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Window
wonders What amounts to a moment's thrill for those who pass by the show-window of a shop is the result of months' tedious work, highly guarded and dexterous planning of retailers and some imagination that adds colour to the plain looking window glass. Looking for much more than appreciative gawking, a show window of a shop is a competitive tool to attract attention and increase customer traffic. And when it comes to festive season, Christmas sure sees a lot of decked up windows in intricate frills, Santa caps, fir trees and lit hues. But what goes behind the window dressing is more than a thought process. "Christmas is a key selling season with lots of tourists and people scouring the market for the best. And if one has great looking windows it sure gives you an advantage," says Ansh from Arrow-17. Though window dressing has attracted more attention in recent years, the trend has grown over the years. "It's a company decision and the theme of window dressing changes every year," says Poornima, store manager, Allen Solly-17. Having started early this year, she says, "Usually window dressing starts a week before Christmas but with terror attacks and global meltdown we have started with an early display to cheer up the public mood." Decked up in white with lots of lights, the window sets the tone of festivity, and talking themes. Poornima says, "Our outlet has a different Christmas theme every year. Last year we placed gift wraps around the show-window and this year our X'mas theme is in white with lot of lights, even our Christmas tree is in white." For window shoppers, it's surely a treat for the eyes and for shopkeepers imagination run wild. Best of all that we saw is Tommy Hilfiger's show window. Dressed in silver, purple and black, the window sure spells creativity. "It's our theme nationwide," says Supreet, assistant store manager, Tommy Hilfiger-17. What about the silver theme, when X'mas is about the charismatic red, "Every store has its character and being a fashion house we are following the colour trends Internationally." Ask her about the different merchandising they have used and she says, "Silver is a metallic colour that adds to sheen, purple is the colour of this year and champagne glasses add to the royal look." Having dressed their window with an embedded cartoon Santa, to frills and fancies, Adidas-17 too has some interesting merchandising, "It's an every year thing for us, but a company initiative and to top it all it adds to the décor of the shop," says Manish, owner Adidas-17. He adds, "Festive season sees a lot of people in the markets and we must give people something to see. To make them see we must give them something attractive and windows are our tool to invite people in." Well, windows sure catch the eye and we must say they hold up the passing pedestrian on the street and if he has no desire to buy, they create one.
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That Jim Carrey is funny and makes you go mad with his histrionics, can hardly be debated. But he dialing down his antics, giving up his goofiness, not letting his rubber face twist much and still managing to win hearts is surely a surprise. It's difficult to say no to our ace comedian in Yes Man. Based on Danny Wallace's biographical work, the flick, carries the typical template of Carrey's 'what if' (Bruce Almighty, The Mask, Liar Liar) genre of movies. Carl Allen's (Jim Carrey) life is heading nowhere, courtesy his fascination with word 'No'. Nothing in the world, can inspire the dreary loan officer to venture out and live life, till one day an old friend coerces him into attending a self-help session. The motivational guru Terrence Bundley (Terrence Stamp) beguiles our naïve hero into a covenant to say 'yes' to every opportunity that presents itself. Not long after ‘Mr. No' turns into 'Yes Man', life starts unfolding its bunch of surprises. He gets much-awaited promotion, hooks up with a zestful, multi-talented, scooter-riding girl Allison (Zooey Deschanel) and becomes favourite of everyone. But soon our man realises that it's not so easy to say yes to everything. Arrested by cops for suspicious activities, Carrey's all affirmative behavior also complicates his relationship with Allison. He has to say no and he turns to Terrence to dissolve the 'yes' covenant. Apart from a predictable plot, there's nothing much to complain about. Director Reed's message that face life's hurdles with an upbeat attitude is effectively delivered. Carrey shows his tremendous ability to entertain, even in his toned-down avtaar. The supporting cast adds much sparkle to this wintry tale. Deschanel looks charming. One can't help but notice a very good-looking Bradley Cooper who stands out in his role of true friend. Rhys Darby is hilarious as weird manager. Terence Stamp looks pretty convincing as he dons the mantle of a motivational guru. mona@tribunemail.com
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Absolutely Aamir Tell me your three favorite directors' names? It's a very tough question. It is my good luck that I got a chance to work with all the good directors. It's not a work of a single person so I can't say, otherwise my favourite director is Mansoor Khan, who is my brother. And I have done three movies with him It is believed that you always interfere in your directors' work.. is that true? Oh it's not true ......it's a rumor spread by the media and not by my directors. Dil, was a superhit movie. We heard in those days you used to talk very fast and your director faced lot of problems due to that. Yes, in early days I used to talk very fast. So, my director asked me to speak slowly. Even today I feel I am too fast. Was there any movie from which you learnt something special? Oh Dil, it's very close to my heart and very special for me because after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak all my movies were a flop, so Dil gave me a chance to make space in the people's heart. So, no doubt Dil taught me many things and made me successful. Which is your favorite comedy scene? Andaj Apna Apna the whole movie is full of comic scenes. So it's difficult to point out any particular scene. Sometimes, you must have felt that a movie is not your type, but still you would have ended up working in that movie? Yes, there are many movies. What I feel is that success teaches you many things but failure leaves behind many unforgettable lessons. And I have learnt many things from each film. Who is your favorite female actor? There are many good actors but the one I like the most is Juhi she is a great actor What kind of movies you would want to act in? I always want to do movies that touch my heart and are totally different or based upon a new subject and have a surprise for audience. Would you like to work with Sharukh Khan ? Actually, Shahrukh feels scared to work with me .... I have asked Sharukh many times to do a picture with me but he has always turned it down. Maybe, he feels if we work together then the reality might come in front of the audience. Ok, tell me in which movie you took most retakes? This was akele hum akele tum ...in this movie there was a song it was aisa jakahm diya hai..... In this song, I took 40- 50 retakes. Catch the complete interview on IBN7 in a one-hour show on December 24 at 8 pm
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How not to
overdress your tree The Mumbai blasts have certainly left a scar on our minds and heart, but it has also united people around the globe against terror. It has come at a time when everyone was gearing up to warm up to the festivities of Christmas and New Year. But now, who wants to party, dance and make merry, especially when we can't get over the bravehearts who have laid their lives to safeguard ours. All the same, we can still cuddle emotions and express them with small elegant and cheerful booties. Green and fresh: Christmas tree in all sizes is a good pick for the eve. Available in an array of sizes, these trees are priced from Rs 25-1000. Made of a silken material, these trees come in three varieties-the ordinary, green and the snow affect tree. Says Diwakar Sahoonja of Dewsuns who is up bright about the sales of these trees. "There are trees as small as 1 feet to as tall as 10 feet, depending on personal choice. The one that is most popular and famous is the artificial look alike best quality pinewood tree." Now that you have picked up the tree of your choice, it's time to decorate it with balls, bells, stockings and loads of other fancy stuff. Bells, in almost all forms and colours rule. At Jewels-10, you will find hexagonal, round, square shaped bells in golden and silver hues and in almost all sizes and prices. Says Raman, owner, "Grasslets is the new addition in the list of decorations. In addition to this, we have ribbons in different colours with lots of glitter and shimmer." And there are red and green caps, with Santa's hair and without hair too. And how can we forget the stocking- where Santa would leave gifts. At Jewels, you can pick one large one for your kids and for yourself too. Don't we all want to keep the kid alive in us? Wait, it's not done yet. X'mas without mention of cuddly Santa Claus is like talking about Saif without even a mention of Kareena. Available at various stores in the tri-city are Santa's- in all sizes, posing with instruments, smiling, doing a jig, hopping etc. Bright, amusing and cuddly, spreading a subtle message of love they are a perfect gift for your home and friends.
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Book your Xmas Age Group 4-7 December 23: 11.30am-One snowy night: Story telling session; Dress Code: Red; 12.30pm-Look Santa is coming to town; 4.30pm-David the Gnome: Movie screening December 24: 4.00pm- David the Gnome: Movie screening Age Group 8-12 years December 23: 12.30pm- Look Santa is coming to town; Dress Code: Red; 4.30pm-David the Gnome: Movie screening December 24: 4.00pm- David the Gnome: Movie screening; 11.00am-Build your own robot: Design, build, and program autonomous robots for fun and competition Registrations will be taken on first come first served basis.—TNS
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It is the time of year when magic is in the air - the time for family gatherings, fun and festivities. And to make it special, Hotel Maya Palace, is organizing Christmas Carnival on Dec.25, 2008 between 14:30hrs to 18:30hrs at their banquet hall (-1 level). To add to the festivity, they are hosting a number of activities, like live magic shows, tattoo making, game shows, dance competitions and other fun filled entertainments. The event will include snacks & beverages along with special menu with mouth-watering delicacies to add to the dining experience. Enjoy the Christmas carnival, carols, a well-decorated Christmas tree while savouring the traditional desserts. —TNS
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It would be a white Christmas for special children from Mother Teresa Home-23, as Funcity starts its Ice Games with them on December 20. Adding another attraction to the amusement park with the launch of Hedge maze, Funcity now has number of rides to lure the young and not so young crowd. Hedge maze: Designed like a jig saw puzzle, one has to find the way to the heart of the maze. Ice games: With snow created from specially sourced machines, one can enjoy the snow here without going to hills. Sledge on ice: Two different slides have been created for all ages, which will remind you of ice-covered mountains. One of the slides is like a pendulum. Santa sledge: As a Christmas special kids can enjoy sledge with Santa and feel the euphoria of Christmas. Slopy icy mountains: The ambience created all around gives the feel as if one is standing in the place surrounded with ice. Snow cave: A cave created for the kids where they can have the feel of playing with snow, and can enjoy the thrill of snow fight. Snow Blizzard: A special room has been created to give the effect of snow stream, where when you enter will feel the snow falling all over you to give you a feel that you are trapped in the Artic Zone. And well, for people who want to stay overnight there are cottages, rooms, bar, restaurant etc. —TNS
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chowk The Christmas spirit Sreedhara Bhasin
Chandigarh Christmas is somehow subdued. The only time I am reminded of Christmas is when I step inside a bakery and see highly overpriced hybrid Christmas cakes being sold. However, the street hawkers are up-to-date on Christmas. I saw them selling Santa caps the other day on Madhya Marg. The women hawking those looked like villagers who have no clue about what they are really selling. That is the beauty of Capitalism, something that our city seems to be suffused with these days. The West - especially America seems to have become hysterical about Christmas shopping. The frenzy begins early and does not end till one is in a 'shop till you drop' state. In all the buying and rushing about there seems to be a vital element missing - reflection upon what truly makes up Christmas. Its not just silver bells and candy cane. Christmas is about giving and sharing and loving. A time to feel happy about being a part of this magnificent universe that is ever responding to human spirit and endeavour. I have been thinking of some new ways to observe my sprit of Christmas. In the West, we take hours to put up the Christmas tree decked with decorations - often handmade by the children - an embodiment of celebrating the family. We can still do that without a tree! We can thank our respective Gods for giving us a family, for letting us have a place in this beautiful city and for allowing us to step into another new year. We can give thanks to those who care and listen, pause and offer, accept and forgive. We can even try hard to get a good place in our respective Santa's 'Nice or Naughty' list. Who knows, if we are good and kind, brush every night, eat our vegetables and fruits, listen to good advice - a basket of goodies can be ours too! And we don't even have to hang out our stockings! Maybe, we should try to end projecting ourselves outwards and stop depriving ourselves from some simple pleasure of life like eating a big sinful ice-cream. By now, most of us know that life will never be perfect. But, there will always be joyful times like Christmas - memories of which will last us a lifetime.
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TAROT TALK ARIES: "The Emperor" gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones on Saturday. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Tip of the week: Now is the need to question the value, which have been shaping your money aspects. TAURUS: "The Hanged Man" opts for important changes at home. You can expect visitors and communications from overseas to be positive and helpful. You are good at working with groups and supporting institutions. Lucky colour: Crimson. Tip: It is no longer necessary to take risks. GEMINI: 'The Princess of Swords' brings clarity in personal and professional situations. A business cum pleasure trip is on the cards! You are mentally strong and stand to win any argument or debate. Lucky colour: Midnight blue. Tip: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. CANCER: 'The Queen of Pentacles' says influential or strong-minded people will be drawn into your orbit. Adapting to new technology will be important to keep pace with the changing times. Lucky colour : Green. Tip: Don't be too stubborn. LEO: "The Princes of Cups" reveals the employed will be making plans for their forthcoming vacations. Be grateful for the gains coming your way instead of longing for out of reach things or people. Lucky colour : Orange. Tip: Yoga and meditation are rejuvenating. VIRGO: "The Wheel of Fortune" spins in some good fortune. Those in unconventional relationships tend to interfere in most decisions their mate makes, not giving them enough freedom of expression. Lucky colour: Lime green. Tip: Do not let anyone get advantage over you. LIBRA: "The Prince of Wands" supports you through a busy and turning week with healing and earthy energy. You are focused on many different projects in this week. Lucky colour : Green. Tip: Play your cards close to your chest. SCORPIO: " The Chariot" drawn by four sphinxes brings light into darkness. Try and explain your issues to loved ones to avoid any misunderstandings. Lucky colour : White. Tip: Do not expect too much from others. SAGITTARIUS: "The Universe" opens up new horizons in career and personal relationship. A Taurus person supports you emotionally and financially. Give yourself a new fitness routine to rejuvenate energy. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. Tip: Plan your life to avoid the inbuilt delays that come your way. CAPRICORN: You draw "The Star" what you have been dreaming and wishing for has come true in part. Your physical energy will soar, your mood at home will be less impatient and you will be passionately enthusiastic about enjoying yourself. Lucky colour: Purple Tip: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. AQUARIUS: "The Queen of Cups" says, be in touch with your sense of humour. Luxury shopping may bring a hole in your pocket on Wednesday. You are graceful and amiable in family matters and social involvements. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. PISCES: "The Star" promises name, fame and recognition. A Taurean or Scorpio will give you optimistic advice. Meditate and get in touch with your inner silence. Lucky colour: Brown. Tip: You concentrate on projects with reliable output
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It is hard to tell that Christmas is around the corner. People like me who come from Calcutta, have strong ties to Christmas, for that city did not give up its deep links to the colonial celebration of Christmas for a long time. Even now, the people are enthused about Christmas. Certain areas of the city are festively decorated with Santa and the elves, cakes and chocolates are glowing in the bakery shelves and miniature Christmas trees are standing on wooden racks in the street side tea stalls.