Category: Lifestyle

The Evolution of Fashion – 18 Fashion Trends Over the Years

Fashion trends evolve constantly, reflecting changes in culture, technology, and societal norms. What was the norm today is not the norm a decade ago. Time changes everything and fashion is the pinnacle of proof. It expresses the individual’s personality and how their freedom of expression also evolved with it. 

Flapper Dresses – 1920s 

You must have seen those loose thread dresses adorned with fringes, and embellishments some day in your life. Flapper Dresses symbolised the liberation of women during the Roaring Twenties. After women won the right to vote, social change was rapid and came in the form of fashion. The knee-length dresses were considered “scandalous” for those times but symbolised a form of rebellion. 


Zoot Suits – 1940s

Popularised by African-American and Latine communities, zoot suits featured oversized jackets with wide lapels, high-waisted, pegged trousers, and exaggerated accessories like wide-brimmed hats. These became a symbol of the Hepcat and Pachuco subcultures. It also became popular with Italian, Filipino and Japanese Americans in the 40s. 


New Look – 1950s

Introduced by Christian Dior, the New Look featured full skirts, and nipped-in waists, and emphasised femininity and luxury after the heavy consequences of World War II. The material these garments were made of was a promise to the housewives in the 50s to lessen their burdens. 


Mod Fashion – 1960s

Shocked by bold geometric patterns, mini skirts, and shift dresses, mod fashion, coming from the term “modernist”, reflected the youth culture and rebellion of the 1960s. The fashion is still relevant today with several celebrities donning this look well after the 60s. 


Hippie Style – 1970s

Inspired by the counterculture movement, hippie fashion featured long, flowing skirts, bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye patterns, and eclectic accessories like beads and headbands. They developed their sense of individuality and style which caused them significant marginalisation. 


Disco Fashion – 1970s 

Reflecting the glamour of the disco era, disco fashion included sequined dresses, platform shoes, jumpsuits, and bold, metallic fabrics. People gathered in nightclubs to dance under the disco lights and let loose amongst the craze of the 70s. The style suited a range of body styles and shapes, inclusive beyond its time. 

Power Suits – 1980s

Power suits featured shoulder pads, tailored blazers, and high-waisted trousers, often in bold colours and patterns. It symbolised women’s empowerment in the workplace and supported breaking gender roles and norms. 


Punk Fashion – 1980s

Punk fashion was a rebellion against mainstream culture. The DIY aesthetics, ripped clothing, leather jackets adorned with studs, safety pins, and heavy boots were intimidating yet inspiring. There are many subgenres of punk fashion stemming from different political ideologies and mixing with other fashion styles. 


Grunge Style – 1990s

Grunge fashion featured flannel shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, and a laid-back, unkempt aesthetic. This was popularised by bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. This style is timeless even today. 


Minimalism – 1990s

Inspired by the clean lines and simplicity of Japanese design, minimalist fashion emphasized neutral colours, simple silhouettes, and high-quality fabrics. It applies the idea of removing what doesn’t bring joy to you and keeping what does. This style filters out unnecessary garments. It’s the antithesis of consumerist behaviour.


Streetwear – 2000s

Blurring the lines between high fashion and casual wear, streetwear included graphic t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, and branded accessories, often influenced by urban culture. It’s significantly more casual than anything else on this list. 


Boho Chic – 2000s

Inspired by bohemian and hippie aesthetics, boho chic fashion featured flowy maxi dresses, peasant blouses, floral prints, and layered jewellery. These styles were mostly associated with Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Moss, and Sienna Miller. This trend was first observed back in the early 1990s and can still be seen worn by people today. 


Normcore – 2010s

Normcore embraced simplicity and practicality, featuring basic, unbranded clothing like plain t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers. The average-looking clothing rejected overt trends and was usually worn by people who did not wish to distinguish themselves. 


Athleisure – 2010s

Athleisure is a fusion between fashion and fitness. It included activewear like leggings, sports bras, and sneakers worn as everyday clothing, blurring the lines between gym and street style. 


Gender Fluid Fashion – 2010s

Breaking down traditional gender norms, gender-fluid fashion embraced androgynous silhouettes, unisex clothing, and non-binary styles. Some would argue that gender-fluid fashion is not a trend but a reality. People will actively choose to wear gender-fluid clothing even if the so-called trend dies out. Moreover, they wore it for years before it rose to prominence.


Sustainable Fashion – 2010s

In response to environmental concerns, sustainable fashion promoted ethical manufacturing practices, and eco-friendly materials, with a focus on durability and longevity. It uses biodegradable materials from natural or recycled fibre. There are no pesticides involved, reducing the carbon footprint created by the brands selling sustainable products. 


Logomania – 2010s

Logomania sounds exactly like it is. It is the obvious use of logos over any item of fashion. Characterised by the prominent display of logos and brand names, logomania saw a resurgence in designer logos on clothing and accessories, signalling luxury and status. 


Y2K Revival – 2020s 

Y2K revival features trends like low-rise jeans, butterfly prints, rhinestone embellishments, and nostalgic nods to the turn of the millennium. These trends were first observed in the 2000s and defined every celebrity’s look on the red carpet. It makes you stand out and the cute accessories are the highlight. It’s back and here to stay after Gen Z has found the aesthetic incredibly flattering. 

Green Tech, Bright Future – Top 10 Sustainable Tech Companies

Tech companies are playing a significant role in shaping the future of our planet by prioritising sustainability. They are revolutionising the tech landscape and making efforts to create a greener and more sustainable world. Through their cutting-edge technologies, bold initiatives, and unwavering dedication, these forward-thinking organisations inspire us with their ingenuity and impact. Let’s celebrate ‘Earth Day’ with the top 10 sustainable tech companies that are at the forefront of sustainable tech excellence.

Amazon

Amazon is leading in promoting a greener and more sustainable future. As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, Amazon has set ambitious sustainability goals. It has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to source 100% renewable energy by 2025. Amazon is meeting and exceeding its targets by accelerating its timeline by five years. This demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, Amazon invests in sustainable technologies and practices, promoting waste reduction and resource conservation.

Apple

Back in 2020, Apple made a commitment to sustainability and pledged to become carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030. The company has already achieved carbon neutrality for its global corporate operations, and this new goal means that by 2030, every Apple device sold will have a net zero climate impact.

Apple is offering various ways to help customers learn about and connect with the environment while taking action to reduce their impact on the planet. One way customers can do this is by bringing their old devices back to Apple. The company provides trade-in services and free recycling, making it easy to recycle devices, reduce electronic waste in landfills, and save precious materials in the pursuit of taking less from the earth.

Apple is working in collaboration with Conservation International in Latin America to support the leadership of Afro-descendant communities by providing economic opportunities that promote efforts to address climate and biodiversity crises. Additionally, Apple is collaborating with the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology Foundation to develop a certified methodology for blue carbon in China, which involves extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in oceans and coastal ecosystems.

Samsung

Samsung Mobile set its sustainability goals three years ago, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 with the help of its “Galaxy for the Planet” vision. The team, now operating under the Samsung Mobile eXperience (DX) division, is committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2027 and improving product energy efficiency by 30% by 2030 using energy-saving technologies. They also plan to achieve zero standby power consumption in smartphone chargers by 2025. In addition to this, Samsung DX aims to achieve zero-waste to landfill in its global operations by 2025. This will be achieved by minimising waste generated across global operations, optimising product lifecycles to last longer, and promoting reuse and recycling.

Motorola

At Motorola Mobility, the company is working to shrink their energy use and carbon footprint by focusing on efficiency and sourcing energy from clean, renewable sources such as wind power. By doing so, they’re trying to improve efficiency, cut costs, and honour their corporate responsibility commitments. The company has identified ways to make every product greener by following design principles such as using environmentally preferred materials, increasing the amount of recycled materials used, improving energy efficiency, reducing packaging and increasing the recyclability of our products.

The company is also working to reduce the amount of potentially hazardous substances in its products and find environmentally sound alternatives while maintaining performance and quality. They have a continuing program to research and monitor independent scientific reviews of materials’ environmental and health impacts. The result is a growing list of product restrictions and environmentally sound alternatives. In terms of packaging, Motorola Mobility’s Global Packaging team works hand in hand with its carrier partners to reduce the weight and volume of their retail packaging while expanding the use of recycled materials. 

Motorola Mobility supports the CTIA Green Packaging guidelines, and wherever possible, they design and engineer the product packaging with “minimizing environmental impact” as an integral part of their design brief. The company have identified ways to make every product greener by following design principles such as using FSC® certified paper, water-based adhesives, soy/vegetable-based inks as well as zero VOC UV inks, 100 per cent recycled content pulp packaging parts, and replacing plastic parts.

Dell

Dell Technologies is leading the way towards a more environmentally friendly future through its ambitious targets and innovative approaches. The company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and has embarked on a sustainability-driven research and development journey. In an effort to tackle the staggering amount of e-waste generated each year, Dell has committed to reusing or recycling an equivalent product for every purchase by 2030, thereby promoting a circular economy.

Google

Google stands at the forefront of sustainability, harnessing its global influence to combat climate change. Through its vast range of products and platforms, Google empowers individuals, organisations, and governments to make informed choices for a greener future. Collaborating with partners, Google actively reduces emissions and pioneers carbon-neutral technologies. Drawing on its expertise in artificial intelligence, Google drives innovation to tackle environmental issues head-on. Committed to a net-zero emissions goal by 2030, Google leads by example, powering its infrastructure with renewable energy. Optimistic about technology’s potential, Google envisions a sustainable world for generations to come. With dedication and collaboration, Google inspires others to join the journey towards a brighter, greener future.

Microsoft

Microsoft aims to be carbon-negative by 2030 and remove more carbon emissions than it has generated since its inception. It also plans to achieve zero waste and water positivity by 2030, invest in R&D to reduce waste and conserve resources, and launch the Cloud for Sustainability in 2022. Microsoft plays a vital role in global sustainability efforts, accelerates climate tech through its Climate Innovation Fund, and advocates for inclusive skilling and a just transition in the global south. Microsoft and Amazon are industry leaders and catalysts for positive change, shaping a future where innovation and sustainability coexist.

NVIDIA

NVIDIA, a leader in technology innovation, is committed to building a sustainable future. They have developed cutting-edge GPUs, including the revolutionary Hopper architecture, prioritising energy efficiency while delivering top-notch performance. NVIDIA sets new standards with a staggering 26x advantage over CPUs in energy efficiency. They talk the walk by powering the most efficient supercomputer on the prestigious Green500 ranking, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship.

Intel

Intel has announced its plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations by 2040. The company focuses on renewable energy and waste reduction to achieve this target, which has already resulted in significant progress. In 2021, Intel saved 486 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and reduced total greenhouse gas emissions by 2%, indicating Intel’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. In the ever-evolving technology sector, Intel is one of the leaders in following environmental responsibility, conducting with innovation and a conscience towards a greener future.

Meta

Meta has set a goal to become carbon neutral across its value chain by 2030. To achieve this, they strive to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions through operational efficiencies and relying solely on 100% renewable energy. By 2030, Meta aims to offset any remaining emissions through carbon removal projects. In 2021, they led initiatives in Kenya and Mexico, facilitating the sequestration of over 200,000 tons of carbon through reforestation and soil conservation efforts. Through their determination and innovation, Dell and Meta set an example of corporate responsibility in the fight against climate change, leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

Dharna D – Comic Creator of the Month

  • Ex: How did you get started in content creation?

Dharna: So basically, I have done theatre in college, but when the lockdown happened, I thought, what to do? During that time, I used to make fun videos and I just used to share it with my friends very randomly, not at all with the intention of posting it somewhere. Then, one day, my friend told me, why don’t you post it on Instagram, it’s very funny. This is how I randomly posted my first ever IGTV video on Instagram, and this is how I entered my content creation.

  • Ex: What sort of reaction were you expecting when you first started posting online? 

Dharna: When I posted my first video, I wasn’t expecting anything. The only thing I wished for was to make my then-followers happy with my content. I wasn’t worried about the reach, likes or comments.

  • Ex: How do you go about writing your skits?

Dharna: I like to write in a subtle manner as I believe that skits should be something that happens in daily surroundings and something that I observe in my life. Also, I keep my focus on the mass audience and prefer to make relatable content.

  • Ex: What’s the inspiration behind your relatable humour and skits?

Dharna: I come from a Punjabi family, and I like to spend a lot of time with my family and relatives. The base of my humour comes from there, be it picking characters or writing skits with relatable humour.

  • Ex: How did it feel to expand your career? 

Dharna: Expanding my career in content creation was the best decision I’ve ever made. I believe in the saying, ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.’ Since I’ve entered the world of content creation, I haven’t felt tired because that’s what I love.

  • Ex: What did you want to become when you were a kid?

Dharna: When I was a kid, for one day, I wanted to become something, while on the other day, I wanted to become something else. As a kid, like every other kid, I was confused about what I really wanted to become, but I think thats fine as exploring is a part of life.

Quick bytes:

  • One must-have app on your phone besides WhatsApp? 

YouTube

  • iOS or Android?

iOS

  • Cats or dogs?

Dogs

  • Texting or calling? 

Calling

Saloni Gaur – Comic Creator of the Month

  • Exhibit: How did you get started in content creation?

Saloni: I started creating content when I was in college. I had plenty of time and very little to study. I mean exactly like how a college student behaves. I was doing the exact same. I was really into stand-up comedy. I used to perform at a college fest, but then it used to get over. At that time, there were very few creators back then. So I thought, why not try this? So I thought, let’s give it a try to pass my time, and eventually, it picked up.

  • Ex: What sort of reaction were you expecting when you first started posting online? 

Saloni: When I first uploaded a video, I was obviously expecting a huge reaction from the public, but then I remembered that my account was private. So all the views that came on my video were from my friends and family who used to follow me, and it didn’t bother me at all. I mean, I was doing it for myself and just to make my friends and family happy. I loved making them laugh. It was my favourite thing to do. 

  • Ex: How do you go about writing your skits? 

Saloni: Writing is something that takes most of my time in my work. I mean, it usually takes one or two hours to shoot it, but it definitely takes up to three to four hours to write something. It depends on the script and how I go about it. I mean, if I am doing a character who is mimicking someone, then it takes probably an hour to write something because most of the work is done by them, the character that I’m mimicking. I mean, they set the premise, and I just have to add the punchline. However, if I am doing a character of my own, it usually takes up to two to three hours to write something. You have to get into the skin of that character, and you have to think like them according to their mindset. All my characters are inspired by someone or another, as I have not taken up any course on how I should write. Writing funny skits comes to me naturally, and sometimes when I am stuck, I feel like I have the most funny people I have ever met.

  • Ex: What’s the inspiration behind your relatable humour and skits?

Saloni: As I said earlier, it’s definitely my family. Obviously, the laughter challenge was one comedy show that I watched for the first time, but it was definitely my family and their humour. I mean, my grandmother is very funny. You have to be around her to understand her humour. She’s very straightforward and sarcastic, but it’s in a way that you will never feel bad about it. My father has a dramatic humour, while my mother has a very self-deprecating humour. So, these are the basic examples of my inspiration. 

  • Ex: How did it feel to expand your career?

Saloni: Expanding my career felt great. Who doesn’t want to earn money and get famous? Some people don’t, but I always wanted to. When I was in school, I used to say that one day, I’d become a famous personality. I don’t know how, but I was sure one day I’d be. And when it happened, it felt great.

  • Ex: Who are some of your favourite comedians? 

Saloni: Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr, Zakir Khan, and Ali Wong.

Quick bytes:

  • One must-have app on your phone besides WhatsApp? 

Instagram.

  • iOS or Android?

Both.

  • Cats or dogs? 

Dogs.

  • What’s a surprising fact about yourself?

Sometimes, I’m socially awkward.

  • Texting or calling? 

Texting.

Meme-orable Winks – 7 Movie Characters That Broke the Internet

With the rise of social media, memes have become an integral part of daily life for young people. Cinema is the most popular medium for making memes, while memes are the easiest way to reach a broad audience. They have the power to make your content go viral, with just one share being enough to change the game. Despite their mixed reputation, memes are undeniably effective in capturing people’s attention. Over the years, many popular meme characters have come and gone, but some remain as popular as ever. Let’s look at some of the most loved characters in the meme world and have a good laugh.

Calvin Candie (Django Unchained)

Tarantino’s Django Unchained is packed with thrilling gunfights and memorable dialogues with breakout performances from the actors that starred in the film, but the one that stayed with us for a long time was Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Calvin Candie which blends pure malice with the genteel manners of a southern aristocrat.

Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

Christian Bale ignites the screen in American Psycho with a volatile brilliance, channelling the unhinged psyche of Patrick Bateman. His performance crackles with barely contained homicidal fervour, imprinting Bateman’s twisted persona onto the collective consciousness. Bateman’s peculiar brand of madness finds resonance in the world of memes, especially his “ooh” face.

 

Rick Dalton (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)

Rick Dalton, a character from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, portrayed by the illustrious Leonardo DiCaprio, captures our attention in a whimsical moment. With a sudden burst of energy, he points fervently at the TV screen, heralding his upcoming scene. This scene, ripe with comedic charm, became the perfect fodder for internet culture as users seized upon it to craft humorous memes encapsulating shared moments of recognition and amusement.

 

Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)

As Jay Gatsby graces the screen for the first time in “The Great Gatsby” movie, fireworks illuminate the sky, while Gatsby, with a mischievous grin, raises a glass in a toast. Leonardo DiCaprio’s charismatic portrayal transforms this outrageous scene into a viral sensation, sparking online celebrations across the globe.

 

Mr Incredible (The Incredibles)

Pixar’s masterpiece, The Incredibles, stands as both a poignant deconstruction of superhero sagas and an enchanting family adventure. A timeless classic, it remains unmatched by its sequel a decade later. At its heart lies the magnetic presence of Bob Parr, alias Mr. Incredible, whose down-to-earth charisma captivates audiences.

Memes abound, celebrating his quintessential “dad energy,” immortalising iconic lines like “Math is math!” Yet, a new trend emerges, depicting Mr. Incredible with startling realism and depth. These memes, proliferating across the internet, serve as a vehicle to differentiate reactions such as “People Who Don’t Know vs. People Who Know.”

 

Raju (Hera Pheri Franchise)

Played by the actor Akshay Kumar, Raju’s antics and quirky expressions have inspired countless memes. His hilarious dialogues and memorable scenes have found a permanent place in internet humour, transcending the boundaries of cinema. Raju’s comedic timing and endearing persona have cemented his status as a timeless meme legend, beloved by netizens worldwide.

 

Uday Shetty (Welcome)

Uday Shetty, the boisterous and unforgettable character from the comedy film “Welcome,” has left an indelible mark on meme culture. Played with infectious energy by actor Nana Patekar, Uday’s eccentric mannerisms and quotable lines have sparked a wave of internet humour. His larger-than-life persona continues to inspire laughter and creativity, making him a cherished icon in online comedy.

5 OTT Releases You Can’t Miss This Week

It’s a miracle that we just started April and there are already a few amazing releases to binge. This week, from 1st to 7th April, has a diverse range of movies and TV series to choose from. Add these to your next watchlist!

Parasyte: The Grey (5 April 2024) 

Based on the sci-fi horror manga, Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Parasyte: The Grey is a South Korean live-action adaptation that strays away from the main plot of the manga. Long-time fans of the original manga might hesitate to watch the series. However, South Korean entertainment has a stronghold in the horror genre, especially when it comes to depicting supernatural monsters. Parasyte: The Grey is directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who previously created the famous zombie horror Train to Busan (2016). His style and writing have the creative potential to do Parasyte justice. 

Coming soon on Netflix! 

 

Ripley (4 April 2024) 

Ripley is a crime psychological thriller designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Andrew Scott as the titular character, this series is based on Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955). This will be a short and sweet 8-episode series about Tom Ripley (Scott) stepping into a life of deception, fraud and murder. 

Coming soon on Netflix! 

 

Farrey (5 April 2024) 

Initially released for theatre on 24 November 2023, Farrey is a thriller-heist film by Soumendra Padhi. This film is the official Indian remake of the Thai movie, Bad Genius (2017). Alizeh Agnihotri is stunning in her role, starring as the main character – Niyati. Some viewers have described the vibe as straight-up horror rather than a thriller so buckle in!

Finally releasing soon on Zee5!

 

How to Date Billy Walsh (5 April 2024) 

How To Date Billy Walsh is a fluffy British romantic-comedy, directed by Alex Pillai. It revolved around the childhood best friends, Amelia (Charithra Chandran) and Archie (Sebastian Croft), the latter of whom has a crush on her. When he plans to confess, Amelia falls for Billy Walsh (Tanner Buchanan). Archie plans to sabotage this new love but ends up comedically bringing them closer. If you want something light to watch, How to Date Billy Walsh is perfect. 

Coming soon on Amazon Prime Video! 

 

Star Trek: Discovery – Season 5 (4 April 2024) 

Originally piloted in 2017, Star Trek: Discovery is still going strong. This series follows the crew of USS Discovery, their journey beginning a decade before the events of the original Star Trek. You witness the fall and eventually rise of Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, and her crew. Season 5 sets a more adventurous tone with their goal of finding an ancient power but they aren’t the only ones. Star Trek: Discovery is a great start to your Star Trek journey!

Back soon on Amazon Prime Video! 

The Origin of April Fool’s Day

Every year on April 1st, pranksters emerge from the shadows, ready to unleash their mischief upon unsuspecting victims. But have you ever wondered why this day is designated for such shenanigans? Well, if you don’t know, come along with us as we’re about to unveil the quirky history of April Fool’s Day.

Legend has it that April Fool’s Day originated in France in the late 16th century. Before the advent of smartphones and social media, news travelled at a snail’s pace. In those days, New Year’s Day fell on March 25th, and celebrations lasted until April 1st. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, shifting New Year’s Day to January 1st.

Now, imagine you’re living in 16th-century France, blissfully unaware of this calendar change. You’d be celebrating New Year’s in late March and early April, right? Well, that’s where the fun begins. Those who were slow to adapt or simply ignorant of the new calendar were mocked and ridiculed by their more informed counterparts. These clueless celebrants became the butt of jokes and hoaxes, earning them the title of “April Fools.”

But France wasn’t the only country to embrace this tradition of tomfoolery. In Scotland, they took it up a notch with the concept of “hunting the gowk” (gowk being Scottish for cuckoo bird, synonymous with fool). This involved sending people on fake errands or prank-filled quests, often culminating in embarrassment or confusion for the unsuspecting victim. As April Fool’s Day spread across Europe, so too did the creativity of its pranks. In England, pranksters would stick paper fish to the backs of their friends as a symbol of gullibility. This tradition, known as “April fish,” continues to this day in some parts of Europe.

But why April 1st specifically? 

Some historians speculate that it’s linked to the vernal equinox, a time associated with the arrival of spring and renewal. Others suggest it’s simply because April kicks off the blooming season, making it the perfect time for a bit of playful mischief. Regardless of its origins, April Fool’s Day has evolved into a global phenomenon, with people from all walks of life eagerly anticipating the opportunity to pull off the ultimate prank. From fake lottery tickets to toothpaste-filled Oreos, creativity knows no bounds on this day of jest and laughter.

So, as April 1st rolls around each year, remember to approach everything with a healthy dose of scepticism. After all, you never know when you might become the unwitting star of someone’s elaborate prank. And if you do fall victim to a clever ruse, just embrace the spirit of the day and join in on the laughter. After all, it’s all good fun, right? So, here’s to the fools, the pranksters, and the jesters who keep the spirit of April Fool’s alive and kicking year after year.

 

These 5 Books Can Be Read in a Day

When you’re having an odd day off or just bored on vacation, nothing feels better than picking up a book. However, nowadays it’s quite hard to find shorter novels. These 5 books are made to immerse you and be finished within a day or two!

1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (107 pages)

Now, this might be a painful choice to recommend. Of Mice and Men (1937) might have a painful ending but teaches you about friendship and the importance of tough decisions. The loyalty between Lennie and George is amongst the best in the history of literature. Their journey is not easy as the story is set during the Great Depression. It’s also an open reminder of what people need to do during poverty. 


You can buy it on Amazon for ₹455.

2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (348 pages) 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold (2015) is a mysterious novel that turns heartwarming. It bends the time-travelling genre with an interesting twist and mechanics. In a silent backstreet of Tokyo, a café serves coffee and a chance to travel back in time. However, there are strict rules and only one seat in particular that gives you this ability. You follow four customers and their stories. As the title suggests, you can only travel until the coffee turns cold. It makes you question what you would change in your past if it still had no consequences in your present. 


You can buy it on Amazon for ₹353.

3. The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose (336 pages)

The Maid: A Novel (2022) is catered to the murder mystery enthusiasts out there. This novel is also turning into a major motion picture with Florence Pugh as the main character, Molly Gray. Molly is a unique character whose job as a maid fulfils her need for proper etiquette and cleaning. One day, she finds a wealthy hotel guest is found dead in his messy room. Molly is pinned as the suspect but reuniting with her friends, they strive to solve the mystery before it’s too late. 

You can buy it on Amazon for ₹312.

4. Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates (154 pages)

Black Water (1992) is a chilling novel about a young girl whose bid to be more carefree has tragic consequences. Kelly Kelleher attends a Fourth of July party and meets “The Senator,” who is automatically attracted to her. Despite multiple warnings from her friends and him being old enough to be her dad, Kelly agrees to go back to his hotel room. The Senator, being too drunk to drive properly, swerves into a marsh. She is abandoned in the car and left to drown on her own as she realises she wants to live. The novel is based on the Chappaquiddick incident. 


You can buy it on Amazon for ₹746.

5. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (160 pages) 

If you loved Netflix’s famous horror TV show, The Haunting of Hill House (directed by Mike Flanagan), this book is for you. Written by the same author of the show’s inspiration, We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962) is an eerie novel about an isolated and strange family. Their dynamic gets thrown off when their cousin comes to visit. It’s a spine-chilling story of a deeply disturbed family and the narration by Merricat, the main character, highlights the twisted mindset. 

You can buy it on Amazon for ₹236.

Fashion Explained: Cosplay

With Mumbai Comic Con 2024 around the corner, this is the best time to explain one of the most diverse fashion types in the industry – Cosplay. What exactly does dressing up as your favourite character entail? Let’s dive deep into this fashion style. 

Cosplayer group at Comic Con Brussels 2016

What is Cosplay? 

Originating in Japan, cosplay, or costume play, is a performance art where the cosplayers (the term for people who perform this art) represent a certain fictional character. The attire is complete with accessories, make-up and props to get into full character, essentially role-playing in public. A subculture around cosplay and their cosplayers can even exist, famously for characters in Japanese anime. It is also an appreciation of fiction and puts respect to the best of character designs. 

History of Cosplay

While it grew popular and was coined in 1984 in Japan amongst all genders, the history of cosplaying goes further back. In the 15th century, all of us heard about masquerade balls but the purpose of it was to pretend. Essentially, cosplay is masquerading as someone else. Italy also hosted grand costume festivals during the Renaissance period, typically indulged by the Venician upper class. 

It then grew in 19th century Britain, where people held fancy costume parties for their amusement. In 1939, people began to create more futuristic costumes and then came Japan’s final hammer to the head. 

The first documented event of a fan meeting and cosplaying was recorded in Hakone, Japan in the 1970s. This is how anime cosplay became popular. Since then, costume contests have been on the rise in Asia and parts of the West. 

Anime Japan 2016 (Tokyo Big Sight). Odaiba, Tokyo.

How Does Cosplay Work? 

  • Cosplays can range from simple to high-quality, complex-themed costumes. As long as you enjoy the art, anything works in the world of cosplay. 
  • Despite being similar to Halloween costumes, the cosplayers usually get into character and also hold fan meetings with their audience. They have full communities supporting their art beyond the holiday of Halloween. 
  • You can get ready-made apparel of your favourite character from several manufacturers and online sites, along with wigs and other accessories. Japan themselves have made a profit of 35 billion yen. 
  • Many cosplayers hand-make their costumes, sourcing their materials from their own local or online manufacturers. Since many parts of any character’s costume can be too unique for a general market, cosplayers learn textile sculpting and other 3D art to create these objects. This highlights their dedication and creativity diving into the performance. 

For example, if a person would like to cosplay Roronoa Zoro from the anime ‘One Piece’, they could 3D print his swords if they are not available for purchase online.

Cosplayer (@0taisi) as Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
  • During contests, cosplayers are judged by their originality and their ability to truly act the part. Their body language and acting abilities are their main selling points, not just the costumes. 
  • Just like any other fashion type, you must be confident in your cosplay and expressing yourself with the apparel and accessories. While it can be daunting at first, cosplay is an art to be enjoyed and the community are open-minded to any form. 

 

Why You Should Consider Cosplaying? 

Are you a fan of movies and TV shows, especially fantasy and anime? If so, this is a great way to indulge in their fan base as well as meet more people through different conventions, particularly the upcoming Comic Con. There are many ready-made cosplays available online but it’s also fun to sew and create your costumes, sewing being a great hobby to pick up. More than that, looking exactly like one of your favourite fictional characters is a huge confidence booster. 

Say ‘Yes’ to these 5 practices to achieve true inner peace

Attaining inner peace is a common aspiration for many of us, but it can often seem like a difficult goal to achieve. However, we have discovered that embracing certain attitudes and actions can make a significant difference. It’s not about agreeing to everything that comes your way or being a pushover. Instead, it’s about saying “yes” to specific things that can help you find peace within yourself. So, let’s learn about the top five practices for attaining true inner peace.

Adopt Gratitude:

Adopting gratitude is the easiest way to unlock our true inner peace. Every morning, we should reflect on something we’re grateful for, no matter how small. Gratitude is more than saying “thank you.” It’s recognizing the good in our lives, which can significantly impact our well-being and peace of mind. By embracing gratitude, we can appreciate the present moment and find joy in everyday things. Say “yes” to practising gratitude and experiencing lasting inner peace.

Acknowledge Discomfort:

To find inner peace, it’s important to face discomfort rather than avoid it. Avoidance can lead to more distress in the long run. By embracing discomfort and confronting challenges, we can build resilience and cultivate inner peace. Acknowledge discomfort as a part of life and try saying “yes” to it instead of avoiding it.

Be Present:

Mindfulness is about staying present and engaged in the moment. It means focusing on what’s happening now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By saying “yes” to the present moment, we can say “no” to distractions. Mindfulness encourages us to experience the world through our senses. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort. After all, the present moment is the only one that truly matters.

Accept Impermanence:

Life is a constant flow of change. Everything changes, and nothing is permanent. Accepting impermanence means letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes and learning to flow with life’s rhythm. Embracing impermanence leads to true inner peace and helps us appreciate each moment as temporary, memorable, and precious.

Embrace Compassion:

To achieve inner peace, we should embrace compassion. Recognize suffering in yourself and others and act to alleviate it. Treat yourself and others kindly, even in challenging situations. This shift replaces judgment with acceptance and opens your heart to empathy. Saying “yes” to compassion transforms relationships with others and yourself. So, what’s stopping you from saying it? Say “yes” to compassion and make a difference.

Exit mobile version