This Year’s Biggest College Event, right at Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, Kakkanad, in partnership with NOKIA, presents Techkshetra. Be prepared to be blown away!

Good news for students, an event you don’t want to miss. Hosted at one of the best colleges in Kerala. An event for the best of the best. March 12th 2010 will have a new meaning to students all over Kerala.

From events galore and not just the tech-related stuff, fun and random events, online games and many more. Presentations, Seminars and Project presentations, there is just about everything to keep you on your toes. With exciting and surprise events poised to be held any moment, you just can’t keep away from anything. Gifts, vouchers, cash prizes, fun and everything great that makes a Tech-Fest awesome!

From tech events like C Decoding(hash_include), Electronic Junkyard, etc and non-tech like gaming, Best manager contest(the one), you have so much to choose from. Challenge yourself and let the adrenaline rush through you.

And to top it off, expect NOKIA to come up with some exciting stuff. Surprise Surprise…So hang onto to the edge of your seats or well your pants or anything you can get your hands on. If Tech Fests could get fun and exciting this is as fun as they can get.

Like they say, be there or be square!

click on for more info

From groans to throes of anticipation, the day adjudged as St Valentine’s Day or cut shortly Valentine’s Day has a varied sense of reactions from people all across the globe. No longer seen as a ‘west’ only festival, youngsters and adults alike celebrate this special day, highly infected by commercialism. People view the 14th of February in many a sense, in a religious view, in an ethical standpoint and so on. But for the general crowd its a day to show their love to their special one, be it you spouse, loved one, parents and friends love has no bounds, although it has a romantic tag attached to it.

If there were days that ensues so much of attention from the world, this is one of them. The Red color associated with romance and love can be seen adorned in everyplace across cities. From a medieval festival to worldwide phenomenon, Valentine’s day has certainly come a very long way.

It sure would look unfair that love should be given special attention only one day when it should be genuinely shown throughout the year, but then again why celebrate birthdays when you already know that you were born every day of the year. Its the got this certain flair attached to it. Sure you should love your loved one every single day of the year, but shouldn’t there be a day to completely splurge? Valentine’s day can be seen as that day rather than viewing it from a negative perspective, although it certainly has attracted wrong intentions, the essence still remains the same. Used right it ends up a joyous day otherwise not so. Its up to each person to bring out their creativity, love and affections for making the day worthwhile.

For those who wish to have a little help in their love life, here are some tips on how to make it a memorable day, go ahead try something on your won too, most certainly for such things the though does count too.

Gifts
How do you express your love? How do you make your loved one feel special, pamper them to glory, get them a special gift, be it for a man or a woman, everyone loves a gift. Here are some ideas for gifts you can get him/her.
Cards
Valentine’s day is a highly anticipated day for card makers after Christmas and New Year. The day is not complete without a card. And of course these will be adorned with hearts and what not, but go for the one that may suit your loved one the most. Don’t just blankly buy the first pink/red heart card with hearts sprawled across it. Go a step ahead and make on on your own, there is nothing more special than that handmade touch. There are several how-to-do’s on card making if you are not the craftsman exactly.
Collage
Create a photo collage of all the special times spent with your loved one. Have notes written beside each picture to describing the fun you had that day, years later when you look at him, it sure will stir memories and emotions. You can also create a scrapbook filled with notes and poems and songs you both like. Fill it with pictures and you get a worthwhile gift, precious as any other gift.
Soft toys
What is with everyone and these soft,cuddly and warm toys……well it sure makes a point. From tiny key chain sized toys to the giant teddyzilla sized ‘monsters’, the degree of shape and size vary. But it sure can leave its mark on your loved one’s heart.
Perfumes/Cologne
Get him/her their favorite Cologne/perfume, the really expensive one that they use sparingly. There is something about smells that provokes associated memories, if you happen to be walking to walking in a crowded shop and you happen to catch the scent of what your loved one wears, that can be enough to catch you off guard.
Gift Voucher-the real kind
Get him/her a gift voucher with lots of moolah(that’s money to the layman) to spend on himself/herself. This is one gift they will not want to exchange since they can get anything their heart desires, within the limit!
Gift Voucher-the fake kind
Of course you can go for the cute, original and unique vouchers. Cut papers into coupons and have simple yet thoughtful promises written down on it, like say “this coupon entitles you to a breakfast in bed and smothering by me” or “this coupon entitles you to be taken shopping anywhere with no grumblings from me what so ever”. The list can go on and on and the best thing is that you will end up feeling good about it more than if you did spending money on your loved one.
Jewelery
Of course how can we not forget the baubles and such that make up a lot of the average gifts you can expect to give or receive. But the right ones can be a testament to time and last ages and invoke memories. Going for the unique and special one is always worth the effort. Be it diamond rings, heart shaped pendants, crystal pieces ( Swarovski has some of the classiest collections) they all can make your loved one’s heart skip a beat. Of course it doesn’t just apply to men, women can also get men masculine jewelery.
Chocolates/munchies
As much as I hate to admit it, heart shaped chocolates has found a centerpiece position as a standard Valentine’s day gift. If you creativity or you wallets have limits, get some chocolates but get the message clear to your loved one on how much you love him/her. But all is not dead for confectioneries, bake/make/cook something on your own. Even if it ends up in disaster, present it and there is no way the person you love will reject it. After all this will be the highest test to the quote “Its the thought that counts”.

Of course the list can go on and on, the amazing thing about the human mind is that there is no bounds to our thinking. Go ahead and do the outrageously romantic or the perennially sane, but make sure you do it, rather than incur that wrath of your loved one.

That said about gifts, you can also have spend an amazing day with your loved one or do something special. Here are some idea’s on what you two can do together.

Things you can do together

Candlelight Dinner
Must I elaborate? We all seen the movies and read stories, try to grasp what that is portrayed and recreate the practical part. It can be at a fancy restaurant or cook it yourself and have it atop your terrace or dining room.

Going out
Take the day off and spend it like you have nothing to do for the next 100 years, forget office deadlines, work shifts, etc. Enjoy the day in a carefree manner. Go out, take a long romantic drive, go to the beach, eat out, go for a movie, hangout with friends, be together, anything works. Sometimes the simplest things can give the greatest joy.

Out in the open
Plan something really romantic or outrageous. Let the world see how much you love that person, although be sure to not step on anyone’s toes. Our society is still has yet to loosen up.

Slouch at home
Sit at home and have a marathon of a romantic movies, order take out and take comfort in spending the day in each others company.

Still helpless on deciding what to do? Don’t fret Kochi’s party scene is here to help out, here is a list of the hot and happening parties where you can smash a groove with your loved one.

Valentines Day Party At Ava
Firstly we got a hot party out at Ava Lounge where our own DJ Arvee is playing along with a host of other DJs. Ava is one hot place for the best parties. Party on from 12 pm onwards.
check here fore more info.

Black Valentine at Sand dunes
Sand dunes the Persian cafe is hosting a party. Black is the dress code hence the title. A somber change from the usual red.
check here fore more info.

V-Day Blowout Party At Hotel Park Central
A party by Green Harbour at Hotel Park Central.
check here fore more info.

Valentine’s Bash Noon party at Glow
Glow, Harbour View’s party floor is hosting a set of pre-valentine’s day party on the 13th and a noon party on the 14th.

It is always upto how each person prefers to spend the day that finally depends on what you do on this day.

Singles
Well there is one set of people left out for this day, Singles. It is kind of a day that is dreaded by them, the reason more over because of the recent year’s hype before the season. Its brings out the fact of your isolation from the whole festivities and you are literally reminded of the fact that you are single and with no one to spend the day with. Most singles who go through this sort of tend to hate Valentine’s day.
The whole concept of the day being a day for love brings out the fact that they are single and to an extend some single women and men call it ‘Single Awareness Day’, because it strongly reminds them of the company they are deprived of. And not helping them at all is that the initials spell out ‘S-A-D‘.
But enough moaning about your conditions, there is always a silver lining. It is upto us to find that lining or assume so. True it will be a huge depression motif seeing the decorations for Valentine’s day put up everywhere you go and seeings couples hanging out but buck up, there sure are ways you can also have fun on the 14th!

Me-day
One of the pros of being single is more money to spend on yourself! Buy yourself the best in town, chocolates, dresses, watches, the works. Pamper yourself silly and don’t feel guilty about it. It is your right to feel happy on this biased day.

Friend’s day out
What will really help is also being with friends on that day when you least want to be alone. Party, hang out, go for a long drive, explore, have fun! Do it in a coed ‘all-single’ crowd, allow couples if they really want to join you. It will help you to really have a blast of the day.

Help out
Doing social work and helping out your fellow man will help in self satisfaction. Bring happiness to others and you can tend to forget your woes.

Buy a Pet
Having a pet is another thing, it totally takes up your time. You have someone to express your feelings upon.

Movie Marathon
Call friends over with refreshments and a whole load of snacks and have a movie marathon. Watch comedy, action, horror or any sort of movie non stop. It will definitely be fun watching movies and spending the day with your closest set of friends. There is nothing more than friends to take your mind off your woes.

So. everyone out there intending to spend Valentine’s day, be it couple or singles, have a wonderful day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!

SCMS School of engineering and technology presents IGNIZ 2010, a techno-cultural fest that is being held on the 29th and 30th of January. Marked to be one of the hottest events to happen across college campuses this year.

IGNIZ also has a treat for Jal fans. Jal will be performing live on the 30th of Jan at the SSET grounds.
For tickets book online at www.igniz.in
They cost Rs 250/- apiece.

Popular social networking website Facebook is being invaded by mysterious color related status messages!

If you are a facebook user, you are bound have noticed the mysterious one-liner color status messages girls (and some men) have put up. It took us sometime and we at Kochivibe were flabbergasted, yes flabbergasted, that is how much surprised we were with the real answer to the messages. It’s the color of the bra the women who post it are wearing. Yes, you read it right, the red,blue,white, blacks you see in facebook are actually the bra colors of your colleagues, friends, etc. Now don’t start blushing, getting disgusted or anything as the reason behind tirade of such status messages is the spread of Breast Cancer awareness.

A blog from Detroit has reported the credit of the bra-color status message awareness campaign’s origin to women in Detroit who are trying to raise awareness around Breast Cancer. There has been other blogs with support this, although the origin still unclear, the cause behind it is the same worldwide. This is one of the comments seen in a blog “Some fun is going on…. just write the color of your bra in your status. Just the color, nothing else. It will be neat to see if this will spread the wings of breast cancer awareness. It will be fun to see how long it takes before people wonder why all the girls have a color in their status… Haha .”

The basic idea with the awareness campaign is not just the fun for the girls to post around the different colors but while they check up inside their top’s for the color of their bra to post as their status message, they can also go ahead and feel up around there for any lumps. So if you feel any, go have it checked with a doctor immediately! Its a novel idea as facebook is a huge forum where the world can communicate with each other and the whole thing puts the issue in a girl’s head. Hence awareness is raised, atleast get the whole idea of the issue on the plate and I would bet that even guys would be getting aware of this fact and letting their dear ones know. Well the whole idea is for such a spreading of awareness in a tidal wave fashion.

I have certain idea’s for future campaigns, color of boxers for prostrate cancer? Guys?

So now that more people may be aware, girls get a move on and start posting those colors! While guys can be more supportive and not be jerks. And even if you don’t use facebook its never embarrassing to tell someone about this. Lets get a move on Kochi!

Another year is coming to an end. We all bid adieu to 2009 and beckon in 2010, the beginning to a new decade. We have a lot to look forward to in the next year, most importantly for me is the FIFA World Cup in South Africa ( pardon my try at humor, but I am serious in a sense ). But we all have something or another waiting for us in 2010, it is tradition that we say goodbye to this year in a manner befitting it. New Year to most people is synonymous with parties(wild ones), crowds, huge gatherings of people and so on. Each culture has its own way of celebrating it. Kochi is soon picking up the pace on being social and trend-savvy to celebrate New year in all manner possible. So to those still planning on what to do for the New Year’s Eve, here are some suggestions that I can merely provide.

Parties
As always a lot of people look forward to the end of the year to let loose. Parties are on of the foremost places where you can do that, well in a sane manner at the least.
Here are some parties to soothe your thirst, that is happening in Kochi on New Year’s Eve.

The Gateway hotel
One of the places where New Year parties have been happening over the past few years. Click for more info.

Casino hotel
The Casino Hotel has a retro theme to their New Year bash, if you in a retro mood check out the Casino in Wellington Island. Couple’s and Stag Entry’s cost Rs 5000/- , while kids get in cheaper.
Magic shows,DJ nights and food is what’s in store for you.

Renaissance
Rejoice is their New Year program, which they have had since 2005 where they celebrate the New Year. Its accompanied by DJ’s, Live band’s, Professional Dancer’s, a huge Gala Buffet with more than 100 dishes to try out!
This is another good place for families to try out.

Taj Malabar
One of the swankiest places in town. For fine dining check out their dinner and of course their water front lwans will be set afire by the festivities with a DJ and all the works!

Dream Hotel
Always a hot place in town for parties. Click for more info.

Glow Disco Bar
One of the clubs that offers regular parties. Bound to be a fun night over there. Click for more info.

Gokulam Park
Free Formation has a party setup for you over there.Click for more info.

Le Meridien
Celebrate the New Year with The Blue Torrent at Le Meridien. Music extravaganza by bollywood fame Shrradha Pandit, DJ’s,mega buffer dinner all await you for the New Year Celebration.

Avenue Regent
Have a succulent dinner at the Springs restaurant for the New Year or head to Loungevity, which has one of Kochi’s hottest dance floors and party your socks off late into the night.

Ramada Resort
Check out another hot party spot at the Ramada Resort, they are hosting the Song of the Seas New Year party with Kingfisher. Exotic dancers, three DJ’s, unlimited beverages,of course the food and more.

Micheals Land Resort
Another place that could be a good place to spend your New Year’s eve. Click for more info.

DD Retreat
Try out DD Retreat for fun with the family. Click for more info.

Mermaid Hotel
The Mermaid will host a Mermaid night to celebrate the New Year, with the familiar Filipino female band lending their music. Fireworks, cinematic & folk dance, karaoke and more are what they have in stock for you.

Dinner parties
If you aren’t exactly the socialite and prefer quiet dinners with your close friends to parties, a dinner at home is your best option. Whip up some of your best dishes, get your friends to pitch in with some of theirs too and welcome the New Year over some good food and Wine if you are in the mood for it. Go for whatever that fits your mood but remember the hangover that comes with it. So unless you have work to get to in the morning, have fun! Better stock up on drinks and groceries as soon as possible if you doing the hard way or have it done fast food style and order take-out.

Experience the Surreal
These are prone to had a risk tag to it as is done in the late hours, don’t worry its nothing illegal either. You can roam around the corners of Kochi where you wouldn’t be able to otherwise in peace during the day, watch the flights takeoff from the airport, the calm waves of the sea from the beaches, the alluring lights of the city from a high rise, its all up to your imagination. Park yourself at a strategic location and watch the Sunrise on the first day of the New Year with your close buds. But stay clear from any funny stuff and dangerous spots where criminals can catch you in a tight spot. Also don’t give the Police a reason to haul you in. Keep it neat and clean and you can experience something great, simple as it may seem.

Cochin Carnivale
Its harder to get to this event at Fort Kochi than any event in Kochi. The Thomppumpady bridge is jam-packed usually due to the majorly high influx of traffic into the Fort Kochi side and it is hard to get there with the police restricting vehicle movement. If you get there early enough or have two-wheelers as your mode of transportation, you really should try to get in the sight of the ‘Burning of the Santa’ on the beach side. Locals and foreigners alike throng to catch a sight of this spectacle.

Note:The New Year is always the time to be merry, alcohol do form a major factor but do refrain from drunken driving, hire a driver or decide the designated driver between your chums, don’t cause misery to your family and to others.

So on this note I wish you all A Happy New Year Kochi! See you in 2010!

The Dream hotel,Kochi plays host to the Dreams Unlimited New Year Bash. Party with DJ Sam and a cinematic troupe at the convention center, entry for all. Have a quiet dinner at the Roof Top Grill and enjoy some excellent Grills with a vantage view of the city. For the couples, the Ava Lounge is having a smashing party. Resident DJ’s Shekar and Nash will keep those bodies Grooving. At Rs 6000/- per couple entry you get 10 free drinks, unlimited snacks and a Buffet dinner.

Passes for the lounge party are limited so HURRY!

For more details
Contact: 0484-4129999

New Year Blast with a trio of DJs at Glow Disco bar, Harbour View,Kochi. Music and tons of fun on this New Year’s Celebration. The Celebrations starts from 8 Pm onwards on the 31st. Opening Set DJ Avika from 8pm to 9.30pm, Commercial n Desi Set DJ Greg from 9.30pm to 11pm,Main Set (House n Trance) DJ Sachin 11pm to 4am. Party till early in the morning or till your feet give away!

Entry is Rs.3000/- for a Couple or a Stag with Unlimited Food n Snacks & Limited Drinks.
For more details
Contact 9995200601
9249488888

Broadway, the shopping hub of the city, will become a showcase of Kochi heritage if a project for restoring its past glory is cleared. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) authorities will consider the Broadway heritage conservation project submitted by the civic authorities soon. The heritage experts, under the auspices of the Centre for Heritage Environment and Development and the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project, have submitted a Rs. 30-crore-project for the conservation efforts of the Broadway. Though the Mission authorities had in principle approved the projects earlier, they sought clarifications and additional details regarding the project.

The project also needs to be cleared by the central steering and monitoring committee of the Mission. The committee will meet on January 11, and the Broadway project is expected to come up before it.

Changes : There will not be any additional constructions at the Broadway. Instead, the dilapidated structures will be rebuilt according to the original structure. Uniformity in architecture including the facade will be ensured and a common colour code will be introduced to the buildings in the area so as to highlight the grandeur of the heritage area. Installation of heritage road furniture, public amenities like telephone booths, drinking water points, street lighting, beautification of the Ernakulam market and preservation of the nearby water bodies will also be undertaken as part of the project.

Support from locals :The civic authorities hope to get the support of the trading community and the organisations of the traders in implementing the project. A few rounds of discussions were also held with the representatives of the organisations of the traders and business community to ensure their participation in the project.

Side Effects : Once the project is implemented, vehicular movement along broadway would be restricted. The trucks and lorries bringing merchandise will be permitted to enter the area only during the night hours.The option of allowing cycles along the broadway is also being considered by the authorities. The vehicles bringing people to the area will be directed to parking lots and the shoppers can either move on cycles or take a walk along the road.

How long will the project take to complete it take if commissioned ? : The project will not need much time to take off, as no land acquisition is required for it. The Mission would release its share of Rs. 15 crore—half of the project cost— once the project is cleared. The State government and the Kochi corporation will have to raise its share for implementing the project.

LRV events Presents Back 2 Base New Year Blast at Micheals Land Resort on the 31st of December from 8PM onwards. Head into a psychedelic new year with beats from Brain Storm.

For More Details
Contact: 9895414156, 9895159517
9544415551, 08089352484