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It’s A beautiful Day
Life springs its own surprises and we were sure in for one on Thursday evening. Chandigarh Botanical Garden, around four kilometres from PGI, is a sprawling, beautiful, diverse garden spread in 176 acres of land. A green and blue tree gate makes one enter this nature’s retreat. The seven-kilometre path for walk is covered with trees of various species on both sides. Every fifty metres the tree types change, right from Kashmir’s pride Chinar to Trivia Nudiflora, a tropical rainforest tree, found in Andaman Nicobar. There is a whole range here for nature enthusiasts. Divided in 15 neat sections based on themes, this garden offers a walk amid bambusetum, ficus grove, pinetum, flowering tree section, aquatic plant section, nutrition garden, rare plants section and the like. Sacred grove has 11 vatikas wherein trees associated with varied religions have been planted.
The aquatic section springs up more surprises. The outer stratum has lotus in pink, blue, white, yellow and maroon, while inside one has water-lilies in as many colours. Water fern Salvinia makes for a gorgeous green carpet. Watch towers spread around the vast garden offer panoramic view of the different sections. The tourism department has developed meditation and tree-top huts and is promoting the garden as a place for eco-tourism. This sprawling garden is home to many birds, some of them residents, including peacocks, kingfishers and egrets. This garden has a well-stocked, self sustaining nursery. Its extensive herbal garden has medicinal plants. “If any one wants these plants, we provide it free of cost,” says Saurabh Kumar, director, who is diligently working on making the garden one of its kind. Many of the other ambitious projects here include identifying and recording the variety of flora and making it available for the students, researchers and nature enthusiasts not only in brochures but also in three-dimensional touch screen panels. The garden is open from around five to eight in the morning and from four to eight in the evening. Make the most of this Monsoon with a walk with peacocks amidst this green haven near Sarangpur! mona@tribunemail.com
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Serial flirt
Just as we expected; nothing seems to have changed. An infectious smile, a naughty twinkle in the eye, and Ashmit Patel or the reincarnated Aiishmit (courtesy Pakistani beauty) is ready to woo you again. Only this time, he will pass on the tricks to the contestants of UTV Bindass Reality show Superstud-The school of flirt, which he will be hosting. In Chandigarh to talk about rules of flirting, the actor finds himself amid a volley of questions (pretty much expected), and he seems to like hitting a six on every ball! No doubt, he is a cool player. Those of you who haven’t missed a single cosy episode of Bigg Boss Season 4 know what we are hitting at. If you still can’t we hand the mike to Ashmit who has no qualms in talking about the spilled beans, without being politically correct. You get brownie points for it ‘sexy’ (He says he is sexy and cool). Go on boy! What, where & how is she... We bet you know what we are talking about. If you haven’t, let us spell it clearly for you. Claiming to be sensuous Veena Malik; trying to be caring Veena Malik, wanting to be seen and heard Veena Malik, the real and the fake Veena Malik. How is the love friendship, friendship-love relationship post Bigg Boss Season 4? Ashmit was expecting this. “I am in touch with her. I am in touch all the contestants, Anchal, Sarah Khan, Veena through BBM (Blackberry messaging). I am an introvert and emotional guy. I don’t friend people for mileage on reality shows. I come with a lifetime friendship tag. Veena, Veena… everywhere He flashes a notorious glance. “As I said we are in touch. Sometimes, we can click with some people, Veena is one amongst them. People ask me about getting too cosy with her on television, but what you see is what you believe. If out of 24 hours, you see an hour’s mileage, you will believe it. I know my limits, and I wouldn’t do anything that would bring a bad name to me or my family. Besides, I was the only known name on the show, so the link ups were much expected.” Publicity key liye kuch bhi kareyga “Hey! No, I wouldn’t do anything to get unwanted publicity. I am a spiritual, introvert and trustworthy guy. If someone is taking advantage of me, so be it! I never thought I would last so long in the house, nor did my sister. They were glad when I did. The whole experience changed me as a person, and yet nothing seems to have changed at all. I have the same friends, I have only become better as a person after the test called Bigg Boss house.” Past & present “I was very sad with the old controversy (MMS scam), somehow I managed it well and I am proud that I am out of it. Controversies seem to follow and I have learnt to take them in my stride.” Flirt away to good health “I never go to a gym, I only believe in healthy flirting. Indeed, flirting is good for health. On the show Superstud, I would tell the guys how to flirt in a decent fashion.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Certain emotions like fear, anger or plain amusement prompt us to share articles, news and stories with our friends and acquaintances. According to a University of Pennsylvania research, these emotions are characterized by high arousal and action, unlike sadness or contentment, emotions linked with low arousal or inaction. "If something makes you angry as opposed to sad, for example, you're more likely to share it with your family and friends because you're fired up," says Jonah Berger, study co-author and assistant professor of marketing at the university. Berger is especially interested in how social transmission leads online content to become viral. "There is so much interest in Facebook, Twitter, and other types of social media today," he says, according to a Pennsylvania statement. "But for companies and organizations to use these technologies effectively, they need to understand why people talk about and share certain things," Berger says. The study was based on two different experiments involving 93 students to test Berger's theory. — IANS
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First Day First Show
The crowd at multiplexes around Chandigarh this Friday was a sure indicator of a big release. And what could have been bigger than Delhi Belly from Aamir Khan’s stable. Strangely, Bbuddha Hoga Terra Baap’ that opened along with much-awaited, much-controversial Delhi Belly, had its own share of takers, courtesy Big B’s huge fan base! The movies get thumbs up from critics, Delhi Belly for being a ‘youth film’ and Bbuddha Hoga Terra Baap for iconic Amitabh Bacchan and the star he is! Here is how Chandigarh residents rate it. Super fun Too abusive Nothing great Raveena, B Com student Youngsters’ flick Amitabh rules Hit game Masala mix Madhu, homemaker |
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Gyan Zone We all have our favourite fashion gurus, celebs, designers and models that we love to ape and follow. This week I will help you follow a star, who best supports a style in following him/her will get you noticed. Sonam Kapoor is one kid on the block whose sense of dressing and styling is being talked about the most. Sonam is one star who knows how to mix and match individuals and complete a look. All you girls who love dressing and love collecting designer brands, must study her fashion closely. If pants, shirts and tees are what you are looking for, surf on Google and copy her style ---chic and casual tees and pants clubbed with colourful flat ballerinas, long capes, waistcoats, head bands, big glares, smart totes and funky neck pieces. If you prefer short dress and long shorts …see how she coordinates them with flat gladiators, wedges with colourful bangles, bags, high ponytail and a girly shade of lipstick. If you want to copy her ethnic style, then you are in for anarkalis and long straight kurtas with either churidars or pallazos. Keeping her height in mind, she prefers to slip into flat footwear and carries a designer potli bag most of the time. If you like experimenting with your looks, then one must study her hairstyles very closely....from heavy rolled curls with ethnic wear to soft blow dried curls with gowns to high puff and a pony with her pants and dresses. Her counterparts swear by her Jimmy Choo's and 'Armani collections. Another star, worth aping is the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor. She has the gift of wearing a simple denims and look like a million dollar' babe. Look out for her collection of 'one piece dresses, denims, T-Shirts, tops, saris and suits done by her favourite designer "Manish Malhotra". She sticks to pretty basic style, natural make up and motivates her fans to keep fit and healthy. Anushka, the actress from Band Baaja Baraat knows her lines too. (The writer is the director corporate, INIFD, Chandigarh, and a fashion expert)
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Monsoon Makeover
Wondering what you must add to your makeup bag this monsoon and what to chuck out? Monsoon certainly isn't the right time for pancake make-up and dark colours. What you really need is a makeup that is easy to reapply, doesn't clog your pores and makes you look dewy fresh all day long. During Monsoon, dense makeup has a risk of being smudged and washed out, so light and sheer makeup is more advisable. The keywords when it comes to monsoon makeup are water-proof and light. Here are some more tips for the rainy season. Make-up base Eyes & lips Hair |
Far away from all the glitz, glamour and fast-moving life, there is a place that is comparable to heaven. Situated at 15,210-ft above the sea level, Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib, in the magnificent Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is an out-of-the world spiritual experience. And my visit here, along with my family, took me a step closer to spirituality. Hemkunt Sahib is approximately 600 kms from Chandigarh. We reached Gobind Ghat late in the evening, parked our vehicles there for the next three days and passed through the narrow lanes surrounded by small shops to reach Gurdwara Gobind Ghat. The next day everyone was looking forward to the 'yatra'. We began on a 13-km long journey on foot (It was a sure a test of our physical fitness!). However, those who could not manage covering it on foot had other options like taking ponys, pithoos etc. After walking for 4-5 kms, although we started getting tired our spiritual motivation kept us going. The 13-km long journey to Gobind Ghat seemed never-ending, but it was divine strength, which pulled us through. We reached our next stop - Gobind Dham, a small town with a Gurdwara Sahib and a market. It was so chilly here that the water could simply freeze us. The unique fact is that entire Gobind Dham works on generators, as there is no provision of electricity and everything has to be done in that stipulated time. The next day, we had to climb 6-km to reach our final destination. We were surrounded by walls of snow on both the sides and walking through the glaciers seemed nothing less than a dream. It was cold and the business of tea-vendors was booming! After walking for a while, we heard the echo of 'kirtan' and could see Nishan Sahib perched on the hill top. We reached the historic place of Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib at 8:30 am. We all sat in the sanctum sanctorum of the Gurdwara Sahib and enjoyed the 'kirtan' until we stood up for 'ardaas' at 9:30 am. The 'langar' of hot 'khichdi' and tea in the freezing weather seemed like the ultimate delicacy we had ever had. We took a dip in the holy waters of the semi-frozen sarovar. It was time for second 'ardaas' at 12 noon. It began raining on our way back, which afforded a more panoramic view of the hills. We reached Gobind Dham at night and stayed there. We followed back the same route, reached Gobind Ghat, from where we travelled back to Chandigarh. It felt as if we had woken up from a long dream and wanted to go back to sleep for it to continue! (The writer, Diljott, is pursuing her graduation in GCG, Sector 11, Chandigarh, and is a student of Functional English)
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The FOODIES Thali, the Indian version of a Western plate, although much bigger in size, has its own taste and at times is much delectable than any five-star meal! Going back in time, every Indian household had thalis and food was served in them. After the advent of plastic and melamine, the humble thali has taken a backseat in Indian kitchens and now finds place in theme restaurants. Rajdhani in IT Park is one such joint that calls itself a 'thali place' and serves food in thali with katoris placed on it. Serving Rajasthani, Maharashtrian, Sindhi, South Indian and Kathiawadi thalis, the restaurant provides 27 different items in each thali, and the entire range of food is repeated on your wish! A pure vegetarian restaurant, the food served here includes some delicious treats like bajri rotis, daal-bati churma, gatte ka saag, bhindi upkari, undhiya usal, aamti dal, trevati daal, dal dhokli, khichdi with gujju kadhi, kashmiri karela, thepla, puran polis, ringam hollo, avail, khasta kachori and much more. The menu is rotated and everyday you have delicacies from various states. And for the interiors, the restaurant is a blend of contemporary and traditional looks. But what's unique about Rajdhani is that customers can walk into the kitchen and interact with the chef. As for the cost, it is quite okay since the number of dishes served is quite a lot. A thali for lunch and dinner is for Rs 225 on weekdays and Rs 244 on weekends. And if you go by what the restaurant people say, the joint serves some 22,464 vegetarian delicacies from 72 different rotating menus in a year! So, next time you have a desire for an Indian state meal, head to Rajdhani.
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Combo Magic
One cannot imagine an oasis of bliss in the midst of the chaotic Ghumar Mandi, but as one mounts the colonial stairs, one is transported into a different world. Bistro 226, a combo of a café and restaurant, is a welcome addition to the city’s menu.
A certified food-handler, specializing in coffee-brewing from New Zealand, proprietor, Sukhkaran Gill, has a vision, “I want to make ‘eating-out’ an unforgettable experience for all, from the toddlers to the seniors. Looking down the range offered, it is observed that Bistro 226 has a cross-continental menu, ranging from Mexican, Moroccan, Italian, Thai to Indonesian, while not undermining the importance of authentic Chinese and our good old Indian food.” Tanvi Arora, and our friend Tipsy Anand, give a thumbs-up sign as they relish the Indonesian dish, Nassi Goreng, which looked similar to fried-rice with prawns and chicken. In the corner, nattily-dressed kitty friends can be heard chit-chatting and saying, “We are trying their Chicken Coromonal, which is a sort-of Chicken Chettinaid, modified according to the Punjabi taste, with lesser spices but more creamy.” It seems the Bistro 226 folks are looking for good times as the tables are aplenty with different seating arrangements. The specialized décor forms the stylish, but informal backdrop for anybody looking for a decent cuppa-coffee or a sumptuous meal. Being adventurous, we ask for the Italian Gnocchi ala Romaine, and the soft potato and pasta dumplings in tomato sauce were totally worth it! For the coffee lovers, the USP is the Bistro white coffee, a unique coffee with a strong effect, with two shots of Expresso and a little foam. “We get the coffee beans exclusively from a family-owned coffee plantation in Karnataka,” informs the owner. Another concoction, he asks us to sip the Ice chai latte, a refreshing milky ice tea with flavors of cinnamons and cloves. Says Natasha, a mother of two, “The burger with potato wedges and cabbage salad is ideal for kids,” she says. On popular demand of his clients, Gill has introduced a whole day valet-parking to ease out parking woes in the congested area. A meal for two with 2-3 courses costs between Rs 800-900. |
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Trust your feelings and look for the silver lining in the sky. A good evening ahead to see a new movie. Do everything possible on your own before calling on assistance. Secret sexual liaisons can be expected. Tarot Message: You are facing challenge and still holding your ground. Lucky colour: White Magic Number: 46
TAURUS: Get cracking early. Romance may blossom at your place of employment. Steer clear of trouble and do not react to provocation. Dealing with in-laws will not be much fun. Tarot Message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success; its demand and its limitations. Lucky colour: Royal blue Magic Number: 63 GEMINI: An better day than yesterday. A problem with an older relative can be sorted out. Romance wakes up and startles you into an understanding of your own emotional fabric. Relaxation is what suits you the best. An Arian friend will support. Tarot Message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Orange Magic Number: 32 CANCER: The early part of the day is likely to be important. Leave stress, worries and cares behind and gently enjoy yourself. A good round of physical exercise will help you to iron out any pent-up frustrations. Tarot Message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic Number: 27 LEO: A small bout of home sickness may creep in, but do not let it spoil the fun. Rise of income continues. Spare time should be devoted to creative activities. Be positive in approach. Excellent day for journeys. Tarot Message: Learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic Number: 61 VIRGO: A best day to contact influential people. Romance will be particularly exciting. This is a perfect time for family get together. You are sure to learn plenty from such occasions. Tarot Message: It is no longer necessary to take risks. You concentrate on projects only with reliable outcome. Lucky colour: Aqua Magic Number: 60 LIBRA: Keep your wits with youself. Do not argue with people if you have no chance of winning. Superiors will be contrary. Keep your expenses down. Do not gamble or speculate today. Romance may be upsetting for you. Tarot Message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic Number: 65 SCORPIO: The temptation to keep spending money has not abated. Know your worth. Do not invest too much in ventures where a return is not granted. Encouraging news will lift your spirits. An Aquarian friend may create problems . Tarot Message: Resolve conflicts through discussion and meditation. Lucky colour: Forest Green. Magic Number: 56 SAGITTARIUS: Keep receipts of transactions and read the fine print. Be sure that you do not transgress your budget. Mental & physical energy can be successfully combined today. You should be in a good form. Be gentle with subordinates. Tarot Message: Beware of judging people too harshly. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic Number: 45 CAPRICORN: Worry is likely due to child’s health. Creative work must not be allowed to put you to additional expenses. Postpone signing important documents. Beloved brings security, love and warmth. Avoid alcohol. Tarot Message: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome of your decision. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic Number: 29 AQUARIUS: An upswing in your earnings keep you in high spirit. Family relationship can be restored to harmony. Influential people will be actively helpful in your affairs. Sportsmen focus on exercise. Do not disappointment buyers and clients or they will move on quickly. Tarot Message: Don’t be judgmental. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic Number: 30 PISCES: Contacts and networks should be a rich source of opportunity for financial ventures and educational growth. You should not allow yourself to be guided by friends. Romance could be upsetting. Have a big celebration. Tarot Message: Don’t be judgmental with people who have made up their mind. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic Number: 52 |
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The Year Ahead If your birthday is July 2...
The number 2 belongs to the cooperative, sensitive and balanced people, responsible, loving, patient, modest and supportive. 2 belongs to the water element. They posses a white and indigo aura. February and November are favorable months.Monday lucky day. 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 20 and 29 are the good monthly dates .Business: A focus on your goals and positive efforts in the right direction will widen your sources of income. Your wealth will increase through your high morale. Do not invest your money abroad; it might be not productive for you. Career: Promotion towards end of year is expected. Education: requires double the labour. Family:You appear to make a good decision about your families and it may involve spending on a grander scale of some kind. Finance:Be more realistic and don’t jump to conclusions. Seek expert advice before you make any financial commitments, especially in the stock market. Friendship: Friends are most helpful .Health:Your health would generally be fine. Support and co-operation from elders and seniors in both your family and professional front would be of a high order. Plans are pushed along with efforts. Love : Indications are that marriage could be delayed due to the negative effect of Saturn. Compatible Signs: Aquarius, Leo. Lucky Colors: Dodger Blue, Grey. Lucky Days: Monday and Friday. Mrs Tendulkar weds again
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Chatter Box
Hina Khan Aka Akshara
Rashmi Desai aka Tapsya Ankita Lokhande aka Archana Ragini Khanna aka Suhana Jiaa Manek aka Gopi
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Star Track
Charming babe Big switch No joke is this Quitting Bollywood Uma Thurman’s Bollywood dreams In Dubai to launch a new fragrance, Ange ou Etrange le Secret Elixir, by French fashion house Givenchy, for which she is the ambassador, the 41-year-old actress said India is a part of herself. “I have friends there and I feel very connected to it... the smell, the sights, the people. It’s familiar,” she says. “I didn’t realise how close we were to India (from the UAE). Had I known earlier, I would have gone by, ” she added. On being part of a Bollywood movie, the Kill Bill star said: “That will be the best. I am good friends with Mira Nair,” Thurman said, referring to Nair with whom she worked with in 2002’s Hysterical Blindness. — PTI Looking for Mr Right" Murder 2 is a racy thriller: Jacqueline Murder 2 Hatke film Emraan Hashmi The Bhatt camp Mohit Suri Career
I’ve started sewing classes recently. I made some big pillows for the kids and some really simple pants for Danny. I’m also taking piano lessons with kids,” she says. In your 40s, you’re supposed to learn things so your brain doesn’t turn to mush. — IANS On mission
The film tells the story of the methodical six-year mission planned by American and Colombian covert operatives to free 15 hostages from the Colombian jungle, who included three Americans and Ingrid Betancourt, once a candidate for President of Colombia. The hostages - who were held by the Colombian guerrilla group were treated appallingly. However, the main focus will be on Operation Jaque, a military action that resulted in the freedom of 15 hostages, which took place on July 2 2008. While Pitt - who is busy shooting ‘World War Z’ - is yet to sign up, Warner Bros. is keen to start shooting the movie as soon as possible. ANI |
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Cactus section is developed under a huge polycarbonate dome with white gravel for a base in order to keep it hot and arid. Yellow, pink, orange, brown and green, a look around this section makes one wonder if cactus could ever bear such lovely flowers. 
Lindsay Dee Lohan (July 2, 1986, New York) is an American actress and pop music singer. Lohan started in show business as a child fashion model for magazine advertisement and television commercials. At age 10, she began her acting career in a soap opera; at 11, she made her motion picture debut by playing identical twins in Disney’s 1998 remake of The Parent Trap. Lohan rose to stardom with her leading roles in the films Freaky Friday, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Mean Girls and
Herbie.
Hina Khan has an MBA degree, wanted to be a journalist, was even selected to be an airhostess and had to go for a six-month training but malaria stopped her. On a lark, she auditioned for a serial and got selected and Hina ended up acting as the naïve Akshara in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The perfect daughter turned perfect bahu Akshara loves her family more than anything in the world. In the journey of discovering love post marriage, Akshara balances her in-laws and husband brilliantly. Hina Khan has won numerous awards for her portrayal of Akshara. In her free time she enjoys designing jewellery to use in her show. She loves painting and singing as well.
Pooja Gor aka Pratigya
Mahii Vij aka Nakusha
25 year old Rashmi Desai is surely popular as the sweet and scheming Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran but she has been acting for quite a while. Rashmi started her career quite young with a small role in Ravan on Zee TV, Sony’s Meet Mila De Rabba TV, Pari Hoon Main, Ssshhhh...Phir Koi Hai and few Bhojpuri films before Uttaran happened to her and catapulted her into the orbit of successful and popular television actors. Rashmi hasn’t stuck to just acting but tried her hand at comedy with Comedy Circus and Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla, tried dancing in shows like Zara Nachke Dikha too. She has won numerous awards for Best Actress Popular and Best Negative Actress. Rashmi is a trained Kathak and Bharatnatyam dancer and married her co star Nandish Sandhu in Feburary this year
25-year-old Ankita Lokhande debuted as Archana in Ekta Kapoor’s Pavitra Rishta. Part of Zee Cinestars ki khoj, Ankita got heaps of praise from established directors during the show. Later she was supposed to debut with Baali Umar Ko Salaam with Jai Soni but the show was shelved and Pavitra Rishta happened. She plays the love of Manav with ease and aplomb. The simply Archana with her idealistic family values is loved by one and all. She loves dance and even participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 recently.
The very young Jiaa Manek surprisingly emerged the most loved and highly popular actress with her debut show Star Plus’ prime time serial Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, playing the innocent and docile Gopi. Jiaa was always interested in acting as she graduated in Mass Media and auditioned for two shows before bagging Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. She has appeared in commercials for Amul and Vatika hair oil and a small role in film Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke. Her hobbies include horse-riding, dancing, acting, making chocolate and designing pottery
Priyanka Chopra has taken off on an impulsive holiday to the United States for two weeks. She will meet her family and friends there. She needed a break because she was shooting continuously for four films: 7 Khoon Maaf, Don 2, Agneepath, Barfee, and Kunal Kohli’s film. She wanted a break from her buzzing life.
Despite being one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, Charlize Theron has revealed that she is unable to find herself a man. The 35-year-old reportedly admitted that she had no desire to remain single and would prefer to be dating somebody. She also rubbished the rumours that she has been dating Prince Harry, who she was seen with at a polo match last month. Looks like since ending her nine-year relationship with Irish actor Stuart Townsend last January, she has still not found the right person. — ANI
Julia Roberts taking sewing, piano lessons
Brad Pitt is reportedly being lined up to star in the hostage drama The Mission. Warner Bros., who has obtained the rights to the film, wants the Hollywood heartthrob to take on the lead role with a script by Peter Landesman.