|
|
|
|
|
|
Helping soldiers turn civilian
Dumpling delicacy
Manish enters Ramu’s camp FILM & MISSION WRITE TO RENEE
|
|
Bragging for attention City youngsters are finding their way to the polite society by bragging about Pepperoni pizzas, Worcestershire sauce and other high-end stuff, says
Saurabh Malik Groping her way through the dingy alleys of life, she finds her way to the café society by puffing and bluffing about steaming cappuccinos, salads topped with Worcestershire sauce and Pepperoni pizza teamed with tonic water. Making herself comfortable on plush sofa sets in upper crust youth haunts, she brags about savouring low fat desserts with farm fresh strawberries in her favourite five star joints. Her phonetic makes the maitre d’ hotel smile as she orders Sehezwan-style noodles, of course from her guys account. But the steward keeps quite. For, the major-domo is used to belles like Tanisha wearing mask of sophistication to hide the mundane reality of their existence. If you haven’t met young Ms Sophisticate and her likes, drive down to the discotheques or the nightclubs in the city. You will find so many of them struggling to enter the bon ton world of high excitement, eagerly. The bunch is easy to identify. Clad in tank tops over revealingly low-waist jeans, they are there, exposing wee bit of their flat tummies and attitude. Mobile phones pop out of their hip pockets as they wait for their guys to dance their way to fame and glory, literally. You can recognise the lot even from the key rings they flaunt so passionately. The silvery rings have “Honda” or “Mercedes” engraved in bold letters, glamorously. The bunch holds scooter or moped keys. Well, that’s another story. Tanisha goes a step forward. Leaving nothing to chance, she jazzes up the boring bunch by carrying a car key in the enameled chain. Also, parks her scooter a block away “just to be sure no one sees her on a two-wheeler”. Her chum Maushmi is hardly any different. Hailing from Ludhiana now settled in Chandigarh, she hasn’t traveled beyond Delhi. But no one can say that for certain. As she brags about strolling in Trafalgar Square or snow-capped Alps in Heidi’s country, Switzerland, the audience sits in rapt attention, hoping to catch the pearls of wisdom. Talking about insights and brilliance, the plus two student is member of a save-tradition society. As such, she blurbs about the agile movements of an Odissi dancer portraying power, vulnerability and defiance. The absence of knowledge about “pakhawaj”, “sitar”, “veena” and “flute” do not bother her as she sits thorough the concerts munching popcorns - the ones coated with thick layer of caramel. They make city-based socio-psychologist Shubhangi say: “In today’s world of ostentation, where so many hollow people consider show off a positive value and beauty the only asset, girls without much confidence in their appearance and abilities often project themselves as ‘hep’ by portraying what they are not. Parents too encourage them. For, they want their daughters to fit in the polite society even if it means wearing skirts with long slits or transparent tops....That’s the way it is.” Well folks, if you know someone like Tanisha or Maushmi’s parents, do not commit the mistake of discussing the issue with them, For, they will quote articles carried in the Time and Life magazines in their favour.
|
|
It's fusion mantra once again
Sashaying fashion fiesta! A profusion of colours, a riot of hues and tones, fusion blending with the traditional—83 students at the National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD)—will come together on November 27 for the Chandigarh Carnival Fashion Fiesta to be held at Leisure Valley. Some of the sparkles were evident at a “peek-a-boo” of zesty creativity at the NIFD, Sector 8, where of the 23 collections fashioned for the carnival, nine were trumpeted on the ramp at a lively fashion show. The effort was enthusing, the collections vibrant and tangy—a play of fabrics with avant-garde accessories in unconventional cuts and images. “The collections are a celebration of the City Beautiful and its people; of its progress to being a cosmopolitan city today,” avers Aditi Srivastava, Vice-President at the NIFD. The fashion show began with a collection that symbolises the essence of the country—radiant saris in red and orange. With intricately worked pallavs, embellished with antique zardosi, gold and silver thread work with richly embroidered cut-work designs, the showing sizzled with the fragrance of colour. The second presentation having been inspired by junk—called ‘A Twisted Dream’—is a rendition of artistically blended raw natural fabric with leather, enhanced and embellished with hardware accessories like washers, rivets, metal buttons and hooks giving a funky and trendy look rather like riding a Harley Davidson! ‘Jewelled Fantasies’—inspired by the patterns and colours of jewellery— harmonised into a collection that splayed out gorgeous shades of orange, green, pink and blue. Under slips with sequined work, crushed fabric, patches of material cut and stitched, even a delicately embroidered petticoat made for an eclectic showing. The ‘Nine to Five Phenomenon’ brought together an ‘executive’ collection of contrasting shades of black and white, interestingly sewn pockets, unusual silhouettes and asymmetrical jackets with panels. A collection enlivened by rudraksh beads, the saffron of holy men, jute and silk as pure, simple and natural fabrics celebrating spirituality was an exotic melange of funky silhouettes with a western touch. Hammer and tongs! The next collection titled ‘Rise of the Machines’ went all out in black and silver with tool shaped patterns clustering the clothes, rather like the dark Matrix into which the world is plummeting! Sonia Singla and Shikha Chopra’s ‘Tangerine’ is an elegant collection bathed in tints of lemon and peach enhanced with sequins and kundan work, uplifting the dyed embroidered patches. Rather like the fresh sunshine and bridal in appeal with veils on the head and vibrant paper flowers in the hand, the collection symbolises the colours of spring. ‘The Mughal Collection’ with embroidery, twisted dori and intricate embroidery in velvet, brocade and paper silk is a throwback on the bygone era of old motifs, Mumtaz Mahal’s crown and plush colours—maroon, cobalt blue, rich green, pinks and reds. ‘The Royal Parade’—short suits and churidaars have a western appeal but the silhouettes are most definitely Indian. Sprightly accessories—an ambi shaped embroidered bag, funky boots using cutwork and brocade patches makes for a collection by Amit Raina, Vishwas Bhatia and Aditya Khanna that is lively. With students and local models walking the ramp, the collection is a cheerful blend of dedication, hard-work and optimistic talent.
|
|
Helping soldiers turn civilian
One of Col Rakesh Mehta’s biggest worries when he decided to quit the Indian Army was: ‘What will I do next?’ Having decided to hang up his boots and get back to, what he terms as, the civilian way of life, Colonel Mehta started weighing his options. And, options, he soon found out, were few. “I simply wasn’t prepared for just any job. I had remained a soldier throughout my grown-up life. It was then I decided that I must do something for soldiers like me, who are trying to get used to a life outside the armed forces,” he recollects. And, that decision soon took the shape of The Cavalier, a preparatory school for the young and the retired. Located at NAC Market, Manimajra, The Cavalier helps retired faujis get back into civvies. “Most of the retiring soldiers have negligible awareness about the functioning of the civilian set-ups. Our understanding is that since armed forces’ officers retire at a comparatively young age, they have at least 8-10 years of productive life. We help them re-orient for long, productive innings as civilians,” Colonel Mehta says. The institute also guides its “retired” students set up businesses as security auditors and owners of security agencies. The Cavalier, Manimajra, is now a part of a chain of such institutes spread across the country and also doubles up as nodal agency of the Directorate General of Re-settlement, Ministry of Defence. The faculty includes Colonel Mehta, an alumni of the National Defense Academy and the Defense Services Staff College and Col R.K. Singh, who also had a tenure with the UN peace-keeping force in Iraq-Kuwait. Apart from the training that it provides to retiring officers and jawans, the institute also runs specialised courses for aspiring Armed forces officers. “We could be the first institute to impart highly specialised training for defense jobs. We train students for NDA, CDS, SSB, etc,” Colonel Mehta says. And he has not turned his back completely on the Army. “We offer free training to the kin of war heroes and war veterans. Also, we give hefty discount to kin of soldiers,” he says. With students and retired students being drawn to the institute from even J&K and Himachal Pradesh and over 75 per cent of the students making it to the NDA, the institute is surely putting up a cavalier show.
|
|
Dumpling delicacy
Eating in the teahouse tradition is the latest fad in the city.
Gayatri Rajwade takes you to the Orchid Lounge where sipping jasmine tea
with steaming Dim Sums can be an experience to relish
Dumplings that ‘touch your heart’! In a teahouse tradition that warms the spirit, it is all about savouring that gentle cup of jasmine tea with a basketful of Dim Sums. As the flavours mingle and merge, as the whiff of vapours softly touch your face, the steaming Dim Sums tantalise with their aroma, their translucent charm. “It is about bringing in a whole new concept of eating” at the Orchid Lounge in Sector 34 where the Dim Sums nestle delectably in authentic cane baskets lined with banana leaves. With its plush and snug ambience, merry lemon yellow walls, spic and span wood flooring, the place enchants rather like an English drawing room! A well-stocked bar with restful sofas, swishy leather armchairs, brass mirrors and vibrant English paintings on the walls extends into an eatery with a quintessential Thai appeal! Vibrant dragons flying off, a colourful screen, brass chandeliers and the birdcage perched in a corner with paintings of birds speckling the walls all come together in a cheery garb! Reminiscent of teahouses in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, Dim Sums are central to the Cantonese teahouse tradition of Yum Cha which simply means ‘to drink tea’. But eating a Dim Sum, savouring its flavours and herbs, reading, catching up with friends or conducting an odd-hour business meeting over a cup of coffee or tea is a way of life no less! With 24 varieties to savour and the place open from 11:30 am to midnight, there is a whole new ‘food’ world to explore. “What we have tried to introduce are authentic recipes with interesting wrappers and unusual fillings that the city’s taste-buds will relish,” say the charming owners, Priya and Abhay Jagat. So there are wanton sheets, bean-curd seed wrappers, different flowers like lotus even the Vietnamese rice paper to choose from! The emphasis is on authenticity, piquant flavours, a wholesome and healthy chomp, “a culture of tea and Dim Sums”! From the traditional steamed Prawns Sui Mai—the open-faced Dim Sum (Rs 125) to the Shrimp draped with Asparagus (Rs 100), the rice coated dumpling, the Vietnamese rolls—mushroom, bean sprout and Pokchoy rice pepper rolls (Rs 75 to 85 for vegetarian and non-vegetarian), the Chicken Kothe—chicken, spring onion and coriander pot chicken dumpling to the fried Dim Sums—carrot cake (Rs 75), the Guo Tie—deep fried steamed dumplings filled with ground pork (Rs 85), there is a ‘luscious’ array to pick. These accompanied by ‘sharp’ garnishing like the deliciously zesty Basa bean paste, a Schezuan based sauce and ginger shreds in ginger juice, all commingling to give some strong essences. All this, with some heavenly desserts like the coconut pancake (Abhay’s favourite!) to the almond jelly or the peach sticky rice pudding for that sugary note. Not just this, there are the Yum Cha specials at Rs 325 and Rs 375 (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) per person where you can delight in a soup, unlimited Dim Sums for a selection of the 24 on offer, dessert and jasmine tea to end a perfect meal. This, in addition to their regular extensive menu of Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Malayan delicacies which entice with the sheer assortment to select from—but that is for another day! So no ajinomoto, no paneer (strictly—only Tofu in their regular menu!) and no Manchurian to boot (unless requested of course!) come and delight in the sheer magic of eating these steamed wonders for they make a healthy snack and a delicious meal—et al!
|
|
Diamond is a guy’s best friend It is no longer just women, but men too have been bitten by the diamond bug, says Gagandeep Arora
When it comes to jewellery the only thing that came to mind till recently was the yellow metal, gold, but now what ignites one’s mind is the glitter of diamonds. Diamonds have always been considered as a woman’s best friend. No outfit seems complete without that diamond earring or that diamond studded ruby pendant. But wait till you hear Gemologist Amandeep Verma, who says it is no longer just women, but men too have been infected by the diamond-bug. As a result what we have in the market is a variety of diamond-studded watches, pens, cufflinks, tiepins and even coat buttons. Latest in the list is a diamond kalgi to be worn by the groom on his turban on the D-day. According to the specialist, diamonds are famous for their hardness and for their incredible optical qualities, which is what makes them the most expensive of all gemstones. Their ability to turn light -into a collection of colours is known in the diamond industry as fire. Light is the element, which ignites a diamond’s brilliance and fire. As a gemstone, the diamond is assessed according to its four Cs i.e. carat, clarity, colour, and cut. The 4Cs are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of a diamond. Diamonds with combination of higher 4C rating are rare and consequently, more expensive. “Diamonds gel well with platinum. As far as designs are concerned, sky is the limit. You name it and we can make it with diamonds for you, Aman says. Today, diamonds have come to mean many things. The most known symbolism for the diamond is love and commitment, for the popularity of it as engagement rings. It symbolises everlasting love. D.S. Thakur, sales manager of a leading jewellery house in the city, says, “With the price becoming more affordable (starting from Rs 6,000), even the middle class now opt for the diamond jewellery. The entry of bigger brands has added to the popularity of the precious stone, which has turned them from a ‘nice-to-have’ into a ‘must-have’. Chander Kanta Kapoor, a government employee, says, “When it comes to jewellery, diamonds are the first choice. I recently gifted a diamond pendant set to my daughter on her birthday that surprisingly came with a reasonable budget.” But the majority of diamond sales still comprise engagement rings, Thakur adds. “When I proposed to my girlfriend with a diamond ring, I could see the glitter in her eyes. The eloquent piece of diamond that I bought just made the occasion perfect,” Amit Gunjal, marketing officer with a mobile company, blushes while he recalls the day of his life. Diamond traders are too waking up to the power of branding. The Diamond Trading Corporation is promoting different brands. Vaishali, HR Manager with an MNC, says, “Buying a diamond is an exhilarating and unique experience. I recently bought a pair of diamond earrings and before making the purchase I gathered information on diamond grading system. And guess what, I bought the enviable piece for my ears at an affordable price.” The country’s diamond jewellery market today is over Rs 6,600 crore or 12 per cent of the total jewellery market. It is also one of the highest growing market in the world at 20 per cent per annum.
|
|
Manish enters Ramu’s camp
Good looking, talented, well educated and 6 feel tall. That is Manish Wadhwa from Ambala. He is the new villain in the Hindi television industry. He’s made his mark in serials ‘Amrapali’, ‘Khatta Meetha’, ‘Krishna Arjun’, ‘Crime Patrol, ‘Talaq Qyon’ and ‘Aap Beetee’. He was main villain in Subhas Ghai’s ‘Rahul’. His forth coming project which will be released soon is ‘Tujhko Pukare’. Manish, who plays a misguided man in ‘Kohinoor’, has got a big break in Bollywood. He is the sensational discovery of Ram Gopal Varma’s camp. Manish is excited about his role in Ramu’s forthcoming movie ‘Shabri’ to be directed by debutant director Lalit Marathe. Manish Wadhwa plays the larger-than-life character in ‘Shabri’ along with Raj Arjun and glam doll Isha Kopikkar. Manish Wadhwa plays the character in ‘Kohinoor’ who leaves no stone unturned to get his goal, even kill. Viewers will always be on the edge trying to figure out what ‘Kaali’ is upto. Manish, who came into limelight, after performing in play ‘Maa Retire Hoti Hai’ with Jaya Bachchan is a known name in theatre, television and is now all set to enter Bollywood with a bang in ‘Shabri’. Regarding his experience in theatre, Manish says, “Working with Jaya Bachchan and Javed Jafri in the theatre was like a dream come true for me. I become ardent fan of both Jayaji and Javedji. I am equally excited about my role in serial ‘Kohinoor’. The character has shades which I really enjoyed in this crime thriller produced by Cinevistaas. I am awaiting ‘Tujhko Pukare’ release. I managed to get an entry in Ram Gopal Varma’s camp with ‘Shabri’ and as for playing the anti shade hero, I think I shall do anything that is good and convincing”. So viewers, get ready to watch another ‘Factory’ product on silver screen. — D.P.
|
|
FILM & MISSION Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp, has vowed to hold a ‘smoke-a-thon’ in Britain to protest the recent Government ban on smoking.
“I’ll come over and have a smoke-a-thon,” Femalefirst quoted the actor, as saying.
“Obviously it ain’t good for you, and I don’t condone it or recommend it, but everyone has to find their own way out of it.
The idea of bludgeoning people and telling them that if they smoke they are awful is ludicrous,” he said.
— ANI Reese Witherspoon almost got ‘busted’
Destructive relationship
Britney Spears worst dressed star
Princess of Pop, Britney Spears, was voted the ‘Worst Dressed Star’ at the recent T4 Poll Winners’ Party held at London’s Wembley Pavillion recently, while “No Doubt” lead singer, Gwen Stefani bagged the ‘SH! Style Icon’ award.
Rachel Stevens, who landed up in a black top and leather gloves and showed off her brand new bob hair-cut, walked away with the Most Fanciable Female gong.
Other winners were actor Johnny Depp who won the ‘Movie Star of the Year’ award, and also saw his movie, “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory”, voted the ‘Best Movie of the Year’, and controversial artist, Eminem, who bagged the most votes in the category of ‘Best Hip Hop Act’, reports The Mirror.
Singer Peter Andre, who set people rocking to his song, ‘Mysterious Girl’, however failed to impress voters, and was voted ‘Flop Mop’ of the year.
England football captain, David Beckham, also took home an award when he was voted the ‘Best Sports Star’.
— ANI Gisele Bundchen’s catwalk menu!
|
|
WRITE
TO RENEE Everyday when I get back from work, I get a terrible headache. I know I’ve had a long day at work, dealing with diverse people and facing my boss. At times, I hate my job but also know that I have to earn as the money’s important to support my family, and more so, for my own state of financial independence. At the same time, however, each evening I feel very lethargic and listless while returning home from work. Do you think most people feel this way after a long working day or should I change my job? — Sarina Sidhu, Ambala It’s not about the changing of your job. Rather, it’s about changing your own attitude and thought process. With all those thoughts that are generated in your mind, a lot of negativity is being generated too that’s keeping you all the more anxious. All your fatigue is related to the stress of your job which you can’t quit. But yes, you can quit your negative thinking. Besides getting positive about the whole situation, also go for aromatherapy. Try having a warm bath a when you get home, listen to some relaxing music and see life getting better. I am a 35-year-old single woman living with my own parents, brother, his wife and their three kids. My parents put me on this guilt trip saying that if I move out or consider marriage, who will take care of them I really feel that life is passing me by and that I’m turning into an old maid without actually living it. Is there any way in which I can live my own life and at the same time keep my parents happy? — Daisy, Chandigarh My dear girl, life is definitely meant to be lived and lived to the hilt by its own standards. Thirty-five is not an age to think that you are an old maid but you surely need to put your act together. Just sit down by yourself and first work out your own priorities. Once you are really clear about what all you want in life, the decisions will surely come easily to you. Are you financially independent and do you have someone in your life? These are the two main questions you need to answer first. Only then, you can sit with your parents and convince them that you can live life on your own and so can they. Once, you are clear about what you want in life, things will naturally fall into place. Whenever, I have to undertake a journey, be it by car, by plane or by train, I get very shaky. I suffer from palpitations and feel a great sense of fear. I feel really miserable, even before going on a holiday. Maybe, it’s something like what they call butterflies in the stomach. Many times, I even cancel my plans to go and regret it later. How can I calm myself and train my mind otherwise? — Dimpi Singh, Chandigarh These are just anxiety related symptoms. Some of us since childhood have lived under tremendous pressure and emotional stress without really realising it. Maybe at the sub conscious level, you are very attached to your home and family and feel rooted only when you are with them. We all develop these comfort zones and moving out of them is extremely difficult. But you must realise that this is a temporary fear and all fears are an attitude. We just have to train our minds to get rid of these attitudes. So the next time you have to travel, just don’t panic. Tell yourself I’m going to enjoy this and you really will!
|
|
Health and Fitness
Joint pains! Arthritis affects young and old but it is the ageing population which suffers more. Vegetables and fruits reduce the inflammation caused by free radical damage characteristic of many joint aches that affect the quality of life in later years. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali
|
|
TAROT
TALK
 |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Jewellery has always remained the greatest fascination in the Indian psyche. It is mainly because people saw jewellery not just as a fashion accessory or status symbol, but an investment as well. The fact that Indians enjoy the distinction of being great hoarders of jewels and precious metals validates the obsession.
“Legally Blonde” star, Reese Witherspoon, may just win an Academy Award for her portrayal of the country music singer, Johnny Cash’s wife, June Carter Cash in the movie, “Walk the Line”, but that didn’t stop the singer’s family from voicing their concerns over the choice to cast Witherspoon as June Carter, because her assets were not the right size.
The “Just Like Heaven” star revealed that June Carter Cash’s children felt that she was not right for the role as she was not busty enough.
— ANI
Friends of Hollywood hunk Jude Law are reportedly not in favour of his rekindling his romance with British beauty Sienna Miller, because they are worried that he is locked in a “destructive” relationship.
Law’s pals have privately expressed fears about Sienna’s “flirtatious” behaviour around them.
“Jude was obsessed with Sienna when he first met her. They split and we advised him to draw a line under it — but he can’t let her go,” a friend of the actor, was quoted by The Mirror, as saying.
“She’s touchy-feely and likes to be the centre of attention with men,” he added.
Sienna and Jude have been in an on and off relationship ever since Jude confessed cheating on her with kids nanny, and later when Sienna’s furtive affair wih Daniel Craig came out in the open.
— ANI
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen has criticised her fellow catwalk pals who almost starve themselves to death, in a bid to maintain their svelte figures.
The 25-year-old, who recently dumped boyfriend Leonardo DiCaprio, has warned that by dieting excessively, the models are actually in danger of permanently damaging their health.
“It’s important to remember that it you don’t put gas in your car, it’s going to stop,’ Femalefirst quoted her as saying.
“Similarly, if I don’t put food into my body I’m going to die. I eat whatever is there to eat because I don’t want to faint on the runway,” she
added. — ANI
Renee has an array of degrees to add to her experience of
dealing with peoples’ problems. Her canvas has been wide, as apart from qualifying as an astrologer and a Gemmology expert, she has run an international business successfully for years. Being a psychotherapist has been major passion and having people for large corporates has been one of her stints.
So, rush in your queries to Renee at lifestyle@ tribunemail.com or care of Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chandigarh-160030
ARIES: There's no time like now to do some serious sorting out. The more you chuck out, the lighter you will feel and so will your surroundings. Avoid any conflicts.
Lucky number: 8. Lucky Colour: Royal Blue. 
LIBRA: Look into some personal changes. Delve into your work if you can't make amends at home. In order to be successful in life, there must be a right blend of work and play.
Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: saffron. 
TAURUS: Don't be too quick to let friends and relatives know what you're up to. Dealing with foreigners will be most enlightening. Get domestic chores out of the way early.
Lucky number: 12. Lucky Colour: Silver.
SCORPIO:
Sympathetic and mutually supportive contacts can be established easily now. You experience feelings of well being, and contentment within yourself.
Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: Saffron 
GEMINI: You have your own family to consider as well. You could meet potential new mates if you go out with friends or take pleasure trips.
Lucky number: 10. Lucky Colour: turquoise. 
SAGITTARIUS: This is a good time to speak up and clear the air of any grievances you have been holding on to for some time. Personal subjects are the topic of discussion now.
Lucky number: 1 Lucky colour: Pink 
CANCER:
Things are looking up. You've got that competitive edge. You are restless and eager to meet others halfway, to converse, exchange information, and make connections.
Lucky number: 8. Lucky Colour: Pink. 
CAPRICORN:
"The Knight of Swords" instigates you to be active, skillful and clever. On the professional scene, there is great happiness in the form of better job prospects. Lucky number: 5. Lucky colour: Yellow. 
LEO: A need for support, sympathetic understanding, a sense of security and continuity with the past is accented now. A Cancerian person will be of great help. Lucky number: 6. Lucky Colour: Sea green 
AQUARIUS: Your
family may not be pleased with your decisions. Don't be too open or
put your faith in unreliable coworkers. Urgent business matters just
can't wait so deal with them. Lucky number: 16. Lucky colour: Pink.
VIRGO: Emotional impulses are very strong. Public recognition for your work or your unique contribution to the world is possible. A Taurus is moody but caring. Lucky number: 8 Lucky colour: Deep crimson 
PISCES: Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they are foolproof. You can have fruitful discussions with your close friends. Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: Bottle green.