Peace message from Oz
Artist Daniel Connell from Australia talks about the motive behind choosing Sikhs as the subject of his sketches
There’s a deep thought behind each detail of these artworks. Even behind the visible cello-tapes used to join all the even-sized rectangles that take the shape of a portrait, there’s a creative idea. The portraits are of 10 Sikh men who have migrated to Australia from India. “Their faces mirror the resolve to survive in Australia. And the cello-tapes that make a collage of the portrait, indicates their vulnerability.” Titled Faith, the exhibition of portraits by the Australia-based artist, Daniel Connell has a two-point agenda. “First is aimed at the Australians. It’s to make them aware of how humble and wonderful Sikhs are. Second is to make Indians comfortable and help them realise that ours is a hospitable society.”

No blues this winter!
The cold may give you a tough time, but there are ways that can keep the chill out
Have you been irritable, sluggish, extra-sensitive or craving for sweet food lately? Chances are that you are having ‘winter blues’. No sun, short days and extremely cold weather affects one’s life in more ways than one. Winter ailments—cough, cold, flu—bog one down physically. Bereft of one’s social life, due to shorter days, many feel low, which is generally termed as ‘winter blues.’ “With a change in season many people suffer from mild depression. Lesser hours of daylight result in increased hunger, more sleep, irritability and increased anxiety. When all these factors come together, one might be under full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder,” says Nitasha Khehra, assistant professor, MCM DAV College-36.

Adieu Shauq
American playwright August Wilson was undoubtedly clear about the benefits of laughter. ‘All you need in the world is love and laughter. That’s all anybody needs. To have love in one hand and laughter in the other,’ he said. And one man who had his hands full with both was Vivek Shauq, comedian-actor from Bollywood. Sadly, Monday morning brought the news of his demise due to a heart attack.

No replacement
Officials of cosmetic firm L'Oreal Paris have denied reports that Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai has been replaced by Frieda Pinto as the new brand ambassador.Reports of Frieda replacing Aishwarya came up after the Slumdog Millionaire star featured in L'Oreal's 'Happy New Year' television commercial. "We are shocked and surprised to read in some sections of the media/press about Ms Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being replaced as the face of L'Oréal Paris," said an official statement from the firm.

Double dose
Actor Shweta Salve, a dance enthusiast, is now set to co-host Zee TV's reality show Dance India Dance Doubles along with actor Jay Bhanushali, and she is extremely upbeat about it.

FRIENDS AGAIN

Growth rate

Slim chance

Couple of bruises
Hollywood's ‘It’ couple Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise have reportedly decided to boycott next month's Oscars because they are miffed with actress Anne Hathaway, who will be hosting the ceremony.

Dream destination
Breathtaking Alps, splendid lakes, world's best timepieces and a horde of 'Bollywood memories' -Switzerland remains one of the favourite destinations for Indians. And vice versa seems true as well, as a team of around dozen representatives from Switzerland Tourism trooped in on the city on Monday as part of their road show to woo Indian travellers.

For women’s cause 
For her commendable contribution against female foeticide at the international level, Dr Harshinder Kaur was given the prestigious Bharat Jyoti Award-2010 at a glittering function held at the Parliament house complex on Sunday. Dr Harshinder Kaur (paediatrician) is the lone awardee from the region among the 15 from across the country who have received the award, which was presented by former CBI director Joginder Singh. She has also authored 14 books, mostly on health science and literature for children. 

Nature trail
It begins just as all the solos do - with experiences of the formative years; the foremost inspiration, which often lies in the roots, place of growing up et al.

Pick one
People for animals, Chandigarh has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally.

Spade work
Colour palette
The winter has quite a lot to offer to gardeners. It is all about colours and the gardeners wait for the whole year to enjoy this colourful feast. Unlike the summer where the range of annuals is also very less, the winter has some permanent kind of plants too that one keeps for the entire year to see them blooming. And wait is really worth it.

Through the lens 
More and more people are taking to photography, thanks to the easy-to-use professional cameras in the market
Today, life means a lot of different things. It means owning a Louis Vuitton bag, a trip to Europe every year; it means commuting from Delhi to Chandigarh on a Mercedes E class, eating out almost everyday, in fact for every meal! Life definitely is an expensive affair. Another thing that accounts for credibility of survival is being on social networking sites. And, if you are part of the online social circuit, then you need to back it up with loads of pictures. Ah!

Listen to these words
For their ability to reach out to people who cannot read and for those who want to multitask in modern day busy lifestyle, audiobooks in India are slowly getting popular, though the industry is still in its infancy. Audiobooks have been popular among children but now famous books and novels are being converted into this format for adults too. "Audiobooks are more effective than other type of books. The listener feels connected and the learning and understanding is more in an audiobook than a normal book," says Abhilash R, Business Development Head, audiobooksindia.com, an online portal for audiobooks.

Hot wheels

All ears
Jabra, a world leader in innovative headset solutions with unparalleled sound quality, comfort, and affordability today introduced a new Bluetooth headset designed specifically for first-time users and consumers looking for an easy to use, wireless headset which are now available at retail stores nationwide.

Local spin 
Overdrive magazine since the last 12 years is maintaining the No 1 standing in India. Taking a step further, this leading publication in the auto industry, has decided to bring out this magazine in Hindi. The magazine is coming out in a new avatar for the auto enthusiasts. Overdrive presents to you Overdrive Hindi!

Members of the media look at Mercedes-Benz's new generation C-Class vehicles during a reception at Cobo Center for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, recently. — Reuters photo E Malaika Arora Khan performs with dancers during the 1860 anniversary celebrations that marked the arrival of Indians in the country 150 years ago at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, recently. PTI photo