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The Hindu :

The Leela Kempinski in Goa redefines the idea of monsoon break

Chill by the beach At the Leela Kempinski

When it rains, it pours in Goa. The city, so famous for its beaches and parties, pauses to take a breather when the heavens open up. A weekend getaway is rewarding, nevertheless, if you love being in an idyllic setting. As you drive down the airport, all you get to see is lush greenery.

It rains most part of the day (and night), and Goa slows down to a snail’s pace, in complete contrast to the festive look it wears during the carnival, Christmas and New Year.

Most vacation activities are out of bounds (the beaches and water sports are closed as per government regulations) and all you can do is take in the tranquility.

The Goans love their laidback lifestyle, their drinks and afternoon siesta. Shopping hubs in Margoa and Panjim come alive only after 4 p.m. as tourists trickle in to get a taste of Goan sweets, cashew and port wine.

The umpteen bars that characterise the city too open late evenings.

The tourism industry that suffered a setback last year-end after the terror threats is inching to normalcy. High-end resorts, meanwhile, are wooing tourists with off-season packages.

The Leela Kempinski in South Goa is an exclusive address, frequented by the crème-de-la-crème. Spread across 75 acres, the resort is sandwiched between the sea and the river Sal.Inspired by Hampi

An hour’s drive from the airport, the resort cuts you from the main city. A fine blend of Portugese and Vijayanagar architecture offsets the lush greenery. The lobby and some of its restaurants draw inspiration from Hampi.

You realise you’ve stepped into a different world when you are driven to your room in a golf cart (these buggies are handy to commute within the resort).

The choice of rooms are aplenty — the Pavilion, Conservatory Premiere, Lagoon Suites, Lagoon…More

The Hindu : y>Six plays over two weekends. SHONALI MUTHALALY on the line-up for this year’s MetroPlus Theatre Fest

WHAT’S In STORE (Clockwise from top left) Antigone, Chicago, Hamlet — The Clown Prince, Citizen Josh, The Skeleton Woman and Medea and Its Double

We talk in English. We talk in Korean. We even talk in gibberish.

All the world is on a stage at the newest edition of the MetroPlus Theatre Festival. It’s a babble of tongues. A meeting of contemporary and Classical theatre. A platform for both reviving tradition and bold experiments. Inspired by everything from Greek mythology to Inuit folk tales.

Six plays over two weekends. Here’s a quick listing so you can decide what to see. Better still, see them all.

ANTIGONE

August 7

Watch Naseeruddin Shah play cruel King Creon in this adaptation of Sophocles’ best-known play by Jean Anouilh. Written in 1942, when France was occupied by Nazi forces, Anouilh has used the story of Antigone and her uncle, Creon, the King, to represent the French Resistance’s struggle against the might of the Vichy government.

The play, adapted and directed by Satyadev Dubey, will be performed by Motley (Mumbai) with Ratna Pathak Shah playing Antigone. Motley, formed by Naseeruddin Shah and Benjamin Gilani in 1979, has a reputation for intelligent and engaging theatre. It tours regularly throughout the country and abroad. “Antigone” is its latest production.

CHICAGO

August 8

It’s big, bold and beautiful. Chicago, the popular 1975 Broadway musical, deals with the dark underbelly of life — crime, corruption and murder — using music, dance and song.

A satire on corruption and celebrity criminals, it’s the story (based on a play by Maurine Dallas Watkins) of ambitious Roxie Hart, who murders her lover and is catapulted into the limelight.

Stagefright Productions premieres the musical at the festival, which features a huge all-Chennai cast and promises to be colourful and entertaining. You’ll remember director Freddy Koikaran from “Grease”, which played…More

The Hindu :

This year Bridal Asia brings designers from Pakistan and Bangladesh

Photo: Sandeep SaxenaFor a perfect look Divya Gurwara says people want even packaging and gifting to be done artistically

When you think of a one-stop shop with designer wear for weddings your destination has to be the Bridal Asia, which isheld this year between September 19 and 21. Divya Gurwara, the brain behind the show, is back with her biggest and trendiest show “aimed at brides and grooms who don’t mind indulging a bit in designer wear for that perfect look on their D-day.”

About trends in the wedding industry – right from make-up to packaging, Divya says: “Bridal Asia is a concept, it can’t be varied. What is different is the content. Our country is still growing and we have people whospend on weddings. Some are controlled spenders and some lavish, but there definitely is a market. And everyone, no matter how big or small, is contributing to the world of fashion,” observes Divya.Bling bags

This time Divya has designers from Pakistan and Bangladesh. About trends, she says: “Big bags are in and so are clutches. We have introduced a Swarovski line of clutches. Believe me, bling is in. Even if you are wearing a plain dress,hold a bling bag and it will add to your personality.” Divya adds.Bridal Asia will have jewelled bags that come in silver, gold, rubies and emeralds.There will be a wide range of saris, dresses, jewellery and accessories. Does her fashion inclination influence the Bridal Asia show? “To some extent yes.I may be very subtle in my style but if the market is for kitsch, then I do take in designers that are popular with the crowds.”

About bridal wear,Divya says: “A fitted lehenga with choli that shows a bit of skin is in. These are the days of well toned bodies, which can be showed off in…More

The Hindu :

Bangalore came out in strength to enjoy the power-packed evening of Mamma Mia

Photo: M. VedhanWinner from the word go Slick dance routines and fine performances made it an enjoyable show

The smash hit musical ‘Mamma Mia’ with the much loved chart topper songs of the 70’s of the Swedish pop group Abba, ran to a packed house at the Chowdiah on Fridaynight.

Brought to the city by Seagrams, Bangalore had clearly left all inhibitions behind and came outin strength to enjoy the musical.

With the show offering live singing, dancing and acting, director Mithran Devanesen with choreographer Jeffery Vardon, musical director Timothy Madhukar and producer Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, had a winner from the word go.Slick production

The production’s strong point was the slick dance routines from Hot Shoe entertainment, which backed the singers and actors through the show.

The eveningbegan with foot tapping and polite clapping to “Mamma Mia” by the audience.When “Dancing Queen”, “Take a Chance on Me”, “Money, Money, Money” and “Voulez Vous” filled the hallpeople started dancing and singing in the aisles, a clear indication that Abba’s ‘70’s hits are alive.The story was woven round the wedding of a young woman named Sophie on the Greek island of Calicos.

Sophie wants to walk down the aisle with her dad. Sophie is not sure who her father is as her bohemian mother, Donna, seems to have been seeing three men simultaneously.

The bride invites all the three men to the wedding which turns into a kaleidoscope of emotions and music, weaving in all the Abba greats with marvellous fluidity. Donna had invited her childhood friends — Rosie who was now plump and still unmarried and Tanya who was rich and divorced three times, to the wedding. Back then, they had been an all-girl rock group called Donna and the dynamos.Ethereal dance

These three strong women literally held the story line together. Swapna…More

The Hindu :

Kelly Clarkson

All I Ever Wanted

RCA Records

What in the world is wrong with Kelly Clarkson? For someone who stunned the audience by singing Aretha Franklin hit numbers such as “Respect” and (You Make Me Feel Like) “A Natural Woman” at the American Idol Grand Finale and the World Idol competition, an album like All I Ever Wanted is simply unexpected. Every song in this record starts out in a good fashion but falls flat on its face half-way through.Everything in the album reeks of the loveless life of Kelly Clarkson and her unattainable band of men.

She has got passion.But, who gave her the idea to put fourteen similar tracks in one album? It is hard to imagine that this same singer penned lyrics like “Since U Been Gone”, rock ballads like “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and chart toppers like “Walk Away”.

But there is a bright side to this record. The producer Ryan Tedder of One Republic fame, who has co-written some of the songshelps this album walk the path of alternative rock. Hats off to the drummer of this record who outshines Kelly Clarkson in tracks like “Already Gone” and “If I cant Have You”.The song “Save You” is one of the best engineered tracks as the drums and Kelly Clarkson’s soaring vocals compliment each other. With two moderate opening numbers also the first two singles of the album, Kelly Clarkson is not even remotely close to the American Idol that she used to be.

Only the song “Cry” reminds you that this is the singer who is responsible for the track “Beautiful Disaster”.“I Want You” sticks to your mind because it is catchy. Otherwise All I Ever Wanted was to get rid of this record.

DEBAYAN DEB

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The Hindu : y>

The recent incident involving the frisking of former President Abdul Kalam by an American Airline has generated angry reactions from people across the political divide. MetroPlus asked city residents for their reactions to the incident.

Some felt that the frisking was routine andthat all people, barring those holding the highest constitutional office must be subject to all security checks. They felt that in a democracy, all citizens must be treated equally and security checks must apply to everyone, including VIP’s.

They expressed thatthe political class must take a cue from Kalam, who has maintained a dignified silence about the incident and did not use it to make any political point of sorts.

Many saidthat the airline must be punished for a breach of protocol and that all airlines must follow the rules of the country.

They addedthat a uniform policy must be followed. Incumbent and former State and Government headsmust not be frisked at airports. We sample some responses.***

It is unfortunate that such an incident has taken place. Though I feel that VIPs must not be exempt from security checks, protocol must be respected at all levels. The airline should issue an apology . The laws of the country must be followed by all.

Nagarjun

Engineer***

The incident may be unfortunate, but I feel that all people must be subject to security checks. I also fail to understand how people like Robert Vadra make the list. The list must include those holding the highest constitutional posts in the country.

Tabrez

Detective***

It is nothing short of an insult by the American Airlines. They must follow a uniform policy, especially when operating in India. If Kalam was not the gentleman he is, the airlines would have faced bigger problems. I hope that such incidents are not repeated

Amit

Businessman***

Our former Presidenthas been insulted by the airline staff. The airline must issue an unconditional apology and ensure that such thingsare not repeated….More

The Hindu :

Playing in dirty sand or swimming in contaminated water can make people sick

PHOTO: AFPIT’S FUN But sand and water can pose a health risk

A study found that sand can also contain high levels of faecal bacteria, and that people who dig in it can get sick.

Swimming in water that contains too much bacteria from sewage and other sources is a well-known risk for getting sick.

But playing in sand next to that water may be even riskier, a new study finds.

Writing in The American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers said the sand could also contain high levels of faecal bacteria, and that people who dig in it could develop gastrointestinal illnesses.

For the study, researchers got contact information from more than 25,000 people visiting seven beaches within seven miles of sewage treatment plants.

About 10 days later, the researchers asked how they had spent their day at the beach and whether they had experienced problems like vomiting or diarrhoea since then.Getting sick

Those who dug in the sand, the study found, were significantly more likely to report having been sick — with those who had allowed themselves to be buried in the sand most affected. Children seemed to be at extra risk.

It is not uncommon for swimming to be temporarily banned when there are high levels of faecal bacteria, often from treatment plants, runoff from cities or animal life, until the water clears.

It may be more complex when sand is involved, said the lead author of the study, Christopher D. Heaney of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

It may be that the bacteria can continue to live in the sand even after the bacteria in the water has returned to normal levels.

Heaney said people should wash their hands before they eat on the beach.

NYT

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The Hindu :

Playing in dirty sand or swimming in contaminated water can make people sick

PHOTO: AFPIT’S FUN But sand and water can pose a health risk

A study found that sand can also contain high levels of faecal bacteria, and that people who dig in it can get sick.

Swimming in water that contains too much bacteria from sewage and other sources is a well-known risk for getting sick.

But playing in sand next to that water may be even riskier, a new study finds.

Writing in The American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers said the sand could also contain high levels of faecal bacteria, and that people who dig in it could develop gastrointestinal illnesses.

For the study, researchers got contact information from more than 25,000 people visiting seven beaches within seven miles of sewage treatment plants.

About 10 days later, the researchers asked how they had spent their day at the beach and whether they had experienced problems like vomiting or diarrhoea since then.Getting sick

Those who dug in the sand, the study found, were significantly more likely to report having been sick — with those who had allowed themselves to be buried in the sand most affected. Children seemed to be at extra risk.

It is not uncommon for swimming to be temporarily banned when there are high levels of faecal bacteria, often from treatment plants, runoff from cities or animal life, until the water clears.

It may be more complex when sand is involved, said the lead author of the study, Christopher D. Heaney of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

It may be that the bacteria can continue to live in the sand even after the bacteria in the water has returned to normal levels.

Heaney said people should wash their hands before they eat on the beach.

NYT

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The Hindu :

Designer Rahul Jain on looking for newer markets

The man who dressed Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman and super model Naomi Campbell is all set to take Indian fashion to unexplored territories. One is referring to the unassuming, soft spoken and cheerful Rahul Jain who is confident that recession is on a downward slope and Indian fashion designers and exporters need not be dismayed at the downturn in the U.S. economy.

Says Rahul, “Even thoughthe American market is on a decline due to recession there are new markets opening up in West Asia. Turkey, Syria and Lebanon offer great opportunities for designers. My clothes are available in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Riyadh and many more places and now I am looking at West Asia as a new avenue.”

The brand Sirali, which was founded in 1998 by Rahul with Gunjan Arora, has created a stir not only in India but also off-shore, offering a range of clothes for both men and women.

The Sirali outfits created for Caroline Douglas and Sir Sean Connery brought Rahul global recognition.Rahul claims his productsare highly wearable though meant strictly for the elite.

Talking more of recession and its impact on the fashion industry, Rahul adds, “The recession has its impact on the U.S. market. People are not spendingmoney, so sales have been down but now it is improving.”Rahul, who sells his outfitsthrough Pitumayo store in the U.S.,claims his sales have not been affected though.His masterpieces

“I sell only 15 masterpieces a year to them in the price range of5,000 to 3,00,000 U.S. dollars. I wanted to create a demand here as well, my MBA mind worked in arriving at this decision. I believe in exclusive sales as my garments come with a lifetime guarantee, they art pieces. Besides wearing, you can also frame them.”

He claims, “Our articles are not repeated, so in a way they are one of a…More

The Hindu :

Playing in dirty sand or swimming in contaminated water can make people sick

PHOTO: AFPIT’S FUN But sand and water can pose a health risk

A study found that sand can also contain high levels of faecal bacteria, and that people who dig in it can get sick.

Swimming in water that contains too much bacteria from sewage and other sources is a well-known risk for getting sick.

But playing in sand next to that water may be even riskier, a new study finds.

Writing in The American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers said the sand could also contain high levels of faecal bacteria, and that people who dig in it could develop gastrointestinal illnesses.

For the study, researchers got contact information from more than 25,000 people visiting seven beaches within seven miles of sewage treatment plants.

About 10 days later, the researchers asked how they had spent their day at the beach and whether they had experienced problems like vomiting or diarrhoea since then.Getting sick

Those who dug in the sand, the study found, were significantly more likely to report having been sick — with those who had allowed themselves to be buried in the sand most affected. Children seemed to be at extra risk.

It is not uncommon for swimming to be temporarily banned when there are high levels of faecal bacteria, often from treatment plants, runoff from cities or animal life, until the water clears.

It may be more complex when sand is involved, said the lead author of the study, Christopher D. Heaney of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

It may be that the bacteria can continue to live in the sand even after the bacteria in the water has returned to normal levels.

Heaney said people should wash their hands before they eat on the beach.

NYT

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