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Breech of faith
They say our city is hip and happening, but fashionistas and the one's who follow fashion trends religiously say that new designs, especially Bollywood-inspired, do come to the city a little late. Wondering how true it is, we ask designers and people in the business of fashion to spell the style-o-meter for us. "Chandigarh is at least a month late when it comes to fashion trends," says Radhika Taheam, a fresh pass-out from INIFD-8. Talking of the latest, she says, "Afghan pants and breeches have hit the city fashion circuit now, when they are near gone in Delhi and Mumbai. And our city people, they are going gung ho over them this late, thinking it to be the latest fad." Complaining that this is not the only problem, she says, "Not getting the newest in range is not the only problem, but the main problem comes when the trend become universal. (Read- everyone is wearing the same set of clothes and then flaunting it faithfully)." Agrees Simple Kaur, fashion designer from Sector 35, "Yes, Bollywood-inspired trends do come a little late to the city." And she gives a reason for that, "The city people are not at all experimental when it comes to fashion. They would only want those clothes that are already in vogue. In fact, I had designed the Love Aaj Kal-style kurtis way back in March-April, but at that time no one was game for these pieces, as they found them dheela-dhala, but now everyone wants the same style." Talking about city and fashion she says, "People in the metros are flexible, they have a league of their own when it comes to clothes; they don't need some thing to hit the screens to inspire them to wear it. On the contrary, our city people would take to a new style certain clothes if they see others wearing it. Otherwise, they wouldn't like to dress in those clothes." Gunjan Malhotra, who runs her boutique in Middle Bazaar, Shimla, says, "Fashion has become universal these days, courtesy the television. Any dress or fashion attire that becomes a hit in the plains comes to the hill town as fast, as there is a demand for such clothes. Another reason that adds to the easy availability of goods is-distance has become shorter. In one days' time one can travel anywhere and get back with the desired thing." That's true. Talking about the city, Seema Sharma, fashion designer from Impressions-19, says, "I don't think trends come very late to the city, though there may be a gap of a few days but finally, we see people wearing what the world is wearing." Storing the latest in the market, A&M is one stop for many students' fashion search and disagreeing that Bollywood-inspired fashion attire and accessories come late here, Vikas from A&M says, "The tees and tops are right on time; on a par with the metros. I don't think we guys are late by a day also. In fact, distances have become so short that fashion travels on lightning speed and being in the business of fashion you cannot be late, as people would get it from somewhere else." That's some logic. Well, that was about desi trends, but what about big brands, are they city specific when it comes to the launch of a collection? Says Sheraz, senior marketing and communication manager, Calvin Klein jeans, "No, the trend breaks globally. In fact the collection is injected into every store almost at the same time, as the world has become a very small place. We always keep in mind that our customer is travelling from one city to another; even from one country to another, so product availability is very important." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Water features are popular in city homes for their cool and calming effect Feng shui literally means wind-water. Water is a soothing element to be added in any space. Use of water feature creates a living space that echoes the outdoors and creates a calming effect in the interiors. Flowing water not only infuses positive energy but can also bring abundance and wealth in one's life, if placed at a strategic location in the home and workplace.
Though in earlier times, only water fountains were used in the outdoors while landscaping an area, there are various forms in which a water fountain can be incorporated in the interiors to bring in good luck and add an element of glamour. Small water fountains
Not sure what you're looking for? Well, we have a few ideas lined up for you.. There are various readymade options available in small fountains that can be placed anywhere in a home or work space. In times of stress, miniature fountains can be very relaxing. These fountains are available in various materials such as stone, copper, glass and come in various shapes from animals to cherubs. Other fountains are designed with spots for candles to add a romantic touch to your living space or bathrooms. The price range of indoor fountains starts from Rs 25,000, inclusive of installation and light fittings. Inside story
Larger homes, offices and commercial places can use wall fountains as a feature in the entrance. In such fountains, water falls down a slope into a basin and is then pumped back to the top. For those looking for a moving piece of art, a wall curtain is a unique and natural feature piece. These wall curtains are also available in free standing pieces which can be moved to any place with provision of water and power. With prices starting at Rs 40,000, water curtains have become an integral part of hotel and restaurant lobby interiors. Desktop bubblers
In case you have paucity of space, you don't have to be disheartened. We have something to add to your space as well. Tiny bubbling brooks and springs come in size as small as 6" and can be placed on tabletops. And these bubblers are pocket friendly too. With prices starting from Rs.1500,these Chinese bubblers are a great stress busters . It is imperative to keep certain points in mind before you plan a water feature in the interior spaces. According to architect Suchita Luthra, drainage is a major issue to be resolved at the time of planning of water feature. In the absence of proper drainage system, water can create stink in the interiors and is a hub of mosquitoes. Avoid common walls while planning a water curtain, advises the architect. According to Pradip of Garden Engineers, the requirements of fixed water features have to be provided for at the time of architectural planning of a space. Proper inlet and outlet of water and power supply are the two requirements. Also, it is important to water-proof the wall in case a water curtain has to be installed. So, take your pick and create a relaxed Zen mood in your home and office space. |
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One flu over the bahu’s nest!
“It’s worrying to be so far away from children and not be there to look after them. Yes, they are mature and married and responsible, but children will always remain children,” he added. Aishwarya is married to Bachchan’s son Abhishek. The 66-year-old veteran is in Singapore to look after his friend and Samajwadi Party chief Amar Singh, who underwent medical treatment there. “I stay back till he (Amar Singh) is sound enough to travel back,” he wrote. Apparently Bachchan also is suffering from a “strained back.
—IANS
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Breaking stereotypes
Ghatge, who will be next seen opposite Arjun Rampal in Fox, says that she stayed away from the arc light to focus on her career. “It was not a deliberate attempt to stay away from movies. But after Chak De, I wanted to do only good movies. It took me time to select the right kind of film and I wanted people call me by my real name and not as Preety Sabharwal, the character I played in Chak De,” told Ghatge. “Wherever I go, most of the people still call me Preety. But I hope after they see my upcoming films, they will start calling me by my own name,” Ghatge added. The 27-year-old actress played the role of a hockey player, who along with her teammates goes on to win the Women’s Hockey World Cup in the movie. Shah Rukh played the character of a hockey coach in the movie. — PTI
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Ready for a hit
The Bollywood actor-director said “If Dhoni wishes to act in films than a movie could be made.” Kaushik shot into fame with his performances in Ram Lakhan and Saajan Chale Sasural that fetched him Filmfare Best Comedian Awards. Famous Test players Salim Durani, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Syed Kirmani and Vinod Kambli had all acted in movies. A year after directing Himesh Reshammiya’s hit film Karzzz, Kaushik was here along with Sheena Shahabadi and Ruslaan Mumtaaz, the lead actors of Tere Sang, a film that focuses on the issue of teenage pregnancy. — PTI
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Acting notes
Their dream acting debut may have been put “on hold” but that has not dampened the spirit of Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan’s sons Ayaan and Amaan Ali Bangash who aspire to become Bollywood stars of tomorrow. Last year Bollywood was abuzz with the news of Ayaan and Amaan’s launch in a J P Dutta film. However, according to the musical duo the yet untitled romantic thriller to be directed has been “put on hold” due to financial troubles. “We shot some five schedules of the film but last month we were told that it is on hold. We were really excited about the and working hard for it since it would have been our debut with a noted filmmaker like JP Dutta,” said Amaan. “For almost an year we have been going through rigorous practices of playing polo, horse-riding, acting sessions, fight classes. I lost 15-16 kg of weight for the film,” Amaan added. The aspiring actors had signed an exclusive contract with Dutta which barred them from accepting other assignments during the course of the film. However, after waiting for an year, the brothers have finally moved on and are looking forward to other acting projects coming on their way. “I am glad that people want to cast us. We are in talks in with some directors who want to work with us,” said Ayaan. — PTI
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Mamma still beats me
Salman Khan has often made headlines for getting into verbal and physical fights, but very few known that the 43-year-old Bollywood star still gets beaten up by his mother Salma.
“As a child, Salman was very naughty He used to get the most beating...still does,” Salma told choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan on her soon-to-be-launched celebrity chat show Tere Mere Beach Mein going on air on STAR Plus Sunday. When Farah asked “Is it just a pat?”, Salman, who was the first celebrity guest for the show, said: “Are you mad or what? It comes as such a phatak (tight slap)...I reel under its heavy impact and wonder where it came from! I tell her that how can you beat me mamma, I’m a grown up man now.” Some of the actor’s best kept secrets were also unravelled on the show. For instance, she revealed that she still stays up waiting for him at the window till he returns home. Salma said that all her kids tease her for this habit. “They say that the building doesn’t need a watchman with me keeping guard all night,” she said.
— IANS |
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Lap-ping it up
Necessity is the mother of invention. Yes, you have heard and read this a zillion times. It is this necessity which sometimes pulls you out of your normal regular life to do things that you never thought you could. And when necessity knocks, age does not really matter. So it is for these old, young-at -heart people who defied the grey of their hair to match steps with the young and happening tech-savvy cool dudes. Not only have they learnt to use high processors state-of-the art laptops, they are making a good use of it by starting helplines, disseminating useful information to their family, friends, and former colleagues. Not to miss logging on the Internet to drop a 'hi' to their nieces and nephews. Take it from Jarnail Singh, retired controller, examination, Punjab School Education Board, who was initiated into operating a laptop by his nephew. "I think people of my age do feel left out in this race of technology. I wanted to be in touch with my kids abroad, which is why I decided to learn to use a compact laptop."
He took a two-month lesson in the same and is know doing something he thought he could never do. "I discovered a whole new world after that. I explored the numerous things I could do with this small brief course," he laughs. Jarnail Singh makes complete use of this facility. He disseminates useful information on new discoveries in medicine and follows up on the schemes launched by the government, especially for senior citizens. "These are the two major concerns for people of my age group. This a daily exercise with me. The information is sent to umpteen senior citizens who are on the list." A.D. Tewari, 69, a retired government employee who learnt how to use the laptop for the same reason, is actively involved in the dada-dadi helpline. "Most of the relatives and my son stay abroad and I learnt to use laptop to be in touch with them for you cannot carry computer everywhere. I learnt to operate a software Skype, which allows free Internet interaction," he says. " It was all Greek to me, when I first began to learn, but the motivation to stay in touch with the near and dear ones kept me going." Tewari later made additional use of this wisdom by becoming part of the helpline. "I thought, I could put my learning to some use and also help others with it. Now, I am in touch with people of my age who need any kind of urgent help." Indu Luthra, 75, president of Sanjivni Child Care Centre, is always keen to learn more. She makes sure that all the online information regarding the betterment of kids is passed on. "Necessity is the mother of invention," she says. "Laptop is the best thing that has happened in technology. I can now not only keep in touch with my kids but also engage in various online activities like reading up on improving education amongst the kids." As for Indu, this is not mere times pass. "I open the laptop and get connected to the world of information. Whenever I go abroad, I visit the my grandson's school to see what is taught there and come back and prepare notes on the document " Now, who wants to be left behind in this hi-tech age. Next is what? jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Advantages of mini laptop w
It's flexible, sensible, powerful, light weight, cheap in price and durable. w
It's the best choice for business travel. w
It's perfect for quick and easy computing. w
It provides the best solutions for students to take the notes in schools and colleges. w
It does not need a huge or classy bag to be carried. You can keep these mini laptops in your pocket sized hand bags. Disadvantages of mini laptops
w Smaller screen size. w
No CD/DVA drive. w
Hardware speed is an issue. w
No music, entertainment system. Even though the screen size is smaller, it does not make much intolerance as long as the screen is 8.9 inches wide. We cannot have size, portability along with higher processing speed. Mini laptop is designed for quick and easy computing. Mini laptop is not meant to do heavy computing tasks, nor are they meant for long period of computing. For music and entertainment system, external slim line USB CD/DVD drive can be purchased and used. When you are in the process of buying a small travel computer, I have some quick tips. Tip 1 The laptop size is important. As you are a certified public accountant it is very useful to have a 17" inch screen. But For normal email, MSN or Skype use, a small screen is more than enough so don't go for anything less than a 10 inch screen. Tip 2 With the strict cargo regulation of some snobee airlines nowadays the little computer is very useful, because of its weight and size you can put it in your hand luggage so to carry your Netbook buy a small hand bag which can carry your Netbook and don't go for a Netbook case Tip 3 Don't settle for any thing less then a 6-cell battery so even after you have a good quality of the screen and the speed of the processor you can easily see a movie on your flight. With a 6- cell battery you have up to six hours of computer use. PS: On the keyboard don't worry for all the netbook computers it is too small. It is a matter of training your fingers to be familiar with the small keys and slightly different layout and I would advise you to use one of those small traveling mouse, as the touch pad on the keyboard is a real hassle while typing and handling the touch pad at the same time amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com Shot cut
Sensor type 1 / 4.5-type 1.6 MP CMOS Still format JPEG (stills, interpolated) Microphone mono
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Not interested
Net profit
Old is gold
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China town to Chandigarh chowk
So what’s so special about the Shiitake mushrooms? “They are known for their medicinal value, for they are anti-cancerous. Apart from this, they are being launched for the first time in India. The production technology’s been imported from China,” says Verma who owns a plant in ‘mushroom city’ Solan as well. Huh! No wonder, they come with a price tag. Says Verma, “They are available at Rs 1000 per kg. When it is harvested, it is not so. It is only the dry variety that’s so expensive and we’ll be dealing with the dry ones.” Considered a prized variety also for its taste and texture, Shiitake mushrooms rank number two in terms of total production in the world, only next to button mushroom. So, when do we get them? “The mushroom house in Chandigarh will be operational within a month, rather 10 days,” he says. |
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Bull’s eye
We had a sneak preview of Madan’s five paintings, which he will be exhibiting there. The dominant theme is bulls in typical Madan style with motifs and symbols filling up the canvas. “Bull symbolises energy and I have painted human forms, flowers and other elements from the nature to gel with the given theme,” said Madan. His human forms have many legs and many hands, very much in motion. The message that comes across here is— how much in a hurry we all human beings are, bubbling with energy and trying to do many things at the same time. However his bulls are not aggressive and the floral motifs here and there bring a sense of peace, bringing an order to the chaos. After this Stockholm exhibition, Madan plans to display his Bull series in New Delhi next.
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Eye for music
He handles both phaco probe (used in eye surgery) and a Spanish guitar with equal deftness and ease. You get transported to another world in the euphoric ambience created by strings of this guitarist, Dr Sukhdip Singh Boparai, who has a passion for old melodies. A practicing eye surgeon in Patiala, Dr Boparai is now ready with Emotions-3, an album of hit Hindi songs from the glorious era of 1970s and 80s. He says, “Old songs have always enchanted me. Unlike the present day songs these songs still retain their charm after decades.” He has incorporated hit Hindi songs of the decades gone by in the new collection titled Emotions-3. “I chose these numbers keeping in mind Alexander pope’s words that music can often pain to ease.” Once through with his day’s work, he unwinds playing either the guitar or keyboard. He is an expert at strumming the chords of his guitar and tapping away melodies on his keyboard, something he has done regularly even before he became a doctor. “Music gives me immense peace of mind and relaxation after a tough day and motivation to fight tensions. Music purifies the soul and my profession gives me a chance to work in service of the humanity. So, there is a strong link between medicine and music,” says Dr Boparai adding that in both these fields there is a lot to learn and grow. While studying at the Yadavindra Public School in Patiala, Dr Boparai developed the knack of playing musical instruments as he was captain of the school band. During his stay at Government Medial College in Patiala, he and some of his friends started a musical group – Jazzy Boys – The Medicos. The group won several awards and honors in different college and national level youth festivals including the 1982 youth festival at Meerut and national youth festival at Chandigarh in 1983. Dr Boparai owes his perfection to his mentor and maestro Sukhbir Singh Sekhri who helped him hone his skills in music. He released his first album Emotions-1 in 2005 and followed it up with Emotions-2 in 2007 and now he is all ready with his third album Emotions-3, to be released shortly. It includes popular numbers like; Baar baar dekho, Dum maro Dum, Ik hasina thi and Badan pe sitare.
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Spade work
No doubt seasonal flowers add colours to your garden but at times when there are gap periods, there are no colour at all. For this, we take the help of shrubs. See the colour in the accompanying picture, white pink and mauve appearing at the same time. Do not be surprised, this is the same shrub the Lagerstroemia indica, also called Rukmani giving blooms of different hues. For best effect, more shrubs are planted. The beauty of this shrub is that it can be headed at one to one-and-a-half-feet from the ground every year to contain it. Left to grow on its own, it may also become a ‘tree’ like. This aspect of such plants could be used with effect by those who live in comparatively small, in Chandigarh language, marla houses. Here the space is not enough in front to grow trees. Training such shrubs to some height and forming a canopy gives a tree effect and can also be used for parking a vehicle under it besides getting good flowering. These can be kept low headed so as not to interfere with overhead lines. There is one more thing, do not confuse this shrub with its tree species that is Pride of India. It is also called Lagerstroemia in common parlance and the species are flos-reginae and thorelli that bear pink and mauve blooms, respectively, in profusion at the canopy. These trees are also low headed and have spreading branches. |
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Myth of the week The general impression is that while selecting fruit plants, one should go in for grown up plants at least four to five feet high that are available with local nurseries as such plants give fruit very fast. Let us put these myths out of the way forever. First and the foremost consideration is that one should not get fruit plants from any and every source. Only take plants from a reliable source like the nurseries of an agricultural university, horticulture department or from those that have been recognised by the state department of horticulture. It is because the fruit plants come into bearing after a few years and it is only then that you will know about its quality and fruit bearing capacity. At that time, it will be too late for any correction and the tree has to be removed. Do not also take too big plants. Bigger the plant more the damage it has suffered at its roots while extracting from the soil. There are more chances of dying of such plants as the above ground portion is not in balance with under ground roots and there is a mismatch in the food and water requirement and its uptake. Always select medium sized plants that have living central growing point. satishnarula@yahoo.co.in
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Actress Aishwarya Rai is down with a “chest infection” and “flu-like symptoms” and her father-in-law, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, is worried. “Aishwarya has taken ill and is down with chest infection and flu like symptoms. She had a high fever yesterday, but is settling down today,” he posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Saturday from Singapore.
Two years after making a dream debut opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Chak De, Sagarika Ghatge is ready with her second film but the actress wants people to stop calling her Preety Sabharwal, her popular screen name in the movie.
Bollywood actor-director Satish Kaushik said good looking Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni could be a good actor.
Kaushik, who was in Dhoniland yesterday to promote his new film Tere Sang said that Dhoni is now hitting sixes on the cricket pitch and he could be a hit in films too.
In the coming years Mini laptops would be the most required on the go productivity tool of this time. It is essential to analyse the positive and negative points of mini laptop Instead of reviewing each brand or model of mini
aptops, here is an overall quick look of the basic advantages and disadvantages of mini laptops.
Capture all your moments in HD with the KODAK Zx1 Pocket Video Camera. Built to take on extreme weather condition be it rain, snow, bright light or low light, the Zx1 is ready for action any time no matter where life leads you, recording it all in stunning HD quality would no longer be an option to you. Zx1 easily capture 720p HD video up to 60 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio, Compact design goes with you anywhere, it records up to 10 hours of HD video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB 
I don't believe in friendships through social networking sites for the fact that I can't trust someone I don't know. To me, friendship is much more than sharing information on likes and dislikes. It means standing by each other through good and bad times, which I don't think people I meet on Internet would be ready to do. I have friends in flesh and blood who are connected through these sites. But when it comes to making friends from these sites, sorry, not interested.
Today, the entire world in on Orkut, Facebook or Twitter. These are the sites where you not only meet old friends, but also make new ones. I don't see any harm in making friends on these sites. I know of people who have made good friends on these sites, so much so some they have even gone to become life partners. Trust is an individual thing. You can trust friends made through these sites and sometimes you don't trust your close friends too.
Apart from connecting with my fans in general, I have also found new friends on social networking sites. At the same time, I know their friendship will not be like the ones I have with my old friends. I don't have an issue in sharing my likes and dislikes with them. Lastly, I know how much to trust Net friends and how much information should be disclosed.
Pink mushrooms could soon be out of drawing sheets and on to your dining tables. Mushrooms anyways were never a humble vegetable. Sandeep Verma, who’ll soon be starting a Mushroom House in Chandigarh, Sector-40, says, “We’ll be providing three to four varieties of mushrooms, among which the pink mushrooms and Shiitake mushrooms, scientifically known as Lentinula Edodes, are the important ones.”
That’s not all. The literature on the culinary medicinal product claims to have uses for diseases involving depressed immune function, including cancer, AIDS, environment allergies and frequent flu and colds. 
Nature and art go hand-in hand. But mostly, the former acts as a source of inspiration for the later! However, the equation is about to change. TullusArt, a Sweden-based art outfit, is organising an exhibition and art workshop titled Young Thoughts About Tellus on the topic of Global Warming, Nature and Environment starting from August 18. And as a city we do have a representative—artist Madan Lal
“The workshop to be held at Royal Haga Park in Stockholm, will give us an opportunity to work with Scandinavian artists,” said Madan before he flew off to be with TellusArt team. Madan happens to be one of the 12 artists from India who have been invited to participate in the workshop and the only one from the city. 
Gardening operations are time specific. Rainy season, however, is one such time when almost all garden operations can be carried out. You can enjoy the best of your garden all through the year if you take all those steps now. Let us today think about adding colour to your garden.