I have heard and experienced too, that everything turns rosy when one falls in love. The proverbial rose tinted glasses, rosy dreams, pink roses, and the blush on the lover’s cheeks! I have read many books on relationships, human psychology, have observed people, studied human behavior, have worked with centers that do ‘paid listening’ for the broken hearted and have listened to many stories of love getting bruised, with ennui, neglect and emotional asphyxiation. True, that everything looks pink in its initial stages, but turns blue with carelessness, extra carefulness, neediness, unfair expectations, suffocating possessiveness and at times, just for no reason at all.

I have written some motivating articles on the intricacies of relationships in various journals; perhaps involuntarily taking on the mantle of being a ‘so called expert’ on the subject. Well, even after all this I cannot vouch for being ‘the expert’ in relationships, because the fact is that it is difficult to figure out people and something as fragile as “feelings”. Human mind is a never-ending mystery, and so is the heart.   Read more...

Buying a product can sometimes seem like a self-indulgent process: you purchase it, take it home and that is that. Your wardrobe may become a little more expansive or your living room a little more decorated, but that is about all that will change. Today, however, with increased opportunities and abilities for global collaboration, markets are being created based on the inspiring idea that purchases have the potential to do more than just become something to own. Products now have the capacity to actually do good.   Read more...

Tree growth in the Arctic Tundra increases climate change, rival corporations are lightening the load on the roads by truck sharing deliveries in the UK due to high gas prices, and take a look at some new green gadgets.   Read more...

Scholar, futurist, and activist Riane Eisler explains the potential of an economic system based on caring rather than domination. By giving economic value to life-sustaining activities like parenting, an economics of caring provides a more realistic view of human life and suggests policy that is more coherent with human nature.   Read more...

A trip for those who like to experience culture, adventure and beauty and believe in "responsible tourism".

Embark on a walking camel safari set in the middle of 400 miles of vast mountain ranges in Kenya lead by honorary game wardens and nomadic Samburu warriors. Discover an Africa few encounter. Trek pure unspoiled land. A luxurious camping adventure complete with hot candlelit showers, delicious meals and personally tailored experiences. A once in a lifetime opportunity that will be talked about for years to come. And all this to benefit one of Kenya’s most renowned charity’s, MEAK (Medical and Educational Aid to Kenya).   Read more...

I just read the news about the third doping case at this year's Tour de France: Italian rider Riccardo Ricco has tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO. And of course, as it happens so often with sportsmen who are associated with artificial performance-enhancing measures, Ricco was "booed by spectators when he was taken off the Saunier-Duval team bus by police Thursday," the AP report said.

Poor Ricco! I don't think using drugs was such a great idea, but I do feel we need to ask ourselves some serious questions before we condemn him. After all, in the rest of society, performance-boosters have become increasingly commonplace.   Read more...

Feeling guilty about the carbon emissions that you caused by attending that London meeting in person rather than by videoconference? Unsure how to make it up to the planet without being taken for a ride by a carbon cowboy?

Part of the trouble with carbon offsets

Hawaii has become the first state in the nation to require that all new homes come equipped with solar water heaters. The new law will apply to homes built after January 1, 2010, and add about $5,000 to a home’s cost. Solar water heaters pay for themselves in a few years because they cut average electricity costs by 30-35%. Israel and Spain also require solar heating in all new homes.

Source: World Business Alliance (www.worldbusiness.org)   Read more...

Another highlight of the Sommelo Festival in Finland was Jouhiorkesteri, otherwise known as the Horse Hair Orchestra.

Thanks to musician, instrument maker and researcher Rauno Nieminen another ancient instrument has been revived from museological hibernation. This time it's not the kantele - a plucked zither which, according to recent theories, has been derived from Celtic lyres - but the jouhikko, a bowed lyre which has been in use around the Baltic Sea until the beginning of the 20th century. Its strings are stopped by simply resting the finger on them instead of pressing them down on a fingerboard.   Read more...

One of the most popular 80’s pop classics, “Every breath you take”...by Sting often made me wonder: Is it really a song of love? Or of resentment and an obsessive need to possess?

If you listen with close attention, “Every smile you fake, every vow you break, I’ll be watching you...” speaks of vicious possessiveness and furious resentment.   Read more...