On record
In a time when most people are lapping up high-end DVD players, there are a few who have remained loyal to their old recorders
Manpriya Khurana

Technology reflects. A lot. More than the groundbreaking inventions, the pioneering expertise and never-ending progress, it mirrors the human nature. The nature to move on. To bigger and better things. In the process, technology performs yet another understated function. Of singling out humans, that refuse to be a part of the vacillating crowds swaying from 'the best' to the 'what's next'.

Prof Shelley Walia’s collection

Let alone using, how many of us even keep gramophones, VCRs, VCPs or even reel cameras? There are people who refuse to be a part of the maddening rush and have kept possessions, otherwise forgotten.

Prof Shelley Walia, professor, Panjab University and dean, Faculty of Languages, started using a VCR while at Oxford. The need to tape certain important lectures and programmes that made him switch to the technology around 1988 extended way beyond and lasts till date. Recounting its uses, he says, "When you see a movie in video cassette recorder, one actually saves half the time." He adds, "The Tata Sky and all have come to the market only now, whereas we've been using the technology since 20 years." With the result that man has a collection of 80 tapes, including a few rare ones.

For some, it might be the advantage of recording, while others like them for the sheer feel of it. Tapesh Sharma, assistant regional secretary, Chandigarh Film Society, says, "They have a charm of their own, despite disadvantages like cassettes being fragile and not able to withstand moisture and heat." The man acquired his National VCR around eight years back and has a rare collection of Hungarian and German films. He says, "Some of them like Sara Sender, Prosecution, Sindabad, Gloomy Sunday are my favourites." Those who think the equipment is extinct, think again. As Tapesh says, "A lot of people still have functional VCRs and many of them actually come and borrow some of the films from me."

Inderjeet Singh of PU, has an altogether different revelation for us. He says, "VCRs and gramophones are still manufactured in Europe and some other countries." He has over 100 tapes, including his favourites Sound of Music and My Fair Lady.

When it comes to technology not freely available, there are usually hindrances galore. Did they face any? Recalls Prof Walia, "We bought a new VCR just last year and just to stock up when we went to buy another one this year, shopkeepers laughed and just wouldn't understand our argument." Apart from watching movies he uses it to teach his students as well. As he says, "I have tape of Derrida, a French philosopher giving a lecture at Oxford. When I am teaching, I can actually show that to my students." Among others, his collection comprises tapes on, F.R. Leavis, a very eminent professor at Cambridge.

Coming back to the problem part, Tapesh has one to share. He says, "Mine stopped functioning a while ago, and I am facing a problem finding an expert mechanic." The key is to keep it maintained. As Inderjeet says, "I get it serviced regularly so that it does not reach the repair stage." Precaution does obviate cure!

Did we mention that the presence of DVDS do not dent the value of old world charm? Inderjeet Singh adds, "I have a DVD player as well but that is a separate case altogether."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Of gods and goblins
Mona

Tucked snuggly in bed, eyes popping out in wonder, intently listening to Mamma reading aloud the adventures of Hansel and Gretel - one of the happiest childhood memories that many of us can instantly relate to. But in today's fast-paced life, have the old world fairytales — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears — been able to retain their charm? Recently a report said British parents have dropped the idea of reading some of the traditional fairytales to their children because they feel the fables are too scary and not politically correct. But what's the scenario in apna city? Lifestyle finds out.

Atul Khanna, director, Strawberry Fields, reads to his three- year old twins regularly. "We grew up listening to the tales and I have carried forward the tradition. The fun part is that stories have remained the same," he quips. What about the generation gap that has seeped into these stories? "Well, while reading out to my kids, I try to leave out the elements that can disturb them. Also, I make the tales sound more positive," he adds.

Vandana Chhabra, mother of two from Sector 21, Panchkula, is another reading buff who wants to inculcate the same habit in her kids too. "Our daily schedules leave little energy for bedtime stories, yet I do make it a point to catch up on weekends. Apart from Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, my children are also fond of Ramayan and Mahabharta. While choosing a story I am partial towards ones which come with a moral," she says.

There are others too who were earlier not much bothered about these fairy tales but now have started realising their importance and effect on kids.

Says Varsha, a homemaker from Panchkula: "Last week, I did a blunder in by taking my four-year-old son to a movie which was a bit violent. When we came back, he started behaving in a very aggressive manner. At that time, I realised my mistake. One cannot replace bedtime stories with TV, movies or videogames. I had a talk with my husband and we both decided to be more watchful in future. Also, we'll make it s habit to narrate good stories to our son."

Experts cite multiple advantages of storytelling to kids. "It not only help induce sleep in children but also helps develop a special bond with the parents. Kids love stories and look forward to them everyday. It's also a wonderful way of sharing quality time with children," opines Renee Singh, a city-based psychotherapist and columnist.

Publicity? Not me!

Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan has revealed that she has limited her charity work, as she is fed up of the media calling her efforts a mere 'publicity stunt'. The Mean Girls star revealed that whenever she tries to work or donate for charitable causes, the paparazzi tracks her down and takes out its own conclusions.

Lindsay stated that she is over with her wild partying days, but whenever she intends to do charitable work, she is hounded by the paparazzi.

"You know what's hard? I want to give back. I want to do all the things that will make me feel fulfilled. But whenever I do those things, people think it's a press stunt or something. Because they (paparazzi) do find me, and there's really no way of hiding from that," a website quoted Lindsay, as telling America's Interview magazine.

"And the second that you complain about it, they say, 'Well, this is what you wanted, so this is what you're going to get.' That's all people see it as now. It's not, 'No, I just want to have some time for myself.' There are things I want to do, and people don't understand that," Lindsay added. —ANI

Tragedy troubles

Tom Cruise struggled to maintain his composure in a TV interview as he talked about John Travolta's son Jett's tragic death. A website reports that while on The View, the Valkyrie star was forthright as he addressed suggestions that the actors' Scientology beliefs could have impacted on the care given to Jett, who was known to suffer seizures.

He said the church did not discourage conventional medical care.

"Actually, the exact opposite. They say, 'Get your physical, get your medication, get your physical illnesses handled'," he said.

Jett, 16, died last weekend at his family's holiday home in the Bahamas.

"John just adored him, both of his children," Cruise said.

"It's something that I don't have the words for," the hunk added. — ANI

Hate skinny club

Hollywood actress Emma Watson has revealed that she doesn't like skinny celebrities, as she finds their shape ugly. The Harry Potter actress stated that she is naturally slim, and does not intend to diet to become skinnier.

"I don't think it's very pretty to be really, really, skinny; it's not inspirational at all for me. I'm lucky and I'm this size naturally," the Sun quoted Emma, as saying.

"I don't diet and I don't aspire to be super skinny. I just don't think it's very pretty," Emma added.

Emma also revealed that she is a foodie and loves cooking, thus, she would never be able to diet, even if she wanted to acquire a skinny frame. —ANI

Freaking forties

France's first lady Carla Bruni was as freaked out as any other woman when it came to turning 40 recently. The model-turned-singer-songwriter had what she calls "one of those typical midlife things" on the eve of her birthday in December 2007, reports the Daily Express.

"It suddenly hit me that 40 is a symbol of adult life and at the time I really wasn't an adult," she says. "It made me lose my balance a bit.”

"I love spontaneity and I'm a very passionate person. Although I've grown up a lot, I hope I will always hold on to that childlike sense of wonder," she concluded. —ANI

Biography leaflets

Pop singer Madonna might have dated troubled singer Bobby Brown in the beginning of her career, according to a new book about the former New Edition star Brown.

The unauthorised biography of Brown written by Derrick Handspike titled Bobby Brown: The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But... reveals that the romance between the two blossomed while they were both at the beginning of their careers and Madonna used to perform the opening act of New Edition shows.

The Material Girl was keen on getting back with Bobby when both had become famous but he picked Janet Jackson over Madonna, the National Enquirer reported.

A source in the publishing house told Enquirer, "The book discloses, after both had become well known, Madonna was interested in having a relationship with Bobby, but he fell for Janet Jackson." The book also reveals that Bobby's alcohol problem began after his relationship with Janet ended. He took to drinking to get over her.

Brown went on to marry Whitney Houston but the marriage ended in 2007 when Whitney filed for divorce alleging violence. —PTI

Glimpses of a party
The city witnessed a true blue Page 3 do on Saturday night

Red carpets rolled down in the city and the Page 3 purists got a reason to party hard and wild. The venue was Chandigarh Club, the occasion — first anniversary bash of Glimpse, a lifestyle magazine of Punjab. On a cold Saturday night, the temperature soared high with all the hardcore party animals bringing down the house with their upbeat spirit. Like a true Page 3 event, there were stars, socialites and scrumptious food.

Hard Kaur got everybody grooving with her perfromance

The evening started with the who’s whos of Chandigarh making their red carpet entry. And the guest list included Punjabi singer Sardool Sikander and Amar Noori, Yudhveer Manak, the macho man Puneet Issar, model Candy Brar and along with a host of top bureaucrats and industrialists. But the showstoppers were Olympian Vijender Singh, all cool and candid, the beautiful Amanpreet Wahi and MTV’s hottest VJ turned actor Rannvijay. And MTV had a little surprise for all the hip and happening gabrus and babes of the city. There was a scout from MTV on the look out for possible contestants for the second season of Splitsvilla. Talk of falling in love, and MTV sure has with Chandigarh!

Vijendra Singh and Rannvijay

The party got more hardcore with the rapping diva Hard Kaur rocking the night. She also unveiled the anniversary special issue, which has her along with Jimmy Shergill, on the cover. The stage was set on fire, in true Punjabi style with dance performances and rocking music by singer Rishi Singh. To add to the hotness factor, there was a dance and fire stunt performance.

While the party mood was on a high, as the night proceeded, a moment of remembrance was observed for Ishmeet Singh and his parents were honoured by Rahulinder Singh Sidhu, the editor-in-chief of Glimpse.

The thrills and frills of the night took over the chills, as the Page 3 culture finally made its entry in city!

Musical bonding

Body wise
Painful truth
Sachin Kalra

Arthritis is becoming very common. Not just the old people, also the middle-aged people are suffering from it. That’s not healthy news. However, a programme of moderate exercise can reduce pain and improve mobility.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is characterised by a progressive loss of cartilage. This degenerative disease is usually limited to a specific area, such as the knees, hips or spine. Common symptoms include joint pain, limited movement and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation to the inner linings of joints. Exercise help

For many years, doctors have recommended that patients with arthritis engage in flexibility training to help improve range of motion and reduce some of the stiffness in their afflicted joints. In recent years, doctors have also begun to recognise the benefits of cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Not only does a well-rounded exercise programme preserve flexibility also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, increases joint stability, and lessens the physical and psychological pain.

Play safe

Before beginning any type of exercise programme, talk it over with your physician.

It is recommended that active range of motion exercises be performed one or two times daily. During flare-ups, remember to move slowly and gently and don’t pass your usual point of discomfort. A warm environment promotes elasticity and ease of movement. Range of motion exercises, such as shoulder circles, leg swings and lying knee-to-chest pulls, will help limber up those joints that have been stiffened by arthritis and will help prevent gradual losses in motion.

Depending on the severity of your arthritis, your physician or physical therapist may suggest either isometric or isotonic strengthening exercises. Isometric exercise, such as squeezing your thigh muscle while lying on your back, involves contracting the muscle without moving the joint. Isotonic exercise, such as performing a leg press or partial chair squat, involves contracting the muscle while moving one or more joints. Many exercises can easily be done at home using light weights or elastic bands.

Finally, cardiovascular or aerobic that does not involve a lot of impact on the joints is recommended three to five times per week. Walking, which involves little impact and is easy to do anywhere, is one of the best cardiovascular exercises around. Activities such as swimming, water exercises or bicycling are also great options, because they virtually do not have any impact.

As with strength training, it is important to approach aerobic exercise slowly and progress gradually. Depending on your current fitness level, you may want to start with as little as five minutes of activity, three times per day and work your way up to a single 20-30 minute session, three to five times per week.

Do what works for you

Try to keep yourself active in a variety of ways and you’ll be on your way to greater mobility and better health. The key is to find what works best for you to adopt a safe, effective, and fun exercise program that will set you on your way to greater mobility and better health.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com