CHENNAI’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
October ’10
Volume 2 | Issue 6
Women have the potential to be better DJs than men
– DJ Cady
Are you addicted to the Internet? Gandhiji An epitome of truth
Going antique – An account on antique jewellery
Bonding over a cuppa
TM
2 TAXI October 2010
October 2010 TAXI 3
Volume 2 | Issue 6 | October ‘10
LENIN PAUL FOUNDER
VIJETHA RANGABASHYAM EDITOR IN CHIEF
KARTHIK.R CREATIVE AND DESIGN HEAD
NANDITA THOMAS MARKETING HEAD
LEKHAMITHRA SHANMUGAM MANAGER - SALES
JERALD W. ADMIN
ASHOK RAJ C.U, PREETIKA MENON, AV ABHAY KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
NIHARIKA M, RIHAN NAJIB, MEDHA RAO, SHRUTHI VISHWANATHAN, DEEPIGA, TARU KUMAR, RENIE RAVIN, SHRINIVASS SUBRAMANIUM COLUMNISTS
SRIKALS GRAPHICS PVT LIMITED, CHENNAI PHONE: 044 2225 3092-94 PRINTING
EMAIL: marketing@thetaximag.com URL: www.thetaximag.com PHONE: 044 4308 4448 FOR ADVERTISING
IRON QUILL PUBLISHING SERVICES PRODUCTION 4 TAXI October 2010
Letter Editor-in-Chief’s
It seems like I laid my hands on our September issue just yesterday and I’m already about to send my October issue for print. So to speak, last month has been a whirlwind. Plenty of meetings, crazy deadlines, erratic work hours and a few glitches on the way. All of this, however, reinforces just a single thought in my mind - how much I love the media as an industry. It’s the only place that lets us learn and unlearn at the same time. Thinking out of the box is not just a one day affair but a code we have to live by everyday. Also, we have no choice but to be a people’s person; meeting people from different cultural and professional backgrounds and handling a coliseum of temperaments can be nerve wracking albeit interesting. When we get to see the fruits of our hard work in the form of freshly printed pages, the obstacles we’ve faced on the way become irrelevant. It is quite an indescribable feeling. And then we give ourselves a little pat on the back while we are already thinking about the next issue-how to improvise? Falling back into the routine can be everything but monotonous in bringing out a magazine every month. Needless to say, Taxi this month is full of surprises. Informative, interesting and inspiring; the 3 Is form the magazine this month. Our main story on Internet addiction is a direct consequence of a discussion we had among our team last month. It can be quite scary when you think of how much our everyday interaction even with our near and dear ones boils down to using the Internet. We are connected to the machines for most part of the day not realizing the consequences of it, and this article takes a special place in this issue considering how relevant it is in today’s context. Till we roll out yet another brand new issue of Taxi, enjoy the handful of pages we’ve thoughtfully put together for you. See you next month!
Vijetha Rangabashyam Editor in Chief
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CAN BE SENT TO vijetha@thetaximag.com THE BEST FEEDBACK/OPINION WILL BE FEATURED IN OUR FORTHCOMING ISSUE. October 2010 TAXI 5
Contents 8
Just Push Play!
Taxi encounters with DJ Cady about what it’s like to be behind the console, being a woman DJ and why she loves playing in India.
18
If i were my Addiction
A gripping tale on Internet addiction. There is a fine line between passion and addiction. When the line is crossed, the addict is often the last to know.
24
Trendy, timeless and yours to keep
What’s this craze about antique jewellery? Is it the finish of the gold or the mesmerizing precious stones that are embedded so beautifully?
30
Some call it Truth Some things don’t die that easily. They undergo long years of ordeal, and what remains at the end of it is timeless. If words come by easy and are forgotten before it is spoken, then Gandhi spoke words that went beyond language.
40
The Coffee Chronicles Starbucks, Coffee Day, Barista, Javagreen and more. Today, coffee shops are a symbol of socializing and relationships.
COVER: Photography: Sunder Ramu Hair & Make-up: Samantha, Page 3 Model: Andressa Claas Stylist: Vira Shah Assistant Stylist: Sruthi Kannath Model courtesy: Toabh Talent Venue: The Park Pod
6 TAXI October 2010
Experience this!
Soon at Express Avenue October 2010 TAXI 7
JUST PUSH PLAY! Clara Cady or DJ Cady as she is popularly known has set dance floors ablaze world over with what she calls her mix of ‘talent and passion’. She is on an allIndia tour and after having played in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, this Brazilian stopped over to give Chennaiites an evening to remember. Medha Rao speaks to DJ Cady about what it’s like to be behind the console, being a woman DJ and why she loves playing in India. Time seems to be a constant in Dublin at the Hotel Park Sheraton. It’s bright, sunny and sultry outside but once I’m in Dublin, with thumping music and dim lighting, it’s almost like I’ve arrived at a soiree, a few hours too early! DJ Cady strikes multiple poses for the camera and is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. She has huge fans surrounding her and arc lights that can be aptly termed as blinding, but amidst all the drama, Cady remains unfazed. She smiles through it all patiently, mouths an apology for making me wait a few minutes and at the end of the small chat we had, she proved that she is a beauty, with brains to match!
8 TAXI October 2010
What is the best part about being a DJ? Being able to share my love for music and bringing an entire audience to appreciate what I am so passionate about is something brilliant. Music makes for a seamless platform and that is something that keeps pushing me to better myself at every given opportunity. Is being a woman DJ hard considering DJ-ing is still a male dominated profession? Had this question been posed to me 3 years ago, I’d agree wholeheartedly. However, at present, it’s not entirely true. Things have changed and lots of girls these days are taking the DJ-ing world by storm. I think this is mainly because girls have the freedom to follow their dreams and pursue their interests. On a completely different note, I’d make a bold statement - women have the potential to be better DJs than men because music is an art form; it’s sensitive and sensitivity is predominantly a feminine trait! Of all the places that you have played at, which is your personal favourite? Umm, there are quite a few places that I love playing at. A particular place becomes a favourite for various reasons – for me it’s the presence of enthusiastic music fans and my friends who pull out all the stops when I’m at the console. I have a soft corner for Set in Miami, where I’m also a resident DJ. I never tire of playing in Qatar as well; plenty of known faces there who make it worthwhile. What is it like playing to an Indian audience? In one word – fantastic! Indians by nature are open to new ideas, new experiences and are eager to understand what is not familiar to them. This attitude works for me. It’s my second time in India and I find that people here make an effort, accept what is different and they know how to have a blast! I’ve got great responses in all the cities so far, and I hope it only gets better from here! With the advent of music mixing software available so easily online, what in your opinion, is the scope for DJs in the future?
Top three requirements that an aspiring DJ should equip himself or herself with to make it big in the industry are… I’d say keep your ears and minds open to anything new, absorb and learn by watching the best and work on yourselves – nothing works like practice! The one thing that aspiring DJs need to know is that nobody can steal talent. It’s your own and it defines you.
Venue: Dublin, Park Sheraton
October 2010 TAXI 9
Photography - Ashok Raj C.U
There is a need for DJs to hone themselves and get better at what they do; they are professionals after all. They need to stress on technique and quality production, which will differentiate them from the amateurs. They need to spend more time behind the scenes to constantly improvise on what they do. Exclusivity is the key!
Being a woman, do you feel that you need to use sex appeal to impress and draw audiences? No. Using sexuality to draw a crowd may make a DJ instantly popular but that is short lived. Nothing impresses and draws audiences like pure talent and passion. People cannot be fooled for long; they will identify genuinely good music. Many DJs get swayed by the external influences that this profession has easy access to. I follow a lifestyle that is very contrary to that of a DJ – I don’t smoke, do drugs or drink alcohol, though I’m part of a circuit that is largely defined by the same. It’s more about beauty than sexuality.
KUNDAN VICTORIAN ZIRCON SILVER 1 GM GOLD FORMING IN POLKI JEWELLERY FASHION JEWELLERY DESIGNER SILVER JEWELLERY WE ALSO EXCHANGE YOUR OLD ZARI SAREE (KANCHEEPURAM) FOR ONE GRAM GOLD FORMING JEWELLERY & WE BUY OLD GOLD, SILVER AND DIAMONDS FOR BEST PRICES IN CITY.
Tara’s Jewellery Old no.47, New no.93, Kutchery Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. (In between Mylapore Post Office and Jain Temple) Ph: 044 2464 1799, 4206 7263 | Website: www.tarasjewellery.com
10 TAXI October 2010
October 2010 TAXI 11
Alluring
Andressa
Burgundy dress: Etalage Ring: Amethyst 12 TAXI October 2010
Me: An independent, tough girl who loves to travel and enjoy the world to the fullest. My Family: system.
My
support
My Childhood days: Were the happiest. My after-school playtimes were moments of fun and freedom. My Idols: Coco Chanel, she revolutionized not just the world of fashion but also the way the society looked at women in her era.
Strapless dress: Etalage
October 2010 TAXI 13
I’m proud of: accomplished so far.
What
I’ve
India to me is: A world by itself. First time in the show business: My “Cats” experience. I’m lucky: Because I have a beautiful family that loves me intensely. Mumbai is: Full of colours and contrast. Chennai is: Welcoming every time I visit. Electric blue short dress: Karmaa 14 TAXI October 2010
I wish: I could teleport to evade flights. Traveling to me is: My deepest passion. My workout regime: Pilates. In my ipod: Always rock’n’roll! In my bag: Cell phone, I pod, lip balm, money, keys and a bottle of water. That’s my basic kit for survival. Money to me is: Nothing but a pure necessity
Silver and black sequined dress: Etalage October 2010 TAXI 15
Advertiser’s Feature
With its pleasing ambience and aesthetic display of products, Pavers England boasts of an elegant range of footwear and handbags in vibrant colours, chic styling and elaborate detailing, making them impossible to resist. The collection caters to the fashion needs of a wide audience, ranging from comfortable flats (Life and Lady Flex Range) to elegant and sophisticated heels (Dazzle and Staccato) making the brand a perfect solution to create a fashion statement with both panache and comfort. The products are priced between Rs1099 and Rs7499 and are already retailed in Chennai through an exclusive presence of Pavers England at the airport. Pavers England is also available at other outlets such as Kobler, Reliance Footprints, Shopper Stop and Lifestyle. TM
A European Brand. An Indian Heart.
The shop is located in Express Avenue, Shop No: 49 & 50 L, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai. Phone: +91-44-2846 4353. www.paversengland.com
5
PAVERS All the Way!
Established since 1971 in the UK, Pavers England, a leading luxury brand for footwear, opened its flagship store in Chennai at Express Avenue Mall. This is the tenth franchise outlet for Pavers in India, offering trendy footwear for both men and women. The collections are designed to match the Indian flavour, keeping in mind the global fashion scenario.
&
October 2010 TAXI 17
If I were
my addiction by Rihan Najib
There is a bed. There is a pair of jeans on the floor. There is a door that’s not opened unless it is persuaded to. There are lots of wires; they slither through the bed sheet, crawl over the computer or loop over the arm of a chair. There is an overheated laptop. There is solitude. In the discarded undergarments strewn about the floor. In the earphones that are cleaved to the ears. In the crumpled day that shabbily dims into night. There is my son in that darkened room, clicking away at his pc, who seems to have forgotten that it is lunchtime. Again. And again and again.
18 TAXI October 2010
When a heavy jar of sugar falls on the floor, it doesn’t make a shattering sound. It disintegrates with a plop, spilling across the floor in glittering shards and specks. I made the observation with the detached air of a physicist, feeling its tenuous profundity eroding as soon as she rushed into the kitchen, her face pulled taut into an anguished grimace. I stepped back and mumbled an apology. She was bent over the sugary mess, sitting on her haunches with her head in her hands. I recalled the beautiful slide of the jar from my fingers, and the dull thud that echoed somewhere inside me as it crashed. The words flew around me, their structure and the sounds and the pictures sweeping me into a haze and I felt a growing restlessness well up inside. And there, in my mother’s kitchen, in the company of a shattered sugar jar and some maternal sorrow, I wanted to do just one thing. Tweet it.
F: It was only a glass jar. Sugar bowl. Whatever. M: I can’t believe you’re actually saying that to me. F: Oh, let’s not start again. Let the boy be. M: I don’t understand how you could be so calm and casual about this. F: I’m not calm and casual about anything! M: Then what are you?! F: See, this is why he doesn’t talk to you anymore. M: Right, like he talks to you these days. F: That’s right. Very smart. Make it a competition. Who does the child hate more? Papa or Mama? M: (silence) F: Now don’t start crying over this. M: I’m not crying! Why doesn’t anybody understand me? F: Do you think we should take him to a shrink then? M: (silence) F: Well? What do you think? Say it. I can’t come home every night to stories of my boy becoming something I didn’t raise him to be. M: We should take him to someone. I really do think that. F: (silence)
June 16. I know my last post has only been a half hour back, but then something came up and I had to update things so that you know whats going on. This is what seventeen years of teetotalling comes to. Accusations of another addiction. Hilarious! I’m supposedly addicted to checking my mail. Can you believe them? Can you blame me for not wanting to associate myself with them? And @ firenze345, in response to your comments to my previous post, I KNOW they are my parents and yes, they DO have a right to feel worried, but this is unbelievable. Why don’t you go climb a tree, you moron? Stop following my blog if it hurts your family’s heaven sentiments! And it’s not like I don’t talk to ANYONE. It’s just that I prefer to talk to others. So what if they’re all online. So anyway, I think I’m going to have to see a doctor now.
October 2010 TAXI 19
Haha @ imarandomblogger55! Looks like we’ll be on the same boat now. For those who don’t know him, he spent last summer in a de-addiction centre for online gambling! :D :D :D I know, right! Alright, my peeps! I gotta push off now. I’ll wait for your comments to help me see what faces I should wear to the shrink when I go to see him finally. Stay black, yo. M: Straighten that collar. S: It’s straight. M: No, it isn’t. Come here. S: For god’s sake. Once in my life, just once in my life, leave me alone. M: I left you alone for too long. Look where that took you. S: You’re the one taking me to the doc. I never said I wanted to go. M: You’re making me! F: Will you both just let me drive in peace?!
I remember the jolt of pride when my son lovingly caressed his personal computer for the very first time. I remember thinking that I had made it somewhere as a provider, as a father. That gleam in my boy’s eye. The gleaming computer. My wife’s arm in mine, as we watched his face lit up by his birthday candles and the sheer happiness. It took me up into a wave that crashed on the shore a few years back. He then wanted a laptop. He later wanted broadband. Then he wanted seclusion. He wanted us to not care about his falling grades. He wanted people to disappear from his life, so he disappeared from theirs. He forgot the dimensions of realtime and the earth we live in. He wanted his ‘space’. His space then became so big that at times I felt like I was living in a desert. One day, this once-proud father began to relearn his son through his blog, like any other roving stranger online. In the blog, I learned he referred to us by our names. My wife wept as she saw that, and I had to tell her to move away because she was sobbing standing over the keyboard, and I didn’t want her tears to fall into the keys.
F: Hello, son. May I come in? S: Yeah. Come in, come in. F: (silence) S: (silence) F: Well…the doctor was a total douchebag, wasn’t he? S: (laughs) F: Come, let’s get some fresh air. It’s a beautiful day. S: Not now, dad. I need to finish this post, plus I’ve got to get the site up. F: (silence) S: Alright. Just wait for five minutes. Let me get dressed. June 25 I’m not allowed to spend more than fifty minutes online so I’m going to have to keep this as brief as possible. All you out there, I can’t begin to tell you how much I miss you. I can’t take this embargo. A huge void it’s left, dude, and I’m always restless. But I go swimming these days. Trekking every second weekend. They’re going to take me on a road trip to some place fancy too. If I were my addiction, I would be only glad to addict you all. @ megalomaniac$$$: You should actually try this, man. Aint too bad. I feel happier. I don’t know. Sort of. @ imarandomblogger55: ROTFLMAO! No, they didn’t try cold turkey on me. I hope to see you in person sometime. No, really.
20 TAXI October 2010
Trendy, timeless and yours to keep! by Medha Rao
Lakshmi Necklace & Parrot Bangle: GRT Ruby studded mat bangle: Studio Tara
W
omen have adorned themselves with jewellery since long before the age of reason. According to a recent report by National Geographic News, we may have been wearing jewellery as far back as 75,000 years ago and the first decorations to beautify the human body were garlands of flowers, bracelets of woven grass, shells, and stone. Over the millennia, jewellery styles and materials have evolved in step with the advances of civilization. From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution, from the age of Indian royalty to the decades of British rule in India, jewellery styles have transformed, modernised, and then often returned to their most basic forms and essential elements. It is safe to say that like most other things, jewellery too has come a full circle. Old, apart from being gold, is also uncut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, kundan stones and plenty more! PRICELESS AND PRECIOUS
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety - Act II Scene II, Anthony and Cleopatra
24 TAXI October 2010
It’s been the most talked about thing of late and to covet a piece of antique jewellery may just be on every jewellery aficionado’s list. “Antique jewellery goes beyond being a piece of adornment; it is a symbol of timelessness, prestige, rank and authority. It’s a potential topic of discussion too!” says Neeharika Prasad, a dancer and an avid collector of antique jewellery. What qualifies as antique jewellery?
According to most experts, any jewellery that is over 70 years old can be classified under this genre. Genuine antique jewellery is usually hard to come by and not sold often – these pieces are heirlooms and are passed on through generations of the families that own them. However, for quite a few years now, jewellers have mastered the techniques that go into making antique jewellery – they use age old methods of working with gold, silver and precious stones and the outcome is stunning, to say the least. Real antique jewellery is only that which is passed on through the ages. “What we now craft in the name of antique jewellery is actually the modern day jewellery in gold or silver, which goes through a process of oxidising to give it a dull look,” says Vishal Palsani of Sitaram Jewels. In gold-based antique jewellery, the shine of gold is conspicuous by its absence, and this is desired by a very select clientele. “Antique jewellery uses rose cut diamonds, which are crudely cut to imitate the technique that was employed in the early 1900s. Also popular are ruby cabochons and kundan stones,” he says. Indian antique jewellery has a multitude of infuences – South Indian temple jewellery that is traditionally used to adorn idols has found its way into the mainstream. It is tweaked to give it a more modern look and it hugely successful. “It’s all about merging cultures, retaining the old but presenting it in a new manner. A tradional hair ornament used to adorn the braid is something that not many young women would want to wear today. However, the same piece when incorporated into a bracelet made of Italian gold is a total sellout due to the combination of contemporary and traditional,” says Bharathi RaviPrakash, Partner, Studio Tara. Temple ornaments apart, jewellery that was widely popular in the Mughal era too makes its presence felt in modern day
antiques. Intricate minakari or enamel work, engraving and inlay work is apparent and animal motifs are common. “The peacock motif is extremely striking due to its colours; it can be used in earrings, bracelets, finger rings and necklaces too,” says Sneha Kumar, a jewellery designer who specialises in crafting royal jewellery.
Another major influencer of antique jewellery patterns is the kind of designs that were popular during the Victorian Era. Victorian antiques are chunky, subtle and each is a signature piece by itself. “The keyword is elegance. Victorian antiques are classics and have stood the test of time globally,” says Bharathi. Echoing her opinion, Vishal says, “Contrary to Indian antiques that are usually gold-based, Victorian jewellery is made from silver or a combination of gold and silver. Pearls are also used extensively. What is striking about Victorian jewellery is the sharpness of the
stones used and the size – they are big and definite eye-catchers.” TO BE OR NOT TO BE REAL Edward G. Bulwer Lytton, a 19th century British politician, poet and critic said ‘Imitation, if noble and general, insures the best hope of originality’. Imitation jewellery has come a long way from being viewed as a cheap alternative to real jewellery. Imitation jewellery has also expanded its definition and over the last few years, manufacturers of fake jewellery have started using high-grade raw materials that make it almost impossible for the onlooker to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not. The buyer is king (or queen, in this case!) and can choose from a large variety. “Imitation jewellery is no longer associated with being tacky. The metals and stones that are used are highly rated and are not exactly inexpensive,” says Sneha. “Gold plated and one gram gold jewellery are closer to ‘real’ jewellery and the finished product is flawless,” she adds. Imitation antique jewellery can be bought for a few hundred rupees and if the quality of the stones, metal and finish is better, it can go up to thousands of rupees. Imitation antique jewellery designs have their advantages and are a rage among the trendconscious youth who want to flaunt the latest. “I would rather have an entire collection of imitation antique jewellery pieces that match different outfits than invest in one or two gold antiquedesign accessories that are sure to cost a lot,” says Anjana Joseph, a human resource manager. She speaks for many when she says, “Unless it is a one off moment, I don’t know of too many people who would actually ask you the details of what jewellery you’re wearing. It looks good, feels good and doesn’t burn a hole in my pocket so I could not ask for more!” she says. October 2010 TAXI 25
“Unless one has a trained eye, it’s not easy to spot the difference between the two,” says Vishal. Jewellery houses that manufacture real and imitation antiques are not threatened by each others’ presence. “There is space for everybody in the market today. Those who want to buy antique jewellery can pick and choose depending on many factors that go beyond budget like frequency of usage that will also determine who buys what,” says Bharathi.
Earrings: Sitaram Jewels at Park Sheraton Photography - Av Abhay Kumar
26 TAXI October 2010
Beauty, in this case, surely lies in the eyes of the wearer. There is a plethora of options in the antique jewellery market and it is for the buyer to decide what is best for her. It’s time to bring out the princess in you ladies, Victorian, Indian or otherwise!
n e v a e H
n e v a H in wa Vish i h t u hr by S
natha
n
Road, pass y B , 2 llege 44888 ak Co 82, 22 n 5 a 7 N 7 9 u 0 r Gur e: 984 Phon , Nea I . i B a S n t to , Chen : Nex chery n a o l i e t a V Loc oad, hery R Velac 28 TAXI October 2010
T
ucked away on a service lane in the Velachery bypass road is an unassuming little restaurant that serves Chinese, Continental and Indian fare. Proprietor Mahendran reveals that the idea for this restaurant arose from a family dilemma. “My family likes different cuisines and this proved to be a major problem every time we wanted to have a family dinner together. It struck us that other families would be facing a similar problem and that’s how Haven was born”. The restaurant is small and can seat around 25 people. The place is adorned with framed photos of Hollywood stars along with some quirky quotes. If you are planning on dining with a large party, then I would recommend that you make a reservation. The restaurant is also fastidiously clean. The menu at Haven Sampoorna is vast and ranges from healthy salads to greasy Chinese noodles, from roti-sabzi to pastas. Wading through this menu and zeroing in on what to order can be quite time consuming. For starters, we recommend the Corn on Toast. It’s one of the most popular dishes at Haven and it’s easy to understand why. Toast submerged in corn and thick, creamy tomato sauce is bound to appease your taste buds. While the tomato and cheese blend perfectly together, the basil leaves leave a spectacular after taste. You could also try the Chilli Baby Corn, which is nothing but a deep fried baby corn dish laced with yellow peppers, spring onions and capsicums. Other options such as Smileys, Chill Potato Fry and Veg Nuggets also looked promising.
On seeing the dessert menu, The Paan Ice Cream immediately caught my attention. The flavour of the betel leaves strangely complemented the vanilla ice cream it was ground into. I will definitely be revisiting Haven for this particular dish if not any. Thankfully, the food at Haven is not just light on your wallet but also on your stomach. A very heavy continental meal here shouldn’t cost more than Rs.200, at most. They also have a robust catering business and takeaways, which seem to be a popular option. They specialize in delivering to corporates, parties and weddings. October 2010 TAXI 29
Photography - Ashok Raj C.U
For the main course one could try the Thali dish, which is a meal consisting of 3 phulkas, 2 sabzis, dal, papad, sweet, rice and raitha. The phulkas are light, non-oily and reminiscent of home. Kudos to the chef who made the Wheat Halwa; it was immaculately prepared unlike the ghee dripping, saccharine halwas we most often find in the sweet shops. A notch above is the Special Thali, where the set meal comes with a soup and a starter. Why would I go to a restaurant to eat something I can prepare in my very own home; some might say. In which case, the best option for you is the continental section, which has a plethora of pastas and bakes to choose from. The Veg Florentine consists of mushrooms, zucchinis, capsicums, broccolis and a host of other vegetables soaked in a cream-cheese sauce. Our mammoth appetites were considerably satiated after indulging in the dish, which is a testament to how filling it can be. The Pasta Arrabbiata is flawlessly cooked in a light tomato sauce topped with vegetables, with a tinge of olive oil and chilli flakes, which add to the taste. The menu also has a substantial amount of Chinese dishes. Our stomachs were so full that we couldn’t take in another morsel of food, however, I noticed the next table wolfing down their noodles and gravy.
truth Some call it
by Rihan Najib
es the cloth on e k li s g in simple th e at will and put s d e e r c Are chang people n h a ic c h n w a r which a m re eds are such fo ages. at will? C live for ages and -M.K.Gandhi.
H
e fasted and he trudged distances now unthinkable on foot. He led a bloodless revolution. He fathered four sons and a nation. His likenesses haunt alleyways, a local politician’s hoardings and discreet teashops. He overlooks traffic signals and crowded junctions in the roads. His picture hangs above the desk of authority under which sly hands exchange unhealthy money. A child dresses up like him for a fancy dress competition and wins the first prize. The walls are contaminated with posters of a new movie on him, showing a side of the hero that no one wanted to see. Another movie is made with him shown to be reforming a goon. A few choice artistic scribbles depict him standing with his staff. On the pavements, we have him spread out in the form of picture books and posters for children who don’t know yet about Swaraj and what it means to be free. We have him everywhere, this frail, deified and of late, much maligned man. It has become fashionable to discard all that we have grown up with, all that has made us what we are. With an intellectual snort, we dismiss the HDI as a warped indicator of development. Nehru was (of course) a secret conformist and his daughter a despot. The country (of course) is going to the dogs, and what remains to be seen is how. And Gandhi? Textbook hero. Pacifist. The father of our freedom! An over-aggrandized calculating Gujarati. A man of both thought and action. Such integrity in a man that the world has scarcely seen. Here was a Caesar, can there be another?
30 TAXI October 2010
The ‘Martyr’s Column’ at the Gandhi Smriti, the spot where Gandhi was assassinated
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has become a byword for an overarching idealism, often used variously to describe a person who speaks slow and speaks sense. Rediscovered, reinvented, rewritten, abused and beaten to a pulp, his words nevertheless haunt some parts of our speech, and our conscience, and our choices. Could we have really relegated this man to a dark drawer of our lives, the drawer of loose change, stray memories and dried out ballpoint pens. There is no lack of an enemy, there is no end to the cry for change and there can be no foreseeable future without conflict, and yet, there is no rise or throwback to the teachings of this man who not long ago bought an empire to its knees. Talking about Gandhism Gandhi had said “There is no such thing as ‘Gandhism’, and I do not want to leave any sect after me. I do not claim to have originated any new principle or doctrine. I have simply tried in my own way to apply the eternal truths to our daily life and problems.” He said “The opinions I have formed and
the conclusions I have arrived at are not final. I may change them tomorrow.” “I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and nonviolence are as old as the hills.” he added. In a century fraught with discord, how much weight do such words hold? Bullets weigh more and their impact is harder and faster. Riots are palpable damage, irrevocable feats of fury. A fast is a whisper in the darkness. Truth is everyone’s agenda and non violence always a part of some propaganda. Can we have anger without rage, and retaliation without malice? Fictional though it was, Munnabhai preaching in flawless tapori about Gandhigiri struck a potent chord with the nation. It showed us that it was possible to be ridiculously ideal and principled without being preachy or pedantic. Ethics is no easy path to tread, but it is admissible that there’s a quiet satisfaction in doing so. Gandhi never wanted heroes out of us. God knows, we live in a nation of innumerable heroes. He just wanted people who could pursue that mild sense of ethics.
History paints people in indelible colours. Gandhi is deified in gold and shades of grey around the edges. Does the man live today? He could have lived a little more, yes. If we find it in ourselves to rein in our rage, contain our venom and not submit to a vague fear of a nebulous authority, the man lives on. We needn’t fight empires or fast for days on end, and fling ourselves ineffectually at all the wrong in the world. He might have been just as happy to see us being people who sought the counsel of our conscience. Gandhigiri is a beautiful scar on the skin of revanchist ideologies. And its relevance begs our attention because we have been too often and too quick to choose retributive justice and not a reformative one. Could we end our struggles through ahimsa? Questionable. But have we tried? Some things don’t die that easily. They undergo long years of ordeal, and what remains at the end of it is timeless. If words come by easy and are forgotten before it is spoken, then Gandhi spoke words that went beyond language. Some call it truth. October 2010 TAXI 31
Who’s that
GUY? by Taru Kumar
want, then Toni & Guy’s world class you at wh is r ve keo ma new y zz sna a If expertise and experience is what makes the cut!
Photography - Ashok Raj C.U
Somebody very wise once said, “The hair is the richest ornament of women.” That somebody was famed President Martin Luther King. And boy, he couldn’t have been more right. Whether we wear it long, short, spiked, coloured or asymmetrical, for a woman, there is no doubt that her hair, is quite literally, her crowning glory. Sure men don’t understand the fuss behind us coughing out the big bucks to snip a few here and there, but ask any woman worth her Vuitton and she will tell you that nothing spells disaster as much as a bad hair cut or hair day. Thus, after years of sporting a safe haircut, my quest for the perfect ‘in’ do began. Thankfully for me, I didn’t have to look very far. Now as a person who takes matters of the mane very seriously, my joy knew no bounds when I heard that hair care legends Toni & Guy had set up its camp in my beloved city. So off I trudged, with an appointment in 34 TAXI October 2010
tow to Express Avenue to revamp my old (read: Plain Jane) look to something shiny, spiffy and new! One look at the Toni & Guy salon at EA, and I knew it was shear heaven (pardon the pun!). Started by brothers Guy and Toni Mascolo, and with over 400 salons and 27 academies to their credit, it is not surprising to see how well-appointed and cutting edge Toni & Guy Chennai really is. Franchise Owner, Sam Paul, always felt the need for more international brands to penetrate the Indian markets and that there was a dearth for international hairstyling brands in the city. A strong believer in the best, he thought, why not bring Toni & Guy to Chennai. As I’m introduced to my stylist, who greets me with a James Bondesque – “Hi, I’m Raj...Dev Raj!” I find myself instantly at ease and smiling. As I get my hair massaged, caressed and gently
treated, Dev sits next to me and talks nineteen to the dozen about his family and how he is living the Toni & Guy dream. And trust me, as much as I want to drift away to la la land, because of the magical fingers of my hair therapist, I’m all ears because Dev truly had a fascinating story to tell. The fact that Aerosmith was screaming ‘It’s Amaaaaazing’ in the background, was a different thing altogether. Hair wash done, it’s spotlight and snipping time. Dev explains to me that he wants to make my hair dance and sing every time I move. For my part, I nod vigorously, but truth be told, I don’t know what the hell he is saying to me. I simply say a small prayer in my head and ask him to go wild and as he hums Akon (his favourite artist), I busy myself reading about the exploits of Abhishek Bachchan and his OCD (as if!). A snip snip here and a chop chop there and I’m almost disappointed when Dev informs me I’m done.
One look in the mirror and I’m speechless. Not only does my hair look like a million bucks, I just can’t seem to get enough of me (Now really, how often have any of us had those days?) Once I get over the experience, I let out a little scream, give him a big hug and promise him that I will be back for more.
As I leave the Toni & Guy salon with a spring in my step and a smile that reaches my eyes, I can’t help but notice a few heads turning! Now, I know what he meant when he said, ‘I want your hair to sing and dance’ every time you move! As for me, the song running in my head right now is ‘I like to move it, move it.’
October 2010 TAXI 35
Step into a new horizon of lifestyle NATWEST VIJAY by Deepiga
The Chennai real estate market’s shift towards southern sub urban area is a known trend. The IT boom and the metro rail have made the already flourishing South Chennai a forerunner, primarily in the residential sector. With Velachery as the major node, areas that underwent major development were Madipakkam, Pallikaranai and Medavakkam. Simply put, these areas have become the promoters’ paradise.
NATWEST – The One Stop Shop As early as 2004, Natwest promoters were the first to acquire prime properties in Pallikaranai. Well established in Vijayawada for almost 28 years, they have been actively promoting residential properties in Chennai for the last 16 years. Being a one stop shop for all real estate requirements, they believe 36 TAXI October 2010
in creating happiness by fulfilling others dreams. Owning a house is a dream for many, and indulging in Natwest Vijay would definitely be a rewarding attempt.
purposes. The idea of allotting a substantial area for commercial spaces stems from the fact that the property flanks the main road.
Natwest-Vijay is a brainchild of their in-house architect team lead by Mr.Ravikumar. Rightly termed as the mixed use development property, around 65% is allocated to the residential area and the remaining is built for commercial
Project Vijay’s development happened in 2 phases. Phase 1 is a development on one acre with 64 residential units, which is now all occupied. Commercial space in the front block offers space to a retail supermarket.
ground water table. The entire property is facilitated with 24 hour security. At the moment, both the phases are segregated, but the promoters intend to combine them to pave way for a common play area and a swimming pool. Each residential block in phase 2 is honed with a sprawling lobby. A core with a well lit staircase and a 6 passenger lift takes us to each floor that has 2 units, a double and a triple bedroom unit. Apart from these units, Natwest has built another double bedroom mockup apartment. “Mockup apartments are a need of the hour and it becomes easier for us to convince our clients about their end product, which they can call their dream home” says, Mr Eswar Chandra, Director, Natwest.
The stilt floor provides covered car parks for the triple bedroom units. A recreational space of 400 sq.ft is also provided in the stilt floor in each residential block, which can be put to good use by all the occupants. To reduce the wastage of water, sewage treatment plants are located in both the phases of the property. Rain water harvesting has been implemented to improvise the
A lot of credit has gone into planning these individual units. Well coordinated shades of brown and beige upholstery bring warmth to the space. Splashes of colours through abstract artworks adorn the otherwise plain walls, throughout the flat. A smart October 2010 TAXI 37
Photography - Preetika Menon
Natwest believes in the concept of their commercial space being an additional facility to their apartments. Phase 2 is a development on half an acre, with 2 blocks of stilt plus 4 residential blocks comprising of 16 luxury double and triple bedroom flats; all being sold out. Here, the front block completely forms a commercial block, housing a car showroom, bank and a beauty salon.
Since Natwest absolutely believes in customer satisfaction, every apartment is one hundred percent vaasthu compliant. “I believe in templates of vaasthu since it is the science of ancient architecture where every house has to be lit and ventilated naturally” adds Mr Eswar. Even in this era of automatic lighting and 24 hours power back up, he wants his clients to enjoy the natural sunlight and ventilation as much as possible.
combination of glass, stainless steel and dark wood make up the living room centre table and the dining table. Except the kitchen, all the rooms have 2’x2’ vitrified tile flooring. Every bedroom has ample wardrobe units made of commercial plywood and they all open into an airy balcony. The kitchen is completely modern with modular fittings made of frosted glass and wooden shutters. The kitchen counter is finished with granite and plenty of electrical points are provided to facilitate all the electrical cooking appliances. The kitchen opens into a utility space with a provision for a washing machine. Ceramic dado tiles adorn the walls and anti skid 16”x16” ceramic tiles form the kitchen flooring. Similarly, toilets come with 12”x12” anti skid flooring and 19”x12” ceramic wall tiles of Johnson make. The fixture & fittings are from the leading brands of Parryware and Jaguar. All the inner walls are finished with double coat putty with emulsion. The main door and the window frames are made of teakwood. The other door frames are seasoned Padak made. While the bedroom doors are moulded flush doors, the toilet doors are moulded skin type. “We don’t want to take pride in just selling all our apartments or renting out our commercial spaces but we want to make this our signature project” says, Eswar. Next in the pipeline for Natwest is Project Viceroy, which is again a mixed development property of both residential and commercial spaces. Project Viceroy, which is already under construction is going to be yet another state of the art self sufficient residential property of Natwest Construction Company.
38 TAXI October 2010
by Niharika M
‘Sip the coffee…. lick the cream.’ When this spunky Nescafe Ice Cappuccino’s tagline dreamily sounded out of our television speakers, we were still thinking about our taste buds and thankfully, the tag line too. Or the one that said ‘The taste that gets you started up, the taste that gets you going now’. It definitely incorporated coffee into life and lifestyles but at justifiable and realistic places. Take a look at the latest Nescafe ad and it all becomes clear- the long eventful journey of the black, crushed, great smelling beans. Coffee has smoothly and successfully camouflaged into our lives. In fact, it is the very quality of coffee or its extended family of Espressos and Cappuccinos that has found a nice homely place in our accelerated 21st century culture. The concept of coffee as a beverage served at social gatherings is not new. In fact, simple research shows that coffee houses have been in existence for more than 500 years in many countries with 40 TAXI October 2010
beginnings in Italy and then gradually spreading to other parts of Europe including the Ottoman Empire. So what has changed? While coffee itself was a mere beverage, a culinary part of the public sphere given its energizing effect, it has now become a necessity, a word that is almost an inevitable, taken for granted beginning, to any process of socialization. But more than that, it is also a symbolic representation of the growing isolative tendencies of the society. From their earlier intendment of serving them at big gatherings, the Espressos and Cappuccinos are undoubtedly choices of a more intimate affairperhaps a first date, a new friend, a business engagement or simply a one person time out. All the wi-fi and one chair-table options are not just merely that. They also connote an acceptance of being so. Hardly are there coffee shops that serve a preference or privilege to families, old people, group activities or even the lower middle class (given their highly priced, supposed exotic options).
But who will really complain? It is the CCDs and the Baristas, which are cool, hip and totally in! Therefore, they have been hostile like most other positives of Globalization in India, extending their image to just a small fraction of urban popular culture and benefactors, and in the process, they condition them in multiple ways. Its inclusiveness is almost dismissible since even their geographic placements in the city has been zeroed upon after careful considerations and well designed marketing strategies and target groups. It is rather ironical that what we call as an intimate affair is a byproduct of our tastes and preferences - be it a date or a business engagement. Perhaps, we have fallen for the unbelievably slick and discerning ad campaigns. In some other cases, it could reasonably be attributed to peer pressure or, just an exercise of ‘fitting in’. After all, the modern label comes with its own share
of compromises and losses. Or is it merely the addictive coffee?! Whatever it be, as long it appeals to us and gives us the much sought after choice to be where we want to, doing what we want to do, we know we are the lucky ones. I cannot help but smile at a blushing friend who animatedly recalls her first coffee experience or a colleague’s caffeine need that also needs good enough company. I know that coffee will form a subset of most of their experiencesthe great ones, good ones and the disappointing ones too. Maybe coffee does stand as one that encompasses multiple human emotions and a testimony to all of them. It reminds me of my own attempts to romanticize coffee and get in tune with the new world’s ways with my old world sensibilities, in a 3 line Haiku.
S u n set Pla ce : in te d g la ss ta h g u ro th s n n d co nv e rs a ti o Coffe e h o u se s a
October 2010 TAXI 41
Advertiser’s Feature
Dry Fruit
Delight Diwali easily tops the list of festivals that are eagerly awaited by most people. It’s the festival of lights and prosperity, not to forget an occasion to spend many cherished moments with your near and dear ones. Along with firecrackers and finger-licking goodies, gifting takes on a whole new dimension during the Diwali season. People start scouting for ‘perfect’ gifts weeks before the festival and the more exclusive the gift, the more in demand it is. Among the many options available, dry fruits are extremely popular, with many wanting to gift dry fruit boxes to their families and friends.
highest quality. The store, which is spread across 5 major parts of Chennai, offers dry fruit hampers in varying sizes and combinations this Diwali. One can choose from almonds, cashewnuts, raisins, pistachios, walnuts and apricots, or just get a mixed bag with a bit of everything. Browntree is going one step ahead by offering corporate dry fruit hampers to companies which are looking to gift their clients and employees. The store provides customised packaging with the company’s logo on the hamper and will also deliver bulk orders depending on order to order.
Notify Browntree at least a minimum of ten days in advance for corporate dry fruit gift hampers and you can be assured that it will be taken care of. The gift hampers are priced reasonably; they start at Rs100 and go up to Rs3000. It seems like dry fruit gifting will be the trend of this festive season – it is after all, the perfect and irresistible combination of taste, freshness, nutrition, goodwill and value! You can pay a visit to Browntree in the following areas: Ashok Nagar, Cathedral Road, Velachery, Mogappair and Arcot Road.
Dry fruits have long been associated with well-being, prosperity and goodwill. As a gifting idea, a dry fruit basket is a novel one and one can be sure that the recipient of the same will be delighted! At Browntree, a multi-product store synonymous with good health and wellness, dry fruit hampers are the flavour of the festive season to come. Established in 2009, Browntree lays utmost stress on delivering products that are fresh and of the
42 TAXI October 2010
For enquiries contact: 04 4 - 42135 0 01 / 5 0 0 2
Advertiser’s Feature
t c n i t Ins WEAR YO U R
way n o b e tt e r T h e re is n a te s y o u r in to e x p re s your th ro u g h q u a li ti e s ra th e r ce, n ra a e p p a in g e s . S tu n n y o u r c lo th out a n b ri n g c lo th e s c nd a in y o u , th e b e s t er of th e o w n , a h it v a K nd, th in g b ra lo c w e n a ue is a tr I n s ti n c t, he S o f th a t. b e li e v e r ause s ti n c t b e c c a ll s it I n e s ts and sugg it re fl e c ts in ts c e n in s ti n th e h id d u lt s . young ad
Instinct is located at #6/29, Rajasekaran Street, (Adjacent to Van Heusen showroom) Off Dr. Radhakrishnan Saalai, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004.
igner the des Instinct, tive an initia label, is onsue use of C o h e th of mpany , a co Apparels rment eld of ga in the fi than for more exports aving cades. H e d e re in th expertise d incredible n a y le industr l a the texti ic rt e ity of v d the facil n bra n, the integratio great to ymous n o n y s is tion. nd reputa quality a that collection The btle and rtable, su fo m o c and is g adults ristic cuts n tu u o fu y in ts ear me targe t casual w lothes co c c e rf e e h p T e . th trendy day. nd make ny given a colours, a l n u o rf e in e e h c ve to b designed would lo wear is that one rn te s e w come piece of nd they a le c g ri in b s fa at of Every es come t quality th s e lo n c fi e e th h from th tely no s. Thoug is absolu sive size n re e te x th e , s in price sonable such rea uality. e d in e on th q is m be retaile ro to p g in com o g , is soon if you are the brand e city. So th in ts Instinct, e nes your utl lothing o t best defi c a s th u o g ri in a v eth wear som r you! looking to E place fo H T is t c n ti s In persona,
October 2010 TAXI 43
99 Degrees Fahrenheit: Chapter 2 Another fitness studio on the block! Yes folks, 99 Degrees Fahrenheit has unleashed its second branch at Rutland Gate, Nungambakkam. With state of the art equipments and well trained fitness experts, the gym is designed in shades of black and red and is quite spacious. The gym was launched by Udhayanidhi Stalin and the occasion was also honoured by Actor Arya. So its time to get that 6 pack abs and look ripped folks!
Say Hello to Pavers Pavers England, a world-class luxury footwear brand launched its flagship store in Chennai at Express Avenue Mall. Spread across 1600 sq feet of shopping space, Pavers offers stylish footwear range for both men & women and accessories like handbags. After the successful launch of nine franchise outlets, the company remarked its presence with the launch of its 10th franchise outlet in India.
44 TAXI October 2010
Chocolate Magic Chennai saw the launch of Le Chocolatier, the first stand-alone chocolate boutique in Chennai that houses some of the finest and most exquisite chocolate creations in the country at Harrington Road. The launch which took place on World Chocolate Day had chocoholics from all around the city to taste the chocolates that are flown in all the way from Belgium. So choose from the innumerable chocolate varieties that tantalize, tease, tempt and torture your taste buds!
October 2010 TAXI 45
Mark your dates Wine and Dine
Theater and Art
Shopping
COLOURED HORIZON, GALLERY SRI PARVATI, UP TO OCT 25
THE VIMONISHA PRIVATE COLLECTION, VIMONISHA GALLERY, OCT 8-9
Gallery Sri Parvati hosts an art show, Coloured Horizon, featuring artists from all over India like Rama Suresh, Viswam, Nagaraj, Praveen Kumar and others. The show features landscapes that have been inspired by the regions of India.
The Vimonisha Private CollectionDiwali Show is an exclusive exhibition cum sale of 14 designers from all over India, at Chennai’s premium venue- organized by Vimonisha gallery with more than 50 successful shows behind them. COLLECTIONS BY ANURADHA VAKIL, AMETHYST SHOP, OCT 9 – 16 Amethyst will be showcasing timeless collections by Anuradha Vakil, one of India’s most unlikely designers, who has created a niche for herself in ethnic clothing.
CORPORATE LUNCH, ID (IDLY & DOSA), OCT 4 – 8
TERRA BAGS EXHIBITION, VIMONISHA GALLERY, OCT 21-24
Corporate Lunch brings you a host of South Indian specials including idli, dosa, vada, adai and other traditional delicacies. The menu offers 3 courses along with a beverage of your choice. Avail this offer at Rs130 only.
The terra brand presents a range of luxurious lambskin and fine leather handbags. With a fabulous new line of leather handbags and accessories, this new entrant in the Indian market, is on a roll with fabulous trends for the new season.
BUSINESS LUNCH, BEYOND INDUS, TAJ MOUNT, OCT 4 – 8 Beyond Indus presents a business lunch for professionals looking for a quick lunch. The lunch includes a main course, Indian bread, kebabs and dessert. Avail this offer at Rs650 only. NAVADHANYA FOOD FESTIVAL, OLIVES, HOTEL DECCAN PLAZA, UP TO OCT 10 Nine grains corresponding to the nine planets are part of India’s culinary sub-culture. This concept is being incorporated at Olives to give you not just a tasty but also a healthy meal. 46 TAXI October 2010
ALCHEMY THEATRES’ “ONE DEGREE SECOND”, BALA MANDIR GERMAN HALL, OCT 29-30 Play opens with a series of bomb explosions in 2003, and moves 5 years ahead and deals with family and issues related to the after effects of the blast, viewed from 3 different perspectives by 3 different families.
k
Ju
ru n
nk
Junk in the Trunk
G
ADGETS
CARDO SCALA RIDER Q2
This season
by Renie Ravin
T his s e as o n
You’re roaring down an open highway on your new motorbike, a pretty lass clinging to your muscled shoulders, the mountain breeze filling your senses when you feel the need to tell her just how much you love her. You lift up your helmet’s visor, open your mouth and realize you can’t speak anymore because there’s a dragonfly stuck to your tonsils. Next time, we recommend you use the Cardo Scalar Rider Q2, which gives you bike to bike (or rider to pillion) intercom communication with a range of 500 meters. The weatherproof unit can be attached to both closed and open style helmets. Paired with your phone, it can answer or make calls using voice activated commands or receive info from a GPS device. Wait, there’s more – it has an inbuilt FM radio and a jack to plug in an MP3 player. Each unit is priced at Rs.8550 (approx).
NINTENDO 3DS 3D now comes to the tiny screen. Probably one of the most anticipated gadgets of the year, the Nintendo 3DS promises to lead us into a new era of handheld gaming, where the characters actually jump out at you from the bright, 800x240 screen. And no, you won’t have to look like a dork while using it, since it doesn’t need 3D glasses. It comes with a neat 3D slider so you can adjust the 3D level, or shut it off completely. With a plethora of gaming titles like Resident Evil - Revelations, Dead or Alive, Pilot Wings and Super Street Fighter IV, the massive Nintendo DS community is expected to go nuts on this one. Rumour has it that the 3DS is going to be launched in November. Price: TBA
BOSE SOUNDDOCK 10 Is this just another iPod dock? We beg to differ. Weighing close to 9 kilos and almost a foot tall, we can’t help saying “how quickly they’ve grown!”. The Bose SoundDock 10 makes up for its non-portability with clear, distortionfree sound and ease of use. Bose says they’ve worked on this device for years, with the goal of attaining “audio performance previously unattainable from a one-piece speaker system for iPod.” In case you’re wondering, it works with the iPhone as well. It has a custom woofer with two Bose Twiddlers on either side, Twiddler being Bosespeak for tweeters with mid range output. A composite video output let’s you play videos on your television, or control the unit from afar using the remote. As with all things Bose, it doesn’t come cheap. Priced at Rs.42,638. 48 TAXI October 2010
MOVIE GOING THE DISTANCE Romantic comedies aren’t always about unimaginable situations but also for getting different points of view of looking at love. “Going the Distance” doesn’t really complement anything we already know about the subject but it’s hard not to be touched by the two actors who play it. Justin Long and Drew Barrymoore are simply adorable and laughing spontaneously with them is as natural as it can be. The story is very simple and never old: how many people do we know that were in the same sad situation? I personally know a lot. So after the sad and done I must say that “Going the Distance” is a delicious comedy that can provide a great beginning for a lovely night out. Give it a try.
BOOK THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE – KATHERINE HOWE In her provocative debut novel, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, Katherine Howe pairs a scholarly search for a missing book with the thrill of spine-tingling witchery. Her modern-day heroine, Connie Goodwin, is a doctoral student at Harvard when her mother, Grace, a healer and reader of auras, asks her to spend the summer in Marblehead readying late Grandmother Sophie’s small, dark house for sale.
Courtesy: Full Circle at Chamiers
What Connie discovers in Sophie’s house near Salem makes life in Colonial days real for her. She finds a key in an old Bible with a slip of paper that says simply, “Deliverance Dane.” As Connie grows closer to finding answers, she begins to feel a stirring of the powers that connect her to the “cunning women” of colonial times. Howe accomplishes this with subtlety, through the careful use of detail. As in most novels, people are not what they at first seem. Howe provides interesting reasons for these changes, as an unlikely figure ends up practicing witchcraft to save a friend.
MUSIC A THOUSAND SUNS – LINKIN PARK The fourth studio full-length by Linkin Park is a bit of a weird one – it’ll take you by surprise. ‘Burning In The Skies’ is actually a great starting point; with its slow, piano-heavy chord sequences and electronic drum beats, the Chester Benningtonled track is the forerunner in Linkin Park’s ‘new’ sound. Kicking off with some ‘Year Zero’-era NIN electronic sounds and a Bhangra-esque drum rhythm, Mike Shinoda’s familiar rapping is all that links this (very) funky track to previous eras of the band. ‘Wretches And Kings’ is a mixture of both NIN and Skindred during its ragga metal / industrial chorus, while ‘Iridescent’ borrows the mass chorus sing-along technique that 30 Seconds To Mars chose to use heavily on ‘This Is War’. If you’re expecting another ‘Hybrid Theory’, forget it. ‘A Thousand Suns’ is a more experienced and experimental Linkin Park. You may not get it to begin with but persevere and you’ll be rewarded.
October 2010 TAXI 49
Soul Tarot Srini Aries, March 21– April 20
Libra, September 23 – October 23
A time when you have to rely heavily
Demands are going to be made of you and
on your intuition, rely on the Divine for
only the highest strength of character and
guidance. You may be playing agony aunt
physicality are going to see you through. Be
to many dear ones but thinking rather than
persistent, keep your promises, and leave
feeling is the order of the day, says the Queen
nothing to chance. Your success will then be
of Cups.
guaranteed, says the Knight of Pentacles.
Taurus, April 21 – May 21
Scorpio, October 24 – November 22
What kind of prosperity are you looking for?
Myriad options and a difficult choice, but
Material or spiritual? Either one is within
make sure these options are realistic and not
your reach this month and things will go in
fantasies. Don’t be impulsive. It is okay not
your favor if you keep yourself grounded and
to choose at all. Standing true to your beliefs
let your common sense and intuition guide
will ensure that your actions don’t taint you
you to success, says the Ace of Pentacles.
for a lifetime, says the Seven of Cups.
Gemini, May 22 – June 21 Power is the theme of the month for you,
Sagittarius, November December 21
immense power. Now power by itself has no
Strike the iron while it is hot! This is the time
value but depends completely on the person
for being bold and making lightning moves
who has it and what it is used for. So use it
towards your highest goals. Make sure this
wisely, for your good and for those around
blast of energy gives you enough power to
you, else it may consume you, says the Ace
see you through to the end, says the Ace of
of Swords.
Wands.
Cancer, June 22 – July 22
Capricorn, December 22 – January 20
If you feel powerless and feel walled in by
Not everything you see is definitely what
circumstances, look again! Are there really
it seems like. It is a highly tempting time
any shackles that you cannot break free of?
though, and your vision might be clouded.
Be it lust, love, or wealth, do not let internal
Fight rash impulses, take a deep breath,
or external forces be the cause of your ruin,
and stand back to see the bigger picture.
says the Devil
Abstinence definitely has its rewards, says
23
–
the Seven of Cups.
Leo, July 23 – August 23
Aquarius, January 21 – February 18
Feel free to dream wonderful dreams and
Great financial opportunities abound, so take
create the life that you desire. Keep your
advantage of them, but do examine them
feet firmly on the ground and be prepared for
carefully. Success will be yours if you use
exciting new beginnings. Believe in yourself
your resources wisely. Be enthusiastic about
and your intuition and know that all is
life but also be practical and you won’t fail,
possible, says the Page of Cups
says the Page of Pentacles.
Virgo, August 24 – September 22
Pisces, February 19 – March 20
What are you clinging onto?
Outmoded
You have painted yourself in a corner,
beliefs, value systems, or an unhealthy
thanks to your ways and beliefs, they are
lifestyle? Sweeping change is upon you, so
now completely hemmed in. Take a deep
know it is for the better and go with the flow.
breath and look for ways out of the situation
Clinging on will only make it worse, says the
as they very much exist. A positive attitude
Tower.
will put you back into the reckoning again, says the Eight of Swords.
50 TAXI October 2010
Now At Express Avenue
S# 130, 1st Floor, Express Avenue, Royapettah, Chennai 600 014. Tel : + 91 (44) 2846 4550 / 2846 4551 Email : toniandguy.chennai@gmail.com