Mention the word “gossip” and you are greeted with a frown. Though almost everybody either loves to gossip or ends up gossiping, it is still considered a bad thing to do. However, if a new finding is to be believed, people who gossip are apparently doing something positive.
The scientists carried out a series of detailed experiments to arrive at the conclusion that talking about others helps control bad behaviour, prevents someone being exploited and even lowers stress.
Gossip means discussing an individual in his absence with a person or a group, which is usually considered negative. “But for me, gossip is a way to vent out. I don’t know if medically gossip relieves stress but it definitely helps in relieving mental pressure. Gossip is just an outlet for my frustrations and emotions. It also helps in avoiding any confrontations,” says HR manager Shiv Sood.
The new study is in sync with Kabir’s doha: Nindak niyare rakhiye, angan kuti chawai, bin pani sabun pina, nirmal kare subhaiy, feels lawyer Arjun Natrajan.
“It in essence means, keep your critics close to you as that would keep your nature clean. I believe that gossip does benefit the ones who are at its receiving end and it may also have therapeutic benefits for the gossiper as well. I feel good when I gossip about someone in his/her presence, as I find it entertaining and at the same time I do not end up fighting,” says Arjun.
Gossip is a good and refreshing break from boring life, feels Suchi Sharma, a DU student. She says, “Life gets very monotonous sometimes. Most of us gossip to kill the monotony in life and get some thrill out of discussing someone’s life. Gossip need not be negative in nature. I think if done in a harmless manner, gossip can bring down stress levels and add some excitement to a dull life.”
Where to head for a cinematic feast
The 62nd edition of 2012 Berlin International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film events, is scheduled from February 8 to 19.
The festival will screen documentaries and fictional works from Arab filmmakers which trace the turbulent progress of the 2011 mass uprisings across the Arab region and explore the political and philosophical questions left in the wake of the often bloody demonstrations.
Robert Pattinson, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan are expected at the fest. Jake Gyllenhaal and Charlotte Gainsbourg will select the winner of the Golden Bear, the Berlinale’s top prize.
Who threatened to chop off doctors’ hands
Bihar health minister BJP leader Ashwini Chaubey recently threatened to chop off the hands of doctors planning to go on strike demanding a hike in stipend and allowances at par with the Central government doctors.
He warned the junior doctors against resorting to frequent strikes and said that punitive action will be taken against them. “We also know about taking stern action.
We also know how to chop off hands. We have to implement the system in place for welfare system. We will take stringent measures against those who pose an affront to the public welfare system,” he said.
He later said that he had “only used a phrase” suggesting the state government will be strict with such doctors.
When will bright ideas win a trip to France
Microsoft recently announced the launch of a creative storytelling contest — The Microsoft Advertising Story Awards (MSAs), which invites marketers from 30 countries across the world including India to submit a campaign idea for a brand or nonprofit of their choice using Microsoft Advertising’s storytelling platforms.
The last date for submission is March 31, 2012. The winner of the India competition will advance to the global finals where two global winners will be crowned with the Global Microsoft Advertising Story Award for 2012. The winners will also be awarded a trip to the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in France.
What exactly is French fighter Rafale
France’s Rafale multi-role jet, which has sought foreign buyers for over a decade, is a versatile plane. India selected Rafale’s manufacturer Dassault Aviation over the Eurofighter consortium as the preferred bidder for 126 fighter jets in a major contract estimated to be worth $12 billion.
