It's tough. It really is, to survive in a reality show but guess what is tougher? Giving explanations to everybody after the show. On her recent visit to the city, when Daina Hayden was repeatedly asked about her relationship with Bigg Boss's winner Ashutosh, we had a fair idea. And, it's not just our former Miss World who is going through the grind; almost every reality show star has to face it.

Some do it bravely by holding their heads high and answering all questions, some follow the escape route by avoiding people and media and some just stay shut. "I preferred to adhere to the first one," says Daina who believes that if you aren't wrong then put your foot down and stand by it. But, there is no denying that it was irritating and at times quite annoying, "Main kitni baar logon ko samjahon ki mere or Ashutosh ke beech main kutch nai hai." I never thought that after coming out of Bigg Boss's house, there would be similar situations waiting for me outside, in fact, the scene is worse here than it was inside." She feels it is important to give an explanation to the people. "If I don't clarify then they might go on assuming more illogical and absurd things." She, however, relents that the matter is blown out of proportion.

Prabhjot Virk, last season's MTV Roadies participant, says he did use foul language but that was not out of choice but compulsion. "Post Roadies, aunties and uncles used to tell me, beta itni galiyan nikalana achchi baat nai hai. It was rather a funny situation and all I could do was nod my head in agreement." Then again, there is a justification for what she did, "You can't expect me to just keep mouth shut while the other person is having her time ruining my reputation and saying bad things about me." But, this is not how she behaves in normal life, "Everything on a reality show is a demand of the moment and you have got just two options - either you cry or fight back. I am proud that I chose to fight."

An even bigger task they face is to convince people that a reality show is real and not scripted. City-based Varun Saini, who was last seen in Spilitsvilla on MTV, says not just the public, but also his close friends had doubts whether the show was real or not. "The first few days after the show were really difficult. As, in the show 20 girls were competing for two boys, there was bound to be some skin show and foul language. People used to ask about things as if I was an accomplice in some crime." However, it does not bother him anymore and so he explains only to those who matter to him. "People can never empathise with us and understand how tough it is to survive in a reality show, so there is no point justifying everything to everybody," he says.

Debojit Saha, who was another inmate at Bigg Boss's house and winner of Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma, is too finding himself in the same spot. It is not for controversies that he had to justify himself but questions about his future as a singer. "Everybody wants to know what work I have got in Bollywood after winning the show. And, if I tell them it's not much then they want a reason for it," says he. He says people need to understand that winning a reality show does not mean that you have become a playback singer overnight. "I always have a tough time explaining them that there are so many singers in the waiting list and I am also one of them."

ashima@tribunemail.com

We will not give up. Never. Ever. For, we believe in our cause and eventually will make you do so too, till the time you breathe, eat, sleep, walk and drink green! Environment is too big a phenomenon to be left caring through just the traditional ways of 'not wasting paper', 'planting more trees' or 'banning polythene'. Of course, you should be doing all this. But now it's time to move on or rather move back. To basics, we mean.

Environment lessons need to begin at infantile age and on the streets. While shopping that is, like for stationary. Because it is our responsibility to protect environment and we could begin by including some eco-friendly products in our list.

The seemingly alike pencils, sharpeners, notebooks and all the mundane paraphernalia associated with student life has acquired an olive hue. Like the name Navneet Publications, in stationary, which has more than dabbled with eco-friendly ideology. Their range of colours and pencils under the brand name Ffuunn, does not contain rainforest wood. Simply put, it means, they are made by using renewable plantation wood. It also has fully bonded lead in it and the outer paint contains zero phthalate content, which is harmless. That's not all. Their eco-buddy books are made out of sugarcane peels, that is they use paper made from bagasse and not trees. They are not alone. For office executives, there are spiral pads by Cal craft Inc. that state to be using recycled paper. Apart from this there are host of things to look around, one just needs to open his senses.

Commenting on the trend, Pooja Chopra, Phd, Eco-tourism, student says, "That's a good initiative and at school is the right age to introduce such concepts among children." However, she adds, "Schools too should actively participate in promoting such products probable by including only eco-friendly stationary in their tuck-shops."

Unfortunately that's easier said than done. As Sanjiv Chaudhary, proprietor, English Book shop-17, says, "These products are not properly marketed. Even if these sell well, then probable not many customers are aware of the environment worthiness of the product." He adds, "It's a good concept but the manufacturers need to get aggressive with informing people about it."

Teachings in environment can be extended to corporate responsibility too. For instance, Classmate notebook by ITC, informs the company's objective as part of its product literature. It claims to contribute Re 1 to its rural development initiative that supports primary education in villages. Enough to set us hypothesising. According to UNICEF statistics, there were 113.8 million children attending school in 2000-01. Assuming each child buys at least ten registers a year and if we got our math right, that straightaway means close to one hundred and fourteen crores, each year! That sum, if utilised well, can change the face of child education in India. You know what we mean.

Manpriya@tribunemail.com

WHOEVER thought being careful about health just revolved around ergonomics of the office chair. There are creatures lurking at your work place that are directly proportional to one's health, are invisible, don't bite and never ever pain or pinch you. Don't underestimate, for they are capable enough to confine you to bed for weeks at a stretch. We are talking about germs, technically including bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites. And no more, are they prevalent just among mud and muck. Your keyboard, cell phone, computer mouse, wallets (in short, office) have more bacteria than your bathroom.

Among several studies conducted on the subject, University of Arizona's says, a typical desk is capable of supporting up to 10 million bacteria, which is, 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. That's not the end of the dirty truth. Common elevators, restroom handles, phones, water fountain knobs, printer buttons and elevator switches, the places and possibilities are endless.

As Dr. Bela Sharma, Internal medicine, Fortis, says, "Places like keyboards and cell phones are very frequently used and generally not hygienically cleaned. And at times, if a person has cold or flu then the particles settle down." The habits of modern work place with increased office hours and frequent snacking further create a haven for bacterial growth. So does the moisture and warmth in these gadgets. As Dr. Bela exemplifies, "If you use earphones for more than 1 hour, chances of bacterial growth go up by 700 times!"

The result can be anything from common flu to in vertigo to at times, absolutely nothing. They might not be life threatening but certainly result in more colds and flu.

The key lies in good old school habits and little bit of hygiene management. Says Dr. Paramjit Singh Walia, city-based skin specialist, "One should clean hands before eating anything and wash them immediately on getting back home." Agrees Dr. Bela, "Hand washing should be done diligently and made a habit. And ideally, if possible, person should avoid office while suffering from flu or cold." While sanitisers are yet another option, Dr. Kamna Nagpal, city based gynaecologist, says, "One must get hold of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, to ensure your hands are clean throughout the day."

Kindly mind the difference between precaution and panic. As Dr Paramjit puts it, "There's a chance of transmission of infections only when someone infected has touched these places. There's a need to be careful but not phobic." In the words of Dr. Bela, "Skin generally provides good immunity and doesn't let infection pass off easily. Unless a person infected comes in contact with these objects, chances of transmission of any kind of disease are negligible." Health, after all, is a holistic concept.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

One of the biggest problems that children face today is the lack of physical activity. The reasons are many — lack of time because of tuitions and study, the advent and proliferation of television and computers, time spent in travelling to school, and the reduction in the number of children per family. Dr M.S. Sekhon, pediatrician in Cosmo Hospital, Mohali, says the lack of of physical activity among children manifests itself in various forms — an increasing number of overweight and obese children, early onset of lifestyle diseases like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, and increase in physical and mental stress.

The physical activity is important for metabolic health in children. In order to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, physical activity levels should be higher than the international guidelines, (indicates that a child should get 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous activity) of at least one hour per day of physical activity. Achieving 90 minutes of daily activity might be necessary for children to prevent insulin resistance, which seems to be the central feature for cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Assuming that a child needs about eight to 10 hours of sleep, this leaves only about four hours of free time, which is spent in eating, having a bath, watching television, playing on the computer, or reading. As a result, the child of today, except during vacations, gets almost no physical exercise, on a day-to-day basis. If you add to this two more things - the increased consumption of unhealthy, high calorie and high-density junk foods, and an increase in stress levels - we have a sure shot recipe for obesity, cardiac disease and insulin resistance, not to mention mental problems. It's time schools and parents woke up to the fact that physical activity is as important as eating, drinking, sleep and studies.

Here's what the Dr Sekhon say on how to reverse these alarming trends:

Be a good role model

Parents unwittingly set their kids up for failure, say experts, by filling the refrigerator with junk food. Instead, line your refrigerator and cabinets with fresh fruits, nuts, low-fat cheese, and things for kids to snack on besides chips, dip, or low fiber, high fat, high-calorie type of snacks.

Be positive

Instead of saying, 'Lose weight', say, 'Let's be healthy and start taking care of our bodies.' Focus on the foods you can eat, not the ones that you cannot.

Make healthy eating a family affair

Make whatever plans or food preparation appropriate for the whole family so you don't single out the overweight child as having a special meal.

Avoid portion distortion

When serving the food, institute portion control, as in 'this is what you are allocated,' not a buffet-type or family-style situations. Pack a nutritious lunch for schoolchildren: School children who have access to high fat, low nutrition foods at school will consume more unhealthy meals. Try and make packed lunches fun and give a bottle of water, not soda or sugar flavoured juice, and a piece of fresh fruit.

Rise to the challenge

The goal is to learn to eat today the way you have to eat for the rest of your life. Take a few weeks and teach your kid what a healthy diet is.

Make time for physical activity

Every night after dinner, go for a half-hour walk and make it an activity that kids look forward to. Some parents say, 'My kids just don't like broccoli or cauliflower or string beans,' but sometimes it takes more than one introduction to a food. A child is not going to sit at the dinner table and eat broccoli if others are eating ice cream.

anujaj@tribunemail.com

With a dozen international brand endorsements in her kitty, Krishna Somani is indeed one of the top models we have today. After four years in the modeling world, this Delhi girl has walked the ramp for all the major fashion designers of the industry. Her future plans are to walk and walk a lot on the ramp. She shares with us her secrets behind the well-toned body and what keeps her going.

MY FITNESS MANTRA: I believe to stay physically fit, it is important to be mentally strong. There is no short cut to a fit body and one has to follow a strict exercise regime and diet chart. I don't approve of the way people go about starving themselves to shed weight.

My diet: It is healthy but moderate. I eat three to four meals a day comprising of regular pulses, rice and vegetables. Also, as I am vegetarian. I eat lots of fruits and juices. My working hours being quite odd, I make sure not to starve myself and eat at short intervals and eat healthy food.

My fitness regime: As it is demand of my profession, I just can't take it casually. Work out four times a week is a must. A gymming session of two hours includes some aerobics for warming up, followed by cardio and weight training. I also do yoga occasionally when I get bored of hectic workouts.

Sleep right: At least seven hours of sleep is a must after a whole day's work and I don't compromise on that at all.

Fantasy food: If am assured I will not add even one milligram to my body, I would love to binge on pizzas and chocolates that are considered poison for models.

Best body celeb: Well, I think all models have the perfectly toned bodies, as they cannot do without it. In Bollywood I admire Shilpa Shetty for the perfect curves she has that aren't an inch more or less.

Weight watch for celeb: Of late, I think Sushmita Sen has gained a lot of weight, which she needs to work on. She once had the best figure in the industry and she can get back to her original shape with some regular work out.

Prevention is better than cure, especially when you're talking about your back and spine. But mostly people take their backs for granted, not realising the dangerous positions they put their backs in every day. Almost everything you do requires the use of your back, and back problems are rarely the result of a single activity or accident. Most injuries occur over a period of years or even decades, as a result of various factors -- how you sleep or sit, what you eat, etc.

It's much easier and less costly to maintain a healthy back and spine than it is to repair one that has been injured due to neglect. By following a few simple guidelines regarding proper posture, nutrition, exercise and body mechanics, you may keep your back and spine healthy, strong and injury-free.

Maintain healthy weight

Excess weight tends to creep up slowly, so we may not be aware of how it affects us. Carrying additional weight places excess strain on the back. Staying at your recommended weight or losing weight helps lessen pain and prevent back injury.

Strengthen muscles

Strengthening the abdominal muscles really helps to protect the back. Abdominal and back muscles work together and give your spine support and strength. A strong core, which includes all the muscles of the trunk, is important for avoiding injury, whether you're cleaning your house, playing tennis or sitting at a desk all day.

Along with the core muscles, the leg muscles play a vital role in helping you maintain good posture and body mechanics. Strong leg muscles can take much of the burden off the back when you're lifting heavy objects.

Exercise regularly

This does not mean anything overly strenuous. Something as simple as a daily walk can make a huge impact on your health. Regular exercise helps minimise chronic back conditions. Getting in better physical condition will help prevent back pain. Regular exercise is good but do not to strain your back.

Poor lifting and carrying techniques are one of the most common and avoidable causes of back injury and pain. Never carry loads that are too heavy.

Reduce stress

Stress and tight muscles go together hand-in-hand. If you are carrying a lot tension in your upper back and shoulders, you are ripe for a back injury. Stress increases tension in all your muscles, including your back. Reduce or better manage your stress and you may literally feel as if the weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Eat healthy

Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet, with sufficient intake of Vitamin D and phosphorus, in addition to calcium. Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself easier. Eat organic, unrefined foods. Avoid excessive dieting as these contribute to bone loss. Also avoid drugs, whether recreational or prescribed, including alcohol and caffeine.

Maintain good posture

Correct posture play a vital role in preventing back pain because the pressure on the discs and strain of the muscles, ligaments and back joints is aggravated by incorrect posture. Maintaining a 'neutral spine' is important as the natural curves of the spine should be in proper balance. When your posture is good and you move your body correctly, you reduce the strain on your back.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com

From the sound of violin that he played with R.D. Burman to the drums of the cult hit Papa Kehte Hain Bada Naam Karega to the latest 'Mughlai Chinese' in Chandni Chowk to China, Franco Vaz has seen the best of Bollywood music industry. A noted percussionist and musician, Franco has seen the success of over hundred songs in the past 34 years of his association with Bollywood. In the city, after getting his daughter married recently in Delhi, Franco says he has fallen in love with it, just as he had fallen in love with music.

"It is a beautiful city indeed, surrounded by nature and music all over," says the man who knows his percussions to the best. "I have been associated with music since I was five, my dad was a musician as well and had worked with greats like Naushad, Sri Ram Chandra. So music runs in the family," he says. Be it the Jazz or Arabian, Carribean or African, name it and Franco has played to all the tunes. Having been in the industry for three decades, how has the journey been so far? "I feel I have seen the best of both worlds. From the early 70s and 80s where we had big studios, live recordings with 70 to 80 musicians playing in the background to the multitracking and processed beats of today, it has been a learning experience all this while. Working with Anu Malik, Anand Raj Anand was as special as working with Laxmikant-Pyare Lal, Illairaja, Uttam Singh and RD Burman," he says.

But haven't we seen music in the industry grow leaps and bounds? "It sure has. The genre of music has changed and the listeners have changed. Technically we have come a long way. There is a global appeal to our music now," he says. But what about the age of fusion and khichadi of beats? "Well, all the processing and diffusion of music that is going on sometimes destroys the soul of good music. The tabla has disappeared suddenly and computer has taken over the studio. But this music is here to stay, as it is what people want," he feels. Probe him further on the small shelf life of today's music leaving no room for creativity and he answers, "Everybody wants to go for a tried and tested formula. Something that sells becomes a hit and then starts the bhedhchaal. But then as long as it is commercially viable and marketed well, we do what we are paid to do."

Another phenomenon that Franco feels has become a hit formula in Bollywood is the Punjabi tadka. "Punjabi beats have always been popular with Hindi films. But the change has been from the more traditional instruments to some international ones. Bhangra beats are a huge hit in UK clubs and with good number of Punjabi singers coming up, its thumbs up for Punjabi music," he says.

After infusing Chinese beats with tabla, sarangi and bhangra for Chandni Chowk to China, he is working on the Adlabs forthcoming movie, Freeze and composes for NDTV, Sony Music and Discovery Channel promos with Delhi based musician Daniel B George.

lifestyle@tribunemail.com

We were always told in our moral science classes that criticising others is easy and doing something productive is tough. Poor children! For us, the teacher's word was the gospel. But now, we realise they can be wrong too. Take a look at the work film critics do or for that matter the minute analysis of art by art critics. "Criticising is a serious business and is in no way easy. A refined term for it today is critically analysing," come the words from Punjabi literature critic Joginder Singh Nirala.

A writer of six short story books and two analysis books, on Sunday the author released the third issue, Kahani Di Roop Rekha. "Punjabi literature has seen contribution from the likes of Amrita Pritam and Sant Singh Sekhon. My criticism is positive and aims to bring out present generation's writers intellect."

In his book, he has commented on the writing style of the authors and the subject matter of their stories. He has appreciated the writers who have based their literature works on social issues like atrocities inflicted on women, caste problems and globalisation. He feels Punjabi literature can become better content wise if authors discuss the shortcomings of each other's writing style. "Aspiring writers wish to become popular overnight. To ensure that their books enjoy a lot of demand, they write in a lewd language, which isn't particularly good for our literature."

He also holds publication houses responsible for the popcorn literature. "Publication houses are just bothered about their payment. Without analysing the content of the book, they send it for printing and even promote it."

ashima@tribunemail.com

A dream project started by a couple for reviving human values in the fast-paced life of today has taken a step further. Sanjay and Priya Tandon have added three more books in their compilation of short stories - Sunrays.

"Sunrays resolves to bring betterment in the society," quips Sanjay Tandon, a chartered accountant by profession. The focus of these stories is on human values. "Short stories are an effective medium through which these values can be taught to one and all," he adds.

Agrees Priya, his wife. "The idea germinated when our children were growing up. They were influenced more by the stories than their course books," she elaborates. Earlier, parents and grandparents used to tell such stories to children. But today families find it difficult to spend quality time together. While the parents are busy managing their hectic working hours, kids find little time while juggling studies, sports and extracurricular stuff.

Sunrays took its roots eight years ago when Sanjay Tandon started sending a one-line thought on the email to friends, relatives and business colleagues. After the completion of two years of the daily thought, the couple began dispatching a one-page story through email and found the readers really appreciating the effort. The 52 stories in the first year were released as a collection titled Sunrays for Sunday.

After seeing the response of the readers and the process of daily mails and weekly story continuing, very soon the next book titled Sunrays for Monday came up. This gave birth to a dream to compile books for all days of the week. So gradually Sunrays for Tuesday and Sunrays for Wednesday took wings.

The stories are greatly appreciated in all age groups. "These short stories bring a kind of positivity in our life," says Pooja Krishan of Sector 9 who enjoys reading stories along with her kids.

Sanjay and Priya, who believe in 'help ever and hurt never' philosophy have also started a foundation to help the needy. Sunrays has found a vast readership in India and abroad. Some of these books have been translated in Hindi. The Telugu translation is next in the line.

mona@tribunemail.com

Bal Singh Balhara, a popular singer of 80's and 90's, released his latest Haryanavi album Chhora Jaat Ka in Chandigarh Press Club on Sunday.

An effort of two years, the album is a family venture with music given by the singer 's sons Ankit and Sanchit. The lyrics have been penned down the singer himself.

"All the eight songs have a distinct flavour. Keeping in mind the new trends of music, additional Western rhythm along with new beat patterns have been infused in the album to give a modern touch," said Balhara. "Also, the videos have been shot beautifully in a good taste that families can watch together," added the singer cum actor. — TNS

Superstar singer Shakira is reportedly in talks to perform at US President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration party on January 20. She may perform at a celebration to be held as Obama is formally sworn into office, according to reports.

The paper further states that the Hips Don't Lie hit-maker may join stars, including Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, and Anne Hathaway celebrate Obama's historic White House Victory in Washington, DC.

She was a vocal supporter of Obama during his election campaign.

"Obama can restore peace and the world's confidence in the United States," a source said.

Her faith in Obama was later reciprocated with the Democrat voicing his admiration for the Colombian singer's charity work in aid of Latin American children.

Shania Twain has raised eyebrows after she was spotted being escorted by the husband of her ex-secretary at the John F. Kennedy airport. The country-pop singer, who had parted ways with music-producer hubby Robert 'Mutt' Lange in May this year, had reportedly been photographed with Frederic Thiébaud as the duo arrived at the John F Kennedy airport.

The stunning Canadian was said to have split from Lange following reports that he had been romancing secretary Marie-Anne Thiebaud.

Lange has, however, denied that he had been involved with the manager of their Swiss estate. Twain, who has maintained her friendship with Thiebaud since the days when their families were close, was alleged to have dropped in the Big Apple for Christmas shopping.

Popstar Akon is considering a move into the film industry. The Smack That hit-maker has expressed his plans to retire from music career and turn to acting.

"On the movie side, acting is something I will entertain later. Now I'm into more of the behind the scenes stuff: producing the movies, scoring the movies, doing the soundtracks, and slowly I'll make my way in," said a source.

Akon stated that he is waiting to fulfill his music commitments before moving his base to Hollywood.

"Retiring will always be a goal. It's just not time yet. There are so many new developments happening every day. My goal was 2015, but I might extend that a couple (of years)," Akon said.

Courteney Cox Arquette has been chosen as the latest celebrity to exclusively represent Avon's new perfume. The former Friends star has been selected for the leading brand's Spotlight owing to the media's constant focus on the actress for her celebrity status and fame that depicts the essence of the perfume.

The new women's fragrance is set for a limited release in the UK in June 2009 and will cost buyers 16 pounds per bottle.

On being questioned on her specific choice, the actress revealed she had been impressed with the company's commitment in making women stand out in their own rights.

She said: "(Avon) truly celebrates and empowers women and this fragrance captures that essence - that all women are in the spotlight in their own unique ways and this fragrance highlights the excitement and the exhilaration of that feeling." — ANI

Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman is not worried about getting old, instead she insists that entering 40s has made her braver. While the 41-year-old actress had to face extreme conditions during her shoot for Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia, she is adamant that being mature has helped her cope with the tough time.

In an interview with The Independent, the Oscar winner revealed that she has become more courageous with age.

"The older I get, the more I feel like I'm on a roller coaster when I do a film... I'm much more brave, and kind of throw myself into it and try not to worry if I fall flat on my face," a website quoted her as telling.

"It's easy to become frightened of making a fool of yourself, particularly if, like mine, your nature is a bit reticent and shy to begin with. But I'm getting over it," she added.