Kochi Fashion & Lifestyle

[Naseef]

Hari Anand & Patti Stren 2011 Collections Show in Kochi

[JohnJoseph]

Originally Posted by Naseef

Hari Anand & Patti Stren 2011 Collections Show in Kochi

Things haute up in Kochi

The black and white collection that was showcased at the Hari Anand-Patti Stren show at Gokulam Convention Centre drew aahs and oohs from the audience comprising the fashion conscious and the wannabe in-crowd. And there was our Kerala Tourism Department Corporation chairman, Cherian Philip, wearing a short black printed designer shirt and mundu, enjoying the show. KTDC was one among the different sponsors of the show event managed by Studio e.

Called Alphabets 2011, the detailing on the clothes and saris is what impressed. That there was plenty of wearable stuff is the news part. Patti Stren's small prints were used in saris, tops and skirts. Twenty models including Candace Pinto and Rajeev Pillai walked the ramp, showing off the saris, tops, trousers, blouses and men's wear.

The pleated saris and even pants took the cake. A lot of silver and muted gold work borders gave the saris, in linen and silk, their identity as also the tiny Patti Stren prints. Apart from just one or two size zero models, the others were better endowed and two see-through net blouses sat well on the model, with strategically placed embroidery. One black jacket was the cynosure of all eyes as the viewers looked for the skirt in vain. That was no wardrobe malfunction, however. Hah..is this Kochi..you had to pinch yourself to believe it, as the audience sat deadpan. Fitted trousers with tiny bead-worked hangings all over, had a whole new look as they looked like living things, when the models walked, dangling all over. Satin skirts, and a few other colours like pink, blue and deep brown took off the monotony of black and white, as also patch-worked blouses.

Men's wear had brocade jackets, pleated cloth trousers, and bloomer-pants. Scarves and linen shirts in black and off white, with and without collars were shown, though men's clothes were in the minority group.

Source

[Jeeva]

Airtel Kochi Mini-Marathon

Bharti Airtel, in association with the Kochi Corporation, will conduct the Airtel Kochi Mini-Marathon ‘Clean city, green city,’ as a part of accelerating cleanliness drive in the city, on December 12.
Manoj Murali, vice-president (operations), Bharti Airtel, Kerala, said that the marathon would be a platform that not only promotes health and fitness but also environment conservation. Registration is open at multiple locations in the city.
Those interested can walk into all Kochi Airtel relationship centres, cafes and shopping malls.
The participants can also register directly at the venue, Maharaja’s Stadium, on December 12. The total prize money for the open 10-km marathon run will be Rs 2 lakh. This year, the run has been divided into the open 10-km marathon run, the dream run and the costume run.
The participants will receive a sapling that will underscore the need of environment protection and conservation. Mayor Tony Chammany will flag off the marathon. For details and registration, log onto www.kochimarathon.com

Express Buzz

[Jeeva]

Pull at this pit stop

When you are out of fuel, energise yourself in more than one way. The Indian Oil Corporation as a part of their corporate social responsibility has decided to give your pit stop a facelift. Apart from sporting a new look, the Jubilee retail outlet at Pongam, Angamaly, on NH 44 is a feast to every travellers’ eye and any environmentalist’s dream. It encompasses a variety of comforts, including restaurants, public convenience facilities, truckers dormitories and a children’s park.
Plush with greenery, the serene surroundings make you forget your tiring drive. This petrol bunk has more to it than just having to watch someone filling your car with fuel.
Distinct in its stature, this petrol bunk has a variety of aesthetic treats coupled with an eco-friendly motive.
Apart from filling petrol, one can take a stroll down the butterfly garden.
The garden functions not only as a sanctuary for butterflies but also a means to renew self-propelled flowers.
It attracts butterflies from all parts of Kerala as it possesses the optimum temperature and humidity for them to thrive. Commonly found species of butterflies in the garden are Red Pierrot, Lime Butterfly, Common Mime, Malabar Banded and Southern Birdwing. Birds, spiders and lizards help in ecosystem stabilisation.
Vermiculture forms an important part of the diverse ecological objectives.
Vermicompost obtained is used as fertilizer for gardening purposes.
Alternative sources of energy are the need of the hour. Keeping this is mind, The biogas plant set up in the outlet helps meet the basic cooking need in rural areas.
Rain water harvesting, waste water management and a herbal garden are the other striking features one can see. Waste is being managed to facilitate segregation such that it can be used properly.
“This endeavour is a glimpse into how consumer-friendly approaches are welcome at all times, says a visitor to the pump” Burning fossil fuels like petrol contributes heavily towards global warming. But, in the present scenario this is inevitable.
An eco-friendly petrol bunk does its bit for the environment and pleases the customer.
Petrol bunks have moved on from their traditional cocoons and have gone all the way to break the conventional ways. Competition to make a mark on the customers’ mind harbours innovation.
Gone are the days when petrol bunks were just for dispensing fuel.

Express Buzz

[Jeeva]

De Aquaria 2010: Pet Expo

A world of exotic and rare species of marine and feathered life await visitors at the De Aquaria 2010, the ongoing aqua and pet show at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor. The exhibition, which has nearly 2,000 varieties of fish, 20 odd varieties of pigeons, poultry, pheasants and dogs, is held in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council.
The entry fee is Rs 30 for weekdays and Rs 40 for holidays, for which you can access the pet exhibition, the consumer section, the pet fashion show to be held later this week and the daily entertainment programmes by film stars in the evenings.
While visiting the aquaria, watch out for the members of the Arowana family, which are extremely rare and imported from Malaysia, as they are considered to be lucky charms in Chinese feng shui. The varieties range from the flower horn to the Banjar red and they cost the earth - between Rs 75,000 and Rs 1 lakh. Every single one of these bred in captivity has been micro-chipped and thus they cannot be stolen. Equally rare and pricey is the porcupine like Lionfish, whose poisonous sting can kill a human in less than seven hours. Other ‘must see’s here are the multi-coloured Parrotfish, the mud crab, the Red Pacu, which is however a harmless variety of the killer one, the very rare Kohaku karp, the Arapaima gigas - the largest fresh water fish in the world, the catfish, the Mickey Mouse platy and the freshwater lobster. Most of these are for sale and the baby fish are available in a separate section. Besides the fish, tanks, tank accessories and marine plants are also on sale. Beginners can go for the nano aquarium, a small, sturdy tank plus accessories for Rs 199.
The pigeon section has been organised by the Pigeon Foundation of India and features rare and exotic varieties like the Jacobin, which hides its head under a feather tent under stress, the pouters which have been imported from Pakistan, the American fantail and the English carrier which was earlier used to send messages of international consequence and, of course, love letters.
Not to be missed is the poultry collection from Madhu Madaserry which has pure breeds of the black and white Cochin Bantam hens and rare and colourful pheasants like the Lady Amherst, many of which have been imported from USA. One of the varieties is said to have the ability to give tsunami warnings.
Dog lovers have more of accessories from Pets Mall to look forward to than dogs - the highlights are the huge great dane, the ubiquitous pug and the Italian mastiff. There is a whole range of dog leashes, different varieties of chewey bones, toys, soap -- everything your four-legged pet might need, in short.
The times are 2 pm - 9 pm (weekdays) and 11 am to 9 pm (holidays). The exhibition will end on December 19 and be prepared for a good crowd in the evenings.

Express Buzz

[JohnJoseph]

City youngster overcomes odds to reach for the sky

Dindigul : ‘Aiming for the skies' is an expression that best suits Flying Officer C.S. Nandeep, a young fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Last Saturday, when the 22-year-old Kochiite elegantly commanded the combined graduation parade of 171 newly-commissioned flying officers at the Air Force Academy at Dindigul and received the President's Plaque for the best cadet in the flying branch and the Sword of Honour from the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik for being the best cadet, the clichéd expression was reclaiming its worth.It was indeed a day of reckoning for an aspiring young boy with humble family circumstances.

Enthusiastic student

Born to Kaloor-based C.N. Shyjan, a motorcycle mechanic, and Pushpa, a Mahila Pradhan agent, Nandeep, his teachers vouch, was a “humble but enthusiastic” student of St. Augustine's High School, Ernakulam.Always an above-average learner, he joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 2001 and secured an ‘A' certificate thanks to the mentoring of V.A. Joy, the school's Associate NCC Officer (ANO).The boy went on to win scholarships and was adjudged the best NCC cadet in Ernakulam in 2004.

After clearing the AIEE Examination, Nandeep joined the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, when providence came knocking on his door.With his parents' support and mentor Mr. Joy's encouragement, he took the difficult decision of calling off regular studies mid-way through and chose, instead, to join the 117th course of the National Defence Academy.

“I joined the Echo Squadron of NDA and later commanded my squadron as its Cadet Captain at the passing-out parade,”.“I was also awarded the ‘Best Air Force Cadet Trophy' for coming first in the overall order of merit in NDA,” Nandeep recalls.

At the Air Force Academy, he was part of the 186th Pilots Course and began flying the Kiran mk-1 (HJT-16) aircraft as part of the first phase of flying training.During this time, he was part of the academy's football team that took part in the Hexagonal Sports Meet 2010 in NDA.

“I came first in the overall order of merit in Stage-I training at the academy and was awarded the Chief of Naval Staff Trophy. I also got selected to the fighter stream and went to Air Force Station Hakimpet for the second phase of training in the same aircraft.”Now a consistent performer, he was selected as the best cadet in ground subjects and in the overall order of merit in Stage-II of flying training at Fighter Training Wing (FTW). “I was blessed to have a wonderful instructor in Wing Commander Sandeep Seth at Fighter Training Wing (FTW), Hakimpet,” says Nandeep in all humility.

Nandeep has so far logged over 100 hours flying the Kiran and is slated to join the Air Force Station at Bidar for the third stage of training in the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) Hawk aircraft in early January next.

“My dream is to become a test pilot,” says Nandeep with a disarming smile.

Source

[mohammedirshad06]

After Heritage tourism, entrepreneurs in Kochi is turning towards Creek Tourism, by conducting dinner cruises in Kochi Backwaters.

Though dinner cruise is there in Kochi conducted by Govt run KSINC's Sagarani Cruise, a large DJ Party based cruise is all set to roll out in Kochi's backwaters. Creek Cruise, is arranging full fledge party cruise on 15th and 16th of Jan in Kochi Backwaters, with a ultra-luxurious cruiser loaded with DJ music, dance bar, international buffet etc. The company is currently testing the market with 2 day cruise. If found profitable, it will be done daily, as a floating DJ lounge bar.

For experiencing it, call at 9847321773 or 906199971. Admission reserved only for couples with a price tag of Rs 850 per person for a 4 hour party cruise. Josh for it.

[mohammedirshad06]

Happy News- The most premium car-Jaguar Land Rover brand has made a foray into the Kerala market through Muthoot Motors-Kochi, part of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. The new Jaguar showroom will be soon ready in Kochi. Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group, handed over the key of Jaguar XF to Asher Rasheed, Managing Partner, Oriental Timbers, Kochi.

[mohammedirshad06]

Causing hardships to commuters in Kochi, many private bus operators have started withdrawing their service from certain sectors in large numbers. Even as the bus owners blame the frequent hike in the price of fuel and spare parts, the commuters in and around the city are finding it difficult to reach their destinations.

The bus operators said that many of them have started to surrender their permits. “About 47 buses — some plying from Aluva to Kochi, and a few in Tripunithura and Poothotta — have surrendered their permits during the last one year. We are unable to run the services as the cost is increasing by the day,” M B Sathyan, Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) general secretary, said. “The Thiru Kochi service has also contributed to our losses. The Thiru Kochi buses that do not keep the time schedule are a big blow to us,” he said. But the authorities with the Motor Vehicles Department denied the reports that a large number of private bus operators have surrendered their permits. “We have received only a few applications for surrendering permits. Of the three or four applicants, one has given us a fresh application for issuing the permit once again,” Ernakulam RTO C G Michael said.

The commuters who are facing difficulties to reach their destinations are demanding more Thiru Kochi services in lieu of the private buses that have stopped services.

“About 12 private buses plying in the Ernakulam-Perumbavoor route stopped service in the last few months. The commuters, especially office-goers and students, are having a tough time because of this. The authorities should introduce more Thiru Kochi buses,” Prasad, a commuter, said. The authorities with the Motor Vehicles Department said they are ready to introduce more Thiru Kochi services. “We are ready to introduce more buses if people make use of the Thiru Kochi service,” sources with the transport department said. The authorities said that 20 more Thiru Kochi buses will start their service soon.

The best news I heard in recent times. I think, the red buses were the curse for that city whose repute is nothing less than notoriety. They were better known as Red Killers. Its nice to hear, that they are leaving themselves. I feel, KSRTC must act and start more services.

I wish, similar services for Thrissur too, which really bleed under private buses. Hope city bus of KSRTC will be a reality in all towns of Kerala

[sachinrk]

Agree fully. Given a choice , people prefer KSRTC services to the private killers.

[mohammedirshad06]

Even as Navy's Commander Dilip Donde, the only Indian to circumnavigate the world solo, is skippering a four-member team on the famed Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei in the ongoing Cape to Rio race across the Atlantic, a modest offshore sailing race between Kochi and Androth in the Lakshadweep group of islands was flagged off at the naval south jetty here on Wednesday by Vice-Admiral K.N. Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.

This is the third edition of the annual race being organised by the Offshore Sailing Club of India.

A total of five teams — three from the commands of the Navy, one from the Tri-services command in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and an army team from the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) — are participating in the race. The teams, each with a crew of five, will steer their 24-foot sailing yachts to Androth before returning to Kochi. The race, on completion, will cover a total distance of about 400 nautical miles.

What makes this edition of the race special is the participation of a team fielded by the Navy's Watermanship Training Centre at Port Blair.

Teams' safety

The team has already sailed over 1,200 nautical miles to reach Kochi to take part in the race. Besides naval aircraft, two ships of the Southern Naval Command, Navy's only sail training ship INS Tarangini and a water jet propelled fast attack craft INS Kalpeni, will ensure the safety of the teams during the race. They will also extend other administrative support.

Prior to the flagging-off ceremony, there was a flypast by a Chetak helicopter, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and a Seaking Mk 42 C.

The event is title-sponsored by Cochin Shipyard Limited.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/20/stor...2061860200.htm

[mohammedirshad06]

The 5th edition of the Vasco da Gama Yacht Rally sets sail from the marina at the Bolgatty Palace here on Thursday. The three-and-halfmonth rally is scheduled to finish at the Alanya Marina in Turkey in the second week of May. Twenty yachts from 11 countries such as France, the UK, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Finland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Brazil, and 70 yachtsman of 17 nationalities will be part of the event.

The rally sets sail to Goa, and then to Mumbai from where the fleet would leave the Indian waters for Oman, Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt, before reaching Alanya on May 15, if weather stays favourable. Fifty other yachts will join the rally in Mumbai, Jolly Thomas, of the Kerala Watersport and Sailing Organisation, which is cooperating with the event, said. This is the second time that the rally is sailing from Kochi to Alanya after three rallies had sailed the other way round, starting from Turkey. The rally is being organised and led by 71yearold Dutchman Lo Ewik Brust onboard his yacht Mistral, visiting Kochi for the 7th time.

[Malayaali]

Cricketer Sreesanth to launch fusion music band in Kochi

Cricketer and city lad S. Sreesanth is all set to thrill the spectators with his jig. The spot this time around is not a cricket field, but a music show venue.

The speedster has chosen to showcase a few of his dance numbers during the first curtain raiser show of his own fusion band, ‘S36-The Band' at Jtpac here on January 30 at 6.30 p.m.

The band derives its name from the first letter of the cricketer's name followed by his favourite, believed to be the luckiest, jersey number.

On January 30, the band will dish out original pieces besides improvised contemporary English and Hindi hits. India Elements, which manages several international music bands, will be the promoters of ‘S36'.

While a grand official launch of the band is scheduled to be held in Dubai during May-end, the band will perform four curtain raiser shows in major Indian cities in the run-up to it.

At Jtpac on January 30, Malayalam playback singer and Sreesanth's brother-in-law Madhu Balakrishnan and Punjabi singer Preeti Bhalla will perform along with the band's musicians.

Members of the band were selected after a series of auditions and trials. ‘S36' has Anoop and Narayan Unni as keyboard players, Sandip as its lead guitarist, Arun Roop as the drummer and Chippuy as bass guitarist.

Guest musicians are Dennis Jose (flute and saxophone) and Shomi Davis (percussion).

For entry passes for the curtain raiser show, call 0484-6003636.

The Hindu

[Malayaali]

S36theband - New band from Kochi!!

Ace Indian cricketer from Kochi, Sreesanth and his bro-in-law, South Indian playback singer Madhu Balakrishnan, has brought up yet another Music band from the city.

S36theband

[Malayaali]

Cochin Flower Show 2011 on the way

A 500-feet-long creative piece based on ‘Flowers and Egyptian Mythology’ will be the highlight of the Cochin Flower Show 2011 organised by the district agri horticultural society. The work will have sculptures of Egyptian heritage including that of a Pharaoh and Queen Cleopatra carved to perfection by experts in the flower arrangement. Other attractions of the show include about 500 varieties of Phalaenopsis plants from Germany and 6,000 species of plants from Bangalore. There will be around 3,000 plants from home gardens in the district, bonsai, more than 1,000 medicinal plants and about 13,000 decorative plants. There will also be plants from the Kerala Books and Publication, Cochin International Airport and NPOL besides rare flowering and decorative plants, crotons and fruiting plants. The plants and their seeds will be available for visitors at reasonable prices. There will be flower arrangement competitions for children and adults on February 11 and 12. On February 12 Flower King and Queen contests will be conducted for children in the age group 4 - 11 in association with the model management group Lukmans. There will be cultural and entertainment events every evening in association with the show.
The Agricultural Department, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, NABARD, Marad and Moovattupuzha agricultural market will exhibit a wide range of fruits and vegetables directly collected from the framers. There will also be pavilions by the State Horticultural mission, State Medicinal Plants Mission, Farm Information Bureau and Kerafed. The show starting on February 10 at the Siva Temple Ground will conclude on February 16. It will be on from 9 am to 9 pm.

Indian Express

[Malayaali]

S36-The Band launch at JT PAC

Courtesy: kochivibe

[Malayaali]

Cochin Flower Show 2011

Source: Manorama

[Malayaali]

Cochin Flower Show opens today

Cochin Flower Show, being organised by the District Agri-Horticultural Society, will open on Thursday at the Siva Temple Ground here. The highlight of the show would be over 500 imported Phalaenopsis orchid plants from Germany and over 6,000 flowers from Bangalore that would be on display, said M. Beena, District Collector and chairperson of the Flower show, at a press meet held here on Tuesday.

Over 3,000 flowers from households, bonsais, over a 1,000 medicinal plants and about 13,000 decorative flowers would be on display. Institutions such as Kerala Books and Publications, Cochin International Airport and NPOL would be taking part. The event will be on till February 16.

The Hindu

[Malayaali]

Zapak Gameplex - SA Road, Cochin



Source:kochiservnet

[mohammedirshad06]

Creek Cruise Cochin pioneered cruise tourism in the state way back in the 90s with state-of-the-art yachts that redefined luxury. Launched initially in Dubai, the company is now one of the biggest cruise operators in India with branches in most of the states. The cruise operations in Kochi, provides a chance to the tourists to experience the scenic beauty of the backwaters and the ocean while indulging in the comfort and amenities of the sailing vessels.

Creek Cruise provides several innovative packages which includes organising corporate meetings, cocktail parties, New Year bashes, birthday and wedding parties on its vessels plying in and around Kochi. As one of the leading cruise operators in Kochi, it also has well experienced management and staff. You can enjoy sailing in the protected and pristine lagoons of the Arabian Sea.

Anchored in quiet secluded bays, basking in the superb sunsets, great food, exotic cocktails and the sailing can make your trip a memorable one. Or you can take to fishing in crystal-clear, warm waters blessed with an abundance of marine life.

Wind surfing, sailing and power boating are among some of the exciting water sports that are available to tourists along the beaches of Kochi. The company has also launched a Cruise Club with members enjoying free packages and have access to various cruises among the boating locations. "One can plan vacations around Cruise Clubs and enjoy the beautiful waterways and marina amenities. The response to the club membership drive is overwhelming and we expect it to touch 5000 soon", says Manoj, managing director, Creek Cruise, Kochi.

http://www.expresstravelworld.com/20...waters09.shtml