Here's how social media can help you sniff out your cheating lovers

London: Mobile applications can be very handy if you want to check whether your lover is having an affair or not and, therefore, a list has revealed top 10 apps that can help you to keep a check on your partner.

The list starts with WhatsApp, Snapchat and iMessage, however, Facebook is the biggest culprit with 76 per cent of woman becoming suspicious because of the social network, the Daily Star reported.

Another app called Manything, which acts as a CCTV for phone, laptop or tablet, secured 19 percent votes by women as they revealed they had caught their husbands cheating or speaking to their mistress on the phone when they were out of the house via Manything.

5 percent of women said that Lie Detector app helped them to check infidelity on their partners, whereas, 4 percent of women said they doubted their husband's faithfulness when they saw famous dating app called Tinder on their phone.

Claire Page, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com asserted that what he found find most interesting about this list was how obvious some men were and discretion was their main priority and the most important thing when having a successful affair.

Nikon launches a selfie stick

Even as the world's most travelled and visited destinations have started putting up a 'No Selfie Stick' board outside their premises, it is not deterring camera manufacturers like Nikon to introduce their own selfie sticks, making self-capturing easier. Nikon has introduced its own branded selfie stick for its Coolpi point-and-shoot camera line. The stick, N-MP001, has been designed for the safe handling of its own cameras and to enhance its range of Coolpix cameras including the S6900, which is marketed as a Selfie Ready camera, along with L32, AW130, S33, S7000, S3700 and S9900 models.
The Nikon selfie stick measures 7.28 inches in length when collapsed and 28.54 inches when fully extended. It weighs 6.56 ounces and can carry cameras weighing up to 14 ounces.

The stick, N-MP001, has been designed for the safe handling of Nikon's own cameras and to enhance its range of Coolpix cameras.

#nikon selfie stick #selfies #coolpix camera

The Next Web notes that the device connects to the tripod socket of the camera and its tripod socket at the bottom of the handle is used to attach to a tripod or monopod. The foam grip and hand strap provide for an easy carrying when not in use.
It has a fixed pan-head that allows you to easily change the position of the camera when mounted onto the stick. The stick can be operated via the timer.
The selfie stick is available for pre-order at B&H and Adorama for $59.95. There is no official word on when the product will start shipping.
-THANK YOU IBM LIVE

Bill Gates, explains in a paragraph, the difference between him and Steve Jobs

Bill Gates- who founded one of the world's most valuable company, Microsoft, and Steve Jobs- one who created one of the world's most valuable brands, Apple, have been noted as two individuals who are an institution in themselves when it comes to technology. But what does the software giant's boss think of Jobs is intriguing.
Business Insider quotes an explanation made by Gates about the difference between him and Jobs. Gates considered Jobs as one with a design mind-set, while he had a coder's mind, focusing more on the architectural built.
The perfect definition has been quoted from a new book on Jobs called, "Becoming Steve Jobs", which is co-authored by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli.

Gates says that Jobs had a design mind-set, while he possessed a coder's mind, looking at the architectural built.

#bill gates #steve jobs #becoming steve jobs #microsoft

Below is the excerpt from the book:
"He had an expectation of superlative things in his own work and in the products they would create. Steve had a design mind-set. When I get to a hotel room, I don't go, 'Oh, if I had designed this car I would have done this and this.' People like Jony Ive and Steve Jobs are always looking at stuff that way. You know, I look at code and say, 'Okay, this is architected well,' but it's just a different way of understanding the world. His most natural, innate sense was a world-class instinct about whether this or that object met certain standards. He had extremely high standards of what was shit, and what was not shit."
Jobs was 56 when he passed away on October 5, 2011 in Palo Alto, California. He suffered from a rare form of pancreatic cancer.


source IBM

5 easy steps to automatically transfer your WhatsApp photos to Dropbox

We share so many pictures on WhatsApp every day and it is but a task to keep a track of them. If the pictures are important and your phone's storage is running low, you end up frantically searching for a USB chord to transfer the content to a computer.
Wouldn't life be a little easier if the entire process was automated with just a single app? Well, here are the five easy steps which will make transferring all your WhatsApp images to your Dropbox account feel like a breeze.
As all the WhatsApp media is automatically saved to the phone's physical memory, all that one needs to automate the transfer is get the Dropbox app on their smartphone and follow the steps below, as suggested by Digital Inspiration


#whatsapp #photos #dropbox #dropsync
1. Open your Dropbox and create a folder, name it WhatsApp for convenience.
2. Launch the DropSync app and authorise it to access your Dropbox account.
3. Set the Local (watch) folder as /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images and set the Dropbox folder as the one that you created in Step #1.
4. Set the sync method as 'Upload only' so that it is not a 2-way sync and only WhatsApp images are sent to Dropbox but not the other way.
5. Go to the app settings and change the Autosync Interval to 5 minutes (the default is an hour).
Task accomplished! Now watch all your WhatsApp media magically fly into your Dropbox folder. Since you also have the Dropbox installed on your desktop (we are assuming you do), the images will also be visible there so you don't need to go USB-hunting again.

What makes you so delectable, read into the signs!

Having a crush on someone is nothing uncommon. Some are tight lipped about their feelings, others believe in confession. Nevertheless ever wondered why someone has a crush on you, we did the work and thought it would be fun to find out what qualities in you make someone go gaga over you, according to your zodiac.

Aries
Many find your strong level of confidence to be one of your most attractive trait. You are not a subtle sign at all, you represent the Ram, who charges after the object it desires. Moreover, if you happen to have a crush on someone, you do not believe in keeping it a secret not worrying about the consequences. A go-getter, filled with oodles of excitement. How can someone not have a crush on you?
Taurus
You can be cute, funny and charming at the same time. No wonder you got so many people having a secret crush on you. Also, known as a pleasure seeking and a generous sign. You don’t beat around the bush if you like someone, you may not say it out loud but you would convey the message through the things you give the other person from chocolates to flowers, they say it all.
Gemini
You represent the Twins, you have a multi-faceted personality with nothing constant in you. Your personality keeps the other person guessing. And it is almost difficult to read you when it comes to your feelings. You can be quite hilarious when you want to and people find it interesting to have a conversation with you. Of course, your charming and flirtatious nature is something people can’t resist
Cancer
Never judge a book by its cover, this famous proverb is apt for Cancer. Difficult to read on a lot of levels, famously known for mood swings but this won’t stop people from having a crush on you. Your sense of security and the need to feel safe makes you wanted. Other words to describe you, extremely sweet, caring and fiercely protective about things you love.
Leo
You represent the King of the Jungle, a passionate, gorgeous and confident beast. Everyone wants a part of you, you have a magnetic charisma not many can escape. If someone lets you know about their feelings, you will be passionate and will leave no stones unturned to show the other person the time of the world. You believe in showering gifts, attention and lot of affection.
Virgo
Believe it or not, your reserved nature which makes people so attracted towards you. Also, you are a good listener and will be sensible to anyone who seeks comfort in you. You don’t believe in grand displays of affection or public declarations. You like it simple and slow at first, will never make the first move. So when you do make a move, it a sure sign that you like the other person. Your intelligence never fails to amuse anyone.
Libra
Who cannot have a crush on someone with those adorable dimples? Known as a hopeless romantic, you tend to wear your hearts on display. You just cannot hide your feelings - sweet smiles, long staring but loving gazes slowly turning to surprises, love notes and so much more. People have more than one reason to be envious of your partner now.
Scorpio
Known as the most mysterious of all signs, you fascinate people with those intense eyes like its penetrating their soul. How can people escape your gaze? Sexually and emotionally complex, when you flirt with someone it is a sure sign that you are interested and it would be impossible for the other person to resist your single minded pursuit
Sagittarius
You like to be wild and free but one should look further than the sparkle of your eyes and your smile if you like someone. You like to meet new and fascinating people which also makes you a social animal. Impulsive by nature although this is not healthy at all times but interestingly people find it quite alluring. More reasons needed why people have a crush on you?
Capricorn
Three words describe you best: stable, reliable and nurturing. These three qualities can set anyone’s heart pacing if they are looking for a meaningful relationship. Why not start with Capricorn? You don’t believe in passing affairs or taking matters of the heart too lightly.
Aquarius
Known as a fascinating sign, when it comes to romance or something similar you are one tough nut to crack. But your intelligence, attractive nature and because you are so different from the rest of the crowd makes people want you more.
Pisces

You are known to be the most compassionate of all the zodiac. Your kind heart, soft spoken and empathetic nature is hard to go unnoticed. And you have the crazy unpredictable streaks in you which make you so much fun to be with.

What to Expect from First Total Lunar Eclipse of 2015

The total lunar eclipse of this year would be on the 4th April 2015, Saturday. It would be partially experienced in the western parts of India. Around the world most parts of Asia, Australia, South America and North America will be able to witness it. This year marks four eclipses in total with 2 lunar and 2 solar eclipse. On a practical note, eclipses are believed to bring along significant changes which maybe positive or negative at times.

Lunar Eclipse good or bad?
Lunar eclipses according to astrology are usually times when major changes take place in your life and so it is of extreme importance to make sure that the right decision is taken at the right time. However, it is said that this is not the right time for any new beginnings be it marriage, business, new job etc. But on the contrary it works well for individuals who wants to end long pending issues, quitting jobs or taking a break for a retreat. Unlike solar eclipse whose effects start after a few months, the effects of lunar eclipse starts immediately.
Impact of lunar eclipse on the your zodiac
In the astrological language, eclipses are an alliance of the sun, moon and earth in such a way that shadow of either falls on the sun or the moon. On the 4th April, moon would be specifically shadowed by the earth as earth short circuits the usual connection between the sun and moon. It starts as the earth’s shadow slowly darkens the moon and turns it into a reddish color. Likewise the effects of this transition may either bring along clarity of thoughts or may shroud your life with confusions.
All zodiac signs would be affected differently with the lunar eclipse. On this specific date 4th April ’15, the lunar eclipse happens in the zodiac of Virgo. Also as this will be on a Saturday with retrograde Saturn along with Jupiter in Cancer the effects for different zodiac would be as follows: This eclipse will prove to be beneficial and auspicious for Sagittarius, Aries, Scorpio and Cancer. However, difficult time lies ahead for Libra, Aquarius, Virgo and Gemini and those born under the zodiac Pisces, Capricorn, Leo and Taurus will experience mixed results.

It is to be noted that the results of the eclipse will only be effective during 3 to 4 month period of time from the actual date of happening. So those who are befitting from this eclipse should make the most of this time to reap positive results. As for those zodiacs for who it is inauspicious should avoid seeing the eclipse moon on this particular day. The time span of the eclipse is directly related to the time period of sufferings, for instance if the eclipse lasted for two hours then its effects would last for 2 years.

Best OS for gaming?

 For now, it's probably windows. However, Linux as a gaming platform is moving ahead. Steam has a Linux client and there are some growing games, including recent hit Cities: Skylines and other older, popular games like Borderlands 2.

Windows has driver support and is an established gaming platform. Perhaps that will change soon, but not for a little while.
Try Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bits for gaming ! Windows 7 Pro is also suitable.

Facebook launches collaborative video app Riff

© LiveMint Facebook now effectively has a counter to Twitter's Periscope and independent app Meerkat.

New Delhi: Facebook on Tuesday launched an app that lets its users collaborate with their friends to make a video.

The social media giant on its newsroom platform revealed on 1 April that the app, Riff, was an after-hours side project started by some its employees.

Riff works by one user creating a video and giving it a hashtag, following which friends of that user can add more clips on the same topic. “Once a friend adds a clip to your video, your friend’s friends will also be shown the video in Riff and will be able to add to it,” the post read on Facebook’s newsroom. “The potential pool of creative collaborators can grow exponentially from there, so a short video can become an inventive project between circles of friends that you can share to Facebook, or anywhere on the internet, at any time.”

Facebook now effectively has a counter to Twitter’s Periscope and independent app Meerkat.

Riff is available for download both on Google’s PlayStore and Apple’s App Store

WhatsApp Calling feature review: No, this won’t kill voice calls for now

WhatsApp calling is now a reality for Android users. However, can you really think of replacing it with regular calls? WhatsApp calls are obviously not free, unless you are using someone else's WiFi. Both parties in a call needs to spend data and it seems that the caller needs to spend more. Also, the present quality of WhatsApp calls is simply not something you can live with.

A minute of WhatsApp call costs around 0.15 MB to 0.20 MB of 3G data. This means a 5-minute call costs around 1MB of 3G data. The call quality on 3G networks is decent but on 2G, there is a considerable amount of lag. Also, on 2G, a minute of WhatsApp call costs around 0.35MB which is surprisingly higher than 3G.

 

Without mobile internet plans, the standard data rates for most operators are 4p /10 KB (3G) and 10p / 10 KB (2G). This roughly translates to Re 1 per minute of WhatsApp call on 3G and Rs 2.50 per minute on 2G network.

For local and STD calls in India, WhatsApp calls make little sense, even on 3G data, when the experience is compared to regular voice calls with per second pulse in cents. For international calls, WhatsApp calling is a great feature only if you are on WiFi. With the present state of 3G and 2G mobile Internet in the country, you simply cannot make an international call while on-the-go.

Even if WhatsApp tries to better call quality, thanks to their developers in advance, can we expect telecom service providers to not prove to be a hindrance?

When Airtel announced their VoIP packs in India, a massive social media outrage forced Airtel to re-think its plan. For the time being, the net neutrality protests worked. But in the long run, how can we be sure that TSPs will not have a hand in the call quality of these apps? From a business perspective, TSPs may not charge extra for using services like WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, etc. But it can surely put the brakes on the voice call experience so that subscribers are forced to opt for regular voice calls. We can never be sure what TSPs are doing in the background.

While the net neutrality debate continues, as an excited WhatsApp user (like you) I tried to use mostly WhatsApp calls to take care of my communication needs for a day. I am on Vodafone 3G in New Delhi. Here's my experience.

Apple iPhones eat up Xiaomi's smartphone market share in China: Survey

New Delhi: Apple is strengthening its foothold in China's smartphone market with a latest survey pointing towards a rise in the company's market share from December 2014 to February 2015.

 

© Provided by IBNLive

The survey of 15,000 mobile phone users was conducted by consumer research firm Kantar Worldpanel and indicated a rise in the tech giant's share in the Chinese market from 25 per cent to 27.6 per cent in the said time period.

A Forbes report quoted Carolina Milanesi, chief of research at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, saying that there had been a strong appetite for Apple's products in urban China since the launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

With an overall share increase of 9.7 percentage points year-over-year, Apple has surpassed local manufacturer Xiaomi for the first time.

The survey found that China's top three smartphones in the last three months ending February were the iPhone 6, followed by Xiaomi's Redmi Note and then Apple again with the iPhone 6 Plus.

While Apple has been cautious in developing products which could be touted 'cheaper,' Xiaomi on the other hand has focused equally on offering devices which are affordable yet are feature-laden.

This smartphone app can unlock your doors

New York: You can open this lock with an app installed in your smartphone. The lock made by a company called 'August' essentially allows you and anyone you register to open your door with an app.

© Provided by IBNLive

Your friends, family, or even the plumber could download the app, you could give them a code, and they get in, CBS Local reported. You can even have that code expire, meaning they will only be able to access the door for a limited time.

The 'August' lock costs about $250 and another $250 to install it.

Inspiring as it may sound, security experts are not very enthusiastic about it. Because mobile phones are hackable and if your phone is hacked, you will lose access to your own house.

"The population in the planet can now get into your pocket and wallet, electronically from China or some other place. When you put your information in any computer device that is connected to the internet then you're talking about the entire world potentially accessing that thing," security expert Silka Gonzalez was quoted as saying.

Here's how much your old iPad is worth now

© Provided by Quartz Less than that.

Five years ago today, the original Apple iPad went on sale in the US. Since 2010, Apple has introduced cellular versions, smaller versions, and ones thinner than part of a pencil. In total, Apple has released 104 different models of the iPad. Quartz analyzed the resale value of a range of iPad models on Gazelle, a website that purchases old tech for reselling. Below are some of the most popular models. The prices listed are for models in “good” condition. Note: “Cellular” models refer to AT&T 3G/4G models for older iPads and unlocked LTE models for newer devices.

Unsurprisingly, the most valuable iPad on the list is the largest and the newest. A 64GB LTE iPad Air 2 is worth $270—considerably less than the $729 you most likely paid for it not long ago. Sadly, the original iPads have not held up so well—on Gazelle, they’re now worth less than a new pair of Apple headphones or a couple of overly designed lanyards.

There wasn’t much difference in price between storage sizes for each model. Apple tends to charge about $100 more for the next storage size up—128GB versus 64GB, for example. But on resale, the difference was generally between just $10 and $25.

6 tips for first-time tablet buyers

© Hannelore Foerster/Getty Images


Falling between a smartphone and a computer, tablets have evolved as a strong category. While many still continue to question their usability factor as a primary work machine, there are many who have replaced their PCs with a tablet. While all this is subjective and technology lovers will continue to argue, here are few important things you should keep in mind while buying a tablet:

1. NATURE OF USE
You own the latest smartphone and a powerful machine, but you still want a tablet. Before zeroing in on one, you need to first determine what you will use it for? Convenient to use and carry, some people prefer to use it on the move, to stay abreast of the latest happenings, emails and other stuff. For a few, it is mostly an entertainment device where they can play games, download and experience apps and play movies. Some pair it with Bluetooth keyboard and use it as a primary work machine (yes, tablets are that powerful too). Kids too are fascinated with tabs, and parents are also investing in one as an additional education tool for their kids. SIZE: Gone are the days when tabs were only available in two sizes - 7-inch and 10-inch. Today, there are available in multiple sizes - 7-inch, 8-inch, 8.9-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch. Go for one which you are comfortable holding, carrying and typing on. Also, there are different types of screens, for instance, LED, IPS, Retina, LCD, AMOLED, etc. Whatever you may choose, go for a full HD display.
2. OPERATING SYSTEM
It all started with Apple's iPad, followed by Android. But now Windows tablets too are emerging in this space. The Apple iPad runs on iOS platform, which is closed and you cannot do much of tweaking on your own. Apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store only. On the other hand, Android tablets are built on open source platform and is open to customisations by the manufacturer as well as the user. You can root the tablet to access more resources (but this will void the warranty).STORAGE: Unlike laptops that come with huge storage space, tabs only have a few GBs. The most common storage spaces are 16 GB and 32 GB. Apple has dropped 32 GB storage and has now come up with 64 GB and 128 GB options. The downside with Apple tablets is that they don't support expandable memory card. This is where Android tablets score. They might be available in 8 GB or 16 GB storage, but support an expandable memory card slot of either 32 GB, 64 GB or even 128 GB. So do consider the storage capacity while buying one as 16 GB will exhaust quickly. Applications and software do consume a lot of storage space. Anything below 8 GB is a big 'NO'. The higher the storage capacity, the higher the price.
3. CONNECTIVITY
Usually, all tablets come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which are good enough to be used in a Wi-Fi-enabled zone. Tabs also come with cellular support, which means you can insert a SIM card and use Internet service. Some tabs even allow calling. The latter comes handy if you plan to browse the web, download emails, etc., on the move, where you are unlikely to have a Wi-Fi network. But the price of these tabs is usually higher. And not every company has Wi-Fi tablet or Wi-Fi+cellular tab. TIP: If you have a budget constrain and want to go for a Wi-Fi only tablet, you can convert you phone's data into a Wi-Fi hotspot to create a Wi-Fi network on the move.APPS: While most popular apps are available on all platforms, you should still check the availability of the apps that you plan to use. Be it documentation apps or multimedia apps, everything today is available on all the three platforms.
4. CAMERA
A couple of years ago, camera wasn't a top priority for tablets. However, things are changing and camera optics is improving. If you plan to use your tab for imaging, go for the one with the best camera as tabs are usually a one-time investment. WEIGHT: Tablets are used on the move and should not weigh much. Depending upon the display, the weight does vary, but it should not be heavy because if you are holding it for longer duration, your hand is likely to get tired.
5. ACCESSORIES
Converting a tab into a full-blown machine is easy. It can be placed on the stand and paired as a Bluetooth keyboard for typing. These days, some of the Android and Windows tabs come with a keyboard dock. On the other hand, there are Windows laptops that are convertible and can be used as a tablet as well.

6. SERVICE: Apple is known for its service. If there is any manufacturing defect or a software glitch, Apple will replace the tablet. It might not be a new unit, but it is a refurbished one (an old unit which has been cleaned and made as good as new). You might not enjoy the same experience with other companies.

How often should we shampoo our hairs?

 BEST REPLY                                                                                           

It depends on your hair, as mentioned above, but age counts as well. If you are a little kid, you probably don't need to wash it too often, but if you are a teen, your hormones stimulate oil production, which causes very oily hair as well as acne. In this case, washing it every 1-2 days would be best.

As an adult, there are a wide variety of ranges for which products you should use, what your hair is like, and even where you live. (Do you live in a dry climate? Or at high altitudes? Maybe in a tropical region?) If you need advice, ask those you know who have a similar hair to yours and see what they do. Gaining the opinions of several hairdressers would be wise as well.

As for me, I take a shower and get my hair wet every day, since I am a young adult. I do a quick run-through with a 2-in-1 shampoo+conditioner, since I need the moisturizing effects of conditioner, but the oil restoring worsens my oily hair problem. About twice a week, I do a thorough job with the 2-in-1, as well as apple cider vinegar. I learned recently that apple cider vinegar really helps with excess oil buildup and moisturizing. I have short, thick hair, so a lot of oil collects fast. Someone with longer hair would not need to do this as frequently.
Note: Do not do what I do if you have dry hair. I have no idea what will happen... ;)

Overall, to keep a healthy hair, you should find out what works best for you based on you circumstances and your preferences. Although a little vinegar wouldn't hurt...

How to improve look of skin?

 

 

 

Drink plenty of water to give your skin a healthy glow
•have a balanced diet that gives your skin all the key nutrients it needs (avocado and pink grapefruit will do wonders for your skin!) Sweets and lots of fatty food will only make your skin spotty and unhealthy.
•don't stay in the sun too long because of sunburn, but make sure you actually get some sun because Vitamin D is important for skin (but wear suntan lotion)
•sleep is required for healthy skin too. 8 hours of slumber is essential.
•finally don't forget to have a shower/bath every two days to get rid of all those dead skin cells and bacteria clogging your pores. DON'T shower with hot water, from personal experience it makes your skin itchy, dry, and peel off. Also use exfoliating body scrubs to clean out the dirt from your pores and I personally recommend Dove body wash because it makes your skin sooo soft :3 x 

Is 5'7 a bad height for a teenage girl?

best reply 1

I'm 5'9". I wear heels. But I can understand where you're coming from. Girls mature faster than boys in the teen years and often are taller than boys for a time. Most guys shoot up around 16. Don't worry about it. Most models are at least 5'9" as a start anyways. Wear heels if you want. Just make sure you practice walking in them. Nothing looks worse than a girl in heels-at any height- who cant walk in them.

best reply 2

Of course 5'7 isn't a bad height, there's no such thing. If you're concerned about love interests, you just need to find someone who likes you for you, not for your height. And wearing high heels is completely up to you, whichever makes you feel the most secure about yourself. If many of the people around you are a lot shorter than you, I wouldn't recommend it though. But if you're around the same height as everyone or you just want to make your calves look amazing, go for it.

How to get rid of dark circles [teens]?

Dark circles under your eyes make you look tired or ill...however, here are some special tips for you that given below:
1.Apply a cold compress. Try this 4-5 times per day. Soak a washcloth in ice cold water and lie down and hold the cold item to your closed eyes for about 15 minutes.
2.Try cucumber slices.
3.Apply mint leaves.
4.Use Green tea bags.
5.Use a neti pot. It's a device that resembles a small teapot.
6.Get enough sleep. Be sure that u can get sleep for 8 to 9 hours.
7.Monitor Your allergies.
8.Eat healthy, vitamin rich foods.
9.Stay away from alcohol.
10.Avoid smoking.
11.Wear sunscreen.
12.Apply retinol to your skin.
13.Use a skin-lightening cream.
14.Try laser therapy.
15.Try a light chemical peel.
16.Ask about intense pulse treatment.
Wish you all the best ......

Face yoga expert Danielle Collins tells you why you need face yoga

We do everything we can to keep our bodies in shape, our minds healthy. But we often neglect our face until those lines can no longer be neglected, and those wrinkles can no longer be concealed. And then, out of desperation to look younger, we consider expensive surgery procedures and cosmetics that promise to fade those lines away. But they aren’t the only solution to our face problems.

There is face yoga to your rescue that can diminish these signs of ageing, learns Kriti Saraswat from a leading face yoga expert Danielle Collins.

What causes ageing of the face?
There are a variety of causes that can lead to ageing of the face like the weakening of the face muscles, lack of sleep and exercise, poor circulation, and external factors like the weather, stress, excessive usage of cosmetics, etc.
How does face yoga help one tone their face?
Just as our bodies need regular exercise to stay toned and firm, the 57 muscles in our face also need to be exercised. When we do so, they are lifted and firmed and the skin attached to the muscles is also lifted and tautened which reduces lines and wrinkles.
The benefits of regularly doing face yoga are reduction of lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone, reduced headaches and eye strain, release of tension, an energetic appearance and a healthy glow on the face. Face yoga also gives a holistic feeling of well-being which can benefit the mind and body.
What kind of methods do you incorporate in your face yoga?
There are a number of facial exercises that I teach for toning the face. In addition to this, my face yoga methods include regular massaging to improve blood circulation, remove toxins, and reduce puffiness and dark circles. The massage techniques also increase collagen and elastin that are natural plumping agents. The relaxation method helps reduce deep set of lines and wrinkles that are caused by stress and frequent squinting. Also, acupressure is used to increase circulation, boost energy, which reduces headaches and tension. The combination of these methods yields great results, giving a youthful appearance.
How often should one exercise the face?
I recommend the readers to do it for 20 minutes, six days a week. After following it regularly, you will start to see a reduction in lines and wrinkles and have a more lifted, toned and youthful appearance. Just like any other exercise, you need to do it regularly to see results. One session is great but doing it daily is when you start seeing a real difference in your face.
In addition to face yoga, what else can we do to keep our face fit?

Positive thinking, correct nutrition and visualisation are few tips that add to one’s well-being, thereby reducing stress and ageing of the face. One should also use a natural moisturiser, a good sunscreen and reduce alcohol and sugar in one’s diet.

Why some people are left-handed and others right-handed?

ans 1

It's normal genetic variation. From an evolutionary perspective, there has been advantages in having some left-handed people around. In sports and ancient combat (using swords and shields, for example), there is an advantage in experience in favor of left-handed people. In other words, left handed solders are used to fighting right-handed opponents, whereas right handed soldiers might not be experienced at the specific techniques needed to fight a left handed opponent.

You see that to some extent in left-handed pitchers having some success against right-handed batters in sports. At times, a left-handed boxer can have certain advantages against someone not used to fighting against a left-handed opponent.

Furthermore, there seems to be an advantage in integrating information. There have been more left-handed leaders out of proportion to their distribution among the population. Some people have speculated that left-handers are slightly better at integrating the "left brain" and "right brain" functions. Some left-handers are ambidextrous, and some say it might lead to more creativity.

Years ago, some people say left-handers tend to have a slight learning disability. Nowadays, educators say the results were skewed due to the left-handed students being forced to write with their non-dominant hand and causing learning difficulties as a result.

Celebrities who look alike

Celebrities who look alike

Kris Humphries and Taylor Lautner

Ryan Gosling and Ranbir Kapoor

Esha Gupta and Angelina Jolie

Bradley Cooper and Hrithik Roshan

 

Sophie Choudry and Kim Kardashian

Emraan Hashmi and Colin Farrell

 

Rakhi Sawant and Haifa Wehbe

 

 

                                                         Aditi Rao Hydari and Audrey Hepburn

                                                      

Katrina Kaif and Cobie Smulders 

 

 

                                                    Tusshar Kapoor and Phillip Rhys

                                                      

                                                Javier Bardem and Jeffrey Dean Morgan

                                                           Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel

                                                   Helen Mirren and Jennifer Lawrence

 

Cooking without oil? It’s possible!

We use oil to cook most of our meals but did you know there are cooking methods that do not require any oil? If you are someone who is watching their weight, you can certainly use these methods to prepare your meals. Have at least one meal which does not require oil usage. Nutritionist Akansha Jhalani tells us four such cooking methods.

Steaming
As the name suggests, this cooking method uses steam or vapour to cook food. Another advantage of steaming your food is that the nutrients aren’t lost and you are less likely to under or overcook your food. You can also steam multiple vegetables in one go. Once you steam them, you can garnish them with herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of your food. Here’s how you can steam your food.

Grilling
Grilling is a quick cooking method where the food is directly exposed to the heat at a very high temperature which helps cook it in minutes. This also helps retain most of the nutrients and keeps the calorie-count low. Grilling can be used for vegetables such as peppers, corn, and even meat and burgers. You’ll need a grill pan or cooking grill to try this cooking method.
Poaching
This is another method where you do not have to use oil, instead water is used just before it reaches its boiling point. This helps in cooking food in a healthier manner. Even though not all foods can be poached, you can poach eggs and have them for breakfast. Even fruits such as pear and apple can be poached.
Barbecuing
There is a difference between grilling your food and barbecuing it. When you barbecue it, the food is not directly exposed to the heat and is also cooked at a lower temperature which means it takes slightly longer to cook it. But it is still better than deep-frying your meat. Even paneer, tofu, etc. can be barbecued. Also know why baking is better than frying.
Though you may not be able to cook all meals in these styles, you can certainly try them out and incorporate them one by one. For example, instead of sautéing your vegetables every day, you can steam them every once in a while. Also, you can have a grilled steak instead of deep-fried meat. Barbecuing can be a fun activity for the weekend with family and friends instead of going out for junk food.

Image source: Thinkstock

What to eat before exams – expert diet tips to help kids score well

What to eat before exams – expert diet tips to help kids score well

Exams are just around the corner and preparations are in full swing. As a parent you are bound to be concerned about your kid’s ongoing prep as well as their health. In order to help them perform their best, it is important that they eat the right diet as nutrition is also a contributing factor in how well they do in exams. We ask consulting dietician and naturopathic nutritionist Dhvani Shah for that winning formula that can make your kid the class champion.

Importance of the right diet
Children are often under stress during exam time as they have to study for longer hours and perform well to score well. All these can be daunting for them and if they eat unhealthy food, they are not just likely to fall sick but also feel tired and drowsy throughout the day (even during the exam). As a parent, you can ensure this does not happen.
Says Dhvani, ‘Food is vital for brain development. The brain is at maximum stress during exams due to long study hours, pressure for remembering information and performing well in the examination. Eating right helps reduce stress, calms the nerves, keeps the body light and active, prevents drowsiness and keeps the brain cells well-nourished to improve memory.’
Make these 10 diet changes for your kids to top exams.
Foods to eat before exams
Food items that are good for kids to have before their exams are those which have low GI or glycemic index. This is because this will not shoot up their blood sugar levels very quickly and prevent sluggishness during the exam. Also, they need to be high on the nutrition meter. According to Dhvani, the following foods are good:

• Nuts
• Smoothies
• Cheese vegetable sandwich

Is the traditional ‘dahi-chini’ or curd with sugar a healthy option?
‘Curd is an excellent food during exams. Adding sugar to curd (like tradition demands) helps calm the nerves, provides sustained energy release and keeps the brain active. A better alternative would be the addition of fruit and nuts to yoghurt (smoothies) since they provide additional vitamins and minerals,’ advises Dhvani.
Beat exam stress with these tips.
Foods to avoid before exams
There are certain food items that should definitely be avoided before exams as these can make children feel drowsy during their papers. This will prevent them from performing to their optimal potential which can result in bad grade. To ensure this doesn’t happen, Dhvani suggests avoiding foods that contain simple sugars, high fat, preservatives. These include foods such as:

• Packaged fruit juices
• Junk foods such as pizza, burger
• Deep-fried foods such as samosa, fries, etc.

Such foods can damage the brain cells, cause anxiety/nervousness also. It is better to give children home-made food as they are also hygienic and prevent the risk of stomach ailments. Apart from food, make sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

7 ways for new mums to get back in shape

As your pregnancy began there was nothing you could do to stop your body changing as your little one grew inside you. From your breasts growing and changing shape, to your ankles swelling and, of course, you baby bump. Now that you have your bundle of joy in your arms, you may feel you want to regain your pre-pregnancy body.

Don't panic, mums! Losing pregnancy weight needn't be the challenge you think it is. The important thing is not to rush into changing your body - after all, it's taken nine months to look this way. Use these seven tips to get you started in your post-pregnancy body goals. 

Breastfeed to lose baby weight

Some women are uncertain about the idea of breastfeeding; about people seeing, what it could do to their breasts, or perhaps it seems unnatural to them. But breast milk is considered the way forward. Not only is it exactly what your baby needs, readily available and free, but the best news is that it can help you shed the baby weight, as mums naturally burn calories to produce breast milk every time they breastfeed.

Zumba for new mums

Zumba combines Latin dance, pumping music and aerobic routines to help you trim down and tone up. Zumba is an excellent full body workout which really burns the calories; up to 500 an hour in fact. Not only do you lose weight but it's also a great time to de-stress; exercise releases endorphins so you'll leave feeling more relaxed - the perfect state for a new mum. It's also a time to socialise, as women of all ages can enjoy the classes. Take an hour out of your parenting schedule and join the Zumba craze.

Eat your way to a better post-pregnancy body

It's the same whether you want to lose your holiday weight or whether you're trying to get rid of your post-birth bump; what you eat affects your weight. During the pregnancy you should aim to eat healthily to keep your body and your baby's development in top shape. But the same applies after the birth. While it may be tempting to save time by eating fast food, this won't do you any favours in losing the baby weight or keeping you energised. Keep wholegrain, fruit, vegetable, lean meat, fish and water intakes topped up and try to maintain the pregnancy rules of no alcohol and limited caffeine.

Jog or powerwalk with your newborn

Jogging or powerwalking are not only excellent ways to keep fit but they also aid weight loss; roughly each mile the average person will burn around 100 calories. But what's better is that you can take your baby with you in their pram. This provides your little one with some fresh air and change of scenery, while you're able to slot in some calorie burning. Head to your local park and be a yummy mummy lunging and power walking your way to a slimmer body. Look out for prams designed for this kind of activity, called jogging prams, which are streamlined and designed not to topple.

Swim your way to a better post-pregnancy figure

Straight after the birth, it's not advisable to jump headfirst into an intense weight loss plan. Firstly, you won't have the energy, and secondly, you won't have the time - even if you did, it would come at the expense of your health and baby's care. Ease into weight loss by swimming, which is gentle enough on your tired body (it's been through so much!) but targets the areas you want to tone, such as thighs and stomach. The peaceful atmosphere of the pool is a great time to relax and release some stress, but you could also try water aerobics to exert your body further.

Sleep your way to a better post-pregnancy figure

As a new mum you will be sleep deprived and have an unusual sleep pattern, so it's natural for your body to crave more food (usually of the sugary or fatty variety) to give you the energy boost you desire. Aim to sleep every time your baby does rather than using the time to do chores, as lack of sleep can slow down your metabolism, increase appetite and makes you more likely to give in to your cravings. Furthermore, lack of sleep can increase stress levels, which can contribute to weight gain.

Relax your way to a post-pregnancy body

Perhaps the most important thing on this list is to remind new mums that putting pressure on yourself to snap back into your pre-baby body will do more harm than good. As mentioned, it's taken time for your body to change, so it won't revert back overnight. Feeling self-conscious about your tummy is natural, but stress can in fact hinder weight loss, particularly in that area. The body responds to stress by releasing sugars into your bloodstream, which are stored as excess fat if they are not used as energy. Focus on your breathing and do one thing at a time to minimise stress.

Make your skin summer-friendly with these 6 tips

With the summer season already here, it’s time to make a few changes in your routine to have a skin-friendly summer. Dr Sangeeta Velaskar, vice president and head, Medical Services and R&D, Kaya Skin Clinic, recommends a few tips for taking care of yourself in the hot and humid weather.

Screen the sun: Zero down on a sunscreen that best meets your requirements and contains sun protection factor (SPF). SPF 30 is best recommended for Indian skin types. Apply sun screen 20 to 30 minutes before stepping out and ensure you wear sunscreen every day, even when you stay indoors. Here are some sunscreen dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Follow the essential routine: Follow the cleansing, toning and moisturising ritual twice a day for best results. Summers are the most nightmarish time for skin issues, specially acne. To keep your skin acne-free use a cleanser which contains salicylic acid and helps reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. Read these essential tips to choose cosmetics for acne-prone skin. 

Exfoliate: Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regime is a must to avoid dull skin. Exfoliants remove old, dry, dead skin cells, toxins and other deposits and allow new skin cells to surface. Scrub your elbows and knees at least twice a week to get rid of dead tissues. Rub a slice of lemon with sugar every alternate day to keep them clean and to remove tan.

Hair woes: Since hair tends to be moisture-deprived during summers, overuse of any kind of chemical and hair styling tool should be avoided. Shampooing often results in loss of shine and moisture. Consider switching to a gentle shampoo and use a deep conditioner to replenish the loss of moisture. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut oil, castor and olive oil regularly to keep your hair nourished. Here’s how to choose the right shampoo.

Happy feet: Start with wearing an open sandal in the summer to keep your feet dry and give them a chance to ‘breathe’. Your feet are subject to sunburn just like the rest of your body. Use sunscreen during the day and during the evenings apply a lightweight moisturiser. You could also give yourself a pedicure at home.

Maintain a healthy diet: With summers in full swing, it is advised that apart from drinking lots of water, a special summer diet consisting of light and healthy food would ensure a cool mind and body. To keep your skin hydrated, eat lot of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Include fruits and vegetables like bitter gourd, spinach, cucumber, watermelons, oranges, cherries, plums and lychee to your diet. Here’s a sample diet plan for summers.

With inputs from IANS

Image source: Thinkstock

 

How Facebook Makes Us Unhappy

 

No one joins Facebook to be sad and lonely. But a new study from the University of Michigan psychologist Ethan Kross argues that that’s exactly how it makes us feel. Over two weeks, Kross and his colleagues sent text messages to eighty-two Ann Arbor residents five times per day. The researchers wanted to know a few things: how their subjects felt overall, how worried and lonely they were, how much they had used Facebook, and how often they had had direct interaction with others since the previous text message. Kross found that the more people used Facebook in the time between the two texts, the less happy they felt—and the more their overall satisfaction declined from the beginning of the study until its end. The data, he argues, shows that Facebook was making them unhappy.

Research into the alienating nature of the Internet—and Facebook in particular—supports Kross’s conclusion. In 1998, Robert Kraut, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, found that the more people used the Web, the lonelier and more depressed they felt. After people went online for the first time, their sense of happiness and social connectedness dropped, over one to two years, as a function of how often they used the Internet.

 

Lonelier people weren’t inherently more likely to go online, either; a recent review of some seventy-five studies concluded that “users of Facebook do not differ in most personality traits from nonusers of Facebook.” (Nathan Heller wrote about loneliness in the magazine last year.) But, somehow, the Internet seemed to make them feel more alienated. A 2010 analysis of forty studies also confirmed the trend: Internet use had a small, significant detrimental effect on overall well-being. One experiment concluded that Facebook could even cause problems in relationships, by increasing feelings of jealousy.

Another group of researchers has suggested that envy, too, increases with Facebook use: the more time people spent browsing the site, as opposed to actively creating content and engaging with it, the more envious they felt. The effect, suggested Hanna Krasnova and her colleagues, was a result of the well-known social-psychology phenomenon of social comparison. It was further exacerbated by a general similarity of people’s social networks to themselves: because the point of comparison is like-minded peers, learning about the achievements of others hits even harder. The psychologist Beth Anderson and her colleagues argue, in a recent review of Facebook’s effects, that using the network can quickly become addictive, which comes with a nagging sense of negativity that can lead to resentment of the network for some of the same reasons we joined it to begin with. We want to learn about other people and have others learn about us—but through that very learning process we may start to resent both others’ lives and the image of ourselves that we feel we need to continuously maintain. “It may be that the same thing people find attractive is what they ultimately find repelling,” said the psychologist Samuel Gosling, whose research focusses on social-media use and the motivations behind social networking and sharing.

But, as with most findings on Facebook, the opposite argument is equally prominent. In 2009, Sebastián Valenzuela and his colleagues came to the opposite conclusion of Kross: that using Facebook makes us happier. They also found that it increases social trust and engagement—and even encourages political participation. Valenzuela’s findings fit neatly with what social psychologists have long known about sociality: as Matthew Lieberman argues in his book “Social: Why Our Brains are Wired to Connect,” social networks are a way to share, and the experience of successful sharing comes with a psychological and physiological rush that is often self-reinforcing. The prevalence of social media has, as a result, fundamentally changed the way we read and watch: we think about how we’ll share something, and whom we’ll share it with, as we consume it. The mere thought of successful sharing activates our reward-processing centers, even before we’ve actually shared a single thing.

Virtual social connection can even provide a buffer against stress and pain: in a 2009 study, Lieberman and his colleagues demonstrated that a painful stimulus hurt less when a woman either held her boyfriend’s hand or looked at his picture; the pain-dulling effects of the picture were, in fact, twice as powerful as physical contact. Somehow, the element of distance and forced imagination—a mental representation in lieu of the real thing, something that the psychologists Wendi Gardner and Cindy Pickett call “social snacking”—had an anesthetic effect‚ one we might expect to carry through to an entire network of pictures of friends.

The key to understanding why reputable studies are so starkly divided on the question of what Facebook does to our emotional state may be in simply looking at what people actually do when they’re on Facebook. “What makes it complicated is that Facebook is for lots of different things—and different people use it for different subsets of those things. Not only that, but they are also changing things, because of people themselves changing,” said Gosling. A 2010 study from Carnegie Mellon found that, when people engaged in direct interaction with others—that is, posting on walls, messaging, or “liking” something—their feelings of bonding and general social capital increased, while their sense of loneliness decreased. But when participants simply consumed a lot of content passively, Facebook had the opposite effect, lowering their feelings of connection and increasing their sense of loneliness.



In an unrelated experiment from the University of Missouri, a group of psychologists found a physical manifestation of these same effects. As study participants interacted with the site, four electrodes attached to the areas just above their eyebrows and just below their eyes recorded their facial expressions in a procedure known as facial electromyography. When the subjects were actively engaged with Facebook, their physiological response measured a significant uptick in happiness. When they were passively browsing, however, the positive effect disappeared.

This aligns with research conducted earlier this year by John Eastwood and his colleagues at York University in a meta-analysis of boredo. What causes us to feel bored and, as a result, unhappy? Attention. When our attention is actively engaged, we aren’t bored; when we fail to engage, boredom sets in. As Eastwood’s work, along with recent researc on media multitasking, have illustrated, the greater the number of things we have pulling at our attention, the less we are able to meaningfully engage, and the more discontented we become.

In other words, the world of constant connectivity and media, as embodied by Facebook, is the social network’s worst enemy: in every study that distinguished the two types of Facebook experiences—active versus passive—people spent, on average, far more time passively scrolling through newsfeeds than they did actively engaging with content. This may be why general studies of overall Facebook use, like Kross’s of Ann Arbor residents, so often show deleterious effects on our emotional state. Demands on our attention lead us to use Facebook more passively than actively, and passive experiences, no matter the medium, translate to feelings of disconnection and boredom.

In ongoing research, the psychologist Timothy Wilson has learned, as he put it to me, that college students start going “crazy” after just a few minutes in a room without their phones or a computer. “One would think we could spend the time mentally entertaining ourselves,” he said. “But we can’t. We’ve forgotten how.” Whenever we have downtime, the Internet is an enticing, quick solution that immediately fills the gap. We get bored, look at Facebook or Twitter, and become more bored. Getting rid of Facebook wouldn’t change the fact that our attention is, more and more frequently, forgetting the path to proper, fulfilling engagement. And in that sense, Facebook isn’t the problem. It’s the symptom.

5 ways to beat loneliness

From time to time, we all experience the odd bout of loneliness. Sometimes it can creep up on us during periods of change (like a move or the end of a relationship, for example), and leave us feeling physically or emotionally distanced from other people. Loneliness doesn’t just strike when we’re by ourselves, either. It can be just as easy to feel lonely in a throng of people when you’re feeling disconnected.

For some people, however, loneliness is more than a fleeting feeling. It can be a near steady state with long-term consequences. "I’d say it was a persistent sense of marginalization and exclusion, and a lack of intimacy,” says Emily White, who experienced a four-year period of loneliness in her early thirties while working as an environmental lawyer in Toronto. “I felt a persistent sense of insufficiency—of not having enough people close to me, and that in turn led to a feeling of anxious aloneness.”

White, who recently described her experience in a book called Lonely: Learning to Live with Solitude, says the prolonged loneliness eventually began to have physical effects, disrupting her sleep and her health. “I started daydreaming a lot,” she recalls, “and I wasn’t as sharp cognitively. Loneliness started to have an effect on me that was real and observable. It took me some time to figure out how deeply it was affecting me.”

According to White, roughly 10 percent of North Americans struggle with chronic loneliness—a condition more prevalent than depression (and, it’s important to note, different from depression), though harder to understand and less frequently talked about.

“It’s a common problem,” agrees Toronto-based counsellor and psychotherapist, Lesli Musicar, who says that many people don’t admit they suffer from loneliness. “A lot of people who feel lonely, you’d never suspect in a million years,” she says. “They might go out a lot, or be highly social, but their interactions stay mainly on the surface. So even though they may give the impression of being popular, those people may be feeling very lonely underneath it all because they aren’t letting people get close to them.”

While some people may be more predisposed to chronic loneliness than others, it can be overcome. Keep loneliness at bay with these tips:

1. Don't isolate

When you’re feeling lonely already, it can be hard to think about trying to engage with other people, but keeping your own company may only make the problem worse. “Loneliness comes from people not feeling comfortable letting other people close to them,” says Musicar, explaining that if you have a negative self-image, you may be afraid to let others get to know you for fear they might not like what they find. “If you can’t let people close to you, however, you are going to feel alone.” The problem, she explains, is that when you isolate, there’s nobody around to challenge your negative self-image. “You have no reality checks—you only have your own view of yourself.”

2. Keep busy

Though it may be the last thing you want to do if you’re feeling isolated, Musicar suggests joining an group—a book club, a sports team, choir or a gardening group, for example—where you can meet people who share you own interests. “If you join a group where the activity is meaningful for you, and you enjoy it, chances are it will bring out the best in you. And if you feel good while you’re engaged in that activity, it will help you feel more connected to the people around you because you have this one thing in common.”

3. Be kind to yourself

If you’re chronically lonely, you may be fearful of letting people get close. First, learn to love yourself! Fixing a negative view of yourself takes a lot of gentle self-care and nurturing. “The first relationship you need to work on is your relationship with yourself,” says Musicar—and that may mean gently corrected ways of thinking you learned as a child. “If you were neglected or criticized,” she explains, “you need to turn that around. You need to start treating yourself differently. The biggest challenge is to treat yourself well when you aren’t feeling good about yourself.” Being happier with yourself will make it easier to reach out to others.

4. Get educated

Emily White started writing her book on loneliness because she was curious to know more about her condition. Her research actually helped her to feel less lonely by making it less mysterious, which made it easier to deal with. “The more you learn about loneliness and how common it is, the less alone you feel,” she explains. “It’s hard to be lonely, but it’s harder when you don’t understand it or you feel alone in your loneliness.”

5. Find someone to reach out to

 

Whether it’s a friend, a family member or a therapist, finding someone to talk to about your situation can make a huge difference. “It’s the biggest challenge,” says Musicar, “but it’s the most healing thing you can do for yourself. Our cultural stigma around loneliness makes the condition hard to talk about, but keeping your feelings hidden may leave you feeling worse. “When you feel bad about yourself,” says Musicar, “that’s when you need to hear a different message about yourself. You need to hear from someone else that you matter and that you are worthy.”