Joker or Cruella, pumpkins or Pikachu, school teachers or magicians, witches or goddesses, youngsters are getting their costumes for Halloween. “This year, I am going to be a Greek Goddess, pretty and happy,” says Nilma Dileepan, associate line producer, “Beg, borrow, steal, but be creative.”

Often, people wear an outfit that they’ve always wanted to, and then they think of a character to represent it. “I wanted to be black and white, wear a dress and look evil. So, I was Cruella,” says Sanya Rai Gupta, a design student.
People usually misinterpret Halloween to mean scary. But, even angelic outfits make great Halloween costumes. Sanya adds, “Bura naa mano, Halloween hain makes a great excuse to scare people on this occasion.” Sanya has also been Mary, who lost her lamb and went crazy there after.
Halloween in our country is still at a nascent stage. “There should be a party where dwarfs roll out to scare people as they enter. People should consider costumes from head to toe. Never miss out on the tiny props as well,” says event manager, AJS Nath. Nath dressed as a power ranger in a tailor-made suit.
Anusha Shetty, student has been to parties where she has spotted Michael Jackson and Joker. “This has been rather exciting to witness. People refrain from dolling up in India out of fear of being singled out at the party. This is the case if others at the party aren’t as enthusiastic,” says Anusha. She played safe at her first Halloween party and dressed up as a black angel in a little black dress with wings.
Nilma says, “I look for something different to do at every party. Last year, I was Scary Spice, so this year I am going to be Sweet Spice.” The back-to-school party this season has been one of Nilma’s most memorable experiences as the décor was also Halloween inspired.
Sanya is looking forward to showing off the look of Morticia, from The Addams Family’s, inspired by a friend from an earlier Halloween party “Costume parties are great ice breakers at a party. It keeps people guessing through the night spicing up the evening in a house,” says Sanya.

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What will be seen in the sky on October 24?
The zodiacal light is a ghostly glow that is the reflection from dust of the sunlight hitting our solar system. It is the faint glow of sunlight that is visible before morning twilight best seen at 5.30 am. The zodiacal light appears brighter at the horizon and is tilted at an angle of the ecliptic. This light can be seen from a terrace anywhere in India. The light appears in the eastern sky before dawn, which is where Mars is also at the moment. Ancient Greeks believed that this was caused by the distant volcanic eruptions.

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Who has an extension on television?
Last week, the evergreen animated series, Simpsons was rumoured to bid viewers farewell. Viewers profusely demanded to see Bart’s “d “Oh” on screen. Al Jean, the executive produce of the show said in an interview assuring the viewers that Simpsons won’t end yet, “We just want to keep fighting and go as long as we can.” The show is currently in the 23rd season and the makers of the show hope to keep entertaining till the thirtieth season. The longest running comedy in television history is here to stay.

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Where is the BFI festival this October?
In London, you can witness some of the best films from October 12 to 27 at the 55th BFI London Film Festival. The finest actors and filmmakers will be present. More than 300 fiction and documentary features will be screened at the festival. It will open with a film called 360, starring Jude Law and Anthony Hopkins. George Clooney will be seen in two films. One of the most talked about films is We Need to Talk about Kevin.

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Why were Clinton and Obama together?
Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were spotted playing golf at Andrews Airforce base in Maryland over the weekend. Joining them were Obama’s chief of staff, William Daley and Clinton’s advisor Doug Band. Golf is Obama’s favourite form of relaxation. On that afternoon, this recreational activity had some political seriousness to it. Like Obama, Clinton took to golfing during his White House years and became a weekend player.