|
|
|
|
|
Off to lands abroad!
Gone are the days when the 'Indian tourist' could only dream of going abroad. Today, more and more people are taking a flight to foreign shores. Call it the effect of liberalisation or fruits of a fast growing economy, the Indian traveller can now think of a visit to Macau or even Europe or North America. "Indians are going almost everywhere and foreign destinations like the great African Safari, Caribbean or the Alaskan cruises are no longer unaffordable dreams," says Rajeev, a sales representative of a leading travel agency in Delhi. To quote the famous tagline of the original TV serial, Star Trek, albeit with slight modifications, Rajeev adds, "we are going where no man (read Indian) has gone before." If industry estimates are an indication, 50 million Indians now travel abroad every year, a majority for holidays. And Chandigarh people aren't the ones to be left behind! According to travel agencies here, a large number of people are opting for foreign destinations this summer and largely heading to Europe, Hong Kong and Macau. Interestingly, Kashmir is back on the itinerary of many travellers. Ritu Bhandari, branch manager of SOTC tour and travel company, says while the UK, the US and Canada continue to be hot favourites because of the VFR (visiting family, relatives) factor, newer and cheaper destination in Europe and Hong Kong are catching the fancy of first-time travellers. Deepika Chauhan, branch manager in yatra.com, says they are receiving booking requests and queries for destinations like Europe, Macau, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore. "These destinations are preferred because there is not much of visa problem. A large number of city's residents head to these places for summer vacations," she adds. "On an average, we are booking 30 packages for Macau and Hong Kong, as compared to ten for Singapore and Malaysia," says Rani Yadav, owner of Gem Travels. "A foreign trip is becoming an essential component of the annual plan of people here," says Kapil Malhotra, Ekido Holiday Tours, Chandigarh. With a large number of international airlines entering the Indian skies, there has not only been a rise in the carrying capacity, but the rates have also become more competitive, which has benefited the customer. People in the tourism industry also attribute the growth to 'holiday now, pay later' schemes.
|
|
A prelude to opulence
On Tuesday, when JW Marriott, Chandigarh's much-awaited luxury hotel offered a walk through its two floors and made us taste Italian cuisine, it was like a prelude to opulence. We began with food details instead of the perfect interiors only because the hotel, unlike the competitors, has a complete floor dedicated to different cuisines. A right turn from the lift and you enter Saffron on the first floor, which is the Indian fine-dining restaurant. Next is Oregano Restaurant and Bar, which promises authentic Italian cuisine, not to mention Italian cheese and wine. Add to it Café@ JW, which includes international cuisines - Thai, Malay and Chinese. And not to forget, the Chandigarh Baking Company, which would store all the desserts. To make the dining experience more interactive, the hotel has open kitchens. "That also helps in customisation of food. One can pick and choose what one wants to have and not just go by the menu," says Deepak Manocha, general manager. The light caramel shade of the Crème Brulee (sorry, we can't get over it) matches with the hotel interiors. From the entrance when you take a look, beige shade has been used as a safe bet. A lot of emphasis has been laid on the straight lines, without making it too obvious. As Deepak adds, "It was a conscious attempt to pick certain features that the city's architecture is known for." Straight-lined concept fitted in well, but at the same time it was complemented by subtle experiments. "Instead of going for a specific square or rectangle shape for the lobby, we went in for a rhombus or pentagon design. The concept also creates an allusion of more space." This goes for the rooms as well, beginning from the deluxe level to the presidential suite. The washroom, as against the usual practice of tucking it away in one corner, is at the centre. Adds Deepak, "This was well thought out; washroom made in glass walls kept at the centre creates an allusion of space." The term used for washrooms is floating bathroom. The conference hall deserves a mention for its crystal chandeliers. We can bet on this, you wouldn't have seen such huge chandeliers at any other hotel or restaurant. They refract light and the effect can only be experienced, not explained! Well, if you are as eagerly awaiting JW Marriott's official opening in June as we are, make sure that you dig into the desserts. And don't forget the Tiramisu! ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
B-town Divas fall out of fashion race. The scramble to own a saree worn by Madhuri Dixit in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun or the short kurti teamed with a Patiala salwaar donned by Rani Mukerji in Bunty Aur Babli are a thing of the past say designers. The culprit may be extensive exposure to international fashion, thanks to the TV, fashion magazines and the Internet say some while others believe it is the fading popularity of Bollywood stars when it comes to style. "Does Bollywood have a superstar? The answer is no. They are so approachable now. All the heroes and heroines you see have over-exposed themselves. Their visibility is way too much. The point is there is no exclusivity any more," Kolkata-based designer Joy Mitra said. "There was a time when the common man would dream of certain actors, celebrities like Madhuri Dixit...owning her outfit became a dream for every woman as also the trendy clothes of Rani and Kajol in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai because people used to go crazy about them and also wanted to look like them to feel special. "No Bollywood faces excite the masses anymore," he said. Troy Costa, who has been designing clothes for actor Hrithik Roshan, says film clothes fall short to the standard of good fashion. "The clothes I have seen in movies were not up to the mark. Also, earlier people were not exposed to fashion that much and were dependent on mediums like films. But things have changed now," Costa said. He says platforms like fashion magazines and Internet have widened the reach of the common man. "With so many fashion channels and magazines available now, people take less than a second to get the idea of the most-sought-after trend. After all, it's better to follow something which is in today," he says. "Technically speaking, a movie takes a minimum of a year to make and by the time it is released, the trend becomes old and people find it illogical to follow them," he added. From Mughal-e-Azam to the bell bottoms and flower prints of the 1970's to Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas have had people following them. In recent years the unkempt look of Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met where she sported a casual t-shirt with a loose salwaar became a huge hit. Then came Katrina Kaif's New York which brought check shorts to town, closely followed by Deepika Padukone's Love Aaj Kal where she wore leggings with kurtis. Delhi-based designer Charu Parashar says, "I think fashion, in totality, has changed. Now people are much aware of international trends and follow them instead of following any person or a trend that a film. With so many fashion forums and fashion weeks, people are aware about the latest trend and pick and choose accordingly. They are no more under the influence of celebrities," Parashar said. — IANS
|
|||
|
Versatile actress Simone Singh has been approached to play the lead role in producer Pearl Grey's next TV show on a popular channel. Spellbound Productions and Walkwater Productions who produced the hit show Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya will now deal with a bold concept. The pretty actress who has done numerous TV shows and films, is interested in the project apparently but thinking if she wants to take on strenuous shooting of a daily soap. The story is of an older woman in love with a younger guy and the show is tentatively titled Pyaar Ki Naukri. Hope she agrees. Shabbir to replace Mishal
Ammaji’s face-off
Bandini returns
After Kitani Mohabbat Hai- 2 and Choti Bahu- 2, it seems channels want to cash in on second seasons of popular shows as opposed to new concepts. With a ready fan base, these shows get a good start. Now news is that Imagine’s popular show Bandini might just return. They are rejoicing and now they have started to expect the sequels to all their favourite shows. We will have to wait and watch to see if Ekta decides on Season 2 of Bandini. Yashshri’s chocolate fetish
Yashshri Masurkar, aka Khanak in Yash Patnaik’s Rang Badalti Odhni, loves eating chocolates. The actress keeps chocolates in her bag to have it whenever she wants it. Naughty Karan Tacker knows this habit and often takes away her chocolates and finishes them before Yashshri realises so. Now realising Karan’s fetish for chocolates, she carries extra chocolates for him and to distribute on the sets. Emotional entry
Film stars becoming reality show judges has become a norm. Ajay Devgn who made his TV debut as a judge in Zee's Rock & Roll Family, is now ready for an anchor. Ajay Devgn will debut as host in Emotional Atyachaar Season 3! Television has managed to attract most of the Bollywood bigwigs-be it for publicity or judging a reality show or hosting it. This time, it has managed to beckon yet another Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, who will be seen co-hosting the third season of UTV Bindass's Emotional Atyachaar along with the host Pravesh Rana. Graciously stepping in after having been a guest last season, Ajay's captivating and dynamic persona is sure to add charm to the show. Ajay will personally review the stories, interact with the leads and give his views on where the story truly stands. Ajay says, “I was a guest in Emotional Atyachaar last season's opening episode. I will be co-hosting two episodes for Season 3. It was important for me to be on a show I can associate myself with.” —HRM Rudra regains memory
In Zee TV’s Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, troubles keep hounding Gauri but now it seems dark clouds will make way for a bright future. Rudra lost memory partially. He will recognise Gauri as his wife and be thrilled to know that she is expecting. Mohnish back in Adaalat
Mohnish Behl will play the role of a prosecutor opposite KD (Ronit Roy) in Adaalat. After Star One’s Dill Mill Gayye, Mohnish had disappeared from TV. Adaalat will go bi-weekly. Ronit Roy will appear in a double role. |
|
astro turf
ARIES: The day starts with smiles and cheers. Business affairs are under control. Friends are pleasant. Sportsmen may feel lazy. Gain from speculation likely. Your energy could be at low ebb. Relax and do simple things you enjoy. Put on soothing music and let the beat set your pace. Tarot message: Don’t waste energy on others. Lucky
colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55
TAURUS: Meeting new people will bring delightful opportunity for romance and minor flirtation. Property deal comes to the fore. You may be challenged for the wrong entry. Be flexible. Family matters dominate your time. Listen to an elderly relative. Be true to yourself. Take care of your health. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky
colour: Rust. Magic number: 38 GEMINI: Avoid speculation today. The married will enjoy a pleasantly romantic phase at home. Take proper care of your health. Social life, political activity will bring recognition. Put off dicey deals. Think before you speak. Go for a relaxing massage or facial. Be honest with yourself. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky
colour: Peach. Magic number: 40. CANCER: Financially it is a best day. Don’t make any hasty decisions regarding your family matters. Younger member in the family may offer you a valuable advice. Defer a short journey. This is a starred day for purchasing gifts and having fun. To nurture the inner child plan a trip. Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky
colour: golden. Magic number: 28 LEO: Dispute over small issue is possible at your working place. Women: don’t use harsh words. Heavy expenses frustrate you. Beware of delays. Budgeting and negotiating with others becomes easy. Spend time alone on personal projects. Romance is about to enter your life in a big way. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky
colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 41. VIRGO: Day starts on a positive note. Take proper care of your diet. Love life will be exciting. Expectant women: get a medical check-up. A friend of the same sex is helpful. Financial matters may come under strains. Spend time with loves ones. A need for emotional connection intensifies. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and compromise. Lucky
colour: Orange. Magic number: 33 LIBRA:Personal relations may be neglected. Students: Mind your language. Lots of people, fun times and personal enjoyment are all on the cards. A chance encounter takes you back into your life. Avoid being impulsive. Physical exercise is needed. Tarot message: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. Lucky
colour: Lemon. Magic number: 39 SCORPIO:Friendships are under very favourable stars. Students: Check your canteen bill. Keep insurance papers in order. A new romance for singles. Pleasure comes from spending time with loved ones. A partner may be obsessed with something you can’t relate to. Tarot message: Listen to your voice of wisdom. Lucky
colour: Baby pink. Magic number: 27 SAGITTARIUS: Work on hobbies will be successful. Be cautious while dealing with money. Don’t be rash or impulsive. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Avoid romantic entanglements. You defuse a family feud. Tarot message: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Lucky
colour: Coral. Magic number: 60 CAPRICORN: Today you will have difficulty in getting along with associates. Women: Avoid overeating and gossip. Expect tremendous joy in evening party. The Moon joins Venus promising romance. Focus on intimacy in your relationship. Beware of strangers. Tarot message: Take up fitness routines. Lucky
colour: Lime green. Magic number: 54 AQUARIUS: Health needs some care. Don’t be too much in a hurry to get financial plans underway. You may be relocating, renovating or buying a new home, which influences your daily life and family relationships. Talk about a nagging issue that is beyond your control. Tarot message: Think before you speak. Lucky
colour: Indigo. Magic number: 42 PISCES: Today you are likely going to spend money on astrology or philosophical books. Agreement made today can be very valuable to you. Later in the day you should be able to get your ideas for home improvement. Visiting an artist friend inspires you. Take your lover out. Tarot message: Perseverance is key to success. Lucky
colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 63 |
|
|
the year ahead
If your birthday is May 25...
You are honest, faithful and good-natured. In the coming months, you will be interested in several subjects. You love travelling and the exotic locales always fascinate you, so plan a holiday in September instead of December. Friends will lend you resources in December. Don’t hesitate to ask for money. A respected teacher or spiritual leader will ask you to volunteer your time for a social cause. Accept this offer; your work will make you feel needed and appreciated. December would be a good opportunity to pay back a loan or settle a credit problem. Joining a new club or society will give you a new confidence in yourself. 2011-12 will be a good year to lay low at work. Treat your bosses and fellow office mates with respect during September-October. People will be a little harder to trust in early 2012, though there are probably a few old reliable chums in your life. Take care of business in July. Expanding your network could be easy if you put a little effort into it in October. |
Signature style
Priyanka Chopra We completely adore her hair and make-up; she looks fabulously stunning! The knotted white blouse is elegant and the embellished skirt is glamourous and classy! Thumbs-up for the true star! Saif Ali Khan
He is one man who can carry off a stubble. Glares are his trademark and he wears them well. The chocolate brown linen shirt is very stylish and classy. It's refreshing to see a man in chinos and his clean feet make his slippers look great too. It is no wonder that the good-looking and charming nawab is a style icon!
Katrina Kaif
She looks gorgeous, as always, but the light green blouse doesn't gel with the pleated skirt. The matching flats are too tacky and would look best with jeans. This semi-formal look doesn't work for Kat. Neha Dhupia
She channels the sexy secretary look perfectly. The nude pumps are delicious, the shirt hugs her figure well while the sequins adds a glamourous touch to her outfit. And, the skirt shows off her legs. The poker-straight hair completes her formal avatar. Deepika Padukone
How exquisitely stunning does this lady look! The tomato-red cotton maxi flatters her tall frame and is a perfect choice to stay stylish and comfortable in the sweltering heat. |
|
Kunal looks relaxed in his shirt and jeans. Imran Khan looks cute, as usual and we particularly like his shoes. Vir Das' t-shirt is cheeky and in-sync with his personality. Hrithik Roshan
The handsome superstar looks great in anything he wears (or doesn't!). The bright blue colour suits him well. His glares and white shoes are stylish, and we like the jeans that are not ripped. We also love his wavy hair! He looks comfortable, relaxed and stylish.
|
|
Watch out for Big B's style statement Amitabh Bachchan is looking uber-cool in his stylish avatar in Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and AB Corp's Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap complete with scarves, jazzy shirts, designer denims, branded glares and even two watches! Yes...two watches it is! And this was none other than Bachchan's personal touch to the styling of his character in the film. Not many know that AB is very fond of wrist watches and is sometimes spotted wearing two at a time! So when he turned up wearing two watches on the first day of the Bbuddah shoot, he left everyone around amused. At that moment, director Puri Jagannadh came up with the idea of Bachchan sporting two watches throughout the movie considering his flamboyantly stylish character. Needless to say, Big B was more than happy to mix some of his own personal style with his on screen style and will be seen wearing two watches throughout the movie! Going by Bachchan's larger than life persona, we think he is one of the few people who can carry such a quirky style with elan! Bbuddah will see AB return as the 'angry old man' in a role that the audiences have longing to see him in since ages! —HRM
|
|
Dancing to Salman’s tune Salman Khan is going all out to promote his next release, Ready. He talks about the controversial success of the music of his movie, his hopes from the film, turning producer, his conversation with Anu Malik and more. Dhinka Chikka
Last time when I went to the South, I heard this very famous song called Ringa ringa and I asked Pritam to compose something similar for our film Ready. Everybody in the South was dancing to Ringa, ringa and I thought why only South? All of India should dance to this music so Pritam remade the song in Hindi and we have bought the rights. Character Dheela
I recently met Anu Mallik at an event where he told me the song Character Dheela is rocking the charts but the tune is totally ripped off from his composition Mohabbat naam hai kiska from some film called Ajnabee. So, I told him to chill because I have never heard that song and I am sure neither has the audience and now we have made his music popular by changing the lyrics to Character dheela. Pritam, my favourite
My favorite song is Humko pyar hua which is composed by Pritam without any controversy. I have been listening to Pritam's music since a long time and he is a fantastic composer. Even Ready's music is rocking the charts and everyone likes the music. The credit goes to Pritam. I find Pritam to be a chilled-out person who always seems to humming some or the other song. Ready
People must be assuming Ready to be similar to Dabangg but believe me, it's a totally different action flick with lots of romance and comedy. The only similarity is the South-Indian touch. To know more about my character you have to watch the film. Believe me, my fans will not be bored while watching the film. Chillar Party
Yes, I am producing the film Chillar Party in association with UTV and we will release it on July 8. Whatever money that we make out of this film will go into the Being Human Charitable Trust. It's an incredible film. When I saw it, I decided to attach myself to it. All dog-lovers should see it, all people who hate dogs should see it, all parents and children should go for it. —HRM |
|
Juhi Chawla is known for her vivacious personality but she is not happy these days. Her brother Sanjiv suffered from a stroke last year and has been in coma ever since. Juhi visits her brother regularly but has no strength to see him in this condition. She wrote about her last visit on her site, "I have come to the Ambani hospital.... to meet a doctor... but I just do not have the heart to visit my brother..... I'm sitting in the prayer room downstairs. I cried and cried, praying for his recovery, but he's still here, in a sad state and I'm so scared to see him... If God wants why doesn't he take him away... why leave him hanging between life and death." —HRM
|
Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow's singing career may fizzle out before it even began as music label Atlantic has reportedly scrapped the deal to bring out her debut album. The Academy award winning actress was close to signing on the dotted line but the deal fell through after she demanded a $1 million pay cheque. "Atlantic bosses were very interested, and Warner chief Lyor Cohen was very supportive. But then the talks halted and the deal fizzled out. Paltrow wanted $ million to sign, but that is a ridiculous figure," said a source in the music label. Meanwhile, Paltrow's representative has said that she has not yet made up her mind about recording an album. "Atlantic was not the only company pursuing her, and she still has not decided if she wants to record an album. It is still something she is considering," said the actress' spokesperson. The 38-year-old actress learned how to play the guitar for her role as an alcoholic musician in Country Strong and has also had a recurring role in the TV musical Glee. The Shakespeare in Love star also performed at a string of award ceremonies this year, including the Oscars and Grammies. — PTI
|
|
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, a gadget freak, hopes he can have a time machine to access his past and future. "I really wished there was a gadget by which we could go back and forth. Fast forward what we don't want and rewind what we miss! Pause," Neil posted on his Twitter page. "Also Mr India's gadget would be awesome. Hmmmmm...hahahaha. Maybe a gadget that can see what the people think and feel. Trust me people it'll help, don't you think (sic)," he added. —IANS
|
|
Mumbai calling
Divya Dutta As I told you last week, with my legs trembling, my heart pounding, but with a confident smile, I was all set to perform in front of all the big directors. They were keenly observing me - Yash Chopra, Shekhar Kapoor, Subhash Ghai - and I couldn't take the nervousness anymore. So, I began and after my mono-act performance, there was pin-drop silence. Some of them had no expressions on their face and some had an amused smile. I was eagerly awaiting a response. Finally Yashji spoke, "Beta, very good…hum batate hain." And so, I was back to the Government College for Women, Ludhiana, where I was the head girl, where I got to do all that I loved doing - study my favourite subjects (English, psychology and philosophy) and do my plays, dramas, dances…everything! One day, I was sitting in the campus garden with my friends after a 'hardcore' final exam preparation session when a friend of mine said - 'Come let me read your palm.' Out of sheer need for a break, I pushed my hand towards her. All the other friends were keenly waiting to hear what she had to say. "You are going to settle down near the sea," she said after a while and everyone around looked surprised. But my thoughts wandered to the audition in Mumbai, which is near the sea! Days went by and my entire concentration was on studying hard because I needed a scholarship. And then one day the phone rang! My mother picked up and I was dying to know who was on the other side. After a brief conversation, she hung up and looked at me. Her silence was killing me. And then she spoke, "Beta, pack your bags. You are going to Mumbai! You have been selected." The emotions were mixed. I was going to go away, maybe for good, to an unpredictable profession, but to something I loved doing passionately! They were all there to bid me farewell at the station and I lifted my hand to say bye as the train started moving. There were tears in my eyes; it was tough leaving ma, bro, grandparents, friends and…Ludhiana!
|
|
Play Full!
"Practicing theatre today is not a late evening pastime, but a serious art, which seeks to deepen the viewer's understanding of life in all its manifestations," opines Sahib Singh, acclaimed actor-director and playwright of the region.
Sahib Singh has written as many as 57 plays and given over 300 performances for his Adakar Manch Mohali. "Theatre festivals promise a variety of performances on diverse themes," he says while announcing the 4th theatre festival Adakarian-2011. Sponsored by the NZCC Patiala, the five-day theatre festival opens at Government College Sector 46, Chandigarh, on May 25. Here is a brief detail of the plays to be staged. May 25: Vitth (The Gap)
Based on a story by Prem Gorkhi, the play revolves around a Jatt girl, Preeti, who is in love with a boy from a lower caste, much to the displeasure of her family. After a hiatus of 10 years, the family accepts the couple. In the end, they revolt again and reject the relation. Rajinder Rozy directs the play which is written by Sahib Singh. May 26: Andhey Hain Hum
Written and directed by Sahib Singh, the play depicts the plight of of two blind beggars. This play is a comment on mental blindness. May 27: Katha Turi Bahurangi
The play brings on stage a collage of seven stories by the legendary Punjabi writer Nanak Singh. The stories are interwoven and merges into each other. A sculptor, a police-man, a book binder, an old lady, a coolie, two Army men and a teacher are the protagonists. The play is written and directed Sahib Singh. May 28: Prinde Jaan Hun Kithey
Scripted and directed by Sahib Singh, the play is based on the relationship of a Hindu man and a Muslim girl. Then comes Partition and he is forced to send her to Pakistan. He opposes this move as the girl is now settled and they have a 10-year-old son. May 29: Amar Katha
The play traces the journey of a man from 1947 to 1992, who becomes Naurang Singh from Noora and the identity crisis he faces. The play is based on three stories written by Sahitya Akademi Award winner Gulzar Singh Sandhu and is directed by Dr.Sahib Singh. (From 6.45 pm onwards) |
|
Unfruitful efforts
Satish Narula Nothing could be more frustrating for a gardener than to see the fruits of his labour lost. There are a number of maladies responsible for such losses which could be due to insect-pests, sudden changes in the weather conditions, stress, nutritional deficiencies etc. However, the most common is the fruit drop or splitting of fruit. The fruit drop and splitting are common in this region for fruits like mango, litchi, lemon, pomegranate, pear, peach etc. The gardeners should know is that there is natural fruit drop. The tree normally bears very large number of flowers. Not all are destined to become fruit. The trees retain only the load it can bear. At times there are more fruits than the tree can hold or should have to give quality fruit. In that case it is helped by the gardeners to retain what is ought to be there. For example, the peach and pear tend to overbear with the result that the size of the fruit is drastically reduced. The limbs also start breaking with the slightest of the wind. In case of peaches, the twigs bearing fruit are shaken a little and the superficial fruit drops. After this, fruit are removed by keeping distance between fruit to fruit to 10 to 15 cm. In case of pear, one fruit per cluster could be retained, after the natural fruit drop in middle of April and the rest are removed. The splitting problem is more pronounced in litchi. There could be two reasons-the varietal and water stress. The other reason is the water stress in which case the development of the aril (the edible part) is faster than that of rind and the fruit splits open. Give plenty of water to the plant, at least twice a week. Make the plant basin as wide as the tree spread. Do not remove side braches in litchi as it leads to hot air entering the middle of the tree causing splitting. The trees that are planted in concrete floor also show more of splitting due to heating of floor. In case of lemon, keep watering the crop twice a week with light irrigation and also keep a good supply of farmyard manure. A dry spell followed by copious irrigation leads to fruit splitting and premature flowers and fruit drop. (Narula is a horticulturist)
|
|
Floral fetish
Highlighting the trend of floras' in footwear, Sushil Kumar, manager She walk store shared the story of these floral delights. "Floral footwear's is available in a wide variety right from flats to stilettos. However, the best feature of this footwear is that they are light-weight and can be teamed up with any outfit." Flowery footwear is a trendy way to accentuate a plain or neutral outfit. Available in heels, flats, sneakers and even oxfords, flower printed shoes are a fun way to show one's love for summers. "Floral footwear is designed to keep style and comfort in mind. They are soft and specially designed to prevent excessive sweating in feet. Moreover, as they are light weight, they are perfect for formal and casual wear," says Kuldeep Singh owner Chief 19, sector 22. Be it bright and bold or muted and understated, floral prints are easy and fun way to walk during the hot summer season. "With such a high demand, floral prints can be teamed up with eclectic and neutral colours. The footwear is available in normal colours like white, black and brown and eye catching colours like yellow, pink, green, blue and purple, making them perfect for every occasion," says Amit Chabra, store manager, Shoe Rack, sector 8. So, if you find it impossible to find anything worth donning in your shoe rack; update your look without feeling awkward in a delicate and feminine, floral footwear.
|
|
Future Shock
What if your car could fly? You won't have to be jealous of Hrithik Roshan who flew in his helicopter to reach shooting location for Jodha Akbar just 70 km away. If only you could change your car gear to fly. Every ambitious freak or a dreamer must have given it a thought while struggling to speed past a long traffic jam.
Flying cars may not be a reality soon but with researches in the field, we may realise the century-old dream-the merging of cars and planes into on-road aircraft, or flying cars. Since a decade and a half after Wright Brothers flew in an airplane in 1903, mankind has been chasing the dream of a flying car. An attempt in the direction was also made in the 18th Century to develop a gliding horse cart, which, to no great surprise, failed. There are nearly 90 patents for different kinds of flying cars with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. While no car could be invented so far, some even died trying to chase the dream. However, they gave the hope that a car could be manufactured to fly and inspired a group of aircraft enthusiasts with every attempt, with every development and with every assurance. With advances in lightweight material, automobile technologies and self-driven aircrafts, we have inched closer to the dream. Since the day in 1962, when George Jetson flew across American TV screens in his flying-car vehicle, this wonder was believed in. A number of firms and even fervent individuals have spent years and billions on their concept cars, bringing it so close to reality that we can hope to witness it really soon. Apart from technological barriers, a go-ahead from Federal Aviation Administration is also awaited on the concept. Paul Moller has spent more than 45 years and millions developing his Skycar. In 1965 his first attempt, the XM-2, took off the ground but failed. In 1989, Moller unveiled the M200X, which has now flown 200 flights and can go as high as 50 feet. (Kharbanda is a Chandigarh-based auto expert) |
|
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have concluded that increased usage of computer leads to poor reading habit among children. This trend was primarily observed among 9-10-year olds in different countries. A research team led by Prof Monica Rosén of the Department of Education and Special Education studied how pupils' reading skills have changed since 1970. They discovered that reading ability has improved steadily in Italy and Hungary, while it has fallen rapidly since 1991 in the US and Sweden. Researchers noticed a large increase in the use of computers by the Swedish and American pupils in their free time, whereas, a similar increase was not reported in Hungary or Italy. “Our study shows that the entry of computers into the home has contributed to changing children's habits so that their reading does not develop to the same extent as before. By comparing countries over time we can see a negative correlation between change in reading achievement and change in spare time computer habits which indicates that reading ability falls as leisure use of computers increases,” said Rosén. The frequency of leisure reading and the number of leisure books borrowed from the library have both fallen as computer use in homes has increased. “It shows very clearly that leisure time is at least as important when it comes to developing high-quality reading skills", Rosén added. — ANI
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Even if it had persisted longer, we wouldn't have regretted the confusion. A spoonful of Tiramisu, then a bite of Crème-Brulee, a nibble into Mango Moose and finally a repeat with a chocolate pastry… the confusion to pick the best was pure bliss. When finally, we were about to announce the first prize in favour of the creamy and delicate Tiramisu, Pallav Singhal, the executive chef casually adds, "We will have 50 desserts in the dessert buffet." The result: we withheld our judgment and why not!
Will she, won’t she?
After a two month-long search for the right actor to fit into Mishal Raheja’s shoes and play Dutta Bhau in Colors’ Laagi Tujhse Lagan, buzz is that Shabbir Ahluwalia has been signed for the role. The show was doing very well as Dutta and Naku’s love story had audiences hooked. But apparently Mishal’s attitude led to his exit in the show and when the new character Diggu aka Digambar, played by Aadesh Chaudhary, couldn’t sustain the high TRPs, the decision to bring Dutta back was taken by the channel. After working with Shabbir in Guinness records, he was chosen for the role. Though there were rumours of Mishal’s return to the show but he clarified they were wrong. Here’s hoping Shabbir’s charm works.
Producers of Na Aana Is Desh Laado have decided to build up a dramatic story and so decided to bring Ammaji’s (Meghna Malik) nemesis Bhanupratap (Aman Verma) back in the show to add spice, drama and tension. The two will bump into each other at a temple where Ammaji goes for a rudraabhishek and sees Bhanupratap. As he fails to recognise her, she realises he has lost memory of the accident 10 years ago. Watch the dramatic twists in ....Laado.
Karan Johar (May 25, 1972, Mumbai) is film director, producer, and a TV celebrity. Son of late Yash Johar he is one of the most successful young filmmakers in Bollywood. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Paagal Hai, Duplicate, Mohabbatein, Main Hoon Na, Veer Zaara and Om Shanti Om are some of his best films. Johar became the first Indian filmmaker to be a jury member in the Miss World competition, in Warsaw, Poland. Johar followed numerology, creating film titles in which the first word and a number of others in the title began with the letter “K”. After watching Lage Raho Munna Bhai which was critical of numerology, Johar decided to stop this practice. His number 7 makes him more imaginative and promises more good films in 2012, not starting the titles with “K” of course.
Stilettos, kitten heels, flats, gladiators, buckle boots, the list is endless. A new name is regularly added in the list of footwear. With summer just around the corner, markets are flooded with trendy footwear. This season, footwear is all about making a floral statement.
This type of footwear has a man-made floral lining on the top.