|
|
|
|
|
Hairy coincidence
What do Hilary Rodham Clinton, Laura Bush, Queen Elizabeth II and Mayawati have in common? Short hair, and the fact that they all are very powerful women. Well, in the world of fairy tales, the Rapunzel look may rule, but in the real hard world, women who are stepping into the role of decision makers, prefer to keep their locks in that no-nonsense boyish cuts. Well, a majority of them. For, a list of 100 powerful women in the world, compiled by US business magazine Forbes, has shown that close to two third of them have short hair. However, the report adds that the presence of such a large number of short-hair women on the list might be co-incidental as the measure of power has nothing to do with tresses. But then it makes us curious and compels us to do our own little survey. And when we count short-haired powerful women we know, Kiran Bedi's name tops the list.
"It's interesting," says Bedi when we try to take her comment on the subject. "I have had short hair since my school days. I was a tennis player and short hair suited my lifestyle, which continued throughout my professional life." It was mainly convenience factor, which decided her style. "Sometimes I do not even have the time to look at the mirror. Short hair is perfect for me as it can be air dried and gives me the freedom to take showers anytime of the day," she says. Kiran Bedi has set examples for many, not just in her profession but in her style too. We have our own Amrit Brar who cannot think of sporting long hair. "Who has the time to maintain long tresses? Had I been sitting at home, perhaps I would have like to wear them long, but with my kind of lifestyle a short cut is the most convenient thing to have," says Amrit Brar, AIG, Traffic, Punjab "Besides, short hair goes well with the uniform as it gives a neat look," she adds. Well, that was about women in the service and one must admit short hair looks good with khaki. But what about those who do not have to wear a uniform? Anupama Arya, co founder and director of Mobera System, comes up with a shy answer, "I am the wrong one to comment. Actually we engineer people are so boring, sitting in front of the computer all the time, I just thought short hair would be the best option for me. And now I am too comfortable in it to try out anything else." Well, in a business suit, our shy lady looks more of a stunning professional than a boring engineer. So, we establish that comfort is the major factor for these women to be sporting short hair, who have always been achievers in one way or the other and come with a no-nonsense attitude. But what happens to the conventional sense of beauty, which is incomplete without long tresses? Do they endorse the long-haired Rapunzel look as a parameter for a feminine look? "Even short haired women can look beautiful and feminine. Look at Meg Ryan, she looks gorgeous even in a boyish cut," says Richa Sharma, regional head of My FM. "True, one has to feel for the style one sports and carry it with the right attitude," chips in Bedi. Now, that's a good fashion tip if we have ever heard one! parbina@tribunemail.com
|
|
Shveta's jhalak
She is the sultry small-screen diva, who tangoed her way to popularity with Jhalak Dikhla Ja and Left Right Left. Known for her dancing skill and perfect expressions, Shveta Salve, the girl with a million-dollar smile and a figure to die for, was in Panchkula for Shringaar, a gold jewellery exhibition, by PC jewellers. Though our girl stood second by only a few votes in Jhalak Dikla Ja, it sure brought her talent to the fore and bagged her a good rapport with the audience. In conversation with the Marathi mulgi about her films, television, fashion and more. Destination
Bollywood
I have done enough of television for the past 11 years and now I am into films. My first film Bhanvra will be released by end of this year. I play Naina, a young ambitious girl, who deals with certain complexities in life. Ask her if she can relate to the character and she says, "Not at all, I am very different from Naina. But I admire the character for her guts and zest for life." On how she bagged the role, she replies, "Dharmeshji wanted a sanvali girl with certain vulnerability in her for the lead character and I fitted the bill." Telly tales
On her sabbatical from television, she says, "Off late, television has become monotonous and I have done enough of it, but that does not mean that I won't do television. Right now I am concentrating on my career in Bollywood." How does differentiate the two, "Both have the same base - acting, the only difference is Bollywood is bigger." Master of arts
A trained kathak dancer and also trained Hindustani classical vocalist, Shveta started her career as a theatre actor. And why acting? "It was not planned. I wanted to become a pilot or a vet. But destiny goaded me into acting." Comfort zone
First time in the city, Shveta says, "I have never visited the city before but from the car windows it looked clean and green." Talk fashion and she says, "For me fashion means comfort, and jewellery has to be delicate, light yet elegant." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
|
Festive platter
THIS is definitely good news for all you women, and men too, who have to tow along with their wives for their Karva Chauth and Diwali shopping. Meena Gohri's Designer Lounge in Sector-8 offers a one-stop shop for women, who look forward to buy some reasonable yet trendy designer stuff for the Karva Chauth. But all you need is to fish out some time from your schedule. Now, you don't have to scout for mehndiwallas, the 'busiest' people in business these days, for two guys sit right outside the boutique, all ready to crave rich patterns on your hand. While you get the mehndi done, take a quick look at the glittered bright coloured bangles on sale. And when you are done with both, step into the boutique, which offers an amazing collection of designer suits, saris and dresses. Or ladies, you could first begin with the boutique section. On display are intricately done up suits in various kinds of embroidery. Offers Neha and Shilpi, designers who have compiled the special Karva Chauth collection in one month's time, "We have a huge range to choose from, you just have to decide whether to go in for heavy or light yet elegant suits to wear." If you are someone who likes to celebrate Karva Chauth with sparkle and style, then take a pick from the heavy suits with gotta, bead, parsi, jaal, machine and hand work. Priced reasonably from Rs 1,000-15,000, these suits offer variety with their embroidery and designs. Tells Neha, "The best part about these suits are that they are not too heavy, yet they look so rich and stylish." In addition to this, are bloc print suits, in pure crepe, georgettes, brocade and tussar silk. Adds Shilpi, "We have taken care that the suits gel with the vibrant theme of Karva Chauth. We have used pastel shades as well as bright colours. The dupattas are also done in different styles and patterns; they are either heavy or in light embroidery. Also, the embroidery patterns in the suits are one of their kinds, entirely different from the regular stuff, which you come across." For those who like a mix of traditional and western wear, well, then the designer kurtis in lace work and formal dresses are definitely your pick, again priced reasonably starting as low Rs 500. That's it. Not really. Karva Chauth shopping is incomplete without a sparkling jewellery piece. So, you will find here an exclusive range for Karva chauth and Diwali. Says the Munish and Puneet of Society Jewellers-17, "The special festive collection has diamond magalsutra's, bracelets, rings, pendants, earrings, designed to mark the festival theme." Also on sale are 24 carat gold murthis, which can be used as a classic Diwali gift. On till October 15
|
|
Dealing with arthritis
THE theme for World Arthritis Day this year is ‘think positive’. So, the objective is to win over your ailment by knowing about the disease, understanding the causes with a positive attitude. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints and rheumatism means aches and pains in bones, muscles and joints. There are around 200 types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases affecting the young and old. Says Dr Manuj Wadhwa, “Arthritis can be broadly divided into inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) and – osteoarthritis. It is more likely to occur in people who are overweight and in those with jobs that stress particular joints. Both men and women have the disease; before the age 45 more men than women have osteoarthritis but after 45 it is more common in women. About 8-9 per cent (approx 70-80 million) of the adult population in India suffers from some or other form of arthritis and among this osteoarthritis is the commonest. Know your symptoms
The general symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness with the limitation of joint movement. Says Dr Wadhwa, “Whenever, there is persistent pain that is present for more than three-six weeks, is associated with swelling, difficulty in performing full movement of the joint and the pain increases with activity, one should get medical help”. Rheumatoid arthritis gives pain that is worse in the early morning while osteoarthritis causes pain that becomes worse at night or following rest. “Best way of confirming the presence of arthritis is by taking an X-ray of the affected joint,” says Dr Wadhwa. How to treat
Treatment varies according to the type of arthritis. If the damage to a joint is severe and other treatment is not helping; surgery is recommended. According to Dr Wadhwa, arthroscopic procedures are often useful for early problems and limited involvement. Talking about the latest medical technology in joint replacement procedures, Dr Wadhwa, says, “Using CAS (Computer Assisted Surgery) and the ligament-sparing technique; both knees can be replaced at the same time. Total knee replacement is done through a small-incision surgery, most often referred to as minimally invasive surgery, which offers the potential for faster recovery, less bleeding, less muscle damage and less pain.” Alternative approaches
Most successful treatment programs involve a combination of treatments tailored to the needs, lifestyle, and health to manage pain and improve function. Exercise: Exercise can improve one’s mood and outlook, decrease pain and increase flexibility. Specially designed exercise programmes help mobilise your joints and strengthen your supporting muscles. Weight control: Obese patients have 4-5 times higher risks of developing joint arthritis, so weight reduction with diet control and regular exercises is important. Exercise sessions in heated water can also improve mobility and lessen pain. Therapeutic massage can contribute to an overall feeling of relaxation and well-being. Relaxation techniques such as yoga help reduce stress and muscle tension. Do’s Don’ts |
|
Body wise
Always considered as something unhealthy, especially with weight watchers, nuts have redefined themselves in a new and positive way with many health benefits being associated with them. Though they contain calories, eating them in moderate quantities can enhance one's health. Benefits
Nuts are a nutrient dense food and contain high amounts of dietary fiber. They are high in unsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats. They also contain protein, folic acid, copper, magnesium, Vitamin E and Arginine. Studies conducted find that nuts go way beyond good nutrition. Eating one to two ounces of nuts a day, helps to lower LDL cholesterol by eight to 12 per cent. Frequent nut consumption also lowers their risk of coronary disease by 50 per cent. Nuts also contain an abundance of protein and are extremely rich in amino acid arginine (amino acids are the building blocks of protein). Arginine widens and relaxes the blood vessels and this may serve to reduce the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks. Also, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and essential for normal development of cells. Research has found that vitamin E may also play a role in strengthening the immune system. Weight
It's natural to think that nuts, being high in fat content, increase weight. However, many studies showed that there was no significant increase in weight by those consuming nuts. In fact, nuts, due to their high fiber content, promote satiety and therefore prevent from overeating. Walnut
Walnut is the king. It's a great source of the healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids and is rich in nutrients like iron, phosphorus, copper, magnesium and even calcium and vitamin B. It has been found to protect the heart, promote better cognitive function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis and prevent birth defects. Know your nuts
Almond: Rich in antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, and calcium. In fact, a quarter cup of almonds has almost as much calcium as a quarter cup of milk. They're also great for the colon. An animal study on the effects of almonds on colon cancer found that animals given whole almonds had fewer signs of colon cancer than animals given almond oil or no almonds. Peanut: They are actually a legume along with dry beans, peas and lentils. Peanuts are no longer trifle in their benefits as they help in slowing down the rise in blood sugar and insulin along with helping in controlling cholesterol. They also contain a high amount of folate, which prevents birth defects and is an excellent source of niacin. However, do not eat them in excess because they are high in fat and protein content. Cashews: Rich in protein, fat, iron, phosphorus and vitamin B; cashew nuts has various health advantages. Its richness in vitamin B makes it beneficial for nervous ailments and indigestion; its high content of iron makes it helpful for anemic people; magnesium, promotes energy release and bone growth; and phosphorus, builds strong bones and teeth. Pistachios: They contain significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acid, linoleic acid, magnesium, copper and potassium, and a high level of beta-sitoserol, which is one of the several plant sterols used in lowering cholesterol. Brazil Nuts: These nuts are extremely nutrient-rich and contain protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize dangerous free radicals. A study even found that the high amounts of selenium in Brazil nuts might help prevent breast cancer and lung, bowel and prostate cancer. When you add nuts to your diet, you add calories along with the health benefits. So it's important to decrease calories from other sources to avoid weight gain. The key with nuts is simply not to overeat them. Eating a variety of them is the best way to get all the different benefits. kalrasachin@hotmail.com |
|
The party revelers of the tricity had a great time at Royal Challenge F1 night held at Score-8 this weekend. This is one party, which had all the right ingredients that made up for an exciting and thrilling evening! The nip in the air, the music and the madness were all a class apart at the night where the theme of the evening was centered around Royal Challenge's association with India's first Formula One team - Force India. The evening was heady and was filled with fun and laughter. The DJ controlled the musical reins, getting the people to flock to the dance floor. The décor was based upon the F1 theme. The disc was decorated with sports car's tyres and racing flags. The DJ and the promoters were specially dressed in the racing cheerleader's dress. United Spirits is organising such F1 theme based parties to create popularity for racing as a sport and to cheer for Force India.
|
|
Drive safely
San Francisco-based firm Posit Science has developed a set of five video games, together called InSight, to improve the mental acuity of older drivers. Insurance provider Allstate sent the games to 100,000 drivers aged 50 to 75 in Pennsylvania last week, hoping that the pilot program will turn older drivers into safer drivers.
"We expect to see that the group using the software will have a lower frequency of crashes verses the group that didn't use the software," Discovery News quoted Tom Warden of Allstate as saying. Allstate and Posit claim that they have science on their side. They insist that 10 hours of game play turns the clock back 10 years in terms of memory, useful field of view, processing visual information, and general cognitive functions. According to them, increased mental acuity leads to safer drivers. Both companies substantiate their claims by referring to studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, and conducted at the University of Alabama, which showed that similar video games could cut the risk of a crash by 50 per cent.
— ANI
|
|
Moms-to-be walked the ramp in Delhi on Saturday as part of a launch of a designer wear collection for pregnant women. The unique show was organized by the brand '9 Months', which specializes in clothing for pregnant women. A total of 10 participants who walked the ramp showcased a formal range of festive fashion for the season, which ranged from sexy off shoulder blouses to super sexy winter trenches. The highlight of the show was a variety of sleepwear and convertible blouses for expectant mothers. Tanya, who sashayed down the ramp, described the collection as really nice. "The collection has come out really nice. The regular t-shirts do not fit properly and look ugly when the tummy bulges out. While in the t-shirts showcased here special stitches have been incorporated to make you feel cute and pampered during pregnancy. I think that's good for the baby as well," she said. Shikha, another expecting mother, felt that the clothes presented in the collection were beautiful and comfortable. "I think the collection they showcased today is beautiful and comfortable. It is extremely versatile and I think it makes you look beautiful during the pregnancy," said Shikha. Aparna Jain, the person behind the brand and the ramp show, said: "I think pregnant women know exactly what they want. They want to be cool, sexy, smart and fashionable. This collection gives them everything they are looking for." A growing number of fashion designers and the brands are now into trendy mother wear fashion as they see it as the lucrative market.
|
|
Film projects worth at least Rs 100 crore are riding on megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was admitted to a hospital here after he complained of severe abdominal pain. Bachchan, who was admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra yesterday on his 66th birthday, would be under observation for another 48-72 hours. Megastar's son Abhishek had yesterday said that his father was responding well to medication. Bollywood was stunned to hear of Bachchan's sudden illness, who was shooting for Leena Yadav's Teen Patti, a Rs 25-25 crore film, at different locations in Mumbai till Friday. Bachchan has completed shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's Aladdin, a Rs 35 crore film starring Ritiesh Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt in which he plays the role of a genie. The actor was also shooting recently for Sujit Sarkar's Shoebite, which has a budget of Rs 20 crore. Besides, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Chenab Gandhi and Chandraprakash Dwivedi's Kunal were to go on floors soon. Trade sources said Bachchan's illness would affect shooting schedules of these films. Trade analyst Amod Mehra said that more than a monetary loss, Bachchan's illness is a major setback to the industry as "he is an institute.... a living legend". The industry prays for his speedy recovery, he said. — PTI
|
|
After receiving a spate of awards, critical acclaim and popularity at home, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De! India has now been invited to the 21st Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). "We are truly honoured. It is a wonderful pat on the back for everyone associated with this film," said Shimit Amin, the director of Yash Raj Films' production, who will travel to Tokyo for the screening. Chak De! India, about a coach inspiring the Indian women's hockey team to victory, will be showcased in the Winds of Asia-Middle East section. This section at the annual fest features some of the outstanding films from East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. This year, 790 films from 72 countries will be featured in the competitive section at TIFF, to be held on October 18 to 26.
|
|
SRK joins the superhero league After Rakesh Roshan and Goldie Behl, it's Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's turn to make a superhero movie, which is titled Ra.1. The computer savvy Shah Rukh has come up with this unique title for the hi-tech sci-fi film, which Anubhav Sinha will be directing. Though Sinha refused to comment on the project, a source said: "In fact, Shah Rukh is taking very keen interest in the scripting of Ra.1. And the director Anubhav Sinha would like Shah Rukh to be credited as a screenwriter for the project, if and when his production house Red Chillies actually sets down to making this ambitious sci-fi thriller." Currently, the actor is busy with the shooting of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
|
|
"Janet Jackson's anticipated return to her Rock Witchu tour in Uncasville has been postponed due to doctor's orders," Contactmusic quoted her representative as saying in a statement. Now, the singer wants to resume the tour on October 13 in Verona, New York. The 42-year-old singer pulled her first show in Montreal, Canada on September 29 after checking into a city hospital with a mystery illness. Since then, she scrapped a whole line up of shows in the U.S. as part of her 'Rock Witchu' tour.
|
|
Actress Eva Mendes has revealed that she grew up on Calvin Klein ads and always wanted to follow in the footsteps of the designer brand's models. The Hitch star, who grabbed the opportunity to fulfil her teen dream by being the face of the designer's new underwear range, banked on believing that the chance would take her career to new heights. Mendes further said that she had long idolised Mark Wahlberg and supermodel Kate Moss - both of whom had shot to fame as Calvin Klein models. "I grew up on those ads," Contactmusic quoted her as saying. She said: "When Kate Moss and Marky Mark - I mean my friend Mark Wahlberg... can't say Marky cos he hates that - came out with them, I was like 15 years old. "Me and my friends just went crazy. Crazy, crazy. He was so gorgeous... delicious... and still is, of course." The 34-year-old star's promo video for the designer label had been deemed too provocative by various US channels with many refusing to air the footage.
|
|
Prince Harry and girlfriend Chelsy Davy enjoyed a romantic dinner with a wild menu consisting of zebras, crocodiles, and wild beest. The couple spent the evening having a merry time while sampling boastful delicacies such as garlic locusts and chocolate-covered scorpions at the Archipelago restaurant in London's West End. Starting with crocodile fillet seared in vine leaves with a plum dipping sauce, the duo then relished seared zebra with a port, juniper and blackcurrant sauce for main course at 20 pounds. Other specialities were peanut-crusted wildebeest rump and marinated kangaroo fillet, with the pair washing it all down with 'Pond Life' rum cocktails. "Neither seemed fazed by the menu. They were loving it," News of the World quoted a diner as saying. "They were laughing and seemed to be getting on well," the diner added. — ANI, PTI & IANS
|
|
Actress Anna Faris, who is best known for her lead role as Cindy Campbell in the Scary Movie series, has revealed that she developed really late, insisting that she was a 'late bloomer'. The American star, who stunned all with her super-toned body in her latest movie The House Bunny, confessed that it was not until she was 23 that she budded as a woman. "I was such a late bloomer growing up," the Sun quoted her as saying. "I was so short and I had no chest or hips until I was 23, so that part of being Shelley was always really awkward for me. It was fun to do but very unnatural," she added. The actress further said: "I did a lot of training and I was working out a lot. "When you see those skimpy outfits you have to wear every day it's very motivating." The 31-year-old has often stood in comparison to the screen legend Goldie Hawn and considers herself privileged for such an honorary evaluation. She said: "It's so flattering and completely intimidating. I grew up watching her movies and I just love her so much, it's a huge honour, " she added.
|
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Janet Jackson has cancelled the show, which was touted as her comeback gig, after she recuperated from her mystery illness. After going through a string of cancellations, her Connecticut concert was finally scheduled for October 11, but as reports suggests, the singer has now scrapped the show - officially.