Chat Room

I’ve been reading more and more about the worldwide push for sustainability and it’s thought-provoking to see how everyone, from large corporations to individual households, are changing their ways. The different measures being adopted vary greatly, some focus on reducing plastic use, others on reducing electricity consumption. Some people are going more extreme with zero waste lifestyles or living off the grid entirely. Is this kind of shift something you’ve noticed in your own environment? Are you personally doing anything to align with this green revolution? Or perhaps there are unusual sustainability initiatives in your town or city that you’d like to share. …

As many of us know, the much-anticipated Summer Olympics 2021 in Tokyo are currently underway, after a long postponement last year due to Covid-19. This event has traditionally been a presentation of human spirit, unity, and exceptional athleticism. But this year, it carries the additional weight of being a beacon of resilience and hope during challenging times. The games have not been without controversies. The absence of spectators, Covid-related complications, and mental health concerns of athletes have all made headlines. Yet, the spectacle continues with numerous moments of triumph, setting an example of perseverance for the rest of the world. Isn’t it inspi…

Have any of you guys been transported back to the 19th century with Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton lately? Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, this period drama is fascinating. It’s not just about the plot, which is pretty intriguing, don’t get me wrong. But there’s something else about the show that keeps catching my eye - the fashion. The costumes seem to be a mix of historical accuracy and modern takes, bold prints and vibrant colors. And oh, the jewelry! Full of glitter and the occasional sparkling tiara here and there. The aesthetics are definitely part of the show’s appeal. But have you ever wondered how in line with the actual Regency Era the show is? Tru…

Main Post: Are you finding yourself cooking at home more during the current pandemic? It’s probably not something you gave much thought pre-Covid, but now it seems like everyone’s becoming their own home chef. With restaurants temporarily closed or operating under restrictions, many have taken to preparing meals at home. Some out of necessity, some for the sheer love of food and others as a means to stress-relief. Historically, worldwide crises have been known to change people’s eating habits. World wars led to rationing which in turn led to creative and conservative cooking methods. Similarly, this pandemic has changed how a lot of us eat and think about food. …

Isn’t it interesting how the past couple of years have transformed our perceptions of indoor and outdoor spaces? Lockdowns, quarantines, you name it - we’ve been spending more time at home than ever before. Pre-pandemic, home gardens were mostly just a luxury or a hobby for those who had a green thumb. But with the global situation changing drastically, many of us turned towards these green spaces not only for solace but to keep ourselves occupied in uncertain times. The trend of sprucing up home gardens and balconies has shifted from just being a pastime to an essential part of daily routine. Plants become less about decoration and more about psychological well-…

Have you ever noticed how humor can be a powerful tool in promoting thought? Comedians always have a way of connecting us through laughter while subtly delving into issues in our society. Comedy often brings a levity to our daily life, but it also serves another role: pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. From Saturday Night Live Satires to stand-up sketches, bits of humor often touch on poignant issues that society grapples with. Whether it’s human rights, politics, race, or gender - many successful comedians are those who aren’t afraid to take the platform and expose hypocrisies and inequalities. It’s fascinating how they can examine these hefty topics …

It’s hard to ignore the shift happening in the automotive industry these days. Electric vehicles seem to be taking over the roads, bit by bit. From Tesla’s meteoric rise to everyday brands like Ford and Chevrolet adding EVs to their lineup, it’s clear that the industry is betting on a green future. This revolution is about more than just cars; it’s about infrastructure, renewable energy, and yes—politics. Governments all over the world are joining the race, pledging to phase out petrol and diesel engines in the coming decades. But how do you feel about this wave of change? Are you excited by the potential of electric power, or do you dread the thought of saying …

It seems like everywhere we turn these days, someone is raving about their new love for plant-based diets or an already known vegan is sharing their favourite 100% plant-based recipes. Environmental activists even argue that adopting these diets can help reduce carbon footprint. That’s food for thought! Taking a gander through the supermarket aisles, the surge in plant-based alternatives for dishes that typically use meat or dairy is now the norm. For an industry once considered niche, this is a major leap. It’s safe to say that in the food world, this is the hot button topic of our era. But how does this shift in our eating habits challenge centuries of culinary…

Has anyone else noticed the shift in the concept of a traditional workplace nowadays? More and more companies are transitioning towards remote work, flexible shifts, and even uncapped vacation days. Is this the new normal or just a temporary trend? Post-pandemic, most companies had to adapt to survive, causing permanent alterations in work cultures worldwide. Everything from morning commutes to casual water cooler chats has changed. Cozy home offices have replaced high-end conference rooms, and even the strict 9-to5-work schedule is now flexible. Some might argue that this flexibility allows for improved work-life balance, while others may argue the sense of rou…

Have you noticed the abundance of tasty and plant-based meals popping up on restaurant menus and in local supermarkets? There’s been an undeniable surge in vegetarianism and veganism in recent years with more people choosing to eliminate meat and other animal products from their diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. It seems that every day, a new plant-based product or restaurant hits the market, offering a veggie-version of our favourite dishes. From ‘Beyond Burger’ to ‘Impossible Pizza’, it’s clear that plant-based is the way forward for many people. We often hear about the health benefits, but it’s also worth noting the positive impact a plant-…

In light of recent news events and the seemingly endless stream of distressing stories that fill our screens, it’s so refreshing to come across those small, uplifting stories of everyday people performing acts of kindness for others. It’s these seemingly insignificant gestures that can often have the most impact, proving that anybody, regardless of their status or wealth, has the capability to improve someone’s day. Whether it’s a teenager helping an elderly person across the street, a commuter giving up their seat for a pregnant woman, or a random stranger paying for someone’s coffee; these actions remind us that there’s a lot of good in the world. It underscores the…

Have you all noticed the soaring popularity of houseplants these days? It seems like every other social media post features beautiful green ferns, hardy succulents, or leafy monsteras adding life and vibrancy to people’s living spaces. There’s something so soothing about tending to plants and watching them grow. I’ve seen newly dubbed ‘plant parents’ scouting for rare species, sharing care tips, and even trading cuttings with each other. Some chalk this up to more people spending time in their home due to the pandemic and seeking ways to make their environments more pleasant. Others say it’s about a craving for connection to nature when so much of our lives are s…

Has anyone been following the recent spotlight on pet adoption? There’s been quite a surge in people choosing to adopt pets from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. Some attribute this new trend to a growing societal appreciation of animal welfare; others suggest it may be due to high-profile celebrity adoptions that have raised awareness about the overpopulation of shelters. Beyond the obvious benefits of giving a homeless animal a chance at a new life, adopting from a shelter can often be more affordable. Adoption fees usually cover initial veterinary care too, which includes necessary vaccinations and micro-chipping. On the other hand, …

Have you guys heard about this growing trend referred to as the zero waste lifestyle? It’s quite interesting - with individuals and families trying to produce as little waste as possible, embracing reusable items and composting organics. People living this lifestyle claim to fit a year’s worth of their non-compostable trash in a small jar! It’s fascinating to see the lengths some people will go to reduce their ‘waste footprint’. They try to buy food in bulk using their own containers, make their own cleaning products or even toilet paper! This concept has also influenced businesses around the globe. Restaurants, grocery stores, clothing brands and many other bus…

Are you a food enthusiast? Have you noticed the shelves of your local supermarket changing recently? There have been a ton of emerging trends in the culinary world this year. In recent times, there has been a surge towards healthier options such as plant-based diets, superfoods, and clean labels that clearly indicate what ingredients are in a product. This is surely a good thing for our overall well-being but for all the food enthusiasts out there, it’s also a fun way to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Another popular trend worth discussing is the rise of Asian fusion cuisine. It’s interesting to see how chefs are creatively integrating diverse Asian …

With the effects of lockdown making themselves known, have you noticed the surge in home gardening across the globe? With travel constraints and additional time on our hands, it seems like both urban dwellers and country folk are exploring the manifold benefits of growing their own fruit, vegetables, and herbs. I found it interesting that the pandemic has sparked a resurgence of this long-standing tradition. Historically, kitchen gardens were an integral part of life. In times of distress, community gardens have been cultivated and harvested as a way to boost morale and ensure food security. Have you taken up gardening in this period? Would you say the hobby has …

So, it’s been a few weeks since the explosive Meghan Markle and Prince Harry interview with Oprah. There were some heavy allegations made and many people found themselves sympathising with Meghan and Harry, while a lot of other people couldn’t wrap their heads around some of the issues addressed, like the tensions within the Royal family and comments made about Archie’s skin colour. But it’s not just about the revelations made during the interview, right? This situation has brought to surface the bigger issue of racism and bias in the media as well as the toll fame can take on mental health. How are you folks feeling about the interview? Have your perceptions of t…

So, how many of you have considered subscribing to meal kits prepared by renowned chefs? It seems like gourmet dining in the comfort of home is gaining quite a bit of traction these days. Not to mention, these meal kits often expose people to a wider range of foods and cuisines that they may not have otherwise discovered. It’s been heartening to see how chefs and businesses have pivoted during lockdowns to bring a taste of world-class cuisine right to our doorsteps. In some cases, these boxes become a lifeline to keep the restaurant staff employed while introducing us to the joys of preparing gourmet dishes. On the other hand, some people I’ve spoken to miss the…

It’s shocking to think of the changes that have taken place globally due to climate change, but have you considered the impact it might be having closer to home? Our local communities are also bearing the brunt of this climate crisis. The woodlands where I’d have my weekend walks aren’t feeling the same with the drastic change of vegetation due to warmer temperatures and invasive species. It’s noticeable that we are experiencing unpredictable weather patterns, with longer periods of drought or extreme flooding. This is starting to impact our local farmers severely. The fluctuating crop yields are directly affecting the prices of our grocery shopping. Also, each su…

It’s certainly fascinating to see how far we’ve come in the world of automobiles. Once, the electric car was just a far-off dream while now, it’s becoming a more regular sight on the roads. The increased need for sustainable energy choices and the decline of fossil fuel reserves have spurred the transition from internal combustion engines to electric cars. There’s no denying the appeal of electric cars. Quieter, cleaner, and increasingly affordable, these cars are steadily becoming a viable option for many. However, the other side of the coin is the considerable strain on power grids. Additionally, the lithium-ion batteries in electric cars pose an environmental chal…

Have you guys noticed the recent surge in conversations about Netflix’s newest hit, Squid Game? It’s incredible how this South Korean series has managed to seep into every crevice of pop culture so swiftly. Around water coolers and virtual meeting rooms worldwide, topics swing from office politics to the intricate design of the games in the series. And I can’t help but wonder, what is it about Squid Game that captivates audiences so broadly and deeply? Is it the twisted innocence of children’s games turned deadly? Perhaps, it’s our innate desire to see if our favourite character will prevail against seemingly insurmountable odds? Or maybe, it says something abou…

It’s almost a year and a half since the world has been grappling with the pandemic and its repercussions. Among the array of activities we’ve adapted to while coexisting with Covid-19, one particular facet of lifestyle change that fascinates me is how we all have developed a renewed passion for our hobbies or found new ones. I’ve come across multiple accounts of people brushing the dust off their old paint brushes, finally cracking open that book they bought eons ago, learning to cook, or starting a garden at home. This certainly is a testament to our human ability to adapt and seek joy even in the most adverse situations. What old or new hobbies have you all disc…