictions.

Train

Hotels • Look for a “guaranteed ADA” room when booking.

phones help too! Seek out a comfortable pair designed to fit the unique contour of your ears – they are ideal for lengthy trips.

Global from T-Mobile. It provides unlimited data and texting in more than 140 countries around the globe.

Make the most of travel downtime.

Dealing with a delay or adjusting to a different time zone? Use the unplanned time to catch up on your favorite shows.

For the 50 percent of Americans who regularly travel to Mexico or Canada, a travel offering that spans an entire continent, like Mobile Without Borders, will be welcome news. It ensures you can text and post photos of guacamole and poutine all day with no (data) consequences.

bility vehicle built with wheelchair users in mind -- are offering tips and an interactive map that highlights cities with MV-1 vehicles in

executive vice president, Mobility Ventures.

“Tips and resources can help less-

• Accessible space and seats are available on coach, business class and first class train cars. On Am-

As families prepare for this year’s big getaway, make sure not to leave home without the proper tech reinforcements!

Crush game and mom and dad can hop online to research travel activities.

Find your travel Zen. Ever been on a long train ride with an unhappy baby or snoring fellow rider?

And if you are a T-Mobile cus-

Drown out unwelcome disruptions

Don’t let mobility or accessibility concerns inhibit your vacation or trip.

With some preparation, travel can be comfortable and stress-free.

(Statepoint)

Travel Made Easy: Is Your Tech Ready?

These tips will ensure you can savor the sweet moments and avoid potential hiccups!

Drive smarter. Hitting the road?

Apps like Waze, a communitybased traffic and navigation guide, offer immediate information and alternate routes that save time when everyone is heading out of town.

Other apps, like GasBuddy, compare pricing for nearby gas stations so you can fuel up economically, making the drive convenient and worry-free.

Beat boredom en route. Even in the air, there are ways to keep the family entertained. Inflight internet services, like Gogo, allow for texting and surfing the web, so kids can keep up with their Candy

You can stream services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube on your phone with T-Mobile’s Binge On and not only will you get through the series cliffhanger, none of your streaming will count against your high-speed data!

tomer, you get a free hour of WiFi on every domestic flight! Take connectivity to the next level by plugging into a portable charger to ensure all your devices are fully charged for the duration of your flight and after you land.

by turning up the volume, and streaming unlimited music from services like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora with Music Freedom from T-Mobile.

Pro tip: Noise-cancelling head-

Stay connected even when abroad.

Google’s 2016 travel trends show that 85 percent of leisure travelers decide on activities to do from their mobile phone after they’ve arrived at their travel destination.

You can avoid roaming charges while you wander out of the country with services like Simple

Be the all-star family photographer. Essential for capturing photos throughout the journey, selfie sticks are this year’s unexpected travel necessity.

Various types– compact, waterproof and Bluetooth enabled are available at a range of prices.

Whether you are headed on a morning hike or trying a new cuisine, you’ll capture memories the family will love for years to come.

(StatePoint)

18

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Republic Day: PM Narendra Modi Receives Chief Guest Crown Prince Of Abu Dhabi In Delhi

NEW DELHI:

they are expected to reaffirm in the visit.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today received Sheikh Mohammad bin Zated Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the airport as he arrived for the Republic Day celebrations on Thursday.

The two countries are expected to sign nearly 16 pacts, including a Strategic Cooperation Agreement.

PM Modi and the Crown Prince will first meet for one-on-one talks at the Prime Minister’s 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day parade.

He is on a three-day visit and will hold comprehensive talks with PM Modi tomorrow.

A contingent of the UAE armed forces will also march with the Indian armed forces at the Republic

Later, delegation-level talks will be held at Hyderabad House.

Day parade.

stan.

During the visit, India aims to expand counter-terror cooperation with the UAE, which was once seen as a key strategic ally of Paki-

In 2015, during PM Modi’s visit, the UAE made a critical shift in its policy by backing India on terrorism from Pakistani soil, something

India hopes to conclude negotiations to fill strategic oil reserves and mobilise the 75 billion dollar investment in the national investment and infrastructure that was signed in 2015.

“Their relationship and investment goes beyond 75 billion dollars... NRI industries of UAE are now investing in India from retail, manufacturing to real estate,” said Navdeep Suri, the Indian envoy to UAE. Officials say bilateral trade last year stood at an “impressive” $50 billion.

The UAE is a significant contributor to India’s energy security and was the fifth largest supplier of crude oil in 2015-16.

India and UAE are also looking to cooperate in defence and security, space, civil nuclear, and counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.

(Courtesy: NDTV.com)

38K-Yr-Old Cave Art May Be Window To Early Modern Human Life 7 Ways To Get Fit As A Family New York, Jan 29 (PTI) Scientists have found a 38,000-year-old engraved art in a rockshelter - bearing the image of a wild cow surrounded by rows of

dots - that offers a window into the lives of modern humans during the period.

“The discovery sheds new light on regional patterning of art and ornamentation across Europe at a time when the first modern humans to enter Europe dispersed westward and northward across the continent,” said Randall White, an an-

thropologist at the New York University, who led the excavation in Frances Vezere Valley.

The findings centre on the early modern humans Aurignacian culture, which existed from about 43,000 to 33,000 years ago.

Abri Blanchard, the French site of the recently uncovered engraving, a slab bearing a complex image of an aurochs, or wild cow, surrounded by rows of dots, was previously excavated in the early 20th century.

Researchers began their exploration of remaining deposits at the site in 2011, with the discovery occurring in 2012.

Aurignacian art offers a window into the lives and minds of its makers - and into the societies they created, White said.

“Following their arrival from Africa, groups of modern humans settled into western and Central Europe, showing a broad commonality in graphic expression against which more regionalised characteristics stand out,” he said.

“This pattern fits well with social geography models that see art and personal ornamentation as markers of social identity at regional, group, and individual levels,” he added.

Abri Blanchard and its sister site, Abri Castanet, previously excavated by Whites team, have long been recognised as being among the oldest sites in Eurasia bearing artifacts of human symbolism.

Over time, hundreds of personal ornaments have been discovered, including pierced animal teeth, pierced shells, ivory and soapstone beads, engravings, and paintings on limestone slabs.

The research appears in the journal Quaternary International.

(Courtesy: IndiaToday)

Healthy eating habits and gym routines can be hard to sustain. For parents who juggle busy schedules, it can be particularly challenging to squeeze in the recommended amount of physical activity each day.

However, with a little motivation and a dose of creativity, families can resolve to stay active and get fit together -- without stepping foot into the gym. Here are seven ideas to consider: 1. Explore the neighborhood. Take the children on regular strolls around the block. Create your own nature walks by identifying different insects, leaves and animals along the way. Collect pinecones, acorns or other foliage that can be used for fun crafts back at the house.

2. Take advantage of local parks. Visit a local park to discover different walking paths or bike trails. And spend some time on the playground while you’re at it! Equipment, such as monkey bars, climbing walls and balance beams are all fun ways to get moving.

3. Invest in gear without breaking the bank. Athletic clothes and accessories with the latest performance fabrics enhance comfort and safety while working out. What’s more, new gear can be a great way for each family member to show his or her sense of style, which can be just the motivation needed to get moving.

Footwear is especially important to replace often, as worn out athletic shoes can increase risk of injury. To go easy on the wallet, consider shopping at retailers like Rack Room Shoes, which offers everyday value on brands for the entire family. For more information, visit RackRoomShoes. com.

4. Schedule dance parties. Enjoy music and shake off some stress by (Continued On Page 20)

19

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Hot Tips To Avoid Trump Picks Indian-American Ajit Pai As New FCC Head Buying A Hot Vehicle

(Continued From Page 01) Pai had been one of the two Republican commissioners on a five-member panel that regulates the country’s communications infrastructure, including TV, phone and internet service.

There are currently just three members on the panel.

The Republicans’ new majority at the FCC, along with their control of Congress and the White House, is expected to help them roll back policies applauded by consumer advocates that upset many phone and cable industry groups, including net neutrality rules that bar internet service providers from favoring some websites and apps over others.

Pai, an active Twitter user, posted Monday that “there is so much we can do together to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans and to promote innovation and investment.”

AN INDUSTRY-FRIENDLY FCC Pai has long maintained that the FCC under former Chairman Thomas Wheeler had overstepped its bounds, suggesting that he would steer the agency in a direction more favorable to big phone and cable companies.

data, saying they are more onerous than the requirements for internet companies like Google and Facebook.

He voted against approving Charter Communication’s $67 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable and a smaller company, Bright House — not because he opposed the merger, but because he thought some of the conditions required by the FCC, like barring data caps on home internet service, amounted to government meddling in business.

PAI VS. THE ZERO RATING Pai also criticized an FCC report on “zero rating” earlier this month, characterizing it as a meaningless document that won’t influence the FCC under Trump.

The report, issued in the last days of the Obama administration, took issue with the way companies like AT&T and Verizon exempted their own video services from wireless data caps, effectively making them cheaper to stream on phones and tablets than rival services such as Netflix.

mergers may get a friendlier review under a Pai-led FCC. Pai voted to approve AT&T’s 2015 acquisition of DirecTV. And while he told The Wall Street Journal in December 2013 that the Obama administration was likely to oppose Comcast’s failed effort to acquire Time Warner Cable — he was right — he added that a Republican administration would be more likely to approve it.

“Private sellers often offer some

appears on the title and paperwork.

Any person trying to sell a car on behalf of someone else is a red flag.

• Know your options. Is the seller requiring that you pay cash?

The FCC currently has a 2-1 Republican majority and two empty seats, which will be filled by one Republican and one Democrat.

Pai, an Indian-American from Kansas, has been an FCC commissioner since 2012.

During his roughly 15 years in government, he’s been a Senate staffer and worked at the FCC and the Justice Department.

He was also a lawyer for Verizon and an attorney at the law firm Jenner & Block.

Future big media and telecom

7 Ways To Get Fit As A Family

In a December speech, he expressed confidence that the 2015 net neutrality rules would be undone and said the FCC needed to take a “weed whacker” to what he considered unnecessary regulations that hold back investment and innovation.

(Continued From Page 19)

Consumer advocates have been concerned that a deregulationminded FCC could potentially allow more huge mergers, overturn new protections for internet users and lead to higher costs for media and technology companies that rely on the internet to reach consumers.

6. Get in a routine. A routine ensures consistency. Set aside time each week for bike rides, tag football and soccer games, all of which can all be done in the neighborhood, backyard or at a favorite park. In bad weather, head to a local trampoline park, climbing gym or indoor soccer field.

Pai opposed online privacy regulations that force broadband providers to ask consumers for permission before using their

As more consumers turn to online sites and social media to find deals on used cars from private party sellers, experts warn that buyers should beware.

scheduling regular dance parties after school, during commercial breaks or before bedtime.

5. Make a game out of chores. Make the most of family chores. Shoveling snow, raking leaves and mowing the grass don’t just enhance your home’s curb appeal; they are all are great forms of exercise!

7. Make a Matrix. Planning fun activities increases the chance you will keep up the good work. For those who love to check items off a list, a color-coded spreadsheet can be a fun visual reminder to test out new activities. Hang this in a common area, such as the kitchen, to keep track.

Once you’ve got the plan in place, get into a fitness routine that works for your family and stick with it!

(Statepoint)

of the best deals available on used cars, but these transactions may also bear a certain amount of risk,” says John Rasmussen, Wells Fargo’s head of Personal Lending Group.

Over 707,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the United States in 2015, according to the FBI, a 3.1 percent rise over 2014. A portion of these vehicles are resold to consumers like you, which can mean problems down the line.

Consumers who buy a stolen car run the risk of the vehicle impoundment and troubles with the insurance agency should the car be involved in an accident.

You may also find it virtually impossible to get your money back on the purchase. To avoid this fate, Wells Fargo Direct Auto loan experts are sharing some smart tips.

• Know your vehicle. This means doing more than just a test drive.

Find out the vehicle history by using online resources like Carfax.

Have a mechanic look at the vehicle.

• Know the seller. Do your best to make sure the seller is who they say they are and that their name

Be wary. That is a red flag, too.

• Know the paperwork. Car thieves often replace the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the stolen car with one that belongs to a legally registered vehicle.

This process, which is known as “VIN cloning” or “retagging,” allows car thieves to cover up the car’s true history and forge title documents.

Be sure to check that all the VINs located throughout the car (dashboard, driver door, under the hood) match each other and the paperwork.

No matter where you buy your car or from whom, be sure you understand the ins and outs of your payment plan.

If you are getting an auto loan from a bank, familiarize yourself with its terms before signing. You can learn more by visiting wellsfargo.com/ auto-loans.

Ask questions and do your research. Being a savvy car shopper can help you avoid the risks associated with buying from a private seller.

(StatePoint)

20

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Tamil Nadu Snake Catchers Come To US’ Aid CHENNAI: They were flown to Thailand when a group of researchers working on a snake project needed help catching cobras and kraits there.

Sadaiyan and Vadivel Gopal, two members of a snake-catching tribe from Tamil Nadu called the Irula, who have been flown to the rescue.

already captured 13 Burmese pythons, castaways of the pet trade that have become a threat to native species, especially birds and rabbits.

One of the captured pythons was a 16-foot female, according to reports.

“The officials there tried all kinds of methods and have finally taken snake-catchers from here,” says says Yamini Bhaskar, assistant director Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) -Centre for Herpetology.

According to Washington Post, Florida paid $69,000 to hire the Irula men and their translators and fly them to the Everglades.

And now, when Florida is struggling to tackle an invasion of Burmese pythons, it’s once again Masi

The two, who have been working with biologists from the University of Florida since January 6, have

For the community, it’s a proud moment as their skills are finally getting international recognition.

Known as the last “forest scientists” of the world, the Irulas have been snake catchers for generations.

Their ability to track snakes -without using any sophisticated equipment and relying only on their own powers of intuition and observation -is what makes them much sought after.

Both Sadaiyan and Gopal, who are in their early 50s, are members of the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS), which is located on the premises of MCBT. Conservationist and herpetologist Romulus Whitaker established the Society in 1978 for the welfare of the Irula community who were deprived of their traditional livelihood when export of snake skins from India was banned in 1975

under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

The Irulas now extract and freezedry venom to sell it to anti-venom producing laboratories.

Mari, an Irula and experienced snake catcher, says that when they track a snake, they look out for three things -its scales on the soil, shed skin and the droppings.

“These are the three vital clues, which indicate the presence or movement of snakes,” he says.

Mari’s wife Suseela said: “My husband’s father taught him how to catch snakes, and he mastered it over the years.

I am proud that his skills are in demand in the US.” (Courtesy: Times Of India)

Gmail To Block .js Attachments Starting February 13 Gmail has made changes to its policy on Javascript files in attachments, one that blocks messages containing .js attachments starting February 13.

whose content includes a password protected archive.

Google recently updated the Gmail app for iOS to add some new features, bringing it at par with the Android app.

Google, in a blogpost, said the company is blocking .js attachments due to security reasons.

Gmail and Google Calendar have both gotten an update on iOS with several new features being added to both apps.

Gmail currently restricts several other file attachments as well including .exe, .msc, and .bat.

Trying to attach the .js restricted file attachment will lead users to a message that reads, “There are a number of reasons why you may see the “This message was blocked because its content presents a potential security issue” error in Gmail.

Gmail blocks messages that may spread viruses, like messages that include executable files or certain links.”

“For inbound mail, senders will get a bounce message explaining

The app now sports a fresh look, as well as sleeker transitions.

Some of the features in the new Gmail for iOS app are: Undo Send, which is now being extended from desktop to the iOS version as well. why the email was blocked,”said Google in a post.

However, users can still share or send .js files using Google Drive, Google Cliud Storage or other similar storage services.

Google’s support page lists in-

stances when Gmail doesn’t allow users to attach certain types of files, including their compressed forms or when found within archives.

These include blocking documents with malicious macros, archives whose listed file content is password protected as well as archives

info@Austin SouthAsian.com

21

Austin South Asian | February 2017

February 2017 Community Calendar We have compiled this event listing based on the information available on the web site (where ever possible) of the community/organization as of third Friday. Please check with the organizers to confirm its accuracy. We request all South Asian organizations to email us (info@austinsouthasian.com) their community calendar on or before 20th of every month, for the events happening next month. We will carry listing of all South Asian non-profit organizations in Austin. If the Name, Contact info is not correct or has changed email us (info@ austinsouthasian.com) the changes you want to see. E&OE.

SCHEDULE: February 03 - February 05, Friday - Sunday, Friday & Saturday: 07:00 PM 08:30 PM, Sunday: 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM , Free 3-day family interactive Gita Class by Swami Nikhilanand Ji is at Rattan Creek Community Center, 7617 Elkhorn Mountain Trail, Austin, TX 78729. Register today at www.FamilyGitaClass.org Dinner prasad served daily after the program.

- Logical explanations, interactive sessions, fun & easy format.

- Appropriate for kids age 6+ and all adults.

- A fun game of jeopardy played every day to review knowledge.

February 10, Friday, 07:00 PM,

Valentine Karaoke Night is at Bunglows Hotel and Event center, 1000 South Bell Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX 78613. For more information, contact 512-771-0525.

VIP Gold One Couple Ticket $ 200.00 VIP Goldtable 5 Couple Ticket $ 1000.00 Baby Sitting Per Kid Ticket $ 20.00

We have a Photo Session planned to capture this special Valentine journey for you both

Ticket:

February 12, & 26, Sunday, 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM,

1. Date with Bollywood Dance Classes & Cocktail Party

A Taste of Mindfulness - A Free Interactive Workshop With Guided Practices is at Jewish Community Center of Austin, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin 78731. For more registration and information, visit http:// mamatamisra.weebly.com/

$95 ONLY includes 4 hours of Bollywood Couple Dance Classes and tickets to Valentine Eve Dance Social Cocktail Party (with access to all items featured above).

Adult: $30 Child Care: $25 February 11, Saturday, 06:00 PM, Valentine Couple Night is at Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Boulevard, Austin, TX 78759. Babysitter service Available.

Dress Code : Formal Decent Attire.

Ticket Information Single Individual Ticket $ 80.00 Red One Couple Ticket $ 160.00 Red Goldtable 5 Couples Ticket $ 750.00

February 13, Monday, 06:30 PM, Valentine Eve Dance Social & Cocktail Party is at Ben Hur shrine Ballroom, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin, TX 78757. Dress in your best Bollywood or Cocktail attire and attend a Dance Social designed for you to show-off your Bollywood Dance Skills as a couple!

Pricing

ED to Yours Humanly.

Your $25 Ticket will send an Underprivileged Child to School!

Spread the Love this Valentine’s Day! February 15 & 22, Wednesday, 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM,

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $80 (EXPIRES IN 2 WEEKS)

A Taste of Mindfulness - A Free Interactive Workshop With Guided Practices is at Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin 78754. For more registration and information, visit http://mamatamisra.weebly.com/

2. Date with Bollywood Dance Social Cocktail Party

February 18, Saturday, 03:00 PM,

$25 ONLY includes tickets to Dance Social Cocktail Party and all features included under the party (Bollywood Couples Dance classes NOT INCLUDED).

Thai Pongal 2017 in Round Rock

by Austin Tamil Sangam is at C D Fulkes Middle School , 400 W Anderson Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664.

100% of Ticket Sales are DONAT-

World’s Most Heat Resistant Material Found LONDON: Scientists have identified materials that can withstand temperatures of nearly 4,000 degrees Celsius, an advance that may pave the way for improved heat resistant shielding for the faster-thanever hypersonic space vehicles.

Researchers from Imperial College London in the UK discovered that

the melting point of hafnium carbide is the highest ever recorded for a material. Tantalum carbide (TaC) and hafnium carbide (HfC) are refractory ceramics, meaning they are extraordinarily resistant to heat.

Their ability to withstand extremely harsh environments means that

refractory ceramics could be used in thermal protection systems on high-speed vehicles and as fuel cladding in the super-heated environments of nuclear reactors.However, there has not been the technology available to test the melting point of TaC and HfC in the lab to determine how truly extreme an environment they could function in.

The researchers developed a new extreme heating technique using lasers to test the heat tolerance of TaC and HfC. They used the laserheating techniques to find the point at which TaC and HfC melted, both separately and as mixed compositions of both. They found that the mixed compound (Ta0.8Hf0.20C) was consistent with previous research, melting at 3,905 degrees Celsius, but the two compounds on their own exceeded previous recorded melting points.

The compound TaC melted at 3,768 degrees Celsius, and HfC melted at 3,958 degrees Celsius.

The findings may pave the way for the next generation of hypersonic vehicles, meaning spacecraft could become faster than ever.

“The friction involved when travelling above Mach 5 -hypersonic speeds - creates very high temperatures,” said Omar Cedillos-Barraza, currently an Associate Professor at the University of Texas.

“So far, TaC and HfC have not been potential candidates for hypersonic aircraft, but our new findings show that they can withstand even more heat than we previously thought - more than any other compound known to man,” said Cedillos-Barraza, who carried out the research as a PhD student at Imperial College London.

“This means that they could be useful materials for new types of spacecraft that can fly through the atmosphere like a plane, before reaching hypersonic speeds to shoot out into space,” he said.

“These materials may enable spacecraft to withstand the extreme heat generated from leaving and re-entering the atmosphere,” he added.

Examples of potential uses for TaC and HfC could be in nose caps for spacecraft, and as the edges of external instruments that have to withstand the most friction during flight.

Currently, vehicles going over Mach 5 speeds do not carry people, but Cedillos-Barraza suggests it may be possible in the future.

(Courtesy: Times Of India)

22

Austin South Asian | February 2017 THEME: THE GRAMMYS

ACROSS 1. Bars on guitars 6. Olden-day aerosol can propellant 9. Invitation request 13. Chinese fruit 14. “Say what?”

15. Kind of space 16. *8-time Grammy winner and “Climax” (2012) performer 17. Victorian time, e.g.

18. Mickey Mouse’s pet 19. *2017 Grammy host 21. *Beyoncé’s nominated rap song 23. Listening device 24. British comedy’s Mr. ____ 25. Baryshnikov’s step 28. Red gemstone 30. Good guy 35. Amy Winehouse’s voice, e.g.

37. Same as pleaded 39. Chinese silk plant 40. Film ____ 41. Rode in a tube 43. Insolence 44. Dished out 46. Observer 47. Seed cover 48. Like flotsam 50. Red-encased cheese 52. Chinese “way” 53. *Prince’s 1986 Grammy winner 55. Spanish sea 57. *Justin Bieber’s Grammy nominated album 61. *Best Rap Song nominee (2017) 64. Apathetic 65. Ante up 67. Reflective thinker 69. Ringworm 70. Rub the wrong way 71. Open-mouthed 72. Perching place 73. *1995 Grammy nominee, ____ of Base 74. ____ and rights

DOWN 1. Work stopper?

2. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 3. Amazon’s smart speaker 4. Not here 5. India VIP 6. ____ Zhen, played by Bruce Lee and Jet Li 7. Hudson’s Bay Company’s original ware 8. Irritate by rubbing 9. *4-time Grammy nominated Ja ____ 10. Part of house frame 11. U.S. President’s special power 12. “Pretty in Pink” formal 15. “Once upon a time...,” e.g.

20. Do like a volcano 22. Popular pickup 24. Sayonaras 25. *Desiigner’s nominated hit 26. Cool & distant 27. Motionless 29. *”____ Aint Your Color” 31. Hindu serpent deity 32. Like TV with browsing capabilities 33. Locomotive hair 34. *Adele’s multi-nominated hit 36. Dunking treat 38. Ownership document 42. Golden Globes’ category 45. One of Fanning sisters 49. “____ the season ...”

51. Hairy vertebrate 54. Photo tint 56. Moulin ____, Paris 57. Bread pocket 58. Inch, e.g.

59. Late Attorney General Janet 60. A secondary school 61. Type of fish net 62. Sky defender 63. Autumn mo.

66. Parabola, e.g.

68. Hi-____

SUDOKU

Sudoku

Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com.

Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in February 2017 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

23

Austin South Asian | February 2017

How To Shop For Anyone At The Last Minute Forgot someone’s birthday or special occasion?

Everyone needs to find a great gift

There is good news. You don’t need to break the bank on a daylong shopping excursion in order to find great items.

cubes all make warm, thoughtful gifts and are available at the grocery stores, drug stores and big box stores you visit every day, so you can shop conveniently. Visit YCamericanhome.com to learn more.

Go Gift Cards Crunched for time? Not exactly sure what a friend or family member wants or needs? Opt for a gift card that you can easily email or print out and put into a card.

Many third-party gift card aggregators exist online, where you can quickly dash to a website and complete your transaction.

Large online retailers also offer online gift cards to help you find a present fast -- no matter his or her personal sense of style or interests.

in a pinch from time to time. But just because you’re shopping last minute doesn’t mean these gifts shouldn’t be thoughtful.

Consider simple gifts that create that special feeling of home, such as American Home by Yankee Candle.

Here are a few tips to make sure that presents purchased in the 11th hour are appreciated and enjoyed.

The line features several candles with different fragrances for under $20.

A subscription service is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. In this regard, you can think beyond magazine subscriptions these days.

Strike the Right Mood

Jars, tumblers, tea lights and wax

“Subscription boxes,” which offer

Sign Them Up

great products on a monthly basis, are an on-trend and fun gift that can be purchased in an instant.

Themes for boxes are as eclectic as your gift recipients themselves and include books, socks, healthful snacks and beauty products.

Wrap Smart Having extra materials for quick gift wrapping just makes sense.

Stay organized with a designated gift wrapping station that features greeting cards, tape, scissors, rib-

bon, wrapping paper, gift bags and tags.

Gift bags and a bit of tissue paper can make a last minute gift go from flat to festive in moments, so stock up on these items in a variety of sizes so you are always ready to wrap.

Don’t get stressed about last minute gifting. Having a few great goto ideas means never disappointing.

(Satepoint)

Ways To Commemorate Black History Month (Continued From Page 02) Families and students also can take trips to their local libraries this Black History Month to check out classic texts like “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” as well as such contemporary literature as “Between the World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Ask your local librarian for help in making age appropriate suggestions for your family.

(SPM Wire)

January 2017 Sudoku Answer Correct Answer: Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Mr. Rajnish

Ms. Richa

24

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Space Travel May Cause Genetic Changes

WASHINGTON: Space travel may cause changes in gene expression and other biological markers in astronauts, a NASA study of twins has found.

Scientists studied the genetic differences between astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent nearly a year in space, and his identical twin Mark.

eralisable to others, researchers said.

Still, the work is some of the most detailed molecular profiling ever done, involving some of the most physically demanding environ-

Since the two men have almost identical genomes and similar life experiences, NASA arranged to have blood and other biological samples taken from them to try and observe biological changes brought about by long-duration spaceflight.

Measurements taken before, during and after Scott Kelly’s mission show changes in gene expression, DNA methylation and other biological markers that are likely to be attributable to his time in orbit.

From the lengths of the twins’ chromosomes to the microbiomes in their guts, “almost everyone is reporting that we see differences,” said Christopher Mason, a geneticist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

The challenge now is to untangle how many of the observed changes are specific to the physical demands of spaceflight - and how many might be simply due to natural variations.

Since the Kelly twins are just two people, the results may not be gen-

Once Scott returned to the ground, the length of his telomeres returned to his pre-flight levels relatively quickly.

The scientists are working to figure out what this means, and are running a separate study of telomere length in ten unrelated astronauts that, when completed in 2018, may shed more light on how spaceflight affects telomeres.

DNA methylation - the reversible addition of a chemical marker to DNA that can affect gene expression - decreased in Scott during flight and increased in Mark over the same period, Feinberg said.

Levels for both men returned close

ments.

Scott Kelly spent 340 days in space in 2015-16, giving him a lifetime total of 520 days.

Mark Kelly, also an astronaut, had previously flown in space for a total of 54 days over four spaceshuttle missions between 2001 and 2011.

Studies of the twins’ telomeres, the caps on the ends of their chromosomes, showed that during spaceflight Scott’s telomeres grew to be longer than his brother’s.

“That is exactly the opposite of what we thought,” said Susan Bailey, a radiation biologist at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

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A second lab has studied the same samples and confirmed this puzzling increase in telomere length, she said.

to preflight levels after Scott came back to Earth. What this means is not yet clear, Feinberg said.

(Courtesy: NDTV.com)

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25

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Kalki Koechlin: Directors Consciously Making Socially Relevant Films Actress Kalki Koechlin, who has teamed up with Pakistani director Sabiha Sumar for a documentary, believes filmmakers today are consciously coming up with films that carry a message to the society.

The documentary titled ‘Azmaish’ will showcase the cultural aspects of both the

countries.

The year 2016 saw a wide range of films like ‘Dangal’, ‘Kahaani 2:Durga Rani Singh’, ‘Pink’, ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Aligarh’ dealing with subjects like child sexual abuse, drug abuse to women emancipation and Kalki feels that filmmakers are consciously making such movies.

“Cinema is such a powerful platform and reaches out to a wide audience.

And nowadays, I think people from the industry are consciously making movies that spread an important message to the society,” Kalki said.

The 33-year-old actress plans to promote ‘Azmaish’ through film festivals.

“We are currently raising funds on Wish berry to complete the post production.

We definitely want to take ‘Az-

maish’ to film festivals and showcase the documentary.”

When asked that what drew her to take up the project, she said, “I liked the fact that this was a project on India and Pakistan that didn’t have to do with conflict.

I did wonder why Sabiha approached me to be a part of this, but I am thrilled with the experience and am very grateful for It,” she said.

Anupam Kher Wraps Up Govt, Akshay Kumar Tying Up To ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ shoot Develop App To Aid Martyrs’ Kin Actor Anupam Kher has finished shooting for Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’.

“Entertainment mixed (with) a cause doubles the joy.

The 61-year-old actor took to Twit-

My 20th film with @akshayku-

NEW DELHI: How many times have images of a martyr’s grieving kin tugged at your heart strings, making you want to reach out and help in your own small way?

Many of those wanting to extend financial help may not have known how to go about it or who to contact.

backed the initiative. It has asked its experts and Akshay’s team to jointly develop the app.

As per the proposal, each time a central force personnel gets killed

to channelise further contributions to the next deserving case. Contributions will be eligible for incometax deductions.

“Though government websites of-

The government, in partnership with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, has decided to bridge this gap between citizens willing to volunteer financial aid and the kin of central security personnel who lay down their lives in the line of duty, leaving their dependents financially parched.

ter to share the news and posted pictures from the set of the film.

“It is a wrap. Great being part of #ToiletEkPremKatha,” wrote Kher.

The actor added that it was fun working on the Shree Narayan Singh-directed film as the project promotes a social cause.

Kher also said that it was his 20th movie with Akshay.

mar... #JoyRide,” he tweeted.

The film, which is based on cleanliness drive, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’, also stars Bhumi Pedneka.

The home ministry and the film star are tying up to create a simple web application through which volunteers can deposit funds directly into the verified bank account of the martyr’s kin, to be publicised through the ministry’s website that will display a link to the app.

On Friday, Kumar visited the ministry to discuss the proposal with home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and the central paramilitary brass.

Sources said the ministry has fully

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in the line of duty, details of his identity, financial status of his family, number of dependents and details of bank account of next of kin etc will be uploaded on the ministry website, letting people directly deposit their contributions into the account through the app.

Once the aggregate contributions reach Rs 15 lakh, the details will be removed from the website so as

fer options to extend financial help to martyr’s kin, these are not wellpublicised.

Also, officialdom delays the process. The app will simplify things, with the home ministry website and Akshay’s involvement as a brand ambassador offering it wide publicity,” said BSF DIG in Jaisalmer Amit Lodha.

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Vineeth Next To Essay A Wannabe Director’s Role In Leo Thadeus Movie

Leo Thadeus last outing as director was Payyans (2011) which had Jayasurya in the lead. His de-

lil (2008) which had Sreenivasan playing the lead role. Leo has a unique way of storytelling and it

analil.

It must be a co-incidence that for his third movie he has roped-in the son of his first film’s hero Vineeth Sreenivasan. Vineeth will be playing the role of an aspiring assistant director who is seeking chances to prove his mettle. It is about the struggles to become a big director in the industry.

Austin South Asian | February 2017

A Stunning Performer Added To Dhanush’s Next Director Gautham Vasudev Menon has apparently finished predominant portions of ‘Enai Nokki Paayum Thota’, which is his first film with Dhanush. Megha Akahs plays the female lead.

Dhanush’s father.

The makers have been trying to guard the secret for other cast and crew members. Veera, a former associate of Gautham is playing the lead villain in the film was revealed only with the teaser that was released last months.

So far the actor has acted only in village or small town based films.

Now sources reveal that popular Tamil novelist and actor Vela Ramamoorthy is acting in the film as

We hope the senior actor will create a new impression with his role in ‘ENPT’.

This will certainly be a new experience for the audience to see Vela Ramamoorthy in Gautham’s stylish urban setting.

Rajisha Vijayan will be the heroine for Vineeth in this movie. The movie will start as depicting the lead characters as lovers and to become husband and wife. There is a strong romantic angle in this film.

but movie was Pachamarathana-

was much evident in Pachamarath-

In spite of getting an opportunity to work with the Badshaah of Bol-

Khan as the main lead. But I feel that my success and fame has come

Another movie of Vineeth is meanwhile getting ready for release. It is ‘Aby’ and the trailer of the film was officially released. The film is bankrolled by LJ films.

Mahira Khan Upset As ‘Raees’ Is Not Releasing In Pakistan

tion of Bollywood films is being reopened in the country,” said the Pakistani starlet.

“Pakistani films are my priority, however; I had never compromised on the role.

I will work in films based on quality productions and significant characters,” she signed off.

His performance in ‘Madha Yaanai Koottam’, ‘Sethupathi’ and ‘Kidaari’ has been widely appreciated by fans and critics.

Kajol Starts Shooting For ‘VIP 2’ Director Velraj’s Velaiila Pattadhari that hit the screens in July,

lywood, Mahira Khan feels her achievement has come under the evil eye since ‘Raees’ is not releasing in Pakistan.

Mahira expressed her disappointment as she said, “I am the first Pakistani actress who got the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh

under the evil eye due to which my film has not been able to release in Pakistan.”

However, reports suggest that Bollywood films will be permitted to screen in Pakistani cinemas.

“It is a good sign that the exhibi-

2014 attracted phenomenal positive reviews from critics and turned out to be a blockbuster and a landmark film in Dhanush Its sequel, ‘VIP 2’ which will be directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth will retain the star cast

of the first part and also feature famous Bollywood actress Kajol Devgan in a pivotal female character.

Word has come that Kajol has started strated shooting for her scenes in Velai Illa Pattadhari 2, along with Dhanush recently The film marks the comeback of the Bollywood dream girl in Tamil after two decades as her debut Tamil film ‘Minsara Kanavu’ released in 1997.

We’ll be excited to see Dhanush and Kajol team up for the first time.

27

Austin South Asian | February 2017

Oscars 2017: Nominations For The 89th Academy Awards

The list of nominations for the 89th Academy Awards is out and ‘La La Land’, which has already won six Golden Globes, is leading the race by competing in an astounding 14

Best Actor In A Leading Role

Best Directing

Casey Affleck (Manchester By The Sea) Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge)

Arrival (Denis Villeneuve) Hacksaw Ridge (Mel Gibson) La La Land (Damien Chazelle)

Fences (August Wilson) Hidden Figures (Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi) Lion (Luke Davies) Moonlight (Barry Jenkins) Best Animated Feature Kubo and the Two Strings Moana My Life As A Zucchini The Red Turtle Zootopia Best Film Editing Arrival Hacksaw Ridge Hell or High Water La La Land Moonlight Best Original Song

categories.

The Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone starrer is now the most nominated films of all time besides ‘Titanic’ and ‘All About Eve’.

Indian-origin actor Dev Patel has also been nominated for the film ‘Lion’ for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Meanwhile, two-time Oscar winner AR Rahman missed out on nominations in the Original Score category for the film ‘Pele: Birth of a Legend.’

The 2017 Oscars are set to be held on February 26 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

Best Picture Arrival Fences Hacksaw Ridge Hell or High Water Hidden Figures La La Land Lion Manchester By The Sea Moonlight

Ryan Gosling (La La Land) Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic) Denzel Washington (Fences) Best Actress In A Leading Role Isabelle Huppert (Elle) Ruth Negga (Loving) Natalie Portman (Jackie) Emma Stone (La La Land) Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins) Best Actor In A Leading Role Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water) Lucas Hedges (Manchester By The Sea) Dev Patel (Lion) Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals) Best Actress In A Supporting Role Viola Davis (Fences) Naomie Harris (Moonlight) Nicole Kidman (Lion) Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures) Michelle Williams (Manchester By The Sea)

Manchester By The Sea (Kenneth Lonergan) Moonlight (Barry Jenkins) Best Cinematography Arrival La La Land Lion Moonlight Silence Best Original Score Jackie La La Land Lion Moonlight Passengers Best Original Screenplay Hell or High Water (Taylor Sheridan) La La Land (Damien Chazelle) The Lobster (Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou) Manchester By The Sea (Kenneth Lonergan) 20th Century Women (Mike Mills) Best Adapted Screenplay Arrival (Eric Heisserer)

‘Audition (The Fools Who Dream)’ (La La Land) ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ (Trolls) ‘City Of Stars’ (La La Land) ‘The Empty Chair’ (Jim: The James Foley Story) ‘How Far I’ll Go’ (Moana) Best Documentary Feature Fire At Sea I Am Not Your Negro Life, Animated OJ: Made in America 13th Best Documentary Short Extremis 4.1 Miles Joe’s Violin Watani: My Homeland The White Helmets Best Foreign Language Film Land Of Mine A Man Called Ove The Salesman Tanna Toni Erdmann Best Live Action Short Ennemis Interieurs La Femme et le TGV Silent Nights Sing Timecode

Best Animated Short Film Blind Vaysha Borrowed Time Pear Cider and Cigarettes Pearl Piper Best Sound Editing Arrival Deepwater Horizon Hacksaw Ridge La La Land Sully Best Sound Mixing Arrival Hacksaw Ridge La La Land Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Best Production Design Arrival Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Hail Caesar La La Land Passengers Best Visual Effects Deepwater Horizon Doctor Strange The Jungle Book Kubo and the Two Strings Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Best Costume Design Allied Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Florence Foster Jenkins Jackie La La Land Best Makeup and Hair Design A Man Called Ove Star Trek Beyond Suicide Squad (Courtesy: Times Of India)

28

Austin South Asian | February 2017

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