Parents watch
If you are not careful, the cartoon characters will rival your relationship with your kid
Young boys are forming closer ties with TV characters such as Bob the Builder than with their own parents, an expert has warned. According to leading child expert Sue Palmer, marketers are exploiting children’s trait of becoming attached to a favourite toy or story character by creating a whole industry around it of DVDs, books and toys. “If parents aren’t careful, and especially if they aren’t around, their son’s relationship with Elmo, Bob the Builder or Fireman Sam could rival his relationship with them,” she said.

Mars vs Venus
Recent researches reveal which sex is better at what
The battle of the sexes has been going on since the conception of the world. Now, researchers have used science to put the record straight. Results of many recent studies have shed new light on the answers to some key questions in the age-old battle of the sexes.

Performance check
A new study by researchers from UC Davis Medical School and Michigan State University has found a link between problems early in school - as early as kindergarten - and lower high school test scores.

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I am 36 and have been going out with this guy for the last five years. My problem is that he has a travelling job and is out very often. He spends long periods abroad. He has not bought a house of his own and just shares an apartment with a colleague. I feel very insecure that when we are married perhaps we will continue to be like this. As I have always lived in my own house I find this situation very hard to cope with, I like him very much and we have a lot of fun together. Whenever I talk to him about the situation he asks me to be patient. I don’t want to leave him but I do want to get married and have kids. I am confused as to what should I do?

Pet answer
City-bred actor Gavie Chahal cannot stop talking about his two canine friends, Rex & Buddy
He defines life as a compilation of events that unfurls with each passing day. And, work is passion that will probably never see the end of the day. Gavie Chahal, a television actor, finds nothing more therapeutic than work. However, he can vouch for two constant source of companion in his difficult and demanding journey. "Rex and Buddy will never ask for anything but they will always be there (if destiny allows)," says Gavie, who is shooting for Balaji's Koi Aaney Ko Hai on Colours. And when it comes to talking about the two he has all the time in the world. Here he goes…

Act one
The 3-day Mohali Natak Mela begins
With the construction of the palatial Inderdhanush auditorium at Panchkula, there has been a burst of cultural and theatre activities while Mohali, bereft of such a venue, still remains the poor cousin of City Beautiful. Thanks to the dedicated theatre groups, who notwithstanding the inadequacy, have ventured to launch the first edition of the three-day Mohali Natak Mela from May 29 here at the Ajit Karam Singh International Public School (AKSIPS) Phase 11, Mohali.

Pet Pick
Kitty parties
People for Animals, Chandigarh, has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and just forever and ever: 1. Five one-month-old female kittens, grey and white colour, very active, ready for adoption.

Up for grabs
Mariah Carey is auctioning off a rare dress created to raise funds for breast cancer research
Mariah Carey is auctioning off a rare designer dress especially created for her to raise money for breast cancer research. The ‘Hero’ singer is supporting charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure to sell a hot pink, asymmetric fishtail gown on auction website eBay.com. The couture dress is one of only three in the world and was made by Julian Contreras after Carey asked fans to send in fashion designs inspired by her perfume, ‘Luscious Pink’.

Amy Winehouse to launch collection
Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse has joined hands with British fashion house PPQ to launch her own designer collection. Femalefirst.co.uk reports, the singer has finalised talks with bosses at the brand and is now set to produce her own range for the company, which will be based around Winehouse’s signature retro style. She will do it once she returns from her extended break in the Caribbean.

Crystal clear
Swarovski has been participating in the magic of the Cannes Film Festival for the past 10 years. It is a major player in the entertainment industry and is accompanying amazing actresses in many great movies. From Halle Berry in Tomorrow Never Dies, Emmy Rossum in The Phantom of the Opera, Meryl Streep in The Devil wears Prada to the girls from “Sex and the City,” all have been wearing Swarovski accessories on the big screen.

Skintillating!

Tattoos were the flavour of the season on the Cannes red carpet. From the back to the feet, tattoos literally marked the skin show, in motifs ranging from the floral to funky