Howzzat! There goes another wicket. India wins again…hey, lemme grab a sandwich…did you hear, Pakistani players would not take part in the IPL. Abhishek Bachchan is the new lottery man on television! That's not a cricket commentary, a conversation over coffee or just you thinking out aloud! But you must have guessed that by now. It's just another way of living…in the virtual domain.

Not just the usual dose of social networking, but streaming live for your entertainment content as well. Who wants to still be hooked onto television sets when the latest and live is available on the laptop or, better still, mobile?

There exists a group of viewers who would rather have access to the Internet than a television set to get their daily dose of weather, news, stocks, sports, soaps and anything categorised as entertainment.

"It started off with news channels providing live feeds online and has grown as an alternate entertainment medium that caters to the emerging category of online viewers," says Prabhsimran Singh Sandhu, a software professional from the city.

The speed at which we are consuming entertainment, this technology is welcome to most users. Live news feeds from CNN, Fox News, Indian News channels such as NDTV 24/7, CNN-IBN; online streaming of sports through channels like Neo sports, Ten sports or catching up with your favourite prime time tear-jerker…it's all just a click away!

Aayush Mahajan, into his fourth-year of electronics and communications engineering at the UIET, is hooked onto the idea of online streaming. "I tend to work and study online most of the time, as getting hold of the TV is difficult. So I resort to watching live matches on my laptop. It also serves as a stress buster as I can watch the entire match without missing an over along with my online chat group," he says.

With approximately two-three million users streaming live for sports and news, the trend is growing everyday. "The user pattern has changed both professionally and agewise. We like multitasking even when we consume entertainment content. So, online streaming bails you out from sitting in front of TV throughout the day to watch a match. You can check emails, chat with your friends or switch off when your boss passes by while catching up with the updates," says Saurabh Bhatia, chief business officer, Vdopia.

Vdopia provides one of the largest online platforms for monetising live-stream and video advertisements for various media sites and channels throughout the world. They have tie-ups with biggies like Nimbus, Ten Sports, NDTV, Zee et al for news and entertainment.

In addition to the easy accessability, live streaming online is far more accountable when it comes to advertising. "You can insert video advertisements through V-live technology, which promises more accountability because you know how many people will watch the advertisement while streaming online," adds Saurabh. And soon, you will even be able to enjoy the Wimbledon or Malaysian Grand Prix live on your laptop!

We've been chewing on the fact that with the Internet the world has become a smaller place, but with live online streaming it fits into your mobile screen as well! So go on, click away!

nehawalia@tribunemail.com 

It also serves as a stress buster as i can watch the entire match without missing an over along with my online chat group Aayush Mahajan

Believe it or not but it is a fact that Indian classical dance is flourishing abroad than in India, either as solo and group performances or in fusion forms. And, Odissi is growing much faster to scale the horizons of popularity," observes internationally acclaimed Odissi danseur and director Ramli Inbrahim, artistic director of Sutra Dance Theatre, Malaysia.

Credited with mindblowing performances ever since he was first presented by bhartnatyam dancing queen Inderani Rehman, the first Miss India, Ramli had never looked back.

Born at Kuala Lumpur, educated in Malaysia and Australia, Ramli was trained in bharatnatyam, but later on developed fascination for the more agile dance form, Odissi.

He learnt from guru Deba Prasada. His regular interaction and training under maestros in India, Australia and Malaysia made him a master of modern dances, ballet, folk and Indian classical dances. Armed with artistic sensibility, experience and zeal, Ramli has been instrumental in transforming the dance scenario in Malaysia by organising trained dancers who brought laurels for the country.

Ramli's contribution too had been rightly recognised with three Life Time Awards in 2003, 2006 and 2009 besides Fulbright Distinguished Award and Natyanjli Trust Award, Chennai.

Ramli was in town with his troupe Sutra Dance Theatre for a live performance of his prestigious Odissi dance production "Spell Bound" programme organised by the regional chapter of Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).

"This had been staged the world over as part of Sutras International Tour in 2006 and later. The team includes Guna, Sivgamavalli, Geetika Sree,Michelle chang, Jyotsna, Trishna Moorthy, Shobha Devika, Ashiramvalli, besides Sivarajah Natrajan to articulate chiaroscuro effects.

The kissing scene between Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan may have generated much-hype for soon-to-release Ishqiya but the Munnabhai actor has vowed never to lock lips on screen again.

Though the film has a lot more than the much talked about chemistry between the two actors, Arshad, who plays a criminal in the movie, says he was extremely apprehensive and director Abhishek Chaubey had to pep talk him before the shoot.

"Mark my words, this is the first and the last time I have done an on-screen kiss. Bass ho gaya, aur nahi (enough of it all)", Arshad said in an interview.

Though the actor doesn't regret the act since it was as per the 'demand of the script', he admits that it was a 'scary' experience.

"I respect the vision that Vishal Bharadwaj and director Abhishek Chaubhey carried. They explained to me the film, its texture, the setting and the characterisation due to which I was convinced about the kissing scene. But only I know how scared I was," Arshad said.

When asked what really convinced him to do the scene, especially since he was so apprehensive to begin with, Arshad said it was important to bring the point of view of his character. — PTI 

After directing Hrithik Roshan in forthcoming film Kites, director Anurag Basu has now roped in Abhishek Bachchan for his next project.The film will be produced by Junior B's good friend Goldie Behl, who had last directed the Guru actor in box office dud Drona. According to sources close to Basu, the role in the untitled project was sketched out specifically keeping Abhishek in mind and is Basu's biggest project till date. "The movie will be Anurag's most ambitious project till date. It truly has a genius script," sources said. The film will be shot in exotic locations and a lot of work will go into Abhishek's look for the film. "Goldie Behl is leaving no stones unturned for the film. This is a dream project and will be Anurag's best work till date," adds the source.

Interestingly Basu had once stirred a controversy by saying that Amitabh Bachchan should retire gracefully as he was now doing mechanical roles.The 67-year-old Bollywood icon had hit back at Basu saying, "I took no one's advice when I wanted to enter the film industry and shall take no one's advice, as to when I should leave it." — PTI 

It's an exposition of paintings, sculptures, graphics, applied art works and everyone's cordially invited! Master Strokes, an annual endeavour of Masters of Fine Arts students, Government College of Art, is strictly on experimental basis. Not to forget the combine of media, riot of creativity, merger of colours and a catalyst for provoking thoughts.

Shares a student to begin with, "We've been working on this venture for almost a year now and they've displayed only our best works." And boy, does it show? Some master strokes! While some still seemed to be still reviewing, comparing, appraising.

There's acrylic on canvas, Leave Me, depicting frail human anatomy with haunting undertones. While another shows a conglomeration of footwear at one place, some over stepping on the other. Explains Ajita Sharma, student, "This is basically a comment on the media of today. How it follows us, wherever we go, if there's something bad or something good happening, or whatever the case. And, these foot wear denote the common people."

Oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, acrylic on paper is the custom, while mix media, metal, steel, bronze being the most experimental media. Paint or sculpture, there are variety galore. Think charcoal on paper, etching and aquatint, ink on paper, fiberglass, encaustic, plaster, terra cotta and wood. Another one hit the bull's eye and captures probably a predicament all of them must have gone through. Navjeet Kaur's a girl amidst blank canvas, against the background of black, surrounded by colours, contemplates what next.

Yet another shows a haunting sight of a woman on a hospital bed with a drip and blood. While yet another depicts a pregnant woman with a budding leaf inside, symbolising life.

The applied art section has scores of social advertising message; female foeticide, breast cancer, rash driving to name a few. There is canvas, there are colours, there are muses and there are murals. Yet another large canvas has an apple portrayed from every possible, inch and angle; half eaten, one bite less, one bite left, quarter cut, full size, untouched. It's art.

Concludes on January 30 

What's about reality shows that people can't get enough of? Even after we have had an overdose of them on acting, dancing, singing, comedy, adventure…they still enjoy high TRPs and auditions go full throttle everytime a new show comes up!

It's not as much about the concept of reality shows or celebs who are a part of it, as it is about people themselves and the confirmation comes from Jatinder Singh, managing director, Talent Torve India, "Majority of youth in India want to be in the glamour industry. Also, the industry is growing and is always in search of fresh talent." We rather buy the first explanation!

Talent Trove, a US-based firm, has launched Bollywood Singer 2010 in India; an online talent hunt show that gives people a chance to upload their music videos. India is the second destination of Talent Trove for the apparent reason: "People have talent here and scope of utilisation is immense," says Jatinder, who along with Jamie Aquila, senior creative director, Talent Trove Inc., was in city on Wednesday to announce the launch of the website. The contest will begin from February 1.

Jatinder informs that the contest will have four rounds and the finals will be judged by professional singers, "The benefit of this reality show is that irrespective of their background (rural or urban), and singing skills people can take the auditions. They can upload as many videos as they want to free of any charge."

The first round of auditions will be judged through public voting. "Voting is also not charged, as the initial priority is to increase the user-base," says Jatinder. The winner will take away prize money of Rs 5 lakh.

As for telecasting the final round on television, Jatinder says, "Talks with various production houses are in process." We quite expected the answer!

Talent Trove next plans to launch an online beauty pageant, cookery as well as acting show. "We also aspire to launch a production house that might have TV serials and films under its banner. We will give priority to talent discovered by us," he adds. The website can be visited at www.talenttrove.com.

— Ashima Sehajpal

The wonder years - A walk down memory lane', was the name of the reunion event that was organised by Carmel Ex-students' Association (CESA) on Monday night. Staff and alumni of the school from Delhi, Patiala, Ludhiana, Shimla and the tricity participated in the reunion.

What better way to cherish fond memories of yesteryears than have a reunion! Such were the thoughts of the ex-staff members of the school as they had been invited for the first time.

As many as 200 ex-students from the batches from 1969 to 2009 as well as 20 ex-teachers were present for the reunion. Their laughter and shrieks echoed in the school even as they walked in the corridors, the classes, the laboratories and the school canteen.

Op the occasion special mementos were presented to the ex-staff, and three microwave ovens were given to the present staff members as a token of appreciation by CESA. The programme was followed by high tea.

The reunion celebrations carried late into the evening at Hide Out, North Park. CESA members left with heavy hearts, but with a promise to meet next year! — TNS

Parenthood brings its own share of bittersweet memories. Seeing your kids grow and then leave home for studies or jobs is challenging for parents, who are left alone in the twilight of their lives. Courtesy: The modern setting and changing values. 'Empty nest syndrome' is surfacing in Indian society as well. Albeit loneliness can be intimidating, there are ways to cope with it.

"Our daughter left for Delhi University five years ago and then our son left for AIL, Mohali, two years back. We were all alone, with no relatives staying with us. Initially, it was very lonely and we missed children after returning from work," says Colonel RD Singh from Ambala Cantt.

But soon, they found out a way. "First, we reconciled to the fact that such a separation is inevitable and has to be accepted as part of life. Then we started interacting with kids through emails. We shared latest news, movie reviews etc and they sent us copies of projects and seminars. This kept us in the loop," says Singh.

"The other activity that keeps us occupied is looking after approximately 130 
conservancy staff that I have in the office. Taking care of elderly people, particularly their health, and welfare projects give us a lot of happiness," he adds.

"We experienced a sense of aimlessness when our son as well as daughter decided to go abroad and subsequently settled there," shares MP Sidhu from Patiala. Retirement only added to the woes, "Given to working hard, we were suddenly face to face with the dilemma of having nothing substantial to do throughout the day," she says.

Although reconciling with this was difficult and a long-drawn process, the Sidhus are now happy. "We chalked out a strategy. Now we read and travel a lot, which helps us learn new things," says Sidhu. "There is hardly any room for brooding or feeling depressed now," she adds.

"There are two sides to every coin," feels Winnie Cheema, a psychology student. "If you find yourself feeling blue when your kids leave, remember that you're free to pursue whatever your heart desires. So take advantage of that," she says.

"Talking things over with friends, especially the ones who are going through or have gone through the same, having more heart-to-hearts with your spouse, developing your own spirituality, yoga, exercise, art or sports can all be therapeutic," she adds.

"Empty nest syndrome hits those couples harder who are too close to their children," says Ranjay Vardhan, a sociologist from the city. "But after initial hiccups things get fine," he adds.

"One can invite siblings or relations to stay over during the initial phase. More communication and involvement with various clubs can be one way to tackle the situation," he offers.

"Minimising expectations from children also helps," he advises.

mona@tribunemail.com

Parents are emotionally hit when their children leave home for studies or a job for long periods. The only 'ray of hope' is that one day children will return after achieving their goal. This hope keeps them going. Other option for parents is regular communication with their wards. Last but not the least is 'time', which is a great healer. After days, months and years, parents' compromise with the 'empty nest syndrome' and learn to live with it.

Supportive parents seem to encourage their children's physical activities more, says a new study. In other words, parents who think their children have some sort of athletic ability were much more likely than other parents to provide instrumental and emotional support for their children to be physically active.

The study by Oregon State University (OSU) researchers Stewart Trost and Paul Loprinzi studied 268 children aged two to five years in Queensland, Australia.

What they found is that parents' level of physical activity is not directly associated with their children, but instead that the direct link was between parental support and a child's level of physical activity.

"Active parents may be more likely to have active children because they encourage that behaviour through the use of support systems and opportunities for physical activity. I think this underscores the need for parents to provide emotional support, as well as opportunities for activity," Trost said.

"Regardless of whether a child is athletic or is perceived to be physically gifted, all children need opportunities and encouragement of physical activity," he added. —IANS

Relationship: Cousins
Time together: 19 years
Same-to-same: We both love to experiment with photography and like to go on outdoor shoots. Taking cool and funky pictures is our forte.

Yet different: While Pamal is serious, punctual and disciplined, Harjot, being youngest, has a relaxed attitude and needs to be pushed.

Unforgettable moments: Our trip abroad two years back. We went to London, Edinburgh and Scotland for a 20-day trip. We had a blast shopping, trekking, partying and going for roller-coaster rides.

Funny takes: Pamal takes too long to make up her mind, especially when shopping. Her cousins usually tease her about it. Once when she took three hours for deciding upon a dress, her cousins left her in the store and left. With tears in her eyes, Pamal waited for them to return and take her along!

Special something: We share everything and rush to each other the moment anything disturbs us, sit together, sort out and only then rest.

(Pamal is a postgraduate, Harjot is doing B.Com. Together they handle Fragrance & Flavors)

— Mona

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