Smart home decors for your house

Here are some ideas...

PAINT SOLID COLOURS
Use solid colours for your drawing room. Monochromatic colours like orange, red and pink can do wonders. Keep a bright coloured sofa or bean bag and paint one of the walls of your house grey.

KEEP BRASS ARTIFACTS
Brass gives a classy touch to your living room. A brass idol or candle stand placed at a strategic location in the living room helps create a serene atmosphere in the house.

LIGHT UP
Use candles and lampshades around your house. Instead of regular candles, use cupcake moulds to make candles for your house. Make lamp shades with earthen pots for that ethnic touch to your house.

USE FURNITURE WITH CLEAN LINES
To make your house look clutter free, opt for no-fuss furniture. It is easy to maintain and doesn't require much dusting. Keep some bright coloured cushions on the floor and on the sofas to add dash of colour to your room.

HAVE STYLISH SEPARATIONS
Partition is a great way to separate the living room and the dinning room. Make the partition such that it can be used a bookshelf. Keep it less bulky, otherwise it might occupy a lot of space in the room.

SHOE IT OFF
Dirty shoes lying in the house can be a big turn-off. Keep a sitting place along with it so that people can change their shoes comfortably. Keep the shoe rack in the corner of the drawing room so that dirty footwear does not spoil the carpets and rugs of your room.

MAKE AN ART WALL
Art walls can change the entire look of your house, provided they are arranged properly. Mix and match art walls with masks, paintings and photographs to add grace and brightness to your house.

BE A BOOKWORM
Books can be used to add an element of sophistication to your house. Place them on the centre table or on the book rack. But don't forget to dust them properly. You can use interesting bookends available at home decor stores.

KEEP IT GREEN
A green plant kept at the entrance of the house will add liveliness to your house. Keep a bonsai plant in a corner of the room or play around with the placement with different indoor plants. All they require is a little bit of care.

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'50 Shades' actress debuts bob hairdo

Actress Dakota Johnson appeared with a new look in her new tousled bob-length locks.

The actress, best known as Anastasia Steele in "Fifty Shades of Grey", was spotted hanging out here wearing her newly lobbed hair on Wednesday. Teaming her new hairdo with skinny jeans, grey coat, boots and round glasses, the 25-year-old actress looked more fresh, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The bob cut suits her so much as it frames her face nicely.

Johnson appeared in "Fifty Shades of Grey" with her long brunette hair. In the movie, she used to style her hair into a braid which definitely matched the character's innocent disposition.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" was based on erotic romance novel written by E. L. James under the same title. Directed by Sam Taylor-Jonson with a screenplay by Kelly Marcet, the movie also starred Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey and Eloise Mumford as Katherine Kavanagh.

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Kitchen remedies for tanned and sunburnt skin

While we all start preparing ourselves to beat the heat even before we step into summers, skin darkening, tanning and sunburns cannot be avoided whatsoever.

These simple beauty tricks that emerge from your kitchen will help you get rid of the annoying sun tans or sunburnt skin, that most us face, in spite of using the best suncreen or anti-tan lotions.

Aloe vera gel A perfect cooling remedy for sun-burnt skin, is the gel from a freshly plucked aloe vera leaf. Apply it over the sun-burnt area and rinse it off after it dries. Repeat the procedure for a few days.

Gram flour face pack Gram flour i.e. besan will help you get rid of an unwanted tan. You just need to mix some besan, a few drops of lemon juice and curd. Apply it to your face and other tanned parts of your body, rinse off with cold water after it gets dried. A 10-day regimen will help you get your tan off.

Honey and lime Mix honey with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it to your face after coming in from the hot sun. It will considerably reduce redness and darkening of skin.

Cooler cubes It's not just drinks that ice cubes are known to cool; they are a very useful beauty remedy as well. Freeze one part of milk mixed with three parts of water; cover these ice cubes with a cloth and rub it over your face; it will help cure sunburnt skin.

Turmeric mask A mask prepared by mixing fresh turmeric powder and milk can help you get rid of a stubborn tan.

Published on 16/4/2015

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Books from 15th century worth $6 million donated!

A collection of rare books dating back to the 15th century was donated to the State Library of Victoria, Australia. The books were donated to the library by the family of Melbourne barrister John Emmerson.

Valued at about 8 million Australian dollars (about $6 million), the collection also contains early editions of noted British writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton, Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift.

The collection also includes books owned by King Charles I of England, a Nuremberg bible dating back to 1485, and pamphlets that had daily news about the impeding execution of Charles I.

Emmerson began collecting books in the 1960s when he was studying nuclear physics at Oxford University. He continued buying books even after he returned home to Melbourne in the 1970s.

He passed away in August last year.

The library's head of rare books Des Cowley said the collection's centrepiece was the huge array of extremely rare tracts and pamphlets printed during the English Civil War in the mid-17th century.

"This would be the single greatest bequest of rare books in the State Library of Victoria's 160-year history," Cowley said.

"We are quite stunned and we are only just starting to really get a sense of the richness and depth of this collection," he added.

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'50 Shades' actress debuts bob hairdo

Actress Dakota Johnson appeared with a new look in her new tousled bob-length locks.

The actress, best known as Anastasia Steele in "Fifty Shades of Grey", was spotted hanging out here wearing her newly lobbed hair on Wednesday. Teaming her new hairdo with skinny jeans, grey coat, boots and round glasses, the 25-year-old actress looked more fresh, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The bob cut suits her so much as it frames her face nicely.

Johnson appeared in "Fifty Shades of Grey" with her long brunette hair. In the movie, she used to style her hair into a braid which definitely matched the character's innocent disposition.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" was based on erotic romance novel written by E. L. James under the same title. Directed by Sam Taylor-Jonson with a screenplay by Kelly Marcet, the movie also starred Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey and Eloise Mumford as Katherine Kavanagh.

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Books from 15th century worth $6 million donated!

A collection of rare books dating back to the 15th century was donated to the State Library of Victoria, Australia. The books were donated to the library by the family of Melbourne barrister John Emmerson.

Valued at about 8 million Australian dollars (about $6 million), the collection also contains early editions of noted British writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton, Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift.

The collection also includes books owned by King Charles I of England, a Nuremberg bible dating back to 1485, and pamphlets that had daily news about the impeding execution of Charles I.

Emmerson began collecting books in the 1960s when he was studying nuclear physics at Oxford University. He continued buying books even after he returned home to Melbourne in the 1970s.

He passed away in August last year.

The library's head of rare books Des Cowley said the collection's centrepiece was the huge array of extremely rare tracts and pamphlets printed during the English Civil War in the mid-17th century.

"This would be the single greatest bequest of rare books in the State Library of Victoria's 160-year history," Cowley said.

"We are quite stunned and we are only just starting to really get a sense of the richness and depth of this collection," he added.

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Keep your leather products forever new

RELATED KEYWORDS: Vinegar|stains|Products|olive-oil|Leather|cleansers

The author has posted comments on this articleIANS | Apr 14, 2015, 12.00AM IST

Keep your leather products forever new (Getty Images)

Page 1 of 4

Leather accessories add an 'oomph' factor to one's wardrobe, but keeping them looking new can be tricky. Avoid using harsh cleansers and remember to use vinegar or olive oil to clean them, says an expert.

Here are some tips from Utsav Malhotra, general manager (sales and sourcing), FashionAndYou, a flash website in the fashion and lifestyle space, which will help you to keep your leather looking as lovely as always:

Cleaning stains: Generally, a paste of one part tartar and one part lemon juice works well to wipe dark stains off your prized leather possessions. Rub the paste on the problem area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. After the removal, dry the leather with a towel. To remove stains instantly, use chalk powder to absorb the moisture and clean the stain.

Avoid harsh cleansers: Your leathers are high-maintenance and just like everything else that falls into that category, they are also extremely delicate. So keep those alkalis and alcohol-based cleansers at bay. Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners and varnish are other items that you must never use unless you want to see serious damage or discoloration on your most beloved bags, jackets or boots.

Removing mould or mildew: First let the leather product dry out completely in a warm room. Get rid of the surface mould with a damp cloth. Then allow the leather to dry again. After this, use a mild cleaner like baby shampoo and see the mildew come off completely. To keep mould growth away, air your handbag once every two weeks.

Use vinegar: One of the most effective home remedies for leather is white vinegar. Mix this in equal proportions with water and dip a towel into the mixture. Wipe the towel gently over the affected surface till the stains/mould wipes out completely. Allow the leather accessory to dry out on its own. Using artificial heat is never a good idea with leather.

Olive oil: This wonder oil is good for your metabolism, skin, hair and even for your treasured leather jacket or bag. Dip a soft cleaning cloth in a bowl of olive oil and wipe away that unwanted grime dulling the beauty of your luscious leather!

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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Gunter Wilhelm Grass' India connection

As an author, poet, playwright, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor, Nobel laureate Gunter Wilhelm Grass was a true giant with success in every artistic form he explored.

His association with India began in the 1980s when he joined the long list of activists linked to the country's peace movement and stayed predominantly in Calcutta (now Kolkata) with wife Ute from August 1986 to January 1987.

His extended sojourn in India resulted into the publishing of "Zunge Zeigen", an allusion to Kali's tongue, in 1988. It is a prose of approximately 90 pages, 80 drawings and a long epic poem of approximately 23 pages and is considered to to recognise Kolkata's role as a mirror of the global conflicts between the developing and the developed world.

"This is very sad. A true giant, inspiration, and friend. Drum for him, little Oskar," wrote India-born author Salman Rushdie on Grass' death.

The legend died in a hospital in Lubeck at the age of 87. Read more on him here!

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Books that beauty queens recommend!

/life-style/photo-stories/photo-stories-do-not-make-active/books-that-beauty-queens-recommend/eventshow/46932326.cms

01

fbb Femina Miss India 2015 Aditi Arya is an avid reader. Her recommendation is Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns. 

Books that beauty queens recommend!

/life-style/photo-stories/photo-stories-do-not-make-active/books-that-beauty-queens-recommend/eventshow/46932328.cms

02

Miss India World 2014 Koyal Rana suggests Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner. She thinks that it is a beautiful story by a brilliant story writer. 

Books that beauty queens recommend!

/life-style/photo-stories/photo-stories-do-not-make-active/books-that-beauty-queens-recommend/eventshow/46932720.cms

03

Miss India International 2014 Jhataleka Malhotra recommends Jean Sasson's Daughters of Arabia. 

Books that beauty queens recommend!

/life-style/photo-stories/photo-stories-do-not-make-active/books-that-beauty-queens-recommend/eventshow/46932327.cms

04

Miss Supranational 2014 Asha Bhat completely falls back on Shiv Khera's You Can win. She recommends the bestseller to everyone. This book has kept the fire to win alive in her always. 

Books that beauty queens recommend!

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05

fbb Femina Miss India second runner-up Vartika Singh is able to be grounded because she relies completely on this book - Act Like Success Think Like Success! 

Books that beauty queens recommend!

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Young Adult Literary Convention returns

This year's Young Adult Literary Convention (YALC) is shaping up to be a very exciting books festival indeed.

In 2014, the event brought together over 50 leading YA authors for a programme of talks, workshops and signings, a bookshop provided by Waterstones and publisher stands promoting new and upcoming titles.

21 authors for this year's programme have already been announced, including US YA superstar Cassandra Clare; Youtuber Carrie Hope Fletcher; bestselling author of The Bone Season Samantha Shannon; Skulduggery Pleasant creator Derek Landy; reigning Queen of Teen James Dawson; and Malorie Blackman who is the founder of YALC.

Derek Landy and Carrie Hope Fletcher will be joining YALC founder Malorie Blackman at the convention, which will take place at in a dedicated Book Zone at the London Film and Comic Con from from 17-19 July 2015 at Olympia, London.

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Author of The Tin Drum, Gunter Grass dies

RELATED KEYWORDS: The-Tin-Drum|Nobel-Literature-Prize|Guenter-Grass|Germany

The author has posted comments on this articleTNN | Apr 13, 2015, 04.08PM IST

Page 1 of 4

German Nobel literature prize winner and author of The Tin Drum, Gunter Grass, has died at the age of 87. He passed away at a clinic in the city of Luebeck.

Grass served in the German military in World War II and published his breakthrough anti-Nazi novel, The Tin Drum, in 1959.

His works are frequently considered to have a left-wing political dimension, and Grass was an active supporter of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). The Tin Drum was adapted as a film of the same name, which won both the 1979 Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize in Literature, praising him as a writer "whose frolicsome black fables portray the forgotten face of history".

His literature is commonly categorised as part of the German artistic movement known as Vergangenheitsbewaltigung, roughly translated as "coming to terms with the past."

Few famous quotes from Gunter Grass:

"I'm always astonished by a forest. It makes me realise that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn."

"Everyone is born into a certain era. I wouldn't want to see anyone faced with the circumstances that prevailed at the time, when there were few or no alternatives."

"I have found that words that are loaded with pathos and create a seductive euphoria are apt to promote nonsense."

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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This chick lit would like to break a myth!

Chick lit is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly. Who, me? Is every word of the definition stated above! Tina Sharma has kept all cliches away from her second book that leaves you craving for turning one more page. But the author Tina Sharma Tiwari likes to believe that "while it is nowhere near the thriller genre, it breaks a myth or two about 'chick lit'." Just like her belief, there are twists and turns in the book when least expected.

Who, me? is Tara Dixit's story of her struggle to get her fiance back, who left her after declaring his love for someone else just a month before getting hitched. Tara, like any other girl loses it insanely and like anybody's situation, friends come in for a rescue!

Enter two dynamic and most important people in Tara's life, now - Rekha and Shweta. Rekha is a typical hot, sexy, savvy journo and a true friend. She has all the traits of a BFF roomie and is the one who keeps giving Tara ideas to get Arun back, which runs into hilarious accounts of 'failed attempts', though she herself hate him - only because she feels Arun is a 'lame' choice for Tara. Shweta is Tara's cousin and runs a modeling agency. Together these girls plan a devious plan of Tara's sexy makeover at a school reunion which would aim to get Arun back.

However cliche this may sound, the book is not just about this plan of a makeover to get Arun back. It leads to a series of revelations that happen at the reunion which grips your curiosity with every new twist. Tina's detailing of every scene and character cannot be ignored and which we can easily dedicate to her sport journalism career. She is full of energies and quirky and says that story of an underdog being a winner is her favorite subject.

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Interesting book can only be a product of an interesting author. And so, we also bring to you a brief conversation with Tina Sharma Tiwari about her book:

1. Sports, politics and now writing novels. Varied experiences. Which one do you think will stick closest to you through your life?
I studied to become a journalist because I wanted to be a sports journalist. My first book Running on Full's central theme was sports. And even in 'Who, Me?' I couldn't help but squeeze in a bit of sport with my favourite character Rekha being a sports agent! I think my obsession with sports is going to stick. On the contrary, I do have many varied interests and I feel blessed that I am able to explore nearly all of them. I think it builds layers into my character and I am richer for it.

2. The story is about an underdog character, which also smells good for an amazing Bollywood script. Do you see your book being booked by some producer?
Do I see it? I daydream about it all the time! (Laughs) No, seriously, I have been told by many who have read 'Who, Me?' that it lends itself perfectly to a film script. But the fact is that there are scores of excellent books out there and not all get made into movies. To actually get picked up by a film producer, I think you have to have either great marketing skills (perhaps) or just plain blind luck.

3. By the cover, the book looks a cliche. Do you think you would like to change something about the book now?
Not really. I think the surprise element is what makes the book what it is. The twists and turns of the plot hit you when you least expect them. Maybe if we revealed too much in the cover or the blurb itself, the fact that it is not just a 'giggles-and-frills' story would have been very obvious.

4. What lies ahead - converting your novels into scripts or writing more chick-lits?
Show me a willing producer and I will get cracking on those scripts right away! But even if that doesn't happen immediately, I'm busy writing in any case. I am pushing the envelope a little bit, with these works and I'm quite excited about that. I'd love to write an out-and-out supernatural thriller some day. I just don't have the nerve, just yet.

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Author of The Tin Drum, Guenter Grass dies

RELATED KEYWORDS: The-Tin-Drum|Nobel-Literature-Prize|Guenter-Grass|Germany

The author has posted comments on this articleTNN | Apr 13, 2015, 04.08PM IST

Page 1 of 4

German Nobel literature prize winner and author of The Tin Drum, Gunter Grass, has died at the age of 87. He passed away at a clinic in the city of Luebeck.

Grass served in the German military in World War II and published his breakthrough anti-Nazi novel, The Tin Drum, in 1959.

His works are frequently considered to have a left-wing political dimension, and Grass was an active supporter of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). The Tin Drum was adapted as a film of the same name, which won both the 1979 Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize in Literature, praising him as a writer "whose frolicsome black fables portray the forgotten face of history".

His literature is commonly categorised as part of the German artistic movement known as Vergangenheitsbewaltigung, roughly translated as "coming to terms with the past."

Few famous quotes from Gunter Grass:

"I'm always astonished by a forest. It makes me realise that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn."

"Everyone is born into a certain era. I wouldn't want to see anyone faced with the circumstances that prevailed at the time, when there were few or no alternatives."

"I have found that words that are loaded with pathos and create a seductive euphoria are apt to promote nonsense."

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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Keep your leather products forever new

Leather accessories add an 'oomph' factor to one's wardrobe, but keeping them looking new can be tricky. Avoid using harsh cleansers and remember to use vinegar or olive oil to clean them, says an expert.

Here are some tips from Utsav Malhotra, general manager (sales and sourcing), FashionAndYou, a flash website in the fashion and lifestyle space, which will help you to keep your leather looking as lovely as always:

Cleaning stains: Generally, a paste of one part tartar and one part lemon juice works well to wipe dark stains off your prized leather possessions. Rub the paste on the problem area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. After the removal, dry the leather with a towel. To remove stains instantly, use chalk powder to absorb the moisture and clean the stain.

Avoid harsh cleansers: Your leathers are high-maintenance and just like everything else that falls into that category, they are also extremely delicate. So keep those alkalis and alcohol-based cleansers at bay. Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners and varnish are other items that you must never use unless you want to see serious damage or discoloration on your most beloved bags, jackets or boots.

Removing mould or mildew: First let the leather product dry out completely in a warm room. Get rid of the surface mould with a damp cloth. Then allow the leather to dry again. After this, use a mild cleaner like baby shampoo and see the mildew come off completely. To keep mould growth away, air your handbag once every two weeks.

Use vinegar: One of the most effective home remedies for leather is white vinegar. Mix this in equal proportions with water and dip a towel into the mixture. Wipe the towel gently over the affected surface till the stains/mould wipes out completely. Allow the leather accessory to dry out on its own. Using artificial heat is never a good idea with leather.

Olive oil: This wonder oil is good for your metabolism, skin, hair and even for your treasured leather jacket or bag. Dip a soft cleaning cloth in a bowl of olive oil and wipe away that unwanted grime dulling the beauty of your luscious leather!

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Gunter Wilhelm Grass' India connection

As an author, poet, playwright, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor, Nobel laureate Gunter Wilhelm Grass was a true giant with success in every artistic form he explored.

His association with India began in the 1980s when he joined the long list of activists linked to the country's peace movement and stayed predominantly in Calcutta (now Kolkata) with wife Ute from August 1986 to January 1987.

His extended sojourn in India resulted into the publishing of "Zunge Zeigen", an allusion to Kali's tongue, in 1988. It is a prose of approximately 90 pages, 80 drawings and a long epic poem of approximately 23 pages and is considered to to recognise Kolkata's role as a mirror of the global conflicts between the developing and the developed world.

"This is very sad. A true giant, inspiration, and friend. Drum for him, little Oskar," wrote India-born author Salman Rushdie on Grass' death.

The legend died in a hospital in Lubeck at the age of 87. Read more on him here!

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW TOI_Books ON TWITTER

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18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Keep your leather products forever new

Leather accessories add an 'oomph' factor to one's wardrobe, but keeping them looking new can be tricky. Avoid using harsh cleansers and remember to use vinegar or olive oil to clean them, says an expert.

Here are some tips from Utsav Malhotra, general manager (sales and sourcing), FashionAndYou, a flash website in the fashion and lifestyle space, which will help you to keep your leather looking as lovely as always:

Cleaning stains: Generally, a paste of one part tartar and one part lemon juice works well to wipe dark stains off your prized leather possessions. Rub the paste on the problem area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. After the removal, dry the leather with a towel. To remove stains instantly, use chalk powder to absorb the moisture and clean the stain.

Avoid harsh cleansers: Your leathers are high-maintenance and just like everything else that falls into that category, they are also extremely delicate. So keep those alkalis and alcohol-based cleansers at bay. Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners and varnish are other items that you must never use unless you want to see serious damage or discoloration on your most beloved bags, jackets or boots.

Removing mould or mildew: First let the leather product dry out completely in a warm room. Get rid of the surface mould with a damp cloth. Then allow the leather to dry again. After this, use a mild cleaner like baby shampoo and see the mildew come off completely. To keep mould growth away, air your handbag once every two weeks.

Use vinegar: One of the most effective home remedies for leather is white vinegar. Mix this in equal proportions with water and dip a towel into the mixture. Wipe the towel gently over the affected surface till the stains/mould wipes out completely. Allow the leather accessory to dry out on its own. Using artificial heat is never a good idea with leather.

Olive oil: This wonder oil is good for your metabolism, skin, hair and even for your treasured leather jacket or bag. Dip a soft cleaning cloth in a bowl of olive oil and wipe away that unwanted grime dulling the beauty of your luscious leather!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Vinegar,stains,Products,olive oil,Leather

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Author of The Tin Drum, Gunter Grass dies

German Nobel literature prize winner and author of The Tin Drum, Gunter Grass, has died at the age of 87. He passed away at a clinic in the city of Luebeck.

Grass served in the German military in World War II and published his breakthrough anti-Nazi novel, The Tin Drum, in 1959.

His works are frequently considered to have a left-wing political dimension, and Grass was an active supporter of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). The Tin Drum was adapted as a film of the same name, which won both the 1979 Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize in Literature, praising him as a writer "whose frolicsome black fables portray the forgotten face of history".

His literature is commonly categorised as part of the German artistic movement known as Vergangenheitsbewaltigung, roughly translated as "coming to terms with the past."

Few famous quotes from Gunter Grass:

"I'm always astonished by a forest. It makes me realise that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn."

"Everyone is born into a certain era. I wouldn't want to see anyone faced with the circumstances that prevailed at the time, when there were few or no alternatives."

"I have found that words that are loaded with pathos and create a seductive euphoria are apt to promote nonsense."

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Author of The Tin Drum, Guenter Grass dies

German Nobel literature prize winner and author of The Tin Drum, Gunter Grass, has died at the age of 87. He passed away at a clinic in the city of Luebeck.

Grass served in the German military in World War II and published his breakthrough anti-Nazi novel, The Tin Drum, in 1959.

His works are frequently considered to have a left-wing political dimension, and Grass was an active supporter of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). The Tin Drum was adapted as a film of the same name, which won both the 1979 Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize in Literature, praising him as a writer "whose frolicsome black fables portray the forgotten face of history".

His literature is commonly categorised as part of the German artistic movement known as Vergangenheitsbewaltigung, roughly translated as "coming to terms with the past."

Few famous quotes from Gunter Grass:

"I'm always astonished by a forest. It makes me realise that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn."

"Everyone is born into a certain era. I wouldn't want to see anyone faced with the circumstances that prevailed at the time, when there were few or no alternatives."

"I have found that words that are loaded with pathos and create a seductive euphoria are apt to promote nonsense."

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This chick lit would like to break a myth!

Chick lit is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly. Who, me? Is every word of the definition stated above! Tina Sharma has kept all cliches away from her second book that leaves you craving for turning one more page. But the author Tina Sharma Tiwari likes to believe that "while it is nowhere near the thriller genre, it breaks a myth or two about 'chick lit'." Just like her belief, there are twists and turns in the book when least expected.

Who, me? is Tara Dixit's story of her struggle to get her fiance back, who left her after declaring his love for someone else just a month before getting hitched. Tara, like any other girl loses it insanely and like anybody's situation, friends come in for a rescue!

Enter two dynamic and most important people in Tara's life, now - Rekha and Shweta. Rekha is a typical hot, sexy, savvy journo and a true friend. She has all the traits of a BFF roomie and is the one who keeps giving Tara ideas to get Arun back, which runs into hilarious accounts of 'failed attempts', though she herself hate him - only because she feels Arun is a 'lame' choice for Tara. Shweta is Tara's cousin and runs a modeling agency. Together these girls plan a devious plan of Tara's sexy makeover at a school reunion which would aim to get Arun back.

However cliche this may sound, the book is not just about this plan of a makeover to get Arun back. It leads to a series of revelations that happen at the reunion which grips your curiosity with every new twist. Tina's detailing of every scene and character cannot be ignored and which we can easily dedicate to her sport journalism career. She is full of energies and quirky and says that story of an underdog being a winner is her favorite subject.

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Interesting book can only be a product of an interesting author. And so, we also bring to you a brief conversation with Tina Sharma Tiwari about her book:

1. Sports, politics and now writing novels. Varied experiences. Which one do you think will stick closest to you through your life?
I studied to become a journalist because I wanted to be a sports journalist. My first book Running on Full's central theme was sports. And even in 'Who, Me?' I couldn't help but squeeze in a bit of sport with my favourite character Rekha being a sports agent! I think my obsession with sports is going to stick. On the contrary, I do have many varied interests and I feel blessed that I am able to explore nearly all of them. I think it builds layers into my character and I am richer for it.

2. The story is about an underdog character, which also smells good for an amazing Bollywood script. Do you see your book being booked by some producer?
Do I see it? I daydream about it all the time! (Laughs) No, seriously, I have been told by many who have read 'Who, Me?' that it lends itself perfectly to a film script. But the fact is that there are scores of excellent books out there and not all get made into movies. To actually get picked up by a film producer, I think you have to have either great marketing skills (perhaps) or just plain blind luck.

3. By the cover, the book looks a cliche. Do you think you would like to change something about the book now?
Not really. I think the surprise element is what makes the book what it is. The twists and turns of the plot hit you when you least expect them. Maybe if we revealed too much in the cover or the blurb itself, the fact that it is not just a 'giggles-and-frills' story would have been very obvious.

4. What lies ahead - converting your novels into scripts or writing more chick-lits?
Show me a willing producer and I will get cracking on those scripts right away! But even if that doesn't happen immediately, I'm busy writing in any case. I am pushing the envelope a little bit, with these works and I'm quite excited about that. I'd love to write an out-and-out supernatural thriller some day. I just don't have the nerve, just yet.

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Gunter Wilhelm Grass' India connection

As an author, poet, playwright, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor, Nobel laureate Gunter Wilhelm Grass was a true giant with success in every artistic form he explored.

His association with India began in the 1980s when he joined the long list of activists linked to the country's peace movement and stayed predominantly in Calcutta (now Kolkata) with wife Ute from August 1986 to January 1987.

His extended sojourn in India resulted into the publishing of "Zunge Zeigen", an allusion to Kali's tongue, in 1988. It is a prose of approximately 90 pages, 80 drawings and a long epic poem of approximately 23 pages and is considered to to recognise Kolkata's role as a mirror of the global conflicts between the developing and the developed world.

"This is very sad. A true giant, inspiration, and friend. Drum for him, little Oskar," wrote India-born author Salman Rushdie on Grass' death.

The legend died in a hospital in Lubeck at the age of 87. Read more on him here!

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Get sweat-proof skin this summer

RELATED KEYWORDS: skin|primer|Pores|Moisturiser|Makeup|humidity|heat|facial-mist|Face-wash|face|Blotting-paper

The author has posted comments on this articleMeghna Mukherjee, TNN | Apr 12, 2015, 12.00AM IST

Get sweat-proof skin this summer

Page 1 of 4

The scorching heat and the high levels of humidity can make your face look greasy all through the day.

Constantly wiping your face or washing it with water can strip your skin of natural oils. Thus, to ensure that you do not sweat as much, here are a few ways you can prevent it.

Use salicylic acid
A face wash that contains salicylic acid unclogs the pores of your skin and keeps it free from grease all day long. It has a mattifying effect on your skin. But restrict it to using once or twice in a day.

Splash mineral water mist on your face
To keep your skin fresh and free from oil, use a mineral water mist on your face through the day. Choose from a variety of floral facial mists that will hydrate your skin and will take care of excess sebum.

Switch to water-based moisturiser
Most people avoid using a moisturiser during the warmer months because facial skin tends to sweat a lot. However, the application of a moisturiser is a must. To ensure that your skin is sweat-proof, use a water-based moisturiser that balances the level of moisture in your skin, while hydrating it.

Use a primer before applying makeup
The high humidity level can make your face sweat a lot if you are wearing heavy makeup. To ensure that your makeup doesn't smudge, use a primer before applying makeup. This will prevent moisture from locking into the pores of your skin, thereby making it greasy.

Dab your skin with blotting paper/tissue
In spite of your best efforts, if your skin keeps getting oily, the best way you can ensure that your skin doesn't sweat as much is by dabbing your face with a blotting paper. This will take away the excess oil from your face and make it smoother and clearer.

Published on 10/4/2015

Article continues

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Maverick freedom fighter and poet of romance

Disproving Percy Bysshe Shelley's description of poets as "unacknowledged legislators of the world", he combined his illustrious poetic career with membership of the Constituent Assembly that drafted free India's constitution. This responsibility followed a four-decade stint as an outspoken, unbending freedom fighter across the political spectrum, during which he was possibly the first to demand complete independence and coin the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad". Yet his abiding fame is due to the haunting lyric of a youthful, unsuccessful but unforgettable love.

A man of many parts - poet, journalist, maverick politician and radical freedom fighter - Maulana Syed Fazlul Hasan 'Hasrat Mohani' (1875-1951) was a member (at various times) of the Congress, the Muslim League and the Communist Party of India.

A devoted follower of Tilak, he agitated for full independence when the leadership of both the Congress and the Muslim League was content with dominion status, had a role in setting up the CPI, was faithful to the Muslim League but chose to stay back in India after partition. In all this, he had the distinction of standing up to Gandhi, Jinnah, Nehru and Sardar Patel! And he made sacrifices of livelihood, property and time, spending quite a few spells in jail (at a time when political prisoners were treated like common criminals and imprisonment was really rigorous and entailed hard labour) for his political and editorial activities.

Alongside, Hasrat Mohani has to his credit 13 'diwans' comprising more than 700 ghazals and other forms of poetry in roughly half a century; as well as "Nukaat-e-Sukhan" on the techniques of poetry with examples from extant Urdu poetry, "Sharah-e-Diwan-e-Ghalib" or an exegesis of some of Ghalib's ghazals; "Mushahidat-e-Zindaan", an account of his life behind bars and conditions in the Raj's jails in the early 20th century; anthologies of his writings and some English translations of his own works.

Some poems to the Hindu deity Krishna, both in Urdu and a simplified version of the Awadhi dialect, were also part of the poetic ouevre of 'Hasrat' who delighted in visiting the Braj area during Janmashtami. One goes: "Kuch hum ko bhi ataa ho ki ae hazrat-i-Krishn/Iqlim-i-ishq aap ke zer-i-qadam hai khaas" and "'Hasrat' ki bhi qabool ho Mathura mein haziri/Sunte hai aashiqon pe tumhara karam hai khaas."

As a poet, 'Hasrat Mohani' (deriving from his home village of Mohan, a few miles north of Lucknow) is credited with reviving the Urdu lyric tradition - by the expedient of shearing off artificiality it had accumulated during its stint in the courts of decaying and decadent polities and making it a vehicle capable of conveying more common-place but realistic and sincere thought, depth of feelings and reactions to the environment.

By Vikas Datta

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Why decluttering your house is important?

Do you often feel that you're walking on thin ice and about to explode? Just tidy up your house. Clutter in the house leads to anxiety and anger issues that can stress you out, affect your relationships, warn experts

Here's a story from one of the Capital's leading psychologists. A client came to him citing anger issues on a day-to-day basis leading to road rage incidents, which distressed him. "I'm not an angry person, but this has been happening of late," he said. After a few sittings to figure out his daily activities, the psychologist asked him to make his bed every morning, and ensure the house -especially the kitchen, bath room and wardrobes in every room -was tidy before he left for the day. In a month, he was a calmer person. We live in extremely stressful times.But most of the time, the triggers of our anxiety and rage are unknown to us. We may think it's the guy driving ahead who's changed lanes without indicating, or a colleague who just doesn't get the point. While these may add to the stress, the real reason for your anger lies at home: a cluttered house.

STAGNANT ENERGY

An overstuffed wardrobe, dishes in the sink, unmopped bathroom floor, are all triggers that send our mind in a tizzy early in the morning. It's a downward spiral from there on. Experts say that clutter is nothing more than just stagnant energy. Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty says, "The sight of unorganised and unused furniture, books and other articles causes a sense of heaviness inside the brain, leading to irritability, anger and tired ness. It negatively affects people living with you and your relationship with them. In fact, clutter is one of the major causes of marital distress, even divorce." A study by the University of California (UCLA) recently revealed that clutter has a deeply negative impact on our mood and self-esteem. Researchers at the Prince ton University too found out that physical clutter negatively affects our ability to focus and process information. Dr Sherrie Bourg Carter, psychologist and author of High-Octane Women: How Superachievers Can Avoid Burnout, says "Clutter bombards our mind with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren't important." It doesn't let our brain rest, and leaves us with the feeling that work will never be complete.

Also, Indians are a sentimental lot. We aren't still comfortable with the concept of use-and-throw things like the West. From an old radio to your mother's kitchen blender; from unused remotes to clothes that you wore in your teens, they are all stored even as your cupboard overflows, making the brain feel `stuffocated'. Trend forecaster and author of Stuffocation, James Wallman coined this term to describe the feeling you get when you have to fight through piles of stuff you don't use to find that one thing you need. People suffering from `stuffocation' often believe that happiness comes from possessions.

Explains Dr Shetty, "It' easy to get attached to thing because you've had them for a long time. A lot of people collect bus tickets, gift wrappers, greeting cards due to a sentimental connection. They look at it as recapitulating memories."

AFRAID OF EMPTINESS?

According to SBS Surendran, Feng Shui and Vaastu expert, "Every physical object around us produces a corresponding effect, either good or bad. The smallest change in these objects' arrangements can spell the difference between success and failure. Good energy gets stuck due to clutter. Get the stuck `chi' (energy) --within us and around us -flowing again by re moving clutter."

Another reason for anxiety issues rising out of clutter is our space-crunched world. When needs are squeezed to fit the size of tiny rooms, people subconsciously use their possessions to mark out their territory. Any perceived violation of this space by anyone causes major friction.

So, how does one learn to get rid of clutter, or understand the importance of clearing junk in our stressed lives?
Psychotherapist Seema Hingorrany suggests a simple solution. "Communicate. If you notice your partner is sentimentally attached to some thing, you must never throw it away in his/her absence. Do the `chucking out' activity together."

Ma Naina Osho explains why decluttering our mind is of prime importance. "The nature of the mind is such that it clings to things and hoards.It's afraid of any kind of void, hence the misery," she says. But what people fail to understand is that emptiness is not a negative. She adds, "In meditation, an empty state of mind (shunyata) is essential. Likewise, when we empty our room, nothing visible is left inside; but something invisible starts filling it - a sense of spaciousness. When we remove everything we're attached to, the mind becomes empty but opens up. Decluttering brings abundance."

WILL YOU TAKE THE 30-DAY DECLUTTER CHALLENGE?

Award-winning journalist Victoria Lambert took the "30-day declutter challenge", a plan to help divest her home of clutter. It's simple: On Day 1, you chuck one item, on Day 2, two items, on Day 3, three items and so on... till Day 30. By the end of 30 days, you'll lose a staggering 465 items of household clutter! Take pictures of your clutter everyday, showing all the debris you had filled your home with. The beauty of the 30-day challenge is to give chucking out (which many people find difficult) a sense of purpose.

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How to manage the space in your refrigerator

While you have to stock more coolers for summer, here's how you can make space for other things in your fridge.

Compartmentalise
Although, refrigerators are already designed with specific compartments for each item, you can make it even more organised by creating different within the existing ones. For instance, if your egg holder is too long, then utilise it to keep small items like sauce or oregano sachets, soup and popcorn packets, etc. You may also want to extend your meat drawer to accommodate other frozen items like peas, potato smilies, etc. Also, you can use the horizontal space of your freezer door to keep dry and powdered spices, so that they do not go bad during this season.

Label your food
For most of us with huge refrigerators, it is leftover food that takes the maximum space, as they always keep getting stocked behind fresh food. Check the shelves every alternate day to find if there's anything older than two days. Keep track of your food basket, as rarely used veggies like coriander leaves, etc. might start rotting after a day or two during this season.

Manage leftovers
Checking cooked date is much more reliable than tasting or smelling refrigerated food. Label your food items to make it easy for you to find them when you need. If you have similar boxes to store sprouts, cut vegetables or spice mixes, make sure you label them so that you do not hve to open every container when you need something. Also, mention the cooked date on stored food so that you know when to discard it.

Maintain uniformity
Since every shelf is of a different height, categorise them into small, medium and large containers to make each one of them visible. Be sure, the relatively bigger and less used containers are kept behind. Choose round and rectangular containers for the door shelves.

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Author of The Tin Drum, Guenter Grass dies

German Nobel literature prize winner and author of The Tin Drum, Guenter Grass, has died at the age of 87. He passed away at a clinic in the city of Luebeck.

Grass served in the German military in World War II and published his breakthrough anti-Nazi novel, The Tin Drum, in 1959.

His writings focussed majorly on the Nazi era, the destructions caused by war and the guilt that remained after Germany's defeat.

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Get sweat-proof skin this summer

The scorching heat and the high levels of humidity can make your face look greasy all through the day.

Constantly wiping your face or washing it with water can strip your skin of natural oils. Thus, to ensure that you do not sweat as much, here are a few ways you can prevent it.

Use salicylic acid
A face wash that contains salicylic acid unclogs the pores of your skin and keeps it free from grease all day long. It has a mattifying effect on your skin. But restrict it to using once or twice in a day.

Splash mineral water mist on your face
To keep your skin fresh and free from oil, use a mineral water mist on your face through the day. Choose from a variety of floral facial mists that will hydrate your skin and will take care of excess sebum.

Switch to water-based moisturiser
Most people avoid using a moisturiser during the warmer months because facial skin tends to sweat a lot. However, the application of a moisturiser is a must. To ensure that your skin is sweat-proof, use a water-based moisturiser that balances the level of moisture in your skin, while hydrating it.

Use a primer before applying makeup
The high humidity level can make your face sweat a lot if you are wearing heavy makeup. To ensure that your makeup doesn't smudge, use a primer before applying makeup. This will prevent moisture from locking into the pores of your skin, thereby making it greasy.

Dab your skin with blotting paper/tissue
In spite of your best efforts, if your skin keeps getting oily, the best way you can ensure that your skin doesn't sweat as much is by dabbing your face with a blotting paper. This will take away the excess oil from your face and make it smoother and clearer.

Published on 10/4/2015

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Literary meet to explore challenges, trends in Nepali literature

Issues like challenges in popularising Nepali literature globally, its trends, and its readership in India and South Asia will be discussed at the second Nepali literary symposium.

Over 50 litterateurs from India writing in Nepali and authors, poets, lyricists from the neighbouring Himalayan country will attend the festival at Gorky Sadan, said Bharat-Nepal Janamaitri Sanskritik Manch, the organisers.

Spanning over two days, it will include paper presentations on trends in Nepali literature and renaissance in south Asian literature and will aim to strengthen links between the nations.

Panel discussions will explore relations between Hindi-Nepali literature while recitations will showcase the variety in Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, Maithili and English languages.

A documentary promoting tourism in Nepal will also be screened.

The event is supported by the B.P. Koirala India Nepal Foundation, the Nepal Academy, the Nepal Tourism Board, the Nepalese embassy in New Delhi and the consulate general in Kolkata and the Nepalese Vyavasayik Samiti, Kolkata, the organisers said.

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5 postures to read books perfectly

For us, who love books, can start, read and finish one just anytime and anywhere without realizing that the experience could have been enhanced by the correct posture of sitting. Yes, a correct posture of sitting while reading a book can actually enhance your concentration leading to an active mind. This will in turn make the book read more interesting. Here is a list of 'easy-to-follow' postures that should be kept in mind while reading that exciting and intriguing book:

1. Sitting with the right leg height
When you are sitting on a chair to read that intriguing chapter of your book, make sure that your legs are placed correctly or else you can have a painful end! It is important that the blood circulation to your legs continues, thus make sure that the edge of your chair does not stop the blood supply in to your legs. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor when your lower legs are perpendicular to the floor.

2. Support your feet
If you want to be seated in a relaxing posture, give your feet a platform to lift up. The more cushion you provide to your feet, more relaxed you will feel. And probably your mind will read better those intrinsic details of a scene.

3. Back your back
While you are sitting, a proper back support is a must. Hunching forward can surely lead to neck and back pain leading to reducing your focus, concentration and the amount of time you can read. So, if you want to continue that awesome book you are reading, please take care of your back.

4. Spine chilling
You should always keep your spine in a neutral position. This can be easily done by sitting straight up in your chair with your tailbone snug against the chair's back and keeping your feet flat on the floor. slouching your shoulders orlowering your face to read should be avoided as the head weighs quite a bit and can cause some pain in the spine.

5. Eye Contact
It is advisable to bring the book up to meet the level of your eyes, which will help in keeping your back straight. You can support your elbows with few pillows.

6. Breaks
We need breaks from everything. Even while reading, try to give yourself a little break. Try to take a small walk, prepare some coffee or eatries or shake a leg, just anything that gives your body a break from sitting in one posture for a long period. This will also enhance your concentration as well as the curiosity to back to the story will be intact - making the read a more pleasurable one.

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Does your hair and skin need argan oil?

Among the many skincare products that claim to benefit your skin, argan oil is one of the most talked-about since the last couple of years.

Derived from the kernel of the argan tree that is native to Morocco, this oil contains vitamin E, phenols, unsaturated fatty acids, carotenes and squalene. This has been found to be beneficial for cosmetic purposes. We spoke to dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel, Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar and stylist Kanta Motwani to find out about its benefits...

Natural skin moisturizer
Vitamin E and fatty acids help nourish the skin naturally. Regular use of few drops can hydrate skin for the entire day. This property is also useful in treating dry skin conditions like xerosis, atopic dermatitis and xerotic eczema, where intense hydration is required. Unlike other oils, argan oil is not greasy and does not irritate the skin. It can hydrate rough skin and prevent cracked heels. This oil can also work as a lip balm. As this oil is edible and natural, it can also be used on small children.

It can battle acne
The antioxidant property can help in decreasing the inflammation of mild acne. However, this is still doubtful in moderate to severe grade acne.

Works as a leave-on hair conditioner
Argan oil can prevent frizziness and give a good shine to your hair. It can be used as one of the methods to treat split ends and frizzy hair. Can decrease formation of stretch marks Adequate hydration of skin in pregnancy can prevent or decrease stretch marks. Massage the oil onto your skin twice every day, right from the third month of pregnancy.

Can help you stay younger
The antioxidant properties can treat fine wrinkles on the face. Hence, it can be used as an anti-ageing cream to plump up the skin. It delays the depletion of vital skin cells and accelerates the natural repair process of the skin. It keeps your skin nourished and soft.

Protects your hair
Since it is light, the oil prevents hair breakage. It forms a layer on your hair and scalp and protects it from split ends. Argan oil contains vitamin E, which strengthens and protects hair from UV damage. It has omega-3 fatty acids and acts as a hair detangler when infused into a product like a serum.

Works as a gentle makeup remover
The oil can be used as a makeup remover as it is gentle. It penetrates skin pores well and moisturizes skin, removing all unwanted makeup and leaving your skin supple. When you apply a few drops directly onto your skin post a shower, it enriches your skin and keeps it smooth and moisturized.

Published on 10/4/2015

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How to manage the space in your refrigerator

While you have to stock more coolers for summer, here's how you can make space for other things in your fridge.

Compartmentalise
Although, refrigerators are already designed with specific compartments for each item, you can make it even more organised by creating different within the existing ones. For instance, if your egg holder is too long, then utilise it to keep small items like sauce or oregano sachets, soup and popcorn packets, etc. You may also want to extend your meat drawer to accommodate other frozen items like peas, potato smilies, etc. Also, you can use the horizontal space of your freezer door to keep dry and powdered spices, so that they do not go bad during this season.
Label your food
For most of us with huge refrigerators, it is leftover food that takes the maximum space, as they always keep getting stocked behind fresh food. Check the shelves every alternate day to find if there's anything older than two days. Keep track of your food basket, as rarely used veggies like coriander leaves, etc. might start rotting after a day or two during this season.
Manage leftovers
Checking cooked date is much more reliable than tasting or smelling refrigerated food. Label your food items to make it easy for you to find them when you need. If you have similar boxes to store sprouts, cut vegetables or spice mixes, make sure you label them so that you do not hve to open every container when you need something. Also, mention the cooked date on stored food so that you know when to discard it.
Maintain uniformity

Since every shelf is of a different height, categorise them into small, medium and large containers to make each one of them visible. Be sure, the relatively bigger and less used containers are kept behind. Choose round and rectangular containers for the door shelves.

Published on 11/4/2015

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Urdu language has immense scope: Sanjiv Saraf

There is no one who can deny the magic of Urdu language. Though we love to hear Urdu poetry or love the inundation of Urdu words in our songs, how many of us are guilty of ignoring Urdu literature? Many. TOI Books caught up with Sanjiv Saraf, the founder of Rekhta foundation which brings Jashn-e-Rekhta festival every year to celebrate the language's inimitable beauty. Here's the lowdown:

What do you find most fascinating about the Urdu language?
I find Urdu to be the most expressive language. The sound patterns, the cadence, the lyricism, the expressiveness and eloquence are unparalleled. It has the emotional depth and ability to convey so much- virtually any emotion or experience in a mere couplet. It deeply touches and brings together people across age groups, regions, religions, boundaries. It is not merely a language but a culture.

What prompted you to kickstart a fest like Jashn-e-Rekhta?
I felt the need to bring Urdu and its beauty to the forefront. I want to give it a place in the mainstream consciousness and introduce it to a much wider audience. I am also eager to dispel the perception that it is an exotic, limited language. While our website Rekhta.org is reaching a very large number of people, it is still sort of two dimensional. By arranging performances, panel discussions and interactive sessions, it brings the language to life. We feel that a festival like Jashn-e-Rekhta creates a much greater degree of awareness and appreciation for the lyrical beauty and eloquence of Urdu. A realisation that this is our language- born and evolved in our land, having the same grammar and emotional make-up.

Do you feel Urdu as a language is losing its popularity?
Based on the demographics on our website, we find that over 60 percent of visitors are in the age bracket of 20-35 and the number is simply growing. This combined with the profile, enthusiasm; sheer number of attendees at Jashn-e-Rekhta was a sure sign of the interest that Urdu as a language and as a medium generates. In our perception, there is a resurgence of Urdu, especially among what is commonly known as non-Urdu wallahs.

While Urdu songs/shayaris are well appreciated, why hasn't it had the same impact on book writers?
Urdu shayari is something that touches one and all. It has an emotional connect with people of all age groups and leanings. Indian movies have also kept it widely popular in the public consciousness. It is also something which is expressed in a large number of genres such as gazals, qawwalis, sufi songs, mushairas etc which have traditionally been popular and are now attracting increasing audiences. Urdu prose is also popular but it is somewhat contained as not enough content has been translated or transliterated, especially when compared to shayari.

Besides your love for Urdu, what keeps you busy?
For the past four years I have pretty much given myself up to Rekhta full time. I have more or less retired from business. Spending time with my daughters and grand-daughter is something that I look forward to a few times a year as they are all overseas. Getting together with friends from school, reading English and Urdu books, watching movies and English TV serials are some of the things I enjoy.

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Your weekend book guide is here!

A look at the wonderful 1990s in Bollywood, chronicling the rise of a "frugal economy" in some Western countries and a super sleuth solving an unusual case. An assortment of films, economics and fiction, the IANS book stack this week has a variety of options. Take a look.

1.
Book: 42 Lessons I learnt from Bollywood
Author: Sahil Rizwan
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 384
Price: Rs.599

Movies affect our growing-up years more than we would like to admit. This is a jolly look back at the glorious decade for Hindi cinema that was the 1990s. Those were eventful years. The economy opened up. India changed. The Internet arrived. And Bollywood was like: "Wait for me, I can change too!"

This book is the story of that transformation, even if it wasn't always for the best. From "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" to "Khalnayak", 42 blockbusters - even some you may not have heard of - seen through the ever-attentive eyes of the Vigil Idiot - a widely read webcomics in the country.

2.
Book: Frugal Innovation: How to Do Better With Less
Author: Navi Radjou and Jaideep Prabhu
Publisher: Hachette
Pages: 252
Price: Rs.599

In the global business landscape, increasingly trends such as the sharing economy and the maker movement, companies the world over are facing pressure from consumers, employees and governments to create and deliver first-rate, affordable and sustainable products and services using less energy, less capital and less time.

This has led to the development of a new model for business success: Frugal Innovation, or the ability to do more and better with less.

In this book, two innovation experts have chronicled the rise of a frugal economy in the US, Europe and Japan, and show how the world's top companies across sectors are achieving great success by embedding frugality into their business models and corporate culture.

3.
Book: Autobiography of a Mad Nation
Author: Sriram Karri
Publisher: FingerPrint
Pages: 381
Price: Rs.450

When Dr. M. Vidyasagar (Sagar), retired chief of the CBI, gets an unusual request from his old friend and the Indian president to privately investigate if Vikrant Vaidya - sentenced to death for motivelessly killing his teenage neighbour Iqbal - is innocent or not, little does he know how convoluted a conspiracy he is setting foot in.

With little time left for the president to demit office, the task sets the seasoned super-sleuth Sagar on a strange course, taking him back and forth in time and place.

As godmen, cricketers, politicians, journalists, war heroes and journalists get irredeemably linked in his investigation, Sagar finds himself in an India where politically-motivated killings or pardons get fixed, and innocent people come forward to take the blame and face a death sentence rather than tell the truth.

With a narrative that springs forth from and weaves its way through the emergency, anti-Mandal Commission protests, anti-Sikh riots post Indira Gandhi's assassination and the Godhra riots, readers will find themselves in the grip of a chimerical tale, asking and answering the question: Is India truly a mad nation?

4.
Book: Magic Within
Author: Manal Shakir
Publisher: Fourth Estate Pages: 189
Price:Rs.499

Adnan cannot sleep, haunted as he is by discomfiting dreams of a mysterious circus and of a beautiful young woman, Shara, who must brave danger every night. His dreams - which he looks forward to seeing more - provide him a shelter from his loveless marriage.

Over time, Shara and Adnan share dreams where they at one point come extremely close to meeting each other.

But what hidden meanings do these dreams, which even pave the possibilities for them to meet in the real world, hold?

Penned by Chicago-based Manal Shakir, this debut book by her is a story of "troubled relationships and blurred realities, and of discovering the magic hidden within all of us".

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Did Shakespeare write 'Double Falsehood'?

In another great news for Shakespeare aficionados, researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, US, have discovered a unique psychological profile that characterises Shakespeare's established works.

Applying psychological theory and text-analysing software, they found that this profile strongly identified Shakespeare as an author of the long-contested play "Double Falsehood".

"Double Falsehood" was published in 1728 by British author Lewis Theobald, who claimed to have based the play on three original Shakespeare manuscripts.

The manuscripts have since been lost, presumably destroyed by a library fire, and authorship of the play has been hotly contested ever since.

Some scholars believe that Shakespeare was the true author of "Double Falsehood" while others believe that the play was actually an original work by Theobald himself that he tried to pass off as an adaptation.

Research in psychology has shown that some of the core features of who a person is at their deepest level can be revealed based on how they use language.

"With our new study, we show that you can actually take a lot of this information and put it all together at once to understand an author like Shakespeare rather deeply," explained lead research Ryan Boyd.

For the results, Boyd and his colleague James Pennebaker examined 33 plays by Shakespeare, 12 by Theobald, and nine by John Fletcher, a colleague (and sometime collaborator) of Shakespeare.

The texts were stripped of extraneous information (such as publication information) and were processed using software that evaluated the works for specific features determined by the researchers.

For example, the researchers' software examined the playwrights' use of function words (pronouns, articles, prepositions) and words belonging to various content categories (emotions, family, sensory perception, religion).

By aggregating dozens of psychological features of each playwright, Boyd and Pennebaker were able to create a psychological signature for each individual.

They were then able to look at the psychological signature of "Double Falsehood" to determine who the author was most likely to be.

"Looking at the plays as whole units, the results were clear: Every measure but one identified Shakespeare as the likely author of 'Double Falsehood," Boyd noted.

Theobald was identified as the best match only when it came to his use of content words and even then only by one of the three statistical approaches the researchers used.

The research shows that it is indeed possible to start modelling people's mental worlds in much more complete ways.

"We do not need a time machine and a survey form to figure out what type of person Shakespeare was -- we can determine that very accurately just based on how he wrote using methods that are objective and easy to do," Boyd informed.

The findings were published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

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Rihanna opts for red head

Singer Rihanna appeared to have ditched her black locks and was spotted with flowing red hair in her music video.

The 27-year-old was photographed shooting scenes for her new music video on a barge while off to the coast of Santa Monica at Marina Del Rey, reports mirror.co.uk.

The "Diamonds" hitmaker covered up in a black dressing gown between takes while assistants worked on her wardrobe and make-up.

The new red head was also surrounded by extras who wore white dressing gowns between the takes.

Rihanna has not only joined rapper Jay Z's new music streaming service Tidal alongside Beyonce Knowles, Nicki Minaj and others but she also released her latest music video for the song "American Oxygen".

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How to ensure good hair growth

To make your hair stronger and thicker, here's what you need to do.

Oil your hair twice a week
Oiling your hair twice a week will strengthen your hair roots and also make it shinier. Use coconut or almond oil or you can mix both and apply it to your hair. Keep it on for a good 30 minutes before washing it off with a shampoo that suits your hair type.

Apply henna once a month
Though a home remedy, but applying henna on your hair will not only condition it but will also make your hair stronger from within. Do not keep the henna for too long, if you do not want the colour.

Go in for hair strengthening treatments once every fortnight
There are several treatments that are done to treat hair loss. It also strengthens your hair in turn. Since these treatments are chemical-based ones, you should ideally get it done only once every fortnight.

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Women wear corsets for ‘waist training’

International celebs are posting pictures online sporting one.

In their quest to achieve the world's most envied body shape — the hourglass figure — international models, singers and actresses are turning into 'waist training' fanatics. But this bizarre regimen isn't about sweating it out at the gym or following a strict diet; it's all about wearing a tight corseted device, a la Jessica Rabbit that will shrink the waistline!

Hollywood actress Jessica Alba officially kicked off the craze a while back when she wore a double corset for three months, post pregnancy, to get her body back in shape. The fad has now extended to women who want to get a slim waistline within a short period of time. While waist cinching might be the fastest way to achieve an impossibly tiny figure, it is a temporary phenomenon.

Dr Hitesh Kubadia, a Mumbai-based surgeon, says, "Waist training works mainly by rearranging the body fat around the waist to different parts of the body. Also, the corset causes sweating, which is basically loss of body water. Over a longer period of time, it can cause a shift in organs, especially the stomach and liver." If the corset doesn't fit properly, it may also cause unnatural strain on the muscles, resulting in backaches and spasms. And if it is too tight, it could compress the lower ribs and limit the expansion of the lungs.

It's back in fashion too
The corset, which was a 19th century Victorian fashion staple, has been catapulted back on the ramps. The revival of this garment was one of the most surprising trends to emerge from the autumn/winter fashion shows in Paris recently. Sometimes, it looked very similar to its 19th century forerunners, complete with stiff boning. Elsewhere, it appeared in entirely fresh, modern guises on the ramp.

Corset controversy in film
A few weeks ago, actress Lily James received flak from filmgoers for her tiny waist in the recently-released film Cinderella. While critics said digital trickery had been used to alter her waistline, the actress clarified that it was real and she had achieved the look by wearing a 'training corset' beneath her costumes for hours at end.

Published on 6/4/2015

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Taking care of your plants during vacation

You are all set to go for your annual vacation, but there is something that you can't stop worrying about — your houseplants. How do you ensure that they remain as green and fresh during your absence? So, here's what you should follow before stepping out for your holidays:

Keep it cool
If the plants are not watered regularly, there's a high chance of them wilting away in the scorching sun. Hence, make sure you move your plants to a cooler area. Move them out of direct sunlight as plants placed away from the sun will retain more water while you're away.

Group them together
Since plants release moisture through the process of transpiration, group your plants together in one place to help keep the air around them moist and humid. However, remember that your flowering plants are different from other green plants or bonsais, so space them out accordingly.

Watering options
Keep a small tray or plate of pebbles filled with water beneath each potted plant, this will help the plants stay hydrated for a long time. You can also set up your own sprinkler system by suspending small earthen pots with holes in it, slightly above the plants. Choose the pot depending on the size of each plant, fill them to the brim and leave it. It will water your plants drop- by-drop for a while.

Involve your neighbour or friend
If nothing, then simply keep your plants at a place in your home that is accessible to your neighbour too. A balcony for instance, from where they can water the plants regularly. And if your neighbour is kind enough, simply shift the plants to their house while you're away. Don't forget to bring back a nice gift as a gesture of gratitude!

TIP:
Soak terracotta pots before planting
Terracotta pots may look attractive, but remember they are made out of baked clay due to which water evaporates quickly. If you want to plant directly in terracotta, be sure to soak the pot in water first, this will help the plant and the soil remain hydrated. In fact, make sure you water the pot as well from the outside, so that it helps maintain a low temperature and not get heated up.

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Throw a perfect lawn party

Throw a perfect lawn party

With balmy summer evenings here, lawn parties are the current flavour. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Don't forget to check the weather forecast; like everywhere else in the world, weather is pretty unpredictable in Hyderabad too. A pleasant summer evening could end up in showers; or there might be a gust of wind blowing in all the dried leaves and dust into your fancy finger food spread. Even if dining is al fresco, it's wise to keep an indoor area ready.
Nothing kills the mood more than mosquitoes and other bugs. Make sure you banish the pests.
Summers evenings here can also get a tad too warm and muggy. Installing garden fans or micro mist sprays are a good idea to keep your garden cool.
This one's for the ladies. Don't walk into a lawn party wearing pointy heels. They'll sink right into the soil, spoil the lawn and of course, your gorgeous heels!

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Be summer ready for the love of skin

Not everything about summer is shiny and bright as scorching heat and harsh sun rays of the season can play havoc with the skin.

Skin gets battered as it tends to lose its natural tone and moisture leading to tanning, pre-mature ageing and sun spots.

The common places where women notice skin tanning and sun burns are the back, face, sleeve lines and feet lines, especially around footwear straps.

Aparna Santhanam, skin care expert at Hindustan Unilever, laid out some tips that can be easily followed to combat the damage with no fuss, read a statement.

Here's what Santhanam suggests:

* Look beyond SPF: SPF is not the only measure of sun protection. Look for 'dual spectrum' or 'broad spectrum' sun protection lotion to also protect your skin against UVA rays.

*The number game: SPF number is just one factor. Higher is not always better. An SPF of 20, if used properly, can protect your skin really well.

*Keep tanning at bay: Try and choose a sunscreen with an anti-tanning component to keep skin protected from immediate sunburn and tan response.

*Give attention to body: Women tend to use a sun protection lotion only on their face. It is important for them to understand that any exposed part of the body such as nape of the neck, arms and back and even the back of hands and feet need protection from the harsh rays of the sun.

*Even it out: Sunscreen is most effective when applied evenly on skin and at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. It ensures even tone by preventing uneven tanning.

*Breathe like a yogi: Yoga rituals such as Shitli and Sitkari Pranayama are known to cool the body. Practising them every day is beneficial for the overall health of skin.

*Drink it up: It is very crucial to hydrate your body adequately throughout the day not just with water but also with foods that are known to be high in water content such as watermelon, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers.

*Summer essentials: Using physical protection like umbrellas and scarves wherever and whenever you can provides the best protection for your body skin.

*Holistic approach: Meditation and deep breathing calm the mind, improve circulation and give a special glow to the skin. Take five minutes every day to breathe deep and rejuvenate the skin.

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Amitav Ghosh is Man Booker International finalist

The famous Bengali fiction writer Amitav Ghosh is one of the 10 writers to be awarded the prestigious sixth Man Booker International Prize. ​His "Sea of Poppies" was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2008.

The list was announced by the chair of judges, Professor Marina Warner, at a press conference. The £60,000 literary prize recognizes a writer for his or her achievement in fiction taking into account an entire body of work rather than just a single novel.

Prolific novelist Ghosh has sold over three million books worldwide and won multiple awards.

The winner will be announced at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London May 19.

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Book review: Glorious Uncertainties

The title reads 'Glorious Uncertainties.' Is it? Well not always in life. But they are better than inglorious certainties, believes banker Peekay aka Prashant Kumar Singh in his debut novel.

Prashant captures resilience in the face of uncertainties— it's up to the protagonist to rise from the lowest ebb or perish from a crest.

Life is a smooth ride for Garima Pradhan, the central character, until she falters. The fall reveals her feet of clay. Being relegated from a go-getter, she is reduced to being a trophy wife.

There are other disillusionments as well. She witnesses death of a child because of lack of medical facilities and callousness of authorities after an incident of rape.

One cheers as she fights with her back to the wall and bounces back. She clears the civil services exam and is posted as an IPS officer. The author here draws from his experience and presents a vivid description of the struggle of civil services aspirants who throng the national capital.

All along, the story underlines the strength and grit, which perhaps only a woman can possess. Also, the changing times which has—and rightly so—sounded the death knell for stereotyping women.

"He remembered the nights where he had forced his will on her and she had acquiesced. He had mistaken it for timidity and failed to realize that it was love in true sense of the word...."

"In spite of all odds, she was now an independent woman—completely self-driven and on her own..."

The novel, rather a novella, is without frills. Straight to the point. Best for a lazy Sunday afternoon—to be read in one go. The pace is fast. The plot, however, turns predictable mid-way, but the end is well rounded.

Some cliches do creep up, as is the case with many linear plots. The strength, however, lies in the story's straight trajectory which hits the mark.

The novel published by Times Group Books is available at www.tgb.indiatimes.com

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