VOL. 06, NO. 03, July 06, 2012 (Ashar 22, 2069)

By BIDUSHI ADHIKARI

Even though the political upheaval in the country has taken a strong stance, entertainment in the form of music is not off the minds of many Nepali people. Music is an escape, a break, and a pause in the complications of our busy lives. It would be wrong to say that Western music does not hold a spot in the hearts of many; it is not uncommon to be greeted by a blast of air-conditioned breeze and the familiar voice of Rihanna when one enters a shop these days. However, the rise of Western music does not dictate the fall of Nepalese culture or music. As Nepalese artists experiment with different genres of music, like rock, pop, and jazz, they manage to gain popularity and win the hearts of many listeners.

One such band that has gained immense popularity and support is 1974 AD. The band was formed in 1994, covering a wide range of genres, including Nepali folk, rock and roll, rock, blues, and some jazz as well. The talented bunch who make up the band are Adrian Pradhan on vocal and drums, Nirakar Yakthumba on bass and as a backing vocal, Manoj Kumar KC on guitar, keyboards, and as a backing vocal, Sanjay Shrestha on precussion and as a backing vocal, and Manose Singh on flute. With the leave of vocalist and guitarist Phiroj Shyangden in 2009, the band and its fans suffered a great loss. However, the thirst to make music did not die there, and the band managed to blow away its audience with the August, 2010 album, “Aath Athara (8/18).” One listen to their songs will tell you that the band speaks for love, patriotism, unity, and nationalism. Some of their more famous songs include “Parelima,” “Nepali,” “Pahilo Junima,” “Sambodhan,” “Timi Bina,” and “Mayalule.” Naturally, the band has claimed quite a few awards with its captivating songs, including Kantipur FM Annual Award from 2001 to 2004, Image Award 2004 and 2005, and Hits FM Music Award 2000, 2002, and 2004.

1974 AD has weaved its way into the musical history of our country. Its songs and tunes will always reside in the hearts of all its fans. Other bands, such as Albatross, Nepathya, and Kutumba, have also made such an impact in the musical industry of Nepal.

Sources:
http://www.1974ad.com.np

Radiance boosting cosmetics and skin care products can make your face look bright and fresh.

Plagued with dull skin? Do you know that a sun kissed look is just a bottle of the right makeup away? Thanks to all the illuminating makeup that is available in stores now, it is possible to look fresh and radiant at all times of the day. Of late, almost every product has an illuminating ingredient in it. From gold highlighter to sparkly eye shadow, to a foundation full of radiance boosters, wearing brightening cosmetics and the fact that the illuminating property is present even in skin care products, it is indeed a trend that is here to stay.

The other big shine fad is the bronze goddess look, an illuminated bronze look which is in the news too. Experts say the best way to do this is by keeping your makeup restricted to the same colour family so that the bronze stands out. The style can be accentuated with the use of gold flecked lip gloss and achieved by using a gold highlighter with foundation or by using a regular bronzer. Try illuminated bronze eyeshadow on the eyes too to make them pop.

Many makeup artists also suggest the use of primers which have radiance enhancing properties. In fact, some bases and primers even contain gold infused ingredients which improve the skin, smooth away lines and add shine. So, there is no excuse for dull skin these days. The perfect radiance boosting products and blends will make you glow and make you look like you've been lit up by a 1,000 watt light bulb, almost instantly.

Don't make these beauty mistakes!

Here are some of the common beauty goof ups that women make

Does your foundation look like a white mask on your face? Are your eyebrows tweezed to skimpy arcs? And as for your lips, are they smeared with overly dark lip color?

If you said yes to any of the above, it is time to work on these beauty blunders. Some of the common ones these days are to do with the wrong usage of makeup and color. While cosmetics are available in plenty, it is very important to choose the ones that suit your face and enhance your features, instead of covering up everything in a sweep of color.

The biggest blunder that experts always mention has to do with foundation. It is important to choose textures that melt into your skin. Anything that sits on the skin and covers it with a thick coat of color can only age you by several years. The sheer ones that disappear into the face and add an instant glow to the face are best. Also remember to match your face to your neck, otherwise your face will be several shades fairer.

The other big beauty blunder is wearing too much mascara. While all beauty experts agree that this product has to be high on your must-wear list, it is important to wear only around 2 coats, not 10, otherwise your lashes will look like plastic leaves. Also skip adding mascara to your lower lashes if you want to look younger. And the trend now is to go for thicker eybrows.

Another beauty no-no these days lies in the use of contrasting lip liner. This fad disappeared years ago. Today, keeping your liner the same shade as your lipstick is the norm and it is best to keep it that way. Also lighter colours look best.

It is best to always work your cosmetics with a light hand to look totally fabulous.

Teenage sex, a headache for parents

With an increasing number of youngsters feeling compelled to 'do it' just to fit in with their friends and peers, teenage sex is a growing problem. Rachel Fernandes tells you more

Peer pressure is nothing new. It's every parent's worst nightmare, especially when their child falls prey to vices like alcohol, drugs and smoking. These days, however, an increasing number of youngsters in their early teens, both girls and boys, are falling prey to the pressure of becoming sexually active from a very young age, even as early as 12 years. What was once considered a Western world problem is today very much a growing reality of our Indian society too. MMS scandals involving school and college students are unfortunately becoming regular occurances hogging news and cyber space.

Neesha Raut, mother of 15-year-old Dhruv is a worried parent. Why? Because Dhruv and his girlfriend often shut the door of his room and hang out. "Though I know for a fact that they are always watching movies or playing video games, I can't help but get apprehensive. On the other hand, I also can't tell him not to shut the door as it is his own room and we all advocate the right to privacy in the house," she laments.

Though it can mostly be blamed on the pressure from friends, peers and acquaintances in the same age group and the need to fit into a stereotype, the increased exposure to sexually explicit material - TV, Internet, and other forms of media that teenagers access is also a growing cause for concern. "There's also the society's rather relaxed attitude about sex to be blamed. I often see parents and adults making references about boyfriends and girlfriends to kids as young as primary students. As a result, the child gets mixed signals that it's okay to pursue this path. Also, they see a very casual and lax attitude towards sex in the home. All this results in them wanting to try things out for themselves," says noted educationist Swati Popat Vats.

According to child psychologist, Dr Bela Raja, it's all about peer pressure. "Hence, even if the youngster is not ready, he/she will go ahead and do it just because everyone else is and because they feel the need to be one of the crown and accepted. There's also low self esteem to blame for this problem. Many of these youngsters feel that they will fit into a friends circle only if they are doing what everyone else who is a part of it is doing. The sense of standing apart doesn't exist anymore," she explains.

And what are the signs of a sexually active teenager? "Unless they actually tell you about it themselves or they are caught in the act, there's no definitive way of telling. However, if a parent is careful enough to notice even the minutest of a child's behavioural changes, there may be signs like the sudden focus on themselves and their physical appearance, the need to ensure that they look good, sport the latest trends, etc. so that they can attract the other person, that could suggest that all is not right in their world," Bela explains. According to Swati, once a young teenager becomes sexually active, he/she develops a cocky, care-a-damn kind of attitude. "On the other hand, there will also be this immense feeling of guilt as they are hiding something so huge from you and the lying will continue," she warns.

The physical and psychological damages of indulging in such reckless behaviour, however, can have lasting effects on the young minds. "When they grow up, especially when they get married, if one has had a bad sexual experience as a youngster, they could end up carrying the baggage here too thus being traumatised at the idea of getting sexually intimate with the partner," says Dr Bela.

And the solution? "Once the act is done, instead of shouting, screaming and hitting the child, it's better to sit them down and patiently explain about what they did was wrong and how they shouldn't let something like this happen again. Most importantly, remember that most kids indulge in such reckless behaviour just to get the focus back on themselves. Spending quality time with you child is by far the best solution to help them," says Dr Bela.

Men have traditionally been touted as the 'hungry for sex' species. With a comparatively higher sex drive than their female partner, men are often expected to assume charge while performing in bed and are held responsible for a gratifying act too.

But why are men having all the fun? Women too can act bold when it comes to showing off their sex drive. But how?

Dr. Deepak Arora, a sexologist elucidates, "Men love their wives to have sex and wives have sex to get love from their men, in this way they become a supplement for each other. So if the female partner starts taking an equal interest in the act of intimacy; it can bring them closer to each other and they can enjoy a healthy sexual relationship."

Relationship and sex counselor Dr. Geetu Bhardwaj supports, "Gone are the days when a 'high sex drive' was considered a male prerogative. With various sexual techniques and arousal methods, even women can enhance their sex appeal and thus give their sex drive a much needed boost. Once women empower themselves to take charge in bed, they can overtake men not only in their sex drive, but also in sexual performance."

Breaking away from the preset notion of 'men are sexually more active', we get experts to share ways as to how a woman can overtake her man in sex drive...

Take charge of foreplay: Men, in general, are not overtly interested in prolonged foreplay. So it comes as an added advantage for women to give a push to their sex drive and initiate the primary foreplay. Sex therapist Dr. Devesh Roy advices, "Women must keep in mind that the arousing acts should be intense so that the man feels that you are fully charged up for a steamy session in bed. Do not focus much on unnecessary things like cooking a meal etc that may mar the mood before it actually gets going."

Plan for a sensuous night: You'd have often seen in Bollywood flicks that the hero is decorating the room for a night of passion and is going all out to woo his lady love with surprise gifts. But why do men make way for these sexual fantasies? It's time for women to let their wild imagination spread its magic. Relationship and sex counselor Dr. Geetu Bhardwaj opines, "Keeping their sexual desires on a high, women can plan for opulent bedroom settings whereby they can have everything that hints towards their sexual desire. Right from dim lights and aroma oils to fragrant rose petals and orchids strands; create an atmosphere that is conducive for a lovemaking night."

Dress attractively: Quite often, women feel low on sex drive because they feel less sexy and attractive from inside. Hence, they wait for men to pamper them and make them feel wanted. Dr. Amita Mishra, a relationship expert however states, "Looking attractive in sexy attires like a bikini or see-through lingerie ignites the female sexual desire to get intimate with their partner and vice-versa. Even if your man is not interested in sex on a particular night, there are chances that your dressing provocatively will arouse them for a sexual session."

Exchange naughty gestures: While men always boast of their sex drive through gestures like tickling, caressing, kissing, whispering and at times publicly displaying their affection, women too should try shedding their inhibitions and acting a bit naughty. While having dinner, women can try holding their mate's hands or giving them a surprise hug when he's shirtless right after a shower. "These sexual gestures act as clear indications that a woman is much more aroused as compared to the man. This high sex drive gets translated into a wonderful chemistry in the bedroom while having sex," feels Dr. Roy.

Make kissing a memorable experience: Passionate kissing works wonders in your sexual paradise, but again don't let your man make the first move. Make him feel that you know much more than him when it comes to kissing. Try different kinds of kisses and drive him crazy. "Kissing is a quintessential part of foreplay, the actual act and after-sex moments. Women can use kissing as a weapon to stimulate their partners and at the same time also experiment with newer ways of kissing to leave their partner utterly surprised," suggests Dr. Geetu.

Don't insist too much on contraception: A short cut to let your man know that you're equally, or more, ravenous for sex is to let the things happen without much of interruption. While performing in bed, women must not insist too much on using protection and just try to enjoy the act. "Continuous reminders about using contraception make a man feel that the woman is not keen on sex and is rather overtly worried about the aftermath. So it's suggested that the pleasurable moments should be performed sans any hindrance to show a woman's craving for sex," says Dr. Amita.

Belly dancing is a great way to burn tummy fat. We tell you how...

With the craze to lose weight and get that 'perfect look', people are trying a lot of techniques — gymming and dieting being the most common ones. People have actually become aware of the importance of exercising and eating right to combat the obesity epidemic. Belly dancing, until recently was performed only by professionals but now is being taken up by fitness enthusiasts who want to spice up their exercise routine.

Belly dancing is a great cardiovascular exercise, and if you practice it vigorously, you can burn between 250 and 300 calories per hour. Combine your belly dancing with a sensible diet, and you'll see results. Belly dancing predominantly involves circular motions isolated in one part of the body; for example, a circle parallel to the floor isolated in the hips or shoulders. The professional dancers perform feats of flexibility, rolling one's belly muscles, balancing various props etc. Belly dancing classes are very popular the world over, all thanks to belly dancing icon Shakira who gave this form an immense boost. Today, you can easily sign up for a belly dancing lesson in the city, as many dancing institutes are teaching this fun and sexy dance form.

Remember:

1 Firstly, one needs to do a little research and find out more about the dance form.

2 More often than not you will need a proper trainer who will encourage you and teach the moves properly.

3 Make a promise to yourself and stick by it. Leaving this half way will mean that you can never stick to one routine.

4 Make your belly happy and do not starve. The first thing that a trainer will tell you is not to deprive your stomach from food at all. The dance form is very vigorous and you need a lot of energy to perform.

5 Start out slow when you begin initially, lest you want to have sore muscles.

6 Keep moving your arms and legs. Make sure that you are picking your feet up off the ground.

7 Practice makes a person perfect. You need to keep practicing even after the class gets over. This will surely help you in the long run.

8 Remember to dance in front of a large mirror. This will enable you to see how flexible you have become as well as your progress in toning your belly.

9 Eating the right nutrients is the key to achieve your target.

Exercising alone will not help.

10 You need to know that there is fat weight and muscle weight. So if people say that you are in shape then you actually need to work on your muscle fat and tone them up.