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Stay put on a staycation
Vacations are important for more than just fun. They can ward off stress and boost productivity. But many people are finding it difficult to plan vacations. Add to it, a big dent in your annual savings and stress of
travelling. The winter season is a perfect time to take your kids out and help them soak in nature's bounty." The homemaker has her plans ready. "We are a group of friends. So, we would take turns to organise outings, noon treats and evening games in various parks of the city. Then of course I will be spending a lot of time at Paragon-24, a favourite spot of my daughters, Kanan and Kaveri, who are in love with the rabbits there," she quips. Like Arti, a doctor couple Anita and Parmod Kumar are also planning to break the decade-long tradition of travelling this December. "For almost a decade, we have been going out and have been to almost all good places around. So, this time we have decided that we will stay put at home. Vacationing at home is a wonderful alternative to long, painstakingly-planned trips. Also, the time and money you save are significant. Of late, the swine flu has made crowded places very risky," points out Parmod. "And then, if you go out, not all friends are able to join you because of various reasons," chips in Anita. The couple is planning a gathering at their place. "It will be a week-long affair. Friends would drop in. A lot of music, chitchat and games are on the cards. I wouldn't mind donning the hat of a DJ if they want to shake a leg," says Parmod. Nangals of Sector 44 have also decided to dump their plans to travel out of station this time. "Almost, everytime we end up going to Shimla. It was fun in the beginning but over the period, the entire thing has lost its charm. This time, we would rather have cousins and friends coming over than we venturing put," says Navita Nangal, a banker. "We'll explore local hot spots like the Sukhna and gardens this winter," she adds. mona@tribunemail.com Then there's daytripping
Staycation apart, 'daytripping' is another trend that's catching on. Day-tripper is a person, who visits a tourist destination and returns home on the same day. "My work schedule hardly gives me time to plan long holidays with my family. So, on my weekly-off, we just leave our home for a near-by place of interest and return the same evening," says Rajiv Jindal, a deputy manager with Vodafone. "I took my sons Nachiket and Samarth to Tara Devi and Naina Devi recently. Next on the list are Amritsar and Kasauli," he says. Staycation strategies
Here are few tips to make your staycation a truly relaxing romp. |
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Anus The Menace is a punk band from Chandigarh. Formed in March 2008, they've been concentrating on making original music. They just released their EP, Revenge Of The Shit in August 2009 and are in the process of writing some new music with a new line up and new sound. At Chandigarh the bands that would be performing are Anus the Menace, Carrot Fish and The Circus. The event would take place on November 28b from 8.30 p.m onwards at Rock in Rio. — TNS
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Old is still gold
It is during events like this, we reali se how meaningful the phrase, old is gold is. Even if these are mere ornamental pieces that serve no practical purpose, the vintage and classic cars still find many buyers for their sheer heritage value. On display at the Chandigarh Carnival, 15 cars of the Chandigarh Vintage and Classic Car Club are catching more attention than the vrooming SUVs. The recent addition to the car club is, in fact, a sports car from America. J.S. Phoolka, founder president of the club, shares some information about it, "It is a 1920 model crysler, manufactured in America. The two-seater car is the only sports car in the collection." Another attraction here are the 1934 Ford, 1948 model, Buick and 165 model, Ford Mercury, placed side by side at the exhibition belong to Fateh Jang Singh Chahal. He inherited the hobby of restoring vintage cars from his father and grandfather. "It serves an inspiration to us when youngsters appreciate our efforts of restoring the old cars. We are sure displaying the cars at the carnival would get us some compliments," he said.
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Lap it up
Want to party like Arjun Rampal this weekend? What? Don't think we are serious? Well, you are right, but when DJ Saif and DJ Ajay bring the house down with their antics behind the console, you know how to 'lap' up the fun. Straight, here we are. The two in-house DJs from Lap, actor Arjun Rampal's club in Delhi will play at Black Magic and they sure know how to get Chandigarh in the groove. "We have a lot of Bollywood remix, house and commercial sounds that will the crowd will relate too," says DJ Saif. Playing in the city for the first time, they are open to experimentation on the floor. "There are no specifics. If you put the music out in the right way, everything clicks with the crowd. Consider it an on the spot job," says DJ Ajay. Spinning rocking music for the famous and the glamorous, the duo, call them a team rather, are enjoying their Lap experience. "The crowd there is sophisticated and to let their hair down, we play a blend of retro and house. Something classy gets everyone going," says Saif. But the real fun is playing along with Arjun Rampal. "He is great behind the console and it's a nice feeling when he supports you by joining in sometimes," he adds. Into the profession for the past six years, the passion comes naturally to them. The reason their music is not confined to style and tempo. "Your grasp at music comes naturally, whether you make music or form a band. Both of us enjoy our gigs and are producing tracks a well," says Saif, who we guess does most of the talking, while Ajay puts is point across through his music. "He has a brilliant collection of tracks and it is phenomenal to see him play one track after the other," goes Saif. Well, the reason he has earned the tag of being DJ's DJ. Taking a detour, ask them about the recent Manu Sharma episode at Lap and they have a first hand account, "It was weird for everyone present there. Suddenly the cops walked in and no one knew what was happening. It doesn't really effect us but the club. A lot of people left after whatever happened," says Saif. As for now, they are ready to test themselves and the city crowd with some notorious deep sounds. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Style on rent
But talking of limits, there are few wise ones, who know and acknowledge the fact that some expenses in a wedding can be cut down. Bridal lehenga and the bridal jewellery sets are some of the things that can be rented. And the market gives out enough options for all things you desire. Tinkling trinkets
“When it comes to bridal jewellery, people prefer to take them on rent,” says Inderjit Singh, prop, Bittu Bangle & Art Jewellery-22. Ask him if the trend is catching up and you will be surprised by his answer, “It’s all-time high now, because these days we have bridal sets in so many designs and patterns that people can match them with their lehengas.” “Another reason that is giving impetus to this trend is the sky rocketing gold prices. Everyone does not have enough money to buy chunky gold and diamond sets to match with their lehenga, so for them fashion jewellery on rent is a good idea,” he says. Hmm… that’s some logic. But, what about designs? “No trend stays forever. Even in the bridal jewellery, we have designs and patterns changing every season. This time we have the antique, Victorian and kundan jewellery in fashion,” says Anita Singla, from Care Fashioners-22. Cost effective, you can take a seven piece bridal set for Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. The hiring cost varies according to the set you pick. Dress code
Well, they even have sherwanis for the grooms-to-be. “Usually the bride and groom come together when they have to hire a wedding dress and so we have sherwanis that can match the lehenga of the bride and visa versa,” sums up Jasbir. Well, that not all. Boys can also pick matching juttis here. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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With a wish to sing for Bollywood, his passion for music and stage performances, he is confident of achieving great musical heights. Talking about his album, 'The Next Level' it is mixture of eight terrific tracks including romantic, dance and hip-hop compilations by Honey Singh. The album starts with 'Dil Nachda' a Punjabi pop that is already a hit across all TV and Radio channels. The electric sound of his voice in 'Panga' adds a special rock anthem kind of feel to it and is already a hit amongst the youth and club-hopping generation. 'Desi Daroo' and 'Los Angeles' the electronic-pop love songs, which can relate to the youth guarantee's a successful soundtrack and will swing your mood. 'Punjabi' is no doubt a complete Bhangra style foot-tapping number, which has become a rage in the discos. The fast-paced song Kabaddi with the dhol beats will definitely make you dance on the floor. 'Ru Ba Ru' is a soft romantic composition by Honey Singh with a Punjabi tone but with light beats and beautiful Hindi lyrics. 'Talwaran' which has power-packed Bhangra-electronic elements is arguably the best track on the album. This one is sure-fire hit and will definitely be the hot-pick of the season. — Dharam Pal
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Launch PAD
Starting this month, Disney will release 10 new titles of 'Smart Beginnings' and 'School Skills' workbooks every quarter. 'Smart Beginnings' features locally inspired content and themes, which resonates with local kids. 'School Skills', aimed at older children features Disney's favourite stories and characters. The Workbooks will be available across all leading bookstores and retail points across India. Together both ranges will cover themes that form an integral part of a young child's world. 'Smart Beginnings' titles for this quarter include Numbers, Shapes, Letters, Patterns and Colours. 'School Skills' titles to be launched this quarter will include evolved Math and English concepts such as Uppercase, Lowercase words, Vocabulary, Addition and Subtraction. — TNS Camera on Windows
Fujifilm India Pvt. Ltd., the wholly owned subsidiary of Fujifilm Corporation, Japan, one of the world's largest photographic solutions company, today announced that its range of digital cameras is now compatible with Microsoft Windows 7. More than 15 of its digital camera models are now available with the Windows 7 compatibility. Some of the recently launched digital camera models that are technically advanced and superior including the revolutionary and first ever three dimensional (3D) camera, the world's first smallest form-factor 10x optical zoom camera and all other models based on the path-breaking EXR technology are now compatible with Windows 7. This essentially means that photographers - casual and amateur, prosumer and professionals - who upgrade their computers' existing operating system to the latest Windows 7 by Microsoft shall now be able to connect all digital camera models to their respective computers. A. Rajkumar, Country General Manager (DSC), Fujifilm India, said, "Fujifilm believes in bringing the latest of its technological innovations to the discerning buyers in India. Our digital cameras are ready for Windows 7. We wish to assure buyers that when they buy a Fujifilm digital camera, they are getting the best value for money and our product is technologically advanced and superior." — TNS Head to toe in comfort
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Portuguese connection
Monica Bedi says she was a married Portuguese woman in her previous life Referring to the reality show Raaz - Pichhle Janam Ka, Monica said, "When I underwent past life regression therapy here, I found out that I was a Portuguese girl in my last birth. It was then that I realised why I always feel at home when I go to Portugal," said Monica claiming she has "also been attracted to Christianity. I never knew why, but now I know that it's because I was Christian in my previous life." The show is premiering on NDTV Imagine on December 7 and Monica participated to find out why she has faced so many ups and downs in her present life. "I also found out that I had three children. One of the daughters was named Neema, but I couldn't clearly understand what the others' names were. I couldn't even see who my husband was. "Actually, once a person is regressed, he or she can see only flashes of the past, not an entire story. I saw some happy moments and some sad ones," she said. The 34-year-old also happened to see her death in her past life. "I saw the cause of my death in my last birth. I died when I was around 70 years old and it was quite a peaceful death," she said with a smile on her face. Monica, who was once a small time Bollywood actor, made a surprise comeback last year when she participated on the reality show Bigg Boss. It was her first on-screen appearance after being released from prison. She had joined Bigg Boss with an aim "to start life afresh" and with the industry gradually warming up to the idea of working with her, Monica seems to have come closer to her objective. Thereafter, she featured on the dance show Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa. Monica is one of the few celebrities, including Shekhar Suman, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Celina Jaitley, who have been on the show to unravel reasons behind some mysterious events in their lives. Raaz - Pichhle Janam Ka has Mumbai-based clinical psychologist Trupti Jayin conducting the therapy. She helps people find the reasons behind their present-day fears, phobias and physical ailments by finding their roots in their previous lives. Asked about her experience on the show, Monica said: "It was amazing. I felt very light and happy after the entire process. I never believed in past life and such things because my upbringing has been mostly abroad and there they never had any such beliefs. "When I was offered this show, I felt it was unnatural. But now that I have seen it and experienced it myself, I do believe in it." The actor is planning to go through more sessions of therapy, "but privately". In her short-lived Bollywood career,
Monica was seen in films like Jodi No.1, Jaanam Samjha Karo and Pyaar, Ishq Aur Mohabbat. —
IANS |
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Bowled over!
Asin, who assisted the actor in lighting the ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremony last evening, was overjoyed to meet the yesteryears star for the first time. "It was really a good interaction. I am an admirer of Waheedaji. She is beauty and grace personified," Asin said. The 24-year-old actor was already a leading name in the South Indian film industry before foraying into Bollywood with the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini last year. "Waheedaji had nice things to say about my first Hindi movie (Ghajni). She was asking me whether I am trained in classical dance, which I am. She was also enquiring who is my guru," said Asin, who was last seen as the love interest of Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in London Dreams. The actor, who won her first Filmfare award in 2003 for a Telugu movie, feels that Bollywood is a bigger platform compared to South Indian cinemas. "Its a national platform wherein you can reach to entire India," she quipped. Asin, who faced the camera for the first time at the age of 15 in a Malayalam movie, is keen to work in both the industries. "I prefer to work for both because at the end of the day, everyone is trying to make the best films," she said. The actor however declined to reveal details of her next Bollywood project. "I would not like to talk about it till the producers reveal the details," she said. The actor said that her prerogative is to be known as a talented performer ten years down the line. "Ten years down the line I would like to be recognised as a talented performer and to be appreciated by the audience. I want to get a place in the hearts and minds of the audience," she said. — PTI
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Salman dedicates Veer blog to dad Bollywood actor Salman Khan has come up with a unique birthday gift for his writer-father Salim Khan on his 74th birthday, he has decided to pay tribute to him with a blog on his upcoming movie Veer. Produced by Vijay Galani, "Veer" will be released worldwide on January 22 by Eros International. "It is Salman's dream project. When we discussed the idea of blogging on his experience shooting for the film, it was Salman himself who suggested that we launch the blog on his dad's birthday," said Galani in a statement. "In fact, Salim saab is one of the few people to have seen the rushes of Veer and loved it. Since it has a father-son relationship, Salman felt it was apt to launch his blog on his dad's birthday," he added.The producers are also trying to push Salman to pen his thoughts at least twice a week."The blog is in Salman's own words. The blog will be written by him... It will be about how Salman thought about Veer, how it started, its hurdles, etc... We are trying to get him to blog everyday but if that's not possible, he will update it twice a week," said Galani. Directed by Anil Sharma, the much-talked about film is about the bravery of a Pindari soldier and features Salman in never seen before avatar along with newcomer Zarine Khan. Former Miss UK Lisa Lazarus too plays a pivotal role in the film that also stars Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff along with Sohail Khan and Bharat Dabholkar. — IANS
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"I had a meeting with Dev Anand sir and we discussed various things, including his future projects. In an indirect way, I have shown interest to be part of any of his projects. Let's see if that happens...I hope it does," Aanchal, 25, said in an interview. "He is such a great person with so much energy. I'm inspired by his never ending energy level," she added. Aanchal is also a big fan of Amitabh and said: "I would love to work with Big B. I adore him a lot not just because of his professional skills but the way he has managed to deal with his personal life despite regular media attention." She is in India for various kinds of promotions, including visiting NGOs and spreading the message of peace, harmony and goodwill as part of her duties after winning the crown in August this year in Toronto. Miss India Canada is the largest of the South Asian beauty pageants conducted in North America every year. Delhi-born Aanchal holds an MD in alternative medicine and describes her entry into the fashion world as "accidental". "It just happened. I had not planned it. Out of the blue I participate and then I found myself among the top 16 finalists. So I thought let's go for the crown," she said. Aanchal is brought up by her single mother who had apprehensions about her entering beauty pageant. "My family was very apprehensive about my decision and they were not at all supporting me. This added fuel to my spirit and I was motivated enough to win the crown. Today my mum is ecstatic and I am happy that I brought that smile on her face," she added. Having been a Delhiite, Dogra is familiar with the city and has mades sure she gorges on chaat at Kamla Nagar market here this time too. "I am not new to this city as I was born here. Also, I have done my college from here so I knew about these places where you get the best of Delhi. I just love the chaat of Kamla Nagar and despite my tight schedule, I managed to go there," she said. — IANS
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Kolkata marks 26/11 with flowers, candles and peace concerts Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakraborty was among those present.In the evening, candles in colours of the national flag were lit at the memorial as also the nearby Citizens' Park amid singing of patriotic songs. A large number of school children joined the commissioner and leading Bengali film actress Rituparna Sengupta in paying tributes to those brave men and women who fell to the terrorists' bullets in Mumbai a year back.Similar solemn functions were held in various parts of the city and the state.Bollywood actress Raima Sen took part alongside a host of actors and singers in a peace concert that portrayed the scourge of global terrorism and the significance of peace.Christened "A Shanti", the programme organised by the St. Xavier's School Old Boys' Association (ALSOC) reflected the thoughts on terror and peace of the greatest of philosophers, writers and leaders as also the teachings of scriptures like the Bible and the Quran. At least 166 people were killed when 10 terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) went on a killing spree at many places in Mumbai for three days from Nov 26 last year. — IANS
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From Shahrukh Khan who turned painter for the occasion to Amitabh Bachchan joining a chorus of singers, India's film fraternity paid tribute to the heroes and victims of the 26/11 terror attacks. Khan joined a unique attempt to remember those who lost their lives on the eventful day by painting on a wall at Marine Lines even as Bollywood remembered the day the city was hit by one of the most bloody attacks in it's history. "It was a very tragic event, but the good thing that happened was that the tragedy brought the people of Mumbai together and closer," said actor Aamir Khan. Amitabh Bachchan recently joined the chorus for a special song as a tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. "Sonu Nigam had asked me to participate in a song that he was doing for those whom we lost that fateful day. I did,' Amitabh wrote on his blog. “I am joyed by the effort and give voice to it," he added. —PTI
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The XIIIth edition of India's definitive rock festival the Fuel Great Indian Rock organised by Rock Street Journal magazine took the country by storm with big concerts in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata in October. This is being followed by a club version of the festival in the cities of Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Shimla.
One does not require big bucks to have a big fat Punjabi wedding. There are rental services available in the city for wedding dresses and jewellery to make it easy on one’s pocket
Ok, this may not sound a great idea to many, but hiring a lehenga for one night makes sense. Says Jasbir Kumar from Bittu Fashioners-27, “Lot of girls and boys hire lehengas and sherwanis from us. We have a variety to choose from.” With the latest designs available here, Jasbir says, “The designs and patterns for bridalwear changes every six months, so to keep in sync with the trends we add few pieces every now and then.” Ask him about the latest in bridalwear that he has to offer and he says, “This season velvet is in and in embroidery we have zari, gotta patti and tilla work doing really well, so we have added lehengas in pure work to our existing collection.” About the rent and he says, “Depends on what kind of lehenga one chooses, but the rent starts at Rs 5,000 and goes up accordingly.” 
Daljit Dosanjh's latest music album is a mix of romantic, dance and
hip-hop numbers
Disney Publishing Worldwide (India) has launched two exciting new range of workbooks -- Smart Beginnings for the preschoolers (2-4 yrs) and School Skills for kids aged 5-7 years, to inspire and encourage early childhood learning in a fun and engaging way. Available in English, these Workbooks will feature Disney's popular characters Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Disney Princess and Disney Fairies.
No time to go to the spa or a refreshing massage? No problem. OSIM - world leader in healthy lifestyle products has come with the ultimate solution for complete rejuvenation & relaxation by launching the revolutionary uPilot & uSqueez in city. uPilot is a designer massage chair featuring the patented ROBO-Stic technology for the ultimate massage & uSqueez is a foot massager to provide relief to the negative effects of everyday stress on your calves, ankles and feet all at once refreshing your tired legs, to restore your overall sense of well-being. With uPilot massage chair, an elevated suite of massage programme covers your whole body bringing a virtual massage therapist to you, in the privacy of your home, any time of the day or night. It has state-of-the-art massage technology with triple massage action, optical sensors to detect the vital acupressure points on your body, and rollers that mimic the gentle hands of an experienced masseur, for an effective therapeutic massage. —
TNS
Asin fascinated by Waheeda's charm
Miss India Canada Aanchal Dogra admires legendary Bollywood actor Dev Anand for his energy level and megastar Amitabh Bachchan for managing his personal life well. The beauty queen hopes to work with both the veterans even though she herself is just 25 years old.