Diligent Barber May Have Saved Boy’s Life After Spotting Cancerous Lump on His Neck

Barber Firat Davutoglu and Owen Norgrove – SWNS

An eagle-eyed barber saved a teenager’s life by spotting a lump that turned out to be a rare cancer.

A Turkish stylist name Firat Davutoglu spied it the 17-year-old’s neck after he’d come in for a trim of his back and sides.

He advised him to “get it checked out”—and the next week Owen went to his doctor who referred him to a specialist.

Following a series of tests, Owen was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system—and he immediately started aggressive chemotherapy following the diagnosis in January.

Owen Norgrove, from Shropshire, England, is now in remission and hoping to be given the all clear next June.

“Owen had just gone for his normal haircut and Firat noticed the tiny lump on his neck,” his mother Hayley told SWNS news agency. “When Owen came home he told us what Firat had advised and we immediately got him an appointment with his GP.

“Once we saw it, it did start to grow; by the time he was diagnosed it was a sizable lump in his neck.

“Firat really helped Owen have the cancer diagnosed much quicker so he could start treatment sooner. He underwent five months of chemotherapy at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and is being supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust.

“He had his last chemo on May 1. Then in early June he was in remission.

“You just don’t expect cancer at that age, it was a shock for everyone. But everyone rallied around and we had a strong support network. With his age and resilience, his body fought back.

This week Owen was reunited with Firat for the first time since he took the barber’s life-saving advice.

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Teen Boy Owen Norgrove getting chemo VERTICLE – via SWNS

Recalling the day he had his trim, Owen said: “I came to the barber as I do every few weeks. Suddenly Firat stopped and said to me ‘do you realize you’ve got a lump on your neck? You might want to get that checked by a doctor.’

“I’m really grateful that the barber noticed the lump,” he said recently.

Firat, who runs New Styles hair salon, said: “I’m just giving him a haircut and I saw that his neck, the right side of it, is swelling. I just asked what is it?

“He said he didn’t know and I got the mirror and he said he hadn’t seen it before. I told him, ‘Mate, you should go see the doctor’.

“He came with his dad (five months later) and I didn’t remember him because he had chemotherapy and had no hair. His dad told me the story and I feel emotional.

“He’s alright now and that’s what’s important now.“I hope he’s going to have a long life, healthy, and he’s never going to see the hospital and doctors again.” Diligent Barber May Have Saved Boy’s Life After Spotting Cancerous Lump on His Neck

Read More........→September 24, 2025

Nothing beats a child's smile when it comes to true happiness: Telegraph reports

A leading English Newspaper of Australia 'Daily Telegraph' has reported that according to the latest survey, Australians derive true happiness by simply looking at their children's smile. According to Daily Telegraph, an exclusive survey has found that Australians are a happy bunch overall, thanks largely to their children, loving partners and good friends. The survey, in which around 2,000 persons participated, reveals that 56.8 percent respondents insisted that their children gave them the most joy while 50.3 percent said favoured to their partners. The survey, which was based on a scale from from "extremely happy" to "extremely unhappy" also revealed that three in five or 59.3 per cent, ranked spending time with friends highly. About 14 per cent said their jobs made them "extremely happy" while 7.7 per cent said that getting rid of their boss would improve their mood. '63.1 per cent respondents said more money might make them even happier while some said extra holidays and rest of them asserted to better health', the Daily Telegraph reported. Almost 70 per cent considered themselves happy people but opinions were evenly divided when it came to whether married or unmarried people were happier or which gender was more cheerful. 44 per cent asserted that money could buy happiness, 45 percent said it couldn't and 11.1 per cent were undecided. For 54.4 per cent of people those little bundles of joy are just that, while 45.6 per cent said childless people were happier. Baby boomers were believed to be the happiest age group. Source: Newstrack India

Read More........→August 11, 2025

Women Reunited With Sister After DNA Test and 57-year Search Ends the Mystery of a Forced Adoption

Sisters June (left), Trish (centre) and Geraldine – SWNS

Two women found their long-lost sister after a 57-year search thanks to DNA test results that sounded like an ‘April Fools prank’.

Now in their 60s, sisters Trish and June spent their lives searching for their oldest sibling, Geraldine, who is more than a decade older.

Geraldine was a four-year-old when her mother Mary Wills was forced to put her up for adoption by a religious order of Catholic nuns in the convent where the single mom and her daughter spent their early years.

Mary moved on and later met Peter Wills, with whom she had three children after marrying in 1956, settling in Somerset, England.

Despite always knowing they had an older sister, Trish and June weren’t able to find her before their mom died from liver cancer in 2011.

When Trish gave her daughter, Laura, 34, an Ancestry DNA test for Christmas in 2023 it didn’t turn up any matches—until last month.

Little did they know that their biological half-sister Geraldine would upload her details onto the same website database and Laura would be notified that Ancestry had uncovered a match “without a doubt”.

On April 1, Laura reached out to Geraldine through email and reassured her it wasn’t an “April Fool’s joke”.

Trish, a writer, from Somerset, England recalled: “I thought Laura was playing April Fool’s on me – turns out Geri thought the same thing too.”

The three sisters video called before meeting in person for the first time two weeks ago in Somerset, England, and felt “instant love” for their long-lost sibling.

“Meeting for the first time was emotional, and I felt an instant feeling of love for Geri,” Trish told SWNS news agency.

“Me, her, and June all have the same laugh—and I can’t believe how similar we all look.

“We feel like Mum is with us now and this is what she would’ve wanted.

“Having Geri in my life is something I’ve always wanted. June and I had always been told about Geraldine, but we hadn’t been able to track her down.”

Geraldine visiting Mary’s grave for first time – SWNS

“I couldn’t believe it when Laura said she’d found Geri. It’s just a shame we couldn’t do it when Mum was still alive.”

The sisters knew that their mum had moved from Ireland after giving up Geraldine at aged four and trained as a nurse in Bolton, near Manchester, but they had not been told the details of Geraldine’s adoption, or where she had relocated.

Geri learn more about her late mother—but the meeting also unveiled family secrets for Trish and June too.

They discovered their mum was a survivor of Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, in County Cork, Ireland, run by Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The home, which was subject to an investigation by the Irish Government in 2021, was found to have forced many adoptions and treated unmarried mothers—whom they deemed “sinful”—with severe cruelty.

Mary was a victim of the convent’s ill-treatment and their policies were the reason she was forced to give Geraldine up for adoption.

Speaking about the reunion, Trish said: “I never thought we’d find her, and I never thought we’d be like a Long Lost Family episode.

“We took her to mum’s grave, which was very emotional… and we’re planning to take a trip to Ireland to see where Mary had spent her earlier years.“But this is the start of making memories together now. Women Reunited With Sister After DNA Test and 57-year Search Ends the Mystery of a Forced Adoption

Read More........→May 16, 2025

Woman Hires Private Detective and Finds 2 Long-Lost Sisters After 44 Years and the Death of Adoptive Parents

Magda Berg with her two sisters Beata and Daria -via SWNS

An adopted woman met her two sisters for the first time in 44 years—after hiring a private detective to track down her birth family.

Magda Berg hired the detective after her own 20-year search hit a dead end. She paid $1,300 and had the names and addresses of her family members four months later.

The 44-year old and mother-of-one was able to meet her birth mother and discovered she had three half siblings, including two sisters. Now she feels a “real sense of family”.

“My sisters and I connected straight away, it was amazing,” said the receptionist from Buckinghamshire, England, who now has regular contact with Beata and Daria, both in their early 40s. “I am very, very happy.

“We have a lot in common. We all talk about life in the same way, like we were raised together, and we’re able to finish each others’ sentences.

“I now have that real sense of family that I had been missing.

Magda grew up in Poland and was told that she was adopted as a baby. She moved to the UK in 2005 but all she knew about her birth mom was her name, the village where she gave birth, and the location of the convent where she had been left.

Magda Berg as a child – via SWNS

She started to feel curious about her birth family at age 18 after her adoptive parents were killed in a car crash. However, the convent where she’d been left as an infant had closed and she couldn’t find out any more information about her origins.

A change in Polish law meant she could request her original birth certificate in January 2018, so she was able to discover her birth mother’s maiden name and the town she had lived in.

After struggling to get any further, Magda decided to hire a private detective who discovered the name and address for her mum and revealed she had three half siblings: two sisters and a brother.

The detective sent two letters of introduction to her birth mother on Magda’s behalf but got no answer. Then, Magda’s half sister Beata found one of the letters and contacted the detective and arranged to meet Magda.

They met up in a restaurant when Magda was on holiday in Warsaw just after Christmas.

“It was like meeting my other half,” Magda told SWNS news agency. “We talked like we’d known each other our whole lives.”

A year later Magda’s mother finally agreed to meet her in a café, and revealed that she was 20-years-old and unmarried when she became pregnant with Magda. She later married a different man, with whom she had the other three children.

Magda now also has a young niece who calls her ‘my auntie in the UK’.

Magda Berg with her sister – via SWNS

The three sisters get together twice a year and send long messages every month.

“It’s so lovely to have Daria and Beata. We look quite alike, and we all like reading, sight seeing, and going to the forest. I share interests with them that I did not share with my adoptive parents.

“I have a whole new sense of belonging. We really love each other. I’ve never had such a great relationship.”“It’s funny because I now talk about ‘my sisters,’ and when I hear myself say it I’m still really surprised.” Woman Hires Private Detective and Finds 2 Long-Lost Sisters After 44 Years and the Death of Adoptive Parents

Read More........→May 06, 2025

Men And Women Respond Differently To Stress

News Track India, Washington, Nov 7 (ANI): Men and women respond differently to the same level of stress, a new study has claimed. James Harnsberger and his team from the University of Florida, Gainesville, enrolled the study subjects from community or religious groups who were considered "committed", that is, strongly affiliated with a group identity. They were audio - visually recorded while

coached by the researchers to vocalize both truthful and deceptive statements with the threat from them that the recordings would be shown to fellow community members for judgment. In some conditions,

stress was also induced by the administration of electric shock at levels calibrated by the individual volunteer, while other stress responses were measured by pulse rate, skin conductance level, pulse rate, and two self - report scales  of perceived discomfort. The researchers found that the male and female subjects responded differently for the same level for stress, with men abiding by the "tough guy"

response."In male subjects, higher degrees of physiological arousal were under- reported - what you might call a 'tough guy' response," James Harnsberger, the lead researcher, said. "The results were a surprise. We had expected that higher stressors would prompt both increased physiological response and increased self-reported stress levels in all test subjects fairly uniformly for both men and women," he added. (ANI) , Image Fickt Link1, Link2, Link3, Link3, Link4, Source: Daily Protein

Read More........→March 27, 2025

Teen Bullied Over Her Weight Goes On to Become Cheerleading Coach and Beauty Queen Finalist

Sophie McGarva – via SWNS

A student who was picked-on for being an overweight teenager has shut down the bullies by becoming a cheerleading coach and Miss England semi-finalist.

Sophie McGarva said she was mocked by cruel classmates after she reached almost 200 pounds during middle school by gorging on junk food and snacks before turning 13.

The Englishwoman suffered from low self-esteem but became determined to “prove everyone wrong” and went on to lose 49 pounds. Now 21, Sophie even made the semi-finals of the Miss England competition last weekend.

The English Literature degree student now keeps in shape by coaching cheerleading for the ‘YSJ Kats’ at York St John University and going to the gym three times a week.

“The issues with my weight first started once I got to secondary school,” explained the North Yorkshire woman. “I wasn’t very sporty then and I was eating a lot of bad food, like chocolates and sweets..

“But at that point you start to become more image aware and the girls around me were all really slim.

“I was never too concerned, but then a few girls started picking on me because of my size and saying mean and horrible things.

“I even reported it to teachers at one point, but it was sort of brushed under the carpet, which didn’t help matters.

“After about a year of this, I knew it was time for a change and I became determined to prove everyone wrong.

“I also wanted to prove to myself that if I put my mind to something I could do it. So I began watching my diet and exercising more.”

After getting into dance, swimming, and ice-skating, she lost almost 50 pounds.

“I have maintained this determined, strong-willed mindset in my adulthood and I still go to the gym.”

“Once I got to university I wanted to join a society as they say that’s the best way to meet people. I chose cheerleading and it just went from there. I now choreograph routines and teach up to a level two standard.

“We’re not competitive. We’re a varsity squad so do events and cheer on the football teams and things like that. I absolutely love it.”

Cheerleading gave Sophie the confidence to model on four occasions at York Fashion Week, giving her the belief that she could even compete in a beauty pageant.

“I entered Miss England after seeing it publicized on social media, thinking I wouldn’t stand a chance.

“I like the charity aspect and what they stand for—about beauty not being solely about what’s on the outside.

“At school I was a young and impressionable girl who was taught by those around me that beauty was merely the reflection in the mirror—which, after the weight loss, I came to the realization that this is not entirely true.

“I entered Miss England to challenge myself again, in aims of gaining confidence within myself and to also make my younger self proud.”

Indeed, she became one of 44 women to make it through to the Miss England national finals last weekend.

“I wanted to gain a deeper connection with myself and those around me, proving to myself that I can succeed in things outside my comfort zone. Source: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/teen-bullied-over-her-weight-goes-on-to-become-cheerleading-coach-and-beauty-queen-finalist/

Read More........→April 29, 2024

Artist Makes Spectacular Sand Art Portraits That Sell for Thousands After Quitting His Engineering Job–LOOK

James Sun’s sand art – SWNS

A man who quit his mechanical engineering job and is now earning thousands of dollars by creating stunning sand art portraits. James Sun was going through a difficult breakup in Toronto, Canada, when he began looking to make a new start that could reduce the stress. “I was heartbroken. I needed something to heal my heart, so I looked online, and when I saw sand art it really made me calm.” He searched online for people who made the type of art he envisioned, and spent $30,000 to travel to China and Japan to learn from the masters. The 36-year-old said he “just kept practicing”, and because he is a really big sports fan and passionate about pop culture, he started making celebrity portraits of sportsmen like Ronaldo and Messi, and TV characters like Wednesday Addams. “When I made the change everyone thought I was crazy,” he told SWNS news. “But, looking back, it was the best decision that I ever made.” James now has five employees and is also making sponsored sand art logos and character portraits forJames Sun’s sand art portrait of Wednesday Addams – SWNS

companies like BMW, F.C Barcelona, and Nickelodeon. After five years, his custom pieces now sell for $1,500, while his work for brand promotion costs upwards of $4,500. “I get the chance to work with all these great brands, and I make way more money than I used to.” It was 2018 when he started posting on TikTok. “That was when it really changed.” He amassed more than 3.4 million followers and now creates between 10 and 15 pieces a month, spending around 10 hours per day on his craft. He uses a small spoon to sprinkle colored sand into the container and a custom needle to pack it into the shape he needs. (See the process in the video below…) The pieces can take anywhere between a few hours, for the Argentina football star Lionel Messi sand art portrait by James Sun – SWNS

simpler logos, to three days for the more complex portraits. “I just do it one grain at a time,” Mr. Sun said. “I take breaks when I’m doing it, because I really need to focus, but I really enjoy it—it really relieves my stress so much.” “Mentally, it has healed me. It mended my broken heart.The doubters in his life have now turned into supporters—and James has become the master, fielding requests from others who want to learn how to do it.Artist Makes Spectacular Sand Art Portraits That Sell for Thousands After Quitting His Engineering Job–LOOK

Read More........→March 26, 2024

Quadruplets Who Beat the Odds at Birth Are About to Turn 18 and Be Apart for First Time

(Left to right) Ellie, Holly, Georgie and Jess – SWNS

Identical quadruplets who beat all the odds just even being born are now turning 18, and are about to be apart from their sisters for the first time. Doctors told their parents that they were more likely to win the lottery than see all four babies survive, but 18 years later Ellie, Jessica, Georgie, and Holly are now happy and healthy, reaching adulthood. The girls have asked for a celebration night out for dinner with mom and dad—Julie and Jose—in Bedfordshire, England. And afterward, they’re all going to a concert together. “They haven’t really asked for much,” said Julie. “We’re going to celebrate the day as a family. We’re very close.” “They will then go off into the adult world and do their own thing. “I think they will miss each other but they will enjoy the freedom. In 2005, Julie and Jose learned from an 11-week scan that they were having quads, and they were monochorionic babies who were dependent on a shared placenta. “Initially, the sonographer said it was unlikely that they would survive. We were traumatized.

(L-R) 2-year-old Georgie, Holly, Ellie and Jess – SWNS

“Over the weekend we did some research and accepted it. We felt like we were given a gift.” When Julie reached 23 weeks on March 23, Ellie, Georgina, Jessica and Holly were born just minutes apart, weighing 2lb 8oz, 2lb 7oz, 2lbs and 1lbs 9oz respectively—before being rushed to the NICU for eight weeks. The day Julie and Jose were allowed to bring the siblings home was the ‘best day of their life’. They “thrived” and each branched out with different personalities.

SWNS

Ellie, Georgina, Jessica and Holly will be celebrating their 18th birthday on March 23, 2024. “Them turning 18 makes us really proud,” says Julie. “You don’t often get to look back at what you have done over the years. “It is only when someone points it out, we are like ‘oh my gosh, what we have done is amazing’.”“They will always have each other.” Quadruplets Who Beat the Odds at Birth Are About to Turn 18 and Be Apart for First Time

Read More........→March 20, 2024

The bliss of sleep

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By Andrew Hiller: I've been thinking a lot about the need for sleep recently. My mother suffers from sleep apnea, like many Americans, and I had been suffering from an uneasy sleep too over recent weeks. I attributed it to stress, but it also could be diet, an inconsistent bed time and a number of other factors. Like many Americans, I take sleep for granted even though I know how important it is cognitively and physically. Still, in the attempt to do what I need to, what I want to and meet my obligations for work, family, friends, and every so often self... I found myself losing zzz's. However, while the Prism was on hiatus I did something I haven't done for two years. Nothing. I went on holiday. I didn't take the cell phone... though I did take the lap top. I went to someplace warm and slept, wandered out with a sketchpad, and every so often emerged for a small adventure, but mostly... blissfully, I did nothing. Now, nothing included seeing some 1200 year old petroglyphs marked in dark red on the walls of a cave in Arikok National Park. It also included taking a trip in a non-yellow submarine to look at corals, critters, sea turtles, and an assortment of plants. But mainly, nothing means that I got to sleep in. Sometimes, all the way to 8am! And sketch and chat about silly things and forget about all the imminent nothings that are so crucial and immediate and desperate. There's something to be said for living a 20th Century life. Not having that virtual umbilical cord tied to you where people expect to call, text, IM, and email and get an immediate response was... well, it apparently was worth a few letters more than Z. I think I'm going to incorporate that into my life somehow because if I've learned anything while looking through the Prism on Radio VR, here in Washington, it's that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for yourself is nothing. Source: Voice of Russia - US Edition

Read More........→October 04, 2016

Married to romance

It is often said that marriage kills romance. But some of our married television stars beg to differ. According to them, romance is crucial for marital bliss. In fact, they believe that tying the knot has made life even more romantic. These five television stars share more...

Strong ties: Gaurav S Bajaj, The best romantic surprise: I recently surprised my wife by decorating the garden area with rose petals. She was so touched, she started crying.A special message for your partner: I want to tell Vanshika that I am madly in love with her. She is my best friend, worst critic and biggest support. She means everything to me.The perfect gift from your partner: Spending quality time together.Does marriage dampen romance? No way. Ours is going to be a lifelong romance. I am sure of that.

Great bond: Rishina Kandhari: The best romantic surprise: Vishal surprised me one V-Day with diamond jewellery. He came to the set unannounced with a cake, flowers and the jewellery. I was so happy and overwhelmed, I started shouting. A special message for your partner: I want to tell Vishal that I will love him till my last breath. The perfect gift from your partner: His understanding, love and support. That is all I need. Does marriage dampen romance? I don’t think so. It depends on the bonding and understanding between the two.

Big surprise: Jay Soni: The best romantic surprise: Last year, I surprised my wife Pooja with a Dubai trip on February 18, which is our wedding anniversary. Initially, she didn’t believe I was serious about the trip. A special message for your partner: I want to thank Pooja for loving me and accepting me the way I am. The perfect gift from your partner: Her unconditional love is the best gift. Does marriage dampen romance? Not at all; for us, real romance began after marriage.

Memory lane: Himmanshoo Ashok Malhotra: The best romantic surprise: I surprise my wife Amrutha ever year, so I want her to return the favour this time. A couple of years ago, when Amrutha was my girlfriend, I took her to a hotel in the city. I had decorated the room with flowers, candles and a collage of our photographs together. She was so thrilled she started jumping around. The venue was special as that is where we had first met while participating in a reality show. A special message for your partner: I want to tell her that I will be with her through thick and thin. There will be good times and bad, but I will stand by her. The perfect gift from your partner: The ideal gift would be home-cooked food. Does marriage dampen romance? I have been married only for a couple of weeks, so I may not be the right person to answer this. But so far, it feels the same.

Love’s sake: Janvi Vora: The best romantic surprise: I gifted Ritesh a car and he surprised me with a solitaire in a wine glass. Both of us were left speechless by each other’s gesture. A special message for your partner: I want Ritesh to know that with him, every day is Valentine’s Day for me. The perfect gift from your partner: I want to start a business, so the ideal gift would be helping me with that. Does marriage dampen romance? We are as romantic now as we were before our wedding. othing has changed. Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/

Read More........→May 29, 2016

The secrets of Siberia’s frozen snow brides revealed

Stunning winter brides. Picture: Vera Salnitskaya

By Anna Liesowska, What do you do if you have no option but to get married in the harsh and cold Russian winters? We find out… The secrets behind keeping Siberia’s brides happy - and warm - in the midst of our harsh winter have been revealed by one of the region’s top photographers. Novosibirsk-based Vera Salnitskaya knows exactly what it takes to help women realise their dream of becoming real-life snow queens for the day. From recommending footwear and hiding thermals under dresses, to covering up reddening cold noses and lacing tea with brandy, the 30-year-old has perfected the art of making her wedding parties forget that temperatures outside might well be -37C. She tells The Siberian Times: 'Why do couples choose to marry in winter here? Well, what choice do they have in a place where winter may last for nine months? 'The first couple I ever took pictures of were called Ekaterina and Sergey. It was December and it wasn’t very cold, only about -20C perhaps, but still when the bride was taking her coat off to pose with her naked arms and shoulders I was shaking my head and hurrying her to get dressed. 'I told her, 'You’ll get cold’'but she answered back, 'Never mind that – I want to look beautiful'. 'Oh that brides’ desire to be beautiful! The thing is, the coats that are offered in wedding dress shops are made from teddy bear skin. They are pure synthetics and, frankly, I think that it would be warmer without them than in them. The coats are usually short with the neck open to every wind. And no, you can’t put an ordinary coat above the ‘princess dress’, and it is often too expensive to buy a luxurious real fur coat'.

What do you do if you have no option but to get married in harsh Siberian winter? Picture: Vera Salnitskaya

Born in a village near Novosibirsk, Vera graduated from the electromechanical faculty at Novosibirsk Technical University before starting her working life as a designer. She is now one of the Siberian city’s top photographers, working with a number of local newspapers. With long winters, many brides have no option but to get married in snowy conditions and Vera often has to give out impromptu fashion, and weather, advice to her couples. She says: 'I am always asking my brides to be take something warm with them. It doesn’t matter what it us, just as long as they can have it when we are walking from the car to the area where they’ll pose for me. 'I also ask them to wrap something around their necks. I think the person that invented the typical style of wedding coats have only seen real snow in American Christmas movies. 'On their legs you can put warm thick tights or thermals under the dress. I am very strict with my brides in saying that they can choose anything they like – as long as their legs and feet are warm. So traditional Russian Valenki or Uggs or other warm boots. 'Typically the wedding dress is long and it is more important to keep their legs warm than to get sick after posing in high heel shoes in the middle of a snow drift. 

'Oh that brides’ desire to be beautiful...!' Picture: Vera Salnitskaya

'They do usually listen to me, but sometimes that desire to be beautiful wins over common sense. I remember a bride called Natasha whose wedding was in January, when it was -30C. I spoke to her a day before the wedding day about warm shoes, and as we left the house I asked her again if she had taken the boots. 'She said 'yes' but when we come to the park she jumps out of the car in her delicate shoes and thin white tights into the snow. I’m standing with my camera, in warm valenkis, thermals, three pair of trousers above the thermals, a thick coat, gloves and a very warm hat. 'The absurdity of it is that the dress is so long the pictures don’t even show what kind of footwear the bride has on'.

'I tell them to take good hats as their ears go bright red within seconds of being outside'. Pictures: Vera Salnitskaya

Vera says she is surprised by the fact so many people in Siberia forget how cold the weather might be on their big day. 'I think often winter weddings are planned in the house, without going out and feeling what it would be like to pose barely dressed', she says. 'Of course when discussing their ideal images all couples promise that they will be ready to run around in the snow, make snowmen, go ice skating, you name it'. 'But you are lucky if you can take them for longer than ten minutes out of the car. 'They get immediately cold and start shivering, and their noses, ears and hands get bright red. And then naturally there is no point in taking pictures'.

Siberian snow brides. Pictures: Vera Salnitskaya

Surprisingly Vera says the grooms do not fare any better than their brides. 'Unlike the brides they have to wear shoes', she explains. 'I remember one wedding, of Anastasia and Anatoly, on February 15th. She is happily jumping about in her comfortable Uggs, and he is turning into an icicle in his fashionable shoes. 'He says to me, 'She is lucky, she’s got her feet warm. But I am getting frozen here'. Vera says she now has to pass on tips to the grooms just as much as the brides before they get their photographs taken, down to even giving fashion and make-up advice. She says: 'I tell them to take good hats as their ears go bright red within seconds of being outside. Also the make-up shouldn’t only be about the brides, grooms too should put some tone on their noses and ears. 'We also take tea with brandy, or tea with ginger and lemon - it helps, but not for long'. The best way to protect yourself against the freezing temperature is a beautiful skiing costume…But a rare bride would go for that'. Source: Article

Read More........→November 30, 2015

Eco-friendly Fashion is in trend

In these days, youth are crazy to try the eco-friendly fashion either they are going to shop fabrics or accessories. It becomes a new fashion trend if we carefully watch the shopping trends of youths. The fashion designers are also designing the eco friendly products as they know the trend is becoming popular in the market. The young girls prefer to purchase jewelry of bamboo, fabrics, joot and stone. These are not only inexpensive but also give a stylish look. In these days, bamboo, fabrics, joot and stone formed necklaces, ear-rings, bangles, hairclips and ring are becoming popular in the market. This jewelry can be used with any dress. Such types of jewelry can be designed by women at home also. No only eco-friendly dresses and jewelry but eco friendly accessories are also becoming popular in the market. The wooden bracelets, ear-rings, necklace are becoming the first preference of youth. The footwear of joot is also liked by the youth most. To protect the environment from the harm of polythene, youths have started to use paper bags that are more eco-friendly than polythene. Although the government also has banned the use of polythene bags, but youths and common people helped a lot to make this mission successful. What is green fashion: Green fashion is not a trend of green colors but it means a trend of eco-friendly or organic fashion. Today it is very necessary to use such a fashion, if we want to protect our environment. ‘Going back to nature’ is demand of today’s environment and to lead in this way everyone is trying to find the new ideas and concept to implement eco-friendly trend. Eco fashion fiber yarn, textile, printing, drawing, finishing all these process are bonded with nature in some way. The people have started to use natural fiber, cotton fiber, linen, joot and flex instead of artificial fiber. Jewelry Accessories: In these days, you can find huge varieties of joot, paper, natural fibers, silk and wood formed dresses and accessories in the market. So many experiments are going to design these natural color fashion trends. Youth are crazy about this eco-friendly trend. These are not only comfortable but also give a feeling of style statement. Feeling of environment protection: According to fashion designer Swati Soni, there are so many concepts in eco-friendly. The main concept of using eco-friendly fashion is to make people aware against the harms of polythene and other harmful elements. To protect environment and for Global Warming, the messages like ‘Save Environment’, ‘Grow Trees’, ‘Save Water’, ‘Save Earth’ etc. are printed by using a vegetable print technology. The main advantage of this technology is that this is not harmful for body thus we can say that vegetable print technology is also a part of ecofriendly fashion. Many of the fabrics are available in natural stuff. Pure cosa and pure cotton are the best examples of natural fabrics. We can implement the eco-friendly concept by choosing the eco-friendly colors. To wear green colors cloths, floral prints etc. are the good tools to implement the eco-friendly concept.  Source: Medley News, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→August 14, 2015

Without the sari and weavers, there is no India story: Designer Deepika Govind

This will also stock Govind’s own line of ikat and patola saris, handpainted aroma saris in muga silk.

Written by Kimi Dangor, Her name has always been synonymous with textile innovation, rich handlooms and all things organic. Since she launched her eponymous label in 1995, Bangalore-based designer Deepika Govind has championed the cause of indigenous craftspeople, masterful weavers and revivalists from the remotest corners of India, bringing their artistry to the forefront of mainstream fashion. So it’s only fitting that when she decides to launch a concept store, it pays tribute to these time-honoured traditions. That it also brings together a curated collection of designer threads that imbibe the same aesthetic sensibility makes Neel Sutra, her store at The Oberoi Gurgaon, a one-stop shop for the skill-seeker. “I always thought I’d open my doors to weavers, craftspeople and other designers in a way that is a true representation of Indian design. It’s a window into what I call ‘India modern’, with a refined sensibility that truly stands for the country we are today,” says Govind. With a collection of wares co-curated along with Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India, Govind hopes to further the India paradigm by handpicking “textile and craft-based products from like-minded designers, who have a clear identity and fit into the philosophy of the space”. Here, Rohit Bal’s indigo shibori creations, Rahul Mishra’s jamdani and Chanderi ensembles, Abraham & Thakore’s Chanderi saris and Aneeth Arora of Pero’s trademark textiles rub shoulders with saris sourced from master weavers from across the length and breadth of the country. “We have Uppadas from Andhra Pradesh, Kanjeevarams from Tamil Nadu, Chanderis from Uttar Pradesh, Kotas from Rajasthan, jamdanis from Varanasi, Mysore silks from Karnataka and Paithanis from Maharashtra, to name a few,” says Govind, who has created a special Sari Room to house her passion project. This will also stock Govind’s own line of ikat and patola saris, handpainted aroma saris in muga silk as well as her trademark eri and modal stoles. “Without the sari and weavers, there is no India story. I’ve always had an inner calling to pursue the sari story in a bigger way. And Mr. Sethi is as passionate about the sari as I am. So we decided to give it a special push,” says Govind. Also, on offer is Anju Modi’s minimal Panchvati collection, Gaurav Jai Gupta’s engineered saris, Pankaj & Nidhi’s refined georgettes, Arjun Saluja’s minimal essentials and Urvashi Kaur’s all-linen shibori and tie-dye creations. A star feature is the special menswear line, put together by Sethi, sourced with great care from the craftspeople of Gujarat. Part of the line-up are kurtas, waistcoats, bandhgalas, Jodhpurs and bags, with exquisite detailing and ample pleats, pintucks and handmade textures. And keeping with the name of the store — the colour “neel” (blue) is a favourite with both Govind and Sethi; there are splashes of indigo and blue in most of the inaugural collections. The space they are housed in is also a clear reflection of this identity. Designed by Akshat Bhatt of Architecture Discipline, the store has generous lashings of “neel” across its 2,200 square feet expanse. With high ceilings composed of slats from 11 types of indigenous wood and accents of distressed zinc, it is an echo of the “India modern” vision that drives Govind’s enterprise. Having converted her seven-year-old Khan Market (Delhi) store into a Neel Sutra branch, set to formally launch in July, Govind sees this as a movement that is bound to gain momentum. “Today, reviving our cottage industries and crafts is the only way forward. There are so many younger designers who are doing innovative things with Indian textiles. In future, I hope to travel across the country and meet various designers and source their creations, just as I have done with weavers and craftsmen,” says Govind. Source: The Indian Express

Read More........→November 21, 2014

Conversations with monks in Bylakuppe

By Lakshmi: Cosy , picturesque and quiet –  Bylakuppe  looks  like  another  village  lost   to   the 

world. Flanked by mountains, dotted with corn fields, the little settlement combines both the ordinary and the exotica as it stands out in the coffee country of Coorg. First impressions change, as a riot of colours greet the unsuspecting traveller. The waving flags, red robes, golden Buddhas, prayer wheels, colourful paintings and smiling faces give you a glimpse of a mini Tibet in Coorg. Nestled amidst the verdant landscape , Bylakuppe or the “place of rains” is one of the first Tibetan settlements of Karnataka. The story began more than 50 years ago, during the Chinese aggression, when the Tibetan refugees flocked to India. Karnataka was one of the states to open up settlements for the Tibetans in villages like Bylakuppe, Hunsur, Mundgod and Kollegal. The hardy mountain folk were not used to the heat. They cut through the wilderness , cleared the forests and created a village. Most of them became farmers, cultivating barley and corn. “By the grace of the Dalai Lama , we have lived a contended life,” says Norbu a farmer who has lived here for the last sixty years. One of the earliest settlers, Norbu braved the cold and the Chinese to come here. “ But most of those living here today were born here and have not even had a glimpse of Tibet,” he adds. Walking around Bylakuppe, I see a Tanka artist , Namgyal, a second generation Tibetan who was born in Bylakuppe. “ I try to imagine what Tibet

 would look like- the nomads, the scenery,” he says, adding ,” and then I paint the images.“ Namgyal makes his living selling his paintings to monasteries, restaurants and to foreigners, while his family sells sweaters and woollen clothes during winters. I look around and see some beautiful paintings of Gods and Goddesses, embellished with small pieces of gold that comes from Nepal. I stop by at a small café owned by a small family and order a plate of momos. The elderly lady, Tsering sits with me as we talk about her life in Tibet . “ Its been a hard life, we left everything in Tibet . But yes, we are now busy with our day to day routine ,” It is business as usual for her, as she speaks to me about educating her daughters and helping them find jobs in Bangalore. Tucking in her apron, which she says is a sign of a married woman, she gives me a toothless grin and says,” It is like your mangalsutra or sindoor.” In Bylakuppe, time seems to stand still. Pottering around the narrow slushy lanes, life seems to follow a pattern of its own. Children playing at school, old women meditating with their prayer wheels, men playing shopara with marbles and the youth listening to some Tibetan music at local cafes – no one is in a hurry to get anywhere. You look up and see colourful flags fluttering everywhere. The village seems like any other , with medical centres, community halls, schools, playgrounds, shops and eateries. Tourism has

however created a steady flow of income for these people as tourists flock to the monasteries. Tall shimmering Buddhas smile at us from the Golden Buddha Temple. A miniature Tibet in itself, a visit to the Lama camp is all that it takes to realize the true essence of the settlement. Scores of boys and men in bright yellow and red robes pour forth from all directions and converge here. This is the centre of Buddhist studies as thousands of monks come here from all over the world . But it is not their story, but the tales of the boy lamas who had walked all the way from Tibet to India that touches our hearts. I meet them while they are returning from their schools , their backpacks flung carelessly around their shoulders, holding their red robes. We meet a 13 year old , Sherab who says he hates Maths . His subjects include English and Science besides Tibetan History and Buddhism . Ask him about Tibet and the playful grin disappears.” My father died in Tibet and I haven’t seen my mother for years. My brother and I escaped and came here a few years ago with many other people. We ran away and walked in the cold..I was scared..I do not remember much ..” His friend Tenzen has more vivid memories. “ I was five when we left

Tibet. It was very cold. We walked through the mountains, hid in the snow and it took us more than 20 days to reach Nepal .” A group of boys are playing cricket. Suddenly the conversation veers around Dhoni and Tendulkar. It’s a different world out here. The boys say that they take their vows when they are eight. “ We sometimes take as many as 200 vows .” they laugh , taking it very lightly. I learnt that celibacy is just one of them. Some young monks however merge in very easily with the Indian youth. They discuss Shah Rukh Khan and we speak about Bollywood. “ Sometimes we wear casual clothes when we watch a film in theatres, otherwise we often hear ,’ hey look, His Highness is watching a film !’ laughs one as they say they are a wee bit tired of the holy tag. Amidst all the laughter is the unspoken word that strongly echoes around – freedom. Tibet for some lies only in their imagination and dreams. As I leave Bylakuppe, I spend a few minutes with Norbu who holds a prayer wheel in his trembling hands and tells me , “ I am old, I cant see clearly, my legs are aching . But my last wish is that I hope I will see Tibet at least once more before I die .I am praying everyday.” Source: A travel blog of an Indian Backpacker

Read More........→August 11, 2014

The Love Story of Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has always been rather shy in discussing his personal life. This might be the reason why a lot of us are unaware of his romantic love story with wife, Anjali. For Sachin and Anjali, it was love at first sight. The two of them first met at the Mumbai International Airport. Sachin was returning from his first International cricket tour in 1990 while Anjali was at the airport to receive her mother. They both took an instant liking to each other on the first time they met. Later, the two met at a common friend’s place and got to know each other better.When Sachin Tendulkar and Anjali first met, Anjali was practicing medicine while Sachin had just begun his cricketing career. Anjali being a dedicated student was much involved in studies and was very less interested in cricket. Her knowledge about sports and particularly cricket was faint. Later, when they started dating, Anjali made all efforts to brush up her knowledge about the sport. Anjali Tendulkar- “I think what he liked about me was that I knew nothing about cricket when I first met him. I didn't even know who Sachin was.” Being as famous as he was right from the beginning of his career, Sachin Tendulkar could get very few instances to go out on uninterrupted dates with Anjali. While giving an interview to a local magazine, Anjali recalls an incident where the two of them had gone to see the movie Roja along with a few common friends. They were afraid that if people would recognise the ace cricketer, they would not be able to enjoy their day. So to avoid all the attention, Sachin went to watch the movie in a disguise, wearing a false beard and specs. They entered the movie theatre a little late but during the interval of the film, his specs fell and the cricketer got surrounded by his fans. Due to all this they had to leave the movie halfway. Anjali Tendulkar- “I've not known any other person in my life except Sachin. I understand him so well. So whether I am his girlfriend or his wife, it's the same thing,

just an extension of that bond." Anjali, daughter of the well known industrialist Ashok Mehta got married to Sachin Tendulkar in 1995 after a five year long period of dating each other. They have been happily married to each other for the last 18 years. Anjali Tendulkar is 6 years older than Sachin Tendulkar. But the couple maintains that this age gap has never been a matter of concern in their relationship and instead has made them more committed and understanding towards each other. Sachin Tendulkar- "Anjali actually taught me to thank for what the God has given me and for what the God has not given me.” Anjali Tendulkar left her career of being a successful pediatrician to live a happy married life with her husband. She maintains that it would have been difficult for her to maintain both at a time. The couple has two children, Sara Tendulkar and Arjun Tendulkar. She also says that she has no regrets whatsoever of leaving her profession as taking care of her husband and children gives her the greatest joy. Source: Article, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→November 29, 2013

Hamlet en pointe

Wang Yuanyuan’s new ballet production narrates through the inner self of Hamlet, who struggles between revenge and love. [Photo/China Daily]

A star choreographer packages the madness, grief and rage of Shakespeare's prince of Denmark into a dance drama all her own, Chen Nan reports. Wang Yuanyuan first collaborated with renowned filmmaker Feng Xiaogang in 2006, choreographing dance sequences for composer Tan Dun's music in Feng's film, The Banquet, an adaptation of Hamlet. "It's an alternative work compared to my other films," Feng told Wang on the set, referring to his departure from the comedy films he was known for. "It fulfilled my longtime desire to interpret traditional Chinese aesthetics." Sharing the same understanding for traditional

Wang Yuanyuan's new ballet production narrates through the inner self of Hamlet, who struggles between revenge and love. [Photo/China Daily]

Chinese aesthetics, Wang choreographed several dance pieces for the actors, including Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun and Daniel Wu. "Both of us enjoyed our collaboration very much," Wang recalls. It wasn't the end of the story, though. The two were keen on the idea of developing the dance pieces for The Banquet into a complete ballet. But they had to wait until the time was right. Over the past seven years, Feng has made films of different genres and returns to comedy this year. He was too busy directing the 2014 CCTV Spring Festival Gala to attend Wang's press conference for her new show. Wang founded Beijing Dance Theater with veteran lighting director Han Jiang and set designer Tan Shaoyuan in 2008, looking for artistic

Wang Yuanyuan's new ballet production narrates through the inner self of Hamlet, who struggles between revenge and love. [Photo/China Daily]

f reedom in contemporarydance. The same year, she choreographed for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, collaborating with director Zhang Yimou, whom she had worked with on a ballet version of Raise the Red Lantern in 2001. Her works such as Haze and Golden Lotus have toured around the world, making her one of the most pioneering choreographers in China. It wasn't until last year that Wang picked up the Hamlet idea again. After a year of preparation, the modern ballet dance, Hamlet, will premiere in Beijing on Dec 3 and 4, followed by an international tour after the 2014 Spring Festival. "The

Wang Yuanyuan’s new ballet production narrates through the inner self of Hamlet, who struggles between revenge and love. [Photo/China Daily]

idea has been lingering in my mind for years but I was looking for the most appropriate way to interpret it through modern ballet dance," says Wang. Unlike film, dancers don't talk onstage, so the choreographer must use physical movements, stage design and music to display the characters. Wang says that over the years, her idea of choreographing a dance adapted from Shakespeare's Hamlet has evolved greatly. The historical story gets a modern edge in Wang's bold new ballet, far beyond the dance pieces for The Banquet which have a strong traditional Chinese style. Source; China.org.cn

Read More........→November 05, 2013