Caddie is your best buddie;, your playmate turns soulmate and the fellow that plays the best game is generally the adversary. Things change on the golf course. Didn't someone compare the game to a love affair; if you don't take it seriously, it's no fun; if you do take it seriously, it breaks your heart!

Eighteen holes of match will tell you more about a person than as many years of dealing. Amidst the redefined relationships, how do couples take off after teeing off? Some conversations over the clubs and amidst some greens reveals there are more and more joining the bandwagon.

"I have been golfing for five-six years now and my wife has been doing so for five years. It became a passion with me and then I stayed more and more at the course, till my wife completely subscribed to the term 'golfing widow'," laughs Vijay Sharma, software consultant, on how the couple together got introduced to the game. The rest as they always say is history, and as of now, "It's just living at the golf course as the game is a passion with both."

Somewhat similar to how Cdr(retd) SS Rai got on the course with his wife Gulshan Rai. "I took to golf as soon as I retired from the Navy. My wife initially wasn't very keen but then we got her and my friend's wife enrolled together." He adds, "It's been two-three years since we both share the same passion. Now we play seven days a week and sometimes I play with her to help her improve."

While the competitive streak may or may not show, the game invariably seeps into the discussions at home. "If we've been playing separately, then we discuss what all we did, with whom we played, what went wrong and what not? And if playing together, there are all the more things to discuss," shares Pritpal Gill who got introduced to the game by Cdr. RBS Gill. "I've been playing for five years now, while he's been into it since 20 years so obviously he's much better than me at the game."

So the greens of the turf doesn't translate into envy and the pleasure of a good game outdoes the rivalry of a lost game! Adds Vijay Sharma, "We play two holes together, two separate and some with our own respective circles…it's a great way to hash out your differences, since there's a different scenario altogether from home. Even at home the game very much forms a part of the discussion." No wonder, there are couples that testify by the power of a good game. Isn't it time they included it in the commandments of a happy marriage? Opines Pritpal Gill, "It's good, quality time spent together amidst different surroundings. There's a completely different atmosphere. Moreover, any common passion is a subject for healthy meaningful conversations later on."

In any case it's all about the much talked about joy in the flight of a good drive. As Cdr SS Rai, laughs, "If you play golf together, time just flies; it's especially good for retired persons like me. It is a healthy way of doing things and moreover you are much more likely to smile at each other after a good game than if you were just sitting at home or doing anything else."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Okay, you have heard it enough. Side affects of technology! But this wouldn't stop the 'crusaders' from talking about the damages mobile phones and other related hi-fi items have done to the environment, and us in general. And here is what the tech brands are doing to nullify the affects, which is part of their social responsibility towards society. It is indeed time someone thought about it!

And Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd does 'something' good with the launch of Samsung Takeback and Recycle (STAR) Programme in India. The programme is aimed at generating awareness and educating consumers about the importance of recycling e-waste, and is being rolled out nationally in phases. Through the programme, Samsung tries to create a 'recycling-based society' and at the same time contributes towards preserving the environment by using resources efficiently. "As a part of this programme, Samsung will encourage consumers to recycle Samsung branded consumer electronics sold in India, ranging from televisions, DVD and VHS players, audio equipment and home theatre systems, mobile phones, cameras, camcorders, computer monitors, printers, IT peripherals and home appliances, absolutely free of cost. Consumers can dispose portable products at 235 locations in 20 cities across the Samsung service centre network," says JS Shin, president & CEO, Samsung South West Asia HQ.

For bigger products, consumers can avail the product collection facility on a nominal payment basis (if the location is outside the municipal limits) or drop the product at any of the company's 291 collection centres in 21 cities. This initiative will gradually be extended throughout the country. Time for a balancing act? "Indeed, it is high time that saving the environment becomes a collective campaign," says Sneha Mahajan, who is pursuing her doctorate on soil erosion in Punjab. "No matter how much we want to deny, the growth in technology has pulled out a fat chunk of green from the nature, which has disturbed the ecological balance. Mobile companies taking note of it by recycling their products is a good initiative."

Ditto for Nokia, which is promoting its 'Take Back' campaign wherein mobile phone users dispose off their handsets and accessories at any of the recycling bins set up across Nokia priority dealers and Nokia day care centres, no matter what brand they belong to. In return, Nokia will plant a tree for each handset dropped in the recycling bin and gifting presents to the people participating in the campaign. Sanjay Ahuja, mobile phone dealer, feels an active campaign on the eco-friendly recycling bit is important. "One cannot just place a bin in the store and expect people to throw their mobile phones there. People should be made aware, by telling them why it is so important to recycle mobiles and what good it would do."

Of course, there is no saying goodbye to mobile phones; the least we can do is play the balancing act!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Day 1…anticipated first row, backstage action, last moment delays and a grand opening. The Chandigarh Fashion Week opens with wedding trousseaus and lots of celebrities.

It’s a work of art showcasing various facets of the city, and photographer as well as social anthropologist Barbel Hogner does it well with her book Chandigarh — Living with Le Corbusier.

A pictorial presentation of our city in the past and present perspective, her book examines how French architect Le Corbusier’s legacy has found pace with the daily rhythm of Indian life. From Le Corbusier’s famous buildings in the Capitol Complex to local rituals in the wide, open spaces to capturing the festival of Dasehra…the images in the book paint a multifaceted picture of this uniquely planned city.

And how did the idea of penning a book on the city strike her? “It was during a discussion about India with my guide that we came to the topic of Chandigarh, its architecture, Le Corbusier and how it has evolved over the years. As an anthropologist, it interested me and it was on my visit to the city in 2005 that I clicked some photographs. I started working on the photographs in 2006 and then put up an exhibition on Chandigarh at Frankfurt. It was appreciated and that boosted my morale.”

Barbel also put up a photography exhibition at the Government Museum and Art Gallery in 2009. Talking about the city she says, “Before I came here I thought the city would be lost and will have nothing of the Corbusier influence, but I was surprised to see it intact. In fact, what is interesting is the amalgamation of the foreign and local tastes. The city has foreign architecture, but an Indian touch to it and this is what my book showcases.”

Joining Barbel, the designer of the book Elmar Lixenfeld also praises the city and says, “It’s my first visit to the city and I must say it is structured, neat, green and disciplined.”

Having attempted translation of the story of Chandigarh and its culture Barbel says, “I think over the years the city has developed its own standards. Though the foundation is foreign, it has a distinct Indian character and this is what makes the city interesting to a foreign eye.”

Divided into three sections — concrete, bricks (a metaphor for homes and sector structure) and trees — it took her four years to complete the book. “In the first section of the book I talk about how space and buildings were created, and we still have buildings like Fun Republic made on the Corbusier designs. The second section is about homes, the previous designs and the latest ones that are absolutely modern and have nothing to do with Corbusier designs. The third is about the open spaces and their utility.”

Indeed Barbel bridges the gap between the French architects legacy and the daily legacy of Indian life!

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Students of Yadavindra Public School, Mohali and Patiala have sent across the message 'No to crackers, Yes to light' for this Diwali. On the clarion call of Fr Thomas KJ, director of Roshni, a voluntary organisation at Rajpura, they decided to say goodbye to crackers and light lamps for a pollution-free, meaningful Diwali, and the money thus saved, will be utilised to show their concern for the physically challenged children under the care of Roshni across the region.

Ashok, a differently-abled boy and member of Roshni, recognised by UNICEF for working in Kargil for the past four years for the welfare of children with disabilities, and teaching English to the local school going children, was felicitated by the students during a function organised at Rajpura recently. — TNS

On the occasion of Diwali, LG dealer Amar Electronics Plaza (SCO 202, Sec 14, Panchkula) announces a three-day LG trade fair from October 29-31. Amar Electronics will be presenting customers with many exiting offers and an impeccable shopping experience. Unveiling of LG's first full LED 3D TV will be the main attraction.

Recently launched, the TV is loaded with unique features like infinia design, high dynamic mega contrast ratio, full HD displaying super-high resolution, invisible speakers, fast response time, DivX through USB 2.0 and an IPS enabled LED LCD panel. The TV is available in two sizes - 47 inches and 55 inches.

Says Anil Kamboj, area manager, LG electronics, "It gives us great pleasure to showcase the world's first full LED 3D TV. Haryana and Punjab have always been very important markets for us. We have received a lot of support from the consumers in the region and with Diwali round the corner, we look forward to some great sales." The fair comes as a festive bonanza for consumers and provides them with an excellent opportunity to buy the latest LG products. — TNS

Bausch + Lomb has launched Biotrue, a multi-purpose solution that is inspired by the biology of your eyes. A unique concept in lens care, Biotrue multi-purpose solution works like the eyes to help lenses stay clean and moist throughout the day.

"Some of the best ideas can start with nature's inspiration. Biotrue is the result of taking a look at the most natural place, the eye, and creating a lens care solution that works like the eyes," said Mohinder Merchea, director, Medical Affairs, North America, Vision Care at Bausch + Lomb.

Clinical testing has demonstrated that Biotrue solution delivers clean and comfortable lenses. It moistens in a way your eyes do, as it uses a lubricant similar to that found in your eyes. Biotrue forms a hydrating network that envelops the lens in a moisture-rich cushion. Additionally, it is pH-balanced to match healthy tears. Biotrue provides a dual disinfection system that fights germs. It helps remove proteins that can build up and blur vision, while maintaining certain beneficial tear proteins in their natural state, for clean lenses.

"Wearing contact lenses in today's world of less sleep, environmental pollution, more time at the computer, and drying heating and air conditioning systems makes it harder for eyes to stay comfortable and healthy," said Sunil Gadgil, GM Marketing, India, Vision Care. "Our eyes are a biological wonder and our window to the world, so it's critical that we take care of them."

Beginning in November 2010, Biotrue multi-purpose solution will be available in India. Biotrue, featuring a clear bottle that allows you to track how much solution remains, will be launched in a 300 ml pack for Rs 400. — TNS

Fujezone, a new player in telecom industry, has launched two new mobile handsets True Touch and T-10, both new generation mobile phones offering multi-feature, incredible looks and affordably.

Featuring an easy-to-use touch screen and simple user interface, the True Touch makes quick dialing, navigation and selection a breeze. Stylish, smart and versatile, it opens up a world of media, communication and social interaction.

Optimised for entertainment, the True Touch lets you enjoy your favorite music and movie clips through the integrated media suite. You can upload, store and share your media files with microSD removable memory. Dual sim and dual camera are the best offerings by the company keeping in mind the ever growing need to change and adapt to its customers requirement.

The mobile handset is available in black color. This multi feature model is comes at a special festive price of Rs 4,499. — TNS

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and his to-be bride Priyanka Alva both sported matching shades of crimson at their mehendi ceremony on Wednesday, which took place at a sprawling farm house in Bangalore.

Priyanka Alva

The couple will tie the knot in a traditional ceremony on Friday and celebrations are already afoot. Priyanka, a 28-year-old management graduate from London, was dressed in an orange ghagra choli for the mehendi ceremony which was attended by friends and relatives. Priyanka, daughter of former Karnataka Minister, late Jeevraj Alva, will tie the knot with 34-year-old Vivek tomorrow. Vivek, who arrived in Bangalore after a hectic schedule to promote his film Raktha Charitra, appeared relaxed and comfortable in his crimson apparel as he mixed with the invitees at the pre-wedding events.

The afternoon lunch saw a spread of culinary delights from Italy, apart from some light refreshments, sources said. A part of the venue bustled with activity as chefs went about preparing the elaborate menu, a fusion of Punjabi and South Indian cuisine with some special dishes thrown in, for the party that will begin here late evening. Long white drapes, lush greenery, flowers and scented oils set the ambience for the evening. Guests, including close family members and relatives of the couples who arrived here and others set the festive mood for the wedding. DJ Jasmeet is expected to add some punch to the event by belting out the latest numbers of Rakht Charitra and other Bollywood songs from Vivek's films.The couple who will both sport designer Tarun Tahilani's creations would be blessed at the ceremony by close family friends and relatives. — PTI

It seems model-actor Dino Morea is really looking forward to US President Barack Obama's trip to India in early November. He says he would love to play basketball with him.

"Wonder if Obama will have time to chill and play some basketball. Would love to shoot some hoops with the prezzz," Dino posted on his Twitter page.

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is set to walk the ramp for designer duo Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor at the forthcoming Amby Valley India Bridal Week.

Kangana will be sporting a lehenga to showcase the bridal collection.

Describing her showstopper ensemble, Anjalee said: "It's a salmon pink coloured trail lehenga with completely silver crystallised ornamentation. This fish scaled-inspired lehenga has our signature jewelled look. The lehenga is paired with a ruffled top and a jewelled glove."

The fashion event will be held in Mumbai Oct 29-Nov 2.

— IANS

Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone launched the soundtrack of Hindi film, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey on Wednesday. The movie is a period film and is based on author Manini Chatterjee's book 'Do and Die', which describes the Chittagong Uprising of 1930.

Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was also present on the occasion, said the essence of the songs lay in the language.

"Now these characters are Bengali. If I use pure Urdu with them, that will sound false. So, it should sound as if it has just been translated from Bengali. That effect should come in the language," said Akhtar.

The movie's composer, Sohail Sen, said that creating the soundtrack for the film was a different experience.

"Giving that Bengal's feel to it. And looking into what instruments are used there like madhav and iktara (single-string) are used there a lot. Compiling the sound from those instruments, we designed the songs," said Sen.

The movie is set to release worldwide on December 3. — ANI

It's a balmy Friday afternoon and the queue outside the 15th Edition of CII Chandigarh Fair-2010 at the Parade Ground in Sector-17 has already swelled up. Any kind of exhibition goes down well with the city folks and when it is a mega carnival event right before Diwali, it sure calls for a recee!

And here we go, hopping from one block to another, examining, feeling the products; sometimes trying it out ourselves. This is what a real customer does; this is something we see everyone doing!

The CII Chandigarh Fair has something for everyone, by everyone, we would want to stress, something for all kinds of women - the ones interested only in home décor, ones looking for stuff that could add to their décor, ones interested in fine arts, and a slot on a peek-a-boo, promising to return later in the day with the walkie-talkie debit card, but of course their husbands!

Furniture - sofa sets in wood and metal - enticing designs in a not-so-enticing price range! Unique Furniture, Glass Palace companies laid out their stuff that was different from last year's display.

Newer designs, fabrics (suede, animal prints, mixed silk), the furniture stalls sure had people dropping by for inquires. Modular kitchens, sanitary-ware offering state-of-the-art jacuzzis from the house of Glamour Aqua Luxuries, home appliances including geysers, kitchen burners, toasters, irons, lighters, blenders, juicers, kitchen products…women buyers have a handful!

Two things that are next to impossible to miss are the imported quilts and socks. "Saarey ghar key badal dalo -socks," the seller at one of the stalls adopts an uncanny way of marketing, and he sure had eyeballs turn!

Home Shopping, if you have seen the piercing choppers only on television, here is your chance to see them live - choppers, cutters and mixers from Home Shopping.

For people who have Diwali gifts in mind, the fair has enough as well. Quotational paintings (starting Rs 100); Metal Kraft (vases, stands, trays), lifestyle products from Bangkok (a tempting display of banana, pineapple and chocolates) and much more. A few nitty gritty's that we see mostly, but are sought after by ladies across all age groups (jewellery, clutches, bags,), balloon décor, perfumes (Rs 100 for 3) also keep people busy.

Everything on one side…it was Pakistani stalls that did the trick. Call it curiosity; the enclave had more consumers drop by than anywhere else.

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

Love is the soul as well as the sole virtue of our life, and our folk songs kindle love for our traditional culture. We are proud of our heritage and being associated with Warszawianka - folk song and dance ensemble of Poland," claim its director, Jan Jacek Losakiewicz, and lead actor Ewa Juliana Sonczyk, from the Warsaw University.

"Our folk songs and dances reflect the living styles of people. We still retain their pristine purity. Fredrick Chopin, Henryk Wieniaswaki and Satnistaw Monivszko are among the noted classical composers," adds Jan Jacek Losakiewicz, pianist and composer-director of the troupe.

The troupe is in the city on the invitation of ICCR and department of Information and Public Relations, Haryana, for a performance at the Indradhanush auditorium at Panchkula.

The troupe comprises over one a hundred trained folk dancers, all students from different disciplines of the University of Warsaw, out of which 22 performed on Friday.