Manual-Be a preying mantis

Sure, you're going to the gym or hitting the running track in the park. But how about going a step farther and learning a new art: one that will develop your body and mind. Try Tai Mantis.

What is it: It is a Chinese martial art that stays within the scope of traditional kung-fu but focuses on the development of the total individual (body and mind). It is believed to have been born during the Ming dynasty. It gets its name from the praying mantis, which is a long and predatory insect that uses whip-like/circular motions to make and deflect attacks. It can be seen in films like Kung Fu Panda and The Forbidden Kingdom

Who can learn: While the young and nimble obviously have an advantage over others, Tai Mantis is effective for both men and women of all sizes and abilities.

Why should you learn: Tai Mantis teaches you self defence and gives you a powerful core. It also teaches you the art of conflict resolution, helps you to breathe better and makes you more conscious of your surroundings.

How can you learn: While it is best to sign up with a professional and experienced teacher, you can also learn by video (like the 7 Star Praying Mantis Instructional DVD). To master the art, you need to be compact in both attack and defence. You must use speed and precision, and remember that any extra movement is wasteful. Understand how to use angles to gain advantage over your opponent. It takes a while before you can use your technique successfully in combat, so patience is important.

When and where: The best time to practise Tai Mantis kung fu with a partner is in the early morning, in a well-lit open space. Have high-energy foods like bananas and chocolates before you start and keep yourself well -hydrated.

Pimp your ride
There's nothing like a good audio system to complement a good drive. But with a host of brands, versions and technologies to choose from, it's easy to get baffled. Iwata Motoki, the division head of Mobile Electronics at Sony India, gives some guidelines to go by.

On choosing a system

• Choose a head unit that connects to multiple devices like a USB, MP3 player, iPod, CD player and Bluetooth compatible phones.
• Go in for a digital media player that can play several different formats.
• Install 6x12-inch speakers for good sound and deep bass without compromising on additional cargo space.
• Consider using custom-made wooden baffles for your speakers; these will give a better fit and improve sound quality by reducing vibrations.
• For more flexibility in deciding how you want to hook up your sound system, choose DVC (Dual Voice Coil) woofer XS-LD126P5 that has a choice of three setups: Parallel, Series and Individual.
• Choose a powerful amplifier to support the speakers. The more powerful the amplifier, the cleaner the sound. On the installation process
• Install the front speakers in the doors instead of the dashboard. This helps in producing a better bass.
• Make sure you put a wooden ring between the speaker and the door to reduce vibrations. You can also use damping sheets.
• Rear speakers should be installed on a wooden (hard board) tray above the boot. Ensure that the boot area is completely sealed.
• Subwoofers must go in the boot. Try and go in for enclosures or get a wooden (hard board) box made as per the specifications of the woofer. All that done and out of the way, you're set to roll. Turn up the volume and enjoy the ride.

Take the floor
Save trees, save money. And get a funky-looking room as well. Don't bother with furniture. Go to any mattress shop and have it make a dozen 2ft x 2ft floor cushions for you. Put them in bright covers and lay them along the wall. Toss in another six rectangular cushions as well as a few throw pillows. Cover these in stripes, solids, prints and patterns. If you want it even funkier, lay a glass floor in the middle and let it double up as an expansive coffee table.

Stand up comedy
Get your act together

There's nothing like watching a good stand-up act to snap you out of your blues. After the phenomenal success of Russell Peters, stand-up has become a career choice for a lot of youngsters with a funny bone, and though it isn't rocket science, the tricks of the trade have to be learnt. Professional comedian Raghav Mandava offers some advice.

Stage fright is only natural and will slowly dissipate. The key is to keep getting back on the stage

It won't help to blame the audience. If no one's laughing, review your act.

The ability to wring humour out of everyday situations comes only if you think and write a lot. It's like simple mathematics. Make sure you jot down ideas everyday.

Be original. The audience will shun you if they find out that you've stolen someone else's punch lines.

Comedy is a bit like sex, you've got to have foreplay. You need to turn on the audience before you jump in. But don't start your gig with dirty jokes. That will only earn you grimaces. Warm them up before you get down and dirty.

Donning denim
If you are like most men, you probably have quite a few pairs of jeans in your closet that you've broken in. Despite being a form of casual attire, jeans have evolved to a point where they pass off even as semi-formal wear. A total denim boy, designer Varun Bahl says, "I only wear jeans. I'm shameless; I even wear them to weddings. But I think I pull them off. Some people can do that. But the luckiest are the men who can pull off both jeans and trousers." If you want to wear your jeans right, here are a few tips from the trendy designer himself.

• For formal occasions, a pair of well-cut, dark jeans with contrast stitching looks good.
• Jeans alone can't make an outfit. Pairing jeans with a velvet bandgala with antique button detailing takes it to a different level.
• For a night out, a round-neck tee and blazer works well. A white shirt with a jacket is something you can never go wrong with.
• Don't forget to accessorise. Boots make a stylish alternative and dress shoes, despite being predictable, are always appropriate. They work well with formal shirts.
• And remember to vary your belt as per the occasion

Replace a circuit breaker

Varun Suri, a trainer at Bosch, provides step-by-step instructions on replacing a circuit breaker.

• Buy a new circuit breaker from a hardware store.
• Take the panel cover off the panel box by unscrewing the face plate.
• Pay attention to the positions of the two wires feeding into the side of the breaker.
• Loosen the screw of the white wire just enough to get it out.
• Do the same with the coloured wire.
• Pull the old circuit breaker out and snap the new one into place.
• Replace the wires in the same position as they were, and tighten the screws holding the wires.
• Put back the face plate and turn the power back on.
• Now turn the breaker on. You will hear your radio.
• If it trips, call for an electrician immediately since you may have a potentially dangerous short circuit on your hands.

Black Silk Martinis

The next time you plan a soiree at home, why not shake things up a bit? Replace the staid whisky-on-the-rocks with something new. Arijit Bose, Trade Ambassador, Bacardi India Pvt Ltd, shares a recipe for a 'Black Silk Martini'. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's sure to be a success.

Ingredients

• Bacardi Black: 50ml
• Hershey's chocolate syrup: 15ml
• Half milk and half cream: 30ml
• Espresso shot: 30ml
• Chocolate cigar
• Hazelnut syrup: 10ml (use monin or macadamia nut syrup)

Method

• In a bowl, add the Hershey's chocolate syrup, and the milk and cream mixture.
• Microwave the bowl for 30 seconds, and then mix the contents with a spoon.
• Pour this mixture into a shaker filled to the top with ice.
• Add the rest of the ingredients.
• Shake well about a dozen times till the shaker is cold to touch.
• Pour through a strainer into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a chocolate cigar.