Typically, weary air travelers toss back beers in sports saloons, an experience about as relaxing as napping on a highway median. Recently, though, there’s been a groundswell of upscale airport bars offering wines with charcuterie, microbrews and even exquisite bourbon.

New Belgium Hub Bar & Grill, Denver International Airport

“We’re moving away from uncomfortable institutional lounges with very mundane offerings,” says Paul McGinn, president of MarketPlace Development, a Boston-based airport retail developer. “Since people are arriving at airports earlier and experiencing more delays, they’re looking for distractions and entertainment.”

One of McGinn’s favorite havens is Vino Volo - Italian for “wine flight” - a chain of sleek, modern lounges located in cities including San Antonio and Seattle. “They’re detached from the hustle and bustle of the airport,” McGinn says. “In contrast to many wine bars, the service is not intimidating and caters to people who understand wine.”

Another favored wine way station is Cibo Bistro and Wine Bar, situated in the Philadelphia International airport. The Concourse B branch is stunning, outfitted with a 45-foot-long onyx bar, 32 wines by the glass and the convivial atmosphere of the finest Italian trattoria.

Should you prefer beer, Denver’s New Belgium Hub Bar & Grill is a microbrew sanctuary. In the eclectic bar decorated with bicycle paintings, travelers sip superb brews from Colorado-based New Belgium, including the easy-drinking Fat Tire amber ale.

At the PDX airport in Portland, Oregon, local brewery Laurelwood has several laid-back branches dispensing their delectable organic brews, such as the caramel-nuanced Free Range Red. For bourbon with the beer, detour through Louisville, Kentucky. There, the Woodford Reserve Bar & Grill serves excellent, oak-aged spirits to customers reclining in leather chairs.

But the boldest experiment in upscale bars is underway at NYC’s JFK airport. Jet Blue’s gleaming Terminal 5 is a return to jet-set glamour, packed with steakhouses, wine-sipping bistros and luxe lounges better suited to Broadway, not the runway.

“We want our restaurants and bars to rival the bars and restaurants you see on the street,” says Rick Blatstein, CEO of airport food and beverage operator OTG Management. “We want to deliver a want, not a need, to go to the airport early.”

To attract early arrivers, the soon-to-open stylish Loft Kitchen & Bar will re-create Manhattan’s SoHo cool, serving killer cocktails and comfort food. New York Sports Grill gives the tired sports bar a contemporary tweak, serving 48 beers on tap including local brews from Brooklyn outfit Kelso. And then there’s the re:vive bars, located near the gates.

“You can have a nice cocktail and snack and wait for the plane,” Blatstein says. “We thought it would take some time to take off - no pun intended - but customers took to it like fish to water.”

Furthermore, Blatstein says, the new breed of airport bars and lounges remind passengers that travel should be about pleasure, not hair-pulling anxiety. “People going on vacation should enjoy themselves,” Blatstein says. “If you’re going to Cancun or the Dominican Republic, why not start the trip with a mimosa or a bloody Mary? It’s a great way to start your travels.”

Author credit : Joshua M Bernstein, Forbes Traveler
Image credit : © Concessions International, LLC

It’s not easy keeping romance alive when a couple has a home loan to repay, bills to shell out on and a household to run; pay-cuts, pink slips and a lack of job security are playing havoc with most people’s minds at the moment.

So what’s the alternative? Hope for the best and wait it out?

Or begin to wonder what your life would have been like if you had married for money?

There are many people out there who wouldn’t settle for less and are honest enough to admit it - when you crave for or are used to a certain lifestyle, getting hitched to a wealthy partner is one way of ensuring your future security.

Even when it comes to arranged marriages, money matters usually weigh in heavily on the proceedings - parents want to see their children well-settled and comfortable. A well-educated guy with a large salary, or a rich young lady who will inherit her father’s business are deemed highly eligible.

What are your views on marrying for money?

Do you think that it’s despicable or excusable, given how tough some people have it?

Would you consider it if you were not in a relationship?

Do you know of someone who married for financial reasons? How did it work out?

The Lead India Campaign by The Times of India, supported by ZoOm, directed by Karan Johar.

Check out the exclusive video of Lead India’s Kuch Nahi Hosakta campaign starring Abhishek Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Retiesh Deshmukh, Asin, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Karan Johar himself.

According to the survey on housing costs and practices for employees sent on overseas assignments, Mumbai has emerged even more expensive than New York City in the United States China’s capital Beijing.

Mumbai has been ranked as the world’s fourth most expensive city in terms of rental property for expatriates, while New Delhi is eighth, the survey for February 2009 said.

Mumbai has moved up by one notch from its fifth position in the September 2008 survey, while New Delhi has fallen two places from its sixth place in the previous ranking.

Russia’s Moscow has topped the list of world’s most expensive cities and is followed by Tokyo (second), Hong Kong (3rd), Mumbai (4th) and New York City (5th) as the five most expensive cities across the globe for expats to live in.

The survey highlighted that Asian cities have dominated the list of the world’s costliest locations for expats living there, with as many as six locations from the region being among the world’s top 10.

1. Moscow is the world’s most expensive city to live in.
2. In second place - in terms of most expensive city to live in - is Tokyo.
3. Hong Kong is in the third place.
4. Mumbai, as stated earlier, is the world’s 4th most expensive city to live in.
5. New York City is fifth most expensive.
6. In sixth place is Beijing.
7. Geneva is the world’s seventh most expensive city to live in.
8. New Delhi is the 8th most expensive city to live in.
9. London is the ninth most expensive city to live in.
10. Singapore is the 10th most expensive city to live in.
11. Shanghai is the 11th most expensive city to live in.

“The world’s housing markets have been sliding since 2008, and major currency fluctuations in the past few months have also had a strong impact on the comparative cost of expatriate housing,” Mercer information product solutions India business leader Gangapriya Chakraverti said.

Interestingly, the survey stated that current slowdown has led companies towards a fundamental shift in the types of housing being offered in India. However, today, an increasing number are opting for luxury condominiums which provide the same kind of facilities but at a lower price.

As a result, expats are increasingly located in Gurgaon, Whitefield and Powai as opposed to more traditional locations such as Chanakyapuri, Indiranagar and Colaba. This has also resulted in more cultural integration between expats and the local population, the survey added.

Data is based on typical rents for 1-4 bedroom apartments and 3-4 bedroom houses, furnished and unfurnished.

New York is used as the base city, with a score of 100 points. Moscow at the top of the ranking scores 168.30, while Mumbai at position 4 (105.10), New Delhi at 8 (96.60) and Bangalore at 29 (51.80) continue to receive interest and demand for expatriate rental property.

As the index is based on cost comparisons using the US dollar, currency exchange rates have an influence on the rankings.

Thanks to Reuters & Rediff.com

Though an unpopulated continent unlike Asia, Africa and Australia; Antarctica has always been a matter of grave concern for the environmentalists as well as to the scientists. This sudden meltdown of that giant ice shelf has raised many brows and has given birth to a number of questions regarding issues relating to environment. The environmental issues include global warming, green house effect and decaying of ozone layer. These are grave issues that require immediate attention both from the scientists and environmentalists. And we the general people too cannot sit still waiting for the scientists to take effective measures.

Satellite imagery from the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder reveals that a 13,680 square kilometer (5,282 square mile) ice shelf has begun to collapse because of rapid climate change in a fast-warming region of Antarctica.

Looking back in time I can still remember the thoughts of horror that cropped up in my mind reading the news. Most of you people might also have the same reaction. It is not just a news that is to be read and to be forgotten afterwards. We need to give this matter prime importance. If such grave environmental problems continue in the long run, life on earth may not stand a chance. A day may come when there will be nothing called ‘land’ in this huge planet owing to the meltdown of the giant ice shelves in Antarctica. Are we going to gift such a horrible future to our generations to come? Or are we going to pull up our socks to save our green planet… it’s time for us to think and act accordingly.

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It was a perfect combination of style and glamour as 50 years of Barbie was celebrated along with Lakme Fashion Week, the pioneers of the fashion weeks in India having completed a decade.

Apart from Katrina, top ramp models also walked the ramp as they showcased brilliant creations.

Dress the Barbie contest attracted 75 entries from top designers in the country from which the 20 short listed creations were showcased on the ramp at the dazzling show.

It was the winning dress by Nishka Lulla that Bollywood’s glamorous star Katrina Kaif modeled as the show stopper of the day. Katrina Kaif will be the Indian celebrity on whose likeness a Barbie doll will be created by Mattel Toys India Pvt. Ltd.

The semi-finals meanwhile are to be held on May 22 and 23 in Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively.

In a double header on the first day, last year’s winners Rajasthan Royals will take on the Bangalore Royal Challengers, Bangalore, while the Mumbai Indians would clash with the first edition’s runners-up Chennai Super Kings at Cape Town.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi revealed that official broadcaster Sony will telecast the matches in three languages - English, Hindi and Bengali. Matches will be held at 4 pm (12.30 pm local time) and 8 pm (4.30pm local time) IST.

Schedule: All times IST (GMT + 0530)

April 18: Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Mumbai Indians (MI) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (8 pm) at Cape Town

April 19: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Deccan Chargers (DC) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) (8 pm) at Cape Town

April 20: RCB V CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth

April 21: RR v MI (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v KXIP (8 pm) at Durban

April 22: DD v CSK (4 pm) at Durban; RCB v DC (8 pm) at Cape Town

April 23: KKR v RR (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth

April 24: KXIP v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg

April 25: KKR v CSK (4 pm) at Cape Town; DC v MI (8 pm) at Durban

April 26: RR v KXIP (4 pm) at Cape Town; RCB v DD (8 pm) Port Elizabeth

April 27: KKR v MI (4 pm) at Cape Town; CSK v DC (8 pm) at Durban

April 28: DD v RR (4 pm) at Pretoria

April 29: MI v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v RCB (8 pm) at Durban

April 30: DD v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria; RR v CSK (8 pm) at Pretoria

May 1: RCB v KXIP (4 pm) at East London; MI v KKR (8 pm) at Durban

May 2: RR v DC (4 pm) at Johannesburg; CSK v DD (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth

May 3: MI v RCB (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v KKR (8 pm) at East London

May 4: DC v CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth

May 5: DD v KKR (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v RR (8 pm) at Durban

May 6: MI v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria

May 7: KXIP v CSK (4 pm) at Pretoria; RCB v RR (8 pm) at Pretoria

May 8: DD v MI (4 pm) at East London

May 9: DC v KXIP (4 pm) at Bloemfontein; CSK v RR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth

May 10: KKR v DD (4 pm) at East London; RCB v MI (8 pm) at Johannesburg

May 11: DC v RR (4 pm) at Bloemfontein

May 12: RCB v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria; KXIP v MI (8 pm) at Pretoria

May 13: DC v DD (4 pm) at Durban

May 14: MI v RR (4 pm) at Durban; CSK v RCB (8 pm) at Durban

May 15: KXIP v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley

May 16: CSK v MI (4 pm) at Johannesburg; DC v KKR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth

May 17: RR v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley; KXIP v DC (8 pm) at Johannesburg

May 18: CSK v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria

May 19: DD v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg

May 20: CSK v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; RR v KKR (8 pm) at Durban

May 21: DC v RCB (4 pm) at Pretoria; MI v DD (8 pm) at Pretoria

May 22: Semi Final 1 at Pretoria

May 23: Semi Final 2 at Johannesburg

May 24: Final at Johannesburg

In an interview with rediff.com, Ruchi discusses where she got the idea to start up, her career success and how a small business, started with just Rs 50,000 now has a turnover of Rs 20 lakh - in less than two years.

What made you think of ASAP?

The idea came to me in October of 2006, when I was at work - I was assistant merchandiser with clothing company GAP - and a hostel friend messaged me saying “I want pizza”. I really felt like surprising her by getting it delivered. However, I was at the office and couldn’t leave, so I tried calling a number of pizza services, asking them to send one out to her and charge me for it. However, all my efforts failed - not one was willing to do so. Apparently, you can only place a pizza order for yourself! So I got thinking - all I wanted to do was surprise a friend with something as simple as a pizza and there was nobody to organize if for me. There should be some service that can help a zillion people who want to do something nice for someone, right?

People either don’t have an idea of what to do to make someone feel special, or they do and they don’t have the means or the time to organize it. This is what made me start a company that helps people organize surprises for others. It was an idea born out of a need of the hour. I started working on the concept and ASAP - short for ‘as soon as possible’ and ‘any surprise any place’ - was born.

What was your family’s reaction when you decided to start your own business?

There was initial hesitation on my mom’s part. We all have mothers who think with the heart and she was worried that I had decided to venture out and do something crazy. Dad was supportive, though - I had given him the confidence that I’d seriously thought this out and seen a future.

You studied fashion designing. It’s a big jump - fashion to business. What inspired you?

If I hadn’t started this company, I would be a baby clothing designer. This idea was the need of the hour - it was something I saw had demand and no supply. Starting a business venture of your own is the combined result of having way too much energy, way too many thoughts and a lot of passion to make people happy. I have started something good as a result of all my ideas and passion. I love what I do. I started this the day I wanted to surprise someone and no one could help me with it.

How do you work out the logistics of arranging surprises that are so varied and elaborate?

It’s a lot of creative work to start with, trying to understand from each client what works for their brother, sister, grandmother etc. Then comes the implementation, which is actually the easier part, because it’s more difficult to put a finger on what will surprise a person, rather than arrange it.

I have a great time doing what I do and I have a great team helping me out. Mansukh Mann handles the creative end - she’s young and has some great ideas. Akram Saifi, who has been with the company almost since inception, helps me implement our plans and Subhash Sorout works to ensure the timing of the surprises is perfect.

I mainly generate ideas, too - I read a lot and keep tabs on what people do for each other in various other parts of the world, but Mansukh and Akram help me out equally.

Was it a struggle to start off ? Did people take your idea seriously at first?

It was clearly a struggle. It’s easier to create just another brand of high heels, for instance, than a product that doesn’t exist and then make people love it and get used to using it. After hearing about ASAP, people would say to me, “That’s interesting - so what exactly do you do?

Tell us a bit about the early days of the company.

It was a lot of work, there were many days with no surprises. We could just look at sourcing new products, creating new things. These were times when a lack of orders did dishearten us. I was sure, though, that it just needed more people to know about it and they would come to love the idea. I completely believed in my plan, never did I doubt it!

What kind of challenges have you faced in the course of your career, and how have you learned to deal with them?

Basically I am a pioneer in my line. I had a dreamy idea, I selected a dreamy name for my company. I sell surprises which are very close to the fulfillment of dreams. I ventured into it with an open mind. Having creative fun more than making money was my raison’ de entre. I built teams of creative people to support my ventures. Everything is based on ‘just-in-time’ actions and activities

A big problem we face in our kind of business is sampling. There are so many vendors supplying a lot of quality products, but because we want only personalized ones, they find it difficult to work with us. We customize every surprise and only have one piece created per customer. And so, we have issues with some vendors who make great products but are not happy doing just the one product. We’ve convinced some of them to stay on board, after promising a great continued working relationship, others are yet to be convinced.

How does it feel to have succeeded in your venture?

It really feels great. It’s a passion that has proved its belief. I love giving surprises personally and to do that for a living - it’s my favourite thing to do. Working is rarely like ‘working’, if you know what I mean. It feels good, there is a sense of confidence which has come in quite early for me; I don’t think anything is impossible after bringing ASAP to where it is.

Has your success impacted your personal life at all?

Not at all. I have always been a person of balance and I maintain that. Yes, it has affected how often I can take holidays - I could take a lot more leave working in a company other than my own - but I have no complaints about that at all.

Do you have any success mantras?

Absolutely: Start small. Don’t rush to get a big office, great-looking laptops, a personal secretary and then start work. Start from your room.

Also, have clear focus, strong willpower and the desire to succeed. The sky is the limit. I wake up every morning with a passion to make people happy and that’s what makes mine a success story.

What do you think is the most common mistake newcomers make?

They want to start big. Most newcomers think the only way to start a business is to start with an office. Also, it’s not good to try and re-invent the wheel. Taking advice is very important from people who are into any kind of business.

What tips do you have for today’s youngsters looking for a break as young entrepreneurs?

Like I said, start small and don’t give up - there will be some points when things wont be as rosy as you planned, but that’s the testing time. Don’t give up then and sunshine will soon be on its way!

Women have to balance family and a career - how tough is that for you?

I am single and successful and I’m happy to say it’s not a problem for me just yet. I have a hectic social life and balancing for me means not tripping on the dance floor and choosing the right pair of heels!

But I think balancing work and life is something everyone needs to start doing anyway, hectic worklife or not - and it is a good thing as well. Just because I love my work doesn’t mean I don’t love my life outside of it. I hope I will strike a balance when I need to because we have only one life and you gotta do everything - work hard, earn enough wealth, live it up, party hard and then get married and build a family.

What are the main issues you have to deal with as a working woman?

I’m happy that career women are seen as a normal part of the working world. Issues, therefore, are hardly any - women-worrying issues only crop up when you think you are any different from any other working individual. In fact, when it comes to running your own business, women may actually be in an advantageous position.

What tips do you have for other young women balancing their work and personal lives?

Stay focused and do what you want, but stick to just one thing. There’s life beyond business and every second counts, so it’s not worth spending your life away only working, working…phew!

Remember it is impossible to please the whole world. Just try and please yourself and be at peace.

What challenges do women entrepreneurs/ career women face in India?

In some parts of the country, men have not prepared themselves sufficiently to deal with women as equals. Most metros and cosmopolitan cities are totally reconciled. Man or woman, you have to prove yourself to earn the respect of your colleagues. There are always some narrow-minded men, though, who are best ignored.

I worked in an MNC for a short while after I passed out of NIFT. The company was woman-dominated and even the men were extremely professional and understanding. Even in other fields, I find the mindset of men has come a long way and they treat women as teammates and assets. Indeed, we are outperforming them in many key areas.

Your inspiration…

Wanting to lead and not be led. Wanting to be my own master, desiring to explore my creative inner self, setting my own pace and taking a flight of fancy was my inspiration to get going.

Any advice on pink slips?

I love the color pink but for very many other reasons and have always wondered how it got associated with this beastly idea of showing employees the door. I am basically a team builder and not a family breaker. I don’t believe in pink slips.

What are your future plans?

To take ASAP much further that it is now - really make it any suprise any place. I want this company to bring smiles to faces everywhere in the world. As long as you want to make someone feel special, we will do what it takes. Careerwise, I have only just set sail - I will soon be hitting the ocean and the horizon, where the earth and sky meet. I already deliver surprises in Europe, North America and Australia. Africa and the Amazon are my next targets!

Thanks to Insiyah Vahanvaty, Rediff.com

“I watched the movie a year ago for the first time and watched it two more times since then and immediately I realized the potential of Rahman’s music and its universal appeal,” Fair told Financial Chronicle. The remix version, titled Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny), with a rough English translation of the Hindi lyrics, is sung by Nicole Scherzinger.

According to Fair, the producer of the remix, he was ready to have the release immediately after the Oscars whether or not the original won at the ceremony. True to his promise, the day after the Oscars, the remix version was released by the Santa Monica-based record label and Fair is hoping Rahman can conquer the US pop-music charts.

Pussycat Dolls in Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)

“In fact, the remix number is already among the Top 20 pop songs in iTunes,” said Fair. The remix was created with artists working in three different continents. “When recording began, Rahman was in Los Angeles twice with my team of song writers and he gave significant direction to the project.

After that he helped us directly from his studio in Chennai,” said Fair. Meanwhile, Scherzinger, who was then touring England, recorded her vocal parts in various studios in England.

With the song’s original electronic dance beats and uplifting percussion in place, the remix English version’s chorus goes like this :

You are the reason that I breathe/ You are the reason that I still believe/ You are my destiny/ Jai ho!

According to Fair, the challenge in creating a remix version was to make something that would appeal to contemporary music fans but at the same time be true to the story of the film.

“He is incredibly talented. He has great imagination, new vocabulary and an absolutely wonderful sense of sound. In fact, he has everything as a musician,” said Fair about Rahman and his music. “I hope my version of Jai Ho touches and connects people all around the world,” said Scherzinger in a statement.

With multiple wins by Slumdog Millionaire at the Oscars and with an English remix version already doing well on US pop charts, there is a buzz about how the little movie that did wonders at all international awards might build a bridge between Hollywood and Bollywood. “Indian music has the potential to be a major force in the world. And there is a whole new world opening up there. “What Slumdog has done is exposing the Indian music talent to the world. And the world has seen what India has in terms of dance and music,” said Fair, who considers Rahman as one of the world’s greatest living composers in any medium.

Fair will travel to India soon to meet Rahman and discuss with him the possibility of working together in some international music albums. “I will be visiting India for the first time and I am sure, I will have to visit the country several times to understand and learn. But I am eager to go through that learning process,” said Fair. During his India visit, he is also scheduled to meet several other producers and representatives of music labels. He has already initiated discussions with Rajeeta Hemwani, vice president, A&R (artists and repertoire), Universal Music India for possible future projects.

Hope you enjoy it, enjoy the day with us,” Nicole Scherzinger says as behind-the-scenes footage from the set of The Pussycat Dolls’ “Jai Ho” music video starts off. The singer then says that the video, shot at a Vienna trainyard, will capture scenes “from every point of people around the world and represent from every place.”

Giving a sneak peek into the music video, the footage reveals Thomas Kloss as the man behind the lens and A.R. Rahman making a cameo. Highlighting a crowded market scene, it shows all the members of The Pussycat Dolls sporting Bollywood-themed costumes and performing a dance sequence, which is similar to the one seen in movie “Slumdog Millionaire”.

“It’s an honor to be able to collaborate with A.R. Rahman and be a part of the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ project in any way,” Nicole says in a statement. “The movie, the story and the music [were] a gift and very spiritually uplifting for me. I can only hope and pray ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ and my version of ‘Jai Ho’ (’You Are My Destiny’) touches and connects people all around the world.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF YOU ARE MY DESTINY (JAI HO)

Thanks to Farzad Khaleel, die hard Rahmaniacz.

The other day, I was talking with some of my friends about this hottest new car from Tata Motors. Most of them were very happy with this peoples’ car. To them it is the most cost effective and budget friendly car that they can afford easily. Affordability and cost effectiveness is the USP of Nano. The small car is designed to cater to the middle income group of India, who can now materialize their four wheeler dream by investing just one lakh rupees. It is indeed a dream come true for many.

Some thoughtful minds who are concerned about the environment are raising their brows in this issue. According to them such pocket friendly cars will have a huge sell. As a result a lot of petrol will be consumed. This will ultimately yield a higher level of pollution. A rise in pollution can lead to dangerous consequences like global warming and green house effect.

Some also think that though the peoples’ car falls within the budget of the middle income group of India it ultimately raises the cost of living. Buying the car is a onetime investment but the petrol consumption may add a recurring expenditure in one’s budget. The running and maintenance cost should not be ignored too. However, all these are mere assumptions and actually it may not affect the human lives and environment as badly as it is feared.

Most of the people who belong to the middle income group in India are happy at the arrival of the car. The small car with a small price tag has stroke the right chord in the heart of the nation. Bookings for Tata Nano will begin from the month of April and delivery of these cars will start from mid-July this year. The entire nation seems to be waiting for the day when the hot little cutie by the Tata Motors will set the Indian roads on fire.