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PEN Drive Says Rohit Jain, a leading jeweller from the city who has some exotic brands at his outlet, "Most people who buy these luxury pens as gifts for their near and dear ones are the ones with a lot of taste and sophistication." "I have a passion for collecting beautiful and exotic pens," says Aditya Sharma while displaying his 1969 make Cartier fountain pen. He adds, "These are invaluable." Ditto for Salil Gulati, a city based fashion designer, "Holding a nice pen gives me a good feeling," he says while flaunting his Meistuck pen, costing Rs 80,000. "This kind of minute attention to detail tells a lot about your taste. Moreover, holding an expensive pen in business meetings is considered as a status symbol these days." Salil also has a Cerruti (1881 make), which costs Rs 15,000, and a Cartier Diabolo priced at Rs 25,000 in his collection. As for Fateh Bajwa, an agriculturist collecting pens is a fascination he picked in the early days of his childhood. "I still haven't got over it," he laughs, listing the names of the brands he has. Onoto, The centenary pen, Grayson Tighe custom made, Conway Stewart, Drake Sterling. Provides Aditya, a hotelier, "I have had a fascination for pens ever since my grandfather gave me a Dunhill pen when I was in class eighth." When asked about his prized possession, he immediately flashes an Omasetra (Italian make) pen that costs a few
lakhs. "I don't travel with very expensive pens; only a Mont Blanc or Cartier. I even have spy pens, which are really expensive. With these pens you can record people's conversations and click them." Given the delicate nature of these pens, a lot of maintenance is required. "Usually these pens last long as their in-built mechanism is quite enduring" says Jain. Adds Salil, "I keep these pens in their original boxes and send them once in six months to service camps organised by respective flagship boutiques in the city." Aditya, however, is more fastidious in his approach. "I keep the roller ball point pens at not less than nine degrees centigrade. For the ink pens, I usually keep them in boiling water for 24 hours every six months. I have a custom-made drawer with separate moulds for each of the pens."
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Split wide open Any show that involves women, especially names that read Sambhavna Seth, Kashmira Shah, Ishitta Arun and Anmol Singh has to be spicy. Add to the fact that it's a reality show, mud slinging, gossiping and abusing each other becomes a necessity. And that's where Imagine's latest reality show Desi Girl is reaching its high point. And guess who were the privileged contestants to provide viewers and channel wallahs the much-needed entertainment? None other than reality show queens Sambhavna Seth and Kashmira Shah. Given their reality TV background, cooking up a storm in seconds is no big deal. And this time, it was a fight for justice and righteousness (yeah, it's still reality show guys). Here's a backgrounder. The moment it was announced that the girls would have to swap their houses as well as partners, Sambhavna refused to agree to the terms and reportedly created a negative impression about co-contestant Ishitta Arun in front of her family, who was supposed to replace her in the house. This is when Kashmira stepped in and the entire drama begun. "I went over the top as I couldn't take Sambhavna's arrogance. She has been acting stubborn ever since the show started. She always tried to pick on the weaker contestants like Roshni and Anmol by threatening and abusing them. She knows that I am stronger than this and would take a stand against her tyranny." Phew…strong words by someone who was involved in a similar kind of catfights with Rakhi Sawant on Bigg Boss season 1. As for the 'straight forward' and 'honest' (surprise surprise) Sambhavna Seth, in her defence says, she is being misinterpreted. "The show is becoming cheap with everyone playing politics. I have never picked on weak contestants. Instead, I believe in fighting aginst the strongest competitor. Thanks to the showwallahs, people don't know what exactly happens. Kashmira has been speaking against me from the beginning of the show, saying things like, "I wish she gets the worst house and strict people." It's ironical, showing me as the bad girl when I am actually being targeted." As Kashmira takes up the cause of her co-contestants against the subjected cruelties of Sambhavna, she voices her strong opinion. "I have people who look upto me for inspiration. As a celebrity I have always stood up against wrong. My confrontation with Sambhavna has made other girls feel secure on the show now." And Sambhavna adds her strong observation to this strong opinion, "Kashmira has always resorted to such gimmicks for mileage. Even in Bigg Boss, she knew Rakhi was a bigger star, so she targetted her to gain popularity. I am next on her list." Hmm…wonder how the poor villagers are doing amidst all this? Well, Sailba Majri is no more safe, it has become a battleground and we are lovin
it. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Ball of a time
And who chose the best dressed individuals and accompanied them on the ramp? Well they were the celebrities who styled them at the new Jack and Jones store itself- The dazzling- Ameesha Patel, ace designer Manish Malhotra and the charming Shamita Shetty. Yuvraj Singh set the stage on fire when he was unveiled as the surprise steamy packet of the evening. According to Vineet Gautam, country head, Bestseller Retail India, "Chandigarh has always been a city known for its level of fashion consciousness and beauty. The people here are aware of what is doing the rounds at the Fashion circuits and that is why it is but natural that we decided to open a store here. Look around, everywhere you will see confident, chic and cool individuals and these are exactly the people who will carry off the Jack and Jones clothes with aplomb." Shamita Shetty liked every bit of the moment. "Walking the ramp with my individual show-stopper was special because it made me not only wear the designer's hat for the first time, but also showcase it to the world!" The Fashion show then culminated into a night of music, enigma and fun with the crème-de la- crème making it a night Chandigarh has never seen before!
— TNS |
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Music hunt Music seemed to be the sweetest and charming language as it welled forth from the depths of heart and throat of Sachin Parkhi ( 11) who rendered complex Salim numbers with immaculate perfection and so were Mukul Gill, Niharia Rai, Yajur Kapur, Monark and others. Lauding their genius 250 albums old music director, Sukhpal observed that the advanced technology has provided opportunities for them to listen grasp and follow the music genre of their choice. It is gratifying to that little masters and young girls chose classic film melodies of the days when even their parents were not born. It all the God's gift but well cared by artistes, guardians and their gurus. Classical vocalists Priyanka, Pritika Bhasin, Preetika Bhasin, Richa Sharma, Niharika Yadav, Ramandeep, Sajan Singh, Yajur Kapur performed to their best in a very close contest. Dr Arun Kant conducted the orchestra. Society president Dr Pradeep Bhardwaj disclosed that earlier the participation was limited to the doctors fraternity only from the region but for the last five years the popularity of the annual musical bonanza inspired us to give chance to the budding singers but to our surprise they very often eclipsed the performances of doctor singers. After all child is the father of man, laughs Dr Pradeep. Catch the veteran doctors and young crooners in action on June 26 at the Indradhanush auditorium
Panchkula. |
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Bag It
Da Milano's collection of laptop bags is crafted from the finest Ostrich and Croco embossed Italian leather, matt finish leather and full grain Italian leather. These sleek, compact and versatile laptop bags feature multiple compartments to store a laptop, documents, mobile phone and other essentials. The bags interiors are fully lined and have a padded compartment that can accommodate a laptop. To ensure maximum comfort these bags have a Leather padded top carry handle and come with removable and adjustable shoulder straps. Stylized with silver metal hardware, these bags have the Da Milano signature logo embossed on one of the leather side panels. Designed for the sharp dressed men and women who like to make a bold fashion statement, the collection showcases vibrant colors ranging angelic white, military green, cappuccino, mustard yellow, red, purple, bright pink, apple green, to tones of brown and black. These sophisticated and fashionable Laptop bags are priced between Rs. 5,495- 8,995 and this collection is available at all Da Milano exclusive stores and large format stores across the country.
— TNS |
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Tiramisu flavour has been introduced for the first time in flavoured milk in India by Amrit Food. It is a delicious blend of natural coffee with delicious Tiramisu flavouring that is sure to appeal to all age groups across segments. Gagan Cafe is made from low fat milk and is targeted at children, teenagers, youth and families alike. Higher disposable income, changing lifestyles and increased health concerns are altering dynamics of the Indian soft drinks industry, which is currently dominated by carbonated drinks. There is a clear shift towards 'healthy' and nutritional drinks. Milk-based beverages are among the fastest growing among non-carbonated drinks. — TNS
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An internationally acclaimed event that was founded by the UN general assembly in 1972 inspired Taj Chandigarh to celebrate the spirit and the cause with their guests. In light of the thematic vision and core values of care and concern for the environment, Taj Chandigarh in association with safari bikes ltd organised two and a half kilometers cyclothon between the hotel and Leisure Valley on June 5. The guests and the staff paddled together on bicycles for a few kilometers together communicating the theme and the message of the World Environment Day 2010. — TNS
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BODY WISE
Aerobic exercise is sustained activity, which uses large muscle groups rhythmically and continuously and elevates the heart rate and breathing for a sustained period, such as swimming, running, or brisk walking. Heart and respiratory rate increases, and more oxygen is circulated through the body. It strengthens your cardiovascular system and increases your overall strength and stamina. The goal of aerobic exercise is for your pulse to reach a training rate that is appropriate for your age. You must stay at the rate for twenty minutes, and exercise three times a week, in order to reap the benefits of aerobic exercise. However, there's a very strong case for doing fasted a.m. cardio. If you want to get the maximum possible benefits from every minute you invest in your workouts then it's definitely something you should take a closer look at. Doing cardio first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, before you eat anything, is by far, the most effective. Whether you run, jog, walk, swim, jump rope, take an aerobics class, ride a bike, etc, doing it first thing in the morning is the best time to do it for maximum fat loss. Early morning aerobic exercise on an empty stomach has three major advantages over exercising later in the day: If you do cardio immediately after eating a meal, you'll still burn fat, but you'll burn less of it because you'll be burning off the carbohydrates you ate first. You always burn a combination of fat and carbohydrate for fuel, but depending on when you exercise, you can burn a greater proportion of fat relative to carbohydrate. Also, eating causes a release of insulin. Insulin interferes with the mobilisation of body fat. Less insulin is present in the morning; therefore, more body fat is burned when cardio is done in the morning. The second best time to do it would be immediately after weight training. Lifting weights is anaerobic (carbohydrate-burning) and depletes muscle glycogen. That's why a post lifting cardio session has a similar effect as morning cardio on an empty stomach. The second benefit you'll get from early morning cardio sessions is an elevated metabolism which leads to an after burn effect. That means you continue to burn fat at an accelerated rate after the workout. If you do cardio at night, you will still burn fat during the session, and benefit from it. However, it fails to take advantage of the "after burn" effect as your metabolism drops soon as you go to sleep. Also doing cardio in the night can interfere with your sleep patterns and can cause insomnia. After a vigorous cardio workout, your body will have higher than normal levels of active endorphins. They are powerful hormones that, when present at a high level , give you energy and a state of euphoria. They also reduce stress, increase circulation and relieve pain. Here are some of the additional benefits of doing cardio early in the morning:
The only concern of doing cardio in the fasted state is the potential for losing lean body mass. After an overnight fast, glycogen, blood glucose and insulin are all low. This is an optimum environment for burning fat. One-way to help combat the possible loss of lean body mass is to eat a small protein-only meal or to consume a protein drink immediately before doing the cardio. This decreases the risk by suppressing cortisol and preventing muscle breakdown, while maintaining the high benefit by keeping your blood sugar and insulin levels low. sachinkalra@hotmail.com |
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Computer keyboards in hospitals can be more contaminated with bacteria than emergency departments, a new American study has shown. The study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found that keyboards located in triage and registration areas were more contaminated with bacteria than those in other areas of the Emergency Department. Lead author Angela Pugliese, an emergency department physician at Henry Ford Hospital, said, "Contamination was predominantly found in non-treatment areas. "This suggests that only areas without true patient contact, and likely less frequent hand washing, might benefit from using washable silicone rubber or antibacterial keyboards instead of a standard keyboard." Multiple studies have found colonies of bacteria on computer keyboards. Due to the threat of its potential spread to patients, Henry Ford's Information Technology and Infection Control departments recommended exchanging traditional keyboards in the Emergency Department for washable, silicone rubber models. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and type of keyboard contamination before replacing the keyboards. Seventy-two standard, non-silicone rubber keyboards were swabbed on two different days, six days apart. All keyboard keys, except the function keys, were cultured and analysed for bacteria. Less than 14 percent, or 10 keyboards, were colonized with nine different bacteria. Of the keyboards in non-treatment areas, nearly 32 percent were contaminated, versus less than nine percent in treatment areas. — ANI
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Enter lady Ophelia
Her claim to fame may be Bollywood but actress Kalki Koechlin hasn't put her love for theatre aside. She is all set to play Ophelia in the Shakespearean classic Hamlet on stage. Even after the huge success of Dev D which catapulted her to stardom, the 27-year-old actress has managed to stay low key and away from the limelight. "I am enjoying myself doing English theatre in addition to the films that I have in hand. I would be joining this play, which is already in the running, called Hamlet - The Clown Prince. I would be enacting the role of Ophelia," said Kalki, who played the teen prostitute Chanda in her debut film, which was one of the highest grossers of 2009. "I consider myself lucky that despite movies happening to me, I am still managing to get time out for theatre. I have been doing this play called The Skeleton Woman which was also co-written by me. It has been doing really very well," said the actress. Instead of going into a film-signing spree after the success of her first film, the actress is taking it slow and balancing commercial movies with offbeat ones. Despite completing two films in the interim, That Girl in Yellow Boots and Happy Journey and signing two major films, Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara as well as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's My Friend Pinto opposite Pratiek Babbar, Kalki isn't quite seen painting the town red. "I am quite a low key person. I am happy with the work that I am doing, whether it is films or theatre. For me it is all about working hard and learning something new everyday. I am not interested in publicising myself," said Kalki. Born to French parents and named after the last incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the actress majored in acting and scripting from the University of London before coming to Mumbai to strike out in Bollywood. "It is great if I am getting wonderful offers but I have to fall in love with the script first. It does take time after all to find something, which truly inspires me. Until that happens, I don't feel the need to pick up anything and everything," said Kalki. Kalki has only one piece of advice for newcomers. "I would advise any newcomer that, have your own ethics and values and see the results for yourself. If you start following others or ape someone, you will end up being like everyone else, said Kalki.
— PTI |
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"We have got the permission from the concerned authorities for the shooting of these two ad films in Mumbai," said a senior Tourism Ministry official, adding "the purpose is to launch an awareness campaign and sensitise the public to keep these places clean." Though neither Mehra nor Aamir will be charging any fee for the film, the ministry will have to bear the cost of shooting. "It would cost about Rs 50 lakh for each film," said the official. Aamir is the brand ambassador for the ministry's Atithi Deva Bhavo campaign and had already done a series of ad films for the Incredible India campaign. Though the date of the launching of these latest ads has not yet been decided, the ministry is hoping to encash on the popularity of Aamir. — PTI
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"I still have sadness about my divorce. But my aim is always to progress - to be a better father, a better boyfriend, a better friend, a better actor. My goals are to improve in all areas of life," Phillippe said. "If you're fearful and you're closing yourself off from potentially wonderful or beautiful additions to your life, that's not going to lead anywhere positive," he added. The 35-year-old star also doesn't agree with shouting at his young children, which he believes has contributed to them growing up well-behaved. "Since the time my children were just one or two years old, I've spoken to them like they're intelligent, and used bigger words than maybe they could comprehend at the time. I talked to them not necessarily as equals but as valued individuals. I haven't raised my voice to my children in years. They're really well behaved and conscientious," the actor said. — PTI
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The man accused of stealing Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst's 1,330 pounds designer purse from a New York City hotel room has been convicted of burglary. James Jimenez was accused of raiding the Spiderman star's suite at the SoHo Grand Hotel in Manhattan in 2007, while the actress was filming How to Lose Friends and Alienate People with Simon Pegg and Megan Fox nearby. Jimenez was found guilty of burglary and trespassing at a Manhattan Supreme Court hearing on Friday. The judgement ends a case that brought Dunst to the witness stand twice to testify, reported a publication. Pegg was also asked to testify before the jury members during the trial. Jimenez was convicted of trespassing last year, but jury members were left deadlocked on a more serious burglary charge. The verdict ended a retrial. — PTI
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The Spinning Around hit-maker took her act to the States last year, performing in cities including Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York. The shows failed to make a profit and ended up costing the singer money, but the 45-year-old singer insisted that the tour was worth it, a publication reported. "It was a micro-tour, but I've got to tell you it was so rewarding. It was a mission from the heart... It was like... Setting my wallet on fire because basically it just made no financial sense to do it, but I just reached a point where I thought, 'That's it! I just wanna!' I got a lot of reward from it. Right back to the heart, so it was amazing," said Minogue. — PTI
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While Neeson's item is 'Texas toast topped with a seared-sausage patty, grilled jalapenos, scrambled egg and melted American cheese', Farrell's healthy option features pineapple, banana, cottage cheese and granola in a tortilla. "It's just like you went in and did an inventory of my fridge," said the 34-year-old actor. — PTI
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A man arrested on suspicion of harassing actress Keira Knightley has walked free. The case against him has been dropped because the star was unable to appear before the court to give evidence. Marek Daniluk was taken into custody in February this year after the Pirates of the Caribbean star told police she felt threatened by his regular presence outside London's Comedy Theatre, where she had been performing in The Misanthrope. He appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this year, where he pleaded not guilty to harassment. Daniluk was told that the case was finished and he was allowed to walk free, reported a website. The 25-year-old British actress was reportedly given several possible dates to appear in court to testify, but was unavailable on each occasion, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. — PTI
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Do you have a passion for writing? Are you looking for a luxury gift for someone special in your life? Or a retirement or commemorative gift? What better than a limited edition pen? 
Jack and Jones, the men's denims and apparel brand from Bestseller, with its launch on Saturday decided to put the best dressed from Chandigarh on the ramp at the Jack and Jones Fashion Show, organised at The Hometel, Chandigarh. 
Cricket-sensation, Yuvraj Singh who drew quite an applause when he hit the ramp, had this to say, "I loved walking the ramp for Jack and Jones because it is one brand that makes my ward-robe urban, cool and confident. Hitting the runway was fun and exhilarating. Walking the ramp made me realise how important your sense of attire is when you are referred to as a style icon. Your fashion mantra is taken as a guideline." 
Music is a dynamic progressive phenomenon which grows with life but its intuitive realisation comes from a musical environment at any age. This perception gathered weight as over 100 artistes from different walks of life converged at the Hotel Pallavi-II for participating in the musical auditions for the thirteenth annual editions of Swar Sangam-2010 Panchkula's programme to be held at Indradhanush. The auditions were conducted under the direction of Dr Pradeep Bhardwaj,chairperson, Swar Sangam Society while the panel of judges included directors Sukhpal, Dr Suman Joshi and Dr Arun Kant. 
Da Milano introduces a new collection of laptop bags for both men and women. Designed in Da Milano's exclusive studios by qualified Italian designers, this range of computer bags is sleek, compact and trendy. These uber stylish, modern and trendy bags are perfectly designed to carry a laptop and all essentials. Da Milano's laptop bags are the perfect wardrobe accessory, ideally suited for those who want to make an individual style statement. 
To help combat the sizzling hot summer months, dairy company Amrit Food has launched a cool new international flavour- Tiramisu to add to the existing range of Gagan Café. Tiramisu is the latest addition to Gagan Café, a range of coffee flavoured milk currently available in four flavours- Coffee Hazelnut, Coffee Caramel, Coffee Vanilla and Cappuccino. 
The theme of World Environment Day 2010 on Saturday was "Many Species. One Planet. One Future." The theme echoes the urgent call to conserve the diversity of life on our planet. A world without biodiversity is a very bleak prospect. Millions of people and millions of species all share the same planet, and only together can we enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
One of the most frequently asked questions in reference to aerobic exercise is, "What is the best time to do it, and why?" 
Noted film star Aamir Khan has been roped in by Tourism Ministry for its new cleanliness campaign. The 3 Idiots star will feature in two films of 60 seconds each to be shot in Mumbai by Bollywood director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra of Rang De Basanti fame. In the films, the 45-year-old actor will appeal to people to keep public places like railway stations, airports, bus stops and tourism sites clean.
Hollywood actor Ryan Phillippe is still sad about his divorce from Reese Witherspoon. The MacGruber actor, who split with the Oscar-winning star after seven years of marriage in 2006, admits he still feels the pain of the relationship ending but aims to learn from the experience and become a better father to their children Ava, 10 and Deacon, six.
Pop star Kylie Minogue has no regrets about losing money on her recent US shows even though the tour made a loss as she found the American gigs "rewarding".
Hollywood actor Colin Farrell is not too impressed with the breakfast menu item named after him at a bar in Las Vegas. The Alexander star is accompanied by Irish actors Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan on the menu at the bar Murphy's Law. But Farrell is far from impressed with the fruity treat name after him while his fellow countrymen were given more macho dishes, reported a publication.