May2008 Free Copy

Free Copy
www.citymasala.com
May2008
A Lifestyle and Entertainment Magazine for Today’s South Asian
IN THIS ISSUE
CityMasala
A Lifestyle and Entertainment Magazine for Today’s South Asian
16 Ragamala Music & Dance
Theater In Tampa
On the Cover
Shivana Jorawar
(Photography: Shiva Photo 2008)
A dancer and activist, Shivana is
making strides toward merging arts
and empowerment in the South
Asian community. She is currently
involved with anti-domestic violence
work and is also the newest host on
the Imaginasian TV show "Pulse:
The Desi Beat."
Brought to Tampa by the FIA, don’t
miss the opportunity to witness Ragamala’s electrifying performance in
Tampa on May 10th, 2008. Story on
page 16 and ticket information on page
38.
28 Auntyji Ko Pucho
Most readers know by now not to
expect Auntyji to hold their hands
and sympathize with them when they
are being unreasonable. Auntyji says
it like she sees it – and sometimes it
is stuff that people do not want to
hear.
12 Cover Story
Vai Alandikar’s work was recently
showcased at the Tim Salen Gallery
at St. Petersburg Clay Company. Vai
wishes to address the discovery of
self through mantra (prayer) through
his work. His interview lends insight
into a passionate artist’s mind and
heart.
30 Mom, Give Yourself A
Gift
8 Treat Mom To a
‘Beauty-Full’ Day
Ways to get the children involved in
the kitchen no matter how old they
are. Make it fun and give yourself the
opportunity to sit back and relax.
This Mother’s Day, treat your mom
to a ‘beauty-full’ day by getting her a
Gift Certificate from one of the
beauty service providers in this column. Splurge a little on the woman in
your life who gives you so much.
24 Bollywood:
The Unforgettables
The Unforgettables tour has changed
its lineup many times over. Now
Preity Zinta is in there along with
Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Saif
Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor. Not
to mention, of course, the
Bachchans!
Published By
CityMasala LLC
May 2008
14 Beauty: The Virtues of
Henna
18 Cricket: Sledging
18 Comic Strip: Small Hands
22 Reel Talk: Movie
Reviews
26 Health Talk: Itchy Skin
26 Parents’ Chat Room
29 TechTalk: Can You Hear
Me Now?
30 Daru Ka Nasha: Drinks for
Mom
31 In The Kitchen: Recipe Okra In Tamarind Gravy
31 CityMasala Book Club:
Call Me Ishmael Tonight
32 Star Lite Star Brite:
Horoscope
TEAM MASALA
Marketing Tampa
813-476-5415; 813-642-3313; 863-558-3356
Editor and Publisher
Chhaya Sanghavi
Shaphali Jain
Marketing Orlando
813-465-2311
Email Sales: [email protected]
Marketing Representative
Tampa
Manisha Sajnani
Anita Singh
Ashish Jain
Javid Lateef
Dr. Maulik Trivedi
Nandini Chakraborty
Nicolas Aujula
Nidhi Chanani
Shahnaz Husain
Sheniz Janmohamed
Vish Viswanathan
Guest Contributors
Dr. Rima Sanka
Email
[email protected]
On the Web
www.citymasala.com
CityMasala is published by CityMasala LLC. The opinions and viewpoints of our contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of CityMasala’s.
CityMasala disclaims any liability with respect to the use of our reliance on any such information and further disclaims any liability to any party for loss or
damage caused by errors or omissions, negligence, accident or any other cause. CityMasala reserves the right to reject any advertisement they deem unacceptable or inappropriate for publication in CityMasala. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and originality of content. Copyright © 2005 CityMasala LLC. All rights reserved. Reprinting of any material without prior permission from CityMasala is prohibited.
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6
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May 2008
Mothers! You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them - or is that women? In any case, mothers are the most precious gift on earth and once a
year, we get the chance to show our appreciation for all that they do for us.
This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a ‘beauty-full’ day by getting her a Gift Certificate from one of the beauty service providers in this column. Most of
them have put affordable packages together for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience for the woman in your life who gives you so much. Splurge a
little and remember, you found this information in CityMasala!
AISHA BEAUTY SALON
Aisha
She says that hair cutting and styling as well as threading, are some
of the most popular services that
people choose.
9444 S Orange Blossom Trail,
Orlando
407-334-5465
“What sets me apart from others is
that I genuinely care very much for
my clients and make them feel comfortable. They come back to me
because they feel I am their
friend.”
[email protected]
Aisha provides a variety of
services from both her home as
well as at a salon. Threading,
Waxing, Facials, Hair Cuts,
Hair Coloring, Bridal Make-up
and Party Make-up are some of
them.
APNA ANDAAZ BEAUTY
Ishrat
Hair Coloring & Henna Coloring
and Facials.
9444 S. Orange Blossom Trail,
Orlando
The most popular services so far
have been Threading, Hair Cuts
and Facials.
407-859-0020
[email protected]
Website coming soon:
www.apnaandaaz.com.
“We are open 7 days a week. I
have waited for 5 years to open a
salon at this location. It is very
central where women have the
convenience of shopping, dining
and getting beauty services in the
same area. I wanted to offer a
one stop shop for women.”
This is a brand new salon which
has been opened by Ishrat, the
owner of Apna Andaaz, the boutique. The salon offers services
like Hair Cuts, Styles, Threading
& Waxing, Mehndi (by appointment) Bridal & Party Make-up,
hair cuts & styling. The salon has
recently acquired the services of a
person from Egypt by the name of
Issan who is really good with hair,
especially the south Asian kind.
He is also an exceptional make-up
artist.
BADAR’S HAIR N’ ALL
Badar
2321 E Fowler Ave. Tampa
813-979-0058
[email protected]
Badar’s salon is the oldest in the
Tampa area and one of the most
popular. Threading, Hair Cuts,
Hair Styling, Manicures, Pedicures and all kinds of Facials for
all kinds of skin types are offered at her salon.
Badar says, “I have been here for
35 years – people know me and
the quality of service I offer. I am
always on the lookout to offer
more to my clients.”
The most popular services that
people choose are threading and
Contd. On Page 10
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8
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May 2008
Contd. From Page 8
ELITE DAY SPA
Suji
The most popular services are
Threading & Facials.
1102 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.
Brandon
Gift certificates are available and
can be purchased online and by
phone and can be mailed out to
the customer.
813-684-8440
www.elitedayspabrandon.com.
Suji’s Elite Day Spa is about 7
months old and beautifully put
together. She offers Threading,
Bridal Make-up, Hair Styling,
Updos, Facials, Massages, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing,
Dermabrasion and Henna designs
at her salon.
“This salon is my dream come
true. We give exceptional customer service to each and every
person who walks through our
doors. Our business grows by
word of mouth and we have seen
tremendous success in the last 7
months that we have been in
business.”
“We are one of the oldest running
salon and boutique businesses in
the area. We are located conveniently with services available 7
days a week. We welcome both
male and female clients and are
flexible with scheduling and accept walk-ins. Our beauticians,
henna and make-up artists are
award winners back home
and have 20 plus years of experience. In addition, and above all,
the loyalty and support of our
customers attributes to our success in this business.”
INSTYLE FASHIONS BOUTIQUE & SALON
Khusboo & Purnima
7717 Turkey Lake Rd.
Orlando
407-354-0002
Services provided by the salon
are Eyebrow and Facial Threading, Waxing, Facials, Henna and
Bridal Packages.
Since today’s mothers are busy
women, the salon is extending
their special offer from mother's
day weekend until the end of
May.
MARY KAY
Asha Arthur-Fraga
2306 Merrily Cir N. Seffner
—ers for the whole month of May 2008. Asha also offers FREE facials and
a hands pampering session (one
sitting only).
813-508-5701
She says, “what makes Mary Kay
products so special is that they are
not sold in malls so we end up
giving one on one care to our
customers. The products are carefully put together for individual
care. We go to the customer to
pamper them and anything bought
from us has a 100% satisfaction
guarantee or the customer gets
their money back within 30 days.”
[email protected]
www.marykay.com/
ashaarthurfraga.
Some of the award winning
items that Asha carries from
Mary Kay are Satin Hands Set,
Affection women’s perfume and
Microdermabrasion Sets.
Nail polishes, eye-shadows and
blush are all 50% off for moth -
“What sets me apart from others is
that I take my time with my clients
and don’t rush them through the service they have come for. I also take
time to explain what causes certain
conditions such as facial hair growth
and teach them how to take better
care of themselves. I will honestly tell
them if they don’t need a service,
especially hair removal because once
you start, you have to maintain it. I
spend time on my clients as I would
want time to be spent on me.”
OM BEAUTY Minita
820 E SR 434, Ste 150 (Inside
House of Spices), Longwood
407-462-0227
[email protected]
Minita is the owner of Om Beauty
and provides various services such as
three kinds of Facials - pHisoderm,
Shahnaz Herbal and Shahnaz 24 K
Gold, Threading, Waxing, Mehndi
and bridal services such as Hair Updos, Dress up and Make-up.
Contd. On Page 27
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10
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May 2008
By: Shaphali Jain
Vai Alandikar’s work was recently showcased in the Tim Salen Gallery at St. Petersburg Clay Company.
Vai wishes to address the discovery of self through mantra (prayer) through his work. If the world is to
be a better place, he says, “it’s important that one tries to find one’s inner self and then approach the
world.”
Vai was introduced to ceramics in 2003 at the University of South Florida while enrolled in an art class.
Although he was tempted to change his major to art, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at
USF. After college, he pursued art in classes at local colleges. He was then accepted as an Artist In
Residence at St. Petersburg Clay Company in 2007.
The majority of Vai’s work is wheel thrown ceramics. His approach to clay is dictated by the improvement in the quality of daily life by the use of hand-made functional ware. He teaches Beginning and
Intermediate wheel thrown pottery at SPCC. Vai is as passionate a teacher as he is an artist and CityMasala found it a privilege to interview him.
CM: Tell us a little bit about where you grew up
and how early you became interested in art?
Vai: I grew up in Nagpur, India. When I was 15, I
moved with my parents to St. Petersburg, Florida
and have been here ever since. You could say that
I was interested in art from an early age but it came
about in the form of science projects back home
since the exposure wasn’t there. The full realization that this is something I really love came at age
23 when I enrolled in an art class at USF.
CM: What made you realize the love of art that
you feel?
Vai: Art gave me a creative outlet that I thought
was missing during my college years. When I
started spending close to 60 hours a week in the
studio while taking pottery classes, I figured it out!
CM: You also teach art. How do you feel about
being a teacher?
Vai: I connect with it more than I do with any other
profession. I feel my best when I am teaching.
CM: What are some of your other passions other
than art and teaching?
Vai: I like kayaking, biking, running, Cricket,
Football, music such as classical Indian, both north
and south, and Western music, classical and modern. I also like some of the music from other parts
of the world.
CM: What is your ultimate goal as far as your art
work is concerned? Where do you see yourself in
the next few years?
Vai: I am currently working full time towards
show casing and exhibiting my art in different galleries. My first show was here in St. Pete and I
CM: How did you break into ceramic art?
would very much like to take it globally in the next
Vai: My introduction to ceramics was in my senior
5 years. I cringe at the thought of it being called
year in college. I took an art class and was invited
just a hobby because it really isn’t. It’s more than
to a one-day “clay party”. I figured I’d give it a try
that. It’s more than a profession really. It’s a way
and was intrigued by the movement and stillness in
of life. It requires a lot of adaptation in thought
clay.
and daily processes because it’s just so different. It
CM: What is wheel thrown ceramics?
requires an immersion of self into the process, self
Vai: Wheel thrown ceramics is pottery made on
discovery, movement, and the expression of that
the wheel
process or thought into something physical. I can
CM: Why the name “mantra” for your art show? go on for hours here but don’t want to take up all
Vai: Different people have different meanings for your time!
this term. In my case, it meant self discovery
CM: Where do you get your inspiration from?
through repetition.
Vai: My inspiration comes from many things.
Sometimes, it’s a certain pottery making technique,
CM: How does this come across in your art?
form, or surface. Mostly, it’s having something to
Vai: I write Sanskrit mantras on my art work.
say and figuring out a visual way to say it. In my
Also, the pottery making, and in some cases the
mark making, process is very repetitious. It started recent show in April, it was the idea of self discovery that inspired me.
as a random thing that I started to do and then I
couldn’t hold it back. For me it became a way of
meditation. Most people don’t think about writing
as a way of meditating - it is mostly about chanting.
This work makes me feel that I connect with the
original writers of our scriptures. I am also able to
relate across cultures through my inscriptions. In
Judaism, writing a word means bringing it to life.
I’ve been given this amazing opportunity to share
my art with people and I want to take it as far as I
can.
CM: What do you expect to achieve by showcasing your work?
Vai: Well, I’d like to exhibit my work for one.
Secondly, I think I’d like to invoke an individualized thought process in the observer of my artwork.
CityMasala
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CM: What message would you have for our readers, especially someone who wants to follow a
similar passion such as yours?
Vai: Discover who you are before you conform to
mainstream expectations. Follow your dream
through. If it doesn’t work out, you can go back to
a fallback plan but at least gave your dream a try.
CM: How can our readers contact you should
they need to get in touch with you?
Vai: They can email me at [email protected] or
visit this site on the web http://www.stpeteclay.com/galleryvai.html.
12
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May 2008
By: Shahnaz Husain
On the topic of dyeing
hair and some better alternatives to using chemical hair dyes, henna remains the most popular
natural hair colorant.
The advantage is that
henna is also a wonderful
natural conditioner.
Here, I would like to
mention that one should
be wary of using “kali
mehndi” or “black
henna.” There is no such
‘natural’ ingredient as
black henna, because the
natural color of henna is
a reddish brown. So, the
so-called “kali mehndi”
may contain elements of
harmful chemical permanent dyes. There is no
way of knowing for sure
so I would suggest staying away from this to be
on the safe side.
Please send your questions
and comments to
[email protected].
CityMasala
COLORING HAIR WITH
HENNA
Unlike chemical colorants, henna does
not penetrate the hair shaft. In fact, it
coats each hair shaft and actually adds
strength and body to the hair.
By adding kaththa (catechu) or coffee,
one can get a richer brown color. Dry
amla can be powdered and added to the
henna mixture too. Amla is known to
check graying so, I advocate the use of
amla along with henna.
In fact, we have included amla and other
natural ingredients in our henna for hair
coloring and also in hair conditioning
powders. Amla is extremely rich in Vitamin C and as we know, Vitamin C
strengthens the immune system. In fact,
the Vitamin C found in amla is so stable
that it does not get destroyed even on
heating. To control graying, you can add
the juice of one raw amla to a glass of
water. You can also consult an Ayurvedic physician for an amla based
tonic or, include foods rich in Vitamins
B-Complex and C in your daily diet.
Natural products are non-toxic and do
not harm the structure of the hair. The
body is also safe from the build-up of
toxins and their harmful effects. A natural dye like henna does not enter the hair
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Hair Mascara, which disguises a few
strands of grey hair, or may be used for
quick touch ups.
Hair Mascara is
If you would like to add amla to your
somewhat like
henna paste, you can soak a handful of
crayons, which
dry amla in about 2 to 3 cups water
can be used to
overnight. Next morning, strain the
“streak” strands
water, but do not throw the water away.
of hair. It also
Grind the amla and add it to the henna
helps add glampowder along with 4 tsps each of lemon
our to the hair,
juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs and enough
by coloring
amla water, so that the henna mixes into
strands a differa thick paste. If you do not wish to use
ent color for a
eggs, add more amla water. If your hair
change you may be seeking only on a
is dry, add 2 tsps of hair oil. Keep the
temporary basis. It can be used to sport
mixture for about two hours and then
a different look, just for fun, or to add
apply this on the hair, from the roots to
another dimension to one’s looks. It is
the tips so that the entire head is coveasier to use and remove, and the effect
ered. Keep it on for two hours and wash
lasts only until the next shampoo. Hair
off with plain water.
Mascara is available in many colors.
You can also add amla to hair oil. You
One of the most important aspects of
can roast a handful of dry amla in an
beauty is to be aware of the damage
iron karhai (wok/pan) and mash it into a
caused by chemical ingredients. Some
powder. Add this to 200 ml of hair oil.
treatments, like hair dyes, can have disYou can choose sesame seed (til) oil or
astrous results and, the damage may
pure coconut oil. Place in a jar with an
even be permanent. As far as possible,
air tight lid and leave in the sun for 10 to
avoid exposing the skin, hair and body
15 days. Strain and use, base quantity
to harmful ingredients. People all over
according to the length of your hair.
the world are realizing that it’s time to
Temporary colors can also be used to
turn back to nature and look at it with
protect your hair from the damage of
enlightened eyes. The choice is yours!
chemical dyes. We have formulated
shaft and also benefits the scalp. It restores natural balance and actually promotes the health of the scalp and hair.
14
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May 2008
ensemble Mu
Daiko, former
Alvin Ailey dancers Uri Sands and
Toni PierceSands, Western
composer/vocalist
Ruth MacKenzie,
deaf actor Nicole
Zapko, and Balibased Kecak artist
I Dewa Putu
Berata.
Ragamala's work
has been presented
in prestigious
venues around the
world, including
the Miao-Li International Mask
Festival in Taiwan, the Open Look Contemporary
“Since co-founding Ragamala Music and Dance
Dance Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Leid
Theater, Ranee Ramaswamy has astounded audiences with works that expand one’s perceptions of Center of Kansas in Lawrence, and the New Jersey
Performing Arts Center in Newark. The company
dance, cross-cultural collaboration, and spiritual
also performs annually at the Southern Theater in
meaning.”
Minneapolis, Minnesota, and O’Shaughnessy AudiCamille LeFevre, Minneapolis Star Tribune.
torium in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2004, Ranee
Ramaswamy's global collaborative work, Sethu
Artistic Directors Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna
Ramaswamy’s choreography draws from the exqui- (Bridge) was commissioned by the internationally
renowned Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minsite Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam. Their
work emphasizes the importance of preserving the nesota. Most recently, by special invitation from the
Bali Government Culture Office, Ragamala preclassical form while bringing it into conversation
sented two performances of Sethu to overflowing
with contemporary themes and diverse influences
audiences at the Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia.
from around the world.
Ragamala Music and Dance Theater's work provides a bridge between cultures both ancient and
modern, exploring a unique style of living poetry
for the stage.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Ragamala’s electrifying performance in Tampa on
May 10th, 2008. (Please look at page 38 for more
details on ticket information and timings.)
Rooted in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form
from southern India, Ragamala blends dance, music, and poetry together. Old forms are used in new
ways to retain the past, enhance the present, and
inspire the future.
The show will be strictly that - a show for the audience to enjoy minus any speeches or add-ons. In
case any of you had the opportunity to take in their
last show at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts, you
will remember being spellbound by their performance. The Federation of India, which is bringing the
Founded in 1992 by Artistic Director/
show to us this time around, promises that you will
Choreographer Ranee Ramaswamy, Ragamala Munot be disappointed this time either. They promise
sic and Dance Theater is dedicated to preserving
great cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere and tout
Bharatanatyam while using it as a springboard for
this show as the “most fabulous show in town! Call
innovative choreography. Ragamala's vibrant clasus to buy your tickets, for mom for a wonderful gift
sical work and pioneering cross-cultural collaborafor Mother’s day, for your employees as a benefit,
tions demonstrate to diverse audiences the versatilfor your friends and for sources of referrals. This is
ity, depth, and contemporary vitality of Bharatanatnot a show just for Indians; anyone will enjoy it
yam.
tremendously. We guarantee it. It is an internaRagamala has collaborated with several US based
tional fusion dance on "India Night - Dances &
and international artists of diverse backgrounds. For Cuisines of India" on May 10th Saturday night at 7
example, poet Robert Bly, Chinese pipa virtuoso
PM at the India Cultural Center.”
Gao Hong, New Delhi-based sitarist Shubhendra
For more information of Ragamala, visit
Rao, African dance troupe Ko-Thi Dance Company,
www.ragamala.net.
jazz musician Howard Levy, Japanese drumming
CityMasala
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16
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May 2008
By: Javid Lateef
To Sledge or not to sledge …. that is the question.
Cricket has gone through some major introspection this summer. The Indian team that toured
Australia, and the hosts, have been involved in
some major battles, with bat and ball and verbally.
The whole world was watching as this drama unfolded, as the Aussies are known for their
‘sledging’ or verbal battering of opponents.
selves this summer. The
batting especially has looked
very vulnerable. I think the fact that they think
that they are slipping up a bit on the field is making them uneasy, and hence the controversial
statements. Matt Hayden, towards the end of the
series called Harbhajan Singh an “obnoxious
weed”. Now, as an international cricketer and role
model, that was completely uncalled for. He was
given a slap on the wrist for this outburst from
Cricket Australia and the ICC has not said a word.
The Indian squad that visited Oz was unlike any
other Indian team that had toured there before; a
combination of youth and experience, and most
importantly, a very aggressive captain. The youth
in this team had experienced success at the highest
level, winning the 20/20 World Cup, and it was
won by playing the game with a positive and aggressive outlook. This new found attitude has
been carried forward to test match and ODI
cricket. What is really heartening to see, is the
seniors in the squad have also imbibed this spirit
and were ready to take the fight straight into the
opponents’ camp.
This is where we get into, what I perceive to be,
unfair and biased treatment. The Aussies have
been getting away with using profanity and abusing players on the field, yet when somebody retaliates and dishes it back, they get all wimpy and
complain. To make matters worse, the so called
match referees always seem to take the side of the
Aussies. The other team’s pleas usually fall on
deaf ears and their teammate or team is fined or
given a warning. This has to stop. The ICC has to
step in and either there is sledging or there is no
sledging. They have to make up their minds and
please, no more preferential treatment for the Aussies.
The Aussies are the ones that elevated sledging
into an art form. They start before any tie and the
captain or some spokesperson will come out with
a very controversial statement, with the express intent of eliciting a passionate response
As I write this, the first three games of the IPL
from the opponent. It is usually directed
This has to stop. The ICC has to step in and have been played. The opening ceremony in
was a spectacle, to say the very
towards an individual, rather than the whole
either there is sledging or there is no sledging. Bangalore
team. Something like … “We have noticed a
least. A full crowd at Chinnaswamy Stadium
was treated to all kinds of multimedia enterflaw in Dhoni’s technique, and we will take
advantage of it”. This usually makes the individ- rics with barbs of their own.
tainment coupled with the Washington Redskins
ual uneasy and gets the whole team riled up.
cheerleaders providing that extra bit of oomph.
What made things interesting, I personally feel, is
There have already been some spectacular knocks
What the Indian team had done on this tour was to that there was parity on the cricket ground. The
and good cricket, but that is for a later time. Till
fight fire with fire and matched all of their theatAussies have not looked like their invincible
then …. happy watching.
CityMasala
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18
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May 2008
R E E L T A L K
By: Team Masala
TASHAN
BHOOTHNATH
Dir: Vijay Krishna Acharya
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor.
Dir: Vivek Sharma Cast: Amithabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Aman Siddiqui & Shah
Rukh Khan (Special Appearance)
One of
the most
anticipated
movies
of the
year,
Tashan
promises
oodles of
style and
substance.
What happens when a mischievous little boy
joins forces with an old and cranky-turnedlovable ghost? Ravi Chopra’s production Bhoothnath promises to be an entertainer that will win
the hearts of children and adults alike.
Starring
Saif Ali
Khan,
Kareena
Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor in main
roles, Tashan tells the story of four unique people
on a fateful journey that will alter the course of
their lives.
Bhoothnath is a story of a seven year old naughty
yet innocent boy, Banku, who unknowingly turns
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The movie stars Amitabh Bachchan, child artist
Aman Siddiqui, Juhi Chawla, Satish Shah and
Rajpal Yadav. Shah Rukh Khan has a guest role
in the film.
It is believed that children have the strongest
connection to God. They have the ability to perceive goodness in everything and everyone.
The film tells the story about call center executive
Jimmy Cliff (Saif Ali Khan), gangster Bachchan
Pande (Akshay Kumar) and Pooja (Kareena Kapoor), a girl who can't be trusted. The three of
them are on a dangerous journey across India,
which will alter the course of their lives in more
ways than one. In addition to that, there is the evil
eye of Bhaiyyaji (Anil Kapoor), a maverick gangster who enjoys killing people as much as he enjoys speaking English.
Tashan's soundtrack, released on March 28, 2008
by Yash Raj Films, was composed by VishalShekhar whilst lyrics were penned by four different lyricists: Piyush Mishra, Anvita Dutt Guptan,
Vishal Dadlani and Kausar Munir. Joginder
Tuteja from indiaFM gave the film's soundtrack 4
out of 5 stars and noted, "songs in Tashan excite,
get on to you quickly and make you put them on a
repeat mode.” There is not a single dull moment
in this entire album, which has its tallest highpoints in Dil Dance Maare, Dil Haara and Falak
Tak.
CityMasala
www.citymasala.com
www.erosentertainment.com
Abhishek Bachchan plays the title character
Drona, Priyanka Chopra enacts his bodyguard
while Kay Kay Menon plays a negative role in
this, one of Bollywood’s biggest budget movies.
Jaya Bachchan is also starring in the film. Parts
of the film were shot in Czech Republic,
Kuchman, Bikaner, Maharashtra and Namibia.
Abhishek is said to have spent many hours with
veteran fight director Shyam Kaushal mastering
the art of sword fighting. The climax has a brilliantly choreographed fight sequence between
Abhishek and Kay Kay Menon. Priyanka too has
performed some daredevil stunts and action sequences for the film and is rumored to have had
injured herself while shooting.
The film marks the directorial debut of Vijay
Krishna Acharya who wrote the screenplay and
dialogues for hits like Dhoom (2004) and Dhoom
2 (2006). Tashan has completed filming and is
scheduled to release on April 25th, 2008.
Apart from the major star cast, Khan's son, Ibrahim, will be seen making his debut in the film,
and is reported to play his son. All the actors will
be seen sporting new looks designed by designer
Aki Narula, with Kapoor in a very glamorous role
and reportedly donning a bikini.
DRONA
Dir: Goldie Behl
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Kay Kay Menon & Jaya Bachchan.
www.erosentertainment.com
a foe into a friend - it is the story of Banku and
his friend Bhoothnath. Banku and his mom come
to Nath Villa which is inhabited by a ghost who
is stuck in limbo. Banku befriends this ghost and
helps him achieve salvation.
This is a story about innocence, honesty and the
pure love of a child. It is believed a mother’s love
is selfless. However, a child’s love can transform
relationships. It comes with no expectations and
no boundaries. This kind of love can make you
believe in miracles.
Bhoothnath is a story that will make adults see
the world through the eyes of a child.
Drona is the compelling modern tale of one man's
spectacular voyage through the labyrinths of mystic myths and legendary legacies. As good and
evil clash in this contemporary fantasy fable, a
breathtaking journey beckons you into a world of
mythical heroes and malicious magicians, of cunning curses and absolute innocence. A world,
where spells can turn live-flesh to cold stone. A
world, whose whispers lay closely guarded in a
land of mirages. A world thriving with thrills, a
world of mystical magic, a world where adrenalin
bursts out into a riot of colors. A world of audacious adventures, a world of fantastic folklores.
Drona is a slick, twenty first century tale that
travels across continents but is profoundly and
proudly Indian.
The bond between Big B and Aman is said to be
unbelievable. Says Big B, "Aman is an absolute
darling. I've done several ads with him. And, of
From the times, when time itself was a newborn
course, we earlier did a film together. In Eklavya, baby, the universe has kept one secret carefully
he had played junior Saif Ali Khan."
camouflaged within its folds. A secret, which if
unraveled, could unlock the destruction of manThe film is made under the banner of BR Films
kind and the entire cosmos. Today, only one man
and the music is composed by Vishal-Shekhar.
can protect the universe's precious secret and thus,
save the human race from absolute annihilation.
This movie is slated for a release on May 9th,
DRONA.
2008.
This film is slated for release in August of 2008.
22
www.citymasala.com
May 2008
B O L L YWO O D
By: Nandini Chakraborty
www.erosentertainment.com
Attention Floridians...
Aby’s Baby and Mrs. Jr. B are in Miami and will
be there until at least April 20th, where they’ll be
celebrating their first anniversary. Big B and Mrs.
Big B will also be there for some time, but will
return before the anniversary. According to Jr.
B’s unofficial website, he’s staying at the Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, Miami. If
ANYONE sees him, PLEASE pass on the rant of
an ardent fan of his father’s who will be 9
MONTHS PREGNANT with her third child by
the time the Unforgettables world tour kicks off
in July and won’t make it to the show, so if he has
it in his heart to pay me a PERSONAL VISIT all
the way in Philadelphia, I will be eternally grateful!! If not, PLEASE take a picture and send it to
CityMasala so at least I can feel partially responsible for getting all of you together? BTW, John
Abraham and Priyanka Chopra are also there, so
you’ll get a whole star-studded picture. PS…
don’t forget to wish Happy Anniversary to Mr. &
Mrs. Jr. B.
obvious already!), can someone PLEASE get the
word out there that I will be 9 months pregnant,
ready to pop, and won’t be able to go!!! Mr.
Bachchan, if you happen to be reading my article,
this is my fervent plea to you. PLEASE make a
pit stop in Philadelphia to say hello!!
Cho Chweet...
Recently at the Lakme Fashion Week, debutante
Ranbir Kapoor very gallantly threw a kiss to his
ladylove, Deepika Padukone, who was sitting
next to his mother, Neetu Singh. After months of
playing coy with the media, speculations that
Deepika was involved with Yuvraj Singh and
Ranbir with Sonam Kapoor, they’ve made their
true feelings known. According to one source,
“Fashion Week is becoming increasingly more
about flaunting relationships and putting an end
to rumors than about clothes.”
by OSO’s runaway success, so is trying to do a
one-upmanship instead. I’m sorry, but the thought
of those classic songs being replaced by Himesh’s
besura nasal crooning just gives me the heebiejeebies!! On top of that, he’s got some new
floppy-hairdo and has done away with his signature baseball cap. Talk about Dard-E-Aankhen,
Dard-E-Kaan, Dard-E-Sir, Dard-E-Everything!!
Humse Bhool Ho Gai, Humka Mafi Dei
Do...
In case you haven’t heard, Vivek Oberoi had apparently done a kaan pakadke maafi maangna to
Salman Khan at a recent awards function. Vivek
was on stage and Salman was sitting in the first
row. Salman chose to turn the other cheek and not
acknowledge the gesture. The animosity stems
from Vivek saying nasty stuff about Salman being
a jilted lover at a news conference more than four
years ago. The former believes that his “not so
“Mera Baap Chor Hai…”
good luck” in Bollywood has all been a result of
Actually, no…but it’s the only other famous tattoo
the feisty, reckless, protective lover role he asI could think of. Saif has decided to set the record
sayed with Aishwarya when they were an item.
straight with his tattoo, relationship, and KaTumko Na Bhool Payenge…
So I guess Salman won’t let bygones be bygones.
reena’s one-dimensional figure. Apparently the
The Unforgettables tour has changed its lineup
tattoo is permanent, marriage is definitely not in Eena Meena Deeka…
many times over. Lara Dutta dropped out, as did
the cards for now, and Kareena is not anorexic… At last check, Farah Khan’s triplets were lovBipasha Basu. The former claimed knee injury,
she’s on a “scientific diet.” Okay Saif…whatever ingly nicknamed Om Shanti Shanti. But their real
but the latter was more direct about her dissatisyou say!
names are Czar, Anya and Diva. According to
faction over remuneration. Lara was worried that
Ms. Khan, motherhood is a piece of cake, her kids
Mrs. Jr. B would overshadow her during the
Dard-E-Dil...
are low maintenance, and she isn’t going through
show, so she didn’t want to deal with that. Now
Now the latest on the Karz remake is that Himesh
Preity Zinta is in there along with Akshay Kumar, Reshammiya has decided to do away with ALL any frumpy mommy moments. Why, you may
ask, when we all know how incredibly frazzling
Madhuri Dixit, Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kathe original scores of the movie and has done his
poor. Not to mention, of course, the Bachchans! own version of each song! Apparently, it stemmed just one child can be? She claims that with three
The North American leg will begin in Toronto in from the fact that Dard-E-Dil was the inspiration babies, you don’t get to be frenzied over one.
Whatever that means. The slew of ayahs, nannies
July, but final venues, dates, etc. are yet to be
for Dard-E-Disco in Om Shanti Om. If you reand personal assistants she has tending to them to
announced. The website hasn’t been updated
call, the opening sequence started with Rishi Kasince the original announcement, but you can keep poor’s stage performance in the original Karz with make her non-frenzied motherhood less so, apparently deserves no mention! I wonder if she can
tabs on it at www.theunforgettabletour.com. As
SRK added into the audience of extras with Farah
send someone my way in July?
per my previous request (if I haven’t been more
Khan. Himesh didn’t want to be overshadowed
CityMasala
www.citymasala.com
24
www.citymasala.com
May 2008
By: Dr. Rima Sanka
My name is Dr. Rima Sanka and I recently completed my fellowship training at USF in Adult and Pediatric Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. One of the main roles played by allergists is to educate patients on what their true allergies are, how to avoid them, and how to
treat and/or cure them so they may live a healthy lifestyle. I hope that this column will answer some of the common questions, verify or
refute common allergy myths, and empower you to make positive decisions with regard to your health and allergies.
ITCHY SKIN
Urticaria, or hives, is a common skin condition that
affects 15-25% of the population at some point in
their lives. It affects females more often than males
(4:1). Most cases of urticaria are self-limited.
Wheals from urticaria can appear anywhere on the
body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, and
ears. The pink or red wheals may vary in size from
about 5 mm (0.2 inches) in diameter to the size of
a dinner plate; they typically itch severely, sting, or
burn, and often have a pale border. The wheals
usually fade within 24 hours, but new lesions may
develop continuously.
Urticaria is classified as either acute or chronic.
Acute urticaria is defined as urticaria that has
been present for less than 6 weeks. This occurs
most often in children and young adults.
Chronic urticaria is defined as urticaria that has
been continuously or intermittently present for at
least 6 weeks. When urticaria becomes chronic, it
can be a very problematic and frustrating condition, both for the patient and the clinician. Ninety
percent of chronic urticaria has no identifiable
cause and is then referred to as chronic idiopathic
urticaria (CIU). This occurs most often in middle
aged women. Autoimmune disease such as rheumatologic conditions, hyper or hypo thyroidism,
and malignancy should be ruled out.
The pathophysiology of urticaria is an inflammatory reaction in the skin, causing leakage of capillaries in the dermis, resulting in an edema which
persists until the interstitial fluid is absorbed into
the surrounding cells.
Urticaria is thought to be caused by the release of
histamine and other mediators of inflammation
(cytokines) from cells in the skin. This process can
be the result of an allergic or non-allergic reaction,
differing in the mechanism of histamine release.
Causes of acute urticaria are usually due to direct
contact with an allergenic substance, an immune
response to food or some other allergen, or for
other reasons, such as emotional stress. Drugs
such as anti-diabetic sulphonylurea glimepiride,
dextroamphetamine, aspirin, NSAID’s, penicillin,
clotrimazole, sulfonamides, anticonvulsants, and
herbal supplements have been implicated. Other
causes include recent or chronic infections, vaccines, or insect stings. Even innocent events mere rubbing, sweating, exposure to cold or sun
can trigger urticaria.
Angioedema is a condition that involves swelling
of the deep dermal and subcutaneous/submucosal
tissues. It is often painful or burning and affects
the hands, feet, eyes, lips, and sometimes airway.
Some patients can have both urticaria and angioedema, occurring simultaneously or separately.
Approximately 50% of patients have both urticaria
and angioedema, 40% have urticaria alone, and
10% have angioedema alone. A severe case of
angioedema of the throat can be fatal.
Treatment of urticaria can be very difficult. There
are no guaranteed treatments or means of control.
Some people are treatment resistant. Medications
can spontaneously lose effectiveness, requiring
new medications to control attacks. It can be difficult to determine appropriate medications because
urticaria is intermittent and outbreaks typically
clear up without any treatment.
Most treatment plans for urticaria involve avoiding
one's triggers, but this can be difficult since there
might not be any clear trigger. If triggers can be
identified then outbreaks can be managed by limiting exposure to these situations.
There is a lot of exciting new research regarding urticaria and alternative treatments. Your
allergist can provide you with more information
on the treatment options that are best for you.
Stay tuned for my next few articles covering the
following topics: eczema, food allergies, and drug
allergies.
www.allergydoc.us. [email protected].
By: Dr. Maulik Trivedi
Second is the fact that more than one person is involved in the decision-making process. Your free
will is intertwined with your husband’s and your inlaws’ priorities. Addressing this will challenge your
ability to think independently but without being
individualistic. Very often, it is helpful to seek help
from an independent third party who is trusted by
both sides and also has no bias in the matter.
point is that they don't really
discipline the kids at all! I realize that I have to talk to my wife
again and make it clear that we have to play a
more meaningful role in raising our children but
don't know how to do it without hurting a lot of
feelings. Frustrated Dad.
A: You seem to have a good grasp on understandRemember that worrying does not ever help solve a ing your situation. If you accept a couple of
dilemma. Convert this energy into creative problem ‘natural’ laws of life, you will find a more logical
solving and you will actually come up with an an- solution to your situation.
swer to your dilemma.
1. In relationships, you get out what you put in. If
The dilemma you present must be resolved from the you value your relationship with your children so
depth of your conscience. Don’t lose patience. Be- much, you must find ways to invest more time in
lieve that you can come up with a creative solution and with them. This leads us to the second law.
using ‘outside the box’ thinking and clear and logi- 2. One is always giving up something to get somecal communication. You know the answer. You
thing else. You must keep in mind what you are
just need to have the courage to accept it into your gaining by having your in-laws take care of your
Two things make your situation difficult. First is
life.
children.
the unexpectedness of your present circumstances;
Q:
Dr.
Trivedi
My
in-laws
live
with
us
and
play
By finding a new balance between your family life
the timing of events often seems interruptive to our
life plans. In order to make a fair decision that suits an active role in bringing up our two boys. My wife and your work, while incorporating the two ‘natural
your life plans, you should have a ‘let’s think out- and I work and don't get back home until the eve- laws’ mentioned above, you are sure to reclaim your
side of the box’ approach. You’ll have to understand ning. Now, although I do appreciate their help and lost connection with your children and maintain a
your husband’s and your in-laws’ priorities in ask- their input, after I get back home, I want to spend balanced and dignified relationship with your inlaws.
ing you to have one of only two choices. This will some time with my kids. My in-laws tend to be
around all the time and continue to deal with our
be a challenge to your patience. Try to come up
children as if we aren't there. I have asked my wife Dr. Trivedi is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist. He
with a solution that meets your husband’s and into talk to them but she feels that it's confusing for treats children, adolescents and adults. Please visit
laws’ perspectives and yet adheres to your own
www.MINDvantage.com for more information.
choice. This is where your creativity will be chal- the children to have one set of disciplinarians dur- Send your questions to:
ing the day and a different set in the evening. The
lenged.
[email protected].
Q: Hello Dr. Trivedi - My husband and I moved to
the US about a year ago. We are students and decided that we would not have a child for a while. I
am now pregnant and he wants me to have an
abortion. His parents think I should have the child
and send the child to them in India until we are
better able to take care of the child ourselves. I
don't agree with any of these options and feel that
even though it didn't really fit in with our plans,
we should have the baby and manage as best as we
can. My husband has told me that I basically have
the first two options to choose from and refuses to
discuss this any further. I have less than a month
to decide - I don't know what I should do - I just
want to keep my child. Anonymous
A: You are facing a choice that has you between a
rock and a hard place. Most problems of this sort
test your patience and creativity.
CityMasala
www.citymasala.com
26
www.citymasala.com
May 2008
Contd. From Page 10
Sangita
407-257-3271
Sangita provides beauty services from her home as
well as at the customer’s home. She is willing to
travel to cater to your beauty needs to any location in
Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Ocala,
Gainesville as well as some others.
Her services include Bridal Make-up, Groom Makeup, Waxing, Facials, Threading and Henna. She has
won prizes in Gujarat and in Tampa at the Arts of
India Festival 2004 for her wonderful henna designs.
“Call me and I can visit your mother to pamper her.”
TAMPA YOGA
Dale Morphew (LMP - Licensed Massage
Therapist & RYT - Registered Yoga Teacher)
4821 E. Busch Blvd Tampa
813-985-YOGA (9642)
[email protected]
www.tampayoga.com
Dale offers Hatha Yoga classes, Yoga teacher training and Massage Therapy services including Ayurvedic massage.
The center also has retail products from India to promote health and wellbeing – Ayurvedic herbal
blends, gift items of candles and natural soaps as well
as gift certificates.
People can try their first yoga class for just $5.
The Yoga and meditation classes are the most popular and are offered during the day, evenings and
weekends for all levels.
Children's’ classes are also offered along with family
classes for parents and children together.
Massages help in relieving stress and promote better health. They
can also help with injuries and certain medical conditions. Tampa
Yoga also offers other massage services such as Hot Rocks therapy,
Cranial Sacral therapy, and also lymph drainage therapy.
Dale says that what sets his center apart from the rest is, “the fact
that we are a spiritual center which offers betterment of body, mind
and spirit.”
CityMasala
www.citymasala.com
27
www.citymasala.com
May 2008
By: Auntyji
Auntyji recently got feedback from CityMasala that one of the readers who had asked for advice from Auntyji was not happy with it and as a result she is going to stop reading the magazine. What was she expecting writing to a ranting drunk woman expressing her opinions in a free gossip rag? If her problems are
really that deep-seated, and she is so prone to drama, then it’s time she invested some money in getting real
therapy. Then maybe instead of walking away from CityMasala she would be reading Daru ka Nasha to
follow the recipes for a wonderful party where she can make some new friends.
Most readers know by now not to expect Auntyji to hold their hands and sympathize with them when they
are being unreasonable. Auntyji says it like she sees it – and sometimes it is stuff that people do not want to
hear. She has expressed often enough that most CityMasala readers are part of a privileged group of people, and we should count our blessings and be thankful for what we have and not constantly complain or
run after insignificant things. If wrongs have been committed against us in the past, forget about them and A: Mrigrow up – learn from the experience. Auntyji believes in living life in the present.
nalani –
Q: Hello Auntyji,
my problem has
been bothering me
what a
for some time and I Auntyji would still love to hear from her readers and admirers … but just cautions you to take her advice pretty
want a positive
for what it is … just Auntyji’s opinions. There is wisdom in them, but they are laced with acid not honey
name –
attitude to deal with (hey – what do you want for free?) If you heed her words, you will walk away happier and wiser. If you
your husit which you seem
choose to ignore her, and continue in your ways, what can she say … it’s your life, and you can choose to band is
to have plenty of! I live it the way you want.
being a
am almost 40 years
very unold and have never
reasonable person in trying to force you to do
forget that. Occasional loneliness is better than
been married. I live here in the US and get to
things that obviously make you feel uncomfortbeing stuck in a bad marriage. You can overcame able. If you do not want to eat meat or drink alcotravel all over the world as part of my work. I
some of it by making some friends who are in a
have a good life and have quite a few good
hol, he should respect that and not force you to do
similar situation to yours or by keeping yourself
friends. I do get lonely especially when I touch
it. These things are more than frivolous choices –
base with other friends my age who are all settled more occupied with hobbies or other things that
they are part of your beliefs. You are making
you like.
down with children. Some of them are now dichanges in your life to adapt to this new society
vorced because their marriages didn't work out.
Auntyji feels that there is not much need to coun- that you live in, and there are certain things that
My parents have always given me the freedom to sel you – you seem to have a very level head on
you are not willing to change about yourself.
decide what I want to do with my life, but now
your shoulders. As for your parents, let them
Your husband on the other hand is the one that
they are also getting a little desperate to see me
know what a fulfilling life you live. Tell them how needs to change his thinking and behavior. Some
married. I have dated quite a few guys but have- successful you are in your career. Introduce them
one not eating meat or drinking alcohol is not a
n't found anyone I would like to spend the rest of to your friends (including the ones that are disource of embarrassment. There are probably
my life with. Recently, my parents set me up with vorced). Let them know that you appreciate their
some of his own shortcomings that are making
a guy who is also in the US, and I couldn't even
concern, but you are happy where you are in life.
him feel embarrassed and he needs to address
have a decent conversation with him - we had
Finding a partner would be nice, but living a fulthem. If his friends are embarrassed (which Aunnothing in common! I want to continue living my filling life is very important.
tyji seriously doubts), then its time to get new
life without being obsessed with getting married friends.
if it happens, it happens. Also, I want my parents Living the alternate life style is the new “black”.
to understand that although I appreciate their
Your sticking to your values and traditions probaQ: Auntyji, I have a question for you about
concern, they need to leave me alone. How do I
something that my husband expects me to do and bly does make you stand out – in a positive way.
accomplish both of these things? Neena
People try to get noticed and distinguish themthat I am not comfortable with. We have been
selves from others – and you are achieving that in
married
for
about
3
years
now
and
have
a
pretty
A: My dear Neena – Auntyji really empathizes
a positive manner. If your husband was complaingood
relationship.
I
come
from
a
very
convenwith your situation. There are a lot of people
ing about you not serving meat or alcohol at a
tional
upbringing
but
have
tried
to
adapt
to
life
caught up in similar situations, who tend to give
party you were having, he might have a slight
here
in
the
US.
I
am
a
strict
vegetarian
and
don't
in. Auntyji applauds your decision not to cave into
point (although, even doing that would be perdrink. He wants me to start eating meat and
pressure. Our society is not comfortable seeing
fectly acceptable), or you not letting him eat meat
wants
me
to
start
drinking.
He
says
that
when
we
people who cannot be neatly labeled or boxed in.
or drink alcohol (which he should be allowed to),
go
for
social
gatherings
with
his
friends
or
from
People expect a woman of your age to be married
then Auntyji might see some logic in his comhis
work,
I
stand
out
like
a
sore
thumb
and
this
with children. It is irrelevant that this is not what
plaint.
embarrasses
him
a
lot.
I
was
very
hurt
when
he
you want or if you are happy in that role. It is just
told
me
this
but
he
said
that
he
doesn't
expect
me
As things stand now, stick to your guns, you are
expected of you.
to change completely - just sip a glass of wine
probably the life of the party. Your husband might
Years ago, you probably would not have had a
and at least try chicken or sea food. The thought be the sore thumb embarrassing you. Go Girl …
choice. Times are changing, and people are break- makes me sick! I do want to make him happy but
keep doing what you are doing!
ing away from the mold. You live a good life, are I don't want to change myself so much that I
obviously successful in your career and have
Don’t forget, life is short - live it to the fulldon't recognize myself. What should I do?
friends, freedom, and a positive attitude. Do not
est with attitude! [email protected]..
Mrinalani
CityMasala
www.citymasala.com
28
www.citymasala.com
May 2008
By: Vish Viswanathan
One day, I was waiting in the lobby to meet with
my client and I hear a voice say “Hi! How you
doing?”. I turn around and see a man talking. I
don’t answer and he gets pretty upset and says,
“That’s rude!”. I tell him, “I wasn’t sure that
you were talking to me, with that thing hanging
from your ear”. He was wearing a bluetooth cellphone headset in his ear.
Unhappy with my current Bluetooth headset, I
went shopping for my 6th Bluetooth headset. My
previous headsets had all kinds of issues - either
the sound quality was bad or they didn’t fit in my
ear properly or they looked ugly. These days, a
new crop of these headsets offer great sound quality and some even define new fashion wear.
I tried quite a few headsets before I settled on my
favorite – the Aliph Jawbone. So, try a few before buying one and look for features such as
these:
Built-in noise cancellation
If a headset has digital signal processing - which
isolates voice sound waves from background
noise - you will be able to make a call from a busy
street corner or in windy conditions without your
spouse hearing the roar of traffic or wail of sirens.
Secure fit
A good Bluetooth device should come with rubber
ear buds in a few different diameters; over-the-ear
mounts should be adjustable or come in multiple
sizes.
Long battery life
Standby time tells you how long you can go between charges; 150 hours is about standard. You
will most likely want six hours or more of talk
time.
Easy charging solutions
Many devices can be charged over your computer’s USB port, great if you hate the idea of
packing yet another bulky wall plug. This also
lets you charge in the card, with proper adapter.
I have reviewed 4 Bluetooth headsets. Hope this
information is useful in your quest to find the
perfect Bluetooth headset to match your needs.
Comments? Write to [email protected].
Model
Motorola H680
Price: $60
Earpiece: over-the-ear hook
and bud
Aliph Jawbone
Price: $85
Earpiece: over-the-ear hook
and bud
Nokia BH-803
Price: $140
Earpiece: Bud, removable
hook and clip
BlueAnt Z9
Price: $80
Earpiece: over-the-ear hook
and bud
Battery Life
About 9 hours of talk time;
190 hours of standby; uses
micro-USB cable for charging
Capably filtered out background noise, resulting in
clear audio
About 8 hours of talk time;
120 hours of standby; includes USB charger
About 6 hours of talk time;
160 hours of standby; includes micro-USB wall
charger
No background noise issues, but other headsets
were a bit louder and
clearer.
About 51/2 hours of talk
time; 200 hours of standby;
includes USB charger
Comfort
Comfortable
Comes with 4 ear buds and
4 over-the-ear mounts; will
fit almost anyone
Comes with optional overthe-ear mounts.
Bottom Line
Rating: A
Audio quality was high; the
device was light and comfortable; and it’s the
cheapest
Rating: A+
This is the granddaddy of
this bunch and if you’re
often calling from noisy
places, the Jawbone is king.
Moreover, it’s cool looking.
Rating: AThis headset is neither too
big or too small.
The ear bud is a bit bulky
and doesn’t fit snugly;
button placement is
intuitive.
Rating: B+
BlueAnt put a lot of
thought into noise cancellation, but the fit and the talk
time could have been
better.
Sound Quality
Bluetooth, which first appeared on the horizon in
1998, is a radio-based wireless technology that
lets you connect multiple, compatible devices at a
range of approximately 30 feet. Unlike the IrDA
(Infrared Data Association) standard, Bluetooth
does not require a direct line of sight. You can
keep your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone in
your pocket, your purse, or your desk drawer, and
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Aliph’s “Noise Shield”
completely canceled out
ambient noise. The difference was striking.
BlueAnt has two microphones to handle noise
cancellation, which considerably reduced wind and
echo, but other headsets
were better.
other Bluetooth devices can still find it and make
a connection.
cates how important companies from the Baltic
region (nations including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) are to the communications inBluetooth got its name from Harald Blatand (aka
dustry. Bluetooth is all about unity. Each succesBluetooth), the Danish king who managed to unite
sive specification is backward-compatible and the
Denmark and part of Norway into a single kingpresence of a universal standards group means
dom and then introduced Christianity into Denthere are no competing versions from which conmark. Choosing this name for the standard indisumers must choose.
29
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May 2008
By: Ashish Jain
To all the sons and daughters out there; keeping in line with the Mother’s day theme, let me enlighten you with some of the drinks that you can share or make
for the most amazing lady in your life. Let me start with yet an other story - my mom was visiting us and not being much of a drinker at all, got hooked on to
Mud-slides! It was so nice to see my mother actually enjoy a drink and to often ask for a Mud-slide in the evening, not to mention that she even took some
premixes back with her to India. This preference was short lived as she stopped drinking after her one week stint while she was here. On the other hand, my
mother-in-law really enjoys and looks forward to her drink in the evening – her favorite is a good scotch and her capacity to partake is limited to one drink.
If she ever asks for a second one, you are in for a long evening as she loves to tell stories in excruciating detail, being that she’s from the nawab city of
Lucknow. Her stories are like a full length feature film with dance numbers , villains and the other characters.
Getting to the business of making something special for the special lady in
your life here are some ideas.
TEA-TINI
Pour the ingredients - 1 3/4 oz vodka (I recommend a triple distilled vodka
for the added smoothness), 1 oz sweet iced tea and 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve with a smile. One
can also use a light iced tea for this refreshing vodka martini with a hint of
lemon. You can add a splash of flavor by adding a small amount of berry,
lavender, rosemary or chamomile to the steeping tea depending on your
mom’s preference – the taste is subtle yet soothing.
Melons and cucumbers combine well for a unique flavor and aroma. This
cocktail of fresh, summery scents is a perfect way to pamper your mother.
Muddle a few slices of cucumber over ice in a mixing glass. Pour the muddled cucumber, vodka 2 oz (SKYY Melon Vodka) and simple syrup ½ oz into
a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and
garnish with a cucumber slice.
ROSY RUM COSMO
Go beyond the Cosmopolitan and make this special drink for your Mom. It's
as easy a conversion as using rum and a mint leaf to obtain a special drink
just for her. Add 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Limon, 1/2 oz triple sec, 1 tbsp lime juice,
1/2 tbsp cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and strain into a
cocktail glass and garnish with a mint leaf.
WHITE/BROWN LADY
Easy to make and can be put together quickly as it needs only 3 ingredients.
Personally, I think everyday should be Mother’s day but hope you can make
To make this drink, pour the ingredients - 1 1/2 oz gin, 3/4 oz Cointreau, 1/4 this Mother’s day a special one for the lady who has done and continues to do
oz lemon juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain so much for you.
into a chilled cocktail glass. This is
Till next time have a balle balle
a gentle, mother like variation of
time appreciating your mom. In the
the Sidecar and the White Lady can
next issue, we will cover my recent
make a simple, stunning appeartrip to New Orleans and Baton
ance on Mother's Day. With only
Rouge.
three common ingredients, this is a
Write to
great last minute cocktail creation.
[email protected]
MELON-CUCUMBER-TINI
with any questions or comments.
By: Team Masala
member to enforce it on a daily basis. If one child
clears the table, one should be responsible for
wiping it clean. Also, remember that even you
should not take over that task - it is their responsibility.
No matter how old they are, (well, hopefully,
they’re at least 4 years old) they are old enough to
help mom out in the kitchen. You will find that it’s
possible to not only make them comfortable in the
kitchen, but also to have loads of fun together. In
the evenings after homework, during summer vacations, or weekends, make them a part of what
you do on a regular basis. Start small and delegate
simple and easy to do kitchen chores to your little
ones.
Tell them exactly what to do, down to the last
detail and then actually let them do it. Follow up
with positive reinforcement. Don't do the job for
them. Give them gentle reminders about the chore
every day and remember to keep it fun.
Getting Ready for Cooking
• Get organized so there is less to clean up in
the end. Have the kids wear an apron so the
clothes don’t get too dirty
• Teach them the essentials of washing hands
before cooking as well as eating.
• Take all the ingredients the recipe requires
and have them on the counter. This makes the
children familiar with where everything is
kept.
• The cooking utensils should also be taken out
at this time; items such as pans, cups, spoons,
and bowls.
• Arrange everything on the kitchen counter or
table according to the recipe. Illustrate the
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Taking it SLOW
You have to remember to stay calm. This is very
important as the kids can sense your hurry to get
things done when they do things slowly. When
they’re starting out, it may take them some time to
figure out how things are done.
My Own Little Cleaning Cloth
Give each kid a cloth to wipe their hands on, so
they don’t use their clothes or yours!
point that doing this (or getting organized)
saves time while cooking.
Getting Ready for Chores
Kids love challenges and most thrive on competition! Invent some games that are fun and get
things done at the same time.
• Time them on laying the table.
• Time them for emptying the dishwasher
(safely!)
• Assign points for how well the dishes, silverware and Tupperware were put away when
emptying the dishwasher.
• Assign prizes for who cleaned the table better
- winner gets to eat dessert in front of the TV.
Remember to assign one task per child and re-
30
Get those Stepping Stools Out
Having them in the kitchen at the right height is
important for their safety. They can get on to a
stool or step ladder to get them to the counter if
they’re really little.
Older Ones can take on More
Remember that the Middle School kids are a little
more capable than their littler Elementary school
going siblings. They can not only empty out the
dishwasher, but can also put leftovers in the fridge
and the dirty dishes away. Put your feet up at least
once a week to let your children take care of everything - from putting a simple dinner together to
clearing it all away!
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May 2008
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes Serves: 6 to 8
INGREDIENTS
• 250 gm Okra
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 5 to 6 curry leaves
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 green chillies
• A pinch of asafetida
• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 large tomato diced
• 1 tsp gm turmeric
• 1 ½ tsp red chilly powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Salt according to taste
• 1 tsp tamarind paste
• ½ tsp garam masala powder
•
•
1 cup water
1 tbsp rice flour or besan
METHOD
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Cut the okra into 1 inch pieces.
Soak the tamarind and extract pulp or use
one tsp tamarind paste.
Chop the onion and the green chillies.
Heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin,
curry leaves and asafetida.
When they begin to crackle add onions,
ginger and garlic paste.
Sauté onions for 2 minutes on medium heat
and add okra and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and green chillies.
Add salt, red chilly powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder , tamarind paste and
add some water and cook until the okra is
tender.
9.
Add rice flour or besan and mix well ensuring that no lumps form.
10. Add garam masala powder and cook for
another 30 seconds.
Serve hot.
To submit your recipe along with original picture, write to [email protected].
By: Sheniz Janmohamed
the phrase seems quite common, Ali is able to
use it innovatively. One couplet heavily
weighted with meaning is the third one, “My
book’s been burned? Send me the ashes, so I
can say: /I’ve been sent the phoenix in a coffin
of light.”
There are no such things as ghazals in English.
Right? Wrong. Call Me Ishmael Tonight, by
Agha Shahid Ali is stunningly beautiful proof
that ghazals can, and indeed are, written in English. The Kashmiri-American poet was known
for his ability to adapt the ghazal form into English without losing the nuance of a traditional
ghazal. The most difficult element to retain in a
ghazal is the form, but Ali does so with grace
and ease. The couplets are not forced, the internal rhyming is natural, and the refrains are made
new.
Another jewel in the collection is “Water”. The
ghazal is riddled with startling imagery and
turns of phrases, “At the temple and the mosque
the rose petals/lay all night perfuming the
stunned water.” Another lovely couplet, “There
was only a tea of the second water/we drank tea
steeped in cardamom and almond water.”
What is interesting to note about the collection
is that Ali uses the same refrain in different
ghazals. For example, there are two poems with
the refrain ‘water’, and two with ‘Arabic’. This
allows the reader to witness Ali’s genius and
creative energies at work - how he can use the
same refrains in different poems and be just as
effective.
Call Me Ishmael Tonight, a Finalist for The
National Book Award, is a triumph of a collection, providing the reader with gems of phrases.
Ali has an innate ability to synthesize fresh, rich
imagery with philosophical ideas. The problem
that arises with much rhyming poetry or poetry
that has refrains is that it loses its potency and
unintentionally becomes comical. Ali is very
aware of this possibility, and manages to keep at
a safe distance.
Call Me Ishmael Tonight is one of Agha Shahid
Ali’s literary masterpieces, and is highly recommended to poets and poetry-lovers alike.
Buy this book online: www.amazon.com.
There are many lovely ghazals in this book,
including “Of Light”. “Of Light” is the title as
well as the refrain of the ghazal, and although
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31
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May 2008
Zodiac of the Month
Taurus: Apr 20th - May 20th
Ruled by Venus; Gemstone: Diamond; Lucky Day: Friday; Lucky Number: 6
Practical, down to earth and deeply sensual, you are the driven people of the zodiac who fulfill responsibilities and obligations with ease and pride. A
love of luxury is bestowed upon you through your chart ruler, Venus, where only the best will do, and you have a weakness for anything aesthetic and
artistic. Sensuous and earthy, you take your time with love making and like to savor every moment. You are not one to take affairs of the heart lightly.
Preferring a stable, orderly life, you are renowned for your possessive and stubborn nature which can be one of your biggest challenges. Your Horoscope: As a larger than life personality takes centre stage, you will be brimming with confidence and there is no stopping you in the pursuit of fun and enjoyment. Full of wit and an infectious sense of humor, people are drawn to every word you say. This is a time when everything is possible so use this influence to push ahead with any projects and ideas that you may have in mind. Success is just around the corner.
Aries: Mar 20th - Apr 19th
Ruled by Mars
Gemstone: Red Coral
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Lucky Number: 9
Money and what it can buy becomes the source
of great amusement as there is no hesitation in
spending wealth for wholesome entertainment
and satisfying lavish tastes. Whether that be
throwing parties, giving gifts or making grand
purchases, these tend to reflect the need to show
how much you’re worth. Make sure to also reflect upon inner values, for these are just as important as material ones.
Gemini: May 21st - Jun 20th
Ruled by Mercury
Gemstone: Emerald
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Lucky Number: 5
With a strong desire to express ideas and opinions, there is little to stop you nattering away for
hours, discussing the latest news, local gossip
and happenings. If others don't agree with what's
being said, plenty of aggressive outbursts and
heated debates can ensue as you refuse to back
down. Rather than create unnecessary foes, use
every opportunity to learn and expand upon what
others have to say.
Cancer: Jun 21st - Jul 22nd
Ruled by the Moon
Gemstone: Pearl
Lucky Day: Monday
Lucky Number: 2
A time when careful planning and calculated
action is vital, there is a tendency to overestimate oneself only to be faced with disappointment and criticism at a later date. The most potent element of this influence is to bite off more
than you can chew. It is best to respect limitations and realize how much one can take on.
This in itself is an exercise that leads to greater
awareness as to where capabilities lie.
Leo: Jul 23rd - Aug 22nd
Ruled by the Sun
Gemstone: Ruby
Lucky Day: Sunday
Lucky Number: 1
With physical energies at a low, it
is best not to overexert yourself. Instead, partake
in some well needed peace and solitude. The
main reason for this is that the ego isn't very
strong at this time, making it quite a challenge to
pursue activities. Even working with others can
result in a feeling of being dominated. Instead,
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work should be done alone during which there
would be plenty of scope to reflect and be one
with the universe.
Virgo: Aug 23rd - Sep 22nd
Ruled by Mercury
Gemstone: Emerald
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Lucky Number: 5
If experience makes one prudent in worldly matters, then this can herald a time when lessons are
learnt, criticisms are embraced and lofty ideas
are turned into solidly based decisions. Anything
started now is bound to be carried out to its conclusive end. Also, mature and older individuals
can be a source of great inspiration and wisdom,
so make no hesitation in asking for their advice
in any given situation.
Libra: Sep 23rd - Oct 22nd
Ruled by Venus
Gemstone: Diamond
Lucky Day: Friday
Lucky Number: 6
In need of a well deserved break, plenty of
thought can be placed on the world at large and
what it has to offer. Travel can be the ideal way
to broadens one's horizons and provide ample
opportunity to explore new places and people.
Have no hesitation in either jumping on to the
next airplane or even making plans for a future
trip. Explore undiscovered locations and new
cultures.
Scorpio: Oct 23rd – Nov 21st
Ruled by Mars and Pluto
Gemstone: Red Coral
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Lucky Number: 9
A period for bringing recent endeavors to a climax and reaping the rewards - as long as everything has gone according to plan - there is nothing to stand in the way of a successful conclusion. However, avoid feeling smug or arrogant
because this can put others off, especially authority figures. Instead of supporting your accomplishments, they can work to hamper them the world at large judges past efforts.
Sagittarius: Nov 22nd - Dec 21st
Ruled by Jupiter
Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire
Lucky Day: Thursday
Lucky Number: 3
With great focus placed on everyday tasks and daily work,
there is a need to evaluate the purpose of each
32
and every undertaking. The aim is to be efficient
in what you do and to eliminate previous routines that are unhealthy and not in one's best
interests. Whether that be in changing one's diet
or employing new cleaning methods that make
life easier in the kitchen.
Capricorn: Dec 22nd - Jan 19th
Ruled by Saturn
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire
Lucky Day: Saturday
Lucky Number: 8
A love interest can be the source of great conflict
and aggressive outbursts, especially if recent
relations have been strained and unsatisfactory.
Rather than waste futile energy on bickering,
spend time by being honest about what the reality is. A renewed sense of togetherness can be
achieved followed by plenty of passionate and
intimate moments. Singles can have great luck in
being with whom they set their hearts on.
Aquarius: Jan 20th - Feb 18th
Ruled by Saturn and Uranus
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire
Lucky Day: Saturday
Lucky Number: 8
With aroused idealism and a
vivid imagination, there is plenty of inspiration
in the kind of things that you desire to achieve.
Use this opportunity to reflect upon and dream
about endless possibilities of what could be, for
it is through this inner pondering that new ideas
take form. Intuition and psychic insights are also
strong - use them wisely to guide in decisions
and visualize where you are headed in life.
Pisces: Feb 19th - Mar 19th
Ruled by Jupiter & Neptune
Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire
Lucky Day: Thursday
Lucky Number: 3
Past memories and childhood moments can
bring back poignant feelings to the surface, highlighting the need for examining their effect on
one's current adult life. Rather than being fearful, take a more pragmatic approach to the situation - realize that it is by understanding one's
past that one can help oneself. Also, this can be a
period when people and situations of the past
come asking for a final resolution.
Nicolas Aujula is an accredited astrologer with
the New Age Foundation. He is also a Hypnotherapist, Past Life Regressionist and Metaphysical Healer. Visit Nicolas Aujula at
www.inspired-artisan.com.
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May 2008