Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Chef challenge kickstarts

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

BANGALORE:

Metro Cash and Carry India, in partnership with the Food Lovers Club, kicked off the second edition of the Young Culinary Chefs’ Culinary Challenge in the city of Bangalore on December 7. Titled ‘Produce to Plate – Young Chefs’ Culinary Challenge 2011’, the challenge witnessed twenty-five (25) of the most talented and upcoming chefs from across hotels and restaurants in the city gather at a common platform and display their skills in producing some of the finest gourmet dishes for Bangalore’s connoisseurs. The 25 participants will undergo a series of challenges and eliminations before the seven best of the lot reach the final round.

As part of the preliminary rounds, the participating chefs along with their executive chefs visited the metro store in Yeshwanthpur, to identify and shortlist their preferred choice of ingredients for their recipes. The participants were required to submit details of their preferred ingredients and culinary workstations by December 2.
After the preliminary rounds on December 7 and 8, the challenge will host its final round on December 15 and results will be out by January 2012. winners will receive gold, silver and bronze medals, in addition to attractive cash awards of `61,000, `41,000 and `31,000 for the first, second and third prizes respectively. They will also have the privileged
opportunity to be featured in Food Lovers’ magazine.

The Young Chefs’ Culinary Challenge 2011 will have some of the most renowned chefs in India judging the event, including chef Abhijit Saha, founder director and executive Chef, Avant Garde Hospitality, Chef Madhu Krishnan-executive chef, ITC Gardenia, chef Nimish Bhatia-executive chef, The Lalit Ashok, chef Vijaya Bhaskaran-executive chef, Le Meridien, chef Rudolph Eichele-executive chef, The Leela Palace Kempisnki, chef Vijay Malhotra-executive chef, ITC Windsor, chef Ramasamy Selvaraju-executive chef, Vivanta by Taj, chef Naren Thimmaiah-executive chef , chef Naren Thimmaiah-executive chef, The Gateway Hotel.

Ajay Sheodaan, Director, Customer Management, METRO Cash and Carry India said, “The Young Chefs’ Culinary Challenge 2011 is a wonderful opportunity to encourage these promising chefs to sample, experiment with and create culinary masterpieces from the vast range of high quality products we offer.”

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Express News Service, The New Indian Express / Bangalore, December 09th, 2011

‘Nature walk in coffee land’ reaches Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Uncategorized

Madikeri, Dec 4, DHNS:

The ‘nature walk in coffee land’ organised to create awareness on environment from Bababudangiri reached Madikeri on Sunday.

The jatha was led by Krishnamurthy Pushpanath. The jatha reached Sampigekatte at 9.30 am.

The jatha was welcomed by skating children with flowers. District Congress Committee President B T Pradeep, Jaya Karnataka district president Rabin Kuttappa, Kodagu Growers Federation member B T Dinesh, Madhu Bopanna and others were present.

The jatha passed through Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri. After garlanding the statue of Gandhi, Krishnamurthy said, “There is a need to protect Western Ghats and Malnad to check global warming. It is our duty to protect Western Ghats.

There is a need to create awareness among the public on the need to protect Western Ghats from destruction. With the global warming, there has been increase in temperature by one or two degree every year. The increase in temperature will affect coffee. If this continued, then coffee plants may not survive by 2030.”

Kodagu Growers Federation’s Dr Pradeep said “the coffee plantations absorb carbon dioxide. Hence, the coffee growers are protecting the nature. The Centre should support the coffee growers.” The jatha left for Bhagamandala from Madikeri.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Home> District / Monday, December 05th, 2011

Stepping into a world of colour

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized


We did it: Winners of the competition Photo: M.A. Sriram

The Hindu Young World Painting competition in Mysore, brought out some impressive work of art.

The young artists at The Hindu Young World painting competition held in Mysore recently portrayed their creative thoughts on the canvas with unlimited imagination.

The brilliant use of colours and expressive brushwork in the artworks produced during the annual on-the-spot competition brought to light their abundant ability.

Different topics

Participants came from Mysore, Kodagu, Chamarajagar, Hassan and Mandya. The topics given to the juniors were, “picnic with family”, “enjoying ice-cream with friends”, “visit to a museum or a botanical garden” and “having fun at the playground”. For seniors, the topics were, “enjoying rain with friends”, “bicycle ride with friends”, “watching cricket or tennis on television with family/friends”, and “science exhibition”.

MIOT Hospitals (Chime) is the title sponsor and Amrutanjan Relief Cough and Cold is the national sponsor for the event. In junior category, Uthaiah K.T., Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodagu Vidyalaya, Madikeri won first prize; Dakshith A.S. of Kautilya Vidyalaya, Mysore and Shruti Simlai of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mysore bagged second and third prizes respectively.

In senior category, Akash T.P., Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodagu Vidyalaya, Madikeri won first prize; Mohini Menon of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodagu Vidyalaya, Madikeri, won second prize; Sreeparna K.S. of Sadvidya High School, Mysore, won third prize.

The winners were given cash prizes. Lunar gave school bags to the first three winners in both categories. Seven consolation prizes were given to participants in each category. The winners of consolation prizes in junior category are: K M Pramodh Mahadesh, JNV, Chamarajnagar; Ankita C, SVEI, Mysore; Rakshitha Ravi, St Joseph’s Central, Mysore; Sujan B V, SVEI Public School, Mysore; T Ijar of Bright Public School; M Priyanka of Manasarovar Pushkarni Vidyashrama, Mysore and Shamnaz Abubakar of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mysore.

Mahalaksmi R, Mahajana Public School, Mysore; Sandeep B, JNV, Chamarajnagar; M V Smitha, V V S Pandit Nehru High School, Mysore; B A Bhuvaneshwari, BVB-KV, Madikeri, Sushmitha S, JNV, Chamarajnagar; K Vinay Kumar, JNV, Chamarajnagar and Raj Kamal B Gowda, St Joseph’s Central, Mysore were the winners of consolation prizes in senior

source: http://www.thehindu.com / Life & Style> Kids / by Shankar Bennur / December 05th, 2011

Contest for best family photograph

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

BANGALORE:
Better Photography, a magazine on photography, organised a competition on India’s best family photograph called the Fun Frames contest recently. The winners are yet to be announced. Winners will get the opportunity to spend a holiday package from Club Mahindra for an entire family and a fabulous Olympus PEN E-P3 camera, the candidate would also be recognised on a national level by the magazine.
The concept was to capture precious memorable moments shared with family and friends through photographs and send the entries to the Fun Frames contest.
The contest was categorised in six sections namely,� family portraits, going places, kids at play, togetherness of the joy , photo series—‘A Travelogue in Frames’ and photo series—‘A Family Photoessay.’
The contest was promoted on a large scale through television promos on CNBC TV18, CNN IBN, Awaaz, CNN IBN, IBN Lokmat, magazine advertisements in Better Photography, Overdrive, T3, Chip, AV Max, Better Interiors, Entrepreneur, Burrp, Noise Factory along with banner ads across web18 sites including In.com , moneycontrol.com , ibnlive, ibn khabar, cricketnext.com. Social media was targeted and the contest was highlighted on facebook and twitter with various continuous promotions across Club Mahindra properties through banners, standees and fliers.
The entries were collected through a dedicated website (http://betterphotography.in/funframes/ ) as well as physical print entries by post were accepted. The last date for receiving the entries was November 15 and the magazine received an overwhelming 6,000 entries from towns and cities all over India.
Better Photography editor, K Madhavan Pillai said, “The number of entries was incredible and to receive a response from the smallest towns to the biggest metros in India was astonishing. We plan to conduct many more opportunities through photography to explore the talent and capabilities of the people of India.”
Renowned photographer Madhur Shroff� has been bestowed with the responsibility of selecting the final six entries that would go ahead to participate in the final face off.

The face off would require the participation of the families so the finalists would get an opportunity to stay with them at Club
Mahindra in Coorg. The winner of the final face off would be announced on� December 7 at an event in the Club Mahindra property in Coorg.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Bangalore / posted December 05th, 2011 / Express News Service, Indian Express

Kodagu, Karnataka Tourism and Attractions

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This page Kodagu Karnataka Tourism and Attractions gives the details about the Important tourist places in coorg bhagamandala, Harangi Backwaters, Madikeri sight seeing, Nagarhole National Park, Nisargadhama Tourist places and Nisargadhama tour and Talacauvery temple and sight seeing including weather and climate of Kodagu in Karnataka.

Kodagu Tour

The scenic splendor of the Western Ghats with undulating meadows and hills was called as Coorg or the Scotland of India. The region is famous for coffee estates and orange orchards plantation.

Tourist places Around Kodagu

Bhagamandala Tourism

Bhagamandala is a special place in Karnataka for the union of rivers. This place is situated at the distance of 38km from Medikeri. A small town to the west of medikeri , where the sacred river Cauvery and its tributary Kannike meet. This Sangam is considered sacred and draws many pilgrims and visitors. Near the confluence is the Bhagandeshwara Shivan temple which has a peculiar style of architecture similar to the temple of Kerala.

Harangi Backwaters

This place is situated at the distance of 30km from Hunsur. A pretty reservoir close to Kushalnagar recently constructed here attracts more visitors. Harangi Backwaters is an ideal picnic spot or for week end gate way. The highest point provides a breathtaking view of the vast water area below.

Madikeri Tourist Places

Madikeri the most beautiful hill station of Karnataka is located at the distance of 254km from Bangalore. Standing at a height of about 1524 metres elevation in rich green trap of the Western Ghats, Medikeri is rich scenes of enchanting loveliness. One can have a glimpse of the Arabian Sea from its peak. The 19th century fort has several old buildings, a temple and a chapel, some of which are mow converted as museums. Two lives- like elephants made out of mortar stand in their beautiful garden which presents an enchanting view of the valleys to Shiva with two sacred ponds on one side. On the outskirts are the massive strictures. A little away from Madikeri are two water falls which are situated in very picturesque surrounding. Abbey water falls and oruppu water falls enhance the beauty of Madikeri.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park the popular tourist spot of KarnatakaThis place is situated 42km from Hunsur. A famous wild life sanctuary very well maintained with excellent forest lodge. This place gives an opportunity to the visitors to see wild life of all kinds varying from majestic elephants to bison, deer and jackal moving about within their own natural setting. Jeep and elephant rides are available for jungle safari.
Nagarhole National Park timings: 9:00 am- 5:30 pm
Nagarhole National Park safari Timings: 10:00 am- 2:30 pm

Nisargadhama Tour

On the state highway, from Madikeri to Kushalnagar at a distance of 3km are few islets on the river Cauvery. The cluster of huts built of wood and bamboo, this resort blend with the thick forest around. It is a popular resort frequented by many tourists.
Nisargadhama Entry Fee: Entry Fee: Rs 10, Rs 5 for kids
Nisargadhama timings: 9:00 am- 5:30 pm

Talacauvery Karnataka Tour

This holy place of Karnataka is located at the distance of 40km from Medikeri. This is the birth place of the sacred river Cauvery, situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills. The Tula Sankramana is regarded as the most auspicious day by the people of Kodagu for visiting this place. There is a small pond which is the source of the river. One can see the water gushing out at a prescribed moment known beforehand.
Talacauvery Temple: Omkareshwara temple, a popular pilgrim destination.
Talacauvery Temple timings: 6:00 am- 8:30 pm

source: http://www.karnatakaspider.com / Author: Kavitha / Posted November 29th, 2011

Designer Arati Monappa’s 10 rules of style for homes

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,


Arati Monappa, designer and owner of Serenity reveals her 10 rules of style.

1. There are two categories of people who have antiques — those who have inherited them and those who buy them because they are genuinely interested and have read up about them. It’s important to keep a piece from the past, that has been handed down from generation to generation. Especially because, antiques today are so expensive. So, if you’ve inherited any antique, keep it.

2. There are so many ways you can put your heirlooms to use. For instance, if you have a very old pashmina shawl, one that’s not good to be used by you, you may use it as a drape over your sofa. It enhances the furniture piece and two, becomes a talking point.

3. Antique pieces blend very easily into today’s modern homes. You may have a technology driven home, stocked with plasma TVs and other hi-tech gadgets and still add antique pieces like old copper or brass lamps or wood carvings. These pieces give character and personality to an otherwise stainless steel, shiny, impersonal house.

4. Talking about care for copper pieces, I use a powder called Pitambari. You just rub the powder over the item to make it gleam. There are more solid means of preserving these pieces too, like applying a coat of lacquer. For old wooden pieces, you may apply a coat of MRF’s wood coat polish. Or you may simply use a brush to remove the dust and rub linseed oil on it.

5.Antiques are undervalued. I see people throwing out items like old copper pots or beautifully woven baskets and replacing them with plastic mugs and plastic bags. There is a need for a certain education about the value of the old heirlooms. Not because of their value, but mainly because, plastic can’t be recycled and is not good for the environment. By buying plastic, you are adding to the junk.

6. There are quite a few old valuables that young couples interested in doing up their homes could buy. They could go for a lovely ceramic pottery piece or pick up old lamps. An old lamp in the corner is enough to add character to the living room. Old textiles are another option. For instance, your grandmother’s old woven sari could make for a beautiful framed piece of art, in the hall.

7. My store Serenity, is a good example of how you can bring the old into the new. We’ve re-used old glass panes, doors and grills for the interiors. So, even if its a modern five- year-oldbuilding, it’s got all these old elements like granite pillars, attangadi tiles for the floor, old mirrors and more.

8. Bangalore has quite a few places where you could go hunting for antiques. There’s Thar Gallery in Indiranagar. I believe Raintree carries a range of old furniture. Then of course, you have Russell Market, where you still have little shops where you can pick up an interesting salvaged piece.

9. I like to spend money on carpets and artworks. I think these two are very important in a home and add a whole new character to it. A painting doesn’t have to be expensive. It could also mean indigenous art like a mithila, madhubani or warli art.

10. I am very fond of carpets for the intricacy of their weaves. I am partial to porcelain and ceramic too. I like my teacups and teapots!

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Home> Lifestyle> Report / by Mahalakshmi Prabhakaran / Place:Bangalore, Agency:DNA / Thursday, December 01st, 2011

Nikhil Chinappa’s magical night in Bangalore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , , , , ,

The weekend started with a bang for all the revellers who stepped out into the nippy Bangalore evening, dressed in their best for a night on the town.

Nikhil Chinappa took over the console at Bling, The Zuri Whitefield, weaving his magic over all the people who thronged the nightclub and tripped non-stop on some funky commercial numbers.

As it was a ladies’ night, the girls were given complimentary vodka shots, which went down very well! BT spotted Rohit Barker, Tuhin Mehta and Priti Chand, among others thoroughly enjoying the evening.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Parties> Bangalore> Home> Collection / TNN / November 27th, 2011

Art Phillips Exits Welk Music/Vanguard

Arts, Culture & Entertainment


On The Loose

After an 11-year run, ART PHILLIPS has exited the WELK MUSIC GROUP — which includes VANGUARD AND SUGAR HILL RECORD — as VP/Promotion & Artist Development. Several others have also exited the company due to downsizing.

KEVIN WELK, President of the WELK MUSIC GROUP said, “It has been an honor to work with ART over the years as he has been a large part of our success at VANGUARD and SUGAR HILL RECORDS with artists such as NICKLE CREEK, JOHN HIATT, MATT NATHANSON and MINDY SMITH, amongst others. We all will miss his insight and professionalism that we have come so accustomed to over the years.”

“It has been my great pleasure to have been part of WELK MUSIC GROUP’s promotion team for the past 11 years. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the greatest, most talented people in the business” PHILLIPS said. “We have all been working through the great upheavals rocking the industry for some time now, and change may be the only common denominator we can expect. To have had 36 amazing years in this biz may just be my best record yet!”

PHILLIPS’ career includes MD/Air Personality at KILO/COLORADO SPRINGS for eight years; seven years as Album Network Music Director; five years as VP Promotion at Hollywood Records; five years as VP Promotion at RCA Records and his stint at WELK.
PHILLIPS is ready for next opportunity and can be reached at (310) 614-2404, or at Arthur.Boxman@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, AYAPPA BIDDANDA, Director of Radio Promotion, will fulfill any needs of Triple A radio in addition to his current responsibilities at WELK for the foreseeable future. He can be reached at (310) 829-9355 ext.157 or ayappa@vanguardrecords.com.

source: http://www.allaccess.com / November 29th, 2011

Talacauvery

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

About 48 kms from Madikeri, in the ranges of Kodanda, this spot is where the holy river Cauvery has her founts. The legend has it that Lopamudra, the daughter of Lord Brahma, the creator, was given in marriage to the mythical sage Agasthya, by her foster fathers, another mythical sage, Kabhir Muni. Sorrowed by the marriage, Lopamudra turned herself into water and sought asylum in the ‘Kunda’ or the mountain cauldron. It is believed by the faithful that she dwells in the ‘Kunda’ in which an amazing phenomenon occurs on the 17th of October every year without fail. The placid waters of the pond turn vibrant in the form of a bubbling spring on the day, bearing testimony to the belief. There is also a larger pool nearby in which a dip is considered sacred.

A flight of rock cut steps meanders up the sacred Brahmagiri Hill, on the top of which a beautiful temple is dedicated to Goddess Cauvery where the Goddess is worshipped with alacrity. This region also has puranic references. The ‘Pandava Brothers’ of the great epic ‘The Mahabharatha’ are said to have sojourned here. The hill offers a wonderful view of sylvan beauty.

source: http://www.folksden.com / November 28th, 2011

New President for ‘Coorg Homestay Association’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Mysore, Nov. 26:

The 6th Annual General Body meeting of Coorg Home Stays Association was held on Nov. 22 at Porcupine Castle in Pollibetta, Kodagu.

Outgoing President N. Dilip Chengappa handed over charge to the new President K.M. Karumbaiah and his team.

The other office-bearers are Vice-President: B. Nalini Achaiah; Secretary : P.U. Preetham; Joint Secretary: C. Savitha Appanna; Treasurer : D.S. Prem. The Committee Members are: P.M. Prabhu Uthaya, C. Madan Somanna, Shamvil, C. Kalpana Muthanna, C.N. Narendra, B. Vijoo Chengappa, K.T.Sagar and P. Hem Madappa.

Outgoing Secretary Madan Somanna read out the Annual Report. The AGM discussed issues pertaining to Unregistered Home Stays, Tax and floating of a State-level Home Stay Association.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / General News / November 26th, 2011