University of Texas students will soon have the opportunity to learn Hindi and Urdu as part of a Department of Defense initiative that focuses on global security. The National Security Education Program has awarded $700,000 to UT’s South Asia Institute to help implement the program that will “teach languages whose knowledge is considered critical to national security.” more ›

-The death toll in Pakistan and surrounding countries has exceeded 20,000, with countless more bodies yet to be recovered in what was the most devastating earthquake to hit South Asia in the last century. Aid agencies estimate that over 120,000 people are in "urgent need of shelter." The magnitude-7.6 quake struck on Saturday near the northeastern border of Kashmir and Pakistan. Austinist asks that you leave links to donation sites in the comments section. -Boy... more ›

For those about to rock, the Austinist has a few selections to piss off your neighbors. more ›