Wishing Manjit Bawa Well The critical medical condition of celebrated painter Manjit Bawa at the peak of the art season has cast a gloom in the art circles. City artists wish him well and recount his achievements to Nirupama Dutt The past two decades that saw a major boom for contemporary art in the country have in a way had painter Manjit Bawa as a central player. The talented painter made long strides in achieving a celebrity status home and abroad, crossing over from pure art to a showmanship of a kind that such fame usually entails. Controversy surrounded him in the past few years, as there were accusations against him for hiring junior artists to do his works. However, Manjit continued painting and showing, inaugurating events in his silk kurtas and pashmina shawls, singing Sufiana songs and cooking Punjabi food at Lohrhi and Baisakhi festival dos and winning over feminine hearts .

Mannat is born
We had heard about B.A.G. Films before. ‘Har Dil Zo Love Karega’, ‘Sansani’, ‘Khulja Sim Sim’, ‘Haqueeqat’, ‘Zaike Ka Safar’, ‘Chalti Ka Naam Antakshari’—it made a name for itself in the television world. 

Ode to nature Parbina Rashid reviews the latest work of Prabal Pramanik who is an artist with a difference Prabal Pramanik is an artist who believes human sensitivity cannot be measured in terms of money and neither can be art. Otherwise why would the artist come all the way from his adopted village, Bhamlada, to exhibit his sketches at Punjab Kala Bhavan and to say a firm ‘no’ to anyone who shows an interest in buying it? The exhibition, aptly called ‘Black White & Inbetween’ showcases 56 pieces of art works by the artist. The black and white ink drawings and a few paper cutting works bear the true signature style of Pramanik. CUT ABOVE: Prabal Pramanik makes a paper cut of K. Kumar. — Photo by Vinay Malik

Saying goodbye to fuzz Ever cursed your being a woman while undergoing that terrible pain of waxing?Even if you have, worry no longer. For, VLCC health care has introduced high tech Laser for permanent hair reduction. This US FDA approved permanent hair reduction machine is renowned worldwide and accepted by dermatologists. It is the safest and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair from all parts of the body. It is relatively 100 per cent painless and with no side effects. This service is available in all the reputed beauty clinics of VLCC in metro cities.  In the recent years, when everybody’s thinking about beauty, this laser hair removal has become very popular. This high tech laser hair removal makes the procedure safer, more comfortable, more effective, and more affordable than many other hair removal procedures. It destroys or disables the hair follicle, thereby preventing re-growth. IN ACTION: Dermatogolists at VLCC working on a client. — Photo by Vinay Malik

Season of the Sea While a lot of Chandigarians, not used to the marine delicacies, screw up their noses at the very mention of fish (conjuring up images of the ‘smelly’ things), quite a few are attracted by the exotica. In fact, squid reminds me of Goa’s Taj Fort Aguada. In fact, squid reminds me of Goa’s Taj Fort Aguada. The manager sitting across me in the five-star shack restaurant, overlooking the beautiful blue Arabian Sea under the azure sky, had downed the squids lining the rim of a tall wine glass one by one in five minutes flat, smacking his lips in total contentment while I was still struggling to nibble on my first squid, trying hard to conceal my abject lack of gastronomic wisdom and sensibility. Goan and Portugesa Food Festival at Hotel Maya Palace , Sector 35, Chandigarh. — Photo by Vinay Malik

A fest for every foodie
What better time to savour the warmth of rich cuisines than chilly December days. Perhaps that’s what has invited a row of food fests to City Beautiful. But even as the city is witnessing a sudden surge in the number of food festivals being held these days, this festival stands out for its sheer collection of food.

Travel in Style The international casual fashion brand GIORDANO has launched a range of fashionable travel gear (luggage) in India after tasting success in the time-wear (watches) and eye-wear (glasses) ranges. In view of India being one of the high priority markets, the travel gear range has been launched here simultaneously with the worldwide launch. These products are distributed in India exclusively through Elite Brands Private Limited (EBPL). The Indian operation has been immensely successful so far with GIORDANO occupying the Number: 2 position behind Samsonite in the premium segment of the luggage industry in less than a year. LUXURY LUGGAGE: A view of the fine luggage and accessories by GIORDANO

Every man’s a little boy deep inside
After 25 years of so-called blissful matrimony, I have suddenly discovered that my husband is having an affair. I was completely shocked by this revelation which I seem to have come across by chance. Otherwise I presume life would have carried on in blissful harmony with my being completely unaware of what was going on. 

Film & FASHION
Ricky Martin to perform at the Taj
Popular singer Ricky Martin will perform at the Taj Mahal in Agra in February as part of a series of worldwide concerts to raise awareness about children affected by HIV/AIDS. Martin’s performance at the 17th century monument of love February 25 will be the first concert of the series, all of which will be staged at venues close to architectural and archaeological marvels like the Eiffel Tower in Paris the pyramids of Egypt.

Health and Fitness

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

Wishing Manjit Bawa Well

The critical medical condition of celebrated painter Manjit Bawa at the peak of the art season has cast a gloom in the art circles. City artists wish him well and recount his achievements to Nirupama Dutt

The past two decades that saw a major boom for contemporary art in the country have in a way had painter Manjit Bawa as a central player. The talented painter made long strides in achieving a celebrity status home and abroad, crossing over from pure art to a showmanship of a kind that such fame usually entails. Controversy surrounded him in the past few years, as there were accusations against him for hiring junior artists to do his works. However, Manjit continued painting and showing, inaugurating events in his silk kurtas and pashmina shawls, singing Sufiana songs and cooking Punjabi food at Lohrhi and Baisakhi festival dos and winning over feminine hearts even though he had stepped into his Sixties.

The painter born at Dhuri in 1941 always had very close ties with Pun jab and the city and many of his friends, associates and admirers were shocked when he was moved to a super-specialty hospital in Delhi following a brain haemorrage on December 17. Put on life-support systems, his condition remains critical still and many are voicing their concern for one of the finest painters of our times and wishing him well. Chandigarh-based painter Balvinder, who also belongs to Dhuri, says: “Manjit is one of our best painters and we hope that he will recover and get back to his work. He was the first to make the flat use of colour, inspired by the traditional miniatures. He remained an inspiration to many and he was a trendsetter.”

Manjit’s figurative work and use of bright colours is daring and impressive. A master colourist, his figures of Krishna with the flute or eating a banana short him into recognition. He was at equal ease painting acrobats as well as animal figures ranging from the mighty lone to the holy cow and the docile goat. Deeply disturbed by communal rioting and violence, he, however, never reacted directly but chose the artist’s way by showing harmony of the animal world or gentle figures culled from folk legends and myth. Commenting on his work and persona, theatre director Neelam Mansingh says, “I wish he comes back to his own. I got to know him at the Bharat Bhavan at Bhopal in the Eighties. He would sing Sufi songs and was the life and soul of any party. His paintings too are very special and he is one of the leading artists of our times.”

Painter Malkit Singh, who spoke to the painter’s older brother Manmohan Singh, says: “The news is very depressing. I have had a very fond association with him. He is a great painter and also a great friend exuding Punjabiat.” .Manjit is a major painter and one wishes him well.” Yes, one does hope that Manjit recovers and gets back to his painting and singing. Of course, his cooking too and one waits for a Lohrhi when he will play chef with aplomb with his favourite menu of ‘Machhli Amritsari’, ‘Jallandhari Chicken Tikka’, ‘Punjab Kadhi’ and much more.

Mannat is born

LOVE BLOOMS: Jimmy Shergill and Kulraj Randhwa in 'Mannat'.

We had heard about B.A.G. Films before. ‘Har Dil Zo Love Karega’, ‘Sansani’, ‘Khulja Sim Sim’, ‘Haqueeqat’, ‘Zaike Ka Safar’, ‘Chalti Ka Naam Antakshari’—it made a name for itself in the television world. But what we learnt today is that this production house has started a Punjabi film, ‘Mannat’, shooting for which has started in the city.

The film is of course a love story and starring in it is our own Patiala-bred Jimmy Shergill and city girl Kulraj Randhawa (of Kareena Kareena fame). It also has Kanwaljit Singh and Deep Dhillon in supporting roles. Like any other event, the commencement of shooting too, succeeded a well-attended press conference. Punjab Finance Minister Surinder Singla was present at the venue along with Jimmy and Kulraj.

Giving details about the film, Mejoo Khan, film Division Head of B.A.G. Films, says, “As we all know the biggest strength of the Punjabis is love, romance, music, sense of humour, we have selected a story that fulfils every aspect in life.”

Anuradha Prasad of B.A.G. Films lets us know that with ‘Mannat’ the production house is making a conscious effort to promote the local talents. “The entire cast and crew is from Punjab and even the resources required to make this film, be it the technical support or locations,” she says.

Saying that the film reflects the Punjabi zest for life, Gulbir Singh Grewal, who directs the film, says the film has ingredients, which truly reflect the Punjabi spirit.

He film is being produced by Anuradha and music is given by Jaidev Kumar and Shafqat Ali Khan. —TNS

Ode to nature
Parbina Rashid reviews the latest work of Prabal Pramanik who is an artist with a difference

Prabal Pramanik is an artist who believes human sensitivity cannot be measured in terms of money and neither can be art. Otherwise why would the artist come all the way from his adopted village, Bhamlada, to exhibit his sketches at Punjab Kala Bhavan and to say a firm ‘no’ to anyone who shows an interest in buying it?

The exhibition, aptly called ‘Black White & Inbetween’ showcases 56 pieces of art works by the artist. The black and white ink drawings and a few paper cutting works bear the true signature style of Pramanik. It is all sure-handed single-stroke work that creates an illusion of infinity.

Even the inauguration of the exhibition was done the true Pramanik way. No fanfare or no media glare. He got his friend K. Kumar, Panchkula-based short story writer, to pose for him and did a sketch in no time, mounted it and the sketch found itself a place along with other drawings.

As he guides us through his collections, he lets us know that all these drawings were done when he was travelling from in the hills. It was done with pen, not even pencils. And looking at the optimum uses of lines and no colour at all, he did justice to the grandeur of the Himalayan state. Interestingly, there are a few from City Beautiful too.

He highlights not only the beauty of nature, but also his resentment at the invasion of modernity into his village, which he says used to be a serene one minus the electricity and all modern gadgets.

“I call this collection some pages from the pictorial diary of my life,” says Pramanik. “I have the habit of carrying a sketch book and my pen wherever I go. Over the years it has grown in diversity as I continues with my journey,” he adds.

For a man who ran away from home in Kolkata to pursue his artistic dreams with nothing but his skill, Pramanik is happy man today. “We all need money to sustain our lives, but what I need the most is to maintain the artistic attitude,” he explains. Which means not over commercialisation of his art form.

His Prabal Pramanik’s Academy of Arts is doing well. He is teaching students not only the art of drawing and paper cutting art called Devasthanakala, but is also incorporating new streams like textile designing and brining in multi media technique to bring art awareness in his region.

“We are about four persons in our academy and teach students through workshops which is free of cost. But we are planning to hold regular classes for a nominal charge in the future,” he says.

Art is divine but then no living soul can afford to ignore the economy part forever, even someone like Prabal Pramanik. So as we point out at the collection of greeting cards and posters based on his paintings, he gives us a shy smile, “Yes, this lot is for sale. We have to earn our living too.” Do you feel relived!

The exhibition is on at Punjab Kala Bhavan till January 3. 

Saying goodbye to fuzz
Rajiv Bhatia

Ever cursed your being a woman while undergoing that terrible pain of waxing?Even if you have, worry no longer. For, VLCC health care has introduced high tech Laser for permanent hair reduction. This US FDA approved permanent hair reduction machine is renowned worldwide and accepted by dermatologists. It is the safest and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair from all parts of the body. It is relatively 100 per cent painless and with no side effects. This service is available in all the reputed beauty clinics of VLCC in metro cities. In the recent years, when everybody’s thinking about beauty, this laser hair removal has become very popular. This high tech laser hair removal makes the procedure safer, more comfortable, more effective, and more affordable than many other hair removal procedures. It destroys or disables the hair follicle, thereby preventing re-growth.

Ask Dr Rohit Bansal, Dermatologist, Area Manager (Northern Region) about the how many sittings are needed to remove hair and he replies, “The full treatment takes an average of six to eight sittings, and each sitting is done at an interval of three to six weeks. Results of the treatment vary from person to person depending on the growth cycle of hair and hormonal status of the individual.”

He also enumerates the results of laser hair removal. After treatment of six months, laser procedures remove 100 percent of targeted hair. Even after multiple treatments, however, you may experience some hair re-growth, while the new hair may be finer and lighter.

This high tech Laser hair removal is usually done through several treatments depending on the size of the area being treated.  Costs for laser hair removal procedures vary greatly depending on where it is done. For the upper lips, the cost of six sittings is Rs 6000 and cost of full face is Rs 18,000. Cost also depends on the area of face.

And how much risk is involved in this treatment? “It is little bit risky as it may involve some pain, swelling, redness and skin staining. After this treatment, don’t get a facial done on your face and do not wash your with soap. Use only sunscreen lotion regularly”, says Dr Bansal.

So, all you youngsomes out there, are you game too for removing your unwanted hair?

Season of the Sea
Harvinder Khetal

While a lot of Chandigarians, not used to the marine delicacies, screw up their noses at the very mention of fish (conjuring up images of the ‘smelly’ things), quite a few are attracted by the exotica.

In fact, squid reminds me of Goa’s Taj Fort Aguada. The manager sitting across me in the five-star shack restaurant, overlooking the beautiful blue Arabian Sea under the azure sky, had downed the squids lining the rim of a tall wine glass one by one in five minutes flat, smacking his lips in total contentment while I was still struggling to nibble on my first squid, trying hard to conceal my abject lack of gastronomic wisdom and sensibility.

Ahem! Well, I guess I am one of the few unfortunate ones who have to develop the taste for foreign fare. It takes time for our poor taste buds to realize that it is indeed edible gourmet stuff. But, there are many palettes enjoying sea food with relish. This is apparent from the success of the aquatic food festivals annually hosted by a number of city hotels. Come winters and it seems seafood is the preferred specialty that city restaurants like to dish out.

After the recent festival at Sunbeam that showcased a few select preparations, now Hotel Maya Palace , Sector 35, tempts foodies with its extra range of fare. While it was pomfrets, sole and shrimps tantalizing your taste buds there, in Maya Palace you have an addition in the menu in the form of trouts and squids as part of their Goa and Portuguese food mela. A couple of hotels away, Platinum too displays a banner tempting guests with ‘seafood festival’. In this connection, Blue Ice, Sector 17, also comes to mind. And Swagat of Sector 26 boasts of a range not found elsewhere.

“I love to try out and experiment with food,” says Dipin, an epicure who has travelled the world over and subjected his tongue to a variety that most of us have just read about. When it comes to seafood, he agrees, “Well, that’s a fish of different mettle altogether and I freaked out on some great stuff in Japan .”

Brushing aside my doubts, Rajeev Kakar, General Manager of Maya Palace, assures us that they have desi versions of the fish and styles of cooking on the set of choices for those who would rather tread the tried and tested path. He says that the spicy tout grilled in the clay oven has come from the river flowing in our very own Bilaspur in Himachal. It is one of the sweetest waters of the world, he adds, smilingly.

Jhinga kadai, as the name suggests, too is a North Indian variety. It is an orchestra of masaledar prawns, capsicums, onions and tomatoes. Similarly, prawn malai curry is cream-based bland preparation.

And the unusual fare, for the daring ones out there? Well, the full meal of prawn stroganoff stands out. Buttered and cooked in brown sauce, the marine meat is served with pilaf rice. Maintaining the Goan ethnicity is the lobster Portugesa with its strong flavour of garlic sensitising the nostrils and the onion-laced tomato concasse with a topping of cheese completing the picture. The colonial style fish is a traditional British combination of battered fish and thick cut chips served with lemon wedges. The interesting starters include the fish wrapped in banana leaf and steam-cooked in Kerala style as also the sesame-laden fried fish. To top it all, the Goan music and waiters dressed in gaily coloured clothes and hats serve to enhance the ambience of the place. 

A fest for every foodie
Maneesh Chhibber

What better time to savour the warmth of rich cuisines than chilly December days. Perhaps that’s what has invited a row of food fests to City Beautiful. But even as the city is witnessing a sudden surge in the number of food festivals being held these days, this festival stands out for its sheer collection of food.

Starting from our very own North and South Indian foods, the International Food Festival being held at Hotel G.K. International, Sector 35, also boasts of Italian, Mongolian, Chinese and Pakistani food. The festival continues till December 31 midnight.

And guess what’s best thing about this food festival? It’s probably the delightful experience the guests here get by choosing the ingredients, the amount of spices and type of sauces that they prefer. Not only this but everything is cooked right in front of their eyes.

“Live Cooking, this is what is unique about our festival. We have placed everything on the table and let the customer choose whatever he wants in his dish. The chefs will prepare the dish in front of the customer’s eyes and even explain the method of preparation,” explains Anu K. Bansal, General Manager, Hotel G.K. International.

If there are five types of pasta and three kinds of sauces at the Pasta Station for Italian food lovers, the quails and the Plum Sesame Chicken at the Japanese counter are too inviting to resist. For the vegetarians, the same counter has Tampura vegetable.

Succulent, grilled, luscious —the pick of the festival is easily the Cajun blackened fish pieces which come with a special masala. The fish actually melts in your mouth. Mutton Lahori Tikka is a close second.

Among the other attractions are Chicken Chetnad (South Indian), Cajun Biryani (Spanish), and the vast array of Mangolian dishes, all cooked in front of you.

But, don’t fill your tummies with just the food. For, the festival also has six yummy desserts, all of which you must try a little bit.

Says Bansal, “We had been feeling for quite sometime that the food lovers of the city wanted a festival like this. And, we have not been proved wrong.”

Well folks, make the most of the foodie delights available here and rollick in the food fun, for it’s the time to raise a toast to festivity.

Travel in Style

The international casual fashion brand GIORDANO has launched a range of fashionable travel gear (luggage) in India after tasting success in the time-wear (watches) and eye-wear (glasses) ranges. In view of India being one of the high priority markets, the travel gear range has been launched here simultaneously with the worldwide launch. These products are distributed in India exclusively through Elite Brands Private Limited (EBPL).

The Indian operation has been immensely successful so far with GIORDANO occupying the Number: 2 position behind Samsonite in the premium segment of the luggage industry in less than a year. The other players in this segment include other multinational brands like Delsey, Eminent, Echolac etc and the domestic player VIP.

Its attractive range of luggage, crafted with innovative fabrics in contemporary designs and styles, are trendy and eye-catching. While it sticks to the basic foundations of the luggage design, it has carved out a distinct identity for itself by introducing a complete range, which is very different from the traditional offerings generally available in the market. Thanks to GIORDANO, now, people can sport luggage in a variety of textures and finishes never seen before from other luggage brands. It is guaranteed to make heads turn!

GIORDANO Travel Gear is retailed across India through a chain of company owned and franchised Exclusive Brand Outlets, Premium specialty outlets, and chain stores such as Lifestyle, Shoppers’ Stop, Pyramid, Central Malls, SAGA, Benzer and Nik Nish.

The Exclusive Brand Stores are aesthetically designed and strategically located in a combination of premium malls and high streets. Already 19 stores are operational and many more are on the anvil. GIORDANO Travel Gear is launching its range of travel accessories next month in Chandigarh. This launch in India is happening simultaneously with its international launch. It will also be introducing some new ranges which would be available here next month.

In Chandigarh the entire range of GIORDANO Travel Gear is available in its international ambience at Parkash Sons, S.C.O.-15, Sector17-E, Chandigarh. — TNS

Every man’s a little boy deep inside

After 25 years of so-called blissful matrimony, I have suddenly discovered that my husband is having an affair. I was completely shocked by this revelation which I seem to have come across by chance. Otherwise I presume life would have carried on in blissful harmony with my being completely unaware of what was going on. I have two daughters of marriageable age and one of them is engaged to be married. Since I was so completely taken aback by the situation, I discussed it with my elder daughter who was equally horrified with this new development in her life. She is now not on speaking terms with her father. Although he has begged for forgiveness I do not seem to be able to forgive him. I thought we had a perfect marriage. This has completely shaken me up. I feel unable to accept the situation. My self-esteem has hit rock bottom. What must I do?

As a woman to a woman I can empathise with you but please shop doing this to yourself. Your husband’s behaviour has nothing to do with you, so why should you allow it to affect your self-esteem? Your own self worth is all about yourself and no body must be allowed to encroach on that territory of yours. Do not take his affair personally and allow him the space of having to take his own decision. Your husband has probably indulged himself in a scenario which most men in our society would be just fantasing about. Of course, seeing it from your point of you I can understand the pain you are going through and the irreparable damage he has caused to his own position in the eyes of his children. Believe me, for most fathers, the respect of his kids is a prime factor. But now that he is bagging for forgiveness, do try and forgive him and show him some love and understanding. Easier said than done, you might say, but remember deep inside every man is a little boy and all undesirable behaviour boils down to childhood insecurity. May be he was trying to prove something to that little kid inside of him who wasn’t liked at school . May be he cant’ express himself well enough to you and here in this particular set up he lived his macho self. Trust me. Give him a chance to prove himself a good dad and a good husband. Since he has not run away from any of his family responsibilities, there must be some good in him. Employ self discipline and do not self-obsess over the topic. Give him a woman’s love and understanding and he will surely come round and make you happy once more.

Human nature is the same all over the world. People of a lesser type and a shallow character are ridden with jealousies. I can relate to what you say because if I look back into life, I can see myself in various similar situations. But you must see the brighter side of it. These are the kind of situations that bring out the best in you. The mere fact that you are understanding and tackling a negative emotion at your tender age is an encouraging factor. You have a long way to go my dear girl as you are perhaps just at the beginning of your career graph and are just getting to taste a sample of big bad world outside. All sensitive people go through these kinds of emotions but you have to just learn to ignore this. Pretend you haven’t noticed and if someone is nasty, show complete indifference. They are looking for a reaction. Do not give them the satisfaction of reacting to them. After a while, they will tire themselves of their negative habits and give up. Allow your confidence to get the better of you. Take on the world at your own terms and don’t allow these minor push overs to hassle you. Just be you.

Rush in your queries to Renee at lifestyle@tribunemail.com or care of Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chandigarh

Film & FASHION
Ricky Martin to perform at the Taj

Popular singer Ricky Martin will perform at the Taj Mahal in Agra in February as part of a series of worldwide concerts to raise awareness about children affected by HIV/AIDS. Martin’s performance at the 17th century monument of love February 25 will be the first concert of the series, all of which will be staged at venues close to architectural and archaeological marvels like the Eiffel Tower in Paris the pyramids of Egypt.

The singer said he was joining the 8th Wonder of the World concert series to help protect children from AIDS.

"What is understood across the globe is that children are the future. What is not understood around the globe is that the future of many developing countries is in jeopardy due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic that affects million of children worldwide," he said in a statement.

Martin, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, has long been a strong advocate of children’s rights and protection through his Ricky Martin Foundation.—IANS

Nick Lachey gets support

Nick Lachey is getting support from the strangest places after his divorce from Jessica Simpson.

According to New York Post, an online travel agency called OneTravel Holdings, is offering Lachey an all expense-paid package to Las Vegas, including a week’s stay at the legendary Rain Main suite at Caesar’s. This is in an effort to get the "bad boy" tendencies out of his system.

This offer came up after Simpson’s divorce petition, in which she said she should not have to give any spousal support, became public.

The CEO of OneTravel Will Goldstein said: "We wanted to give Nick Lachey one last chance to ride on someone else’s dime." —IANS

Bono’s busy schedule frustrates U2

Irish rockers U2 say they would love to give their lead singer Bono a really good kick but also admit that his perfection will not give them that opportunity.

According to contactmusic.com, the band is frequently frustrated by Bono’s busy schedule outside of making music, as well as his outspoken views on poverty and debt in the developing world. But, despite their urgings, Bono’s success as an activist silences them.

Drummer Larry Mullen says: "Sometimes I really wish he would do something that we could punch a really big hole into. Sometimes it’s just so constant, the meetings, the speaking, the mouth, but in the end even I have to say he’s doing a great job, and he’s getting things done. Look, if it was possible to have a really good kick at what he does, as a band we would have done it before anyone else." —IANS

Claudia Schiffer’s house burgled

Model Claudia Schiffer’s house was burgled in London while she and her two children were sleeping.
According to pagesix.com, the thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of electrical equipment. They took a laptop and a digital camera with irreplaceable family photos. A friend of the model said: "Claudia is horrified that someone was creeping around while they were asleep." — IANS

Mary Blige’s attack on USA

Singer Mary J. Blige has launched a scathing attack against the USA, accusing it of upholding an inherently racist attitude towards non-white citizens.
According to contactmusic.com, Blige says the only way for blacks to be successful is by conforming to white ideals.
She says: "The blacker you are, the worse it is for you. If you’re mixed, you’ve got a shot. If you cater for what white America wants you to do and how they want you to look, you can survive. But if you want to be yourself, and try to do things that fit you and your skin. At the end of the day white America dominates and rules. And it’s racist." —IANS

Health and Fitness

Promise yourself this New Year, to look after your health. The richest human on this earth is poor if he or she is in poor health. Set small do-able goals for yourself and stick to a schedule. It’s never too late to begin. Keep company of people who are health conscious to keep yourself motivated.

— Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: Heartaches of the past are forgotten as you get a new lease of life at work. There is an annoying tendency of someone in a position of authority. You can expect visitors or a communication from someone overseas to be positive and helpful. Lucky number : 4. Lucky colour : Saffron	LIBRA: Finances brighten considerably. Aim for the proper method of organising things and you might be set up for a stable environment. There is a chance to deeply impress someone without gloating, so be restrained when praising yourself. Lucky number: 14. Lucky colour: Silver grey.
TAURUS: A classic afternoon get-together between you and an old flame could be the antidote to your recent bout with boredom. Ponder at partnership as surrender, and ask yourself if it is time to give up for good or just give in for a few hours. Lucky number: 6.Lucky colour : Creamy white.	SCORPIO: An attitude or bad mood will make you less popular than usual. Try to avoid social interaction for the day, if only to let things resolve themselves. Pleasant normalcy is on the horizon. A Virgo can be supportive. Lucky number : 16. Lucky colour : White.
GEMINI: Keep up with an exercise routine or a work schedule. It’s a good time to build up positive patterns that foster growth. Look around at the successful people you admire. Diligence to a plan is the secret they share. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Burgundy	SAGITTARIUS: You are generous and giving in personal relationships and command respect from family and friends. Mastery of your skills or craft brings appreciation and fresh opportunity. Lucky colour : Red. Lucky number : 4.
CANCER: A romance that you might have thought was headed your way arrives on its own terms. Your boss is as stubborn as you are, so have a flexible attitude. It’s advisable to meditate and remain centered within and witness the ups and downs. Lucky number : 9 Lucky colour : Silver.	CAPRICORN: Your greatest friends are those you meet in transit. You will be focused and well prepared for important meetings and presentations. You play healer for someone else during a trip. Lucky number : 15. Lucky Colour : Cream.
LEO: Tension in the home will have an emotional affect. Look to a close friend or family member to clarify long-term solutions. There is a chance to gain by interacting with your soul mate through checks, letters and emails. Lucky number: 9. Lucky colour: White.	AQUARIUS: There is no substitute for hard work ; so do not shirk responsibility. Allow your heart to lead the way in personal relationship. Disruption in a business venture is temporary. Lucky number: 12. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow.
VIRGO: Take the plunge, and the problem will disappear. The big ideas you have been setting out for people are starting to take shape. There is love and romance in a personal relationship. A journey on the cards. Lucky number : 1. Lucky Colour: Lotus Pink.	PISCES: You may start a long-term venture that actualises your potential and brings you fame. Financial gains are on the cards. Your sense of humour will put you in the spotlight. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 1.