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In a different orbit
PACESETTER Isha Kakaria
No more a dog’s life
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In a different orbit Remember the science-fiction tales that we used to read in our school days, thinking and believing in living a life full of adventures, as often done by the protagonists in the stories. Writers like Jules Gabriel Verne, Robert Anson Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov helped readers to move out from the humdrum world of reality and think of exploring new avenues. From the imaginative world of space to the deepest points of the sea, those books made us cross the veil of ordinary life and reach those dreams of imagination. It was surely a matter connected with imaginative explorations and dream when one thought of travelling to space even a couple of years ago. The only way one could quench one’s thirst of reaching such unthinkable avenues was through science-fiction novels and of course through offering from Hollywood. However, the advancement of life and technology has now made these tales become a reality. Travelling to outer space will soon be as easy like visiting the Continent. Several companies have started venturing in the field and making offers for such explorations. Space Adventures Ltd. is one such space exploration company that is giving opportunity to enthusiasts to be a part of private spaceflight and space tourism. “Using proven equipment and working side-by-side with professional astronauts and cosmonauts, we are the first and only company to have sent self-funded individuals to space. Our clients have cumulatively spent close to three months in space and travelled over 36 million miles,” claims a company spokesperson. “Space Adventures’ mission is to open spaceflight and the space frontier to private citizens, and the company’s vision actually stretches far beyond space tourism,” a company statement says. “Our goal is to benefit not only the private citizens who fly to space, but help open up the resources of space for all of mankind,” it adds. “Space Adventures had flown seven private citizens on eight missions to the International Space Station,” it said. The company said former Microsoft executive Charles Simonyi completed his second mission in April 2009 and he became Space Adventures first repeat customer. “You know, every part had its highlights, and they just kept coming and coming. Arriving at the space station, for example, I knew that that would be magic, and it was beyond my wildest dreams,” says Charles Simonyi. Anousheh Ansari, who was the first woman private space explorer, says: “By reaching this dream I’ve had since childhood, I hope to tangibly demonstrate to young people all over the world that there is no limit to what they can accomplish.” Dennis Tito, who was world’s first private space explorer, says: “For me, it was like being in heaven — it was like being in a second life.” Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) on the other hand, has finished a crucial evaluation of a prototype Dragon spacecraft, that has been designed to carry people into orbit. The important milestone is part of SpaceX's partnership with NASA under a funded space act agreement to advance the design of crew transportation vehicles. Determining the act that whether layout will give chance to astronauts to manoeuvre effectively in the vehicle was one of the primary goal of the tests. Many senior space shuttle astronauts and NASA engineers performed the evaluation during a pair of two-day-long reviews. “Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) made history when its Dragon spacecraft became the first commercial vehicle to successfully attach to the International Space Station. Previously only four governments – the USA, Russia, Japan and the European Space Agency – had achieved this challenging technical feat,” the company says. However, SpaceX says it is in the process of developing the capability to carry people to space. “Our first manned test flights will not occur for at least three years,” Kirstin Brost Grantham, spokesperson of SpaceX, says. Blue Origin, on the other hand, completed a System Requirements Review (SRR) of its orbital Space Vehicle on May 15-16, this year. Blue Origin is maturing the design of the space vehicle in partnership with the NASA under the agency’s Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) programme. The space vehicle will carry astronauts to low earth orbit and the International Space Station (ISS). The innovative 'biconic' design is oriented vertically for launch and horizontally for re-entry, affording the launch simplicity of a capsule coupled with the re-entry advantages of a lifting body. “The biconic shape improves on traditional designs, showing continued spaceflight innovation,” says Rob Meyerson, president and programme manager of Blue Origin. “Successful completion of the System Requirements Review paves the way to finalise our space vehicle design. Coupled with our reusable orbital launch vehicle, we are helping NASA meet its needs for sending astronauts safely and reliably to the ISS, while lowering the cost of human spaceflight and increasing the number of people who can fly into space.” Private space travel got another major boost recently when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted an experimental launch permit to Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline, vehicle developer, scaled composites, for its suborbital spacecraft, SpaceshipTwo, and the carrier aircraft, White Knight Two. “This important milestone enables our team to progress to the rocket-powered phase of test flight, bringing us a major step closer to bringing our customers to space,” George Whitesides, president and CEO of Virgin Galactic, was quoted as saying. “We thank the FAA for their timely issuance of this permit, and for their responsible oversight of the test program,” Whitesides added. So, gear up and get ready to move outside and explore space from a new dimension and closeness.
Cost of a dream
Cost of experience l
Space Adventures Rs 1,94,68,75,000 per person l
Centrifuge Rs 5,42,343 per person l
Soyuz Simulator Rs 8,87,218 per person l
Cosmonaut Overview Rs 49,78,437 per person l
US$ calculated at Rs 55.62
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Being the change Leaving a plum job in an MNC to work for an NGO takes courage, which this youngster has in plenty Vasudha Gupta Most of us visit old-age homes at some point in our lives. An average youngster, goes, understands, feels the pain of hapless and abandoned old people, listens to them, and pledges to do something. Soon, as the worldly pleasures take over, the idea dies an untimely death. Fortunately, this did not happen in Isha Kakaria’s case. A visit to an old-age home during her school years laid the foundation of her NGO, Tammana which started in September, 2008. “I still go to that old age home today and still have a strong bond with everyone there,” Kakaria shares. The NGO took off with an idea of gathering some friends together and going back to the old age home again. Even discouraging responses were not able dampen her spirits, as there were many friends to encourage Kakaria. Her first success story happened when Tammana held an eye-donation awareness camp in Panjab University. Currently boasting of 75 active volunteers, 26-year-old Kakaria makes the entry into the NGO a difficult task. “The problem is that several youngsters, who join social work as a way of passing time, tend to lose interest as easily,” she asserts. So, to get entry into Tammana, volunteers should be prepared to gather 15 blood donors or do something tougher. “It keeps their interest alive,” she avers. The NGO usually works on various projects through the word of mouth. In summers, Tammana usually organises chabeels and in winter, the volunteers go around donating warm clothes to several organisations, charitable institutes and in various slum areas of the city. Tammana hopes to bring about a positive change in the society. It recently started a play corner for ailing kids in GMCH, sector 32. “The environment there was so dull. Adding a dash of colour brought smiles on so many faces,” adds Kakaria. Hoping to cover more hospitals soon and also venture out of the tricity for various projects, Kakaria is glad the NGO sustains itself on self-finance. “This is what makes us different from other NGOs,” she adds. Having fewer financial requirements, the NGO usually invites people to assist in kind. Today, Tammana is an integral part of Kakaria’s life. The NGO has not only changed her life but also the life of her family members. “Nothing could have been possible without their support,” she says. So much so that she even quit a plush job in a leading software company to be more involved in the NGO. Tammana continues to constantly inspire and change many lives. There are very few who will leave family, personal interests, money and even jobs to work for social causes and Kakaria is one of those.
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No more a dog’s life If you are fond of the good things of life like designer clothes, classy cosmetics, fragrant perfumes, expensive china and bespoke furniture, so is your dog. And if the market is overflowing with trendy labels starting with clothes, accessories for you, then your four-legged friend, too, is turning designer-savvy. Don't believe it? Take a look at the range of products for pets. On offer are shirts, tank-tops, jackets, caps, sandals, umbrellas (oops…dogbrellas), and even treadmills to keep them fit. Then, there are fancy harnesses, and even necklace and jewellery. For their fine dining, there is colourful dinnerware, feeders, placemats and high chairs. For their birthdays, there are designer invitations, cars fitted with special seats designed to bring dog guests to the party, then there are doggie hats, toys, bandannas, confetti, balloons, made-to-order cakes and other treats. Herbal spas A hungry dog no longer gets leftover rice and chapatis, he can feast on delicious dog munchies and cookies. Even smelling good is no problem with special dog soaps and deodorants. Also available in the high-end dog market are all-natural herbal spas to keep your dog smelling fresh and bug-free. Animal grooming products have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the past few years and the scene is only getting better. Many big department stores have set up separate sections for pets while an increasing number of exclusive pet shops cater to all their needs and greeds. Peticure From soft hair brushes to fancy dog collars and leashes and from special oil rubs to customised electric nail clipper for a quick peticure, these shops offer virtually everything one can think of. Many vets recommend that a dog’s teeth should be periodically cleaned. In response to this, dog boutiques have started keeping special chew bones, which are shaped like toothbrushes. These help to keep your pet’s teeth sparkling. Hair-cuts too have become fashionable among dogs. Thus, there are dandy brushes and other classy grooming equipments available in these outlets as well. Indeed, the market for such products has taken everyone by surprise. That’s because people are no longer treating pets as mere animals but as companions. It is natural for one to pamper one’s companion with the best available in the market. Poop digester Then, there’s the exotica like poop digester machine that not just does a quick cleanup but also turns dog waste into manure. There are dog collars equipped with GPS technology for tracking the movement of your dog. There are anxiety wraps to reduce sudden noise phobia from thunder and fire crackers during Diwali. Most of these products are being imported or made in India and are available in high-end pet shops. But can a country like India where a pet dog is still considered a luxury afford such pampering? Maybe not for a majority of people but for that minority of richie-rich people, it is just small change in the pocket. Pets are getting a life thanks to these indulgent owners, who spare neither effort nor moolah to give them all the creature comforts that money can buy. And entrepreneurs are coming up with innovative ideas and special merchandise that is making the four-legged companions wag their tails in delight. “It’s a booming market out there. People who have the moolah to spend are treating their dogs like royalty and as precious as their children,” says Delhi-based vet Dr Naveen Katayal whose visiting card — responding to the changing scenario — does not call him a vet but a canine and feline specialist. So why this sudden need to buy branded plush products for a pet? The answer is the urge to splurge and to flash some status. Here too, it’s all about money, honey. Here’s looking at some creative dog products available in the market:
Pet fountain
Price: $70
(Rs 3,500)
Diamonds are a dog’s best friend
Price: $150,000
‘Tread’ with caution
Price: $550 to $900 (Rs 27,500 to Rs 45,000)
Bag-a-tail
Price: $1,550
(Rs 77,500)
Four-legged trek
Price: $40
(Rs 2,000)
Collar that glitters
Price: $45
(Rs 2,250 each)
Puppy in a cap
Price: $16
(Rs 800 each)
Does your puppy get easily tired while walking around? If you face this problem, then Petzip has a solution for you. The company’s Pet Happy Stroller is just like a baby pram that enables you to take your pup shopping in a mall or for a stroll in a park. It has a wind and rain cover, breathable mesh windows, storage pocket, sun roof on hood and a cup holder. So go ahead and give your puppy a ride in this buggy on wheels. Price: $260
(Rs 13,000)
Dogbrella
Price: $30
(Rs 1,500)
Canine king
Price: $1,765
(Rs 88,250)
Hands-free bicycle leash
Price: $50
(Rs 2,500)
Doggie dinner time
Price: $40 to $70
(Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500)
Cool sandals
Price: $32
(Rs 1,600 each)
Luxury sleep
Price: $250
(Rs 12,500)
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TURNING TAJ ON ITS HEAD
Price: $45,450
(Rs 22.7 lakh)
CHIP TO THE RESCUE
Price: $100
(Rs 5,000)
ONE FOR THE ROAD
Price: $13,000
(Rs 6.5 lakh)
PHOTO FINISH
Price: $25,000
(Rs 12.5 lakh)
A matter of heart
Price:
Rs 5299 to 13,999
ULTIMATE AQUA AEROBICS
Price: $1,400
(Rs 70,000)
VINTAGE TIME
Price: $4,500
(Rs 2.25 lakh)
SNAIL SPEED ‘SUPERCAR’
Though it looks like a futuristic Ferrari, the Fahrradi Farfalla FFX is actually the ultimate fitness car. Instead of a powerful 700 hp engine under its hood, the FFX will make you huff and puff! That’s because what you are looking at is not a car but a whacky bicycle or rather a quadricycle.
Anyone who wishes to take a ride in it has to peddle furiously to make the ‘car’ attain a speed of even 10 kmph! Inside the stunning contraption is a tubular aluminium frame, two seats and two pairs of pedals connected to an 11-speed hub gearbox attached to rear wheels via a chain drive mechanism. But, if you don’t start panting ‘driving’ the FFX, you’ll start doing so after seeing its price tag! Price: $1.9 million
(Rs 9.5 crore)
ROYAL AROMA
Price: $23,500
(Rs 11.75 lakh)
SHOESTOPPER
Price: $120
(Rs 6,000)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Supriyo Hazra
Leaving a plum job in an MNC to work for an NGO takes courage, which this youngster has in plenty
Though the entire experience may sound very attractive but a traveller will need to pay a huge amount from his pocket to experience the thrill. Virgin Galactic will charge passengers $2,00,000 for the tour. While Space Adventures charges customers around $35 million for a ride in the Russian-built Soyuz spacecraft. Travellers will need to undergo several training schedules to make themselves ready for tours. Space Adventures are providing a range of training packages to the tourists. Centrifuge ($9,750 per person), Soyuz Simulator ($15,950 per person), Cosmonaut Overview Training ($89,500) are few trainings offered by Space Adventures. ATLAS Aerospace company provides training to cosmonaut-researchers and space tourists. It provides training under several kinds of options that include general space training (GST), specialised space training (SST) and pre-flight space training (PFST).
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Virgin Galactic Rs 1,11,25,000 per person
Training packages
Summers are difficult for dogs especially those with furs. Since their body heat is higher than those of humans, it is no surprise they can drink litres of water making the pet owner keep a constant eye on the water bowl. Now you can avoid this by getting home a Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain. The fountain can hold five litres of cold water that comes out as a free-falling stream as soon as the dog touches it. A very handy device that will also keep your pet from drinking water out of toilets.
These diamonds have literally gone to the dogs. La Jeune Tulipe, an American dog accessories company has brought out a diamond dog collar that will put your furry friend in a league of his own. The exquisite dog collar is adorned with 1.52-carat diamonds handcrafted and engraved with precision. Of course, once you buy this collar the next thing, you’ll have to buy is a high-value insurance policy for the collar and your dog!
Does your pet hate the idea of going out for a walk in the summer heat? Do him — and yourself — a favour by buying a PetZen Canine Treadmill. The treadmill will give his legs the exercise in the comfort of the home and release his pent up energy. But remember, dogs do not take to a treadmill naturally. You’ll need to train him and initially run the machine at the slowest speed and tie the dog with a leash. Once he’s mastered it, he’ll just love it.
Going on an adventure trek, then, why not do it in the company of your best friend? Explore the great outdoors with your dog while he wears a sporty, yet comfortable backpack. Doggles Backpack fits every size dog big, medium and small. These are perfect for boosting your dog’s daily walk or helping you carry food or water on your treks together. And best of all, the weight of a backpack full of stuff is good workout for the dog.
Dog collars are one of the surest ways of telling the world how much you love your pooch. Now you can also show your dog how much you love him with this ruby red collar-and-leash-set by Puchi Designer Petwear. The buckle is diamante-encrusted and is also set with clear jewels around the collar. Made from high quality leather, this collar is for a real stylish dog.
In winters, protect your dog from cold with Java dog caps by the Posh Puppy Boutique. Knit from soft aqua and brown coloured yarns, these puppy dog hats is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Patch and nose are made of felt and hand-sewn on with brown cotton yarn. Eyes are plastic and securely stitched on the cap. These caps are available in different sizes to suit small, medium and large dogs.
A ride for the puppy
A dog that gets caught in a downpour can make one holy mess when he comes back home sullying bedsheets and expensive rugs. During monsoon, take the easy way out by investing in a Dogbrella — an inverted umbrella made from clear polypropylene that protects the dog from rain while allowing him an unfettered view of his surroundings. The tip of the umbrella gets hooked to the pet’s leash preventing him from straying. Walking in the rain was never so much fun.
Do you treat your dog like royalty? Then get him a throne — or something resembling that and costing as much. Wilbur by German designer Julia Mai is a royal seat adorned with 16 Swarovski crystals and is lined with plush padding for your precious doggie. Though it may make him look like canine king, there’s no guarantee he won’t chew up the wood frame or rip up the mattress. Best to insure it if you can.
Does your lazy bone pooch need more exercise than he’s getting? It’s time to pick up the bike and go cycling. But that will give you a work-out, not to your doggie. Yes it would, if you have a bicycle dog leash that attaches to the bike’s frame. You can ride your bike safely with both hands enjoying the outdoors and the company of your dog running along. A fun way to exercise for both you and your pet. 
Since your dog is a part of the family feed him in style. If you have a proper table laid out for yourself, feed your dog in a trendy dinner set. The Phuket Elevated Dog Feeders by Unleashed Life are named after the coastal paradise of Thailand as these feeders resemble the ancient temple boxes. Choose from a range of green, red and black finishes with stainless steel bowls in small, medium and large sizes.
If you don’t step out of the house without a cool pair of sandals, why should your furry friend go barefooted? The Big Dog Denim Sandals by www.alldogboots.com are just the right fit for your best friend. Perfect for the park and to protect larger size paws from the burning hot pavement. They also guard against foot allergies. The sandals in navy blue denim are lightweight and easy to wear with a Velcro ankle strap.
Your dream of driving around in a Mercedes may not have come true so far but why deprive your dog? Go buy him his Fur-cedes! The designer bed by Haute Diggity Dog is a replica of the convertible Mercedes sports car perfectly designed for the pampered pet. The company produces a unique line of parody dog toys inspired by some of the world’s best objects of desire. Not surprisingly, it has a large celebrity following.
If the original is the ultimate work of art, this one is art turned on its head! The Taj Mahal table created by Studio Job, one of the leading design workshops of the world, has evinced a great deal of interest and controversy. Some critics have dubbed it the ugliest work of art and an affront to the monument of love. But its admirers say it pushes the limits of creativity by blending heritage and artistry. The Antwerp-based Studio Job has been deluged with enquiries from potential buyers. Are you too interested in dining atop the Taj? Then hurry and make an advance booking as there is already a waiting list for the inverted ‘masterpiece’. 
It’s the size of half a grain of rice and thickness of the lead of a pencil, yet this microchip can be the bane of all thieves. All you have to do is embed it in things you value— it adheres firmly to plastic, metal, or wood surfaces — and register the chip using a proprietary global database. If the stolen item is recovered, it will reveal the identity of the real owner with the help of a simple scan by the cops. The chip will still signal ownership, even if a thief has removed or altered an item’s original serial number. So if your mobile or car is stolen there are chances you may get it back provided a microchip is embedded in it.
Forget the car, junk public transport. Go for the Wheelsurf that will reach you to your destination at 40 kmph. Powered by a 31cc, four-stroke 1-½ hp engine, the contraption operates by using a centrifugal clutch on its inner-steelframe to engage the larger outer flywheel that actually makes contact with the ground with a rubber tyre. The ingenious device is steered by leaning to one side or the other, and it can safely negotiate any dense surface such as pavement or grass. A fibreglass frame encloses the engine and fuel tank, and provides a cushioned seat and convenient footrests for the rider. 
Here’s a camera that’s sure to click. The German-based state-of-the-art camera manufacturer Leica has collaborated with the French luxury fashion house Hermes to bring out the Hermés Leica M9-P Edition, a new variant of its popular M9-P series. The gorgeous new limited-edition camera (only 300 have been produced) is covered in ochre-coloured calfskin leather with a matching shoulder strap. The package also includes a silver-anodized Leica Summilux-M 50 mm lens, all in a hand-finished Hermés bag. Though the camera clicks amazingly sharp pictures, you will need to have a very fat wallet to own it! 
For the stylish, sporty and health conscious women who would like have a perfect control over their exercises, Beurer Heart Rate Monitor for Her is the perfect partner. The strapless heart rate monitor comes in sleek design and attractive red colour and rests comfortably on the wrist to give accurate results. Beurer Heart Rate Monitor for men which comes in blue is a perfect device for beginners in body building, especially if you are on budget. It is ideal for trainers as well as to set your individual training zones in your initial days at gym.
Exercising in the swimming pool is fun. It is also the fastest way of cutting flab. In fact, water aerobics are more than just swimming or gymming. They are the best means to condition the body and mind, and also an effective way to treat various diseases and injuries. That’s the idea behind the In Pool Exercise Glider. It is a cross-trainer in a swimming pool that provides a more intense workout than just a treadmill. The machine is the answer to prayers of people looking for that six-pack body, complete with those shimmering leg muscles. 
If the design trend of top watch manufacturers is any indication, the world of high fashion seems to be outgrowing its craze for big-dialled watches and their time (literally) is passing. Designers are going back to the past for inspiration. Leading watchmakers Bell & Ross are bringing out a series of vintage watches in the present-day context. The WW1, for example, was part of the official attire of French pilots in World War-1. True to its vintage appeal, the watch has manual winding with a galvanic black dial and luminescent hands. The popularity of the watch can be gauged from the fact that ever since it was introduced, the sales have been ticking away despite the steep price. 
Though Queen Elizabeth was virtually deluged with gifts that poured in from all over the world for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, there is one she is sure to cherish the most. Floris, one of the oldest and unique perfumeries of England presented her an aroma especially made for the occasion. The Floris Royal Arms Diamond Edition is in a limited edition of six antique crystal bottles. One has gone to Her Royal Highness but there are five more remaining. If you want to feel — rather smell — like royalty, grab one of the remaining five bottles before they disappear.
When you wear these shoes your feet will just take wing. Or at least that seems to have been the thought behind the design of the new Adidas shoes. The sportsgear company collaborated with American shoe designer Jeremy Scott and the result is the Adidas Jeremy Scott Fall/Winter Collection 2012. Though there are nearly a dozen items in the collection, the showstopper are the JS Wings shoes that have hiking boot laces and a central zipper that keeps the ‘wings’ in place. So get ready for the shoe time, folks! 
Remember as a kid your mom telling you not to play with your food? Now as a grown-up you can actually do so! Polish designer Boguslaw Sliwinski has created dinner plates with sports as their theme. The plates have drawings of sportsmen in the act of kicking, pulling, lifting and skydiving. All you have to do is to use your imagination and arrange real food in such a way on the plate that it completes the action. You could, for example, place a cucumber piece in front of the man seemingly running with a football or place broccoli in such a way that it resembles a skydiver’s parachute. The possibilities are limitless even as these plates turn mealtime into fun time!