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Mugs
to wake up for From customised mugs to those with quirky prints, there are ample options to serve your favourite steaming brew in  Aditi GargCoffee drinking as a past time, a social activity and for its 'snob value' is on an upswing. As coffee's popularity spreads its aromatic grip, many people are becoming attuned to not just their daily cuppa but also the cup itself. There are many reasons why a mug becomes so special and a host of cups that are waiting to be someone's special. PACESETTER Agneya Singh Riding the ‘indie’ wave Young filmmaker Agneya Singh, with his debut feature film M Cream, is setting the pace for a revolutionary new wave of indie cinema Preeti Verma Lal IF you google Agneya Singh and were unsure of what he does, you’d probably think he is a filmstar. Or, a fashion model. Those deep dimples, droopy eyes and a serene face can deceive you. Agneya Singh stays behind the camera. He is a filmmaker, who created waves at the 18th edition of the Rhodes Island International Film Festival (RIIIFF) when M Cream, his first feature film, won the grand prize of Best Feature Film. M Cream was the only production from India at the Festival. Centrespread Bling it
on
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Mugs to
wake up for From customised mugs to those with quirky prints, there are ample options to serve your favourite steaming brew in Aditi Garg
Coffee drinking as a past time, a social activity and for its 'snob value' is on an upswing. As coffee's popularity spreads its aromatic grip, many people are becoming attuned to not just their daily cuppa but also the cup itself. There are many reasons why a mug becomes so special and a host of cups that are waiting to be someone's special. Cup of history A mug that comes steeped in history holds a lot more than the brew. What ties it to the user doesn't necessarily have to be a major historical event; most of the times it is personal history. Sunalini Menon, Asia's first woman coffee taster and founder of Coffeelab, has a mug that has been with her for a very long time. She says, "The mug is broken and I have stuck it back together as I simply adore it. I call it 'my nose ring' as it has the emblem of an old Arabian coffee pot that has a stylised spout. I picked it up on one of my visits to the very place where coffee drinking started." Home is where the mug is Sometimes it is the familiarity that you long for. For someone on the move, it is like carrying a piece of home with you. Minty and Sabina from Patiala travel a lot to exhibit their jewellery collection. "We always carry our mugs with us and this is our favourite pair. Sipping our coffee is way more enjoyable when we have it in these. It is just the right size and a sip from my mug brings in the much needed calm even during the rush hours," says Minty. Bean there, cupped that While the number of coffee drinkers has risen manifold, the availability of chic mugs has not kept pace. With clothes and shoes, many coffee lovers also get a few mugs on their visits abroad. To fill in the gap, a few brands have come up with interesting mugs that you can buy locally. Bluegape, a company with offices in Delhi and Gurgaon, brings to customers international style mugs from various designers, among other things. Retailing at around Rs 300 per piece, these are quite affordable. Sahil Baghla, CEO of BlueGape, says, "We sell about 200 coffee mugs a day and there are many repeat customers, too. Of late, the Messi mugs have generated the maximum sale due to the FIFA fever." Aroma of emotions A mug is more than just that when it has an emotional connect. Sometimes inherited, sometimes picked up from a memorable place or bought to mark an occasion or a gift from someone special, a mug you bond with has a place of pride and great sentimental value. Harpreet Pasricha, a nutritionist from Goa, got a mug from her father and greatly cherishes it. Every time she sips her coffee and holds the mug in her hand, she says it feels like he is holding her hand and guiding her through important decisions. As the mug is so dear, she keeps it in her clinic where she spends a greater part of the day. Exceptionally personal Sidak Bhattal, assistant marketing manager with Kings XI Punjab, has a 10-year-old mug that he still has around. He says, "I got it made from a friend of my father who does personalised stuff. It looks like an average black mug but once you pour hot coffee into it, it reveals my photograph that has been printed on it." A mug that calls out to you; truly personalised with pictures or names, is a great companion. While a few photography studios in various cities have introduced mugs with the choice to personalise with mugs and photographs, you can order your monogrammed or labelled mugs online at stores like Zazzle. Get your name or picture or both printed on a mug that you like. Shipped within a few days, it is but a small effort in the quest for the perfect mug. From steins and travel mugs to lovers' mugs that come in sets of twos, there is enough to get the adrenaline flowing.
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PACESETTER
Agneya Singh Riding the ‘indie’ wave Young filmmaker Agneya Singh, with his debut feature film M Cream, is setting the pace for a revolutionary new wave of indie cinema Preeti Verma Lal
The award was not a surprise. Cineastes, who have followed Agneya Singh’s trajectory, knew it will happen one day. For Agneya Singh, son of journalist Seema Mustafa, was to the camera — and rebellion — born. Bored of academics and eternally fascinated by movies, Agneya Singh gathered his schoolmates and shot home videos. That first amateur, ragtag attempt grew into his life’s calling. The young Delhi self-professed rebel, who considers cinema to be a truly revolutionary weapon made short films, documentaries and on his website calls himself "filmmaker, screenwriter, photographer, journalist". Starring Imaad Shah, Ira Dubey, Barry John, Tom Alter, Lushin Dubey and Beatrice Ordeix, and shot on location in India, M Cream tells the tale of Figs, the typical cynic, his best friend Maggie, a photographer called Niz and Niz’s best friend Jay, who four embark on a reckless journey across the Himalayan expanse to find M Cream, a mythical hash. Chaos ensues, inevitably. A series of unexpected encounters compel them to make difficult choices, redefine rebellion and comprehend the mysterious nuances of the world we live in. When the credit rolled on the silver screen, the audience at RIIFF stood up to applaud. George T. Marshall, RIIFF’s executive director said, "M Cream is not only an epic film, it’s a fantastic cultural fusion of American independent and Indian cinema. Agneya Singh is the Jack Kerouac of his generation". Then, Agneya Singh, debutant director, took a bow. The film sets the pace for Agneya, who is often identified with the revolutionary new wave of Indian cinema. He describes it "an indie film in every sense of the word and was produced in a bare bones style". A graduate of Tisch School of Arts, New York University, Agneya comments radically on society and polity. However, it is the idea of protest and notion of rebellion that stand out as dominant thread in all his narratives. M Cream serves as a continuum of this rebellion leitmotif and his inspiration lies in all those mavericks and rebels, across the world and through ages past, who stood up in the face of injustice. Elaborating on the film’s context, Agneya says, "The story serves to paint the portrait of a new generation in our country. I think that the anger, disillusionment and frustration that we all are experiencing will ultimately lead to a movement of significance. And if only we can shrug off the passivity and involve ourselves in meaningful action, so much can be achieved". Agneya has an arty laurel in hand. He talks of revolution. However, he is not sure whether film or art or protest has the "conviction or the will to create substantial change". But he wants to plod along. Anyway.
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CENTRESPREAD Waterfall hurtling down a mountain or gurgling from a fountain can be a remedy for sore eyes. It is an instant mood-lifter that banishes all tensions and anxieties. It's probably the reason why a growing number of people leading stressful lives in cities prefer to have water features in their houses, which are miniature replicas of springs and waterfalls. Indoor water features can be categorised into three types - wall-mounted, free-standing or tabletop. All three create a soothing atmosphere by bringing elements of nature indoors. Relief from tension Tabletop waterfalls and fountains are believed to be stress relievers that aid meditation. Wall-mounted fountains instantly brighten up a room and create a pleasant atmosphere. Free-standing fountains and waterfalls make a style statement that instantly become the centrepiece of a room. Water features not only make for pretty decoration pieces in the drawing room or bedroom, are also ideal for calming tired nerves. Even Vastu, the ancient Indian science of architecture and construction, gives a lot of importance to indoor water bodies. These engages the viewer through several of the five physical senses. According to the tenets of Vastu, miniature fountains and waterfalls symbolise running water which is known to have a positive effect on the finances of a house. These have a visually calming effect on each and every member of the family. Even practitioners of Ayurveda believe that the sound of gurgling water has the power to cure energy blockages and reduce stress from our daily lives. For positive energy According to Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese interior-design science, indoor fountains and replicas of other water bodies have become popular because they usher tranquillity indoors through the positive energy of water. According to the ancient Chinese theory, the slow moving water results in the accumulation of 'chi' that symbolises wealth, affluence, life, energy and success in professional and personal life. Water features are a regular decor element at plush hotels and spas. These are the centrepiece of lobbies in hotels. These water features are added to the decor for the purpose of mesmerising guests with the play of water, sound and light. Realising their popularity and calming effect, a number of manufacturers have started making decorative miniature water bodies over the last decade or so. Serving as beautiful showpieces, these water bodies look very classy in the living rooms. Arty facts The materials used in making indoor water features range from ceramic, plastic, fibreglass, stone, granite, slate and a variety of metals. These come in different sizes and styles and may also be used with other decorative materials like art glass and mosaic tiles. These are sometimes also referred to as living art. In fact, water fountains featuring Indian Gods and Goddesses, especially during the festive season enjoy a great demand. Pricing of water features usually depend on the craftsmanship and the material these are made from. From free-standing ones to those that can be placed on the table or mounted on a wall, these water bodies can either be battery or power-operated. Price can range from a few hundred rupees for small plastic variants to a lakh or more for high-end wave fountains and cascading waterfalls. However, there are varieties available in the market that are quite affordable. For example, a grey and black rock table fountain with a height of 16 centimetre can come for Rs 700 while a 25 centimetre meditating Buddha fountain would cost around Rs1,450. Though these are available at most gift shops, you can also get very good bargains from online stores like Flipkart, Snapdeal, Jabong, Amazon, ebay and others. Healthy environs Interestingly indoor water features are not just about adding a decoration piece to your home; these also promote a healthy environment. Negative ions are released into the air as water evaporates from the fountain, thereby purifying the air circulating in the room. Another health benefit of indoor water bodies is that these act as natural humidifiers. As water evaporates from the water body, it releases humidity into the air. Moisture in the air protects people from many skin problems and other dry air related allergies.
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IF
you google Agneya Singh and were unsure of what he does, you’d probably think
he is a filmstar. Or, a fashion model. Those deep dimples, droopy eyes and a
serene face can deceive you. Agneya Singh stays behind the camera. He is a
filmmaker, who created waves at the 18th edition of the Rhodes Island
International Film Festival (RIIIFF) when M Cream, his first feature
film, won the grand prize of Best Feature Film. M Cream was the only
production from India at the Festival.
A classic piece
High on design
Promise of durability
For a calmer you
Sound-and-light effect
Right for your table
A thing of beauty
Do it with flowers
In your budget
Strong and sturdy
Portable and practical 
On a positive note
Eco-friendly affair
Magic of colour
Natural connection
A spanking new bike deserves a matching helmet. And the best in business today is the California-based Giro sport design, which is known to produce the virtually indestructible Atmos Helmet. The company recently outdid itself with its new concept helmet made from materials like natural cork and aluminium with a full visor to protect the rider from cold and hot winds and other projectiles. Experts say that when it is launched later this year, it will be one of the world’s strongest helmets with looks to match. It is so attractive that one would be forgiven for thinking that it is a costume design of some futuristic movie!
Adventure is always a recurring theme for many menswear brands. And when it comes to the great outdoors, can American fashion designer Shane Baum’s Leisure Society be far behind? The luxury label’s newly released Vinson sunglasses are inspired by famous explorers. The round mountain glasses are a modern take on leather blinders, which were traditionally used by mountaineers to protect their eyes from sun rays and harsh winds. In particular, the sunglasses pay homage to the world’s two tallest mountaineers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Available in black, blonde tortoise, clear and imperial blue, these make a compelling style statement.
As a passionate watch collector in the 1990s, American millionaire Attila Aszodi realised early in life that straps on even the best watches in the world are usually an afterthought. This is where his journey began — trying his hand at strap-making. Today Attila makes the most exclusive handmade leather straps for the rarest watches like a $2million Patek Philippe 2499 or the Rolex 6241 Paul Newman Daytona. His personal favourites are the bold and intriguing purple alligator bund strap designed for a gold purple dial Rolex 1680 Submariner and the elegant and exotic black and tan crocodile raptor for a Cartier Pasha Chronograph. So much so that his straps are as much-sought after these days as the uber exclusive watches these are made for.
QUIET COMFORT
UPGRADES
We all know that to own a Ferrari, you’ve got to be a millionaire many times over. But very few know that to buy the Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale, you’d have to be a billionaire. The 1966 vintage beauty, which goes under the hammer next month is powered by a 4,390 cc V12 and paired to a five-speed manual. The sleek car has a unique seating layout which places the driver in the middle, slightly ahead of two passenger seats that sit on either side making it not just one-of-a-kind but also the most outlandish street legal car ever produced.
Are you a keen golfer who's always on the lookout for good clubs, putters and irons? If yes, then this is your lucky day. Nike's new Vapor Pro Combo irons deliver a unique combination of increased distance and control. They provide a shifted centre of gravity, which is normally located closer to the heel but in this case has been moved toward the centre of the face. Their precision-machined X3X grooves deliver spin control and shot-to-shot consistency, while progressive blade lengths and sole widths featuring a bevelled edge allow for enhanced versatility. To be available from October 31, 2014 the irons provide blade-like workability, precision and power making them thoroughbred irons for the pros.
Do you want to see stars — in the literal sense of the term? Then go for the NexStar Evolution 8 Telescope. And don’t let its size fool you. Gone are the days of long, clunky telescopes that you had to manually point at every little star in the sky you wanted to see close up. With an optical tube of only eight inches, it does the job of much larger telescopes, while its compatibility with iOS and android apps takes all the guesswork out of astronomy. An onboard motor responds to everything you tell it to do through your phone or tablet, so all you have to do is to control the telescope with the Celestron sky portal app and see the universe on the screen of your smartphone.
On a hot summer day, a bicycle and a bottle of water go hand in hand. But carrying the bottle can be challenging if you are a serious long-distance biker. American company Oopsmark has come up with an ideal solution. It has launched a handmade leather bottle rack, which is perfect for taking a hydrating liquid on the go. It easily attaches to most bike frames with antique brass fasteners while the hidden clamps hold the bottle securely. And, of course, it is not just for water. You can carry headier stuff as well.
Time was when we all worked on a single computer screen. Today most of us are computing and texting across multiple screens, often using two or three different operating systems like the laptop, smartphone and tablet switching from one keyboard to another. Logitech is out to save us the hassle with its multi-device keyboard K480, which is the first desk keyboard designed for use with three devices. Now you can type a report on your computer and with the flick of the easy-switch respond to a message on your smartphone, or even type a tweet on your tablet. The keyboard’s integrated cradle can hold the phone and tablet, even if you’re using it to type on your laptop taking multi-tasking to an altogether new level.
This may not be a Ming dynasty vase that costs a fortune, but yet, it is an object of desire to add to the mantlepiece. American psychedelic-pop artist Steven Harrington has applied his signature, cartoon-like style to ancient Chinese yin-yang symbol on his new collection of vases called ‘Sincerely Yours’ which bring contemporary edge to the old-fashioned porcelain vase. Limited to just 100 units, with each having its own certificate of authenticity, the vases are sure to become a collector’s item.