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The Hindu : With prices rising, the average cost of an airline ticket in the United States was up 10.2 per cent in March, compared with a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics — and with airlines raising fees on everything from ticket changes to checked bags, it’s no wonder that a lot of travellers are talking about just staying home this summer.But it’s still possible to score cheap airline tickets. Here are some strategies to help keep your costs down:Book directlyTaking a page from the hotel industry, airlines have begun to guarantee equal or better prices to travellers who book with them directly. This helps drive traffic to their sites and save on commission expenses they would otherwise pay to third-party booking sites like Orbitz or Expedia. Moreover, some airlines — including Delta, American, United and Continental — are offering compensations like a $ 50 or $ 100 voucher for a future flight if passengers find an online fare lower than the one they are offering on their own sites for that flight.Special couponsNot unlike clothing chains that dole out special “family and friends” discounts to employees and repeat customers, airlines quietly offer special coupon codes to travellers who sign up for their weekly newsletters or frequent flier programmes.Airfarewatchdog.com, which monitors such deals and posts the codes on its website, reports that it has noticed an increase in deals recently.One at a timeEvery flight normally has a range of price levels. Often, there are only a couple of coach seats offered at the lowest prices.When you shop for multiple tickets, and there aren’t enough seats available at the lowest ticket price, the reservation system automatically kicks bookings up to the next price level.“This happens all the time, as the ‘inventory’ systems for the airlines decide to start closing out cheap prices on a flight,”’ Rick Seaney, chief executive of Farecompare.com wrote in an e-mail…More

The Hindu : BeatstreetPacific – ReveriesCD, Rs. 245A long time ago, someone said that disco was dead. Others said that it was dead and it would never come back. But Pacific’s debut album proves them all wrong. Their debut album “Reveries”, is virtually a call back into the glory days of disco. Or a blast from the past. Whichever you prefer. Think Abba with a more thumping bass and strong, hard electro beats.Pacific is an act from Gothenberg, Sweden comprised of the musical stylisations of two life long friends, Danny and Bjorn. They have played a lot of live acts all over the European party scene. Pacific features retro 60’s and 70’s disco with modern electronica elements. A lot of synthesisers with club beats, synth melodies with dreamy vocals.Pacific are well known for their tracks “Sunset Bvld”, “Number One” and “Hot Lips” which were released as singles last year and all make themselves at home on the 12 track CD.The instrumental number “Runaway To Elsewhere” is a great track. Like the title suggests, this feel good dance track would make one just getaway to that magical place.The track “Hold Me”, is reminiscent of the soundtrack from Japanese videogame series, “Final Fantasy”. Japan and Japanese culture is cited as one of the duos major influences and is evident in this hypothetical homage to an epic videogame series.“Love Isn’t Always On Time” and “Poolside Bungalow” are trademark 60’s disco tunes. “Villanova Sunset” is another great instrumental track. “The Closes with Sunrise” which is a unique experimental blend of disco with country elements and then “Silent Running” which will instantly remind you of the theme from 80’s TV show “Doogie Howzer M.D.”“Pacific” is a breath of fresh air in the angst-filled, overtly sexual trend recent electronica seems to be taking. It is perfect to just chill out too or play at a party or a nightclub.So put on that crisp jacket…More

The Hindu : World66.com is an online travel guide based on the Wikipedia concept. Travellers can log on to this website and add, edit or change information about the places they’ve visited. All the content is user generated and is often accompanied by photographs and ratings.Frank, and freeThe founders of the site, who say their credo is “by travellers, for travellers”, do not moderate the reviews.Instead, they encourage visitors to regularly update the sections on the site and delete the details of hotels that have closed down or make changes when they come across incorrect contact information.While there are over 80,000 articles on the site, you might need to spend some time exploring a region to get the details you need.At first glance, only the reviews of popular tourist haunts seem to appear in the main section. For example, in the ‘sights to see’ link in the section about India, there’s just a short note about the Taj Mahal.Options galoreBut, when you choose the ‘top destinations’ option on the far right, it takes you to a long list of places that are listed alphabetically. However, there’s a chance that a few of these links might lead you to a blank page or to incomplete information. While most of the articles are of varying lengths, they’re usually detailed accounts that sometimes include the history of the region being discussed.Like most online resources that are user driven, world66.com will take time to evolve into a truly exhaustive virtual travel guide. This probably isn’t a site where you can get a quick overview of a destination. Rather, it’s worth visiting if you’d like to do some extensive research on specific places.SHRIYA NARAYANAN…More

The Hindu : Big 92.7 FM has got on board RJ Shruthi to host the new Breakfast Show — ‘Big Coffee’, every morning between 7 and 11 a.m. from Monday to Saturday along with RJ Harsha. Together the duo will be heard entertaining listeners with their witty and humorous take on everyday life along with music to energise your mornings.They won’t just wake you up, but shake you up to astrology predictions, contests, debates and contemporary music!In addition to playing some of the best Kannada and Hindi music, the show is high on interactivity. The RJs offer a fresh topic for discussion everyday, which is in keeping with the vibe of the city, where listeners can call or SMS and share their valuable opinion and even wish some really cool prizes. Listeners can also interact with the RJs through the company’s blog page (http://big927fm.com/rj_blog.asp?id=27) and social networking communities in Orkut and Facebook.RJ Shruthi said, “I look forward to entertaining people every single morning with RJ Harsha… our listeners can get ready for a roller coaster entertainment ride.”…More

The Hindu : Dolores Gavin, executive producer of the reality show Ice Road Truckers on History Channel has produced a range of reality shows — “UFO Hunters”, “Cities of the Underworld” and “Stalin’s Secret Bases”.She talks about the experience of this show, which reveals the virtually unknown occupation of ice road trucking in trying conditions, and the risks involved in such shows.What is the experience of producing a reality show series in trying circumstances?The word ‘reality’ cannot describe this series. We are documenting history in the making. Narrating stories of these brave men working in one of the final frontiers has been a wonderful experience, and we would not trade it for anything else. The challenges of capturing a remote area is a rewarding experience, both for the crew and viewers. It is exploring a world the viewers could have never seen.Most of the shows you have undertaken has involved a great deal of risk, research and realism. How have you managed to face up to the challenge of showing the viewer reality?We have been able to provide a unique approach to storytelling that is steeped in history.From the history of the ice road to the aboriginal inhabitants of the region, our audience loves to see how things were done then compared to now.Has the production team of Ice Truck Breakers been involved in any serious accidents or mishaps?Safety of the crew members and the truckers remains top priority for the network. Fortunately, no one has been injured this season. The team is well prepared for shooting in sub-zero temperatures. They are equipped with the skills necessary to work in extreme conditions.Many of your shows have mainly dealt with real events. Has shooting a reality show been more difficult than managing archival footage?Whenever we begin work on a documentary, the first question we ask is, ‘How do we tell a great story?’ Sometimes, archival footage is the best…More

The Hindu : Supriya Rao, mother of 25-year-old Shruti and 20 year-old Siddharth makes it a point to include a salad or a side dish made of exotic vegetables in one of the meals everyday. It could be avocado salad or barbecue paneer, par boil broccoli, sauté mushroom tossed in olive oil. And everyone is happy.“Kids get bored of eating the regular idli-dosa, dal-chawal, roti-sabzi and I get bored of cooking it. This way I also get them to eat vegetables,” says Rao. There are many who echo Rao’s sentiments, phenomenally pushing up the consumption of exotic fruits and vegetables. The boom in the food market has led to an increase in the consumption of avocados, artichokes, zucchini, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, Chinese cabbage, asparagus and, Washington apples, Fuji apples, Californian grapes. “Customers want to eat a variety of fruits. These foreign fruits are attractive. I sell imported fruits worth Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 everyday,” says Abdul Tabrez, a fruit merchant at Russell Market.Until two years ago, Siraj Ahmad, a wholesale dealer of vegetables at Russell Market would sell 50 kilos of foreign vegetables but now he sells anywhere between 200 to 300 kg per day. “A big portion of this produce is consumed by hotels. Everyday, I get about ten customers buying these vegetables. Asparagus is Rs. 300 per kg. Yet, customers buy it in small quantities,” explains Ahmad.The foodscape of Bangalore is choc-a-bloc with restaurants of each and every kind of cuisine. The discerning well-travelled foodie who doesn’t mind emptying his pockets to pamper his taste buds. “The number of diners and willing to experiment with food has gone up. In Bangalore, the increase in the number of corporate clients, foreign delegations, and the IT industry has forced us to use these vegetables more. We have tandoori cauliflower but to suit the taste of a foreign guest we now also have tandoori broccoli,” says Chef Nirmal…More

The Hindu : Great getawaysHere’s a list of places you may want to go toSo what are the holiday plans for this summer? Here are some ideas you can exploreGo GoaRadisson Group’s 5-star luxury properties – Radisson White Sands Resort (Goa) and Country Inn & Suites (Goa) offer some interesting summer packages. Enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or just unwind at the Lotus Spa at the resort situated on the shores of Varca Beach in South Goa. To pamper your taste buds take your pick from Sake, Pan Asian restaurant with live Teppanyaki counters offering Japanese, Thai and Chinese food.There are four restaurants and five bars at the resort. The resort has three categories of rooms – Garden View, Premium, Deluxe and junior suites. For a minimum stay of two nights you need to shell out Rs. 7,300 per night.Country Inn & Suites – situated off Benaulim beach gives you a feel of Portugese village life. Their summer packages will cost you Rs. 2,750 per person per night subject to special terms and agreements. Pickup and drop to the airport and railway station and a welcome drink (non-alcoholic drink) on arrival are also included in the package, with the hotel’s compliments. All prices are exclusive of taxes and are valid from April ’08 till September ’08.For bookings, contact:www.radisson.com/goainwww.countryinns.com/goainwww.radisson.com/goa.inOberoi Exotic VacationsIf not Goa, then you can spend the summer in the city of lakes at The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur. Or witness dawn breaking over the dome of the Taj Mahal at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. If adventure is your thing then head to The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore, which combines jungle adventure with the luxury of elegantly appointed tents. Plan a sojourn to Jaipur and stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas that evokes princely Rajasthan with luxury villas and royal tents in a fort-like setting.Priced at Rs. 42,000 for a two-night stay, the offer includes accommodation for two…More

The Hindu : Understated, earthy colours, lots of floral prints… these are the first things that you notice as you enter Peter England People, the latest family apparel store to hit already crowded retail space of Bangalore.The store is on Bannerghatta Road.The store stocks clothes and accessories for men, women, youth and children, and home accessories. “All the designs and patterns, accessories have been designed my People England Team. We have a team specially dedicated to fits,” says Zeena Freeman, CEO, Peter England People.The store has two levels. The ground level houses the men’s section (25-35) and youth area (12-24). Every section is demarcated by a colour theme. The stress is on casuals and prices range from Rs. 199 to Rs. 4,000. Blazers come priced at Rs. 3,000 and smart waist coats are priced at Rs. 2,000. A long-sleeved striped shirt is available for Rs. 1,199 whereas a Polo t-shirt is priced at Rs. 699. Informal shirts, sports wear, denim jackets and jeans, round neck t-shirt… there is enough variety to choose from. The youth section is painted light blue. Floral prints, earthy brown shades, oranges and beiges dominate the section. The clothes in this section are understated, yet stylish. In the young women’s section, skirts are available in the price range of Rs. 700 to Rs. 900, whereas dresses start from Rs. 1,000 and go up to Rs. 1,300. Graphic tees for women are priced at Rs. 399. There are capris, jeans, tops and minis, tunics, knee length skirts, and spaghetti tops to choose from. The embellishments are minimal and cuts are clean. Knee-length beige skirts embroidered at the hemline stand out.An interesting area on this floor is the customisation section. Choose a plain t-shirt and a print or a graphic of your choice and the graphic artist will create a customised t-shirt. “We have accessories that complete the look,” says Freeman. Priced between Rs. 100 to…More

The Hindu : MOTHER: It’s broccoli, dear. CHILD: I say it’s spinach and I say the hell with it.”E.B.White (1899-1985)Cartoon caption in The New YorkerIt’s not surprising if most mothers complain about their child’s eating habits. Make the child feel he has a choice: have some fruit, milk and nuts on the table always. Do not offer junk food as an alternative. Be supportive, but only up to a point. It is better for the child to go hungry occasionally than to have parents scurrying to prepare a fresh meal whenever he says no.Child eats only one food always. Some children eat only curd rice or dal rice or some other favourite food. Be patient.This is usually a passing phase. Do not withhold the child’s favourite food, but gently offer small portions of other foods everyday.Sneak in other foods during the cooking process. As long as the preferred food is nutritious, parents should not worry too much about these phases.Child refuses new foods.Some children require many, many tastes of a food before they accept it, so be patient. Humour your child’s palate: some like spicy food, while others prefer bland food.Child eats only rice and leaves the curry or dal untouched.This can be harmful, but pressuring the child will only entrench the habit. Offer foods of different groups and colours everyday.Serve smaller portions of different foods more frequently instead of three meals a day. The child’s curiosity will eventually save him.Child will eat only while watching television.Switch the television off during mealtime, even at the risk of sparking a food strike.Children pay less attention to food and to inner cues of hunger while watching television. This can cause indigestion and obesity.RAJIV. M…More

The Hindu : Sikander Kher is not an average star son. There’s no big launch backed by his celebrity parents for him. He doesn’t have even a dash of arrogance or a know-it-all attitude.The son of veteran actors Kirron and Anupam Kher is straightforward and realistic about his ambition. He is all set to make his debut with Hansal Mehta’s “Woodstock Villa”.“My parents arepassionate about cinema and I have learnt a lot from them, but I have to prove myself. I can work up to 21 hours a day and can do with only three hours of sleep.”Talking about the film, says Sikander, “I haven’t seen it nor have my parents and co-stars, but I am confident the film will do well because it has a new story and cinemagoers always look for something new.”Sikander plays a young man who comes from a small town to make it big. The film has Sanjay Dutt in a pivotal role.Wasn’t Sikander in danger of playing second fiddle in his first film? Sikander does not think so. While agreeing that he cannot choose his co-stars, he says Sanjay Dutt is like a father figure. “Unfortunately I could not learn from him directly.We seldom met during the shooting as we had different schedules.” While “Woodstock Villa” is Sikander’s debut film as hero,he has previously worked as an assistant director.He has assisted Yash Chopraina couple of films.“I became an assistant director to learn acting,” says Sikander. Sikander is ready to work his way up the ladder.S. M. AAMIR…More