News

The Hindu : Tourism New Zealand has launched the “Hundred Per cent Pure New Zealand” campaign in India to promote New Zealand as world’s youngest country. The aim is to attract families, honeymooners and business visitors. It has also launchedan India gateway —www.newzealand.com/travel/india — to meet the specific travel needs of the Indian travellers.The campaign hopes to move from selling New Zealand as a destination to an experience featuring scenic drives alongside lush forests, surfing in the azure waters, swimming with dolphins, hiking in the mountains, heliskiing on freshly powdered peaks, indulging in adventurous white water rafting or paragliding, romancing the moonlit sky over a gourmet meal and knowing the Maori culture.www.newzealand.com provides comprehensive information and planning tools on popular activities and attractions, travel deals, travel agents, accommodation options, airline information and visa procedures…More

The Hindu : Nick the children’s entertainment channel is organising a five-city school contact programme and a mass media campaign – “Nick Bhoot Bhagao”. The contest will see Nick toon heroes flexing their comic muscle as they get ready to save their channel from the bhoot.Nick-dom is being invaded by a ghostly intruder and the Nick toons are gearing up to shoo away the “Bhoot” with the support of the Nick viewers. Our brave heart but hilarious toon-stars will gather their strength and creative ammunition to protect their hometown from the grasp of the bhoot! All children need to do is to tune into Nick and say which Nick toon scared away the bhoot and lucky participants can win great daily prizes and a grand prize of a trip to Malaysia with their family. Everyday ten lucky winners stand a chance to win exciting goodies like i-Pods shuffles, mobile phones and tons of Nick calendars.To win these exciting prizes, Airtel landline users will have to call 1250155, BSNL Landline and BSNL Mobile users call 1255568, Airtel, BPL, Vodafone, Idea Mobile users call 505 6882. Or SMS: N-I-C-K followed by either A, B or C and your name to 56882 or log ontowww.nickindia.comSo keep your passport handy and catch the “Nick Bhoot Bhagao Contest” everyday from Monday to Friday till March 7 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and stay tuned to go to Malaysia….More

The Hindu : For the new Indian tourist who is on the lookout for holidays off the beaten circuit, Ireland is emerging as an attractive new destination.Blessed with natural wonders, immersed in culture and populated by warm people, this island promises a great holiday experience.In fact a delegation from Ireland, headed by Minister Nigel Dodds from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, was in India recently.The Minister’s main focus was promoting Ireland as a tourist destination.He said, “Ireland has a lot to offer. Visitors always go back with memories of how warmly they were welcomed.”Ireland offers the tourist a unique experience with geological wonders such as the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, the Galway County for some fantastic coastal driving roads and the Ring of Kerry Circuit for some of the best walking in Europe.And an easy way of getting to Ireland is Etihad Emirates which has a convenient flight from Mumbai to Dublin via Abu Dhabi.Etihad Emirates has a fleet of airbuses and boeings. Its Diamond (First), Pearl (Business) and Coral (Economy) classes offer luxurious seating, extensive entertainment options, ambient mood lighting and signature cuisines.Log on towww.etihadairways.com andwww.discoverireland.com for details.RISHAD SAAM MEHTA…More

The Hindu : AKRI - A.K. Retail Inc. presents Maishaa, a luxury home fashion textile brand. Maishaa is a “very high end” product that is available at the Home Stop.Impressed by the brochure and the massive picture display in it you find yourself on the way to the Home Stop to experience Maishaa. But to your disappointment, you find a rather plain looking shelf with neatly packed sheets, duvets and pillow cases and other products of Maishaa stacked inside transparent plastic bags on it.Maishaa means life, explain the makers, so the ides to help them bring life to your home décor with these products, they explain. But the products are priced really high. Quilt covers come in three designs and are priced at Rs. 13,495 each, pillow covers come at Rs. 1,795, bed sheets (queen size, Rs. 6,995 and king size, Rs. 8,195). So what’s so special about these products that they are so highly priced?Well, first they come in Egyptian cottons, which is imported while other collections come in extra soft fabric. One collection that is made from this “extra soft” fabric is the Softmante Collection. This range is “softer than silk”. “It is made from Sofin, a micro filament man-made fibre, created by Toray Industries Inc. It is said to be four times finer than silk and eight times lighter than cotton,” explain the makers. The Softmante collection is also said to be germ and odour free and since it is made to “Swiss sanitised finishing, it is also wrinkle free.”Another thing about Maishaa is that the thread count is high — 650-thread alignment per 10 sq. cm. The only solace about buying these products is that the product is long lasting and it can “be hand or machine washed and need not be dry-cleaned every time”.The collection comes in varied hues. It starts with earthy and soft pastels and then goes on to bright contrasting…More

The Hindu : BEATSTREETAarogya MantraTimes Music, CD Rs. 195, Cassette: Rs. 55‘Om’ and ‘Sri Maha Vishnave Namaha’ – is the oft-repeated initial prayer verse that invokes the Lord for well being in the recently released album ‘Aarogya Mantra’ sung by Jagjit Singh, released by Times Music. There are only two prayer stanzas in the recording - Arogya Mantra of five lines and Arogya Gayatri of three lines.The simple lines are known for their potent vibrations that appeal to Lord for His blessings. The album starts with a resonant ‘Om’ that repeats in several melodic pitches to bring in an air of tranquil prayer and gradually has single line verses and then moves on to the Aarogya Mantra itself.Jagjit Singh has composed the music too. His sonorous voicesuits the genre and if only these verses are taking you across half the album it is the soft variations that he has devised that make it interesting. In both the prayers, the rhythm comes after 15 minutes.Soft on the ears, it could also be soothing to have it play in the mornings as a stress-relieving backgrounder, during the time one meditates or while driving on our ever-congested roads. It is of course meant for direct-play-and-listen for experiencing the vibrations of the mantra for good health.The literature of the album talks of the ancient healing science and the science of life and longevity as recorded in the Charaka-Samhita and its infinite cycles of appearance brought out through sages. The rare appearance of God in Dhanvantari Avatar is recorded in Shrimad Bhagavatam by Sage Vyaasa as the Arogya Mantra, (Lord Dhanvantari is believed to be holding the nectar of immortality) said to be a remedy for getting rid of bodily diseases.The second half is the Aarogya Gayatri, a small three-line verse which is a meditation for enlightenment. Conceived by Gouri Yadwadkar, the recording could help relieve strained nerves, especially in a frenetic world…More

The Hindu : Life couldn’t have been spicier for the saucy Padma Lakshmi. Not that it wasn’t, earlier. For those of you who have seen her discover the spice market in Kochi, drool over MTR’s masala dosa, cook up meen moilee by the backwaters, orroll out “pappadoms” on TV earlier, there’s more in store.The sultry model who makes the drudgery of shopping for vegetables look like buying designer wear, and cooking look like an exotic sensual experience, this food writer and TV hostess is back with a bang — as hostess of “Top Chef Season 2”, then with her book “Tangy Tart Hot and Sweet” that will soon be out in India. And…she’s busy moving into her own apartment in LA, now that she’s split ways with author-husband Salman Rushdie.Sitting in LA, she tells us that food shows are getting popular because TV is getting more popular and there’s a good proliferation of channels and cable TV. “The world is becoming a smaller place. Even in Bangalore and Madras you have so many different kinds of restaurants. All are curious about different cuisines and now you have access to them.”But if lesser people are cooking, why do they watch shows? “Everybody eats and that’s what unifies us. Even if you are not a chef, you have an opinion.” On “Top Chef”, a reality show featuring 15 chefs in a competitive kitchen, Padma plays judge. The show begins its fourth season in America this March.“I’m a cook for sure but I don’t cook for the public,” says Padma, raised a traditional vegetarian, but turned to meats once she joined college. Back home in Chennai she loves her vetta kozhambu and kovakka curry, and of course, meen moilee. “I just love coconut milk… and fish because it’s healthy.” And how does the world of models and perfect figures gel with food and cooking? “You can have a nice figure if…More

The Hindu : “Why is everybody looking at us?” whispered the daughter, anxiously. “Omigod, it’s you! You’re the cynosure of all eyes!” hissed the husband. And with that, they fled, leaving me all alone, to stare into the middle-distance, and pretend that it didn’t bother me in the least that the milling tourists and locals alike were interested in my outfit than the grand astronomical clock inside the beautiful old cathedral in Strasbourg, France. All for I had chosen, on that bitterly cold day, to team my big, black woollen coat with a grey pig-tailed hat, baby pink gloves and fluorescent green snow boots.Yes, it wasn’t the most coordinated of outfits, but hey, they were the warmest accessories I possessed! I was never more thankful than when the clock struck 12.30 and the Apostles came out of the clock in procession — a big, daily event, played to packed audiences — and distracted the crowds long enough for me to slip out, as gracefully as possible, given the circumstances.Strasbourg, often described as a city at the crossroads of Europe, has long been a bone of contention between France and Germany, and till date, this strategically located city bears the architectural and cultural stamp of both countries.But Strasbourg, I learnt from that embarrassing experience, was snootily, fussily French in character, unlikely to forgive (as, say, the Dutch are wont to) an unconventional style of dressing. Assuming that they might be just as fastidious about their language, I unleashed my rusty French on unsuspecting locals. And they surprised me, by replying in English!Were they being nice because I tried to speak their language, or were they driving home the point that my French was truly appalling, hmmm?Markets and beyondThe old city of Strasbourg — an UNESCO world heritage centre — has clearly evolved around the magnificent sandstone Cathedral of Our Lady. The cathedral itself, awe-inspiringly tall and exceptionally beautiful, stood…More

The Hindu : The weather is definitely not the reason, nor is he here to attend a corporate meeting. So a formally attired Sonu Nigam, does surprise you. Has he taken the venue of the interaction – business centre – too seriously? His broad smile turns the conversation casual. “Nothing like that. I’ve got only a couple of clothes with me and this was the best I could wear. Anyway, this is meant more for the television interviews.”Or may be it has something to do with his penchant for being different. The singer, also known for his chocolate-boy looks, says. “It’s my personality. I like to be different. I don’t like to do or talk about what everybody else is discussing.”Semi-classical touchSo it is not surprising that his music has traits of his personality. His latest album, “Classically Mild”, is an example of this. The album, he describes, is semi-classical with a touch of mainstream commercial music. It is nearly three years since his last album “Chanda Ki Doli” was released.So why did Sonu decide to take the classical route this time? And you get the obvious answer. “It’s different. I felt that these days film music glorifies only the dance genre. Classical music has been largely left untouched.” He continues, “It is not hardcore classical music, as I didn’t want to overwhelm the listeners. The classical element will touch them mildly. Also, I wanted to do something challenging. The kind of songs I am singing in films these days are like nursery rhymes to me. I had to move to the next level. I had to work really hard for the songs in this album. It is not something I can sing without being prepared.”Except for some years of classical training, Sonu boasts of being a self-taught singer and it is this learning that manifests itself in his latest album. “Knowing the foundation does help, but a…More

The Hindu : Shruti Haasan knows how to light up a room. When she settles for an interview words flow like treated water from a faucet and her 1000 watt smile remains a fixture. As minutes melt away and the conversation traverses many moods, the poet, musician, model and actor proves that the halo around her is justified.She might have grown up in the shade of Kollywood’s famed family tree. But it’s not as if Shruti wanted to burn up the arc lights from a young age.A free spirit, she knew where to draw the line between the burgeoning Haasan brand and her own identity. Today, cinema is just one of her many interests. “It’s another curve in my artistic journey,” says the 21-year-old, as she prepares for her debut film in Kollywood.After a brief pause, she continues, “It took me a while to take the plunge because I’m deeply involved with music and writing poetry. I was attracted to this project because Nishikant Kamat is a sensible director. Besides, I trust my co-star Madhavan’s sensibility as a performer. It’s a good launch pad. Shooting will commence soon, I’m excited.”Talk about Tamil film heroines being reduced to wallflowers and she reacts sharply, “There’s nothing wrong in being a wallflower as long as you are having a great time. Dancing and looking pretty is also an experience. And I don’t want to talk down any experience. That doesn’t mean I’ll sign up every film that comes my way. I’m looking at a whole bunch of projects not really language-centric. I’m looking at things from a purely artistic perspective. Besides, I try not to put too much pressure on myself. If I enjoy something and have fun, then that’s what matters to me.”Mention music, and she hits a new octave. “Music keeps me busy. The album I’m working on is too close to me to put a time-line on it….More

The Hindu : Waterfall, Nothing can harm me at allMy worries seem so very smallWith my waterfallI can see my rainbow calling meThrough the misty breezeOf my waterfall- Jimi HendrixIf the counting is accurate, there are 48 waterfalls – big and small - in Tamil Nadu alone. In 74 more places all over the country, water keeps leaping down mountain ledges - sometimes gently, sometimes playfully and at other times impressively, in sound and fury. Remember the Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes jumps with his archenemy, Professor Moriarty?While the mountains calm and soothe your jangled nerves, cascades have a contrary effect. They make you strip and jump under, given half a railing. The roaring giant shower leaves you energised. It’s a rock concert! A distant sight is enough to make you stop the car on a sloping mountain road and whip out the camera. Have you seen any of these beauties? The Adyanpara Falls in the Kurmbalangod village of Nilambur taluk in Kerala. The Chachai Waterfall in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh, in an area famous for mangoes and white tigers. The Chunchanakatte Falls on river Kaveri, near village Chunchanakatte in Mysore district. This one cascades shyly hiding behind lush green foliage. Just 20 metres tall, she is a baby making a gurgling sound. Whereas the gorgeous Dudhsagar Falls on the border of Karnataka and Goa with a drop of 600 metres, forms shallow pools, safe enough to swim. The magnificent Duduma in Orissa oversees paddy fields, palm-fringed beaches, temples, rivers and tribal people.Gersoppa Falls from the Sharavati River in Karnataka – is an unruly beauty of four cataracts, the highest of which is 830 ft. The charming Godchinamalaki in Belgaum district of Karnataka dips in two small steps. Before transforming herself into the Gokak Falls, the Ghataprabha river meanders as though looking for the natural springs around. Hogenakkal means smoky rocks and you can guess why….More