|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blooming
faces, chuckling flowers TECH TALK Keeping
fabrics stain free The Golmal
guy
Oodles of
Oomph!
Film
& FASHION
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
All the chrysanthemums are not at the Terrace Garden. Parbina Rashid meets this city lady whose passion is rearing and nurturing the flower, but for her eyes only
She was not born with green fingers, but acquired them. As you enter Rani Verma’s garden in sector 33, every single flower bears its testimony. Blooming chrysanthemum in various colours and hues, delightful bonsai trees strategically placed all over her garden, huge palm trees adding dignity to the whole set up, it is an experience to behold. But what are these doing at her garden at the time when the entire city is going gaga over the Chrysanthemum Show at the Terrace Garden? “I have never took part in it and do not plan to. My equation with my flowers are that of a mother and daughter and I am happy to leave it like that,” she tells us. As you look around trying to merge into the riot of colours, Rani comes to your rescue, “There are about 250 pots having different varieties like button, snowball, pom-pom and Korean variety in both single and double hues.” The information is simple enough but the brain fails to register the details. Thanks to the overwhelming affect of the flowers. When Rani started her garden at a modest level about six years, it was essentially the chrysanthemum for her. “Their colour, delicacy is almost therapeutic,” she explains, who without failure spends the early morning hours with her flowers. But the season for chrysanthemum does not last long. “Each flower has about 22 days of longevity and the season that starts by November is over by the first week of January,” says Rani. Hence came others like the roses, begonias and other seasonal flowers on the sideline. A small nursery was erected on the terrace and Rani’s job became full-time. She acquired two gardeners to assist her.
But a garden without accessories? No way; as far as Rani is concerned. In came nice cane chairs to sustain the harmony of her garden. Too common? Rani’s aesthetic sense looked for other outlets, which resulted in a cosy gazebo at the back yard, permanent flowerbeds with mushroom like lights, which are absolutely in sync with the nature around her house. But the most striking part of her house is her dining room where one can enjoy flower power at its wildest form while sitting inside. The outer wall is made of transparent glass and the view outside is simply mind-boggling. “This portion of the campus is dark and dingy, so was neglected. We decided to make the land fertile by adding manure and planted flowers and trees to give a wild look,” says Rani. Here ‘we’ include her businessman husband Anil Verma. So be it the dinnertime or lunchtime, you are never away from nature. With terracotta figurines and birdbaths tucked amidst the flowers, the wilderness is almost real. Rani’s latest hobby is bonsai. And as other things this too she learnt by trial and error. The cute little Parkers, junipers tell us her triumph over the errors. “My husband helps me in this whenever he has time and so do my two sons,” she tells us.We salute this one happy family united by colours.
|
|
Blooming faces, chuckling flowers Chuckling chrysanthemums are not the only blossoms that appreciating eyes are admiring at the flower show in progress at the city’s Terraced Garden. Ah-inspiring visages of pretty damsels are also taking the fancy of the strolling crowd. Having doubts? Just drive down to Sector 33 in the afternoon. You will find so many bees, warmly wrapped up in nice denim and leather jackets, humming around the natural beauties going from one flower bed to another. And for a admirer of these walking beauties, the red and yellow fire balls made of petals are the last thing on their ever-shifting minds as they relish the remote company of the “pretty crowd”, merrily. A slight murmur of appreciation escapes their dry lips every time they watch the flowering faces burst into bloom. But the forlorn guys keep mum, courtesy cops in mufti roaming with the crowd. They can be a headache, the guys know it too well. Then there are ones who are there just to ogle. They stick their necks out like thorns every time you stop near a flower pot. You can’t justify their conduct by calling them connoisseur of flowers. They are not and have no hesitation in admitting the fact. “We simply bob up at the show every year on our 100cc single-cylinder mean-machines,” says Ashu Chauhan. “Of course, to adore the flowery faces”. Riveting their eyes on a maiden in a burgundy polo neck sweater over dark brown trousers parading across the lawn with a bunch of flowers, he says, “It is all very convenient. You not only enjoy the flowers and the sun, but also get an opportunity to admire so many earth angels out here to witness the show.” He is here with his friends Raman Sharma and Ateet Verma. If you think the three are alone in their endeavors, you are mistaken. Post-graduation student Sudhir Khaurana too is there, in the valley of flowers, talking to the lasses where ever the opportunity presents itself. Well folks, this is one opportunity that can’t be missed as the show is an annual affair like the St Valentine’s Day. So, guys if you miss the fun in the winters of 2005, you will have to wait for another long year. So get going.
|
|
TECH TALK
Pay your monthly bills and do much more online Think of the monthly electricity or telephone bill payment and the first thing that comes to your mind is the long, never-ending queue and the consequent anger directed at the person sitting on the other side of the window. The very mention of a visit to a public office is enough to wipe a smile off anyone’s face, especially for those who don’t happen to know the right people in the right places. Chandigarh residents can now say ‘adieu’ to the much dreaded Indian red-tape with Chandigarh Administration’s official website that not only allows you to pay your monthly bills online but also does much more on the click of a mouse. Welcome to eGovernance! The website www.chandigarh.nic.in covers various aspects of the services and departments of the Chandigarh administration and provides extensive information on each. Information on the website is segregated into Administration, About Chandigarh, Departments and How To sections. Under the Administration section, the portal elaborates upon the city’s administrative structure, information on the Heads of Departments, Public Information Officers and more. The Chandigarh section contains general information, history, maps, health, tourism, culture and education related information about the city. Each department related information and their official websites are also mentioned. One click of the mouse and you can get important telephone numbers for all departments, acts, notifications, tenders, quotations, citizens charters—all that you couldn’t get after countless visits to government offices. All important departments like Municipal Corporation, Estate Office, Police, Information Technology, Education, Health, Sports, Transport etc. are covered under the website. The website is a welcome relief as it not only provides information but also educates you about your rights as a citizen of Chandigarh. So log on to www.chandigarh.nic.in The good news doesn’t end here. The website is updated regularly to give you “weather of the day”, “arrival and departure information”, update on what’s happening in your city with “Today in City”. You can also check out photographs of recent events in the city in the “photo gallery” section and send in your grievances to the respective departments through the website. The website very correctly describes e-governance as “Putting people first.” The long queues, touts hanging around public offices and you desperately looking for someone who could get your work done faster are a thing of the past. Whether it’s bill payment, tenant or servant registration, login to the website, register yourself free of cost and do it all from the comfort of your home. One click is all it takes now! —
Courtesy: Atul Gupta, CEO, Red Alkemi
|
|
Keeping fabrics stain free
Soy sauce, toothpaste:
Blot and saturate spot with ammonia solution spray. Blot excess moisture. Do not wet the backing of carpets and rugs. Use a blotting motion to work the detergent solution into the affected area. Repeat the process as required. Wine:
Blot and saturate spot with white vinegar solution, using a spray bottle and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. Repeat the process as required. Chocolate, children’s drinks, carbonated drinks, cough syrups, eggs, ice creams:
Use household ammonia solution followed by mild detergent solution for persistent stains. Repeat the process as required. Crayons, furniture polish, grease, fountain pen and ball point pen ink, make up, milk, mud, oil paints, shoe polish, tar, vaseline:
Scrape or spoon away as much stain or offending particles as possible. Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile, use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no color is transferred to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing as this will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Never use a circular motion to remove spot as this may destroy the texture. Miscellaneous:
Acid toilet bowl cleaners, acne medication, alkaline drain cleaners, chlorinated bleach, hair dyes, iodine, insecticides, mustard with turmeric, plant fertilisers and stains of this nature cannot be removed as they usually permanently alter the carpet’s color. Call a professional.
— Courtesy: A.P. Singh, Besten & Co.
|
|
The Golmal guy
Jagmeet Samunderri, an alumnus of the Department of Mass Communications, Panjab University, Chandigarh, is making waves on the small screen. After devoting five years to theatre and playing key roles in plays like “Bury the Dead” and “Ladaai”, he went to Mumbai to try his luck. One can see this young man from Mukerian, Punjab in serials like “Anant” (Zee), “Awaaz” (Zee), “Shh… koi hai” (Star Plus), “Special Squad” (Star One), “Crime Patrol” (Sony) and “Countdown Show” (Zee) with Annu Kapoor. He has added another feather to his cap with SAB TV’s “Sab Golmal Hai”. Regarding this show Jagmeet says that this is all about conning people and finding a “bakra” to evoke laughter. “We don’t have a fixed script to follow. It is just an idea around which we work. Sometimes the situation also goes out of hand and then wits come into play. It is all about thinking and acting on the spur of the moment. With no retakes or cuts, we have to handle the situation and keep things within the framework,” says Jagmeet. Jagmeet is the man who plays pranks on people. “I enjoy making people ‘bakras’ but the show becomes extremely funny when celebrities get caught in your trap. The best pranks till date I played were on Asaavri Joshi and Rajesh Khera”, he adds. Recalling his experience of working with Asaavri, who has acted in award-winning comedy “Office Office” and recently released “Waqt”, Jagmeet said, “I went on the sets of ‘Sabse Bada Rupaiya’ where she was acting as one of the main leads. Our cameras were already hidden at that place. I went to her and said, ‘I am a CBI inspector sent on special duty to provide you with security as we have recorded a conversation of underworld dons in which her name has been taken for extortion.’” “She asked for my identity card. When I showed it, she started arguing and declared it to be fake. She was actually going to call someone from the CBI as she knew someone there. Then finally I told her that it was a prank played on her and she was on the show. Then she started laughing and took it very sportingly.” Recalling the prank he played on Rajesh Khera, who has acted in “Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin” and many other serials and advertisements, Jagmeet says, “We were shooting in a restaurant and cameras were hidden there. I was with my girlfriend and telling people to help me as she was leaving me because my stomach got upset quite often. There was a person who was convincing my girlfriend not to leave me because of such a stupid reason.” “In the meantime, Rajesh happened to enter the restaurant and I called him to convince my girlfriend that she should not leave me. He actually started doing that and a funny conversation started. At the end when I told him that it was just a prank, he was shocked”. Jagmeet is also doing two movies, of which one will be shot in London.
|
|
Rose Garden in full bloom
Peter Cook is simply awe-struck by the beauty of the swaying roses in the gentle breeze, clad in myriad colours and bathed with the morning dew as he walks with his friends. The morning crimson sun has not yet adorned its fiery yellow robe and mild traces of mist only make the setting of the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden in Sector 16 more poetical for the student group from England on a personal visit. “Look at the freshness of the colours set in a green
background. Looks unbelievable, almost like a visit to a fairyland”, quips his friend Natalie. Natalie and Rosemary are standing by the side of a rose-bed admiring the natural beauty in the largest rose garden in Asia. Spread in an area of over 30 acres, the garden is house to 548 different varieties of the floral beauty. At least 33 varieties were added to the collection last month, a senior official said. The origin of majority of the varieties can be traced back to Europe, mainly England. ‘Pappa Miland’, popularly known as the Black Rose, is one of the most sought after flower by tourists, revealed a gardener. According to an official, “We get new varieties largely from certain private agencies specialising in the flower culture. These are largely based at Kolkota and Bangalore”. “The names of the roses are baffling, but it was interesting to learn more about them”, said Amit Sharma, a student of DAV College, Sector 10, jotting down the names of different flowers on his dairy. “I am a student of Botany. I have been goaded by my friends who themselves have done the same exercise. I now recognise a large number of them by their appearance,” he said. Amit said, “During the period of my interest over the past for more than a year, I have come across a number of local residents, particularly senior citizens, who devote a lot of time in having a close look at the flower beds.” Lalita Chhabra, a school teacher, and Sandhya Gupta, a housewife, on their morning walk, when questioned about their knowledge about names of roses started a rail of names they remembered. Pankaj Sharma, a student of B. Sc. III, said “ I often cross the Rose Garden on my way to Sector 17 from my college in Sector 11. But from December onwards, I don’t come here to cross over to the other side. I bring my books along and like to sit in the sun and read. There are a number of students from the adjoining colleges who do the same”. Not only are roses there but the garden also houses trees of medicinal value and unique specimen trees to enhance the beauty of the garden.
|
|
Oodles of Oomph!
Forget Bunty aur Babli, Neil ‘n’ Nikki. The duo all set to make a sizzling statement on the city scene is Salil Gulati and Ritu Jagtiani. For, both these youthful designers who’ve been holding successful exhibitions abroad are now in the City Beautiful. They’ve come together with their brands Salil and Oomph to ‘make waves’, as they chorus. And what emerges from this confluence is the rich Indianness draped in a Western wrap. While Salil, a four-year-old brand that specialises in bridal trousseau, has embraced styling that’s more feminine and glitzy, Oomph, a hip western-wear brand, has changed too. “It’s my full-fledged first venture to sell my stuff and I’ve filled my Oomph collection with what the word stands for—vigour!” says Ritu, who loves to play with denims, leather, silks and suedes. Her western wear comprises of tops, skirts, trousers, coats and quilted jackets in myriad hues of Autumn—Olive, Beige, Brown, Blue, Turquoise, hot pink and lime. The price starts from Rs. 800 onwards and is therefore quite affordable. “My brand Oomph is for all those who are brand conscious as well as price conscious,” smiles the lady, dressed in one of her turquoise blue outfits. Salil Gulati, who’s revamped his fashion boutique Studio Salil, seems very hopeful, “Earlier I was more into exporting my designer stuff. But with the North Indian marriages getting more extravagant, the regional market for designer trousseau has grown extensively. That’s what inspired me to relaunch my brand in a more domestic avatar.” But why this merger with Oomph? Explains Salil, “The lounge and clubbing culture has finally arrived in town. People spend long evenings socialising at clubs and bars. And ladies can’t wear regular salwar kameez or sarees at such soirees. So clothes that are hip ‘n’ happening are in demand and Ritu’s collection is perfect for it.” Having worked with international brands like United Colours of Benetton, Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Gap and Marks ‘n’ Spencer, Jagtiani is finally flaunting her own brand. And Salil, who’s had a brand of his own since four years, can finally boast of a designer studio that moves beyond ethnic to embrace chic. No wonder, they are all smiles as we ask them , “What is there to flaunt about your studio?” “Everything” one hears the chorus again.
|
|
Kalpana – the flight “For me, art is what people want to see. So I use traditional symbols as my expression. Maybe later, much later I will try out abstract art,” he says, as he gets busy with the display of 25 paintings that he plans to showcase at Art Folio tomorrow. Named ‘Kalpana’, the exhibition is based on his works from previous years as well as recent ones, most of which had already been shown in his earlier exhibitions ‘Eternal Moments’, ‘Equus’ and his most recent one ‘Nityanandam- happiness always’. So there is not a connecting thread among his works to hold them together under a single theme. Tried with oil on canvas, he has come up with varied objects like a village belle in colourful costumes, an old man with a musical instrument, landscapes, mother and child and a young urban woman. The interplay of light and shade is delightful, especially in his black and white creations. But what captures one’s attention is the element of happiness and sincerity of the artist towards his subject. But then, considering the fact that Santosh is not a full time artist, but a banker who always loved art for art’s sake, his creations are bound to reflect some element of spontaneity, which stems from unadulterated passion.
|
|
Film &
FASHION “I’m single now for the first time in a decade, and it’s wonderful to find out who I am when I’m not someone’s girlfriend,” Contactmusic quoted her, as saying. “I was in a four-year relationship, then went into another four-year relationship. Then I dated someone for a year,” she added.
— ANI Eva’s shooting skills outshine Douglas’
Longoria, Douglas and actor Kiefer Sutherland decided to hold a shooting contest at her family’s Texas ranch to find out who was the best shot. The sexy actress said that even though everyone was betting on Sutherland to win, it was she who came out on tops while Douglas came in last. “Everybody thought Kiefer would come in first but I did. Michael was mad. He was like, Why am I third?” Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.
— ANI Knightley gets Globe nomination
British actress Keira Knightley, who won a Golden Globe nomination this week for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride and Prejudice”, said she initially tried to turn the part down. “I have been obsessed with the book and with the character since I was seven, but I really didn’t want to play it at all,” the 20-year-old told Reuters late on Tuesday, after hearing about her nomination for best actress in a musical or comedy. “I didn’t think I was ready for that kind of a lead role or anything like that, and it was my agent ... who just went ‘No, you’re doing it’, and I went ‘No I’m not,’” she added. In the end, Knightley backed down. Knightley is up against veteran British actress Judi Dench, nominated in the same category for “Mrs. Henderson Presents”. Also shortlisted were Laura Linney (“The Squid and the
Whale”), Sarah Jessica Parker (“The Family Stone”) and Reese Witherspoon (“Walk the Line”). The Globes are awarded in January and are seen as a key barometer ahead of the Oscars.
— Reuters Moss breaks silence on Doherty
Supermodel Kate Moss has broken her silence on her relationship with ‘Babyshambles’ rocker Pete Doherty by claiming that the relationship almost destroyed her life. Moss said that she had been duped by the singer’s ‘little-boy-lost’ routine which had nearly cost her everything she had worked so hard for. The model added that the only thing she now felt for the singer was complete disgust. “He’s a user in every sense of the word. He makes me sick,” she said.
— ANI Bruce attempts impressing Petra
It seems Bruce Willis desperately wants to loose his heart to stunning model Petra Nemcova, as the actor has been reportedly pestering the Czech beauty for a date, and has even donated $ 50,000 to charity to impress her. The ‘Die Hard’ star is said to have left no stone unturned to get the contact details of the sexy model. However, despite all his efforts, when he failed in passing on his heart’s message to the lady, he eventually turned up at the “Light of Heart” benefit gala, at New York restaurant Cipriani Downtown, last week to surprise Petra, who was also in attendance. The hunky star presented an award at the exclusive bash and later donated around 50,000 dollars to allegedly impress the model, who is said to be dating Los Angeles movie producer Matt Palmieri. The pair were later seen chatting, and according to Femalefirst, Petra eventually succumbed to Willis’ charms and gave him her telephone number. However, the actor’s representative have denied that Bruce has been chasing Petra to win a date, and have “People were looking for Petra to see if she wanted a role in the movie - not for Bruce,” the report quoted the representative, as telling America’s New York Post
newspaper. — ANI Lindsay Lohan is Chanel’s new face Teen-star Lindsay Lohan is over the moon with joy these days as she has been chosen by fashion giant Chanel to be their new face. The “Mean Girls” star, who met with the label’s designer Karl Lagerfeld this month, said that she was ecstatic over the thought of working with the designer. “I’m so excited. I think it’s for a magazine. I’m shooting with Karl Lagerfeld! It’s amazing,” Contactmusic quoted her, as saying. The redhead actress will replace supermodel Kate Moss who was dropped after pictures of her snorting cocaine were splashed all over the tabloids.
— ANI
|
|
Eat green vegetables: Anemia is very prevalent in women and children. The haemoglobin of an average Indian women is about 8 to 9 gm per cent as against the desired value of 11 to 12 gm per cent. The main reason are nutritional deficiencies and worm infestations. Include leafy green vegetables in your diet and de-worm children periodically. — 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 | |
Romanov, one of India’s largest selling vodkas, now comes in a brand new avatar. Not only is the packaging new, but also the blend. The new Romanov is triple distilled and a seven-step manufacturing process “gives it a never-before taste,” claim the makers.
Champagne Indage has announced the launch of Chantilli and Riviera range of wines taking the count of its wine portfolio to 32.
Rust:
Spray lemon juice to saturate the spot and blot after five minutes. If this does not work, further apply detergent solution to the spot. Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. Repeat the process as required. Most rust removers contain a very strong acid, hence not recommended for use by homeowners. 
For R.B. Santosh Kumar, a Delhi based artist, art should reach out to people directly. So what you see in his first-ever exhibition in Chandigarh is a series of paintings based on nature, human forms or just life that comes in pleasant colours and well-defined strokes. No place for surrealistic images in Santosh’s art, not yet!
Actress Salma Hayek is enjoying her current status as a single after a decade of being romanced by some of the worlds sexiest men. The actress said that she found the whole experience of not being someone’s girlfriend new and wonderful.
‘Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria has revealed that she managed to upset veteran actor Michael Douglas by proving to be a better shot than him.
insisted that he only wanted her number to offer her a role in his upcoming movie ‘Perfect Stranger’.
ARIES : You draw "Ten of Pentacles" so a very depleting and confusing day when you do not know exactly what you want and do not feel strong. Lucky number: 9. Lucky Colour: Crimson
LIBRA : Be careful when making decisions as you may be unable to focus on the important details. Your love life may go through some tense moments. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Black.
TAURUS : The Card "Magician" reveals that your imagination can run wild now, and you want to act out strange desires. A very inspired, fertile day for you. Lucky number: 5. Lucky Colour: Brick red.
SCORPIO:
Hectic activity at work will leave you with little free time. There could be last minute changes and your ability to respond to emergencies will be noticed by seniors. Lucky number: 9. Lucky colour: Silver grey.
GEMINI : Take a break out indulge in a sporty activity. A need for support, a sense of security and continuity is accented now. "The Chariot" drawn by four sphinxes brings light. Lucky number: 6. Lucky Colour: Sea green
SAGITTARIUS : You may be in a contemplative mood as you mull over recent changes or decisions that you have taken. Close associates could turn to you for advise. Lucky number: 10. Lucky Colour: Royal Blue
CANCER : Competitors in business cannot touch you or harm in any way. A shopping excursion can set your budget ablaze. New answers to old problems are possible. Lucky number: 17. Lucky Colour: Metallic grey.
CAPRICORN : Career women face a sudden stop or shift. Discussing things calmly and rationally with your partner will help ease your concerns. Lucky number: 10. Lucky Colour: Turquoise. 
LEO : Your card "The Princess of Cups" manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Personal relationships are romantic and exciting. Lucky number: 11. Lucky colour: Sea green
AQUARIUS : Your social life will brim with love and laughter. You need to keep your sense of objectivity to avoid getting into arguments. Be careful about making investments. Lucky number: 15. Lucky Colour: Cream.
VIRGO : You may feel quite restless if you are in a stable relationship. You may be highly attracted to someone new simply because of the novelty and possibilities for adventure. Lucky number: 19. Lucky colour: Cream.
PISCES:
There could be opportunities to start new assignments. Romance could get strained if your partner feels alienated due to your inability to spend time together. Lucky number: 14. Lucky Colour: Black.