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As good as it gets
This one isn’t very tough to answer. Just take your pick from numerous people who achieved something big this year. Conditions apply— achievement has to be unusual. To make it easier for you, we asked some people from the city, their unbiased choices. Read on to know if you agree. All the garrulous people in the world now stand a chance to win the Nobel Prize. Those blessed with the gift of gab should exhibit their talent to the best of the potential. And, the same makes Tanya Mandev, asst professor, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, think, “Barak Obama serves inspiration to all the people who talk more and work less. He is the ultimate achiever of this year to win the easiest Nobel Prize till date. It took the other winners years of hard work and several inventions to win one, but Barak did it with absolute ease.”
We expected Rakhi Sawant as an answer, instead got Rahul Mahajan as one. But how does he qualify to be an achiever? Sumeet Saida, an entrepreneur has the reason, “Rakhi has done more scandalous stuff in the past than this year to maintain her reputation of the drama queen.” He justifies his choice of Rahul Mahajan, “Consider his reputation of being a drug addict and involved in a domestic violence case, still he has over a dozen girls ready to marry him in his swayamver. The number of actual entries was much higher.” Achievement
of sorts! On a serious thought, Sachin Tendulkar is the achiever of the year to complete his 20 years of cricketing. Amrish Sharma, an engineering student and an avid cricket fan offers an otherwise choice too, which is Delhi and district cricket Association (DDCA). “You need some mettle to ignore a warning by ICC and BCCI about the pitch which led to the match getting abandoned. Also the Kotla pitch was claimed to be re-laid four times in the last five years under four curators each time, still they behaved in the same manner. Imagine how much the authorities had to work not to bring in any change in the behaviour of the pitch.” Let all the young ladies going green in the eyes claim that Shilpa Shetty is the achiever of the year, Sakshi Kaushik, a research scholar at PU feels it is Raj Kundra who should be awarded instead. How’s that true? We mean if materialistic gains are the parameter of being successful, then Shilpa is the clear winner (her rock solitaire alone can be bartered for a flat in Mumbai and the rest is unaccounted for). Sakshi presents her argument, “Award Kundra for his bravery. People are scared to marry even once, which he did twice. And, the smile didn’t leave his face even once when he knew about Shilpa’s grand honeymoon plans.” Three cheers for Raj Kundra! ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Bidding adieu
This was one of the quickest years I have ever experienced. It sped away at a lightening speed and now, that the city seems to be gearing up for the new years festivities, I thought I would do a quick retake of the events that unfolded in
Chandigarh. We began the year with a rejuvenated and almost “new” and brilliant looking Tagore Theatre. Since then, hosts of performances of extraordinary quality have taken place there. The Chandigarh Administration reined in the autowallahs by forcing them to go green. Their strike was a lackluster one and we are hoping to see all of those blue ones with diesel smoke spewing out disappear soon. The H1N1 virus terrorised the city and is still raging. The death count ticked on as the media pressed on with the news. This year saw some rallies and demonstrations. The Farmers Rally in protest against the electricity board brought in a new dimension usually absent in our city – mass fury and rioting. The Sukhna Lake lighthouse burnt down. The city somehow welcomed it. Even the geese don’t seem to miss it. CBSE came out with its new cognitively guided educational paradigm – a system aimed to promote holistic development of children. The new model is ambitious, very good and a true break-away from the antiquated system that should have been replaced a long time ago. For the first time the Chandigarh women felt fearful about wearing their diamond ear tops and their gold bangles – a phenomenon that is already entrenched in the women of metros. It is such a pity, for that is a trademark of Chandigarh women – who hold their heads high and wear their gold like a Queen. In the by-elections, a record number of people came out and voted in Chandigarh. The Nari Niketan case made us realise how helpless the people are who are already otherwise challenged. The BT brinjal opened up debates that are futile, since the industry is going to dictate what we eat in the years to come. That is a watershed in India. We saw unprecedented cases of road rage this year and road fatalities. Yet, most young people seem to think it is a foolish idea to wear helmets or follow traffic rules. If you love this city and care to listen to its soul, then you must know that the city needs love and care and respect like its citizens. So, open the fountainhead of love and let it flow through the brand new year. matkachowk@gmail.com |
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Dress circle
Versatile, elegant and extravagant in appeal, a dress can make or break your image. You cannot do without one for fancy parties, formal dinners or weddings. And, for that sophisticated and chic, classically glamorous look, a well-selected dress is worth having in the wardrobe. But, more than wearing a perfect hi-end dress, what matters is the selection of dress and the right accessories to go with it. And, this is where we can help you out. Cut and colour
Naini Gupta from Soh-Koh Inc-26, says, “Instead of blindly following the latest trends, select a dress according to your body structure. Never try to fit into a cocktail dress with a low cut or that which is ill-fitting.” She adds, “Before selecting a dress, evaluate your overall body shape, which is elegant and comfortable. Though black is the universal colour, it may not suit everyone. Before buying it, find out a colour palette that suits you. For an event in winter, gold, turquoise blue, gray, crimson, dark brown or a dark blue dress can make you look stunning.” Ask her what is the trend this season and she says, “One shoulder to off shoulder, it’s the plain dress with some sequin work that is preferred by women these days.” Lending some more tips, Seema Sharma, fashion designer from Impressions-19, says, “A body that lacks natural curves can be helped with bright colours and bold patterns that provide an ultimate feminine presence. To balance a top-heavy figure, consider flattering neckline for a full bust like the V-neck.” Well, another tip that we can provide is— dark colours can make you look slimmer. Choice unlimited
Cocktail dresses or gowns come in an array of shapes, striking fabrics like silk, satin and chiffon, either layered or simple silhouette. Says Rajneesh Jain from Meena Bazaar, “Every season brings a lot of surprise, and this season though the ‘little black dress’ hasn’t lost its charm, colourful cocktail dresses in rich fabrics like velvet, crepe, brocade or silk or stretch satin, translate well for formal or informal events. Short or long, any colour, any style, fabrics in tune with the season, it is your individual preference that should be the deciding factor.” Add on
Take special care in choosing your accessories. Leading the way, shoes make for a must-mention. Close-toe shoes in wedge or stilettos with that short dress would make for the perfect footwear. But mind you, a short dress with bare legs would not make a style statement in this chilling cold. So, stockings make for good choice. You might be surprised just how much of a difference a simple pair of stockings makes for those bare legs when wearing a dress. Well, to complete the party look, a beaded or plain cocktail clutch made of silk, satin or brocade is convenient options. Wrap up
Considering the weather, matching wraps, colourful pashima shawl or shrug adds elegance. It’s not hard to find elegant wraps or jackets to go with your dress. Well, we would say, it want hurt to be prepared.
jigyasa.chimra@tribunemail.com Don’t do it! *
When wearing a bright colour dress, make sure you do not team it with loud or an overdone footwear. *
Women usually make a blunder by carrying a different colour clutch and a different shoe colour. Make sure you match both the shoe and the clutch. *
Since its winter, backless or punishing short dress should be teamed with nice wraps, overcoats, capes or jackets. |
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Winesome
Vinsura Wineries Pvt. Ltd, a Nashik valley winery started by Nashik valley farmers proudly adds a fresh sparkle to its brand with Brut- A sparkling wine. Made from an exclusive cuvee of hand picked Chenin Blanc grapes this sparkling wine has its own personal character. It is crisp, soft and well balanced with greater fruit on the palate to make it elegant and harmonious. A good fizz, a great feel and a long finish is what the Brut is characterised by. Brut is best when served at 5-8 degree Celsius.
Speaking at the launch Nitin Desai, managing director, Vinsura Wineries Pvt. Ltd said, "Wine is actually a living thing; it evolves over time and gives you a different experience every time you consume it". Brut is one, which tenders the same experience; it evolves with every sip so, if someone can instantly fall in love with any wine it has to be Vinsura "BRUT". |
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Where is the party?
So, where are you heading for the New Year's eve? And as for the answer, we are spoilt for a choice. It's definitely a case of problem of plenty. Keeping the spirits and momentum high on the New Year's eve, the city's clubs, bars, lounges and discotheques have acquired enough raw material to fire up your party senses. With live band performances, unlimited food, drinks and masti, surprise gifts and the countdown to 2010 seems exciting…
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Smart wash
Bathrooms like any other room in a home require the special touch. Just as you take special care to do up your hall, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms by providing the appropriate accessories, the bathroom also deserves its share of accessories to make it look inviting and fashionable. It doesn't matter if you have a tiny bathroom or a grand master bathroom. Only by using designer bathroom accessories can you make your bathroom look like it's something out of this world.
Hindware, a sanitary-ware brand has now provided an intelligent fashion statement to your bathroom by introducing stylish Grande one piece EWC (water closet) and Grande under counter washbasins for your bathroom. Hindware has added new space-saving features to Grande one piece EWC. In addition, these innovative toilets utilize dual-flush technology to save homeowner's money by conserving water with every flush (3/6 ltrs). Grande one piece EWC comes in starwhite colour. |
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New promises
Healthy practice
Sukhjinder Kaur Determination matters
The resolutions taken at the New Year eve don't serve any purpose until and unless these are backed by determination to put the resolutions into action. It doesn't matter at what point of time these resolutions are made, it is only the younger generation who are more inclined to western culture and style. Older generations used to honour their commitments or word, given to their parents, teachers and gurus .It is also true that until resolutions are made, goal or success can't be achieved. Resolutions are generally positive in nature and may be for some noble cause or it may either concern with shedding of one's bad habits/ instincts or regarding setting of an individual benchmark to achieve and to conquer it. Resolutions made with firmness and determination helps in its implementation which in turn leads to success. Ravi Mallick Positive resolve
Of course, New Year resolutions serve an important purpose. These may appear to be a mere ritual to many, but the resolutions remind us every year to do something positive. These may range from quitting smoking to reducing weight to being faithful to one's family. Some may be completed and many left half way. So what? At least, a positive resolve is made and some thing good is sought every year. It is better than not having any resolution and just binging on the New Year eve. So, I feel New Year resolutions must continue as these remind us of hope and happiness in life. My New Year resolution this year will be to regularly go for a walk with my husband. Madhu R D Singh |
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Everyone thinks of new beginning with the New Year and that beginning starts with a resolution. And they definitely serve purpose. A new year is the time to change something in our lives, to achieve what we missed in the year gone by. Resolutions are a healthy way to achieve our aims. Just that people are different and so are their dreams and the ways to reach them.