Austin TX-8 by The 55 Spotlight

AUSTIN TEXAS | VOL. 8

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TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

NOV 7 - 10

NOV 14 - 17

NOV 21 - 24

DEC 5 - 8

DEC 12 - 15

World Wide Technology Championship

El Cardonal at Diamante • Los Cabos • MEX

Butterfield Bermuda Championship

Port Royal Golf Course • Southampton • BER

The RSM Classic

* Schedule subject to change

GOLF, SXM

Sea Island Golf Club • St. Simons Island, GA • USA GOLF, SXM

Hero World Challenge

Albany GC • Albany • BAH

Grant Thornton Invitational

Tiburón Golf Club • Naples, FL • USA

PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry

Dye’s Valley Course •

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA

+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

NBC, GOLF

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

NOVEMBER

NOV 2 - 3 | CELTIC

FESTIVAL

See Celtic dancing, hear Celtic music, and watch as strongmen compete in traditional Scottish Highland games in the heart of Texas at the Austin Celtic Festival. This unique event offers plenty of fun and activities for the whole family! For more info visit: austincelticfestival.com

NOV 16 | FOODIE FEST

Welcome to Austin’s Premier Food Fest showcasing local restaurants, local eateries, local cafes and local food trucks! This festival is all about food so please come hungry. Our festival will stretch over 8 Hours with over 50 different participating vendors. Outside of food there will be plenty of fun including Live Music from some of Texas best bands! For more info visit: austinfoodiefest.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 | GOOD SESSION

Join Brent Gill and a panel of three comedians for an unforgettable evening of laughter with Good Session, an audience driven comedy, advice, and therapy show. For more info visit: goodsessioncomedy.com

DEC

- 23 | TRAIL OF LIGHTS

Hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, the annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. The Austin Trail of Lights will be celebrating 60 years this December! For more info visit: austintrailoflights.org

JANUARY

JAN 1 - 4 | TUNNEL

OF LIGHTS

This holiday season, experience the magic of Lake Austin Lights, a one-of-a-kind boat cruise on Lake Austin, featuring the dazzling Floating Tunnel of Lights! Join us for a 45-minute festive journey

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

filled with twinkling holiday decorations, beautifully lit lakefront homes, and captivating 3D LED holiday motifs. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycx489s8

JAN 27 | MLK CELEBRATION

The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. For more info visit: mlkcelebration.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 8 | CARNAVAL

BRASILEIRO

Experience authentic Brasileiro-style samba, costumes and wild abandon at one of the biggest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside Brazil. For more info visit: sambaparty.com

FEB 16 | RUN AUSTIN

You will be treated to a bucket list experience and some of Austin’s finest sightseeing! Enjoy miles of Austin’s unique neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and be greeted by cheering crowds as you close in on the finish line in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave. For more info visit: youraustinmarathon.com

MARCH

MARCH 14 - 29 | RODEO AUSTIN

Rodeo Austin returns to the Travis County Expo Center March 2025 as a full-blown family affair, boasting a thrilling lineup of ProRodeo events, livestock shows, daily concerts, carnival attractions and much more. For more info visit: rodeoaustin.com

MARCH 22 - 24 | NASCAR Circuit of The Americas (COTA) will welcome race fans this March when NASCAR returns Austin for the second time, courtesy of Speedway Motorsports. Experi-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

ence another unforgettable race weekend with the running of the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series at COTA. For more info visit: nascar.com

APRIL

APRIL 6 | KITE FEST

The nation’s oldest kite festival features hundreds of kites in the air, kite flying contests, food, games and more all for free. For more info visit: abckitefest.org

APRIL 9 - 19 | COMEDY FESTIVAL

Established in 2011 by the Paramount Theatre and Cap City Comedy Club in Austin, Texas, the Moontower Comedy Festival is known for being a world-class festival experience centered around both fans and comedians alike. Praised by attendees as “a comedy lover’s dream,” Moontower deftly balances star power, cult favorites, emerging talent, and local, Austin-based favorites. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3v7w9xyf

MAY

MAY 3 - 4 | PECAN STREET FEST

The Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest, and longest-running, arts & crafts and music festivals in the nation. The festival will feature 300 national artisan vendors, food concessions, 50 bands on three stages, a family friendly rides section and street performers. Enjoy a family friendly weekend to start off this fall season! For more info visit: pecanstreetfestival.org

MAY 22 - 25 | HOT LUCK FEST

The Hot Luck: Live Food & Music festival returns to honor the soul, sweat and DIY diversity of the food and music world. The festival is an eat-with-your-fingers picnic and party experience that highlights open-pit feats of culinary knowhow, and music in your ears that is as thoughtfully created as the food on your plate. Come hungry, thirsty, and bring your dancing boots. For more info visit: hotluckfest.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

MAY 29 - 30 | ATX FESTIVAL

ATX TV Festival is a one-of-a-kind festival experience, bringing TV fans & industry together to celebrate their favorite moments in TV as one community. Join us for deep-dives into how your favorite shows are made, revisit past favorites, and discover something new at “TV Camp for Grown Ups” in downtown Austin, TX. For more info visit: atxfestival.com

JUNE

JUNE 1 | 19TH FEST

Formerly the Austin Soul Food Truck Fest, 19th Fest returns to celebrate Juneteenth in Austin. From savory barbecue to Cajun-seasoned seafood and traditional soul food, get a taste of Austin’s soul food gems at this annual festival, along with live music and 50+ artisan craft and retail vendors. The festival will also feature kid-friendly activities and more. For more info visit: 19thfest.com

JULY

July 4 | Independence day

The Austin Symphony hosts an annual concert of patriotic music culminating in a spectacular firework display over Lady Bird Lake. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3w9nbyfr

JULY 25 - 27 | GAME FEST

Enjoy 100,000+ square feet of retro video games and fun at the Palmer Events Center. Overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the downtown Austin skyline, the Palmer Events Center is conveniently located only a short walk from many hotels, restaurants, bus stops, and bike rental stations. For more info visit: classicgamefest.com

AUGUST

AUG TBA | HOT SAUCE FEST

One of the largest and bestknown annual food events in Austin, this hot sauce competition is a major fundraiser for the Central Texas Food Bank and features hundreds of gallons of hot sauce

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

along with cold beverages, tastings from local restaurants, live music, sauces for sale, and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mwh4jv9j

SEPTEMBER

SEPT TBA | FILM FEST

Our merry band of misfits, muckrakers, and miscreants is making it’s way to Austin, TX, for an 8-day carnival of cinematic delights –Fantastic Fest is back! Reserve your badge today and prepare yourself for all the world-premiere films, unforgettable parties, and mind-blowing experiences that come with the greatest genre film festival on Earth! For more info visit: fantasticfest.com

SEPT 6 | BAT FEST

Celebrate the world’s largest urban bat colony, which takes up seasonal residence beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge, with live music, children’s activities and a costume contest. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3sud3ehp

OCTOBER

OCT 25 - 26 | COFFEE FESTIVAL

Enjoy the best specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, delicious snacks, and live entertainment, during this one-ofa-kind coffee culture experience. For more info visit: austincoffeefestival.com

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single

DATE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.

Louie