Love thy public places
 Manpriya Khurana

Most sites of tourist interest in the city, including the Rock Garden, bear the brunt of graffiti by young lovers,,,,
Raju loves Madhu; move on. Two rocks down the line, Mohit loves Sapna. Just around the cemented corner, Mukesh weds Meena. But Rakesh loves Kavita a lot more; his 'carving' accompanied a bow, a heart, and a rose. Need we say more?

Of course, Umesh must be crazy about Prerna or he wouldn't have spent hours 'inscribing' a two-inch deep message and indulging in 'property display of affection'. No doubt, Rahul will go berserk when he comes back with his 'sweat pea' and discovers the same carving on the fifth rock beside the mango tree! But did he have to turn a heritage site into a random love slam book?

What do the architects, the designers and the heritage conservationists have to say?

Opines renowned artist Diwan Manna, "No doubt it's annoying and a habit not befitting any civilization but the people who do it, probably do it because they don't get avenues of expressing themselves." No wonder, the heritage buildings turn into firsthand witnesses of blooming love tales.

Adds Diwan, "The damage can be restored through repainting the walls. If it's some material then that needs to be rubbed off."

Opines Pradeep Bhagat, principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture, "It depends on how the defacement has been done. Architecturally speaking, it destroys the ambience and environment. If it's been done with chalk or coal it can be rubbed off, otherwise treatment with the help of conservation architects may be required."

And it's not just love signs, places with offensive four or three letter word markings number just as much.

Says Gaurav Chhabra, founder director Humlog, "There are places in and around the city where one finds such mindless graffiti. For example, near this college there's inscribed in bold words 'drift' to signify the activity that takes place there and a few feet away one finds some political graffiti."

Needless to say, it's certainly not doing wonders to the city's efforts for a heritage status. He says: "I'm not sure if that's going to affect the heritage status, but even then defacement must stop, especially on landmarks or postcard monuments of the city."

A few laugh, others overlook, the rest are fuming, nothing's worth if it doesn't stop!

Back to square one, what can be done? Says Diwan, "If all these people can be provided with avenues of expressing themselves; if some places can earmarked for this, we might find a solution."

He adds, "Penalties should also be there. In countries like Singapore even chewing a gum is banned. For cigarette smoking there's a fine of 500 dollars."

Agrees Gaurav, "Defacement occurs because probably there are no outlets. There should be 'Walls of Expression', where people can come and pour their heart out. Apart from this, reclaiming open public spaces - for example if they are made to feel as if they're their spaces - might generate some sense of responsibility and discourage such practices."

People who form these impressions are themselves impressionable. Suggests Pradeep, "Mostly it's youngsters who are indulging in such activities; if they can be guided through a drive or similar efforts we can find a solution."

As for the undying symbol of love of scattered pigeons in each sector, how about getting a tattoo done? More than half would chicken out at the idea!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Spare a thought for heritage
 Neha Walia

Ignored, alienated, desperate and waiting to be rescued. That's not the summary of another episode of Desperate Housewives, but the pulse of 'city beautiful', which with all its glory and glamour is being pushed towards a forced makeover in the name of development.

How proud did we feel with the possibility of 'Heritage City' tag? So much so that we stopped caring about its heritage!

If small things make a big difference, its time for an attempt to re-discover, revive and see Chandigarh that once was.

"Participation is the shortest and simplest solution. We need to develop a sense of involvement and set an example by taking proactive steps. Once we volunteer, the activism follows," says Gaurav Chabra, director, Humlog.

And his campaign to preserve the heritage sites of the city did make a difference to an ignored and hidden structure in Sector 34.

As many as 20 youngsters from varied backgrounds joined hands to clean up the area around the concrete structure, which is the foundation stone of Sector 34. "On a Sunday morning, I felt a deep sense of commitment. I took a small step of cleaning up the entire area along with others. We will now be converting a lost site into a culturally alive space,' shares Moonstar Kaur Doad, a sustainability activist who participated in the drive.

And it's not about cleaning up places and preaching activism only, but just taking note of the little things that we are losing out on with each passing day. Such as reclaiming our open spaces, using alternative methods to let the city take a break from increasing traffic and just lending a hand to those who take that first step forward!

MN Sharma, the first Indian chief architect of the city, says, "Historians and research scholars from all over the world come to study the most modern city designed by Le Corbusier who had once remarked 'citizens are the guardians of the city'. If people here were more civic conscious, the city would have retained its original character. Even now it's possible if the growth is monitored properly, otherwise we will be like any other town. We need to be vigilant."

A similar attempt was made at the 'open hand' monument. But there is still something missing when it comes to owning the responsibility. "The most convenient way to come out of your own lack of commitment is by asking what can we do? I say, just brainstorm, and then go ahead and do it," says Moonstar.

"On various structures all over the city there are motifs ranging from indigenous animals to abstract figures. All of them represent the culture, spirit and vision of Chandigarh. However not many people are aware of this," she adds.

Talk about Gorilla farming, ownership of open spaces by people, making travel through public transport fashionable and activism a 'cool' thing … maybe we hit it right!

"A lot of interest has been shown by the Le Corbusier Foundation, Paris, for the cause of Chandigarh. In the context of Unesco's heritage status, we should leave for future generations a link to our common culture," says Sharma.

As for the rest, remember what Gandhi said: Be the Change.

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Karan’s gift for Imran

All set to design his engagement sherwani,,,
When actor Imran Khan swaps engagement rings with girlfriend Avantika Malik he will be wearing a sherwani designed by Karan Johar and Varun Bahl. Imran will be wearing a black sherwani with ivory silk kurta and black trousers for his big night.

The ensemble was a part of ‘Karan Johar with Varun Bahl’ show at the Mumbai Couture Week last year, where the Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa actor had walked the ramp.

“It’s an honour that Imran has chosen to wear a creation from our label. We hope he enjoys the ensemble as much as we enjoyed making it. We wish him all the best for this new journey of his life,” Varun Bahl said. The 27-year-old actor’s girlfriend will also be wearing an ensemble by Bahl.

The engagement party, which will be held in a farmhouse in Karjat, will be a family affair, with none of the actor’s showbiz friends in attendance. The couple has always been very candid about their relationship and have been spotted at various parties together.

The future projects of the actor, who has had just two releases in Bollywood, include a project with Sonam Kapoor called I Hate Luv Stories Aamir Khan’s production Delhi Belly and Break Ke Baad. — PTI 

No joking
 Subhash K. Jha

Rajeev Khandelwal plays the lead in Joker,,,,
Bollywood actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who received acclaim for his debut Aamir, will next be doing a project tentatively titled Joker. The shooting will begin January 20. To be directed by Kumar Gaurav’s cousin Vikram Tuli, the film is about a father and his young son. Javed Jaffry was earlier supposed to play the lead role.“Joker has gone through many changes. I’m aware Javed Jaffry was offered the role,” Rajeev says.

Earlier when Javed was doing it, the son was to be seven-years-old. With Rajeev in the cast, the son’s age is now four. The film is to be shot at a stretch from January 20 to February 20 in New Zealand and will star Rajeev with Prachi Desai playing his leading lady.

The film has run into title trouble as Shirish Kunder is set to make a film called Joker. “We don’t know what to call it because Joker was the most suitable title,” Rajeev says. Also, director Sourabh Narang of Return Gift in which Rajeev Khandelwal is in the lead has fallen seriously ill and the film has been indefinitely postponed. “Sourabh was about to start his film when this happened. We’re all waiting for him to be well enough to start the film.” —IANS

24 hours with Anil
 Arun Kumar

Bollywood star Anil Kapoor is excited about his debut Sunday on 24, a popular American TV series depicting a 24-hour period in the life of a government agent fighting fictitious terrorist threats to the US. The new incarnation of 24 broadcast by Fox represents a number of firsts for Kapoor. For one “I’ve never played a president”, he says in a video interview on Fox Television. “It’s the first time that I’m doing television. I’ve been doing feature films for around 30 years. Not only was I excited that I was doing 24, but I was also anxious and nervous that I was doing 
something for the first time in my life.”

Kapoor says he took the role on the urging of his friends and family. “People told me, ‘No matter what happens, you have to be on 24! My son, my daughter, my friends. “24 is very popular in India. Five or six years back, I was introduced to 24 by my colleagues who would watch it in their trailers.” His decision to play a Middle Eastern character was a deliberate one, he added. “I am very clear that I won’t play Indian characters in international projects unless they’re really special. I’ve told my agent to seek out parts that are not culture-specific, but have character.” The hit action drama begins its eighth season with a two-night, four-hour special, airing January 17 at 9 pm and January 18 at 8 pm. In the new episode Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) has finally decided to quit CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) and take up a safe, cushy consulting job when word comes that a high-level peace agreement between President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones) and Omar Hassan (Anil Kapoor), president of a fictitious Middle Eastern country, is on the brink of sabotage. But Kapoor, an actor whose capacity for caustic viciousness was celebrated in Slumdog Millionaire, wouldn’t have been hired for 24 if it was just a predictable, good-guy role. Hassan, it seems, has a secret that might jeopardize the peace agreement, the well-being of his family, and his career. “I don’t think the peace talks will go well at all,” said Jones. “This is 24 and we’ve gotta give Jack something to do!” Indian American star Kal Penn played a teenaged terrorist over four episodes in 2007. —IANS

Confession of an Idiot

Madhavan enjoys working in multi-starrer films,,,,
Madhavan, who is superstar in South Indian film industry, says that he has no qualms working in multi-starrer films in Bollywood till the time he has a performance oriented role. “I understand that I am no big star in the North but the audience has finally started to appreciate me. 

My 13B was a hit and I have been liked in 3 Idiots as well. Life could not have been better and I am really happy with what I am doing right now. I hope Teen Patti will be another memorable film for the audience,” Madhavan said. While the 39-year-old actor is on cloud nine enjoying the stupendous success of 3 Idiots he is also excited to be sharing the big screen with cinema legends Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley. “Never on the sets did I ever feel that I am with such huge stars. That is what I admire about both of them. 

They are so very humble. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I was visibly in awe of both of them,” Madhavan said. Set in India and England, Teen Patti, directed by Leena Yadav, boasts of being an emotionally riveting thriller about greed, deception and imagination. The film has a multi star cast with veterans like Bachchan and Kingsley along with four debutants Shraddha Kapoor, Sidharth Kher, Vaibhav Talwar and Dhruv Ganesh. Raima Sen and Madhavan are in pivotal roles. —PTI 

Stepping stone
 Radhika Bhirani

I play a hateful person in Karthik Calling Karthik: Ram Kapoor,,,,
Popular television actor Ram Kapoor, who is sporting a new fit look after losing 11 kg, says he plays a mean and hateful person in his first mainstream Bollywood film Karthik Calling Karthik, which also stars Farhan Akhtar. “In Karthik Calling Karthik, I play the biggest problem in Farhan’s life.

I play a bastard in the film - a mean, obnoxious, hateful person...I can’t disclose anything beyond this,” Kapoor said. Karthik Calling Karthik also features Deepika Padukone and Shefali Shah. 

It has been produced by Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani. Kapoor, who was in this lake city for the launch of NDTV Imagine’s show Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega that he will be hosting, says both his films Karthik Calling Karthik and Anurag Kashyap’s Udaan are ready for release. “These are two very interesting releases.

 Both the films are very good just like I wanted to do very metro films. It’s the kind of cinema that always interests me and the kind of cinema that I like to go and watch. I have given myself completely to these films and everybody is talking well about them so far,” Ram said.

 The 36-year-old, who did a cameo in Mira Nair’s crossover film Monsoon Wedding in 2001, says he is not taking on any major TV projects at the moment as he wants to see the fate of his movies first. “At this point, it’s wise for me to wait for the releases to happen and then see if I get more cinema work like that.

 Then I’ll take it on. But if I get the kind of cinema I have always happily refused, I will take on television again. I love doing TV and I am lucky that I have reached a level where I get the best of roles,” he said.

The actor, popular for shows like Ghar Ek Mandir and Kasamh Se, also says that TV means more business for him than being in cinema. “At my level, the money is fantastic in TV. In cinema, I’m doing very good work with very good people, but the money that I make in cinema is not even one-tenth of what I make from TV.

 “However, cinema is a choice I am gladly making because I consider it as a stepping stone. If I get the kind of work that I want, you will see me more in cinema; if not, then I’ll be back to television,” he added. Asked about his noticeable weight loss, Kapoor flashed a big smile and said: “I have lost 11 kilos. I just became serious about it.

 For the last three months, my eating is controlled, my drinking is controlled — there’s no special formula or secret (to it). I do the treadmill at home sometimes. “This is something that I wanted to do for myself, my children, because it’s good to be healthy and it’s good even for my career.” 

Kapoor is currently gearing up for the second season of NDTV Imagine’s Swayamvar. This time, Rahul Mahajan, son of slain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, has set out to search for a suitable life partner amongst 15 shortlisted women. —IANS

Fast lane…nah!
 Mona

While kids are running after reality shows for instant fame, some take the longer route to learn classical dance and music,,,
Children today live in the fast lane - instant food, instant knowledge and instant fame. Thanks to Google, school projects that used to take the whole vacations are a minutes-long affair now and reality shows make you a star overnight. Exposure is vast; parents and technology make sure kids get what they want in a flash. So much so that this generation is contemplating retirement in their early thirties!

Yet, there are some who take the 'road less travelled'. Satyam Tandon is learning classical Hindustani music. "It was our spiritual guru who guided us to introduce Satyam to music when he was four-year-old. We have never looked back," says Priya Tandon, the proud mother. Satyam, now 13, isn't much interested in hip-hop Bollywood numbers.

"I started learning long back and really love classical music," says Satyam, a class 8th student. "One needs to put in a lot of hard work. Sometimes when I don't get things right I get disheartened. But then again it's worth the effort," says Satyam, who is contemplating a career in music.

Aastha Mishra has a mind of her own. "I want to become an IAS when I grow up," says the girl who is learning classical vocal music and kathak as well. "Aastha came home one day and told me that she wanted to learn kathak and I made sure she did that," says Archana Mishra, a housewife from sector 35. "I like music and dance, and kathak the most," says six-year-old Aastha.

"Ananya loves to dance, so we decided to get her trained in kathak," says Bhavna Jalonha, a homemaker from sector 40. "I want to learn music and dance, and also become a doctor for soldiers," says seven-year-old Ananya. "She loves her dance classes. And I thank her teacher Nisha Thakur for her support," says her mother.

"Times have certainly changed," observes Shobha Kosar, an exponent of Jaipur gharana who is teaching kathak for the last four decades. "Learning classical dance is tough as opposed to the one in films, which has no rules or regulations," she says.

"Many kids start learning Indian classical music but are not able to sustain as it requires a lot of hard work," says Harvinder Singh, a music teacher.

"Along with an inspiring teacher, parents can play a significant role in getting children interested in classical forms of art," he adds.

mona@tribunemail.com

Nothing conquers the spirit
 Ashima Sehajpal

Having lost mobility after a car accident 13 years ago, Harman Singh refused to give up. Read on…'''
Helen Keller could do it, so could Sudha Chandran and Satish Gujral. Disability in one form or the other does not necessarily reduce human capability. And physical endowments aren't always the parameter of human strength.

"It's all in the mind. If one has the will, no shortcoming can pose a barrier," says Harman Singh Sidhu who has crossed many such barriers. He recounts the incident that changed the course of his life in 1996. "Along with three of my friends, I fell into a deep gorge after the one who was driving lost control over the car. I suffered a spinal injury and could never walk after that."

Thirteen years down the line, Harman is the proud winner of the 'IBN 7 Super Idol Bravery Award' for his mental strength and contribution towards society. "I realised that many people meet with similar accidents and go through the same agony. I wanted to take up the cause of educating people about road safety." Soon after, with the help of Chandigarh police Harman formed the NGO 'Arrive Safe'.

The NGO develops content on road safety, which is distributed in various educational institutes. It reaches out to people through books, multimedia and pamphlets that covers vital topics such as - how should a person behave while driving, different road signs and markings et al. Besides the usual text, illustrations and pictures are also used.

The NGO doesn't limit itself to schools and colleges. Recently, Haryana police candidates were delivered a lecture on road safety. Elaborates Harman: "It was a two-hour multimedia lecture. A multiple-choice test followed, which was an attempt to analyse their road sense. Those who couldn't clear the test in the first attempt were asked to reappear after a week's time."

Harman also made sure the theory was practically applicable. Certain aspects that are generally not found in any rulebook were also covered. "Information like accurate tyre pressure, right adjustment of rare view mirror, speed at which one should overtake and minimum distance one should keep from a vehicle while driving," he says.

As for the award, Harman considers it encouragement for the future. "But more importantly, it will inspire specially-abled people to overcome their shortcomings and work for a social cause," he says. Indeed, well-deserved!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Just Beat it
Jasmine Singh

Post the 'Auto Expo 2010' in New Delhi; it is now time to launch all the showcased models officially.Every second day, the city witnesses a launch, especially the small cars in the luxury segment. General Motors Chevrolet's Beat is one such, much-awaited, model after the Cruze that makes a debut in Chandigarh on Monday.In the coming days, Chevrolet Beat will be launched in over 150 markets around the world, including Europe, Asia and North America.

A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline that bring in a sporty yet edgy look; secret vertical rear door handles located in the C pillar…Beat is all set to raise the heartbeat of buyers who are investing their hope and money on small cars.

According to Sumit Sawhney, director sales, General Motors India, "With a revolutionary design, advanced technology, unique features and benchmark safety, Beat offers much more than ordinary mini. Our goal was to create a revolution in size and design despite restrictions in the mini-segment."

Talking about the growth of mini-segment cars in 2010, Sumit says 80 per cent passenger cars are mini cars and the manufacturers are looking at increasing this segment. "Beat does not compromise on performance, style or comfort," he says

A peak power of 80.5ps, a four-cylinder, 16-value 1199cc DOHC engine that delivers a mileage of 18.6 kmpl, Beat has it all. Buyers can also choose from a seven-colour palette.

In addition, Beat is loaded with features that one would expect in more expensive vehicles. Automatic climate control, integrated centre stack audio with USB and aux-in port, tilt steering, steering column mounted LED back-lit speedometer, LCD digital technometer, satin silver roof rails…the list goes on.

Beat also comes with a segment best warranty of three years of 100,000 kms.

Spade work
Bloom for the balcony

My thought for the next write up mostly comes from you, the esteemed readers. This time I feel I should share with you the balcony culture of plants. This is to suit those who live on upper storeys. Many a queries are from such readers who have love for plants but are not very conversant with the kind of flora that suits such locations. It is not their fault as the flat and balcony culture is also new.

Depending upon your balcony, whether it is sunny aspect, semi-shade or shade, you have to select the plants. Another big consideration is the openness, whether it is exposed to strong winds or calm. However, one can provide some relief in case of direct exposure and high winds by providing a bamboo fence or wooden jaffri resistance and after that you can go in for all those plants that you can plant at such heights.

First of all, know about what a plant should have to qualify to be on a balcony. If you have natural shade or the one that you can provide effectively, you can have plants with colourful foliage too. Otherwise, an exposure to sun will fade the leaves in case of plants known for colourful foliage. At such locations, those plants that are classified as indoor or shade loving plants will also fail.

Plants that make no discrimination in ground level or top floor planning are the seasonals. Only thing is that the watering needs may increase a bit depending upon the kind of environment we manage to provide them. While making selections one could, however, select the ones whose watering needs are comparatively less. Petunia, calendula, phlox and above all, mesembryanthemum, the Burf etc should be preferred. And, in case it is semi-shade and shade aspect, then salvia, cineraria, verbena etc. has to be a compulsion.

In case of summer annuals, the available species like kochia, gaillardia, zinnia, gomphrena, partulaca etc are by nature hardy and less worrisome and stand the vagaries of weather better. When the rainy season comes, there is no need to make a selection as any and every plant can be grown.

Also, one can grow different kinds of shrubs that are also very hardy and docile and are favourite of all. One can go in for different varieties of hibiscus, bougainvillea, kaner and poinsettias. Other shrubs that can be grown are cassias, francisia, Menia erecta, etc. For fragrance, one could go in for Raat-ki-Rani. Incidentally, the watering requirement of such shrubs is also quiet low. Shrubs like mussaenda need quite a good amount of water and any laxity may sag the leaves and there could be permanent injury. Go in for variegated shrubs and there is not visible burning or fading of colour in hibiscus, bougainvillea etc.

Do not get disappointed that you cannot grow tree species. Go in for any of the Ficus species plant in a bigger pot. You will definitely get results. Similarly, many a Palm species plants can be grown but keep one thing in mind that unlike Ficus species plants, any jolt to the palms on account of water scarcity may cause irreversible damage to the plants. Another very hardy plant for such kind of planting is Plumeria. In winter, you can prune the plant to any level to keep it in control and shape. It gives fragrant blooms, which is a rare occurrence for those who live at heights. 

Don’t sleep over it
 Jasmine Singh

Though social scientists say indulging excessively in social networking is not co-related to sleep deprivation, many disagree,,,,
Ever thought how much weight the word 'sleep' holds. While some are blessed with it in bounty, others figure out ways to get some. Then there are others who would do anything to kill it. The handiest devices used are the social networking sites.

However, according to a research conducted by University of Hampshire researchers shows no correlation between the amount of sleep college students get and the time they spend using social media. As per the research, the amount of time spent on Facebook or other social media doesn't affect how much sleep college students get each night. Students give us their take on this.

Chetan Saklani, a student of commerce from SD C

ollege-32 and an avid blogger, shares what damage the Orkuting and Facebooking has done to his sleep pattern. "Haywire is the only word I can think of right now. I don't have a fixed time to get up or sleep. I generally chat till three or four in the morning, starting around 11pm in the night." He adds, " I barely sleep for three hours, but that's okay, I have got used to it. You can't do much about it either. I guess late night to early morning is the time best suited for twittering or facebooking or just checking stuff on Internet."

Even when most students agree that social media keeps them awake all night, most of them seems to have adjusted and accommodated their sleep patterns pretty nicely. As Anuradha Sikiri, an arts student from Government College-11, puts in. "Facebook, Youtube, blogs, twitter all these keep the students awake all night. At the same time, this is something they enjoy doing. Besides, most of them have adjusted their sleep pattern." Anuradha feels that the student community on the whole is sleep deprived. " There are those who study as well. So, you can't blame or link social networking sites to sleep disorder."

In fact, during the study, researchers defined light users of social media as those who use social media for 31 or fewer minutes. Heavy usage was defined as usage exceeding 60 minutes. Light sleepers were defined as those who sleep seven hours or fewer.

Students, who were heavy sleepers, came in the category of those slept for nine or more hours. Social networks were defined as Facebook, YouTube, blogs, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn. The research team found the heavy users of social media, 60 per cent get a light amount of sleep every night. Of light users of social media, 60 per cent also get a light amount of sleep every night. Those who use social networks for 61 or more minutes a day are equally as likely as those who use social networks for 31 or fewer minutes per day to sleep seven or fewer hours at night.

'Each to his own' is what Gurpreet Sidhu, a final year arts student from DAV College -10 has to say on the study.

"Those who are heavily into social networking know how to manage sleep. It is not a heavy-duty job. It is fun and it doesn't put any pressure on mind. Nevertheless, it surely disrupts lifestyle in some way. I would feel drowsy if I were to chat with my friends till three in the morning. As I said, each to his own," he smiles.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

E revolution

EMachines, from Acer is bringing the most aggressive mobile computing solution that exists to the market. Acer, announced the launch of a new netbook on Monday under its super value brand eMachines. Through its value-driven product offering from eMachines, Acer aims to address the void in the value PC segment.

eMachines as a brand focuses on catering to the core value consumer and making computing more accessible by offering great quality products at the best value. Introduced in India with an initial line up comprising of value level notebooks and the sleek, ultra value 'Xtra' small form factor Nettop, eMachines in keeping with the market trends has now expanded its product portfolio to include Netbooks also.

"The response to eMachines, our entry level brand, targeted at the pure value consumer, has been more than encouraging over the last 6 months. Customer's looking for practicality and good functionality are the target audience here. There is enormous potential at the bottom of the pyramid for an affordable computing solution. eMachines 250 will be a catalyst to open up the growing Netbook market even further. A key point to note is that while the brand is positioned at the value segment, it does not compromise in any way the quality of its offering. The eMachines Netbook comes with stunning high end features like Dolby, multigesture key pad, 6 hours battery life and WIFI" said S. Rajendran, CMO Acer India. —TNS

Game for it ? 

Reliance BigTV, Indiagames to introduce DTH Games.txt,,,
Reliance Big TV, the Direct-To-Home (DTH) arm of Reliance Communications, and UTV subsidiary Indiagames have tied up to introduce DTH Gaming services in India.Called iGames, the gaming services will be offered by Indiagames on Reliance Big TV's DTH platform in the country.

"Our strategic tie-up with Indiagames is an extension of our business relationship with the UTV Group. iGames also signifies our focus to further enhance and monetise our VAS (Value Added Services) capabilities towards a profitable growth in the DTH business" said Reliance Big TV chief executive officer Sanjay Behl.

The two companies will leverage the partnership with US-based Oberon Media to provide specialised games for Big TV.

"This initiative and the DTH partnership with Oberon Media marks our foray into the third screen of gaming, making us the first Indian triple play games company with a strong presence across mobile, PC (Personal Computer) and now DTH," said Samir Bangara, chief operating officer, Indiagames. — IANS

What a show off!

Celebs use Twitter to show off, says Ricky Gervais,,,,
English comedian Ricky Gervais thinks it is undignified to use social networking sites like 'Twitter' as adults. 'The Office' creator believes that celebrities make posts online to "show off"."I just don't get it, I'm afraid. I'm sure it's fun as a networking device for teenagers but there's something a bit undignified about adults using it," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

He added: "Particularly celebrities who seem to be showing off by talking to each other in public. "If I want to tell a friend, famous or otherwise what I had to eat this morning, I'll text them. And since I don't need to make new virtual friends, it seemed a bit pointless to be honest." Jonathan Ross, Demi Moore and Stephen Fry are some of the regular Twitter users. — ANI

Geek SPEAK
Yet another option for TV buffs
Amitpal Singh Grewal

Yet another television upgrade option; it's already a headache having to choose between a LCD and plasma flat screen. To add to the woes, we now have the OLED TV.For those who can afford to change a TV every season, it's becoming a real dilemma. But a few tips would be worthwhile. So what's so good about OLED TV and how is it different?

We will go for the comparison next time, this time let us start with the basics. OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diodes. LEDs surround us in everyday life; in many home devices they are the best source of light such as the digital clocks, forming the digits to indicate time and also provide a way of visually indicating whether your electrical devices are powered on or in standby mode. LEDs are even used in cell phones.

The difference here is the 'O' in OLED, which refers to the use of organic material that makes up a thin film and generates light when an electric charge is sent through it.

OLED technology is based on paper-thin sheets of organic materials, which are typically polymer plastic and are placed within the display. Images are produced from these organic materials that illuminate as a result of the small electric charge being applied. Each pixel has its own light source, without a need for a backlight. Traditionally, the rear of a TV would contain the backlight, but with OLED there is no need. This means we can have a truly ultra thin TV; with OLED we are talking millimetre thinness.

Picture quality is where these TVs truly stand out. When choosing a TV and assessing display one should focus on the contrast level, as the target for manufacturers is to achieve the blackest contrast level possible and at the other end of the scale, the whitest, meaning lightest, which also creates a wider contrast of colors. Above all, black levels are very important. An LCD TV possesses good black levels, but utilises a white backlight behind the display which manufacturers work pretty hard to hide!

The old wide screen televisions had black levels deeper than the current LCD screens, however, space-saving flat screens and the option of high definition make the LCD an attractive advancement in technology.

An OLED television provides black levels far deeper than the old, weighty widescreen. It does this by completely turning off individual pixels when producing black, since each pixel has its own light source. The pixels completely turn off in different areas of the picture, improving image quality and as a result consuming less power. For those of you who enjoy figures, OLED technology gives an astounding display with a very high contrast ratio. When compared against the best LCD screens, OLED television would offer superior picture quality, crisper and brighter displays and a very wide viewing angle of about 180 degrees. The picture does not degrade or distort, which means one can be very flexible in where the OLED TV is placed at home.

OLED TVs are also light in weight and cost less, as the technology being used is less complicated than LCD or plasma. All these points make OLED television seem like the perfect buy. However, there is currently a concern regarding the lifespan of OLED TVs. But manufactures claim that the technology is new and still being perfected.

amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com 

Haute pick
'Airnergy' wireless charger

This gadget features a neo-technological circuit that converts WiFi energy into electricity using air as the medium. The 'airnergy' uses a mini-USB port for connecting to other devices using power from any WiFi signals. Unlike a solar charge, which uses sunlight, 'airnergy' wireless charger can work anytime be it day or night. It can even charge itself because it is equipped with a WiFi power harvesting battery pack, which keeps on charging the battery till the time it remains in a WiFi signal range.The number of connections and signal strength at the location where the 'airnergy' is can affect the performance of the charger. This amazing device is due to hit the market in 2010. 




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