The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Full of beans!
Brew your own cup of coffee and savour the delightful taste that the world of this rich beverage offers
Amarjot Kaur

A drink that envisaged a tradition, which later translated into a commercial trend, there's more to coffee than just the divinity of its extraordinary taste! First discovered by a goatherd, Kaldi, in Ethiopia, coffee traces its history in India to the sixteenth century, when a man named Baba Budan Giri smuggled seven mocha seeds to Karnataka on his way back from Mecca Medina. And even though we have come a long way from making several coffee shops out of those seven beans, there is still an endless list of possibilities that one can brew with this interesting ingredient. So, for those of you who are worried about the slips between the cup and lips, here's a series of ways you can brew a good cup of coffee for yourself and host a couple of friends at your home. For there's absolutely nothing that a good coffee cannot digest!

Swell ground

Although one can easily purchase 50 grams of processed coffee available in the local departmental stores for Rs 80, it may not be quite sufficient to quench the thoughts that brew your soul! For all those who advocated for the best things in nature are for free, 100 grams of rich grounded coffee priced at Rs 40 is only a very little price to pay. Don't you think? Available at the Café Coffee Day and Barista, the ground coffee has found a whole new tradition of existence. "At Barista, we offer our own blend of coffee, which is hundred percent Arabica," says Sandeep Kang, the Manager of Barista. At Café Coffee Day, one can invest in different blends of coffee powders such as the Arabica, Charge and Perfect. "Arabica, Charge and Perfect range are the perfect brews if you intend to use mocha pot or French press to fix yourself a coffee; they vary on the quality of their taste. We usually add chicory in our coffee blends because it enhances the taste of the coffee and makes it linger for a longer while," says Aparupa Roy, senior manager, learning and development.

The café also offers a premium range, Mysore Royal and Dark Forest, which taste creamy, rich and smooth. "Since Mysore Royal and Dark Forest are grown in Mysore and Nilgiri, the taste of this coffee is strong, yet smooth. Also, if you are the sorts who like travelling, then prefer Trist, a coffee-on-the-go and the innovative Filta Fresh, a unique offering that gives you filter-coffee in a minute through a simple brew-it-yourself process," adds Roy.

Perfect blend

One should also not underestimate the importance of the size of the grind. "If your coffee tastes bitter, it may be over-extracted or grounded too fine. On the other hand, if your coffee tastes flat, it may be under-extracted, meaning that your grind is too coarse. Tell the professionals where you purchase your coffee from exactly how you will be brewing it. For example, will you be using a plunger pot? A flat drip filter? A cone drip filter? A gold mesh filter? They will grind it specifically for the preparation method you have chosen and the equipment you use," she says. Before using the coffee, try rubbing some of the grounds between your fingers so that you can 'feel' the grind and become acquainted with the difference in size.

French connection

Many coffee experts feel that the French Press method of coffee brewing is the best way to experience the perfect cup. It produces a thick, rich cup, full of the aromatic oils that give coffee its flavour. The classic French Press is quite a romantic fixture. It evokes visions of intimate conversation at quaint outdoor cafes on tucked away, lamp-lit streets... wherever your imagination may take you.

Method: Your water should be fresh-off-the-boil and stirred directly into the French pot with a long-handled wooden spoon. Stirring makes certain that the grounds are saturated and properly extracted; also, the wooden spoon prevents breakage. Now, set the plunger top in place. Press the plunger down just far enough to eliminate any air. Cover the whole unit with a towel and let the grounds steep. After 4-5 minutes press the plunger down firmly but slowly. Pour and enjoy.

Stovetop Espresso or Moka Pot

You really can't go wrong with a stovetop espresso maker or Espresso Pot or Moka pot (as the Italians would fondly call it) for a dramatically more economical approach. From the early 1900s, this ingenious (but simple) brewer continues to be one of the most popular methods of brewing espresso in Italy and many other European destinations. It provides a great way to make a stout, espresso-like brew while travelling, camping or even in times of emergency where you may have a heat source but no electricity. It's also very handy to take along when visiting a non-coffee drinking friend or family. Just bring your handy-dandy little Moka Pot and an ample supply of fresh roasted coffee!

Method: The moka pot has a threaded lower pot to hold the water, a unit that has a pressure relief valve and a middle-screen section that holds the coffee. Finely grounded coffee is simply spooned in to slightly heaping (it is left untamped). The screen loaded with coffee is then simply dropped into the fitted lower section. The heated water creates steam pressure that forces its way through the coffee into the top section from whence it is poured. A lid that flips open and closes, tops the pot.

"Assuming you are using great coffee, a moka pot can make an excellent brew that packs some punch. It may not be exactly like the espresso you find at your local coffee house, but it can come satisfyingly close," says Ruchika Mehta, marketing manager, Barista.

Cuban coffee

Cuban coffee can be likened to doing a ceremonial shot at the local bar; only in this case, it's a coffee bar! A thimble-size shot of 'espresso' is a morning ritual for many Cubans and Cuban-Americans. "Cuban-coffee, also called Café Cubano, Cafecito, or simply Cuban Espresso, is a powerful espresso-like drink that originated in Cuba after Italian Espresso machines were first imported. This style of coffee was originally brewed in a pot on the stove but now, at least in America, the stovetop espresso maker seems to be the brewer of choice for Café Cubano," shares Aparupa.

Method: The Cuban coffee is generally prepared using a very dark roast coffee of your choice, however, you may use any coffee you like with pleasing results; provided it is fresh and properly ground (espresso grind is best). Once again, high quality, fresh roasted coffee will certainly give you the most satisfying and memorable experience.

The preparation is very similar to that of stovetop espresso, but it's usually sweetened during the brewing process. Feel free to sip and savour this coffee to your heart's content, but if you wish to go the traditional way of Cuba, enthusiasts will tell you that this type of coffee is meant to be 'shot' (hold the lime!) and then savoured.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

	gyan zone Pizza perfect! As many as 40 exotic pizzas await you at pizza tour, Oregano Mona If authentic Italian pizza is what you are in a mood to explore, we highly recommend a pizza tour helmed by Antenello Cancedda at Oregano, JW Marriott, Chandigarh. The Italian chef, who is happy to have Chandigarh as his home, for the last three years has prepared a gourmet's delight that's sure to leave you asking for more. To begin with, there are as many as 40 varieties of pizza, ample of them vegetarian and non-vegetarian, including sea food. You can order pizza by metre here (get half-a-metre or less, or more, depending on how many of you are there); and make your own Quattro Gusti - four different flavours for different corners. While the options are aplenty right from fine Italian to fine cheese fontina, for toppings there is almost everything you might fancy right from artichokes, asparagus, smoked chicken, turkey, pickled chillies, sausage, tuna to grilled lobster. Go thin crust or Mamma style, thick crust ones; the health-conscious can request for a whole wheat base too. Our chef from Sardinia, Italy, has all the plans to give you a leisure evening. He welcomes kids to try their hands at making pizza while you enjoy your meal. Not only is the menu enticing with a whole range of Pizza dessert, but even the pricing. Veg pizzas are available from Rs 400 onwards while non-veg ones are available for Rs 550 onwards. You can enjoy unlimited pizza plus beer at ~1,250 (all inclusive) too. And, then along with chef's authentic recipes, enjoy fine Italian music too as Antenello picks up his guitar! (On from 7:30 onwards till August 15) mona@tribunemail.com
	Doc Talk Behind the mask Dr Vikas Sharma A facial mask is one of the oldest aesthetic methods to condition the skin and give it a boost for a more youthful as well as radiant appearance. However, always consider your skin type before using any type of facial mask, as you can inadvertently irritate your skin if you don't take this into account. When it comes to facial masks, you have many options but before using it the important things to consider are the ingredients of the facial mask, your skin type, how the mask will work to address your specific problems and whether you might suffer from any side effects. Always keep in mind that before using any type of facial mask, it's important to try it out on a small patch of skin, especially if you have very sensitive skin. The human skin is designed to react very quickly to anything it perceives as a threat, so if you're trying a new facial mask for the first time, and your skin has never come in contact with the ingredients before, it can react in a defensive way, by giving you an allergic reaction. The fact is that most facial masks are not that well customised to individual skin types, so there is always a danger that introducing a new ingredient (and massaging it into the skin) could backfire. No matter which facial mask you choose, be sure to read the labelled ingredients and select one that is free of artificial fillers and parabens. If you are diabetic or on blood thinners, consult your dermatologist before using a facial mask to avoid any adverse effects. If you experience severe redness, itching or swelling with the facial mask seek medical assistance immediately, as any allergy has the potential to become fatal. Also delay the application of facial mask if you had a recent attack of Herpes virus infection or severe acne. Irreversible darkening, pigmentation of skin, contact dermatitis are a few of many adverse reactions that can occur due to wrong choice or usage of a facial mask. The modern-day facial mask isn't just about being pampered, but about nurturing the skin with the right ingredients. That's why, if you want to choose the best facial mask, you need to understand how they work. Facial masks are available in these basic formulations: wax-based, vinyl or rubber-based, hydrocolloid and earth-based. Wax face masks Wax-based face masks are most frequently recommended for individuals with dry skin, owing to their ability to temporarily impede trans-epidermal water loss. Peel-off masks Peel-off facial masks have a waxy texture. After they are applied to the skin, peel off masks should be given sometime to dry until the entire layer is consistent. Remember, peel off facial masks should be removed very slowly, so as not to cause inadvertent damage to the skin. Vinyl and rubber-based masks These masks are generally left in contact with the skin for 10 to 30 minutes and then removed in one sheet by loosening at the edges. Hydrocolloid masks They are marketed in the form of dry ingredients in a sealed pouch that must be mixed with warm water prior to application. The resulting paste is then smeared over the face and allowed to dry. Earth-based masks Earth-based masks are formulated of absorbent clay. The clay produces an astringent effect on the skin, making this mask more appropriate for those with oily-skin. When using this type of mask, it's a good idea to let it dry out on top of your skin and then gently rub it off with warm water. Collagen masks There are also so-called collagen masks, which are meant to boost the amount of collagen in the skin. Now, the thing to keep in mind is that collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed by the skin, so if a collagen mask simply contains this ingredient, it may not be fully beneficial to you. That's why you want to focus on getting the kind of facial mask that contains ingredients that stimulate collagen production. (Dr Vikas is a Chandigarh-based skin specialist)
	CELEB POINT Showers of blessing Divya Dutta It's pouring in Mumbai and I love this time of the season. Everything is cool, green, beautiful and romantic. Living close to the beach is an added plus; a walk in the drizzle is the most mesmerising feeling. In fact, I love getting drenched in the first downpour of the season. It's liberating and beautiful. And yes, my being an actor doesn't stop me from doing this. I do what I love doing anyway. This time I went for my evening walk and it suddenly started to drizzle. I stopped and lifted my face up to the sky, feeling each droplet coming on my face, making a connection with the universe! The drizzle turned into a downpour, but I didn't move. I felt someone up there had sent all his blessings through this rain on me. Overwhelmed, I had tears in my eyes. The tear barely found its way out and the rain just washed it away, absorbing it, as if someone up there wiped it off my face. Those 10 minutes of communication with the universe were surreal. You feel it when you let yourself go. I did and what I felt thereafter, I can't explain. I came back home like a little child in my wet clothes. My mother looked at me and said--- will you ever grow up? But yes, the scolding was followed by garam pakoras and hot ginger tea. It was still raining outside, reminding me of the beautiful rendezvous I just had. I thank the rain for the divine experience. It assures me of his presence! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
	Master Chef Fruity flavour Manju Dewan Salads are a cool treat to have in this sultry weather and if they are combined with fresh fruits, the treat becomes all the more tasty as well as wholesome. With the colourful combination of watermelon and off set with cheese, it becomes a visual treat also. So here goes the recipe. Cheesy Fruit Delight Ingredients 1 medium watermelon 4 cups fresh fruits (chopped) 2 cheese cubes (chopped) 3-4 tbsp Honey 2-3 tbsp lemon juice 1 cup semi-set strawberry jelly Method Cut watermelon pieces into 3-4 inch wedges, about ½ inch thick. Place wedges around the edge of a large platter. Make 3-4 layers. Mix together honey and lemon juice. Toss the chopped fruit and cheese cubes in it. Place this fruit salad in the centre of the watermelon. Pour the semi-set jelly (Dewan is a Ludhiana based culinary expert) (As told to Poonam Bindra)
	Realms of the unknown Renu Mathur, who prefers to call herself as shaman, helps people channelise positive energy Amarjot Kaur Although much has been said about destiny, its understanding is often eclipsed by superstitions, enigmas and several other paradoxes that haunt our existence. For over 25 years, Chandigarh-based shaman Renu Mathur has been dealing with the complexities of the unknown. As she continues to practice tarot card reading, energy balancing, astrology, palmistry, tasseography and reiki, she is now extending her expertise on a whole new turf as she steps into the shoes of a grief-healer and life guide. "In Hindu mythology, there are two schools of thoughts pertaining to astrology and its practices. While one thought caters to the tantrik vidya, which is about evoking the negative energy the other is mantrik, which dwells on exploring the positive energy," says Renu. While she calls herself a shaman, who channelises the positive energy, she maintains that there are many ways in which one can get rid of their negative energies or obstacles that lie in their path. "I get to witness as many as fifteen cases of broken marriages and domestic violence in a month, and such people suffer from emotional trauma, which I cure by healing their energies through herbs, chants, crystals, Cassandra, Isis and Hecuba," she says. Renu maintains that she cannot change someone's destiny, but can make things easy by removing certain obstacles. amarjot@tribunemail.com
	It’s a woman’s world Mrs India Beauty Queen 2014 contest comes calling to City Beautiful Amarjot Kaur It is time to gear up for a competition that will win you not only a crown that defines the identity of beauty, but which accords the insignia of perfection and dignity. Organised by Bir Kaur Dhillon, who was crowned the Mrs India Globe 2013, in October last year, Mrs India Beauty Queen 2014 has arrived in City Beautiful. As she invites the women to arrive at The Taj on August 2, from 10 am to 4 pm, Bir talks about the prerequisites that are critical for participating in the beauty pageant. "I am not as much concerned about the 'beauty' aspect of a woman, she also has to be intelligent and socially aware. We are organising this pageant specifically for married women, who hold their identity at the epitome of dignity and celebrate their womanhood." Bir's two basic aims for organising a beauty pageant in India remain women empowerment and conservation of the heritage buildings across Punjab. "We encourage women to come dressed in a formal-casual look, which is neither too formal nor too casual. Also, they are required to bring along a set of three photographs, one of which is a close-up while the other two full length and mid-shot photo," shares Bir, who is a mother of two. Also, the participants have to bring along with them a copy of their marriage certificate. Bir is a marathon runner and ran for more than four hours at the ‘Run For Water Marathon’ held at the British Columbia in May last year. Based in Vancouver, she also runs her own clothing line by the name of Kaur Couture and is the director of two social organisations, Women on Women Welfare (WOWW) and Global Girl Power, an organisation against female foeticide. So if you haven't still left for the parlour, it's about time you do so and just in case if you miss the auditions on August 2, the all-Punjab auditions will be scheduled on August 16 at Maharani Club from 10 am to 4 pm. The participants can register on the spot and the registration fee is Rs 2,000. For registration and other details, visit mrsindiabeautyqueen.com. amarjot@tribunemail.com
	Heads up! ARES, a helmet brand manufactured by applying NASA technology, is now available for passionate bikers. Ares series of products will translate the street biking experience into a new level, ensuring more style and safety. Keeping in mind the needs, a team of highly experienced professionals has come up with new model of ARES Flip up helmet. ARES Flip up Helmet is a revolutionary new high-end helmet especially for professionals and passionate bikers. The helmet has been designed in Italy by highly trained professional. It has unbreakable visors in different colours. — TNS
	star track Surma(s) of B-town We take a look at some of the actors who have worn surma to fulfil the demands of their character Like second skin Hrithik Roshan in Jodhaa Akbar: Hrithik Roshan, who plays the role of Muslim Mughal emperor Akbar in the historic romantic drama, wore surma to get into the skin of his character. It enhanced his looks by making his eyes look smoky green. Eyes say it all Aamir Khan in Fanna: Aamir plays a Muslim tourist guide in Delhi. He wore surma to make his character look as authentic as possible. But this wasn't the first time as he was seen sporting it. He has worn kohl in his 1998 film Ghulam as well. A touch of soot Ranveer Singh in Ram Leela: He plays the character of Ram, a Gujarati boy belonging to Rajadi class. So he wears surma because he is very desi in the film. The kohl not only added volume to his eye lashes but also to his performance. For the road-side feel Ranbir Kapoor in Chillar Party: Even Ranbir coudln't stay away from sporting a surma. He wore it for an item song in the film Chillar Party in which he played a tapori. Of kohl and onscreen character Aditya Roy Kapur essays the role of a Lucknawi chef in his upcoming release Dawaat-E-Ishq. His character Tariq is very different from his previous characters. Aditya will be seen wearing a surma. Surma is very common in the City of Nawabs and Aditya felt that wearing a surma will complete his look. He thought that it would help him get a feel of the character.
	Pooja Bhatt kicks the butt Pooja Bhatt has finally decided to say good bye to the cancer stick. Believed to be a regular smoker for years now, Pooja has finally strengthened her resolve to kick the dreaded habit once and for all. "RIP nicotine. Kicking the butt from today. If I go back on my word, kick mine please," the 42-year-old actress-turned-filmmaker tweeted. Pooja is currently busy with her long-in-the-pipeline project Cabaret. Wife to the rescue Kareena Kapoor Khan says that her husband Saif Ali Khan is a brilliant actor who has done path-breaking films like Omkara and Being Cyrus. She says that Humshakals was a mistake he made because it is just not his type of movie.
	Brunt of the Internet Singer Hilary Duff's new track Chasing the Sun unexpectedly hit the web, a day before its official release. The song, which marks the singer-actress' first music in seven years, is a radio-friendly, pure pop tune with a 1990s-early 2000s feel, reported a website. "I'm chasing the sun. Won't miss out on the fun. Gotta get it while our hearts are young. I'm chasing the sun," Duff sings the chorus. The track serves as the first single of Duff's comeback album that's due out later this year via RCA Records. "I've worked very hard and the album is a great representation of the experiences I've had in my life and where I want to go from here! I took a break from music for quite a while, but it gave me the power to choose my next steps carefully and I'm really proud of the album I've made," she said. — PTI Web story: Hilary Duff A sensational introduction Humaima Malick, who is a Pakistani model and an actor, has done a few kissing scenes with Emraan Hashmi in Raja Natwarlal. She claims that the scenes were shot aesthetically and made sense to the story. However, she will not wear a bikini because she is not comfortable with it. Shelved and revived! Ayushmann Khurrana will star in Amit Roy's next film, which will have Taapsee Pannu as the female lead. This is the same film that was previously titled Hamara Bajaj and was meant to be directed by Shoojit Sircar.
	Rest in peace James Actor James Shigeta, best known for playing the role of an ill-fated chief executive in Bruce Willis-starrer Die Hard, has passed away at the age of 81. Shigeta died on July 27 in LA, said a publication. The actor, who originally hailed from Hawaii, was a top Asian-American actor of the early 1960s and starred in the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song (1961). He made his debut with Sam Fuller's The Crimson Kimono in 1959 and also starred in films like Cry for Happy (1961) and Bridge to the Sun (1961). Shigeta later acted in the 1969-72 CBS drama Medical Center. His Die Hard in 1988 was a major success. — PTI
	chatter box Cooking up a storm He's had women swoon over his chocolate boy good looks in Aashiqui 2; Aditya Roy Kapoor now returns to the big screen opposite Parineeti Chopra in his next movie - Dawaat-E-Ishq. The handsome actor was seen promoting his movie at Zee TV's Eid special - Dawaat-E-Eid. Playing the character of a 'bawarchi' who cooks up a storm at the drop of a hat in the film…looks like Aditya Roy Kapoor has mastered the art of cooking in real life too. Getting into the skin of his character, Aditya was seen having a lot of fun cooking on the sets. As a part of the script, the female actors of Zee TV were asked to cook certain authentic dishes for the evening. While the girls seemed to know it all, Aditya happened to overlook all that was being cooked. On understanding that the girls were finding it a little difficult to follow the recipes to the tee, Aditya ended up using his newly acquired culinary skills. While there were experts around, Aditya ended up giving some final touches to each of the dishes.
	Act of faith Actress Sneha Wagh, who has been observing many of her Muslim friends keeping Roza every year, decided to keep a fast this time. As this was her first time, senior actress Shafugta Ali became her guide. She says, "I wanted to keep Roza since the time Ramdaan started. Finally, I kept one on Friday. There is no specific reason. I just felt from within that I wanted to keep one. I had heard when you keep a roza, 'dua qubool hoti hai' if your intent (niyat) is clean." She adds, "I kept the roza and went to Shafugta ji's house for Iftaar, and even prayed together. In the morning also she called and guided me how to do Sehri. I felt very nice about everything though I was really hungry by Iftaar time."
	Playing a tomboy Star Plus' new show Nisha aur uske Cousins has a lot happening behind the scenes before the show goes on air. The actors have been undergoing rigorous training to get into the skin of their character. They have been working on their body language, voice modulation and dialogue delivery, all to make sure that they do their best on screen. The one person who has undergone complete transformation is Aneri Vajani, who was last seen in Crazy Stupid Ishq. Aneri, who essays the role of the main protagonist Nisha, plays a very challenging role as she essays the character of a tomboy. "When I got a call confirming that I would be playing Nisha it was like a dream come true. I have done a few shows till now but this role is very different and a little challenging. I have been undergoing various workshops to get into the tomboy character."
	The hungry actor Krip Suri, who has done shows like Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah, Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmayudh, Phulwa, Savitri and Sadda Haq, is currently being seen in Uttaran. He talks about his journey, his best role and more... What were your reasons to take up Uttaran? My character's name is Azagar and I play a terrorist. This role is inspired by Saif Ali Khan's character in Qurbaan. Uttaran is a brand name, so I like being part of it. On the other hand, Sadda Haq is the number one show on V. I am a hungry actor and I like to do new things. What were your preparations for the role in Sadda Haq? I was going for a look test when I met with an accident. I had six factures on my left arm and was hospitalised. The production house called me and I told them about the situation. They were supportive and waited for me. I did a look test later and within twenty days I started shooting for Sadda Haq. I have received a positive response from audiences and viewers since then. Recently you changed your name to Krrip Kapur Suri. Why? My mom's last name is Kapur. I am really close to her and my mom is everything to me. I feel my mom is everywhere with me, so I have started using her last name with my father's last name. Which one has been your toughest role so far? The toughest role for me was in Savitri. That character was difficult. I played a powerful negative role. The person always lived for his love. It had an evil shade one you couldn't imagine. You are quite a skilled photographer. How did photography happen? I haven't learnt photography. I think it's an inbuilt talent. I started clicking pictures and soon I started enjoying photography. I like to click creative picture and experiment.
	For the love of food! MasterChef Australia returns to our screens in 2014 with its Sixth Season on Star World. Judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston scoured the country to handpick Australia's best home cooks and selected the top 24 to join them in Melbourne's MasterChef Australia kitchen. The contestants share an unrivalled passion for food, delivering some of the finest dishes in the programme's history. These are ordinary Australians who can do extraordinary things for the love of food.
	A different science Manish Paul, who has proved his mettle as a host in Jhalak Dikhlaa Ja, among others, will be seen hosting an infotainment show called Science of Stupid. The show will be on National Geographic Channel and Manish claims that he will have fun tackling science on the show. Proud parents Kanchi Kaul and Shabbir Ahluwalia became parents of a baby boy recently. Shabbir stayed with Kanchi through the birth and later sent out messages to his close ones. The couple was thrilled and hasn't decided on any name yet.
	Astro Turf p Khurrana ARIES: You may get some unexpected money from an unexpected source. Deal with paper work that has been building up for a long time now. It is time to slow down and recharge your physical and spiritual batteries. Tarot message: Involve yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 52 TAURUS: It's a good day to deal with matters concerning the government. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Be diligent about sticking to your diet or exercise routine today. Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 50 GEMINI: A neighbour may gossip but lend an ear and hear something interesting that might turn out to be invaluable information. An authoritative figure is on your side, so use their support to your advantage. Tarot message: Avoid the tendency to criticise or judge others too harshly. Lucky colour: Peacock green Magic number: 35 CANCER: A restless night's sleep can result in irritability. Your lover may have to travel to strange places, which can put you in a long-distance relationship. Anxiety might be at an all time high and one of you might snap. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic number: 27 LEO: You must not do anything to damage your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid a conflict between personal and professional matters. Health needs attention. A change in jobs might cause tension between you and your partner. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 32 VIRGO: In personal relationships, small problems and pretty grievances will disappear. Keep your mind on the business. You will be at the beck and call of your friends. Love life will be good. Tarot message: Try not to give money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 57 LIBRA: Confidence and good vibes will surround you. Trust your instincts. Don't listen to people's advice as they could have hidden agendas. Joint finances are likely to expand. Avoid being overconfident. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 39 SCORPIO: New contracts are likely to prove valuable. Communicating with people at a distance will be extremely helpful. Clear thinking is necessary. You need to be on your toes in order to take advantage of the opportunities. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 64 SAGITTARIUS: The day starts on a jarring note. You will not be able to stick to the schedule. Do not rush jobs that require careful handling. It would be best to do one thing at a time. Tarot message: Do not take chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 33 CAPRICORN: Avoid speculation. You may have to be strict with loved ones. A new career, overseas travel, a change of relationship, or a residential move, are a possibility. Health needs attention. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 40 AQUARIUS: Today, you will get money from an unexpected source. Important business matters will be handled carefully. Be more realistic. Lovers are in a cheerful mood. Your ability to influence and persuade others is strong. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 31 PISCES: A house or office move is unlikely. In public meetings, you are feeling too forceful or aggressive; control your temper. If you are one of those people who can't say no, then you are about to learn. Tarot message: Avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Golden brown Magic number: 60
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is July 30 Your birthday falls on Hariyali Teej, which assures you a happy married life. Your birthday on the 30th of this month signifies that individual self-expression is necessary for your happiness. You have a good way of expressing yourself with words. You have a good chance of being successful in fields requiring skill with words. You can be very dramatic in your presentation and you are a good actor or a natural mimic. Strong in your opinions, you always tend to think you are on the right side of an issue. Certain important work will come to a halt due to bleak financial position. You should concentrate on the needs of others and be generous with children. Think twice before investing. Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Mint Cream, and White Select days: Sunday and Monday Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2 and 7 Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, red coral, and ruby. Charity on birthday: Donate fodder to cows, or vegetables to the needy. You share your birthday with Bollywood singer, Sonu Nigam (July 30, 1973, Faridabad), whose acting career started as a child artist in a number of films, including Betaab. Astrologically, he will do better in singing than in acting.