September

Cover

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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Liberty Home

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Liberty Home Mortgage

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Metro Biz Sales

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

CONTENTS

FEATURE 24 Imran Khan - hit & hot! 20 Azeem Fankaar on the air waves of RSN 104.9FM 37 Desi Fashion Trends in U.S. 40 Mika Singh - Prince of Pop! 44 Bengal Coast Restaurant spotlight 47 Abhinav Bindra - India’s 1st individual Olympic Gold Medalist 49 Shah Rukh Khan Show in 2009? 54 1st South Asian Mall ground breaking special 72 Mixed Marriages - Opportunities and Challenges 81 104.9FM RJ’s 98 Everest Movies - Celebrating it’s first year!

HEALTH 76 Eye care - Focus on your eyes

FINANCE 78 Traveling on the HOV lane to financial success

TRAVEL 59 Beat the summer heat! Cool off at Dinosaur Valley

FUN 43 Fun Facts about Dallas 52 Kids Fun

REGULAR 9 Note 12 Horoscope by Swami Krsna 14 Scene 30 Scene - upcoming 82 Rhythm Events - Dhamal 2008 27 Bollywood Gossip 32 Movie review - Hindi 34 Movie review - Telugu 35 Movie review - English 70 Books - India for America 90 Yellow Pages

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Diya is now Salaam Namaste magazine “What lies behind and what lies before are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Publisher MONICCA SHARMAA Editor SRINIDHI R Photography AFTAB Horoscope editor SWAMI KRSNA Distribution MAHIPAL Sales/ Marketing Sales Manager

OMAR KHAN 972 978 6646 Sales Executives

ALAN FOWLDS SANU MATHEW SUMEET MARVIN

972 259 0670 972 978 0509 972 259 0371

Accounts CHRIS PALAPARTHI Contributors Mariam Akhtar; A.G. Chini; Dilshad Dayani; Mahesh Thakkar; Dr. Subir S. Bhatia; Talha Ansari; Ali Fazal Salaam Namaste magazine is circulated FREE every month in various commercial establishments in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. If you wish to receive your copy by mail subscribe for the magazine. Use the form overleaf. Salaam Namaste magazine is published by Everest Heights Inc. Vol 6. No.9 August 2008 Copyright © 2008 Salaam Namaste Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction of pictures, articles in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. We are not responsible for unsolicited materials submitted for publication. Views expressed by editorial/ advertorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication or its holding company.

Hello & welcome to an exciting issue. Diya magazine is now part of Everest Heights with a new name, Salaam Namaste magazine. Its humble beginning started back in 2003 with a goal & desire to make a professional-quality portrait reflecting our incredibly diverse and unique South Asian culture. Since then it has undergone few transformations and become better at every stage. With brand new name and with collaboration of Radio Salaam Namaste team, Salaam Namaste magazine strives to maintain and surpass the set standard. This is the time of great change in the USA. Both old and new are being challenged; both in the western world and the East. On the national front, the country is on the threshold of electing its new leader. In the local scenario, the South Asian Community with its rich cultural background and focus on education and business advancement is progressing by leaps and bounds. Everest Heights Inc., A Dallas based South Asian company has been committed to serving and Keeping the community together, and has quite a few achievements to its credit. The first 24-hour Desi FM station is on air; Everest Movies completes one year of spectacular operations; Everest Heights, the first South Asian Mall is coming up; grand concerts featuring Atif Aslam, Mika Singh etc., And now the Salaam Namaste magazine. Think of the mountaineer who endures great physical hardship; biting cold, hurricane winds, blizzards, uncertainty of the destination, but still summits the peak, not because there is treasure at the top, but for the sheer pleasure of getting there. A sage after years of penance might be blessed with a glimpse of the lord almighty for a fraction of a second but does he regret having spent so many years in penance? No, in fact he is overjoyed that he could get a glimpse of the lord almighty even for a fraction of a second. Similarly, we at Salaam Namaste magazine have one goal in front of us: to inform, entertain and bring our South Asian community together and provide a reliable, sustainable and worthy platform to express themselves. The results of this lofty ambition are in front of you: Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM which brings you music, entertainment, talk shows and news; Everest Movies brings you latest movies and of course this magazine which is our very own Desi print media. This issue features a detailed cover story on the newest hero in Bollywood, Imran Khan and a special feature on Hindi film music of the 1947-1970 era. Then there are reviews of the newest movies in town, columns on fashion, travel, past and future events and lots more. We hope and trust that you will find this issue useful and entertaining. Do write in and let us know what you think about the magazine and our media.

Srinidhi R

Monicca Sharmaa

Editor

Publisher

The information in the publication is believed to be accurate. However Salaam Namaste Magazine or the holding company cannot and do not guarantee its accuracy and will not be liable for the equality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portions of the publication. Printed in the U.S.A. Submissions for consideration may be sent to: E-mail: [email protected] Snail mail: 300 East Royal Lane, # 117, Irving, Tx 75039 Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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Adver tise in SALAAM NAMASTE Reach out to the 250,000-strong South Asian community Advertise on America’s First Desi FM Station to reach the South Asian Community [email protected] 972-401-1550 -

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Prudent Tech Solutions

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India Palace

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YOUR MONTH AHEAD by Swami Krsna September horoscope by Swami Krsna RSN Host - “Aap Ke Sitare” every Wednesday 3-4 pm Swami Krsna, is the thirteenth generation of Jyotishis (Vedic Astrologers) and has over 33 years experience in analysing horoscopes and predictions. To know more visit: www.DFWSwami.com or www.VedicStore.com. He can be contacted via email [email protected] or phone 214-550-1427 and toll free 866-553-1493. Pisces (February 19 to March 20)

Aries (March 21 to April 20)

Taurus (April 21 to May 21)

Gemini (May 22 to June 21)

The main effect of this transit is to brighten the mind, bring hopeful outlook and self confidence. All round success in undertakings are indicated! This is a good period for making those changes that you have been thinking about for a long time. This is a favorable time to work on writing and literary work!

One will become irritated and indulge in aimless traveling. There may be obstacles in undertakings, delay, separation from family, fear and anxiety etc. You will care more for personal matters, an excellent time to impress others, but may find it difficult to work with others and take care in your profession.

This is a positive transit and is likely to bring profitable changes in working method or home. Changes in job are indicated. Brain strain and fatigue is best avoided. Understand view points of others, but do not be imposed upon or lured into some unreliable and unstable emotional matter. Use your intellect.

There may be fear, anxiety and irritability. An encounter with someone will bring very powerful changes in your life. This person may challenge your value structure, or there may be a powerful intermeshing of your personalities. Safeguard against diseases and high blood pressure for your longevity.

Aquarius (January 21 to February 18)

Cancer (June 22 to July 22)

Success, friendship and association with opposite sex, gain of money, new clothes, victory, joy and happiness are indicated for you this month! Your personal communications will have an emotional depth and will be fruitful. Female relatives and friends may play an important role in your life at this time. Celebrate Life!

Losses, worries, fear, and unhappiness are the main factors of this month. You may be cheated. Anxiety due to deceitful nature of others. Avoid the company of mean persons. Quarrel with relatives and friends. You may experience being unsuccessful in undertakings.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)

Leo (August 24 to September 23)

A good period to study foreign places, law, philosophy or higher knowledge of any kind. Good time for travel, conversation and communication with others. Some wearisome traveling and obstacles with relations is also indicated. You may acquire some kind of property is possible. Pleasure through opposite sex, domestic bliss, fame, honor and all round prosperity.

A good time to relax at home. You will feel emotionally possessive.Adopt an attitude of working ‘with the flow’ for best results. This transit may create suspicion within you of everybody and everything, as also fear, trouble, sorrows and loss of money, mental worry and domestic unhappiness. Keep an eye on your health.

S a g i t t a r i u s (November 23 to December 21) A very fortunate period, indicating financial gain, domestic and social bliss. One may become happy as this pleasurable period in which success and prosperity may be blessed. Gain through investments, speculations and enterprises. This is a good period for acquiring luxury items. You may enter into new love relations and romance. 12

Scorpio (October 24 to November 22)

Libra (September 24 to October 23)

Virgo (August 24 to September 23)

Achievement of desired objects, position of command, success, pleasure, happiness and home comforts. Gifts and presents may come. You may achieve success in business and professional pursuits. Good for Public Relations and selling property. An excellent time for investments, expanding business but avoid overdoing yourself.

During this transit you may form new relationships for various purposes. You should work alone and for your benefit only as you should not be dependent on others. This is a very favorable influence and end to make this period successful, courageous, enterprising, competent, tireless and more adventurous than usual. This is an eventful period, which will be remembered.

You may enter into negotiations with others regarding money or property including business and its expansion. In case of affliction avoid making financial or property deals during this period. This transit gives financial gain, reliable friends, good meals and success. On account of pleasures do not become lazy. Do not be excessively possessive.

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Galleria

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SCENE - Happenings of the past month FOBANA Convention

Hindu Unity Day celebrated

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he 22nd Convention of Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) was conducted by the Bangladesh Association of North Texas (BANT) from July 3 through 5, 2008 at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Dallas. The Convention attracted over 5,000 Bangladeshis from across US. The convention is organised to uphold the rich sociocultural heritage of Bangladesh and to foster cultural diversity in North America. The highlight of the FOBANA 2008 was the rich variety of cultural programs, forums and seminars focusing on political, social, technological, medical/ health, and economic issues of bilateral interest between Bangladesh, USA and Canada. The 2008 Convention has brought a lot of enthusiasm in the Bangladeshi community of North Texas.

anatana Dharma Foundation, a Dallas-based Non-Profit organization organized its first Hindu Unity Day, at the DFW Hindu Temple, in Dallas on the 19th and 20th of July, 2008. It was a mélange of various Hindu religious organizations of Dallas area including Art of living Foundation, Ammachi Satsang, ISCKON, Gayatri Parivar, Chinmaya Mission, Sathya Sai groups, Datta Yoga Peetam among others. The guest of honor at the event was India’s former law minister and president of Janata Party, Dr Subramanian Swamy’s whose book Rama Sethu Symbol of National Unity was released at the Event. Dr. Subramanian Swamy at Hindu Unity Day Apart from Dr celebrations Subramanian Swamy’s talk on the importance of saving Rama Sethu or Adam’s Bridge, the event featured a detailed presentation from Dr.S. Kalyanaraman, Director, Saraswati River Research Center, and President of Sri Rameshwaram Rama Sethu Raksha Manch and lengthy interactive sessions about Hindu philosophy and spirituality. The Hindu Dharma Rakshaka Kshatriya Award was presented by SDF to Dr Subramanian Swamy and Dr S. Kalyanaraman on the occassion.

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PSNT Independence Day Gala

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The PSNT Youth Division is dedicated to aid young Pakistani adults rejoice in their culture, heritage, and traditions in a clean, fun, upbeat way. All in all, it was a joyous occasion with fun had by all those who attended! Photo: Prince Photography

n Saturday, August 23, 2008, the Pakistani Society of North Texas’ (PSNT) Youth Division celebrated Pakistan’s 61st birthday in grand style at the Garland Special Events Center in Garland, TX. In an evening of camaraderie and togetherness, teenagers celebrated by participating in various group activities and games. It was truly a harmonious meeting of modern and traditional as many youngsters festively mixed their traditional Pakistani outfits with more funky Western pieces. Later, popular Pakistani tunes were spun while teenagers danced and parties into the night! There were a variety of booths set up, allowing members of the Pakistani community to advertise products that might be pertinent to the well-being of the young generation. However, this event catered to the adult members of the community as well. Many parents accompanied their children, and had a good time watching the revelry and participating in the mingling that is commonplace at these events. This fête of friendship and freedom concluded with a slideshow depicting all the fun and wacky moments that transpired at all the PSNT Youth Division events over the past year.

Talha Ansari compering at the friendship concert Salaam SalaamNamaste Namaste Magazine Magazine || September 2008

Asian Photography

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SCENE - Happenings of the past month Mika Singh makes Dallas dance

Advertise Here! & Get Noticed!

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he Prince of Punjabi Pop, Mika Singh was in Dallas on August 8, to perform at the Dhamaal 2008 concert organized by Rhythm Events.

Grab attention of the 250,000-strong South Asian Community in Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex

Conducted at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, the concert attracted over 1,500 enthusiastic music lovers from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Mika belted out hit after hit making the audience stand up and dance to his tunes. There was no stopping the audience from dancing the night away. The concert which started at 9.00 pm finished only at midnight. To know more about Mika Singh and the concert go to page 82-83.

Call 972-978-6646 [email protected] Mika Plays on the Keyboards during Dhamaal 08

Get special deals before September 30, 2008

32nd Anand Bazaar marks India’s 61st Independence Day Celebrated in association with Everest Heights

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he India Association of North Texas (IANT), a non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit organization founded in 1962 organized its annual Anand Bazaar on August 16, 2008. This year’s event, the 32nd since inception was held at the Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie,Texas. The event attracted over 15,000 patriotic Indians and people from neighboring countries. The theme for India’s 61st Independence day celebrations was “SAVE THE TIGER” and Anand Bazaar showcased this in a major way. IANT’s youth members and volunteers (9-17 yrs age group) led this initiative which included signature campaigns, painting competition, video making contest etc. Anand Bazaar 2008 featured several ethnic Indian food stalls, exhibits of local community, businesses and non-profit organizations. Over 130 booths were erected and all of them were sold out. The event featured attractions for the whole family, games and rides for children, amazing fireworks display, colorful independence day parade, live musical performances by artists from India, painting competition for kids 6-13 and much more. One of the star performers was the Indian Idol finalist Karunya. The event started for general public at 5:30 PM and continued on up to midnight.

Parade at Anand Bazaar 08

BHOOMI Rocks Dallas

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engali Association of DFW, organized a folk-music concert at the UTD Conference Center, Richardson on July 12, 2008. The main attraction of the programme was the performance by BHOOMI - the most popular Bangla-folk-Band of Kolkata. BHOOMI is the only band which has performed at United Nations summit. Bengali Association of Dallas/Ft Worth (BA-DFW) is a premier nonprofit community organization, founded in 1984 by and for the people with an interest in the language, literature, culture and heritage of Bengal. BA-DFW represents the vibrant Bengali community and works towards promoting harmony and integration through cultural and social activities. The events of BA-DFW are open to all .

Music Performance during Anand Bazaar 16

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BA-DFW is committed to sustaining and promoting Bengali culture and heritage and simultaneously supporting the local community, and reinforcing our future generation with meaningful values. Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Taj Grocers

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GADGETS

Camcorder pen:

Freecom Mobile XXS:

A gadget that reads your mind

World’s smallest and lightest portable hard drive

The latest in consumer electronics is this 4GB Camcorder USB Pen which the manufacturers claim captures your thoughts on paper and video. While most camcorder pens often sacrifice writing capabilities to improve video capturing capabilities, this one from BrickHouse Security writes and has a huge storage capacity when compared with what is available in the market.

Freecom has created a buzz in the world of electronics by launching its Freecom Mobile Drive XXS. This 2.5 inch ultraportable hard drive is pegged as the smallest, lightest and USB powered storage device to hit the market. Available in three sizes of 160GB, 250GB and 320GB, the drive is USB-powered and completely compact.

Big storage comes with a big price tag too. This the perfect gadget for those who love to be on par with the latest in technology and like to lead a James Bond lifestyle. The battery lasts for two hours after every charge and can store 30 hours of audio and/ or video (4GB). And what is the big price tag attached to it? Well this wonder pen can be yours for $250, a little over the price of iPhone 3G. Read more on: http://www.gizmodo.com

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Though it might sound m’s Freeco ridiculous but st Smalle ve Freecom competed hard dri against other electronics manufacturers and emerged as the clear winner in the race to make the smallest 2.5-inch hard drive. The device is basically a bare hard drive with a compact casing and can be held within the palm of your hand. Of course the market is abuzz with news that someone else is coming out with a smaller hard drive but what I’d love to see in these portable hard drive offerings would be some sort of integrated retractable USB cable. It seems to defeat the purpose of having this ultrasleek compact hard drive when you then have a USB cable to deal with.

Salaam SalaamNamaste Namaste Magazine Magazine || September 2008

Armale

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Azeem Fankaar on the air waves of Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM

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hen my colleague Srinidhi, editor of this magazine, invited me to write an article, I was honestly at a loss for the subject. “How about an article on ‘AZEEM FANKAR’, one of your popular shows on radio salaam namaste?” asked Srinidhi. “Oh! Yes, sounds like a good idea,” I said. Azeem Fanakaar is essentially about the numerous creative individuals whose genius has produced unforgettable Hindi film songs from 1931 to 1970; specifically during the post independence period. These talented individuals include composers, lyricists, singers and other professionals connected with the music industry during that period. The show also focuses on some of the better creations of each one of these personalities through anecdotes, details and trivia. In every memorable song it is of course the team effort that succeeds in creating the magic, and yet, individuals form the team. As with a symphony where every instrument plays its part and the audience discerns where the great contribution lies, here too, the effort is directed at throwing light on that personality that made the composition so unique and memorable. Although our chalk-line has been drawn at 1970, the line has A.G. Chini with music maestro Naushad occasionally been crossed by including songs The music created between the years 1947 and 1970 is specifically created after 1970. chosen for my radio show Azeem Fankaar. Why only that period? The And sometimes songs from non-Hindi film songs are also featured answer is that, to my mind, it was during those years that words, tunes, on air, overlooking them would be doing a grave disservice to radio playback and sound techniques came together in an exceptional, neverlisteners and music lovers. That is because very often, especially in that to-be repeated manner, creating a harmony and melody that has not period, many artistes worked both in and out of the confines of Hindi been surpassed and excelled. Of course, great film music existed before cinema and created magic. 1947, but the volume of songs was relatively low, as was the percentage of memorable ones. It was during these crossover 24 years that exceptional music was created not only in quality but in quantity as well. Admittedly some fantastic music is still being created but it comes accompanied by a great deal of mediocre stuff as well. In contrast the period between 1947 and 1970 there were wave after wave of highquality memorable music showcased time and again. India’s independence too brought in a fresh sense of buoyancy to people and gave an impetus to everyone —writers (song, story, and screenplay), composers, instrumentalists, singers and film producers alike. The air was charged with energy and artists were driven by a quest to achieve excellence. And thus began the most happening period of Hindi film music, this post-1947 phase is important in more ways than one. With playback in place, beautiful music was born, music that was made for films like Shehnai, Andaz, Barsaat, Sargam, Ek Thi Ladki, Mahal etc became extremely popular among masses. Spurred by the insatiable demand of the listening audience, this collective endeavour took Hindi film music to dizzy heights. A.G. Chini welcoming Waheeda Rehman at a private function 20

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And so there came to be created thousands of brilliant musical gems Salaam SalaamNamaste Namaste Magazine Magazine || September 2008

SPECIAL FEATURE Second, several musicians hit the bottle after just a couple of flops. The quality of their music suffered, much before their livers collapsed. Third, many superb artists like Jaikishen, Shailendra, and Geeta Dutt passed away leaving a void in the Hindi music industry. Fourth, the post-independence euphoria had evaporated and was replaced by a ‘chalta hai’ attitude towards work and life. Synthesizers surfaced everywhere, making creators lazy with their creations. There was just nothing they were doing right anymore. Talat Mahmood had sung his last film song when he was barely forty. Suraiya withdrew from flashbulbs and people as well. Music Maestro Anil Biswas had moved out of both films and Bombay, and moved to Delhi in 1965. Raj Kapoor revived good melody only in Bobby after the dismal flop of Mera Naam Joker. Surprisingly, Manna Dey received his only Filmfare Award for Mera Naam Joker, for a song he himself rated as basic. A.G. Chini with Gulzar, Mitali and Bhupinder Singh in Dubai

during this period. Approximately 4,334 Hindi films were made between 1931 and 1970, and they had about 36,000 songs in them, put together by several hundred individuals. If one were to hear the songs made in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, one would conclude that there was a downturn in quality. Like a third umpire in cricket, if one were to examine the period in slow motion, one would see the difference may be around 1968.

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ith the dawn of the 1970s the loss of excellence was obvious. It seemed as if quality music had leaf the recording studio to make way for mediocrity. Why did this happen? Why did the tide go out? There are many reasons. First, it is possible that many artists ran out of steam. How long could they keep up the impossible momentum? They had done superb work for over twenty years and they, too, were human. Creativity, one suspects, often declines with age. S.D. Burman, Naushad, Sahir Ludhianvi, Lata Mangeshkar, and many more had already attained such unsustainable heights. Despite this they did give a memorable song every now and then.

A.G. Chini hosting a show in Dubai, UAE Salaam Namaste Magazine Magazine || September September2008 2008

So while good work was still being made it was more a flash-in-the-pan from artistes like Mohammed Rafi, Khayyam, Kishore Kumar or Asha Bhonsleji, it was nowhere near the tidal waves of the past, where just about everyone was delivering excellence. Singer Meena Kapoor, the wife of late maestro Anil Biswas, was once asked what the difference was between the music of yesteryear and that of today. She remarked that earlier Hindi film music had a soul, now it has a body. That could not be better stated. During the crossover 24 years, from 1947 to 1970, our music had both a soul as well as a body. That is probably why songs from those times are still played not just in India but over and over again in homes, cars and music parties in Pakistan, Dubai, Canada, USA, England, South Africa. These talented people, these genius creators who left such a lasting impact on our lives are covered in AZEEM FANKAR show. So tune in to Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM on Monday & Tuesday at 11 am and enjoy.

The first South Asian Mall in the US

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COVER STORY

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Bombay Sizzler

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

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BOLLYWOOD Gossip Akshay-Aneez Strike Again!

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he Akshay Kumar - Anees Bazmee jodi is the hottest and biggest combination today. This jodi has delivered two back-to-back hits in WELCOME and SINGH IS KINNG. The combo was planning to team up for the third time for a Studio 18 project, but trustworthy sources tell us that the project is not happening. “Akshay has signed a UTV film. Hopefully, we should be teaming up there,” Anees Bazmee reveals, “There’s no bad blood with Studio 18. It’s just that things didn’t work out. But I am directing another film for them, which might star Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.” Anees is expected to take this project forward once he’s through with the ongoing schedule of the Nana Patekar, Harman Baweja, Genelia starrer he’s making right now.

Aamir-Akki Christmas Clash???

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ast year, the Christmas week witnessed the release of Welcome and Taare Zameen Par. Both diametrically opposite films in terms of genre worked big time at the box-office. The films in question also cemented the status of the two stars associated with those films — Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan, respectively. Now Akshay and Aamir are all set to clash all over again. And it’s Christmas time yet again. Aamir’s Ghajini is already confirmed for

this date and if sources are to be believed, Akshay’s Chandni Chowk to China is also eyeing the Christmas week. “Yes, we’re looking at the date. But right now we are more concerned about the right chain of theatres, since GHAJINI is also arriving on this date. Plus, Rab De Bana Di Jodi [releasing on December 12] would also be retaining many screens. We’ve asked Warner Bros. [partners in C.C.T.C.] to get back to us about it. Only after they are clear vis-à-vis the screens will we take a call,” Nikhil Advani explains.

replaced?

Ranvir and Konkona are ‘Fashion’able?

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Esha mong the whole bunch of girls who acted in Chak De India alongside SRK, probably the one who managed to attract the most wide-spread fanbase was Sagarika Ghatge. Sagarika, who played the gutsy character of Preeti Sabarwal, also emerged as the highest goal-scorer in the film. Now it seems Sagarika has managed to strike a goal in her real life too. The actress has been signed by Percept Picture Company for their film Raftaar (working title). The film is directed by noted ad film maker Shamin Desai. Sagarika will be paired opposite serialkisser Emraan Hashmi in the film. What is interesting is the fact that the role which Sagarika has been signed for was to be originally played by Esha Deol. Sarita Patil, Head of feature films at Percept Picture Company, confirms this story. “Yes we have signed Sagarika for Raftaar. She has replaced Esha Deol as we couldn’t agree on the price. After things didn’t work out with Esha, we had a couple of options in mind and our director Shamin had seen Sagarika’s work in Chak De India and felt she would fit the part. Sagarika’s is a fullfledged lead role opposite Emraan Hashmi.” 27 Namaste www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ Salaam Magazine | September 2008 972 401 1550

adhur Bhandarkar’s latest offering is Fashion, a film that looks at the glamorous world of fashion with some real stark insights. This film has been in the news ever since it went on floors, for more reasons than one. While the film’s cast is totally power packed names like Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut, Mugdha Godse and Arjan Bawa, the latest development is that Madhur has roped in his ‘lucky mascot’ Konkona Sen Sharma alongwith Ranvir Shorey to play cameos in the film. Madhur, who is really impressed with these two actors, said that he is really thankful to them as they came on board in a very short time. Ranvir confirmed the news, saying, “I’m playing myself while Konkona is playing a cameo. And if you want to know more, then, you should ask the director.” Besides Ranvir and Konkona, Fashion will also witness an array of names like Arbaaz Khan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Karan Johar, Prahlad Kakkar and Daboo Ratnani doing cameos! Fashion is slated to release on October 29, 2008. Salaam Namaste Magazine | September www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550 272008

BOLLYWOOD Gossip Prachi signs new film

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fter the success of Rock On, Prachi Desai surely seems to be on a high. The chirpy actress seems to be enjoying each and every bit of adulation coming her way. However, its not just adulation but also film roles that’s getting Prachi all excited. The latest is that Prachi has been signed by none other than Vishesh Films for their next project titled Jashn, where she is paired opposite Adhyayan Suman. An excited Prachi confirmed this news. “Yes, I am doing Jashn with the Bhatts. I have Adhyayan as my costar. The film is directed by Raksha and Hasain (who earlier directed The Train).I was signed for this film before Rock On released. I can’t disclose much at this point of time about the film or my role. All I can say is that I am excited to do the film”, signed off the bubbly actress. Must say with an interesting line-up of films, T.V.’s very own Bani has indeed come a long way.

Raveena loves to judge!

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aveena Tandon may not have yet made a comeback in films (post motherhood that is) but she surely seems to be enjoying her stint on the small screen. After her successful appearance as a judge on the kids reality show Chak De Bachche, the actress will now be seen again as judge on yet another reality show. The show is titled Chak De Shaher Di Kudiya Gali Ke Goonde and is a performance based show which would see young girls from big cities competing against small town boys. The show would

be hosted once again by the inimitable duo of Manoj Tiwari and Roshni Chopra, who earlier hosted Chak De Bachche. As for the judges, Raveena will be joined by music-director duo Salim-Sulaiman and choreographer Sandip Sopparkar on the show which airs on 9x channel from Sept 6th. Must say for Raveena, the Chak De times continue.

International version of Rock On?!?

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ow that ‘ROCK ON!!’ has found acceptance, there’s talk that the film will be released again in international markets. Rumours are rife that the makers will re-release the film with a shorter version and at places, by dubbing in English. There’s another [bizarre] story doing the rounds as well. It seems, producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have entrusted Abhishek Kapoor the responsibility of making the second installment of ROCK ON 2 [sequel]. “Completely untrue. We have no such plans,” producer Ritesh Sidhwani clarifies. Point noted!

Bombay Chinese

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Mayuri Restaurant

SCENE - Upcoming events Grand Hidustani/ Carnatic JugalBandhi Concert

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ankara Nethralaya OM Trust USA presents “A Grand Hidustani/ Carnatic JugalBandhi Concert” by Maestros’ Snehasish Mozumder (Mandolin) and Sriram Krishnan (Violin) accompanied by Subrata Bhattacharya (Tabla) and V. Rajasekar (Mridangam). Tickets: $20. Promoted in 1978, Sankara Nethralaya is a globally-renowned charitable ophthalmic care institution which treats over 450,000 patients annually. Over 45 percent of the patients are treated absolutely free. For more details, please visit http:// www.sankaranethralaya.org OR http:// www.omtrust.org or call 1-866-EYESNOM (1-866-393-7666).

Speak Up Kids!

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peak Up Kids! A public speaking center for kids 6-13 is having their open House week. The session invites parents interested in giving their children the opportunity to participate in an exciting communications program. This FREE Speak Up session will demonstrate the importance of Public speaking and attempt to explain why it is one of the most feared activities and how the fear can be eliminated. Call 214-705-9669 for more info or visit us at speakupkids.com.

EdG Mathelon 2008 Math Tournament

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d Gurukul Math Institute is organizing its DF/W Matrowide math tournament for all children from K through 8 to stretch the math skills to next level. All participants will be awarded certificate of participation. Children will be divided into three grade groups and winners will be awarded trophies. Visit www.edgurukul.com for more information.

Vibha Dream mile

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and 5K Walk and will be held on September 14, 2008 @ 8:00 am (Registration starts at 7.00 am), at White Rock Lake (Tee Pee Hill), 3240 W. Lawther, Dallas, TX. Participants have to report well in advance so as to have time for registration and warm up/ practice.

Onam Celebrations at the DFW Hindu Temple

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he Nair Service Society of North Texas is celebrating Onam on Saturday, September 6th, at the DFW Temple Auditorium in Irving, TX. The festivities will be conducted in Kerala style with tradiational Sadya in Vazhayila (banana leaf) and several cultural programs. The celebrations commence at 11 am and will go on through 3.00 pm. Onam is a celebration for all people irrespective of their religion, color or origin. Everyone is invited to join in this celebration and make it a grand success. More details can be had from Pramod Nair on e-mail: pmdnair@ gmail.com. DFW Hindu Temple is located on 1605 N. Britain Road, Irving, TX 75061.

Laugh Out Loud

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allas Chapter of Asha for Education, a non-profit organisation proudly presents Laugh Out Loud, an evening of fun and laughter. The event features one of the best Hypnotists and Magicians of the Southwest Dr. H and famous standup comedians Raj Sharma and Paul Varghese. This fun filled event has been conceptualised to be a place for families to get together and enjoy an evening outside. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 6:30 pm and will be held at The Plaza Theatre, 521 W State Street, Garland, TX 75040. Entry tickets are priced at $20, $15 if bought in advance and $20 and $25 at the venue. Contact 214 403 9079 for more information and to buy tickets.

Kuchipudi Dance Performance

ibha is conducting its 10th annual fundraising walk/ run on September 14, 2008 at the White Rock Lake, Dallas. The annual fundraiser has been conducted successfully since 1998 and has been bringing together hundreds of people who have one thing in common — the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of underprivileged kids.

atyanjali Kuchipudi Dance School is putting together a grand performance of the epic Kumara Sambhavam in the traditional dance form. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, 20 Sep 2008 at 5 pm at Garland Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State Street, Garland, 75040.

The event includes a 10K Run, 5K Run

Through aesthetic dance movements and

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musical renderings the story of the birth and subsequent victory of Murugan or Shanmukha will be presented to the audience. Shanmukha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati who vanquished Tarakasura, a wicked demon, troubling the innocent people of the earth. Tarakasura is granted a boon by Lord Brahma that he can be vanquished only by the son of Shiva. For more details contact organisers on Tel: 972334-9609

Participants invited for Nrithya Sangam 2008

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ankara Eye Foundation, a Californiabased non-profit organisation is organising an evening programme of dance at the Granville Arts Center, Garland, Tx. Dance groups, schools and individual dancers are invited to participate and deliver performances. All genres of dance from Classical to Bollywood to fusion will be presented on the occasion. The programme is scheduled for October 11th 2008 6 PM to 9 PM at the Granville Arts Center, Garland TX. Interested groups and individuals may contact Srivatsa Ramanathan on 214 498 4353; Uma Suresh on 469 682 2860 or Govindraj Kuntimad on 972 746 0081 for further details and application forms.

Texas Showdown Bhangra Competition

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K Gidha Proudly Presents Dallas’ 1st Annual Bhangra Competition. Registration is open for the TEXAS SHOWDOWN 2008, competition which is going to be held on October 4, 2008 @ MGM Auditorium in Garland. Cash Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the competition. First prize is $1,500 + Trophy + article in Punjab Times; 2nd Prize: $1000 + Trophy; 3rd Prize: $500 + Trophy. Apart from these prizes there are two individual prizes: Best Dancer Award (Male & Female): $50 each + Trophy. Last date for registration is September 5th, 2008. Registration Fee is $250. The competition is open only for teams from Texas only. To register call 469-441-4499 or visit: http://www.hkgidha.com/bhangra.

Attention Readers: Are you conducting any public event? Would you like to inform the community about it? Send in details of your event and we will publish it in this column. E-mail event details to : [email protected] Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Sherin Thawer

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Movie Review Rock On: Bang On!

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he rock band in Abhishek Kapoor’s film is just a metaphor for lives and dreams sacrificed for winning the rat race. The four young men who form the band in Rock On and almost make it big, could be anyone who had non-conformist ambitions he or she could not fulfill, and turned instead into corporate stuffed shirts. The story goes back and forth in time as it covers a decade in the lives of the four members of the band Magik and their women. The long-haired funky dudes have turned into hotshot investment banker Aditya Shroff (Farhan Akhtar), KD (Purab Kohli) who works in his father’s jewellery store, Joe (Arjun Rampal) who sits around brooding as his increasingly angry a wife Debbie (Shahana Goswami) runs the family’s fish business, and Rob (Luke Kenney), who works with Bollywood music composers (Anu Malik plays himself). They have not met since their band broke up and the bitterness of the experience never left them. Then Aditya’s wife Sakshi (Prachi Desai), unhappy with his unsmiling aloofness, comes across old photos of the band, and discovers a side of her husband she never knew. The days of the band winning a competition, getting an album contract and chucking the opportunity away. She brings the former band members together to relive that moment of glory once more. Beautifully structured, revealing a layer at a time and no more than the viewer needs to know at a given point, with a promise of more, Rock On tells a gripping tale of malebonding – a more mature Dil Chahta Hai—that doesn’t ignore the women. Okay, so it is a bit predictable, there are silly coincidences (a rival turning up as boss), and a maudlin touch about Rob’s terminal illness the film could have done without, not enough change in the characters’ appearances to suggest a decade gone by and it doesn’t even touch the ugly drugs-and booze side of the music business; maybe the film would have been more realistic if it was at least partly in English (Goan Joe and Debbie would hardly speak Hindi at home), but what really works is the spot-on characterization, humour gently slipped in (the dandiya scene, the meeting with the music executive) and an impartial empathy for all the characters with their strengths and failings. It is Farhan Akhtar’s first film as an actor (and singer), he is a competent actor, though his voice needs working on; but the film

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Hindi belongs to Arjun Rampal, who had so suddenly come into his own, that the transformation and the performance is startling. Purab Kohli and Luke Kenney are marvellous too, and the actresses Prachi Desai and Shahana Goswami do well in their small parts. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music captures the spirit of the film (even with odd lyrics about laundry bills) and the energy of the still small but growing band of desi rock enthusiasts. The purists would scoff at Hindi rock songs, but Rock On is a film that is about people (and for people) who are a blend of Indian and Western cultural influences. Source: India Syndicate

Witty One Liners 

Do not torture yourself. That is my job.



I just got lost in thought, and it was unfamiliar territory.



I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe.



Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains?



If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?



Atheism is a non-prophet organization.



Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.



The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.



If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?



The only substitute for good manners is fast reflexes.



If at first you do not succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.



A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.



Success always occurs in private and failure in full view.



The hardness of butter is always directly proportional to the softness of the bread.



To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.



A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.



If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.



Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things?



Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?



Heck is where people go who do not believe in Gosh.



I think sex is better than logic, but I cannot prove it.



Oh Lord, if I cannot be skinny, please let all my friends be fat.



Do not put statements in the negative form. – Compiled by Mohan Dadlani (www.boloji.com) Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Cindis

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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Movie Review

Telugu

Ashta Chamma What’s it all about?

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avanya (Swathi) is a die hard fan of Tollywood hero Mahesh Babu, so much that she becomes all hysteric on the day of his marriage with Namratha. She rejects all proposals for marriage that her maternal aunt Mandira Devi (Jhansi) gets for her, but finally resolves to marry someone with the name “Mahesh” who looks “like ‘Prince’ from one side and ‘Pokiri’ from another”. Lavanya’s neighbor and childhood friend Anand (Srinivas Avasarala) gets hold of a guy by name Mahesh (Nani) and brings them both together. Naturally, they fall in love, so far so good. The trouble starts when Mahesh confides in Anand the fact that his real name is Rambabu and that he’s a muchrespected man in Lakkavaram village. Why Rambabu becomes Mahesh is another story, but the story brings Anand to Lakkavaram. In a twist of events, Anand falls in love with Rambabu’s sister Varalakshmi (Bhargavi). A comedy of errors and twists ensues as Anand plays a role akin to Lord Krishna or Narada, bringing the whole story and all characters to the lush village backdrop of Lakkavaram.

‘Ashta Chamma’ is brought to you exclusively by Hollywood Theaters in Irving. Check http://www.everestmovies.com for showimes, directions, and online ticketing.

Performances: Swathi is cute and lives the role of a die hard fan very well! Her expressions, emotions, and modulation are such that every fan of every star can connect to her role very well! Former RJ Nani has a very good screen presence. He has ease in acting and dances too, though his body language sometimes reminds of Subhalekha Sudhakar - May this be treated as a compliment to the ease that the veteran actor shows on the screen! His diction is good too. Srinivas Avasarala has a natural ease of expression and lives well in the role of a naughty care-free guy. With body language like the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, he appears like a slimmed-down version of the legendary’s grandson and hero Sumanth. Bhargavi has a limited role as the sister of a hero and the love interest of the other male lead, but she portrays the same ease as others.

Technical Departments: The top two technical departments in the film are the dialogues and screenplay, both handled by Mohanakrishna. It takes much care, not to mention skill, to weave a story such as this one and narrate it on the screen without confusion to the spectators. Mohanakrishna comes up with so many punch dialogues and one-liners all through the film that one may even miss some good ones but one would still enjoy a lot of them spontaneously!

Bottom Line A complete family entertainer and comedy on the lines of Jandhyala’s comedies movies with two male leads, or even like the yesteryear classic Missamma in the feel and in some scenes, though there’s no similarity with the theme. A completely dialoguebased comedy coupled with good performances, music, and lyrics, keeping audience through the twists nevertheless. The first half is more enjoyable than the second half that has numerous twists. – TeluguCinema.com

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English National Treasure II – Book of Secrets Director: Jon Turtltaub Cast: Nicholas Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren etc

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have seen only two movies of Nicholas Cage and I liked one (Con Air) and hated the other (Leaving Las Vegas). Since I didn’t have too much interest in his movies, I was not too sure what to expect in National Treasure II – Book of Secrets. But I was pleasantly surprised by the mature handling of the plot and the excellent screenplay in this movie. Cage fitted his role as Ben Gates, an archaeologist and treasure hunter very well and done complete justice. His bickering parents (Jon Voight and Helen Mirren), best friend IT whiz Justin Bartha, and girlfriend Diane Kruger have done their bit to make the movie engrossing and at times very funny too. The bad guy, played by Ed Harris actually helps Cage unearth an ancient City of Gold hidden right under Mount Rushmore.

The movie starts off with the bad guy accusing Ben Gates’ ancestors of having a hand in the plot of assassinate Abraham Lincoln and then one thing leads to the other and becomes a grand global adventure. Nicholas Cage travels at will to anywhere to everywhere and gets access to anything under the sun. He steals a wooden scroll from the Queen’s desk in the Buckingham Palace, rifles through the American president’s desk in Oval office and swipes the brown diary from the Library of Congress too! And the wonder of all wonders is that he never gets caught. Sounds too fancy, doesn’t it? The plot of the movie is somewhat like an amalgamation of few older movies. Some of the clues to find the treasure are surely adaptations of the clues in the 1969 movie Mackenna’s Gold. The high tech stuff which Bartha so slickly uses to give Cage the access to every security ridden place on this earth including the Buckingham Palace and White House look somewhat similar to the ones in The Italian Job (2003). But then some adaptations and good performances and of course great locations make National Treasure: Book of Secrets a highly entertaining movie.

Know Texas Better        

Texas is popularly known as The Lone Star State Texas is the only state to have the flags of 6 different nations fly over it. They are: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and the United States. King Ranch in Texas is larger than the state of Rhode Island Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845 Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state Texas comprises 7.4% of US’ total area The state Motto of Texas is Friendship State Mammal (Large): Texas Longhorn

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Movie Review Definitely, Maybe Direction: Adam Brooks Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher and others

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would say this is one of the most immaturely made movies I have ever watched. The movie starts off with Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds), a successful Manhattan-based advertising executive and father of 10-year-old Maya (Abigail Breslin) in the midst of divorce proceedings. The only sunshine of his life is the two days every week he spends with his daughter. One day as he goes to pick up his daughter from school, she has just had a sex education class and starts questioning him about his past life. She is not content with him just glossing over the story but wants to know ever little detail and she wants to know it NOW. Seeing no other alternative, Hayes relents and starts his narrative, which continues through the movie. The rest of the movie is about how he started off as a young idealistic politician, who moves to New York from Wisconsin to work for the presidential campaign of none other than Bill Clinton. Narrating his memoirs, Will relives his past life as a small towner learning to be street smart in a big city and related an account of his romantic relationships with three very different women. In a bid to be subtle, Will changes the identities of the women in the story and tells Maya to guess who her mother was. Is she Will’s college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks)? Is she his best friend and confidante, April (Isla Fisher)? Or is she the free-spirited but ambitious journalist Summer (Rachel Weisz)? In the movie 10year-old Maya displays maturity beyond her age and helps her dad to understand who his true love is. It is stupid for anyone to expect a 10-year-old to display such maturity as the character Maya. Come on! which sex education class for 10-year-olds teaches them about ‘penis’, ‘intercourse’, ‘slut’ etc? And which parent would confide in their 10-year-old the sordid details of their past? These details are what makes this movie a total disaster, despite good performances and above average screenplay.           

State Mammal (Small): Armadillo State Reptile: Horned Lizard State Plant: Prickly Pear Cactus State Folk Dance: Square Dance State Fruit: Texas Red Grapefruit State Stone: Petrified Palmwood State Seashell: Lightning Whelk State Dish: Chili State Pepper: Jalapeno State Fish: Guadalupe Bass State Insect: Monarch Butterfly

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Malani Jewellers

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Fashion Column

Desi Fashion Trends in US! Fashion showcases the culture, lifestyle and sense of style of the people and this keeps changing with time. Patiala shalwar made a dramatic comeback last year and this year belongs to long shirts with straight legged pants in Capri style. Mariam Akhtar explores trends in fashion among Pakistanis in US

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n any culture fashion depicts the lifestyle of the people. Desi fashion is a portrayal of this sense of style, which contrary to popular perception, is not restricted to the upper class but is spread out across all classes who have a unique aesthetic fashion sense. And this is no different among the Desi population in the US or elsewhere in the world. From kundan to moti; sequined glasswork to dabka embellished fabrics, it is all here in the outfits that we wear and instantly become the fashion icons of our culture. Wedding festivities, events, parties and all social gatherings are usually the best place to explore the hottest trends in fashion. In present day, the diversity of our fashion industry can be paralleled to the booming textile and embroidery industries of Pakistan. Be it modern or traditional haute couture, the astronomical growth of the industry during the past few years has helped the emergence of several prominent names, whose designs catapulted our fashion sense onto a prominent position on the world stage. This has not only given Desi fashion an improved status in the international stage, but it has also provided direction to most of us who are not so fashion savvy or who struggle to maintain our individuality with fashion. Some of the most popular designers include Hassan Sheheryar, Yaseen Khaadi, Junaid Jamshed and Maria B. Each bringing their own sense of creativity and design, has given great works of art to the world of fashion. One look at their marvelous creations it becomes obvious that there is intricate beadwork with glass and sequins on fabrics, along with a vast array of casual, formal and bridal wear. The greatest milestone these designers have achieved is in effectively capturing the eastern dressing sense and merging it with the western comfort. Some examples could be the incorporation of jeans and trousers in our day to day lives but in an eastern manner which is seen with kurtis and long tunics resembling the traditional shalwar kameez. The polishing of the fashion sense of the common man has also led designers to cultivate their liberty in experimenting with colors and designs. The popularity of mix and match in colors, fabrics and embroideries has given them a much wider palette to work with. Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

With the increasing merger of the eastern and western boundaries and hi-tech and fast paced lifestyles, clothes have become much more streamlined and structured. The sense of comfort has overstepped the need for being fashion savvy, yet a certain appeal and trendiness to the outfits have to be maintained. For instance until last year there was a huge comeback of the early 80’s theme in the patiala shalwar and short shirts. This entailed a fitted kameez usually shorter in length than the regular kameez and an excessively baggy shalwar with two-toned dupattas. This comeback had not yet made its way out of the fashion scene completely, but then the latest trend of long shirts with straight legged pants in Capri style is starting take over. The Capri style is an adaptation of the western summer outfit which now is incorporated with our splendid embroidered long shirts that we usually refer to as kameez along with the long flowy dupattas. The dresses mostly being worn at weddings are these long shirts with Capri pants. The focus of the embroidery and beadwork is around the neckband in the front extending halfway down to the waist. Every now and then there is a little beadwork at arm ends. The pants are kept simple. The dupattas are mostly of chiffon fabric and are piped on all four ends usually the color the embroidery or beadwork is of. Alternating in this style is the kameez length which occasionally is made shorter but for the larger part, it is the long kameez that is in fashion. Exceptions to following fashion rules always exist which is why it is best suited if fashion is sometimes altered to bring out the best of you. This is especially important because each one of us has a different body structure and shape. For apple shaped figure, who have a greater concentration of weight on their abdomen, a short shirt is not the best idea to go with. A longer shirt with straight legged pants visually provides a slimmer effect to the abdomen and the entire body in general. Furthermore, for peach shaped bodies, the patiala shalwar is the better option to go with since the weight concentration is below the abdomen and the already baggy shalwar helps hide the excess weight and a slimmer abdomen gives the overall smarter look. Besides this, the colors for this season have been bright and peppy much like expected, though there has been a huge transition to floral patterns and designs in most of the outfits. When talking about color, similar to certain outfit types, certain hues are suitable for certain skin types and cannot be worn by everyone. This is where our designers help pick and choose the hues or combination of hues that can be worn and best suited on our skin tones and features. Fashion is not limited to clothes, it extends out to the extravagant and much needed accessories. Handbags, www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

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Fashion Column usually are coordinated with the shoes are one of the biggest must haves of the season. Metallic colors and textures are the hottest trends along with chunky bangles and earrings. Intricately designed delicate jewelry is passe; large and chunky accessories are the in thing. The same goes for handbags in that the bigger they are, the hotter they look. As far as shoes go, close toed high heeled stilettos are very much in especially at the workplace, though for casual wear summer sandals are still the best way to go. Usually shoes are not so much altered over the seasons as they are best suited to everyone’s comfort though this season they are definitely being color coordinated with handbags.

Advertisement

Over the years there has been much evolution in the fashion scene and much of it has been an adaptation towards globalization which creates a fusion of cultures and styles. Regardless of time or era, our outfits have been able to play out the best in us. Traditional or contemporary, patiala shalwar or straight pants, each of our outfits give us a signature style and persona that sets us apart from the rest. Mariam Akhtar is a Dallas-based freelance fashion and lifestyle writer. She has great interest in music traveling and fashion.

A Man’s Point of View • • • • • •

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I recently read that love is entirely a matter of chemistry. That must be why my wife treats me like toxic waste. When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her. Marriage is like a cage; one sees the birds outside desperate to get in, and those inside desperate to get out. A happy marriage is a matter of giving and taking; the husband gives and the wife takes. The great question... which I have not been able to answer... is, “What does a woman want? — Freud The gods gave man fire and he invented fire engines. They gave him love and he invented marriage. There’s a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It’s called marriage. The secret of a successful marriage is not to be at home too much. I haven’t spoken to my wife in years. I didn’t want to interrupt her. I’ve had bad luck with both my wives. www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

The first one left me and the second one didn’t. •

My wife doesn’t care what I do away from home, as long as I don’t enjoy it.’

•

The husband who wants a happy marriage should learn to keep his mouth shut and his checkbook open. — Groucho Marx

•

My wife only has 2 complaints. Nothing to wear and not enough closet space.

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You know what I did before I married? Anything I wanted to. • A good wife always forgives her husband when she’s wrong. • Marriage is the only war where one sleeps with the enemy. • A man inserted an ‘ad’ in the classifieds: “Wife wanted”. Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: “You can have mine.” • A woman was telling her friend, “It is I who made my husband a millionaire.” “And what was he before you married him.” Asked the friend. The woman replied, “ A multimillionaire”. - Mohan Dadlani Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Radisson Hotel

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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Prince of Pop, Mika Rocks Dallas Dhamaal 2008 Indi Pop sensation Mika Singh was in Dallas on August 8, 2008. Attired in a gleaming jacket and dark glasses, Mika belted out great music and had the desis in Dallas dancing to his beat at Dhamaal 2008. Presented by Rhythm Events at Black Academy of Arts and Letters in downtown Dallas, the concert attracted over 1,500 enthusiastic Mika Singh fans and music lovers from India, Pakistan and of course Dallas.

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

SPOTLIGHT - Mika Singh

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ndi Pop singer Mika Singh was in Dallas on August 8, 2008 with a mission to entertain Dallas. His gleaming jacket and dark glasses created quite a buzz among desis in Dallas. Dhamaal 2008 presented by Rhythm Events at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in downtown Dallas attracted over 1,500 enthusiastic fans and music lovers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and of course Dallas. Mika was a total hit among the audience and had them dancing to his tunes. He sang, danced, played on the guitar and keyboards and entertained the audience thoroughly. The evening had everyone smiling, singing and dancing to Mika’s music. Salaam Namaste caught up with Mika Singh and attempted to unravel the personality of this prodigious pop-singer who has created a storm in the world of Indi Pop and Punjabi Pop and shaken up Bollywood music. Mika has unleashed megahits like Mauja Hi Mauja from Jab We Met, Ganpat and Unke Nashe Mein from Shootout At Lokhandwala, O Yaara Dhol Bajake from Dhol, Dil Mein Baji Guitar from Apna Sapna Money Money and Dil Todke Na Ja from Pyar Ke Side Effects. First things first, let us know more about Mika Singh and for starters how about knowing his real name. Yes Mika is his nickname because he is the youngest of six children in his family. Mika’s real name is Amrik Singh and he is the son of Ajmer Singh Chandan, a renowned classical singer; huzoori ragi in the Darbar of Gurudwara Patna Sahib. Mika was born on June 10, 1977 and his most famous sibling is Daler Mehndi. It could be said that Mika’s entire family lives and breathes music. Early in life Mika decided on his priorities and dropped out of school at the age of eight to focus on singing. In his early life he was a popular kirtan singer and soon graduated to become a bhangra/ pop artist.

Mika has always been a crowd puller and someone who has been consistently delivering excellent Bhangra Pop performances. Some people even call him the bad body of Indi Pop but what does Mika call himself? With rugged looks and enigmatic personality, Mika is the self-proclaimed OCP Don (Out of Control Punjabi Boys). Every show/ performance is different for Mika and he brings novel ideas, produces creative sounds and oodles of talent. His creativity and great performances catapulted him to become a household name, not only in South Asia but among the desi community in Europe and US. Mika’s super hit albums such as Dunali and Something Something have broken several records in the Indi pop music charts. Wide popularity Mika’s shows are known to attract large audiences, his largest has been 60,000 people. His talent has won him the appellation of Prince of Punjabi Pop. Future Plans: The hyperactive individual that Mika is, one wouldn’t expect him to sit back and enjoy his laurels. He is on a quest to explore new avenues and to stretch his talents. He has now set his sights upon acting in a Bollywood movie and give his fans something new to talk about. He will soon be seen singing and dancing around trees, chasing pretty damsels, doing motorcycle stunts, beating up the baddies etc. Of course on screen.

For a long time Mika accompanied his brothers and performed in groups but soon feeling the need for creative expression he broke away to release his debut album Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag with BMG Crescendo. The album launched him as an unconventional new voice in the world of pop music and had entire nations (India & Pakistan) swaying to its melody. With a successful album to his credit Mika went ahead and started exploring other areas of entertainment. Soon he was writing lyrics, composing, arranging and even playing various musical instruments. Mika has been invited to perform at live concerts, shows in several European countries and the US. He has also been invited to entertain with hits grooving music at prestigious functions. He successfully juggled his appointments and also made time to release his second album Ishq Brandy, which made him all the more famous in the Indian sub-continent. Mika’s name is synonymous with grand concerts and entertaining live performances which attracted large crowds. Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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TRIVIA Fun Facts about Dallas

The frozen margarita was invented in Dallas

Dallas has four times more restaurants per person than New York City

There are more than 160 museums, galleries and artistic attractions in Dallas and more than 110 live performances every night

Dallas has the world’s largest bronze monument, standing at the Dallas Convention Center, with more than 40 bigger-than-life longhorn steers, horses and cowboys. Dallas has the world’s largest wholesale merchandise mart, with 6.9 million square feet. Dallas has more shopping centers per capita than any other major U.S. city There are 50,000 acres of public park land and over 60 lakes within a 100-mile radius of the city

The Dallas Light Rail is the newest and most modern urban transportation system in the country. The McKinney Avenue Trolley, which operates daily, is the largest volunteer-run system in the world. The integrated circuit computer chip was invented in Dallas. The Dallas Public Library in downtown has on permanent display one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. The new Nasher Sculpture Center is home of the world’s largest private collection of modern sculpture.

Be Careful

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woman and a man are involved in a car accident. Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. After they crawl out of their cars, the woman says, “Wow, just look at our cars! There’s nothing left, but we’re unhurt. This must be a sign that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace for the rest of our days”. Flattered, the man replied, “Oh yes, I agree with you completely!” The woman continues, “and look at this, here’s another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn’t break. Surely someone wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.” She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it, drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. She takes the bottle, puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man. The man asks, “Aren’t you having any?” The woman replies, “No. I think I’ll just wait for the police....”

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

DESI ACHIEVER

Abhinav Bindra: India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist if I focussed on the job,” added Bindra.

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bhinav Bindra won India’s first ever individual Olympic gold medal when he claimed the men’s 10m Air Rifle shooting title here on Monday. Bindra successfully bested Athens Olympic games champion Zhu Qinan of China and Henri Hakkinen of Finland at the Beijing Shooting Hall to emerge winner. Bindra (25) is a businessman from Chandigarh was crowned the world champion in 2006 and this Olympic gold was just another proof of his sharp shooting skills. In one of the most thrilling shooting finals in Olympic history, Bindra overcame a two-point deficit against Hakkinen and one point against Zhu after the qualification rounds to annexe the title. The Indian trumped his rivals with the best finish of 104.5 in the 10shot final as he went into the last shot level with Hakkinen on 689.7 points. While Bindra secured his best score of 10.8 in the deciding shot, Hakkinen

Though Indian sportsmen had won eight field hockey gold medals in the past, they had never managed to bag an individual Olympic title. But now with Bindra’s victory the jinx seems to have been broken. In the last Olympics at Athens, trap shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore had won a silver medal and wrestler Khasaba Jadhav (1952), tennis star Leander Paes (1996) and woman weightlifter Karnam Malleswari (2000) had bagged bronze medals. Zhu, who was expected to retain his Athens title, said he was tired after the qualification rounds and hence couldn’t perform at his best. managed only 9.7 to concede the silver to Zhu, whose last shot was 10.5. “It can’t get better than this, can it?” said an elated Bindra, a winner of India’s highest sporting award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (sports jewel), in 2001.

“I don’t know what was going on. My mind went blank and I just could not focus on the final as I did in the qualification,” said Zhu. Speaking about his competition, Bindra sympathised with Zhu. “He performed very well. He should be happy he won a medal,” said Bindra. Source: msn.com

“I know India was waiting for this for a long time and so was I. I narrowly missed a medal at Athens so I knew I would be in with a chance

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Telugu Kannada

Hindi Tamil

Malayalam Punjabi

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DIRECT TALK

Shah Rukh Khan Show in 2009! Will it be affordable by you? Has the demand of entertainers from Bollywood started to overwhelmingly outweigh the supply or can the prices being charged by the top South Asian performers be termed as being temporarily farcical? As celebrity shows become increasingly expensive Talha Ansari wonders how much longer this trend will sustain.

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ith the Unforgettable Tour winding down, a majority of the people that had the privilege of watching the event are raving about the sensational performances of the Bachchan family and company that they witnessed across cities in the United States and Canada. Few, however, realize that Amitabh Bachchan : even though Unforgettable Tour each show was deemed to be a grand success, none of the local organizers would have laughed their way to the bank. The astronomical prices paid to the artists ensured that each show probably cost in the excess of one million US Dollars. Imagine more than 10,000 people paying an average of $100 per ticket for each show for the local promoter to just break even. Even though you might think that the Entertainment Industry is a whole different animal, the truth of the matter is that the age old economic principle of supply and demand applies to it as it would to any other commercial business. So the question that arises at this point is that has the demand of entertainers from Bollywood started to overwhelmingly outweigh the supply or can the prices being charged by the top South Asian performers be termed as being temporarily farcical. Come to think of it, the current scenario of the Desi entertainment industry in the US has an eerie similarity to the IT bubble of the late 90’s if we look at it solely from a business point of view.

Let us ponder upon a couple of points that might eventually cause a long awaited price correction. Firstly, for the longest time Bollywood had a select few singers that did majority of the playback singing for films. With the inception of all the

their skills. Remember we spoke earlier about supply and demand; the abundance of these new singers is a classic example of a heavy increase in supply. So what does an increase in supply mean? It usually leads to competitive pricing as you’d rather get paid less than sit idle while your competition performs for a lower amount. Secondly, and more importantly, the local consumers as well as the local promoters are bound to feel the pinch of these exorbitant prices at some point. We might be die-hard fans of some of these entertainers, but apart from some crazy

reality music shows, industry pundits are realizing that there is no dearth of talent in the sub-continent when it comes to music. Film producers are happily giving this new talent a chance to sing for their films as it means less out of pocket for them. Competition is greater than it has ever been due to the multiple avenues available for these new talented performers to showcase

fans the majority of us are sure to realize that considering the global economic situation the way it is, there has to be a limit of what we pay to see our favorite stars jumping around on stage. Good entertainment is priceless unless it’s more than what we can afford. Let’s hope that our South Asian superstars realize sooner rather than later that the US market is not one with bottomless pockets. Is that asking for too much from our celebrity idols? Under these circumstances I wonder about whether the Shah Rukh Khan show scheduled for 2009 would be a success or will it fizzle out like a damp squib.

Talha Ansari is the CFO of Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM and Everest Heights. [email protected]

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EVEREST HEIGHTS IN THE PRESS

Everest Heights and Radio Salaam Namaste making waves across the world!

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Joyful TRAVEL

Beat the summer heat - cool off at Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose was ranked among “America’s top-ten weekend getaways” by Travel & Leisure magazine attracts over 1,000,000 visitors annually offers several activity options for families. Srinidhi R explores.

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ummer is here, you want to take a short break from the monotony of mundane existence and explore the wild west. There are several small, relatively unknown locations which offer adventure, relaxation and natural beauty for you to visit and enjoy. A case in point is Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, which was ranked among “America’s top-ten weekend getaways” by Travel & Leisure magazine, and attracts over 1,000,000 visitors annually. The place south of DFW Metroplex where, the giant creatures lived, walked, and thrived, millions of years

Entrance to Dinosaur Valley Salaam Namaste Magazine Magazine || September September2008 2008

ago. And this is not heresay, there is conclusive evidence in the form of fossilized footprints on hard volcanic rock to prove it. The area surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills makes it an ideal place to spend the weekend with family and friends. Hidden away deep within the countryside of Texas is this small town known as Glen Rose, on the outskirts of which is sited the Dinosaur Valley State Park, which has given this city the appellation of being the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas”. Sited in a picturesque setting flanked by tall hills, Glen Rose is a pleasant aberration from the flat as pancake Texas landscape. And cutting through the rolling Dinosaur Footprint forests is the cool www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

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Joyful TRAVEL authorities have created a boulder bridge. Glen Rose is something one doesn’t get to see or hear in the TV. It is only coincidences and explorations in the backyards help us know about these unique places. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife population, as it is easy to spot fox and bluejays, deer and other animals along the hiking trails. For more information call (254) 897-4588. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

River Paluxy cuts through Dinosaur Valley

river Paluxy, where enthusiasts can be seen fishing, kayaking and even canoeing during high season. According to the state park authorities, two varieties of Dinosaurs roamed freely here 250 million years ago: the 45foot Tyrannosaurus Rex and the 70-foot Apatosaurus. As one enters the park two giant fiber glass models of the two giant creatures can be seen. The imposing sight is further enhanced by the wilderness and tranquil setting. The state park offers hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and camping opportunities in various parts of the 1,500 acre park. The trails are well marked with signages, maps are provided free by the park authorities. The best place to spot dinosaur footprints is to follow the tracks along the river and watch out on the rock surfaces. Flanked by tall wooded hills, river Paluxy presents a grand sight, especially towards evening when ultraviolet rays reflect off the water. According to the park information, the giant dinosaur footprints originally imprinted on soft soil were ultimately fossilised due to changes in the earths climate. Now, after several million years, they are available for us to see, explore, enjoy and feel awed. Comparing our feet with the size of footprints is a humbling experience, my feet felt as if it would fit into half of one flange of the dinosaur’s footprint. Some footprints are about 2ft in length and 1.5 ft width with three sharp ends reveal the kind of razor sharp claws. Further along the river, deeper in the wilderness, the scenery is simply panoramic and the ambiance serene and tranquil. One can wade across the river in some places where water level is low. At other places park Salaam Namaste Magazine Magazine || September September2008 2008

Another major attraction close at hand is the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, which offers living, at-risk animal species from Africa roaming freely on the open ranges. You can drive yourself along the park’s 10-mile road or take a guided tour (by mountain bike or jeep) that allows you to enter areas off-limits to the general public and even pet the animals. Animals at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center The wildlife center is home to over 60 species of exotic animals - many of them being on the endangered species list. The Wildlife Center has been featured in Texas Traveler, National Geographic Magazine, and many other publications of international repute. Sprawled across 2,700 acres of open rangeland, the park encourages visitors to drive through the winding, nine-mile paved road and take a look at the 1,100 animals which roam freely. For more information call (254) 897-2960. Other Attractions at Glen Rose: Glen Rose is a quaint town with numerous attractions to cater to needs of all visitors. The Somervell County www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

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Joyful TRAVEL Inspiring Travel Quotes

Courthouse, located in town square was originally built in 1882 and presents an antiquated picture of the region. Another must visit location in Glen Rose is the Pate Museum Of Transportation, which displays a wide array of classic, antique and special interest automobiles, an aircraft, an antique private railroad car, a Minesweeper boat, and a 1500 volume transportation library. Admission to the museum is free. For more information visit: http://www.visitglenrose.com http://www.tourtexas.com/dfw/metroplex/glenrose.html

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. --Robert Louis Stevenson Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrowmindedness. --Mark Twain The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” --Samuel Johnson He who does not travel does not know the value of men. --Moorish proverb Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things - air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky - all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it. --Cesare Pavese One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. --Henry Miller “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” --Freya Stark

Travel Plus

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India Bazaar

Top Ten Tiger Woods Lessons for Success: 1.

Expect to win: Know in your heart that you are a winner. 2. Let your expectations show: Express no doubts, let your competitors and your friends know that you have none. 3. Work, practice, work, and practice some more: At the top of his field, he can still be seen hitting buckets of balls until dark - even if he’s just won. 4. Dress and act like a winner: This is a part of keeping yourself in a winning frame of mind. 5. Have a sense of drama - don’t create it but know it when you see it: You don’t have to seek out publicity, but know how to accept and use it when it comes to you. 6. Know that there is always room to grow: Being the best does not mean you can’t be even better. 7. Hang with the winners: They understand the pressures and situations in which you will find yourself. 8. Put yourself in situations where you are not known as a success: May be difficult, but this helps you to stay real. 9. Value and protect your free time and do what you enjoy: The discipline of being a winner needs a safety valve from time to time. 10. Remember those who need help: Somewhere, someone helped you - be willing to give back.

- Diana Robinson, Ph.D., 68

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God’s Coffee

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group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups — porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain, some expensive, — telling them to help themselves to the coffee. When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: “If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups are taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other’s cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.” God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee! “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.” Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

ADVERTISING FM Radio - the fastest growing entertainment medium

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adio, as a medium of entertainment, music, news and trivia, has experienced a resurgence during the past decade. A recent Radio Advertising Bureau study has established this beyond doubt and further states that Radio increases brand awareness too. Here are a few findings of the study: 





Radio provides a pathway to the consumer’s mind that builds high emotional connections to brands and products. Radio ads are perceived as being more personally relevant than other ads. Radio’s relevancy establishes a unique advertising climate - listeners actually expect ads to be targeted to them. Replacing one of two newspaper exposures with two Radio ads almost triples unaided brand recall. Swapping out one of two TV ads for two Radio ads can increase unaided brand recall by 34%. Unaided recall for a mix of one Internet and one Radio exposure is four-and-a-half times as high as unaided recall for two Internet ads alone. A mix of Radio and Internet exposures demonstrates clear potential to elevate Website visitation and emotional bonds. Radio ads are strongly correlated with increased sales of brands, especially among “brand-disloyal” consumers. Radio ads are most effective when exposures are close to the time of purchase (Recency). Radio’s ROI was 49% better than television’s. Radio advertising significantly increased product sales. Radio can function as a primary medium for advertising. Radio ads are just as potent in the presence of national TV as it is when used as a stand-alone medium.

Radio Salaam Namaste (RSN 104.9 FM)

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SN was founded in February 2006 as a commercial community radio station that celebrates local diversity. RSN is committed to bringing the best in entertainment and information specifically targeted to the South Asian population in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. RSN provides broadcasts and creates other forums to serve the community by the exposure and sharing of information. The aim of RSN is to bring the highest quality of Indian/ Pakistani and other sub-continental music and information to the DFW Metroplex air waves and to the rest of the South Asian community through the world wide web. Radio Salaam Namaste has been promoted, developed and operated by Everest Heights since its founding on March 1, 2006. Currently RSN broadcasts programs in 10 languages but many more are in production to be aired in the very near future. We aim to present not only ‘Desi’ ideas, 69 Namaste Magazine | September 2008 Salaam

concepts and ideals to our listeners through a variety of entertainment and informational programs, but are also always seeking to improve links with other communities within the DFW Metrolplex and have a positive effect on the cultural equation in the area. With in a short span of two years RSN 104.9 FM has captured the hearts of the South Asian community and now dominates the air space in the DFW metroplex as one of the most popular FM radio stations. RSN is arguably the best media to reach out to the 250,000 strong South Asian community in the DFW metroplex. The South Asian community relies upon RSN 104.9 FM for news, music, entertainment and information about community activities in the area. RSN 104.9 is managed and operated by a team of committed media professionals whose wide experience will be deployed to entertain listeners and disseminate advertisers messages among public. For more information/ to advertise on radio and reap benefits get in touch with any of the RSN 104.9 marketing executives profiled below. “If you’ve got a great product/ service, use Radio to transform it into a great brand. Send the right message on FM104.9 and make it known to everyone! Call me on 972 978 0509” Sanu Mathew “South Asians are among the highest educated demographics in the USA. High education leads to higher incomes — making this community ideal for any advertiser for long term promotions. To advertise, call me on 972-259-0670” Alan Fowlds “Marketing is my passion. Let me utlilize my 10 years of marketing and sales experience to fulfill your dreams and take your business to its next level radio advertising. Call me on 972-978-0508” Naheed Raheel “Radio is the best medium to reach out to your clients. People like to be entertained and radio is one of the most accessible media. I will explain how you can improve your business through radio advertising. Call me on 972-259-0371” Sumeet Marvin Salaam Namaste Magazine September www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 |401 1550 2008 69

BOOKS India for America Planet India by Mira Kamdar; Scribbner; Price: $26; 320 pp

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ost-liberation India’s annual 8 percent-plus GDP growth has been unexpected, rapid and exponential. Almost overnight this great leap forward has transformed Indian economy into the driving force of the newly crystallised global economy of the 21st century. But is India, a country of visible contradictions transforming into an economic superpower or is this just shining fools gold? Can this country where “800 million live on $2 per day” survive as a democracy? Can it cope with the pressure of numbers, i.e its 1.2 billion population which food apart, requires healthcare and education even as it fights several insurgencies and Islamic terrorism? Such questions bewilder people, especially observers abroad. The confusion is understandable. There’s no shortage of scholarly tomes written to explain India to the West, and indeed to itself. To the bibliography add Planet India by Mira Kamdar, a US-based journalist of Indian origin. “No other country matters more to the future of our planet than India. There is no challenge we face, no opportunity we cover where India does not have critical relevance. From combating global terror to finding cures for dangerous pandemics, from dealing with the energy crisis to averting the worst scenarios of global warming, from rebalancing stark global inequalities to spurring the vital innovation needed to create jobs and improve lives. “India is now a pivotal player,” writes Kamdar. To put this volume together, Kamdar travelled to every nook and corner of the country, remarkably obtaining access to the country’s top businessmen including Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani and Nandan Nilekani among others, and a wide cross-section of society including taxi drivers, families of indebted suicide-prone cotton farmers, tea merchants, American software engineers working in India, NGO activists and social workers. Through their insights and 70

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observations she attempts to explain the remarkable resurgence of post-liberalisation India, and the pains and rough-edges of almost double-digit rates of economic growth. Kamdar is scathing in her criticism of the establishment’s inept management of India’s high-potential population. “An astonishing 40 percent of the world’s poor live in India, including one third of the world’s malnourished children,” writes the author, castigating successive governments in New Delhi who have done little to address the problems of food, education and healthcare of the vast majority of the population. Yet despite its wide canvas, Planet India is a book intended to impact India on the insular American consciousness. The plethora of facts sourced from newspapers and magazines and glib quotes from movers and shakers of business and leaders caught up in India’s economic revolution, have little to offer Indian readers. Insights and analyses from genuine intellectuals and scholars to explain the huge inequalities and all-too-patent social injustices are conspicuous by their absence in this ambitious work, written in breathless journalese which skims the surface of this country’s multiplying problems. In the final analysis Planet India is a book invested with considerable effort to impress the importance of India on the middle class American psyche. Perhaps because of her own Indo-American ethnicity, Kamdar believes that India’s future is of great importance to the US and the world. In the last chapter of the book titled ‘As goes India, so goes the world’ she expresses the belief that a “new ethos” and/or “a renaissance” in India is critical for planet Earth’s survival.

A hike for suicide prevention A Hike for Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness by Jeff Alt; Dreams Shared Publications; Price: $14.95; 198 pp.

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or footloose and fancy free outdoor enthusiasts trekking/ hiking through inaccessible wilderness is the ultimate way to explore the world’s hidden wonders in its most pristine form. Walking through tangles of green forest, traversing hill and dales, fording every stream in hidden valleys provides rushes of adrenalin, which packaged fivestar holidays can never match. These psychological and emotionally rejuvenative aspects of hiking has been highlighted by Jeff Alt, a motivational speaker, seasoned hiker, speech pathologist, teacher in his latest book A Hike for Mike. The hike and the resulting book is dedicated to the memory of his brother-inSalaam SalaamNamaste Namaste Magazine Magazine || September 2008

BOOKS law, Mike, who committed suicide due to depression. Throughout the book, a daily dairy recording of events during the 21-day hike, Alt and his wife try and create awareness about suicide. Part of the proceeds of this book were also donated to Suicide prevention assocation.

The book starts off with a foreword by Dr. Jerry Reed, executive director of Suicide Prevention Action Network, USA. “This is a story about the courage of Beth and Jeff Alt, who became survivors after losing Beth’s brother Mike to suicide. They were determined, like many of the 180,000 who lose a loved one to suicide each other, to do what they could to help other families learn about depression and the terrible toll of suicide,” writes Reed

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

in praise of the couple’s efforts in helping prevent suicide due to depression. Dr. Reed further states that 31,000 Americans commit suicide every year, while another 650,000 individuals make attempt on their lives. The couple decide to undertake this hike to combat their own grief following the tragic death of Beth’s brother, Mike Richards. “Research shows that walking and hiking are actually beneficial to people, not just for the obvious reasons, but for fighting depression. It actually increases the antidepressant chemicals in the brain, and so does being out in the sunshine and fresh air,” writes Alt explaining the rationale behind their choice to hike one of the most challenging trails in US. The John Muir Trail (JMT) begins in the Yosemite Valley and goes up Mt. Whitney, (14,494 ft), the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. Through his lucid and chatty style of writing Alt makes the reader experience the adventure, pains, fears, wonderment, and appreciation for nature’s beauty as the couple travel through the wilderness of Sierra Nevada. A vast amount of detail is subtly integrated with the story and dialogue and one can easily know what to expect on the JMT after reading this book.

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SOUTH ASIAN FACES Mixed Marriages: Opportunities and Challenges The particular intimacy of religion and cultural identity creates special challenges for the South Asian family involved in the experience of “mixed” marriage, says Dilshad Dayani

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hen people immigrate to the United States they bring distinct and rich cultural practices to this country. Their traditions and customs, however, are being modified by the culture and philosophies of the ethnically-varied society here. Influxes of peoples from varied lands have occurred as great waves or small trickles, according to the needs of the nation or pressures from outside. Marriage patterns for all groups have been affected by the opportunities available for culturally-mixed relationships. It is also apparent that marriage is more likely to have mixed ethnic components in the second generation than in the first (Augustin, 1975, 1985). When South Asians arrive in the United States, their first tasks are to find a home and jobs so that family life can be reconstituted in the new cultural setting. Another important part of this settling process is to contact old friends and relatives. This special emotional component of settling addresses peoples’ personal needs: the need to discuss trials, tribulations, sorrows and joys; the need to resolve personal or professional problems; the need to share an evening or a meal with a compatriot where the conversation is in a familiar language and is based on the same cultural assumptions; where the same food and rituals of table are understood and respected. These personal contacts also provide useful information to the newcomers, who will discuss schooling for their children, clothing, goods that may be purchased, and stores where they can shop for the kind of food they are used to. And they may exchange information about work and job opportunities that are often different from the possibilities or barriers back home. The children of newly arrived South Asian families learn in their classroom and in the playground that they are many sorts of children from a variety of ethnic and national backgrounds. The pop culture manifests itself in the emerging interests that are shared at home through the medium of television. Thus baseball, football, the world of cartoons, and other programs that are watched by the family are cultural seeds of germination which serve to produce American identity and perspective.

T

here are discoveries of ethnic merging and cultural splits, feelings of hostility and signs of insecurity. These may also be minimized or reinforced by teachers or parents. The children are both reflectors and initiators of these attitudes and values forming new relationships creating the possibility of interethnic marriages. The real test of these heterogeneous friendships is the introduction, into the household of origin, of a different ethnicity or religion in the contemplation of marriage. For nearly all parents, this amounts to an immense challenge to everything they have stood for and in which they have believed. 72

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Liberal words are belied by conservative family patterns; fears are expressed and threats made in family discussions. Often when the daughter or son raises the idea of marriage to an outsider, the initial parental response is predictable and “protective.” The first thought is that marriage outside the community can be a problem, that there are too many unknowns. There is also the fear of divorce, which is quite acceptable in America with related issues such as the large number of children born out of wedlock, the negative factors just rush in and leave no room for discussion. Parents will express their concern about the future of their children. They will say that the offspring of those children will belong to neither one society nor the other. Their concerns are real in this articulation of fears and anticipations. Yet there is no guarantee that a marriage will be perfect, or indeed even especially reasonable if it is arranged by parents or family. Those who look to India/ Pakistan/ Bangladesh/ Nepal or any South Asian nation for a partner in the New World can create culture shock for the emigrant partner. In other cases, an arranged marriage may be unacceptable to the second, and likely, more educated generation. Though we do not have data on the success rate in mixed marriages, I might argue plausibly that mixed couples are especially conscious of the importance of success, and thus may try especially hard to achieve marital longevity. The old argument that girls must be protected and guided as they move from their father ’s household to that of their husband’s, are often reformulated, as the daughters of immigrant families now choose to shape their own destinies in the spirit of North American pluralism. Some parents are heard to say, we want them [our children] to be happy and we will put the responsibility with God. It can be noted then that after a decade, living in the New World, ethnic intermarriage among South Asians has become a statistical reality. As a result, some families are faced with the challenge of ethnic or religious “otherness” as their children become educated and move in socially and occupationally varied cultural milieus in United States. Conclusions and Implications Marriages between individuals outside their ethnic communities is a phenomenon that can be transformative, yet can also carry with it the fears of uncertainty of outcome by family and relatives. Despite their parents’ strategies for maintaining cultural ties, friendships, and alliances, the second generation has already crossed many of the barriers to occupational and educational success. Intercultural marriage may be seen as a good step or as a hindrance depending on the point of view of friends, relatives, and families who are involved. Our society has a multicultural base particularly Dallas with thriving diverse populations and businesses. The mixed marriage notion of marital alliance introduces a special glimpse into the present and future of America. Clearly also, those young people who choose such marriages are paving the road to a multicultural adventure that is both bold and brave. Dilshad Dayani is a doctoral fellow and Speaker in Educational Leadership and Media Technology. She produces and hosts the research oriented “Zindagi” show on Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9FM Salaam SalaamNamaste Namaste Magazine Magazine || September 2008

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EYE CARE Focus on your Eyes with our Eye specialist

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he eyes are complex sensory organs. About 85 percent of the total sensory input to our brains originates from our sense of sight, while the other 15 percent comes from the other four senses of hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Human eyes are designed to optimize vision under conditions of varying light. Their location, on the outside of the face, makes them susceptible to various types of stress and damage due to environmental, chemical, microbial, pollution and other factors. It is important that everyone of us inculcate suitable eye care practices so that our eyes remain healthy and functioning for long time. Dr. Bhatia believes that the eyes are a part of the whole body and one can’t effectively treat one without treating the other. Here are some common frequently asked questions on eye care answered by Dr. Bhatia. Q

What should people do to protect their eyes during summer which is characterised by intense heat and harsh sun light?

A

Sunglasses and hydration are an easy way to save yourself from many common eye disorders.

Q

What kind of problems can result from excess exposure to sun light and heat?

A

The biggest danger from long term sun exposure is cataract and dry eyes. Sun rays damage delicate tissues which lead to long term damage. Dry windy conditions as well as dust also stress the surface of the eye and can lead to a fleshy overgrowth called a pterygium. This can be irritating and painful or potentially blinding in the long term if left uncontrolled. Cancers may also occur at a higher rate from over exposure.

Q

Do people with has good vision and over 45 years of age need to get their eyes examined?

A

There are certain conditions including glaucoma which cause a persons sight to degenerate slowly progress but may not be noticed until it is too late. The damage is irreversible. Glaucoma has been called the “silent thief of sight”. It is one of the major causes of blindness in the world and in the US.

Q

Many people have health insurance but no vision insurance, should they get vision insurance in order to be able to get their eyes checked?

A

No, unfortunately this is the biggest misconception among most people.

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If you are having any type of eye problem, your health insurance will generally cover a visit to an ophthalmologist. Vision insurance is typically accepted by optometrists and not as commonly by MDs. Vision insurance is mostly beneficial for getting a discount on your glasses or contacts. Some health insurances also cover what is called an annual eye exam, if you are not having any eye problems or don’t have a family history of eye problems you may need to check with your insurance. Q

What symptoms should a person be most concerned about and seek the care of a physician besides sudden loss of vision?

A

Outside of sudden loss of vision which is fortunately not very

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EYE CARE common, sudden loss of vision in one eye may go unnoticed. Because we have two eyes, the brain can in many cases compensate for total or partial loss of vision in one eye. One simple test a person can do is just to alternate and to close one eye at a time to make sure both eyes are working well.

Other symptoms which should prompt a visit are: swelling around one eye along with a fever, a red eye with a history of eye injury such as if you were out mowing the lawn or hammering or sawing wood and have one red eye with mild to moderate pain. If you see flashing lights in your vision or many little black dots or lines in your vision, this could indicate a tear in the retina, a special layer in the back of your eye. Dr. Subir S. Bhatia, MD fellowship trained in Cornea/external disease/ refractive surgery (LASIK). He was formerly Asst. Professor at University of Florida and currently specialist at Eye and Laser Specialists of Texas. Dr. Bhatia can be contacted on e-mail: [email protected]

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FINANCIAL WISDOM Travelling on the HOV lane to Financial Success

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hile travelling on the highway you must have noticed that it is much faster if you can take the HOV lane. But, to enter into an HOV lane you can’t be alone. Similarly, in your financial life, you can take the HOV lane if you have someone travelling with you.

Financial experts at Perfect Tax give you advice and tell you how to get into the financial HOV lane and achieve success in this column month after month. Come and join us in this HOV journey to Financial Success.

The four-step entry into the Financial HOV Lane 1.

Increase income from your work

2.

Make your wealth earn more

3.

Cut down your personal and business expenses wherever possible

4.

Install safeguards against risk to your income and wealth

Steps to increase income from work a) Work hard, and get increments in your job b) Change job, and get a jump in a high paying job c) Make other people work for you, i.e. set up your own business d) Make more and more people work for you to increase income and claim more expenses to reduce tax. E.G. Volt (leading staffing company of USA) is said to have over 3 million employees placed in jobs. Even if they make commission of only $1 per hour from each employee, they would make $3 million per hour! Moreover, one great benefit in business income is that you can claim a number of expenses as deductions, including your home office and travel, which you cannot claim in your W2 income. There are professionals to help you set up business in divisions including legal, financial and managerial.

Ways to make your wealth earn for you a) Get good financial advice for investments and financial assets (Stocks, bonds, funds etc). Money in the bank reduces over a period of time, so even if your are earning interest, it won’t compare to the loss of purchasing power. b) Invest wisely in real estate. Right real estate investment 78

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at right location at right price with right security protection can derive several benefits for you.

Tightening the belt: cutting down Expenses a) Avoid penalties such as traffic tickets, late payment of taxes, credit cards, and other loan installments b) Install internal Control Systems in your business and minimize chances of fraud, pilferage, waste of material and manpower. c) Reduce the interest outlay by getting professional help to refinance existing loans at lower interest rates d) Save money by Tax planning. This alone can save you thousands of dollars.

Guarding against risk and securing your wealth a) Take out General Liability Insurance- $1 Million Insurance costs only $ 600 per month. If your profession is risky, also get Professional Liability Insurance. $1 Million insurance may cost around $3500. b) Incorporate Business- Incorporation costs are less than insurance but also offers protection against financial risks like loss due incorrect business decisions or market fluctuations, which you do not get in insurance. Your personal assets and credit score will remain unaffected even if your business files bankruptcy and fails to pay a million dollars. Although it does not make up or compensate for the loss, as insurance companies do, but it keeps you personally protected and totally unaffected by business losses. Mahesh Thakkar is the CEO of Perfect Tax, a Dallas-based financial consulting firm. He can be contacted at Email:

Next: US Capital Gain comes down to Zero in 2008 -2010 Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

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Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

RADIO FACE OF RSN Programming Powerhouse of Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM

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eekdays are boorish, long and hardly ever satisfying. A team which tries extremely hard in making sure that your day during the week goes well is the weekday RSN RJ’s team. Here are the faces to the voices that you listen to day in and day out and a little bit about what they do. Log on to www.radiosalaamnamaste.com for a complete profile of all the RJ’s. Watch out this section for the weekend programmers in the next issue. Ubaid. The person who wakes up Dallas every morning with his style of witty jokes and sense of humor. He gives a different flavor to the mornings. Listening to news, traffic and weather can be boring but not with Ubaid.

Sangeeta. You want melodies? Sangeeta gives them to you, the trivia and the knowledge she imparts to listeners is phenomenal, she brings a new idea every day to enter tain the audience with her choice of music.

Raheel & Anum. Probably the youngest RJ’s around, these teenagers have been rocking Dallas After Hours with a passion, scary stories, sound effects, requests and dedications are all part and parcel of their show. You start listening and you will be surprised how quickly those three hours go away.

A.G Chini. An encyclopedia of information which you cannot find anywhere are found in Chini’s shows. He can surprise even the most die hard fan of Dilip Kumar to Raj Kapoor by giving them that extra tid bits along with songs not heard on any show.

Shakeel & Melanie. Mastiiiiiiiiiii Ki Ratein… when you are working late at the studio on a Friday night and you hear the office shaking you know that Shakeel just let his gut wrenching scream out, if you are lacking energy and don’t want to be high on caffeine then this is the show you tune in to. Shakeel & Melanie will take you on a ride in which you don’t go out on Friday but have a party of your own.

Swami Krsna. People have been tuning into Swami Krsna’s “Aapke Sitarey” with anticipation to find out about what the future holds for them. In addition, his eclectic selection of songs also keeps listeners thrilled. Raja. A true artist in every sense, he plays multiple roles from Bhole Shah to Raja Mustafeez. An accomplished singer and actor along with being a successful businessman outside the world of radio, Raja Bhai is the Gary Sobers of entertainment.

Moon & Sona. No wonder their show is called “High Voltage”, once they enter the doors of RSN they make their presence felt. They present a highly energized show full of surprises, twists and turns. They play an ecclectic mix of music which include dance numbers, slow melodies and remixed fusion. Salaam Salaam Namaste Namaste Magazine Magazine || September September2008 2008

Smitha. A person who brings out the tr ue sense of professionalism in the RSN family. Every song she plays is very dear and near to her heart and the moment the song is played it becomes special to listeners also.

Monicca Sharmaa. “Hello Dallas” is synonym-ous with Monicca, people don’t mind the traffic jam when she is on the air, making them smile all the way from work to home. As once a listener called her the sweet-heart of Dallas airwaves, she is the sweetest person at the radio station as well.

Manoj & Kapila. With the unique style of music and conversation they present not only remixes and bhangra beats but also food streets of Mumbai with the same flair in Golmal Baten, both also sharing some great killer looks and a sense of programming very much their own.

Nazia. Well rounded Nazia has many feathers in her cap, from improvisations of Cheemo in Lahore Lahore Hei to Pakistani fusion of Jal Tarang, to melodious nights of Kuch Dil Ne Kaha. She brings a personality and a great voice to her shows and gets applauded every time.

Become a part of the RSN Family. Call 972-401-1550 Ext. 126 Sid. With his deep voice, his positive energy, his elegant topics he quickly is gaining experience and will be very soon one of the best programmers in town. Ghazals are melodies are his type of music. His show Baat Baaqi relaxes the mind and puts us in a state of calm. www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

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RHYTHM EVENTS

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RHYTHM EVENTS

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Advertorial

Scoliosis - Symptoms and Treatment

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ore than a half million visits are made to doctors’ offices each year for evaluation and treatment of scoliosis and about 5 – 7 million people in the U.S. are affected by this condition. Most often it develops in adolescents between the ages of 10-15 and girls are more commonly affected. Because scoliosis can be inherited, children whose parents or siblings are affected by it should definitely be evaluated. What is scoliosis?

lung function, or affecting heart function. Fortunately, 4 out of 5 people with scoliosis have curves of less than 20 degrees, which are usually not detectable to the untrained eye. These small curves are typically no cause for great concern, provided there are no signs of further progression. In growing children and adolescents, however, mild curvatures can worsen quite rapidly—by 10 degrees or more—in a few months. Therefore, frequent checkups are often necessary for this age group.

How is scoliosis evaluated? ecause we walk on 2 feet, the human nervous valuation begins with a thorough history and system constantly works through reflexes and physical examination, including postural postural control to keep our spine in a straight line analysis. If a scoliotic curvature is discovered, a from side to side. Occasionally, a lateral (sideways) curvature develops. If the curvature is larger than more in-depth evaluation is needed. X-ray evaluation of the spine. The procedure 10 degrees, it is called scoliosis. Curves less than helps determine the location and magnitude of the 10 degrees are often just postural changes. In more than 80% of cases, the cause of scoliotic scoliosis, along with an underlying cause not curvatures is unknown. In other cases, trauma, evident on physical examination, other associated neurological disease, tumors, etc are responsible. curvatures, and the health of other organ systems Functional scoliosis is often caused by postural that might be affected by the scoliosis. Depending problem, muscle spasm, or leg-length inequality, on the scoliosis severity, x-rays may need to be which can often be addressed. Structural scoliosis repeated as often as every 3 to 4 months to as little does not reduce with postural maneuvers. Either as once every few years.

B

E

Other tests, including evaluation by a Scoliometer™, might also be ordered by the doctor. This device measures the size, by angle, of the rib coliosis can significantly affect the quality of hump associated with the scoliosis. It is nonlife by limiting activity, causing pain, reducing

type can be idiopathic or have an underlying cause. What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

S

invasive, painless, and requires no special procedures. Is scoliosis always progressive?

G

enerally, it is not. In fact, the vast majority of scoliosis remains mild, is not progressive, and requires little treatment, if any. However, in a group of young girls who have scoliosis of 25 degrees or larger, progression of the curvature growth is rapid in girls who have had their first menstrual period vs. the girls who have not.

What is the treatment for scoliosis?

C

areful observation is the most common “treatment,” as most mild scoliosis do not progress and cause few, if any, physical problems. Bracing is generally reserved for children who have not reached skeletal maturity and who have curves between 25 and 45 degrees. Surgery is generally used in the few cases where the curves are greater than 45 degrees and progressive, which may affect the function of the heart, lungs, or other vital organs. Spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, and electrical muscle stimulation combined have also been advocated in the treatment of scoliosis. Most people with scoliosis lead normal, happy, and productive lives. For patients with back pain along with the scoliosis, chiropractic adjustments and physical exercise is generally well-tolerated and should be encouraged in most cases.

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Comprehensive Nrthopedic exam Comprehensive Neurological exam X-Ray Adjustment Physiotherapy Detoxification Nutritional Consultation

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PROFILE Everest Movies

Celebrates One Year of Entertaining Dallas

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ouring Talkies/ Everest Movies was promoted in 2007 with an aim to bring the best desi movies to the South Asian community in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Partnering with Hollywood Theatres MacArthur Marketplace,

Everest Movies has achieved several firsts to its credit in just 12 months since inception. Some of the superior features of the theatre include comfortable stadium style seating with movable arm rests, surround sound systems, excellent picture clarity. During the past one year of its operation Everest Movies has achieved several firsts to its credit. For starters, the Telugu movie ‘Happy Days’ grossed the highest of the entire Hollywood Theaters chain across the United States for the weekend of September 28, 2007, with over 4750 tickets sold during the period. Another movie which rocked the US was ‘Jalsa’. All shows were sold out worldwide with Dallas topping the numbers on the premiere night for ‘Jalsa’ overseas. The premiere night had over 1,092 viewers at Hollywood Theaters. Among Bollywood hits, the movie ‘Jodha-Akbar’ was premiered here in February 2008 and attracted unprecedented numbers of audiences. Everest Movies was the top-most grosser in US for Jodha-Akbar. Apart from Hindi and Telugu, Everest Movies has brought in Kannada, Tamil,

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Punjabi and Malayalam movies for the entertainment needs of Desis in Dallas area. These measures have enhanced the popularity of the theatre which has become more like a hangout and meeting place than just a movie theatre. Young and old alike like to be seen in these premises and like watching various desi movies in the comfortable stadium style seating and wide screens. In recent months ‘Singgh is Kinng’, ‘Rock On’ and ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ attracted massive crowds. Movies coming soon include ‘Kidnap’, ‘Drona’, ‘Ghajini’, ‘Kambaqt Ishq’, ‘Billu Barber’, ‘Roadside Romeo’, ‘Dostana’ and ‘Rab Ne Bana di Jodi’. 98

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Recommended Eateries in DFW

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ADVERTISERS LIST Name of Advertiser

Page No.

Galleria Wireless Govindji’s Metrobiz Sales Prudent Tech Solutions Subzi Mandi B2B Wireless AAMCO Advertisement India Palace Liberty Home Asian Photography Taj Grocers DFW Impressions Armale Studio Gallop Technologies Bombay Sizzler Spice Rack VR Wireless Bombay Photography Bombay Chinese Mayuri Restaurant Sherin Thawer Cindis Grand Café Malani Jewellers Puff-n-Pastry Radisson Hotel Dr. Mitra Canales Hilton Head National Wireless Desi Driving School Roti Grill Bombay Sweets Shandiz Shandiz United Central Bank Sunil Maini My Free Phone Zwoom Travel Plus Saffron House Aahar Resturant

2 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 31 33 34 36 38 39 42 42 43 45 46 48 50 51 56 58 60 62 63 64 66

Name of Advertiser Skypass travel India Bazaar Ad Patel’s auto body shop Chamonix Ad Lube Tech Ad Swadeshi Indian Restaurant AA Passport Hari Garg Insurance Agency Ek Nazar BBQ Tonight Indo Pak Super Market Mani Rahman Profit Sec Optech Solutions Star meat and Grocery EktaATM Dr. Ash Chiropractic Maan Auto Care Dish TV Dallas Yellow pages Yellow pages Yellow pages Yellow pages Yellow pages Yellow pages Yellow pages Yellow pages 7-11 Casino Horse Shoe Psychic Healer K-Link Horizon Travel Rani Reflection Rice 1 Roll Saregama India Cuisine Restaurant Guide Signature diamonds Silk Thread List of Advertisers with page nos. Dream Home Mortgage Galleria Wireless

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Advertise in SALAAM NAMASTE Reach out to the 250,000-strong South Asian community Advertise on America’s First Desi FM Station to reach the South Asian Community [email protected]/ 972-401-1550 Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

105

Ramadan Calendar

106

www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

Dream Home Mortgage

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008

www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

107

Galleria Wireless

108

www.SalaamNamasteMag.com/ 972 401 1550

Salaam Namaste Magazine | September 2008