|
|
|
|
|
Utsav uploaded
It’s time for the traditions to take over contemporary makeover, when the Indian woman becomes the bharatiya nari, a typical wife, donning her dedication and displaying her strength to prove her promise and commitment towards a species called Glitches, oh yeah, there have to be some! Since the tradition is passed on to us by our mummies, grannies and bhabis, some of us still don’t lack the art of fasting on this celebrated day. It becomes tougher for first timers who underestimated the importance of the day. So, when you don’t have women folk of the entire clan spelling out do’s and don’ts for the day, or missing the presence of your mother or mother-in-law (now, that’s must be a rare feeling, isn’t it!), what do you rely on to make sure you follow the rituals and in the process are successful to add a year or two more to your hubby’s life? The answer is simple and obvious: technology. Or computer, to be more specific. If you don’t know the course of action on Karva Chauth, don’t fret. Take a step forward and find answers online. Half a dozen websites and zillion blogs will sort out the complicated threads of Karva Chauth for you, giving out first-hand information about the vrat, the legends and origins of the festival, the rituals and procedures involved and the katha. Sufficient enough to turn a dummy into a Ph. D in Karva Chauth. “The online information regarding the festival comes in handy, since sometimes you don’t know the right procedure. If you don’t have any elders in the family for guidance, a mere click on search makes Karva Chauth easy to understand and follow,” shares Meenakshi Bagga, a teacher from the city. And it’s not only the procedure but a lot more that adds to your day. Download traditional songs for the ocassion and the vrat katha to play it on MP 3 or know about the different ways of celebrating in different regions. From giving tips on what to wear, how to decorate the vrat thali to the significance of each ritual, it’s a virtual guide for a successful fasting. “You ask 10 people and each will tell you the procedure differently. I would want to make sure that I don’t miss out on small things that are significant. I belong to the Sikh community and don’t know a thing about karva chauth. Now that I have to keep my first one, online lessons are more than welcome coz of easy access and little effort,” says Ruby Kataria. And what’s more, it has something to offer to the ones responsible for all the hullabaloo. For, the husbands can search out for the perfect Karva chauth gift for their wives (they really deserve it). Jewellery, designer sari, exotic holiday, whatever it is, you know you are a click away from becoming the ultimate romantic hero. Virtual vrat www.karvachauth.com www.hindupad.com www.festivalsofindia.com Hinduism.about.com karwachauth.indiagiftsportals.com www.isawaj.com |
|
Playing the X factor
The 29-year-old musician who struck hit and hatke chords with his musical atyachaar in movies Dev D and Aamir feels that people need to taste every style of music. “Music composition sould not only be used as a marketing tool but define the character of the movie. Top composers are now experimenting with different styles and genres of music, bringing in mush desired freshness and creating a space for more,” he says. Breaking away from mundane Bollywood music routine he belongs to the latest breed of musicians bringing in fusions of Electronica, Jazz, Blues along with Rajasthani folk and dhol beats, creating a genre of organized chaos as music. “That’s what is the need of the hour. When I did Dev D, I wasn’t sure if it would work. But it did great coz the audience too wants something new. Dhan te nan from Kaminey has become a rage, why?” his question is the answer. Apart from enjoying a holiday, he wants to explore and learn more about the Punjabi folk music. Any favourites from this part of the country? “I haven’t got chance to hear any Punjabi songs, but I want to meet artists and know more about it.” Well, no escape from anything Punjabi, right! Amit’s latest comes with Wake Up Sid and he is completed working on Megha, one of the short stories in Onir’s next production, along with Pritam, Mithun and other big names. The other projects include Chiller Party and Ayesha.
— Neha Walia |
Bharti Airtel, organised a special tree plantation drive at its new, state-of-the-art Airtel Campus in the Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park.Over 200 Airtel employees planted a tree each and took an oath to nurture them. As a responsible corporate citizen, Airtel has always been at the forefront of initiatives, which help the environment. The importance of trees in purifying the air, as natural resources, maintaining the ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, as medicines, habitats for faunal species, providing nutrients to the soil etc is well known. Special care was taken to choose saplings for which the air, water, soil and climate of the area was most suitable. Prior to the plantation activity, Airtel employees were briefed about the significance of the trees, how to plant them and their after care. — TNS
|
|
Spade work
There are only a few places left where you find birds now days, most important being the religious places where probably they find themselves most safe. A visit to the Golden Temple will strengthen my claim, where you can find sparrows in great number sitting on the trees in the premises to spend night, well within the reach of anyone. Over there they know no fear. And the fish in the holy sarovar that may eat from your hands, rubbing their bodies with you and sitting besides you on the stairs. You will also find the birds on any mosque, especially the pigeons who have no fear and encircle the sky and seem to be spreading the word of peace. Who has not heard about the Karni Mata mandir where there are rodents in thousands and the one, an albino walking on your foot is considered as Mata's aashirwad (Mothers blessings). And one more thing, have you ever noticed and if not, then you should now that there is tremendous variation in individuals and such places have become a great source of bio-diversity conservation. But why are these confined to selected places only. Why not in our gardens? The poisoning and 'communication towers' as is blamed are the other causes. However, we cannot keep ourselves away from these 'insignificant' creatures. We are spending a fortune now to buy the taped versions of these lost birds making these as our cell tunes. Can we bring them back? What are the ways? Know about their nature and provide them what they want. You will see them coming back to your garden making it a complete unit. There is no substitute of a bird bathing in the shallow pond in the morning. You will realise that the early morning soothing chirps will make your day. Once if they make your garden their home for sometime, the confidant couple will give you the young ones and I am sure you will yourself render them help in feed and above all the protection keeping an eye for a cat or a crow to keep them away from any mischievous adventure. The birds mostly make a nest at a place which is easily approachable for them, but not for the predators. If you want the birds to nest in your gardens then you can get ready made bird-houses and keep them hooked to a tree or a wall. The size of the 'hut' and the 'windows' should be such that no other beak can reach inside. Similarly, birdbaths can be kept in the garden. They should be very shallow and would be too tempting for any bird if it has even a trickle of water falling on it. Providing shallow pans with different kind of seeds and small stones (kankarh) also attract birds. A bird lover may also leave a few guavas or pear on the tree. I have myself nursed a few generations a bulbul in one of my hanging baskets! Similarly, you can also have water life in your garden. For this you can use pots or even ponds with or without the civil work. If you are adding fish to it, do not forget to grow some water plants and also put some stones. You can also put a few mosquito larva eating fish. And above all, let your children be familiar with the croaking of a frog, some day.
satishnarula@yahoo.co.in
|
|
Here are a few gifting gadgets this Diwali. Microsoft Zune HD
The new generation OLED touchscreen mp3 player with lots of new innovative features. Microsoft Zune HD is direct competitor to Apple's iPod touch so price would be very competitive. Zune HD will be available in two colours silver and black. Microsoft Zune HD is powered by new Nvidia Tegra platform so it will offer extended battery life, more graphics power and HD playback. New features in Microsoft Zune HD: HD radio tuner Windows CE with internet explorer Wireless connectivity 3.3-inch capacitive OLED touch screen that can play 720p videos Microsoft Zune HD Price in India - approximately RS 15,000 for 16GB version. Fuji FinePix 3D camera
New iPod Nano
A brilliant polished anodized aluminum finish comes in nine electrifying colors. And the 2.2-inch colour display is larger for your viewing pleasure. Rock out with a built-in FM tuner and two innovative new features Live Pause and iTunes tagging. Features: 8GB or 16GB flash drivel. Holds up to 2,000 or 4,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format3. Holds up to 7,000 or 14,000 iPod-viewable photos. Holds up to 8 hours or 16 hours of video. Stores data via USB flash drive. amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com |
|
Reiterating on its brand positioning of ‘NEXT is what?’, Samsung Mobile today strengthened its popular Guru series with the launch of three new, feature packed handsets - Guru 2120, Guru 2130 and Guru 1160 in the Indian market. The launch of Guru 2120 and Guru 2130 marks the introduction of the camera feature in the Guru series. “With features like VGA camera with recording capability , MP3 playback, wireless stereo FM bluetooth and an expandable memory up to 2GB available in the Samsung Guru Series , we are raising the bar for affordable mobile entertainment”, states Asim Warsi , GM-Marketing , Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. The Samsung Guru 2120 is a complete multimedia phone with an elegant design .It comes with a VGA camera that allows users to not only click images, but also shoot videos. The image editor feature in the Guru 2120 allows users to crop photos, adjust brightness and contrast, and even add fun frames to their pictures on the mobile without connecting it to a PC. The hand-set comes with a MP3 player accessible by a dedicated one-click shortcut key on the handset. Users can enjoy their favorite tunes and even store their music because of Guru 2120’s external memory of up to 2GB .Add to that the embedded FM radio receiver that provides non-stop news and entertainment without connecting to the hands free, thus allowing users to enjoy seamless wireless FM. The users can also record clips from the radio to listen to them again later, or to even covert them into MP3 ringtones. The Guru 2120 comes with a 1000mAh battery with a talk time up to 11 hours, Bluetooth , Bike Mode/Whisper Mode , 9 regional languages, Advanced Mobile tracker and Mobile prayer 2.0 in 4 Indian religions. The Samsung Guru 2130 has powerful dual loud speakers for an amazing sound, whether one is listening to music or trying to hear the ring tone in a noisy crowd. Quite like the Guru 2120, it comes with a VGA Camera and Video recorder and its large memory storing space of 2GB with the micro SD Card allows the user to store the songs, photos and videos on the mobile. The internal antenna enables the user to listen to the FM anytime, anywhere with friends, without any earphones .It comes equipped with safety features like Mobile tracker as well as useful functions like Bike Mode and Mobile prayer 2.0. It comes with 4 embedded JAVA games. The Company today also announced the launch of Guru 1160 that is a value for money package in a delightfully simple package. This dual band phone comes with Wireless Stereo FM powered with Dual Loud Speakers bright Torch Light of upto 40 hours, MP3 Ringtones, 1000 mAh battery which gives a talk time of upto 12.3 hours and stand by time of upto 30 days, as well as innovative features like the Bike Mode that prioritizes the user’s calls so that only the important calls are answered automatically using the earphones, while driving a two wheeler. It also supports 7 regional languages. — TNS
|
|
Sound solution
JBL is one of the producers of branded loudspeakers and one of the foremost manufacturers of professional, home, automotive and multimedia applications. JBL has speakers range for masses as well as ultra premium called Synthesis, which costs Rs 35 Lacs. JBL home entertainment and multimedia products set the benchmark in their respective categories, from the remarkably popular portable speaker system for iPod to the latest ultrahigh-end Synthesis systems and Project Array loudspeakers, which achieve astonishing sonic realism. In pro audio, JBL VerTec loudspeakers have been established as an industry standard for professional concert-sound reinforcement; LSR series monitors are an essential tool in recording studios; and JBL loudspeakers are installed in the majority of cinemas worldwide. JBL automotive systems are equally exceptional, delivering superlative clarity and sonic accuracy. From compact, exceptional-value home and car speakers to ultrahigh-end custom installations and the largest-scale concert touring systems, JBL products truly set the standards in music and cinema sound. |
|
Had he been alive today, Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of India, may have overcome his aversion to technology and embraced the mobilising power of software such as Facebook and Twitter to organise massive pro-democracy protests, claims George Paxton of the London-based Gandhi Foundation. Gandhi, who advocated a return to a simpler way of life, "at times sounded very anti-technology," National Geographic quotes Paxton, as saying. Gandhi's view was that technology was often used at the expense of the poor, Paxton said."In India there were massive numbers of unemployed, and the introduction of technology wasn't benefiting them," he said. "It was benefiting the owners of the factories, et cetera." That's why Gandhi was often photographed next to a spinning wheel, Paxton said. The simple device could be used by India's rural poor to make cotton, which could supplement their incomes and offer an alternative to expensive, factory-made clothing. But Gandhi's movement to free India from British rule, finally achieved in 1947, would have been impossible without the Googles of his day: the telegraph, the newspaper, the telephone.Indeed, Paxton thinks Gandhi would have approved of such technology if it "empowered the ordinary person." But Gandhi, a pacifist who advocated non-violent protest, would certainly not have approved of modern-day India's nuclear arsenal, Paxton said. —ANI
|
|
Here is another reason for you to join Twitter, for slim people worldwide are now posting their healthy food diet on 'Tweet What You Eat'. The food chart also gives the calorific value of the food.And because millions around the world see the online food chart, people are "shamed" into following their healthy diet. Some report to have shed a good measure of flab.Actor Stephen Fry reportedly lost about six stone in six months, using his Twitter page.Comedian Matt Lucas wrote on his Twitter page: "Have lost half a stone in the last fortnight." "Tracking what you eat using technology helps, as most of us are appalling at estimating what we've eaten," the Sun quoted the WeightWatchers as saying. — ANI
|
|
GizmOH! Practical present
I feel content to know that this time I don't have to pretend to be happy because this time it's something I've wanted, something practical yet something very valuable. My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite with a fusion finish, which makes it look very elegant and stylish. The features that distinguish it from the other laptops are the lighting up of the keypad and the application that allows me to connect with local FM stations (not via Net) through an antenna, which comes with it. This gift has enlightened the fact that though we may gift stuff with all our love, but what's really important is to answer the simple question that how many tea sets are really enough or how many blenders can really be stored. I say we should modernise our way of gifting. Let's be practical and think our gifts through. Technology has and should become our way of life. Without it we are as lame as race horse.
If I am to get a Diwali gift, I would like to receive an iPod nano. And the reason is, I'm a music lover who browses the billboard list quite frequently to keep myself updated and I function better if the beats keep pouring in my ears.
And iPod is one thing any music lover would love to possess, so do I.
|
|
ŠkodaAuto India announced its association with Vikram Bawa - an ace fashion photographer for the third consecutive season of Lakme Fashion Week. The magnificent Škoda Wall, displayed at the five day glitterati event exhibits the creative depictions by Vikram, vis-à-vis Škoda India’s latest beauty - the New Laura 10/10 amongst a bevy of ramp models. The New Laura, a model that has been much admired for its 10/10 silhouette posed for the prestigious Lakme Fashion Week. Photographer, Vikram Bawa has thematically showcased Škoda’s obsession with quality, style and art though his photographs captured in spectacular black and white shots. — TNS
|
|
Bang on bangles
Going by the mathematical terminology, the circumference of any bangle hardly ever crosses 15 centimeters. Still, every year we see all the possible innovation being done on them. From kundan to polki to jarkans we see even pearls and sequins fixed on the bangles to render them a new look. With options galore, the plain glass coloured bangles are certainly not enough for a day like Karva Chauth, so we find what's more on offer.
Inderjit Singh, owner, Bittu Bangles informs how the design of the bangles are decided upon, "It entirely depends on the fashion designers and what kind of work do they opt for. The designer formal outfits this year largely have kundan and polki work, a reason enough that the bangles we are receiving have the same stone work on the bangles. Bangles with antique work are also the preferred choice this season." Running short of stock on Karva Chauth, Inderjit tells us why bangles at his shop are the most sought after in the city, "Ladies get their dresses here to buy a matching set of bangles and that is where our creativity comes in. And we not only match the bangles with the colour of the outfit, but keep in mind other aspects like the work done on it, the different colours in the dress etc." Shapes of the bangles have also been experimented with. Besides the usual round forms, now available in the market are zigzag and square shaped bangles. One can get them at Trendz, Sector 34. Dheeraj from Trendz tells us more, "Maroon is the preferred colour on Karva Chauth. And as the colour choice is quite limited; ladies go in for varied shapes, though the round shape still remains the favourite." The price range of glass coloured bangles starts from Rs 40 to Rs 80 per dozen (but remember price rises as the day approaches near). Well, if you are looking for some stylish ones, with intricate work on them they can cost you anything up to RS 500 for just a set of few bangles. Vikrant Kakker from Radhe Creations, says, "Besides the glass ones, bangles in metal and lac are selling a lot this season." lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
|
Twice as bad
The Bollywood superstar said that initially it seemed impossible to work on the launch due to the heavy rain. "The sets the electronics and all the preparations drenched and short circuited and the sound of the rain so vast and so loud that even within the closed environment it was impossible to work," the 66-year-old actor wrote. "It is close to 700 that take care of every little production need. And they were marvellous! Despite such heavy odds, they were just
un-put-downable. Dried up the place, covered the sensitive areas, repaired the electronics and the show went on amongst screaming and cheering crowds." The show, which began on Colors, will be high on glamour with participants like Shamita Shetty, yesteryear's beauty Poonam Dhillon and item girl Sherlyn Chopra. Filmmaker Kamal R Khan, Vindoo and comedian Raju Srivastav are also among the 13 housemates. Bachchan praised the courage of the housemates, saying, "I think it is most brave of all of them to have decided to get away from life for 84 days, leaving home and hearth in the care of others."
— PTI
Khel khel mein
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan welcomed 13 participants including item girl Rakhi Sawant's mother Jaya. An unexpected participant on the show Jaya recalled how Amitabh had given her Rs 200,000 cheque for her mother’s well-being in the 1990s. She said, “For the world you may be a superstar, but for me you are god. Dressed in a flashy red, gold and green sari, she seemed ready to give her famous daughter a run for her money with her melodrama.“ —IANS
|
|
Sister to sister
"Shilpa completely backed off when Bigg Boss was offered to me. She was absolutely not instrumental in helping me decide whether or not to take up the show. And when I decided to go for it, she never even gave me any tips. She just said - 'Be yourself'," Shamita said. She added, "Television is something different for me, something I haven't ventured into before. But I was ready for it. When Shilpa did Big Brother, people asked me if I would want to do it. But my answer was ‘no’.
However, in the past one year, I have become a very different person and I did feel that I have become strong enough to get into something like Bigg Boss.
—PTI |
|
|
| 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 | |
He doesn’t make songs, he creates sounds characteristic of a movie. He doesn’t believe in clichés yet was surprised when Dev D’s music clicked. For Amit Trivedi, the latest in the breed of hatke Bollywood composers, music is experimentation. Taking a break from his now famous life, he interacted with the students of Dikshant International School, Zirakpur, along with lyricist Shelly.
When we talk about a garden, there are some features that are natural to come to mind. These are water feature, statues, sitting places and so on. But have you ever thought about some life in the garden, the butterflies, squirrels, small animals and above all birds? Whatever amends and garden adornments you use, the gardens without these once-upon-a-time commoners are almost lifeless.
In fact the birds etc have lost their abode and our changed lifestyle is great cause of their inhibition. The old timers will remember that most of the house sparrows exclusively made their abode in the 'upper cup' of the ceiling fan in the house even risking an occasional accident with the fan wings. That probably was the only safe place, an area that was out of bound for predators etc. Now we hardly open our doors to let them in and even fans are out. 
Diwali is the most celebrated and the biggest gift giving festival in India. Festival of lights, this festival also happens to be the biggest shopping festival in our country. Considered as a gesture of good will and best wishes, Diwali celebration is simply incomplete without even a thought of either receiving or giving a gift. Gifts are an important part of the entire celebration and these day's gadgets are the new lovable gift ideas. Though years back people used to give an expensive pen as a gift, now it has been replaced by a cheap pen drive.
Fujifilm's has launched its FinePix Real 3D W1 camera. The W1 is the world's first 3D imagine camera system. It has a 3x optical zoom, a 3D LCD system for on-camera viewing, dual capture shooting mode for taking two shots simultaneously with different settings and the ability to shoot video in three mind-blowing dimensions. Additionally, the two lenses can be used for some more creative. As for the display, it's got a 3D / 2D LCD panel with 800 x 600 resolution, supports playback of 3D pictures and movies and supports SD / SDHC. No word on what the resolution /card support is for the camera, but for now we're going to guess it's at parity with the frame. If you want physical 3D prints, Fujifilm says it'll be providing that service, doing the prints in-house and send them back to us. Actual printers for purchase will come once a sustainable market exists. 
The new built-in video camera is ready for anything. Yet iPod nano is the same ultraportable size - perfect for spontaneously shooting video. H.264 VGA video, 640 x 480 pixels, up to 30 frames per second with AAC audio.
JBL Studio & Jamo Gallery opened at Circuit Mall, DT Mall, IT Park, to provide complete sound solutions. An extensive product range of both brands is on display ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 5 lakhs.
This Diwali would be one of the most memorable one for me as I was gifted a beautiful laptop by my brother. It's exciting to receive a gadget that I know I am going to use for a very long time rather than getting traditional gifts, which are quite momentary.
Arushi Deo
Pick and choose
This is called creativity at its best. ŠkodaAuto India makes an emphatic presence with the new Skoda Laura as the official car of the Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 held at Grand Hyatt.
Incessant rain almost spoiled the launch of Bigg Boss 3, says superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who returns to the small screen as the "pop philosopher" on the show. "It just got over and it almost did not! The launch of Bigg Boss got washed away twice in one day by the heavy and incessant rain over the hills here. Thunder, lightening .. so close, it was blinding," Bachchan wrote in his blog.
Shilpa Shetty, who won international reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, could have given various tips to younger sister Shamita for surviving the Indian version of the show titled Bigg Boss, but all she told her was "Be yourself".