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In AIDS of a cause
On World AIDS Day, we check out the innovative means voluntary organisations have adopted to spread awareness about this dreaded disease. Discrimination against an HIV positive person in some part of America gets reported in India. A Europe-based NGO develops an innovative way to counsel infected people and shares experience with the NGOs here. Also, the local NGOs know about the seminar on AIDS awareness held in Africa for which over a thousand people turned up. Whatever, from wherever, every information, major or ordinary, is welcome as long as it concerns AIDS. Then the selective approach is adhered to, information that is helpful and can be applied is used and rest ignored. Online communities and websites on AIDS have made it possible for NGOs across the world to share and learn from world over experiences. On World AIDS Day, people working for the AIDS NGOs talk about how the web portals and websites have helped them improve their programming. Gaurav Gaur, Commonwealth Youth Ambassador for Asian Region has posted 40 photographs on the website of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, US. His contribution serves two purposes, "First, people there get an idea of existing problems in India and also our achievements in creating AIDS awareness. And, the second is it enables us to get a feedback on what more can be done. Certain suggestions have been put into practice, which have helped us improve the awareness campaign," says Gaurav. “People in India and abroad, after seeing the photographs, have initiated the same campaign, taking an idea from his photographs," he adds. The Commonwealth association has also introduced a blog, to make the literature on the subject more accessible to youngsters. "Over 2,000 experts of AIDS post their comments on the blog. The blog has posts of latest development on the AIDS front and regular feedback is sought from viewers, " adds Gaurav. Besides the toll-free 1097 helpline, inquires for AIDS are pouring in at the website of the Servants of People Society (SOPS), Chandigarh. "Websites have an added advantage over the telephone. People can ask about a range of AIDS- related subjects. Also, one can get detailed online material, which over the telephone is restricted to basic details," says (Retd) Group Captain, P.S. Soni, honorary secretary, (SOPS). The AIDS NGO has of late launched an Orkut community to further serve the cause, the membership of which is gradually increasing. "The target members of the community are youngsters, who might feel inhibited to share their personal problems over the phone," says Soni. The facility of e-groups, a web portal has become a platform to share the latest developments regarding AIDS. Sandeep Mittal, AIDS Control Society-Chandigarh, shares some vital information on e-groups, "e-groups provide the latest information on HIV, AIDS from all the countries. It's accessible to anybody who wants to know the latest on AIDS. Its reach isn't limited to a certain group as anyone can post information about an event taking place anywhere." Some of the popular e-groups are Be Positive, AIDS INDIA and AIDS Beyond Border. The sole purpose of e-group is to stop AIDS from spreading by creating awareness. We hope the purpose is solved. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Hood-lums
Customised hoods are the latest craze on the PU campus.
It's the perfect blend of passion, attitude and fashion quotient. And, while doing so, the attempt will be to add a new tradition in the already heavy list of Panjab University campus. We are talking about customised hoodies for the campuswallahs, the one that probably symbolise their best days and memories.Taking this simple yet effective step is Jaskaran Singh Arora, a final year mechanical engineering student from the UIET, by trying to bind the campus into one uniform apparel. "Every department in the university has their own t-shirts, logos, motto to symbolise them particularly. The idea was to have something that symbolised our university," he says. And, it sure sounds something that will work for 9,000-odd students on campus. "Offbeat would not have worked any better since we didn't want a niche appeal. So, what better than wearing your passion for the university on your sleeves, literally," he adds. His fondness for the life on campus materialised in form of these customised hoodies, black being the colour for all. The design too is very PU-ish, Panjab University spelt with a mix of Punjabi and English (the two official languages on the campus) and the back carrying two motivational messages, "One reads 'Life lives here', a common sentiment on the campus. The other reads 'Sira we are, sira we do' meaning 'ultimate we are, ultimate we do'. It also has a graphic of Student Centre, a Mecca for PU students," explains Jaskaran. And, the effort behind putting all the elements together came from Rahul Gauba, from www.scratchinks.com. "It has a mixed appeal of the dialect and the attitude that every PU student rides on. It took us 15-20 days to finalise the design. Even the price is minimal, at Rs 350," says Rahul. With already have over 250 bookings in the hood, the idea of another wardrobe addition means passing out with a lifelong souvenir. "It's unique, in the context that it doesn't limit itself to a specific department. I have booked one for myself and would be proud to flaunt it wherever I go. It will be a constant reminder of our university days," says Dipika Sangra, a fourth year computer science student from UIET. The same goes for Reyhan Akhtar, another fourth year student of the UIPS, who is ready to flaunt her PU status. "It's a kind remembrance. I have booked two, one for myself and another for my brother in Delhi, just to brag about the place I belong," she says. We guess we know what that place is. For Rishav Dev Singh, a fourth year UILS student, it's not about show off but satisfaction. "It will represent us, and our alma mater. Having fun with a focus." But they have a few suggestions too, "Maybe they can add AC Joshi library too in the design," says Rishav. "Or, pictures of Gandhi Bhavan," adds Reyhan. Now, here are some good pointers, since Jaskaran plans to come out with another product in the next season. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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For Chrys' sake
This is a unique tradition of celebrating joy, optimism, passion and love. This and fun of getting together is what the first bloom of chrysanthemum brings for this group of ladies. Dr Guneeta Gill and her interesting chrysanthemum party continues in its silver jubilee year."The tradition has been followed since a quarter of a century now and all my group of childhood friends get together every last Sunday of November," she says.
A passionate chrysanthemum collector, Guneeta's party is about loving and enjoying the golden flowers. "Chrysanthemums need careful handling. I have friends who have been growing and taking care of varieties of chrysanthemum. So, here we put on a nice little show of arranging the flowers and beautifying them," she explains. With over 1,500 varieties of chrysanthemums, it is an effort that these 40 odd women have been putting for the past 25 years. And, the party has one surprise element every year in form of a new variety. Just like her flowers, Guneeta's friend's list too is varied. From doctors to media professionals to bureaucrats, they all share a thing for chrysanthemum. "Most of us have never really participated in any of the flower shows. It's a passion, some of the collectors amongst us can identify the variety just by looking at the leaf. Plus, it's a great idea for a Sunday picnic with old friends," shares Vijaya Pushkarna, a media professional. "The flowers have grown and moved with us," she adds. Well, with lots of flowers in the backyard, cakes, pakoras, tea and chat-sessions with friends, who's complaining! — Neha Walia |
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Perfume made from Michael Jackson's hair DNA launched. An American perfume-manufacturing company has launched late pop legend Michael Jackson's perfume - made using DNA samples from his hair. The company called My DNA Fragrance claim to engineer scents from human genetic codes and they have recently teamed up with hair collector John Reznikoff, who has the world's largest collection of historical hair - including some of Jackson's for a scent, reports thesun.co.uk."DNA can be extracted from hair shafts with or without the follicle intact. My DNA Fragrance has analysed Reznikoff's private collection of celebrity hair and is now engineering exclusive fragrances of each celebrity," read a statement on the website of the company. They are also selling perfumes made from hair of celebrities like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Napoleon Bonaparte and King Edward IV of England."We use the genetic code to formulate the fragrance. If you are putting on MJ's perfume it's a unique fragrance to him. The biggest seller is Elvis, but MJ is selling well. It's a powerful fragrance ," said company chairman Carlton Enoch."We use aloe vera so it doesn't evaporate into the air. It lasts the entire day and it's good for the skin. We had the actor Samuel L. Jackson call up to get his own perfume made - it's so unique and special, he wanted it," he added. —IANS
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Isha marries restaurateur Timmy Narang.
"I'm super excited, can't wait to get married," said Timmy Narang, the groom as he proceeded for the wedding venue. Isha Koppikar has acted in several regional films. She has appeared in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. She has portrayed some character roles in many Bollywood films as well.— ANI
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Balan plays bad...
I had a ball playing the bad girl in Ishqiya, says Vidya Balan. She seduces with her gaze and then puts a gun to the head of her two lovers.With Ishqiya Vidya Balan breaks away from her squeaky-clean image and the actor says that she thoroughly enjoyed playing the “sexually aggressive” bad girl. hock people but I thoroughly enjoyed playing the bad girl in the film. It is the kind of role that I have wanted for a long time and the fact that I was the first choice for it was a surprise for me too. There is a underlined sexual aggressiveness about thhock people but I thoroughly enjoyed playing the bad girl in the film. It is the kind of role that I have wanted for a long time and the fact that I was the first choice for it was a surprise for me too. There is a underlined sexual aggressiveness about the character and she speaks her mind,” Balan said. The film, set in a small hamlet in UP, will see the actor romancing funnyman Arshad Warsi and veteran Naseeruddin Shah who play bandits on the run.The 31-year-old actor said that much to her own surprise sipped into the role quickly, despite the initial apprehensions."There is plenty of abusive language and innuendo in the film but I am an actor who spends a lot of time with the director before shooting begins. So the inhibitions were done away with during uring the early readings and when the camera rolls the sharam goes out of the window,” said the actor. —PTI
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Terrorism a religion of twisted minds, says SRK.
King Khan while calling terrorism a religion of devils said, "While all civilised religions celebrate and respect life this new barbaric terror religion loves only death and unfortunately all human faiths now face a challenge." Saluting India's diverse culture and its uniqueness to absorb all differences, Khan said he was proud to be an Indian because "we are an impossible achievement in the world". "Indian civilization does not distinguish in terms of religion and it celebrates the uniqueness and absorbs all differences and faiths in its blood," Shah Rukh said at the event organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs at the sprawling India Gate lawns. The hour-long event was held in memory of the victims and heroes of November 26 Mumbai attacks and terror attacks in other parts of the country.—PTI
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Actress Sonal Sehgal, who is debuting on the silver screen with Himesh Reshammiya-starrer Radio, says the shift from the TV world to movies is difficult for actors. "There is so much of competition. So many actors from small screen want to make it big in the Bollywood," said Sonal, who was last seen in Hindi serials like Hotel Kingston and Saara Akash. "I came to know about open-auditions for Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashayein. I just walked in and got selected," she said. "Thankfully, Nagesh is not one of those filmmakers from whom your background matters. He is only concerned whether you fit the part," she added. "And once you get your first break, then things can be pretty easy. Then no one calls you a TV actor," Sonal told. Though Sonal had signed 'Aashayein' first, she is all set to make her debut with Radio. Aashayein would be released next year, she said. Radio has been directed by Ishaan Trivedi, whose earlier work comprises 71/2 Phere and Bachelor's Party. Besides Sonal, it features Himesh Reshammiya and Shenaz Treasurywala.— PTI
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Harishchandrachi Factory, India's entry to the Oscars this year, will kick start the 8th Third Eye Asian Film Festival being held here from December 4 to 10. Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the Asian Film Cultural award by filmmaker Ramesh Sippy at the festival. Paresh Mokashi, director of Harishchandrachi Factory will also be felicitated at the opening ceremony of the festival which will be inaugurated by Vijaya Mehta, Executive Director of National Centre for Performing Arts. Over 100 feature and short films from 24 countries will be screened in the fest at Plaza Cinema, Dadar and YB Chavan Centre in South Mumbai, festival director Sudhir Nandgaonkar said. Egypt will be the 'Country Focus' where seven contemporary Egyptian films will be screened. The festival also includes Retrospective of Japanese filmmaker Mikio Naruse, whose work has been applauded by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Asian Masters section will feature five films by Japanese master of Nagisa Oshima. Filmmaker in Focus section will feature three internationally award winning films of Iranian director Jafar Panahi. The competition section includes 15 films by debutante Asian directors. — PTI
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Ayaan and Amaan Ali Khan have different views on classic music. They come across as Siamese twins, always seen in co-ordinated costumes and speaking in one voice but Sarod players Ayaan Ali Khan and younger brother Amaan Ali Khan have different takes on classic music vis a vis Bollywood music. While elder brother Ayaan says that the comparison itself is unfair, the younger one maintains that there is nothing wrong in people taking to the popular or film music. "It is unfair to compare film music with classical one. While the former has a far better and deeper penetration in the society, the latter is and always would be for a niche audience," Ayaan said. Voicing a different tune, Amaan said, "film music has always been very popular in our country. People have liked all genres of music in films. But it is more lyrics oriented, meaning people get attracted to the lyrical part too. It is not always the music." The brothers, however, seem to agree on the status of classical music. "Classical music is more like wine. You do not consume it to get drunk. You have it to appreciate its taste. Film music is more like whisky," Ayaan said. — PTI
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We had joy,we had fun…
The swine flu threat or economic meltdown couldnot dampen the spirit of Chandigarh Carnival.
Suffering from the carnival hangover? Quite natural after being an audience to KK's thrilling performance, Upasana's dance, Bharti's jokes and folk dances by dancers of UP, Gujarat and West Bengal. And, before we begin with the countdown for the next year's Chandigarh Carnival, we thought of seeking people's reaction on how they liked the extravaganza.
For Liza Tandon, who put up the stall of her NGO Choti si Asha at the carnival, it was a perfect platform for the display creations made by members of the NGO. "We had on display hand bags, wallets and file folders. Most of those were sold out and that will help the underprivileged women." Pirat Pal Goyal's rare art was another attraction, whose artworks were only for display, "The carnival gave me an opportunity to show my work to a large number of people. My work is not for sale as it made with the word Ram and is sacred to me." He adds that appreciation he has got from the carnival would encourage him to carry with his rare form of artwork. The pavilion of Le Corbusier art displayed the souvenirs and memorabilia of Le Corbusier's artwork. The Rock Garden replicas of Nek Chand were other attractions for the visitors too.— TNS
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Spade
work
If it is a small place you have for a garden, it is how to be done should take all your attention once you plan for it. Various factors play a role in planning that small piece of land, as you deserve to have all those advantages that you expect from plants and a garden. See the accompanying picture. First of all, see the periphery that has a thick screening to provide sanitation from sounds and gazes. But at the same time, you may say that it may be blocking the sun. But a close look at the plants will show you there is one tall growing plumeria in that thicket. It sheds leaves in the winter allowing sunrays. In the summer, it gives a good thick growth to provide a cooling effect. However, the direction of the garden is such that the winter sun is reaching every corner. One thing more, plumeria is a fragrant tree and the flowering keeps the garden smelling sweet. The grass lawn is small but look at the health of the grass. It is deep green. It is like a green canvas spreading on the ground on which many colours have been splashed. The two Furcreas grown at the ends work like the edges of the frame through which the 'picture' has to be seen. The base of the Furcreas has small stature Mesembryanthemum (burf) that add to the colour without, at the same time, interfering with the beauty of Furcreas. The space has been given a vastness by using flower pot stands. The garden seems to have been extended beyond the stands that look a part of it. The height of the flowers in the stand is kept at the height of the bed in the lawn. The concrete edge of the lawn looks like a path passing between two beds! Going by the use of plants and colour combinations, one can say for sure that the gardener had planned the selection of winter annuals before hand. Most of the garden theme is red and white. And, this has been possible only because now you can have, you-ask-for-it-and-you-get-it kind of availability of winter annuals whether it is colour selection or a consideration for the height of the plant. In the bed at the edge of the lawn and in the pots at the stand, small trailing type of plants, the petunia has been used. Had it been some tall plants, it would have blocked the garden view from the drive. In the far end, you will find a clump of areca nut palm growing. In fact this is besides the water feature that has been constructed in the corner. Palm is suitable for such location as it relishes microclimate that has humidity. Near the gate end, a poinsettia (fireball) has been used. This plant has plenty of bright red bracts at a time coinciding with the time of flowering of the winter annuals. Moreover, it is red, matching the theme of the garden. However, to give a sprinkle of other colours, small patches of colourful giant pansies have been used.
satishnarula@yahoo.co.in Myth of the week In winter, plants need no water. It is not correct. Watering keeps the plants protected even from the danger of frost. Most of the plants get their annual supply of manure and fertilisers during the winter and after the application of fertilisers it is a must to mix them thoroughly with the soil and give water. Keep giving water to lawns too so that there is no browning. Only keep a vigil that there is no water logging. Do not let the water dry in the beds.
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Decent proposal
Written in 1888-1889 and first performed in 1890, Anton Chekhov's play A Marriage Proposal will be being staged at the Punjab Kala Bhavan-16. Directed by Sham Juneja, the play is a comic take on marriage and the theme for this one-hour play revolves around making fun of romance and marriage. "The play examines the true nature of marriage, an institution of necessity, but to suit the Indian sensibilities we have made small changes in the script, changed names of the characters and the play is set in an Indian village," says Juneja. On why did he decide on this play, he says, "It is a fast-paced play with dialogue-based action and situational humour and above that, it requires a minimal set and a small cast." A three-character play, Juneja plays Makhan Lal, the
proposer in the play. He says, "The whole idea of the play is that marriage is an arrangement between two people, rather business like, without love or romance. We have two people involved in the proposal bicker and they argue until the end (even when they are getting married) and you know they will continue to bicker and argue throughout their life." Ask him about the characters and he says, "There are just three characters in the play. Apart from me, we have Sandeep a theatre artiste who plays the father, Ramlal, Mandeep Mehndi who plays Sheila, the girl." Informing more about the characters of the play he says, “Sandeep has been a part of my other plays also and for the girl,
Mandeep Mehndi this is her first play. To her credit she has some modelling assignments and fashion shows.” jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Out of sight, not out of mind
With mobile phone companies outdoing one another for reducing STD rates, the old adage 'out sight, out of mind' is no longer relevant. Chaman Sharma, 63, of Sharma Brothers-34 reads out loud about the development in STD rates with various mobile companies from a local newspaper. "I can't believe that an STD call can be so sasti," he looks at the maroon coloured old, dusty phone lying in a cabin called STD/ISD BOOTH. "I am thinking of installing a photostat machine here as I hardly have people coming in to make calls." Who wouldn't remember queuing outside an STD booth to make long-distance calls? The half, one-third and one-fourth rate meant that calls would be made and received at unreasonable timings. It was then STD booths became a rare site. Thanks to easy-on-pocket STD rates. The India now, doesn't queue outside the booth anymore. Now, it is lagey raho India! "Everything has changed drastically with the advent of mobile phones. Only selected few could afford a mobile when it hit the market. But, this too was not a cheap affair, because mobile companies would charge for incoming, and then STD rates were so high," says Chaman Sharma. "Now, they have reduced the rates so much that that making an STD is almost like calling someone in your own city." Sameer Dhaiya, a city-based physician from Sector-2, recalls the time when he was studying in Bangalore and would wait for a Sunday to make an STD call. "There was a small booth right outside our hostel. Every Sunday, my friends and I would rush to the booth early morning lest we had to stand for hours. The stuffy booth had a small exhaust phone, with numbers and names scribbled on the walls." Sameer adds smilingly, "Of course, everything has changed. Airtel have reduced their roaming rates by 60 per cent, and likewise has other mobile companies who have also brought down the STD and roaming rates." Booking a trunk call is ancient history. The younger generation wouldn't even know about it. The cell-phone revolution has changed everything, affecting the communication largely. Distance is no distant word anymore. Chips in Surinder Singh of New Bakery Shop-22, who used to have a small STD booth in the bakery shop, which is now closed down. "Log hi nahin aatey ab. Rickshaw wallas key pass bhi mobile hai. Kaun STD phone use kareyga?" he sulks. Nevertheless, this revolution is seen as the best thing ever happened. Ask Anil Arya, a spare part dealer of mobile phones from Sector 22, who thinks we are still far behind in terms of technology. "I read somewhere that in 2010, we can retian number and change operator, which is a 'too good'a thing. However, there could be some hidden charges in all this. At the same time, we can now call without thinking about the pulse rate, and scoring rates. Ab to Hindustan bol raha hai." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Gizmoh! Slashing the STD rates has bridged the communication gap. Freedom express
Vikas So far, so good
Sumit Highs and lows Sandeep Malik |
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Geek SPEAK So, you cannot do without music while driving? Check out what’s the latest in the car audio system. Car audio systems are a great source of entertainment and you do not necessarily have to be a raging music enthusiast to enjoy your car audio system. However, most people who go to buy a new car audio system do so without being completely informed about all the features of a car audio system and more importantly what kind of a system and what are the features that would be best suited for your car and your music tastes. The audio deck
The function of a audio deck is to control the overall output for music to be played and it can have up to 4 channel outputs for your car stereo speakers basically any original 4 channel banded deck would do a fine job. A deck can be considered as a master control for the complete stereo system. Amplifier
If you need the audio system to produce a sound output, which is higher than it can produce, you need an amplifier. In simple words, if you want to blow your brain out then you need a powerful amplifier. It should be placed in a proper ventilated place preferably on the side panel of the trunk without jamming access to the wire assembly. Keep the fuses safe/ keep live wires taped
During installation, one of the problems encountered is blowing the car radio fuse. This may happen while disconnecting the head unit. Remove the fuse from the fuse box. In most cases it is located under the dash or on the side panel. Look out for the fuse marked 'radio'. Pull out the corresponding fuse in the fuse box. The head unit is now ready to be removed. Speaker + Subwoofers
Speaker positioning is very critical for performance. It may seem to a general user that the best position for the speakers is in the stock housings that came in the car. For e.g. on the door panel near the feet. There can be various positions tried out. The first thing to consider is the distance. If the right speaker happens to be closer, it'll sound louder. The best solution lies in figuring out a location where the sound will arrive at the same time, thus having no difference in the path length. This is one of the reasons why boot panels are mostly preferred. For multiple speaker-placements, it is essential to try out various locations to obtain the best possible sound. This means aiming the midways and most importantly the tweeters towards the ears. To start off it's advisable to try and aim the speakers towards the centre of the car for equal distribution of sound to all. If you want a booming sound to be produced through your car audio system, you would need an amp and a subwoofer. It has to be enclosed in a box made from high quality of wood (if you can't find wood or can't afford it a good quality board would do, NO PLYWOOD). and it should be kept in the back trunk of your vehicle. Tune the sound volume well to suit what your ear can afford, overloaded bass produced may damage your hearing. If you are using speakers that fit into the boot location. make sure that there are no holes or spaces. Sometimes, it may need the cutting down of metal for placing speakers in an alternative place (this cutting should be well taken care off because if it's not done properly it cannot be undone). It can be a complicated task in choosing the best car stereo that suits your requirements. You have to understand the background for each technology that you are choosing in order to get the best deal. There are some components that you should look into and evaluate which technology suits your car
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Haute pick New Bluetooth Headset by Zabra The Jabra BT3030 weighs less than 30 grams, it's difficult to judge the weight of the BT3030 for wearing as it doesn't sit on/in your ear. Jabra BT3030 offers up to 8 hours of talk time, 7 hours of music streaming, 230 hours of standby time and up to 33 feet of connectivity. For a full charge, it takes about 2 hours.You can charge the BT3030 by the provided AC charger or a USB cable plugged into your computer. If you want to check your battery level, tap the volume up or down button. The Jabra logo LED will glow a solid green when fully charged, yellow when at 70 % power and red if the battery is low. The dog tag sports a 3.5 mm headphone jack to support your favorite headphones, to further your sense of personal style. The mic is located on the top left side of the tag to support your outgoing audio during calls.
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After Shilpa Shetty's wedding made waves in the Bollywood circles, another actress Isha Koppikar tied nuptial knot with restaurateur Timmy Narang here on Sunday. The wedding was kept a simple affair. It was held at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple.Close friends and family members attended the ceremony.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan today joined sports celebrities Abhinav Bindra and Sania Mirza to show their solidarity against terror at a public event during when he dubbed terrorism a "religion of devils." Bindra, an Olympic gold medalist in shooting event, said the country was just a "bomb away" and highlighted how it is facing a huge challenge to keep terror at bay.
Harishchandrachi Factory to kickstart Third Eye Film Fest.
Of various fun games that were held at the carnival, the one that had educative value was science treasure hunt. "Replicas of dinosaurs fossils, bones and teeth of early men, Harappan kitchenware were mixed in the sand pond. The competition to find the maximum replicas was thrown open to youngsters," informs Kishie Sharma, officer in charge, Museum and Art Gallery's outreach programme. About the success of the treasure hunt, he says, "Such competition generates an interest among youngsters about the natural wealth, that they otherwise don't know about. It gives them an idea of how the fossil remains look like." 
A photography competition organised by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi saw amateur photographers click pictures on the theme, Chandigarh Carnival. The competition that required participants to click various aspects of the carnival and deposit a digital file of the same was a huge success.
I have been discussing various aspects of gardening, taking different elements individually to explain how and where these fit. I think it would be worthwhile if I take up a case history to explain what it means to make a good garden. It will give you a better insight into what should be done and how. And, for those who aspire to participate in one of the flower shows, this could be a guiding piece.
The play A Marriage Proposal is a dig on the institution of marriage.
I see it as freedom in communication, which will all and sundry communicate better and more often. With mobile phone companies reducing their STD rates, people can now communicate better. Earlier, people, especially students would think twice before making an STD call, but now it is not an issue. 
I am sceptical about the reduction of STD rates; for I don't know how long will it stay. All the mobile service providers are cutting the STD rates, so there could be some hidden costs in this. But all said and done, it is and will do well to communication. Now, India will talk endlessly. As I said before, is this is a good thing anyways. 
People are just seeing one aspect of the reduction in STD rates. What they don't realise is that their would be little change in the billing, as we would be talking more now. Mobile companies are not foolish enough to lower the rates just like this. There will be some margin in this as well. So far it is good, let's see if they maintain this slash.