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Of Egg and Eggplants TECH TALK Affordable Jewellery
Jassi jaisi koi nahin Film & FASHION
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Finding warmth in cool places Exhausted winter sun, snuggling cozily under the gray quilt of dense clouds, is driving turtle-doves indoors, hastily.
As the humming air-conditioner bellows warm breeze of affection in a Sector 11 coffee bar, Puneeta Sharma slips into the single-seater sofa with her guy. Feeling his muscular arms around her fragile shoulders, the charming college student whispers sweet nothings over the deafening din of thumping music echoing against walls decked up with bills and posters. Steaming coffee mugs with froth busting at the brim are really not required as their quench their thirst looking into each others’ eyes, literally. Romantic, isn’t it? Well, standing there under the air-conditioner, you are reminded of Ben Jonson’s famous poem to Celia: “Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss within the cup, And I’ll not ask for wine”. What do you say, folks? Anyway, shifting your attention back to the couples, you realise that the balmy waft is actually igniting the flames of tender emotions among the couples, and burning stags with fiery pangs of jealousy. Well guys, you cannot help it. There are haves and have-nots in society. It’s a class conflict that has been going on for ages. So forget about the forlorn guys and listen to what college student-cum-self proclaimed socialite Raman Jain has to say about the pairs. Looking at them with understanding eyes, he says, “Gone are the days when bill-and-cooers would chuck under the chin in sun’s vertical rays away from the rejuvenating shade of dense trees in the Leisure valley and so many other places. With the mercury plunging and dew dampening the spirits outside, so many teenyboppers are finding their way inside the cozy joints to let out the steam”. His chum-cum-class mate Dheeraj Sharma more than agrees. Sitting on a comfy sofa with his “girl” in the coffee bar, the under-grad science student smiles, “It’s kind of difficult to walk hand in hand in the open when the wind is piercing through your jackets. Either you huddle together and wait for the baton-yielding cops to arrive and scream at you or sit in a joint with just one cup of coffee to last for good three hours”. Flashing a broad smile, he says, “We prefer this place over the Bougainvillea Garden. No one objects to your being private in public. The society you see is turning permissive. Also, Chandigarh is growing. Unlike 15 years ago, you can actually sit hand in hand with a girl in a fast food joint without your parents knowing about it”. Sipping water, Sharma says with a naughty smile playing on his lips, “So there is actually no reason for us to sit on the wet grass glistering under a fine film of dew in this weather when we can actually savour life comfortably in these joints”. As he sits with his back turned towards the crowd, students-turned-waiters working behind the counters smile. Polishing coffee mugs, they assert, “The number of friends-cum-lovers has gone up by almost 20 per cent ever since the clouds started playing havoc. So many just do not order anything and dodge their time ‘playing games’ with each other. No wonder, you have to struggle hard for finding a place to sit”. That’s the way it is, folks.
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Ethnic Sanctuary
This place offers a memorable stay in traditional huts and cottages ‘Thikana’, blended with the rustic charm with modern day comforts. As far as hotel facilities are concerned, the resort also offers amenities such as telephones, television sets etc. The tourists will be served with local cuisine in typical, warm and endearing style, in ‘Hut-k’ a multicuisine restaurant. Designed by Rajeev Mahajan, renowned Chandigarh based architect, ‘Vaseela’ has all that is captivating and enchanting about Punjab’s rich culture. Beautiful wall paintings are unique attraction of its own kind here. Depicting local architecture, it is resplendent in colours, exuding a special rustic charm. One can experience the thrill of being in a buoyant and live village. Sarmaya, a separate section of private collection is exhibiting the typical jewellery of the region, household articles, agricultural implements, coins, music instruments and weapons. A visit to Vaseela will be a great learning experience for the modern generation. Young generation is not much aware of our rich culture and heritage. Its and idea place for people who wants to have a feel about Punjab and its rich culture”, says MPS Aulakh former DGP of Punjab who runs this place with the help of his son Amarinder. “Vaseela is my parents’ idea. I was not that much interested in it initially but with the passage of time I have started loving it and it has become my passion. It will help in promoting tourism in the state and showcasing the ethnic art and culture of Punjab”, says Amarinder. Amarinder is a law graduate but he has put his law career of hold just to see his parents’ dream blossom. “Very shortly we will start a health club with aroma therapy, traditional massage and other facilities. We are also planning to add them park on the campus for children so that they can enjoy their stay at Vaseela”, says Amarinder.
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Role Model When an entertainer’s flamboyance is backed with cerebral insights, sparks of ethereal hue light up the tinsel world. Actor, poet and media personality Satinder Satti is a household name in Punjab. “Abroad too!” she coos, pointing out that she has visited UK, Hong Kong and other countries to compere and participate in live performances. It’s true; if you are not familiar with Satti’s name the chances are you are not a Punjabi. She has certainly become a role model for wannabe women broadcasters in the region. A postgraduate in law she had almost joined the army when “destiny intervened” and she became a public performer. “Frankly, if I were not into television I would have preferred to join the judiciary. Being a judge is an honour…” her voice trails off as she begins to reflect over what could have been. Not that she regrets being a presenter. In fact her on-stage verve, peppered with her own verse, has invariably livened up many an entertainment show. This lady of variegated dreams is certainly a multi-faceted personality. A sensitive poetess, she has a collection of poems “Kuch khat tere naam” to her credit. As an anchor she is a regular on almost all major Punjabi channels, viz., Zee Punjabi, ETC Punjabi, DD and MH1. She shifts gears according to the persons she interacts with. On Excuse Me Please one still remembers the poignant scenes featuring eunuchs in one episode and migrant labourers in another. When she is among youngsters, she chirps like an adolescent would. While anchoring Kujh Pal Tere Naam, one was impressed with the manner in which she interacted with poets like Sardar Anjum, singers like Wadali Brothers and other legends and talented guests from India and Pakistan. She has also anchored DD Punjabi’s Lishkara, ETC Punjabi’s Caught On Camera & Dil Diyan Gallan; she teamed up with Hans Raj Hans to anchor the now defunct Tara channel’s Suraan Da Humsafar. Apart from crooning a couple of songs she has acted in movies too, viz., the Indo-Pak joint venture Lal Chudiyan, and Dr. Raj Kumar’s Saanjh Dilaan Di. What have her experiences been as media personality? “One learns a lot by interacting with people of substance. I have performed with all famous Punjabi artistes like Gurdas Mann, Harbhajan Mann, Hans Raj Hans, Sardool Sikandar, Jasbir Jassi, Jazzy B and many more. And, in Canada I performed with Hema Malini and Mahima Choudhury in several shows. I feel I grow as an artiste after each such encounter.” Then, as an afterthought, she adds, “Professionalism is all about being open to positive and creative influences.” Not prepared to marry just anybody, her dream man is, “someone who values art and respects the artiste in me.” This Sagittarian has a positive attitude towards life. Aware that devils and angels are very much a part of this world she signs off with her oft-repeated couplet: Bashar ko maar hi dale, yeh duniya aisee zalim hai, hum jiye jate hain ke humein jeene ka hunar aata hai.
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Of Egg and Eggplants On her father’s side, a Campbell had come to harvest the ‘neel’, but had fallen pray to malaria. The widow and daughter came to live on the land – that is another story. On her mother’s side — the ‘nawab-bari’ folks had been petty officers to the Mughals in Bengal. A curious mix in East Bengal; delightfully evident in their cuisine:
Note: Read ‘some’ for ‘andaaz’: that’s how our Amma’s-n-all cooked – just ‘andaaz’ se !! Another egg thing is with tomatoes. Incidently in Bengal tomatoes are known as ‘bilayti begun’ (foreign eggplant) after all tomatoes are not native to India but were imported from South America. So, take some (quite a bit actually) chopped up ripe tomatoes, heat oil; splutter some fenugreek, kalonji, mustard seeds. Add whole red chillies and thinly sliced onions. Brown to a richness. Stir in some ginger-garlic paste and salt to taste. ‘Bhuno’ the mix; keep adding a little water, till ‘ek jaan’ into a smoothy. Stir in the chopped tomatoes.
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TECH TALK I’m
bored! I have nothing to do. What should I do now? School vacation has
started and kids have been out of school only a few days but they are
already bored of having ‘nothing to do’. Sounds familiar? It can be a daunting task for most parents
to keep their kids occupied with the right stuff through their break from
school. Internet, undoubtedly is a good solution as
it is interactive, informative and entertaining. But, finding good
websites for your kids on the Internet can be a challenging task. There are loads of great websites out there, but it can take hours of sorting through the junk to find the good ones. With a plethora of information available, both good and bad, it is imperative for parents to separate the wheat from the chaff. Making a search using major search engines like Google and Yahoo seems like a plausible solution but that can yield all kinds of results ranging from good, not-so-good to downright bad. Here is listing of some good websites for school children of different age groups. By choosing the right websites and resources for your children, you can make the Internet a powerful educational and information tool for your kids. These websites are fun, productive and interesting: Educational Websites
www.howstuffworks.com As the name suggests, how stuff works explains everything from computers, electronics, entertainment to health and much more. A very useful website. lwww.education-world.com— An extensive website with daily lesson ideas, games, weekly news, articles and much more. Education World covers various subjects like science, maths etc. and explains concepts in a very interactive method. lwww.brainpop.com— A unique website which uses animated flash movies to teach kids about Maths, English, Science, Health, Technology and Social studies. Safe Email and chat websites
There are many kids’ web sites that have monitored chat rooms and safe, free e-mail included in their features. The following are good examples: www.kidscom.com The staff at KidsCom monitors chat on this site. Kids can also use its E-Pal service to link up with other kids around the world. www.epals.com —ePALS offers an e-mail service that brings together students and teachers in 191 countries to foster cross-cultural learning. lhttp://eno2000.joensuu.fi/html/default.html —ENO is a global virtual school for environmental awareness. Schools from around the world join in moderated chats to discuss environmental issues in their countries. www.headbonezone.com This website offers chat rooms with adult monitors who screen the conversations. The site also has e-mail and a safe search function. www.kidzworld.com Kidzworld has chat rooms for kids and teens that are moderated by real people. Information and project websites
www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/index.html—National Geographic for kids offers games as well as homework help. Also has information on everything from giant killer waves to penguins and much more. lwww.tvokids.com— This is a wonderful website for kids. Parents would be more than relieved to see what this websites has to offer. From educational activities and games, this award-winning kids website has it all. A must see! http://nfbkids.ca/kids/index.html —This website has activities like games, puzzles, flips, clay animation and much more for kids of all ages. http://storytrain.kids-space.org/info/about.html — Story train is a collaborative story project in which children from all nations work together in writing and illustrating stories. This is a great website to work with children from around the world. www.cbc.ca/kids/main.html —The CBC kids’ site has lots of fun and interactive activities. The site is for all age groups and is divided into three sections; Preschool, Afterschool and Teens. www.matmice.com— Do your kids want to create their own Internet home page? Matmice, a joint venture by three young sisters from Australia, provides a place for kids to create their own web pages. A very exciting experience! You can join your kids when they create their own web pages. http://pbskids.org/dontbuyit— This site teaches kids to be smart about advertising and marketing. Visit the site with your kids and go through some of the interactive activities together. So, take your pick now and give your kids an opportunity to enhance their imagination and creativity to create projects that are a reflection of their own unique talents. —Courtesy: Atul Gupta, CEO, Red Alkemi
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Affordable Jewellery
Pegging on the festivals of Lohri and Gurpurab, OTM is holding an exhibition called Sparkle-2006. The mega exhibition-cum-sale is being organised at CII Auditorium, Sector 31. The exhibition brings fine and delicately crafted jewellery in gold, diamonds and other precious stones.
The range of jewellery begins from a couple of thousands and goes up to a pretty packet. According to the organizers, “We have made it a point to put together affordable jewellery so that the middle class can also enjoy the opulence of gold and diamonds. A specialty of the jewellery is that it is all hallmarked. A special offer is that every buyer will be presented with a dazzling ‘Panchdhatu Shree Yantra’ coin designed astrologically to bring good luck and happiness to the family The exhibition will remain open till Monday, January 9. — TNS
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Jassi jaisi koi nahin Born, brought up and educated in City Beautiful, Jassi had been nursing her passion for stage performances while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Application and a Post-graduate diploma in Marketing only to take up law and compete for a career in judiciary. “Over the years, compeering and anchoring have attained a greater significance, qualifying to be a full-fledged ‘profession’”, says Jassi. “This profession demands that an anchor be highly skilled, cultured and competitive to handle the stage and situations presented and making the audience receptive to the performing artist,” adds Jassi. “In-depth knowledge of the mysticism of Baba Bulle Shah, Sultan Bahu Shah Hussain, the romance and pathos of Sahir Ludhianvi and Shiv Kumar Batalvi besides the regional folklore, filmi glamour world, and the diverse current issues facilitate my stage performance with a zooming confidence,” claims Jassi. Recalling anchoring for a programme for film ‘Apne’ at the Rock garden in the city, she says, “Dharmendra and Kiron Kher along with Amar Singh and Shilpa Shetty were on stage to present a prize to Sunny Deol. I could make my presence felt among the stars which I feel is an attribute to my compeering skills, experience and expertise as a stage performer.” She had the opportunity to anchor shows with different persons like the one with cricketing legends Sunil Gavaskar, Srikkanth, and Gillepsie, actors Tushar Kapoor and Isha Kopekar, singers Mika Singh, Gurdas Mann, Hans Raj Hans, Jasbir Jassi, Bhagwant Mann and others. But performing as a theatre artist as ‘Bijli’ in a Punjabi comedy play in Canada and California was a exhilarating experience, says Jassi signing off.
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Film & FASHION
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has introduced a new law restricting persistent photographers from harming the public.
According to contactmusic.com, the bill became law on January 1. It makes anyone who commits assault in an attempt to get photograph or video to pay triple damages and give up the profits from the photograph.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Bill Hodgman says, “We encourage them to come to us with their complaints and then cooperate with us in an effort to bring these people to justice.”
He had advised actress Reese Witherspoon when she had recently filed charges against a paparazzi who spoilt a family trip to Disneyland.
He also urges all celebrities who are victimised by photographers to contact his office.
— IANS Mirren petrified for her Damehood Veteran actress Dame Helen Mirren, who will be portraying Queen Elizabeth II in her new movie ‘The Queen”, is terrified of displeasing Her Majesty, with her performance.
Mirren, who was made a Dame Commander Of The British Empire (DBE) in 2003, is afraid that an unrealistic portrayal in the controversial film may cost her
Damehood. “I would feel very bad if she didn’t like the way I played her. I certainly don’t want to stick a knife in her - especially now that I’m a dame, and I might have that taken away from me,” she was quoted by the New York Daily News, as saying.
Mirren will play the Queen in the aftermath of the tragic death of her daughter-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.
“I think in many ways the Queen was betrayed by Diana, as the whole royal family was. Diana was a very unstable character and many times didn’t know the implication of her actions,” she added.
— ANI Brad’s dreams hinge on marriage to Jolie
It seems that the American legal system is going to be the one that makes sure that Hollywood’s hottest couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, do take that walk down the aisle, for as it turns out only marriage may make Pitt daddy to all of Jolie’s kids.
LA-based lawyer J. Craig Williams said Brad, who has made no secret of the fact that he wants to adopt Jolie’s children, will need to be married to the actress if he wants custody of Maddox and Zahara.
“It would take upcoming nuptials or an agreement to become partners for the court to approve such an adoption,” the Mirror quoted him, as saying.
Evan Schaeffer, a partner at famed American law firm Schaeffer and Lamere, also said that a two-parent family would be the ideal conditions under which American law would grant Brad custody.
“Under American law, adoption is a profound and significant act.” “It normally doesn’t take place unless there’s already been a marriage. Thus it’s reasonable to infer that a marriage is around the corner for Brad and Angelina,” he said.
He added that as adoption was seen as more binding than marriage, courts were very careful when it came to adoption.
— ANI Penelope pained over plight of kids Penelope Cruz showed her softer side on a recent visit to Nepal when she snapped the feet of refugee children who had escaped across the mountains from Tibet.
The Spanish actress, who considers her photography hobby a difficult one because of her choice of heartbreaking topics, said that she felt like crying after meeting those kids. She is now planning a new exhibition after taking photos of troubled youths at a California hostel.
“When I was in Kathmandu photographing kids who had escaped from Tibet, some who had escaped by walking across the mountains, I photographed their feet. Some had lost toes because of the snow.”
“I have to control myself not to cry. Not out of pity, but seeing how tricky life is and how hard it is to make the right choices,” femalefirst quoted her as saying.
—
ANI Drew’s boyfriend in no hurry to wed Though ‘Charlie’s Angels’ star Drew Barrymore’s drummer boyfriend Fabrizio Moretti admits to being head over heels in love with the actress, he has rubbished rumours of any plans that include a walk down the aisle, saying that he’s just not ready for marriage yet.
The 25-year old ‘The Strokes’ drummer, who has been dating Barrymore since in 2002, said that he definitely didn’t hear any wedding bells in the near future.
“No, you definitely don’t hear wedding bells. We’re very happy and we love each other very much but I don’t think I’d be ready to get married any time soon,” Contactmusic quoted him, as saying.
— ANI Parents approve of Moss’ new love With parents of both Kate Moss and her new toyboy Jamie Burke approving their romance, it seems a long-lasting relationship is on the cards for the new allegedly in-love-couple.
The supermodel’s mom, who was accompanying her daughter while she was reportedly spotted cozying up with the ex-public school boy while holidaying in Aspen, Colorado, is said to be relieved about her daughter s choice of a new man.
And if the sources are to be believed, now even Jamie’s dad has given his blessings to his son’s romance, chortling “Good Boy!” when told about his alleged link-up with Kate.
Wealthy property developer Patrick Burke had no idea that 20- year-old Jamie was dating the model.
“I know the name Kate Moss, I have heard about her but I don’t know that much about her,” he said.
“I can’t really comment before I know more about it. I am divorced but Jamie and I get on very well. We are very friendly,” said the chartered
surveyor, who split from Jamie’s mum 10 years ago.
— ANI
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Protecting furniture from damage
—Courtesy: A. P. Singh, Besten & Co.
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TAROT TALK
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If you are looking for a place where you can spend quality time away from
noisy city with your love ones than Vaseela is just a perfect place. It’s not just any other resort, its different.
Vaseela, an ethnic countryside Resort at Nadiali, which is just five kilometres away from the Chandigarh, is sprawled over five acres and offers a unique ethnic ambiance coupled with the very best of modern day amenities. Once you enter this peaceful world, the worries of life take a backseat. The ambience of Punjab has been created for the visitors, wherein local art, culture and of the state will be introduced to them..jpg)
Some yummy eggy recipes for winter that come all the way from East Bengal of old when Amma knew just what to put and did not need any measuring tools.
My cousin Munni grew up in a Nawab-bari. It had seen better days, on the banks of “Burhi Ganga” (Brahmaputra) in old Dacca. Munni half joked – we had the Company and Rani Victoria on one hand and Siraj-ud-Daulah on the other!.jpg)
There was never a nation as crazy for jewellery as ours. The fetish from jewellery extends from small villages to the metropolis. No festive occasion is quite complete without the family buying a jewel or two. With more money circulating in the economy, the number of jewellery exhibitions has increased. The city sees a number of exhibitions every month..jpg)
There is a wide variety to choose from including necklace and ear tops sets, bangles and bracelets, rings and very beautiful pendants. Gold chains in different designs are available in gold and figurines of gods and goddesses are engraved in pendants. The specialty of the jewellery is that it is very lightly crafted and does not sit heavy on delicate necks and wrists..jpg)
Jassi jaisi koi nahin—this compliment is rightly reserved for the beautiful, bewitching anchor and actress, Jaspreet Jassi— whether she is on stage conducting a star nite, mega model fashion show, DD’s Punjabi idol programme or portraying the character of ‘Bijli’ in Vancouver or Toronto theatres..jpg)
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Furniture is made to be used and enjoyed but accidents happen, especially when there are small children at home. Take these steps to keep damage from everyday life to a minimum:
ARIES : Friends and relatives may request special favours. Avoid new debt or excess spending. Tonight rest and pamper the body. Minor muscle aches may be bothersome. Lucky number: 13. Lucky colour: Red. 
LIBRA : This is the right time for shared enjoyment with family. Tonight review financial records for forgotten payments. Do watch for ongoing romantic attractions. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Saffron 
TAURUS : You fulfill your heart’s desire. A balance in life is recommended. Forgotten career aspirations need to be revisited. Remain dedicated to long-term goals. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Creamy white. 
SCORPIO:
Areas of concern are subtle romantic attractions or the social habits of a mutual friend. Avoid acting as mediator and wait for obvious cues from loved ones. Lucky number: 17. Lucky colour: Scarlet. 
GEMINI : Gossip and romantic speculations are entertaining. Colleagues will now offer bold public statements or ask probing personal questions. Lucky number: 5. Lucky Colour: Brick red. 
SAGITTARIUS : A close friend needs delicate advice concerning strained relationships. Past disappointments and old memories may now provide valuable social wisdom. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Brick Red. 
CANCER : Miscalculations or written errors may provide new insights into present business problems. Remain patient and listen for new instructions. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Cherry red. 
CAPRICORN : You tend to be lazy and laid back today. Expect key officials to provide faulty instructions or inadequate guidance. Stay focused and wait for progress. Lucky number: 11. Lucky Colour: Golden. 
LEO : Expect loved ones to propose new forms of entertainment or ask for greater involvement in your daily life. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines. Lucky number: 5. Lucky colour: Lime. 
AQUARIUS : Inception of new business venture is just on the cards. Minor jealousies are best addressed in the moment. Tensions will be easily forgotten. Lucky number: 9. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. 
VIRGO : Over the next few days, a potential friend or lover may bring social drama into your life. Emotional triangles are easily resolved, so not to worry. Lucky number: 6. Lucky Colour: Purple. 
PISCES:
Don't be unnerved. Complicated family issues, past romantic promises or repeated social patterns require consideration. Provide support and maintain a cheerful attitude. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: White.