Peace
message
from Oz
There’s a deep thought behind each detail of these artworks. Even behind the visible cello-tapes used to join all the even-sized rectangles that take the shape of a portrait, there’s a creative idea. The portraits are of 10 Sikh men who have migrated to Australia from India. “Their faces mirror the resolve to survive in Australia. And the cello-tapes that make a collage of the portrait, indicates their vulnerability.” Titled Faith, the exhibition of portraits by the Australia-based artist, Daniel Connell has a two-point agenda. “First is aimed at the Australians. It’s to make them aware of how humble and wonderful Sikhs are. Second is to make Indians comfortable and help them realise that ours is a hospitable society.”
Dealing with this sensitive issue was never easy, especially after the attacks on Indians but Daniel realised that someone has to make a beginning. “Someone has to initiate the process of restoring faith in the multi-dimensional society of Australia, where one out of every three persons is not born in the country. I tried doing that by putting up portraits in the restaurants, metro stations, bus stops and even the streets of Adelaide.” Public places were preferred to museums and art galleries to reach out to maximum people. We get a glimpse of how the portrait looks at the public places through a five-minute documentary he has made on the same subject. The background music of it is a popular Punjabi number, Teriyan Gulabi Bullan. “Indians bring along their rich culture. If not on an equally grand scale, they do celebrate their festivals and Punjabi music is played in discs, taxis, shopping malls.” The exhibition, he says, was important to make people see the real picture, which they mistook as racial attacks. “Attacks on Indians weren’t racial in nature.” He elaborates, “Indian population has exploded in the last five years. They work till late at night and at that time, they are as vulnerable as anybody else on the streets. It was the media that blew it out of proportion.” He was perturbed with India’s reaction, especially with a Mumbai-based politician, who warned that he would not let the Australian cricket team play in India. “I need not say more than that Biharis in Mumbai weren’t treated better either.” But with this he doesn’t mean to justify whatever happened in Australia. “Injustice in any form shouldn’t be tolerated. Efforts should be made to better the relations between the two countries.” Coming to his artwork again, his first subject was Lakhvir Singh. It was through him that he met others from the community. “With a turban and beard, their personality is dominating. They made for the perfect subjects, but weren’t very simple to draw.” And he found sketching turbans really difficult, “It has to have proper folds and layers or it’ll look like a lump on the head. The religious connotation of the turban adds to its significance.” Next, Connell plans to take the exhibition to Ludhiana. “If the exhibition can help in the image makeover of Australia and restore faith of Indians, I’ll add more cities to the plan.” Thus justifying the title of exhibition —Faith Once More. ashima@tribunemail.com (From January 13 to 17 at the Punjab Kala Bhawan) |
No blues this winter!
Have you been irritable, sluggish, extra-sensitive or craving for sweet food lately? Chances are that you are having ‘winter blues’.
No sun, short days and extremely cold weather affects one’s life in more ways than one. Winter ailments—cough, cold, flu—bog one down physically. Bereft of one’s social life, due to shorter days, many feel low, which is generally termed as ‘winter blues.’ “With a change in season many people suffer from mild depression. Lesser hours of daylight result in increased hunger, more sleep, irritability and increased anxiety. When all these factors come together, one might be under full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder,” says Nitasha Khehra, assistant professor, MCM DAV College-36. In cold countries, where the sun is not out for months, people turn to heated gases or depend on light bulbs to keep away the depression. But, here, when the weather is no so extreme, tackling winter blues is not all that difficult. All one needs is the will to do that! Amanjot Kaur, a third-year engineering student, uses shorter days to spend more time with the family. “In winter, going out is curtailed since it gets dark early. But I am happy that I am able to spend more time with my family members,” says this girl. Nothing compares with the cosiness of the bed, and Amanjot makes most of it. She has authors like Dan Brown and Khaled Hoseini to give her company. “Winter is the time when I catch up on reading. Snuggled in the bed in a world far away, where’s the scope of feeling low?” questions Aman, who is through with The Alchemist this winter and is on with Eleven Minutes. Nitasha Khehra’s mantra to keep off winter blues is simple. “Be active,” she says. “Pranayam is one option that you can well avail of in the comfort of your room,” suggests Nitasha. “Or, even better would be to pursue a hobby that you enjoy,” she adds. That’s precisely what Bobby Sharma, a professional photographer, does. “I do commercial photography to earn a living, but I click nature to please myself,” he says. Every winter, he dashes off for a small jaunt in search of beautiful pictures. “Surprisingly, Himachal Pradesh is far more sunnier than plains. I often travel to this hilly state to capture its pristine glory,” says Bobby over the phone from World Photo Fair, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Indu Sharma, a computer instructor from Panchkula, packs herself in woollens and dashes off to a nearby park for a brisk walk. “With winter around, it’s so hard to resist the sweet and fried temptations. Best way to not put on weight is to burn some calories,” shares Indu. “It also lifts the mood,” she adds. Cool fundas!
Expose yourself to light: Work next to a window; keep the lights switched on. Take food rich in Vitamin D: Try milk, eggs, fish and grains. Get your immunity level up: Have enough of Vitamin C; make most of seasonal fruits like orange or aamla. Be social: Invite friends over for a meal or go have a cup of coffee with your pals. Keep yourself warm: Wear layers of clothing rather than a huge jacket that weighs you down. Go for bright colours: What if we can’t see the sun? Spread sunshine by wearing some happy colours. Get some exercise: Dress up warmly and march out. Be positive: It’s the sure shot way to happiness. (Courtesy: Internet) With a change in season many people suffer from mild depression. Lesser hours of daylight result in increased hunger, more sleep, irritability and increased anxiety. When all these factors come together, one might be under full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder — Nitasha Khehra, assistant professor |
Adieu Shauq
American playwright August Wilson was undoubtedly clear about the benefits of laughter. ‘All you need in the world is love and laughter. That’s all anybody needs. To have love in one hand and laughter in the other,’ he said. And one man who had his hands full with both was Vivek Shauq, comedian-actor from Bollywood. Sadly, Monday morning brought the news of his demise due to a heart attack. Starting from Jaspal Bhatti’s Flop Show, Vivek made his way into the hearts of fans, family and friends with a serene smile. Born on June 21, 1963, at Chandigarh, Vivek started his acting career with theatre and television. He then shifted his focus to Punjabi and Hindi films. He worked with and was greatly influenced by Jaspal Bhatti. Vivek was also related to the Sant Nirankari Mission and very fluent in Urdu. His close friend GAP Singh from Chandigarh, who has known him for four decades, remembers the time when he flew down from Mumbai to see him when he was hospitalised. “He was busy with his work in Mumbai, but when he came to know I wasn’t well, he immeditely came down to see me,” says Singh. A qualified mechanical engineeer, Vivek shifted to acting because of the sheer passion for it. He acted in serials like Ulta Pulta, Flop Show and Full Tension. Vivek worked with the best producers and actors in Bollywood and went on to deliver almost 50 films like Aitraaz, 36 China Town, Hum Ko Deewana kar Gaye, Asa Nu Maan Watna Da, Mini Punjab, Gadar et al. Jaspal Bhatti, the man who gave him a break, remembers Vivek as a man of commitment. “He was my first student, but I got to learn a lot from him. Undoubtedly a fabulous person, I am shocked that he is no more around,” says Bhatti. Another co-worker, comedian Bhagwant Mann credits Vivek for giving him professional advice and being there for him whenever he wanted. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
Officials of cosmetic firm L'Oreal Paris have denied reports that Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai has been replaced by Frieda Pinto as the new brand ambassador. Reports of Frieda replacing Aishwarya came up after the Slumdog Millionaire star featured in L'Oreal's 'Happy New Year' television commercial. "We are shocked and surprised to read in some sections of the media/press about Ms Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being replaced as the face of L'Oréal Paris," said an official statement from the firm. "She is one of the most iconic women of our times and is certainly the face of L'Oréal Paris internationally and in India for a range of products which include campaigns for Total Repair 5, Excellence Crème, Color Riche, Hydrafresh," the statement added. — IANS |
Actor Shweta Salve, a dance enthusiast, is now set to co-host Zee TV's reality show Dance India Dance Doubles along with actor Jay Bhanushali, and she is extremely upbeat about it. "I am very excited to be part of this show because this is the only show, which is for the aam janata, who get a larger than life platform to showcase their talent. Getting to host a dance reality show is a different high altogether as I know how contestants feel on stage because I have been a contestant once and can relate to their feelings," Shweta said. Dance India Dance Doubles will see three judges—Geeta Kapoor, Rajeev Surthi and Marzi Pestonji, apart from 'mahaguru' Mithun Chakraborty. Shweta, who was the runner-up in the first season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in 2006, says she is passionate about dance, and is looking forward to hosting the show."I have worked with all three judges in the past and I am looking forward to learn not from them,” said the actor, who is a trained classical singer. —IANS |
FRIENDS AGAIN
Former party pals Britney Spears and Paris Hilton were unexpectedly reunited recently after turning up as guests to the same Hollywood dinner party.The Toxic hitmaker cut heiress Hilton out of her life in 2008 after suffering a breakdown, which saw her lose custody of her two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Spears has since cleaned up her act and has been working on resurrecting her pop career, while Hilton has found herself in trouble with the law on numerous occasions last year for drug possession.But the two blondes smiled and posed for the cameras on Thursday after coming face-to-face at Palihouse private diners club for a mutual friend's birthday party, which Spears attended as her boyfriend Jason Trawick's date, reported E! online."Britney was shy with most of the people there. But she and Paris hugged and talked for awhile," said an eyewitness. — PTI |
Hollywood beauty Carey Mulligan is desperate to grow back her hair which she had cut short for a film role.The constant changes in hairstyles have taken such a toll on her locks that the Oscar nominated actress has turned to a hair-loss supplement to try to restore her tresses to their former glory.The 25-year-old British actor has been reduced to tears by the state of her hair, taking the protein capsules in a desperate bid to make it grow back after a particularly dramatic cut. "She would do anything to have long, natural hair again, but she can't grow it. She's been recommended to take the pills for six months. While her hair is slowly but surely growing back, it's taking a long time and she doesn't feel she will have her confidence back until she's happy with it," said a source close to the actress.But Mulligan, who broke up from her Wall Street:Money Never Sleeps co-star Shia Labeouf, does not want to get hair extensions."She won't have hair extensions because it would be too much of an effort. She barely wears make-up and is very natural. She eats organic food and wears ethical clothing so for her to become fake would go against everything she stands for," the source added. — PTI |
Pop diva and actor Jennifer Lopez is all set to make a slender appearance in her judging debut on 'American Idol' this month by shedding her curvaceous derriere.The 41-year-old actor is training under Tracy Anderson, who was pop star Madonna's ex-fitness instructor, reported Daily Mail.Anderson's celebrity clients include Hollywood actor Gwyneth Paltrow and Columbian singer Shakira."Jen is one of the hardest-working fitness fanatics in Hollywood and definitely has the discipline for Tracy's tough regime. She loves the difference Tracy's dance workout has already made," a friend said.The Maid in Manhattan star liked what Anderson did for Shakira and wanted the same. Earlier, Madonna had to go through extreme workouts with the trainer.Lopez previously worked out with Gunnar Peterson, who got her back into shape after she had twins. — PTI |
Couple of bruises
Hollywood's ‘It’ couple Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise have reportedly decided to boycott next month's Oscars because they are miffed with actress Anne Hathaway, who will be hosting the ceremony.
The 28-year-old actor, who will be presenting the 83rd Academy Awards alongside 127 Hours actor James Franco, upset Holmes by mocking her on the US comedy show Saturday Night Live in November. The Devil Wears Prada star was guest-presenting the comedy show when she mimicked the 32-year-old actor in a sketch, speaking in breathy tones and constantly tucking her hair behind her ear. And the Cruises don't want a awkward red carpet confrontation with her during Oscar night. "Tom and Katie don't want to have to cross paths with Anne. They used to be friends and took Anne to a Tina Turner concert in 2008 when Anne split up from her boyfriend Raffaello Follieri," said a source. —PTI |
Breathtaking Alps, splendid lakes, world's best timepieces and a horde of 'Bollywood memories' -Switzerland remains one of the favourite destinations for Indians. And vice versa seems true as well, as a team of around dozen representatives from Switzerland Tourism trooped in on the city on Monday as part of their road show to woo Indian travellers. "North Indians make for as much as 40 per cent of tourists that visit Switzerland every year, making it a very important market segment for us," says Ritu Sharma deputy director India, Switzerland Tourism. Their tourism sector has come up with new plans in 2011. Among the holiday options that Switzerland offers is gondola rides on snow-capped peaks, a visit to cities that offer a fine commentary on cultural history, gastronomy and wine holidays as well as soft adventures. "The Swiss are mad about hiking and this is what we offer to our visitors as well," says Micheal Maeder, managing director, Switzerland Tourism. Among the splendid offers are Swissminiatur, which offers a ride through most important Swiss buildings, monuments and transportation means in one hour. If you want to get yourself clicked with Shahrukh Khan and Kajol's cutouts, its Mt Titlis glacier for you. "Schilthorn is the place where Bollywood's hot couple 'Saifeena' like to spend their New Year's Eve," says Sharma. The USP? It offers a panoramic view of some 200 peaks of Alps from one of the world's first mountain revolving restaurant. Apart from comfortable and short journeys (you can do the whole country from one end to another in three hours in trains) up the peaks, and exhilarating gondola and cable car rides, Switzerland cities offer a lot as well. Zurich, metropolis of experiences, is a shopping paradise with international brands on offer. Geneva has the distinction of being the seat of the United Nations and Red Cross. With its monumental Geneva Water Fountain, it is the right place if you are looking for the world's best timepieces. Basel is another significant destination for watch jewellery. It's also an important interface for Swiss, French and German rail networks. A TGV can take you to Paris in little more than three hours. Basel Zoo is one of the finest in Europe. Travel to and inside Switzerland is easy. The Swiss International Airlines fly daily from Delhi and Mumbai. Swiss pass covers all modes of transport, trains, tram and boat rides within the country. Swisstours offers best of deals. Its special package for 2011 includes an economy class airfare Mumbai/Delhi-Zuric-Mumbai/Delhi and seven-night accommodation (exclusive of taxes). This country has plenty of Indian restaurants apart from gourmet Swiss food. — TNS The Swiss are mad about hiking and this is what we offer to our visitors as well — Micheal Maeder, managing director, Switzerland Tourism |
For women’s cause
For her commendable contribution against female foeticide at the international level, Dr Harshinder Kaur was given the prestigious Bharat Jyoti Award-2010 at a glittering function held at the Parliament house complex on Sunday. Dr Harshinder Kaur (paediatrician) is the lone awardee from the region among the 15 from across the country who have received the award, which was presented by former CBI director Joginder Singh. She has also authored 14 books, mostly on health science and literature for children. Daughter of Punjabi literary icon Professor Pritam Singh, she is presently consultant paediatrician at Government Medical College at Patiala. Dr Harshinder is best known as a proponent of women empowerment and a pioneering crusader against the social evil of female foeticide. She has had the honour of addressing the NSW Parliamentarians and Federal Parliament Canberra, Australia, in November 2009. After presenting a series of talks in Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and USA, she has been invited to address parliamentarians in Toronto on March 8 this year on the issue of "Present scenario of women in developing countries". She was also given a commendation by the United Nations at the Human Rights Conference in Geneva. "A feature film made by a Hollywood producer and starring Priyanka Chopra and American actors, which is based on my book 'Bhroon Hatya', will be released shortly," she says. The Hollywood producer has paid her a handsome amout for the rights of her book already and it has been donated for the education of poor girls in the state. "With the help of my husband Dr Gurpal Singh Sachdeva, I provide monetary help to 316 girls," she says. |
It begins just as all the solos do - with experiences of the formative years; the foremost inspiration, which often lies in the roots, place of growing up et al. Bhader Singh, Ph D student, brings 'Yadain Gaon Ki'. Thirty canvases begin with a flowering bud, moving onto larger ones depicting landscapes, nature as well as abstracts. There's a woman in meditation, a lady ringing the temple bell, there's one that explores the relationship between a man and a woman. Prakriti ke rang, in watercolours, juxtaposes the different moods of nature. "I tried depicting the different and varying shades of nature. The place where I belong to, Jubbal in Himachal Pradesh, nature plays an overriding role. Every hour there's interplay of sunlight, shadow, sunset, clouds against the hills and the scenario changes. This is a collage of all those varying pictures in my mind put together." Moving on, there's Allhad Youvan, a series of two canvases depicting the free spirit of teenage years. There's a female form on a swing, the other one's skipping against the backdrop of all green. "The green symbolises my village. In this I tried to showcase the age where we are in a rosy filtered world of our own, least bothered about the ironies of life." —TNS On till January 12 at Panjab Lalit Kala Bhawan-16 |
Pick one
People for animals, Chandigarh has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally.
For adoption A one-and-a-half year old simple breed pup or a one-and-a-half year old, white and brown colour dog or a three-year-old mixed breed female labrador. Lost and found Lost a male pomerian dog on December 22 last year. Eight-year-old and white, this dog was lost from house number 1334, Sector-15 Chandigarh. Lost a female rottweiler dog on November 29. This 10-month-old, black dog was lost from house number 3728, Mauli Jagran, Chandigarh. If anybody has any information contact the PFA |
work Satish Narula Colour palette The winter has quite a lot to offer to gardeners. It is all about colours and the gardeners wait for the whole year to enjoy this colourful feast. Unlike the summer where the range of annuals is also very less, the winter has some permanent kind of plants too that one keeps for the entire year to see them blooming. And wait is really worth it. One such plant that needs special mention is the geranium. One thing about the gardeners and horticulturists is that once they take a liking to a plant, they develop various kinds of it to suit different locations. For example, in case of geranium they have found a trailing type too that can be trained as a vine. There are now dwarf geraniums that can be planted in hanging baskets. Even the trailing types are being used for planting in baskets. One of the most priced kinds is the one that is grown to extract oil. This is too scented and has a combination of lemon and rose fragrance. Even a slight touch of the leaf makes your day. There are a few plants that have ornamental foliage as well as excellent bloom. In case of geraniums, there are many species that have this dual advantage. There are grey, brown or black ring bands on the leaves that make it attractive. There is a wide range of colour too in blooms which appear in bunches at the terminal of branches. Geranium blooms appear in singles or as doubles. Once they come into bearing, the whole plant is covered with blooms at the top. Since the geranium bear at the terminals, more the terminals more the number of blooming bunches. For this it is very important to pinch the tip of the branches repeatedly keeping the shape of the plant in mind so that it takes a globe shape. This kind of treatment is given during the period from November through January and early February after which it is left to grow and flower. Geranium lives through high and low temperatures but hardly tolerates moisture in the feet, especially during the summer and rainy season when a combination of moisture and temperature become deadly. At that time it needs to be shifted to cooler parts of the garden. Even in pots, one should be particular about drainage as standing water even for a day can damage the plant. |
Through the lens
Today, life means a lot of different things. It means owning a Louis Vuitton bag, a trip to Europe every year; it means commuting from Delhi to Chandigarh on a Mercedes E class, eating out almost everyday, in fact for every meal! Life definitely is an expensive affair. Another thing that accounts for credibility of survival is being on social networking sites. And, if you are part of the online social circuit, then you need to back it up with loads of pictures. Ah! We finally got there, life also means clicking a lot of good quality pictures, something like what Mike Pandey and Atul Kasbekar do. Any idea where are we heading? Straight to the professional cameras! Canon Power Shot SX30 IS or a Pentax K-r, the heavy-duty gadgets are shifting hands with just about anyone fond of photography going in for the professional gadgets. Priced between Rs 20,000 to Rs 45,000, professional cameras any day guarantee better quality pictures. Diwan Manna, a professional photographer, gives thumbs up to this change. "People passionate about photography are buying professional cameras. They go in for two kinds—one for cameras that are portable and two for cameras that have interchangeability of lens, mostly the SLR," he says. Diwan feels pro-cameras have features that are similar to any other camera, which makes usage easier. "It is up to your personal choice, whether one wants to use the additional features in the pro-cameras," he says. Portable hi-tech gadgets that make photography seem like a child's play is on the list of many travellers and those who live on the bulk uploads of their pictures on Facebook! Photography tools like Nikon D 40, D 5000, D7000 or Canon's 60D, EOS 1000 D make for a good pick. So much so that Sony India's first ultra-compact, interchangeable lens digital camera from NEX series aims at providing the power of professional imaging in the hands of the common consumer. Anyone can now easily capture DSLR quality images, whether they are seasoned or amateur photographers! "The new Samsung NX10 marks the start of the next generation of cameras. For the first time in the market, Samsung has successfully integrated an APS-C size sensor into a compact body by eliminating the mirror box, meaning that our users can now be as creative as they want to be on the move, without having to compromise on image quality," says Ravinder Zutshi, deputy managing director, Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. The Samsung NX10 has the heart of a DSLR embedded inside the compact frame of a digital camera, successfully integrating the APS-C size CMOS sensor with a mirrorless interchangeable lens, in a small, light and ergonomically designed body that ensure maximum portability for users. Aneesh Sharma, a freelance photographer specialising is sports photography, talks about how easy and compact professional cameras have become. "Earlier, professional cameras could intimidate any photographer, but now companies have revamped the looks and features of these cameras, which appeal to the non-professional class of photographers also." He adds, "Something like a Nikons DX format D3100, equipped with CMOS image sensor, developed by Nikon, is meant for all photo-lovers. It is light and a small camera with advanced new guide mode that helps achieve the desired results," he adds. The first camera to be equipped with Guide mode was the Nikon D3000 released in 2009. This function has proved to be very popular with users. The D3100 has also inherited New Guide mode from the D3000, with the addition of more options that make the camera easier to understand and operate. Puts in Aneesh, "Clicking pictures is no longer a rocket science and the market for professional cameras has made the job easier now." Capturing memories forever is another reason behind the growing popularity of professional cameras. People who want good results do not mind shelling out those extra bucks! People passionate about photography are buying professional cameras. They go in for two kinds—cameras that are portable and those whose lens are interchangeable, mostly the SLR. Diwan Manna, Acclaimed photographerEarlier, professional cameras would intimidate any photographer, but now companies have revamped the looks and features of these cameras, which appeal to the non-professional class of photographers also. Aneesh Sharma, Freelance photographer |
For their ability to reach out to people who cannot read and for those who want to multitask in modern day busy lifestyle, audiobooks in India are slowly getting popular, though the industry is still in its infancy. Audiobooks have been popular among children but now famous books and novels are being converted into this format for adults too. "Audiobooks are more effective than other type of books. The listener feels connected and the learning and understanding is more in an audiobook than a normal book," says Abhilash R, Business Development Head, audiobooksindia.com, an online portal for audiobooks. "You can not read a book while jogging but you can listen to a book. Audiobook is like a companion. It's also called university on wheels," adds Abhilash. Apart from targeting the people who cannot read, audiobooks can also be handy for older people whose eyesight keeps getting worse with age. Also, they are environment friendly as they do not use ink and paper. "The element of narration, music and drama make an audiobook interesting than reading a normal book. Its a new experience which will revolutionise the market in future," says Kunal Pancholi, co-founder of reado.com, a company dealing in audiobooks. Though there is much talk about ebooks but audiobooks are more effective, specially for learning and suitable to today's hectic lifestyle, says Pancholi. About a month ago, reado.com test launched the current bestseller, "The Immortals of Meluha" by Amish and "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu as audiobooks at various stores in India. "We have been quite surprised and overwhelmed with the positive response that we have received and are about to launch other audiobooks that include "Peter Pan," "The Hound of Baskerville" and "Chanakya Neeti"," says Pancholi. Presently the sale of audiobooks is done mainly online mainly and less by retail. Abilash says audiobooks are around one per cent of the total books market in India but their sales is expected to go up in the future. "Audiobooks have a very niche market now. With proliferation of technology, their sales will increase in future. Also, people need to be educated about their uses," says Pancholi. The price of an audiobook takes into consideration the factors like music, artist who has narrated the book and the company profile. Normally, the cost starts from Rs 300. The voiceover of the narrator is very important to keep the listener interested in the book. A drab and dull narration can kill the interest. — PTI |
Researchers are developing sensory devices to be installed in cars that would keep them from starting if the drivers have had too many drinks. The new technology would require a passive set of sensors permanently installed in the vehicles or touch-sensitive contact points on a key fob or starter button would immediately register the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.The "technology presents a new opportunity for us to dramatically lower drunk-driving deaths and has the potential to save literally thousands of lives every year," the Washington Post quoted David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as saying.Robert Strassburger of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the goal is to have an operating model in two years.The objective is to produce a device that will react in less than a second and function without maintenance for least 10 years or 1,57,000 miles.Meanwhile, lead researcher Susan Ferguson said, "We haven't met our criteria yet, but we feel comfortable that we will." Right now the sensors that detect alcohol levels in the air can be made to react within five seconds after a driver gets into the vehicle. The touch-detection system currently takes 20 to 30 seconds to determine blood-alcohol content, she said."But the next generation of solid-state electronics will bring it down a lot," she said.Strassburger said the cost per vehicle hasn't been established, "but obviously it has to be relatively low." It "has to be in line with other safety systems. We want the public to understand the need and how they benefit," he said. — ANI |
Jabra, a world leader in innovative headset solutions with unparalleled sound quality, comfort, and affordability today introduced a new Bluetooth headset designed specifically for first-time users and consumers looking for an easy to use, wireless headset which are now available at retail stores nationwide. As per Jonathan Tang, managing director of Jabra: "We are always striving to provide our customers with the best quality products. After introducing corded headsets, we have launched our second product for the first time users, Jabra EASYGO. It will aid easy talking while driving, working or walking and will give you an extraordinary benefit of hands free conversation at a very affordable price." The Jabra EASYGO features larger icons, an on-off button slider, and Voice Guidance that communicates battery level and connectivity status for an intuitive and seamless Bluetooth headset experience. The Jabra EASYGO is easy to use, wear and enjoy, and can be connected to 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The Jabra EASYGO is stylish yet discreet, and its lightness and shape make it a joy to wear. It has DSP technology for crystal clear sound and an automatic volume control that keeps volume constant even when you move between quiet and noisy environments. It also has Voice Guidance features that tell you if you need to recharge it. — TNS |
Overdrive magazine since the last 12 years is maintaining the No 1 standing in India. Taking a step further, this leading publication in the auto industry, has decided to bring out this magazine in Hindi. The magazine is coming out in a new avatar for the auto enthusiasts. Overdrive presents to you Overdrive Hindi! The Hindi edition of Overdrive, in A10 magazine format has been specially designed keeping in mind the young Hindi readers who are desirous of keeping track of every news and analysis in the Indian auto industry. The exclusive and experienced Overdrive Hindi editorial team will present everything connected with this industry to the Hindi readers in an attractive and easy to understand style. As per Sandeep Khosla, CEO-SIPD," The revenues from the Tier II cities clearly demonstrate that auto enthusiasm is no more a bastion of metro based English speaking audiences. Overdrive Hindi will be India's first dedicated auto magazine serving this growing number of auto enthusiasts across the Hindi speaking markets." —TNS |
|
HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |