Real challenge Explanations and justifications are what participants of a reality show end up doing once the show is over Ashima Sehajpal It's tough. It really is, to survive in a reality show but guess what is tougher? Giving explanations to everybody after the show. On her recent visit to the city, when Daina Hayden was repeatedly asked about her relationship with Bigg Boss's winner Ashutosh, we had a fair idea.

The right ec(h)o Want to champion the cause of environment? Catch them young, by persuading them to buy products, which are eco-friendly even if they're only colours Manpriya Khurana We will not give up. Never. Ever. For, we believe in our cause and eventually will make you do so too, till the time you breathe, eat, sleep, walk and drink green!

Germs at your work place Manpriya Khurana WHOEVER thought being careful about health just revolved around ergonomics of the office chair. There are creatures lurking at your work place that are directly proportional to one's health, are invisible, don't bite and never ever pain or pinch you. Don't underestimate, for they are capable enough to confine you to bed for weeks at a stretch. We are talking about germs, technically including bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites.

Eat healthy, live healthy Dr M.S. Sekhon, MD (pediatrics) and managing director in Cosmo Hospital talks about lifestyle risks that kids face Anuja Jaiswal One of the biggest problems that children face today is the lack of physical activity. The reasons are many — lack of time because of tuitions and study, the advent and proliferation of television and computers, time spent in travelling to school, and the reduction in the number of children per family.

Miles to go

Where does one get to see so many milestones together? Well, they are there for everyone to see in Sector 19, near Madhya Marg Lifestyle photo: Vinay Malik

Mind over body
Ashima Sehajpal
With a dozen international brand endorsements in her kitty, Krishna Somani is indeed one of the top models we have today. After four years in the modeling world, this Delhi girl has walked the ramp for all the major fashion designers of the industry. Her future plans are to walk and walk a lot on the ramp.

BODY WISE
Back byte
Sachin Kalra
Prevention is better than cure, especially when you're talking about your back and spine. But mostly people take their backs for granted, not realising the dangerous positions they put their backs in every day. Almost everything you do requires the use of your back, and back problems are rarely the result of a single activity or accident.

Frankly, Franco In love with the city, Bollywood percussionist Franco Vaz talks about music, technology and Bhangra beats Neha Walia From the sound of violin that he played with R.D. Burman to the drums of the cult hit Papa Kehte Hain Bada Naam Karega to the latest 'Mughlai Chinese' in Chandni Chowk to China, Franco Vaz has seen the best of Bollywood music industry.

He's watching you Punjabi literary critic Joginder Singh Nirala believes positive criticism can bring out the best in a writer Ashima Sehajpal We were always told in our moral science classes that criticising others is easy and doing something productive is tough. Poor children! For us, the teacher's word was the gospel. But now, we realise they can be wrong too. Take a look at the work film critics do or for that matter the minute analysis of art by art critics.

France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy performs onstage during the 22nd Telethon, organised by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM), in Paris. The annual fund raising event, which goes out live on French television for 30 hours, is staged to collect money for research of genetic diseases in children. Photo: Reuters

Tell a tale
Mona
A dream project started by a couple for reviving human values in the fast-paced life of today has taken a step further. Sanjay and Priya Tandon have added three more books in their compilation of short stories - Sunrays. "Sunrays resolves to bring betterment in the society," quips Sanjay Tandon, a chartered accountant by profession. The focus of these stories is on human values. "Short stories are an effective medium through which these values can be taught to one and all," he adds. Agrees Priya, his wife. "The idea germinated when our children were growing up.

Folksy and filmy
Bal Singh Balhara, a popular singer of 80's and 90's, released his latest Haryanavi album Chhora Jaat Ka in Chandigarh Press Club on Sunday. An effort of two years, the album is a family venture with music given by the singer 's sons Ankit and Sanchit. The lyrics have been penned down the singer himself. "All the eight songs have a distinct flavour. Keeping in mind the new trends of music, additional Western rhythm along with new beat patterns have been infused in the album to give a modern touch," said Balhara.

Whenever, wherever Superstar singer Shakira is reportedly in talks to perform at US President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration party on January 20. She may perform at a celebration to be held as Obama is formally sworn into office, according to reports. The paper further states that the Hips Don't Lie hit-maker may join stars, including Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, and Anne Hathaway celebrate Obama's historic White House Victory in Washington, DC.

What's cooking? Shania Twain has raised eyebrows after she was spotted being escorted by the husband of her ex-secretary at the John F. Kennedy airport. The country-pop singer, who had parted ways with music-producer hubby Robert 'Mutt' Lange in May this year, had reportedly been photographed with Frederic Thiébaud as the duo arrived at the John F Kennedy airport. The stunning Canadian was said to have split from Lange following reports that he had been romancing secretary Marie-Anne Thiebaud.

Akon & acting
Popstar Akon is considering a move into the film industry. The Smack That hit-maker has expressed his plans to retire from music career and turn to acting. "On the movie side, acting is something I will entertain later. Now I'm into more of the behind the scenes stuff: producing the movies, scoring the movies, doing the soundtracks, and slowly I'll make my way in," said a source.

Fragrance femme Courteney Cox Arquette has been chosen as the latest celebrity to exclusively represent Avon's new perfume. The former Friends star has been selected for the leading brand's Spotlight owing to the media's constant focus on the actress for her celebrity status and fame that depicts the essence of the perfume. The new women's fragrance is set for a limited release in the UK in June 2009 and will cost buyers 16 pounds per bottle.

Brave and beautiful Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman is not worried about getting old, instead she insists that entering 40s has made her braver. While the 41-year-old actress had to face extreme conditions during her shoot for Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia, she is adamant that being mature has helped her cope with the tough time. In an interview with The Independent, the Oscar winner revealed that she has become more courageous with age.