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25 things kids should do before they turn 10 Has your child made paper boats, had pillow fights and jumped into a puddle? If not, make sure he does enjoy these li’l pleasures of growing up. So, stick up this list on the fridge and tick off the activities as your child does them! But what about a, perhaps,
not-so-perfect childhood? For, if your child doesn’t come home with a
bruise while playing vish-amrit or has never shared biscuits with
the neighbourhood kitten, then he is being robbed of childhood pleasures.
Here’s how to pull him out of lengthy syllabi, weekly test load of
extra-curricular activities, hi-fi video games and the pressure to perform
better. Sit your kid down, go through the list of 25 things a child should
do before he or she is 10, and give yourself a pat on the back when your
child is done with at least 12 of these! 2.
Invite your friends over for ghar ghar or a robo-war. 3. Take a
packet of Marie biscuits, cheeni and malai. Drip the malai
and sprinkle cheeni on the biscuits. Now, gorge on the sweet
delight. 4. Play tic-tac-toe. Not with pen and pencil, but on
the mirror with toothpaste. 5. Each time it pitter-patters; grab your
rough notebook, tear off a sheet and make paper boats. 6.
Make your own rain with the hosepipe. 7. Roll in the grass. 8.
Organise a party for your stuff toys. 9. Take a pinch of detergent
and half a bucket of water. Wash the clothes of your dolls, teddies,
tweety et al. 10. Paint a family picture. 11. Find
earthworms. 13. Take
part in a fancy dress competition. 14. Dress up in your mom’s
sari and wear her perfume. Walk around the house in her sandals. 15.
Make breakfast for your parents. Fruits and juice is a good idea. 16.
Pluck flowers and press them in your notebooks. 17. Keep your
tooth under the pillow and make a wish to a fairy. 18. Take a
cream biscuit. Open, lick, and eat. 19. Notice the leaves of
touch-me-not, watch them open and close each time you touch it. 20.
Have a cold drink party during school interval. Maaza, Pepsi, Frooti,
Nimbu Pani5 fill up your water bottle and freeze it overnight. 21.
Spot the first star and make a wish. Sing the jingle, ‘The first star I
see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Get the wish I wish tonight’ 22.
Make and fly a kite. 23. Sneak into the kitchen after your parents
fall asleep and gorge on chocolates. 24. Jump in a puddle and
see your white t-shirt turn all shades of brown. 25. Make sure that
the child jots down all this in a diary. So that each time he flips
through the pages he gets to relive his childhood. So, what are you
waiting for? Grab the ‘perfect parent’ title and give your child a
treasure trove of memories to look back at.
P.S. Don’t miss no. 15, you might even get breakfast in bed! purva@tribunemail.com
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Message by, for, & to the next-gen youth
Do you strongly feel that the world needs to know what Sikhi is all about? Do you have access to a computer and a camera? Do you want to get famous and rich? Well, if your answer is yes, collect your thoughts, time and effort and participate in the SikhNet Youth Online Film Festival. Just log on to www.sikh.net and get going. The portal is holding its second annual film festival for Sikh youth all over the globe. “Last year over twenty videos were submitted and viewed online over 1,00,000 times,” says Gurumustuk Singh, SikhNet’s webmaster. “But there were only four entries from India and none from Punjab. This time, nine directors from Punjab are already in the process of submitting their videos,” says Gurumustuk. Choose a topic that speaks on the unique identity of Sikhs, may be an inspirational story, an insight into the social problems of the community, interview a successful professional Sikh et al. And if talk of inspirational, religious, intense topics doesn’t work for you, then let your imagination take over. How about telling others how cool it is to be a Sikh or how about creating a Sikh music video? The criteria for judging the videos are creativity and originality, ability to deliver a message, technical execution and entertainment value. Renowned actors /directors/ writer/ producers will be judging the contest. What’s more the portal will be offering big cash prizes to the winners. The participants will be divided into three categories — Junior (11-17 years old), Intermediate (18-25 years old) and a new Senior division (26-126 years old). There will be no cash prizes for filmmakers over 25, but their work will get exposure on the site. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, grab a camera and create a masterpiece. — P. G. |
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Folksy treat Starting today, a three-day folk dance bonanza promises to rejuvenate Haryana’s folk song & dance Folk music and the dances of any particular region are a part its musical tradition, evolved through a process of oral transmission of human expressions from one generation to the next. Likewise, the people of Haryana have a rich repertoire of folk dances and songs weaved with relative themes of nature, traditions and ceremonies. Talking to Life Style, the acclaimed folklorist, theatre and cine actor Kamal Tewari, maintained that the richness, twang and grace of Haryanavi dance forms like Ghumar, Khodiya and Loor (mainly for the womenfolk) as also Holi Phag Gangor, Dhamal, Chaupiya , Googa had their own character, significance and elegance. But Tewari, the former additional director of the Haryana Culture Affairs, recalls with a sense of pride how the vibrant Haryanavi dances enraptured the alien audience when for the first time, he led the Haryanavi dance ensemble to Russia, Syria, Libya, Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and other countries. However, he reiterated that the prevailing influence of western, Punjabi pop and film music is likely to have an impact on the pure folklore. Singing of ceremonial songs on family functions had been taken over by DJ culture. But the original forms had to stay as any substantial change takes time to establish and entice acceptance. “The dance contests in the ensuing three-day folk dance festival will certainly augment the folklore passion here,” claimed Leela Saini, a veteran folk danseuse. Director Haryana Kala Parishad and heroine of the first ever Harynavi film ‘Chandrawal,’ Usha Sharma mused that folk musical arts are the living and integral part of any culture as these constitute a bond between people of diverse levels and culture. “The three-day folk dance bonanza is aimed at rejuvenating the folk cultural potential which is under threat from the DJ culture,” she added. As many as 32 teams will participate in the zonal and state level competitions to be held at the Inderdhanush auditorium in Panchkula from August 11 to 13.The Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will give cash award to the winners, in addition to a citation and a memento. lifestyletribune@gmail.com
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Right foot forward Too narrow, exceptionally large, small heel, stiff sole, shoe bite and much more. Don’t we all dread running from one store to another in search for that perfect pair? Trendy style, utmost comfort, right shade and easy on the pocket, it is quite tough to have it all in one pair. But what if we took you to a store where you can get a pair crafted exclusively for yourself? No, we are not talking about exquisite designers who are jumping in to cater to your feet fetish. Instead, we are referring to the small shoe shacks in the city. “If you know what you want, then we know how to deliver it to you,” says Sarbjit of Americano Shoes-8, set up more than six decades back by her father-in-law. Smiles the lady,“ Most of my father-in-law’s clients were foreigners, so he called the shop Americano, coming from America.” Today, if not foreigners, the shop is a must stop for any NRI visiting home. Avers NRI Kabir Dhillon, “I grew up wearing these handmade shoes, so it is difficult to like anything else now.”
Crafted in leather, you can place an order for formal and causal shoes to chappals and sandals. Come wedding season and the demand for the traditional peshawari chappal catches up. “Men like to wear it with kurta pyjama for their sangeet or even wedding,” tells Bheem Singh, the artisan here. For women, the range is limited to high ankle boots, stilettos and bellies. Starting from Rs 500 a pair, they claim that the pair will last for at least five years. Says Sarabjit, “ I personally procure the leather from Delhi and Agra.” Besides shoes on order, they undertake shoe repair of any kind, be it shoelace, sole, heel or worn-out fabric. Another such shop where one can always spot young boys lined up is in the university campus. Known as Shop no.22, it is run by Hansraj, whose clients swear by his workmanship. Walk in with an exhausted pair of expensive Adidas or Nike and take home an almost new one. Says Hansraj, “Most of the boys are brand conscious and at the same time, they can’t afford to buy a pair every second day, so I mend it for them.” And, besides them there are many who walk to the shop with magazine clippings of high-end shoes and ask Hansraj to replicate it for them. And bingo, he does that to perfection. A duplication of a Red Tape shoe for a mere few hundreds does sound great. As he immaculately puts down neat stitches, he says, “Almost 90 per cent of my customers are students of the university or pass outs.” These shacks also cater to people with foot deformities. Shoes for horse riding and skating are also made to order here. With around four orders a week, these cobblers are content with their work. They sign off, “one cannot compare a handmade simple sturdy pair with a readymade modern delicate one.” And, we agree.
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Beauty studio Without doubt, dark circles are near-constant bother, the real culprits being allergies, tiredness or unfortunately, hereditary. Skin around the eyes is extremely delicate and needs feather touch treatment. Never rub your eyes, it irritates the skin around and can break tiny capillaries beneath the skin causing both puffiness and discolouration. Skin around the eyes can weaken by sun damage, to prevent that wear sunscreen with SPF 30 under the eyes. Over and above all this, drink enough water, take plenty of rest and do not consume too much salt. Adding multi–vitamins and Vitamin C could help in reducing dark circles, allergies and also help strengthen blood vessel walls around the eye area. Simple home remedies do help to temporarily diminish dark circles under the eyes; only snag is that you have to follow them religiously. Q&A Please suggest some home remedies for dark circles. Sangeeta Mahajan,
via e-mail Apply cooled tea bags to your eyes. Refrigerate them and use whenever you have 15 minutes or so. The tannin in tea reduces swelling and discolouration. Herbal tea bags are a big no, as they are not so effective. Cucumber slices reduces puffiness and refreshes the skin around the eyes. Cutting onions can help release some of the moisture under and around your eyes; this has proved to reduce darkness and discolouration. Combining the treatment with tea bags straight afterwards helps big time. *
* * I am 27 and have til-like dots on my cheeks and dark circles. I have a proper diet, sleep and no particular tension. Please advise. Naajar Sandhu,
via e-mail I am sorry I won’t prove of any help to you here as I haven’t actually seen your skin problem. Visit skin specialist and have it diagnosed. Regarding dark circles, I have already answered the question above. *
* * How do I remove dead cells? Gurdeep, via e-mail Exfoliation helps improve the complexion tremendously as it encourages exposing the finer skin underneath. Wet your face, dab on an exfoliating cleanser. In circular motion, scrub the cleanser all over your face. Be gentle on delicate neck area and around the eyes. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a good moisturiser. (This column appears fortnightly) Pammy Kaul is a UK-based beauty therapist. E-mail queries to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to The Tribune,
Sector 29, Chandigarh
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Discovery packs a punch of India’s innovative progress
Discovery has found out something about India ‘s technological progress and unique innovations that will propel the nation into 21st century. And, the channel is all set to air its discoveries on ‘Daily Planet Goes to India.’ Oh yes, you will get a glimpse into the working of the Indian mind reflected in inventions like the Amphibious bicycle that has been modified to cross ponds and other water bodies. You will also see breakthrough innovation manifesting itself in pedal operated washing machine that burns calories, while your clothes regain their clean look. This is not the end of the big picture. So many cricket buffs across the country will witness research undertaken at NASA’s AMES Research Centre in California aimed at assisting cricket bowlers perfect their swing. If this hasn’t bowled you over, get ready to see something about the Jaipur Foot — an artificial limb that has changed the life of amputees. Reposing in the comfort of their homes, the viewers will also be in a position to log on to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s views about India’s economic future. You also have renowned social scientist M.S. Swaminathan. Just in case you do not know him, he revolutionised the country’s agriculture system and is currently working on bringing the Internet to the poor in remote villages. In case all this has increased your hunger for knowledge, get ready to watch the first episode. It shows how the dabbawallas are never late and rarely make mistakes, without even relying on computers. Right fellows, you also get a chance of travelling into the Ajanta caves for finding out all about the preservation of priceless Buddhist paintings and sculptures. There is something for the movie buffs too. The programme takes a look at the Indian film industry, which produces the highest number of motion pictures in the world. And then, there is something about traditional dance forms. The launch of the premiere programme coincides with the country’s Independence Day and zooms on the science and technology driving India’s economic development both at the global and the grass root level. You get to see the six-episode series every Wednesday at 8 pm. Happy viewing! —S. M.
Testing times
Discovery explores more than just your surroundings. The channel helps you find something about your hidden potential to remain patient even under edgy circumstances. Though the channel people fix 11.30 am as the time for teleconferencing, nothing really starts till about 12.30 pm. And then, they follow the policy of ‘all media organisations being equal, but some being more equal than others’ by promising exclusive interviews to select newspapers. |
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Cool Stuff If you continually face stress, aches or just plain fatigue, here’s some pampering for you. Hindustan Sanitaryware and Industries Ltd has launched multi function systems and massage tubs. The massage tubs (Rs 85, 000 to Rs 2,25,000) come with pre-fitted whirlpool kit of 6 – 8 nozzles, hydro massage jets, air control switch, hot and cold faucet and stylish head rests. Multi systems or steam rooms (Rs. 1, 25,000 to Rs. 3,25,000) come with an option of inbuilt sauna as well. Available in various models, they come equipped with features like accupressure massage jets, electronic control keypad, radio, body massage jets, over head shower, hand held shower, multi-functional diverter and foldable seat etc. Fashion: Sibling Revelry Here’s your chance to pamper your sister with clothes, something that women love the most and can never have enough off. This Raksha Bandhan, Label — a contemporary brand from the design house of Ritu Kumar— has come up with various gift solutions for all brothers faced with the trouble of selecting presents for their sisters. The collection consists of well cut t- shirts with dori work designs, ghara embellished tops, tunics with metal yokes, Kashida- crafted hand bags, zardozi potli bags, printed kangra belts and a stunning linen ethnic line. The monotone silk linen line renders a delicate progression to the collection, including lightweight jerseys, varied pants, dresses and cloaks. Women only: Pen Drive Montblanc has launched the Greta Garbo 1905 Commemoration Edition, which honours the internationally celebrated film beauty Greta Garbo’s year of birth on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Developed for the female target group, this pen shows a stunning contrast with a cream-coloured cap harmoniously complemented in the jet-black body. An eye-catching feature of this variant is the individual design of the handmade 18-carat gold nib as well as the extravagant clip, embellished with a white Akoya pearl. In addition, all three-cartridge fountain pens – as also the ballpoint pen, which is only available in the Greta Garbo Special Edition – bear engraved signature as a reference to the legendary eponym. Festival time: Rakhi Express Blue Dart has introduced its Rakhi Express offer, for the customers who want to send rakhis through the extensive courier network. Blue Dart provides two options to send Rakhis. You can either send your rakhi and tikka in a specially designed handcrafted box. The box will contain a note briefly explaining the essence of rakhi and a card to write a personalised note. The cost for this will be Rs 200 (inclusive of courier charges and taxes) anywhere in the country. Or you could send your rakhi, tikka and personalised note in the specially designed envelope, which will beat any weather conditions. This service will be priced at Rs 150 (inclusive of courier charges and taxes) anywhere in the country.
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Back 2 School
Undergrads flaunt teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy dresses If in the process they look like overgrown kids with full-bloom looks, but not so ripe sense of dressing, they are just not bothered about it, apparently. Just in case haven’t seen them making a wild attempt to look ‘childlike’ in apparels fit for young innocents who are yet to pass out of the high schools, drive down to the college campuses across the city. You will find them there looking good and confident in short plaid skirts. Right, the colour of their apparels is almost always baby pink, or cheerful yellow. For that enhanced girlish effect, they complete the ensemble by donning teeny-weeny tops in whites or pastel colours. Impressive floral prints lend charm to the dresses, and help them bloom, despite the wilting effect of the sultry weather. “This is not all. The college-goers almost always go in for that not-so-mature appearance by topping up their dresses with over-size cotton shirts, again in cheerful shades. They look cool in the hot summers and add up to grace,” says Shveta Shourie, city-based fashion designer with apparel-operations in the US. Well fellows, babes opposed to the concept of exposing a daring attitude in short, even lengthy skirts, almost always exercise the option of wearing dark jeans or black pants with immaculate white collar shirts for that school uniform kind of feeling. For them, the garment houses are full of stuff that promises to take years away from their looks and make them appear like girlies free from examinations. To top it all, the stuff is not very expensive either. You can take home a nice plaid skirt for as less as Rs 180. Even the shirts are not very expensive. Good ones can be had for just Rs 200, provided you shop from the right place. Guys, the young-look story does not end with apparels. A city-based socio-psychologist teaching in a government girls’ college says some of the students also display dolly bird charm for looking all the more childish, and even attractive. Even the cropped hair-style the gals wear makes them look like teenagers. Explaining the trend, he says: “Youngsters today know innocence is the key that opens all doors — in academic and even professional life. No wonder, they behave, and even dress up, like youngsters for taking all the benefits of an immature age. Folks, not a bad bargain.
saurabh@tribunemail.com |
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If you are in the soup thinking all about some nice and peppy pleasure before the main course, just allow some piping hot broth to cool you down. But before that, remember to check the frothing-with-delight menu card! For, the bill of fare contains more than just the conventional cream of tomato and mixed-vegetable soup. Soups are turning delightfully complex like Cappuccino of Broccoli or Summer Minestrone. The choice is yours, entirely. For high-end eating joints near Chandigarh, like the Manor Exclusive, are getting expertise from across the country for offering you global pleasure on a platter right next to your city. Order all time favourite Summer Minestrone and you get traditional Italian soup with vegetables. Or else taste Sopa De Amoral Tomato. It’s served with garlic croutons. Included in the category of must-haves is Serbian delicacy Vichyssoise and Consomme ala Polo. The stuff is served with herb chicken dumplings and spaghetti. And, is simply scrumptious! Even the salads are turning classy. You can go in for Shrimp Cocktail. Else, order plain or chicken Caeser Salad. It’s a salad of romaine lettuce and croutons dressed with Parmesan cheese. If you opt for Greek Salad, get ready to taste a rough country salad of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, pepper and crumbled feta cheese. A combination of cheese, tomato with shrimp or chicken, Escalade Mite simply promises to leave behind a lingering taste not just in your mouth, but also in your mind. Once you go there, remember to have Spanish potato salad Ensaladilla. Another good option is Fattoush. The traditional Middle-East salad promises to delight you to the hilt. Just in case you are wondering why so much of emphasis on exotic soups and salads, ask Manish Bajaj, the director of Manor Exclusive will tell you all about it. “Exposed to the global culture, the tri-city residents wish to taste here the stuff they enjoyed during their previous visit to foreign lands. No wonder, they want more than just the usual fare,” he asserts. — S. M.
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Action hero Jackie Chan, who left the production crew stunned by clambering up the iconic Eiffel Tower without a safety net while filming Rush Hour 3 in Paris, dreads needles. The Rush Hour star’s fear of needles stems from a childhood accident when he was rushed to hospital with a broken ankle, and the doctor administered him an injection. Chan, who is the proud holder of the Guinness World Record for being the living actor to perform most stunts on his own, has admitted that he still fears jabs. — ANI
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Way to go
Ongoing is a grooming session of the selected contestants that will see its finale on August 14. And the winner will get a chance to play second lead in Arshad Warsi and Raima Sen starrer 21 Days which will be produced by the group. Says Disha of Glamour World, “The city has a lot of potential and I will set up a unit here and operate from here for a year.” — TNS
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A 100% attendance
record. A report card that reads ‘very disciplined and sincere’.
Winner every week in the Wednesday class activity. The class monitor for
two years. A-grade in all exams. Plays a sport each evenings. Knows how to
eat noodles with a pair of chopsticks. (Thanks to the all-round
development workshop he attended last summer) Result: Perfect child, the
perfect son/ daughter/ student. 
1. Get hold of two
plump pillows. Hop on to the bed and have a pillow fight.
12. Fall asleep in your granny’s lap while
listening to stories of ek tha raja, ek thi rani 
Pursuing higher style on college campuses, so many undergrads are marching towards the school-girl look, merrily and gorgeously.
A Delhi-based production house Glamour World is here to groom the budding models/actors in the city. Over 240 contestants from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal participated in Mr and Miss Supermodel organised on August 2 in the city.