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Pain in the palette
A sweeper is quietly removing the dirt and filth from roads. Nobody notices, if at all, sneers, cover their faces and hurriedly march. The differential treatment meted out to ones who practically beautify our entire city triggers an initiative. "I've done a series by the name Beautician, which is dedicated to sweepers," says Randeep Singh, a city-based artist. "If there's beauty around us, it's because of these people, while still they aren't given the due respect and still considered 'separate.' His recent solo exhibition at Alliance Française contoured the 'slums and other side of city'. Art is what art does! Art for a cause? Implausible it might be to visualise in an era of curators, auction houses, exclusive previews, yet there are some who picked the brush for the betterment rather than bucks. Likewise, it was undemocratic handling of Dalit community that made Savi Savarkar pick up the paint with vengeance. Termed the first Dalit painter of the country, shares Savi, "Frankly, I myself come from that background and I took up the cause as I felt the cruelty with which they were treated." His works have time and again depicted the anguish, the pain of the marginalised, downtrodden, at the edge, his subjects being untouchability, child labour, eunuchs, and caste system. Jaskanwal Jit Kaur, another city-based artist, a participant at the event, says, "My painting talked of man's relation with nature." Her series An Intimate Act, shares Jaskanwal Jit, "Shows how people these days are very little in contact with nature. We would play outside, run bare feet, sit on the grass, value nature." As colourful as the canvas, what captures is the assortment of issues. Syed Aftab Ahmed Shah, the calligraphic artist from Lahore, last year displayed his works in the city. Inspired by the essence of all religions, unity of God, his works weaved Bismillah Khan and Ek Onkar in one painting and the like. For Shivani Sud, an exhibition should 'ideally put across a message to society'. Her recent solo exhibit Resilience illustrated the concerns about society in general and women issues in particular. "Women, even after facing so many difficulties have inherent capacity to bounce back." But in a period punctuated by 'hose paintings are going under the hammer for how much' do they feel enough is being done? Where success for a painter means whose drawing rooms their works adorn. Opines Savi, "Yes, that's true, artists these days are guided by mega bucks, influenced by market forces and there is a crisis in art circles when it comes to issues." Are they any takers for such art? Says Randeep, "There's tremendous appreciation, but nobody buys such art. Who wants to display gory, realistic pictures in their drawing rooms?" A sentiment shared by literally every artist. "We all know not many buy such art, but that doesn't stop us from depicting. All we aim for is to make people think about it." That they do, courtesy immense inherent power of art. Shares Jaskanwal Jit, "Art has a different pull, especially the capacity to leave a deep impression on the young minds." While Shivani feels, "It's thought provoking. Moreover, a picture stays with you." As Randeep sums up, "Clouds, rainbow, sky, no doubt are all very beautiful. But artists must move from their muse and depict reality." Because colour touches hundred hearts and the canvas speaks the proverbial
thousand words. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Code of conduct
Nodding to the power of formal dressing, Sanjoli, an investment banker with Allegro, says, "As woman, I think we are game for a formal dress code when it comes to office. And, as such Chandigarh is the fashion capital of Punjab, girls have to look their best. Be it office or elsewhere. In fact the corporate dress code is not only limited to trousers but these days girls even wear formal skirts to office." Ask her does it make a difference and she says, "Yes, it does. When you're dressed up smartly your productivity increases, as one is confident. And other than that the impression you make is long lasting." Why not, don't we remember the adage; 'First impression is the last impression'. "There is a certain element of authority that comes when a women is dressed in formal wear-like business suits and formal trouser and shirt. Talking of today's women, they like to dress not in one single style but in varied ways. "One day she would like to be dressed in western attire and the other day she would dress in an Indian wear. It's hardly that we see women wearing a same kind of dress code," says Ritika Gupta, a banker with a private bank in Sector 8. Shelly Anand, an employee of Axis Bank, says how women dress up for office depends on the age group. "My branch has a lot of young girls, so we see more of western wear." Ask her is there a dress code that women employees need to follow and she says, "Yes, there is. We are supposed to wear formals. It can be western or Indian." And, when it comes to formal wear, "Anything, but the clothes should not be too bold or provocative. In case of Indian wear, colours should not be very loud and fabric not flashy," sums up Shelly. For Isha Kakaria, who works as a sales manager for a city-based life insurance company, clothes always make a difference, especially at office "Corporate dressing means formal. One cannot be dressed casually as the seriousness to work doesn't come and on the other hand the client too doesn't take you seriously." She adds, "Even in our field dressing, it depends what kind of client you're meeting. If you are meeting a Sarpanch of a village, traditional Indian attire would be the best, but if you are meeting a CEO, western formals are the best option." The city offers a wide range of corporate wear. Says Monika Sharma, a customer service executive at Wills Lifestyle-17, "We have a wide range of formal wear. And, when it comes to women, this season we are seeing a good sale of knee-length skirts." Ask her what are the preferred colours and styles, she says, "In skirts, women prefer the evergreen black and for trousers they like black, blue, brown, beige and white. In silhouettes it is the regular fits that are in demand. Girls and women do not like a fitted look for the office." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Tall, fair & handsome
After Shah Rukh Khan, asking a dark skinned guy to use fairness cream, it’s now the turn of handsome hunk John Abraham, who is the brand ambassador for Garnier to propagate the same idea. So, all you guys who were dependent on the tall, dark and handsome factor, here is your chance to woo the tall the pretty babes, only if you have a sachet of fairness cream in your pocket. However, it is actors like John Abraham or Shah Rukh Khan disseminating the idea men using fairness creams, the market too has a similar story to share. Inspired by the changing grooming behaviour of Indian men, Garnier has launched an exclusive range of male skin care products- Garnier men power light, men power lightface wash with brightening lemon extracts. Lotus Herbals offers Coconut Ginseng Fairness cream, a unisex fairness cream with a unique formula, which lightens complexion and makes it fairer. And who hasn’t heard about the pioneer in this sector, Emami’s ‘fair and handsome’. The advertisement for the product gives the message clear— be fair or remain dark oblivion. Zahid Khan of Profile Saloon points towards the increase in the number of men who come up with the query for a fair skin. “Today, almost every second boy wants to look fair, whether it is some aspiring model, a corporate guy or a businessman,” he adds. “So much so, we get to hear from men clients who tell us that they use fair and lovely, and they are always on the look out of creams for men.” jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Pret & paper
Made of recycled paper and water, it promises to be environmental friendly and is light, durable, sweat resistant besides withstanding normal pressure and well, they are easy on the pocket too. Better than the sky-rocketing gold ornaments at least. Says Tejpal Singh, paper folding expert, “A labour- intensive process, one can make paper jewellery either by folding it or out of the paper pulp.” Ask him how does one get the desired results, and he says, “Paper trinkets are made out of basic pulp and then the pulp is moulded into different shapes and textures. Colours can be added accordingly.” He adds, “The task is not that simple as it seems, each bead is hand rolled, glued and triple varnished for best results.” Well, if you are bothered about the damage, “Just contact with water does not damage it,” says Singh. Paper jewellery can be customised in any colour and pattern, so this piece of jewellery can take care of your everyday problem of finding a suitable match with your dress. Latest in the market, a few students of the Chandigarh College of Architecture already showcased their creativity with paper as they designed some great paper jewellery at the Archo fest. Well, these guys used wire, metal pieces and aluminium paper to make some chic designs. Latest in trend, our city still has not got the taste of paper. Says Shruti, jewellery designer and owner of Raga, “Yes, paper jewellery is in, but the trend has called shots mostly in metros. We are still waiting for the trend to hit the market here.” Showing her apprehensions she says, “This kind of jewellery would be a hit with college-going students, but not with the masses, especially the city people.” Ask her why and she replies, “Here people like expensive metals. They like the glitter of gold and dazzle of a diamond, they wouldn’t bargain it for paper polish.” Well, that’s a point to ponder! jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Spade work
There is no doubt the range of annuals is small as there are only a few summer annuals that can be counted on fingertips. Some of the private companies have however, done well to introduce specific ‘colours’ in a kind. For example you can get a double bloom of red or white Gaillardia, Gomphrena or Zinnia or a mix of striking colours. But there is still time for these to give life to the garden. See the accompanying picture of a football like blooms of Football lily. This is in flowering now. It was planted in April when the winter annuals faded. The planting of bulbs was planned as filler for the gap period i.e. now. The blooms in this case appear before the foliage. The shape of the bloom is a perfect round and the colour very appealing. Moreover, its appearance from the ground ‘balanced’ on a sturdy stalk makes it more attractive. Later, when the blooms disappear, the bold green glossy foliage, also very ornamental makes appearance and keeps the bed green till winters. There are other summer flowering bulbs too like Hemerlcallis, Hymnocallis etceteras. Hedychium that belongs to the same family as ginger is a new introduction. The ginger like plant grows successfully in semi-shade condition. The creamish white blooms appear now and through the rains and like any other white blooming shrub putting forth scented blooms these are also fragrant. This is also a special month for the tree lovers. Only those who have seen an avenue of Cassia fistula (Amaltas) in flowering now a day’s can tell you how eternal it looks. The blooming trees that put forth the foliage later, give more effect. There is, however, exception too as in case of Gulmohur, that bears crimson red bunches of blooms at the tree periphery. The beauty of the tree in this case is enhanced due to the contrasting deep green foliage. One may not like to see an ordinary blood red colour during summer afternoons but in this case, the display is very soothing. The young replica of this tree, Caesalpenia pulcherrima, the Gulmohri, is also in blooms these days. One tree that has surpassed all other in beauty is Lagerstroemia, the ‘Pride of India’. It truly is. The array of blooms on spikes cover the whole of the tree surface and the blooms keep appearing in succession giving the blooms period a respectable longevity. The blooms are available in three colours, the mauve, pink and white. satishnarula@yahoo.co.in
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Handle with care
"I haven't come across a single gadget, which will not give you a problem. This applies to the hi-end phones, which the mobile companies are throwing out in dozens, says Harshdeep Doda of Cine Valley, Industrial Area. "Of course, all these premium brands look stylish. They come with smart features. At the same time, you have to be very careful while using them," he puts in." One, you have to always keep them in the case, when you are not using them, least you end running the screen. Secondly, you can't misuse them like 'ghar ka Nokia'. Who, wants to go through the extra care regime," he smiles. Did we just forgot to mention the prices- Rs 30,000-75,000. The whopping price is also the reason why people prefer phones, which are affordable and are easy to maintain. They can compromise on one or two features. Adds Praneet Brar, student from sector-11, "I don't want to live with the scary feeling of loosing my Apple touch screen. I carry a Nokia N-72 to college, and when I go to some party to take the Apple phone." jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Triple treat
Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, announced the introduction of three new engines for the Audi A4 ? the 3.0 TDI quattro, the 2.0 TFSI and the 1.8 TFSI. With a range of five engines, the Audi A4 becomes the model with the widest choice for customers in the luxury car market in India.
These engines also have significantly greater fuel efficiency, consuming 10 per cent less fuel than their predecessors. For the most powerful engine in the range, the 3.2 FSI quattro, Audi India announced additionally a special offer for the customers - a 3.99 percent interest financing rate. The price for the Audi A4 range starts at INR 2,667,000 for the Audi A4 1.8 TFSI (ex-showroom Mumbai). "With the introduction of three new engines, we are able to offer the widest choice in the luxury car market to our customers in India. It is our constant endeavour to provide our customers with world-class products and state-of-the-art technology. The new engines add a new dimension of sophistication and progressiveness to the Audi A4 with more power and lower fuel consumption, guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable driving experience," said Benoit Tiers, Managing Director Audi India. The wide range of engine options provides great strength to the Audi A4 ? three petrol engines and two diesel-powered engines with four or six cylinders, all offering the advantages of direct injection with cutting-edge FSI, TFSI and TDI technology. The new Audi A4 engines consume an average of ten percent less fuel than their predecessors. Audi's modular efficiency system, which includes reduced internal friction, demand-based control of ancillary components, intelligent temperature management, economical power steering and air conditioner drive units and an energy recuperation system have been instrumental in ensuring enhanced fuel efficiency. Audi includes the LED rear lights as standard fitment from June onwards in the new Audi A4 range as addition to the famous LED front lights. The customers have a choice of two high-tech transmission solutions: the tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox and the continuously variable multitronic version. The high-end models, the Audi A4 3.2 FSI quattro and the Audi A4 3.0 TDI, are equipped with the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. At an overall length of 4.70 metres, the Audi A4 is a large saloon and boasts of a substantial, powerful road presence. The legroom for rear passengers and its 480-litre boot are larger than of any of its direct competitors'. Inside the Audi A4, the ambience is spacious and full of light. It embodies the traditional Audi strengths: a distinguished appearance, no-compromise high-quality workmanship with close attention to detail and logical, intuitive controls. The Audi A4 customer can choose between a range of six exciting colors: Dakar Beige, Brilliant Red, Ice Silver, Meteor Grey, Phantom Black and Ibis White. The Audi A4 offers a high standard equipment to India, including features known only from upper segments: for example the Multi Media Interface (MMI), the optical parking system with rearview camera and the Bang & Olufsen sound system are available options.
— TNS |
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Fling with machines
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GEEK SPEAK
Size Does Matters
Buying a laptop is a matter that requires some thought. Consider the size and weight of the laptop. How often will you be carrying your laptop? Your answer will help determine which size and weight will best suit your needs. If you will be carrying your laptop frequently, a lighter model will be preferable.
Key decision
The keyboard is another area to consider when buying a laptop. For some the size of the keyboard is very important, a larger laptop will have a slightly larger keyboard area. But keep in mind that if you worry about your fingers, wrists and even your eyes taking on too much stress from typing on a keyboard that is too small, you may want this to be a main factor in your purchasing decision.
Choose your mouse
A laptop will come with a built in touch pad, an alternative to the mouse, whereby the pad is controlled by the user's finger movement. For some people, this type of pad is uncomfortable and not easy to work with. Before purchasing a laptop, determine what mouse options are available. Test each one and determine which one best meets your needs and also keep in mind the long hours, which you will be spending with your Laptop.
Wireless options
At present, when many people think laptop, they think wireless and mobility. No doubt everyone wants to make sure that his or her laptop computer will be able to access the Internet with a wireless connection. Many try to account for this by ensuring that their laptop has potential upgrade options, such as room for an expandable PC card or a USB port. However, since so many laptop users are looking for wireless connections, nearly all of today's laptops come enabled for wireless Internet. All you need to do is activate your wireless Internet service, and your laptop will take it from there. So depending on your needs, choose your laptop whether it is capable of expanding or if it is already configured for wireless Internet in case you want to have more fun look in for a Bluetooth and infrared they are good for connecting your mobile phone and quick Notebook to Notebook file transfer.
Check for ports
Peripheral equipment will be connected to your laptop through USB ports. You will make your life much less complicated by ensuring that your laptop has adequate ports. Connecting equipment such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras and thousands of other gadgets will be much simpler if you have the ports readily available. If you are not sure, thoroughly read the specs for any laptop that you are considering to purchase. I would suggest look for minimum 3 USB port trust me once you own a Laptop there are too many things to connect.
Check your budget
Finally, when buying a laptop, beware that you do not overspend. First create your budget and stick to it. When you think that you have found the laptop that you want, do not rush into it. Wait a day and check over your budget, requirements, and see if you are still as excited about the laptop in the morning, as you were when the sales clerk was showing off its specs. If you still feel that it is the laptop that you want to purchase, then go for it. Looking for a discount doesn't work be a little up tight and ask all the stores, and always look for the manufacture date before your final purchase. amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com
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We need no publicity
Talking about New York, Neil said the 9/11 terror attacks had affected everybody especially the youth and shook the entire world. “In the film, there are three young friends from India studying in an American university campus and the incident affects their friendship,” he said. Declining to give more details, Neil said, “The friendship is affected in a certain way. Whether in a good or bad way is the question and the crux of the film.” Neil said co-stars Katrina Kaif and John Abraham are great human beings. “Off screen they are good friends and their chemistry shows on screen,” he said. Neil did not know Katrina earlier and said he was skeptical to work with her initially. “But I found her to be very down to earth. New York is her best performance to date,” the actor said. When asked if the film was a love triangle, Neil said there was an element of love. But the bond of friendship is more important. “Unfortunately, in our society, we are unable to accept that a girl and boy can be the best of buddies,” he said. — IANS
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Mujhse shaadi karogi?
Parujanwala came from Toronto after leaving his family business to start a new venture in India sometime back and felt the need for a partner. And with Rakhi looking for a groom through a reality show, he felt he had a good chance too, a source from the show’s sets said “He loves Rakhi’s desi jhatkas and is totally impressed with her frank and honest nature. If things work out between him and Rakhi, he is willing to leave Canada for good and settle in Mumbai,” said the source. Parujanwala is a graduate in acting and loves movies, cars, reading, and dancing and will be seen on Rakhi Ka Swayamvar to be aired on NDTV Imagine. — IANS
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The con is on…
“I am so surprised that throughout the making of the film there was no
(report of a) rift between the two actors. However, just when a film of theirs is round the corner, things start turning sour between them. Someone needs to really explain to me how and where does this actually happen,” Arshad said. Regarding the promotion of Shortkut, the actor clears the air around Akshaye and him not being seen together on a common platform. “It’s all sheer nonsense when people write something or react to grapevine just for the sake of it. The fact is that I was severely jet lagged. I had travelled from New York to Macau and had serious issues with the time zone difference “I had an immense headache and couldn’t make it for the press event where Akshaye was present. A story was unnecessarily being made out of it when both Akshaye and I knew what was really wrong,” he said. The actor also remembers how there was unnecessary bad blood being created between him and John Abraham
during the promotion of Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. — IANS |
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There are 217 million undernourished people in India. Curse statistics, feel sorry, forget it, forgive it and move on! A frozen picture of a child staring at the food carelessly thrown on street, in turn stares into the soul and freezes you. If the metaphor didn't drive home the power of art, nothing else ever would.
The concept of cause, taken through art, has been ever since, with the legendary oil on canvas Guernica by Pablo Picasso, just a case in point. Picasso painted the pain of the people, the tragedy of war, the indescribable suffering it inflicts. The tagline of Sweden based NGO TellusArt-Art for a Cause, puts it beyond obvious. Their event organised in the city sometime back involved a series of events circling global warming, nature and the environment. 
A nicely cut dress, elegant shoes, hair tied in a neat bun, smart wristwatch and a trendy handbag is what we picture when we say, corporate dress code. But whatever we may say, the image was more or less created after we all saw Corporate-starring the Bong beauty, Bipasha Basu, in smart business suits and pleated trousers. Courtesy Bips, we now have a complete wardrobe for
corporate wear, but contrary to what's available, we ask the women in white-collar jobs to do a style check for us. Here is what they say.
Some things never change- like the frenzy at every Indian home on the day of the cricket match between India Vs Pakistan, audiences hooting at a pretty sultry actress romancing on screen, people engaged in serious discussions on topic they have virtually no idea, mommy daddy looking for a girl with wheatish complexion for their son, and last but not the least, the colour fixation of Indians, irrespective of the sex. And here it is, the deep-rooted longing fixation for clear, white fair skin has found a good place in the consumer market. But what amuses is the fact that the market for fairness products for men has grown appreciably, and so have the advertisements.
As per actor Manav Vij, “There is enormous pressure of looking presentable in this industry, and there is always a demand for good-looking fair models.” Nevertheless, I don’t think the penchant for a fair skin is a new phenomenon; it has always been there. Now, that cosmetic companies have moved from women’s fairness creams to men’s, the fascination has become more obvious.” John Abraham categorised Indian males into two categories- those who just shave and clean (93 per cent) and others (7 per cent) who work on their facial beauty, using products like moisturisers, and he can be bracketed into the remaining 7 percent. And you thought only girls try out fairness cream! 
It’s paper and mind you, it’s making news for more than just eco friendly products. Well, going by the trend in the metros, we now have jewellery made out of paper too. Yes, you read it right, trinkets made out of humble paper.
Temperature is rising with every passing day. And you thought it was time for the gardeners to take rest, as there was not much to do. Moreover, the range of summer annuals is limited and there is less opportunity to have colour in the garden. But you need to have an eye and planning. There is no dearth of it.
Can't get your eyes of the swanky, stylish, cool hi-end phone, loaded with a zillion features? Not your fault. With mobile companies rolling out top grade cell phones almost every month, consumers are bound to be confused and enticed given their smart and chic looks. But, here wait could be a deterrent. Unlike your Nokia, which can be mishandled to the hilt, these smart phones need to be handled with utmost care. One fall, and there you are, left gathering the ruins of Rs 40, 000 investment. Nevertheless, is this the only drawback or there are more hidden flaws. We explore.
Extra care they do require and they are also packed with state-of-the art features, at the same time there are certain 'hiccups', which make these hi-end phones not a ready choice. Chiragh Sharma, city- based model feels that these phones have become a status symbol as well. "I my profession, you would find every second person flaunting a hi-end phone. You aren't carrying one, you are not considered at par with the stylish ones." Chirag too feels that the maintenance cost of these phones can dry up your debit cards. "For instance, the touch screens are very 'touchy', he laughs. "A scratch or drop of water and there goes the screen. And if by due to some bad luck, the cell falls you are ruined. Even worst, if it stolen or you forget it…..it is scary!
Technology is a mind game, and it changes within seconds. What is new today, might be redundant in matter of months, or who knows tears as well, says Joe Baath, sportscaster and television anchor with ESPN Star Sports, who categorises himself as a geek freak, someone who cannot live with his PDA cell phone. More from the gizmo guy…
Buying a laptop is a major investment decision. As such it is not one that you should make lightly. So here are six tips that will help prepare you for making the best and most well informed decision when buying a laptop.
While I was on my way to
Kasauli to escape the heat for the week end I came across a Dollar store and just went for a quick look and their it was, a florescent green colour and a very interesting looking flash light. This flashlight is a great gadget for travellers. It is a Chinese made rechargeable LED light with four LEDs up front a single red and blue color changing emergency flasher and a unique five LED powered multipurpose light which folds into its side with a very effective and powerful light projection, once fully charged it serves for five to six hours constant use the best part is that it cost me just Rs 113.
Too much of publicity heightens the level of expectations and some times proves detrimental to the film’s interests. We are very confident of our product,” said actor Neil Nitin Mukesh.
Elesh Parujanwala, a 30-year-old Gujarati NRI, is one among the thousands bidding to marry item girl Rakhi Sawant through the reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamvar.
Arshad Warsi is irritated with rumours that all is not well between him and Akshaye Khanna, his co-star in Shortkut - The Con Is On.