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The Hindu :

Get on the palpable piety in Lourdes and the scenic drive in the Pyrenees

The perfect holiday Head to the Lourdes for a fun-and adventure-filled holiday

There is magic in Lourdes. You don’t need to know about the story of 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous who saw the Virgin Mary in a series of 18 visions that came to her in the grotto. Visions that made Lourdes one of the world’s holiest pilgrimage sites for Christians and where there has been a certified miracle every decade.

You can feel the palpable piety in the air. And it is a place that will move you.

I arrived there from Pau, which is 43 km away and the nearest airport. The drive was pretty enough getting to Lourdes with a stop at the Bétharram Caves, 15 km before Lourdes. The caves are like an underground cathedral where Nature has carved out huge halls and fascinating rock formations.

The guided tour lasts about an hour and the last bit via a little train is a superb experience.

Descending the steep street of Lourdes down towards the Santuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes, the first touching sightI saw was ofvolunteers helping the disabled.These volunteers,numbering 7,000,pull the wheelchairs of the disabled and the infirm who come to Lourdes to visit the grotto and ask for blessings.A matter of faith

It is this firm and unshakable faith that draws seven million pilgrims to Lourdes every year, and gives the town its aura. And, the aura burns brightest at the grotto.

The rock at the very place where Bernadette saw the Lady of the Immaculate Conception is worn smooth by the hands of pilgrims who have touched it over the years.

In the grotto, too, is the source of the holy spring water. The Virgin Mary asked Bernadette to dig the ground with her hands during one of the visions, and she discovered a spring that flows…More

The Hindu :

Dizzy Gillespie Jam

Montreux ‘77

Original Jazz Classics/Universal; CD; Rs. 295

Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) andJon Faddis (born 1953), set verymuch in the Gillespie mould and atthe time a guest artiste in his band,were ready with their trumpets toplay their concert at the 1977Montreux Jazz Festival inSwitzerland. But because of anairline goof-up that sent Gillespie’srhythm section (pianist, bassist, anddrummer) to the Netherlands, thatconcert turned into an unplannedjam session. The resourcefulproducer Norman Granz assembledMonty Alexander on piano, RayBrown on bass, and Jimmie Smithon drums, with, as a bonus, MiltJackson on vibraphone to fill thegap.

The resulting 40-odd minuterecording has only four tracks, oneof which is a medley of three balladslasting about 13 minutes.

Gillespie, Jackson and Faddis arethe soloists on the three tunes thatmake up the medley, the last beinglong enough to accommodate apassage that has Alexander andJackson also improvising behindFaddis. Although the medley is slow,there’s plenty of double-timing byGillespie and Faddis during theirimprovisations to speed up theaction. The medium-paced openingtrack, “Girl of My Dreams”, also13-minutes long, has enough roomfor almost all the musicians topitch in with solo improvisations.

Gillespie (on the left) leads onthe slow intro and the theme,following which Faddis (on theright) takes the first solo. Next is aseries of exchanges betweenGillespie, Faddis, Jackson andAlexander on the one hand andSmith on the other.

The other two tracks, “GetHappy” and “The Champ”, aretaken at a fast clip and giveGillespie and Faddis ampleopportunity to come up withblindingly fast solos. They alsohave a series of solo exchangesamong the two trumpets, pianoand vibraphone. All the whileGillespie is a shade faster and moreintricate than Faddis on his solos,and the music, a bitdisappointingly, has no straightduel between just the twotrumpeters.

That leaves room for a suspicionthat Faddis, who is widely reputedas the only match for Gillespie everborn, was being a trifle respectfulof the leader and not lettinghimself go. But otherwise, with therhythm section giving of their best,this is one hell of a jam session.

Cannonball Adderley/

Nat…More

The Hindu : y>

Volcano wars Catch all the action only on HBO

A volcanic researcher, Harry Dalton is exorcising the ghosts of his troubled past when he is asked to investigate minor seismic activity in the town of Dante’s peak.

To his horror, he discovers that the area is on the verge of major volcanic activity. To make matters worse, the townspeople, led by the mayor are about to sign a lucrative development deal, that the volcanic activity will endanger.

Catch this action adventure movie starring Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton, and Jeremy Foleyonly on Tuesday at 9 p.m. only on HBO.

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The Hindu : y>Mr. Big is one of those few bands to make a successful comeback after a seven-year-long hiatus with its original band line-up and lots of music to share, finds DEEPA KURUP

Photo: Murali Kumar k.BIG BAD BOY OF HARD ROCK Billy Sheehan

Today, the global music world stands clearly divided — on the one side there are those who bitterly oppose file-sharing and music piracy, while others think that “sharing” of any kind can’t be all that bad after all.

Billy Sheehan, who is back in the music world with legendary hard rock band Mr. Big, believes in sharing. He believes that a “real band” has nothing to lose if fans share some music. “Because you can’t ever fileshare a live show. And that’s what real bands are about.” Nowadays, Billy observes, a lot of bands are studio-centric. “When we reach the venue technicians often ask us ‘Where do we plug the recording?’ And we tell them ‘There’s none. We’re going to play it all!’ If you can’t play it all on stage, then you aren’t really a band,” Billy insists. In fact, during Mr Big’s formative years several bands were focussing on “live-ing it up” in the studio. We insisted on doing the exact opposite,” a proud Billy reminisces.

However, he adds that he is completely against “stealing”. “This doesn’t mean that I am for stealing work or not giving artistes their due,” he says, a tad anxious about being misunderstood. “Having said that, if file sharing leads to people from all over the globe listening to my work and having access to my music, then I am all for it,” he says. Mr Big’s popularity in countries like India, and Japan (where they kick started their comeback tour), is probably a testament to the power of this technological enabler.

Billy comes across as an easy going, cool and collected character. Media questions about whether…More

The Hindu :

CNN anchor Richard Quest shares his views

Photo: R.V. MoorthyPLAYING SAFE CNN anchor Richard Quest

The news of President Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize is refusing to die down. So as one came across CNN anchor Richard Quest, one thought it prudent to know his and the American media’s insight into the jury’s unprecedented choice. After all “Quest Means Business”! However, Quest preferred to play safe, only narrating an instance.

“Once during an interview Sri Ravi Shankar told me it is only at the sunset that you come to know how well the day was spent. In that sense the Nobel committee’s decision to award the Peace prize to Obama seems premature because till date Obama has only promised. He has yet to deliver. But at the same time the Nobel committee’s decision has put him under unprecedented pressure. Every time he will take an action in Iraq, the media will say, ‘But President you have got the Nobel Peace Prize’. Every time he will show aggression in Afghanistan, somebody would ask ‘But President…’.”Predicting recession

Talking about the American media’s inability to predict the recession, Quest, who has been doing business reporting for two decades, admitted the media did fail to figure out the magnitude of the problem.

“A couple of analysts did predict it but nobody took them seriously because there were no apparent signs. Yes, we were a bit lazy. Now everybody is looking for a bubble everywhere.” He said that India hadn’t suffered the impact so much because it didn’t open its banks as much as the U.S. and Germany.

“India is now in a position that when it says no to something, the world listens. However, to achieve a higher rate of growth, the Indian economy has to open up. Infrastructure and poverty still remain issues for India. Every time I land in the country it is a night…More

The Hindu : y>

 The recent political upheaval in Karnataka, with a section of the legislators raising a banner of revolt against the chief minister, even as the state grapples with the aftermath of one of the worst floods in over a century that inundated many parts of the state has raised many eyebrows. MetroPlus asked city residents whether the political bickering should continue at a time, when flood relief operations are still on across the state.

Most felt that the political stalemate was uncalled for at a time, when strong leadership was needed to steer the state from this crisis. They felt that the politicians must focus on flood relief operations now and settle differences later.

Many felt that a united front must be provided in these times of crisis. Some felt that the politicians are being selfish and making an effort to achieve political success at any cost, even in a crisis situation.

We sample some responses

Politicians like to take credit for any new infrastructure project and start a blame game when things do not go according to plan. It is very important that they maintain a semblance of unity until the relief operations are finished. The dissent is uncalled.

Martha

Social worker

***

It is unfortunate the politicians are fighting among themselves and trying to earn brownie points, even as people across the state are suffering due to the floods. They must sort out their differences and make all efforts to provide relief to those affected by the floods.

John

Banker

***

Politicians are being very selfish in pursuit for power. The state must have a stable government to lead it out the present crisis. The government should talk and iron out their differences. The opposition should also lend a helping hand to the government effort.

Jane

Teacher

***

Such issues should not crop up at a time, when the state is grappling with the worst floods in a century. They must immediately iron out their…More

The Hindu :

Ocean Park, Hong Kong, blends conservation and entertainment

If you need a break from a monotonous routine, try Ocean Park, Hong Kong, which offerseducational and conservation concepts blended with entertainment.

One of the largest oceanariums and theme parks in South East Asia, itboasts numerous attractions.

Located on the southern side of Hong Kong island, covering more than 8,70,000 square metres of land, the parkis divided into three areas: the Waterfront, the Summit and Tai Shue Wan.

The Waterfront and Summit are connected by cable cars and the Ocean Express — claimed to be the world’s first and only themed 1.3 km tunnel.

Meanwhile, the Summit and Tai Shue Wan are connected by what is described as Hong Kong’s second longest series of outdoor escalators. But infrastructure is not the park’s only title to glory.

Gold Fish Treasures, a standalone exhibit, features over 300 goldfish of all shapes, sizes and colours, including the largest goldfish variety in the world.

Atoll Reef, a marine facility, is one of the park’s most popular attractions.

An Ocean Theatre at the Summit exhibits an aquatic adventure and inspirational story by the amazing marine animals and their trainer, accompanied by an original sound track.

The Sea Jelly Spectacular and the Pacific Pier are yet other major attractions.

Then, there are the usual funfair rides, roller coasters, swings and funhouses.

KANIKA RAJPUT

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The Hindu :

It’s not just looks, Imaad has inherited Naseer’s talent as well

Photo K. GopinathanCreative calling Imaad Shah loves leading a normal life

The nation loved his dad Naseeruddin in “A Wednesday”, 23-year-old Imaad Shah says: “I loved dadin ‘Omkara’ and ‘Bombay Boys’ .” He’s got his famous father’s curly hair, sharp nose and smile. Remember, he played the young Naseer in the film “Ijazat”? “Do I really look so similar?” he asks.

A theatre artiste, Imaad started acting on stage when he was 19. “I love doing theatre.I think it’s in the genes,” he smiles.

And then continues, “I have grown up in an atmosphere where scripts and rehearsals were the routine. I was bound to get into it too.” Imaad has completed his graduation and wants to study further. “But not immediately. Right now, I am enjoying this creative phase and have a lot of plans.” He has done four films including “Little Zizou” and “Dil Dosti”.

He has also worked as an assistant director to gain a working knowledge and for a behind-the camera experience. He has no filmy airs and does not mind travelling by local trains. Some time ago, he met with an accident; he fell off a local train in Mumbai. “I love living a normal life,” he says.

Imaad loves the freedom his parents have given him and their faith in his choices.“I mostly make my own decisions on the projects I choose. It is not that they are completely unaware of what I do. They need to know and their suggestion always helps.” Apart from theatre, this Doon School studentalso loves music and plays the guitar. Whenever he gets the time, he performs at the Zenzi bar in Mumbai.“I hope to form my own band some day and I am working at it. Acting in movies is a part-time job, I don’t think I will continue with it…More

The Hindu :

There are many ways in which we can suffer wounds

Ouch! The sharp knife scalps the fingertip as neatly as it operates on the spring-onion stalks. I rush toward tap, towel and the turmeric-coated band-aid, cursing my luck, life and the deadline. I wonder.Treating burns

Burn spots on the hand, bump on the head, chewed cuticle, stubbed-out toe, scraped knee, itching mosquito-bite — there are an amazing number of ways in which we can hurt ourselves!

“Yes,” sighed Kavitha, Assistant Podiatrist,and named them. Abrasions from rough surfaces, avulsion when a finger is forcibly pulled away (whoa!!), contusion/bruise from an internal injury, crush-wound when a heavy object falls on you (watch out!), cut (razor!), laceration (tear), punctures caused by nails/knives/broken glass and the all-too-common burns and blisters. “Burn injuries to the skin can be thermal, chemical or electrical,” Kavitha explained.Minor injuries

Mercifully, minor injuries can be treated at home. A bruise needs only a cold pack (ice wrapped in a wet cloth) for 20 minutes to stop the bleeding. After 48 hours, apply a warm, wet washcloth for 10 minutes, three times a day to help reabsorb the blood.

For cuts and scratches, wash the wound with running tap water or clean it with a washcloth. Rub on an antibiotic, stick a band-aid. Change it daily. A large, open wound obviously needs to be looked at by a doctor.

Surgical wounds are getting to be equally common. “Healing depends on the health, nutritional status of the patient and precautions taken by the surgeons,” said Dr. M. Mohan Rao. “Of course, following doctors’ instructions is vital.” His own include: “Rest the operated part. Avoid injury to the wound — it’s a major post-surgery concern. Eat nourishing food. Control BP and blood-sugar. High BP can encourage bleeding in a minor wound. Protect against contamination by foul water, dust or dirt.”

Some believe in leaving a closed surgical wound…More

The Hindu :

Colombo’s fashion front man Ajai Vir Singh comes to India with Stringhopper, a line co-designed by Prasad Bidappa

STYLE MEETS COMFORT A Stringhopper creation; and designer Ajai Vir Singh (left, above)

The name sounds unusual for a fashion label. But “Stringhopper” is very much like the South Indian-Sri Lankan culinary speciality — quirky and interesting.

Launched by Ajai Vir Singh, the man behind the Colombo Fashion Week, and Prasad Bidappa, Bangalore’s guru of cool, the label hops into the fashion circuit with a line of shirts that effortlessly integrates style and comfort.

If you thought men’s clothes were about drip-dry blandness, think again. Ajai says Stringhopper “blends the best of Italian classic and South East Asian sensibilities”.

Looking at the sartorial needs of the corporate traveller, the design duo has conjured up a collection of shirts and slim fit trousers that lays emphasis on smart cuts and precise tailoring. “The Stringhopper man travels miles and more miles. But he’s not a punk or a rock star! He’s a corporate guy who indulges his free spirit in the evenings.” While cotton seems to be the duo’s favourite fabric, they’ve treated it to arrive at varied finishes.Tropical sensibilities

The colour metredoesn’t run awry. There’s a controlled use of surfer blue, grey and green that remind you of sun-kissed tropical beaches.

“Soon, we’ll also be doing an all-white line,” he says over telephone chat from Colombo. “Fashion is meant to be worn. So though you’ll see a touch of madness in the garments, they are wearable.”

Talk about his creative partnership with Prasad, and Ajai gushes: “He’s a good-old friend. I have a lot of respect for his creative perspective. Stringhopper is fine proof of the synergy. It’s very tropical in sensibility, yet global in appeal.”

Switching to reminiscent mode, Ajai says: “The apparel industry was very strong in Sri Lanka, with a lot of export to Western countries….More