The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Future Shock Get net go! A few handy tips to help you read between the lines while shopping online Nishtha Shukla Anand Come festival time and everybody loves to go shopping. If you are one of the many people who like to shop online, then this is a great time to buy anything you may have been waiting to pick up. The online marketplace is beaming with deals, discounts and exciting new products at unbelievable prices. Have you ever wondered as to why these deals look so exciting? It needs you to be really, really smart. Not just bargaining and checking for taxes on invoices, online shopping needs a different set of skills altogether. Here are the top five things I recommend before you shop online: nChoose a reliable website. Shop with known e-commerce companies instead of newer or unknown ones. The bigger players use safe payment gateways such as CCAvenue and PayU. nRead reviews with caution. There are many, many writers out there who are earning money by submitting fake reviews. Read between the lines to differentiate the real from the paid. Don't go for over-the-top reviews. nPay attention to payment details. Choosing a product based solely on its price is not enough. Websites tend to add some costs to the product once you have chosen it, such as shipping charges or membership charges. There are many hidden costs in everything 'free'. Don't fall into that trap! nWhen you are buying something big, we still want to touch and feel it. Sure, that is a good thing. But if you are comfortable shopping online for bigger products such as a laptop, television or furniture, it's best to tread with caution. Online does offer you a larger marketplace and they are usually available at a discount. However, be careful of counterfeited goods and second-hand goods that can be sold off as new. nReturn policies. This can be tricky. Make sure you read the return policy very carefully, especially if you are not sure of what you order. Be doubly sure of your order to avoid the hassle as well. Returns can be difficult and time-consuming. (Anand is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)
	it’s rocking A direct hit Whoever said that thin is in, sure didn't hear Meghan Trainor singing All About That Bass, which is her debut single released by Epic Records and was co-written by Meghan Trainor and Kevin Kadish. With Kevin Kadish on drums, bass and guitars and David Baron on piano, saxophone, and Hammond B3 organ; the song is a pop and doo-wop song that contains lyrics of body positive themes. The song has become a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming Meghan's first hit single on the chart. It has also reached number one in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Denmark and New Zealand and peaked in the top ten in other countries. Unconventional take With most of the songs that one listens to, describe women in a very conventional way, with a special reference to their fashionably slim body types. However, All About That Bass celebrates a chunkier version of women, which is quite a delight to listen to. Aneesha Verma, student, MCM College Size up Finally, a song that can be dedicated to women who are not size zero! I really like the song, especially the lyrics. The music of the song is good too. Prakash Tulli, student, BRS Dental College Good combination What I like the most about the song are the music and lyrics. The video is good too. Also, the way in which the song banishes the idea of perfection is amazing. It has a nice old school pop vibe to it. Anahita Khanna, A private company employee (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
	Go-getter Sky is the limit Amarjot Kaur While in conversation with Kudrat Dutta Chaudhary, one is repeatedly reminded of a dialogue from the film 3 Idiots, which elaborates on the significance of excellence over success. Presently pursuing a degree in Law at the Army Institute of Law, Mohali, Kudrat scored a 9.6 CGPA in Class 10 at Sacred Heart School, Chandigarh, and studied Humanities at Vivek High School, thereby breaking the stereotype that Arts is meant only for fools! "I scored really well in Class 10 and the reason why I took to humanities was because I always wanted to be a lawyer," she says. Though most students take up scoring subjects in Arts, Kudrat wanted to take up subjects that fuelled both her knowledge and passion. Here too, she scored 90 per cent with subjects like economics, political science, sociology, psychology and English. Having returned from a month-long summer programme at Kings College, London, on scholarship basis, Kudrat talks about her experience at several scholarship workshops that she has been a part of and her passion for law. Feathers in the cap Kudrat has been studying on a scholarship for the past three years at Army Institute of Law and all by the virtue of her academic merit. "I have been awarded with the Army grant insurance fund and it's given to the students who do exceptionally well in studies," begins Kudrat. She also went for a month-long Rhode Island government internship programme last year. "As a part of the Rhode Island government internship programme, I went to the US and worked as a legal intern at the Superior Court of Rhode Island and provident plantations. I learnt about the jury selection and jury trial, and was attached with the clerk's office and assistant justice Daniel Proccaccini," shares Kudrat, the student member of the American Bar Association. Dream catcher "I wanted to be a lawyer because I think 'manipulation' is in my blood, as I come from a family of lawyers," quips Kudrat. However, on a serious note, she shares that studying widens her spectrum of knowledge and awareness. "I am a very opinionated person and law makes me frame a better perspective of my thoughts," she says. Kudrtat informs that she went to London School of Economics last year for a summer programme where she studied corporate law and governance and got an A-grade. "This year, I took up a summer programme by Kings College, London, in Delhi and it was on International Relations. Out of 100 students, I secured the first position got a fully paid scholarship by Kings Collage, London, for a month, where I studied criminology and criminal justice." Motivational factor Kudrat shares that her motivation is self-built and it stems from the knowledge that the world has a lot offer. "I don't believe anything is impossible. My life's goal is to gain knowledge and even if there's a problem, I take it up as a challenge," she says. Ultimate goal "I want to be a very well-travelled and knowledgeable person. My ultimate goal in life is to grow intellectually," shares Kudrat. Success mantra Kudrat swears by dedication and 'The Secret' ideology! "I think if you truly want something, you really get it," she opines. Flipside of being an achiever Kudrat shares that the only problem with being an achiever is that one has to face a lot of criticism and hear a lot of rumours about oneself. "But then you eventually learn how not to care. I think the worst rumour I have heard is that I have achieved success because I was born with a silver spoon," she says. Chill zone Spending time in her room, painting, listening to music and spending time with family. Kudrat shares that she has presented a couple of her paintings in pen and paper medium at the Annual exhibition of Bama Academy at Sector 10, Art Gallery, in 2008 and 2009. Words of wisdom "I think we should not let anyone make us feel that we are not worth it. Self-belief is the key to success and happiness," Kudrat signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
	stress buster Discover yourself Renee Singh The question that most often seems to bother people when you ask them generally is — Who are you? People are normally silent for a while, then they get reflective, seem unsure and then give many different and confused answers. Imagine, people actually live their lives without knowing who they are. So it is with stress; it catches us unawares. A lot of times people do not realise that ‘who they are’ is a persona they have acquired due to a combination of a lot of factors. When people sit down to ponder over this one initial question it is a response to their own inward journey. They surprise their own selves by going inwards in their thoughts, by thinking or saying to themselves — I am so and so or I am a manager or a writer or a painter. Most commonly it is believed that who we are is a collection of one's experiences, memories, thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Are we our thoughts? The human being is a creature of attitudes and thoughts and by changing these he is capable of changing his whole persona. Descartes said, "I think therefore I am." So we presume from the statement that we are our thoughts. But can we change a thought? Yes we know we can. The thought cannot change by itself. We need to make a conscious effort. We can affirm — I can do it. Once you have mastered the art of changing your thought you can also change your stress levels and thus your whole persona. Are we our feelings? As with thoughts, we have feelings and a lot of times we believe that we are our feelings. We also have belief systems that define us. People also feel they can change or update a belief or an attitude. It may be hard to do but it can be done. So stress can be eliminated in variance with our belief system and attitude. Now it could also be questioned as to who is this person having thoughts, memories, feelings and beliefs. We could say it is our personality. The word person comes from the Latin word persona which means a 'mask'. People all the time wear all kinds of masks that enable them to play in the drama of life. But whatever the mask we may wear we will always remain the same face inside. The core self There is a certain person we actually are. No matter what are the kind of masks we wear or how we present ourselves to others, we are this one person inside of us. We present many selves including the self we think we are and also the self we want others to think we are. When we take off the mask only the do you find your true self. Awareness exercise Over the years of playing different roles we accumulate a lot of stress and even though we may not accept it, it does leave an imprint on our personalities. Stress could be positive or negative but it is a part of creating our mask. Our core self is the spiritual essence of what we are really made of. Underneath the ego and mental processing is the core self, the real "you". In order to be more with ourselves, we must reduce our preoccupation with our thoughts and feelings and be aware of our surroundings without being critical or judgmental or complaining. Live purposefully 1.We must learn to live more fully. For a life that is purposeful it is most important to know who we are and make choices based on our inner wisdom. 2.Experience a strong sense of wisdom or peace. 3.Healing within is very important and this only happens when we connect to our inner core. 4.Be aligned with your inner self. For this, you can try the following: Take a deep breath Exhale slowly Suspend all your mental processing Feel you connection with the cosmos You will get your answer to who you are Be yourself, live and enjoy. It is a stress free life… (Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)
	star track The call of the character Reese Witherspoon, who visited a refugee camp in Kenya to research for her new movie Inherent Vice, said it was an emotional trip. The 38-year-old actress plays a job counsellor helping refugees settle into America in the film, reported a website. "I didn't want to just do the part in Atlanta and go home to my life. I wanted to see what that experience was like. It was very emotional, seeing over 250,000 people displaced, sleeping on concrete slabs, kids who were sick. I took my teenage daughter and she didn't say a word the whole day. I think it's going to affect her for a long time, as it will me. Kids nowadays have all this technology that disconnects them. I think travel is the antidote to that. As much of the world as you can show them is great," she said. The blonde beauty feels her career is firmly back on track after a string of flops in recent years. "For a few years, I was a little but lost as an artist, not making choices I was ultimately very happy with. I wanted to get back to playing interesting, dynamic characters." — PTI The Friday results… Spark, Tamanchey, Jigariyaa and Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami (EKTS) released this week. Out of the lot, only EKTS has a good story line. The film is decent and watchable. Sequel gets interesting The sequel to Tanu Weds Manu has gone on the floors in Lucknow this week. Kangana has a double role in it. She plays a Haryanvi athlete and also wife of Madhavan. But he gets drawn to the athlete.
	Rahul’s workout tips Rahul Khanna was last seen in Wake Up Sid and will now be seen in Fireflies, an independent flick. He has built-up a physique and talks about his work, fitness and more. Workout routine I do not restrict myself to a single workout regimen. I work out regularly and combine high intensity workouts with yoga, pilates, cross fit and swimming. I focus on different body parts including biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest and back on different days of the week to maintain my shape. I do a lot of weights for abdominal muscles. My new look has raised my confidence level and made me more energetic. Diet secrets Besides regular workouts, I am also tremendously particular about my diet. I have a light lunch and dinner and prefer eating several small meals a day. I also drink a lot of water to flush out toxins. Sweet tooth I have an insatiable sweet tooth but treat mithais and chocolates as rewards. And it is a strict no to processed and packaged foods. Travel buff I am currently shooting for the US television series Homeland, in which I play a Pakistani ISI officer. We are considering if my character will return in season 4. I choose projects from what is offered to me. I love different genres and working in different countries. I love living out of a suitcase. Hobbies galore When I am not shooting, I love reading and watching movies at the cinema in the afternoon. I get completely engrossed in the movie so I don't even eat popcorn or any snacks that could distract me in any way.
	Looking behind with Angelina Angelina Jolie wishes she had enjoyed her freedom more when she was younger The Maleficent actress, who has children Maddox, 13, Pax, 10, Zahara, nine, Shiloh, eight and six-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with husband Brad Pitt, said she is glad that she had the opportunity to make mistakes away from the spotlight, reported a magazine. Asked what advice would she give her younger children, the 39-year-old Oscar-winning actress said, "Not to change a thing. I would probably say enjoy the freedom as much as you can before it goes away. Enjoy the walks in the park and the backpacking and travelling and living. Which I didn't, but I would have liked to have done more before it became a little less easy to do so. You can never prepare for the future, because it's all those things that build up to who you are." — PTI In for some erotica? Pooja Bhatt's next movie stars Ali Fazal and Richa Chadda and will be directed by Shagufta Rafique. It is inspired by bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey and will have plenty of erotic scenes. Checking on Ranbir Ranbir Kapoor is on a liquid diet following his tonsil surgery. He has been advised bed rest. He can't talk much and his friends have been visiting him. He will resume a solid diet next week.
	Waiting for sonshine! Bhagyashree's son Abhimanyu could be launched by Salman Khan. He is training to become an actor. Bhagyashree is currently seen in the television serial Laut Aao Trisha. The eternal muse Ace designer Wendell Rodricks has dedicated his special yoga range to Bollywood diva Rekha, who recently turned 60, at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) spring/summer 2015. The Goa-based designer said the actress has always been a part of the abstract muse in his head while he was working for the collection. "She is a dear friend and we share common thought process. It was my friend's birthday on October 10. I just love her mind, positivity and soul. Dedicate my collection to her," Wendell said. Aptly titled Yoga Calm, the white collection was inspired by the powerful impact the Indian spiritual practice has on the mind, body and spirit. The fabrics used in the collection were khadi, cotton and linen. "We have used a lot of hand-woven textiles. The collection has a unique lightness and purity which makes it very subtle," he added. Rodricks has collaborated with Ministry of Textiles for the collection. — PTI
	On a double ride Saif Ali Khan plays the lead role in Happy Ending and he also has a cameo as a rock star in the same movie. Saif's character Yudi talks to the guitarist Yogi in his imagination when he needs advice. Meanwhile, Ileana D'Cruz is one actress who quietly does her work and doesn't make a fuss about anything. She has a strip scene in Happy Ending and did it on a highway to hitch a ride for Saif's character.
	chatter box Star-struck moment for Manish Actor and anchor Manish Paul was recently seen with Amitabh Bachchan co-anchoring an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Manish, we hear, has been a huge fan of Big B since childhood. In fact, as a child, Manish used to love writing 'Mard' on his chest and would even decorate his room with Big B's movie posters. When we asked Manish about the experience, he said, "It was a pleasure working with Bachchan sir. I am a diehard fan of his and have learnt a lot while working with him. I had the opportunity to spend three days shooting with him. Truly, these were the best three days of my life."
	Nat Geo’s race against time National Geographic Channel (NGC) is all set to pump up loads of adrenaline, as October sees the launch of the fourth season of Nat Geo Supercars. This year, the face of Nat Geo Supercars, supermodel and actress Lisa Haydon, adds glamour to the battle of the attractive mean machines. Taking the action and competition between wheeled beasts to the next level, Nat Geo Supercars will premiere on October 13 and will be aired Monday to Friday at 10:30 pm. In each episode of Nat Geo Supercars, host Lee Reherman challenges professional racecar drivers Tanner Foust and Paul Tracy to take two of the world's most admirably designed supercars and push their limits to the maximum. Foust and Tracy test these cars on their performance on the road and put them head-to-head in an all-out competition to demonstrate why they are truly considered 'supercars'. Matchups include a BMW M3 versus a Lexus ISF; Technocraft Lamborghini versus the Joyride Ford GT; Ferrari 430 Scuderia versus Ferrari California; Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG versus the Cadillac CTSV and the Bentley Supersports versus Aston Martin DBS. Talking about the show, Lisa Haydon says, "The show is sporty, fast and real. From the suave BMW to the swift Ferrari — Nat Geo Supercars has the best beauties in the business. It is unconventional, follows no limits and I personally love watching these cars ripping the wind. I am happy to be associated with something so off-beat." As part of marketing and promotions for the new season, NGC will be running a watch and win contest on-air where viewers can answer a question flashed during the show and stand a chance to win an iPad and NGC Supercar branded merchandize.
	Getting hitched too soon? It's all about love on Colors' Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi. As seen so far, Ranveer (Shakti Arora) has come back in Ishaani's (Radhika Madan) life with the hope of getting her back. But, the kind of distance that the two have between themselves, the idea is a long shot. With Ishaani set to marry Chirag (Ravjeet Singh), it will be time for Ranveer to also decide on getting hitched, to stay away from the thoughts of Ishaani. Seeing her discuss her marriage plans with a colleague, Ranveer would challenge himself and ask his mom to arrange for a match within 10 days. Eventually, Ranveer would announce his shocking decision to his family. Smriti Khanna will soon enter the show as Hrithika, the daughter of Ranveer's business partner.
	Coming out of the closet MTV's Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan will soon have an interesting twist in the storyline, as actor Ayaz Ahmed's character, Cabir, will be shown as gay. The show is about the life of five friends and the current track shows Cabir as a womaniser, who is always surrounded by beautiful ladies. The twist is that Cabir is gay and is too embarrassed to come out of the closet. But things are bound to change soon. While homosexuality is a less spoken-about issue in the country, MTV, as a youth channel, believes in highlighting it. To highlight the gay act on the show as well, the channel has associated with an NGO Yaariyan, which helps those who are fearful about coming out of the closet.
	Almost famous Nude yoga guru and controversy king Vivek Mishra came to the limelight last year when he participated in Bigg Boss 7. But, did the show help him in any way? He says, "My stay was only for a week, but you know when I go out in malls and restaurants, the masses know me as yoga master. They may not know my name, but they can recognise my face." Recalling an incident, he adds, "I was driving from Mathura to Jaipur and the people in a Rajasthan bus passing by recognised me and thanked me. Bigg Boss gave me instant visibility and has brought a positive graph in my career; it's something I can never repay. People who say they were invited to the show but couldn't go is all nonsense, because they, in reality, couldn't make it to Bigg Boss." Fair enough!
	Grit and glamour Actor Tarun Khanna and Bollywood actress Divya Dutta are all set to judge a personality pageant for PTC. Titled Mr Punjab, the pageant will test the contestants for IQ, general knowledge, mental and physical strength. Out of 9,000 people Tarun and Divya have shortlisted 32. The pageant is expected to air on PTC from last week of October.
	Astro turf P. Khurrana ARIES: Turn your attention to matters of money and budget. Go over the figures and see where you stand. If there are problems, discuss them with partners or close associates. Tarot message: Do not sway away from your course. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 49 TAURUS: Enjoy a friendly gathering in your neighborhood. Good luck is on your side and good things will come your way. With love partners, co-workers and even rivals, you will be favoured. 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 the answer is yes; then it might be time for you to reassess your motives. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 30 CANCER: Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job. Domestic chores could interfere with your plans, but can't be overlooked. Tarot message: Learn from past experience. Lucky colour: Silver Magic number: 52 LEO: Older people and family commitments can take up your time. Don't try to dodge your commitments; the ramifications will stay with you for a long time. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 60 VIRGO: A recent training or practice programme should pay off big time today. Enter a competition that will stretch your abilities and offer a fantastic prize, since you might just win. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks that take up time. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 42 LIBRA: A joint meeting will be held to review the situation and plan a future strategy. The married will spend an interesting day. Financial gains will accrue through relatives and well-wishers. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 55 SCORPIO: The eligible will decide to get married and will obtain the approval and blessing of their family. A certain misunderstanding with a close relative will get cleared. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 65 SAGITTARIUS: A slow-moving day. Lovers: you are surely going to enjoy today's meeting. Women will pass through a period of depression. Domestic matters proceed well. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Students: you are unlikely to face financial problems today. Work prospects improve. Do not argue with elders.Let it go and you will find out what it is in due course. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start anew. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 58 AQUARIUS: You are unlikely to be in the mood to start new jobs. Health could put a damper on your plans. The opportunity to exercise and benefit from your natural talents is highlighted. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 29 PISCES: Look forward to a fulfilling day. Let your imagination go and enjoy the creative ideas that manifest. You are likely to be oversensitive to others, but this will help your communication. Tarot message: Try an off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 44
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is October 13... Modest, unobtrusive and often rather quiet or shy, you are a person who is content being in the background or to serve as an assistant, in the supporting role, rather than in the lead. You are quite humble in your own assessment of yourself and you have a very strong perfectionistic attitude, with a tendency to be overly self-critical. No matter how well you do something, you always see the flaws in it and how it could be improved. Often, you will simply refuse to attempt something because you feel you cannot meet your own high standards. The year starts out with a potential for personal problems, especially with the in-laws or the elderly. Positive colours: Dark blue, dark grey, all blue shades Select days: Saturday Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8 Gems recommended: Gomed, cats eye, tiger stone Charity on birthday: Donate milk at a goshala or langar. You share your birthday with Kate Walsh (Kathleen Erin Walsh), who was born on October 13, 1967, in San Jose, California, USA. She acted in films like Normal Life, Peppermills, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer Part 2, Bewitched, Wake Up and Ron Burgundy.