Once again it’s that time of the year

Once again it’s that time of the year when the clouds of darker shades start covering the sky. The smell of newly wet earth fills your senses; birds you never see through the years fill the world around you with their excitement. It’s that time when the six-year-old wants to run away to the neighboring orchards to reclaim his mossy throne in the shadowy world. It’s that time of the year when the teenager wants to go back to his bedroom window where he can spend the lazy afternoon watching the non-stop rain drops. It is that time of the year when newly adult wants to walk under the shared umbrella – shoulder to shoulder – dreaming about the world he wants to create.

Monsoon Clouds

It’s been quite some time that I didn’t find any reason to complain about rains. Wherever I went, I felt it’s a party arranged by you. Standing under the grey canopy – absorbing the ballad of life around – never saw it coming. The gust of wind caught me full on. Lurking behind the unseen dark corners of room, they swept me off. With no apparent reason – it wrings the heart out. Tide after tide of melancholic memories, flashing faces and familiar voices calling. Shakings legs want to give away – head spinning. As if perched on the threshold of a huge time gateway – seeing the past and present swirling together.

Nostalgic Rain

Weary eyes tries to shut down – in its last-ditch effort to break away from all that’s around; a desperate effort to curl inside the shell; frantically trying to hold onto something – someone – in that madness. Then a sudden feeling – a droplet lands on the face – and then another. The waiting skins absorb them and thedroplets find their way to the heart. The monsoon kisses assure – the lips slowly curls back. The wind still there, but the accompanying drops of nectar embrace. Sanity claws back – the soaked eyes open to welcome the washed off world.

It is that time of the year once again – when it’s hard to reign in the romantic heart. The Eternal Romantic once again rides on his optimism. It is that time of the year again, when memories run amuck. It is that time of the year again when eyes can only see love around. The soul feels the passion that was and that still is – feels the romance that was and what can never die. It is that time of the year when rain comes dancing back to life.

The drives in the rain on bike, wow that always has and will be amazing but has faded in memoirs now for none do really occur, as I sit on stairs starring at the rain and being mesmerized by its mesmerizing dance, yet I wish that there is dance, for hopes never die and clouds do have a silver lining........

Just wish you were there

Unique 3D Motion Pictures

These motion graphics are the work of illustrator Dain Fagerholm. The Seattle-based artist refers to his pieces as drawings stereographic animation. The stereo images are more commonly recognized as two parallel images fixed, varying only slightly angled and designed to be seen so that the mind combines the two to create a 3D image. Similarly,the angular multi ilutsraciones Fagerholm and are combined into a single image that gives us an illusory sense of depth.

 

Why is Pink equal to women?

Why is Pink equal to women?
It isn't just the desi authorities who're hell bent on pinkifying women's transport, the stereotype extends across China and Paris too.

We know women travellers in Delhi swear by their ladies-only compartment and their ladies-only seats. The Delhi Transport Corporation, after increasing the number of women's seats in buses, has come up with a not-so- innovative plan to ensure that women get access to these seats: the seats will be coloured in, no surprises here, pink. We at DT are all for seats reserved for women to make our daily commuting less of a suffering than what it used to be, but we don't get the authority's obsession with the colour pink - from the pink autos of Gurgaon to the pink buses for the Noida commuters or the pink labelling for the women's compartment in the metro.

One would hope that everyone is over the cliched pink-for-girls and blue-for-boys stereotype. But as far as the transport model goes, that is certainly not the case. Forgive us for thinking this pink-means-girl funda was another one of those things that only our decision-makers were completely capable of, because after a quick search, we were surprised to find this colour-codedness making an appearance in transport systems across the world. Japan and China, among others, have daily women-only trains, all labelled pink much like the Delhi Metro. Pink-labelling in buses can also be spotted across Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan while pink cabs can be seen on the roads in London and South Africa.

So, does this mean that the colour pink is crucial to the success of any such women-only venture? Without looking too far, the 'ladies special' trains in Mumbai, which have been functioning for many years, prove that a colour-coding such as this doesn't change anything. If any man sees an empty seat in a DTC bus, do you think the colour of the seat is going to make any difference to him?

Nupam Billa, a PR professional, says, "This stereotype is meant to satisfy the baboo authorities who just can't think beyond pink. I have never thought about pink labelling before entering the women's compartment in the Metro. Would I have not stepped in had it been yellow, green or purple? Who really cares?"

Shreya Talwar, a DU student, added, "It's a stereotype like any other and whoever makes these decisions, needs to think beyond pink."

Women you should never date

Women you should never date

Make sure you avoid women of these sorts, to stay out of trouble. We tell you why

Your ex-girlfriend

It's best not to revisit a past relationship if things did not end well. Primarily because, you two were incompatible and had some serious issues, which would still be a bone of contention, if you were to get together. It's easy to fancy an ex in a moment of weakness, especially when you are lonely, and you may choose to forget the reason why you broke up and jump back in the relationship, only to regret it.

Your best friend's sister

Avoid getting involved with your best bud's sister. Not only will it destroy your friendship with your closest pal, if things don't work out, you are also likely to be at risk of being punched in the face for hurting his little sister. Also, you can forget about crying on his shoulder when things are not going great between you and his sister, as there's a direct conflict of interest here, and he may not always choose your side.

Women who are bad news

You know that dating her can be fun, but it will get you into a lot of trouble. Always remember it's best to be safe than sorry. Do not give into temptation or you will rue your decision for the rest of your life.

The high-maintenance gold digger

Stay away from her, unless you want savings to be wiped clear like your bank account. Not only will she expect you to splurge on her every whim, but will also pick faults with you and blame you for spending too much time at the office, ignoring the fact that you are working hard so that you two can live a comfortable life. It won't end there, her "good friends" will encourage her to take you to the cleaners when she wants to get out of the relationship, as she is tired of it.

Your friend's ex

If you value your friendship with your best pal, avoid dating his ex. Word will go around your circle of friends and it will do no good for your reputation. Besides, it could strain your relationship, if he has not moved on and will make things awkward whenever all of you decide to socialise with common friends.

Signs he is cheating on you

Approximately 30 to 60 percent of men will cheat on their spouses, according to numerous studies.

It has been revealed that for every six men who will cheat, there are four men who will be faithful, the Huffington Post reported.

It should come as no surprise that some men cheat. Whether it's the President of the United Sates, the top golfer in the world or a world class musician, it's a proven fact that when it comes to cheating on their spouses, some men just can't keep it in their pants.

Guys who cheat are pretty transparent and predictable. In fact, there are three major signs that accurately predict if a guy will cheat on you.

Firstly he's secretive. Guys who cheat often lead double lives, and in order to do so, they have to cover their tracks.

A guy who is secretive and doesn't reveal much about himself or his life is a guy who is a prime candidate to be featured on an upcoming episode of " Cheaters."

Communication and the willingness to be an open book are two of the most important indicators of a happy and successful relationship.

And if a guy is keeping secrets in the beginning, look out because you are headed for trouble.

Secondly if he's selfish and self-indulgent. Guys who cheat do so because they are only focused on one thing -- themselves.

The good news is that guys like these are easy to spot. Guys who are selfish and self-indulgent tend to be like that in all aspects of their lives.

If you want to get a good gauge of the moral character and integrity of the man you are dating, look at the way he lives his life and the way he treats others.

Signs he is cheating on you (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
If you start noticing that he is only out for himself, and he obviously doesn't care about others (including you) aside from what they can do for him, there is only one thing you should do -- run!

Lastly if he has a sudden change in behavior. Cheating guys will suddenly change their behavior, and in numerous ways.

He might make a sudden change in his appearance or grooming habits, or it could be a sudden change in his work schedule where all of a sudden he's working late, has to travel and can't be reached.

But the most common sign is when your sex life decreases, and he shows less of an interest in you in the bedroom.

There are some guys out there who can't be trusted and some who can.

The key is being able to recognize a potential cheater before the relationship begins.

Is romance really age related ?

Is romance really age related? (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

When it comes to wooing a lady, older men are said to score over the younger ones

According to a recent survey, men — like fine wine and cheese — just get better with age. The survey claims that at 53, men become more romantic and are more likely to surprise their partners with romantic symbols such as roses, champagne and poetry.

Many experts, however, dispute this. Romance, they say, is all in the mind and has really nothing to do with age. Claiming that it's all about eagerness, some experts opine that if a man really likes someone, he will be more than eager to indulge her with romantic gestures, no matter how old or how young he is.

They reason that younger men are less likely to go in for romantic gestures is because they could just go wrong. Experts reason that older men may have tried and tested formulae, which younger men are yet to master. Hence, they add, if a young woman feels that the men she is dating are rubbish at romance, maybe she should go out with an older man and figure out if they are really better at this game.

One can't really put an age on romance. It's a different story every time. It all depends onthe situation that prevails — and of course, the couple. Romance can happen to anyone and more importantly, at any time — it's just the moment when it arrives. The best advice experts give is to be spontaneous.

Virtual vs real friends

Virtual vs real friends

A recent survey says people are happier and laugh 50% more when talking to a friend face-to-face. So, it's safe to conclude that virtual friendships don't count any more

It's the same scenario with most of us. We have hundreds of — some even have 1,000-plus — friends on social networking sites, but only a handful of 'real' ones. Real friends whom we hang out with, share personal details and spend quality time with. And yet, we keep chatting with our virtual friends on social networking sites almost on a daily basis, instead of nurturing real friendships.

A recent survey concluded that virtual friends don't count. People are happier and laugh 50% more when talking to a friend face-to-face. Also, people find that the most satisfying relationships are with a handful of close friends, with an 'outer ring' of 10 significant others.

Case in point
Nicole Cyrus, 26, banker, has more than 800 friends on a social networking website. "I have way too many friends on my list, but since I don't open up easily, I have few friends who really understand me. So, it is important for me to interact with those friends and I make it a point to do so. Even if it wouldn't be a face-to-face interaction, I make sure I keep in touch," says she.

For instance, Nicole videochats with her best friend who stays in Australia, at least once every week, if not more. She also keeps in touch with other close friends, via phone. "But yes, I guess face-to-face interaction is way more important than just virtual friendship and relationship," she concludes.

Virtual friends are no substitute for real ones
Friends on social networking sites cannot be a substitute for real friends, says psychologist Mansi Hasan, adding, "Social networking sites are the easiest way to keep in touch with those countless people, who we wouldn't be able to keep in touch with due to our busy lives. However, the 'emotional touch' cannot be easily replaced by internet chats, comments and posts."

Hasan says research does suggest that non-verbal and verbal cues both contribute towards creating a connection between two people. The real connection only clicks when we are able to experience that friendship in person, otherwise it's like experiencing a vacation through a virtual tour.

No face-to-face talks on social networking sites
Clinical psychologist Johann Thomas also agrees that friends on social networking sites cannot be a substitute for real friends. The reason is, no amount of virtual friendships will ever prepare us for direct interaction with others. "It is also possible that most people who are comfortable making friends virtually do so because it gives them an option of avoiding face-to-face (FTF) contact with others. They are worried about negative conclusions being drawn about them in a FTF meeting where they will not be able to hide their drawbacks (awkward mannerisms, speech deficits, language difficulty, etc.). Typing online also gives people time to respond, which is a luxury we don't have in FTF communications. This lack of time also reveals our lack of wit and poise in FTF (which we do not want to be known)," he explains.

Face-to-face interactions are more satisfying
According to the study, people are happier and laugh 50% more when talking face-to-face with friends or via webcam than when using social networking sites. Thomas explains,
"The reason could be that human brain reads subliminal cues while interacting face-to-face, which go beyond the individual reading of gestures, facial expressions and words. This integration helps us to better understand what the others are saying or hiding."

Talking on phone/texting vs sharing a smile
The study also said that talking on the phone and texting does not make people feel as good as sharing a smile. "One reason for this is that the majority of processing is done by our vision and we are heavily dependent on sight. Due to this, we have to rely on seeing the genuineness of others' affect (outward expression of internal emotion)," says Thomas.

9 insensitive things that you should avoid saying to your child

9 Things never to say to your child (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Being a parent is difficult and so is coming off as a proud child. It's only human to give vent to your rage by using harsh words. However, when the recipient of your outrage is your own child, it might have uncertain and unmanageable repercussions.

We list 9 insensitive things that you should avoid saying to your child.

1. I was much more responsible when I was your age
Comparing your child and giving him an example of what all you were capable of when you were a kid is the first big mistake parents make. Their irritation stems from 'expectations' - expectations of bringing up the 'perfect' kid. Try and recall your shortcomings as a child and what all troubles you bothered your parents with. You are the elder one in the relationship hence you ought to know more. A statement such as this will break your child's confidence.

2. You always end up taking wrong decisions
Don't penalise your kid for being immature. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes and it is in fact a part of the learning process. He might have taken up a field of study that doesn't interest you or perhaps working with a company that you're not very proud of, but that doesn't mean you accuse him of the decisions. Your job as a parent is to guide him, not force him to obey your opinions.

3. Why can't you be more like your brother/sister?
This is once again an unreasonable comparison and a common one at that. Avoid seeding in animosity between your children by comparing their abilities. Doing so may create a fissure between the siblings. You don't want your kid to harbour negative feelings for you, hence avoid assessing your kids.

4. Leave me alone!
Adults have huge responsibilities to take care of, responsibilities that children are innocently oblivious of. And there are times when we want to be left alone too. Kids are incapable of understanding the gravity of such situations. An impatient outburst of 'Leave me alone!' can make your child feel neglected, unwanted and depressed at the same time. Show some patience and avoid saying something bad to him.

5. You should be ashamed of yourself
This statement is outright harsh and saying such an awful thing to any child is simply 'bad'. Yes, there are mischievous kids who go about pestering people with a devil-may-care attitude but that does not mean you reprimand him like this. There are better and milder ways to make the child understand the difference between good and bad.

6. You're just like your father/mother
Not all married couples are happy living together and the bitterness in their relationship often translates into exchange of unkind words against each other. Some relationships end in separation too. Either ways, kids are a witness to this mutual hostility and criticism. So when you shower your partner's animosity on your kid, that's when he begins to lose respect.

7. You always find ways to hurt me
There are times when children hurt their parents' sentiments by going against their wishes. Most times it is unintentional but there are kids who do so on purpose. However, saying something like the above statement would make your child feel guilty about his/her decision. He might comply with your demands to make you happy but you'd be taking away his right to happiness in the long run. Let your children take their own decisions and let them live a guilt-free life.

8. It's better to be childless than have a kid like you
The above statement is mostly an extreme emotional outburst but can have grave consequences on the kid. Unquestionably, it is the most hurtful thing you can ever say to your child. No matter what the crisis is, saying something like this could make you regret for life.

9. Get rid of the bad company of your friends
We (read adults) don't think before making friends. Neither do children. The only difference is that we know how to stay away from bad company and children don't. Their friends mean the world to them and therefore you cannot just order them to get a new set of 'good' friends.