Easy art

Published On: April 14, 2017 12:30 AM NPT By: Prasansha Rimal

So you want to make stencils? That’s not surprising considering how stencils are becoming popular as a quick way to decorate a bare wall at homes and offices. For a long time, stencils have been one of the most popular techniques of urban artists worldwide. Artists love stencils because they are fast and easy to use, but the process of creating a stencil is neither quick nor simple. There are several things you need to consider before getting into the process. Here, Bibek Thapa Magar, graphic designer at ArtLab Nepal, talks about the nitty-gritties of stencils, and interior designer Lasata Shrestha explains how we can incorporate this contemporary form of art into our home décor.

Talking rubbish

Published On: April 14, 2017 12:00 AM NPT By: Gunjan Upadhyay

There is no better way of predicting the onset of summer than the stench that – like clockwork – starts to emanate from the Bagmati river around this time of the year.

Go Digital

Published On: April 7, 2017 12:09 PM NPT By: Asgar Ali and Roshan Lamichhane

Security and privacy These are matters that both Ali and Lamichhane ask anybody thinking of using digital payment services to be extra wary about. They too are all too aware of the security risks and threats that come in this line of business, which is why they have designed their software as well as policies accordingly. It’s the reason they maintain strict activity logs, use programs to ensure clients create strong passwords, provide services that send instant notifications of transactions and so on. Apparently, their more-than-a-decade worth of experience developing software in the mobile banking sector has influenced a lot of their decisions here as well.

Birthday Blues

Published On: April 7, 2017 10:20 AM NPT By: Kalu Maila

When you are a kid, birthdays are special because you look forward to receiving gifts from your parents, siblings, and relatives. You invite your friends to celebrate the big day with you. And you don’t want any girls from your class to join in the fun because you only want your male buddies to celebrate the big day with you. And they all gather around you, waiting for the big moment when you finally cut the cake and give a piece to all your friends.

Horn Please

Published On: April 7, 2017 10:09 AM NPT By: Gunjan Upadhyay

The volume on my motorcycle horn has been gradually diminishing for the last couple of weeks and it now sounds like the feeble screeching of a malnourished child. It has the effect of making pedestrians and other motorists give me right of way – probably out of pity. I’ve been thinking of getting it replaced with a slightly louder one but I might be saved the trouble of doing all that because come 2074 BS, we, apparently, won’t be ‘allowed’ to use our horns anymore, if the cops are to be believed.

Let's talk about depression

Published On: April 7, 2017 10:00 AM NPT By: Jagannath Lamichhane

In late 2016, I was travelling in some remote villages of Zimbabwe to interview women living with depression and HIV/AIDS. Most of the women were either widowed or divorced as a result of the conflict and HIV/AIDS. Despite their dual burden of disease and social isolation, their happiness and entrepreneurial spirit was amazing, an inspiring takeaway for me. I had spent two weeks talking hours upon hours with different groups about their struggles with depression and HIV/AIDS. In one conversation, a middle-aged woman asked me, “Does depression exist in your country?”

Nobel literature laureate Toni Morrison is collecting another prestigious prize. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist is scheduled to be presented with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’ Emerson-Thoreau Medal.

Vikas Bahl director of the National Award-winning film ‘Queen’ has found himself in the centre of sexual harassment allegations.

And he’s back (by popular demand)

Published On: March 31, 2017 12:35 PM NPT By: Republica

Wednesday this past week marked the 18th broadcast of Asish Syangden’s #asishlive broadcast but in this short span of time, he has managed to talk about a lot of things. Not just music, unlike the old times, from rants about dustmandu, to informal consultation on quitting smoking or a quick intro to safe sex, he has been entertaining to say the least.

The stand-up point of view

Published On: March 31, 2017 12:30 PM NPT By: Republica

Trying to be funny in front of a room full of strangers is nothing to joke about and while some might go as far as categorizing it as their personal nightmare, some Kathmanduities are taking up the challenge. Toastmasters, for the last couple of years, has been serving as a platform for a close circle of friends and acquaintances to unleash their inner comedian.