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An extra coat of love
IT’S getting chilly with each passing day and layers of woolens is all that you can think of to keep you and your family warm. And, if your family picture stands incomplete without your pet, then we know what’s bothering you more than your cough and cold. The temperature is dipping and cuddling up under the bed or on the carpet, wrapping him up with an old shawl, letting him sit in the sun and more is just not proving good enough to take care of your little one. Well, join us on a shopping spree if you want to keep your mushy cat or the overtly affectionate Labrador warm.
Let’s talk coats first, these are available in velvet, flannel, knitted wool and even in denim! With the inner lining in warm cloth, these ensure complete warmth for the less hairy breed of animals. And, these will not only keep your pet warm, but will also make him look cute, rather cuter. There are reds, browns, and blues for the males and pinks, mauves and maroons for the pretty ribboned females. Talk patterns and there are multi-coloured stripes, checks, animal prints, polka dots, flower motifs and more. The messages on these coats that read like — Gangster, Spoiled, Pet me and Dog in style, will surely make your dirty devil look smart. For females, there are high-neck frocks in woolen and denim with paw print embossing. If your bundle of joy has a whole lot of hair then be careful not to buy woolens for him, instead go in for woolen knit or cotton knit ones. Shield your pet from the cold with sweatshirts and t-shirts in lycra, flannel or hosiery. You can choose from a variety of patterns including colourful stripes, glittering gold motifs or sequin and lace embellished ones. And undoubtedly while you would want to see your pet looking smart in a coat whole day long, also remember that the heat may give him rashes, so take it off during some part of the day for sure. At nights, wrap them up in satin blankets that have foam on the inside. For a still more cosy cover, take your pick from heavy striped woolen blankets. And, to shield him from unexpected rains buy him windcheaters or raincoats in bright colours like yellow and orange. Let him wear a coat or a sweatshirt beneath the raincoat. And as for his footsie, get him booties in gold or red with fancy strings and frilly butterfly or apple motifs. So, go ahead and give your pet more than the warmth of your love and affection. (Available at: Animal Kingdom-26, The Pet Shop-22)
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Pet Pals
Ever since Orkut, Facebook, Hi5 and other social networking sites (SNSs) invaded your life, you got confided within the walls of your room. And, while you searched for old buddies or bonded with new ones, your little one, the adorable dog or the lovable kitten, just looked at you with watery eyes from underneath your comp table. Well, things are going to change very soon. For, your Labrador or Pomeranian or Pug or German Shepherd might soon sit right next to you and network. Don’t believe us? Well, just log on, oops read on.
Post scraps, upload pictures, be a part of like-minded communities, search for mates and more, doggies shall do it all. Log on to sites like dogster.com, catster.com, uniteddogs.com, fuzzster.com and you’ll know that the online world will soon be taken over by them. The concept, popular in the West, is likely to be replicated here very soon. There are dogs who’ve been part of these SNSs for a year or two now, some even have their dedicated blogs and web pages. As for our city’s dog lovers they are excited about this extremely cute idea of loading the profile of their dogs on SNSs. Says Gurpreet, owner of an 11-year-old Spitz, christened Penny, “It sounds interesting. We can meet other dog lovers and so can our pets.” So what will be Penny’s virtual name, we ask her? “How about Penny Wise?” she chuckles. Hmm...Now Penny Wise might make some good friends there, and Penny can even be choosy about them on the basis of the breed, age or even size. Labelled as the comp whiz amongst his friends, Rajiv, an MCA, is all game when it comes to making of his 13-year-old-dog Popsy’s profile. “I’ll upload her videos too,” he says. What’s more? The idea of finding himself a friend to take his dog for a walk appeals him. “It’s like bringing up a baby and it would be both interesting and educative to share funny acts, problems and diet concerns with others,” says Digvijay, proud owner of a two-and-a-half month-old Pug — Mustard. “And, then it will help my dog to get really famous,” he smiles. Now, lest you label all this as frivolous and just another way for, us humans, to socialise, let’s tell you that even if it is, it will be helpful for our pets. You can find your dog a mate, share your health concerns, adopt dogs, find little puppies a home and lots more. And, guess what! Some sites even hold online competitions, mind you, as fancy as our beauty hunts. Your adorable one could grab a title, say, the dog of the week. Now, that sounds cute, a sashay and a tiara for the dog. Well, before we log out of this dog kingdom, we can say that even if it is going to be the efforts of us, the passionate dog lovers cum cyber savvy, we do like the idea of lovable dogs clicking on and ruling the virtual world! Don’t you? |
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Petpourri
Grooming
Food
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Going Beyond beauty
His musings on nature come in interesting hues — mostly monochrome. As Naresh Kumar ‘Karun’ believes in taking inspirations ‘of nature’ rather than ‘from nature’, his version is quite different from what we see with our naked eyes. Yes, he believes in capturing the moods of nature in abstract.
As evident from the paintings on display, it seems the artist is fond of the colour grey. But trust us, looking at the walls of the art gallery of Punjab Kala Bhawan-16 lit up by his 35 frames, his creations are anything but dull. One amazes at the economy of colour and at the same time the control with which Karun has blended different hues of the same colour leading to a defined interplay of light and shade. You see a lot of movement in his monochromatic paintings Movement, A Study, Pass, There is Light Outside, Trickle All Around, Crystal Head, Haze and Cave. “My strongest point is monochrome,” Karun admits as he gives us a guided tour of the gallery. Karun, a Gurgaon-based English lecturer and a self-taught artist, picked up the brush and paint seriously only after his wedding in 1993. Karun’s first exhibition in Chandigarh was a decade back. Why only nature, we ask him. “The nature if the goddess to me.” And both faces – the ugly and the beautiful — fascinate the artist in him. “You see this painting of Shivaling which represents the destructive side of nature and this one called Austerity represents the serene side of it,” he explains. For those who love a dash of bright colour there are eye-catchers like Heaven Comes Closer at Night, Flooded Terrain, Nature at Work, Dawn, The Crescent and The Fury among others. Though executed in bright colours, these too bear his signature style — domination of different shades of the same colour and the crystalline textured look. And as an artist Karun has been successful in his endeavour to open one’s eyes to the mystic elements of nature. The exhibition was inaugurated by The Tribune editor-in-chief H. K. Dua. On till January 8 |
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Singled Out
“This idea came to me when I was doing my Ph D,” he says. An expert in gender studies, his first book was the result of his academic pursuit on a similar subject. Later, he published his poetry too. Talking about this book, slated for a release next week, he says, “In the late ‘90s, I noticed both the emergence and rejection of this trend of single women. With time, I saw it change and gaining acceptance.” The book with its sample size of 100 city’s single women from various walks of life traces the reasons (which include being the sole earner to career to inability to find a suitable partner), the discrimination they face, their awareness about their rights and more. Talk of interesting observations and he has many to quote, beginning with the fact that city’s single women don’t want reservations of any kind. “They echo the thought that they are educated and independent to make way for themselves,” he says. Next, if you were to ask them if they would like to get settled in future, they reply in unison again. “We’re happily settled.” So, what will he be writing on next? “The impact of IT on women,” he says. And the idea clicked to him while he was working on this single women subject. “I coined a term called electronic salad and noticed that many women were treating themselves to it,” he says. And by E-salad, he means a dosage of mobiles, laptops, I-pods, DVDs and more. Now, that surely sounds interesting. “I’ll be ready with this by 2009,” he signs off. — Purva
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Recreating the Taj Magic
It was location hunting for his telly series — Akbar The Great — that took Akbar Khan to Agra. And, well fortunately so, says the producer-director Khan who is now ready to release his flick Taj Mahal for the second time early in 2008. The edited version of the original (released in 2005) gathered raving reviews this month at the International Film Festival-Dubai. We chat up the man behind the Taj on the silver screen!
The conversation starts from the obvious — his obsession for the Wonder of the World. Khan first witnessed the magic of Taj a decade back and got hooked. He describes the experience: “It was strange and beautiful. I felt a sensation beneath my feet and heard heartbeats in the engravings. A guide who was apprising hundreds of tourists on the passion and love behind the monument had brought many to tears.” And, well that moment kick-started the research, hardwork, meticulous detailing, right cast and more that led to Taj Mahal. A year-and-a-half for screenplay, six months to create a close replica of Taj at Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort and a long search for the right lead cast — Zulfikar Sayed and Sonia Rizv. If everything was perfect then why re-editing, we ask. “This version is for the overseas Bollywood lovers, it is sans song-dance. Except the traditional qawali,” he tells. “Audiences abroad don’t appreciate an overload of background music,” he adds. Now, what better way to acquaint them with our rich culture? Plus, there is a surprise for the international and the Indian audience — the subtle touch to the climax. Talk today and Khan rightly calls himself a historian. (Also to his credit is The Sword Of Tipu Sultan) “Mughal history is on my tips now,” he smiles. Next in the pipeline will be another historical flick on Chenghaz Khan and also a family thriller.
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Singer actress Jennifer Lopez, much like Tom Cruise’s wife Katie Holmes, is to give birth naturally and quietly without painkillers. Holmes gave birth according to Cruise’s Scientology methods by keeping quiet the whole time.
Lopez and her husband singer Marc Anthony are also ardent followers of Scientology. They believe the noisy hospital environment along with doctors yelling instructions can damage the baby later in life, sources said “Although she knows it will be hard not to scream, she understands why it will be good for the baby to have peace and quiet,” said a friend of Lopez.
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IANS |
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BON APPETIT
They lower the risk of heart disease, prevent cancer and birth defects, promote blood circulation and wound healing. They are a fat-free source of vitamin B, folate and potassium. Women of the world, rejoice! An intake of oranges helps you fight skin ageing and their pectin content suppresses hunger levels for up to four hours after eating them! Cakes, marmalade, squashes, salads — The orange performs the “range” of roles with great aplomb. It even lends a hand in cooking great orange-chicken! Health gurus recommend that we eat the whole fruit, (thready fibers and all) rather than consume its extracted juice. Flower Salad 4 large oranges Method Orange Butterfly Cakes Method Tip of the Week Instead of buying marmalade, prepare a home made conserve by cooking chopped oranges with sugar to taste until reduced and thick. It’s great guns with ice cream too! |
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A new study has revealed that specific polyphenols present in red-wine byproducts may considerably reduce the ability of bacteria to cause cavities. According to the researchers, the findings may also have implications in developing drugs against oral diseases.
The findings suggest that specific polyphenols present in large amounts in fermented seeds and skins thrown away after grapes are pressed, interfere with the ability of bacteria to contribute to tooth decay. The study was led by Hyun Koo, assistant professor of Dentistry within the Eastman Department of Dentistry and Center for Oral Biology at the Medical Center. “Most foods contain compounds that are both good and bad for dental health, so the message is not ‘drink more wine to fight bacteria. We hope to isolate the key compounds within the winemaking waste that render bad bacteria harmless, perhaps in the mouth with a new kind of rinse,” said Koo. Fermented winemaking waste, known as pomace, contains at least as many polyphenols as whole fruit, and thus there’s no need to use perfectly good food to make any future drugs.
— ANI
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Telly Tales
ONCE upon a time, very very long ago, not just family members, but also the ones from the neighbourhood, would religiously get together each Sunday in front of the TV. Why? Well, for that was the only day (apart from Chitrahaar) when the stars of the tinsel town entered our living rooms via the ‘feature film’. But, that’s history. Today, the tube is treating us to an over dosage of stars, making TV actors into stars and also getting all inspired from Bollywood.
Let’s talk first of the relatively new and highly over-done concept of inviting stars on telly shows. As judges, participants, guests or merely as flick promotion faces, these stars are everywhere. The trend can be credited to the never-ending churning of reality shows. If one can’t dance or sing i.e. can’t qualify as a judge, then, one can learn to do so here. And yes, if there is a flick slated for release then there is no better way to promote it than here. Carry the whole brigade along, even if that means a star cast of 20 stars. Remember Dus Kahaniyaan’s presence on Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge? Or, let your star mom-dad promote your venture, as Rishi-Neetu did for son Ranbir on the sets of Star’s Voice of India. Now, the notion of the small screen having a lower status than the 70 MM too is changing. Cos’ stars are being churn out here at the tellydom. Nope, we are not talking of SMS stars (courtesy, reality shows), but individuals who’ve earned limelight because of their stint on TV. The two recent names that come to one’s mind is Tina, wifey of Hussain. She literally danced her way to glamour. A participant of 2006’s Nach Baliye 2, she hosted its third season in 2007. And, is also the sole host of another film chat show. Another wonder boy is Rakhi Sawant’s boyfriend Abhishek who, we believe, is a good dancer-choreographer and now quite prominent after his swirls and twirls on telly. And, then how can we forget Prachi Desai aka Bani, winner of Jhalak Dikhla Ja, grabbing a role in a Farhan Akhtar flick. Also, we’ve been hearing rumours of Rajeev Khandelwal aka Sujal, stepping into the tinsel town. Some time back, we saw Aman Verma treading the path of first acting in soaps and then anchoring shows or award nights, and later flicks. Hmm... perhaps the route is not quite new, after all Shah Rukh Khan did make it via Fauji and Circus. Now, anyone who watches TV, knows that the idiot box is oft short of ideas. So, they have now turned to Bollywood for inspiration. The relatively new channel Filmy, is one such offering. They’ve had gimmicks and shows that saw wannabes struggling to make it in Mumbai, comic actors playing Don and more. Next, they’ll be choosing a Bollywood Ka Boss, through telly’s first Bollywood quiz show with quizmaster Boman Irani. Star One’s Bol Baby Bol, too requires one to mug the lyrics of Bollywood numbers to win prizes. Well, well, all one can say is that the small screen draped in Bollywood ishtyle is indeed getting bigger and more glamorous. (This column appears weekly)
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Baring facts
Fans of James Bond star Daniel Craig are in for a big disappointment, as the actor will not be baring his chest in the next 007 movie. In 2006’s Casino Royale, the 007 star strikingly showed off his spectacular body as he emerged from the water in tight blue swimming trunks. Craig had also vowed to ‘go totally nude’ in the next Bond movie. However, newly installed Swiss director Marc Forster says a repeat of the thrilling scene is highly unlikely in the as yet unnamed sequel. “If Bond goes to the beach with palm trees it’s almost banal now. The only interesting journey remains the journey inwards, deep into the psyche,” Marc said. Living to work
British actress Keira Knightley is eager to cut down the number of movies she signs up for - because she is tired of ‘living to work’. The actress has been leaping from one big screen production to another ever since she became famous in 2003’s Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. It has also been rumoured that she will be picking up an Oscar nomination for her performance in last year’s Atonement. But all the fame and recognition is taking a toll on Keira, as she is growing tired of spending all her waking hours on a film set and is determined to spare some time to enjoy life. “I haven’t found a balance yet. I’ve been working too much. The other weekend I worked 32 hours straight. You know, I’ve always thought you work to live, you don’t live to work. I’m definitely living to work, so I think I might have to address that,” she said.
— ANI
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American actor Eddie Murphy wed film producer Tracey Edmonds on a private island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia on New Year’s day. A spokesman for Murphy confirmed that the couple tied the knot on Jan 1, in presence of 25 friends and family members. The duo, who had been dating since 2006, exchanged vows under a gazebo on a special man-made beach constructed of 6,000 shells.
After the ceremony, Tracey gave each of her bridesmaids’ gold and diamond earrings while Eddie gave his groomsmen designer watches. It is the second marriage for both Murphy and Edmonds. Murphy was married for 13 years to model and actress Nicole Mitchell Murphy. They had five children before divorcing in 2006. Tracey ended her marriage with music mogul Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds in October 2005.
— ANI
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Interiors GIVE your home a new look with GHCL’s Grace, a new home textile brand in the mid price segment. The brand offers a huge variety of products in home textiles including bed sheets and bed covers, towels, rugs for bathrooms and more. The product mix has been based on a thorough study of the home linen markets. The first offering of GHCL is a range of superfine bed sheets. The brand has combined international designs of brands like Dan River and Roseby’s with an understanding of the Indian consumer. The range includes Belladonna, Aura, Glamora, Venus, Fortuna and Diva. Fashion MIRRORS, studs, tin plates, plastic appliqué works and more, Ritu Kumar’s ‘Stylish Cocktail’ collection consists of internationally styled dresses with Indian design aesthetics. For the dazzling look, you can sport designer cocktail dresses or evening tops embellished with crystal work. The bling look in empire line cuts dresses is characterised by its simple forms and decorations in sequins or gemstones. Shiny details stand out on necklines and hips. There is particular emphasis placed on shine within knitwear garments and the shimmery fabrics create a dreamy look, perfect for parties. The colours used in the collection are blacks, whites and greys. Footwear FUN and colourful, this season young Disney lovers can enjoy the special range of shoes from Crocs that comes in the shape of Mickey Mouse! With interesting names like Beach, Kids Cayman, Athens, Prima and Mary Jane, these are easy to clean, water-resistant, comfortable, lightweight and odour resistant. These are available in 26 attractive colours such as fuchsia, turquoise, yellow, red, and lime. This footwear is perfect for almost every activity — from water sports to gardening to shopping, to walking about town, your Crocs will take you everywhere. These fall in the range of Rs 995 onwards. home INVALUABLE documents, priceless jewelry and irreplaceable items close to your heart, can now all be kept safe and secure from theft or fire. All you need to do is install a Godrej safe in your home or office. Made from high strength steels and using the most sophisticated locking technologies, the varieties include multi-lever unpickable lock models, electronic passwords, magnetic swipe cards or fingerprint locking safes. These can even be installed inside a cupboard and bolted into the wall for additional secrecy and security. The price ranges from Rs 825 to Rs 27,700, depending on the storage capacity and type of safe. technology NOW you can make very low cost phone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone. Voxtel Telecom has launched for the first time in India iVOICE Lifestyle Conference 255 – the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone. Packed with wide band audio phone/ conference phone combo features, it is a perfect blend of style, statement and world-class technology. The compact design, clarity of voice makes this phone higher user-friendly at home or at work. It supports wideband audio, HD sound and comes with a colour display, 200 phone book capacity and high clarity. —TNS
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Wearing comfortable low heeled or flat shoes could prevent individuals from suffering low back pain. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
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Winter’s cold air brings lots of concerns for responsible dog owners. Since they cannot talk to us when they are sick, it is important to pay special attention to their well being during the winter:
We know him by many names, Dr Quickfix, Dr Feel Good, Dr Quick Heel, a heart specialist and more. Ranjay Vardhan earned these names last May by authoring a book for the broken hearts called Coping with Broken Hearts. A senior lecturer of sociology in GCG-42, he is now back with his fourth book tilted — Single Women: A Study of Spinsters.
The sunny orange is one of Mother Nature’s best superfoods, packed with an array of disease “phy-ting” phytochemicals, all tucked neatly beneath the glistening peel.
1 ½ cups maida
