|
|
|
|
|
Golfers’ family T(r)ee
What all do we know golf for? It's elite nature. It makes one socialise with the high-end society. For the spectacular greens and of course, these days for Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa in India and Tiger Woods in States. That's it? Well, then you have missed another important characteristic of the sport that it runs in the family. Probably this sport is the only one that facilitates all the three generations of a family to play together and compete with each other. We track down some such families in the city that have three generations of golf players, who share their golfing experiences.
So, when Manveen Ghai told us, "Golf is a part of life now. Other than a source of recreation, it serves as an excuse to spend time with family." we wanted to know how. "I learnt to play golf just a couple of years back. My father, who is an amateur golfer was an inspiration to me and my two sons." The four of then now play golf together and compete with each other. "My family was earlier settled in Ludhiana. It was only on weekends or in the vacations that we used to come down to Chandigarh to play golf. But now, when we are settled here, a four-hour game is a must. It was just for the love of game that my sons forced me to move to Chandigarh", adds she. Her father, colonel (retd) B.S Guraya has been playing golf from the last many years. For him, playing with his family is his favourite recreation. "What excites me about golf now is teaching my grandsons. Besides being a teacher to them, I am also their competitor." However, it wasn't very easy for him to convince his daughter, Manveen to take to the game, "I told her it is a game that she can carry on through out life. Also, it isn't a strenuous sport at all and promises a light exercise for the body. She then took to playing golf three years back." Ajai Johl, an architect by profession started playing at the age of eight. Today 40 years down the line, he loves the game all the more for it binds his family together. "Golf offers us the best of informal gatherings, which aren't otherwise possible. We all have got so engrossed in our lives that to take out time especially to catch up with each other is pretty tough." And how does golf help? "My father, mother, sister, brother and daughter, all play golf together at the club." His father was the first golfer in the family and later all the family members followed. But what makes this game really special for him are the memories attached to it, "In early 1980's, my daughter also took to this sport. At that time, ours was probably the only family to have three generations of golfers and other golfers looked upon us." Enthusiasm hasn't taken any dip for Ragbir Singh even after 4 decades of golf playing. Today at 84, he still goes to the greens for relaxation, "What makes this game special is that it has nothing to do with age. Not much has changed in all these years except for the company as I now enjoy playing it more with my family." It was he who introduced the game to his grandson in his childhood. Sharing his experience, Ranbir Reggie, his grandson, who runs a business says, "My grandfather taught me the basics of this game. To help me develop interest in it, he bought me a golf set which had golf balls in different colours." And that wasn't the only inducement from his grand father; "He also bought me a golf cart riding on which, I used to take rounds of the golf course." And then the legacy went ahead though not in a very uniform manner. "I introduced golf to my father after I had learnt it. Now, we do at times play together and it offers a worthwhile get together," adds Ranbir ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Part time hobby, full time passion
She is not the one you are officially committed to. Someone who just stole your heart even before you knew it. You go through your office-hours mechanically waiting for the evening to come. You crave to spend some time with her in your after-hours. She is the one who makes you forget your worldly problems. She’s the food for the soul.
Meet Malkit Singh, a noted legal expert who found solace in classical music. “I cannot imagine my life without music. I have around five lakh books on legal issues and the same number of books on music as well! I have a whole range of instruments from electric tanpura to tabla and harmonium at my place.” Malkit sings Gurmukh Sangeet, which is totally based on ragas and is unblemished by the modern music. The high point in his life was when he got a chance to perform in a programme by Hari Prasad Chaurasiya at Pracheen Kala Kendra. “Oh! That was unbelievable. I felt elated. It was like an ultimate public recognition of the talent I have”, he says buoyantly. But why would one do it considering the pressure of excelling in two disciplines, the time crunch, the stress, we wonder. “The hobby helps me to relax and release my tension. It is a stress buster that helps me perform better in my profession as an electro homeopath. In fact, they both feed each other,” quips forty-five year old Dr Betty Nangiaan who has performed with the likes of Dolly Guleria. “In fact, I learnt my singing after becoming a professional. But one thing is sure; I could not have achieved what I have, without my family’s support. Considering that I was married at the age of eighteen, my husband especially has been a pillar of strength,” she adds. Subhash Sapru, an employee in Information and Public Relations Department, Haryana and an accomplished photographer totally agrees, “Even at the age of fifty-two, I consider my brother to be my mentor. He gifted me a camera when I was thirteen and there has been no looking back. After marriage, my wife and my daughter have understood my passion. It definitely could not have been possible without them”, he emphasises. Subhash is the International Representative of Photographic Society in India and an associate of India International Photographic Council, Delhi as well as Photographic Society of America along with being a regular contributor to various publications as a writer. So we ask them the million-dollar question, if it is such a passion, then why don’t they take it as a full time profession? “I have wistfully toyed with the idea many a times but then it’s not that easy as well. I don’t make money out of my photographic assignments,” confesses Subhash. “Profession is just a medium to make money. My heart and soul lies with the music,” adds Malkit. Makes sense! lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
|
No competition
Both newcomers impressed audiences with their near flawless acts in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Rock On respectively, making them top contenders for the numerous awards in tinsel town. But actor-director Farhan Akhtar makes it clear that there is no competition between him and ‘chocolate boy’ Imran Khan.“There isn’t anything to be looked as competition between Imran and me, as far as awards are concerned,” said Farhan, who has already kickstarted 2009 with another good performance in Luck By Chance.
While Farhan took an unconventional route with a rock band musical drama in Rock On, Imran too didn’t play a quintessential lover boy and followed the friendship-leading-to-love path in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. And to be honest and absolutely fair, one has to acknowledge the performance of Imran which is indeed quite good,” said Farhan, who has made films like Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya. Well, the same can be said for Farhan in Rock On too, isn’t it?“Yes, people do tell me that I was good in Rock On. However, when it comes to awards, it also depends a lot on the jury watching the film. It’s their opinion that would matter about whether I or Imran fit the bill. I’m sure both of us would be quite happy to get an award, but let’s see because anything can happen in such events,” the actor added in a diplomatic tone. He asserts that at the end of the day, it is the audience and their appreciation that matter most.“The fact remains that people have appreciated both Imran and me. It’s their acknowledgment and recognition that should keep an actor in me going. Yes, if awards come by, then it’s an added bonus; so why would I mind that,” Farhan quipped. But it’s sure going to be a neck-to-neck fight between Farhan and Imran at the award functions. Even though Imran’s subsequent release Kidnap didn’t quite bring him great reviews, his Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa was a much bigger success.On the other hand Farhan was hailed as an actor in Rock On and even though Luck By Chance released this year, the jury would have in their mind the actor’s second straight mature performance. — IANS |
|
In control
British pop star Lily Allen, who released her new album recently, has turned her life around after giving up drugs and alcohol.Allen was in her London flat and said: “I don’t want people crashed out here all hours of the morning. I don’t want any drugs in this flat. This is what I’m really all about... It’s control. I have to be in control. Even when I’m out of control, I’m still sort of in control. I know the point I’m going off the rails. But it’s my decision to go off them.”
Allen was hailed when she first hit the scene but soon was in the news for all the wrong reasons. She started behaving badly, getting drunk and slamming other celebrities. She said: “I’m not going to be doing so much of that (blog) stuff now. Thing is, for me, when stuff happens, I have to write it down. That’s what I was doing. Putting every emotion I was having out there on my blog. But it was too much. You can’t do it. It all gets twisted up. I’ve learned my lesson.” Allen new album It’s Not Me It’s You is set to top the charts in Britain and the US.—
IANS |
|
Lov lost
The two met at St. Xavier’s University in Mumbai and soon came very close. A friend said: “They were really into each other. Rohan would do anything for Freida. They were best pals as well as lovers. While together he helped her develop her website, did publicity and marketing for her and even fixed her dresses before the fashion shoots.” Freida called off the engagement after the film took off. She could never have imagined how rapidly her career would grow and it’s all been overwhelming. Since the release of the film, she’s hardly been in Mumbai and even when she is, she’s too busy working. Whether it’s permanent or temporary she’s not sure, but for now they are not together. But Rohan took it very badly. He is cut up about it now and hoping they will get back together. He has still not changed his relationship status on Facebook - it still says he is engaged. But no one else believes she will come back now. She is off pursuing her dreams.”There are rumours that the 24-year-old Pinto and her 18-year-old co-star Dev Patel are more than friends. Patel had earlier said: “She is very beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Everyone’s agreed on that. But there’s no romance, no.”—
IANS |
|
Meeting of minds
The 32-year-old actress Pia Glenn explains her relationship with the acclaimed 61-year-old author Salman Rushdie as a ‘meeting of the minds’.
According to sources Glenn in her first interview after the relationship became public said: “I’m a very frank, realistic person. It’s a multifaceted thing. Neither of us is blind and, of course, it is physical but it isn’t only or mostly about looks.” Along with the 29 year age gap, there is also a height difference between the couple. Rushdie is five feet 10 inches and Glenn is six feet four inches in heels. Glenn said: “I think he is a genius, genius novelist and he thinks I am smart and that’s the biggest thing, the aphrodisiac. With other men, I have had to hide that side of myself because I felt if I came off too smart, I’d be ostracised. This is a good old-fashioned romance but the attraction started as a meeting of minds.” —
IANS |
|
From the land of Maharajas
The vibrant culture, traditional ferver and authentic flavour of Rajasthan is on full display at the fourth annual Rajasthani art and craft festival at the Rajasthan Bhawan-33. The biggest mela enfolding the rich colours of traditions across Rajasthan is a complete show with handicrafts, handlooms, folk art and food, all for your pick. "The festival aims at promoting the culture of the state by experiencing its different elements. It is in collaboration with the government of Rajasthan and we have over 70 stalls, each district of Rajasthan having its presence here," says Deepak Bhandari, the vice president of Rajasthan Parishad.
Apart from the regular stalls, the ones to look out for are the paintings made sans any colour or the brush. "We use crushed gemstones in over 140 varieties for these paintings. The most used ones are garnet, red jasper, lapis, turquoise, chalcedony and many more, to lend colour to the painting," says Sunish Maroo, the artist who has been making them for past 27 years. He has won national awards and accolades and has President's recommendation. Another art collectors item is the stamp paper paintings, oil and watercolours used on stamp papers over hundred years old with Urdu inscriptions written on back. To delight your taste buds there is a food festival too, with papads, snacks, pickles and an elaborate menu of Rajasthani delicacies available on a cost-to-cost basis. And for some lively entertainment, special folk artists from the state will perform folk dances and music at the cultural evenings. On till February 21st lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
|
On the wheels
A joy ride in your favourite car and an opportunity to win fabulous prizes at the same time - Hyundai Owners could not have asked for a more.
The 'Miles & Smiles Rally' was organised by Hyundai Motor India for its valued i10 Kappa customers - to give them a chance to gauge the mileage of their car, learn the techniques of fuel efficient driving and also win prizes in the process. The rally was a unique way to forge a special bond between Hyundai and their precious clientele. The customers got an opportunity to have fun with their families while driving their favorite Hyundai car. The concept of the rally was to promote fuel-efficient driving habits among its i10 customers. The rally was flagged off by B K Lee, regional manager, from Himachal Bhavan. It went all the way to Chandigarh - Ambala highway up to Alamgir and returned via same route and culminated at the starting point. The route chosen was mix of city and highway driving. Drivers of i10 Kappa who got the best mileage out of their cars were given prizes. The winner of the rally got a prize of Rs 15,000/-. The first and second runners up received prizes worth Rs. 12,000/- and Rs. 7,500/- each. -
TNS |
|
Windfall wardrobe
Clothes maketh a man. Sure, we've all heard this proverb. But have you ever wondered how dressing up can help you perform better in the office or climb the
Well, if that's not enough the study also says that a third of women are prepared to dress provocatively in the workplace in order to climb the career ladder. One in 20 of them even owned up to wearing revealing outfits to work on a regular basis, said the poll of 3,000 workers conducted by the website. Well, for our city women this is what they have to say. "First impression definitely matters. If one is dressed in formals, it shows your confidence and attitude towards work. Sloppy and not dressed well lends an impression of less interest towards work and for me dressing up smartly surely matters," says Moina Arora, financial planning manager, HSBC bank. While she agrees that some women do dress up in skimpy clothes for promotion or attention she says, "Though it is surprising, but true woman do dress up inadequately for work. And
yesong run creates a negative impact.", some of them manage to get a hike or promotion but it is short lived and in the
l Well, it's incredible to learn that how clothing can influence your productivity. Reema Singh, teacher at St Kabir says, "If your clothing is too relaxed in style, it's harder to get into work mode and all too easy to waste the day. What you wear to work is your personal decision but dressing up in inappropriate clothes for work just for a promotion or hike is your own intelligence." She adds, "If you ask me one should dress up comfortably and in sync with the work place." Well, talking to a few women also made it clear that women are more competitive in the office fashion stakes with most of them admitting that there is an element of competition when it comes to office attire. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
|
|
All for fitness
We aren't taking an English class, but that's probably the only way we can explain things better here. Boring, monotonous, tedious, dull and all other synonyms possible is what it takes for fitness freaks to define their daily schedules. Let's elaborate.
Taking a cue from him, here we try to assimilate how seriously some people take their work out sessions, the big bucks they spend and the time they devote. He further shares his personal experience of working out, "I never compromised on the time allotted for my work out. My day used to begin with a light jog and then a rigorous gymming session of three hours would follow," adds he. We got an idea of the hard work he has put in as he tells us that he lost some 52 kgs of weight in a period of year and a half. For others he has a worthwhile advice, "Working out for a fit body is a serious business. And since joining gyms costs a lot, please don't use this time for socialising." Nitin Mittal, a hotel management went a step ahead in comparison with his friends when he hired a personal trainer. And we weren't surprised as he took some ten minutes to calculate how much is his monthly expenditure, "It is Rs. 8000 for my personal trainer, another 2000 for protein shakes and some 5000 on the special diet that I take." His special diet is, "a few protein supplements everyday, eggs in breakfast and tandoori chicken in dinner". He justifies his spending so much on fitness pretty well; "I have a lower back problem which made supervision from a trainer even more important. Also, it helps me stay focused all the time and without the right diet, developing abs isn't possible." Just three months after her delivery, Preeti Singh hit the gym to get back into shape. Initially it was tough but then as she says, "No pain, no gain." She spends two hours in gym for five a days a week and It is the difference in her approach that reflects how seriously she takes her work out session. "At times, people take me for a snob as I don't interact with others much. I don't go there to make friends or to socialize and if that has to be the criteria that I should better be not there." She believes in giving her 100% when at gym, "I realise the value of each and every minute that I spend in the gym. Probably that is the reason there isn't any flab on my body." she has been doing regular workout now from the past four years and wish to continue with it." Being an engineering student, it was tough for Nitish Sharma to take out time for workout in the morning. But he managed to devote time to it in the evenings at his personal gym. "I had to shell out a big amount of money for it but it was worth it. Working in my gym yielded better results. I also hired a personal trainer." He feels working out much convenient, "I don't have any inhibitions now and work out more rigorously." He also takes the diet only recommended by his trainer. ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
More gain, more pain
People aged 20 to 55 who have large waistlines are more likely to have migraines, according to a new study. The conclusion was based on a study of 22,211 people by researchers at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) said in a press release here Saturday.
The study found that migraine was reported by 37 percent of women in that age group, who had excess abdominal fat, compared with 29 percent of those without abdominal obesity. Among men 20 to 55 years old, 20 percent of those with excess belly fat reported migraine, compared with 16 percent of those without it. "These results, while still in the early stages, suggest that losing weight in the stomach area may be beneficial for younger people who experience migraine, and especially so for women," study authorB. Lee Peterlin said in the news release. "After puberty, women show more fatty tissue deposits in the hip and thigh area, while men predominately have more fatty tissue in the belly region. After menopause, women show more fatty tissue in the belly area as well. For some diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, excess fat around the waistline appears to be a stronger risk factor than total body obesity." —
Xinhua |
|
Kiss chemistry
There's a lot riding on a kiss, new studies on the science of smooching suggest. Researchers said kissing sets off a complex set of chemical reactions and in some cases, a bad kiss could be the kiss of death for a burgeoning romance. "A kiss is a mechanism for mate assessment," said Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in New Jersey, who is presenting. Fisher, an anthropologist, told a news briefing that kissing is something more than 90 percent of human societies practice, but scientists are just beginning to understand the science of kissing, which is known as philematology.
One theory of kissing is that it is intended to promote bonding. Wendy Hill, a researcher at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania who is presenting her findings at the meeting, set out to test this on college students. She was looking for changes specifically in oxytocin, a love hormone linked to feelings of sexual pleasure, bonding and maternal care. Since oxytocin has been known to lead to decreases in the stress hormone cortisol, she decided to look at that as well. The researchers studied 15 heterosexual college couples between 18 to 22 who were assigned to either go off and kiss in a room in the college health center or talk to each other for 15 minutes. Blood and saliva tests showed that men in the kissing group had a burst of oxytocin, but in women, levels of this hormone. —
ANI |
|
Menopause menace
It's a life stage most women dread. Reports of hot flushes, forgetfulness, middle age spread and manic mood swings not to mention low sex drive make the menopause sound like pure misery. Menopause happens when levels of the hormone oestrogen drop with age. But it's not all doom and gloom as some simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. When a woman approaches 40 years, the oestrogen levels in her body decrease gradually, resulting in bone loss. However, some women may experience it in early thirties or as late as their sixties, says Dr Chawla.
"In the case of Asians, the loss of collagen tissue is more pronounced when there is depletion of oestrogen, which results in increased osteoporosis," she says. The common consequences of this are backache and loss of height, along with associated psychological problems such as low self-esteem. But with some lifestyle modification, one can actually beat the menopause, says Dr Chawla. Here are some valuable tips. Work out for at least half an hour five times a week. But make sure it's weight-bearing exercise such as running or aerobics, which builds bone. That's important because one of the functions of oestrogen is to deposit calcium into bones. Once levels drop, women may lose up to three per cent of bone a year, increasing their risk of developing the bone-thinning disease, osteoporosis. Calcium can be sourced from shrimps, sardines and almonds. But these are not part of most Indian diets. Fortified food products like tofu, orange juice, wheat flour, biscuits are available but unfortunately, there is no regulation in India to ensure the specified content. Dark green vegetables like broccoli and turnip greens are rich in calcium but not practical since one cup of broccoli provides 85 mg of calcium. The best source is dairy products. If a woman can have at least one glass of milk, containing 415 mg of calcium, every day of her life, her bone bank of calcium will be able to tolerate calcium loss after menopause without making the bones brittle. Precautions
Alcohol and cigarettes interferes with nutrient absorption. Try to cut down on them at least for the first three or four months until symptoms are under control. Avoid anything that can bother you like spicy food and caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and cola. Tea also contains tannin, which interferes with nutrient absorption; so, if you must drink it, waits at least an hour after a meal. |
|
Exercise safe
Sachin Kalra
Of course, you probably know the more obvious mistakes to avoid. For instance, skipping your warming -up exercises may cause you to fatigue early and stop you from doing rigorous exercises. Furthermore, leaning on the stair climber or elliptical trainer may allow you to stay on longer, but it drastically reduces the challenge to your lower body as well as the number of calories you burn. But what about the less obvious errors you may be making? Here, we'll discuss some of those: Lifting the wrong amount of weight- If you lift weights that are too light, you won't see improvements in strength, tone or bone density. If you lift weights that are too heavy, you'll increase your injury risk. If possible, consult a fitness trainer to determine the correct amount of weight for your size, strength and goals. Lack of focus- When you are working out, it is important to stay focused on your workout. When you lose focus on what you are doing, you lose efficiency. Remember, working out is a serious business- posture must be maintained, breathing must be controlled and the mind must be focused. Holding your breath- Breathing correctly during fitness sessions is very important. Correct breathing technique is especially important during weight training. Many people have a tendency to hold their breath when they are lifting weights. This is wrong as it actually weakens the body. Over speeding - If you zoom through your repetitions when strength training, you'll be using momentum instead of muscle power. You won't get the same stimulus for muscle building, and you won't burn as many calories. Over-Exercising- Do not over exercise as it might lead to injury. Realize the importance of balance and that more is not always better. Consider reducing the frequency of your workouts or the intensity of some of them and periodically resting for a few days or a week. Ignoring pain or discomfort- If you experience severe pain, discomfort or swelling during your exercise session, you should immediately stop working out. Pain is an indicator that some damage is being done. Try ice therapy but if the condition persists, see a doctor. Not eating enough- Starvation is a mistake that is commonly made when one is trying to lose weight. Food is your fuel for exercise so learn to make good food choices rather than starving yourself. Five to six smaller meals evenly spaced throughout the day helps keep the metabolism running smoothly. Exercising too soon after injury-When an injury settles it often results in scar tissue, which is not as elastic as muscle tissue. When we don't ease our body back into exercise, and jump right back in it, we can cause re-tearing and a build up of more scar tissue. Each day gently stretch the muscles and take up an alternative exercise, which doesn't put a load on that body part. Once the injury has settled, build up to the original exercise gradually. Poor posture/form- Bad posture while you exercise means that you're probably not getting the full benefit of your workout. For example poor alignment in abdominal crunches will give you a neck-ache and working on the wrong muscles might bulk up your stomach instead of flattening it. Always make sure your form is correct. (The writer is a lifestyle and weight- management consultant and can be contacted at kalrasachin@hotmail.com
|
|
|
| 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 | |
Yes! You’ve guessed it right! We are talking about a hobby, that you developed in your youth and continued in your professional life. And some people take it to professional heights, if not in terms of money then certainly in terms of performance. It is even difficult to judge what they are better at—the part time hobby or the full-time profession.
Indian actress Freida Pinto, who shot to fame with the success of her film Slumdog Millionaire, has dumped her boyfriend of four years. The dumped boyfriend 24-year-old Rohan is upset and is convinced she will come back.
From miniature paintings to marble handicrafts and Rajasthani fabrics, there is a plenty to choose from. For your wardrobe, it's the famous bandhini, mirrorwork, tie n dye patterns and traditional gotta work fabrics in cotton and silk. The colourful pots and decorative items made from marble are a visual treat. The ladies can deck themselves up with beautifully designed laakh bangles and the famous Jaipuri gems-studded jewellery. The one to look out for is the silver jewellery collection from Anuradha Sharma, a jewellery designer from Jaipur.
career ladder of success. A research done by a fashion forum website theragtrader revealed that 78 percent of women believe the way they dress affects their day at work. And over half - 54 percent - believe dressing up helps them perform better in the office.
For Sheetal Raina, a telecom employee she says, "I feel more in control if I am dressed smartly and it sure makes a difference in your work performance, as it boosts your morale and has a feel good factor about it." She adds, " Revealing clothes can get you some hike or attention but it will surely not gain you respect from your colleagues."
Half an hour of warming up aerobics, followed by two hours of strenuous cardio exercises and weights. That's not all. Strict diet chart also has to be adhered to. And that means taking a lot of supplements and taking diet as instructed by trainer. After a while, regular bland food infects life as well but then, is there any other option? Vivek Kumar, a gym trainer at a gym in sector 8 answers it for us, "There are no two ways about it. You have to take it head on. The cost in terms of money and time surges and one has to be ready for it."
In addition to age and gender, the way body fat was distributed also affects migraine risk, according to the study.
Are you exercising regularly, yet not seeing the results you want? Or are you getting sidelined by regularly having to deal with pulled muscles and other injuries? Maybe the problem isn't the exercise itself but the way you're exercising.
When you invest time and effort in exercising, you want to see the best results possible but sometimes exercisers unknowingly handicap themselves by hidden mistakes. It is important to be aware of potential mistakes in order to avoid them. Added awareness will help you to error-proof your exercise and you will see tremendous payoffs. Plus the time you invest in your workouts will be smart and well spent.