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Book inspiration
For some it was an overnight decision, no round table conferences with family members; for others it was an emotional outburst while for a select few, just a journey for discovering the self.
Whatever the reasons, each one came back from the wild with first-hand experiences that healed them and each one poured them into words, packing it with their raw humour as well as sensitivity. Sheryl Strayed (Wild), PG Tenzing (Don't Ask Any Old bloke For Directions), Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Love Pray), Mariellen Ward (Song of India: Tales For Travel And Transformation) and Jack Kerouac (On The Road) are some of the authors among the many who have written books on what made them hit the road, trek in the wilderness, cross mountains or ride a bike for days. Books like these not only make for a good 'lift-your-spirits' read, but they also compel you to pack your bags and spin an adventure for yourself. On a sojourn At twenty-six author Sheryl Strayed was lost; her mother's death and her divorce had left her crumbled till she made an impulsive decision to walk 1,100 miles of the West Coast of America. Her journey in the book Wild has been lapped up and inspired many. Ajay Arora, manager, Capital Book Depot, Sector-17, Chandigarh, would essentially classify such books as travel writings, which have ended up in self-discovery or some kind of revelation. "This genre is picking up in our country, but it has always been popular. In fact, there would be two groups that will like such books — one are past the age of travel, could not do so due to some reasons and now only satisfy their vicarious desires, and others in their twenties or thirties who want to take up an adventure like this." Inspiration guaranteed Julia Roberts took up a self-discovery journey in Eat Love and Pray inspired by the book by the same name while PG Tenzing, who died of cancer, wrote his experiences in the much-read book Don't Ask Any Old Bloke For Directions. Books like these not only talk vividly about travel — things that one encounters, mistakes any layman would make — but they also end with a revelation. "I was looking for a guide on biking to long distances," says Amanbir Sekhon, a traveller by heart, a biker by passion and a contractor by profession. "This is when I happened to see this book Don't Ask Any Old Bloke For Directions. I liked the cover and as blown over when I read it," he says, showing the book that now looks like a scrapbook with so many lines underlined with a marker and pictures tucked inside the depth of two pages. "It was after reading the book that I decided to make a bike journey on my Bullet from Zirakpur (precisely) to Mumbai. I came back as a different person. I respect each day and the trivial things like clean washed clothes that we ignore." Do the dare Author of On The Road, Jack Kerouac, in his incredible thirst for life, toppled over many things during his journey. "So is Sheryl Strayed in Wild," says Preeti Mehndiratta from Chandigarh, who has completed half the book. Preeti resigned from her job after her father passed away last year. "Then my engagement broke and nothing seemed to be right. Then I came across this book, which was lying at my friend's place. I am halfway through and feel I don't need to feel sad. I can't trek like she is doing, but I spend quality time with own self and try and face people who I would avoid meeting normally." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Mango mania
When the mango season arrives, my senses take leave of me completely! I have this uncontrollable desire to gobble down mangoes, as many as my tummy will hold, knowing that the fruit will not be available forever. Nothing like a big hunky chunk of mango aimed straight at the face! You then savour both its taste as well as the texture. Milkshakes, cheesecakes and ice creams may be great but equally great is the quantity of sugar that goes into them! I often love converting my much needed mango fix into a meal by turning it into a healthy salad. Get in some green beans, spinach, lettuce, carrots or cabbage for crunch. Add cracked wheat (daliya) or chickpeas for protein and fibre; paneer, cheese or tofu for the squishy element and whatever else that you fancy. Give the dressing a twist by adding some ginger juice, mint, chilli flakes and a squeeze of lemon. Voila!
Slimmers' salad Ingredients 1 large, ripe mango 100 gm French beans, cabbage or spinach 1oo gm cooked chicken, paneer or tofu (optional) 100 gm cooked daliya or chickpeas A bunch of fresh mint leaves 1 tbsp thinly sliced onion 150 gm carrots or corn 1 clove garlic, minced Chilli flakes to taste ½ tsp sugar or honey Lemon juice to taste ½ - 1 tsp ginger juice ¼ tsp soy sauce ¼ tsp sea salt 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
Peel and slice the mango into batons or cubes. Trim the beans, chop into half-finger lengths and blanch in boiling salted water. Prepare carrots into batons if using, or steam the corn and cool. To prepare the dressing, assemble the salt, sugar, garlic, lemon juice, ginger juice, chilli flakes, soy sauce, mint leaves and olive oil. Combine all the salad components in wide bowl. 15 minutes before hog-time, pour the dressing over the bowl, stir to combine. Check and adjust seasoning. Keep chilled till needed.
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Can’t ignore us…
You have already heard Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton taking to the Billboard top 20 with their song, The Thrift Shop from their collaborative album, The Heist. It is about time you heard their brand new single, Can't Hold Us, from the same album as they set a benchmark while taking this new single to the number one position on Billboard Hot 100 too. The song also features additional vocals by actress Susannah Wetzel who sings portions of the chorus alongside Dalton. In early 2013, the song was re-released and featured in a US television commercial for Microsoft and features in commercials for the drink Miller. The song was also used in the background of ESPN College Gameday commercials and in the March 2013 premiere episode of MTV's The Real World: Portland. Now, here's what the city folk have to say about this young tune… Beat attack I like the song essentially because of its beats. Also, the radio edits out portions of the introduction and the extended bridge section along with the alternate beat during the last chorus makes it sound even more interesting. I also love the piano line in the song. I think the band, which is relatively new, really has the hang of what the youth like and they are doing a mighty good job at it. Abhinandan Bajaj, businessperson Gospel rock This is a yet another massive summer hit by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis as they combine the handclapping and propulsive rhythms that are typical of the old-fashioned gospel music. Moreover, the beats are infectious and the chorus is more than uplifting. In fact, this song is infectious and I have been listening to it for a week now. Harman Sawhney, call centre employee Charged with energy As Macklemore continues to put his best foot forward, the lyrics of this song can not be ignored. By the sheer virtue of their capacity to come up with such inspiring lyrics, the band has definitely a long way to go. Also, I love the female vocals. There is some sort of energy, a very positive one, that fills you up with optimism when you listen to the song and each time I hear it, I say to myself, "I'm up and ready to face the music!" It makes for a perfect morning song. Swati Gupta, student — As told to Amarjot Kaur |
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Hair & now
Beautiful lush hair speaks volumes about you personality. To start with, choosing a hairstyle is a daunting task in itself and maintaining the texture is even more challenging. To make it a contented, relaxed and a hit experience, Strands Salon and Wella has collaborated under the label Strands Trends. Naunihal Singh, CEO, Strands Salon, has announced the endeavour with a display of the new hairstyles and colour technique for the year 2013 by Strands Trends.
The expedition "We believe in winning with the winners," says Rob Samet, managing director, Wella India. He adds, "Our collaboration will enhance our market presence." Why India and why now? Rob says, "India has a lot of potential and the growth in the industries is kicking off as the moment." Style wise Wella specifically deals with hair care and styling and everything that revolves around it. John Guest, Asian education capability manager and salon professional with Wella says, "Hair care is a tricky business but when handled properly, it can entirely change your appearance. With the Indian girls longing for lengths, how do they hope to bring in a change? He says, "People don't know what they are missing unless they have it and can relish it." And how about introducing some bling in the hair colours like neons and floroscent? "Well, subtle colours are the best. Although, we are hoping to introduce a lot of vibrant colours in the country, but lets just take one step at a time (he smiles)."
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Scooby says hello
Tanya Malhotra African grey parrot, one of the most intelligent birds in the world, is quite an entertainer. It gets along easily with anybody and is an excellent mimic. This is the story about Vinod Kumar aka Sonu, owner of a pet store, and his pet parrot Scooby. Their bond is relatively new; nonetheless it's rock solid. "I don't really have a list of what all he says because he is only two months old. In fact, it's the time to train him. You can hear him trying his best to produce some noise," says Sonu. He adds, "I saw the African grey parrot for the first time at a show in Thailand five years ago. Now, I don't usually keep pets but I can tell you I have been yearning to get him ever since and finally he is here." The excitement is visible in his tone as well as his eyes, while he pats Scooby and it replies back with a squeak. "My daughter Anchal named him Scooby, I love the name, so no complaints here," says Sonu. Love me, love Scooby While we sit and chat about the wonders of Scooby, Sonu just can't take his mind off his pet. "I got him from Mumbai two days ago and since it's so young it needs all the attention, including feeding him at least for another month. I got his food imported too. It is the new baby in the house. We all are very excited." We ask what changes has the bird brought to their house and Sonu already has the list ready, "My family and especially my daughter just can't get enough of him. Other than that, while I read my morning newspaper, my neighbours like to sit and watch us as Scooby and I brighten up the environment." He adds, "This breed is supposed to be the most talkative bird in the world, I just can't wait to hear him talk." Yours faithfully Although a parrot is only faithful, it's one interesting bird. "He likes to sit on my hand or shoulders and hold me real tight. He has started recognising and trusting me. And what does he plan to teach Scooby? "I would like to teach him some good manners, languages, maybe some good tricks like how does a dog bark or how to introduce oneself." Why a single parrot we wonder? Sonu explains, "I guess they learn the best while they are alone. Also, they tend to get all the attention. And that's very important. Maybe our Scooby will soon train other parrots," Sonu smiles. |
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A small act
The expressions on her face say what a fine actress she is; her tears will give you goose bumps, her smile will comfort you…if we tell you she is a pretty-looking kid from fourth standard, you might open your eyes wide in amazement.
Mehnaaz Mann is a talented girl and the best 'dramebaaz' as well. These attributes bring Mehnaaz from Mohali to the finals of India’s Best Dramebaaz on Zee TV. A talent search reality show, it has children aged 5-12 showcasing their acting skills. Bollywood actors Vivek Oberoi, Sonali Bendre and film director Anurag Basu are judges in this show. Mehnaaz is a bundle of talent; a student of St Xaviers, Sector-20, Panchkula, the kid has taken after her mother Roopi Mann when it comes to acting. Roopi laughs, "I was a brat when I was a kid, but Mehnaaz is a sober and understanding child. We don't have to scold her for anything," says the mother who was herself won numerous certificates for theatre and extra-curricular activities during her college days. Roopi decided to honour her father's wish to stick to studies but she sees her kid living a part of it. "My parents did not ask me to do acting, I saw mummy do it sometimes so I liked it," shares the kid, taking long pauses in her conversation. Mehnaaz impressed all three judges with her acting skills specially for her performances as Anarkali, Jhansi Ki Rani. "I acted as a mad girl during the auditions and mummy helped me prepare the act, which was liked by all," she adds. For those who have missed her performance, Mehnaaz is brilliant with her expressions. She has heard that many a times on the sets. Out of all this, grows a word — competition. Kids being thrown in a competitive environment, how far can they handle this? The kid is too naïve to reply, all she knows is that she has her father with her and all her judges are very nice. "Vivek sir is fun, Sonali ma'am wears amazing dresses and Anurag sir gives useful tips," adds Mehnaaz, who wants to be an actress when she grows up. Her mother smiles, "My father didn't encourage me for acting; however, my husband has been pretty supportive. I just want my daughter Mehnaaz to do what she wants to. It gives me immense pleasure to see her on screen and I hope people from the tricity will vote for her."
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Blind truth!
The days of oppressive afternoons are here again. As people are going for big-window modular layout and designs for their homes, blinds as well as curtains for cutting out the heat and excessive light have become a necessity.
A variety of blinds available in the market afford a lot of options for doing up the interiors of your home. Some of the new blinds are also remote-operated blinds; press the button and the Venetian blinds only rotate to shut out light. Press another, these simply roll up. "These blinds are very popular, not only for their multi-functionality but also for the pleasing aesthetics," says Preetkanwar Singh from Naveen Bharat, Ludhiana. Combination of curtains and blinds, with blinds at the back and curtains in the front, are also popular these days. "A complete set of panel-on top; blinds at the back and curtains in the front are quite popular," says a representative from Maspar. Different combinations and shades of Bamboo chiks are also being used, but their use is reducing with time. "Blinds in various materials like PVC, cotton, silk and polyester are also being used," says Damanpreet Singh from Khurana furniture. Special blinds, especially to block sunlight, are also available. "Blinds, especially in light colour not only look beautiful, but also allow enough light. The diffused light just creates a beautiful ambience, which is extremely pleasing to the eye. That is why I prefer blinds to curtains," says Komal, a home-maker. "Although blinds were earlier restricted to offices alone, new, straight blinds are being increasingly used in homes," says Vaneet, an interior designer. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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Arbaaz wants to work with SRK
Salman Khan might have a long-standing rivalry with Shahrukh Khan but his director brother Arbaaz Khan has a different equation with Sallu's arch-rival. Arbaaz said that he wants to work with Shah Rukh. He is all praise for him. "I would definitely want to work with him. Shah Rukh is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars of Bollywood. His work and fan following are enough to prove his worth in the industry," the 45-year-old actor-turned-filmmaker said. However, Arbaaz hasn't signed Shah Rukh nor approached him for any film. His first choice is Salman. "Salman is family. Why would I go out and search for actors before approaching the superstar in our house?" he added. He also maintains that making a movie with Salman will always remain his priority. He said, "Besides being a brother, he is also a great actor and performer. His fans love him, irrespective of whether his films bomb or work at the box-office. Any director and producer would love to work with him and I only feel fortunate to have delivered two back-to-back hits with him." After the success of Dabangg and Dabangg 2, Arbaaz is working on another script and it would be really interesting to see who will be his lead star. "I am working on a script. It will be a commercial film with a lot of comedy and other elements required to make it a blockbuster. I have not decided to cast anyone and neither is my team writing the script keeping any particular actor in mind. The casting decision will be taken only after completing the script and finalising all other logistics," he signed off.
In the spotlight
Big arrival: Actor Amitabh Bachchan arrives for the opening ceremony and the screening of The Great Gatsby at the 66th international film festival in Cannes on Wednesday. Stage presence: Jury members of the 66th Cannes Film Festival Nicole Kidman (L) and Vidya Balan arrives on stage during the opening ceremony.
Ranbir flirts with Madhuri!
A self-confessed Madhuri Dixit fan, Ranbir Kapoor once said the actress was his first love and that his heart broke when she got married. Ranbir has now got his big chance to dance with the diva in his latest film, Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani. On Madhuri Dixit's 46th birthday, the makers of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani unveiled the first look of her item song Ghagra. Ghagra looks like a fun song, which introduces Ranbir Kapoor's character Bunny in the film. While this is the first time Ranbir has shared the screen with Madhuri in a film, this isn't the first time he has danced with her.
Secret service
Shahid Kapoor's recent status has been "Doggie time." He has not got a new dog though he recently lost his pet. He has been shooting a song called Doggie Time which has been styled by Aalim Hakim and Kunal Rawal and choreographed by Bosco Martis. Shahid's look in the song is a secret. This one looks fun. Shahid has completed a decade in the industry.
Preity behind the veil
Preity Zinta is always there for her team Kings XI Punjab and is the face of her team. At a recent match, she refused to be photographed and give sound bytes because she had no make-up or hairstyling artist with her. She looked pretty good at the match and energetically cheered her team. Her support, prettiness, and enthusiasm must be the secret of their good form!
Kjo upset with SRK?
It was not very long back that Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar mended their differences and turned friends again. But unfortunately, things have gone wrong between them yet again. It all started when Shah Rukh Khan did not let Deepika Padukone to fly to London to promote Dharma Productions Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Deepika Padukone was to promote the film with Ranbir Kapoor in London but Shah Rukh Khan forcibly cancelled Deepika's trip and did not let her to promote the movie abroad. Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone were shooting for Rohit Shetty's movie Chennai Express and SRK did not give the Cocktail actress break from work for two days to promote the film. According to a source, Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty are in a hurry to complete the shooting as early as possible because they have planned to release the film during Eid in August.
Hit list
The year is nearly halfway through and we have had our share of hits and misses at the box office. More misses than hits, in fact. We tell you about some of the films which were hits.
Shootout at Wadala: The movie was nearly repulsive but Manya Surve's story and the item songs have appealed with the masses. The movie has made nearly Rs 50 crore at the box office and Sanjay Gupta is planning another one in the series. It is John Abraham's biggest solo film till date. Jolly LLB:
This was the surprise hit of the year. The social lawyer drama that starred Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani had its heart in the right place. The low-budget movie made in Rs 33 crore did brisk business on word-of-mouth and good reviews, even from the industry. Everyone is happy!
Go Goa Gone: The movie was made at a budget of just around Rs 16 crore and is a very unique movie because zombie movies are a new concept. However, people from every strata of society are talking about the movie and are keen on seeing it because it is so entertaining! The Saif Ali Khan-Kunal Kemmus starrer has already recovered its budget in its first week and is well on its way to being certified a hit and also a cult film.
Aashiqui 2: This is the surprise blockbuster of the year! Starring newbies Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur who have not had a hit before, it has grossed nearly Rs 50 crore at the box office and is still going strong. The budget is just about one-fourth of the revenue! The Bhatts are so good at making low budget films which become big hits!
Race 2: The big-budget and hyped multi-starrer sequel has made more than Rs 140 crore in total domestic and worldwide box office and satellite right. It broke the jinx of January releases not doing well as it is the first blockbuster of the year.
D-Day for Nikhil
Nikhil Adwani is on a roll. His next big film D-Day's trailer and first look are now out. The film is a multi-starrer. Arjun Rampal plays a RAW Agent and Shruti Haasan plays a Karachi-based prostitute who helps him nab a criminal. The movie looks interesting.
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Drama unfolds
In Star Plus' Diya Aur Baati Hum there is Emily's grah pravesh as the new bahu in the house, but Sandhya sleeps it off; Bhabho feels really guilty about drugging her and thinks that she has stooped really low. Bhabho decides to wake Sandhya up to ensure that she goes for her exam.
Ayushmann as host?
The grapevine is abuzz with rumours that Ayushmann Khurrana has been approached for Mallika Sherawat's TV show The Bachelorette India — Mere Khayalon Ki
Mallika. The production house earlier approached Ronit Roy who was too busy to do it and as the show starts in August they want to lock the host now. Question is will Ayushmann do it?
Is Debina pregnant?
If the latest buzz to be believed then wife of Gurmeet Choudhary, Debina Bonnerjee is
pregnant. Rumour mills are abuzz with the news that Debina is expecting her first child after Gurmeet shared his feelings of becoming a father by next year in an interview. Moreover, when Debina and Gurmeet made an appearance during the music launch event of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, shutterbugs clicked Debina and gossiped that her "baby bump" was visible. But she danced her heart out in Star Plus' Shriman vs Shrimati recently. How would she have danced if she was expecting? We contacted, Debina shared, "No, I am not pregnant. Having a baby is nothing to hide and if something like that would have happened, I and Gurmeet would have announced it on Twitter. But yes, we are planning to go the family way by next year." All the best!
Wedding bells
Arjun Bijlani of Miley Jab Hum Tum fame is going to be married soon. He will tie the knot with his long time girlfriend Neha Swami at the Iskcon temple in Mumbai on May 20. The couple will have a sangeet ceremony a day before and a reception the next day.
Back on tube
Remember the hit show Remix? Well, the show will return on the tube. It will air again on Channel V from May 20 at 4 pm. This youth-centric show, which was telecast on Star One, became quite popular and made Karan
Wahi, Raj Singh Arora, Priya Wal, Kunal Karan Kapoor quite famous. Eight years later, let's see how it is received.
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New releases
I Don't Luv U
Producer: Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, Dr Pallavi Mishra, Amrapali Media Vision Director: Amit Kasaria I Don't Luv U is a dark love story written and directed by news-editor-turned-director Amit Kasaria. It talks about an MMS leak of lead stars and what happens thereafter. The film stars Ruslaan Mumtaz, debutant Chetna Pandey, Murali Sharma, Rajesh Ashthana and Ravi Khemu. Ruslaan Mumtaz plays a college boy in love with peer Chetna Pande. The young generation's view of fast-track time-pass relationships has been portrayed in this love story. Music is the highlight of this film. Aurangzeb Producer: Aditya Chopra Director: Atul Sabharwal Directed by debutant director Atul Sabharwal and produced by Aditya Chopra, YRF's Aurangzeb is based on the land mafia in Gurgaon. A major portion of this film has been shot in Delhi and Gurgaon. The film stars Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Amrita Singh, Prithviraj and Sasha Aagha, who makes her debut in Bollywood. With only a Super 35 mm camera, the director has manually shot lead protagonist Arjun Kapoor's two characters in Aurangzeb. The Great Gatsby Director: Baz Luhrmann The keenly awaited romantic drama The Great Gatsby is an adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel with the same title. It stars Leonardo Dicaprio, Tobey Maquire, Carey Mulligam and Joel Edgerton. The film follows the life and times of millionaire Jay Gatsby and his neighbour Nick, who recounts his encounter with Gatsby at the height of the Roaring Twenties. The Reluctant Fundamentalist Producer and Director: Mira Nair Mira Nair's keenly awaited movie is an engaging story of a young man chasing corporate success at the Wall Street in the US. Post the 9/11 tragedy, he finds himself embroiled in his dream, a hostage crisis and the call of his family. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: Turn your attention to matters of money. Go over the figures and see where you stand. If there are problems, discuss them with partners. Forgive and forget is the best policy.
Tarot message: Follow the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 49 TAURUS: Enjoy friendly gathering in your neighborhood. Luck is on your side and good things will come your way. Try to resolve legal matters in a satisfactory manner. Tarot message: Think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 64 GEMINI: Listen to your heart. Are you doing something to please somebody else at the expense of your own needs? If yes; then it is time for you to reassess your motives. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 30 CANCER: Enduring relationships will be formed with new people. Stick to your regular job as that is the best way of boosting your reserves. Domestic chores will interfere with your plans. Tarot message: Learn from past experiences. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 52 LEO: Older people and family commitments will take up your time. Don't try to dodge these responsibilities. Work on your favourite project today and give your creative talent a vent. Tarot message: Stay focused for success. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 60 VIRGO: A recent training or a practice programme will pay off big-time today. Misunderstandings will start to move forward and clear away. Contract and agreements will be finalised. Tarot message: Accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 42
LIBRA: A joint meeting will be held to review the situation and plan a future strategy. Those married will spend an interesting day. Make sure you know what is needed in advance. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 55 SCORPIO: Those who are eligible will decide to get married. A certain misunderstanding with a close relative will get cleared. Do not spoil your chance by being rash. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 65 number: 50 SAGITTARIUS: A slow moving day. Lovers: you are surely going to enjoy today's meeting. Women will pass through a period of depression. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip, which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Work prospects improve. Do not argue with elders. Do not push the point, let it go and you will find out what it is in due course. Remember the saying; if you love someone, set them free. Tarot message: Stay patient. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 58 AQUARIUS: You are unlikely to be in the mood to start new jobs or ventures. The best outlet for pressure is passion and romance, so turn your thoughts to love and everything that's positive in your life. Tarot message: Do not fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 64 PISCES: Look forward to a fulfilling day. Set your imagination free and enjoy the creative ideas. You are likely to be oversensitive to others, but this will help your communication skills. Tarot message: Try a new off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 44
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