Dec 08 digital saathee ral

December 2008

Great Mosque, Lucknow

In this issue:

Avoid The Santa Syndrome

Starscope

Rahul Bose

• Tickets

• • • • •

- Asia - Europe - Africa - Middle East - Australia

Tours Hotels Cruises Car Rentals Vacation Packages

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Hello Readers Welcome to the end of 2008. Last month we witnessed an exciting and historic election. We are just a couple of weeks away from the new year. Spend the remaining moments of 2008 with loved ones and plan for a productive 2009. Make achievable resolutions as we enter the fresh new year.

As the global economy continues to teeter, should governments pump money into companies and free markets? Read the interesting piece on crony capitalism on pg. 6.

The Annapurna trekking circuit in Nepal is one of the most famous and challenging mountain trekking routes in the world. Read one traveler’s impressions on walking the high path on pg. 16.

It’s always difficult to take children for their first visit to the dentist. Read how you can ease a child’s mind and make your job easier for that inevitable dentist trip on pg. 38.

Our Community News section is the complete guide to local and regional organizations and their activities.

Look for the info on activities starting on pg. 84.

Keep up with all upcoming holidays and festivals with our list on pg. 108.

We continually strive to improve Saathee magazine and always welcome suggestions and comments.

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Quote: “Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.”

- Abraham Lincoln

December 2008 – Issue # 128 Editor:Samir Shukla (saatheemag@hotmail.com) Publisher: Divakar Shukla (rakavid@aol.com) Community News Editor: Rajesh Ganatra Ad Design / Layout: Nate “Nayan” Andrews Consultant: Himanshu Desai Contributors for this issue: Pradip Bulsara, Kirit Shukla, Rajesh Ganatra, Dr. S.G. Bapat, Chandan Sen, Mark Moxon, Jay Desai, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Narendra Dixit, Pravin Benjamin, Gail Z. Martin, Anjana Agarwal, Judith L. Bergman, Murali Bashyam, Hardik Shah, Sneha Savasere, Jalendu Vaidya, and Dr. Meena Chelury.

All contents © 2008 Shukla Entertainment, Inc.

Your Saathees, Samir, Divakar, Raj and Himanshu

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Contact us prior to sending in articles or photographs for submissions.

In this issue:

December 2008

Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the previous month.

Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the Carolinas’ South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.

Saathee Magazine

P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220 Phone: (704) 527-7570 Fax: (704) 527-7590 E-mail: saatheemag@hotmail.com

www.saathee.com Cover: Great Mosque, Lucknow Construction of the Great Mosque in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, was started in 1840 by the local ruler Muhammad Ali Shah. The mosque was completed by his wife Begum Malika Jahan after his death.

December 2008

Great Mosque, Lucknow

The risks of crony capitalism . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 08 Hidden cost of agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 10 Krupali and Kalpen go to the White House . . .pg. 14 Tending to a bruised knee . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 16 Nepal: Annapurna circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Saathee Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 20 Sangeet, Music of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Evergreen Film Lyrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 26 Donna the Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28 Bollywood Snippets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 32 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 Live Earth India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 38 Dentist Blog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40 Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42 The Chai Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Astride three continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48 Healthwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 Stock Tickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54 Marketing turnaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56 Personal Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Market conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 64 Flavor Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66 Cricket Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Children’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 78 Is your car ready for winter? . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 80 Community News & Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 86 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 108 Who Want’s to be a Scholar . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 110 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 110 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 116 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120

In this issue:

Photo: istockphoto

Saathee 4

Avoid The Santa Syndrome

Starscope

Rahul Bose

Saathee Magazine, USPS 021-116, is a free subscription magazine published monthly

by Shukla Entertainment Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Saathee, P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220-1468. Postage paid at Charlotte, NC. (ISSN: 1543-8147) saathee.com

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Saathee 7

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The Risks of Crony Capitalism

By Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar Should the government assist Indian banks and companies that have borrowed billions abroad and suddenly find it difficult to repay maturing loans because the global financial crisis has frozen money markets? Russia and Mexico have thrown lifelines to their debt-laden companies. Korea has guaranteed $100 billion of foreign bank loans.

Should India do something similar? Only on a very limited scale, if at all. Indian companies have borrowed $150 billion abroad. This is spread over hundreds of companies, and the big borrowers are financially sound. That cannot be said of all Russian tycoons. If global markets remain frozen, Indian companies will surely ask for government assistance.

Other emerging market governments have justified corporate rescues as win-win strategies. The RBI keeps forex reserves mainly in US government bonds, yielding around five percent. But Indian companies today pay 10 percent or more for dollar loans, and often cannot get loans on any terms at all. If India, like Russia, creates a war chest of $50 billion for rescues, this sum can be switched from five percent US bonds to eight percent dollar bonds issued by Indian companies. That will increase the government’s income, while easing the credit crunch on companies, too.

A win-win situation? No, it would be crony capitalism. Indian companies must learn that foreign borrowing carries unanticipated risks of the sort evident today. In good times, companies have cheerfully ignored these risks. It is fair and just that they should suffer the downside of foreign debt, just as they benefited from the upside earlier. We must not privatize profits and socialize losses.

Besides, India’s forex reserves of $270 billion no longer look so large. Foreign institutional investors could pull out another $50-80 billion from India’s stock markets, creating a run on the rupee. That will slow or paralyze remittances from overseas Indians, which provided an invaluable $42 billion last year. Unlike Russia, India must use reserves carefully and discourage crony capitalism.

Having laid down this principle, we can accept the case for exceptional action in exceptional circumstances. When markets freeze in a panic, there is a case for government intervention until the markets December 2008

unfreeze. But it should be limited in duration and volume, and involve penal interest.

Indian banks now have hundreds of branches in many countries. In India, they get money mainly from deposits.

But abroad, they borrow from wholesale money markets, and re-lend this to their clients. In normal times, they roll over their borrowings - that is, they borrow afresh to repay old loans. However, the financial crisis has frozen markets and rollovers, stranding Indian banks.

A government committee has reportedly recommended helping bank branches abroad till the panic subsides. It suggests that $5 billion from our forex reserves could be invested in dollar bonds of Indian banks, keeping them liquid in the current storm. The interest rate would be higher than the five percent the government earns on its forex reserves.

If Indian banks fail to repay their dollar loans, the government’s own credit worthiness will be affected.

The $5 billion proposed is modest, covering only a small part of banks’ obligations. So, despite misgivings, I would support this proposal. The rate of interest should be penal, inducing banks to return to global markets quickly and not become addicted to government help.

However, I oppose dollar loans to corporate giants.

Tata Motors and Hindalco recently came out with rights issues to raise domestic money to repay huge dollar loans they had taken to acquire Jaguar-Land Rover and Novellis respectively. The rights issues failed dismally. Other businessmen ask how we can raise money when even Tata and Birla cannot.

Russian tycoons have pledged big stakes in top Russian companies to take dollar loans. The Russian government argues that these stakes in key Russian companies will become the property of foreign banks if the tycoons are not enabled to repay their loans.

Indian companies might make a similar argument.

The argument must be resisted. Russian tycoons have been reckless. Indian tycoons must not be encouraged to follow suit, with the assurance of rescues if things go wrong. Indian companies must be forced to confront the risks of huge foreign loans. Nor should India’s limited forex reserves be frittered away in repaying irresponsible corporate debts.

Okay, some companies will say, don’t give us any dollars from your forex reserves, but at least give a government guarantee to cover our dollar loans till the panic subsides. Without a guarantee, many of us cannot raise money at any price today. So, even sound companies find it difficult to repay old loans.

Normally, I am dead opposed to government guarantees. But in a global panic, there is a case for guarantees if they thaw an otherwise frozen market. The government must charge a substantial penal fee for giving such guarantees. The guarantees should be valid for a maximum of two years, so that companies return to unguaranteed borrowing quickly. Finally, such guarantees should be limited to large, demonstrably solvent companies. This still carries the risk of crony capitalism.

But in a global panic, the risk may be worthwhile.

Saathee 8

Source: Times of India saathee.com

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Economic Costs

Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture

Much of the agriculture practiced in the United States today is industrial-style agriculture. That is, farms are often very large, highly specialized, and run like factories with large inputs of fossil fuels, pesticides and other chemicals, and synthetic fertilizers derived from oil. This industrial agriculture is sometimes considered a great success. But is it? It has had large, complex effects on our environment, our economy, and our urban and rural social fabric. A new awareness of the costs is beginning to suggest that the benefits are not as great as they formerly appeared. Many of the costs of industrial agriculture have been hidden and ignored in short-term calculations of profit and productivity, as practices have been developed with a narrow focus on increased production. The research establishment that underpins modern industrial agriculture has until recently paid little heed to the unintended and long-term consequences of these systems.

Damage to Natural Systems Approaches to producing food must be measured partly by their impact on the natural (“life support”) systems that we depend on. The currently dominant system of industrial agriculture – which voters and taxpayers have unknowingly promoted and subsidized through ill-considered government food and farm policy choices – impacts the environment in many ways. It uses huge amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, often with little regard to long-term adverse effects. But the environmental costs of agriculture are mounting. Irrigation systems are pumping water from reservoirs faster than they are being recharged. Toxic herbicides and insecticides are accumulating in ground and surface waters. Chemical fertilizers are running off the fields into water systems where they generate damaging blooms of oxygen-depleting microorganisms that disrupt ecosystems and kill fish.

Unmanageable and polluting mountains of waste and noxious odor are the hallmarks of industrial-style CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) for poultry and livestock. Many of the negative effects of industrial agriculture extend far from fields and farms. Nitrogen compounds from Midwestern farms, for example, travel down the Mississippi to degrade coastal fisheries and create a large “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico where aquatic life cannot survive. But other adverse effects are showing up within agricultural production systems themselves — for example, overuse of herbicides and insecticides has led to rapidly developing resistance among pests that is rendering these chemicals increasingly ineffective.

December 2008

Estimating the economic costs of industrial agriculture is an immense and difficult task. A full accounting would weigh the benefits of the somewhat lower prices consumers pay for food and the profits of agri-business giants, including fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers, against the health and societal costs of environmental pollution and degradation, for instance.

Such costs are difficult to assess for a number of reasons.

One difficulty is our partial understanding of potential harms. A good example is the potential for endocrine disruption that many pesticides appear to have. Endocrine disrupters are molecules that appear able to mimic the actions of human and animal hormones and disturb important hormone-dependent activities like reproduction. More research is needed to determine the extent of the health and environmental damage done by such compounds and the relative contribution of agriculture and other sectors and activities. And in some instances, such as water pollution and global warming, agriculture is only one of several important contributors.

Among the many environmental costs that need to be considered in a full cost accounting of industrial agriculture are the damage to fisheries from oxygen-depleting microorganisms fed by fertilizer runoff the cleanup of surface and groundwater polluted with CAFO waste the increased health risks borne by agricultural workers, farmers, and rural communities exposed to pesticides and antibiotic resistant bacteria In addition, there are enormous indirect costs implicit in the high energy requirements of industrial agriculture. This form of agriculture uses fossil fuels at many points: to run huge combines and harvesters, to produce and transport pesticides and fertilizers, and to refrigerate and transport perishable produce cross country and around the world. The use of fossil fuels contributes to ozone pollution and global warming, which could exact a high price on agriculture and the rest of society through increased violent weather events, droughts and floods, and rising oceans.

The full costs of industrial agriculture—including the hidden costs of CAFOs revealed by UCS in the recent report CAFOs Uncovered—call into question the efficiency of this approach to food production.

Agriculture at a Crossroads It is time to transform agriculture into a sustainable enterprise, one based on systems that can be employed for centuries — not decades — without undermining the resources on which agricultural productivity depends. The question is how to do it. The choices are to stick with the current system and adjust around the edges or to fundamentally rethink it. UCS is aiming for the transformation of U.S. agriculture to a system that is both productive and practical over the long-term. Apparent advantages of the current, industrial approach – from high yields per acre, to chemical industry profits, to profitable CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations), to foreign sales by corporate giants like Sara Lee, ConAgra, and Cargill – look very different when considered in the light of the health and other problems the approach creates, as well as the many ways in which consumers actually subsidize the destructive system with their tax dollars.

Saathee 10

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Saathee 13

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Krupali and Kalpen Go to the White House

By Chidanand Rajghatta Some three weeks before Election Day, a liberal arts college outside Washington DC invited seven foreign correspondents — present company plus journalists from Al Jazeera, Der Spiegel, Kyodo, among others — to hear their take on the presidential polls. The college’s practice at the end of the talk shop is to get each journalist to predict the outcome. As the only returnee to the event, I joked that since I had got it unerringly wrong on two previous occasions (predicting a win for Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004) and they still had me back, why not maintain my spotless record, call it for McCain this time, and book my return for 2012?

By then of course one was already getting a sense of history in the making. The Barack ki gaadi or ghoda was thundering towards the White House. You only had to be at one of the Obama mega rallies to discern that this was a wave, a familiar term in Indian electoral politics, but seldom heard in the United States. It was only abundant caution that behooves a prudent and unbiased correspondent that stopped one from calling the result right away, although columns by numerous pundits and stories such as “Change is in the air” a couple of days before polling, gave the game away. In fact, a week before the election, when rout was imminent for McCain, the status line on my instant messenger read Obama 350+.

Look, there’s no pretense to any prescience or clairvoyance here. Turns out even McCain’s own staff knew he was toast a week before polling. The fact is, crowds of 100,000 plus are unheard of in the US, unless it is for a Super Bowl game or a free rock concert. The throngs reminded me of the 1984 election in India that brought Rajiv Gandhi to power with a fourfifth majority. The only difference: instead of the sympathy wave then, there was an anger wave here — over the dying economy — and an upsurge of hopeful energy for Obama.

Initially, one thought the Indian community, having grown up politically with the Bushes and the Clintons, was slow to warm up to Obama. But this was deceptive, in the sense that it was mostly true of the older, traditional political activists. Unbeknownst to dad and mom, it turned out that the younger lot, collegiate and December 2008

second generation Indian-Americans, was rooting strongly for Barack Obama.

In fact, one of the earliest public petitions urging Obama to run for president came from a desi as far back as February 22, 2005, only a few months after young Barack had hit the national spotlight (with his speech at the Democratic convention when he was still a state senator). Appearing in the audience on the Oprah Winfrey Show, a young woman, later identified as Dr Krupali Tejura, now a radiation oncologist in California, rhapsodized tearfully about Obama, saying he was the kind of inspirational man who should run for president. Tejura even sang a feeble but well intentioned Obama jingle on the show, prompting Oprah to joke “he can lead the nation but he will need another jingle writer.” Oprah herself, who agreed with Tejura that Obama was a “uniter,” would endorse him much later.

Soon Obama fever was spreading like pirated music among the younger generation, especially among kids of immigrants. Hundreds of young volunteers, including celebrity writers and actors, flocked to his campaign. It was the kind of passion that saw Kalpen Modi, better known as the actor Kal Penn (of The Namesake and Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle fame); hang out at University of Florida on Election Day handing out Obama flyers. Yes, Krupali and Kalpen can now go to a place beyond White Castle; they can go to the White House. They made it happen.

Saathee 14

Source: Times of India

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Tending to a Bruised Knee

By Samir Shukla On a train in Western India The country air wafted in through the half open window and swirled around my hair as the sudden loud clanking of the train changing tracks jostled me back to a state of alertness. I awoke from a nap that was caused by the train’s motion and the cool, scented, country breezes. It was now just past twilight and a thickening darkness covered much of the landscape.

For some reason a happy and feisty Kishore Kumar song was playing in my mind when I dozed off and that perky melody had now morphed into a somber Mohammed Rafi song.

It was one of those songs where a wistful protagonist looks out the window of a moving train while the world passes by. He’s waiting for the end of the run where, it his hope, that a woman still awaits. And, oh yes, the scene is in glorious B&W, the way it should be when Rafi sings a sad song.

The train moved slow and screeched to a halt on the outskirts of the upcoming train station. Cooking fires flickered on the nearby horizon in the otherwise calm and serene evening. An old timer sitting across me said the stop is probably to clear tracks for another incoming or outbound train. The train conductor stood at the end of the train, awaiting a swinging green signal to get the locomotive moving again. The unknown express passed on the parallel tracks and, with the blow of a whistle, the train shook loose to begin a slow movement forward.

The train left its originating station on time, but added several minutes of delay at each station along with a lengthy, unscheduled stop just before a bridge.

The arrival time into the train’s final destination is now going to be well past midnight, almost two hours late.

I’m standing in the open door of the rail car as the moon is rising.

The train is now moving but at a pace a sprinting man can easily jump on. Well, as many local travelers do on slow moving Indian trains, a young man is running near the end of the train and hops on board onto the metal stairs. He rides along for a few minutes and then jumps off again. He must have taken advantage of the rolling train to save some walking.

A stray dog wanders across the parallel tracks as the intercity picks up a little speed and rolls toward the next station. There are always dogs hovering about the rail tracks of nearby stations and towns. It’s as if the stray dogs know just when the train will be passing and reward them with some pakodas or stale food dumped out the window. Those scraps add up to meals for these lean, scavenger dogs.

December 2008

The dog is walking parallel to the moving train and grabs a half-eaten roti tossed out by the child in the 2nd window from where I’m perched in the doorway.

I hear a mother scolding the child as she hands him another roti from her handbag. The dog enjoys his small meal; it will be one of many during the night that will sustain it.

The train doesn’t pick up full speed before it slows for the upcoming station and makes a smooth stop.

This station is lively, it is dinnertime and all aboard the train are looking for a meal. Some have packed meals in tin cans and metallic boxes, while others jump off at the station for a bite. Tea trolleys roll next to the train while a young boy carries a basket of hot samosas, which he is selling in pairs. A customer argues with him to get a little more chutney while another waits impatiently for his turn. The temperature feels warmer here, with the train stopped and temporarily out of the countryside.

The station is abuzz with activity where fathers are running back and forth carrying snacks for the wideeyed kids waiting in their seats. The train is running late and most will be delayed from reaching their destinations. Frantic dealing is concluded as the vendors collect and make change for the customers. The whistle blows as the train doesn’t stop for long and pulls out of the warm town into the cool countryside once again.

The bright moon lights the arid landscape. The dusty land is speckled with thorny bushes greening up the brown sameness. Random palm trees pop up at odd angles alongside farms and small farmhouses. Cacti are used in some places as fencing surrounding small plots of land, a natural deterrent serving as a “keep out” barrier for critters and unwelcome folks alike. A small cotton farm passes by, still dotted with unpicked pinkish white puffs.

It’s now approaching midnight and the moon is high in the sky. The almost full moon looks even brighter in the semi-arid, almost treeless environs of western Gujarat. The train pulls into the last station at the stroke of midnight and is now almost empty save for the pair of couples carrying their sleeping children and a station porter looking for any customers needing help with heavy baggage.

A crowd of men has gathered around a paan/tobacco shop and his companion tea stall for late night banter. The radio is playing a nighttime raga through crackling static. The sitar is feeling romantic, the tablas are jovial and the tambura is keeping both company. The raga slows to the solo drone of the tambura. The air is warmer now than it was just before twilight, yet the moon has a cooling effect.

The train has stopped. The station turns into a stage. The dim lights and the haphazard lanterns and oil lamps color the station.

One of the men standing at the tobacco shop turns the dial on the small transistor radio that is hanging on a pole of the tea stall’s shelter. A Rafi song comes on and the scene turns B&W as the protagonist straightens his hair and jumps off the train. He smiles as a female vocalist, likely Lataji, joins Rafi in a love ballad.

Saathee 16

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Nepal: Annapurna Circuit

Story and photos by Mark Moxon I traveled to Nepal in 1998 and it freaked me out instantly, in much the same way the cool, silent night air does as you leave the rock concert, ears still ringing. Compared to the hustle and bustle of India, Nepal felt like a quiet backwater: the fact that I had to put my watch forward by exactly fifteen minutes at the border only emphasized the differences between India and the kingdom of mountains to the north.

Even the long bus ride from the Indian border at Sunauli to the mountain town of Pokhara was easy, and the loud horns so ubiquitous in India were conspicuous by their absence. As I recalled the admonition that after India anywhere would appear mundane, I realized that mundane isn’t always so bad; after all, sitting in a comfy chair in front of the fire and flicking channels is pretty mundane, but after a long day trekking through the fire and ice of the real world, it’s a dream.

Indeed trekking was my goal in Nepal, and that’s why I headed straight for Pokhara instead of Kathmandu.

The Annapurna Conservation Area to the north of Pokhara, itself in the western half of Nepal, contains some of the most dramatic trekking on this planet, and I had my sights firmly fixed on the three-week Annapurna Circuit, a circular route that crosses a very high pass, trundles down the deepest gorge in the world, and provides mountain views to stifle breath that’s already short in the high altitude of the Himalayas. After beaches, rainforests, deserts, volcanoes and glaciers, it was time for the big cheese.

The Himalayas are, of course, huge, but reading about them is considerably different from experiencing them first hand. On a trek like this there are not only the usual walkers’ concerns of blisters, twisted ankles, December 2008

upset stomachs and sunburn, but also Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), an ailment brought on by high altitude that is fatal if unchecked, and still claims trekkers’ lives today. On the surface, the Annapurna Circuit sounds like the biggest challenge of them all.

It isn’t all challenge, though, and this is a major part of its appeal. Unlike most of the trekking I’d done up to this point, you don’t need to carry food because you stop in villages along the way, staying in the local hotels. This also means you don’t need to carry a tent, cooker, fuel or any of the other niceties associated with self-sufficient tramping, leaving the pack pleasantly light and the accommodation comfortable. On a threeweek trek this is a godsend: the thought of a pack laden with 21 days of survival gear is enough to make most people’s knees spring a leak in sympathy.

It also meant that I had to reappraise my attitude towards tramping. So often I have been on tramps that require serious effort and long days to get to destinations – Taman Negara, Hollyford-Pyke, Gunung Rinjani to name but three – that I’ve developed a bit of an attitude problem. I like to go fast, to push myself, to get fit, to be first at the destination, and in Annapurna this isn’t just a waste of the ambience of the village inns and the beauty of the mountain views, it’s foolhardy.

One way to avoid AMS is to acclimatize slowly to altitude, so speeding up the peaks is simply dumb.

Altitude soon altered my attitude.

Annapurna Statistics The Annapurna Circuit is basically a loop, normally walked anti-clockwise, that circles round the east-west Annapurna mountain range, starting and ending at Pokhara to the south of the range. These mountains are huge, the tallest, Annapurna I, reaching 8091m (26545 ft), a height approaching that of Everest’s 8848m (29028 ft). The track doesn’t quite reach such dizzying heights, but the 202km (125 mile) walk has a fairly hefty high point at its northern tip: the Thorung La pass, at 5416m (17769 ft) just under two-thirds of Everest’s altitude. The highest I had ever been before tackling the Annapurna track was 3726m (12224 ft) on Lombok’s Gunung Rinjani, but the Thorung La pass is nearly half as high again, and it feels it.

The pass neatly slices the track into two halves: from Pokhara to Thorung Phedi, which takes you up to the east side of the pass; and the track from Muktinath back down to Pokhara on the west side of the pass, popularly known as the Jomsom Trek and commonly walked by those unwilling to tackle the pass.

Saathee 18

continued on page 74 saathee.com

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Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (Director: Dibakar Banerjee) Cast: Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal, Neetu Chandra, Archana Puran Singh, Manu Rishi & Richa Chadda

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Sorry Bhai! (Director: Onir) Cast: Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Sanjay Suri, Sharman Joshi, and Chitrangda Singh

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Dil Kabaddi (Dir: Anil Senior) Cast: Rahul Bose, Irrfan Khan, Rahul Khanna, Konkona Sen Sharma, Soha Ali Khan, and Mita Payal Rohatgi

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Maharathi (Director: Shivam Nair) Cast: Naseruddin Shah, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Boman Irani, Neha Dhupia, and Tara Sharma

2. Dasvidanyia “Muskura” Music: Kailash Kher Singer: Sonu Nigam

Khallballi - Fun Unlimited (Director: Ajay Chandok) Cast: Nikhil Dwivedi, Chunky Pandey, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon, Manoj Joshi, and Mukesh Tiwari

3. Fashion “Mar Jaava” Music: Salim - Sulaiman Singers: Shruti Pathak and Slim Merchant

Meerabai Not Out (Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni) Cast: Mandira Bedi, Anupam Kher, Eijaz Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Vandana Gupte & Prateeksha Lonkar

4. God Tussi Great Ho “Tujhe Aksa....”

Music: Sajid Wajijid Singers: Wajid & Amrita Kak

5. Yuvvraaj “Tu Muskura” Music: AR Rahman Singers: Alka Yagnik & Javed Ali

Oh, My God!!

(Dir: Saurabh Srivastava) Cast: Vinay Pathak, Saurabh Shukla, Divya Dutta, Harsh Chhaya, and Gaurav Gera

(Note: This top five is based on the following non-scientific research: your feedback, video rental, box office from India and United States, internet opinions & our opinion)

Wafa (Director: Rakesh Sawant) Cast: Rajesh Khanna and Sudesh Berry

December 2008

Saathee 20

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Upcoming Movie Releases Continued (Bollywood films slated to be released in the next 4-6 weeks) Chal Chala Chal (Director: Rajiv Kumar) Cast: Govinda, Murli Sharma, Reema Sen, Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri, and Asrani Ghajini (Dir: A.R. Murugadoss) Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin, and Jiah Khan Aloo Chaat (Dir: Robby Grewal) Cast: Aftab Shivdasani, Aamna Shariff, Linda Arsenio, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Manoj Pahwa Kaashh... Mere Hote (Dir: B H Tharun Kumar) Cast: Anupam Kher, Hemant Birje, Johny Lever, and Sneha Ullal Dev D (Director: Anurag Kashyap) Cast: Abhay Deol, Kalki, and Mahi Gill Paathshala (Director: Milind Ukey) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Ayesha Takia, Swini Khara, and Dwij Yadav Chandni Chowk To China (Director: Nikhil Advani) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Ranvir Shorey, and Mithun Chakraborty

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Saathee 22

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Saathee 23

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By Kirit Shukla A Tribute to Bollywood Music Directors

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Vasant Desai: (1912-1975) The music composer of the unforgettable song, “Aye maalika tere bande hum,” Vasantrao Desai was born on June 9, 1912 in Kudal, Maharastra and spent his childhood there. He sang the song “Laawani, Powadaa” on stage in 1930’s as a warm-up for a musical career. He first acted in the 1930 film Khoon Khanjar along with other films. However, he gave up his acting and started learning Hindustani music from Ustad Aalam Khan and Ustad Inaayat Khan. Initially, he had composed songs for the Prabhat film company, but he composed his first independent music for V. Shantaram’s movie Shakuntala in 1943 and was a success. He gave his music mostly for the movies of film director V. Shantaram. Desai was known as a fakir, which means non-materialistic. He remained a bachelor and usually was completely absorbed in creating music. He scored music for many Bollywood films using traditional Indian classical ragas. One of my most favorite is a song in Raga Bhatiyaar sung by Late Ustad Amir Khan and played by Late Bismillahkhan on Shahanai, a “Jugalbandi” (duet), in the film Gunja uthi shahanai. In this one both instrumentalists sang and played eight ragas in a Ragamalika (medley): Ramakali, Desi, Shuddha Sarang, Multani, Yaman Kalyan, Sur Malhar, Bageshri and Chandrakaunsa. Desai applied the principles of harmony while retaining a classical and folk flavor. He always maintained his style and melody of the tunes.

He believed in quality and not the quantity in scoring music, so he gave music for only about 45 films over his lifetime, which is a small number compared to other Bollywood music directors. His compositions and and his love of music will be remembered forever by his listeners.

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Selected films with his evergreen music: Shakuntala, Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Narsinh Awataar, Uddhar, Jhansi Ki Rani, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Toofan Aur Diya, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Do Phool, Mausi, Ardhangini, Do Bahan, Goonj Uthi Shehnai, Samraat Prithviraj Chauhan, Pyar Ki Pyaas, Sampoorn Ramayan, Ram Rajya, Aashirwad, Guddi, Achaanak, Grahan, Jai Radha Krishna etc.

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The classic song “Tere soora aur mere geet” is given in this issue of Saathee in Evergreen Classic Film Lyrics on page 24.

December 2008

Saathee 24

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Saathee 25

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EVERGREEN

Classic FILM LYRICS

By Kirit Shukla Song: Tere soora aur mere geet Film: Goonj uthi shahanai Music: Vasant Desai Singer: Lata Mangeshkar Lyric: Bharat Vyas Year: 1959 Based on Indian Classical Raga: Bihag Taal/Rhythm: Kaharavaa Starring: Rajendra Kumar, Amita, Anita Guha Tere soora aur mere geet Tere soora aur mere geet, dono milakara banegi preet; Tere soora aur mere geet.. Dhakadana mein tu hai samaayaa huaa, Khalaayon mein tu hi samaayaa huaa, Dunuyaa ke mele mein laakhon mile, Magara tu hi tu dila ko bhaayaa huaa; Main teri jogana tu meraa meeta, dono milakara banegi preet; Tere soora aur mere geet.. Mizako agara bhoola jaaoge tum, Muzase agara dura jaaoge tum, Mero mohobbata mein taasira hai, to khinake mere paasa aaoge tum, Dekho hamaari hogi jeeta, dono milakara banegi preet;Tere soora aur mere geet.

Meaning (Summary): Your tunes and my lyrics, together they will create love. You are in my heartbeats and in my thoughts; hundred thousands met me in the world fair, but you are the only one I liked. I am your disciple and you are my lover; together they will create love. Lest you may forget me and go far away from me, my love has the strength to pull you to come back to me. You see we will win and the tunes and lyrics, together they will create love.

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COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEM • DIGITAL LIGHT SYSTEM • HUGE COLLECTION OF ALL KINDS OF MUSIC Saathee 26

saathee.com

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December 2008

Saathee 27

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Donna the Buffalo hits doubledecade milestone Friendship makes the music last

By Samir Shukla Donna the Buffalo has fiddled, picked and sashayed its way through a long journey of fine roots and American music. The kind of warm music and songwriting that’s bred in the South — country, bluegrass, gospel, Cajun — but Donna the Buffalo hail from Ithaca, N.Y., in the upper reaches of the Appalachian Mountains.

The cozy vibes of the American South, though, are never far from the band’s voices and instruments.

Their sense of place permeates the songcraft.

Jeb Puryear (vocals/guitar) and Tara Nevins (vocals/fiddle/accordion) are the original remaining members of this band that turned 20 this year.

Numerous members have come and gone through the revolving door, but the core duo’s friendship and musical evolution has persevered, making Donna the Buffalo a beloved, constantly touring American band.

The Herd, as its fans are affectionately known, thrives on the band’s blend of genres and dandy songwriting. The writing is subtly crafted with messages of peace, tolerance, and the love of nature along with an eye and ear for the greater pursuits of global justice.

Nevins’s words lean toward introspection and longings of the heart while Puryear’s poetry turns up the sociopolitical commentary.

Their writing brings Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Joan Baez and Carol King to mind.

Donna the Buffalo’s 7th record, Silverlined, was released in early July on North Carolina’s Sugar Hill Records. The record continues the firm-yet-evolving sound of mountain music that is occasionally splashed with reggae and folk.

It seems to hark back to the spirited decades of the 1960s and 1970s without forgetting that it was written and is performed in the present. It’s a contemporary and traditional tribute to the past without getting stuck there.

The album is filled with feisty tunes including “Tomorrow Still Knows.” The song may be wrought with uncertainty, where Puryear sings “It’s dark, we have made it so,” yet is filled with promise and hope.

“Garden of Eden” is spruced-up with unconventional tabla rhythms where Puryear’s eco commentary blossoms, again with more subtlety than preaching.

It’s a worthy back to nature longing.

The title song “Silverlined” has Nevins’s signature bluegrass/roots melody. David Hildago, the legendary guitarist and lead singer for Los Lobos, guests as a vocalist on the track.

“Locket and Key” is a wistful song stitched with the banjo of fellow American music comrade Bela Fleck.

December 2008

Puryear said in a recent interview that through the years they have written, performed and traveled far and wide, the country has gone through political and cultural changes, but to the duo it’s the music that matters in the end. “Something about music that centers a person, it showcases where we’re headed as humans.” For Puryear, it’s all about the “joy of music.”

He grew up listening to and playing old-time fiddle tunes, informing his formative years.

He was recently strolling down the streets of New York City, whiling away time before their show that evening when our chat turned from music to politics.

Puryear’s voice became a bit more firm as our conversation turned to the current state of American affairs.

The historic 2008 elections had most folks riled up and paying attention. Puryear made no apologies about his feelings as he eased into his observations of contemporary politics and the American culture.

Puryear bemoans the loss of grace and graciousness in American culture. “We’ve been diving to the bottom as a culture. My grandmother embodied a sense of class that I don’t see any more,” he said. “I wrote a song a while back, a couple of records ago called ‘These are Better Days,’ about where we could be.”

The interview was conducted just before the elections and I asked him about the gents running for the highest office in the land? “I’m terribly excited about Obama,” he said without hesitation. “The old paradigm of militarily dominating others won’t work.”

He’s wasn’t too keen about McCain’s choice of his running mate. “A bunch of snide remarks from her seem like we’re living in two different countries.”

But the band marches on, writing solid music and thinking man’s lyrics where activism is a natural part of things. The band began the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance in 1990.

The festival started as a concert to benefit a local AIDS support organization in Ithaca, N.Y. After the success of the first event, members of Donna the Buffalo created an annual festival to raise money for the fight against AIDS and other worthy causes, also providing a platform for national exposure for local and regional musicians. Many artists have benefitted from the exposure.

The festival focuses on traditional and contemporary roots music. It has grown into a major summer event with dozens of artists performing and the event attracting some 15,000 music lovers to Trumansburg, N.Y. It’s success hasn’t gone to Donna the Buffalo’s head, though. They keep plugging away at what they love to do best. Play the music.

The band is currently a quintet with David McCracken (keyboards), Jay Sanders (bass), and Tom Gilbert (drums) rounding it out.

Donna the Buffalo will perform at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC on Dec 30 and Dec 31, 2008.

Visit the club’s site to find complete details: www.theorangepeel.net.

Saathee 28

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Katrina Kaif is No Material Girl

Saif's Gift to Deepika

Contributed by Guatam Buragohain and Urvashi Ashar

During Diwali, everyone seems to get the generous streak. Actorproducer Saif Ali Khan was no exception. It was while shooting in Delhi with Deepika for a film produced by him and directed by Imitiaz Ali that Saif suddenly announced a two-day break for the entire cast and crew.

Deepika claims this to be her Diwali gift from Saif, and immediately rushed to pack her bags and fly down to Mumbai to be with beau Ranbir.

Of course, Saif's intention was to spend some quality time with girlfriend Bebo, too.

Never mind that the lights came on, love seemed to fill the air too, this past Diwali.

Rahul Bose Lends Voice for Safety Recording Actor Rahul Bose is shooting for a film called Exchange Offer these days.

But besides his acting and rugby talent, there are more noble services the man has been offering. Rahul has just recorded an audio book for Tulir, an NGO working towards the prevention of child abuse. We're told, "Children can be equipped and empowered with non-threatening, age-appropriate information to build self protective behavior. So we've developed an audio book to take the message of personal safety to very young children, in a fun way through singing, dancing and story-telling. Rahul very kindly and immediately consented to be the narrator at no charge for the Hindi version of Tickles and Hugs - the Touching Rules."

Katrina Kaif insists that material is immaterial these days. When we caught up with her and got talking about her birthday and the gifts she received. She said, "Ha, diamonds and all are not the best things anymore. We actors are pampered and get a diamond set at the drop of a hat! What matters now are relationships, friends, family, warmth, love, care‌" What high thinking, as high as the diamond in the sky.

Ash Misses Her Parents on Birthday Aishwarya Rai turned 35 recently, but the birthday girl couldn't be with her family back home.

She instead spent time with her hubby in the thick jungles of Kochi where they're shooting for Mani Ratnam's film. The day went as usual - they left for the shooting venue at 5 am and returned at 7 pm, and then celebrated. "It was a small, quiet affair with the unit. We celebrated with some good food after we packed up," said a unit member.

Of course the birthday was incomplete without Ash's Ma and Pa. But the tech-savvy hubby that Abhi is and with a gadget freak pa-in-law like Amitabh, Ash must have surely connected with everyone back home, somehow.

Vivek in SRK Company!

Kareena Kapoor Miffed?

It's official. After been repeatedly snubbed by Salman, the Oberoi boy has moved over and joined hands with Salman's current nemesis Shah Rukh Khan.

We spotted Vivek in a recent fashion show hobnobbing only with Gauri Khan and her friends.

"Vivek is a regular in SRK's house and their parties and has been accepted in their inner circle of friends," says a friend. So after Arjun Rampal, SRK has found another company in Vivek. As for Vivek, his mannat seems to have finally been granted.

Rohit Shetty is in a dicey situation. His Golmaal Returns may be a huge hit, but the actors are accusing him of solid golmaal - not having given them the screen time and presence promised during time of narration. For one, Arshad Warsi is very livid with the director and has gone hammer and tongs accusing Shetty of much unfairness, and then there is the fair damsel, Kareena Kapoor, who is pretty upset with the man, too. So we called up the unsung hero, but Rohit was singing a different tune.

"Yes, I'm aware that Arshad is upset, but Kareena is not! Kareena is celebrating instead. She's the one who has been telling me from day one that the film would be a hit! And all she is telling me now, is I told you so!" But what about good friend Arshie?

"Well, he's shooting somewhere and I haven't got down to talking with him. I don't know if I will, either," said the director, who is pretty miffed with our Circuit Babu as well. Looks like this friendship fuse is surely going to blow.

December 2008

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John Abraham's homecoming

A big step for Akshay's l'il one?

Actor Akshay Kumar's adventurous side is well-known - stunts, martial arts, water sports and the dad often gets son Aarav to wear his trunks and nose-dive into these similar interests. However, this time round, Akki wants sonny boy to don a different kind of trunk - the elephant's!

You see, the actor is trying to get all his near and dear ones involved in the animation flick Jumbo. And while he's doing the voiceover for the adult Jumbo, he's looking for someone to do the voiceover for Jumbo Jr. The actor is very keen that son Aarav is the voice of Baby Jumbo. But Aarav's exams are close at hand, and Akki doesn't want to disturb him from his studies either. Now knowing the li'l Khiladi, he can well juggle both - the tusks and the school tasks! But is mommy Twinkle saying?

He made news even while he was in Philadelphia. Actor John Abraham was appreciated back home for his well worked out butt and of course for making it to Hollywood's list of top ten sexiest males alive! Well, Abe returned to Mumbai only yesterday and friends and fans alike have gone berserk commenting and drooling over his backside. But Johnny Bravo - as his mates call him - is enjoying being eyed, by men and women alike. And with girlfriend Bipasha currently in Srinagar, the actor has let his guard down and is enjoying the adulation and cheeky remarks coming his way.

Bottoms-up to that.

Abhay becomes abusive Our heart went out to the youngest Deol, Abhay who was forced to give up his goody-two-shoes image and get into the abusive world of Jats. It so happened that while shooting for the film, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, the director felt that Abhay wasn't too convincing when he abused in Hindi. So the actor was asked to do a crash course in North Indian gaalis. Abhay had to be trained for a week to get into the mode of using cuss words in his daily conversation, and went through an extensive training program where dialogue writer Manu Rishi Chadda taught him to swear. But does Abhay really have to go so far? All that he's required to do is watch some of uncle Dharmendra's movies and mug up those kuttey- kaminey dialogues.

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Dances of India Serving Buyers and Sellers Since 1989

By Dr. Maha Gingrich Odissi or Orissi The classical dance as practiced in Orissa, a state on the mid-north-eastern coast of India, is known as Orissi or Odissi. Orissa is one of the most picturesque and historically rich regions in India. With its rivers and luxuriant vegetation, hills and forests, and many magnificent ancient monuments and temples, it presents a picture of all the essentials that are required for nature and art lovers.

The Orissi dance has been preserved not only by the gurus, their descendents, and their pupils, but the temples themselves have brought to prosperity thousands of examples in the sculpture that are a prolific orientation of the techniques of the art.

The Orissi dance has its roots in devotional rituals. It consists of one long theme, starting from the invocation to the deities, the earth and the gurus, and ending with a highly technical finale of pure dance. It is generally performed in stages like the Bharatha Natyam of the South, to bring to the fullest its very beautiful stances of posture and the art of interpretation.

The Bhangis, which are the dance positions, add distinctive touch to the Belis, which are the basic steps, such as the curve of the hips with the head inclined and legs bent at the knees. It can be explained here that in Bharatha Natyam the dancer squats from the knees to form a posture, where as in the Orissi style, emphasis is given to bending the hips to accentuate the rounded curves of the posture.

The music used is akin to the Hindustani or northern school of music. The dance sequence begins with a prayer to Bhumi Devi, which is Mother Earth, then to Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, then to Shiva, the founder of Dances, and so on until it reaches the last dance Natangi. This dance could be compared to Tillana in Bharatha Natyam or Tarana in Kathak.

After witnessing several performances of Odissi as a child, the captivating, statuesque characters of the postures lingered long in my memory. One of my gurus, Smt. Sumathy Kaushal who is an exponent of Kuchipudi has also brought life to Odissi and has rekindled those memories in me. Indeed, India is all the richer with the national renaissance of this ancient and dynamic classical dance form.

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LIVE EARTH INDIA An extensive list of legendary musicians and actors will be performing at the upcoming Live Earth India concert on December 7, 2008 in Mumbai. The concert will be broadcast worldwide and performers include rockers Bon Jovi and Live Earth India spokesperson and actor Amitabh Bachchan, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, rapper Will.I.Am, Anoushka Shankar, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Bipasha Basu, Shiamak Davar, Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Hard Kaur, Jalebee Cartel, Vishal & Shekhar, Shankar-EhsaanLoy, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam and Shaan.

The event’s founder, former US Vice President Al Gore, will also be on hand to talk about climate issues.

Produced globally by Control Room in partnership with local promoter and producers Wizcraft International Entertainment, the concert will feature never-beforeseen collaborations of western and Indian artists, a variety of musical genres from Indian hip-hop to American rock. Appearances and messages from former U.S Vice President Al Gore, IPCC Chairman and Director General TERI India, Dr. Rajendra K Pachauri, environmental advocates and celebrities are expected as well.

Live Earth India will highlight personal and policy solutions to the climate crisis, offer support for India’s important environmental issues and causes, and provide a platform for India to solidify its leadership role on climate issues.

Live Earth India will reach viewers worldwide on three of STAR TV’s popular channels across Asia and beyond: STAR PLUS in India; STAR WORLD in South East Asia, Hong Kong and India; and CHANNEL [V] in India. STAR reaches 300 million viewers across 53 countries in Asia and beyond.

Online music fans will be able to experience Live Earth India on MSN at www.msnindia.com/liveearth.

A long-standing partner of Live Earth, MSN was recognized as the “most-watched online entertainment event in history,” after the 2007 concerts.

BIG 92.7 FM, the No.1 FM radio station in India with its presence in 45 markets has committed to broadcast the concert across the country.

Highlighting the cause and STAR’s association, Uday Shankar, Chief Executive Officer, STAR India Pvt Ltd said, “STAR is proud to be associated with Live Earth as it echoes our philosophy of improving the quality of life on our planet through building positive action for our environment. We have always been committed to improving the emotional lives of our viewers through the content that we air and Live Earth India is an extension of this endeavor to improve the December 2008

physical quality of people’s lives.”

“Live Earth’s mission is to leverage the power of music and entertainment to focus the world’s attention on the most pressing environmental issues of our time and then actively affect change. The addition of these celebrated and influential artists will increase the force of our event and shine a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities surrounding climate change issues in India.” said Kevin Wall, Live Earth founder.

“The internet today empowers ordinary people like never before, to entertain, educate, inspire and drive change. We’ve seen this change happen after last year’s Live Earth Concerts and MSN is proud to collaborate again with Live Earth India to educate and inspire people to take action on environmental issues,” said Krishna Prasad, Executive Producer, MSN India.

“Live Earth India will help activate the Indian people to engage with the climate crisis and commit to solutions to combat it. Through the power of our worldrenowned artists, we can begin to highlight the issues and raise awareness about the simple steps that can be taken by all of us to reduce and reuse our energy,” said Wiz Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, the promoters and producers from India.

Live Earth India Beneficiaries TERI’s Light a Billion Lives campaign and Climate Project India are Live Earth India’s primary beneficiaries and will receive net proceeds from the concerts.

Light a Billion Lives (LaBL) campaign is aimed at brightening lives across the world by providing 200 million solar lanterns to rural households currently without electricity.

Live Earth India also will support Climate Project India’s educational programs and advocacy for renewable energy solutions in India.

Strategic advisors for Live Earth India include Reliance Entertainment.

Live Earth India Commitment to Green The Live Earth production team will implement the Live Earth Green Event Guidelines developed for the first Live Earth Concerts for a Climate in Crisis which took place on 07.07.07. The Guidelines address the major areas of impact of live events, including recycling, food and beverages, packaging, transportation, energy, water usage, and the event site itself. From power generation at the concert to garbage generated by concert goers, Live Earth will seek to design out waste and continue to be the model for future live entertainment, while bringing new sustainable event production techniques to India.

Friends of Live Earth India Can’t make it to Mumbai? Register to host your own Friends of Live Earth event. By doing so, you’ll receive

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A Dentist’s Blog

By Dr. Meena Chelury Your Child’s first visit to a dentist Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday and am sure you are getting ready to close out the year.

Before I jump into this month’s topic, I want to thank you for your encouraging feedback on my “anniversary” blog.

Also, I have received suggestions on several topics.

One of them did catch my attention. A reader wants me to weigh on dental priorities given the current hard economic times. I’d be glad to weigh in on this topic in the near future!

Also, there were questions on dental insurance, given that it is sign-up time for employer benefits plans. This topic is very specific and cannot be addressed in a broad forum. If it is not too late, check with your insurance provider or dentist with questions that you may have.

Well, let us come to the topic of this month’s blog.

This issue is about reaching to the young and growing generation. I have always mentioned about the human aspects of dentistry. It is about connecting with people, both young and old. This issue, I am going to share my experiences with the younger generation, especially, the little ones.

Professionally, working with children is very gratifying and rewarding, however, sometimes it is challenging. I am writing this blog around Nov 14. Back in India, we celebrate it as Children’s Day and it is appropriate to write about my little friends.

Let us start with a child’s visit to a dentist. It is not uncommon to see an anxious child, not to mention the immense anxiety in the minds of the parents, especially if they are bringing their child for a first visit.

Hopefully, this article may help you to better prepare yourself to allay your child’s anxiety. Parents, feel free to use this as a guide to read to your children before their first visit.

Before I start on this topic, let me start with a word of advice to parents. We have noticed that children behave a lot better when parents don’t accompany them to the treatment room. Children tend to behave well when their parents are not around. Overall we get more cooperation from the child when they come into the treatment room by themselves. Some practices don’t allow parents! Having said that there are some exceptions, especially children under three may want to have their parents nearby. But, by and large, dentists and their staff love when children come into the treatment room on their own. Enough said. I would like to go on and talk to the kids.

Here is the section to read to your kids!

Dear Kiddos, You have a beautiful smile. As you grow up, you need to maintain this smile and for this you need good and strong teeth. Your dentist will help you to build and maintain strong teeth and a beautiful smile.

December 2008

If this is your first visit, you are going to have lots of fun. You are going to see and play with some cool toys. The whole visit will be very enjoyable when you listen to the doctor and follow instructions. The best part is when you cooperate and follow directions you get to pick up a nice prize at the end of the visit.

As soon as you enter the dental office, your parents will be asked to do some “homework.” They will be filling up information about you so that the dentist will get to know you better. While they are filling, you can play. Some offices have toys and books in the waiting room. Soon, you will be called inside. Here the fun starts!

Are you ready to climb a “Spaceship”? You will be climbing on a dental chair that looks like a space ship.

This ship can move up, down and you can lie on your back and sleep on it. How does that sound for fun?

This spaceship has bright lights coming from the ceiling. The dentist or the assistant may play with the controls to seat you properly so that you can sit comfortably on the dental chair and relax.

Once you lay back on the chair the dentist likes to count your teeth with a tooth counter and also you get your teeth tickled with our big tooth brush.

May I tell you a secret? Some dentists may ask how many teeth you have. You be ready with the answer.

Before you go to the dentist, look yourself in the mirror and count the teeth. Impress the dentist with your counting skills.

Let us talk about other toys.

The Dentist has a toy called, Mr. Thirsty! As the name suggests, Mr. Thirsty is always thirsty. This guy is so thirsty that he sucks all the water out of your mouth. Mr. Thirsty has a buddy called Mr. Spray who sprays water in your mouth to clean it, so that the dentist can have a good look at it. Mr. Thirsty works with Mr. Spray. As soon as it sees Mr. Spray spraying water, it works hard and sucks all the water from your mouth so that it is clean and ready for the dentist to work. Mr. Spray also sprays air to clean and dry your mouth.

We have a big toothbrush called Mr. Clean that brushes your teeth and chases all the sugarbugs away from your teeth. Mr. Clean can work with different flavors of toothpaste like strawberry, mint, and chocolate mint. The best part is you get to choose it. Tell your dentist the flavor of your choice so that Mr. Clean can work to keep your teeth nice, white and shiny. I’m sure you all can’t stop smiling once this is done.

Sometimes we use our camera to take pictures of your teeth. All you need to do for this part is let the dentist place the film in your mouth and you follow the directions of the dentist and the camera goes “beep” and takes a picture of your teeth. If you want to get a

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continued on page 82 Dr. Meena Chelury can be reached at meenac@yahoo.com or www.AmberlyFamilyDentistry.com

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Isha Yoga Vision

If you feel the world around you - when I say the world, I mean the human part of the world around you - you will see that your experience is a cacophony of voices, thoughts and emotions. These voices, thoughts and emotions are all an outpouring of confusions of many different levels and states. They are formed and expressed with a distorted perception of the current reality. When a man is confused, when he is subjugated by misconceptions or wrong perception of reality, then the noise that he creates around himself, the pain and suffering that he creates for the people around him, and the self is unfortunate.

Despite the available facilities, both the individual and humanity remain absolutely confused. If you are sensitive, you will see that people’s thoughts and emotions are in a state of confusion. This is the reality today. There is no clarity, will or vision. Most people live their lives without even understanding what they really want for themselves. Even if they know what they want, they have neither the will nor the vision to create what they want. Mostly they settle for whatever is easy and they feel is attainable, not seeing whether they really need it in their lives or not.

If you go by your experiences, or in other words if you trust your mind to decide what is possible and what is not, what is attainable and what is not, then it will always tell you about the mediocre things.

We always try to base our lives on the current reality. But that is not the point. What we want need not have anything to do with our present situation. If we enslave our vision to current situations then once again we are settling for the attainable. It is not about your thinking what is possible or not possible. It is about your vision, what is the highest that you can seek in your life.

A man’s vision is not beyond man’s capacity to create it. It may happen in this lifetime, it may take a couple of lifetimes but what we want will definitely come. For the person whose vision for life is clear and he seeks it in every moment of his life, for him, the highest things will come and fall at his feet. It is only because man is seeking things he does not want that he does not get the things he wants.

Simply living with the vision itself is very elevating, liberating and a joyous process for any person. The whole Gita is just about this - to simply give yourself to what you want, not caring whether it is going to happen or not. It is a spiritual process by itself.

Vision is an important way of transcending limitations within and outside ourselves. If one wants to live without any vision, without being burdened by will, then the person should be innocent. The person has to December 2008

have no ego. If it is not so, then it is very important to have a vision.

If a man has a will and a clear vision then Lord Shiva has to come down - he has no choice about it. All these things demonstrate to you that if what you want is very clear to you and if you are set on it, then what seems to be impossible today will tomorrow become a normal part of your life. But at every moment, if you question it and think in terms of attainability, then the confusion that you create in your mind and the world creates one big chaos.

If you look deep enough your vision will be the universal vision. Seeking it with undivided attention is a way of knowing life here and beyond.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a yogi and mystic with profound mastery of the ancient science of yoga. At his home in southern India, Sadhguru oversees Isha Foundation, an entirely volunteer-run, nonprofit service organization dedicated to cultivating human potential through yogic science. At the core of the Foundation’s initiatives is a customized system of yoga called Isha Yoga—a set of programs and practices specially designed to address the challenges of modern living.

Isha Foundation’s Inner Engineering program will be held January 7-13 2009 at Idlewild Arena, Charlotte. For details on Isha Yoga Programs, please call 1-866-ISHA-YOGA or 704-277-5686 or email to: charlotte@ishafoundation.org Check out the website www.ishafoundation.org for more details on Isha foundation’s yoga programs and non-profit humanitarian activities.

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The Chai Table Saathee Readers Forum

Spiritual Management part two

By Dr. S. G. Bapat In view of the interest generated in the concept as well as experiments in Spiritual Mangement in an earlier article I had written for Saathee, here is some more information about which all of us can be proud.

You can share this experience with your friends in business and industry.

I can understand that it is difficult to use the words “spiritual” and “management” in one breath essentially because our general understanding is that “business is business” and “ethics is ethics” and let us not mix them up. If you are in favor of spiritual pursuits go to Himalayas and if you want to pursue business, try and understand the realities of business life, the pressures for meeting targets and various compromises that are required to be accepted as part of the game and so on and so forth.

Here is a word on corruption, something that everybody understands as undesirable. I came across a very simple definition: “Using public money for private purpose is corruption” and in the same tone I would like to say, “Using private money for public purpose is philanthropy.” I am sure that the bell will ring as some time back Bill Gates announced that he would take off and devote his time for his charitable fund and its activities.

I would like to share an experience of one of the organizations in India known as Alacrity Foundation.

Please note that they are in the construction industry in Chennai.

Amol Karnad, a young and dynamic entrepreneur and Chairman of Alacrity Group, founded the company back in 1978. The group is known for its ethics in business as a way of life. He is a builder of high reputation and his group Alacrity has emerged as the single largest builder of residential flats in the city.

As observed by Late Nani Palkhivala who was Indian Ambassador to USA, “You may wonder as to how a builder can go hand in hand with ethics.” He mentioned in his speech, “Usually to us, the citizens of Mumbai, the term builder conjures up a person one would have to guard against, known for venal qualities of extortion, buying tactics and links with the underworld. Let me tell you friends, Mr. Amol Karnad is an honorable exception to this general opinion.”

Karnad imbibed value-based education and valuebased management style. Can we call it spiritual management? Yes, if our definition of spiritual management is non-exploitative management. He has imparted this education to his staff and workers. Actually, in the building industry, the main requirement is of large labor force to be housed at the construction sites.

Usually large numbers of them are from the underprivileged strata of the society. It is remarkable that December 2008

Karnad has offered the opportunity to a few thousand people to settle down being ensured regular employment, fair wages, membership of company’s Provident Fund, and provision for medical help. Some of the readers might know that Amol Karnad received praise from management guru Peter F. Drucker.

It is a unique experiment in trusteeship. Alacrity is a group owned by senior employees. The group has number of activities to its credit. The group is also extending value-based education to the flat owners by organizing programs like SSY or Art of Living. In the midst of corruption and degeneration Amol Karnad’s story is a shining example of spiritual management.

The Alacrity Foundation has put up a big hoarding in the city saying that the company has not offered any bribe to the local authorities. A good effort indeed.

Send your comments to sg_bapat@hotmail.com Ascension

By Pravin Benjamin The brightness of a new moon night Lies sucked in the whirlpool of humanity While the child gropes in the dark The self strives a place among peoples.

Have heard of what they were doing Patience counseled on an excited heart Nothing can one do to alter their plans Because the almighty leads their minds.

Greatness lies ahead of a winding path Holding its breadth under a mulberry tree Neither was triumph hidden in a known route Where it was plucked easy from a shrub.

The inevitable marches without a flounder Lifting up a magic carpet that never flies Seated on it was no one except the one to reach The last lap of victory makes an envious bird.

Is America finally and truly color blind?

By Jay Desai Is America ready for the reality now? The world witnessed thousands of people at Chicago’s Grant Park.

They were filled with emotions that were, for some, indescribable. That was on a Tuesday night. The TV networks broadcast powerful images that galvanized millions around the world. There were images of a diverse crowd of people; some shedding tears of joy while others shedding tears of redemption.

Celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Jesse Jackson, burst into tears unleashing their emotions publicly. The world witnessed electrifying moments where people came together and the “change” finally materialized on November 4, 2008 when Barack Obama was elected President. It was not just electrifying it was historic.

Back in 1988 I was watching coverage of the

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2. She finally saw the doctor about her ______ headaches.3 (Answers are below)

Harnessing the Power of American English

By Judith L. Bergman M.A. CCC Homophones, homonyms and phrases with multiple meanings challenge even native speakers of English. To review: Homophones are two words that sound alike but are different in spelling or meaning, “phone” referring to “sound.” Pair (two matched items) and pear (a fruit) are homophones.

Homonyms are words that both sound and are spelled the same but have different meanings, such as spring (jump up) and spring (water gushing forth and several other meanings.) Most of our previous articles have started out with discussions of multiple meaning words or homonyms.

But did you know that American English includes phrases that have multiple meanings? For example, the phrase “make up” has eight different meanings.

(1) We can make up or invent a story. “Bob made up an excuse.” (2) We can create or make up a tune. “I just made it up.” (3) Substances or items are combined together to form a group or system. “Rocks and minerals make up the outer layer.” (4) You can add to an amount to bring it up to the required level.

“We’re charging more to make up the difference.” (5) You can put in extra hours at work to compensate or make up for time off. (6) Actors and most women wear cosmetics or makeup. (7) You can promise to make it up to someone if you feel responsible for disappointing him. (8) Two friends can have an argument and then reconcile or make up.1 The meaning does lie in the “music.” There are a group of word pairs that are spelled the same and pronounced with the same stress pattern except for the vowel in the last syllable. First, say and hear the difference between “it” and “ate.” The first syllable in both of these word pairs is stressed but the first word ends in “it” and is a noun or adjective. The second ends in “ate” and is a verb: advocate (“kit”) (He is an advocate for equal rights.) and advocate (We need to advocate for the new laws.); duplicate (an identical copy or item) and duplicate (to make a copy); estimate (What is your estimate?) and estimate (Can you estimate how long this will take?); graduate (He’s a recent graduate.) and graduate (He will graduate next year.); moderate (That’s a moderate amount.) and moderate (He will moderate the debate); syndicate (The paper is owned by a syndicate.) and syndicate (That article is syndicated.)2 Memorize the difference between commonly confused words. Here are two more examples of the most commonly confused words in American English: Fill in the blanks with continual or continuous: 1. Eventually we got used to the ________ sound of the dog barking.

December 2008

Use context clues, dictionaries and special resources to learn idioms.4 Many idioms are about the ordinary challenges of daily life. Match these idioms with their meanings. ___Bring Up ___Bring About ___Call on the Carpet ___Call It a Day ___Call to Order ___Call Off ___Keep the Home Fires Burning ___Steal the Show ___Let Bygones be Bygones a. cause b. scold c. stop d. forget past anger e. do the best job f. raise a family g. keep everything working h. begin a meeting i. cancel Suggested strategies to increase your word power this month: 1. Look and listen for various ways make up or made up are used in magazine articles and conversations.

2. Use continual and continuous correctly in conversation and, when appropriate, in your written communication.

3. Listen to conversations and check the newspapers for examples of all nine “daily life” idioms.

Newspaper headlines use idioms liberally.

References and Notes: 1 Longman Dictionary of American English, Pearson Education Limited, 2004, p. 548 2

Wilner, L.K., Medically Speaking: Accent Modification for the Medical Profession. 2005, p.36 Word Pairs.

3

Every Day Vocabulary by Laurie Rozakis, Ph.D., 1998: Doubleday Direct, Inc., Chapter 7: NOW I LIE ME DOWN TO SLEEP: Commonly Confused Words, p.

100.

4

The Idioms Workbook, 2nd Edition by Myra Shulman Auslin, Pro-Ed www.proedinc.com 2003, p.140.

Answers: 1. continuous means uninterrupted in space, time or sequence 2. continual means occurring or recurring repeatedly 3. Idioms: f, a, b, c, h, i, g, e, d.

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ASTRIDE

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3

By Chandan Sen Pelamis and Solel Wave power and solar-generated electricity have been perfected by two firms—-one, Pelamis, a Scottish firm and the other, Solel, an Israeli firm.

The Pelamis generating unit looks like the ancient sea creature of mythology after which it is named. The rising and falling waves are converted in its ingenious mechanism within the long, cylindrical body of the machine, into electricity that is then transported to shore via cables, and fed into the local power grid.

Except for the cost of the equipment, and some routine maintenance costs, Pelamis doesn’t come with any additional expense per kilowatt-hour.

Solel uses parabolic reflectors to focus the bright sunlight of the desert onto water-pipes, thus heating them and generating steam which then drives a turbine which in turn rotates the alternator, to generate cheap electricity.

Solel has been touted as being especially effective for peak power generation during the day when, serendipitously, the sunlight is at its brightest. Of course, during the night, the entire plant shuts down.

If power is required during night-time, it has to be stored in huge batteries of some sort.

Pelamis has been successfully deployed off the coast of Portugal and elsewhere. The Atlantic shoreline is particularly suitable to wave power generation because the waves are relatively high, compared to, say, the Indian Ocean. It is a mystery to me why Pelamis hasn’t caught on as quickly as I would have expected, in a world crying out for sustainable sources of energy.

Solel has a deployment in the Arizona desert and in some other parts of the world. Again, one would have imagined that world governments would rapidly have deployed this ingenious technology in their deserts, which are otherwise useless to mankind.

You can check out both these companies at www.pelamiswave.com and www.solel.com.

Finally, who would have imagined that the arid desert would one day hold the key to cheap, sustainable energy…or the gentle ocean waves, hitherto of interest only to poets and yachtsmen, would provide equally acceptable electricity to man.

ASIMO, Haiku and Tanka.

If you’re keeping up with news on the robotics front, you will know that Honda has recently unveiled its demonstration robot, ASIMO—-perhaps the most successful robot ever built by man.

Honda asserts that the name ASIMO has nothing to do with Isaac Asimov, the science fiction writer who wrote remarkable futuristic stories. The acronym, in fact, stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility.

The project, by the way, was headed by an American.

ASIMO is slightly more than four feet tall, looks like an astronaut in a space suit, and can actually walk and December 2008

run. This is fascinating because it takes a lot of sophisticated electronics, computer science, control theory and math, to get a humanoid to do anything, let alone keep its balance while walking or running. And what a humanoid! ASIMO can serve you tea, switch on the lights, push a trolley round a maze and greet passers by, among other things.

The sophistication comes at a price. You can buy an ASIMO with one million dollars, or lease it at $166,000.

Speaking of computer science, I recently came across a piece of software that enables you to write poetry in the Japanese Haiku style, which consists of three lines of 5, 7 and 5 syllables respectively. It is an unrhymed verse form and generally deals with Nature.

You have to input lists of parts of speech like nouns, verbs, adjectives, articles and prepositions, and the software churns out random selections of words in four forms, consisting of different sequences of these parts of speech. Here are some computer generated verses in the haiku style. Note that these simple poems are not entirely devoid of charm!

A gusty tree, A moon grows under a moon, Autumn clear river.

The clear river, A breeze whispers in a river, Misty misty sky.

Rock in a wind, A playful tree, Gusty storm.

A playful waterfall shouts, A clear windy sun, Under a hidden river.

A summer wind struggles, The clear clear rock, In the liquid flower.

The liquid moon flies, The bitter windy rock, Under a summer sea.

A misty rock flies, A misty liquid moon, On a bitter breeze.

The next step, presumably, would be to get the computer to compose poetry in the tanka form, i.e., verses consisting of five lines containing 5, 7, 5, 7 and 7 syllables respectively. Finally, I wonder if ASIMO would one day learn to recite haiku and tanka verses. We would then have no need to wax eloquent over Shakespearean verses like Sonnet 73: When yellow leaves, thou may’st in me behold, When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang,

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4. Eat slowly: Savor the flavor. Slow down and actually taste the food. Set your fork down between bites. Once you’ve slowed down, stop eating when you’re satisfied.

5. Practice healthy holidays: experiment with lower fat, lower caloric version of classic recipes.

Demonstrate your creativity and good nutrition sense.

By Anjana Agarwal

6. Keep Moving: Try at least 30 minutes of exercise or walking daily.

Ten tips for avoiding the Santa Syndrome The holidays are almost upon us.

Here are some suggestions to help avoid the Santa Syndrome when health matters are concerned.

1. Don’t deny yourself: If you are craving sweets, go ahead and have a small piece, or you can end up wolfing down much more the next day. Studies and research support that if you deprive yourself, you set the stage for overindulgence.

2. Eat regular meals: How many of you skipped meals during the holidays because you wanted to save the calories for a big dinner or party? It is not a good idea. Don’t arrive at the gathering hungry! Deprivation sets you up for losing control and overeating. Make sure to eat regular meals, but make all at-home meals especially low in fat and sugar. Drinking a glass of water before eating is helpful, as it tends to deaden the hunger pains and provides feeling of fullness.

3. Stress less: The holiday season can be stressful.

There is never enough time or money and family/friends gathering offer no shortage of anxiety.

Stress can be related to overeating, as there are many people who eat more when they are stressed. There are lots of ways to cut back on stress and you may have some ideas of your own, but you may want to try:

7. Be Selective: Choose your food wisely, eat more from fruit and vegetable platters.

8. Avoid Temptation: Don’t go hungry to the party.

9. Don’t strive for perfection: no one is perfect.

10. Rejoice in the holiday spirit.

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• Create Alternatives - Okay, so maybe you don’t have the time and energy to cook the picture perfect holiday dinner for your entire extended family and friends. What about a pot- luck party? Sometimes creating new traditions for the holiday season is a good idea.

• Re-evaluate what is more important and needs to be done.

• Practice good time management - Plan ahead, make a list of what you need to get done and budget your time accordingly.

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Medicare Open Enrollment: Using Information to Make the Right Decision (ARA) - For many people, the focus during the months of November and December is on the holidays. The most important decisions they make involve where the family will gather, what to serve at the holiday dinner and finding the perfect gifts for friends and family members.

However, for individuals who are eligible for Medicare, the time between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31 presents an opportunity for another important decision — one that can have a longer-term impact than what dessert to serve, or which presents their grandchildren will like the best.

This month-and-a-half is known as the Open Enrollment period, when those eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to choose their Medicare plan for the upcoming year. During this time, more than 40 million individuals who are eligible for Medicare sort through a wide range of resources, including those offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (www.medicare.gov), senior centers and community organizations and health insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans.

“As people enter this age range, they often have an increased need for health care services, so it’s extremely important to choose a plan that will help protect their health and financial well-being,” says Frank McCauley, head of Aetna’s Consumer Business Segment.

Understanding Your Medicare Options The first step in choosing the right Medicare plan is understanding the different components of the program.

While most people have heard of Medicare, they might not be aware that there are different categories of Medicare plans.

• Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health care. Because people usually pay for Part A coverage through a federal Medicare tax while working, most don’t pay a deductible or monthly premium after age 65.

• Part B helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care, and physical and occupational therapy. This is optional and usually requires a monthly premium.

• Part C includes Medicare Advantage plans (such as health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations) and provides Parts A and B benefits to enrollees, as well as prescription drug benefits in some cases. With these plans, Medicare contracts with private insurers to provide this coverage.

• Part D provides coverage specifically for prescription drug benefits. Like Part C, Medicare contracts with private insurers to provide this coverage.

According to McCauley, Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurers provide an “all-in-one” solution for consumers.

December 2008

“These plans allow people to pay one monthly plan premium for a complete benefits package, and they can also be combined with Medicare prescription drug coverage, which is a significant plus for many retirees,” McCauley says.

In addition, many insurers offer valuable “extra” benefits through their Medicare Advantage plans that go above and beyond the Original Medicare plan, including: • Disease management or case management programs, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have chronic conditions.

• Online tools such as Personal Health Records (PHRs), which allows members to store their medical information electronically and access it any place an Internet connection is available (as opposed to storing medical records in a file cabinet or shoe box).

• Discounts on health-related products and services that can be critical to Medicare beneficiaries, but might not be covered under the basic Medicare program, such as vision and hearing aid products and services, fitness programs and alternative health care programs.

Finding the Right Fit Even though one might not automatically associate Medicare members with Internet use, it is an increasingly important way for this age group to obtain information. A May 2008 study from the Pew Internet & American Life Society estimates that 35 percent of individuals age 65 and over use the Internet, and the percentage increase for this age group has been greater than any other since 2000.

Because of the increased Internet usage among this age group, Aetna redesigned the Aetna Medicare website (www.aetnamedicare.com). The site now provides targeted information to individuals in situations often experienced by Medicare beneficiaries. For example, there are options for those becoming eligible for Medicare programs and starting their research, for those looking for a specific piece of information on plan coverage or for individuals who know what they want and are trying to find the plan that best meets their needs.

The site also includes lists of important dates to remember within the Medicare Open Enrollment period; a phone number where individuals can find out more details (800) 529-5586; and local meetings in their area where they can learn more about Medicare plans. It also allows individuals to compare different plan options in their respective areas, and even enroll online.

“After finding out general information about Medicare, it’s important for individuals to figure out what is important to them, whether it is continuing to see a doctor they have a strong relationship with, or how a plan covers the prescription drugs they take,” McCauley says. “It’s not necessarily about finding the ‘best’ plan, but finding the plan that is the best fit for their personal situation.”

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The Stock Tickers

the exchange rate trend would reverse a bit because at that point, the investors would sell their “home currencies” for Rupees.

India’s 12 major ports have faced traffic declines as trade has slowed due to the soft economy. In addition, the hotel industry in India has shown an overall increase in revenues per available room, however, in many cities (such as touristy Goa and business-hub Bangalore), the actual occupancy rate at hotels has

By Rajesh Ganatra dropped notably.

The Pakistani economy is in dire straits and trading Here are some important quotes as of 11/23/2008 in the stock markets continued to be frozen during November 2008. In early October 2008 - the markets Mumbai (Bombay) Sensex: 9,142.50 had been closed for several days for the Eid holidays Karachi, Pakistan KSE-100 Index: 9,123.89 and judging by the activity taking place around the Dow Jones Industrial Average (USA): 8,127.84 globe, the Government put in a protective floor of NASDAQ Composite (USA): 1,425.69 9,144 on the KSE-100 and the plan was to remove the S & P 500 Index (USA): 876.77 protective barrier on 10/27/2008 and let the market do Currency Exchange Rates: Indian Rs. 52.23 = $1.00, its work. However, as markets around the world conPakistani Rs. 81.35 = $1.00 tinued to sink, the floor was kept in place. Investors continued to shy away from the market completely, Gold Price: $678 / ounce (Mumbai) and the KSE-100 remained around 9183-9184, with Silver Price: $9.36 / ounce (Mumbai) virtually no trading volume.

The Pakistani Rupee also continued to weaken dra(Note —- Mumbai prices quoted in U.S. dollars were calculated using the above exchange rate and the metric factor matically - the currency started CY2008 at US $1=PKR of 28.6 grams equals 1 ounce. Generally speaking, there are slight variances in prices of precious metals between India 62.04. As the financial crisis worsened, the Rupee continued to sink, and in mid-October 2008, the & U.S.A. due to market conditions / exchange rates). exchange rate had reached US $1=PKR 83.60, which The problems that have plagued the USA equity mar- represented a depreciation of 35 percent for the year. kets during CY2008 have spread across the globe and During November, the Rupee improved slightly and the hit the Indian financial markets as well. As the calen- exchange rate was $1=PKR 79.50. dar page turned from 2007 to 2008, the Sensex celeAs of mid-November 16/2008, Pakistan’s foreign brated the New Year with a leap into the 21,000s, how- exchange reserves sank to US $6.63 billion and this ever, the realities of the global financial situation amount would only suffice for nine weeks worth of became evident and the bears came out of hiberna- imports. Pakistan is going to be receiving loans from tion. The Sensex gave up millennium after millennium, the IMF (the first tranche is expected in late November and there were pauses in the declines and also “rallies” 2008) and this may help stabilize the lack of liquidity that gave hope that the bad times might be over - but in the country. all of those rallies proved to be “false.” The Sensex hit The U.S. equity markets continued their drastic tum7,697.39 during trading on 10/27/2008 and has since ble during November 2008 - on November 20, 2008, recovered to the 8,800 level. the Dow skidded to 7552, the NASDAQ Composite The damage is enormous and it has rippled through- slumped to 1316 and the S&P500 index tumbled to out the entire economy - consumers, small businesses, 752. The constant clouds that have hammered the large corporations and multinationals have all been markets during CY2008 have been the softening housimpacted. One of the most “hurt” groups has been ing market, the sub-prime loan crisis which infected investors in real estate, especially those who used major banks and investment houses, add concerns leverage - many moguls went into debt to construct about the future performance of the economy - which properties in what seemed to be the ever-rising mar- has lost jobs every single month during CY2008. The ket in the large metros such as Mumbai and Delhi and consumer is the engine of the economy and there is when the stock markets crashed, so did the real estate anecdotal evidence that they are tightening their belts market. and reining in their spending. The retail sales numbers At the beginning of CY2008, a U.S. Dollar bought that are coming in are very soft and the upcoming holapproximately 39 Rupees. There has been a combina- iday season is expected to be a lousy one for retailers. tion of U.S. Dollar strength and Rupee weakness which Compounding the problems is the state of the U.S. brought the rate to US $1=INR 50.14 by mid- Automakers: General Motors (NYSE-GM), Ford (NYSENovember 2008. Why has the Rupee gotten so weak? F) and Chrysler (held by Germany’s Daimler and As the stock market started to decline, international Cerebrus Capital Management). Years of poor planning investors started to pull their monies out of India, at and failure to react to the Japanese influx has cost which time they converted their Rupees back into their these companies dearly and given the soft economy, “home currencies” - this type of exchange puts mas- car sales are down drastically and this is casting a sive pressure on the Rupee. Unfortunately, the stock darker shadow on the auto companies. The “Big 3”’s markets continued to decline throughout the year, and finances are poor and the companies are saddled with more and more International monies were drained debt and teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. During from the system - hence the continued fall in the mid-November 2008, the CEOs of all three companies Rupee. If the markets stabilized and reversed course and the International investors came back in - perhaps continued on page 114 December 2008

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more willing to talk now than at other times because business is slow enough for them to have time to respond. You can turn this to your advantage by asking provocative questions that show your knowledge and big picture context. For example, you can blog about ideas and trends—and invite comments. Or you can comment on other people’s blog posts and make sure to have a great signature block to make it easy for people to find you.

Marketing Turnaround

By Gail Z. Martin Refuse to Participate in a Recession!

We hear a lot of gloom and doom these days about the economy. But the truth is that in any downturn, most companies weather the storm. Not only that, but many companies will thrive under pressure to emerge even stronger than before. Now is the time to be a smart marketer to make sure you company makes the most of the unique opportunities presented by today’s economy.

Enhance the relationship you have with clients, vendors and your industry Now is the time for you to step up to a leadership role in your industry. A poet once said that success lies “when you can keep your head while all around you are losing theirs.” As others panic, you can demonstrate leadership by proactively suggesting solutions to common problems and offer valuable information to help others in your industry survive. Is that helping the competition?

Maybe. But the truth is that whenever an industry takes major damage, all firms suffer. Show that you’re above petty politics by looking for ways to help. Your reputation, referrals and credibility will soar. The best places to establishing your calm leadership and enhance the reputation you have with your vendors and industry can be found by taking an active role in membership groups, social media groups and industry associations. This is also a good time for one-on-one client/vendor meetings to seek ways you can add value and by going beyond the required service to exceed expectations.

Enable Collaboration When money is tight, it’s a great time to create valueadded partnerships and collaborative marketing to stretch your promotional dollar. Find other companies that serve the same target audience at another point in the spectrum in a non-competing way. Then seek to create vertical partnerships that provide tangible user value for minimal incremental cost to provide. This will enable you to double your reach while cutting your cost. The best ways to do this can be by partnering on teleseminars, webinars, live events, and creating opt-in promotions that expose each of partner to the other partner’s list through bonus and incentive items, and by developing bundled packages of services/products.

The best ways to do this is to participate in forums, panels, roundtables online. You may also want to think about creating a Wiki or Ning site to develop a community of like-minded businesses. And you can participate in user group discussions for your own product and the generic product type. This is also a great time to participate in social media in a strategic, meaningful way or to create a dialogue group within your industry or invite clients/prospects to small discussion forums on a topic they consider to be vital.

Exciting possibilities live at the intersection of danger and opportunity. Use these tips to supercharge your marketing and make the most of today’s challenging environment.

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limitations and also contain an expense structure that may be higher than other college funding options. Your financial professional can provide you with information on annuities, including costs, so that you can determine if it is a suitable product based on your needs.

Personal Finance

By Narendra Dixit

Can You Afford Your Children’s College Education?

You probably already know that college is expensive—and getting more expensive all the time. The cost of four years at a top private school is nearly as much as the price of an average house.1 Unfortunately, there are no 30-year mortgages to finance the cost of your children’s education.

There is plenty you can do, however, to make sure that your children get the best possible education. Here are some guidelines, based on the age of your children.

For children under 14 • Start putting money aside now! The earlier you start, the greater the potential for long-term growth.

• Investigate Section 529 plans. These plans allow taxfree growth of your college savings and Federal tax-free withdrawal of the proceeds for qualified educational expenses when your children enter college.2,3 Some states also allow tax deductions for a limited amount of contributions by in-state residents and tax-free qualified withdrawals.

• In addition to Section 529 Plans, you can also put the maximum annual amount into a Coverdell Education Savings Account if your income meets eligibility requirements. Like 529 Plans, earnings may be distributed taxfree if used for educational expenses.3 In addition Coverdell Accounts may be used for pre-college educational expenses, such as elementary or secondary educational costs.

• Direct your investments in an age appropriate manner, whether you are investing in a 529 Plan, Coverdell Account, or other investment. Your financial professional can help you determine an appropriate mix of assets in your college accounts based on your time horizon and risk tolerance. The further your children are from college, the more aggressive your investments can be.

Because stocks are subject to relatively wide price swings and lots of day-to-day volatility, it may be advisable to switch to less volatile investments, such as bonds, as your children get nearer to college. Many 529 Plans offer a choice of investments, including funds that automatically change the asset mix as your child gets closer to college age. If you direct your investments, under Federal law you are permitted to re-allocate Section 529 Plan investments once a year.

• After other options have been exhausted, investigate variable annuities. Variable annuities offer tax-deferred growth potential and often have a wide range of investment options. Withdrawals are taxable, regardless of what they are used for and when they are taken.

Withdrawals are also generally subject to a surrender charge in the contract’s early years. There is also a 10% penalty tax imposed on the taxable portion of withdrawals if taken before age 59½. Annuities have December 2008

For children nearing college age Before investing in an account in the child’s name, you should be aware that colleges expect the student to contribute approximately 35 percent of his or her assets to pay for college costs, while the percentage expected of the parent is far lower (less than 5.5 percent). If you’ve put assets into an account in the child’s name, you may increase the amount that the college expects the child to pay and reduce your child’s chance of receiving financial aid. Section 529 Accounts are not affected, because they are considered parental assets.

Investigate Federal tax credits, including the Lifetime Learning Credit and the Hope Scholarship Credit. There are income limitations on these credits, so speak to your tax advisor to determine if you qualify.

Look into financial aid, even if your income seems too high. No matter what your income, do not assume your child is ineligible for financial aid. In addition to need-based aid, some colleges offer scholarships to outstanding students regardless of need. In addition, there are private scholarships, sponsored by employers, clubs and religious groups. Most high school guidance counselors have access to data bases that can give you a full listing. The financial aid office at the college may also put together a package based on the programs for which your children are eligible, including grants, loans and work/study programs.

Borrow as inexpensively as possible. There are numerous Federal and state loan programs that charge below market rate interest to qualified college borrowers. Other lower-cost sources of loans for college expenses include home equity loans, loans against your 401(k) plan, and policy loans on cash value life insurance. Paying for college is not easy, but planning is the key to making it happen.

Taking the time to plan now is the first step toward making sure your children get the education they deserve.

1. A student entering Stanford in 2003-2004 will pay $39,127 for tuition, room and board, according to 2004 data by the College Board (collegeboard.com). Even without taking account of rising costs over four years, the total bill would exceed $156,000. The median sales price of an existing house in the U.S. was $176,000, according to 2004 data published by the National Association of Realtors.

2. Under “sunset” provisions, current Section 529 tax rules are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010, unless renewed by Congress. Before 2001, these plans provided tax deferral, not tax-free college savings.

3. With both Section 529 Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, you can withdraw money for any reason, although you will pay taxes and may also be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty if withdrawals are made for non-educational reasons.

This article is not intended to provide legal, tax or investment advice. AXA Advisors and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice.

Narendra Dixit offers securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (member NASD, SIPC) and offers annuity and insurance products through an insurance general agency affiliate, AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. 704-540-1509

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Immigration Matters New U.S. Consulate opening in Hyderabad means faster visa processing The United States Department of State opened its fourth US consulate in India on October 24, 2008 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The event was marked by hoisting of the American flag by representatives of the United States and Indian armed forces. The U.S. Ambassador to India, David C. Mulford and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Y.S. Rajashekar Reddy thanked the U.S. government for making this historical event happen in record time.

The Hyderabad Consulate will start issuing visas in the middle of December. The Consulate will be fully functional in approximately six to eight months, at which point the people of Andhra Pradesh will no longer need to travel to Chennai for non-immigrant visas.

Until the U.S. Consulate begins to provide full services, travelers to the United States should continue to apply at the Consulate General in Chennai. Updates and important consular information can be found at the consulate website http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov.

Chandrashekar Challa, Chief Operations Officer with Richmond, VA immigration law firm, Challa Law Offices attended the event. “It was truly an honor to be present at the official flag hoisting and witnessing this historic event. The state of Andhra Pradesh has emerged into the forefront of India’s progress in fields like information technology, biotechnology, and construction and a land of immense business opportunities. The new Consulate further advances the state’s progress and fulfills President Bush’s promise to open a new U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad.”

fortune. The potential client was flabbergasted. He told my paralegal that the Department of Labor is supposed to process these cases in less than 60 days. My paralegal, ever so sharp and to the point, responded, “They lied!”

The labor certification is the first step in most employment-based permanent residency cases. Prior to March 2005, this process often took over two years and sometimes up to four or five years. Realizing that the system was inefficient, the Department of Labor (DOL) developed the PERM labor certification program. The purpose of PERM was to make the system faster and more efficient by implementing an electronic filing system. Furthermore, the DOL anticipated reducing processing times by requiring employers to follow and document recruitment efforts prior to filing a labor certification. The stated goal of the PERM labor certification program was to reduce processing time to less than 60 days.

As with any new program, there were problems.

However, processing times were faster. We sometimes received approvals within weeks – even days.

But things changed. The best laid government plans never work out as promised. PERM processing times slowly increased from weeks to months. Now, according to the newly released DOL statistics on PERM, processing times are usually taking over six months.

From less than 60 days to over six months - what’s the “over and under” (a popular betting term) on processing times hitting one year or more?

So, if you want to begin the permanent residency process, our advice is to make sure to start well before your fifth year in H-1B status. As processing times in the PERM labor certification program increase, you will want to give yourself enough time to not only go through the process, but to also protect yourself if you need to obtain a post-sixth year H-1B extension.

It’s A Tough Economy – Don’t Violate Immigration Laws When Making Tough Decisions

By Murali Bashyam

They Lied! Ever Increasing PERM Processing Times

By Murali Bashyam I had a conversation the other day with one of our senior paralegals. She was telling me that a potential client had called and needed a PERM started immediately - he only had six months left before his six years in H-1B status was over. The good news, she told him, was that we can now premium process I-140 applications in these types of situations. The bad news, she continued, was that PERM labor certifications are now routinely taking over six months to process.

In order to get an extension beyond the sixth year of H-1B status, an applicant must have had a PERM labor certification filed and pending for 365 days or have a PERM labor certification and I-140 approved (with no current priority date) prior to hitting their sixth year.

The former was not possible. The latter was going to be very tight on time and would require a little good December 2008

As our economy enters a period of slow growth, and maybe even the “R” word, employers may look to cut costs to ride out the economic downturn. These costs could include reductions in workforce, pay, or hours worked by company employees. If a company currently has foreign employees, the decision must look beyond basic company economics and consider possible violations of immigration laws as well. So what potential immigration laws could a company violate under these circumstances?

Labor Condition Application Violations Under the H-1B and E-3 professional visa programs, employers are required to pay their foreign employees the higher of the actual wage or prevailing wage for the position. The prevailing wage is determined by the Department of Labor (DOL). These obligations are covered under the Labor Condition Application (LCA) that is filed by employers with the DOL prior to obtaining professional work status for foreign employees.

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The LCA governs what the employer must pay and the hours the employee must work under the H-1B and E3 programs.

Employers should be mindful that reducing pay or work hours of foreign employees could result in a violation of the employer’s obligations under the LCA. Make sure that the salary does not fall below the actual wage stated in the LCA for the foreign employee. That will result in a violation of the LCA, and could lead to DOL penalties. Reducing an employee’s status from full-time to part-time is possible, but an employer must first do two things: 1) make sure that they are paying the higher of the actual or prevailing wage for that part-time position and 2) file an amended H-1B/E-3 application that contains a new LCA evidencing the part-time status of the employee. Furthermore, the DOL does not recognize “nonproductive work status,” also referred to as “benching.” Employers will be required to make pro-rata payment of required wages even if a foreign worker is put on nonproductive work status.

What happens if an employer terminates an H-1B or E3 professional workers? An employer must pay for the reasonable costs of transportation for the employee back to his/her home country for H-1B workers. This means the cost of a plane ticket back home. The obligation covers the H-1B employee and not the employee’s family. The same legal obligation does not exist for workers holding E-3 status.

Some employers will be considered “H1B dependent” if a certain percentage of their workforce consists of H-1B workers. If an employer is H-1B dependent, it must monitor layoffs within its workforce. After an LCA is certified for a position, an employer must make certain that it has not laid off a U.S. worker from an equivalent position within 90 days preceding and 90 days after the filing of an H-1B petition. Employers must be careful to monitor layoffs of U.S. workers under these conditions.

PERM Labor Certification Violations The PERM labor certification application is the first step of most employer-sponsored permanent residency applications filed on behalf of foreign employees. The purpose of PERM is to prevent the displacement of qualified U.S. workers for the foreign employee’s position.

Layoffs of U.S. workers in positions similar to the foreign worker, if they occur within the six-month period preceding the filing of a PERM labor certification, will impact an employer’s recruitment obligations and their ability to file the labor certification application. In this situation, employers will be required to consider the U.S. workers who have been laid off for the position specified in the labor certification. Therefore, it is important that employers monitor layoffs not only in the context of workers in H-1B or E-3 status, but for workers who are going through the permanent residency process as well.

Is it a tough economy? Yes. Will tough decisions need to be made? Perhaps. But be careful not to violate immigration laws while implementing cost cutting measures.

Murali Bashyam is Founder and Managing Partner of Bashyam Spiro LLP - Immigration Law Group (www.bashyamspiro.com), a law firm that focuses on global Immigration and Nationality Law. December 2008

USCIS Makes Major Strides in 2008 WASHINGTON—More than one million new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance during fiscal year 2008, just one of the significant accomplishments introduced today by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Acting Director Jonathan Scharfen highlighted the agency’s progress throughout the past year and discussed future goals, saying the positive results are directly attributable to the USCIS workforce.

“The tremendous dedication and hard work of more than 18,000 USCIS employees and contractors has resulted in the continuous progress we’ve realized this past year,” Scharfen said. “We set aggressive goals to reduce application processing times, further cut the FBI name check backlog, and began a viable transformation process for the agency. I’m proud to say that we are achieving those goals while ensuring that national security is an essential part of our ongoing customer service improvements.”

Some accomplishments for 2008 include: • Completed more than 1.17 million naturalization applications, up more than 50 percent from FY07.

• Reduced naturalization application processing times to 9-10 months, down from the 16-18 months projected after the surge of applications in late FY07.

• Hired 1,600 new adjudications officers during FY08.

Significantly revised and restructured the existing training curriculum and developed the BASIC training program at the USCIS Training Academy, preparing new officers to be “job-ready’ upon completion of training.

• Worked with the FBI to effectively eliminate all name checks pending more than two years and reduced the cases waiting for a name check final result from almost 350,000 in late FY07 to less than 37,000.

• Interviewed more than 100,000 refugee applicants and completed more than 47,000 asylum applications.

• Increased participation in E-Verify, the nation’s preeminent employment eligibility verification system, by 260 percent over last year, resulting in the verification of more than 10 percent of the Nation’s new hires.

During FY09, USCIS’ goal is to achieve a 20 percent reduction in processing times for the majority of key petitions and applications, in spite of having to work through an unexpected surge of applications received during FY07. The agency plans a five-month processing time for naturalization applications (N-400s) and a four-month processing time for both adjustment of status applications (I-485s) and petitions for alien workers (I-140s).

USCIS moves into 2009 with a more aggressive agenda to improve its services to customers.

The agency has awarded the Transformation Solution Architect task order to IBM, a five-year investment to improve its filing and adjudication systems.

“We are gearing up for 2009 with a forward-looking and robust agenda that will result in an even better immigration service for our customers and our great Nation.” Scharfen added.

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Source: uscis.gov saathee.com

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What this could mean for investors over the next 12 months Over the next 12 months, we could see multiple market bottoms — likely 750 to 800 on the S&P 500 and 7,500 to 8,000 on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

As I said, we at NetIP believe the United States is going to recover first, likely beginning at the end of next year.

I also believe that there will be a second bottoming in or around the February 2009 earnings season and the third bottoming will likely occur when the housing market bottoms out, which I believe will occur in the second half of 2009. I believe building activity will

By Hardik (HD) Shah level out; housing prices may continue to decrease, as Here are my views on the current state of the financial they are a lagging indicator. Housing affordability markets. brought about by lower prices and lower interest rates should help the segment rebound.

What is happening: The Macro The potential financial sector meltdown that concerned investors early this fall has likely been averted due to a number of initiatives launched by governments, administrations and governmental financial institutions around the world. Now investor concerns have shifted to the weak economy and the likelihood of a deeper than originally expected recession. While deleveraging is still taking place, financial stress is Hardik (HD) Shah decreasing and economic stress is picking up. Signs of is the president of NetIP Charlotte. economic stress are seen in poor earnings announceNetIP Charlotte is the only official Carolinas ments, much lower than expected retail sales and job Chapter of the North America’s Largest Network of Indian Professionals. cut announcements, which implies much higher future Contact: hd@netipcharlotte.org unemployment. Consumer spending will likely be www.NetIPCharlotte.org down three percent in the third quarter and is predicted to be down in the fourth quarter as well. This would be the first time in 30 years that for two consecutive quarters consumer spending is down — and is a sign that consumers are simply unable to spend. This will have large implications for China and other emerging markets, and thus the global economy.

Market Conditions

At the same time, we, at NetIP, feel: • While the United States led the global economic downturn, it will be the first large economy to lead the recovery.

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• The dollar is strengthening and, we believe, will remain relatively strong over at least the next 12 to 18 months.

• The precipitous drop in oil prices is putting more money in consumer’s wallets and will have other positive implications for the economy.

• And, importantly, numerous investment opportunities are being created in the equity markets, into which we believe investors will be able to tap through the end of the year and into early 2009.

What is happening: Today Over the period of last few weeks, a decline in Asian markets, among other factors, led to forced selling by mutual funds, leveraged investors suffering margin calls, institutional investors and hedge funds. This selling has nothing to do with underlying stock valuations — some investors are being forced to raise cash as they de-lever to meet requests for capital. Equity markets are dropping as a result. This is the first of three “bottoming opportunities” that I believe investors will experience over the next 12 months .

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longer. Stir in the spinach, cilantro, and lemon juice.

Adjust the consistency with more water as needed and then season with salt and pepper. Simmer over very low heat for another 5 minutes. Serve at once or let stand for an hour before serving and then heat through as needed. Serves 6 to 8.

Flavor Feast

Four-Grain Tomato Soup Tis the holiday season. Here are some soup recipes that will help warm up any winter gathering.

Chinese Cabbage Tofu Soup Ingredients: 1 tbsp light olive oil 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced 2 cups firmly packed, finely shredded napa or savoy cabbage 3/4 cup thinly sliced small white mushrooms One 6-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, undrained One 32-ounce carton low-sodium vegetable broth 2 tbsp dry sherry or wine (optional) 2 tsp soy sauce Freshly ground pepper to taste 1 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved 8 ounces soft or firm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes Method: Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over low heat until golden. Add the remaining ingredients, except the snow peas and tofu. Bring to a rapid simmer and then lower the heat. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the snow peas and tofu and let the soup stand for 30 minutes. Heat through and serve at once.

Serves 4 - 6.

Curried Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons light olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed 2 bay leaves 2 large potatoes, scrubbed and diced One 16-ounce can salt-free diced tomatoes, undrained 2 teaspoons curry powder, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric Pinch of nutmeg 2 1/2 cups finely chopped cauliflower pieces 2 cups finely chopped fresh spinach leaves 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro Juice of 1/2 lemon Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Method: Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until both are golden. Add the lentils, celery, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover with 6 cups water. Bring to a rapid simmer and lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, and curry powder and simmer until the potatoes are about half done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the cauliflower and simmer until the lentils and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes December 2008

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced 2 large celery stalks, finely diced 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced One 28-ounce can pureed or crushed tomatoes 1/4 cup bulgur 1/4 cup wild rice 1/4 cup millet or quinoa 1/4 cup pearl or pot barley 2 bay leaves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning mix 6 cups water Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Method: Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, until translucent. Add the celery, carrots, sweet potato, tomatoes, the four grains, bay leaves, and seasoning mix. Stir in the water and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently, covered, for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes or so. If the soup is too dense, adjust with additional water and return to a gentle simmer. Add the dill and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the grains and vegetables are tender. If time allows, let the soup stand off the heat for an hour or two before serving, then heat through as needed. This soup thickens quite a bit as it stands. Add water as needed and adjust the seasonings. Serves 8 or more.

Sweet Onion & Mushroom Soup Ingredients: 5 medium to large onions (mix of red, sweet, etc) 8 regular mushrooms 1 tablespoon oil 2 teaspoon brown sugar 1 cube veggie bouillon Water 1 tbsp sun dried tomato tapenade (optional) Method: First heat the oil in a pot and add the chopped onions until they are slightly soft and brown. Then add the 2 teaspoon of brown sugar until caramelized just a little bit. Add the mushrooms and enough water until onions and mushrooms are just covered, and then add the veggie bouillon. Leave on a low boil for about 10 minutes. Take out half of the mixture, put in a blender, and pulse quickly. This is to mix the texture up a bit, so it’s half smooth and half chunky. Then add the tapenade and leave on the low heat for another 5 or 8 minutes. Serves 3.

Saathee 66

Recipes courtesy of vegkitchen.com saathee.com

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1st Test - November 20-24, 2008 @ Sydney 2nd Test - Novr 28-Dec 2, 2008 @ Brisbane 1st ODI - February 1, 2009 @ Perth 2nd ODI - February 6, 2009 @ Melbourne 3rd ODI - February 8, 2009 @ Sydney 4th ODI - February 10, 2009 @ Adelaide 5th ODI - February 13, 2009 @ Brisbane 20/20 match - Februart 15, 2009 @ Sydney

The Cricket Forum

By Rajesh Ganatra England visits India The England Cricket team is visiting India for a series of seven ODIs and two Tests. Here is the lineup:

Sri Lanka visits Zimbabwe The Sri Lankan Cricket team is visiting Zimbabwe for a series of five ODIs. Here is the lineup:

November 14, 2008 - 1st ODI @ Rajkot Result: IND won by 158 runs IND - 387/5, 50.0 overs ENG - 229/all out, 37.4 overs

1st ODI - November 20, 2008 @ Harare Result: SL won by six [6] wickets ZIM - 127/all out, 31.0 overs SL - 130/4, 33.2 overs

November 17, 2008 - 2nd ODI @ Indore Result: IND won by 54 runs IND - 292/9, 50.0 overs ENG - 238/all out, 47.0 overs

2nd ODI - November 22, 2008 @ Harare Result: SL won by nine [9] wickets ZIM - 67/all out, 30.0 overs SL - 68/1, 17.4 overs

November 20, 2008 - 3rd ODI @ Kanpur Result: IND won by 16 runs (D/L method) ENG - 240/all out, 48.4 overs IND - 198/5, 40.0 overs

3rd ODI - November 24, 2008 @ Harare 4th ODI - November 28, 2008 @ Harare 5th ODI - November 30, 2008 @ Harare

November November November December December December

Cricket schedule is courtesy www.cricinfo.com Note that the aforesaid schedule is subject to change due to acts of nature, political issues, etc.

23, 2008 - 4th ODI @ Bangalore 26, 2008 - 5th ODI @ Cuttack 29, 2008 - 6th ODI @ Guwahati 2, 2008 - 7th ODI @ Delhi 11-15, 2008 - 1st Test @ Ahmedabad 19-23, 2008 - 2nd Test @ Mumbai

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Word World

By Kirit Shukla

C

A A

I R

Make words using 4 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Use all letters for the subject word.

No repeating of any letters.

16+ words = Excellent; 11 to 15 words = Good; 10 or less needs to improve.

(Solution at bottom of page)

Taekwondo

By Sneha Savasere (Age 10) Taekwondo is fun to do, It’s very easy too!

Roundhouse kick and Tornado kick Middle punch and front snap kick Are good to fight the twits There are a lot of benefits Like confidence, honesty and flexibility.

And strength, coordination, and dependability.

Those are just a few.

You won’t be saying ewe.

You must be thinking wow So start now!

Only in school…

The Lion that Sprang to Life A Panchatantra tale Gather around children. Here’s another story from the classic collection of ancient Indian stories of wisdom called the Panchatantra tales.

Once upon a time, there were four friends living in a village. Three of these four friends were learned in all sciences, but had no common sense. The fourth friend was known by the name Subuddhi and was as learned in scriptures or sciences, but he had much common sense. He was quite practical in his approach towards life and knew what was good or bad for him.

One day, the three learned friends thought that there was no use of their learning, unless it brought December 2008

Teacher: “Can you give me an example of wasted energy?”

Pupil: “Yes, ma’am, telling a hair-raising story to a bald-headed man.”

Teacher: “Give me a sentence with an object.”

Pupil: “You’re very beautiful, teacher.”

Teacher: “What’s the object?”

Pupil: “A good grade!”

Teacher: “Give me an example of a collective noun.”

Pupil: “Garbage can.”

Word World (Solution): ACME, ACRE, AREA, AMERICA, CAME, CAMERA, CARE, CRAM, CREAM, MACE, MARE, MARI, MIRA, RACE, RAMA, REAM, RICE

M

E

them money to fulfill their needs. They decided to travel to all distant towns and cities in order to try their luck. They didn’t want to take their fourth friend with them, as he was not learned. However, they agreed to take him along with them, taking into account that he was their friend since childhood.

After this, the four friends set out on a long journey. They wandered from one town to another, looking for an opportunity to earn money. One day, during their journey, they had to cross a dense forest.

While passing through the forest, they saw a heap of bones lying under a tree. On seeing the heap, one of the learned friends said, “Friends, this is a good opportunity to test our skills. I think these bones are of a certain animal. Let us bring it to life using the knowledge we have acquired.”

The first friend said, “Fine. I will use my skills to assemble the bones into a skeleton”. Then he chanted some mantra and ordered all the bones to come together forming a skeleton. When the skeleton was ready, the second friend chanted some other mantra, commanding flesh and blood to fill the skeleton and skin to cover it. Now, it looked like a lifeless lion.

As the third learned friend stood up to do the final act of putting life into the lifeless body of the animal, the fourth friend shouted, “Stop! This looks like the body of a lion. If it comes to life, he will kill all of us.”

The friend, who was to put life into the body of the animal said, “You are a fool. What do you know in the field of learning and knowledge? Do you think I will lose this opportunity to test my learning? It would be better, if you keep your mouth shut.”

Ignoring what the fourth friend had said, the learned friend started chanting the mantra to bring the animal back to life. The fourth friend shouted, “Wait a minute” and quickly climbed up a tree nearby. The three learned friends laughed on the act of their friend. The third friend put life in the lifeless body of the lion. The lion sprang to life and killed all the three learned men. The fourth friend later climbed down the tree and safely went back to his village.

Moral: Knowledge without common sense is useless.

Saathee 72

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Nepal: Annapurna Circuit continued from page 18 In 1993/4, 5898 walkers headed up the eastern side; in the first half of 1997, 18.1 per cent of those walkers were from the UK, 11.4 per cent from Germany, 11.3 per cent from the US and 9.7 per cent from France.

Conversely, on the western side there were 15822 walkers in 1996/7, of which 13.7 per cent were from the UK, 12.7 per cent from Germany, 10.5 per cent from France and 9.2 per cent from the US. The pass sure puts people off, and because the west side is more luxurious than the east, hardly anyone just does the east, as shown by the fact that there are three times as many walkers on the Jomsom as on the Circuit.

And those walkers doing the whole Circuit will pass through 73 villages in 90 hours of walking, with 540 hotels to choose from with a total of 5218 beds.

Annapurna means business.

Annapurna Trekking and AMS “A lover without indiscretion is no lover at all,” read the poster in the teashop a few days into the trail, and the total nonsense of the message seemed quite in keeping with the contradictions I saw around me.

Slashing a route through the deepest mountain valleys, the Annapurna Circuit passes through villages that used to be almost invisible, but which now sport signs in English, shops selling western luxuries, hotels with hot showers and even international telephone booths for those people who can’t resist intruding on the outside world. The Annapurna Circuit isn’t known as the Apple Pie Trail and the Coca-Cola Circuit for nothing.

This type of trekking has its ups and downs in more than just the literal sense. The impact of tourism on this erstwhile netherworld is plain to see: piles of bottles lie cracking in the searing sun, candy wrappers litter a number of the paths and the local culture is hard to separate from the service industries of hotel and restaurant. On the plus side, though, income is higher, ecological awareness is increasing, and the litter problem is nothing compared to India or Indonesia, an impressive feat when you consider the sheer numbers of people involved.

The Circuit also has an image problem among hardcore trekkers, who see it as more of a long stroll than a serious challenge. Trekkers who are more at home in waist-deep swamps and leech-infested tropical rainforests call it the “milk and honey trek” because of all the luxuries you encounter on the way – shops, real beds, bottled water and so on – and indeed Peter, with whom I’d trekked in Sulawesi, had described the Circuit as more of a collection of day walks than a real trek. In a sense he was right because most of the days are fairly short in terms of time and distance, but I would dismiss the comments of the walking junkies December 2008

completely: I found the Annapurna Circuit a phenomenal challenge, though perhaps for different reasons than normal.

With such a walk one doesn’t walk alone, even if one initially sets out on a solo trek. The groups I joined kept changing as various people went at different speeds or succumbed to the demands of the trek, but the main people were spot on. There were Clare and Anne, sisters from Vancouver; Jakob from Denmark; Bob from Cleveland, Ohio, a veteran 13year traveler; Sheldon from Australia; and a whole spectrum of other characters to liven the mix. Sharing walks, something I tend not to do, is a good thing when your nightly stops are in hotels, and it struck me early on that Annapurna was made to be shared.

Another thing to share is paranoia about AMS. If you could take a man from sea level and transport him to the top of Everest then he would be in a coma after two minutes, and dead after four. This is currently impossible because helicopters don’t have enough air at that height to operate and airplanes can’t land on craggy peaks. The reason is a combination of the lack of oxygen and the low atmospheric pressure at that height; on Thorung La the atmospheric pressure is half that of sea level, and the partial pressure of oxygen (i.e. the amount of oxygen in the air) is a third of that at sea level, as oxygen is heavier than nitrogen. The result is that without slow acclimatization people can die from AMS on the Annapurna Circuit, and they do, although not in high numbers (about one in 30,000 trekkers).

This sort of challenge provides an astounding amount of food for thought for trekkers whiling away the hours in their hotel restaurants. In a display of group psychosis that is rarely seen outside village gossip groups, AMS became the subject of the moment.

Every other question seemed to be “Do you have a headache? Are you on Diamox? How many acclimatization walks have you done today?” It would have been boring if there hadn’t been so many conflicting opinions as to the truth behind AMS. AMS is still a bit of a mystery, even though scientists know exactly why it happens and how to prevent it.

The difficulty is that everyone seems to react differently to increased altitude: some might be able to go all the way from 300m to 5500m in a day without any symptoms, and some will die if they do the same. The guidelines are simple, though: when you get to 3000m you should only ascend 300m in each day, you should try to go on an acclimatization walk to a higher point than your sleeping height, and at the sign of any symptoms you should stop ascending and, if they don’t go away or get worse, go down. Descent is the only cure,

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and the recommended drug, Diamox, is only an aid to quicker acclimatization, not a cure.

It’s even trickier, though, because the symptoms of AMS are a headache, reduced appetite and nausea, a loss of good humor, a congestive cough, and in serious AMS, ataxia (wobbly legs) and vomiting. These symptoms are fairly common on all long walks, with their exhausting days, uncomfortable beds and dubious food, so the paranoia runs rife, and with the temperatures well below freezing on the higher parts of the track, you have to wonder if your headache is from the icy blasts of wind freezing your ears off, or genuine AMS.

Initially I was less concerned with getting AMS and more worried about an old friend. On the fourth day into the trek I felt a familiar stirring in my stomach, got those old eggy-belch blues, and realized that good old giardia had come back.

I took an extra day loafing around feeling miserable, before managing to walk up to the village of Chame where the hospital – a rickety old building rather mysteriously perched on top of a steep hill that would put off all but the most determined of the sick – gave me a week’s course of metronidazole, the third drug I’d end up using to try to kill off the bastard (the other two being Secnil and Flagyl).

The metronidazole certainly seemed to work, stopping the symptoms, but it had the added side effect of knocking me out; metronidazole is firmly in the “don’t operate machinery” category, and as the week’s course lasted until just over the pass, I spent a lot of the ascent buzzing from something other than altitude.

And irrespective of whether you get trekker’s stomach or AMS, the high altitude means you get out of breath after just a few steps and have to rest a ridiculous amount. It makes the hardcore trekkers quite depressed: hills they would normally conquer before breakfast take all morning to walk up, however strong they are at sea level. Man just wasn’t meant to fly.

But the trek is well worth all this medical trauma.

From the lush lakeside town of Pokhara you travel along valleys that become increasingly steep and desolate as the altitude lowers the temperature and the treeline approaches. Every day the huge peaks of the various ranges lean closer and closer, looming over tiny settlements where houses are cobbled together out of yak dung and shaky cement.

The Annapurna. What a beautiful place to walk.

Mark Moxon is a freelance web developer, producer and journalist. His travel writings and photos appear on www.moxon.net.

We also lost a fellow trekker to a mysterious stomach illness, and heard plenty of other stories of people getting ill on the trek. For some reason the Annapurna area is home to a bewildering array of nasty ailments, and this is why I class the track as difficult: trekking with a dodgy stomach and AMS is a bloody nightmare.

December 2008

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Community Focus Interior Design Society (IDS) ShowHouse To benefit Dove House At Cramer Mountain

2008, recently featured her family’s personal residence as a show house to raise money for the Dove House Charity. The mission of the Dove House is to work with the community to respond rapidly and effectively to reported cases of child sexual abuse in Iredell and Alexander Counties, to promote appropriate therapy for the child and non-offending family members, and to enhance the legal system which will result in an increased rate of prosecution of perpetrators. The Event took place on November 14, 2008 and featured a tour of the house along with a silent auction. Local TV anchorman Larry Sprinkle hosted the live auction.

The IDS / Dove Charity Show House events have raised over $100,000 this year. Teams of IDS designers led by Toni Sawhney were involved in this project (dubbed “Sunset Villa”) from the initial design phase.

The 2-story 5,800 square foot home in Cramer Mountain Country Club offers over 1,000 square feet of outdoor space with a stunning view and incorporates many of today’s energy saving “green” ideas in its construction. For details about IDS visit www.idscharlotte.com and for info about the Dove House visit www.dovehouse.us.

Call for Entries for a Juried Art Exhibit The India Association of Charlotte, NC is calling for entries for a juried art exhibit to take place from April 15 - May 26 2009 at Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. The theme for this exhibition will be “I Am An Indian Woman.” To receive an entry form or for inquiries send an email to: vapradhan@bellsouth.net or sarveda@bellsouth.net. The deadline for entries is February 28, 2009.

Boogie Woogie Auditions

Top: Sunset Villa show house in Cramerton. Second: Interior of the house.

Bottom: Sawhney family with TV anchor Larry Sprinkle.

Toni Sawhney, the Chairperson for the Interior Design Society (IDS) of the Carolinas for Show Houses in December 2008

Latha Pamarthi conducted the 2008 North Carolina Boogie Woogie auditions on November 9 at the Natya Academy in Cary. There were 23 contestants competing for both junior and senior titles. The winner in the Junior division (ages 6 - 13) was 11-year-old Shivali Patel from Raleigh and the winner in the Senior division was 16-year-old Athidi Guthikonda from Charlotte. Both winners will travel to New Jersey in December to represent NC at the national competition.

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Is Your Car Ready for winter?

Never cut corners. Be sure yours have adequate padding left to get you through the season.

(ARA) - What’s the last thing you want to happen when heading off to school or that mountain getaway you’ve been looking forward to? If you’re driving to your destination, the worst case scenario would be for the flashing “Check Engine” warning light to come on, leading to your car breaking down.

Prevent that road trip from turning into a nightmare by doing a little preventative maintenance. Whether you take your car to a mechanic, or do the maintenance yourself, here’s a checklist to follow before you pack up and head out:

7. Replace your wipers.

A good working set of wipers is critical especially when driving in rain, sleet and snow. With such moisture coming from the air, and salt, dirt and grime being kicked up from the road, it takes wipers that are in tip-top shape to keep your windshield clean and you safe.

1. Check your engine oil.

Most people get their oil changed every 3,000 miles.

Before leaving on a long trip, it’s a good idea to do it again, just to make sure levels are adequate and your vehicle is running clean.

2. Check your antifreeze.

Lowering your engine’s freezing point with antifreeze is an essential part of your car’s winter protection. Make sure the fluid level is full with a mixture as close as possible to 50 percent water, 50 percent antifreeze.

3. Clean your battery posts.

If you want your car to start quickly and easily, don’t allow dirt and grime to build up on your battery terminals. Keep them as clean as possible.

4. Inspect your spark plug wires.

Cracked and/or frayed plug wires can impact your vehicle’s performance, gas mileage and overall reliability. Make sure yours are in top shape.

5. Inspect your tires.

Tires lose pressure when they get cold, so be sure to check them and add air if necessary. You should also check your tire’s tread to make sure they are ready for winter driving. An easy way to check is to take a Lincoln-head penny and insert it head-first into the most worn part of your tire tread. If you can see Abe’s head, he may be telling you to get a new set of tires. Don’t forget a full-size spare tire and snow chains, especially if your trip involves snowy or icy terrain.

6. Inspect your brakes.

Your safety and well-being rest on your car’s brakes.

December 2008

8. Check your windshield washer fluid.

You’ll be using a lot of fluid as you try to keep your windows clean. Fill the reservoir before leaving on your trip, and bring along an extra bottle just in case.

In addition to such preventative maintenance, put together an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools - such as such as a pocket knife, wrench and screwdriver, an ice scraper and brush, a fully charged cell phone, first aid supplies, warm clothing, blankets, hats for everyone, water and non-perishable food. Also include some carpet strips or kitty litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, and a nifty glovebox mechanic that will help you figure out what to do if the “Check Engine” light comes on when you’re thousands of miles from home.

Think the chances of that happening are slim? It happens more often than you may think — and not just in the winter. According to a recent Harris Interactive survey, an estimated 10 percent of the drivers on the road right now have a vehicle with a “check engine” light on.

If the light has been on for a while, it probably doesn’t mean the vehicle is in imminent danger of failure.

But it could mean that a sensor has failed, the catalytic converter is going bad, the vehicle has a loose gas cap, which reduces gas mileage, or the vehicle recently underwent service and failed to reset itself.

But how do you know for sure? By using CarMD, the only consumer electronics device and software system designed to help drivers monitor their vehicle’s health and emissions output.

Simply plug the easy-to-use handheld device into the vehicle’s computer (there’s usually a port under the steering wheel) and wait a few second for it to beep. A green light indicates nothing is wrong, which is a positive indication before taking a road trip. A yellow light signals a possible problem and a red light means there is a current problem and service is required - particularly before you head out on a long trip.

If you get a yellow or red light, for more in-depth information, simply plug the tool into a personal computer or laptop using the included USB cable. The CarMD device will connect to the company’s Web site and provide a comprehensive report on your vehicle’s health, including most likely problem, estimated fix and repair costs in your area so you can get your vehicle healthy and back on the road.

To learn more about “Check Engine” light maintenance or to order a CarMD device, visit www.carMD.com.

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Courtesy of ARAcontent saathee.com

Live Earth India

Dentist Blog

continued from page 38

continued from page 40

access to new social network, where you’ll have access to updated and improved toolkit. This network was created specifically to unite registered Friends of Live Earth event hosts, enabling them to share ideas, ask and answer questions, support one another’s events, and share photos and stories afterward.

good picture and help the dentist, open your mouth really big like an “alligator.”

About Live Earth On July 7, 2007, Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis became the largest global entertainment event in history, with simultaneous concerts in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Hamburg, and reaching an estimated audience of 2 billion people worldwide. As with the 07.07.07 first Live Earth event, with the Global Climate Crisis, Live Earth partners with former Vice President and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore and his organization, The Alliance for Climate Protection, whenever dealing with the Global Client Crisis. Live Earth’s overall mission centers on leveraging the power of entertainment through integrated events, media, and experiences to ignite global movements aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues. In partnership with corporations, non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and entertainment and political influencers, Live Earth creates innovative, engaging events and media that challenge global leaders, local communities and every individual to actively participate in solving our planet’s urgent environmental crises. The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook, the Live Earth Film Series, and ongoing online, print, email and mobile campaigns continue to engage and grow our worldwide community as we prepare for new initiatives for 2008, 2009, and beyond. To learn more about Live Earth and how to actively participate in solutions, visit www.liveearth.org.

Once the counting is done, the dentist may offer you a special vitamin to chase the bad sugar bugs away.

With this your dentist is almost done. Now comes the big surprise! You get to walk to the treasure box and pick a prize for yourself for your good behavior. Now tell me kiddos, does this sound easy to you? When it is time for your dental visit you can tell your mom or dad how easy this is going to be and that you can do it by yourself.

Sometimes, you may have some sugar bugs that need to be cleaned out. Your dentist may ask you to comeback on a later day to ride the spaceship again.

This will also be a fun trip. During this visit, the dentist has to clean your teeth, and hence will ask you to open your mouth. Guess how you should open? You are right! Open like an alligator so that the dentist can clean all the sugar bugs out faster.

Sometime, the dentist may play a trick on the sugar bugs that don’t come out easily. The dentist squirts a special “Sleep Juice” on your teeth. This will put the teeth and the sugar bugs to sleep. Do you know how it is done? First, the dentist applies a special sleepy gel on your teeth, so that sugar bug and the teeth will fall asleep. Then the dentist squirts a sleepy juice. You may feel a little pinch like a mosquito bite. Soon the teeth and the sugar bugs fall asleep so hard they will not know what is happening to them. This is the time the dentist uses a special toy called the Whistler. This toy loves to whistle while working and hence got its name. Whistler chases all the sleeping sugar bugs away. Just to make sure that they don’t return, the dentist puts a silver star in those places where the sugar bugs were living.

If you have helped the dentist in chasing the sugar bugs away, you deserve a reward! Go to the treasure chest and pick a gift of your choice.

Next time you visit your dentist talk to him/her about all the important things you learned today. I am sure they will be thrilled to listen to you.

Here is a small homework for you.

Remember to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Brush each time for two minutes.

Visit the dentist every six months.

As always, have fun, keep smiling and I will see you next time.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan (2nd from left) and other luminaries at the press conference for Live Earth India.

December 2008

Parents, Hope the above reading will help you prepare your child for a dental visit.

See you next month! Till then keep smiling.

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Astride continued from page 48 Upon those boughs which shade against the cold, Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sing.

Honda’s Motto? The Power of Dreams.

Environmental Matters: an update Windmills and solar cells are the staples in the buzz centering on alternative energy sources and environmental sustainability. Windmills have been perfected to operate at wind speeds as low as seven miles per hour, while solar cell efficiency has steadily improved. An innovative California firm has even come up with the bright idea of affixing solar panels on the vanes of standard windmills, thus reaping a second harvest from nature. Of course it’s easy to understand that in this arrangement the sun’s rays do not strike the solar panels at an optimum angle, yet the idea is certainly worth developing.

In the book “Cradle to Cradle” the author says that a product should be so designed, and should contain such material, that at the end of its useful life, either the parts can be reused in industrial processes or they should be returnable to nature as biodegradable material.

Another innovative idea is that an appliance such as a refrigerator should only be leased, not bought outright. The manufacturer would be responsible for maintenance of the appliance, for a fee, and should take back the product when the time comes to upgrade it. In this way, the user is not tempted to toss the old product into the garbage dump. One notes that our solid wastes have required greater and greater landfills, and we are effectively trashing the wealth of the world - turning valuable raw material into worthless rubbish. We’ve been doing this ever since we started using tools and fire, but the process has become unsustainable over the last two centuries so.

In another book, the analogy is drawn between the ways we callously burn fossil fuels, releasing the smoke into the atmosphere, to burning the wooden furniture in our homes with the windows shut. One must remember that the atmosphere is a finite entity, and paper-thin, if you reduce the earth to the size of a billiard ball (in a thought experiment).

Finally, in the book “Biomimicry,” the author urges our designers, scientists and engineers to take a second look at how animals and plants go about producing valuable things. The spider, for example, weaves a web the strands of which are stronger than steel, weight for weight, yet does not use high temperatures or pressures. The author makes the point that whenever we have high temperatures or loud noises, we are being inefficient.

Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen using sunlight in a marvelously efficient, yet little understood, process called photosynthesis. If we could only mimic at least some of nature’s processes, we would be immeasurably better off. Remember, nature has had millions of years to perfect her processes, while we humans have only just begun.

The Greenpeace Phenomenon The entirely volunteer organization, Greenpeace, if you didn’t know it already, has activists who stand up December 2008

for all the good ecological values like a ban on whaling, concern for global warming, concern for nuclear bomb testing, and so on.

Greenpeace was founded in Vancouver in 1971 and has offices in 42 countries around the world. The organization has 2.8 million members worldwide, who work for it and support it financially. Although Greenpeace does not accept corporate donations, it does take money from foundations and other charitable organizations.

The current Greenpeace priorities are: 1) Stopping climate change (global warming).

2) Preserving the oceans, including stopping whaling and bottom trawling.

3) Saving ancient forests.

4) Peace and nuclear disarmament.

5) Promoting sustainable agriculture.

6) Eliminating toxic chemicals.

For details on Greenpeace’s work, current and past visit www.greenpeace.org/usa/ Commonsense Ecology The earth’s atmosphere is a finite entity. It doesn’t take rocket science to realize that we cannot keep pouring smoke and carbon dioxide into it indefinitely, not to talk about methane and the oxides of nitrogen.

Sooner or later, the air we breathe will become unbreathable.

I read somewhere that every year we pour 14 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the air. By any standards, that is a huge amount.

My first encounter with air pollution occurred in 1969 when I was studying BSc at St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta. While cycling to college every day from Jodhpur Park, a journey that took me about 20 minutes, I had to pass through the busy Gariahat Junction.

Invariably, I got a burning sensation in my eyes as I traversed that busy crossing.

In fact, my eye irritation became so acute that I had to see a doctor and even considered dropping my BSc in favor of BCom, which put less strain on my eyes because it required less studying. But my doctor advised against it, and gave me some eye-drops, which alleviated the condition.

This was before all cars were required to have emission control on their exhaust system.

The three-way car exhaust box, serendipitously, oxidizes carbon monoxide to the less harmful carbon dioxide, and reduces nitrogen oxides to pure nitrogen.

Unburned hydrocarbons are also converted to carbon dioxide and water. But millions of cars and trucks all emitting carbon dioxide upset nature’s balance, and cause the greenhouse effect that leads to global warming.

The Thames River, which passes through London, was once extremely polluted. But once a cleanup campaign was launched, people cooperated so much that very soon the Thames was restored to its pristine purity.

Environmental consciousness is now taken for granted, but it was not so twenty years ago. Rachel Carson’s famous book, Silent Spring, alerted the world to the dangers of using chemical pesticides indiscriminately.

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Community News & Events Compiled by Rajesh Ganatra

Charlotte, NC Art Of Living (Healing with the Breath) Art of Living is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. This is done through selfdevelopment programs that recharge the body, mind and spirit and allow people to function at their optimum potential. People from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions come together in service and celebration.

Info: 704.248.2647 charlotte@us.artofliving.org www.artofliving.org BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Regularly scheduled activities include a daily Aarti at 6:30 am and 7 pm. Darshan: Mon-Fri 6:30 am-12:30 pm and 4 - 8:30 pm, Sat/Sun 6:30 am-8:30 pm.

Gujarati classes are held every Sunday from 3 - 4 pm and “Satsang Sabha” is held every Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

The Swaminarayan Temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Road in Charlotte, N.C. Info: 704.573.0805 704.573.0820 (fax) Bhartiya Association of Lake Norman (BALKN) BALKN invites members from Indian community living at Lake Norman and the surrounding areas to join the organization and be a part of the ongoing fun activities.

Info: 704.807.4485 (Mitesh Parikh) 704.663.6647 (Mahesh Trivedi) 704.881.4939 (Sunny Bhavanani) www.balkn.org Carolinas Prayer Fellowship Rev. Dr. Samuel Prabodh Talluri invites everyone living in the North and South Carolina to participate in “Fellowship” Every Sunday Morning in Gastonia, N.C. Info: Jay 704.865.1428 Joe 704.824-8698 Dayakar 704.545.1465 December 2008

Charlotte Gita Study Group Join the study of the Bhagawat Gita, based on the Home Study Course by Swami Dayananda Saraswati of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam at Saylorsburg, PA. Swamiji’s written commentary in English will follow each verse, after which there will be a chance to have a short discussion.

Additionally, there will be a short, guided meditation session. The group meets every first and third Sunday from 4 - 5.30 p.m. in Charlotte, NC. Info: 704.622.9108 rvenky@aol.com naras@quaero.com Charlotte Kannada Koota The Charlotte Kannada Koota is an organization that promotes understanding of Karnataka culture and provides a medium for people of Karnataka (Kannadigas) to get together. The activities include social get-togethers, music, and drama.

Info: 704.526.9990 (Appan Patil), agm_patil@hotmail.com 704.281.8732 (Raj Kulgod), kraj7@yahoo.com Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills.

The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all day sits for established students (those who have taken at least one ten day course from S. N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers). Ten-day courses are also available for all students.

There is never a charge for a course.

Info: Rashmi Desai 704.544.0790, rbddesai@yahoo.com David Spranger 704.563.5440, dspranger@earthlink.net www.dhamma.org Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) CMAC sponsors many classical concerts during the year in Charlotte.

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Membership forms are available at concerts.

Info: 704.541.3361 (Rama Rachakonda), 704.814.9355 (Lakshmi Muthukrishnan), lakshmi7778@yahoo.com cmacmusic@yahoo.com www.onlinecmac.com Dada Bhagwan Group Satsang is conducted every Sunday at 7 pm at the Hindu Center in Charlotte and there is also a Satsang every Thursday. In addition, watch Satsang from Friday to Tuesday at 7 am on TV Asia. The present topics are “PatiPatni ka Divya Vyahvar” and “Chovis Tirthankar.” The group has recently opened a library for spiritual books, audios and videos.

Info: 704.287.3133 www.dadabhagwan.org Datta Yoga Center Charlotte Chapter The group is dedicated to the service of SadGuru Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji through SadGuru Seva, yoga and satsang’ (singing the glory of god). Regular Activities: Satsang every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 4 - 7pm. Bhajans composed by Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji are chanted and occasionally video programs produced by Avadhoota Datta Peetham are viewed, including Sri Swamiji’s visit to Manasa Sarovaram, Music for Meditation and healing concerts and lectures.

Info: Ravi Anupindi 704.839.3256 www.dattapeetham.com www.dycusa.org Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas. Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, economic well-being and happiness. Ekal Vidyalya (One School One Teacher in one village) plans to establish 100,000 schools in tribal areas by 2012.This will cover all the villages in tribal areas saathee.com

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Community News & Events where there are no schools today.

The Carolinas Region of the EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North and South Carolina. Seeking volunteers.

Info: shuklas@carolina.rr.com www.ekalvidya.org Hindu Center of Charlotte The center is located at 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212.

Main phone: 704.535.3440.

Library at Hindu Center: Gandhi Bhavan Foyer is the site of the fully automated library. The library is stocked with Books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genre such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health.

Call Manisha Naik at 704-554-0765 with any questions or suggestions.

C. R. O. P is a Children’s Religious Oriented Program for K. G to 12th grade. In order to educate children in culture and understand religious practices, Hindu Center is providing this opportunity for future generations.

A glimpse on understanding The Bhagvad Gita provides children with an opportunity to learn about the GITA with simplicity, ease and in an inclusive discussion format. For more information visit www.hcclt.org or contact Chetna Patel: 704-547-1676, patel4260@bellsouth.net or Manish Kandpal: 803-802-7634, kandpal@fmtc.net.

Senior Citizens Group meets on the 1st Sunday of every month at 4:00 p.m., followed by Satyanarayan Katha at 5:00 p.m. Future trips and activities are in the planning stages. Info: Gobind Bhojwani at (704)-334-2462.

Sloka Class: teaches children between the ages of 4 and 13 different Hindu Hymns, their meaning and significance. The class meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Info: Lakshmi Muthukrishnan at 704814-9355.

Social Welfare Committee would like to extend moral support to people who are hospitalized for serious surgery or illnesses. Info: Narain Amar at (704)-372-1265, Dhinakaran Pillai at (704)-9485609 or Devendra Patel at (704)829-0225.

Vedic Havan - held at Vedant Hall December 2008

on second Sunday of every month at 10:30 am to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) followed by Prasadam.

Info: Swadesh Sawhney at (704)-8259223.

Pranayam Classes - held every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11.00am in the Vivek Hall. Info: Kajal Jain 704-649-5374, Manisha Naik 704-554-0765, Sanjay Vyas 281-304-5597, Deepak Jain at (704)-541-8950 or e-mail to pranayamclt@aol.com Yoga classes are held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. (free) Info: Pradip Bulsara (704) 8648212 or pradip_bulsara@hotmail.com Upcoming Events: Sun Dec 7 @ 10 a.m. - Geeta Jayanti.

Info: Meera Madan at (704)-364-5079.

Sat Dec 20 - Balaji 6th Anniversary Puja & Celebration beginning @ 8:30 a.m.

Sat Dec 20 - General Body meeting @ 10:30 a.m.

Sun Dec 21 - Elections for CY2009 positions.

Sat Jan 17 2009 - Pongal/Makar Sankranti @ 10:00 a.m.

Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte (IPAAC) IPAAC (Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte) is a nonprofit organization that promotes classical Hindustani music by inviting well-known artists from India.

Info: contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org IVAAC (Indian Visual Artists Association of Charlotte, NC) IVAAC was founded by artists of Indian origin living in the Charlotte, NC area in their pursuit of a creative outlet, stemming from an urge to express the flow of their innate artistic moods and ideas.

The vision is to promote the enigmatic and intriguing Indian culture into meaningful forms of expression that exposes the rich traditions and diversity of one of the most ancient civilizations on earth, in today’s fast blending global culture and to create an organization that provides planning and funding required to ensure and support a vibrant and culturally diverse Saathee 88

Indian art community in Charlotte.

Info: 704.540.8799 (Amit Shah) 704.688.5387 (Kinshuk Agarwal) www.ivaac.org Kiran KIRAN provides counseling for domestic violence and crisis services for South Asians in North Carolina. Kiran is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based organization promoting selfreliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner. The organization spreads awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community by cooperating and collaborating with organizations with similar objectives. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9 am – 9 pm. Call a crisis advocate for help with domestic violence.

Offering emotional support and non-judgmental help to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations.

Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing. KIRAN’s services are completely confidential.

Info: 1.877.625.4726 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org NetIP Charlotte NetIP Charlotte is the only official Carolinas chapter of North America’s Largest Network of Indian Professionals.

NetIP Charlotte provides a forum for ongoing Career Developmental and Professional Networking activities.

It arranges various events and maintains deeper ties with Businesses & the community. It provides various effective ways for Carolinas’ Indian Professionals to connect with other successful professionals.

Info: Hardik Shah (President) at hd@netipcharlotte.org www.NetIPCharlotte.org Probasi of Charlotte Probasi is the Bengali community based in Charlotte, North Carolina, saathee.com

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Community News & Events USA and surrounding areas. The community’s goal is to organize cultural and educational program related to Bengal in the Greater Charlotte area, to increase Bengali cultural awareness, and to provide community service in the area.

Probasi is a registered non-profit organization in North Carolina.

Info: www.probasi.org Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal has kirtans and bhajans at the Hindu Center of Charlotte at 5 pm. After the bhajans, there is Aarti and Mahaprasad. In addition, on the 3rd Sunday of every month, an additional Satsang Sabha is held at sponsor’s house at 3 - 5 pm.

Info: 704.392.4488 - Ramesh Dhanani Sikh Heritage Society The Sikh Heritage Society strives to unite and enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas.

“Gurdwara” address: 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Info: 704.948.7664 (Roshan Attrey), rattrey@aol.com, 704.541.0350 (Sajjan Dhaliwal), sajjan@carolina.rr.com, 704.948.8091 (Inderjeet Rajpal), irajpal@aol.com www.gurdwaracharlotte.com SouthPark Cricket Club South Park Cricket Club is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it has been an active member of the Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference since 2002. The club’s home ground is located at the Reedy Creek Park, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC. The 2008 season has recently concluded SPCC encourages new players to join the club for the upcoming 2009 season.

Info: 847.722.9865 (Baseet Ahmed), baseer_11@yahoo.com www.southparkcc.org Srishti of Charlotte Srishti has emerged to fulfill the community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali December 2008

literature, theatre, music, cinema and popular arts. The word Srishti means an act of creation. Though established and coordinated by a group of Bengali families, Srishti welcomes and brings together people of varied cultures, languages, background and nationalities who are interested in East Indian traditions.

Info: 704.321.1964 (Samiksha Bose) 704.541.3451 (Santanu Sarkar) 704.882.6115 (Manmatha Chakrovorty) Steele Creek Cricket Club Cricket is played every Sunday morning at the Steele Creek Athletic Association complex at 13530 Choate Circle, (weather permitting) from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. This group is dedicated to playing cricket with a hard tennis ball and/or soft baseball (also known as T-Ball) for fun in the Steele Creek Area of Charlotte. If you would like to stay informed about this club or would like to play or watch cricket, feel free to join and share your ideas. For information on current hours of play, location, and contacts.

Info: http://www.geocities.com/steelecreekcricketclub Telugu Association of Greater Charlotte Area (TAGCA) The organization’s mission is to bring together Telugu speaking people and to promote Telugu Culture. TAGCA and Hindu Center of Charlotte are conducting Telugu Classes. They are on every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 10:30 - 11:30 am and are free for member and non-members alike.

Info: www.tagca.org Sreedhar Manjigani 704.965.6704 education@tagca.org United Cricket Club Forming a team this March of experienced as well as beginners that love cricket. Team will play in the Atlantic League. Practice is every Sunday at Reedy Creek Park (11 to 4pm). Sunday & Monday evenings for ages 15 and up. Join the fun. Info: 704.712.6106 (CaptainSyed) 704.996.5500 (Vice Captain-Ejaz)

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Greensboro Greensboro Center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Barsana Dham A satsang (devotional meeting) is regularly held on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m.—5:00 p.m. at the home of Ashwatthama and Madhu Sharma, which includes prayer, chanting, meditation and lectures of Shree Kripalu Maharajji on the philosophy of Shrimad Bhagwatam. The lectures of Jagatguru Shree Kripalu Maharajji are shown on the “International Channel Network” —- weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and also on TV Asia —- weekdays at 8:00 am and 10:00 am on weekends.

Info: 336.643.0578 Ashwatthama and Madhu Sharma krishndas59@yahoo.com www.jkp.org, www.isdl.org Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont (GCAP) The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont is a non-profit organization, which serves the Asian Indian community through sponsored events, cultural, educational and social programs.

GCAP, 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410.

Info: 336.420.7290 336.327.1235 www.gujaratisamajoftriad.org Hare Krishna Temple Sandy Ridge This is a friendly and rural Hare Krishna community situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The community is based upon the teachings of Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita, becoming God conscious. Come and join in the kirtan, mantra meditation, and discourses on the top most yoga system. There are lots of regular festivities and events. Treat yourself to a free, hot and delicious vegetarian meal on Sundays at 1 p.m.

Venue: 1283 Prabhupada Rd, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046.

Info: 336.871.9738 www.prabhupadavillage.com saathee.com

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Community News & Events Hindu Society of North Carolina at Greensboro The HSNC at Greensboro, located at 2424 Huffine Mill Road, was formed in 1979. Its mission is to serve the Hindu Community and promote Hindu Culture through religious, social and educational activities. Regularly scheduled events include Puja, bhajans, children’s programs, celebration of holidays & community service.

Info: 336.621.5848 www.hsnc-triad.org India Association of the Triad The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community and other residents of the Triad, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community. Hindi Language classes are being taught by Mrs. Punjabi. 336.547.9267 (Prem Ramachandaran) 336.656.0203 (Dhananjay Kumar) www.iatnc.org Life Bliss Foundation Life Bliss Foundation - NC Center, offers workshops, books, CD’s, and DVD’s on living by enlightened master Paramahamsa Nithyananda’s powerful and unique teachings on spirituality and enlightenment. There is Satsang every week at the Center on Tuesdays, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join for Life Bliss Meditation (Nithya Dhyaan), free vegetarian meal, plus video discourse with discussion. The evening is completed with dancing as a meditation.

Meditation workshops are taught on a regular basis. Life Bliss Program - Sat & Sun, Dec 6-7, 2008 - 9am - 6pm - A weekend Workshop designed by Living Enlightened Master, Paramahamsa Nithyananda.

The Life Bliss Program features seven transformational meditation techniques to relax and energize the seven major chakras (energy centers) in your system. It gives clear intellectual and experiential understanding of your emotions such as greed, fear, worry, attention need, stress, jealousy, ego, discontentment, etc.

December 2008

The Life Bliss Program draws from religious traditions worldwide. The meditation techniques can be easily practiced by everyone and have been tailored to match the modern mindset. Location: 1060 Tyler Rd., Walnut Cove, NC 27052, (336)-644-1111.

Info: www.lifebliss.org Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Greensboro, NC The Center organizing regular Sai Bhajans, Study Circle, Balvikas class for students and Service Activities. All devotees are welcome to the Center. 1st Sunday of the Month 4 - 6 pm, all other Sundays 10:00AM – 12:15 PM. Info: 612.239.7529 (Deepak Deshpande at Winston Salem) 908.875.6964 (Swami Rajendran at Greensboro).

Raleigh Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (AFICE) Would you like to explore the diverse cultures of the world?

Become a host family for a high school exchange student! All the students will come from various countries around the world, and all students speak fluent English.

They are of high school age (1518) and will attend local high school in their respective communities. Each student will live as member of their American host family, sharing household duties and responsibilities. AFICE is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to bringing cultural gaps by allowing foreign students the opportunity to live as part of an American community.

Info: lathapamarthi@earthlink.net www.afice.org Association for India’s Development (AID)- Duke University Chapter: AID is a non-profit, voluntary organization with a mission to effect social change in India, by supporting projects with grassroots non-governmental organization in Saathee 92

India in the areas of literacy, health care, rural credit, women’s empowerment etc.

Info: www.duke.edu/web/aid/ Atlantic Coast Sikh Association This is one of the oldest Sikh associations in the Southeastern USA. It meets every Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at its Gurdwara, which is located at 3108 Sparger Road, Durham, NC 27705. Kirtan is done by Bhai Dyal Singh Jatha.

Classes for Punjabi and religious studies are held for children at the same time.

Info: 919.309.1045 - Bhai Dyal Singh 919.467.4856 - Mrs. Raj Dhillon www.acsagurdwara.org Balagokulam Gokulam is where Lord Krishna’s magical childhood days were spent. It was here that his divine powers came to light. Every child has that spark of divinity within.

Balagokulam is a forum for children (4-15 years age) to discover and manifest that divinity. It will enable Hindu children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots and learn Hindu values. This is done through games, yoga, stories, songs, shlokas, arts/crafts, and Seva (selfless service) in the community. Balagokulam sessions are free for all, and are held on Saturdays.

Info: balagokulam.rtp@gmail.com, hss.charlotte@hssus.org (Charlotte region) www.balagokulam.org BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir invites everyone to the regularly scheduled events: Ravi sabha - every Sunday at 4 - 6 pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad.

Mahapuja – every Purnima at 7 pm. Call or visit website for information including classes, timings and directions. Fresh Indian snacks and sweets available at Shayona.

1020 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560.

Info: 919.469.6605 www.swaminarayan.org

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Community News & Events Bharatiya Senior Citizens of North Carolina (BSCNC) BSCNC is a nonprofit organization for Senior citizens of Indian origin, who are 60 and over in age and are member of this organization.

BSCNC meets on second saturday of each month at Cary Senior Center on High House Road in Cary from 10am to 3pm. In the previous, nomination forms for the 2009 committee were provided to members. In November, there will be Diwali/Annakut Celebrations.

All the ladies are requested to please bring sweets for annakut and dinner will be provided.

Info: 919.387.9171 (Pramila M. Domadia) Child Relief and You (CRY) An organization in the Raleigh area working with the India-based charitable non-profit organization committed to encouraging and facilitating individuals and organizations to make a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged children since 1979. CRY America’s RDU Action Center has been active since 2001.

CRY-RDU invites people to join the enthusiastic volunteer base to contribute ideas or any relevant skills.

Info: Sarav Arunachalam 919.362.9591 rdu@cryamerica.org www.cryrdu.org Chinmaya Mission Raleigh-Durham group hosts adult study groups/satsangs in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, and Chapel Hill and all are welcome to attend.

Chinmaya Mission(r) study groups offer a wonderful avenue for adults to acquire spiritual knowledge that can be applied to lead a successful and happy life. Study groups follows three disciplines - self-study, enlightened discussion, and finally, reflection on the knowledge gained in class. Everybody is invited for all the Jnana Yagna (Lecture Series) by Bramachairini Sumati Chaitanya of Chinmaya Kirti of London, UK. Sumatiji will talk on Updesh Sara by Sage Ramana Maharishi.

Sessions: Fri Jan 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat Jan 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sun Jan 4 - TBD. Venue: Triangle Children’s Center December 2008

Gym, 1900 Sedwick Rd, Durham, NC. Info: 919.544.2815 CMRDU1@gmail.com www.chinmaya-rdu.org Datta Yoga Center Raleigh Chapter Mission: Spread the teachings of Sadguru Sri Sri Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore.

Activities: Namasankeertana - Bhajans written, composed and sung by Pujya Sri Swamiji. Future projects: Kriya yoga classes by Pujya Sri Swamijitrained teachers from India. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month and every major festival day for Satsang and Namasankeertana (divine singing).

Everyone is invited to attend the satsang with family and friends and receive divine blessings.

919.484.1993 - Srinivas Chittineni 919.461.0843 - Suresh Kota YahooGroups: Dattasatsang_NC. Duke Diya Duke Diya is a Duke University student organization that is committed to providing a forum for interaction through political, cultural, community service, and social events relating to South Asian Americans. Info: 732.865.3173 www.dukediya.com Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas. Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, economic well being and happiness. Ekal Vidyalya (One School One Teacher in one village) plans to establish 100,000 schools in tribal areas by 2012.This will cover all the villages in tribal areas where there are no schools today.

The Carolinas Region of the EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North and South Carolina. Seeking volunteers.

Info: Hari H. Nath 919.803.0478 hnath45@yahoo.com www.ekalvidya.org Saathee 94

EKTAA South Asian Student Organization EKTAA, which means “unity” in Hindi and Urdu, is the South Asian Student Organization at North Carolina State University (NCSU).

The organization was founded in 1970. The motto is “unity within diversity.” EKTAA strives to spread culture and heritage of South Asia all over the campus as well as the local community and the organization works hand-in-hand with many organizations on and off the NCSU campus, as well as South Asian organizations from area universities.

Info: www.ektaa.org Geet Bazaar Radio Program Every Sunday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a wide variety of music from India, Pakistan, and other countries and languages of South Asia. Geet Bazaar will also publicize community events free of charge.

Info: 919.851.1119 (Dr. Afroj Taj) taj@unity.ncsu.edu GEM - Raleigh Church of God Everyone is invited to attend worship services, prayer meetings or Sunday School.

Info: 919.395.6208 (Pastor Thankachan M.) globalem@gmail.com Heritage India Association of North Carolina Aims are to provide unique Indian cultural experiences through performing arts and cultural arts & crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” It organizes colorful events that enhance appreciation and understanding of Indian cultural heritage among children as well as strengthen cultural relations with fellow Americans.

Info: 919.794.3643 - Anu Verma, anjmic@yahoo.com 919.870.5222 - Yash Garg, chander@bellsouth.net 919.362.0520 - Harsha Shah 919.678.9056 - Sudha Dhingra

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International Community Church A WORSHIP CENTER FOR PEOPLE FROM INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

Pastor: Joseph B. Jesudason Church Office: 1215 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 204 Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 233-2900 or (919) 467-4435 (Residence) www.internationalcommunitychurch.org

Regular Activities Worship Service - Sundays at 8:30 AM Children’s Sunday School & Child Care Available 1524, North Harrison Avenue, Cary (Next SAS Campus)

Bible Study - Sundays at 10:30 AM 1215 Jones Franklin Rd Suite 204

Prayer Fellowship - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Meet at Three Zones at host families Raleigh, Durham, Apex and Cary

We welcome you to come and receive a blessing through this evangelical, Christ-centered, Bible-based, non-denominational, loving, caring, mission-minded spiritual family church.

Zakar Bible Club: Character development of children through memorization of God’s powerful and redemptive word.

Please send your child and receive guaranteed life lasting blessing.

Please call (919) 233-2900 for a free Color Video on the “Life of Jesus” (Hindi or English) We Welcome You to Become a Part of This Loving Spiritual Family “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (The Holy Bible) December 2008

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Community News & Events Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM) is a nonprofit, voluntary organization based in the RTP area that promotes study and appreciation of Hindi language and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has a special focus on the youths for the preservation of Indian Culture & heritage.

Info: 919.851.0225 Saroj Sharma 919.461.0001 - Vinod Goel, vgoel2@nc.rr.com www.hindivikas.org Hindu Society of North Carolina - Morrisville, NC The Hindu Society of North Carolina, located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, N.C. serves the Indian community in the Triangle area and its vicinity.

Temple timings are: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sat. - Sun. 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Daily Aarti and Puja is also conducted by the Priest. Other regular religious and cultural programs: Monthly Vedic Havan, Tuesday Hauman Chalisa recitation, Sri Ramakrishna Study Group, Sri Sai Baba Group, Gita Study Group, Devi Puja, Vaishnav Bhajan Group, Akhand Ramayana Recitation, Weeklend Language and Spiritual Knowledge Classes, and Sloka classes for Children.

Yoga classes are also offered twice a week (Sunday at 8:00 a.m.and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.) at the Cultural Hall. Priest services are available at your home and/or at the Temple at a nominal charge.

Upcoming Events: Wed Dec 12 - Pooranmashi Satyanarayan Katha @ 7:30 p.m.

Thu Dec 13 - General Body Meeting @ 2:00 p.m.

Thu Dec 20 - 22nd Anniversary Celebrations @ 9:00 a.m. hsnc@hsncweb.org www.hsncweb.org Hindu Students Council (HSC) - NC State University HSC-NCSU is a chapter of the national organization Hindu Students Council (HSC). HSCNCSU is a non-sectarian, non-ethnic, non-profit cultural & religious student organization. It aims to provide opportunities to learn December 2008

about Hindu philosophy, spirituality and cultural heritage through various activities, events and projects and is dedicated to provide “seva” (service) to the community.

Info: 919.676.0298 - Mrinmoyee Sanyal msanyal@ncsu.edu www.hsc-ncsu.org Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is a non-profit, cultural organization. HSS conducts weekly activities to develop strong character and leadership skills in participants, emphasizing values such as self-discipline, self-confidence and a spirit of selfless service (seva) for humanity. We encourage maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony with the larger society. HSS is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family. HSS started in 1989 in the United States and currently has over 100 chapters (shakhas) across the country. The Research Triangle Park chapter meets every Saturday. The participation is free.

Activities are tailored to include Yoga, games, songs, lectures and discussions on Hindu dharma and culture.

Info: hss.rtp@hssus.org - Triangle area hss.charlotte@hssus.org Charlotte region.

Hum Sub Hum Sub is a non-profit organization dedicated to share the social and cultural traditions of India with the residents of the Research Triangle Park and North Carolina.

Info: 919.468.3332 - Mamta Bisarya 919.363.7339 - Latha Pamarthi info@humsub.net www.humsub.net Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS) ICMDS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the task of promoting Indian Classical Music & Dance in the triangle area. ICMDS invites the top artists from all over the world to perform in the Triangle area.

The 2008 season is completed, however, 2009 will bring many new melodious programs!

Info: www.icmds.org Saathee 96

Indo-American Friendship Foundation Did you know that about 90 percent of rural orphans are female and most of them are discarded at birth because “it is a girl, not a boy.” Not one of them gets the opportunity to become a doctor, engineer, IAF or university/college faculty. Because they can not live in the orphanage when they turn 18, many of them fall vicitim to different types of exploitation, including sex trade. IAFF has created an orphanage education fund to help qualified orphans to rise as high as they can climb in the educational/professional ladder.

Info/Address: Dr. Subhas C. Mohapatra (President-IAFF), 1413 Boxwood Lane, Apex, NC 27502.

Tel (919)-362-7653. www.iaff1.org.

Indus Foundation Indus Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit, secular organization started in North Carolina in May 2000 by a group of professionals, with sole purpose to give back to our community and the country, who have helped us to reach our success today. Every dollar is wisely spent back into the community without any overheads.

Current major projects: Indian Cancer Society rehabilitation Center in Mumbai, Mental Healthcare Center for socially rejected Women in Indore, and three Educational Centers in Gurgaon. You can adopt an ongoing project or launch your favorite project under our guidelines. Make a commitment Today, to build a child’s Tomorrow!

Info: 919.461.0001 (Dr. Vinnie Goel, Chairman) 919.467.0598 (Dr. Shri Kulkarni, President) 919.319.7294 (Dr. Vijaya Bapat, Vice-President) www.indusfoundation.info INS Services Action Committee (INS-SAC) INS-SAC was formed as a nonprofit organization to address issues & problems associated with immigration and naturalization law.

The main objective is to create strategies to help make INS (Immigration and Naturalization saathee.com

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Community News & Events Service) a user-friendlier agency.

Recently, INS-SAC has elected some of the members of its Executive Committee, and more volunteers are needed to fill the remaining positions.

Info: 919.674.2029 - Amalendu Chatterjee / amalendu.chatterjee@eximsoft.com International Community Church CC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. The pastor is Joseph B. Jesudason and the church office is located at 1215 Franklin Jones Road, Suite #204, Raleigh, NC 27606. For details on regular worship services, Sunday school, Prayer fellowship and Bible study, call (919) 233-2900. www.internationalcommunitychurch.org.

International Hindi Association International Hindi Association (IHA) is a non-profit, voluntary organization that promotes Hindi language and literature and has chapters all over the United States.

The Raleigh Chapter organizes Kavi Sammelans with local and indigenous talents periodically. If you are interested in listening to poetry or in reciting poetry, contact Sarojben Sharma at (919) 851-0225 or Sudha Dhingra at (919) 362-5244.

Website: www.hindi.org International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization (ISSO): Primary objective of ISSO is “To advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Lord Shree Swaminarayan (Shree Sahajanand Swami)”, enabling His devotees from both the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi (Ahmedabad) & Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal) to practice their religious duties in harmony. The Raleigh-Durham chapter of ISSO organizes regularly scheduled “Satsang Sabha” every two weeks, typically on Friday or Saturday evenings, which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad. We invite you to join the satsang. For information on venue, date and times, contact December 2008

Niraj Joshi at (919)-363-2356 or niraj_joshi@yahoo.com. www.swaminarayan.info ISKCON of North Carolina The Sri-Sri Radha Golokananda Temple - Iskcon of NC is situated on 16 acres of field and forest with the historic Eno River flowing behind the temple property. The temple is just a few miles off of Routes I-40 & I-85 and located at 1032 Dimmocks Mill Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Daily aarti- 4:30 am, 7:15 am, 12:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 7 pm. Darsana: Monday through Friday 7:30-11:30 am and 4:15-5:45 pm, Saturday all day until 5:45 pm, Sunday all day until 7:30 pm. Sunday Festival 5 – 7:30 p.m. includes kirtan, aarti, Bhagavad Gita discourse, vegetarian feast, and Sunday school for children.

Info: 919.732.2680 krsnapriya@earthlink.net Kiran KIRAN provides counseling for domestic violence and crisis services for South Asians in North Carolina. Kiran is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based organization promoting selfreliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner. The organization spreads awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community by cooperating and collaborating with organizations with similar objectives. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9 am – 9 pm. Call a crisis advocate for help with domestic violence.

Offering emotional support and non-judgmental help to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations.

Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing. KIRAN’s services are completely confidential.

Info: 1.877.625.4726 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org

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North Carolina Bengali Association (NCBA) NCBA seeks to promote the Bengali culture, including art, literature, music and language classes, within the state of North Carolina.

For information regarding activities, volunteering, etc.

Contact: Mithu Chaudhuri at (910)-4858528, dpchaudhuri@earthlink.net or Madhulavi Majumder at 919-928-8442, madhulavi@hotmail.com. Website: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/G arden/2504/ Nuv Yug Nuv Yug is a cultural organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian cultural arts and heritage. Striving to create synergy among various cultural groups from the South Asian region.

Info: info@nuvyug.org www.nuvyug.org Pakistani American Association The Pakistani-American Association (NCPAA) is a non-political, non-sectarian, cultural and social organization that promotes Pakistani culture to all the communities living in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Several events are presented during the year and all events are open to all members and non-members. A family dinner is held on the second Friday of every month. Contact Nauman Faridi @ payamber@ncpaa.org, http://ncpaa.org Pratham - Triangle Area Founded in 1994 as a UNICEF initiative, Pratham is a grass-roots level non-profit organization that works towards universalizing primary education in India. With a goal of reaching 20 million children, Pratham is one of the largest NGOs in field of literacy movement in India.

Pratham continues to evolve and grow into a powerhouse that best meets the continually changing needs of the children it educates. Pratham’s North Carolina chapter actively aims to collaborate with individuals, local organizations and community associations and seeks ideas, volunteers saathee.com

C.J. Tax & Accounting Inc. Your satisfaction is our motto.

We do monthly accounts, payroll and all tax related jobs for small business and companies in any state in the US. Business & Personal Tax Returns Chatham Square Shopping Centre 744-K East Chatham St. Cary, NC 27511

C.J. Thomas, EA: 919-2 265-7 7937 Office / Fax: 919-463.5420

C.J. Surti: 919-758-5287

As one of the most successful mortgage brokers in NC, Tony has helped hundreds of families from local Indian-American community with their mortgage needs.

Tony will guarantee you with:

The Best Interest Rate, The Lowest Cost & The Smoothest Closing • FREE Mortgage Analysis & Pre-qualification Letter • Purchase or Refinance • Zero Cost Purchase or Refinance Program • Stated Income Mortgage Program Tony Xie, Ph.D. Vice President / Sr. Mortgage Banker 919-674-3133 (o) 919-624-7482 (cell) Txie@crossoverlending.com www.crossoverlending.com December 2008

• 2nd Mortgage and HELOC • Over 20 Loan Officers to Serve Your Needs • Represent over 100 the Biggest Banks 2100 Gateway Centre Blvd, Suite 105, Morrisville, NC 27560 Saathee 99

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Community News & Events and resources to deliver the vision of “Every Child in School and Learning Well.” www.prathamnc.org Professional Indians’ Association (PIA) PIA is a meetup that serves young South Asian professionals in the Triangle Community. We are a group of young (20’s-30’s) Indian professionals and grad students interested in cultural events, socializing and meeting/making friends with like-minded people around the Triangle. Monthly events include meeting at bars/restaurants, Bollywood movie nights, potlucks, Indian concerts/performances, outdoor activities, community service and volunteering. This will also be an opportunity for professionals to share their thoughts on respective industries, social causes, the economy and politics.

Info: www.meetup.com/PIATriangle/ RTP Maharashtra Mandal RTP Maharashtra Mandal is a nonprofit organization formed to promote maharashtrian culture and language. Maharashtra mandal is committed to serve RTP community with various cultural, social and traditional marathi programs and events. Info: Jayant Yete - (919)468-8824, Neeraj Shikarkhane (919)-757-7300. www.rtpmm.org S. V. Temple of North Carolina Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina was founded in 1998 to serve the religious and cultural needs of North Carolina’s growing Indian community and to promote Hindu religion and heritage among future generations. The temple operates according to ancient Hindu scriptures (agama shastras) and houses the main deity, Lord Sri Venkateswara. In addition to its religious and educational work within the Hindu community, S. V. Temple also delivers humanitarian services for the rest of the community.

(919)-468-0040. comm@svtemplenc.org, www.svtemplenc.org

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Sahaj Marg Meditation Triangle Area Sahaj Marg translates to “The Natural Path.” It is a natural, simple system of Raja Yoga meditation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the ultimate potential within oneself. Regular spiritual practice under capable guidance enables aspirants to progressively experience the sublime presence of the divine in their daily lives. Sahaj Marg system of meditation is freely offered to seekers worldwide through Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

In Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sundays and Wednesdays. Contact phone numbers: Alexey Lef (919) 841-0035, Jenna Boyd (919) 757-2732.

E-mail: meditation@nc.rr.com www.srcm.org www.sahajmarg.org SAMPIGE Triangle Kannada Association The Triangle Kannada Association is a cultural association for people residing in the Triangle area from Karnataka, India. Sampige organizes Kannada (the language spoken in the Karnataka area) activities in music, dance and drama as well as social activities.

E-mail: sampigeeditor@yahoo.com or www.sampige.org Satsang/Kirtan of Pujya Shri Asaram Bapu “Satsang” pertaining to Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta is organized every month in the Triangle area of NC. Venue: Mayank & Prapti Trivedi’s residence in Cary, NC. 919.465.9155 trivedimp@gmail.com.

Share and Care Foundation (SCF) Share and Care Foundation (SCF), a charitable organization focused on several projects in India and the USA, is launching a new chapter for the Carolinas - this represents the first chapter outside the New Jersey headquarters of SCF. SCF has been working with the Triangle’s Indian community for more than 15 years.

Contacts: Manu Patel at (919)425-5299, Rajeev Kamath (919)469-1258. www.shareandcare.org

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South Indian Fine Arts Academy (SIFAA) SIFAA is a non-profit organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad areas, concentrating on Carnatic music for the present.

Info: 919-773-1580 www.sifaa.org St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Monthly Mass and regular services are held in Malayalam/English by Rev. Dr. M. K. Thomas at the Baptist Student Center, 2702 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC. Info: 919.461.1773 sec@stgregoriosnc.org www.stgregoriosnc.org Tamil Cultural Association of North Carolina (TCA NC) TCA NC is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of providing youths with exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of a wonderful organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area. tca_nc@yahoo.com www.tcanc.org Tamil Sangam of Carolina The Tamil Sangam is an organization that promotes understanding of Tamil culture and provides a medium for people of Tamil culture to get together.

The activities include music, drama, lectures, Tamil movies, etc.

Info: (919)-465-1606 - Ravi Shanmugam (President) http://members.fortunecity.com/t amilsangamofcarolina Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA): The Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA) is a non-profit organization (started in 1983) committed to building a vibrant Telugu Community and promoting Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area of North Carolina.

Info: committee@tataonline.org www.tataonline.org Triangle Bangladesh Society (TBSNC) TBSNC strives to arrange musical saathee.com

State Auto Center 1005-A Trinity Rd Raleigh NC 27607 Conveniently located minutes away from Chatham St. Between NC 54 Chapel Hill Rd. and E Chatham St (Railroad crossing) Off I-40 exit 290

• ASE Certified Technician • NC State Inspection • Air condition and Electrical Specialist • Check Engine Light on. No Problem,We can Fix It! • We do Timing belt,Water pump, Brakes, Axle,Tune Up, Oil Change and a lot of other work.

Please contact: Tanveer Bhatti 919-859-2107 Shop or Cell 919-749-7260 www.stateautocenter.com

New Patients welcome State of the Art Hygiene Care Mercury Free Fillings * Digital X-Rays (90 % less radiation) Intra Oral Camera The latest in bleaching technology (one hour) Cutting Edge technology with people friendly atmosphere Cerec(1 hour crown/onlay)technology Vizilite oral cancer screening exam

December 2008

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Community News & Events programs by artists who have captured the hearts and minds of millions of Bengali-, Urdu- and Hindispeaking music fans all around the globe.

Info: 919.741.9343 (Ishtiaque Mohiuddin) Ishtiaquem@gmail.com www.tbsnc.org Triangle Chapter-India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) IDRF is a registered, tax-exempt non-profit organization that supports volunteer-based, honest and highly experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India in serving their populations’ critical needs around education, childcare, healthcare, women empowerment and tribal welfare, as well as relief and rehabilitation in times of natural disasters.

Info: www.idrf.org.

Triangle Gujarati Association (TGA) TGA serves the Gujarati community in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.

TGA sponsors musical programs, dramas, and cultural activities to help maintain Gujarati culture and heritage.

Info: Harsha Shah 919.362.0520 Akshat Patel 919.468.6879 Girishbhai Amin 919.439.5848 Manisha Patel 919.319.5698 nctga00@gmail.com www.nctga.org Triangle Indian Youth Organization (TIYO) This organization has been created with the purpose of encouraging youths of Indian origin aged between 12-18 years to develop skills for leadership, to organize team-oriented efforts, understand and participate in community services, understand and develop individual potential. There will be activities that will fall into the broad categories of education, arts, cultural, charity, religious and community services.

Info: 919.363.7339 (Latha Pamarthi [Director of TIYO]) triangleindianyouth@yahoo.com

December 2008

Triangle Rang Mandal Devotees of Pujya Sri Rang Avdhoot Maharaj meet every Saturday in Cary or Raleigh from 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM to sing devotional Dattatreya Bhajans and Datta-Bavani in a spiritual atmosphere. Special programs organised on Guru Purnima and Rang Jayanti and on the occasion of Pujya Sri Prem Avdhoot Bapji’s annual visit to the US. Info: rangmandal@gmail.com Triangle Vegetarian Society (TVS) The mission of TVS is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism and have a forum for a discussion of issues. Info: Dilip Barman at barman@cs.unc.edu www.trianglevegsociety.org Urdu Majlis Urdu Majlis is a literary organization for the promotion of Urdu language and literature and has no political, national or religious affiliations. The group has regularly scheduled monthly meetings in which enthusiasts and scholars of Urdu literature meet to discuss the life and works of a selected literary figure.

Info: 919.851.1119 (Dr. Afroz Taj) 919.596.4792 (Ashraf and Seema Faruqi)

Regional Cape Fear Cultural Association of India - Wilmington Cape Fear Cultural Association of India is an organization that promotes understanding of Indian culture and promotes a medium for people of Indian culture to get together.

Info: 910.799.0948 (President & Communication Director: Anil Shah) 910.791.4686 (Cultural Program Director: Suvarna Karve) 910.762.4903 (Treasury Director: Purnima Khajanchi) 910.392.1929 (Music Director: Santosh Sheth)

Saathee 102

Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (“GIACC”) is a non-profit organization that develops and promotes trade, business, commercial and professional relationships between India and the United States, especially within the state of Georgia. GIACC was formed recognizing the need for promoting bi-lateral activities among South Asian and mainstream communities in the United States and South Asia.

Info: 678.762.7589 Ani Agnihotri, AniThirdM@aol.com, ani@giacc.org.

770.840.1925 - susan@giacc.org. www.giacc.org Hindu Society Of Eastern NC (Greenville, NC) All programs are from 11 am - 12 pm (noon), followed by Aarti & Prasad unless specified otherwise.

252.830.5177 - Dharam Vasnani VasnaniD@aol.com Hindutempleenc@gmail.com Indo-US Cultural Association of Winston-Salem The Indo-US Cultural Association is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to increase awareness of the cultural heritage of India which is tremendously rich in its diversity and history. The Association seeks to reach out to the thriving Indian-American community within the Piedmont and Triad areas to share the vibrant Indian culture and promote crosscultural understanding.

Info: 336.682.5727 - Ananda Mitra ananda@wfu.edu www.indouswinston.org

South Carolina Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, SC) Regular beginner meditation program conducted by a Buddhist Monk. Activities are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings: 6:30 p.m. —- puja (chanting).

7:00 pm —- meditation. 8:00 pm —- “Dhamma” talk or discussion.

A “youth program” is also held once a month. Info: Bhikkhuni Sudhamma dhammasc@hotmail.com saathee.com

Community News & Events India Assoc. of Greater Charleston (IAGC) The IAGC was founded in 1986 when the residents of Indian origin in Charleston felt the need to form an organization to bring together people who were interested in India and to provide a forum to increase the understanding of the heritage of India in US. Info: 803.884.0859 iagcfolks@yahoo.com India Association of Greater Greenville, SC The India Association of Greater Greenville (IAGG), started in 1970, is a voluntary non-profit organization that serves as a forum for cultural and social interaction for individuals and families in Greater Greenville area that have links with (or interests pertaining to) the sub-continent of India.

India Association of Orangeburg, S.C. The Indian Association of Orangeburg, SC (IAO), has been revitalized since 2001. Orangeburg and surrounding counties account for families of Indian origin.

Memberships have been initiated and are in the process of developing this association to a non-profit organization status.

Info: www.iaosc.com International Fellowship Church of Greenville, SC International Fellowship Church invites you to join for Sunday Worship services and other exciting weekly activities for people of Indian origin. For more info call Pastor Suhas Raiborde - Info: (864)-234-1256 www.internationalfellowshipchurch.org Masjid Noor-UL-Huda The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, SC. A weekly Islamic session is held by Qari Abdul Khader Multani every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Quranic Reading classes are conducted daily. Children are encouraged to attend.

Info: 803.749.0827 (Dr. Shami) 803.740.5127 (Qari Abdul Khader Multani) 803.754.2632 (Mosque number) December 2008

Mrudani School of Performing Arts Mrudani School of Performing Arts is a non-profit dance school based in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Mrudani presents classical music and dance in Columbia, Charleston, Orangeburg and Florence, South Carolina and Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi Classes are offered in Columbia, Orangeburg, and Charleston, SC. Address: Anuradha Murali, Mrudani School of Performing Arts, 1944 Way Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29118.

Info: 803.233.1708 803.347.3851 anuradhamurali@hotmail.com Sirigannada Sirigannada is the Kannada Association of South Carolina (based in Columbia) is a non-profit organization created in 2004 by the interested Kannada speaking people of South Carolina. A voluntary organization primarily run by memberships and donations from Kannadigas of the State of South Carolina.

President: Dr. H.N. Narayanaswamy Nadig.

Vice President: Mrs. Radha Rajagopal.

Secretary: Mrs. Usha Bilgi.

Treasurer: Mrs. Malathi Nagaraj.

Info: www.sirigannada.org Triad Avatar Meher Baba Group The Meher Center is a spiritual retreat/ashram located on SC Highway 17 immediately North of the Highway 22 connection 8 miles from Myrtle Beach, SC. Meher Baba visited this place 3 times and considered it His home in the West.

A small brick house built especially for Him is open for “Darshan” on Fridays and Sunday (11:00 am.) / Meher Center: (843) 272-5777.

Info: 336.299.9683 runderwood@webtv.net www.avatarmeherbaba.org Vedic Center of Greenville The Center is located on the Corner of Bethel Road and Bethel Drive in Mauldin, S.C. Daily Aarti is conducted Monday to Friday at 8 pm.

Bal Vihar classes held Sundays from 11:15 am - 12:30 pm. Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam is held on 2nd Sat of month at 9 am.

Info: 864.967.2852 Saathee 104

COMMUNITY NEWS AND COMMUNITY FOCUS Send your organization’s news and events by the 15th of the month for following month’s issue.

Events submitted will be posted at saathee.com asap. Send high resolution digital images of your events afterwards & we will publish them in our Community Focus section as space permits. Our community news editor is Rajesh Ganatra. saatheemag@hotmail.com 704.527.7570 704.527.7590

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Hello readers If you would like to contribute original recipes for our monthly recipe column send suggestions to saatheemag@hotmail.com We prefer to publish vegetarian recipes as meat eaters can easily add meat to most recipes, if desired.

Thank you and happy cooking and eating! saathee.com

G R E A T

A D V E R T I S I N G

R E S U L T S !

Saathee.com

Saathee MAGAZINE

Your web connection to the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

TELEVISION

A FREE monthly features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Bringing the BEST of Bollywood to the Carolinas every Sunday.

Ask us about how your business can benefit with internet advertising on Saathee.com, 7570 Call (704) 527-7

Email Saatheemag@hotmail.com 7570 or call (704) 527-7 for advertising rates & info

Time Warner Cable Check Local Listing at saathee.com 7570 Call (704) 527-7

December 2008

Saathee 105

Nazar

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December 2008

Saathee 106

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EVERY SUNDAY

4pm) Charlotte - TWC Channel 9 (3-4 4pm) Raleigh/Dur./Triangle - TWC Channel 24 (3-4 11am) Greensboro - TWC Channel 69 (10-1 4pm) Gastonia - TWC Channel 9 (3-4 4pm) Concord/Kannapolis - TWC Ch. 9/19 (3-4 4pm) Salisbury - TWC Channel 9/19 (3-4 4pm) Albemarle - TWC Channel 9/19 (3-4 11am) Burlington/Asheboro - TWC Channel 69 (10-1 Complete Listings at www.Saathee.com

Hosted by Divakar Shukla

For details or advertising information call 704-527-7570

44. A short coat or jacket of thick cloth.

45. A slender, graceful girl or a woman.

Clues Down:

By Kirit Shukla 1

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Clues Across: 1. The capital of Jharkhand, India.

6. “Sangeet: __ of India”, Saathee’s feature pertaining to Indian music and movies.

10. Hello; Welcome; Farewell. (Hawaii) 11. A broad, shallow metal vessel used for frying.

12. To perform; to execute.

13. A decimal system for weights & measurements where the basic units are meter and gram.

16. Having many hills.

17. Two or more draft animals harnessed together.

18. That or those belonging to him.

19. Continuous dull pain.

21. Tulane University. (*) 22. “ ___ Claus.”

24. To take place; Occur.

26. Columbia River Gorge. (*) 27. A preposition used to specify a starting point.

29. One Day International. (*) (Cricket) 30. High Definition. (*) 31. To dip (water) out of a boat, as with a bucket.

32. Freezing Point. (*) 33. A proprietor.

35. A shout of approval, acclamation etc.

37. Wyoming. (*) 38. Past tense of Lay. 39. A country in E. Africa; Cap. Kampala.

41. Any unbroken part of circumference of a circle.

42. Farewell; Good-by. (Japanese language) December 2008

1.

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“___ Flowers”, a Saathee advertiser.

A malt beverage containing 6% of alcohol by vol.

No matter of any kind.

Jesus ___.

To salute or greet; Welcome.

The fifth month of the calendar.

To lift from a step, as a mast.

Formed thoughts or imaginations.

“Saathee” is a features magazine for the South Asian ____ of the Carolinas.

11. The science of human and animal behavior.

14. Christian Law Association. (*) 15. Tellurium. (*) 18. Weapons and combat equipment.

20. The part of the leg back of the knee.

22. “Who wants to be a ____ ”, Saathee’s feature.

23. Far away.

25. “_’s Puzzles and Jokes”, Saathee’s feature.

28. Rhode Island. (*) 31. A layer of rock; Stratum. (Geology) 32. The Indian liquor made from coconut or the cashews, originated in Goa. 34. Amiably pleasant; Kind.

36. A country in SE Asia; between Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand etc. Cap. Vientiane.

37 To twist or distort out of shape.

39. United Arab Republic. (*) 40. A thick, spicy soup cooked from pulses (dry split beans), an item of Indian / Pakistani cuisine.

42. South East. (*) 43. Ampere-hour. (*) (Puzzle solutions are on page 118. NO peeking!)

Hee Hee (Booddhoo is foolish. Amir is rich. Mafatlal is a freeloader.)

Santa Claus: “When Christmas comes, people think that I am God.” Booddhoo: “How do you know?”

Santa Claus: “When I went to a mall today, everybody said, oh God, you have come again!” ****** Teacher: “How old were you on your last birthday?”

Student “Sir, I was 15 years old.”

Teacher: “How old will you be on you next birthday?”

Student: “Sir, I will be 17.”

Teacher: “You don't know math. You will be 16.”

Student: “I know math. I was 15 on my last birthday. I am 16 today, because today is my birthday. I will be 17 on my next birthday.” ****** Wife: “You are always late to the office, in the movies and every place, every time. I remember that you were late in our wedding also.”

Husband: “ Yes, but I was not as late as I should have been!”

Saathee 108

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EZ-BZ

YOUTH CORNER

TEST YOUR OWN IQ

(Created By Kirit Shukla)

(The common letters are “LA” - Fill in the blanks)

(Find & circle the words in the puzzle).

(They are all “Tools”).

AXE BLADE BROACH CHIESEL CUTTER DRILLBIT FROE GRINDER HEATGUN HOE KNIFE LOPPER PITCHFORK PLANER

1.

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Produced by molding. _ LA _ _ _ _ Ceylon, formerly. _ _ _ LA _ _ _ Productive activity; Work.

LA _ _ _ “Who wants to be a ____ ”, Saathee’s feature, to test your general knowledge. _ _ _ _ LA _ 5. “Deck the Halls with boughs of holly, ___ ” , a traditional Christmas song. _ _ LA LA LA LA 6. Continued after the usual time.

LA _ _ 7. Noteworthy; Especial. _ _ _ _ _ _ LA _ 8. Loose; Sluggish. _ LA _ _ 9. Having various aspects. _ _ _ _ _ _ LA _ _ _ _ _ 10. Relatives by marriage. _ _ LA _ _ 11. Having resemblance. _ _ _ _ LA _ 12. A recipe or prescription. _ _ _ _ _ LA 13. The Supreme Being. (Islam). _ _ LA _ 14. To make very happy or proud. _ LA _ _ 15. Proclaim; To announce. _ _ _ LA _ _ 16. To wrap up; To wind.

LA _ 17. Composed of grains. _ _ _ _ _ LA _ 18. The religious faith of Muslims. _ _LA _ 19. Substitute for. _ _ _ LA _ _ 20. A major seaport in Kutch District, Gujarat State, India. _ _ _ _ LA 21. A gambling city in Nevada.

LA _ _ _ _ _ _ 22. A design or scheme of arrangement. _ LA _ 23. Postpone. _ _ LA _ 24. Saathee publication and Nazar TV show is produced by “ __ Entertainment Inc.” _ _ _ _ LA 25. In the end.

LA _ _

PLIERS PRUNER RAKE REAMER SANDER SAW SCALPEL SCISSORS SCREWDRIVER SHEARS SPADE TRIMMER WRENCH

(Puzzle solutions are on page 118. NO peeking!)

The unused 10 letters spell meaning “TOOLS. ”

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December 2008

E

Ok, now turn to the left. Wait, look up and open your eyes. One of you move to the back. You in the front raise your right shoulder. Ok, now stand a little closer.

Say cheese. Ooops. Sorry. I’m out of film.

Saathee 109

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Who wants to be a scholar?

Festivals & Holidays Compiled by Kirit Shukla

By Kirit Shukla There is only one correct answer.

1. Arrange these flightless birds in order from large to small by weight. (a) Penguin (b) Kiwi (c) Emu (d) Ostrich 2. Music director of 1952 Hindi film: “Jhansi Ki Rani” (a) Madan Mohan (b) Naushad (c) Ravi (d) Vasant Desai 3. “Ranchi–Calcutta” distance by road is approx. (a) 650 Kms. (b) 750 Kms. (c) 850 Kms. (d) 950 Kms. 4. The largest capacity NFL stadium in US is (a) Rich Stadium (b) Memorial Coliseum (c) Tampa Stadium (d) Cleveland Stadium 5. Mr. Ulysses S Grant was US President from—to (a) 1861-1865 (b) 1865-1869 (c) 1869-1877 (d) 1877-1881 6. To “evince” means: (a) Show (c) Hide

(b) Narrow down (d) Harm

7. One lb./Cubic foot is approx. = __ Kg./Cubic meter. (a) 12 (b) 14 (c) 16 (d) 18

9. This state has the longest sea shore in India. (a) Tamil Nadu (b) Gujarat (c) Kerala (d) Maharastra 10. The coldest city in US is (a) Alamosa, CO (b) Caribou, ME (c) Fargo, ND (d) Int. Falls, MN 11. Most greeting cards mailed in USA are for (a) Christmas (b) Hanukah (c) Thanksgiving (d) Halloween 12. “Parshvanath” was number _ Tirthanka (Jainism) (a) 3rd. (b) 13th. (c) 23rd. (d) 24th

Final answers on page 118 - HEY don’t peek!

December 2008

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December 2008 .Bakri Eid .Geeta Jayanti .Mokshadaa Ekadasi .Dattaatraiya Jayanti (Full Moon) .Geeta Jayanti .First day of winter (US) . Paarshwanath Jayanti .Hanukkah .Safalaa Ekadasi .Christmas Day .Zarathosht No Diso .Darsha Amas (No Moon) .Muharram; Hijri Year 1430 begins .New Year’s Eve; Last day of 2008

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January 2009 .New Year’s day; First day of 2009 .Guru Govindsingh Jayanti .Putrada Ekadasi .Muharram, Tazia .Shakambhari Purnima (Full Moon) .Swami Vivekananda Jayanti .Maghi .Makarsankranti / Utarayan .Martin Luther King Jr. day .Shattila Ekadasi .India’s Republic day, Sun Eclipse .Somavati Amas (No Moon) .Mahatma Gandhi Nirvana day .Vasant Panchami

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Jan. 1 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 13 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 26 .....

Jan. 30 Jan. 31

8. The state nickname “Sunshine State” is (a) Arizona (b) Georgia (c) Tennessee (d) Florida

Scholar: All correct First Class: 11 correct Second Class: 10 correct Third Class: 9 correct Needs Improvement: 8 or less correct.

You be the judge for yourself.

Dec. ... ...

Dec. ...

Dec. ...

Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

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Major Holidays & Festivals of Feb. 09/Mar. 09 Feb. 2 . . . . . .Groundhog day Feb. 12 . . . . .Lincoln’s Birthday Feb. 14 . . . . .Valentines day Feb. 16 . . . . .President’s day . . . . . . . . . . .Shrinathaji Patotsava Feb. 23 . . . . .Maha Shivaratri Mar. 10 . . . . .Eid-E-Milad . . . . . . . . . . .Holi (Full Moon) Mar. 17 . . . . .Saint Patrick’s day Mar. 20 . . . . .Spring begins Mar. 27 . . . . .Gudi Padavo Mar. 28 . . . . .Chetichand

Saathee 110

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TRIANGLE PHYSICIANS P.C. www.trianglephysicians.org

Office of Dr. Rupa Varadarajan, M. D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

305 A South Academy St. Cary, NC 27511 (919) 467 7528 December 2008

Saathee 111

saathee.com

The Chai Table continued from page 44 Democratic Presidential Primary race with friends.

There was prominent African American Jesse Jackson in the race, and a friend of mine commented that America is far from electing a black president, or for that matter even a woman president. It was at least 25 years away, he said.

My Friend had it partly right, since he was one of those who had seen occasional discriminating hiccups in day-to-day life. Minorities, mainly foreigners like him, certainly used to get derogatory remarks on American streets from some whites like “Speak English” or “Go back to your country.” My friend’s prediction was at par with the majority of blacks – 71 percent as per current CNN polling, who never thought they would see an African American as a president in their lifetime. Amazing that for them now Obama’s win is like a dream come true and on the other hand surprisingly 59 percent of whites said they will see it come true in their lifetime. It is a stunning contrast and interesting for those black or other Indian minorities who never believed that whites will be lot less partial than what they are perceived of.

And now 20 years after that, we are at the dawn of the 21st century. Yes change came faster than anticipated. We were on the brink of having a first woman president, but we have first African American president, leader of the most powerful democracy in the world.

So is that real change with real change of minds?

Are we beyond all that traditional nonsense? Has mainstream America changed?

It does seem like that now. May be it is Internet and technology and resulting globalization that is opening people’s minds faster. America is changing faster. Just a couple of years ago, Louisiana elected Bobby Jindal as Governor. He is an Indian-American with parents from India. There are many instances and illustrations like these to show that the American Affirmative action policy has worked in general and may be at the point now that it needs to be eliminated. But on the other hand is it because of policy or by choice? Is what happened in the 2008 election a new direction or a result of the current economic and political situation?

America might have finally learned to ignore the differences between back and white or for that matter the differences between minority and majority. But it was not an easy and smooth change of minds, even within the Democratic Party. It was obvious that Hillary Clinton was getting support from the state where some voters openly admitted their preference over the issue of race. It was certainly distasteful for the Democratic Party where historically blacks have been more or less an integral part. It certainly opened eyes of many frontline democrats and they started coming out in support of Obama, and finally swinging the pendulum in his favor.

More white voted for him than voted for John Kerry or Al Gore in previous elections.

Of course more blacks registered and voted, but they are traditionally democrats. More Hispanic and Asians voted for Obama. But Asians were mainly orientals and we do not know about numbers of Indian December 2008

Asians that voted for him. It is very difficult to believe, however, despite their deep democratic ties, some Indians probably voted against him.

Obama did win the southern, historically red states like North Carolina and Virginia. In conservative Virginia it is hard to forget that just few years ago, Obama’s own parents’ marriage would have been illegal, as inter-racial marriages were banned. Even Obama won some other red states in the West like Nevada and Colorado or in southwest like New Mexico.

Even with his landslide victory it was not convincing, as what helped him was the bad economy along with 75 percent disapproval rating of President Bush. Some pundits said for this sort of huge economic meltdown, America was not left with much choice. They would have rejected even the most popular President Regan had he been running for a third term in this kind of situation. Americans would have just put on the blinders and send anyone – be it black, minority or any Joeblow to the white house, but not any capable incumbent Republican party candidate.

And what if Obama had been darker or truly African American by both parents. Not to forget, many nonblacks might have noted this fact and saw him as influenced and raised by white mother and white grandparents within white circles, but with very little influence of his African American heritage. Did that work to some extent in his favor? The tougher question comes more from religion then race. What if he had been raised with Muslim faith and had been practicing Islam? Did America have answer for that or is it ready for it?

I read a book long time ago that described American color prejudice v/s British prejudice. The Americans were always very open and front (or blunt) about their color prejudice and still some are in certain pockets around the country. However, as Obama had quoted in his own words “Behind all the labels and false divisions and categories that define us, beyond all the petty bickering and point-scoring in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people,” he said. “America, this is our moment. This is our time.”

America has seemingly shown color blindness and it seems it can happen only in America although it may not totally reflect the reality. The whole world can learn from this, but America also needs to look at the world’s largest democracy India which had been always forefront in selecting their leaders beyond all such bars, be it Manmohan Singh, Indira Gandhi, or even Abdul Kalam gracing the most prestigious offices of the country.

And, as for the humankind, we need to be reminded that darker were days just within our reachable history when dark skin was inhumanly and ungodly prejudiced against. It is ugly but reality that Jefferson had said, Negro is only good as he could be slave. We had tougher challenges like this and we came out better later. It seems like just yesterday, few decades ago, when Martin Luther king – staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, won his civil rights struggles.

Obama has gone one step ahead and won a bigger fight. In 2008 history is made or in reality a darker history has been undone. But we have lot more work to do and have to make sure that darker history does not repeat itself.

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CHECK OUT THE SAATHEE CLASSIFIEDS! Page 116

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Stock Tickers continued from page 54

Writers and Photographers Wanted We are looking for contributors to our monthly forum called The Chai Table. If you have an interesting tale to tell, an opinionated opinion or just want to get something off your chest about local community dilemmas, write to us.

We may publish your piece in a future issue of Saathee. Also, encourage your children to submit poems, short stories or other original writings. If you have great photos of South Asia or of local events please submit via e-mail. Thank You.

went to Washington (a couple of them on private jets) and appealed for a $25 billion bailout package. The three men were grilled by Congress on their companies’ failed business models, plans for changes in the future, their own personal salaries and several members of Congress indicated that the “Big 3” needed to become the “Big 2” via a merger/business combination. At the time of writing this article, the possibility of a bailout seemed extremely remote.

The U.S. Dollar experienced a period of protracted declines over the past several years, however, despite the massive U.S. national debt, trade deficits and chaos within the financial system, the greenback has managed to get back on its feet and has improved markedly since the spring of 2008. A few short months ago, it cost $2.10-$2.11 to buy a British Pound and now it is $1.50 against the Sterling. At one point a few months ago, the greenback fetched only 90 Canadian cents but has now risen back to $1.29 Canadian. The greenback had also tumbled to “even-exchange” levels against the Australian Dollar and Swiss Franc but has re-gained substantial ground against those currencies as well. When the Euro came into being on 1/1/2002, the greenback-Euro was “even exchange.” At its strongest point in late July 2008-early August 2008, a Euro bought nearly $1.58 - at the time of this writing, it cost $1.25 to purchase a Euro.

Every year, the Federal Reserve Board meets eight times to review economic data, monetary policy, and make appropriate adjustments to interest rates as deemed appropriate. There have been seven meetings in CY2008 and due to the extreme conditions within the financial system, the Fed has taken actions in between meetings as well. Currently, the Fed Funds Rate (the rate at which banks borrow money from other banks) stands at one percent and the Discount Rate (the rate at which banks borrow money directly from the Federal Reserve) currently stands at 1.25%.

Special Note: This article contains the ideas and thoughts of its author and it does not necessarily imply the viewpoints of Saathee magazine or its principals.

Rajesh Ganatra is also the Community News Editor for Saathee and writes the “The Cricket Forum” column.

Contact: rajeshtganatra@rocketmail.com

Music Lessons & Live Shows Harmonium & Keyboard

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December 2008

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year. However, speculation or gambling may bring good luck for you only during last week of the month. Try to enjoy the time with family and relatives and relax.

General Predictions for December 2008 ARIES MAR 20 - APR 20 This month is going to be a very active month. In the beginning you may feel strong and energetic.

You may feel proud of your friend and siblings.

Try to control your speech. Minor arguments with partners are also possible. The second half of the month may bring good luck, but enough to delight you. You may have to play dirty politics to get promotion. Anyway, you will see income going up.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 21 You may see mixed results this month. Your actions will also contradict this month. You must avoid conflicts with your spouse during first half of the month. Try to focus on earning more money. Your stars will help you. You may use awful tricks to earn extra money. Time is good to get control over your opponents. Avoid driving during last week of the month. Keep away from speculation.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 21 You will completely lose control of the situation.

The time will fly. If you don’t make immediate decisions, you will be the loser. The good thing is that you will not lose your self confidence. Fight your enemies with full power. Your spouse will prove to be weak but will be helpful. However, hot arguments with your spouse are also possible in the last week of the month. Keep up with time.

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22 You will enjoy happy family life. Avoid compromising with your morals. Also control your aggression and ego at the same time. A single mistake can badly affect your health. A good night’s sleep could be very helpful in controlling the temperament. A financial gain is possible in the second week of the month. You may make an important but abrupt family-related decision this month.

LEO JUL 22 - AUG 23 Good advice from your associates will help you achieve desired success. You will feel the crowd surround you and your life ruled by others. You should be watching your health carefully.

Misdiagnosis may increase uncertainty and suffering. Act towards spiritual power for a peace of mind. Disturbing news regarding your kids may also disturb you. Spend some money wastefully to feel good.

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 23 Family gathering and social activities will eat up most of your time. Some unexpected expenses will be there. Your parents and kids will be central focus this month. Steady flow of income is clearly indicated. Do not expect big raise this December 2008

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LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 23 You will do extremely well in your field of activities. Your service or job conditions will definitely improve. You will have tremendous confidence to make decisions and act on them. Family atmosphere will be quite satisfactory. Time is good to make investment in property like land or business. Try to make quick decision in business matters. You may see rise in your status.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 22 The time will fly for you. You will have tremendous energy to carry out day-to-day pursuits.

You will dream and will try to materialize it. Even though the time is very good and relaxing, do not make any major career or business-related changes during this month. Feel relaxed and enjoy fast life. You can enjoy promotion this month, although a recommendation from your higher up is very essential for it.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21 You will experience negative turn in life. You will start losing hold over your family and associates.

A negative feeling and depression may bring you down. Try to take help from your kids to hold the control on the situation. You should try to focus on family issues and fix them. You should not worry about your income. Even in this critical time, you will be able to maintain your income.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You will see sign of big relief coming, but you will lose the opportunity this time. Your own mistakes will bring new problems for you. Try to not make any major decision this month. Also try to curb your expenses. If you focus on your business, you may get better prospect this month.

However, don’t make independent decision and avoid taking major risks. Your competitors can give you good advice.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 19 You will experience a slow downward trend in your personal life during this month. Even though you will do very well in trade or business, the lack of vitality could be there. Your response from spouse will show some sign of improvement but it will take some time before getting to any achievement. The period is not bad to get involved in any new partnerships. Watch your health.

PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20 Now is the time to slow down and watch inwardly. Also try to focus on earning extra money.

Unexpected expenses are on the way. At the same time your health may also deteriorate.

Stay with your old friends and avoid any major changes in life. The second half of the month is more critical. Your kid could also be very good support this month. You may benefit from your sibling.

By Jalendu Vaidya Contact: 973-365-1766 / hindusvision.com saathee.com

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Classifieds EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Warehouse Manager Wanted: for furniture retail. Inventory management & routing delivery. Looking for organized detail oriented person with good communication & computer skills. Attractive salary & benefits.

Will sponsor. Send resume to pdesai1964@gmail.com Eyebrow Artist Needed: Immediate opening for Eyebrow artist in Concord NC area to perform eyebrow threading. License preferred. Great pay plus tips. Please contact 630-935-9335.

Servers Needed: for a popular restaurant in the Triangle area.

Looking for people with friendly & pleasant personality. Ability to work in a fast paced environment. Prior restaurant experience a plus. Call 919-434-5078 Gas Station Help Wanted: Needed Immediately. Near University Area of Charlotte, NC. Experienced preferred but not required. Full or Part Time.

Call immediately at 704-222-8998 Gujarati Speaking Nanny Needed: for stay-home mom with 2 children 2 years and 2 months old. Cooking and light housekeeping. Excellent salary and accommodation. Call (919) 444-1597.

Hotel Management Firm Now Hiring: Various positions available for house keepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager/s of franchise hotels.

Experience is MUST for all positions. E-mail resumes: abcone@abcinns.com or call 704-649-6833.

Motel Help Wanted: Looking for Inhouse Couple for housekeeping help.

Accomodations provided. Call 919208-3514 Nanny Needed: Energetic, reliable, experienced help needed for 1 yr old twins and newborn. Cooking and light housekeeping expected. Live-in position in North Raleigh - excellent accomodations and compensation. Call 919-848-6457.

Live In Nanny Needed: for our three-year old son and One-year old daughter. Light housework & cooking required. Call 919-606-7335 or email: jaranom@hotmail.com Gas Station Help Wanted: Full time help for convenience store near Charlotte. Accommodations provided. 704.701.9975 December 2008

Motel Help: Capable for Housekeeping, maintenance & desk-clerk duties.

Experience needed. Accomodations provided. Call 336-625-1880 or fax 336625-9700. Serious inquiries only.

Now Hiring: Store managers & bookkeepers for apparel stores.

Willing to relocate. Please call Rajesh at 803-327-1160 or 704-277-3233 Help Wanted: Young, Energetic Sales Person Needed For Mens Clothing Store In Columbia, SC & Camden, SC. Must Speak Fluent English. Call (803) 427-1681 Nanny Needed: Reliable, experienced Nanny needed for 2yr. & 7 mnths. old.

For Live-In position in South Charlotte, NC. Excellent accomodations & compensation. Housekeeping & cooking expected. Call 704-770-5822 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Businesses for sale: CafĂŠ, restaurants, deli, coin laundry, dry clearers, and more plus residential listings.

Call for best discounts when you buy or sell. 704.649.9095.

Indian Grocery Store For Sale: in Matthews, NC. Only serious inquiries Call 704-351-4313 Dry Cleaners For Sale: 4000+ sq.ft. plant with property. Includes new 3BR apartment & two drop off stores. Call Jay (864) 350-2571 Indian Restaurant For Sale: In Charlotte, NC. Absentee Owner. Going Cheap, Turn-key operation. Great Location. 50-seating. Dine-In, CarryOut & Catering. Serious people with money only. Call 704-905-1939 Convenience Store For Sale: In Gaffney, SC. $960K inside & 40k/month gallon with property or lease. Owner financing available. Call Saeed 704-877-8578 Business Wanted: We are looking to purchase a convenience store in the Charlotte and surrounding area.

We are also looking for people who are interested in purchasing a gas station in Florida. If interested please call 704-451-8369 or email arifurb@gmail.com Bowling Center For Sale: All Equipment & Real Estate Included.

11308 Sq Ft Facility on 1.59 Acres Siler City, NC (Hwy 64). $650,000 Owner Financing Avail. Potential 6 to 7 K income / month. Call Harris Realty & Auction (919) 498-4077 Businesses for sale in Raleigh area: storage, motel, pizza restaurant, sandwich shops. Call Olga 919.881.9997 or e-mail info@EntrustAssociates.com.

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Businesses For Sale: C-stores: Kings Mountain, NC $775K + Inv, GR $2.7M; Madison, NC $39K + Inv, GR $686K; Fair Play, SC $3.9M + Inv., GR $16M; Greensboro, NC $225 K + Inv; Many NC / SC locations avail under $99K + Inv. 704.814.9435 www.countysouth.biz Liquor store & C-Store for Sale/Lease: Reduced in Clover, SC (Near Gastonia): Asking $115 k + inv (Negotiable) on lease or $350k inc 1200 sq. ft. building /w 1 acre land.

Gross for both $377k. Call Rocky 803.810.5105 PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT: House For Sale: (Raleigh) 2714 Sq.Ft. 4 br, 2 1/2 bath. Open floor plan. Large fenced backyard. 1 mile off I-40 / Beltline. Near Crossroads.

Great Schools. Convenient to Mandir / Mosque. Asking 289,900 Call Sue Boshoff (919) 233-1651 Town house for rent Concord, NC. 2100 sq ft 3 Br, study, 2 car garage with lots of storage. water included.

Hardwood floors in dining / kitchen / sunroom. Call 704-720-9449 12000 Sqft Modern Office Building: Has a Cellar & 4 Floors.

Available on lease in Hyderabad, India. Suitable for MNC Corporate offices, Premiere Institutions, IT offices. Details contact A.M. Khan 704-7287156.

Apt. For Rent Kolkata: 2 beds, 2bath 1000 sq. ft. ground floor. Defense Colony, Salt Lake Sector 3. Close to IT Park, airport, rail station, schools, and mall. Rent Rs. 15000/month. Deposit req. Contact: dhavalfreny@yahoo.com call: 09958093159.

Condo for Rent: Near waterfront and swimming pool. Walking distance to bus. Perfect for small family, H-1 workers or students. 704.619.1603 Townhome for Sale Charlotte. Only 4 miles from downtown, Airport, South Park Mall. Great Schools (Myers Park High & AG Middle). Near Light Rail. 2br & 1.5 bath. $149,000. Scaleybark at Woodlawn Rd. Call 704.641.9336.

SERVICES: Accent Reduction Training: Threemonth tutorial with certified speechlanguage pathologist. Transform accents from career obstacles to charming cultural flavors. Invest in your future! www.trianglespeech.com Beautician in Matthews, NC: Pari Beauty - Threading, waxing, bleach, facial, manicure, pedicure & much more. 18 years of experience. For appointment call 704.846.7912 saathee.com

SERVICES (continued): Harmonium/Keyboard Player: For any occasion/party, Garba-raas, traditional Indian wedding songs, programs & lessons. Kirit 704.568.8206.

Bollywood, Bhangra, Fusion, & Hip Hop Dance Lessons In Charlotte: Dance instructor/choreographer with 10+ years of experience in various dance styles including Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Fusion & Reggae. Private & group lessons for males and females of all ages!

919.395.2679; email dancevolutions@gmail.com.

Are you tired of cooking and no time to cook? Well we have the perfect solution for you. Call for more details. 704.246.6376 Free Astrological Predictions: by a famous Indian Astrologer - Vastu Consultant Dr. Promod Kumar Patro is in Charlotte for a short period.

Astrological predictions are absolutely free. Yantras and Astro gemstones are available on request. Call 704749-8232 for an appointment.

Music Lessons: Classical & light music trained teacher, for ages 3+, beginners and intermediates welcome. No talent only interest required! Patient, encouraging and friendly approach. Please contact Amrita 704-548-0607.

December 2008

Mehandi (Henna): Award winning artist from Jaipur, India is specializing in wedding parties (Bride & attendants). Satisfaction is guaranteed regarding design, color & price.

Krishna Priya Dasi 919.824.7734 EMail: krsnapriyad@hotmail.com Shree Beauty: NC state licensed cosmetologist in Mooresville area offering haircut, eyebrow threading, waxing, facial, massage & much more. For appointments call Jagruti Pancholy 704.500.2724 or 704.658.7747 Beautician in Charlotte, NC : Vandana Patel. Eyebrows, bleach, facial, wax, haircuts, manicure, pedicure, bridal makeup & Mehndi. 22 Years of experience. Call for appointment 704.552.4795.

Dholi For Hire: for any occasion, barat, doli, graduation, birthdays, baby showers and any other festivity. Affordable rate. Instructional classes. Also Indian Clothing for Sale, Chudidar & Anarkali suits, etc. Call Ritu Bhandari at 704-8437202. email: sbhandari@carolina.rr.com Babysitter Available full-time or parttime. Experienced. Speaks Hindi, Gujarati and English. Call 704.619-1603.

Balaji Priest: All kinds of puja, havan, katha, weddings, graha shanti, funeral services & Shraadh. In Hindi, English & Tamil. 704.545.7220.

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South Indian Priest: Sastriji is an independent priest Call for Pujas, Gruhapravesh, Weddings, Multi-lingual, Vedic traditional priestly services, etc. 704.625.7578 704.231.0751. sastrigal2003@yahoo.com Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Showers, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704.780.3563. God Blessings to All. MATRIMONIAL: Looking for a match for sister: 37-year-old divorcĂŠe, issueless, Gujarati, Pharmacist with Green Card.

Looking for educated professional Hindu man. Call 803.431.3966.

SAATHEE CLASSIFIEDS: Business ads are $25 & personal ads are $15 up to 25 words. Type or clearly write the ad & include a check along with your home/work phone numbers. Classified posted on saathee.com at no extra charge. We accept Credit Cards.

Deadline is the 20th.

Saathee Classified PO Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220 E-mail:

saatheemag@hotmail.com 704.527.7570 Fax: 704.527.7590

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Index of Advertisers Abbi, Chitra (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 AKM Realty (Arvind Mahajan) . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Allstate (Adam Pham MBA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Amberly Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Amerifab International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Around The World Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Ashirvad Tours & Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Azitra (Indian Cuisine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Bashyam, Spiro & Edgerton LLP (Immigration Law) 41 Bhalodia, Sanjay (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Bhindi Jewellers . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover Blooming Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Bombay Grille Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Care Pediatrics (Dr. Sarath Dommaraju) . . . . . .21 Carolina Retina Institute (Amit Kumar MD) . . . .97 Cary Cardiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Cary Children's Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Cary Internal Medicine & The Diabetes Center, PA30 Cary Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Cary Photo & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Chandni's Beauty Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Chef Of India (formerly Suchi Indian Cuisine) . .11 CJ Tax & Accounting Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Concha, David - Immigration Attorney . . . . . . .70 County South Realty & Business Brokers . . . . .36 Countywide Sealcoating & Striping . . . . . . . . . .77 CrossOver Lending Group (Tony Xie) . . . . . . .101 Dave & Dave Inc. (Accounting) . . . . . . . . . . .117 Desai Desai Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 DJ Hangama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 DJ Kenz (Kenz Desai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 DJ Don (David Pandoria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 DJ Ravi (Bhangra Baam) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Editor Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Elegant Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Eshaan Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Evershine Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Eye Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Fairview Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Food & Spices (Winston Salem) . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Friends Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Goels Plaza - Banquet & Conference Center . . . .5 Grand India Mart (Groceries) . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Greater Triangle Realty (Thomas John) . . . . . . .87 Hindi & Music Classes (Poonam Sirohi) . . . . . . .43 iFuturistics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Inchin's Bamboo Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 India Garden (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Indian Food & Spices (Fayetteville) . . . . . . . . .27 Indu Conv. Store Greensboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 International Comm Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 IWP Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Jump Zone (Party / Play Centers) . . . . . . . . . .87 Kadhai - The Indian Wok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Kadhambam Spices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Kalashri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Kandas Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 KD Photographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory . .55 Limon Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Mahabazar.com Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 Mahima Grocery Greensboro . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Malani Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover Mandap World (Nita Govan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Maruthi Pediatrics (Dr. Badriprasad R. Donthi) . .73 Mathews, Joe (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Maya Creations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Montessori Children's House of Durham . . . . . .65 Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) . . . . . . . . . . .89 Nazar Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Om Indian Groceries (Winston Salem) . . . . . . .57 Oxford Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Palika Bazaar & Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 & 69 Parekh , Bipin & Smita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Patel Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Patel, Champa (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Patel, Shailesh DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Patel, Shital (Clearline Mortgage) . . . . . . . . . .67 Photography By Vinod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Prashant Video Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 December 2008

Pretty Inspirations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 R.P. Videography (Rashmi Patel) . . . . . . . . . . .14 Rajdeep Mandap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Rajdeep Video (Ramesh Panjabi) . . . . . . . . . . .42 Rama Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews) . . . . . . .7 Refulgent Technologies Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Roopkala Sarees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Royal India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Saathee Subscription Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Saathee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Saffron Restaurant & Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Sangam Mart (Indian Groceries) . . . . . . . . . . .83 Shah, Chandravadan (Real estate & Mortgage) .75 Shah, Kirti (CPA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Shamim Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Sitar India Palace Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Sitar Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Sleep Inn (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Smart Property Group (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . .27 Sonal Furniture & Custom Draperies . . . . . . . .17 Spice Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Spotlight Creative Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 State Auto Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Suku Pandiyattu (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Taj Indian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Taj Mahal Restaurant (Raleigh) . . . . . . . . . . . .25 TakeoutRdelivery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Tamarind Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 The Montessori School of Raleigh . . . . . . . . . . .37 Tower Restauant (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Travel Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Travelinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Triangle Indian Market (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Triangle Phycian Group (Dr. Varadarajan) . . . .111 Triangle Spine & Sports Medicine (Hari Kuncha, M.D.)85 Ttravel Guru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Udupi Cafe (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Usha Decor (Wedding Planning & Decor) . . . . .22 USPS Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Vyas Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Wake OB/Gyn (Dr. Nanda Shah) . . . . . . . . . . .87 Wedding Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 White Horse Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Worldwide travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Zamana Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

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