Austin South Asian. December. 2019

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 12 No. 12

Ekal Vidyalaya Makes History

By Prakash Waghmare November 9, 2019 will remain as the historic day in the annals

of “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF)”.

On this day, in star-studded, glam-

Christmas Christmas is an annual festival

our filled “Future of India” Gala in New York City, Ekal reached 100,000 school milestones within minutes of its beginning.

Going into the ‘Gala’, Ekal had 9 9 , 2 0 0 schools and so the evening was full of anticipated excitement to ring the bell for magical 100,000-school landmark.

(Continued On Page 14)

Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammed

By Sumaiya Malik commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

(Continued On Page 09)

“I know what it looks like to be a woman of color, who is also a minority,” says 2016 Olympic Medal winning sabre fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammed. Ibtihaj was one of the speakers in a talk at the Texas Book Festival. (Continued on page 12)

Support A Child

By Devyani Sirur Asha-Austin, the Austin chapter of Asha for Education, is launch-

ing its Support a child (SAC) 2019 program for the academic year 2019-20 for two of its flagship projects, “Gramin Shiksha Kendra (GSK) - Girirajpura” and “Khushboo Welfare Society (KWS)”.

Through Support a Child program, donors give the gift of education to an underprivileged child in India for as little as 20 USD a month.

T h e t w o proje c t s h a v e b e e n carefully selected and continuously monitored by experienced volunteers in Austin with all discussion notes available online for maximum transparency to donors.

(Continued On Page 11)

Technology and Kids Getting young children acquainted and comfortable with digital devices and their interfaces is essential in today’s tech-driven world.

inside December 2019

The Picture Book World..4 Tips To Save Money......05 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Lifelong Learner............06 Colorectal Caner...........07 Multiple Sclerosis..........08 Caregiver Jobs.............08 Declutter Your Child’s

January 2020 TAX Special

512-828-6709

Room To Make Way For.09 Navigate The Challenges Of Caregiver Jobs.........10 Support A Child............11 Malik’s Page........11,12,13 5 Tips Homeowners......14 Simple Steps May.........14 New Program...............15 Need A Financial Plan...15 Gift Ideas For Doctors...17 Best Flu Hacks.............17 Reasons Playing Piano..18 How To Intoduce Kids...19 College Entrance Exam.20 DIY Projects.................21 Community Calendar.....21 Id Theft This Holiday....23 Kids want to have the same cool technology as adults, but the tech built for adults isn’t always appropriate and many parents aren’t willing to Kids Corner....16,22,23,25 Young Adults Build.......24 hand over their expensive devices. (Continued on page 19) Entertainment.........26,27

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

IN AUSTIN

BY NEW AND TOYOTA CERTIFIED USED

VEHICLE SALES VOLUME IN 2018 *Claim based on 2018 GST New & TCUV car sales reports.

ALL NEW 2019

RAV4

512-270-5080

ONCE AGAIN, WE SOLD MORE VEHICLES THAN ANY OTHER DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN. COME SEE WHY! CAMRY

www.CharlesMaundToyota.com

ALL NEW 2019

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

Give the gift of Life Insurance this Holiday Season Call me today & let me help you find the right gift for your loved ones

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

Picture Book World

By Shachi Kaushik Picture books are an excellent tool for children to develop their imagination and expand their understanding of the world. Reading daily to children strengthens their social, emotional, and character development. Children also learn ways to express their feelings and emotions.

This holiday season read some books together. Here a few recommendations.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng

By Sophia Gholz (Author), Kayla Harren (Illustrator)

eng: the Molai forest in Assam, is named after him. As a little boy, Jadav was distressed, seeing the destruction, deforestation, and erosion. A group of elders gives him bamboo seedlings to plant.

trations make the story magical.

He plants them and waters them every day, devising various methods of irrigation, and over time, his hard work pays off, and a forest grows.

This picture book is full of fantastical and enchanting vibes.

The simple text and gorgeous illustrations, and the inspiring story is an excellent way to introduces children to environmental issues and how they can contribute to the environment.

One can also watch the documentary ‘Forest Man’ to learn more about Jadav Payeng.

P Is for Poppadoms! An Indian Alphabet Book

By Kabir Sehgal (Author), Surishtha Sehgal (Author), Hazel Ito (Illustrator) A fun alphabet book with Hindi words. A great way to learn a few Indian words and explore the Indian culture.

A true story about an Indian boy Jadav Pay-

Making children learn a new language can be challenging but introducing them to a few words can build their vocabulary.

A captivating story that depicts a surprising encounter with St. Nicholas (Santa Clause) on the night before Christmas.

This book does an excellent job of introducing your little ones to new words and build their word bank with words that may be used on a day to day basis.

The Night Before Christmas

By Clement Moore (Author), Charles Santore (Illustrator) For Christmas, just like the Christmas movies, there are several books to be read.

This book is a classic Christmas poem and is one of my most treasured Christmas books to read over the holiday season.

This book is read by many families every year on Christmas Eve. The beautiful illus-

Make this holiday season special by reading. Happy Holidays. For more resources and book recommendation checkout www. storiesbyshachi.com.

Join me every 4th Tuesday of the month for a Hindi-English Bilingual Storytime at the Round Rock Public Library.

Tips For Hosting Houseguests Over The Holidays Hosting houseguests over the holidays? For happier guests and hosts alike, you’ll want to be sure you’re equipped to accommodate all your overnighters. Here are a few pointers:

it’s important to ensure that everyone under your roof has a comfortable place to sleep.

One such option is the Intex PremAire ThermaLux airbed with Fiber-Tech interior construction, which inflates in 4-5 minutes.

Special Considerations You’ll likely know of any special considerations you will need to make for individual guests, but if you aren’t sure, ask in advance.

For older guests, be sure the floor is free of tripping hazards and that walkways are welllit.

For families, offer a room away from noise so small children can sleep undisturbed at their regular bedtimes.

Anticipating and accommodating allergies, dietary restrictions and mobility issues can help keep guests healthy, happy and safe during their stay with you.

Better Bedding Whether you are hosting one guest or many,

car compactly, as well as hosts who want to store guest bedding between uses.

Thanks to the latest updates in air mattress technology, that’s easier than ever these days.

Before the holidays, get equipped with compact, high-quality air mattresses -- which are a must-have for travelers who need to pack a

A Stocked Bathroom Not only will a well-stocked bathroom help avoid last-minute trips to the store, it will make guests feel comfortable and welcome upon arrival.

You’ll always want to provide a set of linens for each guest, as well as shampoo, conditioner and soap in the shower.

Made from a Microcell contour top designed to insulate in cold weather and absorb moisture on warm nights, it even contains a USB port for charging and built-in storage for cords and small personal items.

Having a few additional items on hand -- disposable razors, cotton swabs, combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste -- is a nice touch. For many reasons, guests often arrive without certain essentials.

Other models from Intex -- which come in various sizes and supports -- offer such luxuries as headboards, raised bed heights and plush air pillowtop systems.

A full holiday house does not need to be overwhelming. With a few considerations, you can create a joyful holiday experience for you and your houseguests.

(StatePoint)

Maybe they forgot an item at home. Maybe TSA made them toss something in the trash.

Whatever the reason, you’ll want to prepare for this common occurrence.

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Tips To Save Money On Tech For Students

Just a couple of decades ago, when it came to technology, the average student could slide by with just a calculator and perhaps a wristwatch. To make the grade these days, your kids will likely need a full suite of mobile devices.

With the skyrocketing cost of brand-new devices, you may be unwilling or unable to

outfit teens and college students with the latest releases. However, there is good news: a large shift in how consumers are buying and selling their gear means that you can make proper upgrades for students of all ages without the sticker shock.

“Savvy consumers are catching on to the fact that you can easily find a high-quality refurbished device if you look in the right places,” says David Conti, senior director of e-Commerce at MyWiT. If you think that a refurbished device equates to poor quality, think again. A large percentage of refurbished mobile phones, tablets and accessories were perfectly good devices that owners simply traded in for newer models.

But shoppers should beware. Different sellers have their own standards, and you’ll want to stick to reputable sources where you can trust the device you purchase will be in fully functional condition and works exactly as expected.

In the case of MyWiT -- a company that sells new, like-new and refurbished smartphones and tablets -- and has a state-of-the-art repair facility capable and approved to restore devices to manufacturer and carrier specifica-

tions -- every device for sale has undergone an extensive 65+ point inspection of cosmetics, functionality and connectivity to ensure optimal performance.

Tests verify every function (camera, audio, SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is in 100 percent working order and connectivity tests ensure wireless devices deliver a consistent qual-

ity of connection and do not drop available signals. What’s more, purchases come with a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can have peace of mind as students take their gear out for a test run.

“Technology should be accessible to everyone,” says Conti. “Unfortunately, many families shopping for tech devices may not be aware of the quality of refurbished options and, as a result, may feel priced out of the latest high-quality technology.”

Whether buying a refurbished iPhone, Samsung Galaxy smartphone or iPad, keep in mind that kids can take an active role in extending the life of their devices with proper maintenance.

Be sure to send them to school with protective gear like cases, screen protectors and waterproof backpacks that come with specialized compartments for all their gear.

More information can be found at MyWiT. com.

In a world where staying connected is critical to a student’s success, keep in mind that getting reliable technology doesn’t need to break the bank.

(StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | December 2019

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

How Learning About Wine Can Improve The Way You Drink The world of wine can sometimes feel intimidating to the uninitiated, but a bit of knowledge about wine from experts can help anyone navigate everyday situations.

1. Happier Hosting:

2. Better Gifting:

crowd pleaser.

Smart pairings make both food and wine taste better, and the wrong pairing will do quite the opposite.

A bottle of wine makes a good gift when you’re attending a party and don’t know what to bring.

3. Confident Ordering:

“Once the basics are demystified, you’ll not only impress friends with your newfound knowledge of wine, you’ll better enjoy what you are drinking,” says wine and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) influencer, Chelsie Petras of ChelLovesWine.

A wine education can transform you from someone who hides behind the menu to being the go-to friend everyone relies on to make the right selection.

“Learning basic things like what you do or don’t like in a particular wine can change how you drink and teach you how to drink better!”

Whether you are starting from scratch or have some experience with the subject already, there’s always more to learn, points out Petras, who is sharing three ways that a deeper understanding of wine will improve the way you drink:

A lengthy wine list can be tricky to navigate, and many people shy away from being the one to order.

If you enjoy hosting dinner parties or any get-together, it is helpful to know basic pairings that will impress your guests!

By learning more about wine, you will be able to better choose a bottle to bring that is certain to be a

So where to turn for instruction? While there are many programs available geared toward those who work in the industry or are looking for professional certification, there are also programs designed by those same education providers targeted at everyday wine enthusiasts and novices.

cal skills faster.

Using the Casio Tone LK-S250

For example, WSET, the world’s largest provider of wine and spirits qualifications, was originally founded in 1969 for wine and spirits professionals, but has since opened its courses to everyday enthusiasts in an effort to teach them to drink better.

Fun, educational courses for novices and the knowledgeable alike are provided on such topics as perfect pairings and deciphering labels. To learn more, visit wsetglobal.com.

“Don’t let the idea of learning more about wine intimidate you,” says Petras, who recently served as a brand ambassador at WSET’s Wine Education Week, a global celebration of wine.

“A wine education is for anyone who enjoys and is interested in wine.”

(StatePoint)

4 Ideas For Becoming A Lifelong Learner Lifelong learners know that it’s never too late to broaden one’s personal and professional skills.

up dance can boost mental and physical health, reduce stress and improve memory.

Here are four cool ideas for doing so:

From ballet to ballroom to salsa to swing, there’s a dance style for everyone. So, consider taking that first step of learning the steps.

• Learn to Dance: Dance is a beautiful art form offering opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures and musical genres.

There’s also evidence that taking

A writing course can help anyone become more powerful, effective communicator.

• Get Mathematical:

• Play Piano: Playing the piano helps develop motor skills and improves cognitive learning. Now, thanks to new tools, you can develop your musi-

GRANNY WRITES FOR GRANDDAUGHTER Sure, I am not a poet, But inspired thou, me to write.

Know not where shall take a shot, Know not how must make a start.

Mine warm hugs and fond kisses, Joyful tears, heartfelt prayers, All to thou those will express, Poets can’t script in verses.

Hear to beats of granny’s heart, When in arms mine angel cute, Just love for thou they recite, No words can acutely state.

Desire to hear thine babbles, Longing to hear thine giggles.

Me eager to watch thou talk, Me craving, with thou to walk.

writing the next great American novel to benefit from tightening your prose.

Being Dad’s cherished treasure, Thou are Mom’s immense pleasure.

Mine blessings and affections Me barter all with your pains. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

keyboard’s Key Lighting System, which features a voice-guided step-up lesson system, you can quickly learn its 60 built-in songs and sound great in no time.

• Take a Writing Course: From email correspondence to meeting agendas to thank you notes, you are likely doing at least a little writing in your daily life.

But is your message clear?

You don’t need to have designs on

Whether you’re a student in school or a student of life, you can delve into math and improve your comprehension of related concepts using ClassPad.net, a web-based calculator which serves as a onestop shop for enhancing analytical thinking, and making math come alive for people of all ages.

Usable on a desktop or tablet, the program also makes it easier for students and teachers to collaborate.

Whether your goal is to succeed professionally or boost your personal skills, you can pave the way by becoming a lifelong learner.

(StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

What Everyone Should Know About Colorectal Cancer Screenings Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and in women in the U.S., making screening one of the most important preventive health measures to take as an adult.

Robert M. McLean. “Physicians should perform an individualized risk assessment for colorectal cancer in all adults.

ACP suggests any one of the following screening strategies:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years plus FIT every two years

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

Dr. McLean stresses that ACP’s guidance statement, which relied on evidence presented or referenced in selected guidelines and accompanying evidence reports, is for adults at average risk for colorectal cancer who do not have symptoms and does not apply to adults with a family history of colorectal cancer, a long-standing history of inflammatory bowel disease, genetic syndromes such as familial cancerous polyps, a personal history of previous colorectal cancer or benign polyps or other risk factors.

While no one relishes cancer screenings, new recommendations can help those of average risk for colorectal cancer learn more about the importance of screenings, and the most effective strategy for completing them.

Recently published in “Annals of Internal Medicine,” a new evidence-based guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (ACP) says that physicians should screen for colorectal cancer in average-risk adults who do not have symptoms between the ages of 50 and 75, and that the frequency of screening depends upon the screening approach.

“Not enough people in the United States get screened for colorectal cancer,” says ACP president, Dr.

Doctors and patients should select the screening test based on a discussion of the benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency and patient preferences.”

or high sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every two years • Colonoscopy every 10 years

While the median age for colorectal cancer diagnosis is 67 years, and individuals aged 65 to 75 years derive the most direct benefit from colorectal cancer screening, screening in average-risk adults ages 50 to 75 also has benefit, ACP found.

All

colorectal

cancer-screening

tests -- like all tests and procedures -- have both potential benefits and potential harms, which vary by person and screening strategy.

Given the tradeoffs between benefits and harms, some patients may prefer less intensive screening such as beginning at a later age, stopping at an earlier age, or screening less frequently regardless of the test selected.

“This guidance statement is just that -- guidance. Clinical recommendations may not apply to every patient or all clinical situations,” says Dr. McLean.

“That’s why patient-physician relationships and shared-decision making are so important.”

(StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

What Veterans Should Know About Caregiver Jobs

Today, there are over 18 million U.S. veterans, many of whom are seeking civilian jobs.

Experts say that the caregiving industry -- which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to an aging population -- is particularly well-suited to the skills and experience of those who’ve served their country.

The experts at Interim HealthCare Inc. are offering some tips and information to help veterans know what to look for before taking a position in the caregiving industry.

Companies with a proven track record of hiring veterans may be more likely to value the skills veterans bring with them, and may be more likely to accept military train-

Veterans should seek employment with companies that offer opportunities for growth, as well as exclusive benefits to veterans.

In the case of Interim HealthCare for example, the company offers comprehensive continuing education and in-service programs, and is actively seeking veterans to fill office and field staff jobs.

“Veterans bring many valuable attributes to the table that make them amazing candidates for caregiving careers,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of Caring Brands International and Interim HealthCare Inc. “Given their tried and true ability to lead, think critically and solve problems in a demanding environment, as well as a service-focused mindset, it’s often a great fit.”

• Diverse opportunities:

• Support: Does the company offer resource groups for veterans?

ing in place of civilian training.

Helping patients stay vital and healthy has a positive impact on individuals, families and communities, and for many in the industry, is an immensely rewarding career path.

What’s more, caregiver jobs are interesting and dynamic and no two days are the same.

For job opportunities, visit interimhealthcare.com/careers.

• Meaningful, interesting work:

With veteran unemployment on the rise and a growing need for home health aides, veterans should consider how a job in the home-based healthcare industry might be right for them.

After having served one’s country,

(StatePoint)

Look for signs that you will be supported once you are hired.

• A track record of hiring veterans:

finding work that’s meaningful is of importance to many veterans.

Living With Multiple Sclerosis? What to Know About Vaccines Can a person with multiple sclerosis (MS) get regular vaccines?

According to a new guideline, the answer is yes.

evidence and for people with MS, preventing infections through vaccine use is a key part of medical care,” says guideline lead author,

Here are a few additional items that those with MS should keep in mind before getting vaccinated, according to the new guideline:

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that can affect a person’s brain, optic nerves and spinal cord.

People with MS often experience muscle weakness and have trouble with balance and coordination.

While in the past doctors have encouraged those with MS to avoid certain shots in order to prevent flare-ups, the newly published guideline, developed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), recommends vaccination, including yearly flu shots.

The guideline, recently published in “Neurology,” the medical journal of the AAN, is endorsed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, and updates the 2002 AAN guideline on immunization and multiple sclerosis.

“We reviewed all of the available

Dr. Mauricio F. Farez of the FLENI Institution and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

“People with MS should feel safe and comfortable getting their recommended vaccinations.”

• Make sure your neurologist or care team knows what MS medications you are using before receiving vaccinations.

There is some evidence that shows that certain vaccinations may not work as well with some MS medi-

cations.

• If you are experiencing an MS flare, consult your neurologist. You may want to consider waiting until the flare has passed before receiving vaccinations.

“After reviewing all the available evidence, we found that there is not enough information to say whether or not vaccinations trigger or worsen MS flares,” says Dr. Farez.

“Still, experts urge their patients to hold off on scheduling their vaccinations if they are having an MS flare simply to avoid the potential for any complications.”

• Some vaccines might not work well enough to prevent infection for some people with MS who take certain MS medications.

However, it is recommended that people still work with their care team to maintain their regular recommended vaccinations, including the flu shot.

To learn more about MS, visit BrainandLife.org, home of the AAN’s free patient and caregiver magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health, or follow Brain & Life on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information about the AAN, the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, visit AAN. com.

If you have MS, talk to your neurologist about the latest guideline.

Preventing infections through vaccines may now be a key part of your medical care.

(StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

How To Declutter Your Child’s Could My Child’s Epilepsy Be Genetic?

Room To Make Way For Play

While all the gear, clothes and toys your kids possess are signs of a joyful childhood, keeping it all organized is essential for health, safety and even fun.

“Too many toy choices that are unorganized can make it difficult to find a toy to play with at all,” says Keri Wilmot, pediatric occupational therapist and an expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay. org. “What’s more, the chaos can pose various safety hazards.”

excellent boredom-prevention tool.

• Donate:

Make a game of it by turning on tunes and seeing who’s the fastest.

Before holidays, birthdays or other occasions when kids are showered with gifts, talk to your child about what toys are no longer used, and give them a second life by passing them on to a neighbor or friend

• Get Toys off the Floor:

While there are many different causes of epilepsy -- a brain condition diagnosed when a child has two or more seizures with no known cause -over half of epilepsy types are linked to genetics.

Understanding the cause of your child’s epilepsy matters, as it has the potential to deliver more targeted care.

Stepping on certain toys can be painful.

A child-sized table offers a stable

There is now a simple test that screens for potential genetic causes of epilepsy.

Organization is more conducive to playtime, which is why Wilmot and The Genius of Play, an initiative whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of play and help parents make it a critical part of raising kids, are offering eight tips to clean up the inevitable clutter:

Talk to your doctor about an epilepsy gene panel.

For resources and to learn more about epilepsy gene panel testing, visit canepilepsybegenetic.com.

• Provide Bins: Use bins to help kids organize toys, art supplies and games, keeping size in mind -- the bigger the bin, the harder it is to locate specific toys or objects.

While clear bins are great for closets by making it easy for kids to identify their contents, color-coded or decorative bins are more visually appealing options for the playroom.

• Make Smart Furniture Choices: Shelving lets children see what’s available to play with, however toys that require adult assistance are best stored in closed bins inside a cabinet or closet that’s inaccessible to kids.

Closed cabinets have the added benefit of reducing the appearance of clutter. Make sure to secure shelves or furniture to the wall for safety so they can’t tip over.

• Rotate Toys: Rotating toys’ placement inside storage areas will remind kids of all the fun toys they have, and is an

You are your child’s best advocate. Learning more about your child’s epilepsy is the first step in getting appropriate care. with a younger child or by donating them to a charitable organization.

Throw away any toys that are broken, hazardous or recalled.

• Use Space Wisely: While big toys like kitchens and playhouses offer up fun, they can take up a lot of playroom real estate.

Opt for alternatives that can be taken down when not in use, like popup tents, tunnels and playhouses.

surface for building brick structures and other creations, plus it gets small toys off the floor.

• Use Walls:

(StatePoint)

Christmas

Maximize space and creativity by installing a whiteboard or chalkboard to use as an art surface.

(Continued From Page 01)

Walls are also a good place to store shelving for books.

A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night; in some traditions, Christmastide includes an octave.

• Schedule Clean-Up:

Parents searching for more play ideas and expert tips like these can visit TheGeniusofPlay.org or follow @GeniusofPlay on Facebook and Instagram.

Set a clean-up schedule that gives kids a role in sorting and putting items back into their correct places.

Decluttering play areas pays off, giving kids more opportunities to play and learn safely. (StatePoint)

CHILDREN ARTICLES

Children Email Us Your Articles To See It In Print info@AustinSouthAsian.com

Christmas Day is a public holiday in many of the world’s nations, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians, an d forms an integral part of the holiday season centered around it.

The traditional Christmas narrative, the Nativity of Jesus, delineated in the New Testament says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in accordance with messianic prophecies. When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn had no room and so they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was soon born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds who then further disseminated the information.

Although the month and date of Jesus’ birth are unknown, the church in the early fourth century fixed the date as December 25. This corresponds to the date of the solstice on the Roman calendar. Most Christians celebrate on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted almost universally in the civil calendars used in countries throughout the world. (Continued On Page 18)

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

How To Navigate The Challenges Of Caregiving

As the population of older U.S. adults grows, more Americans are taking on long-term caregiving duties for loved ones.

Doing so will help you secure sup-

help them make daily tasks easier

An estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S. have provided unpaid care in the past 12 months, according to AARP. “While caregiving presents many opportunities for growing strong bonds with loved ones, the work itself can be demanding, eventually taking a toll on those shouldering the burden,” says Lakelyn Hogan, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care.

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month observed in November, Hogan and the experts at Home Instead Senior Care are sharing tips to navigate the challenges.

Use Online Resources To fully advocate for your loved one, it’s necessary to understand his or her medical conditions and the specific areas where extra help is needed.

port services, get information from doctors, ensure medications are being administered safely and even help you make appropriate meal and transportation arrangements.

Most reputable sources of condition-specific information can also double as a place for finding care and support.

Search for Innovative Tools Innovative companies are taking note of the needs of caregivers and are designing everyday products to

and more comfortable for all involved.

In the realm of personal care, this trend is especially important: personal care activities were identified in an AARP survey as among the most challenging daily activities caregivers must manage.

When it comes to shaving, a task that seems simple enough when performed on oneself, things can get tricky.

Currently, 46 percent of caregiv-

Bombay Express Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 13000 N IH35 Building #12, Unit # 216 Austin, Texas - 78753

512-491-5055 (Take-Away is possible on all items on the menu)

ers are using a disposable razor to provide an assisted shave to their loved one at home, according to a Gillette survey. The problem?

the potential to become easier, safer and more comfortable.

When caregivers use one of the 4,000 razors designed for shaving oneself, turning it around to use on someone else is trickier than you might expect -- not to mention time-consuming. Fortunately, there is now a razor specifically engineered for assisted shaving.

Prioritizing your own health and happiness is critical. After all, if your health suffers, it could make it impossible for you to continue caregiving.

A first of its kind, the Gillette TREO razor includes special features that protect against nicks and cuts, and its clog-free design doesn’t require the use of water.

What’s more, the razor has an ergonomic handle providing greater comfort and control.

These updates are particularly critical, as sensitive and thinning skin is prevalent among older adults and is a common side effect of many medications. To learn more, visit Gillette.com/TREO. As more companies introduce tools designed for caregivers, such personal care tasks as shaving have

Make Space for Yourself

Rely on family and friends or a part-time professional to step in and give you a chance to recharge.

Use the personal time to read, journal, exercise, take a nature walk, visit your doctor or simply meet with friends.

You may also benefit from joining a caregivers’ support group. Luckily, social media has made it simple for people to find one another and connect.

While the roles and responsibilities of caregiving vary, leveraging the resources designed to universally assist caregivers can help you navigate the many challenges of daily life.

(StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

“Support A Child With Your Gift Of Education Today! Enrich A Life Forever!”

(Continued From Page 01)

disadvantaged.

Gramin Shiksha Kendra - Girirajpura, is an alternative education school that provides quality primary education to children of disadvantaged communities displaced from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Girirajpura village in Rajasthan, India.

The special needs children are not only taught life skills through a

therapist, occupational therapist, arts teacher, music teacher, dance teacher, computer teacher, yoga teacher and pottery instructor.

ates various charities to help donors make an informed decision).

Importantly, it means your dona-

Many companies match employee donations 1:1 and some do even more.

Since then the school has grown to 6 teachers teaching about 100 children upto grade 6.

So, come enrich the life of an underprivileged child by giving the gift of education!

Asha-Austin volunteers are seeking donors who can support a child’s education at this school for as little as 20 USD per month or 240 USD annually.

Khushboo Welfare Society, is a special needs school for children with mental and multiple disabilities, with about 100 children, in Gurgaon, Haryana, India.

Many of the children who come to this school are also economically

We request donors to consider supporting a child’s education for a full academic year to have a meaningful impact.

While donating ask your employer about their corporate matching policy.

With no government school in the vicinity, the school was started in 2015 by Asha Austin with 2 Teachers teaching about 40 kids.

Your donation will fund salaries of teachers and support the cost of teaching and learning material for the children in the school.

There are around 100 child sponsorship opportunities for each project.

No amount of donation is small, and in fact, small drops of water make an ocean. personalized program but are also given therapy in various forms.

We have seen that children have greatly benefited through periodic therapy sessions at the school.

Asha-Austin is seeking donations of 25 USD per month, or 300 USD annually for each child for 2019-20 academic year.

Your donation will fund salaries of teachers / therapists -- physio-

Asha for Education is a registered 501c(3) charity in the US and a 100% volunteer-driven with a mission to bring about socio-economic change in India through the education of underprivileged children.

Asha has received a 4-star rating for seven consecutive years since 2012 for being a low-overhead, transparent and accountable organization, by Charity Navigator (an independent non-profit that evalu-

tion has a big impact on children, teachers and schools who need our help, support and motivation.

For more details: contact austin. sac@ashanet.org or visit http:// austin.ashanet.org/sac.

FREE CLASSIFIED info@AustinSouthAsian.com

Holiday Fun

By Amil Malik

1) Nightly shows at the Domain

Dick’s and Dillards.

Christmas from 6:00 p.m. onwards.

2) Mozart’s 10th Annual Christmas Light Show (through January 5): Stop by Mozart Coffee Roasters for their annual light show.

Christmas season is here and festivities are abound. Check out the following attractions the city has to offer:

(free through December 25): Enjoy over 82,000 lights and holiday music in the strip between

Sip hot chocolate and coffee as you take in the lakeside breeze.

Everyday except Thanksgiving and

3) Marble Falls Lakeside Park Walkway of Lights (free through January 1): The Walkway of Lights will be open nightly from 6pm-10pm, with over two million lights, photos with Santa, and so much more!

4) Austin Trail of Lights:

day, December 7th at 6:00 p.m.

— a 2.1 Mile Untimed Course starting at the Zilker Holiday Tree near Barton Springs Pool and moving through the colorful lights and festive sights.

5) Historic Downtown’s Lighted Christmas Parade (Sat December 14th in Bastrop, Texas):

The holidays could not be complete without a visit to Zilker’s Trail of Lights.

Downtown Bastrop’s famous Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Christmas Parade features more than 100 fanciful floats and local participants on Main Street.

For those of you looking to increase your activity, consider taking part in the Fun Run on Satur-

The parade begins approximately 6:00 p.m. and heads south down Main Street.

12

Austin South Asian | December 2019

Fundraiser For Indus Hospital Talks About Stray Dog And Snake Bites

By Sumaiya Malik Picture credits: Mr. Zahid Maniya

Behroz Sabzwari made the evening a memorable one.

On Sunday, November 10, Austin Chapter of Indus Health Network hosted a fundraiser in Austin, TX to raise funds for hospitals and patient services provided through the network. Two hundred Austinites attended the event at Norris Center.

Indus Health Network is providing quality health care absolutely free of cost to millions of patients

through a countrywide network of hospitals and clinic in Pakistan.

Friend of Indus Hospital (FOIH) a 501 C 3 Charity is supporting Indus Hospital by raising funds in the US. All the proceeds of the evening will be used for the free treatment of most needy patients.

A detailed presentation about how the network operates and how the funds are allocated gave the audience a first-time glimpse of what happens behind the scenes.

Presentation especially talked about dog bites and snakebites in rural areas that are treated for free in Indus Hospitals.

Dinner by Mezbaan Restaurant of Houston and entertainment by veteran actors Bushra Ansari and

Although the snakebite mortality numbers for Pakistan are over estimated, snakebite remains a signifi-

cant problem of rural areas in Pakistan. Dogs are the source of 99% of human rabies deaths.

Rabies is a neglected disease in Pakistan, although the incidence of dog bites in the country is very high.

In 2010, more than 97 000 recorded cases of dog bites were reported by basic health units alone.

Over $100K was raised in the charitable cause.

For more information about the cause and to make a donation, please visit: https://indushospital. org.pk/

Faith over Fear – How Olympian Champion Ibtihaj Muhammed Faces Challenges (Continued from page 1) She was in Austin to talk about Proud, her new book for young readers. Proud is the story of how Ibtihaj rose above it all with grace and compassion.

Her exhilarating emergence from young outsider to national hero and outspoken activist is a timeless, uniquely American tale of hard work, determination, and resilience that hasn’t been told. The

kids version is called “The Proudest Blue.”

religion. (hachettbooks.com).

Ibtihaj is widely known for being

“You have difficult moments in your life and its what you choose to do with them that counts,” she added.

Austin South Asian

Ibtihaj has used her platform for a great cause to inspire minorities, majorities, kids, women, fencers, athletes, Olympians, people of color, people of New Jersey, her home state, women who wear hijab and people who aspire something never done before to hold on to their conviction and stand strong.

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

512-828-670I info@austinsouthasian.com www.austinsouthasian.com

breeze coming from three sides, Ibtihaj’s almond shaped eyes and a wide smile captured an audience of all ages.

Growing up in Maplewood, New Jersey the only Black, MuslimAmerican in hijab, in middle school Ibtihaj discovered fencing, a sport traditionally reserved for the wealthy and elite.

Though she would start fencing later than most at 12 years old, she had an undeniable talent-the sort that would soon put her on the international stage representing a country with a history of oppressing her race and disparaging her

the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States in the Olympics.

Talking at “When I was a Kid: Writing Books Inspired by Our Childhoods” with two other writers, Ibtihaj said in a convincing and reassuring voice, “It is our responsibility to leave this world in a better place.

“Sitting under a tent in front of the State Capitol Building with cool

She wrote the phrase “Faith over Fear,” on the books she signed with her name.

Texas Book Festival is held every year on October at the State Capitol Building where well-known writers are invited to talk about their books and participate in panel discussions and thousands of locals attend for free to listen, get inspired and buy books to get them signed from their favorite authors.

13

Austin South Asian | December 2019

Indie Meme Brings Pakistani Oscar Contender Film Laal Kabootar To Austin

By Sumaiya Malik On Wednesday, December 11, Indie Meme is all set to bring Laal Kabootar, Pakistan’s submission into 2020 Oscars international feature film category to Austin at AFS Cinema on 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752, USA, in community partnership with AADI.

tricacies and a daring woman who is seeking her husband’s murderers.

Lines between stereotypical good

Lal Kabootar is a story of Aliya, a young, educated widow (Mansha Pasha) who wants to find her journalist husband’s killers (Ali Kazmi).

A sharp contrast to the stereotypical Pakistani heroine, Aliya lives on her own, and is unfazed by the cheap advances of street policemen once she decides to uncover the murderers of her beloved husband.

The film will have a Dallas screening on Thu, 12/12 at the Angelika Film Center.

Literally, Laal Kabootar translates to red pigeon in English. One cannot help but think of Mohammad Hanif’s latest novel Red Birds where there is violence, intricate drama, an assertive woman and where every character even the most insignificant contributes to the ultimate outcome.

But the comparison stops there and one is more inclined to feel an almost Quintin Tarentino-ish awe for this slick, well-edited drama-thriller on the streets of Karachi with bold visuals of blood, violence, in-

audience is hanging for more.

Fate throws her into Adeel’s cab, a petty criminal (Ahmed Ali Akbar) who dreams of escaping to Dubai. and bad are blurred in this fast paced 1 hour and 36 minutes and

The only thing Aliya remembers from the man who target-killed her

Stop Press: UT Austin Beginning To Serve Halal Entreés In Two Dorm Cafes

By Sumaiya Malik Sameer Malik, a sophomore at UT Austin, reports that UT Austin is getting ready to serve Halal burg-

The number of students asking for halal options has increased over the years.

Last year World Food and Halal

This will be the first time for the cafés on campus.

There will be a designation of area in the kitchen for safe handling of halal meat.

Halal is the Arabic word for “lawful” or “permitted”.

It is a broad term covering what is allowed in the context of Islamic law, but is often used in conjunction with the issue of how meat is dealt with.

The opposite of halal is haram, meaning “forbidden”.

ers and some Halal chicken entrees at the cafés at Kinsolving and Jester Dorm.

Market on North Lamar began limited halal meat delivery to students at UT Austin.

Division of housing and food services started looking at this idea in 2016.

journalist husband Noman is that he was wearing a red cap, but when she tells the police, the inspector ‘mocks her and says they cannot go around arresting every man wearing a red cap.

Just as Aliya is getting more and more frustrated with the system, her paths cross with Adeel.’ (Dawn News) What follows is Tarentino style unpredictability and violence which inject the heart with adrenalin where three dimensional characters playing bad cop/good dad, petty thief/caring son, well-off widow running on the streets of a corrupt city tie into an intricate web.

In Pakistan, Laal Kabootar stands as a trailblazer in the category of action- packed intelligent drama film with hints of black humor.

Both Mansha Pasha and Ahmed Ali Akbar are mature actors and their acting is so real that you feel the tension.

Ali Kazmi in a special appearance makes his mark.

In a scene where Adeel (Akbar) is on the phone with “madam” played

by Mansha Pasha, the way he looks away from the telephone and casts a side glance into possibilities of the future is an expression worth seeing again and again.

Also worth mentioning is the music of by Mai Dhai and Taha Malik.

The movie, produced by Nehr Ghar Film (young brother-sister duo Hania and Kamil Chima), was released in March across Pakistan and was a critical and commercial success.

It did its rounds on the international film festival scene in Singapore, Chicago, and Seattle and will now show in Austin and Dallas.

Indie Meme is excited to bring the film and it’s director Kamal Khan to Austin.

Talented Kamal Shah became a household name with his directorial debut short film The Desert Journey, a song by DA Method where he shot a 7-minute video in a single frame. He has also worked at MTV and Coke Studios in Pakistan.

A 501c(3) non-profit, Indie Meme.

Org's mission is to promote socially relevant independant cinema from South Asian film festival IMFF2020 on April 2nd to April 5th next year.

Tickets for Laal Kabootar are $12 and $15 available at indiememe. org. https://www.indiememe.org/eventdetails/lal-kabootar-screeningaustin

MEN CAN COOK! Info@Austin SouthAsian.com

To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709

14

Austin South Asian | December 2019

5 Tips Homeowners Need This Winter To Prevent Unnecessary Costs

A drop in temperature and an increase in precipitation like rain, sleet or snow can make winter costly at home.

thermostat, it will be harder for your heating device to bring your home back up to your desired temperature. Programmable thermo-

When a cold snap pushes into the area, it’s a good idea to let water drip from the faucet. “Make sure it’s cold water when you do this,”

Between turning up your heat and spending money on ice melt, the last cost any homeowner wants to account for is burst pipes and the damage they can cause. It doesn’t take much of a crack to cause thousands in repairs. A one-eighth inch crack in a pipe can spew over 250 gallons of water daily, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, destroying furniture, floors and personal items.

To help homeowners save this winter, Mike Pfeiffer, senior vice president of Technical Services at the International Code Council, offers the following tips: Own Your Thermostat Many households battle over what temperature to maintain. While the debate can get “heated,” Pfeiffer suggests keeping the thermostat setting constant. When it’s very cold and you keep changing the

Insulate During winter you want to stay warm -- well, so do your pipes.

Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Seal up cracks and openings along the perimeter of your home where cold air can blow through and cause pipes to freeze.

Insulation will maintain warmer temperatures in these areas and help lower heating costs. Be sure to check for exposed water lines in unheated areas and consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes, like an insulated pipe sleeve, heat tape or similar materials.

stats are a great way to maintain a comfortable temperature and save energy. Not only can you set them while you’re away, but smart thermostats will begin to learn your habits and gradually adapt to your desired settings.

Let Those Faucets Drip

Pfeiffer says. “Running cold water through the pipes, even a trickle at a time, helps prevent freezing.”

This is especially true on exterior walls where there may be limited insulation.

“Don’t forget about seldom used areas such as guest bathrooms or laundry sinks and equipment.”

Open Doors When cold weather is in the forecast, opening cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom can help.

This allows heat to seep into cabinets and circulate warmer air around plumbing.

Check Hoses and Sprinklers

Before cold air arrives, its best practice to drain any water from sprinklers’ supply lines following your manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Don’t forget to remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors.

“Despite what you may have heard, don’t use antifreeze in any of these lines unless directed by a professional,” says Pfeiffer. “Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife and landscaping.

Not to mention that you cannot use antifreeze in any line connected to a potable supply.” Frost-free hose bibs are the best solution to prevent frozen pipes.

On top of these tips, it’s always important to make sure any home renovations use the most recent building and plumbing codes, which will help keep your family safe and also help you save money down the line on unnecessary repairs and maintenance.

(StatePoint)

“Ekal Vidyalaya” Makes History – Reaches 100,000-School Milestone (Coninued From page 01)

Million were raised.

As soon as ‘Mohan Wanchoo’, took the reins of the evening as the chairperson of the gala, he took everyone by surprise with his trailblazing announcement.

This year, NYC magnificent Gala was hosted at lavishly decorated majestic ‘Gotham Hall’ and was

He pledged $1 Million over the period of 5 years patching, with immediate effect, shortfall amount for 800-schools to reach the magical figure of 100,000-schools.

These additional schools will be established shortly and will benefit 25,000 children bringing annual literacy total to 2.7 Million children.

Mohan Wanchoo’s pronouncement was not only celebrated with thunderous applause and sparkling ‘fireworks’, but it also set in motion exuberant outpour of generosity, for the rest of the evening.

By the end of the evening $3.1Million were raised. This was in addition to Los Angeles Gala were $2

attended by the elite of the society and Ekal’s dedicated supporters.

Although rooted in literacy, Ekal has blossomed into empowerment of rural-tribal folks across India.

The evening’s keynote speaker and

star-attraction was Bollywood celebrity and philanthropist ‘Vivek Oberoi’.

In addition, distinguished speakers included ‘Raju Reddy’, a successful entrepreneur whose company was acquired by Hitachi, and ‘Ragy Thomas’, leading social-media management & marketing enterprise.

‘Ranjani Saigal’, the Executive Director of Ekal, traced 32-year history of the Ekal, including its transition into a nation building movement.

Vivek Oberoi completely stole the show with his pledge to put all his entrepreneur might behind rural issues and spearhead small-scale solar power solutions for energy requirements of villages. He said,” I have already received a commitment of over half a million dollars for such initiative”.

mare, a member of PR national committee and Suresh Iyer, President of Ekal-USA.

At the conclusion of his captivating speech, he applauded Ekal getting Iconic “Gandhi Peace Prize” from the government of India for its social work in rural-tribal areas with gender equality.

Ragy Thomas pledged strong support to education and pledged $100,000 to accelerate its pace.

Raju Reddy, partnering with Ekal expressed desire to bring transformation to rural Telangana.

This award, which is given to only one organization each year was recently bestowed on ‘Ekal Abhiyan’

by Hon PM Modi and President Ram Kovind.

‘Sarva Mangal Family Trust’ and ‘Keshap Group’ confirmed to match technological intervention in education in ‘digital-tablets’ format.

For the benefit of people assembled, the ‘Peace Prize’ itself was ushered on the stage by a select group of people and presented to the gathering by Prakash Wagh-

A momentous turn occurred when 13-yr ‘Riya’ donated $1000 from a fund-raiser she had at her home.

There was a brief panel discussion also moderated by ‘Amrita Saigal’, a young entrepreneur to highlight various aspects of Ekal that appeal to the Donors.

(Coninued On page 16)

15

Austin South Asian | December 2019

5 Reasons Why You Need A Financial Plan Before A Recession

With speculation swirling that the U.S. economy is heading for another recession, you might be wondering what you can do to protect yourself from feeling the pinch of a slowing economy.

Here are five reasons why you need a financial plan in place before a recession: • Know Where Your Finances Stand.

nancial plan is to figure out where you stand, which includes getting a thorough understanding of your cash reserves, consumer debt and current retirement contribution level and savings.

Experts agree that proactive and prudent financial planning is key to avoiding emotion-driven decisions and maintaining a long-term orientation during times of turmoil.

Those who already have a financial plan should take the time to reevaluate its goals and strategies to ensure it can withstand a dramatic market decline.

If you do not have a financial plan yet, take the initiative to start putting one together.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can provide you with guidance on creating and maintaining a comprehensive financial plan.

When markets are in turmoil and you are feeling scared, your personal situation should guide your decisions.

The first step in developing a fi-

• Balance Fear and Greed.

Bull markets can make investors more hopeful that gains are perennial, leading them to assume too much risk.

Conversely, when the market drops, fear takes over and makes them want to sell everything.

A financial plan helps you to avoid impulsive actions and balance market highs and lows.

stocks, bonds, cash and commodities.

• Take a Break from the Bad News.

• Manage Your Cash.

Once you have assessed your personal situation and made some choices, it’s smart to tune out from the constant news coverage.

A sound financial plan ensures that you do not put money you know you will need in the short term at risk.

The drumbeat of bad news can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts, like “I am never getting this money back,” or “I will never retire.”

Money you anticipate needing within a year or so should be kept in a safe place, like a checking, savings or money market account, a short-term Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a bond.

Psychologists say such thoughts can distort reality, disrupt thinking and erode performance.

• Maintain a Diversified Portfolio.

One of the best ways to prevent emotional swings is to create and adhere to a diversified portfolio that spreads out your risk across different asset classes, such as

To find a CFP professional who can help you prepare a financial plan, visit letsmakeaplan.org.

However dire a crisis may seem, having a long-term financial strategy will keep you on track to achieve your financial goals.

(StatePoint)

New Program Empowers Parents To Boost Early Learning Science has consistently shown that the first three years of life are vital to a child’s developing brain, and new research confirms that families play an important role in language development and educational readiness.

meaningful because they mirror new and emerging research that points to the importance of con-

campaign launched by the TMW Center that’s designed to empower parents with the knowledge and

The free, easy-to-use resources at the3Ts.org will become available in both English and Spanish in early 2020 and eventually include access to an interactive web-based app.

“We’ve seen first-hand in our research what a positive impact parents can have in the process,” says Dr. Dana Suskind, professor of surgery and co-director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago.

Preliminary results from a five-year study, supported through a $3 million grant by the PNC Foundation and conducted by the TMW Center, reveal that parents improved their toddler’s language environments by increasing conversational turns almost four times more than parents in the control group.

These findings are particularly

and Take Turns -- and includes the distribution of online and print materials to parents through a network of community partners, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

versational turn-taking in building a child’s language and cognitive skills.

These results are generating attention and investment in programs like “Any Time is 3Ts Time,” a

skills needed to make the most of everyday interactions with their young children.

The campaign, which is supported by an additional $3.3 million grant from the PNC Foundation, is built on the “3Ts” -- Tune In, Talk More

The grant, which is supported through PNC Grow Up Great, a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative helping prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life, also will support the TMW Center’s “Let’s Talk!” parent group program, which is designed for deeper 3Ts engagement and includes real-time coaching and in-person sessions.

The group program will debut in Chicago and later extend to early education programs in other U.S.

cities.

“We recognized an opportunity to develop high-quality, early educational resources for families with children under age three.

Now, with proven research from the TMW Center, we are able to support their effort to make new resources accessible to millions of parents and caregivers across the country,” says Sally McCrady, chair and president at the PNC Foundation.

Access to high-quality early education and resources is critical for a child’s success in school and life.

Thanks to new programs based on scientific research, more children are going to start school ready to thrive and learn.

(StatePoint)

16

Austin South Asian | December 2019

Kids Corner CHILDREN ARTICLES

Email Us Your Articles To Print

Vasundhara Varadarajan 8 years

info@austin southasian. com

“Ekal Vidyalaya” Makes History – Reaches 100,000-School Milestone (Coninued From page 14)

porters for their distinctive proj-

Vivek Oberoi was so touched by this that he appealed to the gathering to match her cute gesture and the gathering responded by additional $30,000.

Several dignitaries were honored, including India Consul General of New York, Sandeep Chakravorty and New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

Ekal also recognized several sup-

ects. Among them were Dr Kavita

Navani of ‘Sankalp’ for aiding 625 Ekal schools; Himanshu Shah of ‘Shah Capital’ for supporting ‘Gramothan Resource Ctr’; Adish & Asha Jain and Vandana & Vivek Sharma for corroborating in integral village development;

Subra & Anu Dravida for promoting digital literacy through ‘Ekalon-Wheel’ project.

‘Perfection of Man Foundation’ made significant announcement at the end of the evening to support planting of 1 Million trees in Ekal villages. Pradeep Goyal, Chairman of ‘Ekal Abhiyan Trust’ and S.K. Jindal, a Trustee had specially had flown from India to grace this occasion and to boost the morale of everyone to make gala a grand success. No gala is complete without

The Adventures Of Randy & Square Kid

the musical treat and this was no exception.

To preserve the upbeat nature of the Gala’s success, Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap kept the crowd sizzling with her singing and enticed them to dance to her tunes.

Unlike most of such events, the remarkable thing about this event was the participation of young professional in large number. This is an indication that Ekal’s future is on rock-solid foundation.

Abhiveer Annoji

17

Austin South Asian | December 2019

5 Gift Ideas for Doctors This Holiday Season

Whether you have loved ones who are doctors or you like to show your own physicians appreciation during the holiday season, you probably know how hard they can be to shop for. While they may seem to have it all, with a little creativity -- you can find the perfect holiday gift for the physician in your life.

2. Theater or dinner vouchers for two. Gadgets and technology are appreciated, but nothing lasts longer than cherished memories. Re-

rience something fun and thrilling with a friend or loved one.

grade their wardrobe but keep their feet happy.

free, meaning fewer interruptions and more time with patients!

Price Range $150-$400

For men, try shoes from Wolf & Shepard. Customer reviews tout, “It’s like walking on clouds.” For women, dressy flats and casual sneakers from Rothy’s are not only stylish and comfortable, they’re sustainable too. Every pair is made of recycled plastic water bottles, so far saving over 30 million bottles from polluting the ocean or from ending up in landfills.

Price Range: $399-$499

To help, Doximity, the largest professional medical network for doctors in the U.S., asked its members to share what they would like most this holiday season. Here are the top five gift ideas: 1. Donation in their name. For the physician who already has everything they could ever need or want, consider making a donation in their name to a charity they love or to a reputable health-related non-profit, such as CURE Childhood Cancer. They will be touched by the thought and honored to be a part of a good cause.

Price Range $25-$100

Price Range $125- $350

view what future performances are coming to town or make a reservation at that new trendy restaurant along with a gift card. Give your recipient an opportunity to expe-

3. The most comfortable shoes.

Ever. Physicians are on their feet for long hours every day. Give the gift of comfort with dress shoes or running shoes that will not only up-

4. Apple Watch Series 5. Physicians are always on the go with little time to spare. The Apple Watch Series 5 is the ultimate time-saving tool, helping physicians accomplish daily tasks with more efficiency. Without having to touch the watch, physicians can now receive important notifications, set reminders to call patients, send and receive messages, track their physical activity and more -- all hands-

5. Smart Coffee Mug. For the early riser working a graveyard shift, coffee related gifts are much appreciated. Consider saving your recipient more time with a technology-forward coffee mug to-go, such as those from Ember. This mug allows to set an exact drinking temperature and keeps it there for up to three hours, so coffee is never too hot, or too cold. You’ll save them time and dishes!

Price range: $179.95 This holiday season, don’t fret about what to give the doctor in your life. Taking a cue from the collective suggestions of physicians nationwide will help ensure your thoughtful gift puts a smile on their face.

(StatePoint)

Best Flu Hacks Every Traveler Should Know While everyone wants to make the most of their vacation, travel can do a number on one’s health, and during flu season, the risk of feeling unwell is even higher. Feel your best with these tips: • Flu levels increase during winter because people spend more time in enclosed spaces together touching surfaces and breathing “shared” air.

commodates the growth of viruses that thrive on low humidity. Additionally, travelers often refrain from hydrating to avoid frequent bathroom trips.

Yet, when mucous membranes are dry, they can’t keep germs at bay.

8-10 cups to prevent dehydration caused by fever, loosen mucus, keep your throat moist and lessen the chance of the virus’ success.

• Getting medical attention away from home is tough. Travel smart with over-the-counter products

Traveling only amplifies this. Reduce your chances of swapping germs by avoiding contact with shared items. For example, don’t put your face directly on airlinesupplied pillows or blankets that haven’t been sanitized.

• Ironically, just when handwashing is most vital -- while traveling -- it becomes less convenient. Carry handwipes and sanitizers and use them when you can’t wash your hands. More importantly, avoiding rubbing your eyes or nose.

• An airplane cabin’s dry air ac-

symptoms.

Though these uses have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, clinical studies show that Oscillococcinum reduces the duration and severity of flu symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue.

Widely available in supermarkets and drugstores, this flu medicine is taken without water, making it an ideal travel remedy.

“I recommend that travelers keep Oscillococcinum on-hand: an easy-to-take, non-drowsy medicine that can be used for anyone ages 2 and up,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and author of “Bond:

A general rule is to drink at least 8 ounces of water for every hour in the air. Under the weather? Drink more than the daily recommended

that are homeopathic and easy to use. Some, like Oscillococcinum, are good to pack in your carry-on so you can take at the first sign of

The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor.” “It works best when taken at the first sign of flu, so it’s important to pay close attention to symptoms.”

To learn more, visit Oscillo.com.

• Will you arrive in time to make your connection? What if you forgot to pack Aunt Ethel’s present?

There’s no doubt that travel can cause stress, which research has shown can increase susceptibility to flu and even increase the severity of symptoms. Being flexible, prepared and building extra time into your schedule can make for stress-free travel.

• Exercise boosts energy and immunity, so don’t take a vacation from workouts while traveling.

Pack workout wear and carve out time for exercise.

• Unusual travel schedules, unfamiliar beds and crossing time zones can disrupt a sleep schedule.

Get plenty of rest before your trip to keep your body’s natural defenses at optimum levels.

Getting sick can put a damper on even the best vacation. Take steps to feel your best.

(StatePoint)

18

Austin South Asian | December 2019

How Visualized Learning Is Helping Students Succeed While yesterday’s students once had to rely on the static images found in textbooks and overhead transparencies, today’s students are being treated to a wealth of rich moving imagery with seemingly unlimited interactive potential.

identify relationships and patterns.

• The majority of students are visual learners. Incorporating this

the material the first time it’s delivered, teachers ultimately have more time to help everybody else get up to speed.

In some cases, it only takes one click to enable teachers and students to delve right in, a valuable benefit, as most time-crunched teachers following a packed curriculum know.

This is good news, as visualized learning can help students better grasp material. Here’s how: • Like the old saying goes, “a picture’s worth a thousand words.”

Visuals have the potential to reduce required reading, helping students absorb information more efficiently and with less fatigue.

• A visual provides a powerful memory that learners can fall back on, which can potentially improve retention of content. This may be especially handy during exams!

• Visual aids can help students

to the latest models of projectors, which in some cases, offer features that far exceed their predecessors of even just a few years ago.

With the Casio XJ-S400 Projector, for example, image projection can be controlled not only from a desktop computer or laptop, but by smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the classroom, giving educators a wider choice of teaching styles.

knowledge into classroom instruction is a practical measure. When a greater percentage of students get

So exactly how are educators implementing visualized learning in the classroom? Many are turning

Thanks to features like these, as access to tablets and other personal devices widens, students will not only be able to view interactive material in the palm of their

with you on your journey as a musician.

the power to achieve your goals will help you to fearlessly set new ones.

or too late to start. Consider using new tools that will help make the learning process stress-free so you

• Your dexterity will improve: Dexterity and hand-eye coordination are fundamental skills that are necessary to develop early and maintain as you age. Research shows that playing the piano can

(Coninued From page 09)

hand but also share what’s on their screen with the entire class.

With this projector model, collaboration and connection are simplified using Casio’s Educational Solutions.

Wireless features such as PC Remote and Moderator Function allow teachers to project their own PC display or select a student’s PC display from anywhere in a classroom.

Up to 40 PCs can be connected at one time and up to four PCs displayed on-screen simultaneously.

As more schools adopt cuttingedge technologies that embrace visualized learning, students will see the benefits.

(StatePoint)

4 Reasons Playing Piano Is Good For Your Health

Have you always wanted to play the piano but never took that first step in getting started?

If you need any more motivation than the fact that making music is a fun and rewarding activity, consider that this is one hobby with many surprising positive benefits for your health.

The PX-S3000 from Casio for example, works with the free Chordana Play for Piano app, which displays the music score and piano roll notation for built-in songs and MIDI files and also features songwriting tools.

Here are just a few of them: • It’s good for your brain: The act of learning to play a keyboard or piano helps boost cognitive brain development. In children, this can lead to better grades and better focus at school. In adults, this can help to slow the aging process and improve memory retention.

• It reduces stress: Music has the power to reduce stress, so too does engaging in favorite pastimes, and new tools can help you achieve competence faster so that playing is more fun than frustrating from the outset. When it comes to digital pianos, some of today’s models come with features that support the learning process, as well as grow

• You’ll get a self-esteem boost: With the mastery of a new skill comes pride and a major confidence boost. Knowing you have

help improve and sharpen them.

There are many reasons to learn to play piano and it’s never too early

can begin to reap the benefits of this hobby right away.

(StatePoint)

Christmas

However, some Eastern Christian Churches celebrate Christmas on December 25 of the older Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to a January date in the Gregorian calendar. For Christians, believing that God came into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity, rather than knowing Jesus’ exact birth date, is considered to be the primary purpose in celebrating Christmas.

The celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins.

Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift giving, completing an Advent calendar or Advent wreath, Christmas music and caroling, lighting a Christingle, viewing a Nativity play, an exchange of Christmas cards, church services, a special meal, pulling Christmas crackers and the display of various Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.

In addition, several closely related and often interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, and Christkind, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season and have their own body of traditions and lore. Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

19

Austin South Asian | December 2019

How To Introduce Kids To Age-Appropriate Tech

(Continued from page 1) Getting young children acquainted So, what’s the best way to introduce kids to age-appropriate technology?

• An educational component: Kids are absorbing new information all the time, which means that the best kids’ tech will have an ed-

4-9, sends texts, voice messages, photos, drawings and animated stickers and also comes preloaded with more than 40 learning games

• Durability:

Parents should look for the following things when selecting devices for kids:

Let’s face it, when it comes to kids and their toys, durability is fundamental, especially when it comes to technology.

• Kid-safe features: Any technology that connects to Wi-Fi should boast safety features that allow parents to approve who children are communicating with and what sites they are visiting online.

Some technology even comes with built-in kid-safe web browsers that give users access only to pre-approved sites.

This can take the guesswork out of the equation, but if you’re looking for more control, consider tools that also let you add and remove approved sites.

With the device, kids also get a free trial of LeapFrog Academy, an interactive learning program filled with 2,000 games and activities.

Look for bumpers and a shatter-safe screen so that kids can take their device on-the-go worry-free. ucational component to match their curiosity.

For example, VTech’s KidiBuzz G2, a smart device geared for ages

and apps that cover math, spelling, science, problem-solving, music, Spanish and more -- including a new augmented reality game.

• The same cool features your tech has:

features that yours do.

These might include a sleek and stylish design, a step tracker and a highly functional camera.

In the case of the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2, two cameras allow children to capture everything from action video to selfies that can be customized in the Silly Me app.

And because this wearable tech is designed for those 4-years old and older, it also includes 55 digital and analog customizable watch faces to help kids learn to tell time.

Digital devices can serve as a window to a world of knowledge and fun.

Be sure to introduce your children to technology in a way that’s secure, educational and age-appropriate.

Kids won’t want to use their devices if they don’t have the same cool

(StatePoint)

aren’t exactly sure why. This year, researchers learned about a number of differences in progression and risk between women and men, including newly identified sexspecific risk genes, sex-based differences in how Alzheimer’s may spread in the brain and cognitive benefits for women who participate in the paid workforce.

5. Researchers are looking at new drug targets.

5 Important Things Learned About Alzheimer’s Disease In 2019 In 2019, researchers discovered meaningful insights into the causes, risk factors and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Here are five of their important discoveries:

This year, researchers also learned that intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to dementia.

1. Lifestyle may play a major role in reducing risk.

We’re told that eating a healthy diet and exercising are good for overall health, but did you know that these habits may also reduce one’s risk for cognitive decline and dementia?

Research reported at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggested that making multiple healthy lifestyle choices -- including eating a lowfat, high vegetable diet, not smoking, getting regular exercise and engaging in cognitive stimulation -- may decrease dementia risk and may even offset increased risk caused by genes or exposure to air pollution.

speed to develop a simple blood test that can detect signs of Alzheimer’s early and accurately.

Blood tests are cheaper, easier to administer, less invasive and more accessible than many advanced technologies currently available for Alzheimer’s research and diagnosis.

Once these tests become available in doctors’ offices, they may also play a role in early detection of dementia, giving individuals and families more time to plan for the future and get needed care and support services, and potentially increase their chances of participating in clinical trials.

3. Alzheimer’s is different in men and women.

2. A blood test is on the horizon.

Researchers are working at full

Two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. are women, but scientists

4. Vision and hearing loss may increase dementia risk.

Most older adults experience some form of vision and/or hearing loss later in life. New research suggests these sensory impairments may increase risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s, especially if you experience both.

Sensory impairment screening may help identify older adults at higher risk of developing dementia, thereby encouraging early detection. This new knowledge opens the possibility that preventing or correcting sensory impairments may reduce dementia risk.

Researchers are taking a fresh look at the possible causes for dementia and how drugs might be used to stop the disease in its tracks.

More than 500 new candidate drug targets have been identified that address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Part the Cloud awards help fund this type of out-of-the-box research and move findings from the laboratory, through trials, into possible therapies for people.

Researchers are poised to uncover even more in 2020 and beyond. Increased funding for research from the federal government and nonprofit organizations is driving the rapidly growing body of knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

(StatePoint)

20

Austin South Asian | December 2019

Thinking About Refinancing? 5 Things To Consider

Mortgage rates have recently hit near-record lows and Freddie Mac predicts rates will remain low for the foreseeable future.

your goal is to reduce your monthly payment as well as the interest you will pay over the life of the loan. A mortgage consultant or refinancing

• Refinancing can shorten the length of your loan, for example, by reducing your loan from a 30year repayment period to 15 or

If you haven’t already taken advantage of the low-rate environment to refinance your home, experts say it’s worth considering.

“There are lots of reasons to refinance your home mortgage when rates go down,” says Liz Bryant, national sales manager for Wells Fargo Home Lending.

“Lower rates can reduce your payment, shorten the overall length of your loan or provide you access to cash that you can use for home improvements or other expenses.”

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking of taking that step: • It may make sense to refinance if

situation, it could mean a larger monthly payment.

• Some homeowners refinance to tap into available equity. This can be useful if you’re paying for a large project like a home renovation or are making another large purchase.

You should talk to a home mortgage consultant to see if a cash-out refinance fits into your long-term financial goals or whether a home equity line of credit makes more sense for this need.

calculator can help you decide.

Reducing your payment will free up money for saving, investing or spending in other ways.

even 10. That can allow you to pay the loan off faster and reduce the amount of interest you pay.

But, depending on your individual

• If you have built up equity in your home, you may want to consider refinancing to remove mortgage insurance.

Typically, you can request your lender to remove mortgage insurance if you show you have at least 20 percent equity in your home.

However, if you have a government-backed mortgage, you will need to refinance to a conventional loan to remove your mortgage insurance, which will reduce your monthly payment. You can find more details at yourhomematters. wf.com.

• Finally, if you want to move out of an adjustable-rate mortgage and into a fixed-rate one, refinancing may make sense. Depending on rates, your payment could be higher, but doing so will protect you against rising rates in the future.

“If you’re thinking of refinancing, take some time to do some research and talk to your mortgage lender,” says Bryant “Refinancing may save you money over the long-term and help you achieve your financial goals.”

(StatePoint)

Are You Ready For College Entrance Exams?

While a student’s long record of academic achievement is generally the most important measure that colleges take under consideration during the admissions process, getting as prepared for one’s college entrance exams as possible is a great idea.

Here are a few things to know going into the process:

your top score.

If they look at every score, you may want to avoid taking the test until you’re feeling completely confident.

If they look at only the top score, consider taking the test multiple times (if money and time allow)

entrance exam scores in order to place incoming freshmen in classes.

Some schools use the scores to award scholarships.

Understanding what the scores are used to determine, can help you get motivated to succeed.

Calculators for College Boards available from Casio offer an affordable solution to aid in the preparation for college entrance exams.

Whatever calculator students choose to use for their exams they should familiarize themselves with completely so that come exam day, they can easily manipulate its features and functions.

• Almost all four-year institutions of higher learning require that candidates submit either SAT or ACT scores with some requiring strictly one or the other.

To that end, students should use the calculator when taking practice tests and consider using it in the classroom and when doing homework.

Certain selective schools also require SAT Subject Tests and AP Tests.

• Testing rules and format have evolved over time.

Be sure any preparation materials

Check which tests you’ll need to take to apply to your schools of choice.

You may also want to check the average scores of last year’s incoming freshmen.

• Find out whether the schools to which you are applying look at the score of every test you take or only

until you get the score with which you’re satisfied.

• Each institution weighs scores a bit differently. Some colleges use

• When it comes to the mathematics portion of the exam, it’s important to know that graphing and scientific calculators are allowed.

you use are current so that they deliver accurate information about what to expect and reflect the kind of questions you’ll actually face on test day.

• Your practice tests should resemble the real test day as much as possible, so have handy only tools which are allowed in the testing facility, putting away any other reference materials or distractions.

While the process of preparing for and taking college entrance exams can be nerve-wracking, sufficient preparation and the right tools can give you the confidence you need to be successful on test day.

(StatePoint)

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21

Austin South Asian | December 2019

December 2019 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:

Arts.

by BAGAtx.

KIDS DJ Party & Holiday Bazaar is at Cedar Park Parks & Recreation, 1435 Main St, Cedar Park, TX 78613. This event is organized

by Navrus School of Performing

December 15, Sunday, 01:00 PM, Fuad & Friends FnF Live at BAGA Bijoy Dibosh Celebration 2019 is at Rutledge Elementary School, 11501 Staked Plains Dr, Austin, TX 78717. This event is organized

December 18, Wednesday, 07:00 PM,

December 07, Saturday, 02:00 PM,

Free Meditation Classes is at Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center 8711 Burnet Road Suite A 12 Austin, TX 78757

Affordable DIY Projects To Transform Your Home Transformative home renovations don’t need to be complicated, nor do they need to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of affordable

materials or involving a contractor.

With a pre-mixed, factory-tinted stone coating system, such as the patent-pending SpreadStone Deco-

• Instant Ambiance: Most often associated with party decor, string lighting hung above back patios and decks can be used to create everyday ambiance. As for how to string the lights, the possibilities are endless. You may prefer taut, clean lines, slack zig-zags or concentric circles. Just be sure to use weatherproof lighting designed to withstand the elements.

• Stone Patio: A drab concrete patio, pool deck, garage floor or walkway can be an eyesore. Whether your concrete is older and looking stressed, shedding its latest coat of paint, slippery, stained -- or new, but just gray and lifeless, there’s a very easy way to spruce things up that doesn’t require replacing the

rative Concrete Resurfacing Kit, just about anyone can add authentic stone character to any concrete floor or wall. It not only boosts aesthetics, but also adds traction for safer walking surfaces. The real stone coating performs well in all climates, standing up to water, snow, salt, UV exposure and extreme cold and heat.

“The best part? Application is fast and simple and you don’t need to be an artist to achieve great results,” says renovation expert, James Carey, co-host of “On the House,” a national home improvement show.

• Mount Shelving: Installing floating shelves onto otherwise bare walls adds coziness to living spaces while creating smart storage.

The lightweight, easy-to-install Ambrosia Maple Rustic Mantel Shelf from Ornamental Mouldings

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. When making purchases online, be sure to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft -- it’s more common than you may think.

3. Beware of scams: Watch out for phishing scams in which fraudsters send emails that look like they’re from a reputable company, but aren’t. Avoid clicking on links in emails as they may download mal-

With just a few pieces of personal information, thieves can open new credit lines, drain bank accounts and file fraudulent tax returns. The Federal Trade Commission says credit card fraud was the number one type of identity theft reported in 2018, with 167,000 people saying their information was misused on an existing account or used to open a new credit card account. No matter what form it takes, identity theft can cost thousands of dollars and take years to correct.

ware that can give thieves access to your personal information. Always visit a retailer’s website directly to make a purchase.

& Millwork is a good choice, as it can be used as either a stand-alone floating shelf or fireplace mantel, and can be left as-is or stained to complement other elements in the room.

• Stone Countertops: Have you always wanted real stone countertops but didn’t want to spend thousands on a complete remodel? You can now roll a new stone surface over any existing countertop made of laminate, cultured marble, concrete, wood, tile and other solid surface with the high-performance SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit from Daich Coatings.

DIY projects you can do in a weekend to add beauty to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are a few to consider:

4 Ways To Protect Yourself From ID Theft This Holiday Season

Available in 10 colors, all of which feature mineral accents and highlights found in natural mined rock, the proprietary stone technology gives an elegant, environmentally-friendly facelift to surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms and other home interiors.

“If you can use a roller and paintbrush, you can create a new stone surface using this product,” says Peter Daich, president of Daich Coatings. “It’s an affordable, simple alternative to putting in a new stone slab and looks just as great.”

Unfortunately, there are many homeowners who avoid desired renovations, assuming that in order to make a true impact, they’ll need a huge budget and a lot of time. The truth is that there are transformative DIY updates you can execute affordably in just one weekend.

(StatePoint)

Below are four tips to help prevent identity theft: 1. Vary passwords: Use a different username and password for each shopping account. That way, if someone steals your information on one account, they won’t be able to go on a shopping spree at other sites, too.

2. Track transactions: Check your statements for any suspicious activity. If you don’t recognize a transaction, contact your credit card company or bank right away.

4. Get identify theft insurance: Some insurance companies offer coverage to make the process of undoing the damage from identity theft easier and less costly. For example, Erie Insurance has Identity Theft Recovery Coverage, an affordable option that can easily be added to a homeowners or renters insurance policy. “When someone uses information about you without your permission, it takes time and money to straighten things out,” said Robert Buckel, vice president of product management at Erie Insurance. “This coverage offers peace of mind to help you restore your credit and make the process -- and your life -- a little easier.”

Protecting your identity may not be top-of-mind during the holiday shopping season, but with just a few safeguards in place, your online security can be greatly enhanced. (StatePoint)

22

Austin South Asian | December 2019 THEME: 20TH CENTURY INVENTIONS ACROSS 1. Observation point’s attraction 5. Included for large parties?

8. 252 gallons of wine 11. Soprano’s song, e.g.

12. Pakistani tongue 13. Word with foster or health 14. Lancelot and Mix-a-Lot 15. Unstable particle 16. Orangutan, biologically speaking 17. *Car safety invention 19. Caspian Sea, e.g.

20. They flock together?

21. “____ the ramparts...”

22. *Risqué garb named for atoll 25. *Bakelite was first one made from synthetics 29. RNs’ org.

30. Like a pumpkin on Halloween 33. € 34. “To Kill a Mockingbird” protagonist 36. Columbus Day mo.

37. Unlock 38. Without, in Paris 39. Limestone landscape forms 41. Broke bread 42. *Synthetic for a diabetic 44. Putin’s currency 46. *Willis Carrier’s invention conditioned it 47. *Aspartame-based sweetener 49. Hard tale to believe 51. *Scuba diver’s gear 54. “It’s still Rock and Roll” to him 55. The Colosseum, e.g.

56. Stage part 58. Bohemian 59. Gold coating 60. Fishing rod attachment 61. Sticky stuff 62. Make a choice 63. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN 1. Military hospitals 2. Fleur-de-lis 3. Irish word for Ireland 4. Sushi restaurant “burner” 5. Set straight 6. Objects of worship 7. Fourth down option 8. *Little Willie or T-34 9. Egg on 10. Opposite of paleo12. Perugia region 13. Make less refined 16. Court bargain 18. Touch of color 21. Antediluvian 22. Low in La Scala, pl.

23. Relating to Quechuan people 24. Unstable mesons 25. Four-legged friends 26. ____ Ligation 27. All worked up 28. Apple leftovers 31. Multicolored horse 32. *Acronym that revolutionized TV-watching 35. But not always 37. Like some suspects?

39. Crème de cassis plus wine 40. Like Ferris Bueller 43. Monet’s water flower 45. Out of focus 47. Provide with gear 48. Cover with a story to tell?

49. Beginner 50. Charlie Parker’s sax 51. Golden Fleece ship 52. Season to be jolly 53. High school club 54. *Air____, vehicle restraint 57. Freddie Krueger’s street

SUDOKU Sudoku

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Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in January 2020 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

23

Austin South Asian | December 2019

Why Communities Nationwide Need More Afterschool Programs Research shows that afterschool programs not only help keep kids safe, but also help them succeed in school and life.

programs are broad.

programs.

More than 5,000 sheriffs, police chiefs and prosecutors of the or-

In many cases, these programs serve as a lifeline, offering nutri-

Unfortunately, there aren’t enough such programs in the country today, experts say.

homework help, mentors, college and job readiness, healthy snacks, as well as programming in subjects like robotics, computer programming, arts, music and sports.

The only national rally for a f t e rschool, the celebration, organized by the Afterschool Alliance, included s o m e 10,000 events, including roundtable dis-

While participation in afterschool programs has increased to 10.2 million students nationwide, for every child in an afterschool program, two more are waiting to get in, according to “America After 3PM,” a household survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization.

“At this time when afterschool programming needs more funding, federal investments are under threat,” says Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance.

“And any cuts would mean that more children are unsupervised in the afternoons and more working parents are left without the assurance that their children are safe until they return home from their jobs.”

The positive effects of afterschool

ganization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids recently issued a report confirming that the hours between 2 and 5 pm are still prime time for juvenile crime.

The report also documented positive outcomes for youth who participate in high-quality afterschool

tious suppers to children from lowincome families who might otherwise go hungry.

Organizers of the recent “Lights on Afterschool” rally say the 20th anniversary celebration underscored the need to invest in afterschool programs, which offer students

Events focused on the environment, growing and cooking healthy food, space exploration, technology, arts and literacy, and other issues, providing an opportunity for community members to see the skills and talents students hone at their afterschool programs.

“Financial support is needed to expand access to afterschool programs and help keep their lights on,” says Grant.

“Every citizen can urge lawmakers at every level, as well as businesses and philanthropies, to invest in these programs, which help children, families and communities.”

(StatePoint)

FREE CLASSIFIED info@AustinSouthAsian.com 512-828-6709

NOVEMBER 2019 Sudoku Answer Mr.Yudhveer Bagga

cussions, open houses, science fairs, fun runs, student showcases, academic contests, community service, sports competitions and more.

Mrs. Ketika Tyag

MEN CAN COOK! Email your recipe with your photos and see yourself in print Info@ AustinSouth Asian.com

24

Austin South Asian | December 2019

How To Help Young Adults Build Credit History

As young adults establish their financial independence, they may be overwhelmed with enticing credit card offers.

Free airfare, cashback and special introductory rates may be tempting, but choosing the right card is more important than snagging some fun freebies.

you’re on the hook for any purchases they make.

• Apply for a secured or student credit card: One option for students with limited income and a short credit history is a secured credit card.

If your young adult is looking to get started with credit, consider these options to help guide them toward their financial goals.

• Add them as an authorized user on your card: When just starting out, young adults may have trouble getting approved for a credit card independently.

Despite forking over a deposit, your student must still pay back the outstanding balance in full and the funds from the deposit can’t be used to pay off the balance.

After graduating to a regular card or closing the secured card account, the issuing bank will refund the deposit amount.

Those with an established credit history may want to consider a student credit card, which is no different from other credit cards, but typically has lower credit limits.

One way to help with this is to add your young adult as an authorized user on one of your credit card accounts.

Many lenders report account information for authorized users to credit reporting agencies, which helps develop a credit history. For most cards, both positive and negative account activity is reported.

Think of it as your young adult’s credit report inheriting your credit habits. Your child will get his or her own card, but you’ll remain the primary account holder. This means

credit limit.

This type of card will help build credit history like a standard credit card would. The main difference is that secured cards require a deposit up-front, which acts as the card’s

This type of card generally requires proof of income for approval, so they make the most sense for students who have jobs.

• Consider a rewards card carefully: Once young adults have established healthy credit card habits and a more robust history, they can move on to choosing the best card for their situation.

Those alluring rewards credit cards are popular because of their perks and bonuses like cashback, bank points and travel miles on their purchases.

But as exciting as they may be, if your young adult isn’t careful, spending can easily get out of hand.

These cards, some of which have annual fees, should be reserved for those who have a set budget and strict spending plan.

For more tips on helping your young adult get started with credit, download TransUnion’s parent toolkit at transunion.com/ pathtocredit.

Whether an authorized user on your account or already on their own credit path, it’s important for your young adult to understand how credit works and how to interact with it responsibly.

(StatePoint)

3 Tips For An Eco-Friendly Holiday Season On average, there has been an astonishing 60 percent decline in the size of populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians in just over 40 years, according to the most recent World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Living Planet Report, and the top threat to species is human activity.

jected that by 2050, the total amount of plastic waste in the oceans will weigh more than all fish, and 99 percent of seabirds will have ingested plastics. Shop with reusable tote

Adjusting holiday traditions to be friendlier toward the planet -- as well as the people and animals who rely on a healthy environment to survive -- can be a meaningful way to spread goodwill during the season. Here are three ideas for doing so:

There are more than 100 species available, ranging from favorites like sloths, elephants, tigers, pandas and polar bears, to new offerings like the ladybug, gentoo penguin and hawksbill turtle bale.

Waste Not Wasted food represents about 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a main contributor to deforestation and the depletion of global water sources. Shopping for foods grown and raised sustainably can reduce the footprint of your holiday menu.

You can green your holidays further by reducing your plastic consumption. It’s pro-

When you make a donation this holiday season, consider giving gifts that help protect nature, such as those found on WWF’s online gift center, For animal lovers, WWF’s wildlife-themed gifts are a good choice. Symbolic species adoptions, are educational and fun.

bags and opt for gift wrap and décor made only from sustainable materials.

Give Gifts That Give Back

All symbolic adoption donations made through the gift catalog come with an adoption certificate, as well as a color photo and description card of the adopted species.

Adoptions of $55 or more come with a soft animal plush of the adopter’s choosing.

Other gift selections include unique socks, featuring flamingoes, tigers, wolves, hedgehogs and more, t-shirts and sweatshirts, elephant slippers, animal puppets and panda bobbleheads. For more information, call 1-800-CALL-WWF or visit worldwildlife. gifts.

Fundraise Throwing a holiday bash? Deck the halls with purpose by combining your entertaining efforts with a fundraiser dedicated to protecting the environment.

For example, with WWF’s Panda Nation campaign, you can turn any special occasion into an opportunity to protect threatened species and wild places around the world, while raising awareness about important issues.

By making small changes to your favorite holiday traditions, a joyful and rewarding holiday season can go hand-in-hand with helping wildlife and nature thrive.

(StatePoint)

25

Austin South Asian | December 2019

Chota Imambara

Chota Imambara, also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak is an imposing monument located in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Built as an imambara or a congregation hall for Shia Muslims, by Muhammad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh in 1838, it was to serve as a mausoleum for himself and his mother, who is buried beside him.

with Quranic verses in Islamic calligraphy.

It is situated near the Bara Imambara and on the connecting road stands an imposing gateway known as Rumi Darwaza.

gium. Also housed within the building, is the crown of Muhammad Ali Shah and ceremonial tazias.

Thousands of labourers worked on the project to gain famine relief.

It has a gilded dome and several turrets and minarets.

The significance of Panjetan, the holy five, is once again emphasized here with five main doorways.

This Imambara consist of two halls and a Shehnasheen (a platform where the Zarih of Imam Husain is kept.) Zarih is the replica of that protective grill or structure which is kept on the grave of Imam Husain at Karbala, Iraq.

The large green and white bordered hall of Azakhana is richly decorated with chandeliers and a good number of crystal glass lamp-stands.

In fact, it was for this profuse decoration that the Imambara was referred by European visitors and writers as The Palace of Lights.

The exterior is very beautifully decorated

The tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and other members of his family are inside the imambara.

The building is also known as the Palace of Lights because of its decorations and chandeliers during special festivals, like Muharram.

The chandeliers used to decorate the interior of this building were brought from Bel-

This includes two replicas of the Taj Mahal, built as the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah’s daughter and her husband.

The walls are decorated with Arabic calligraphy.Water supply for the fountains and the water bodies inside the imambara came di-

rectly from the Gomti River.

This structure serves as a mausoleum for four graves, of the son, daughter and son-inlaw of the King Mohammed Ali Shah and one of the lady.

This is the small-scale copy of the Taj Mahal.

This other structure facing the tomb was built for the architectural symmetry and balance of the Imambara.

It was used as a treasury. This mosque is built on a high platform with two grand minarets on the edge of the platform.

This mosque is very beautifully decorated with floral designs and Quranic calligraphy.

Outside the imambara is the watch tower called Satkhanda or tower of seven stories.

Though it is called Satkhanda, it has only four stories, as the construction of the tower was abandoned when Ali Shah died.

Satkhanda was built between 1837–1842 in the time of Muhammad Ali Shah.

He wanted to make it the same as Qutub Minar of Delhi and the leaning tower of Pisa.

Its main purpose is lunar observation

Akbar And Birbal CHILDREN ARTICLES Only One Question

A scholar from faraway lands once visits Akbar’s court.

He declared that he is a smart one and no one can answer his questions.

The scholar challenges Birbal to answer his question and prove that he is the smartest.

“Would you prefer to answer a hundred easy questions or just a single difficult one?” said the scholar in a pompous tone.

Akbar could sense that the scholar wanted to belittle Birbal.

But Birbal replies with confidence, “Ask me just one difficult question.”

“Alright. Tell me what came first, the chicken or the egg?”, asks the scholar with a thunderous voice.

“The chicken,” Birbal replies.

“How do you know?” the scholar asks mockingly.

“We agreed that you will ask only one question, which you have already done,” says Birbal in response.

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Period Films Require Higher Investments Than Regular Movies, Feels Panipat Producer Rohit Shelatkar

Ashutosh Gowariker seems to have a penchant for period dramas. After ‘Jodhaa Akhbar’ and ‘Mohenjo Daro’, his next release is ‘Panipat’.

on the kinds of weapons that were used in that era.

They then replicated weapons like

With the film, he takes the audience back to the 18th century when the Third Battle of Panipat was fought.

They also consulted historians for the project and created replicas of shields that are called tilwah.

In a recent interview, producer Rohit Shelatkar said that period films require higher investments than regular movies.

Considering the fact that this is a period drama, a lot of importance had to be given to getting the details right.

Apparently, Ashutosh had marked out a big part of the budget for the production design, so that they could come up with visuals that looked authentic.

Reportedly, a team, which was led by production designer Nitin Desai, carried out a lot of research

headlining the cast.

shamshers, khanda and gupti for the movie, which has Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Sanjay Dutt

and Bhumi Pednekar, revolves around the issue of premature baldness.

find such brilliant scripts at the first place and backed them wholeheartedly,” he added.

As film is doing so well, Ayush-

For Ayushmann, Bala has taken a

“So, more than my personal milestones of 100 crore hits, I’m happy that I could contribute towards the growth of my industry as well as present some really good films to audiences in the process.”

Directed by Amar Kaushik, Bala, which also features Yami Gautam

Anees Bazmee directorial madcomedy, ‘Pagalpanti’ is just a few hours away from its release.

The multi-starrer promises a hilarious laughter riot with a powerpacked star cast that has names like

Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, John Abraham, Pulkit Samrat, and others.

However, even before the film hits the silver screens, we have some interesting piece of news for the fans.

A source close to the industry has quipped that the makers are in plans to come up with ‘Pagalpanti’ sequel.

Released on November 8, Bala has become Ayushmann’s third Rs 100 crore blockbuster of his career and his second Rs 100 crore hit this year itself after Dream Girl.

Elated with the film’s success, Ayushmann said: “While I have always believed in the concept of art for art sake, I do realise that for an industry to thrive and grow, it is necessary that the films do really well.

‘Pagalpanti’ 2 In Plans, Conditions apply! ees Bazmee, he said, “Yes, talks are on and the cast was intimated with the sequel on the very first day of the film.

However, it is necessary for us to know how far does audience like

And it is important to pay attention to various aspects like make-up, clothes and the props that are used in the battle sequences to lend authenticity to the film.

Ayushmann Khurrana On Bala’s Rs 100 Crore Success: Happy To Contribute Towards The Growth Of My Industry National Award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana has struck gold at the box office once again as his latest release Bala hit the century mark, and he feels happy on “contributing towards the growth of industry”.

Austin South Asian | December 2019

However, there is a criteria.

The makers will decide whether to announce it or no only after seeing the response for ‘Pagalpanti’.

When contacted the director, An-

the movie as there is no point in announcing it early if we don’t get good reviews and response for the film.”

Anees has given films like ‘No Entry’ and ‘Welcome’ in the past and is all set to tickle the funny bones with one more offering.

‘Pagalpanti’ also stars Ileana D’Cruz, Kriti Kharbanda and Urvashi Rautela in lead roles.

The film also features Saurabh Shukla in a pivotal role.

The crazy comedy caper will hit the theatres on November 22, 2019.

CHILDREN ARTICLES mann considers himself “fortunate”.

“Every artiste wants their film to reach the maximum number of people, entertain them and leave them with a thought or a message to take home.

I have been fortunate enough to

very special place in his heart given the film’s positive messaging of self-love to society.

He added: “I’m thrilled with the appreciation that the film has earned because I take a lot of time to hunt and curate the scripts that I feel is the best to convert into theatrical movies.”

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Austin South Asian | December 2019

Thalaivi Teaser: Impeccable Venky Mama’s Special Teaser For Alludu Chaitu

First look of Thalaivi was impressive with Kangana Ranaut’s incredible likeness of former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha.

Thalaivi teaser demonstrates two roles of Jayalalitha as a successful film actor and a legendary politician.

tional leader. GV Prakash Kumar’s captivating background score compliments the visuals.

Kangana Ranaut practiced Bharatnatyam, learnt Tamil and underwent prosthetics for her make-up.

The makers of ‘Venky Mama’ have released a special teaser today to celebrate Naga Chaitanya’s birthday.

For the role of Jayalalitha’s mentor MG Ramachandran, Arvind Swamy is zeroed in.

Prakash Raj essays the role of Kalaignar M Karunanidhi in the film helmed by AL Vijay.

Kangana Ranaut practiced Bharatnatyam, learnt Tamil and underwent prosthetics for her make-up.

Within no time, the makers have unveiled teaser of the film providing double treat.

Kangana Ranaut aced the character with graceful dances as an actor and with her integrity as an inspira-

Much hyped film ‘George Reddy’ is out and critics have already declared it an average farer citing that there is not much of story in the movie.

plains us how he feels about them, and what motived him towards leftist Marxist ideology.

For the role of Jayalalitha’s mentor MG Ramachandran, Arvind Swamy is zeroed in. Prakash Raj essays the role of Kalaignar M Karunanidhi in the film helmed by AL Vijay.

low.

The teaser showcases the dual shades of Venky Mama and his Alludu. Both Venkatesh and Naga Chaitanya have gone through a small makeover for the Army-related episodes in the film.

The teaser gets off to a good start with a funny conversation between Mama and Alludu.

‘Venky Mama’ is all set to hit the big screens in the month of December.

The two songs that were released till now have received a good response.

However, things take a serious turn after the halfway mark as Chaitanya is seen as an army officer and a series of powerful sequences fol-

The makers have kick-started promotions and the teaser that was released today sets the right tempo for the same.

Superstar Rajinikanth’s ‘Baasha’ is a cult classic film.

perstar’s birthday on December 12.

What Is Missing Out In George Reddy? Rajinikanth’s ‘Baashha’ To Re-Release On December 11

Everyone expected to see why Geroge Reddy became so famous at a young age and how his ideas have impressed, inspired and motivated his fellow students towards

Explaining those ideologies along with some impactful scenes would have helped us understand George better. Rather, the film shows him as an able boxer who just fights with everyone and beats them to pulp.

himself from any attacks.

These glorified fighting scenes reduced George to a mere Telugu cinema hero while he was actually a real life hero, the one who inspired millions in an age where there is no internet and broader communication.

Also, the thing about George Reddy’s father Challa Raghunath Reddy and how this kid born in Kerala came all the way to Hyderabad is not even touched in the film, much to anyone’s surprise.

This is unarguably one of the best commercial films ever made in the history of Tamil cinema.

Here is some great news for the ardent Thalaivar fans and those who wish to witness or re-visit the awesomeness of ‘Baasha’.

The film stars Rajinikanth and Nagma in lead roles with Raghuvaran playing the villain, while Janagaraj and Vijayakumar play supporting roles.

It follows the story of a notorious gangster Baashha masquerading his identity as a humble auto driver.

Regarding the climax death sequence, George was said to be murdered by a gang of 40-plus students in broad daylight during an election rally inside hostel campus.

But here in the film, the dramatisation is too abrupt and undeserving.

raising their voice.

Actually the film has scenes related to caste discrimination, ragging, crisis on camps and other stuff, but never they are soulfully connected to George Reddy nor George ex-

While many expected the film to showcase the democratic ideologies of George Reddy for the Osmania University Campus, it has glorified only student wars and spoke about the hero carrying a set of blades in his pockets to save

At the same time, the stories of George’s brother Cyril settling down as Human Rights lawyer in Hyderabad and the story of other friends should have been explained in the end, but the director missed out those stunning emotional aspects of the story while he showed a lot of elevated-heroism.

The superhit film action crime film written and directed by Suresh Krissna is all set to be re-released on December 11 ahead of the su-

When Manickam (Rajinikanth) is confronted with a serious situation, he resorts to violence and reveals his actual identity.

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Austin South Asian | December 2019