The soothing side of stones

If you're tired and need some relaxation, go for hot stone therapy at your nearest spa, writes Barnalee Handique

Hmm, so your stress-beaten under-oxgenated body needs an urgent pick- me -up?
How about a a hot stone massage, which not only rejuvenates, but cleanses negative energy from the body, mind and soul.

What is hot stone theraphy?
It is a massage, where specially treated volcanic rocks like basalt and basinite are used for therapy. The sleek polished stones are gathered and crafted in various sizes and weights to be used on various party of body. The stones can be tiny as a thumb and can also weigh up to two to three pounds. Explaining the concept behind the therapy, Riona Biyani, owner, Skah Spa, “The hot stone treatment has a host of benefits. The stones are placed on the chakras along the spine, which helps to open the meridian, known as the body's energy centers. Cold stones are sometimes used simultaneously with hot stones. When stimulated, the stones help in vitalising and balancing energy flow throughout the body, improving blood circulation.”
Dittoes Lizzie, owner, Aspen Spa, “The stones, black basalt rocks found in volcanoes, absorb as well as retain heat and cold. The combination of hot and cold treatment helps the body to relax, detox and and heal. We use it to balance the seven bodily chakras for complete rejuvenation and relaxation.” The massage is considered to be gentler than other body massages like Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. In both the other therapies, hands are used while in a hot stone therapy, stones of varied weights are used to give the massage.

How is it done?
Firstly, the stones are sanitised and heated in water with temperature ranging up to 120- 150 degrees. Then the treatment is started by subtly massaging the body with warm stones and placing them on the back, palms, between the toes, face and other spots corresponding to the chakras. The direct heat and and weight of the stones helps to de-stress sore muscles, as in deep massage.
Reveals Biyani, “It has been accepted that hot and cold treatments are beneficial and help to soothe an aching body. The hot stones expand the blood vessels and the cold stones constrict them. The warm stones sedate the nervous system, while the cold ones gently wakes it up again. Sometimes the stones are coated in fragrant oils, which helps to soothe and calm the senses. When the oil is gently smoothed into the body, each can stone can be rubbed and worked by the therapists to soothe the nervous system.
Once the body is relaxed in a short span of time, it is easier for the therapist to work in the deep tissues using both the stones and the hand stroke. The combination of relaxing warmth and calming coolness encourages the body to detox and heal, increasing lymph flow, flushing out waste.
It has been proven that the therapy is a one-shot solution for health conditions like muscle and back pains, arthritis, stress, anxiety, circulatory problems,insomnia, multiple sclerosis and depression.

For your eyes only

You & Eye, the new optical store at Koregoan Park, offers a variety of trendy spectacles and glares, says Barnalee Handique

If you are looking for the right pair of spectacles or glares, which is stylish and enhances your looks, then step into You & Eye. On display is a huge variety of eyewear in assorted styles, colours and designs. Owner of the store Supriya Keswani says, “Often when I went shopping for eyewear, I realised it was very difficult to find the right design, colour and size. I realised that the city needs a good optical store where one can get everything under one roof. It was then that I started putting my ideas together and came up with this store.”
Everything the store has to offer is displayed on the shelves. So, you just have to scan the shelves and can zero in on the perfect pair! You have all the major brands like Carrera, Mercedes Benz, Escada, Ferrari, United Colors of Benetton, Zegna, Givenchy and Ray-Ban. Elaborating on the collection, Keswani says, “We are trying to fulfill the wishes of today's youth who are constantly looking for ways to express their attitude and highlight their personality.”
On offer are designs ranging from lightweight, cool plastics, trendy acetates to smart rimless ones, with three to four colour options under each style. The USP of the collection is that it is funky, trendy and suited to the taste of the present generation.
As for the prices, they start from Rs 399 and go upwards depending on the brand. Keswani reveals, “We have different kinds of contact lenses, progressive lenses, polaroids, which we procure directly from the manufacturer. There are no hidden costs and we sell our products at the actual MRP. So one can buy the perfect pair of glares without burning a hole in the pocket.”
Besides the store offers free eye-testing, so that you have the correct pair of lenses. And you also have Keswani personally guiding you to make the perfect choice! After you are done with selecting the product, a slide show gives you all the information about the particular brand and its dos and don'ts. For instance, if you have settled for a pair of polaroids, you will be given full information on it.
And if the readymade frames don't suit your taste, you can even get one customised. The orders are delivered on the same day at your doorstep.
Interestingly, You & Eye is launching an e-commerce portal in a couple of months with which you can shop online for your favourite pair of spectacles or glares. You can send in your specifications and pay online. Now isn't that appealing? But of course!

It’s all about opulence!

Skah, the new spa at Koregoan Park lane no 5, combines wellness with indulgence, says Barnalee Handique
How many times have you wished you could return home from office full of energy, to spend time with your family but found yourself sapped of all energy? In fact, this is the case with most women everyday. For all those among you who wish for a more happy lifestyle, here is an option — Skah, the new spa.
“Skah is a native American word that means white and pure. It also signifies opulence. The idea behind setting up this place is to provide pure and endless opulence to my clients,” explains Riona Biyani, owner, Skah.
Tranquil atmosphere, soothing interiors, subtle fragnances — all of this would describe the new Spa. The various treatments on offer take you on a trip that will help kickback, stretch out and let all your worries slide away. Reveals Biyani, “The various massages and therapies will help you unblock your energy channels. The spa massages and therapies are based on ancient Ayurvedic and Thai knowledge. As we all know, massage is the most trusted and ancient beauty therapy that actually soothes the body and soul while enhancing skin tone, suppleness and radiance the way no facial or body treatment can do.”
The various therapies will also help remove excess calories accumulated in the body and improve blood circulation, remove toxins and maintain your weight, she adds.
So on offer are treatments like the hot stone massage, aroma therapies, swedish massages, facials and wraps. There are also special massages like the traditional Thai massage and the sports massage. The sports therapy involves massage where specially prepared combination oils are applied gently allowing relaxation, stress and a refreshing boost to your mood. Later special wraps like mango, green apple and chocolate are used. These wraps are specially brought in from Hungary, reveals Biyani.
“We get all the products from abroad. They are 100 per cent handmade and organic,” she adds.
The Spa also has specialty packages catering to individual needs. They perform a specific function that addresses the changing needs of the body. These special packages are developed considering individual body type and individual health.
Biyani also recommends an ideal routine diet, patterns of treatment, and exercises suitable for every season to her clients.
As for the therapists, they are well-trained and experts in their fields, she says.
Besides the therapies, the spa offers beauty treatments like hand and foot spas, organic facials and soaks. Check out their specialty baths in luxurious copper tubs. These baths can be combined with any of the above mentioned treatments or taken as individual therapy.
An inbuilt nail studio offers glamorous and funky nail art to clients. For instance there are extensions in acrylic, gel and permanent French nail art. The prices for the packages start from Rs 1800 onwards. It’s festival time, go, indulge!

Look what’s brewing!

Barnalee Handique recommends Coffee Jar to all those who believe in the tagline ‘a lot can happen over coffee’
  Coffee shops are dime a dozen in the city. The news of exploring another one didn’t send our pulse racing. That was our first mistake! Coffee Jar at Wanowrie is anything but run-of-the-mill. Situated between a slew of eateries and boutiques, the joint with its quaint cozy dining spaces and impressive sandwich platters and desserts draws in strolling passerbys. Since the food is not heavily priced, the joint is a big hit with youngsters, collegians and expats.
  As the name suggests, Coffee Jar means a place where you meet your friends over a cup of steaming hot coffee. Cini Baig, owner of the restaurant, explains, “The main idea behind setting up this place was that friends can meet, drink coffee and enjoy a good conversation.” And the place is living upto it’s mantra.
  “The informal ambience of this place is a favourite with my friends and me. It is a great place to meet up and chill in the evenings. I especially love the cheese filled sandwiches and cold coffee. It’s scrumptious,” says Harshal Patil. Aditya Marathe, a techie, continues, “My friends and I usually drop in here after our office gets over. We usually spend the whole evening chilling and leave late at night. I love the food, ambience and music here. The desserts are really delectable!”
  The menu is not extensive, yet offers enough variety to confuse. There are a plethora of coffees, sandwiches and desserts to choose from. We decided to drop in and sample some of the fare. We settled for a grilled vegetable cheese sandwich, a chocolate mousse and a cup of cappuccino. The sandwich was nicely done. There was no overdose of sauce, cheese or toppings. Also, the fare served here is mammoth in scale, which incidentally grabs our attention from the word go. Another thing we noticed is the way the tables are placed. They are so close to each other that one gets the feeling of hanging around with a huge number of friends.
 If you are in mood for a cozy chitchat over a cup of hot coffee far away from the jazzy jiving crowd, then Coffee Jar is just the right place for you!
 
 

We didn't need CWG

Now that the Commonwealth Games are over, the entire country can heave a collective sigh of relief. Thanks to the hue and cry just prior to the games over the delays in the preparations, the entire government machinery was put to work and the games were barely rescued. The question is: did the games justify the humiliation, heartaches and the expenses the country had suffered? When India won the bid in 2003, it was argued that the games would cost merely Rs1,899 crore. In return, we will get a chance to project the new India to the world. Delhi will don a new look, will get world class infrastructure that will survive for years. Many of us still had doubts, but the arguments did sound reasonable to most.
But questions remain. Did the CWG improve the Indian image? The CWG are not world class in most disciplines. They are usually ignored by the world. The world now sees us as a rival to China. We are seen as an emerging super power and a society of smart, tech-savvy, young people. But did the CWG strengthen that impression? It did not. Forget the glitches, they were no match for the Beijing Games. The games could not project the emerging new India. On the contrary, the games reinforced our negative stereotypes. It brought into focus dirty games village, corrupt contractors and their shoddy work, delivery dates not kept, deadlines not met, filthy facilities, and money syphoned off. Their only saving grace was that they went off without an untoward incident.
Nobody can deny that Delhi benefited by the CWG. The infrastructure has improved: repaved roads, many flyovers and metro route extension to many areas. New stadiums and facilities have been built and the existing sports structure revamped. Sportspersons will certainly benefit by them. But is that enough? Does this justify the expenses? The CWG estimation kept rising from the initial Rs1,899 crore to the final back-breaking mountain of Rs70,000 crore. A lot could have been done with an investment of such order. We could have overhauled health care systems in our cities or built thousands of schools. We could have done a lot to bring some system to our chaotic traffic. We could have recruited more policeman and given all of them better facilities. We could have build roads, irrigated more land and saved the life of many farmers. The CWG were held spending your and my money. Given a choice, we would have opted for better policing and a better future for our children.

The blend of the old and the new

Tanishq offers eye-catching trendy and light jewellery this festive season. Barnalee Handique gives you a quick look
You may find a variety of trendy jewellery in exclusive jewellery stores, but contemporary and sleek diamond jewellery set in gold and white gold that not only looks good but is easy on your pocket is hard to find. Tanishq is one brand that caters to the small but growing segment of clientele wanting to sport trendy and light diamond jewellery. The newly-launched festival collection seems to be a success story if the demand for its jewellery is any indication.
The delicate jewellery designs in diamond and precious stones are light and uncomplicated in appearance. Piyush Seth, area business manager, Tanishq, says, “We have come up with more then 4,000 designs for this festive season, keeping in mind the interest of the clientele. The jewellery collection has designs which are a blend of the traditional and the modern.”
Tanishq designs are distinct from the usual gold jewellery stocked in standard jewellery showrooms. What helps it score over its competitors is its simple and refreshing designs, and, most importantly, its affordability factor.
To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a peek: A magical blend of two beautiful elements — diamonds and fresh waterpearls — forms an exquisite range of earring-pendant sets. Bracelets with mesh-like band either studded with stone motifs in the centre or just held by simple designer clasps are unique. Different cuts of diamonds are adopted in different pieces to give a different look. The asymmetric look is visible in earrings too. Also on offer are a collection of pendants, earrings and finger rings with fancy cuts in white gold.
Explains Seth, “What looks good, sells fast. People are looking beyond the traditional designs these days. We felt that jewellery should be brought out of the locker. We want youngsters and college-going girls to accessorise with our trendy and light jewellery. (They otherwise mostly sport junk jewellery.) We also wanted to make the jewellery affordable, so that one could pick up pieces regularly. For every occasion, we come out with various colletions. For instance, during Valentine’s Day we had launched special heart-shaped pendants in gold and diamond priced at Rs 999.”
Keeping in mind the festive season, the brand has launched the Queen of Diamond 2010, an intiative taken to make shopping a memorable experience.
Elaborating on the new venture, Seth reveals, “This Diwali, we have organised a contest for our patrons. The entry to this contest is easily made available on the purchase of jewellery worth Rs 15,000 or more. The customer has to fill in a special form and deposit it in the drop box. These forms will be collected and send across to Bengaluru. And every week, a winner is announced storewise.”
The winners will also be judged region-wise. Later, all the entries will be collected from across the country and the winner will be chosen by a lucky draw. The final prize is a gold and diamond necklace, studded with precious stones worth Rs 50 lakh. There are assured gifts on purchase of Rs 10,000 and above. The contest kicked off nationally on October 7 across all Tanishq stores in the country.

Enjoy the Ra-psody!

The furniture and accessories collection at Ra The Lifestyle store, is avant-garde and shows craftsmanship at its best, says Barnalee Handique


Are you planning to revamp your home with some unique and exclusive furniture available in the market? Well then, look no further. Ra Lifestyle store has a range of such furniture items, accessories and other doodads for your home!
The store has been named after the Greek god Ra, who symbolises creativity and prosperity. Ra the Lifestyle Store, which opened its doors to Puneites in March, offers furniture with a modern twist. The store stocks bedroom furniture, garden furniture, clocks, ceramics, glassware, mirrors, wrought iron and terracota accessories, lamps, linen in various permutations and combinations. We liked the lamps made of old milk cans, the chandelier made from the headgear warriors used in olden times, the computer table converted from an old sewing machine table, the lazyboy made out of an elephant haudah (ambari), quirky terracoota animals, sandhooks, sideboards and wooden racks. All the furniture pieces distinctly reflect the flavour of India.
The store is an intiative of Mihir Shah and Promod Gandhi. Reveals Shekhar Shah, Mihir’s father and one-of-the partners of Ra, “My son Mihir and Pramod were remodelling their homes at the same time. While hunting for furniture and other accessories, they sauntered into Sunri Lifestyle in Bangalore. They were impressed by the collection at the store and thought of setting up their own store. And that’s how the idea of Ra lifestyle popped up.”
Ra Lifestyle was finally set up in conjunction with Sunri Lifestyle, Bangalore.
The store is going great lengths to make shopping a memorable experience for visitors. The sprawling 7000 sq ft store is split into two levels. The furniture and decorative pieces are displayed in such a way that one can imagine how it will look in their home. The designs, be it in the bedroom furniture, garden furniture or accessories, are not run-of-the-mill.
All the furniture pieces are handcrafted and made of hardwood. Some of the pieces are textured with intricate work, making them exceptionally stunning. The pieces recreated by the artisans are exquisite and are precious collectibles. The store doesn’t sell antiques.
Shah says, “The USP of our collection is innovation. We have got a team of designers in Bangalore who comes out with exclusive designs. These designs are then sent to the workshops which are scattered all over the country. We sign a contract with the artisans that the products are not replicated.”
The clients are assured exclusivity with no repetition. The products go through a stringent quality check before they hit the market. The prices of these products start from Rs 300 and may go upto Rs 1 lakh.
Once you select the furnture, the store ensures that it reaches your residence within a couple of days. So, you not only save on delivery expenses but also do not have to worry about piling expensive furniture in your car boot.

Incredible India!

People must be sick even of seeing the CWG mess now. Little slices of our unending lust and inefficiency keep coming every morning. And even cracking jokes about is becoming progressively difficult. Corruption in the games preparation continues to be exposed. Its sheer scale makes our head swim. But then, we have no alternative but to laugh it all away.
The accommodation for athletes has been built swiftly. We build faster than China. And need fewer bags of cement. The games village is thrown open. But only to discover certain deposits already in the toilet area. Foreigners had to blow their noses in their handkerchiefs and kick up a lot fuss over filthy and unlivable conditions. But why are we homeys so shocked and embarrassed? Hasn't organising committee secretary Lalit Bhanot told us that everyone's hygiene standards are different. We have ours. Bhanot has predicted more than 75 medals for us. Of course. If more and more athletes drop out because of just-another-day events like dengue, terror attacks, delays, leaky venues, falling ceilings, we will win the games.
The games village has refrigerators. Not plastic jugs with smudgy glasses on a plastic tray, like in government guest houses. CWG participants should learn to live with gaps in the windows, loose electrical fittings, and iron railings wide enough for animals to slip in.
Hospitality comes naturally to Indians, especially when we are dealing with foreigners. But in Delhi they should do what Delhiwallas do. Eat whatever comes before you. And digest it. Good athletes must be able to digest everything.
If on a sightseeing tour, an athlete gets shot, our home minister will surely rush to pay a visit in the hospital. This, it may be noted, is a special gesture, not the normal behaviour of ministers. When the pedestrian bridge collapsed injuring labourers, it was dismissed as a minor incident. And top officials exclaimed, “Thank god, no foreigners.”
Here are some travel guidelines for the guests so that they can understand Indians better. "Paan" stains are the only lasting impression most of us leave behind. We never accept responsibility for our mistakes. We have spent the last few months distancing ourselves from the CWG. It's a national shame. We roll down the windows of our BMWs to fling out garbage, but enjoy your stay. Don't ever try not to make fun of us. We have no sense of humour. India is incredible, but Delhi can be fun only without Dilliwallahs.

of the ever elusive man in my life

I meandered my car through the traffic snarls. I was already running late.I checked my watch, and drummed my fingers impatiently on the wheel. God, I wondered, I can't be late, I am meeting him after a long time. It is after much cajoling that he had agreed to give me an appointment. If you are thinking that I am going on a date to meet that special person in my life. Yes, I am. I was on my way to meet my tailor.
I had to get some blouses stitched for my cousins wedding next month.The ones which men drool over. And I needed the right guy to do it for me. But, I have I have discovered another area where I am a complete failure.It is so darn difficult to find a good tailor,who listens to you and delivers on time. No doubt, there are good tailors, bad tailors and temperamental ones too. But to my utter frustration -I dont have one. Come to think of it, I have several on MG road at my service. The one on Clover Centre does the picco for my sarees. While Prakash on the other side of the road specialises on sari blouses. The black noodle strapped black katori blouse he stitched last summer would make any Bollywood actress weep with envy. There is Rafiq tailor who stitches dresses out of raw silk, that resembles a Zara's and H& M -if you squint.
To get your dresses stitched as you desire is like a dream come true. But nevertheless it is always fraught with dissapointments. The best tailors are temperamental artisians.I met guys who refused orders rather then meet the deadline. So you coax and cajole, dance and flatter, flutter your eyelashes and say - “ It is and you me love, just the two of us all the way....” and you are going to stitch that dress for me in 24 hours flat or less.
Is it to me only they do that or to everyone else? I think I approach the tailors in a wrong way.I approach them like I would approach a boyfriend, full of expectations that he is going to be the one. So I am lost in my happy thoughts and dreams- that I have finally arrived.But my beloved tailor, hardly takes his eyes from his stitching and utters “ festival rush madam.”And there I am stranded like a jilted lover, waiting for his message, his call, or in this case, the delivery of my red sequinned blouse which he promised to deliver two days earlier.
Sometimes I feel like throwing it all in and going to the nearest mall, buy a ready made outfit and walk out in 10 mins. None of this cajoling, pleading and half baked promises.The problem is that, once you get accustomed to customade dresses you never feel like opting for the ready made ones. Or rather you'll know exactly what ready made clothes lack.
What I have gathered in this quest, is that from this moment on, the most important man in an Indian Women's life is not her boyfriend who brings gifts for her, or her sizzling lover, not her sugar daddy who showers her with solitaires, not her husband who has been putting up with her idiosyncracies for the last 20 years.The most important person in a woman’s life is the local tailor who will stitch her dreams out of brocade, silk and cotton.

This factory is a storehouse!

Brand Factory at Camp has latest apparels, at an attractive price. Barnalee Handique takes a stock

Do you want to upgrade your wardrobe without spending much? And also want to maintain latest trends and style? Well Brand Factory at Camp with its mega deals could be your best bet then! You can shop for your complete wardrobe here, that too without burning a hole in your pocket.
The 4500 sq ft store has been split in four levels and has 220 brands on display. You can check out apparels in formal, semi formals and western varieties in the last season's styles. What's more? There is an impressive collection of accessories likes ties, caps, belts, scrarves and so on in various colours, textures and designs. And we must say, most designs are exclusive.
Looks like the store is going to great lengths to make shopping an amazing experience for all. Here, different brands are sold at a discounted rate all year round. Mall manager Prasanna Borkar says, “The middle class segment is our target audience. We want to give them the best deals. For that, we constantly adapt to the ever-changing fashion and lifestyle trends, so that we can provide our customers the best of designs and colours.”
Dittoes Abhijit Kamble, assistant mall manager, “To ensure that, we have footfall the year around, we come up with special deals. Every month, we hold special promos. Recently, we had the Cost Price Sale, where an apparel or outfit was sold at a marginal price. There was a huge response to it.” The store is coming up with the end of season sale soon.
Brand Factory is a shopping destination for the whole family. Browse through the womens' section, which has a good range in both ethnic and wetsern apparels.Check out the newly arrived kurtis, tops, jeans in unique designs and appealing colours. A dazzling array of jewellery, belts, caps, sunglasses, watches, cosmetics and beauty products too attracts customers. And men shouldn't feel left out. A wide range of brands for men like Madhura, Arvind, Raymond, Indus League, Pantaloons and so on are available here. Plus, there is a plethora of choices in the kids section too!
In addition to this, once at the store, you can also shop for your groceries and vegetables at Food Bazar. Check the monthly Bachhat Bazar which happens in the first week of every month. The store also organises special offers on Wednessdays where you get combi packs like oil, rice and dal at a reasonable price and more such offers. So what you waiting for, step into Brand factory and just shop till you drop!

Checking out the chicks

On a recent visit to Delhi, I received an sms from an my old pal, “Interested to meet up for a hen party tomorrow night? You get to see the full works.” I was interested in going as I had only heard stories about 'such' parties but never been to one. But I had no clue what one is supposed to do at such a party, so I googled 'hen party', and got a fair notion of what to expect. Of course, there were different versions of what I could expect at the do in varying degrees of outrageousness.
Anyway, what's the harm in letting your hair down once in a while, I thought and decided to go ahead. I planned to keep my day free, as I wanted to hang around with buddies whom I hadn't met for a long time.
The evening finally arrived. I remember driving through a long winding road to the farmhouse which was situated in the suburbs of the city with a feeling of excitement. The venue was already choc-a- bloc with cackling hens of all ages, decked in the wildest possible outfits one can imagine of. There was this pretty girl in a sombero and red coloured thongs. About the rest of the half dressed audience, the lesser said the better. For some time, I completely went blank but soon found my friends in a corner and made my way towards them.
Clearly, fun was the byword here and the scene was straight from Sex and the City. The oval-shaped stage for the evening was decorated in fluffy pink condom curtains and psychedelic lights. In the hall, myriad fairy lights blinked and changed colours to the beat of the music. Circular pink tables were placed randomly round the room for people to watch the proceedings.
As the night progressed, spirits flowed freely and finger food shaped in the form of edible lingerie was passed around. I was just getting used to the idea of sinking my teeth into a flimsy pair of panties when my eyes were drawn to this huge, weirdly shaped pink cake placed in the centre of the hall. It resembled a dildo, my friend enlightened me. More surprises were in store. I geared up for some fun filled action. By then, I was completely relaxed and was no longer fazed by the happenings around me.
And then, more than 50 of us held our breaths for the piece de resistance of the evening -- six male strippers! It was downright wild.The lights dimmed, the drums rolled and to the cue of Joe Cocker’s, You could leave your hat on - the quintessential strippers' song, the strippers, scantily dressed in blue and white stripped aprons troooped in.There was wild screaming and clapping as the guys gyrated to the music.They twirled, held on to the pole and made sensous moves.The more adventerous of hens climbed on to the stage and joined the guys. The tiny group in the corner stripped down to their thongs, just to feel sensual. The night of fun and general debauchery was on the roll! I recollect leaving for home in the wee hours, with a kinky toy as a return gift!

Shoppers, stop!

With festivals round the corner, you can do some shopping, sitting in your living room, with Star C J Alive, the 24- hours home shopping channel, says Barnalee Handique

You want to indulge in some shopping, but don't feel like stepping out of your home. Now how's that possible? It is, if you tune in to C J Star Alive, and order for whatever meets your requirement.
For the uninitiated, STAR CJ Network India is the result of a strategic partnership between STAR and CJ O Shopping, which is South Korea’s most successful home shopping business. The 24-hour shopping channel brings to you about 300 select premium branded products in three exciting categories like Home appliances and telecommunications, Fashion and skincare, Electronic goods and other lifestyle merchandise. Operating in a multimedia environment, including television, web and catalogue, it offers buyers across Maharashtra, Delhi, Chandigarh and certain nearby cities products which they could purchase from their home at their own convenience.
Says Paritosh Joshi, CEO, STAR CJ Network India Pvt Ltd, “We launched this channel a month back on STAR Utsav. There was a humongous response from viewers.We realised that home shopping has a great potential in our country. But earlier the distribution system was poor and untapped. Also, the visibility of the products was only in big cities. To purchase something of their liking, customers had to come all the way to a bigger city.”
In the initial stage, the channel got a very positive feedback and fast gained popularity. It witnessed 40,000+ consumers availing of its services. Premium brands like Satya Paul, Adidas, D'damas, LG, Corelle, Samsung, Benetton, Canon, Phillips, Morphy Richards, Tanishq, Reebok and Olay are among the channel’s brand partners.
Joshi says he wanted to change the mindset of the Indian customer, “Earlier, our knowledge of teleshopping was limited to a particular product, which was repeatedly shown on TV throughout the day. But the concept of homeshopping is an antithesis to teleshopping. It is a virtual mall where you can buy anything under the sun,” avers Joshi. Every product sold has an add-on, which adds to its value.
Based in Mumbai, this 24-hour homeshopping channel and its inventory is stacked with hundreds of brands and products which are delivered free of cost across 2,000 cities in India. The anchors help you choose the right product by giving you information and recommendation on which merchandise will suit your lifestyle needs. You can also get your favourite television set, washing machine or ornament set with a certain discount on the actual price! And if you want to exchange a product or want a refund, you can do it without any hassle.
Are you ready to shop, sitting on your comfy couch then?

Celebrate and savour

Its Pateti time again! To celebrate the Parsi New year, King’s Restaurant on East Street had orchestrated an exhaustive menu for its patrons. The eatery follows the traditional method of cooking to retain the flavours and every signature dish adds to the diversity of the food. Bahram Zadeh, owner, King's restaurant, says, “The delicacies have been created with utmost care. We have designed it in a way that our patrons can relish the original aroma and taste of the dish.”
So there you had gourmets with a yen for Parsi food crowding round the buffet tables displaying the mouth watering feast. Headlining the Parsi delicacies were all time favourites like Patrani Macchi, Mutton Biryani, Lagan nu Stew, Dhansak Dal and a variety of kebab platters. The Patrani Macchi is marinated in coconut and mint chutney, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. On the other hand, the Mutton Biryani is cooked in traditional spices, brought all the way from Persia. The remaining two dishes - Mutton Stew, a concoction of chicken or mutton pieces with vegetables, and Dhansak made from toor dal - all make for a sumptuous meal.
One can also settle down for A la Carte and order from a variety of dishes like Sali Chicken, Chelo Kebabs, Juleh Kebabs, Zereshk Pulao and so on. A meal cannot be complete without desserts. So don't forget to try the delicious Lagan nu Custard. “Through our eatery, we have tried to present the traditional dishes of Persia in a contemporary space. We have tried to bring forth the nuances of perfectly done kebabs, a well made curry and a succulent biryani through a variety of dishes,” says Zadeh.

They set the hearts racing...

The much talked about PRA Independence Million 2010 was held with much fanfare at the Race Course on Independence Day. To celebrate the occasion, Rustom Bharucha and Zubin Bharucha organised a soiree for the invitees. The excitement was palpable in the air, as the day advanced. The crème da crème of the city glided down the lawns decked in exquisite designer wear. We spotted noted gazal singer Jagjit Singh joining the joi de vivre.
Very soon, everyone was savouring the scrumptious hors de oeuvres, while a live band serenaded the gathering. To keep the festivities rolling, Armored Corps Center School band was specially flown in from Ahmednagar, to play the national anthem. Incidentally, this was the fourth successive year of the PRA Independence Trophy and the first year when it has become the million race.
The races soon began, and the atmosphere was charged. Enthusiasts were seen cheering and clapping for their prized horse. The crowd rushed near the track to get a better glimpse of the galloping horses. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly when Floods of fortune, the favourite horse of the PRA Independence Million 2010, won the coveted trophy. Farouq and Zaheer Rattonsey, owners of the horse, accepted the trophy from the Bharuchas

Time for beers and cheers

Beer connoisseurs can try a variety of beers at Smokies' Bar, which are brewed fresh and taste great, says Barnalee Handique



If you like beer, and you are in a mood to try something new, then Smokies' Bar at The Corinthians Boutique Hotel may just be the right place for you. The place, formerly known as The 1st Brew House, offers the magic of a classic bar with contemporary setting.

Since its inception, the Brew House has been concocting beers in innovative ways. The beers come in various bitter and sweet, dark and light options. To name a few, mango beer, Christmas ale, apple cider, wheat beer have been great hits among the patrons.

What sets the joint apart is that you can see your favorite beer brewed in front of your eyes, while the brew master and his team initiates you into the nuances of beer brewing. You can learn about the variety of beers and the difference between them, their distinctive tastes and flavours, and so on, while sipping on your favourite drink.

When asked about the intricacies of fine beer making, Sahil Khare, the brew master, reveals, “Malts, yeast, gallons of water and the right temperature of course are the essentials. Malt is the main ingredient, which when roasted, gives the fine colour and flavour to different types of beer. Gradually, yeast is added and the whole mixture is fermented till a certain time period.” Khare and his team keep a check on the temperature controls in order to come up with the perfect brew.

Khare, who has graduated in this art six months back, has come up with a new graduation beer. “We are provisionally calling it the British Copper beer, because of it's fascinating copper colour. The ale is malty, fruity with a bitterness similar to English ale. That is one of the characteristic which sets it apart from other typical beers,” he says.

About the new beer, Khare elaborates, “The carbonisation of the beer is low to moderate, and it mellows down with conditioning. We have blended English hop-fuggles in the brew. These special hops are known for its flinty, mineral, earthy flavours. The basic purpose of the hops is that they help to balance the fruity notes.” How? “The liquid extracted after fermentation is too sweet. The hops assist to give the perfect harmony,” he replies.

And, of course, the beer tastes simply divine. Unlike the other beers, it has got more body, is crispier, and gives an extra zing to the palate.

Want to know something else? The beer complements Indian cuisine. You can guzzle a couple of pints with tandoori, better chicken, rogan josh and vegetarian dishes.

In the future, the brew master is planning to add kolsch (barbarian style of brew), dunken wheat (dark wheat beer) and a fizzy pop green tea beer to his repertoire.'re sure looking forward to it all!

Ethnic flavour

Barnalee Handique visits Taste of India, a gourmet haunt for authentic Indian fare, and recommends it to youngsters who want to relish some good food keeping their pocket money under consideration

Just round the corner from the heavy hustle and bustle of the schizoid traffic of Vimanagar, near Dattaray Chowk, is this tiny little eatery, Taste of India. As the name implies, the restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, and has earned itself a reputation of serving the best desi dishes in the locality.
Situated in an industrial area, Taste of India has become a favourite with young professionals. And since it's not heavily priced, it's flocked all the more by a young clientele. Deepak Bisht, an ex-IT professional himself and owner of the place, says, "The main idea of setting this place was that one can enjoy different regional cuisines in reasonable prices under one roof." Bisht not only knows the nitty gritties of the food he serves, but also knows how to present it to the city's gastronomes. This aspect is incidentally the first thing that grabs your attention.
"The food is a big hit with my colleagues and me. We frequent it nearly everyday during lunchtime. The food served here is scrumptious. It's like home cooked food with less oil and spices," says Rahul Chada, a professional. Ditto with Bikram Seth, an executive. "It is like a home away from home. You get to savour all the regional cuisines under one roof. Moreover the dishes are well priced and don't burn a hole in your pocket," he reasons. It was a cue that we were not going to miss. We decided to see what's on offer and also to savour some of it. The bright coloured menus are in-depth and extensive.
The menu is a plethora of lunch combos, biryani combos and fusion combos like Indianised Chinese dishes available in both vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Also, the fare served here is generously proportioned and doesn't give you a chance to crib about quantity. As far as the dishes go, a huge draw are the special ones like dum aloo, banarasi chicken, chettinad chicken Maratha, malbar fish curry and Goan dishes. And naturally, these impressive delicacies draw in strolling passer-bys.
An observation before we left: once the waiter staff learns you are interested in exploring authentic fare, they are more than willing to pitch in and help you on your gourmet odyssey.

Provides it all!

Cooking something exotic over the weekend? You can finally find all the right ingredients for that perfect dish, thanks to The Providore, the new provisional store in Aundh, says Barnalee Handique
Ever wanted to prepare tacos, but couldn't find the right ingredients? Ever wanted that delicious bar of cheese to accompany your wine, but didn’t know where to get it? If your answer is yes, then there is relief for you in the form of The Providore. The store, located at Anand Park, Aundh, is every gourmet's dream. Food connoisseurs can go berserk over the goodies here that range from a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, taco fillings, to salad dressings and fresh herbs.
So, what does The Providore mean? “It means a provisional store where you can find all food ingredients under one roof,”explains Salony Kane, owner of the store. “Whenever I tried to cook up something exotic, I used to visit three different shops to find the right ingredients. By the end of the shopping spree, I was exhausted. That's how the idea of the store cropped up,” she says.
Talking about the philosophy of the store, Kane says, “We are not in the business of rushing. The basic idea behind the store is to enjoy food, experience and feel it. Everyone is welcome here. They can browse through the shelves and acquaint themselves with the products. And we are open to 'food talk ' and any kind of suggestions.”
One interesting feature that caught our eyes was the food shows that were played on the televsion. On the big wooden tables, recipe books were piled up. So if you are planning a special dish for dinner, then you can browse through the recipe books to select the right condiments. Or you can consult Kane, who is ready to guide you through your culinary quest.
As for the store, once you step into it, you will be reeling under the wide choice of ingredients and eatables at your disposal. One can find the entire range of condiments for Italian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Mexican dishes. Also on offer are different types of cold cuts and cheese sourced from local traders and from abroad. One has a variety of tastes to choose from and can mix and match according to what one wants. Want to know something else? The Providore stores truffle oil and other special oils.
Kane is convinced that the outlet is just what the urban professional needs. “With the change our lifestyle has seen, and with the young generation adopting a global culture, we believe that this is the most opportune time to launch a store like this, which saves time, money and energy,” Kane says.
As for the future plans, a home delivery system is in the pipeline. There's a bigger dream: in a couple of years, the proud owner wants The Providore model to be replicated all over the country. Amen to that!

CWG must succeed

Who could have thought that the Commonwealth Games will be such a success even before they began? Never has a sporting event been monitored so avidly. Games organisers from across the world are wondering how India managed this. The secret is simple. The organising committee's big idea was the pre-games competitions. It knew that most countries didn't care about CWG, many countries wouldn't compete, top athletes would avoid them and sponsors will ignore it. The only way to grab the collective eyeballs was to organise a series of contests before the games. And break records after records in them. So the organising committee began to buy things at exorbitant prices. Umbrellas, tissue rolls, chairs, treadmills? All at record prices. As a result, this remarkable CWG is already the talk of the town.
And don't forget the series of slugfests the committee thought of. The Mani Shankar Aiyar versus Suresh Kalmadi was the biggest hit. Aiyar landed massive blows with his acidic words like those organising the event were evil. In return, Kalmadi branded Aiyar anti-national. He was cheered wildly. Yet another contest was for contractors: who will complete the project as close to the opening ceremony as possible. Many contestants are still in the field and going strong.
There is little hope now of the CWG being a global advertisement for the country. Forget competing with the success of the South African World cup or the Chinese Olympics, the CWG will find it difficult to even emulate the success of 1982 Asiad. But let us be optimistic and believe we can and we will ride over all the obstacles at the last minute, and the CWG won't be a disaster. The commoners too can join in and work for the success of the event.
If handled right at this late hour, the fact of playing host to the world's best will usher in a new era in the annals of Indian sports. Despite all the drawbacks, the CWG can still make a statement to the entire world. Delhi will get a facelift because of the games. It will heralded a new beginning. The city will now been on par with world class cities.
A failed CWG experience will add fuel to the already raging fire. It will fan the argument that there remains a big disconnect between the country's new-found modernity and the masses, who live a pitiable condition and will continue to do so for ages. And commentators not very happy about India's growing economy and political clout will focus on the disconnect and the disparities. Let's not give them a chance.

Fashion in your bag!

Arpera, at Kumar Plaza, M G Road, brings to you the latest trends in handbags and accessories for women and men, writes Barnalee Handique

Are you looking for an attractive and exclusive handbag to go with your outfit? Well then, look no further. Arpera, one of the leading brands from Kolkata, has a wide range of bags and accessories in traditional and contemporary styles that will leave you spoilt for choice. It all began in 1994, when Sajal Grover set up his own bag manufacturing unit in Kolkata, in order to supply bags to the international brands. He also exported bags all over the world. The thought of setting up his own brand popped up, and that's how Arpera was born.
Grover, the proud owner reveals, “Arpera means a bag for the aristocrats. Pera means bag in Greek. We prefixed 'Ar' to it. That's how Arpera was coined.”
And since its inception, the brand has gained quite a reputation for its wide range of hand painted handbags, wallets and accessories in every size. The designs are exclusive. The range is characterised by bold forms, rhythmic lines and pure, undiluted colours - all this adds style and sophistication to the collection. We adore the simple cut designs and style. On display at the store is a collection of bags which are for regular and everyday use and are made from pure leather. But the most eye-catching range is the boutique bags. Each piece is specially designed and hand painted by artisans from Bengal. What's more! The store also has an impressive collection of wallets, purses, belts, card holders in a variety of colours and designs. Once you are at the store, check out the waterproof fluroscent coloured bags for the younger generation.
Each piece undergoes a special process before it reaches the store. Explains Grover, “Once we choose a particular piece of leather,we use vegetable dyes to tan and colour the leather. A design is selected and then given to the artisans. The designs are painstakingly hand painted by our team of artisans - it takes about two days.” The vegetable dyes used for Arpera bags are natural and eco-friendly and you can choose from a palette of colours like blues, greens, red, and oranges.
All this comes at surprisingly affordable prices. The bags range between Rs 800 and Rs 2500 for women, while wallets for men are priced between Rs 350 and Rs 700.
In a couple of years time, Grover plans to open stores across the country. Given his efforts to popularise the brand, it looks like Arpera is sure going to be a name to reckon with.

Rejuvenate and energise your hair with amla

The Indian gooseberry strengthens the hair and the root, and stabilises the blackness as well, says Barnalee Handique



Beautiful and lustrous hair is what all women long for. No matter which part of the world we inhabit, maintaining a healthy crowning glory is an aspired trait. To get the sheen in your hair, you can choose from a range of haircare products in the market. But can you guess what primarily goes into the making of most of these haircare products? The green, fleshy fruit commonly known as 'amla' or the Indian gooseberry. This berry is not only endowed with natural vitamin C, but is a good source of antioxidants. It stops the regeneration of radicals which are responsible for ageing and cell degeneration. It can be used externally and can be accommodated in your daily diet too. Regular intake of amla results in a stronger healthier digestive system and an improved immune system. It helps detoxification and acts as a laxative. It is also known to increase the metabolism rate and helps one lose weight.
Dr S K Luthra, deputy head, Dabur India, says, “Our hectic lifestyles and the lack of proper nutrients and minerals in our diet play havoc with our skin as well as our hair. The scorching heat of the sun robs the sheen and lustre of our hair and also makes it dry and brittle. The rich antioxidant and vitamin C found in amla helps free the body of radicals. It not only rejuvenates, but also energises.”

The 'keshya' effect
Amla is used in haircare products such as hair creams, lotions and oils for its medicinal properties. It's 'keshya' effect strengthens the hair and hair root and stabilises the blackness of hair as well. Reveals dermatologist Dr Narendra Patwardhan, “We usually prescribe the use of amla for premature hair loss, balding and greying. It has been identified for its key properties that give black and lustrous hair. Besides, it aids in water uptake and water retention supported by the astringency of the skin. Finally, it helps tighten the skin, stimulates the circulation of the scalp and offers protective care.”
Ayurveda extensively propagates the use of amla in daily healthcare routine. Amla when mixed with oil and applied to hair makes it long, dense, soft and lustrous. It can be used with henna for hair to retain their natural colour. Amla is sometimes used in the form of a 'tailam' as a cure for mental disorders. The extract of the dried fruit can be used as a shampoo for cleansing the hair as well.

For a winning smile

Dr Ravi Sapra
Dental Surgeon & Periodontist

You are exhausted after a hard day's work and head straight for the bed. You are too tired to brush or floss your teeth. Who has the time, the energy or the inclination to go through the routine stuff? Right? But, if you skip theses daily dental routines, you are heading for trouble. Remember that your teeth and smile depends a lot on these simple dentalcare habits.
Dr Ravi Sapra says, “Oral health begins with clean teeth. In an age where we are all fighting to stay healthy and fit, a healthy smile is something which we long for. In fact, the condition of your dental health reflects on your general health. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned after every meal, but most people tend to overlook it.”

Common dental issues
Dental problems can occur in different stages in life. The most common dental problems occur due to poor dental hygiene leading to plaque formation, hormonal imbalance commonly seen during pregnancy and menopause. It aggravates the negative effects of plaque. Simple tasks like improper brushing, not flossing, not rinsing properly will lead to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth and lead to tooth decay. If proper care is not taken immediately, the bacteria in the mouth may lead to swollen and bleeding gums. Ultimately, it may cause bad breath, decay, gum disease and weakening and loosening of teeth.
During pregnancy, the most common dental ailment is gingivitis or bleeding gums. In extreme cases, a large localised swelling of the gum may occur known as pregnancy tumour. But, there is nothing to worry, as this swelling is not cancerous. Women should guard against being lethargic and negligent about their oral health during this period. You must get a dental check-up and cleaning done at least twice in your pregnancy.
Other problems like bad breath may happen also due to acidity and sore throat. Women in their menopausal period must have regular dental check-ups to minimise the negative effects of plaque and hormonal imbalance.

Food & nutrition
A balanced diet and proper intake of vitamins and minerals ensures a set of healthy teeth and gums. These, together with good oral hygiene, can help prevent dental cavities, bad breath and gum diseases. Vitamins such as vitamin C, flavonoids and Coenzyme Q10 are antioxidants that help protect your gums against cell damage and promote healing. Vitamin C also helps in building collagen that is vital for building all living tissues. It also acts as a shield against bacterial penetration. It also promotes healthy capillaries, which helps oral tissue in staying healthy. An insufficient intake of these leads to swollen and bleeding gums.
Regular dental check-ups are a must every six months. If any dental problem persists, do visit your nearest dental clinic.

As told to Barnalee Handique

Where colours flow easily

“Different strokes of nature beguiles and inspires me. I like observing minutely the different peculiarities of nature like a tiny caterpillar in all it's colourful splendour, the sun's radiance on my face and how nature glows luminously before the sun sets. These various nuances excites me, and prompts me to pick up the brush,” reveals Neha Asher, whose 25 paintings are presently being exhibited at Malaka Spice, Lane 5, Koregaon Park, from 11 am to 11.30 pm till July 15.
A teacher by profession, Asher's favourite themes are nature and women. Her collection of paintings in oil, watercolour and dry pastels are drawn from simple themes and shades of nature and women in different avatars. “I focused on small details capturing women in their everyday life like cooking, doing household chores and so on. These details usually go unnoticed,” she says.
In most of her paintings, she uses different colours and textures to give expression to her moods and feelings. “I don't follow a set style, texture and colours. I usually mix and match shades, which is visually and texturally appealing to the eye. Mostly, it depends on the particular subject and the ambience. For instance, if I am painting a tribal scene, I use contrasting earthen shades,” Asher shares. The amazingly wide spectrum of colours in her works catches your eye. Among the most arresting images are the paintings on women depicting her various moods and the paintings of nature in subtle hues.

Should corporal punishmnet be banned in schools?

With the beginning of the new academic year, parental anxieties over how their little ones will fare in schools are renewed. The recurring incidents of harsh punishment in schools leading to traumas can certainly not be ignored by parents. The government must crack down on schools that still use corporal punishment. There should be a system that keeps a tab on such erring schools.
Spare the rod and spoil the child was the adage we grew up with. But then, punishment was governed by an unwritten code of fairness that applied to teachers and students. Mild caning, a clip behind the ear, standing outside the classroom, writing a poem 1000 times were the usual forms of punishment. They were accepted by students and parents as the unwritten law. The Kolkata school incident, which recently led to the tragic suicide of a 13-year old boy devastated by humiliating punishment, was not possible in those days. That the school still allows caning and even now fails to see the essential barbarity of the practice is a sad commentary on our educational system.
The question is: do we allow our dear children to be caned for whatever reasons? Should corporal punishment be allowed at all? Are we ready to let a stranger assault our child? In today's schools, hardly any teacher knows the students well. The teachers normally have neither the time nor the inclination to get to know the students. We admit our children to a reputed school and leave them to the mercy of the teachers. If corporal punishment is allowed, we are authorising them to beat our children. Parents don't know the teachers. They can't meet them personally. They hear about the teachers only from the children. They have no idea what kind of people the teachers are. They have no way of knowing whether the punishment the teachers award will be fair.
The parents are in a dilemma. Even if they come to know from their child about some needless punishments, they can't do much because the school will keep justifying its methods. And the parents can't shift a child to a new school sometime in the middle of a session, even if they are ready to forsake the huge fees paid to the first school. This is because there won't be any seats vacant in other good schools. And, of course, there is no guarantee that the new school will be any better. More good schools for the expanding middle class may ease the problem slightly. But the problem can be solved if corporal punishment is banned by law.

Be a stylish mom!

Morph maternity offers trendy, comfortable and leak-proof clothing for expectant mothers, says Barnalee Handique

Good news for would be mothers! Morph maternity, a brand under Yashram lifestyle, founded by Deepa Kumar designs clothes for pregnant women, which are not only stylish and trendy but also have a leak proof layer.
Kumar explains the concept behind the brand, “There isn’t a single place where one can pick up some exclusive and stylish outfits under one roof. It was then that we started toying with the idea of creating a specialty space where expectant mothers can shop to their heart's content. We did some research, conducted surveys and Morph was born. Today, the brand offers a wide range in ethnic wear and western wear for moms-to-be.”
In a market swamped by maternity brands, Morph Maternity has got a positive feedback and popularity. What we liked about the brand were the drapes and the cuts, the mix of fabrics, prints, colours and the wide range. Kumar says, “ Pregnant women should feel comfortable with what they wear. The collection offered by most maternity brands is inadequate. Normally, the focus is on the western wear. But our collection has a mix of both. Moreover, the clothes are bright and colourful and tailored from a variety of materials. Our ethnic range has nursing kameezes, kurtis, cholis, maternity salwars, churidars while the western wear section has trousers, capris, tops, dresses and evening wears.”
All the tops have a concealed opening which helps in easy nursing. Besides that, all the garments have a leak proof layer. These clothes are designed to fit during and after pregnancy, and are priced from Rs 399 onwards. Sounds unbelievable? But it's true!
Even as we speak of this, the brand has come up with other innovative concepts. It has designed visual stimulus patterns that help infants develop vision. The patterns have been tested and verified by a paediatrician, claims Kumar. Another discovery of the brand is the anti-electromagnetic radiation belt that can be worn by pregnant women inside or outside their garments. A special fabric is used to make these belts that claim to protect the unborn child from the harmful EM rays emitted by laptops, cell phones, TVs, microwaves and so on.
“I think what distinguishes us from the other maternity brands are the most updated and innovative products that Morph has launched in the market,” Kumar informs proudly.
As for the future plans, Kumar plans to innovate and invent the ethnic maternity wear category and spread their wings across the country as well as internationally.

For a younger looking skin

Caviar facial can work wonders on wrinkles and as an anti-ageing beauty treatment, discovers Barnalee Handique
We live in a world where our appearance matters. And in our quest to look good, we explore a variety of beauty products. The latest to enter the beauty market is the caviar facial mask. This mask is prepared from the eggs of sturgeon fish and helps to counter ageing problems of the skin. It resembles a thick green gunk which contains sevruga extracts and spirulina algae, which give the mask its colour.
In our city, Westin Spa, Koregoan park, offers caviar facial. It makes use of an innovative mask, made from the eggs of a bottom feeding fish. Caviar, which is rich in amino acids, glutamic acid, glycine, arginine, leuchine, serine and oligo. These ingredients are rich in iron, magnesium, and phospholipids. Marine collagen helps to smoothen wrinkles, while Marine Elastin helps to improve tonicity, and alpha lipolic acid helps to fight free-radicals and re energise skin. The caviar facial is an unsurpassed formula to smooth, firm and powerfully repair the skin. Though the caviar treatment is usually recommended for mature skin, it is becoming the spa treatment of choice for all age groups.
The reason? It is very smooth and gentle and it can applied hours before any event. The after effects usually show the next day. And then you can luxuriate in the glow. Explains Sweta Tyagi, Spa Manager, Westin, Pune, “Caviar actually has a cell structure that is very familiar to human collagen. So every time you apply it on the face, you'll be amazed by the results. It is an ideal mask to use before an event because there is no picking or extraction which will look red.”
She continues, “There are three gentle exfoliations. You can go for this treatment 24 hours to 48 hours before an event, unlike a traditional facial, which you can 4 to 5 days before an event.”
Once you step in for the therapy, the first step involves straightforward cleansing. It removes the dirt and grime that have deposited in the skin. It is followed by a balm cleanser, followed by a repair lotion. Then comes the enzyme peeling cream and phyto gel cleanser. After this procedure, a thin gauze is put over the face, and the dark green mushy caviar mask is applied on the face. Tyagi says, “We usually do this as the many of our clients have sensitive skin. Many of them are vegetarians, they don't like the fish eggs to be applied on their face. Moreover,the strong pungent smell is a deterrent.”
And refrain from asking for a champagne to snack on with what's left is the jar. When the green stuff comes off, it is time for marine matrix sheet. As the name goes, it is a while gauzy sheet which contains shrimp extract saturated with more caviar.
Avoid going for caviar mask if you are suffering from skin diseases,allergic to seaweed or caviar or if you suffering from thyroid, rosacea, or have cuts, bruises or swelling on the face.
A caviar facial, then, makes perfect sense, except for the fact that a 90 minute session can cost you Rs 5000 and upwards. And you can go for the a repeat performance after 15 days or once a month, as recommended by the therapist. So, are you interested?

Jolly good!

Terttulia not only has a pleasant and enjoyable environment to chill out with friends but also offers a delectable fast food variety, says Barnalee Handique


Located in the bellybutton of Koregoan Park, towards the end of lane 5, Terttulia offers a delectable food spread and a beguiling ambience. A Spanish word, Terttulia means a pleasant conversation with friends at a café. Imrun Sethi, owner of the place, says, "As the tagline goes, the concept behind this joint is that it is a meeting point for friends where, they can 'eat, drink and love'." The joint, which forms a quaint and cosy dining space, is a big hit among collegians, young couples and expats.
"The informal ambience is a big hit with my colleagues and me. It is a great place to meet and catch up with friends. I frequent it four to five times a week," says 23-year-old Ashutosh Nema. Shamit Biswas, a student, continues, "My friends and I usually drop in here after our classes get over. We usually spend the whole day chilling and leave for home in the evening. I love the food, ambience and music here. The pizzas are yum!"
Terttulia occupies a seating area outside with a very rustic feel and a fine dining area. We squeezed our way in to see what's on offer and also to sample some of it. The items listed on the menu were assorted and the wait staff guided us to make the right choice. The food served here is something which is not served in other hangout joints in the city. There are more then 15 types of snacks, around 18 main dishes and 12 desserts. You can choose from quiches, sandwiches, salads, crunch wraps, each has atleast one vegetarian and non vegetarian option respectively. And what more? Everything on the menu can be customised according to your taste.
A huge draw is the Terttulia's day special menu, which is changed every three days. The menu has quiches, soups, salads, pizza and the main course. And naturally, this menu attracts a good number of people. Another highlight of this place is it's elaborate breakfast menu. So if you have woken up early for a lecture and are in no mood to attend it, drop by at Terttulia for a wholesome breakfast with classmates. You can have a complete meal without burning a hole in your pocket.

The mane story

Dabur India Ltd, India's leading Health and Beauty Care company organised a special discussion session, “ Discover the Mystique of Amla For giving women rich, black hair” and shared the results of an independent consumer research conducted to evaluate the superiority of Dabur Amla Hair oil in comparison to ordinary coconut oil. The oil which has amla as the key ingredient makes hair visibly stronger with regular use.
The event saw a panel of experts extolling the goodness of amla. Dr S K Luthra, Deputy Head, R & Dabur India Ltd says, “The hectic life style we lead, lack of sound sleep and proper nutrients in our diet all leads to hair problems. The harsh rays of the sun plays havoc with our hair. There is a loss of sheen and makes hair dry and brittle. Keeping in mind all the everyday problems we have come out with our own formula-Dabur Amla Hair oil. It an answer to all your hair problems. The oil is an concoction of amla, mixed with vegetable oil, natural herbs and other essential ingredients necessary for hair growth.It can be used by everyone.”
He continues, “We have used Amla as the key ingredient, as it has been identified for its properties that give black and lustrous hair. Besides amla, all necessary ingredients have been incorporated for hair growth and strengthening .”
Did you know that an amla a day can tackle other health issues as well?The rich antioxidant properties makes you look younger and rejuvenates you.
Dr Patwardhan, dermatologist says, “ The antioxidant properties of amla helps to prevent scalp infection, prevents hair loss, dandruff and premature gr eying of hair. It also strengthens the roots of the hair, but also acts as a good rejuvenator.”

So, have you converted already?

Ultrasonography - a must once a year

Dr Sudarshan Rawat, Consultant Radiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic


Are you suffering from numbness in the hand? Or pain in your joints? Or uneasiness in your chest? Then you should consult your nearest radiologist. Dr Sudarshan Rawat, Consultant Radiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, says, “Ultrasonography, commonly known as sonography, uses high frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. This method is usually used to assess internal organs and their functions in the human body. It is also used to assess the flow of blood in the body.” Did you know that sonography is used to check the development of the foetus during pregnancy? It can also predict any abnormalities in the brain, heart, spine, abdomen, breasts, pelvic, chest, thyroid, parathyroid, joints and extremities.

Importance of sonography in:
Pregnancy: Women usually have doubts whether they should go for ultrasound during pregnancy. Ultrasound is safe during pregnancy. It helps to check the growth of the baby inside the womb. The sonography test should usually be done when the foetus is 5-6 weeks, 11-14 weeks and in 20 weeks' time. Later, the test can be done just before delivery, in 35 to 37 weeks. The sonography test helps to ascertain the baby's growth and development, translucency, thickening of the issues and so on. In fact, you can also the measure the baby’s weight and height.
There is a Doppler mode built inside the ultrasound machine, which helps to detect the flow of blood in the baby, and to check the uterus and placenta. It is generally useful in high risk pregnancies, where the baby's health is of concern. It reduces the risk of the baby dying and other complications during child birth. However, its value as a screening tool in pregnancies is limited by complications being rare, and greater possibility of unnecessary intervention and adverse effects. If any complication is detected in the foetus, then the patient may have to go in for a couple of more sonographies.

Breast: The primary use of breast ultrasound is to detect any abnormalities in the breast such as lump or bloody or clear discharge from the nipple. With the help of ultrasound, one can determine whether the lump is a ball of tissues, a cyst or cancerous. Ultrasound can also show additional features of the affected area.
If an abnormality is detected during the ultra sonography, then the radiologist may go in for an ultra biopsy. One can also go in for clinical tests to confirm the results.

Chest: If any fluid is detected in the chest during a clinical check-up or when there is free air in the chest due to an injury, then the patient is recommended to go for ultra sonography. Chest sonography is an established procedure in the stepwise imaging diagnosis of pulmonary and pleural diseases. Once the sonography is done, it helps the doctor to make an unequivocal diagnosis without exposing the patient to costly and stressful procedures.

Heart: Echogram or echocardiography is undertaken when abnormalities are detected in the heart during a regular check-up, or when the patient is suffering from chest pain. This test also helps to predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in persons with no cardiovascular symptoms.

Extremities: One can go for ultrsonography to check the normal supply of blood in the body, any kind of injury, fractures, pain in the joints and in other parts of the body, or when one feels coldness or numbness in the hand.


Ultra songraphy is also recommended when one is suffering from pain in abdomen , pelvis and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Ultrasonography is a must for everyone at least once a year.

- As told to Barnalee Handique

Back to the roots

Phool ase phuli, kadam ase hali... fills the air as the women sing biya naam (nupital songs) and busies themselves with cutting betel nuts and paan(betel leaves). Some are busy decorating the maral (rangoli), in the courtyard where the wedding will be held. Strings of mango leaves with vermilion tika hanging on the doorways. The dunori(brass stands) and sarai been polished to a dull gold. It’s ‘marriage time’ in the family, and I am back in Assam.
Two banana trees adorn the entrance. Green coconuts on the mud pitchers are placed at the feet of these trees. In the centre of the courtyard, where the guests are trickling in, a huge sarai been placed with a huge bunch of betel nut, covered with a gamucha, cloth. Betel nuts have been brought in bunches from our ancestral home.
“Today,the bride and the groom are considered to be the epitomes of goddess Sita and Lord Rama. For their union, these items are significant to the ceremony,” my grandmother explains. “They are a must. Banana leaves, betel nut, coconut and bananas represents male fertility. While mango leaves, betel leaves and fish denotes female fertility”.
Earlier in the day, my grandmother had opened the big wooden chanduk (wooden box) kept in the corner of her room to take out the bell metal utensils to be used during the ceremony. Out came the huge tous (vessels), ladles, baan bati(bowls), baan kahi(dishes with stands) and thali. The cooks have already arrived from the nearby villages and are busy cooking the delicacies. No Assamese wedding is complete without dishes like labra(mixed vegetables), bilahir tok(tomato chutney), chana dal (lentils), muri ghonto (fish head’s curry) and mangsho (mutton curry), served with hot lucys (puri) and rice. It will be followed by a general helping of jalpan, chira, doi, gur and banana, served in baan bati. Add to that, the mihi-dana (a sweet), cream and lalmohans (a sweet) are delectable. The entire families from the bride’s and groom’s side will sit down for the feast.
The day began with bride’s father performing the nau purushor shraddha. It is a special ceremony, where the long-gone ancestors are honoured and invited to come and bless the auspicious occasion. Then the family and relatives sought the blessings to proceed with the wedding preparations. But what always fascinates me the most is the paani tula ceremony where sacred water is collected for the ceremonial bath of the bride. So, I join the ladies who have gathered for this ritual. They proceeded to the nearby river. My aunt carries the dunori. It contains a heap of rice, an earthen lamp, betel nut and leaves, a coin and a knife. On way to the river the ladies sing the biya naam extolling the beauty and virtues of the bride.
At the river’s bank, my aunt seeks the river’s permission to collect sacred water. A woman, posing as the river, questions my aunt as to why the water is needed and what did she see on her way to the river. My aunt replies: “I have come to collect water for my daughter’s wedding. On my way, I saw Lord Shiva and Parvati getting married”.
She then gestures to cut the water thrice with the knife and fills up five earthen pots. The group returns home without glancing at the river. As the custom goes, we are not supposed to look back. Meanwhile, the bride is made to sit on an asana (seat) made of trunk of the trees. The ladies take turns to smear her with a paste of turmeric and urad dal(lentils). The water from the pitchers are then used to bathe the bride.
It is evening now and I am at the wedding venue. The brideis dressed in the traditional mekhela-chaddar and riha. She looks resplendent in her joon biri, thuka suna and gum kharu --- all shinning jewellery that reflect the hopes and happiness of the new life she is about to enter. As I watch her and soak in the sounds, sights and smells, I realise that urbanisation and technology have not muted the verdant ethos of an Assamese wedding. It feels good.

Don't let urinary tract infections go unnoticed

Dr R K Shimpi
Uro-surgeon & Andrologist

Are you suffering from pain in your lower abdomen, or have problems of frequent urination and irritation? If yes, it's time you consult your Urologist.
The most common organisms or bacteria which cause this urinary problem are of intestinal origin, like Escherichia Coli, or better known as E Coli. Most women are afflicted by this problem of Urinary Tract Infection during their reproductive years. Right from puberty to the post-menopausal period, women experience it some time or the other. If not dealt with on time, this infection could pose a serious health problem because of its frequent occurrence. The different infections usually occur due to the ascent of bacteria within the urethra. This is the reason why women are more prone to infections due to the short length of urethra and its closeness to the anal verge. The other causes of recurrent UTI are anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract or obstruction to the urinary tract. The bacteria can multiply in the urinary tract and give rise to a serious bladder infection, which is called cystitis. There are other causative bacteria like Chlamydia and Mycoplasma which are transmitted during sexual intercourse and which travel from the vagina to the urethra.

Symptoms
Often a mild infection will go unnoticed as UTI symptoms are asymptomatic. But, for someone who is prone to recurrent infections, the signs are conspicuous.
The most regular features are heaviness of bladder after passing urine, burning sensation while passing urine, frequent urination but the quantity of urine passed is not much, pain in the lower abdomen and lower back and a cloudy appearance and strong odour of urine. If undetected or untreated for long, the infections may aggravate and lead to passing of blood in the urine, known as Haematuria.

Precaution
While a strong course of antibiotics taken for a long duration can tackle the infection, there are a few precautions or steps to be taken to minimise its occurrence. These are:
- Drink plenty of fluids - water and juices - to flush out the bacteria
- Never resist the urge to urinate.
- Keep the genitals clean and dry, especially before and after sexual intercourse.
- It is good to urinate after a sexual intercourse to flush out the bacteria.
- Cotton undergarments are better then synthetic as they allow the skin to breathe and avoid moisture
- Avoid douches or scented toiletries, which can irritate the urethra.
- Always clean the genital area from front to back to prevent organisms from infecting your urinary tract.

Treatment
The treatment for UTI depends on a variety of factors. For an uncomplicated UTI, antibiotic course is recommended for a week or 10 days as per the urine culture and sensitivity report. After the initial course of antibiotics, one should again go for urine culture to check the reduction in the number of pus cells. If there are no pus cells, then the treatment is usually discontinued. But if the problems persist, or the infection is complicated, then after the initial course of antibiotics, long term antibiotics are usually recommended for the complete eradication of the bacteria. But if one gets recurrent UTI then further evaluation and correction of the abnormalities in the urinary tract with long-term antibiotics is required.

- As told to Barnalee Handique

Marry right or die

In the second honour killing of the month, Delhi-based journalist Nirupama Pathak's mother Sudha was arrested for smothering the 24-year-old to death. The question is how could a middle class family kill its own flesh and blood for merely wanting to marry outside the caste. And why do the honour killings usually occur in urban areas? Does the middle class have a medieval mindset?
In recent cases like Nitish Katara's murder and Rizwanur Rahman's supposed to be suicide, the families did not accept inter-caste and inter-religion marriages. The result was death. A Jat boy from Bahadurgarh, Haryana was forced to separate from the girl he wanted to marry. He is still hiding in Delhi under police protection. In 2008, a Jharkhand couple (belonging to the same Barda gotra) were chained in a room for a week. Their genitals were burnt. In 2009, Neelam was killed by relatives in Rajasthan in an honour killing case. The maha panchyat protested against the arrested of the killers.
The problem needs to be addressed at its roots. The alarming spate of honour killings and how the couple are clinically dealt with are frightening. We come across as people with an extra thick hide: nothing can affect us anymore. Te neighbours, friends and the whole community get involved in the killing. The mob mentality respects no individual.
Is there a solution to the growing problem? Should the situation be so dismal for the young generation?
Family plays a decisive role in an individual's life. Loyalty to clan and caste is surely demanded. It is a calamity if the young fall in love and marry outside caste or religion. That is going against family diktat. This is a transitional phase in India. The country is changing at a different pace at different places. There is conflict between value systems. People are caught in the vortex of conflicts. The victims are mostly women because they still are the property of males irrespective of caste, ethnic or religious group.
Such attitude often forces society and even the authorities to refuse protection to the victims. Often the issues get murkier with no chance of solution. The time has come for us to enact a law that will punish such heinous crimes severely. These cases can't be treated as simple cases of suicide or murder.

DOC TALK-THYROID PROBLEM

Suffering from fatigue and depression? It could be a thyroid problem

Dr Uday Phadke,
Endocrinologist & Diabetologist

Did you know that there is a small butterfly shaped gland on your neck called thyroid?This gland, below or beside the Adam's Apple, has an important impact on your health. And to keep healthy, a well-functioning thyroid gland is essential for the all-round development and growth of the body. Every aspect of your metabolism, from your heart rate to how fast you burn your calories depends on the thyroid glands. So in short, you cannot live without the thyroid gland or its hormones.
The gland makes and secretes two major iodine containing hormones (T3 and T4) which act on target cells and different organs of the body and are carried in the bloodstream. Too much or too little of thyroid hormones affects one's health - the immune system in particular thereby making one more vulnerable to diseases. Several factors may throw the thyroid off balance, especially the autoimmune disorder, though researchers do not know what causes these auto immune diseases.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Around eight per cent of the adult population suffers from thyroid problem. And the problem occurs mostly in women, than in men. It can occur during puberty and can last for as long as you live. Most people with thyroid problems have under-active and overactive hormones. Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland doesn't produce enough thyroxine (hormone).
On the other hand, the over production of the hormones will lead to hyperthyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland releases too much, causing metabolism and other organ functions to accelerate. Untreated hyperthyroidism may lead to heart failure and osteoporosis.

Hashimoto's thyroditis, an auto immune condition, is the primary cause of hypothyroidism, the most common thyroid disability. In this disease, antibodies gradually destroy the thyroid hormones, causing a slowdown in the body's system. Most women dismiss symptoms of fatigue and depression as signs of ageing and pre-menopause. However, failure to treat an under-active thyroid can cause anemia, high cholesterol and heart disease.
Therefore it is important to identify and treat Hyperthyroidism (excessive) and Hypothyroidism (less) at the earliest.

Symptoms
Though treatable, a thyroid disease is elusive as only half the people suffering from this problem know about it. The onset may be gradual with symptoms like irritability and insomnia. These symptoms are often confused with depression, stress and menopause, and that is the reason why a malfunctioning thyroid is often undetected. The other symptoms are rapid heart palpitations, weight gain, weakness, weight loss, dyslexia, premature hair greying, hair loss, chronic hives and vitiligo.
People who have a family history of thyroid disease are at a greater risk.
Postpartum thyroditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that occurs in 5-10 per cent of women following pregnancy. It is responsible for most postpartum depression. The problem usually resolves on its own. Some people develop painless lumps on the thyroid and though most of these nodules are harmless, a doctor usually performs a biopsy to evaluate the cells for cancer. An imaging test can also help diagnose the nodules.

Awareness
Be alert about the symptoms, and if you have any, go for the T3, T 4 and TSH tests.


- As told to Barnalee Handique

An input :Why I like mallika Sarabhai...

I was always enamoured by this versatile danseuses forthright and veracious demeanor.I am talking of none other then the pretty and resolute Mallika Sarabhai. She has many dimensions to her character and her journey in life has been fascinating-as a dancer and as a social activist. She has not only chiseled herself to an art form,but is also known for her creative bent of mind. She has always been passionate about her art and knowledgeable about her craft, and modest about her skills. This determined and undaunted social crusader and has been successful in raising awareness,highlighting social issues and advocating change. What endeared me till date is her indomitable spirit and never-say die attitude. Case in point:She fight for the downtrodden with the same verve and energy ,as she did when she offered a tough resistance to the Gujrat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.Her determination, it has taken legendary hues and can serve as an inspiration to many. She was and is the epitome of modest women.It speaks about her unwavering grit and strong will power. I have found myself drawn to this trait in her time and again.

BOOK REVIEW : Road to Jerusalem

THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM
Author: Jan Guillou
Pages : 833
Publisher: Harper Collins
Price:Rs 250

If you are interested in reading a historical thriller with a refreshing perspective on twelfth century religion and society in Sweden, then the aptly named 'The Road to Jerusalem'(The Crusades trilogy)will surely keep you engrossed in the pages.

The story spins round Arn De Gothia who would become a great crusader. Arn the second son of a rich landowner, falls to his apparent death as a youngster but is revived after much praying by his parents. They see their son's survival as a sign that their son is special, and is later sent to a monaster to pursue his education. Under the tutelage of a former Knight Templar, he undertakes scholarly lessons.Finally he ends up being a superb swordsman,a natural fighter and an excellent swordsman. Even his monastery superiors began to think that this was not the place to which god was calling him.
His release from cloistered life of the monastery to the world outside was not easy and his innocence and strength propelled him into remarkable difficulties. His country was at war,rival families including his own were striving for the crown-and no one had expected him ever to emerge from the monastery to claim his heritage. Drinks,women and warfare were all intoxicating,but the penalties imposed for transgressing rules were fierce,in his case,banishment to join Knights Templar.
The tapestry of scenes woven by Guillou's makes us understand life in the Nordic lands, in particular the changing relationships among the clans, the church's role and the politics in general of the time. For me, Arn is a strong lead character who holds the story line together,and the support cast enhances the deep look into Swedish medieval society while also propelling the plot forward.
As you turn the pages,you will appreciate the finer nuances of the society portrayed by Guillou. Arn's life in the monastery was depicted beautifully in the discussions between him and Father Henri. The poignant scene when Arn is about to become a Templar is evident in the lines- “For God and death to all Saracens!” As Father Henri says, “God's children are select, and just as they do not include the thralls (servants) who worship their pagan gods so too can they never include the Saracens, whoare the most nefarious race that the Devil has put on our earth. They are not human beings, they are devils in human form,”according to Father Henri.
Though the novel captivates you, I found the pacing of the novel too slow as one scene unfolds to the other. Arn does not truly become the main character until well into the book, and the first one hundred-fifty or so pages are devoted to setting up the story, and action is minimal, with many scenes devoted to theological discussions between Arn and his elders. At times, it feels as if Guillou is telling the reader what happened, rather than letting the reader experience events through the character, thus subtly distancing the reader on an emotional level.On the positive side, Guillou masterfully immerses the reader in the historical context. The attention to details both great and small, and the plots and machinations make for an intriguing tale. If you enjoy a story unreeled at a leisurely pace, I recommend The Road to Jerusalem.

Celebrating durga Puje

Time has come round again for my favourite festival-durga puja and I am waiting to revel in the festival’s specialities such as the decorations, sumptuous food, rangolis and the rich finery. For me this occasion has special connotation,It’s the time when I get back to my roots and get in touch dormant spiritual side. It’s a time when I follow every tradition connected to this festival. Besides that, it also the time when I get in touch with my entire family.
Durga Puja symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated for a week, and each day has a mythological significance. Astami or the eight day is the most important day of the entire occasion.. It’s a family time as puja’s are performed.
I remember the days of lavish preparation before the arrival of the deity. A week before the pujas,I helped my mother with the household chores. Garlands of marigold and mango leaves were sewn together,the rice had to be ground for alpanas (rangoli), a variety of mithais to be prepared before the relatives started arriving. other family members start arriving. I remember collecting fresh flowers from the neighbours garden every morning and cleaning the brass thalis to be used for the day’s rituals.
After the days rituals, it is usually time when the entire family sits down for bhog. Bhog is usually made of rice and a mixture of lentils, accompanied labra (a dish of mixed vegetable), papad and dollops of ghee served on banana leaf. And not to forget the rich kheer made with jaggery,ground rice and dates and the delicious rosogollas, mohan bhogs and lal mohans which were simply divine!
In the evening, the entire family usually gather and visit the local puja pandals. It is usually the time when we get to meet and socialise with our friends,relatives and friends. Nearly everyone makes it to the pandal once a day to pray and eat together. The puja pandals are usually choc-a bloc with women resplendent in traditional benarsi sarees with heavy gold embrodiery and matching jewellery,while the men are usually seen in embroidered kurtis and dhotis.
And not to forget the tantalising food stalls set up in every pandal where you get to taste different regional cuisines. Check the different food offered in the stalls, which seems to be the main draw of the pandals. It's quite a sight to see people attacking the food with gusto.
Another aspect I like,during this time it is a revival of culture and tradition. The pandals usually encourages artistic exprerssions through home decorations,stage plays,elocution competitions,cooking competitions thereby discovering talent in younger people.

REVIEW : Flesh House

Book : Flesh House
Author: Stuart Macbride
Price:Rs 250
Pages:480
Publisher :Harper Collins

When much ink has been spilled and reams written eugolising an author and his writings,it makes me wary. The truth, however is that Stuart Macbride is better with each book he has authored. I read the novel in three hours flat while waiting for a dentist's appointment and it certainly helped those dreaded hours melt away.
Like all his other books, Macbride has stuck to the formula of penning down dark funny stories and Flesh House is no different. Surprisingly, in this novel too, he has managed to sustain powerful eyeball glue. It's taught narrative,gut churning incident,strong characterization, are all shot through with savagely dark humor. He makes sure he hooks you from the first page and never lets you go.

The story is written ostensibly within the framework of a particular genre. The grisly tale starts off with a brisk pace when an offshore container turns up at Aberdeen Harbour full of human flesh. The incident kicks off the largest manhunt in the granite city's history. The city is besieged by a cannibalistic killer,who dismembers corpses and has the habit of selling the flesh it in a food chain. Not surprisingly, considerable pressure is brought upon the police, including DS Logan McCrae, to solve the grisly crimes committed by "The Flesher." Little is know about him except that he wears a Margaret Thatcher mask,who is cunning as a fox and frighteningly deadly,and may not be the person who was convicted of crime some twenty years ago. But the story takes another twist when members of the original investigation start to dissapear, McRae realizes the case might not be clear cut as everyone thinks.

This an edge -of -your seat page turner is riveting and gruesome. I'm not sure how much of it I missed since it seems to be one of a series, and I'm not up to date. However, I enjoyed the way the plot developed and unfolded in a fairly realistic manner. With a rampaging and seemingly invincible serial killer, Flesh House is nearly as much thriller as mystery. The pages turn rapidly, the characters are engaging (though often human enough to be unlikable), the writing is sometimes witty and sometimes gritty, the police are often unheroic, and the good guys don't always win. The Scottish setting is enjoyable. It is so compelling, that you need to take a break in the reading to absorb all the action. The story is violent and bloody,some of the crimes are vicious and the author doesn't hold back on the details. But there is a plenty of dark humor,and a warmth to the portrayal of the police officers which lightens an otherwise grim tale. There are instances where he grabs the reader by the throat.
While I liked the writing style, the various plot lines never really connected. I mostly enjoyed it, but found the ending a little anti-climactic after everything building up to it.
The book is a must read for those who's got a penchant for blood,gore and the macabre. Read it for the surge of adrenaline.

DOC TALK : A rash solution

Vaishalee Kirane
Laser Surgeon, Trichologist, Dermatologist

The long hot summer months are here. Your skin which looked radiant during winter is now dull, blemished and oily. Also, one tends to develop different skin rashes and infections due to perspiration and heat. The best solution is to follow a regular skin regimen and diet to counter the harmful effects of the sun.
The first and most essential mantra for your skin during summer is: Moisturising. But what moisturiser should you choose? What is the frequency and amount to be applied? And what are the measures to keep rashes at bay? Read on for answers...

Cream allergy
Moisturizers usually do not have an adverse effect on the skin. It is always advisable to test the cream on a small patch behind the ear or on your elbow to rule out any skin reaction.
That is because during winter, the skin's natural oils solidify, but during summer the oil flows freely. The excessive oil may result in skin eruptions. The skin becomes dry, red and itchy. Hence most people need lighter moisturizers. Although oil free or water-based moisturizers are preferred during the hot summer months, it is important to know your skin's needs. A person may also get acne or rashes due to hormonal imbalance and other internal factors. Usually we recommend rose water to be used in the affected area, as it has a cooling effect. The next step is to find out the main cause of the acne and consult a doctor for the right medicines as opposed to self-medication.

Dryness, skin burn and sun tan
The other nagging problems which occur during these months are extreme dryness of the skin, skin burns and tans. Too much exposure to the sun may lead to dryness, irritation, redness. Eventually, the skin starts peeling. During the day, one should protect one's skin, even if one is indoors. Use a sunscreen to avoid excessive tanning and dryness. Normally, a sunscreen of SPF 30 works well with Indian skin. Sunblocks with titanium oxide, zinc oxide and avo benzone protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun. Also, it is always advisable to carry an aloe vera cream as it helps to combat dryness.

Heat boils and skin eruptions
Heat boils and fungal eruptions are a common ailment during this hot and humid season. One should use an anti-fungal powder which will be easily available at your nearest chemist store. Drinking plenty of water, juices and keeping yourself clean helps control the infection to a certain extent. Moreover, wearing loose, cotton clothes are a good option during this period.

Jewellery allergy
Most of us wear watches, hair clips, bracelets, rings and so on. But at times, after using these accessories, you may experience a furious itch, followed by a burning sensation and redness. This happens because you are allergic to a particular metal, and the heat and sweat aggravates the affected area. You should immediately remove the accessory and avoid contact with metal for a couple of weeks till the rash subsides. Avoid nickel-rich food like chocolates, beans, peas for a certain period, or till you are fine.
Above all, be kind to yourself, if your skin breaks out. Don't take matters in your own hands. Consult a dermatologist immediately.

- As told to Barnalee Handique