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Bring back the real Baisakhi However, the reply doesn’t excite us much. ‘Nothing but the usual stuff. I have no grand plans for mymself.’ And, so do other celebrities. Only those common people, who have a strong connection with the golden fields, tractors, combines, diggers, tube wells and makki di roti with sarson da saag, are united by one common observation that ‘Baisakhi melas are now nothing more than pompous and glorified Baisakhi events.’ They are longing for the good times to return. Meanwhile, they share their ‘real’, some ‘time pass’ plans for the festive day. Harkaran Sandhu, a student of Punjabi from Panjab University, is amongst the ‘dedicated lot’ who leaves for his village, Gajewas, Patiala to be with folks and cousins for Baisakhi. “I sometimes don’t go home for Diwali or New Year, but going home on Baisakhi is mandatory. In fact, this is the only time my parents expect me home.” With most youngsters coming from Punjab who would rather watch a film at a multiplex, Harkaran feels that their lands are the only source of livelihood, and it is because of the earnings from his land that he can afford a lavish lifestyle in Chandigarh. “Of course, nothing is the same. Our village folks used to organise a grand melas on Baisakhi when I was young. However, for the past 4-5 years, it looks more like a semi-modern reception, where you can see pizza, burger and ice cream stalls.” The scene has changed drastically, and there is no denying the fact that Punjabis have given an anglicised twist to desi Baisakhi. Nevertheless, there are people like Gurkaran and Gurpreet Dhanoa from Moga, who have helped their respective villagers with the information on better and advanced farming techniques. Shares Gurpreet, “I did a short course on farm seed multiplication and carried the information back home. This is my way of giving back to my ancestral occupation.” The duo complies with the recent change in Baisakhi celebrations. “In old times, the day was celebrated at akhaaras, where singers used perform live. Besides, there were kabaddi matches, women wore sargi phul and dressed up like a bride. There were bhangra, gidda, sami and jhumar.” Back to the metro; yes, it is nothing but an event, a day off, time to do the laundry or probably sit with some friends remembering those good old days when Baisakhi was a day to look forward to. “I might just go to Kasauli or maybe just sit at home and play some games on my playstation,” shrugs Gurdeep Dhanoa, a businessman dealing in the manufacturing of spare parts. “I have land near Amritsar. The manager takes care of it. I only go thrice a year, not necessarily on Baisakhi. One thing that I do every year on this day is prepare shakkar wali kheer for the entire family,” he smiles. Absolutely, Jasbir Jassi has a point. Baisakhi is not what it used to be! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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It’s was a Vakhri Baisakhi at right. To mark its 16th foundation day, ITFT Education Group, chose to celebrate it by fulfilling its corporate responsibility. It brought together model and actor Gul Panag and eminent filmmaker Manmohan Singh to fight against drug abuse, female feoticide and to rehabilitate school dropouts in Punjab. “Baisakhi in my childhood saw the entire village to come together for processions, which is totally missing in today’s time,” says Manmohan Singh. “You just check out Baisakhi celebrations abroad that are truly grand and celebrate the spirit of the festival,” he shares. Yet, he is hopeful that in the coming times, youth in urban India will also get back to the roots, “If Punjabis abroad can relate to our heritage, so will the urban youth, its just the matter of time.” “Baisakhi marks the new year and the most auspicious time for new beginnings. I want to take forward the noble work started by my granddad 40 years back by addressing the socioeconomic issues plaguing our state,” says Gul Panag as she launched Col Shamsher Singh Foundation. “Sadly, our state has one of the worst male-female sex ratio which is reflective of the state of women. And, unless we give respect and economic empowerment to them, we just can’t be successful as a society.” Rural games kho kho, kabaddi, wresting and tug-of-war among the village teams added zing to the celebrations. — TNS
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Cross connection Akriti Sharma, a newly married Insurance agent from Mohali, is not surprised. "It is quite possible. The amount of time my husband spends on Facebook, I am sure we would have to take help of the divorce site soon," she says with a puckish grin too. Akriti explains this logically, "Spending time on a networking site is not an issue, desperately scouting for old flames or long forgotten friends is. The proposition of my husband connecting to an old college female friend can be disturbing. Starting the conversation from the scratch, sharing pictures and information…it is a little disturbing." In addition to this, Australian Family Relationships Clearing House manager Elly Robinson insisted that online dating is affecting households. I guess we know how. What say? Quips Sachin Ahuja, Equity Manager from sector-31, "Dating on line is a trend now. And, I am pretty sure that it can spoil relationships. Both the partners are involved with someone else online. It is not a serious affair, just light flirting, but this too can be deleterious. Another reason is that once you get addicted to talking to a stranger; trust me there is no stopping. Or there is, at the courtroom," he laughs. Is this some kind of an exaggeration? Listen to Harpreet Sohi, a marriage counselor in Mohali, Phase 4, who tells us that off late she has been approached by couples who are dealing with the similar 'social networking' problem. "I counseled a case where a husband would take to Facebook after his wife would sleep. Once or twice she observed him doing it, and found that it had become a routine. She found out that her husband was sharing scraps with some girl in Australia." Adds Harpreet, "it is not possible to put a check on this habit. Couples should realise and accept the difference between virtual and real relationships. It is not wise to ruin your life, for a momentary high of living out a fantasy."
jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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3D memories Your options might be to clutter your walls, tables, mantles and bookshelves with lots and lots of your favorite pictures and update every few months or years. Or, you could also put them into an album, or many albums if you like, to take a lot of great pictures. Of course, now you have the added expense of developing your pictures! Or, crowd friends around your laptop to show them your slide show. Instead, you can go green by lessening the amount of paper waste you produce every year by not printing the photos you don't need. You may want to have more than one digital photo frame. For instance, display family photos on one, while you show your travel shots on another. You may want to have digital photo frames in more than one room of your home, choose a frame that matches the decor of the room. Your display size should be relative to the distance viewers maybe sitting from the digital photo frame. Haute pick Clock wise Sony's clock radio with an in-built projector that displays time on a bedroom wall called the ICF-C71PJ. It has an in-built thermometer to display room temperature. It has a five nature sound programmed in it to help the users relax before going to sleep. You can set the projector at different angles according to the wall and it can even show the time on the ceiling. The dual alarm can be set to play FM radio channel, a buzzer or music from other media players.
You can do as much or as little editing with your photos as you like before displaying them in your digital frames, (important!) Ensure that you choose a digital photo frame that uses the same kind of storage media as your digital camera. Most frames now accept popular camera media so you can simply remove the card from your camera, put it right into your frame, and start enjoying the memories right away. The specifications will identify that for you. Some digital photo frames come with an MP3 player and speakers. Load up your favorite songs and have them play as a musical tribute to your memories. So, wouldn't it be great not to be limited to displaying one photo at a time, but have access to hundreds of photos in a single frame? Digital frames effortlessly display all of your photos as a slideshow with several transitional effects to choose from. Now, what are you going to do with all of those home movies you have shot over the years? Would you be excited to know that you can also take those home movies, put them onto a memory card and enjoy them on your digital photo frame as well? It's true. Most frames not only display photos but also play music and movies. So, now you can enjoy those memories anywhere you wish and no longer have to fumble for the connector cables, or trying to figure out how to setup your computer /television to relive those memories again and again.
amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com |
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Mercedes-Benz India brings in a whole new meaning to attraction and luxury in the premium automobiles segment by unveiling the new Mercedes E-Class Coupé. Aggressive, sporty and exclusive, the E-Class Coupé inspires awe, attraction and allure. The distinctive lines and sleek edges lend it an aura of irresistible charm. Within this two-door beauty lies the unmatched performance, safety and comfort features of the legendary E-Class. According to Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, "The E-Class Coupé makes an unambiguous statement about a lifestyle characterized by beauty and sophistication. With its expressive styling, premium equipment, state-of-the-art technology and high safety standards, the New E- Coupé meets the needs of young individuals looking for a car that is athletic, striking and passionate. The vehicle rounds off the automotive product range and targets a clientele for whom style and individuality is of significant importance". With its classic coupé side aspect, reflected by no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows - the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class' dynamic design. The hallmark of Mercedes Coupé design is its sports radiator grille with the large central star. The arrow shape of the entire front section coupled with its lean build give the car a sportier and more dynamic presence. — TNS
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Box-office takings of blockbuster films like Avatar can be predicted by studying the tweets at micro-blogging site Twitter, according to a new research. A team of computer scientists studied 3 million tweets about 25 movies, including Avatar and found that the rate at which these messages were produced could be used to accurately predict the box office takings of the movie, prior to its release. "Our predictions were incredibly close," Bernardo Huberman, Head of the social computing lab at Hewlett Packard (HP), was quoted as saying by the BBC News. The team made their first-weekend revenue predictions after analysing the torrent of tweets about a particular film in the run up to its release. "We developed algorithms to analyse these tweets and measure the rate at which they were produced. Our intuition was that the faster people tweet, the more likely they are to go and see it," said Huberman. The team updated their system using Amazon's Mechanical Turk -- an online tool that pays people to perform small tasks that computers would struggle to complete. —PTI
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Log on
Now mounting concern over the effects of constant computer use on the mental health of Britain's teenagers has prompted a private clinic in London to set up it's first dedicated internet addiction service for young people, reports express.co.uk. "It's not the amount of time spent on the computer that's important. It's the extent to which it interferes with their daily life," said Harley Street addiction specialist Maria Clyne, who has used cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnotherapy to treat a number of young Internet addicts. "When they miss out on their usual group activities or are no longer interested in their favourite sports because they would rather be online, it is a warning sign they are becoming addicted," she added. Clyne elaborates further and said: "I have treated addicts who have become very irritable when they cannot go online. It's like they have withdrawal symptoms." So how does one observe that his child is addicted to online activities? Here are some symptoms- Temper tantrums: Mental health specialists say angry outbursts in children denied access to their computer are a sure sign they are becoming hooked. Increasing time online: Net junkies try to spend longer and longer time online in order to satisfy their cravings. Keep an eye on your child to make sure their surfing sessions are not being extended. Quitting sports or clubs: Previously active children who lose interest in their favourite sports or activities should be closely monitored for internet use. Eating problems: Loss of appetite or irregular eating habits caused by excessive internet use could also indicate a child is becoming dependent on their computer.
— IANS |
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Item code Her name is not complete without adding hot, sexy, sizzling as prefix and ‘the famous item girl’ as the suffix. Meghna Naidu is not an actor directly, as item numbers preceded her film debut. Rather her career profile reads like, the Kalion Ka Chaman girl to an item girl and then to an actor. Famous for her ‘bold image and bold scenes, Meghna came into the limelight quick and then disappeared from the scene equally fast. In the city, to perform at the Baisakhi celebrations at Plaza-17, the Hyderabadi beauty got candid on what kept her busy and the latest happening in her life. Southern sensation
She may be out of action in Bollywood but has got her hands full in the regional film industry. Kollywood (Tamil film industry), Tollywood ( Telegu film industry), Mollywood (Malayalam film industry), Bengali cinema…“I have done good amount of work in the regional cinema and I love acting in South Indian movies. Though they are same in every respect of production to Bollywood, but they are really disciplined. The heroes come before the director, start and finish production in given time and well treat their actors as Gods.” The last part is what she loves the most. “I have got fan groups on FB where I interact with people and it feels good to be accepted and appreciated. I have just started in the industry and it feels good to be known.” First there was the Helen school of dancing divas. Then came the item girl phenomenon with the likes of Rakhi Sawant, Nigaar Khan and Meghna herself. And, now Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priety Zinta, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif seem to trespass into the territory. Any threats? “None at all. In fact, the trend makes a point that item songs are the USP of a movie today. Realising the growth and popularity of an item song even top actors are saying, “Agar role accha nai hai to ek item song de do,” says Meghna. High on siren status
Trying to break through the Bollywood cliché of ‘once an item girl, always an item girl’, Meghna feels it’s only a matter of time she comes out of the image. “It maybe a sad situation, but it’s not impossible to break. You just have to wait to meet the right people at the right time and pick up the right projects.” Meanwhile, loving the sexy tag. “Don’t we still remember Helen, Parveen Babi or Zeenat Aman. They were sexy and hot. So, maybe when I am 70, I’ll still be called the hot Meghna Naidu.” Round the clock, round the sphere
Having performed live across the globe in past seven years and done over 600 live shows, Meghna is constantly on the move, promoting herself. “I have no time left for my family. So, they are my priority when I am not working.” Otherwise, it’s the usual hitting the gym, watching a movie, hanging out with friends routine that she enjoys. From Hyderabad to Punjab
She feels a close culinary connection with the Punjabis. “Like Hyderabadis, Punjabis too are in love with their food. And since I am performing on the occasion of Baisakhi, I want to please the foodie in myself.” Back on the Bollywood track, she is meeting people and in talks with big production houses. “Maybe by the end of this year, I have something big to announce.” Of course, she means work wise.
nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Aaj bhi problem! How much leverage can one take with the credibility when his only claim to fame is being the ‘unheard of’ stepbrother of Aamir Khan? Is Hyder Khan taking it for granted even before his first flick, Aaj Bhi, is release? That’s how we could decode it when, at the press conference of the film on Monday, we were told, “Hyder couldn’t make it to the city as he missed his flight.” The original status was, Hyder Khan, stepbrother of Aamir Khan with two female actors, would be in city to promote their film. Coming to the movie, it’s a story of a godman who exploits young girls. The female actors are Sussana Mohan and Anusha. Sussana plays the role of Ranjana, an investigating officer, who exposes the god man. Anusha is playing the role of an NGO worker, who helps rehabilitate the victims at the godman’s ashram. Also, it’s a story of two daughters brought up by a single parent and how they fight the system. The film is slated for release in May. Even the producer of the film, PD Garg has a claim to fame. He is the son-in-law of R Chandra. “We wanted to make a moral based film, exposing god men who make a fool out of their devotees,” he says. The three tracks in the film sung by Javed Ali, Sadhna Sagram and
Kalpana. |
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Emotional outpour The painting, Demancipation, has a semi figurative form of a woman. He has used bright colours like red and blue to portray the strong feelings of love. The other painting too depicts freedom. It has fishes painted in semi-abstract form. “Just like the fish has the freedom to move wherever she wishes to, a woman should enjoy the same liberty in her life. No force or bondage can compel her to abide by a relationship. And in case, she does, it is mere physical and not emotional,” comes the explanation. He has used oil on canvas and genre of painting varies from semi-figurative to semi-abstract.
— TNS |
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Spade work
The culture of including fruit plants in landscape gardening is not new. Think about the Rashtrapati Bhawan Mughal gardens, the Pinjore gardens, the Aam khas Bagh of Sirhind and Shalimar Gardens. You will find tremendous use of fruit plants that add to the beauty of these milestones in garden planning. Rashtrapati Bhawan has innumerous Chinese Orange plants also called Kumquat, that are at their best at a time when the garden is opened for public. Major part of the Pinjore gardens is planted with litchi, mango, chicku, jamun etc. Aam Khas Bagh of Sirhind boasted of a good collection of mango varieties. And this trend is not new. Remember the Ashok Vatika episode of Ramayana when the Monkey God, Hanuman satisfied his hunger feasting on various kinds of fruits growing in the garden.
It is both the fruiting and the floral beauty of the fruit plants for which these are used in planning gardens. The fruit plants like peach, plum and pear are especially favourite with Ikebana freaks who use their immensely flowering twigs to make fresh floral displays that have won them many prizes. The miniature form of fruits has also inspired some to include them in home garden landscaping too. One of the favourites being the Chinese orange. The one that you have mostly seen in the home gardens is the round-fruit variety but see the oval form of it. It is rare. I know you have already taken the challenge to collect it from somewhere. The fruit trees were used in the landscape due either to their fragrance like in case of citrus fruits or mango, floral beauty, like in case of peach, plum etc, due to their foliage beauty like in case of litchi and chicku or due to their fruiting beauty like in case of mango. However, in case of home garden where there is dearth of space, one could go in for their miniature versions like the Chinese orange, the Chinese pomegranate or the Chinese guava, an exact replica of their big brother. Such fruit plants are also used to create bonsai.
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A stroll down the memory lane is the easiest thing to do. Seconds after asking Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi to share his views on what he would be doing for Baisakhi, the image of the golden fields, splendid display of bright colours, the thick aroma of traditional food thickens the air with memories from the past. 
Just when you are brimming about the sudden discovery of an old school or college friend on a social networking site, British divorce firm Divorce-Online revealed that Facebook was citied in one-fifth of divorce petitions it processed in 2009. How, what and why? Can a social networking site be so damaging? We get talking to some couples who for sure have an opinion or two to share on the startling fact. Aren't we spending more time chatting, Orkut-ing, and leaving scraps to friends (or some secret admirers!) rather than sharing mind and matter with our near and dear ones?
The digital photo frame, or LCD picture viewer as they are also known, have been sweeping the globe because of their size, style, features and accessories. You may be wondering why you would want to purchase one. If you are one of those who have collected a large number of digital photos over the years and would like to display them for your friends and family, you can use your computer wall-paper and screen saver to display them for yourself. But that doesn't work all the time and you are not left with too many options.
A survey has revealed that teenagers are addicted to online computer games, social networking sites and e-mails and discovered that many of them find it hard to control how much time they spend online and often feel depressed.
Give it up for the latest invention - shapewear - clothes that use the latest technology meant to help you look slimmer - by a full-size! CBS reports, while on "The Early Show Saturday Edition," Lucky magazine Editor at Large Elise Loehnen and some "real-people" models showcased some "body-sculpting" jeans promising to give you the perfect body shape, and described the claims made by their manufactures:
Emotions can be expressed without inhibitions only when there is freedom to lead a respectful life. In case of any compulsion or bondage, emotions die. “Love and care grow gradually. One can’t be forced to feel in a certain way,” says Inder Singh, a veteran artist, whose two paintings on human emotions were selected for the All-India Veteran Artists Exhibition. 
Today we will discuss a forgotten aspect of landscape designing. You must be wondering as to when we are talking about landscaping then why this accompanying picture of fruit plant? Exactly, that is what we will discuss. The inclusion of fruit plants in landscape planning. And there is a strong base to do so.