Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 14 No. 08
Austin Public Health Re-Enters To Stage 4 Of Risk-Based Guidelines The level of risk for contracting COVID-19 in Austin-Travis Coun-
County and local hospital partners monitor several key indicators in-
ty continues to increase, especially among unvaccinated individuals as confirmed cases have dramatically risen over the past two weeks.
cluding the 7-day moving average of new hospital admissions, new infections, and current ICU and ventilator patients.
In making the decision to move to Stage 4 of the Risk-Based Guidelines, Austin Public Health, Travis
Over the past three weeks these indicators have surged: (Continued On Page 05)
Young Ayaan Finds His Calling In The Covid-19 Pandemic By Ayaan Moledina As a young Muslim in America, it can be challenging to find a purpose.
I found mine in 6th grade when the Covid-19 pandemic hit last year. I was in 6th grade. A lot of information about the virus, the symptoms, and the infection came quickly. I was watching TV when my dad switched to the news. Anderson Cooper, who I later found out to be an anchor journalist at CNN, came on. He talked about the pandemic and how the government was dealing with it. “Wow! This is cool!” I learned through the news how the pandemic was also a political matter. (Continued On Page 15)
Social Media - Risk To Humanity By Shirin Ghaffary One challenge is how little we know about the dangers. A group of 17 researchers across disci-
plines from biology to philosophy published a paper arguing that the impacts of social media should be treated as a “crisis discipline.” Social media has drastically restructured the way we communicate in an incredibly short period of time.
We can discover, “Like,” click on, and share information faster than ever before, guided by algorithms most of us don’t quite understand. And while some social scientists, journalists, and activists have been raising concerns about how this is affecting our democracy, mental health, and relationships, we haven’t seen biologists and ecologists weighing in as much. That’s changed with a new paper published in the prestigious science journal PNAS earlier this month, titled “Stewardship of global collective behavior.” (Continued On Page 06)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Announces Most Extensive Airport Improvement Program AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is upgrading the travel experience with the announcement of its launch of the most extensive improvement program in its history. Following significant COVID-19 impacts to air travel, AUS restrategized its original expansion
program to meet the needs of postpandemic air travel. The Airport Expansion Development Program (AEDP) includes critical components of the 2040 Master Plan that meet the immediate needs of AUS passengers and airlines. (Continued On Page 15)
inside
August 2021
Healthcare Practices.....02 5 Healthy Travel Must...02 Form Of Dwarfism........03 New Or Used Car..........04 Protect Your Family.......04 ‘Bridgerton’ Fans..........05 Great Tech To Help.......06
September 2021 Beauty Special
512-828-6709 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Back-To-School Gear.....07 Phone Can Help...........08 5 Campus Essentials.....09 Kids’ Party Ideas..........10 National Study Shows...11 Shopping In Stores.......12 To Score A Gold Medal..12 Prep Your Home, Dorm.14 Teen Ready..................13 Heading Back To Office.14 Life Returns To Normal.16 Malik’s Page.................17 Kids Corner....18,19,22,23 Prison Education..........21 The Peace Corps?........23 Ask A Lawyer................24 Fun All Summer Long...25 Entertainment.........26,27
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Top 5 Tips For Healthcare Practices Recovering From The Pandemic
Employing one in eight adults nationwide, the healthcare industry is vital to the economy and communities across the country. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hit hard, with many Americans avoiding routine and elective care.
ipated that the industry will bounce back. In the meantime, Marrin says practitioners should use this time as a learning experience and re-position their practice for future success:
update those clients on new safety protocols. Make sure returning patients know in advance the safety measures being taken, such as temperature checks, mandatory masks, physical barriers or limited occu-
From veterinarians to dentists to primary care physicians, experts say that practitioners of all stripes have had to contend with unprecedented business challenges. “Practice owners have always needed more than medical skills to be successful, but now they’re in need of even more support to get back on track,” says David Marrin, head of Wells Fargo Healthcare Industries Group, which specializes in supporting small to mid-sized healthcare practices. As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be administered and social distancing mandates lessen, it’s antic-
1. Reach out to patients: Many people skipped their annual check-ups last year because they were unsure if it was safe to visit their doctor’s office in-person. With a backlog of patients, there’s an opportunity to
pancy. Practices offering telehealth or home delivery of products and medications should highlight such offerings as proactive ways they’re safely serving client needs now and in the future.
2. Offer flexible payment options: COVID-19 has been devastating to many and some clients may be facing financial challenges. Practitioners should consider offering flexible payment options. Extended payment plans, loyalty programs, and financing options are a few ways to help clients get needed care while easing their burden. 3. Re-evaluate cash flow: Likewise, some practice owners are struggling and are reporting less patient volume and declines in revenues. With overhead and other costs increasing, they should identify the most and least profitable services they provide while ensuring their rates are competitive. Integrating stronger profitability strategies can help with longstanding growth and sustainability. 4. Leverage digital channels: For many businesses, digital channels have become a primary source of communication and service for
5 Healthy Travel Must-Haves For When You Get Back On The Go After a year during which many Americans stayed home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they’re now taking to the highways, railways, byways and highways in great numbers for vacations of all kinds. If you’re among
and are made of an eco-friendly silver coating that effectively blocks up to 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, offering all-day protection for you and your family. Designed to stay in place with the weight of four easily-filled sandbags, they
them, consider packing these travel must-haves for a healthier experience.
can withstand a hard breeze, eliminating the hassle of chasing umbrellas down the beach.
1. Sun protection. Heading to the beach? Ditch the umbrella in favor of a beach tent. The pop-up options from WolfWise set up in seconds
2. Healthy hydration. It’s time for a water filter bottle. Whether you’re filling up at the airport, from your hotel tap, or on the road, packing a
good water filter bottle means you won’t have to drink nasty tasting tap water or pay for expensive bottled water. Check out the LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Filter. It not only improves taste, but also protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness and it keeps your water cool. Packing light? The LifeStraw’s BPA-free water Filter Bottle is another great choice from the brand, as it offers all the same healthy hydration benefits and is super easy to take with you anywhere. 3. First aid. Whether you are road tripping or flying to your destination, it’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit in your car or suitcase containing the essentials needed to quickly manage minor cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, burns, aches, pains and more. This is especially true if you’re heading to a remote location, or somewhere you’re likely to experience a language barrier. While you may want to customize your kit based on you and your travel companions’ specific needs, a high-quality kit, such
as the Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit from REI, can be affordably purchased and is a good starting point for most travelers. 4. Let’s talk allergies. For those with food allergies, traveling abroad can be anxiety-provoking. Before your trip, download Allergy Food Translator, an app that allows you to translate your food allergies into French, German and Spanish, helping you more safely dine in over 57 countries globally. Since translations are built into the app, no internet connection is required, which can be helpful when your phone is on roaming. 5. Socks. Yes. Socks. Whether you are sitting on a plane or road tripping, it’s a great idea to invest in a pair of compression socks. They’ll help you improve circulation and reduce swelling and inflammation in your feet. Zensah makes a cool set of leg sleeves that you can easily pop on and off. As you get back on-the-go, you may hit some bumps along the way. Being prepared with must-have travel gear can keep you fitter, healthier and safer on your journey. (StatePoint)
their customers. To encourage patients to return to the physical office, highlighting safety protocols through email or social media can ease their concerns and help set expectations. Update online channels with current information and photos to represent what an in-person visit might look like. For example, show doctors in masks. Or, highlight what a telehealth appointment looks like. Those patients wishing to receive virtual care can also benefit from online portals, downloadable forms and other digital communication tools that create a two-way dialog allowing them to share questions and concerns about care, treatment, appointments and prescription refills. 5. Seek the right relationships and resources: One of the most important things physicians can do is pinpoint the right group of trusted advisors for practice management tips, financial guidance, and direction on the right products and resources for their unique needs. Owner of Veterinary Dental Services, Dr. Bonnie Shope says one of the most important lessons for her business was surrounding herself with mentors who have different perspectives and experiences. This expert team should also consist of a business banker with specific experience in the healthcare industry, as well as a healthcare consultant team to advise on practice management and other business challenges. Additionally, there are many tips and tools available for healthcare practitioners taking proactive steps towards recovery. Check out the free articles and videos available on the Wells Fargo Healthcare Practices microsite. As the economy continues to recover and many people return to their pre-pandemic routines, healthcare practices should lean into creative business strategies to help them survive and thrive in the months and years ahead. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
How The Most Common Form Of Dwarfism Impacts Families Though it is the most common form of dwarfism, occurring in one out of every 25,000 births, achondroplasia is often misunderstood as a condition only affecting one’s height.
the spinal cord passes -- research funding for this condition is scarce and treatment options are limited.
lar visits to such specialists as an ear, nose and throat doctor, a neurosurgeon and orthopedist, as well
“We spoke to different researchers and clinicians about any potential drug therapies and discovered that because achondroplasia is a relatively rare condition, their work was not being funded adequately to drive the science and further drug development,” says Amer Haider.
Beyond disproportionate short stature, achondroplasia is associated with a number of serious health complications, sometimes resulting in the need for invasive surgeries. What’s more, individuals with achondroplasia have disproportionately short limbs, which impairs functioning and can lead to delayed development of self-care skills. Despite the many complications that can arise as a result achondroplasia -- including sleep apnea, bowed legs, enlarged head, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces between your spine), recurrent ear infections and compression at the foramen magnum, the opening in the base of the skull through which
sia, and management of achondroplasia can frequently involve surgical intervention. Ahmin would likely need at least four major surgeries in his lifetime.
Indeed, when Amer and Munira Haider’s son, Ahmin, was diagnosed with achondroplasia at 9-months old, the couple soon learned that his health would have to be actively managed with regu-
as by working with physical and occupational therapists throughout childhood. They also learned that there are no drug treatments for achondropla-
Envisioning a life for Ahmin in which he is physically independent and experiences the fewest possible orthopedic challenges, and seeing a gap in the community, the couple established the Growing Stronger Research Fund. Its mission is to raise funds to support the efforts of researchers in the field and connect little people with experts who can answer their questions. “Through the organization, we hope people will join our cause of ensuring momentum for improving
the quality of medical care for little people,” says Amer Haider. “We believe every family should have access to therapeutic options.” This drive is also why the Haiders made the decision to enroll Ahmin in a clinical trial for patients with achondroplasia. “After a year of research, and discussing the available safety data and risks with our doctor, we felt it was the right thing to do for our son,” says Munira Haider. To learn more about living with achondroplasia and the work that scientists are doing to create a drug therapy, visit growingstronger.org. While the potential complications people with achondroplasia face are many, ongoing research to better understand the condition continues, with several different therapeutic candidates advancing in clinical trials, creating the potential for treatment choices in the future. (StatePoint)
Why Closing The Technology Gap For Older Adults Matters The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a rapid acceleration of telehealth as people looked for ways to access care safely.
New efforts are helping to address these inequities. CITRIS Health, an organization dedicated to advancing the well-being of older
This project is offering one-onone training, in-language support and peer-based technical support to equip older adult residents of
Following an initial pilot, participants reported both an increase in device usage as well as confidence in using their devices.
While technology kept many in the United States connected to care and loved ones, many low-income older adults were left behind by the sudden need to understand and access technology and internet services.
Technology helped to connect them to loved ones they were isolated from, and improved their overall health and wellbeing by reducing social isolation and loneliness.
However, among those who could stand to benefit the most from these services are 22 million older adults (ages 65 and above) in the United States who don’t have broadband access at home. What’s more, older adults (ages 62 and above) with an income below $25,000 are 10 times more likely to be offline at home. Many older adults lack the technological literacy needed to leverage digital resources for health and social support.
adults and family caregivers with enabling technology, recently launched “Lighthouse for Older Adults.”
affordable housing communities with high-speed broadband access, user-friendly devices and digital literacy training.
lot.”
When asked about their favorite part of using a Google device, one participant stated, “Being able to connect visually with family and friends. And visually means a
Those at the helm of the project say they hope its success will serve as a model for other such programs.
“Older adults have so much to gain from the connections and health care opportunities available with internet access and a basic understanding of technology,” says CITRIS Health director and Lighthouse project lead David Lindeman. “We’re eager to see this program replicated to improve equity in telehealth.” For resources that can help other organizations implement similar programs, visit the Lighthouse project page on the CITRIS Health website, citris-uc.org. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that technology literacy and access are more crucial for older adults than ever before. When it comes to improving the health and well-being of communities, addressing this gap is essential. (StatePoint).
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In The Market For A New Or Used Car? Keep These 4 Tips In Mind
If you’re in the market for a new or used car… you’re not in luck. According to CarGurus, the average price of a used car in mid-May of 2021 was over $25,000, nearly $5,000 more than the previous year. The in-
to Carfax.com, the average car will be worth just 40% of its purchase price after five years. By choosing a five-year-old vehicle rather than a brand-new one, customers can save significantly.
flated prices are largely due to a global automotive microchip shortage that affected the production of new cars, in turn creating higher demand for used vehicles.
4. Upgrade your auto insurance to cover what it would cost to replace your car. In the event of an accident, standard insurance typically covers the amount your vehicle is currently worth, not the amount it would cost you to buy another one.
In addition to paying more for a car that is harder to find, your vehicle will almost always depreciate the minute it’s driven off the lot. Plus, should your car be damaged in a crash, you might not even receive enough money from your insurance company to replace it, unless you have the right coverage. Given the current issues with pricing and demand, it’s especially important to take steps to maintain as much of your vehicle’s value as possible and protect yourself against the inevitable depreciation. Here are four tips that can help: 1. Buy a vehicle with a high resale value. A study from Fleet Financials found that within the same year, mid-size sedans depreciated 17.5% while compact crossovers only depreciated 12%. 2. Take care of your car. Cars in better condition with fewer miles, under 100,000 according to CarsDirect, will re-sell at higher rates. Stay on top of service and maintenance, address any issues as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary modifications such as window lettering. 3. Opt for used rather than new. According
However, certain auto endorsements, such as Auto Security from Erie Insurance, cover the difference between current worth and the amount you owe on your vehicle. For example, if you’ve owned your new or used car less than two years and it gets totaled, Auto Security will reimburse you the cost to replace it with the newest model year. If there’s an accident that’s not a total loss, Erie Insurance will pay to repair the vehicle without a deduction for depreciation. “Being involved in an auto accident can be incredibly stressful,” said Jon Bloom, vice president of personal auto at Erie Insurance. “Should your car be damaged, our Auto Security endorsement can help give you peace of mind by covering more than a standard policy would.” To learn more, or talk with an insurance agent, visit erieinsurance.com. Any vehicle will lose value over time, but making informed decisions about your car and its insurance policy can save you money in the long run. (StatePoint)
Austin South Asian | August 2021
How To Protect Your Family From The Delta Variant Despite significant gains in vaccinations and fighting COVID-19, the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant poses a significant risk for unvaccinated people. “We are at a critical moment in the COVID-19 pandemic. We have the vaccines and
public health measures necessary to protect people and stop the spread of the virus, but the onus is on all of us to get vaccinated in order to protect ourselves and our communities. Despite the gains we have made, the dangers -- particularly of the Delta variant -- are real and concerning,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., American Medical Association (AMA) president. According to the AMA, here is what you can do now to decrease the risk to you and your family. 1. Talk to your doctor. Speak to your own physician about vaccines. Physicians remain one of the most important sources for information about vaccines. And with 96 percent of physicians vaccinated, according to a recent AMA poll, they are prepared to answer your questions and speak about their own experience with vaccines. 2. Get vaccinated ASAP. If you’re not already vaccinated, get the first vaccine available to you. Three vaccines are now available in the United States: those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals. All are
safe and highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalizations and death. 3. Immunize your child. Now is the time to immunize your child, if they are eligible, so they are fully vaccinated by the start of
school. It takes five weeks for the two-dose Pfizer vaccine to be fully effective. With schools reopening in person in August in many places, and with just one in five children between 12-15 years old vaccinated, you should start the vaccination process as soon as possible. Additionally, childhood and adolescent vaccination rates against diseases such as measles, pertussis and human papilloma virus dropped precipitously during the first few months of the pandemic stay-at-home orders. Although rates have picked up, they have not picked up enough to achieve catch-up coverage, so make sure your child’s immunizations are on track during well-child visits with their doctor. “In order for communities to fully move on from COVID-era restrictions and ensure we don’t fall back due to spread of COVID variants, everyone must do their part now and get vaccinated. Too much is at stake,” says Dr. Harmon. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines by visiting getvaccineanswers.org or find a location to get vaccinated near you at vaccines. gov. (StatePoint)
FREE CLASSIFIED info@AustinSouthAsian.com
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Summer Entertaining Tips For ‘Bridgerton’ Fans If you’re among the millions of fans of the hit show “Bridgerton,” or of the novels that inspired it, you know that society’s finest entertains with style and flair, and you may have wondered how you can follow suit.
That doesn’t mean you can’t play with the
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Whether you’re hosting a day-time soiree or an elegant evening celebration, let the new cookbook “Teatime at Grosvenor Square: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Bridgerton” by Dahlia Clearwater be your guide to all your summer party planning. Each of the 75 recipes the book contains are as accessible to home cooks as they are lavish. To get your menu started, try pairing these two mouth-watering recipes from the book, perfect for delighting guests at a proper afternoon tea or boozy brunch: Classic Cucumber Sandwiches “As much as the Bridgertons like to buck tradition, no afternoon tea would be complete without scrumptious cucumber sandwiches.
flavor. This updated version adds herbs, garlic and shredded chicken,” says Clearwater. Ingredients: (Yields 30) • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded (optional) • 20 slices
bread, crusts removed • 1 large English cucumber • 1 small package microgreens (optional) Directions:
1. Add the cream cheese and mayonnaise to
Austin Public Health Re-Enters To Stage 4 Of Risk-Based Guidelines (Continued From Page 01) The 7-day moving average for hospitalizations since July 4 have increased over 203% from 63 to 202 hospitalizations on July 22. The total number of people testing positive in a given week, has tripled from 3.2% to 9.6%.
of exposure in the community. It is important to note that everyone should continue to follow any additional requirements of local businesses, venues, and schools regardless of vaccination status or stage.
COVID patients in local ICUs have increased nearly 242% from 24 people on July 4 to 82 people on July 22. Stage 4 recommendations include the following: Fully vaccinated individuals should wear a mask when participating in indoor private gatherings, traveling, and dining or shopping, and should wear a mask for outdoor gatherings, if they are unable to socially distance. Partially or unvaccinated individuals should avoid private gatherings, travel, dining and shopping unless essential. Wear a mask when conducting essential activities. The concern is the new variant spreading from those vaccinated to the unvaccinated, especially children unable to get the vaccine. The Risk-Based Guidelines correlate with five distinct stages of risk for Austin-Travis County and are not changes to local rules or regulations for businesses; they are guidelines and recommendations for individual actions and behaviors based on levels of risk
ly vaccinated, our community continues to be vulnerable to new variants of the disease, especially the highly transmissible Delta variant. The rapid spread of the Delta variant is cause for concern among public health experts, especially as children and teens prepare to return to in-person classes. It is important for parents to vaccinate their children who are 12 years of age and older. APH further recommends that those under the age of 12 wear a mask as the school year begins until a vaccine for their age range is approved.
People are asked to be aware of their surroundings and potential risks when determining the best course of action to keep themselves and others safe. Vaccinations are the best tool we have in fighting COVID-19, but in public, we don’t know who is vaccinated and who is not, so it is best to mask and, when possible, maintain social distance. COVID-19 vaccinations continue to prove extremely effective in protecting those who have completed the required series of shots for Moderna and Pfizer, or the single dose of Johnson and Johnson. However, with only 62.41% of residents ful-
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. Residents can locate providers in their area using Vaccines.gov or they can text their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic.
a small bowl and use a hand mixer to combine until smooth. 2. Stir in the dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chicken (if using). Spread the mixture over half of the slices of crustless bread. 3. Thinly slice the cucumber and layer the slices in the sandwiches, followed by the microgreens (if using), and the remaining slices of bread. If you prefer a posh look, layer the cucumbers on top of the sandwiches. 4. Slice each sandwich into three rectangles to create 30 perfectly delicate tea sandwiches. Lemon-Mint Cordial Cocktail “Swap that small glass of lemonade for one of the Regency era’s ‘restorative’ favorites. The cordial-infused cocktail is an ideal refreshment when you need a break from an overbearing older brother or an overzealous suitor,” says Clearwater. Ingredients: (Serves 16) • Zest and juice of 4 medium lemons • 4 cups sugar • 1 ounce tartaric acid • 5 cups boiling water • Gin or vodka, for serving • Fresh mint, for garnish Directions: 1. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar and tartaric acid to a large bowl. 2. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients, and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. 3. Strain the mixture and pour it into a sterilized glass bottle or jar with a lid. Store the unopened bottle in the pantry. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator. 4. When ready for a drink, add one part cordial to three parts gin or vodka, garnish with fresh mint, and enjoy a moment of respite while you sip!
For additional business guidance, visit www. ATXrecovers.com for recommendations to help prioritize the well-being of employees and customers.
In addition to finger sandwiches and cocktails, “Teatime at Grosvenor Square” features recipes for pastries, roasts, desserts and more, and is available on Amazon.
For COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19
To impress guests (or upstage adversaries) this summer, learn to entertain with all the sumptuous flair of the Bridgerton universe. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
SCRIBBLINGS BY ARUN PRAYERS AND REQUESTS No one is self sufficient in this sphere, We all have to depend on one another. Sans some basic needs we can survive never, Can’t meet all ourselves, need to seek from others. “Ask it will be given to you”, says Scripture. Based on how best we pray, we secure needs ours. Many would have witnessed this sometime ever,
While answered fully are their sincere prayers. If try to command or demand or order, It work sometimes but surely not for ever. Through varied means God answers all our prayers, Often and truly bear fruits requests sincere.
Great Tech To Help You Make The Most Of Summer 2021 This year more than most, people want to go on adventures and enjoy all life has to offer. Use these tech tools to help you explore and enjoy the long summer days:
• The world is your workplace: You don’t need to wait until your day off to make the most of the world around you. Expand what the concept of the “remote workplace” means to you. With
• Pool party jams: Who says electronics and water don’t mix? Get yourself a set of floating speakers and bring the music directly to you and your friends while you’re in the water. Whether you’re pumping up the jams at a pool party or taking a dip in a lake, speakers that are designed to withstand full immersion can be a game changer for all your water-based recreation.
a pocket-sized travel router, create a safe and secure Wi-Fi hot spot anywhere. Pair it with a good set of noise cancelling headphones that have a high-quality microphone and you’re all set for those on-the-go Zoom meetings too.
It is not below dignity to request, Instead it increases mutual respect. If prayers and requests are not to tumble, Pray and request politely and be humble. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)
Bombay Express Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly
Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 13000 N IH35 Building #12, Unit # 216 Austin, Texas - 78753
512-491-5055
(Take-Away is possible on all items on the menu)
Social Media - Risk To Humanity (Continued From Page 01) Seventeen researchers who specialize in widely different fields, from climate science to philosophy, make the case that academics should treat the study of technology’s large-scale impact on society as a “crisis discipline.” A crisis discipline is a field in which scientists across different fields work quickly to address an urgent societal problem — like how conservation biology tries to protect endangered species or climate science research aims to stop global warming. The paper argues that our lack of understanding about the collective behavioral effects of new technology is a danger to democracy and scientific progress. For example, the paper says that tech companies have “fumbled their way through the ongo-
ing coronavirus pandemic, unable to stem the ‘infodemic’ of misinformation” that has hindered widespread acceptance of masks and vaccines. The authors warn that if left misunderstood and unchecked, we could see unintended consequences of new technology contributing to phenomena such as “election tampering, disease, violent extremism, famine, racism, and war.” It’s a grave warning and call to action by an unusually diverse swath of scholars across disciplines — and their collaboration indicates how concerned they are. Recode spoke with the lead author of the paper, Joe Bak-Coleman, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public , (Continued On Page 18)
• Outdoor bound: For outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, great wearable tech can support future undertakings. To that end, consider the timepiece of choice for climbers, hikers, campers and other adventurers: ProTrek, which combines innovative technology and design. Among the models in the line-up is the PRT-B50, a hiking watch with Bluetooth capabilities, enabling data communication with a smartphone. Plus, Quad Sensor technology provides altitude, barometer and temperature measurements, a compass, as well as an accelerometer to track steps. Calculating calories burned by taking both steps and altitude into consideration, this information is recorded by the PRO TREK Connected app. The app also automatically records altitude data and GPS so you can manually plot altitude points using its Route Log feature. And for those wanting that perfect photo opp, the watch acquires latitude and longitude information used to calculate local sunrise and sunset times.
• Sounds of summer: Need to practice the piano? There’s no longer a need to be stuck inside during gorgeous summer days. Take a portable, versatile keyboard on adventures through the woods, to the beach or into the park. The lightweight, portable Casiotone CT-S1, for example, includes strap pins so you can tote it along with you on adventures and jam anywhere you see fit. Aside from its 61 full-size keys with touch response, it packs 61 sounds onboard, including a stereo German grand piano. When inspiration strikes, the one-button recorder allows you to capture ideas on the fly. Finally, it features a class-compliant USB-MIDI port for MIDI playback via the free Chordana App. Just add a strap and batteries, and set out for summer fun. • Road tripping: Become a savvy traveler with The Outbound app. This free app offers up-todate information on attractions specific to your location, as well as travel tips and stories you can use to plan future trips. With the right gear, tools and tech, having more adventures and making the most of them is simple. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Back-To-School Gear For Academic Skills Development From mathematics to music to new languages, skill development and knowledge acquisition are easiest with the right tools. Set your child up for a successful year with the best back-to-school gear.
Casio Stage Piano from the brand’s CDP line. The CDP-S150, for example, delivers a natural grand
its included power supply or AA batteries, this model provides both portability and convenience.
• Reinforcements: Flash cards, a tried-and-true technique for reinforcing classroom lessons, have gone digital. Check out Quizlet, a site that features flash cards, games, diagrams and study guides on a range of subjects, including foreign languages, science subjects and even practical computer skills like Photoshop, Excel and PowerPoint. With content accessible online or on the mobile app, students can quickly and conveniently cram for their exams on-the-go. • Practice makes perfect: Whether your child is learning to play piano for the first time or mastering their skills, the right keyboard can make all the difference. To that end, consider outfitting your student with a
work and digital files organized, as well as teach good habits. Mountable wall files can help reduce desk clutter and provide a sorting system, whereas new digital tools like Evernote can streamline both note-taking and review. • Higher-order thinking: By conveying the appeal of mathematics in a way that does not just rehash textbook exercises or ask students to memorize formulas, students will be motivated to explore the depths of this fascinating subject. You can foster this type of higherorder thinking by powering your child’s learning with a high-quality calculator designed for their coursework.
piano sound and feel in a slim case that’s barely larger than the keys themselves, making it a great choice for those who practice in a bedroom or dorm room.
• Organization: Organization is not exactly an academic skill, but mastering this life skill has the potential to improve grades and make the learning process easier.
Since it weighs only 23.1 pounds and is capable of running on either
Seek out tools that help students keep both their hard copy paper-
Handling the tedious calculations, students will have the bandwidth to discover different possibilities for arriving at answers, while focusing on the concepts behind the calculations. The scientific calculator models
from Casio can handle hundreds of math functions and their graphing calculators feature a natural textbook display to help students more easily visualize mathematical concepts. • Gaming and sports: While video games may seem like a school-year distraction, they can actually provide specific benefits to budding athletes, so don’t shy away from them completely. Research has shown that gaming in general can improve hand-eye coordination, and it’s also shown that games designed to mimic actual sports play can help build realworld skills. There’s no doubt about it. The tools students need to thrive today look quite different from the past. However, these tools can help students take both their skills, as well as their comprehension of subjects, to new heights. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Here’s How Your Phone Can Help You Travel Smarter After over a year of pandemicrelated restrictions, we’ve entered a new era of travel, with 67% of Americans planning to get out of town this summer.
Tonight help you find last-minute hotel deals on a place to get some rest after an epic day of exploration. Cut costs even further if you’re a T-
can help you score a last-minute table in the United States and The Fork can help you get seated in Europe.
From scoring accommodations to keeping track of local restrictions, your digital device can help you navigate the “next normal” of travel. Here’s how.
Hotels and Cars So much of travel is about searching for your next adventure. It’s that game-time call to push on to a new city or pull into a charming little unknown town. Apps like Hotel
everything you need to discover and book campsites. Visiting a U.S. national park?
Attractions
Find interactive maps, accessibility information and more with the NPS app. And with T-Mobile, get 5G at no extra cost to help when you’re out on the road with nothing but nature around.
A pass that lets you bundle attractions can save time and money and ensure you catch every can’t-miss sight. For example, The New York Sightseeing Pass offers ticket-free entry to more than 150 attractions. And if you have T-Mobile, you can get up to 30% off theme park admission with EBG via the T-Mobile Tuesdays app.
Health and Safety With COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines varying widely, you’ll want up-to-date information relevant to your destination. For domestic trips, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a good resource. And for global travel, the COVID Controls app offers information on your destination’s current protocols based on your country of origin.
Wi-Fi on Gogo-enabled flights so you can do last-minute research on your destination en route.
Translation Help
Mobile customer by accessing the new T-Mobile TRAVEL to save up to 40% on select accommodations and car rentals. Restaurants Although restaurants nationwide have opened their doors, many are still running at a lower capacity. Apps like Open Table and Resy
Stay Connected It’s hard to know where to go or what to do when visiting a new city. Make sure to travel with a reliable wireless provider like T-Mobile. The company’s Magenta and Magenta MAX plans offer unlimited texting and data while roaming in over 200 countries. The plans also offer in-flight text messaging plus
Have you been trying to master a foreign language during lockdown in preparation for your international trip? No worries if you’re a little behind on your conjugations. The iTranslate app offers instant translations. Getting Outside Find the best hiking and biking trails with the AllTrails and Trailforks apps. If you’re planning to camp, the Recreation.gov app has
Customs The Mobile Passport app, available at most major points of entry for international flights, can help you avoid an hours-long line after a transatlantic flight. Be sure to download ahead of landing, and enter your passport and trip information before heading to the customs area. With some smart digital tricks up your sleeve, your device can be your greatest travel resource before and during your trip. And even better if you’re a T-Mobile customer – take advantage of the deals and offers this summer to make it a vacation on a budget to remember. (StatePoint)
Selective Freedom Can Enhance Tools Of Repression
By Sadhu Utprerakam
to those dictatorship governments?
As citizens of the oldest democracy in the world , and as individuals enjoying freedoms that are unthinkable in many parts of the planet even today, we are prone to some assumptions and good intentions.
There is one important question that comes in the way. Are these actions driven by good intentions? Few decades ago, China was a poor nation ruled by an autocratic communist regime.
This has led us to encourage and bless even selective and incremental measures of freedom adopted by foreign autocratic governments to permit as a step in the right direction. This is not without merit as great civilizations made tremendous progress by taking small incremental measures towards development. Many successful corporations and individuals attribute their success to small and incremental steps that one day became giant leaps. So why not give the benefit of doubt
The people were impoverished and lacked the power to self govern due to absolute control of the nation by the communist party. However, the citizens of Taiwan and Hong Kong enjoyed more freedoms and better lives. Then the Chinese regime decided to signal to the rest of the world that they are open to business. Western think tanks assumed that economic liberalization will eventually lead to political liberalization. Today the assumptions look silly. Although China achieved tremendous GDP growth, many peo-
ple still lack food security, medical care, housing and employment.
The Chinese people continue to be imperiled by surveillance, censorship or worse. An economically and militarily stronger Chinese regime is preparing to spread its control beyond its borders. Taiwan and the special administrative region of Hong Kong are now under threat. The Belt and Road Initiatives that the Chinese government is spearheading are already being compared to new forms of colonialism through debt traps. A slightly different kind of story but with potentially similar consequences is unfolding in the middle east. The State of Qatar is a country in the Persian Gulf region which is richest in the world in terms of GDP per capita. An autocratic dictatorship gov-
erned by repressive religious laws which range from criminalizing LGBT people, denying the very basic freedoms to women, equal opportunity, suppression of free speech and appalling treatment of foreign workers. Interestingly, such a country funds one of the leading media outlets in the world today – The Aljazeera network. The news channel has won a lot of accolades for highlighting the injustices that occur in various parts of the world. The network claims that it operates independently and is free of any government intervention though funded by the Qatari government. Such autonomy given to a media network in a country like Qatar should allow Al Jazeera to keep reporting about the dire conditions to which the residents of that country
are subjected to.
This would bring attention to the human rights abuses in that country and help bring positive changes to that society. Such welcome changes in Qatar might help bring that country to be on par with the only other free society in the middle east namely Israel. Instead, what we see is that the media network spends most of its resources in negative coverage of events happening in countries that are politically not aligned with the Qatari government like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It even goes all the way out to far off nations like the US, Europe and other parts of Asia to highlight local issues over there. (Continued On Page 21)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
5 Campus Essentials For College-Bound Students College bound this fall? Let this round-up be your guide for a smooth start to the fall semester: 1. Easy reading. Eliminate the need for lugging heavy textbooks between the dorm, the classroom and the library by opting for an eReader. Look for a model offering a large display, tons of storage and a long battery life. Prefer to get studying done on the quad? Be sure to prioritize a glare-free screen. 2. Synced schedules. The right timepiece will help keep scholars on top of classes, club meetings and other appointments. An Edifice Watch from Casio that uses Bluetooth to link to a smartphone, offers minuteby-minute coordination of daily schedules. Its Auto Time Zone feature updates automatically, ensuring timekeeping is accurate, whether students are studying on campus or studying abroad. Also, a featured Schedule Timer links with a smartphone’s calendar and shows appointment start times and end times on the watch display. Wearers can even configure settings to have an alarm sound to alert them of these important reminders.
3. Dorm design. Peel-and-stick wall decals can instantaneously turn a humdrum dorm room into a place that feels like home. From floral and tropical patterns to inspirational messages, they’re easy to apply at the start of the year and easy to remove when it’s over.
4. Crunching numbers. Both those majoring in STEM fields as well as liberal arts students fulfilling key credits need an advanced graphing calculator. Get equipped with one designed for education, like the FX-CG500Prizm. Jampacked with features, including three-dimensional graphing, programming and a computer algebra system, this non-traditional graphing calculator has a double sized screen for easier number-crunching and concept visualization. USB connectivity offers students the option of dropping their results directly into classwork. 5. Making music. Musicians of all levels need equipment and instruments that are right for campus living. Enter the Casio CDP-S150, a lesson-ready compact digital piano delivering an authentic piano sound and playing feel in a sleek chassis that’s not much bigger than the keys themselves, making it the perfect fit for any dorm room or off-campus apartment. Packed with 10 great sounds and educational features, the CDP-S150 brings music to life. And because it’s equipped with a newly-designed scaled and weighted hammer-action keyboard and has the response of an acoustic grand piano, it’s a solid choice for students
who need to rehearse when the piano practice lab is closed. As you do your back-to-campus shopping, consider tools and products that can help a student begin the fall term with academic confidence and personal style. (StatePoint)
Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Kids’ Party Ideas For Fans Of ‘Cory Carson’
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday party or just want to a host a fun get-together, the animated preschool series, “Go! Go! Cory Carson” makes a great theme for little ones.
roads of Bumperton Hills, tape two pieces of white foam board together and cover them with blue sky bulletin board paper. Next, add large hills made out of green poster board.
Nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards this year – Outstanding Directing Team for a Preschool Animated Program and Outstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated Program – the show is a hit with kids, critics and parents alike.
Create roads out of construction paper and trees out of felt and pom-poms. Last but not least, add printed VTech product graphics of Cory and his pals. • Fun Food: Creative themed foods don’t have to be difficult to make and they add so much fun to any party. Fuel up with fun car-themed foods like Cory Carson cakes with mini cookie tires, fruit kabob traffic lights, spare tire donuts, motor oil chocolate milk, a windshield wiper fluid sport drink and candy traffic lights.
“My sons love watching the show and watching Cory Carson navigate the ups and downs of childhood on the winding roads of Bumperton Hills,” says Alison McKown, a content creator, professional graphic designer and founder of Just Add Confetti, a blog focused on creative and attainable party and gift ideas. To get you started on planning your own celebration, McKown is offering her own tried-and-true ideas: • Bumperton Backdrop: Create
a party backdrop to be displayed behind the main party table for an eye-catching focal point. All of your little party guests will be thrilled to see Cory and his pals
larger than life on the backdrop. Get inspired by the whimsical styling of the show and use bright colors and tactile textures. To recreate the hills and winding
• Colorful Place Settings: Create colorful, vibrant place settings inspired by the show. Then, layer the place settings on top of the road and add toys from VTech’s Go! Go! Cory Carson collection. • Fun and Games: Adding Go! Go!
Cory Carson toys to the main food table, as well as the place settings, makes them perfectly in-reach for play after enjoying the party food and clearing the plates. And with a new line of playsets and character toys available this fall on Amazon.com and other retailers, there are so many options for imaginative play with Cory and his friends. • Delightful Party Favors: Who doesn’t love some cookies for the road? For a simple and sweet party favor, print a VTech product graphic of Cory and then slide it into a clear treat bag. Add two chocolate cookies to represent the tires. For additional inspiration and information, visit vtechtoysblog. com. With some expert party planning tips, you can throw your very own Cory Carson celebration with your children, family and friends! (StatePoint)
How To Have An Affordable And Easy Back-To-School Season As your family gets ready for a new academic year, you may be wondering how to spend less on back-to-school season essentials.
and stock up. Digital coupons offer additional ways to save on everyday low prices. Through September 6, 2021, spe-
customers and can be used up to four times, as well as a one-time $2 off $10 qualifying school supply purchases.
The team at Dollar General is sharing some tips and savings opportunities to easily and affordably help get everyone prepared.
From snack items for the lunch box to essential school supplies, private brands can be found in a wide variety of categories and often come with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Check School Supplies Consider checking school supplies off your list in the weeks ahead to help avoid any last-minute stress. Whether starting fresh or filling in the gaps from the previous school year’s supply, you can find binders, folders, pens, pencils, paper, crayons, scissors and other items at affordable prices at more than 17,000 Dollar General stores across the country. With convenient locations and buy-online-pickup-in-store options through the DG smartphone app, it can be easy to make a quick trip
Switching to private brands can allow you to shop the items you need at lower prices, helping you save money to go toward the items you want.
cial offers this year include a 30% off teacher appreciation coupon, which is available for qualifying
Further Savings
During your next shopping trip, consider ways to switch to private brands and save.
Quick Weekday Meals The new school year also brings the start of nightly homework and extracurricular activities, which can make juggling schedules feel like a balancing act. When it comes to meal planning, be prepared to make nutritious, tasty and simple meals. The DG Easy Meals site is a good place for inspiration. Its “Better for You” recipes created in partnership with a nutritionist showcase healthier breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner ideas. Preparing your family for a new routine can be both exciting and stressful. However, with a few tips and tricks, your family can save time and money on essentials this backto-school season. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Helping Service Members And Spouses Land Post-Military Careers America’s military service members, the nonprofit USO recently partnered with Veterati, a digital mentorship platform for the military community, to launch the USO Mentorship offering.
USO Transition Specialists help create individualized plans focusing on employment, education, financial readiness and increased access to relevant veterans’ benefits in their communities.
From frequent relocations and childcare considerations to bias on the part of potential employers, transitioning service members and military spouses face many hurdles that can adversely impact their civilian careers.
In a rapidly changing world where 80% of new jobs come from a personal connection, this resource is networking transitioning service members and military spouses with volunteer mentors in their industry of interest.
The USO also hosts career-focused webinars and live workshops on topics such as mastering LinkedIn, building a federal resume and pursuing higher education.
According to U.S. Government sources including the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 200,000-plus service members transition from the military to civilian life each year.
These mentors are successful professionals who provide critical career guidance on interviewing skills, career paths, personal branding and building a professional network.
Currently, 650,000-plus military spouses are in a state of transition. To improve their career prospects, advocates stress the importance of mentorship.
Within its Pathfinder Transition Program, the USO also supports professional development in the military community, in addition to this mentorship offering.
Navigating the job market is tricky for any job seeker. For transitioning U.S. service members and military spouses, finding one’s professional footing can be even more challenging.
“Military life teaches discipline, strong work ethic, teamwork, communication skills and adaptability – all of which are highly valued by employers,” says Christopher Plamp, senior vice president of op-
erations, programs and entertainment at the United Service Organizations (USO).
“This employment shortfall is not a reflection of a lack of talent, skill or drive. It’s largely a matter of connecting the military community with civil-
ian job opportunities.” As part of its mission to strengthen
To learn more about military spouses, the military-civilian transition or how to volunteer as a Veterati mentor, visit uso.org/mentorship. The military community faces numerous obstacles in fulfilling their career goals in the civilian workforce. However, new mentorship resources can help close the employment opportunity gap. (StatePoint)
National Study Shows What Homeowners Really Want From Their Roofs Replacing your roof? Insights from a new nationwide survey may help you better understand the many facets involved in this important decision. The “2021 Roof Purchasing Study” conducted by Signet Research Inc. for DaVinci Roofscapes, shows that consumers want durable roofs. Nearly 85% of those surveyed indicate that durability has a lot of influence in the type of roof they would purchase. Longevity of a roofing product was the second highest influencer, followed by resistance to severe weather. Mother Nature Match-Up Study results indicate that severe weather damage is the most likely event to prompt homeowners to replace their current roofs, followed by age of their existing roof. When it does become necessary to replace the roof, 32% of respondents indicate they are “very likely” or “likely” to consider a faux roofing product, such as composite slate or shake materials, which typically stands up to severe weather and is
known for its longevity.
Contractors are Influential
10-Year Comparison
eight position 10 years ago.
“Mother Nature pounds roofs on
When it comes time to select a specific roofing brand, 61% of homeowners are looking for a quality product. To find that roofing brand, 57% are relying on their contractor for recommendations, which is more than they do on family and friends (35%), or even their own personal experiences with a brand (37%).
A national survey sponsored by DaVinci Roofscapes in 2011 provides insights into changes in consumer attitudes toward their homes in the span of the last decade. In a comparison of the 2011 Color Study (conducted by Harris Research) and the 2021 Roof Purchasing Study, results show:
• Severe weather damage remains the number one reason for replacing a roof. However, is 2011, 65% said severe weather would prompt a new roof purchase (with 9% reporting current roof damage from a weather-related event), compared to 57% in 2021 (with 32% reporting a currently damaged roof from severe weather).
“Homeowners understand they may choose a new roof only once or twice in their lives,” says Pagel. “They also understand that contractors make these decisions many times a year for their projects. The research indicates homeowners respect and value the recommendation of contractors who work regularly with different building products.”
• An increase in homeowners seeing their home exterior as a reflection of their personality (71% in 2011; 85% in 2021).
a regular basis,” says Mark Pagel, general manager of DaVinci Roofscapes. “Homeowners recognize that hail, high winds and severe weather can take their toll on roofs. They’re reacting by seeking out roofing materials that will stand up to strong weather conditions. While price is an important consideration, respondents of the survey are focused more on value. They’re interested in investing in durable roofing materials, like synthetic slate and shake tiles, which are guaranteed to hold up to severe weather conditions.”
• A strong growth in homeowners valuing the curb appeal of their personal properties in the past decade (78% viewing it as “extremely” or “very important” in 2011 as compared to 88% with similar feelings in 2021).
• While durability remains the biggest influencer of a roofing purchase, the second-most popular influencer has changed dramatically. In 2011, longevity was the second response. In 2021, that has changed to pricing, up from the number
• While 23% of homeowners reported replacing their roof due to old age in 2011, 44% (almost double) said old age was the reason to replace a roof in the 2021 study. • Color preference has remained consistent. Black is still the most popular roof color, followed by gray, brown and beige/tan. For more roofing insights, visit davinciroofscapes.com. Bottom line? A new roof can be a good, solid investment, especially when your roof is able to withstand the elements over the years and look great while doing it. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
What To Know When Shopping In Stores This Back-To-School Season Is your family returning to brickand-mortar stores to prepare for the return of brick-and-mortar school? A new survey offers insights into what you can expect and how you can prepare for the experience.
of marketing, Sensormatic Solutions, a leading retail solutions provider. “Families now have an increased confidence about shop-
As part of its mission to solve complex retail challenges related to consumer confidence, health and safety, Sensormatic Solutions is
The survey, conducted in June by Sensormatic Solutions, finds consumer confidence reaching new highs, with 73% of back-to-school shoppers saying they were neutral or unconcerned about shopping instore currently.
1. During the pandemic, retailers large and small implemented and perfected an array of shopping options in an effort to keep customers and staff healthy and safe. The good news? These options are not going away. While in-store shopping is the most popular way people plan to stock up on school essentials this year, according to survey results, options like buy online, pickup in stores (BOPIS), curbside pickup and online shopping allow you to leisurely comparison shop from the comfort of home.
This is a major leap from previous pandemic-era surveys. In spring 2021, only 50% of shoppers were neutral or unconcerned about shopping in-stores, and only 35% of shoppers felt that way in winter 2020. “The survey highlights a likely return to many pre-pandemic back-to-school shopping habits,” says Kim Melvin, global leader
ping in stores and they are going to be shopping earlier and spending more on apparel and school supplies.”
providing its top three strategies to improve your back-to-school shopping experience.
When it comes to financial fitness, careful training and preparation may not get your face on a cereal box, but it could score you a gold medal in savings.
place Solutions, head of Operations and Brand, Lincoln Financial Group. “It’s a journey, much like fitness, and you can’t start without taking the first step toward the financial future you envision.”
tools, which many employers offer their employees. With these tools, you can create a personalized action plan and improve your financial well-being, whether that’s a plan to pay down debt or create an
And, thanks to innovations in inventory tracking software, these options have become a highly reliable way to get what you need when you want it. 2. With the high demand in apparel and school supplies – 70% and 53%, respectively, say they plan to
spend the most on those categories this year – it may be a good idea to get a head start on preparing your children for in-person learning. Consider going to stores earlier than you may have in the past to beat the rush and get the products you and your children need. 3. Find out whether your state offers a tax-free shopping period. Timing your shopping to occur during this period can help you save substantially at checkout, especially if you’re among the 12% of consumers planning to spend more this year compared to last. For more back-to-school shopping insights and tips, visit sensormatic. com. “Overall, you can expect this shopping season to look more like 2019 than 2020, a welcome change for both consumers and retailers,” says Melvin. (StatePoint)
3 Tips To Score A Gold Medal In Financial Fitness
Over the past year the pandemic has changed the game, with many Americans looking to shape up their savings.
2: Set a goal: Just like athletes aspire to be at the top of their sport, you can set a specific goal to work toward while celebrating the small victories along the way. A good rule of thumb is to save at least 10% to 15% of your pay. If that feels out of reach, start where you can and try increasing contributions a little each year to see big changes in total savings over time. In the years leading up to retirement, you have the option to make catch-up contributions if you are behind where you want your savings to be.
According to a March 2021 Consumer Sentiment Study by Lincoln Financial Group and CivicScience, one in four employed adults feel they are lagging behind in saving for retirement, and fewer than one in 10 would award themselves a gold medal across five categories of financial fitness: managing debt, sticking to a budget, saving for retirement, choosing benefits at work and being financially prepared for an emergency. “Having the right benefits in place to protect you today, while planning for your tomorrow, has become more important than ever, and it all starts with having a complete picture of your financial wellness,” said Jamie Ohl, executive vice president, president, Work-
ing debt, Lincoln’s debt calculator can help.
Lincoln Financial offers three steps to shape up your savings and score the financial future you desire: 1: Have the right equipment: Get an accurate financial snapshot of where you are now. A good place to start is with financial wellness
emergency savings fund. You can also take advantage of retirement income estimators to get a realistic view of your income sources in retirement. And for those struggling with competing financial priorities, includ-
3: Meet with a financial “coach” to determine a game plan: Improving your financial fitness is a team sport. Your financial professional, employer, retirement plan provider
— they’re all there to help. A financial professional can help you take a holistic view of your finances, from accumulation to protection to distribution, helping ensure all considerations are taken into account and planned accordingly. If your employer offers retirement consultants, schedule a meeting to help you understand the full picture of your savings and where to focus your efforts. Just like it can be hard to find time for workouts, the same goes for exercising financial fitness, and your competing priorities can have an impact on savings. The good news? There’s always time to formulate a financial game plan and score a spot on the savings podium. (StatePoint)
To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Is Your Teen Ready To Try Contacts? What To Know Did you know that nearly four out of five teens prefer contact lenses over glasses? With a new school year comes new routines and new responsibilities, making this a good time of year to make the switch. Here’s what to know about glasses, contacts and your teen’s eyes:
homecoming right around the corner, your child might want the op-
• Know that moisture matters: Between texting with friends, scrolling through social media binge watching shows, gaming and school work, teens are online more than ever. All this increased digital device usage can contribute to a reduced blink rate that can lead to lens dryness.
• Get checked: Teens should have their vision checked before the school year begins whether they currently wear glasses or contacts or not. Correcting vision problems is a must for setting your child up for success at school, but glasses might not be your child’s first choice. • Consider glasses grief: Many schools are continuing to enforce mask mandates or are recommending them. If your teen is masking up at school, they will likely experience foggy glasses. Plus, with
for young people. Because your teen will have a new pair of contact lenses each day, he or she won’t have to worry about cleaning and storing them.
tion of contact lenses for their next big photo op. • Convenience: Daily disposable contact lenses can be a good choice
Even with a return to in-person learning this year, you can expect teens to be doing a lot of work on electronic devices. In fact, technology usage for students has increased more than 60% over the past year. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to opt for daily disposables that maintain moisture.
• Comfort is king: A contact lens that can provide your teen with all day comfort can help them keep up with a busy day of school, homework and after school activities. • Next steps: Ask your doctor if your teen is a good candidate for contact lenses, and take time to consider whether they are responsible in other areas of their life. If your teen is ready for contact lenses, select an option that’s great for first-time wearers, such as Biotrue ONEday daily disposables. Easy to insert and remove, and comfortable for all day wear, these lenses were created by the eye care experts at Bausch + Lomb and are designed to maintain their moisture for up to 16 hours, based on a laboratory study, and provide clear,
comfortable vision throughout the day. Offering the first and only contact lens recycling program in the United States, they’re also a good choice for eco-conscious teens and families. To participate, just have your teen save their used lenses and blister packs and take them to a ONE by ONE participating eye doctor to be recycled. To learn more, visit https://www.biotrueonedaylenses. com/getting-started. For many teens, contacts are a natural choice, whether they’re gaming with friends or scoring goals, daily disposables can keep up with your teen’s lifestyle. This back-toschool season, consider making the switch. (StatePoint)
Prep Your Home, Dorm And Classroom For A New School Year Many students spent the last school year learning virtually, and now, there are a lot of items on parents’ and teachers’ to-do lists to help get ready for a return to traditional learning this school year.
fast and lunch options so you can prepare and pack delicious meals and nutritious snacks for the week.
boards and personalized nametags. EasyLiner Adhesive Laminate is a budget-friendly way to add extra protection and ensure they last all
At Home Take Time to Declutter. With most students returning to in-person learning, it’s easy to forget about the workspace at home. Create an area for homework and studying that’s free of distractions by throwing out unnecessary items, filing away papers in folders and buying new supplies like pens, highlighters and paper.
Meal Prep for Simple Mornings. Early morning routines and busy commutes will become the norm again. Keep them stress-free by stocking up on a variety of break-
In a Dorm Room Create a Home Away from Home. Moving away from home and adjusting to living alone can be challenging for college students, but the transition can be made a bit easier by making their dorm feel like home. Personalize the space by hanging family photos, canvases with fun colors and patterns or string lights.
Below are tips to help simplify the transition – at home, in the classroom and in a dorm room.
Add Duck Brand Select Grip EasyLiner to desk drawers and shelves to keep items in place and protect the surface from scratches and dents.
bottle of hand sanitizer in lunch boxes and backpacks for convenient sanitizing.
By having meals planned and proper ingredients on-hand, kids can get to the bus on time and stay focused all morning.
year long.
In the Classroom
Help Keep Students and Teachers Healthy. The health and safety of students and teachers should continue to be prioritized.
Welcome Students Back. Teachers can create a fun and welcoming environment by decorating the classroom with colorful bulletin
Take proper hygiene measures by encouraging kids to wash their hands, cover their coughs and catch their sneezes. Keep a small
If you’re worried about paint chips on the wall, try hanging items with Nano-Grab Gel Tape. The multipurpose solution holds up to 20 pounds and can be used on a variety of surfaces, without leaving behind a sticky residue. Ensure Proper Nutrition. Getting adequate sleep and proper nutrition are necessary for fighting colds and
flus while living in close quarters with others. Skip the chips and use EasyLiner Disposable Cutting Mats to cut up fresh fruits and veggies for a nutritious snack without having to leave the room. These disposable cutting mats provide a strong and flexible cutting surface, while the textured bottom keeps the cutting mat in place. They come in a convenient box with a built-in easy cut slider for quick and easy clean-up. To find other products and ideas that can help get the school year off to a great start, visit duckbrand. com. For many students, this school year is coming on the heels of a year and a half of virtual learning. With a few smart strategies, you can help keep students organized, happy and healthy as they make the transition. (StatePoint)
Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Birth Control And Blood Clots: What College Students Should Know As college students gear up to return to campus, they will have long lists of things they need, or need to take care of, before they leave. One item that might be overlooked is their healthcare.
times greater than older birth control pills.
tor V Leiden or a family history of blood clots.
as they head off to college to understand their blood clot risks and take these steps: • Complete a Risk Assessment, available at www.womenandbloodclots.org, and discuss their results with their doctor.
While items like bandages and cold medicines always make the grade, women heading off to college have other factors to consider, including for many, their first decisions about birth control.
• Speak with their doctor about their existing risk for blood clots, including any personal or family history of blood clots, and identify contraceptive options to reduce their risk.
The birth control pill is the number one contraceptive choice among millions of women of child- bearing age in the United States.
It’s also important to recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots in the legs or arms, including:
While experts stress that the pill is safe and effective, they also caution that birth control with estrogen, including the pill, patch or ring, can increase a woman’s risk for potentially deadly blood clots.
The use of birth control patches and rings containing estrogen poses a risk double that of birth control pills.
Birth control pills with estrogen increase a woman’s risk for blood clots three-fold, and some newer birth control pills pose a risk two-
These risks are significantly increased when women have other blood clot risks factors, such as a genetic clotting disorder like fac-
The National Blood Clot Alliance and the Alexandra Rowan Foundation urge women who might be exploring their birth control options
• Swelling • Pain or tenderness not caused by an injury
• Skin that is warm to the touch, red, or discolored Left untreated, blood clots in the legs or arms can break apart and travel to a person’s lung and be deadly. Symptoms of a blood clot in your lung may include: • Difficulty breathing • Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough, coughing up blood • Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. Acting quickly may help save your life, or the life of a friend or family member. (StatePoint)
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5 Style Ideas For Heading Back To The Office
If you’ve been working remotely for the past year and a half, you’ve likely traded in your standard business attire for more casual items, like t-shirts, flip-flops and other trademarks of weekend wear.
these days, hyper-functional dress watches, such as those from the Edifice line from Casio, can keep you not just on time, but in style
And if you’re not looking forward to giving up this comfort or your personal style when you return to the office, have no fear. Here are five great ways to stay comfortable, fashionable and professional in the workplace: 1. Cozy pants: Have you ever conducted a Zoom meeting pants-free? If the answer is yes, or you’ve been rocking sweats, the time is now to find office-appropriate pants you love. The good news is that pants that feel like leggings or sweats, but fit like trousers, are available from a number of brands in a range of colors and styles. 2. A nifty timepiece: A watch is a classic workplace accessory that completes any outfit. And
too. The EQB1100XDC-1A in particular, sports an office-ready look with its black IP band and green IP tachymeter octagon bezel. The Tough Solar power system enables charging by exposure to even small amounts of light (perfect for interior offices) and it all comes
packed into 8.9 mm case, which fits nicely under a button down shirt sleeve.
With a Bluetooth Smartphone Link providing access to the time in over 300 cities globally, you can schedule meetings with anyone anywhere with confidence. Looking for more of a throwback look and feel? Casio’s Vintage line of trendy and fun watches features a minimalist design in a variety of styles, colors and features. 3. Sneakers you can wear to work: New low-key designs make it pos-
sible to enjoy the comfort and support of sneakers in the office. The sustainably-made everyday sneakers from Allbirds, for example, come in neutral tones like charcoal, navy and grey, and are even machine washable, making it easy to maintain a crisp, professional look.
5. Travel mug: If your favorite coffee is the coffee you make at home, you can still enjoy your morning cup of joe on-the-go with a sleek travel mug that keeps your hot beverages hot and your iced beverages cool for the duration of your commute and beyond.
4. A multifaceted bag: If you’re heading back to the office, you may be headed back to the gym too, which means you need one bag to take you from work to workout. The Kinetic backpack from Athleta features a pocket for your laptop, a water bottle compartment and a separate shoe storage bag, and its olive green design is both subdued enough for work and stylish enough for play.
Those from S’well have a condensation-free exterior and won’t drip, making them safe around your devices and paperwork once you arrive at the office. By prioritizing both style and comfort in your workday wear, you can return to the office fashionably, professionally and with a smile on your face. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Pakistani American Student Finds His Calling In The Covid-19 Pandemic
(Continued From Page 01) The pandemic opened my eyes to the suffering people faced, I also realized how blessed we are. For me, this became an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated. While I was thinking about how to share my knowledge about the vaccinations, my mother introduced me to her childhood friend Anila Ali, the founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, AMMWEC, a non-profit women’s rights organization empowering Muslims and women to confront bigotry in all its forms, celebrate our faith’s beautiful heritage, and build strong bonds with fellow Americans of all backgrounds.
AMMWEC was looking to establish a student wing and I saw my calling.
The organization partners with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships.
I could be their intern and spread the word about vaccinations and at the same time show that the Muslim youth were working as fellow Americans in the country’s fight against the virus.
That allowed me to listen in on the organization’s weekly calls with leaders such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Secretary Buttigieg, and other people leading the way back to normalcy in a pandemic.
To spread awareness about vaccinations, I made Facebook advertisements, went door-to-door to collect data about vaccinated people, set up booths outside grocery stores, made phone calls, and called people in over 20 states. Even if they were totally against getting the vaccine, I feel that I pushed them a little closer towards doing so. AMMWEC guided me in my endeavors and amplified my voice.
I am the first youth intern for AMMWEC and I hope to bring more kids and teens into the mix. AMMWEC is developing a student wing and we would love more volunteers. I can personally say that AMMWEC has given my life a great purpose and I truly want others to experience that as well.
AMMWEC leaders are in the process of creating a Pakistani-American Democratic Club of Austin, Texas. By chartering the club with the Democratic Party, we get seats on the democratic board. We need YOUR help to ensure that Pakistanis get a seat at the table and that our voices are heard. Everybody deserves to have their voices heard! Joining the democratic club would ensure that.
Ayaan Moledina is a 7th grader at Canyon Vista Middle School. He is a local Austinite who believes that every kind word and caring gesture can make a world of difference. For more information about signing up for the Pakistani-American Democratic Club, please email ayaanmoledina1@gmail.com A club is already established in Orange County which you can learn more about at padcofoc.org
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Announces Most Extensive Airport Improvement Program In Central Texas History (Continued From Page 01) “AUS is an economic engine in our community, already providing thousands of jobs,” said Gina Fiandaca, Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin’s Mobility Outcome.
“With this program, we are transforming the future of AUS—without the need for taxpayer funding,” said Jacqueline Yaft, Chief Execu-
ners as they continue to invest in Austin. The Program will help us build a
The below rendering reflects the Program’s elements, which will include: Optimization of the Barbara Jordan Terminal
“Through this new program, AUS will be able to meet the needs of Austinites, Central Texas and global travelers while driving regional economic recovery.” The airport is experiencing significant and consistent passenger growth since March 2021. According to the latest available data, summer 2021 air travel activity at AUS is on track to match or surpass 2019 air travel activity. As AUS continues to experience a rebound in passenger activity levels, the improvements will be scalable to meet a range of forecasted growth profiles and provide a foundation for future growth and development.
munity.”
tive Officer of AUS. “We will create the infrastructure and facilities needed to support our growing city and our airline part-
better airport and deliver an upgraded passenger experience – one that is not only safe, comfortable, and convenient, but also reflects the city’s distinct culture and com-
Enabling airfield and utility work to include building a new Central Utility Plant and removing existing structures to prepare for construction activities Preparing for a new Midfield Concourse with 10+ new gates and two new taxiways The improvements will be funded
through traditional airport development funding sources, such as airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants. Contracting opportunities to support AUS improvements will be released late this summer, while opportunities for environmental review public participation will begin this fall. To learn more about the AEDP and to stay updated on these opportunities, visit AustinTexas.gov/AEDP. Owned and operated by the City of Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is an economic engine in Central Texas, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region. Its reflection of local food, music, art, and customer service has earned Austin-Bergstrom recognition—including Runner-Up for Best U.S. Airport in Fodor’s 2019 Travel Awards.
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
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Keeping People Protected On Public Transit As Life Returns To Normal With the post-pandemic phase on the horizon, people are reconsidering the meaning of the word “safety.” This is particularly true for those who ride public transit.
“The subway is the second highest-risk place for germ exposure after cruise ships, where you have a lot of people coming and going, standing close together and touch-
mentary disinfection and leaves surfaces immediately vulnerable to recontamination. A new EPA-approved product,
Public transportation keeps America running by connecting people to their jobs, essential services and more.
Independent lab studies conducted by Dr. Gerba found it effective against Human Coronavirus 229E, the EPA-approved surrogate, demonstrating its ability to successfully protect against COVID-19.
But experts say that as new COVID-19 variants emerge while ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, transit agencies will need a strategic solution to keep riders and employees safe from germs. “People underestimate how quickly viruses can be transferred via surfaces. In fact, the hand is quicker than a sneeze when it comes to how quickly a virus or bacteria can cause infection,” says University of Arizona researcher and leading expert on infectious diseases, Dr. Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D.
tion of transit systems’ comprehensive safety plans to protect against coronaviruses and other viruses and bacteria, which often spread via surface transmission.
Coated surfaces were found to reduce the concentration of these viruses by greater than 99.9% after two hours of contact, much quicker than the time it takes for the viruses to die naturally. ing the same handrails, poles and surfaces.” According to Dr. Gerba, keeping people safe in such highlytrafficked conditions needs to go beyond cleaning with just soap and water, which can’t guarantee full coverage, provides only mo-
SurfaceWise2 from biotechnology company Allied BioScience, offers hope of more reliable protection on public transportation. Providing continuous protection from COVID-19 with a single application when used as directed, it has the potential to be the founda-
The only lasting antiviral surface coating with EPA approval, SurfaceWise2 offers weeks of protection against a variety of illnesscausing pathogens with just a
single application, making it a viable and affordable choice for busy transit systems currently tasked with regular and time-consuming deep cleans of stations, buses and trains. Its quick electrostatic application reduces human error, cuts downtime -- critical for transit systems -- and ensures precise, complete coverage on virtually any surface. Carrying the lowest possible EPA toxicity rating, it’s also safe for people and the environment. To learn more, visit www.surfacewise. com. “Using an effective long-term coating to protect surfaces, alongside other precautions like maskwearing and social distancing, is how our country can keep these transportation lifelines safe for the American public,” says Dr. Gerba. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Bringing Home Old Clutter From A Trip To Your Parents’ Home By Sumaiya Malik On a trip to Karachi, this summer, my mother handed me a couple of small albums, the kind one receives when printing images at a pharmacy. The leaves held pictures of my college days with old friends. I looked through in amazement at what was going on some three decades ago in my life. In one picture five or six of us who I am still in touch with are trying to grab watermelon balls from a bowl with their individual forks. I am seated in the middle of this chaotic melee almost covering the bowl, fending off the “attackers” and laughing my head off, some girls are toppling over each other. Samia, who lives in Karachi, has a ball of fruit almost in her mouth. Aliya, with whom I’ve lost touch, is perched horizontally across the table her arm extended towards the prize, the curated bowl of fruit. The scene is of absolute glee. I was thrilled to find a piece of my younger days that I could share
with my now grown children. I have very few reminders of my childhood in my home in Austin because I grew up in Pakistan
luxuries, but things in a home that you collect over years, the clutter in the drawers in our parents’ homes in our bedrooms remained
friend Kristie would often tell me of how the clothes her kids were wearing belonged to her when she was their age and how her mom had brought them over. Debbie had her dad’s most comfortable old chair in her study. I would look at these old pieces of history with more longing than I did when my friends would show off their new purchases. The new stuff had no story and hence was hollow to me. Before I knew it, my daughter who had accompanied me on the trip posted the picture in a family WhatsApp group. Members include my husband, son, daughter, and myself. They were thrilled!
mostly because the limited space in luggage allowed in air travel restricted the number of belongings I could carry when we immigrated to the US. As immigrants in the United States, my husband and I brought first only the necessities and over time
behind. Over the years I realized, these are the things that connect us to our past and familiarize our kids to who we are. As my children grew and I settled down, I started observing the families around me who had been here in the US for generations. My
They immediately recognized some of my friends who by chance also live in Texas. More than that they commented on that same carefree attitude and wild abandon that they could not perceive their mom could ever experience. The picture made me realize that as I had grown, the responsibilities of adulthood had added sobri-
ety to my demeanor. Of course, I laugh, enjoy with family, experience the same glee in daily pockets of downtime but the wild abandon of youth is more toned down. This picture was a window into the past. I have decided to take these pictures back to Austin. I have already shared them in my college friends’ group. Two of them who live in Karachi are coming on Tuesday to see me. I am still here. Soon I’ll be packing my luggage and tucking pictures from that photo album between my folded shirts in the suitcase. I’d like to take a bedspread I am using at night here, but that will have to wait. I also know that when I get home and unpack these pictures will go in a drawer and join the knick knacks in the drawers in Austin, but I’ll take them out once in a while and feel good that my kids have a slice of me from the time I was their age. It might be old clutter, but it ties me to the past and is of value to me.
2021 Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Award July 14, 2021, Thursday at 10 AM, Southwestern National Bank held its annual Scholarship Award for students from low-income families at its headquarter in Houston, TX. Chairwoman Jody Lee, CEO Mark Simmons, Board of Directors Ed Malmgren, and Public Relations Ling Chuang awarded two outstanding students Odanis Serrano and David- Michael Ross on Southwestern National Bank Annual Scholarship, joining the ceremony were Their relatives, friends. Bank CEO Mark Simmons encouraged each student to improve their future career planning without fear of difficulties and obstacles. Chairperson Jody Lee shared her past university experience and shared her views regarding the major that they had chosen. The targeting purpose of Southwestern National Bank’s Student
Scholarship Award Program is to reduce the financial burden for these students, encourage them to
continue their efforts, and learn not to forget to give back to our community.
This year the 16th Southwestern National Bank’s Annual Scholarship Award was affected time-wise
for the reasons that schools were temporarily closed and gathering the qualification evaluation was
delayed. However, five outstanding scholarship winners have been approved by the scholarship selection committee. Each person will receive a scholarship of 1,000 dollars. The list of winners and their university information is as follows:
Odanis Serrano: William B Travis High School Luis Cunemo : Ridge Point High School David- Michael Ross: William B Travis High School Allison Chen: Plano East Senior High School Mackenzie Gholson: William B Travis High School
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Kids Corner
Vasundhara Varadarajan
Abhiveer Annoji Aditri Gautam
Social Media - Risk To Humanity (Continued From Page 06) as well as co-author Carl Bergstrom, a biology professor at the University of Washington, to better understand this call for a paradigm shift in how scientists study the technology we use every day. The two interviews have been combined and lightly edited for length and clarity. Shirin Ghaffary You tweeted that this paper is one of the most important ones you’ve published yet. Why? Carl Bergstrom My original background is in infectious disease epidemiology, re-
spiratory viruses. And so I was able to do some stuff that’s reasonably important during Covid. What I’m doing there is really filling in the details in a well-established framework. So it’s more, you know, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. And I think what’s really important about this paper is that it’s not doing that at all. It’s saying, “Here’s a massive problem, and the way to conceptualize it, that is critically important for the future. “ It’s a grave warning and call to action by an unusually diverse swath of scholars across disciplines — and their collaboration indicates how concerned they are. And, you know, it’s suggesting an
alarm going off upstairs. It’s a call to arms. It’s saying, “Hey, we’ve got to solve this problem, and we don’t have a lot of time.” Shirin Ghaffary And what is that problem? What are you sounding the alarm bell on? Carl Bergstrom My sense is that social media in particular — as well as a broader range of internet technologies, including algorithmically driven search and click-based advertising — have changed the way that people get information and form opinions about the world. (Continued From Page 20)
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Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Austin South Asian | August 2021
Abhayagiri vihara
The term “Abhayagiri Vihara” re-
es established elsewhere. Thus, the
After the establishment of the Buddhist sangha on the island, however, they lost their supremacy, and were replaced by the sangha. Some Brahmins converted to Buddhism, while others revolted.
It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood “Abhayagiri”, one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. One of the focal points of the complex is an ancient stupa, the Abhayagiri Dagaba. Surrounding the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was a seat of the Northern Monastery, or Uttara Vihara and the original custodian of the Tooth relic in the island.
tined to be king. Before the arrival of Bhikkhu Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to the island, Brahmins held the highest place in society.
Tiya, who enjoyed the support of his community, lived both in and outside of Sri Lanka, and was therefore very powerful.
fers not only to the complex of monastic buildings, but also a fraternity of Buddhist monks, or Sangha, which maintained its own historical records, traditions and way of life.
Abhayagiri Vihara developed as a great institution vis‑a‑vis the Mahavihara and the Jetavana Buddhist monastic sects in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura.
Founded in the 2nd century BC, it had grown into an international institution by the 1st century AD, attracting scholars from all over the world and encompassing all shades of Buddhist philosophy.
It is recorded in the chronicle that Abhayagiri Dagaba was established by King Valagamba during the period of his second reign, from 89-77 B.C.E. A young Brahmin named Tiya (Tissa) declared war against him.
Its influence can be traced to other parts of the world, through branch-
Tiya was deluded by the prophecy of another Brahmin that was des-
Akbar And Birbal Stories Akbar’s Stolen Ring
He then told the courtiers present that he is aware that one of them stole the ring.
Akbar once lost a ring his father
Akbar angrily asked which one of them stole his ring. Birbal replied
Akbar seeks help from Birbal to find his stolen ring. Immediately, the guilty courtier stroked his beard to check for the straw. Birbal pointed at him and
At the same time, seven Tamil chiefs landed at Mahatittha with a mighty army. Valagamba, a good diplomat, realized that his forces were too weak to fight against both of these enemies and tried to rid himself of them by making them fight each other. He sent a message to Tiya that if he could have the kingdom, provided he managed to defeat the foreign invaders. Tiya agreed, advanced with his forces to meet the Tamils, and was vanquished by them. The Tamils, elated by their success, advanced towards Anuradhapura and defeated the King, who was forced to abandon the throne and go into hiding in the mountains. As the King, defeated in battle, was fleeing Anuradhapura, a Jain monk (“nigantha” in Pali) named Giri, who headed the arama built by King Pandukhabaya near the northern gate of the city, cried out: “The great black Sinhala is fleeing. ”The king thereupon resolved, “if
my wish (of regaining the kingdom) is fulfilled, I will build a vihara here.” During the Beminitiya Seya or period of famine and foreign rule which followed, Vattagamani Abhaya took refuge in the mountain region amassing troops until, after more than fourteen years of exile, he marched on Anuradhapura in 89 BC and defeated the last Tamil king, Bhatiya. In fulfillment of the vow made on the day of his defeat, one of his first acts was to build the Abhayagiri Vihara on the site of the Giri monastery. Mahatissa Thera of Kupikkala was appointed its Chief Incumbent as a mark of gratitude for his support in the fight against the invaders. Abhayagiri thereafter became a symbol not only of religious, but also of national, resurgence, as it signaled the end of Brahmin and Jain influence in the country. According to the Mahavamsa, the name Abhayagiri Vihara originated from the names of King Vattagamani Abhaya and the Jain monk Giri who lived in the monastery earlier. However, since most ancient monasteries were built around a hillock, or giri in Sinhala, (for example the Vessagiri, Meghagiri or Chetiyagiri monasteries) it is possible that the name Abhayagiri symbolizes the monastery created by Vattagamani Abhaya after his recapture of the kingdom surrounding the hillock known as Digapasana, now inside the Abhayagiri complex.
CHILDREN ARTICLES
had gifted to him. He immediately reached out to Birbal and asked for his help. Birbal said that he will help him find his ring.
that the courtier with the straw in his beard is the one who has the king’s ring.
told Akbar that he is the culprit. Moral: A guilty conscience will always give it away.
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Social Media - Risk To Humanity (Continued From Page 18) And they seem to have done so in a manner that makes people particularly vulnerable to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Just as one example: A paper — a poorly done research paper — can come out suggesting that hydroxychloroquine might be a treatment for Covid. And in a matter of days, you have world leaders promoting it, and people struggling to get [this medicine], and it being no longer available to people who need it for treatment of other conditions. Which is actually a serious health problem. So you can have these bits of misinformation that explode at unprecedented velocity in ways that they wouldn’t have prior to this information ecosystem. [Now], you can create large communities of people that hold constellations of beliefs that are not grounded in reality, such as [the conspiracy theory] QAnon. You can have ideas like anti-vaccination ideas spread in new ways. You can create polarization in new ways. And [you can] create an information environment where misinformation seems to spread organically. And also [these communities can] be extremely vulnerable to targeted disinformation. We don’t even know the scope of that yet. Joe Bak-Coleman The question we were trying to answer was, “What can we infer about the course of society at scale, given what we know about complex systems?” It’s kind of how we use mice models or flies to understand neuroscience. Part of this came back to animal societies — namely groups — to understand what they tell us about collective behavior in general, but also complex systems more broadly. So our goal is to take that perspective and then look at human society with that. And one of the things about complex systems is they have a finite limit to perturbation. If you disturb them too much,
they change. And they often tend to fail catastrophically, unexpectedly, without warning. We see this in financial markets — all of a sudden, they crash out of nowhere. Carl Bergstrom My hope is very much that this [paper] will sort of galvanize people. The issues that are in this paper are ones that people have been thinking about from many, many different fields. It’s not like these are new issues entirely. It’s rather that I think this paper will hopefully really highlight the magnitude of what’s happened and the urgency of fixing it. Hopefully, it’ll galvanize some kind of transdisciplinary collaborations. So it’s important because it says this needs to be a crisis discipline, this is something that we don’t understand. We don’t have a theory for how all of these changes are affecting the way that people come to form their beliefs and opinions, and then use those to make decisions. And yet, that’s all changing. It’s happening. ... There’s a misperception that we’re saying, “Exposure to ads is bad — that’s causing the harm.” That’s not what we’re saying. Exposure to ads may or may not be bad. What we’re concerned about is the fact that this information ecosystem has developed to optimize something orthogonal to things that we think are extremely important, like being concerned about the veracity of information or the effect of information on human well-being, on democracy, on health, on the ecosystem. Those issues are just being left to sort themselves out, without a whole lot of thought or guidance around them. That puts it in this crisis discipline space. It’s like climate science where you don’t have time to sit down and work out everything definitively. This paper is essentially saying something quite similar — that we don’t have time to wait. We need to start addressing these
problems now. Shirin Ghaffary What do you say to the people who think this is not really a crisis and argue that people had similar concerns when the printing press came out that now seem alarmist? Carl Bergstrom Well, with the printing press, I would push back. The printing press came out and upended history. We’re still recovering from the capacity that the printing press gave to Martin Luther. The printing press radically changed the political landscape in Europe. And, you know, depending on whose histories you go by, you had decades if not centuries of war [after it was introduced]. So, did we somehow recover? Sure we did. Would it have been better to do it in a stewarded way? I don’t know. Maybe. These major transitions in information technology often cause collateral damage. We tend to hope that they also bring about a tremendous amount of good as we move toward human knowledge and all of that. But even the fact that you’ve survived doesn’t mean that it’s not worth thinking about how to get through it smoothly. Shirin Ghaffary Right, so there is pain and suffering that happened with all those transformational technologies as well. Carl Bergstrom Yeah. So I think it’s important to recognize that. It’s still possible to mitigate harm as you go through a transformation, even if you know you’re going to be fine. I also don’t think it’s completely obvious that we are going to be fine on the other end. And I think one of the things that the paper is saying is that we’ve got no particular reason to think that that’s right. There’s no reason why good information will rise to the top of any ecosystem we’ve designed. So we’re very concerned about that. Shirin Ghaffary One important defense of social
media is that Facebook and Twitter can be places where people share new ideas that are not mainstream that end up being right. Sometimes media gatekeepers can get things wrong and social media can allow better information to come out. Joe Bak-Coleman Democratizing information has had profound effects, especially for marginalized, underrepresented communities. It gives them the ability to rally online, have a platform, and have a voice. And that is fantastic. At the same time, we have things like genocide of Rohingya Muslims and an insurrection at the Capitol happening as well. And I hope that it’s a false statement to say we have to have those growing pains to have the benefits. Shirin Ghaffary How much do we know about whether [misinformation] has increased in the past year or five years, 10 years, and by how much? Carl Bergstrom That’s one of the real challenges that we’re facing, actually, is that we don’t have a lot of information. We need to figure out how, to what degree, people have been exposed to misinformation, to what degree is that influencing subsequent online behavior. All of this information is held exclusively by the tech companies that are running these platforms. Shirin Ghaffary What does treating the impact of social media as a crisis discipline mean? Carl Bergstrom For me, a crisis discipline is a situation where you don’t have all of the information that you need to know exactly what to do, but you don’t have time to wait to figure it out. This was the situation with Covid in February or March 2020. We’re definitely in that position with global climate change. We’ve got better models than we did 20 years ago, but we still don’t have a complete description of how that system works. And yet, we certainly
don’t have time to wait around and figure all that out. And here, I think that the speed with which social media, combined with a whole number of other things, has led to very widespread disinformation — [that] here in the United States [is] causing major political upheaval — is striking. How many more elections do you think we have before things get substantially worse? So there are these super-hard problems that take radical transdisciplinary work. We need to figure out how to come together and talk about all that. But at the same time, we have to be taking actions. Shirin Ghaffary How do you respond to the chicken-and-egg argument? You hear defenders of technology say, “We’re just seeing real-world polarization reflected online,” but there’s no proof that the internet is causing polarization. Carl Bergstrom This should be a familiar argument. This is what Big Tobacco used, right? This is Merchants of Doubt stuff. They said, “Well, you know, yeah, sure, lung cancer rates are going up, especially among smokers — but there’s no proof it’s been caused by that.” And now we’re hearing the same thing about misinformation: “Yeah, sure, there’s a lot of misinformation online, but it doesn’t change anyone’s behavior.” But then all of a sudden you got a guy in a loincloth with buffalo horns running around the Capitol building. Shirin Ghaffary The paper calls for people to more urgently understand the impacts of these new rapid advancements in communication technology in the past 15 years. Do you think that this isn’t being addressed enough by academic scientists, government leaders, or companies? Do you think that this isn’t being addressed enough by academic scientists, government leaders, or companies? (Continued On Page 21)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
How Prison Education Programs Transform Lives And Communities In 2014, Benito Castro was sentenced to six years in prison for passing bad checks as a result of a gambling habit he’d developed. Today, he’s the director of operations for a grocery store chain and runs freedomrides.org, a non-profit he started that provides transportation for those recently released from prison.
tions for the chain. “I’m a different person today thanks to the Ashland program. I
ated nearly a thousand students since 2016, when the school began offering distance learning beyond its home state of Ohio.
“And in many of the places where we operate, there are no other options available to inmates who want to use their time in prison to further their education and invest in themselves.”
Castro credits his transformation to the education he received through Ashland University while in prison. “I earned my degree while I was still incarcerated, and that made all the difference in the world when I was released. It gave me a sense of purpose and led to a whole new life.” After early release, Castro took a job as a dishwasher at a Huddle House restaurant and met someone from Ideal Market grocery stores, who hired him as a night manager. From there, Castro quickly rose to district manager, director of marketing and then director of opera-
served community is an integral part of our mission to transform people’s lives through education so they can go on to work, serve and lead in their communities,” said Dr. Carlos Campo, president of Ashland University.
have financial security. I’m contributing to society. And most of all I have self-respect,” said Castro. Ashland University operates the largest correctional education program in the nation. It has more than 4,000 incarcerated students enrolled at 120 facilities in more than a dozen states and has gradu-
The program features the same academic rigor and learning outcomes as the university’s on-campus curriculum, and is free for students who qualify for Pell Grants or receive Ashland University scholarships or other assistance. There is also no cost to the prison. “Providing access to this under-
Andrea Buttross, Louisiana Department of Corrections education director, says Ashland’s distancelearning program is deployed on an easily managed platform providing those about to re-enter society an opportunity to access education that they may not traditionally have received in the prison setting. “Ashland has decades of experience working within prison systems and they know how to operate in this unique environment,” said Buttross.
“They provide all necessary aspects of the program: the technology, all of the curriculum and resources for the classes, direct contact with professors, and even an on-site academic coordinator to help students progress toward their degrees.” There are advantages to distance learning in prisons—especially in the age of COVID. Classes are available to more students in places where in-person options are unavailable. Students can take classes anytime during the day, and their education can continue once they’re released, regardless of where they live. To learn more about Ashland University Correctional Education, visit ashland.edu. “The incarcerated face a lot of obstacles in attaining an education because they often have limited access and fewer choices,” said Dr. Campo. “We want to change that, one successful student at a time.” (StatePoint)
Social Media Risk To Humanity Selective Freedom Can Enhance Tools Of Repression (Continued From Page 20)
(Continued From Page 08) This raises serious questions about what this media network is all about. Is this media network really free from government intervention? What are the perils of letting such media outlets operate in a country like ours? Are we setting ourselves up for another form of repression which may result from instability caused by people losing faith in their political system because of the constant spread of mistrust through such outlets? Qatar will also be hosting the FIFA world cup next year and it is good to see many outlets like CNN bringing attention to the workers that are suffering in making this world cup happen. A July 9 article in CNN quotes
Barun Ghimire, a human rights lawyer in Nepal saying this - “Migrant workers from the poorest of countries go to Qatar seeking employment,But when they get there, there’s this tragic event that happens that’s like the case of blood diamonds. The Qatar World Cup is really the bloody cup -- the blood of migrant workers.” Though one may find occasional articles in Al Jazeera on such topics, it is barely critical of the government in not solving this problem.
ple who get news from such outlets must be careful about forming opinions from such sources. People in the United States are very proud of their values, and they take their freedom of expression and commitment to basic human rights as non negotiable. They have genuine interest in encouraging such measures in other parts of the world and hope for people in those countries to enjoy the god given rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
It rarely highlights the lack of religious freedom for such workers when it enthusiastically talks about rights to freedom of religion in other parts of the world.
These good intentions can translate into realities only when they recognize that selective measures with questionable intentions can do more damage than good.
Such sort of selective reporting is tantamount to propaganda and peo-
Let us do our best to deny regimes any new tools of repression.
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Joe Bak-Coleman There’s been a lot of work that’s been done here, and I don’t think we’re trying to reinvent that wheel at all. But I think what we’re really trying to do is just highlight the need for urgent action and draw these parallels to climate change and to conservation biology, where they’ve been dealing with really similar problems. And the way they’ve structured themselves, like climate change now involves everything from chemists to ecologists. And I think social science tends to be fairly fragmented in subdisciplines, without a lot of connection between them. And trying to bring that together was a major goal of this paper. Shirin Ghaffary I’m biased to be very aware of this problem because my job is to report on social media, but it feels
like there is a lot of fear and concern about social media’s impact. Misinformation, phone addiction — these seem to be issues that everyday people worry about. Why do you think there still isn’t enough attention on this? Carl Bergstrom When I talk to people about social media, yes, there’s a lot of concern, there’s a lot of negativity, and then there’s bias by being a parent as well. But the focus is often on the individual-level effects. So it’s, “My kids are developing negative issues around self-esteem because of the way that Instagram is structured to get ‘Likes’ for being perfect and showing more of your body.” But there’s less talk about the entire large-scale structural changes that this is inducing. So what we’re saying is, we really want people to look at the large-scale structural changes that these technologies are driving in society. (Courtesy: https://www.vox.com/)
22 THEME: HAPPY HOUR ACROSS 1. Sail support 5. *Percentage of alcohol, acr. 8. Cheesy sandwich 12. Oil, in Italy 13. What refugees do 14. Noble one 15. *Moscow ____ 16. Wrinkly fruit 17. Cereal killer 18. *Non-alcoholic cocktail 20. Elementary particle 21. Old and feeble 22. American cuckoo 23. ____ tunnel 26. Create a misnomer 30. *Tap choice 31. Tooth cover 34. A wedge in golf, e.g. 35. Wesley Snipes’ 1998 movie 37. Notable time 38. Fancy neckwear 39. Denim innovator 40. *Beer ____, or biergarten 42. Before, archaic 43. Particular marking on a butterfly 45. Neuter in language, e.g. 47. Red Cross bed 48. Île de la Cité river 50. Lump of stuff 52. *18th Amendment, a.k.a. ____ Act 55. Assemblage of members 56. D’Artagnan’s weapon 57. Freight horse cart 59. “It’s Always ____ in Philadelphia” 60. Wooden pegs 61. *Margarita garnish 62. Lend a hand 63. *Not sweet 64. Sun rising direction
Austin South Asian | August 2021 DOWN 1. May honoree 2. Homecoming guest 3. Farmer’s storage type 4. Steel on a work boot 5. Relating to aquarium scum 6. Misrepresent 7. Bride screen 8. *Often served dirty, pl. 9. Cogito ____ sum 10. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver 11. *Half whiskey, half absinthe cocktail 13. Pointless 14. Chili con carne legumes 19. Between 10 and Queen 22. Breathing matter 23. C in CNN 24. Stray cat’s home 25. Plunder 26. *Fermented honey and water 27. Formed a curve 28. “Fahrenheit 9/11” documentary director 29. Go in 32. *Straight from the bottle 33. Make a blunder 36. *One appeal of happy hour 38. About or concerning, archaic 40. “____ Milk?” 41. Knights’ breastplates 44. Dorothy’s sleeping aid 46. Conifer attribute 48. Deep sleep 49. Lament for the dead 50. ____hub food takeout service 51. Solitary 52. Hawk or peddle 53. Toreador Song from “Carmen,” e.g. 54. River obstructions 55. Geological Society of America 58. Thus far
Sudoku
Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in September 2021 issue.
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Do You Have What It Takes To Be In The Peace Corps? Are you an older adult looking for your next big adventure? The Peace Corps is encouraging U.S. adult citizens to volunteer their service abroad to promote world peace and friendship. While the Peace Corps temporarily suspended volunteer operations at all posts in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the agency is working to return to service and is accepting applications. A legacy of the John F. Kennedy presidential administration, here’s what to know about the Peace Corps:
the age of 50 -- have served in the Peace Corps since it was established 60 years ago in 1961. Older Volunteers are Valued According to Peace Corps officials
virtually to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary impact made by Peace Corps volunteers above age 50.
served with the Peace Corps in Moldova and Eswatini, and was selected from among more than 70 nominations.
The award was established in 1986 in honor of President Jimmy Cart-
An artist, activist, organizer and educator, Reid has four years of service as a Peace Corps volunteer. Her service concentrated on literacy, health education and youth and family services.
Experiences Vary Widely
In Moldova, she was a community development volunteer, focusing on community programs to empower women and youth through African dance classes and social justice activities.
Partnering with communities abroad to develop sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges, the Peace Corps has served in more than 140 countries.
In Eswatini, her impact on girls’ and women’s empowerment and on combatting HIV/AIDS was recognized at the national level by the deputy prime minister.
Volunteers serve in such sectors as education, health, youth in development, agriculture, community economic development, and environment. Also, Peace Corps Response is a 12-month or less service assignment for experienced professionals. Over 240,000 American citizens -- 13,898 of whom served over
and returned volunteers, not only are older Americans uniquely qualified to serve because of their perspectives and experiences, they are viewed and respected as an asset to their new communities.
er’s mother, Lillian Carter, who in 1966 served as a Peace Corps health volunteer in India at age 68. Featuring Jason Carter, the greatgrandson of Lillian Carter, the ceremony paid homage to her legacy.
They’re also recognized back home. On June 24, the 2021 Lillian Carter Award Ceremony was held
Carole Anne “Aziza” Reid of New York City was the 2021 Lillian Carter Award recipient. Reid
July 2021 Sudoku Answer Mr.Yudhveer Bagga
“If you are thinking about serving in the Peace Corps, especially if you are 50 or older, I encourage you to take the leap,” said Reid. “I was 53 when I enlisted as a volun-
My journey continues today, and it is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude that I—as one of many former and current dedicated Peace Corps volunteers—accept the Lillian Carter Award.” Getting Started There is no upper age limit to Peace Corps service and many volunteers have served into their 80s. Interested applicants can connect with a recruiter to learn more and get the application process started by visiting peacecorps.gov. While experiences in the Peace Corps are as unique as the individuals and communities involved, building friendships and working locally to address pressing challenges serves as a fulfilling second act for many older Americans, giving volunteers a way to embrace a new purpose in retirement or following other careers. (StatePoint)
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Make A Difference – Independence Day By Vidya Kumar In July we celebrate American Independence and in August we celebrate India and Pakistan’s Independence Day. We are blessed to live in the democratic setup, and we have the freedom to speak, and debate about the issues that face us on a day to day as well as that concerns us as people of color.
Ms. Ketika Tyagi
teer, and I started walking towards my best self.
I consider freedom to speak as a privilege and any privilege comes with responsibility. We need to act responsibly while speaking publicly or within groups. A kind word goes a long way in building and strengthening relations. Now we have WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram or any social media or platforms wherein what we say or
forward is being seen by the whole groups. We are in so much hurry to forward the messages that are received we fail to understand that for some it may be hurtful or even shocking. A simple suggestion -think whether what is being forwarded will be useful or inspiration to the group. If it is just information which is of no use and has no value, then one needs to think whether it is worth forwarding. Imagine if one does not forward meaningless messages then how much collective time, effort and misinformation would be stopped. In today’s social media we have the independence to decide what information we can forward and one needs to act responsibly.
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What All Women Should Know About Bladder Cancer Karen S. was a long-time oncology nurse when she got her own cancer diagnosis at age 54. What she thought had been recurrent urinary tract infections was revealed to be bladder cancer. This year, nearly 19,500 women nationwide will be diagnosed with bladder cancer. And while research shows that bladder cancer is more prevalent among men (more than 64,000 U.S. cases are diagnosed annually), women are typically diagnosed with more advanced tumors and have a worse outcome at nearly every stage of the condition. These outcomes could be due to attributing typical warning signs to other medical conditions, such as recurring urinary tract infections or blood in the urine, which is often thought to be associated with menstruation or menopause, and as a result, goes unreported to physicians for longer. But for both male and female pa-
tients, advancements in technology are significantly improving detection and disease management. Cystoscopy, the gold standard diagnostic tool for bladder cancer detection, has historically been
white and blue light. But not every facility offers BLC. “I’m so grateful for the expertise at the bladder cancer center where I was treated and for my doctor choosing to use blue light technol-
tions. If you have any of the following symptoms, experts advise consulting your doctor:
grade, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with several tumors in her bladder.
• Blood or blood clots in the urine
“I never expected to be diagnosed with bladder cancer at 28. It’s so important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms, no matter how old you are,” says Mary Beth, who was also diagnosed using BLC.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination • Frequent urination • Feeling the need to urinate many times throughout the night • Feeling the need to urinate, but not being able to pass urine • Lower back pain on one side of the body
performed using only white light for visualizing suspicious lesions. Now, more doctors are recommending Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC), a procedure that uses both
ogy for my diagnostic procedure,” says Karen. An early bladder cancer diagnosis can give you more treatment op-
For women in particular, sudden changes in urination habits can be signs of bladder cancer. Being vigilant at every age is critical. It was for Mary Beth M. who at first ignored the blood in her urine. When she eventually saw a urologist, she learned she had high-
Blue Light Cystoscopy is only at select locations. Ask your primary care physician or urologist for more information. You can also learn where BLC is available by visiting https://rebrand.ly/Find-BLC. Early and thorough detection is crucial. No matter your age or gender, be aware of both the symptoms of bladder cancer and the latest technologies available in the detection and management of the disease. (StatePoint)
Ask A Lawyer: Do I Still Owe My Landlord For Covid-19 Back Rent? As life begins to return to normal, those who suffered financial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic will need to address them, including renters. Lawyers at JustAnswer, the leading online provider of expert advice, recently answered some common tenant questions. Question: We currently owe past rent because COVID-19 affected our income. We didn’t receive any stimulus money yet. We were just approved for a new apartment and plan to move. In our building we were protected under the eviction moratorium. The manager said anything we haven’t paid would go to collections. If this isn’t paid before we move out, would this affect our new apartment when we sign the new lease? –Jesse R. Lawyer: You are responsible for the past due rent once the moratorium ends. What will happen is the current landlord will file for eviction against you, even if you have vacated the property.
An eviction is not just removal of a tenant, but also the lawsuit a landlord files to obtain a monetary judgment against a former tenant for unpaid rent. If you do not pay your unpaid rent, a monetary judgment will be issued against you.
will not be notified. They will only find out if you tell them or if they run a background check. If you have already moved in then you will not have to move out.
Question: Must I pay an unreason- per year or month, depending on able rent increase? –Cindy H. your lease duration. Lawyer: In short, yes, it is within your landlord’s right to legally raise your rent. However, there are a few stipulations surrounding rent increases, and they can vary by state. Unless otherwise stated in your lease agreement, your landlord cannot raise your rent before your lease is up. So, if you have signed a year-long lease, your landlord is only allowed to increase your rent once that period is up. On the other hand, if you have a month-tomonth lease, your landlord is allowed to increase it every month, given that they provide you ample notice (usually 30 days).
At that point, it will be up to your new landlord as to whether this affects honoring your new lease. It should not, unless there is a provision in the contract you signed that allows the new landlord to cancel the contract. The new apartment
This could only happen if the landlord wants to cancel before you move in. In addition to the unpaid rent, you could also be ordered to pay the court filing fees and attorney’s fees. It usually comes to a couple hundred more.
Check your local laws to see if there is a set amount or maximum. Most states require your landlord to serve you the rent increase notice in writing. If it is given verbally, look up your specific state’s law to see if that is the legal way to do it. The rent increase must not be done in a discriminatory or retaliatory manner. For example, if you have complained about habitability conditions to an outside organization, your landlord cannot retaliate by raising your rent.
Need affordable advice on a legal problem with your home? Chat live with a tenant lawyer at Just Answer. JustAnswer has over 12,000 experts available to answer questions 24/7. If you are wondering how much Visit justanswer.com to get started. a landlord can increase your rent, you might not like this answer. In As eviction moratoriums begin to many states, there is no maximum lift nationwide, protect yourself amount. This means that, unless by understanding your rights and you are in a rent-controlled city or responsibilities as a tenant. Afbuilding, your landlord can raise fordable legal resources can help. the rent by as much as they want (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
How To Quit Smoking On Your Terms When you quit smoking you can lower your risk for a number of serious health problems, including lung disease, lung cancer and heart disease. But kicking the habit isn’t easy, especially if you’ve smoked for a long time.
day to help calm your mind. Just a few minutes is all you need, so check out short free online videos for guidance. • Talk to friends. Having a support
friends and live a healthier lifestyle. • Seek out expert help. The team at Walgreens can help you build a personalized plan to quit on your
The good news is that despite the many physical challenges associated with quitting, millions of Americans successfully do so each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Take a walk. Take a 20-minute walk during your breaks, especially when you get hit with cravings. This could be a good time to have some Walgreens smoking cessation gum.
According to one successful quitter, Michelle Le, the blogger behind Diet & Fries, there are key steps you can take to help you stop smoking: • Write it down: Start a journal. Include highlights of the day, your self-maintenance strategies and what you’ve learned from today’s experience.
of smoking cessation products that deliver controlled, therapeutic doses of nicotine to help with difficult physical symptoms and relieve cravings. Each gum lasts 30 minutes and you can chew up to 20 pieces a day. This is a great way to keep your mouth busy. There are also lozenges available if you don’t like gum.
system is key to breaking a habit. Find someone you trust to share with.
• Take a breath: Do breathing exercises if you’re having a stressful
• Distract yourself: Get involved in fun activities like working out, kickball and softball to make new
With the encouragement and support of parents, a love of learning can begin early and last a lifetime.
follow along with the stories as they’re read out loud. Each book includes lively character voices
terms. Their resources include tips and advice, a pharmacy chat feature available 24/7, as well as tools to discover the true impact of smoking on your health and wallet based on your usage. What’s more, Walgreens carries a variety
Karen Martinez, the creator behind the blog Mamma Bear Says, encouraged her father to quit smoking when she was a little girl. At the time, she had little knowledge to offer her dad through his quitting journey. Now that she’s an adult, she understands how difficult this process was and is actively raising awareness about different resources that can help smokers quit suc-
cessfully. As Martinez points out, you can use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to making quitting more affordable. “It’s important to know that you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for smoking cessation products. These pre-tax accounts are to be used to pay for healthcare-related expenses, but if you don’t use it, you lose it. Every year millions of dollars in health savings funds are forfeited by Americans because of the uncertainty of what is covered.” To access Walgreen’s library of resources and learn more about their smoking cessation products, visit walgreens.com. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but the support of loved ones, experts and smoking aids can make it a little less challenging, helping you enjoy the health benefits of a smoke-free life. (StatePoint)
Tips To Keep Kids Learning And Having Fun All Summer Long back using mess-free, no-ink paper.
• Get Outdoors: Whether it’s a trip
To inspire kids to have fun while learning this summer, consider the following tips:
Check out learning toys with these features built right in, such as the LeapStart Preschool Success interactive learning system from LeapFrog.
• Reward Curiosity: Children are naturally curious, and the way you respond to their questions, stories, and observations about the world around them is important. Be sure to reward their curiosity with your authentic attention. • Build Reading Confidence: Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and you can help improve reading comprehension and fluency, while building spelling, vocabulary and writing skills, using tools that offer instant guidance and feedback. The interactive pages of the LeapReader Learn-to-Read 10-Book Bundle build reading and writing confidence by allowing kids to sound out letters and words, or
• Introduce Learning Toys: Games, puzzles and creative challenges are all interactive experiences that can enhance learning.
It features touch-and-talk pages that help build math, reading, problem-solving skills and more. An expansive library of books, sold separately, cover a variety of preschool through first grade subjects, with more than 30 activities in every book. that spark interest, as well as activities that introduce vowel sounds, sight words, word blending, spelling skills and more. The LeapReader also helps kids build writing skills with stroke-bystroke guidance and instant feed-
to the backyard or a vacation out of town, a change of scenery gives young minds an opportunity to absorb and process new information, while encouraging them to explore new sights and sounds. Be sure to mix things up whenever possible.
Many activities have two levels with over 50 key skills per grade level, so kids can play and learn at the right level and move up when they’re ready. • Expand Horizons: Exploring new places can build knowledge, as
well as the natural curiosity that helps inspire kids to keep learning. Using the Magic Adventures Globe, young explorers can travel the world and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Featuring a 2.7-inch integrated video screen, animations and liveaction videos fully immerse kids in the curriculum to provide a better understanding of the world through more than five hours of videos. Kids can also play three interactive games called Around the World, Quiz Show and Where in the World to explore the globe, challenge a friend and solve mysteries. With interactive tools, toys and strategies, it’s always the right time of year to get your child excited to learn! (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Watch Arjun Kapoor Cook Shepherd’s Pie With Chef Ranveer Brar
MUMBAI — When it comes to impressing fans and women, Arjun Kapoor has few equals. His versatility quotient is going to surprise fans as he will be seen cooking alongside celebrity chef Ranveer Brar on episode 4 of season 3 of Gobble’s “You Got Chef’d.”
and held on it throughout the match due to which he could not eat.He starved throughout the match and
ended up eating the same shepherd’s pie with Bachchan at a plush restaurant after the match. The pie
was delicious and became Arjun’s top favorite delicacy. Chef Brar laughed wholeheartedly when he heard this. Says Kapoor, “Food has always brought immense joy to me and everyone in my family, and I have been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by the most lovely women who have not only in-
Kapoor, who is seen making shepherd’s pie along with chef Brar, has a funny connection to the dish from his past. During one of his film shoots in London, he was invited by Abhishek Bachchan to watch a Chelsea match at a stadium with him. The stadium had strict rules, where one was not allowed to wear a jersey in the box, so Arjun covered his jersey by wearing a jacket over it
stilled values but also fed me with the most lip- smacking food. Today, Gobble’s “You Got Chef’d” Season 3 has given me an opportunity to be on the other side of the table by helping unleash the inner chef in me. It has been an absolutely fun ride sharing screen space with chef Ranveer Brar, and I cannot wait for the viewers to watch the episode.” Since the episode revolves around food flavors from London, the duo will be seen baking the famous pie. Kapoor highlights football and food as his two weaknesses, and also shares some funny yet memorable experiences he had while on his trip to London.(Courtesy: https://www.indiawest.com/)
Amazon Prime Video Launches The Trailer Of Shershaah At Kargil Vijay Divas Celebrations In Kargil In an ultimate tribute to Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) and the Indian Armed Forces, Amazon Prime Video today launched the trailer of the much-awaited Amazon Original Movie Shershaah in Kargil at the Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations. The annual celebrations held to honour the heroes of the Kargil War served as the ideal stage to unveil the trailer of the film and was attended by Actors Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, Director Vishu Varadhan, Producers Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta and Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video. Jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment, the much-awaited war drama is a doting tribute to the courage and valour of the Kargil war hero, Captain Vikram Batra (PVC). Shershaah will release as a lead up to the Independence Day weekend, premiering exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting August 12 across 240 countries and territories. Directed by Vishnu Varadhan, the film features Sidharth Malhotra in the title role along with a stellar
cast of names like Kiara Advani, Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra. Inspired by a true story, the trailer of Shershaah celebrates the bravery and gallant spirit of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) and honours his invaluable sacrifice in the Kargil War. It is the story of a soldier who became not only an inspiration but a legend for generations to come. Staying true to his codename ‘Shershaah’, Captain Batra fought till his last breath and his unflinching courage in chasing enemy soldiers out of Indian territory in one of the toughest mountain warfare missions which contributed immensely to India finally winning the Kargil War in 1999. Adding to the varied library of offerings on Amazon Prime Video, Shershaah is Amazon Prime Video’s 37th direct-to-service film in a short span of 15 months, releasing ahead of Independence Day. Lead actor Sidharth Malhotra who essays the role of ‘Shershaah’, Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) is brimming with excitement on portraying a real-life hero. Speaking
on the release of his film on Amazon Prime Video, Malhotra said: “Playing a man in uniform always instils a sense of pride but portray-
ing a legendary war hero like Vikram Batra was a huge responsibility to shoulder on and perform. The role called for a lot of physical and even more mental preparation to get into his shoes and bring to life the real-life story of a man whose courage and grit stood unmatched. I have tried my best to stay true to his persona and valour and I am thankful to the Batra family for trusting me. About her role in the film, Kiara said: “I am honoured to portray a strong and inspiring woman like
Dimple Cheema, as it made me understand the journey of the unsung heroes, the women behind the army men. While we celebrate the
valour of the men at war, the sacrifices of the women at home often go unnoticed. Shershaah not only brings light to the contribution of these strong pillars of support but also offered me a chance to pay my tribute to their brave choices. It fills me with great pride to be a part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, we are forever indebted to the bravery of those who fight at the frontlines and their families who support them and our country unconditionally.” Director Vishnu Varadhan who
debuts into Hindi Cinema with Shershaah said: “I could not have asked for a better start than Shershaah to mark my foray into Bollywood, or a better setting to present the trailer of our movie. Shershaah is not just a labour of love, it is my attempt at saluting the heroes who have served our nation time and gain. It was challenging yet thrilling to shoot this film and bring to life a real-life story of grit and bravery. My aim was to make a film that familiarizes today’s youth with Captain Batra’s valour and inspires them. This film is my ode to his undaunting spirit to bring victory to India, his fearlessness and sacrifice.” The film Shershaah is an incredible true story of a PVC awardee, Kargil War hero - Capt. Vikram Batra, who shot to fame and became a household name during the Kargil War in 1999. His indomitable spirit and his unflinching courage in chasing the Pakistani soldiers out of Indian territory contributed immensely to India finally winning the Kargil War in 1999.
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
Abhay Deol-Starrer Disney Film ‘Spin’ Releases In India On Aug. 15 MUMBAI – Actor Abhay Deol’s first Disney film “Spin” is all set to release on Independence Day, digitally.
tigenerational family, which has only grown closer since her mother’s passing.
The film, also starring Avantika and Meera Sayal, is directed by Manjari Makijany.
Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long-lost fervor for music is re-ignited.
“Spin” follows Rhea (Avantika), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her.
Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music but must find the courage to follow her true inner talent.
Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson and Ginger, her after-school coding club, her family’s Indian restaurant and her tight-knit, mul-
‘Spin’ releases on Disney International HD
and Disney+ Hotstar Premium on
Aug. 15. (Courtesy: https://www. indiawest.com/)
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Toofan Review: Farhan Akhtar Packs A Punch! By Sonia Chopra Movie Title: Toofan Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Star Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal
Prabhu is blatantly prejudiced towards Muslims, and sneaks in his Islamophobic thoughts in casual
falls for Ananya (Mrunal Thakur) a Hindu doctor working at a charitable institution. We aren’t told much
all sides. In a pivotal scene, Aziz refuses his neighbours’ diktat that Ananya convert to their faith and
slaps her). Hidden prejudices showing up in the professional space and the struggles an inter-faith couple goes through for something as basic as finding a home are aptly portrayed.
If there’s any actor who’s been consistently flawless in every role, it’s Farhan Akhtar.
The film takes you back to numerous films from Rocky to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to Sultan.
Here too, you tend to ignore how predictable the film is, because Akhtar’s dedication to his craft shines through in every scene. One wishes the film would keep up, though.
You also think back to Gully Boy with the rap songs and Vijay Maurya’s Mumbai slang-induced dialogue. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra keeps the pace surprisingly measured for a sports film. Clocking in at almost 3 hours, this one occasionally tests your patience.
The underdog, the personal tragedy, trials and tribulations, the training montage, the supportive circle, the every-sports-film finale— Toofan has all these cliches and more.
conversations. He may be bigoted, but deep down values humanity.
Small-time gangster Aziz Ali (Farhan Akhtar), known for his strong punches in street fights, is inspired to take up boxing after seeing a pic of Muhammad Ali.
While he won’t even order from a Muslim-owned restaurant, he believes in Aziz’s potential as a boxer and chooses to train him over the others.
Once he makes up his mind, there’s no stopping him. He practices with such dedication, he manages to convince sought-after coach Narayan Prabhu (Paresh Rawal) to take him on as a student.
‘So, isn’t boxing your religion then?’ asks his well-meaning friend who constantly disagrees with his biased statements. But things take a turn when Aziz
about her character other than her profession and that she pairs gajjar halwa with vanilla ice cream. The purpose of her character is pretty much summed up in the dialogue where claims it’s her dream that Aziz become a celebrated boxer. Which is great, except that we know nothing of her own interests or ambitions as well. Terms like ‘love jihaad’ are discussed and the film shows that prejudices exist on
change her name. Their relationship too is dealt mostly with sensitivity— showing their love, compatibility and light-hearted banter (except the unforgivable scene where he almost
The formulaic story and gratuitous runtime are downsides. But Farhan Akhtar’s masterful act and a few heartfelt moments somewhat hold the film together. (Courtesy: https://www.sify.com//)
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Austin South Asian | August 2021
