stars come calling You don't even have to be a literate to tell us what is the most sought after place in Chandigarh these days. Anyone sitting in Nairobi (let's say a cricket fan) can also answer this! But you need to be smart to answer this one…what is the second most sought after place in Chandigarh? We make it quick…the Chandigarh Airport. You couldn't have gone that far! With a line up of celebrities from Bollywood and television making a dash for the city, the airport is quiet a sought after place for fans who don't mind being clicked with the stars or just be a part of the fanfare. We caught up with a cricket crazy fan who couldn't have missed India-Pakistan match for anything in this world — Shabbir Ahluwalia, winner of Khatron Ke Khiladi and the actor who shot to fame with Shootout At Lokhandwala. "My friends had already secured the match minutes, and the moment the shoot ended I threw myself into the airplane (do not take everything literally) and here I am," says Shabbir, who is all set to cheer team India. "I couldn't get any special tees or props for cheering, but I am definitely excited and will make sure our whole gang cheers the team." Shabbir, you are one lucky chap for you have the ticket to the Mohali match. You know what it means! He laughs, "Oh really. It is a big day, I wouldn't have missed it for anything." Knowing what a daredevil he is, he would have gone to any length to get the tickets! Just kidding. "I have always been an adventurous guy. I used to attend summer camps, do all sorts of outdoor sports activities…I have always loved adventure," adds Shabbir who is hosting 'Guinness Book Of World Records'. We are amused when he says - I am scared of myself. "I know I am such a daredevil and want to push my limits, which can sometimes backfire. So, I do the stunts under supervision. I also have to be told that I cannot do a certain stunt otherwise I would go ahead and do it! Bollywood and other reality shows can wait, the hunk of small screen is taking it slow and easy. Quite unlike him! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
Game point Housefull
The situation can't get better; city hotels with all kinds of stars (five, four or three) have put up Housefull boards. So, where do the last-minute arrivals go? So what if they carry the actor tag. So what if names like Neha Dhupia and Suresh Oberoi have been declined rooms in any hotels. Thanks to something called minister houses in Sector-39, where the stars will now be staying! At western end
It is time to pick and choose — Hotel Western Court-43 has made its preference clear, first-cum-first-served basis. Says Rajeev Kakar, general manager, "Quiet a lot of dignitaries and corporate honchos are staying with us." On the guest list are Nimesh and Mukesh Mehta, corporates, all the way from Switzerland. Star trek
Dabangg’s director-actor Arbaaz Khan carries the moment of fame on his sleeves as he comes down to watch the Indo-Pak match. We heard Sallu bhai was interested in buying a team in the IPL, we bet 'chota bhai' has come to see how matches are played in real! |
His much hyped collaboration with Sunidhi Chauhan is playing on radio stations across the country and pop heartthrob Enrique Iglesias says that India has long been a favourite of his and he hopes to perform here in the near future. The song Heart Beat featuring the vocals of Chauhan and the Escape hit maker, is a part of the special India edition of Iglesias' latest album Euphoria and he is excited about fan's reaction to it. "India is one of my favourite countries and I'm glad a collaboration with an Indian singer is finally happening. It's something I always wanted to do and was waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Working with such a talented Indian singer as Sunidhi Chauhan is an opportunity I am so happy to be involved in. I hope all my fans out there will love what they hear and I hope to see you all soon," said the 36-year-old singer who will reportedly perform in India in July. — PTI |
Tweets take to the field
Right now, there are only two kinds of people in the world — one that support 'the men in blue' and others that support 'their men in green'! Rule number two, tickets decide the new divide between the haves and have-nots. Lines stand redefined and stadium boundary is the new border. You either win or you die! Semi-final is the new final; will the final really matter as much to anyone? Needless to mention, the much talked about and even more written about - the great India Pakistan World Cup 2011 Match at Mohali, has perhaps rewritten a couple of rules. Director Mahesh Bhatt was bang on when he tweeted, "Most people these days experience collective ecstasy not in temples but in stadiums." There's a sea of forwards, mails doing the rounds and every celebrity worth his followers has hit the Twitter page to indulge in verbal cheerleading and show their support. One such forward reads, "Most people will consider this match as a matter of life or death. We don't like that attitude. It is much serious than that." Take another, "The Pakistan team is buying loads of sunscreen. Why? To protect themselves from Yuvi rays!" Take another "Afridi: Hum kisi bhi haal main Sachin ki century ki century nahin hone denge? Shoaib: How will we stop? He's in great form. Afridi: We'll all get out within hundred." If this is not enough, a tip for girls: How do you know if this is true love? If your guy spends the entire Wednesday with you instead of watching the match, marry him!" Did we forget to drag on Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik? Another set of people bearing the brunt of jokes doing the rounds. "India beware, if you don't lose in the match, Sania Mirza aur Shoaib Malik ke baad, agli baari Dia Mirza or Shoaib Akhtar ki hai." By now, the world knows about who is Sania supporting? Courtesy, her by now famous tweet, "I support India and Shoaib Malik will support Pakistan as usual! The war is on…lol (laughing out loud)..ha ha" and the equally famous reply, "Yes (please) be ready baby, it's on...lol...ha ha." There's a ruckus unprecedented till the poor minority of cricket atheists are forced to look around and notice, what the noise is all about. As if no cricket match ever happened before and as if India never played before. Anupam Kher, was bang on when he tweeted a week ago, "This time, the World Cup semi-final is its final." Amen! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
Twitter ‘elite’ send half the tweets Twitter may have over 200 million registered users, but half of the tweets shared on the popular microblogging site are actually generated by a small group of "elite" members, a new study has found. Researhers at Internet search engine Yahoo! who looked at about 260 million tweets posted on Twitter between July 28, 2009 and March 8, 2010 found that 50 per cent of the tweets -- or 140-character messages -- are shared by only a group of 20,000 users of the networking site. By using Twitter 'lists', the researchers were able to distinguish between elite users - specifically celebrities, bloggers, and representatives of media outlets and other formal organisations -- and ordinary users. "Based on this classification, we find a striking concentration of attention on Twitter - roughly 50 per cent of tweets consumed are generated by just 20,000 elite users - where the media produces the most information, but celebrities are the most followed," a Yahoo! researcher said. "Information flows have not become egalitarian by any means," the researcher added. The team also found that individuals on Twitter follow back far less than they're followed, making it a less "social" platform than the likes of Facebook. "The Twitter follower graph, in other words, does not conform to the usual characteristics of social networks, which exhibit much higher reciprocity and far less skewed degree distributions, but instead resembles more the mixture of one-way mass communications and reciprocated interpersonal communications," they explained. Earlier this month Twitter turned five and revealed that one billion tweets are sent a week, with an average of 140 million being sent a day. Though the site has over 200 million accounts, it has not revealed how many of those are active. — PTI |
Heartstrings and beyond
Born in Sahiwal village near Lahore, poet and playwright, Mazhar Tirmazi is known the world over for penning the iconic Umraan Langiyaan Pabbaan Bhar. He is based in London and visits his hometown each year.
He is in Chandigarh on a two-week visit to the city for Sanjhe Rang Punjab De. As India pulls his heartstrings he says he will also be cheering for India in the upcoming World Cup semifinal. He quips, "I think I might just cheer for India, because I am pretty much Indian too." No wonder Tirmazi is perhaps an authority on the subjects bordering Partition and identity. Sanjhe Rang Punjab De, a foundation promoting bonhomie between people across borders especially through art and artists binds him. In the literary circles, he needs no introduction but for the uninitiated besides having penned Umraan Langiyaan Pabbaan Bhar…post four books on poems written in very contemporary Punjabi, its currently translating Welsh literature into Punjabi. "I don't understand Welsh but I'm further translating into Punjabi the English translations of Welsh." He adds, "Welsh history too has a lot in common with us. For instance they too have experienced a similar fight for their language, culture and identity…For instance our language Punjabi suffered due to Partition. It's a dynamic language and it just can't be brushed aside, it'll bounce back." His subjects remain as universal as human emotions. "I write about nostalgia, feeling of alienation, separation from the roots and universality of human thoughts and experiences." Not surprisingly, for his contribution to poetry, language, culture and short play, the prestigious Punjabi's in British Parliamentary Select Committee Award followed. On the cards are a couple of more literary endeavours. One of which brings him to the city. Chips in Saira Altaf, photographer and musicologist, accompanying him, "I've done research on classical music by Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and we'll be showcasing a slideshow at the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University. We have combined my photography with his poems and classical music of Ustad Salamat Ali." They'll also be documenting stories of people about their pre-partition memories. For those who would like to see a rare combination of poetry and puppetry, he's working on the two art forms, for the Fetch Theatre, to be showcased at the Ledbury Poetry Festival. |
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Par Excellence
The Pull-slice is a combination of two mistakes. The club swinging in an out to in path, which will make the ball start left (Pull) and a clubface open to the path (Slice). This description is given for the right-handed players and the opposite applies to the lefthanders. If either these mistakes or compensations match up, the ball will start left and then with the left to right spin end up at the target. The player who swings out to in also has a steep angle of approach and this will create deep divots. To avoid this he will lift his spine up or straighten his spine angle. If this is done to the correct amount he will make a good contact. If excessive, he will top the ball. So if we have even pairs of mistakes 2,4,6 or 8, we do mange to hit the shot but are inconsistent. The more pairs we have the more inconsistent we get. So in case of the Pull-slice if we correct the path of the club we will improve the pull and the ball will start towards the target but then will slice to the right and end up right of the target. If we correct the clubface position at impact the ball will start left (pull) but not slice and end up left of the target. Psychologically players in this category fear the right side or the slice more than the pull. So a left side miss will slowly remove this fear of a slice. I would prefer the first correction to be made in the work of the clubface after which we can tackle the path. Do not do both jobs together. If a patient has to go through a brain and a heart surgery together he will probably die. To improve the clubface position, check the grip first. If 2-3 knuckles of your left hand are not visible to you viewed in a mirror opposite, then you have a weak grip. Or you could check that the V made between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand is pointing between the right collarbone and right shoulder. With the club shaft getting longer with the Driver and the players getting fitter there is more emphasis on the body turn. The faster we turn with a longer club the more the ball will tend to go right as the club does not square up. To counter this lots of professional golfers have moved to stronger 3 knuckle grips of the left hand. The clubface opens on the back swing, squares at impact and shuts on the follow through. If the grip is weak it opens excessively on the back swing and will not square up at impact leading to a slice. One of the easiest ways change the way you grip the club is to change the Pre-shot routine. Find out more next week. |
The song of the week is Dum Maro Dum, the title track of the movie Dum Maro Dum featuring a very seductive Deepika. The number instantly reminds of last year's hit Aapka Kya Hoga Janabe Aali. New lyrics were added to the original and the song has become a smashing hit. In Dum…the additions to the lyrics are really different. The song has also been remixed well. Here is what the audiences have to say as to why they like the song. Oomph factor
JB Atwal, Professor, Punjabi University, Patiala No old track before has ever been given such a bold treatment before. Yet it is unexpectedly fresh. The way lyrics have been spoken in the beginning add to the oomph factor. Such experiment will further make the old track even more popular. It is a dance number that I am sure would rule the parties for the some time. On the right track
Ketan Kalra, a student of DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh If the visuals also play a part in making a song hit, then the song is sure to top the charts for the next few weeks. Deepika looks smouldering hot. I don't think she has ever danced this well for any of her dance numbers before. Her look is bold and complements the lyrics of the song. It is the perfect item number. No aesthetics
Himanshi Sharma, a student of Dev Samaj College for Women Item songs have got a fresh lease of life after Munni and Sheila became super hits. But not every item song can be aesthetically done. Dum…is a raunchy number made for the heck of introducing an item number in the film. The lyrics are disgusting. I wish the songwriters were more considerate towards the cult song.
(As told to Ashima Sehajpal) |
Master Chef
A brownie is a mere piece of cake till you spoon some warm,gooey chocolate sauce over it. A pie can transform into something worth raving about when its dressed in a drizzle of fruity sauce! A scoop of ice cream morphs into a dream when its enrobed in a toffee like, buttery, caramel syrup!
Dessert sauces are indispensable for taking the ordinary something to a 'something' spectacular! They are easier to make than you think! In winter we opt for rich chocolatey toppings or smooth, robust caramel ones. The summer favourites are fruit sauces, bright coloured and dotted with fruit pieces. But hey! Don't get bogged down by rules here! Pick what you fancy, irrespective of seasons! Sauces even make a super addition to a milk shake, adding that special homemade flavour. An excessively sweet 'rasgulla' would attain another dimension, laced with a tangy, less sweetened fruit sauce that cuts the cloying sweetness. Kept refrigerated, sauces have a shelf life of 15-20 days. Strawberry Sauce
Method Wash, hull and slice the strawberries. (Hulling is the process of removing the hard, green sepals and stem of the fruit). Grate some of the lemon skin to obtain the fragrant zest. Squeeze out juice from half of the lemon. Using a thick bottomed karhai or saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice and orange juice. Heat slowly to dissolve the sugar , then tip in tahe strawberries and the grated lemon zest. Cook further, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. The mixture should not become too thick. Add butter and remove from heat. Cool and transfer to a bowl or a jar. Caramel Sauce 'Velvette'
A truly delectable old classic, making this a fast process that cannot wait for hunting around for ingredients. Keep every thing ready, because if you don't work swiftly, the sugar will burn.
Method Tip the sugar into a large, deep, heavy bottomed pan and cook on a moderately high heat. The pan must be deep to allow the whisking process that will follow. As the sugar begins to melt, swirl the pan, tilting it around to incorporate all the sugar granules. (You may use a wooden spoon though I find a lot of sugar just adheres to the spoon itself!) When the sugar has melted, allow one quick boil. The liquid sugar should be honey-like, dark .amber in color. Immediately add the butter to the pan and whisk it in. Remove the pan from the heat. Count to three, then slowly add the cream to the pan and continue to whisk to incorporate. Note than when you add the butter and the cream, the mixture will foam up considerably. This is why you must use a deep pan. Whisk till the sauce is smooth, then cool and transfer into a jar. You will need to warm the sauce slightly before serving, or it will not 'flow' Tangy Lemon Sauce
Method Using a deep, heavy saucepan, combine the egg and sugar. Grate one lemon to prepare lemon zest and squeeze the lemons to get about 4-5 tsp of juice. Add both to the waiting pan, then cook over low heat until thickened. You will need to stir constantly or the resulting mixture will be a sticky sweet omlette! When the sauce coats the back of a spoon turn off the heat and add vanilla and butter. Stir until the butter has melted. Serve over pineapple ice cream, fruit cake or simply fold into a bowl full of chopped
fruit. Kandla Nijhowne is a Chandigarh based culinary expert |
Future Shot
The world is getting smarter. So are our phones! Welcome to the world of smartphones. From the brick-shaped black objects to sleek smart handy smartphones, from the look, colours, keypad, everything inside and outside of the cell phone has gone in for a major change. The changing times have given us the new name too…smartphone.
Well, most of you who love to explore the world of mobilsed know what a smartphone, but for those who are getting intrigued to expand their horizon, this is a little low down on the smart concept.
Keep your data always….
A smartphone is a storehouse of data and information, which you can carry 24X7. It allows access to your contacts no matter where you are. Your information can be kept on your phone or even on the Internet. In future, smartphones will have faster processors, better screens and even more storage space than what exits. Fully loaded
Smartphones have some kind of operating system (OS) and are able to have new apps installed on them. Some smartphones even have touchscreens or cameras with more megapixels. Other than this, we can also download and install as many third party applications as you want. In addition to this, a smartphone has GPS features, which works with satellite. Google maps is another feature that these smartphones have. Take your pick
Thousand choices, you got to be careful while choosing a smartphone. Take a pick according to what you are looking for. Research, look up the Internet, and go for the ones with a built-in camera, keyboard, either with a keypad or touch-screen, and the ability to multi-task. Offers for grab
A smartphone is one device that can take care of all of your hand held computing and communication needs in a single, small package. Rest assured it has loads of features as well. In a smartphone you can….
E-mail
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Salman guns for a Guinness World Record Salman Khan is famous for going shirtless and now he will take his style to a high level. Buzz is that he will appear on TV show, The Guinness World Records Ab India Todega, to attempt a record for tearing T-shirts. We have seen Salman tear up T-shirts in numerous films but here he will be doing so on his own dum and not help from the unit. He will attempt to break the world record for ripping the most number of tees in a minute. The current record is 14 while Salman will try for 15. Host and good friend Preity Zinta will cheer him on. Of course Salman's connection with Colors was another reason for this appearance. Abhishek Awasthi’s new girl Abhishek Awasthi - famous for being Rakhi Sawant’s boyfriend, seems to have finally got a new girlfriend. Abhishek and Rakhi share a love hate relationship and after many patch ups they broke off for good a while ago. Since then Abhishek was flying solo and now he is dating a model Bindu Chowdhury. The two have been spotted at many social events. Buzz claims Abhishek is even thinking marriage with Bindu but they are sticking under we are good friends cover. Scared of Rakhi- Abhishek
Arjun, Arohi behind bars The differences between Arjun ( Karan Kundra) and Arohi (Kritika Kamra) have ended but it does not look like their problems will end soon. The couple, who were all set for their suhaagraat, get arrested on the same night. A source reveals, "Arjun and Arohi's suhaagraat plans are ruined after Dadi insists on sleeping in their room. Arjun somehow manages to whisk Arohi away after Dadi falls asleep. They decide to spend the night in a shady hotel which gets raided by the police. Finally Arjun and Arohi end up spending their wedding night in jail." Kritika Kamra adds, "Arjun and Arohi get arrested on purpose. They themselves ask the cops to arrest them. You will find out the reason when you watch the episode." We tried contacting Karan Kundra but he was unavailable for comment. Veena Malik to stay in Mumbai? Pakistani actress Veena Malik, who participated in the reality show Bigg Boss, is enjoying hosting cricket shows currently on India TV. She claims she is flooded with offers to host various shows. Especially now, with the upcoming Indian Premiere League scheduled to begin soon after the ICC World Cup. Happy to be working hard, Veena is thinking of buying a house in Mumbai as she plans to stay here for an extended period. However, she claims that Pakistan will remain her base.
Aalesha’s spiritual calling Aalesha aka Purva of Star Plus's Behenein, recently went to Ajmer Dargah to seek blessings. She wanted to thank God for all He has given her. With Behenein getting an extension and more work coming to her, she is in high spirits these days. It was an all family trip for her and after the Macao trip, this was nice spiritual break for her.
Kashmira ignored Pak team Not many can do what Kashmira Shah does! The sex symbol has done the unthinkable again! It so happened that Kashmira was in Chandigarh for launch of her calendar Kashensuous, she was put up in the same hotel as the Pakistan team. She encountered the entire team at the hotel's coffee shop. But when Kash saw the Pak players staring at her, she looked away, ekdum filmi style, letting the team's jaws drop at the royal ignore! “ — HRM
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astro turf
ARIES: Stretch your imagination and come up with some interesting ideas on relationship and career. Money will be very important to you today. Keep on the move. Interviews or tests will bring a favourable response. A Virgo friend will support. Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 54. TAURUS: As the day progresses, it will become even slower. The possibility of a front line job that puts you in the public eye is high. Many of you could be assigned extra duties. Love life suffers. Avoid quarrelling with your spouse. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the work place. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 26. GEMINI: Excellent day for those engaged in serious studies. Joy and happiness is foreseen for kids. Evening hours are good for social gatherings. Talk to your partner about any new position. Clandestine alcoholics should avoid drinking. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 63. CANCER: Family hassles can make your work stressful. Explain your problems to superiors and see if they can come up with any solutions. New ventures and plans are foreseen for some. Maintain a respectful distance from the opposite sex. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 27. LEO: Resolve your problems and enjoy a simple and happy life. Alternative healing practices can be effective. Looking overseas for solution is a viable option. Romance takes a backseat. A child recovers. Plan a social get together. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 25. VIRGO: Ensure you are on time. Today you will receive many chances regarding your career. Family welfare and certain transactions are important today. A moody lover will surprise. Add some quality supplements to your diet. Tarot message: You will get the help you need. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 37. LIBRA: There may be people you need to see in person rather than dealing with them through e-mail or phone. Schedule a meeting with them. Students: Education comes under favourable stars. Health requires moderation. Overseas contracts are swift. Tarot message: Wait a while everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 47. SCORPIO: It is time to reflect and await new ideas and inspiration. Be cautious in money matters. A colleague may offer you a wonderful advice. Hectic activities will keep you busy in the afternoon. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 59. SAGITTARIUS: Feel threatened or attacked? Keep to yourself, shut your door, turn off the phone and calm down. Your stubborn streak should be standing you in good stead for a change. Engage yourself in a game, a book or a movie.Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 33. CAPRICORN: The first half of the day will be a bit tricky. Focus will be on shopping, entertainment and romance. A person whose name begins with B or D could help you in business. Reserve chores and socialising for another day. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member at home needs to be taken care of. Lucky colour: Deep crimson. Magic number: 54. AQUARIUS: Monetary problems will be nagging. Life at home will be much easier to cope with. Spare time should be devoted to home. Pampering is ideal. Possibly a cosmetic make over or a sensual massage will appeal. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don't jeopardise your long-term capital. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 57. PISCES: Your card The Lovers supports relationship and family. Romance breezes in. Useful information will come to light through people in high position. Taxation will not be a headache. Eligible will get a suitable proposal. Verify credentials. Tarot message: You have well wishers around who will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 30. |
the year ahead
If your birthday is March 30...
The number 3 makes you healthy, wealthy and wise but the year's number 4 is not very friendly. It is a combination of Jupiter and Hearchel (Rahu in Vedic jargon). Despite all odds, the duo is likely to bestow windfall gains, money from unknown corners, real estate, stocks and shares in 2011. For students appearing for competitive exams or civil services, 2011 promises good results. Uncertainty may prevail everywhere…plans may flop but unplanned goals can be achieved. So a mediocre and mixed year of success and flops. Period of kicks and kisses will be experienced during June and July. August-September period promises travel owing to trade. Fine job opportunities will appear in October. Practising Yoga, playing games and long and brisk walks should be your resolution while celebrating today. Your goal this year, however, should be to earn like a king and spend like a miser to balance the budget for 2011-12. Caution: Do not get disillusioned by any damsel (age no
bar). Nagesh Kukunoor (March 30,1967, Hyderabad) will be ecstatic like you today. He is known for movies such as Hyderabad Blues, 3 Deewarein and Iqbal. He wrote and starred in Bollywood Calling, a satirical look at the Bollywood industry through the eyes of a failed Hollywood actor. His latest movie 8 x 10 Tasveer fared average at the box office. It was a thriller with a touch of Hollywood style cinematography. We hope better performance by Nagesh Kukunoor in 2011 as per his stars. |
Main Jahan Rahun from Namastey London Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP5e9CUNAZk Like most Pakistani singers, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has won many hearts in India. This soulful song is my favourite and will remain so for a long time. After a long time I have heard a song that brought tears in my eyes. Every word of the song is carefully selected and woven to form what makes Main Jahan Rahun the song it is. The song can be slotted in a sad song category, its pretty hope giving too. If you listen carefully, the song has an amazing background score, uses a lot of Indian instruments like tabla and sarangi. The song has been picturised is another point on which the song scores. Overall, it is a great job done! (As told to Jasmine Singh) |
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