Chat Room

Isn’t it intriguing how these disruptive times have led people to uncover or create unusual hobbies? From banana bread baking to clay pottery, it appears like everyone’s invest in something to keep them busy. When life slows down, it seems as if creativity thrives. You’ve likely have seen posts detailing the latest book nook craze, or perhaps you even know somebody who’s taken on the challenge of mastering a unique instrument they’ve never touched before. What are some new hobbies you or people you know have begun exploring during the lockdowns? As we navigate these unpredictable times, it’s been reassuring to see the innovative spirit and inventiveness of people …

I was reading an article the other day about how major clothing brands are working towards more sustainable practices. Apparently, a good number of them are trying to reduce waste, promote recycling, and use more eco-friendly materials. It’s all part of this growing trend of sustainable fashion, which is meant to lessen the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. Yet, the discussion is far from one-sided. Some argue it’s merely a marketing strategy, a way to attract the more environmentally-conscious shoppers. Others believe it’s a step in the right direction, slowly but surely leading the fashion world to a more sustainable future. What’s your viewpoint? Do…

There’s always been a tug of war between staying home to watch your favorite TV show vs going out to watch a movie. Netflix seems to have capitalized on this. Traditional TV has its charm. The weeks of waiting before a season’s grand finale, that nail-biting cliffhanger at the end of an episode, all have been part of our collective TV experience. But with the advent of Netflix, the game seems to have changed. Netflix with its binge-watching culture, has introduced a different kind of suspense and anticipation. You find a good series, get hooked on it, then end up staying awake all night till you’ve finished the entire season. And then the long wait begins for the next…

You’ve probably seen more of your friends tending to their potted greens and building mini indoor jungles this past year. It’s a soothing reprieve and a brilliant way to stay productive without straying too far from home. Has the lockdown-inspired gardening fever got hold of you too? Home gardening has become an incredibly popular hobby because of the pandemic. It seems like everyone’s got their gloves on, playing with mud and seeds. Besides being a relaxing way of spending time, it has also helped many people cope with anxiety and stress. However, isn’t it fascinating to see how plants become a representation of the caretaker’s feelings? A blooming flower or a th…

It’s interesting to observe the recent surge in popularity of Indie music. Whether it’s because of its captivating storytelling or unique sound, there’s something about indie that has caught the ears of many. Some argue that the rise in indie’s popularity is due to its authenticity and earnestness, quite different from the over-produced and overly catchy mainstream music. It’s almost as if indie is a breath of fresh air that connects directly to the audience, offering something more raw and genuine. However, there’s also a flip side to this argument. Critics suggest that the indie boom is just a temporary trend, riding on the shirtsleeves of urban millennials’ craving…

Has anyone else had those days where you feel like a constant darkness is hovering over you and it feels almost impossible to push it away? I’ve been there, struggling with emotional and mental health issues. The feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression can be overwhelming, to say the least. But it’s important to remember that we’re not alone. There is a whole community of people here who’ve experienced similar challenges. Did you know that talking openly about such struggles can actually help us heal? Human beings are wired for connection, and sharing our experiences and feelings with others can significantly help in reducing the stress and the feelings of iso…

Isn’t it something how quickly the landscape of fast food has been changing in recent times? Once dominated by burgers, fries, and fizzy drinks, fast food outlets are swiftly adapting to the demand for healthier, plant-based and more diverse cuisine. Take for instance the rise in popularity of salad chains. Who would have thought a decade back that we’d see so many bustling high-street stores offering fast, customisable salads packed with fresh, colourful ingredients and exotic dressings? Then, there’s the soaring popularity of plant-based alternatives like Impossible and Beyond Meat burgers. These imitate the texture and taste of meat, designed to appeal to veg…

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like many companies and institutions have suddenly discovered the concept of working from home. Those of us who’ve been doing this for a while have watched as the rest of the working world joined us, with varying degrees of success and satisfaction. Some people love working from home, some people hate it, and most of us are somewhere in the middle. Now, with vaccines readily available, it seems we’re facing another shift in this new norm. How do you feel about potentially returning to office life? Would you prefer a blend of in-office and remote work days? Or do you hope that work from home is here to stay? Let’s chat about it and shar…

Ever noticed how vinyl records are increasingly setting up shop in our lives and music stores again? I’m sure many of us have come across images, posts, or personal anecdotes about starting or growing a vinyl collection. Be it a teen buying their first record, or a music veteran dusting off their old classics, it seems like vinyl is making its presence felt now more than ever. It got me wondering, is this resurgence of vinyl records a mere nostalgic trend, or is there more to it? On one hand, the scratchy, warm sound combined with the larger artwork and the physical nature of the discs themselves provide a sense of nostalgia and novelty. But on the other hand, can it …

Do share any memorable books you’ve read this year, or perhaps recommend a friend’s suggestion that’s made an impact. It’s been a cozy year to delve into novels, biographies, self-help or other genres, alongside sipping a hot beverage, nestled under a blanket. Can be anything from a bestseller that lived up to its hype - or maybe it didn’t! Any underrated author or indie publisher we need to know about? It’s fascinating to see the stories that resonate with us at different times. Who knows, we might compile a fantastic 2022 reading list out of this discussion. So what’s been on your reading list this year? Let’s exchange stories through books!

I find it utterly captivating how historical statues and monuments have become a subject of controversy over the last couple of years. While many see them as the relics of our past that bring us closer to an epoch gone by, others perceive them as a constant reminder of some not-so-glorious aspects of our history, such as colonialism, racism, and oppression. Take the case of the monument of Cecil Rhodes in Oxford University or the many Confederate statues in the United States. There has been a tremendous amount of debate and protest over whether they should be taken down. Some argue that these figures symbolize oppression and injustice, and therefore, their glorificati…

Have you joined the home baking boom? Over the recent months, there’s been a real surge in people baking at home, spurred on by lockdowns and, perhaps, a desire to find comfort in delicious pastries and artisan bread. Instagram and TikTok are awash with photos and videos of sourdough starters and banana bread triumphs. And it’s more than just hobby baking - many have taken the plunge into launching their own home-based baking businesses! But what’s brought about this newfound love for kneading dough and dusting flour? Some attribute it to people seeking familiar comforts in uncertain times. Homemade bread can evoke strong familial memories. Baking helps us to feel…

Fast fashion, though loved for its affordable prices and trendy styles, has a dark side. Its increasing growth as an industry is causing considerable harm to our environment. Consider this, annually, the fashion industry is responsible for producing about 10% of global carbon emissions. The production of cheap, disposable clothing is a large contributor to landfill waste. Fabrics like polyester, a staple of fast fashion, can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Additionally, the water consumption involved in producing a single piece of clothing is astronomical. For example, to produce just one cotton t-shirt, it takes around 2,700 litres of water, which is about wha…

Recently, thrift shopping, also known as ‘thrifting,’ has seen a tremendous surge in popularity. Teens and young adults gather around stacks of secondhand clothes, carefully picking out stylish pieces on a budget. This trend has not only provided an economical solution to high-street shopping but has also delivered a powerful message on sustainable fashion. But thrift shopping isn’t just about clothes. From furniture to books to vinyl records, thrift stores are treasure troves of vintage and pre-loved items. Has thrift shopping become a part of your lifestyle, or does the idea of using secondhand items seem off-putting? Maybe you’ve discovered an amazing find or …

Isn’t it incredible how divisive a simple cup of tea can be? Recently, a playful debate erupted on social media around the correct order of operations for making the ‘perfect’ cup of tea. Should the milk go in first or last? Is a teaspoon of sugar a sacrilege or sweet nirvana? But tea is more than just a drink, right? It’s an international language, a comforting ritual, a warm hug in a mug, and a reflection of our diverse tastes and cultures. So let’s spill the tea (so to speak) How do you make your ideal cup? Are there any rituals or special touches that make your tea-drinking experience unique? Let’s steep in this discussion, folks.

There’s always been a bit of a rivalry. Some people can’t start their day without a hot cup of joe, while others prefer to unwind with a cozy cup of tea. In recent debates spurred on by social media and viral TikTok videos, this unassuming question has had people taking sides: Are you a coffee or tea person? For a long time, the lines were clearly drawn. Coffee was associated with the fast-paced, time-is-money lifestyle and tea was linked with leisure and relaxation. Nowadays, both tea and coffee have found their way into our work, leisure, and social rituals. We invite friends over for coffee, sip tea while reading, or gulp down a quick espresso at work. Certain …

Hey everyone, just wanted to bring up the increasingly prevalent topic of high-speed rail travel. With more countries investing in this technology for sustainable and efficient transportation, it’s fair to say this could heavily shape our future commuting habits. In particular, I’m referring to Japan’s Shinkansen, France’s TGV, and even the potential introduction of a high-speed rail line in the USA, connecting Major Cities. Do you think this could be an effective solution in battling climate change and easing transportation woes, or are there viable alternatives we should consider instead? I can’t help but think about the environmental, economic implications, a…

Due to the increasing public awareness about climate change and environmental issues, sustainable practices are quickly gaining momentum in various industries. A key player in this transition is the fashion industry, traditionally known for heavy resource use and waste production. The shift towards sustainability in fashion is marked by brands opting for eco-friendly materials, prioritizing recycling and reuse, cutting down on waste, and advocating for fair labor conditions. Major names in the industry like H&M and Zara are leading the pack by introducing lines of clothing made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. But it’s not just the heavyw…

Well, seems like everyone’s jumping on the plant-based diet bandwagon these days, doesn’t it? Turns out, reducing our meat consumption could do wonders for our health - not to mention our planet. It’s fascinating to see such a change in dietary habits. For some cultures, a meal isn’t considered complete without a portion of meat. But these days, many are switching up their traditional meals with plant-based alternatives. I’ve seen some drool-worthy images of vegan meals on social media, packed with colorful veggies and grains. Food industry giants are also stepping up, offering plant-based alternatives to your favorite fast food staples - think Beyond Meat and Im…

Not sure about you lot, but I’ve noticed that restaurant portions are out of control. It’s like every meal needs to be an Instagrammable event. A platter for two can seemingly feed a small army but the price tag matches the gargantuan size. If I wanted to feel like I’ve just been in an eating competition, I’d sign up for one. Be honest now, do you really feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth when you roll out of a restaurant so full you can’t actually enjoy what you ate? Or does it feel like you’re paying for the privilege of the inevitable discomfort that follows? There are those who say, “Just pack the rest and take it home!” But why? Why should this be th…

The unprecedented times of the last year led many of us to dust off our spatulas and aprons and take on the task of home baking. Bread baking, in particular, became a popular endeavor - and what a satisfying one it is! Now that we’re a year into it, let’s get a little nostalgic. Remember when you could barely find yeast on the shelves because everyone was suddenly a bread enthusiast? How many of you jumped onto the sourdough bread wagon or were you more into baking banana bread? Did you love the therapeutic nature of kneading dough, or were you more into the simple mix-bake-enjoy process of banana bread? Was it the crusty, chewy aid of sourdough that won you over,…

With the ongoing discussions about climate change and its often dire predictions, I’ve started to look at how it’s affecting our day-to-day lives - sometimes in ways we may not even realize. For instance, have you ever considered why you might be paying more for your favourite fruits and veggies? The impact of climate change on agriculture has led to a rise in food prices. When we experience drastic weather conditions like heavy rainfall or drought, it’s not just disrupting the farmers’ lives but also shaking up the food market. Even if you’re a city dweller, climate change might be sneaking into your life in ways you’d least expect. Those scorching hot summer day…

Over the past year, a lot of us have spent time learning new hobbies like cooking exotic meals, digital art, and even home gardening. The latter seems to have sprouted (forgive the plant pun!) an unusually strong following. Many people are now converting their apartments and houses into small, green spaces. Several factors contribute to this trend: the urge to grow one’s food, the therapeutic benefits of nurturing a plant, and the sheer joy of watching something bloom under your care. Marketing and sales data show an uptick in sales of seeds, planters, gardening tools and even DIY hydroponic kits. But does this trend signal a larger shift towards a more sustaina…

Have you guys noticed how the fast food industry has been evolving lately? With the rising consciousness towards sustainable practices and healthier eating habits, it seems like brands are sitting up and taking notice. Case in point, many are now offering plant-based alternatives to their traditional menu options. McDonald’s for instance, recently introduced their McPlant burger, while other chains have also begun testing similar items. Interesting thing is, the shift isn’t just confined to the menu. Companies are also aiming to become more environmentally friendly in many ways; be it by cutting down waste, investing in renewable energy sources, or promoting eco-frien…

You know, it’s been hard to ignore the buzz around Naomi Osaka recently. At just 23, she’s broken so many barriers in the tennis world, it’s exciting and awe-inspiring. But what’s also interesting is the conversation she’s sparked off the court, particularly about mental health. It’s not every day that you see athletes, who are often seen as physical paragons, openly discussing mental health issues, let alone initiating a break from their career for it. Naomi’s decision has sparked widespread dialogue about how society views mental health, how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. Those under the sports and entertainment spotlight are often under immens…