The Midnight Library Summary and Review – “Between life and death there is a library, and the shelves go on forever within that library. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”
TW: suicide, depression
Have you ever regretted living the life you are living right now? Maybe that one time you could have done things differently. Maybe if you’d just had those painting lessons in school or been in that popular acapella group or said yes to many things that you ran away from because you weren’t ready or felt scared? We’ve all wondered about the possibilities in which we wouldn’t have been the version of ourselves right now and maybe we would have liked ourselves better.
In a world where people, things and ideas are so interconnected, almost like a spider web, there is a pandemic of personal regrets. Social media certainly doesn’t help when you see all those perfect people with their supposedly perfect little lives. And you cannot help but wonder, “what if I could be someone else and maybe I’d be happier”. I don’t know about you, reader, but I certainly have done this regret rapid fire with myself which still continues to this day. In this The Midnight Library review, we will dive into why you should read this book if you feel like a beaten-up ball of personal regrets like I do and how it might help you tread on a path to find yourself.
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library took the Goodreads world by storm when it won the 2020 Goodread’s choice award for Best Fiction category. The timing couldn’t be better with the pandemic raging on full-swing, giving us overthinkers, time to to overthink. Time to think about every minuscule aspect of our lives gone wrong. Dissecting our life choices and making us feel even more miserable than ever.
The Midnight Library is such a book which follows the journey of Nora Seed, a woman who has but regrets in her life. Faced with the sudden passing of her cat, she decides to give up her miserable life. Only, she ends up in a library, the place between life and death. The midnight library, they call it. This library has endless shelves of books, each book a different life. A different choice. A possibility. And thus, Nora decides to live all the lives that she thought would make her happier. But would it?
The Midnight Library Review
The Midnight Library questions this idea of a perfect life, the idea of “what ifs.” It questions the idea of “right choices.” Can choices even be weighed on a standard scale of rights and wrongs when even reality is subjective? The entire premise of the library containing infinite number of possibilities of one’s life is especially interesting and refreshing to read. And none of those possibilities are the “right” choice. As protagonists of our lives, its up to us to make sense of all these endless possibilities. And well, at the end of it all, you might wonder whether all the “what ifs” are truly worth to torture yourself over for.
It is quite a comforting read especially if you are feeling stuck in the rabbit hole of “what if I did that instead of this” and just want a light pick-me-up read. It has a tonne of fantastic inspirational and motivational quotes and analogies. On the other hand, it could be viewed as overly-optimistic by some readers and even “didactic” at certain points. It does function as a quasi-self-help kind of a book as it progresses and might not be a cup of tea for everyone.
As for our JAL rating, it scores a good 4/5 for the above stated reasons. Keeping everything in mind, it still serves as a beautiful read especially if you are looking for a reminder to live in the present and not in your past. Remember, “You are not meant to live like others, you are meant to live as yourself”. Let us know your favourite quotes and opinions on the book in the comments. Until next time, happy reading!
The Glory Review: Season 1 – “Please stop it!” a pleading scream in an empty school gymnasium echo, followed by a muffled laughter. A peep inside, behind the closed doors, reveal a girl pressing a hot iron onto the arm of another. Her arms are red blotches, physically and psychologically butchered and bleeding while a couple of others stand and laugh, amused. Sounds familiar? There are horrifying stories about bullying across the globe and The Glory brings this issue to the forefront. In The Glory season 1 review, we talk about why this show is selling like hot cakes while keeping it spoiler-free. So, sit back and let’s get right into it.
TW: Sexual violence, abuse, bullying, suicide.
The Glory Trailer
The Glory is a revenge thriller based on the issue of school bullying, successfully portraying the heart wrenching consequences of such experiences on the victims. For many years now, the kdrama industry has been producing shows which address social issues that plague not only the Korean society but are issues of universal social interest. Many of such kdramas, such as Sky Castle, have become instant hits with the viewers and The Glory is no less.
Its season one has bagged the rating of 8.9 out of 10 on the reviewing platform Mydramalist.com. The Glory consist of two seasons, each consisting 8 episodes. Season one first premiered on Netflix on 30th December 2022 while season two is scheduled to air on Netflix on 10th March, 2023.
Interestingly, although The Glory itself is a work of fiction, it is inspired by a few real-life incidents of bullying. It is written by veteran screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, known for global hits like Guardian: Lonely and Great God and Descendants of the Sun. She revealed in one of her interviews that certain scenes have been inspired by real-life bullying incidents in South Korea.
The Glory revolves around Moon Dong-eun. Dong-eun is an underprivileged child with absent parents, living on her own in a dingy inn. She gets entangled with one of the rich kids, Park Yeon-jin. Yeon-jin and her friends subsequently bully Dong-eun, physically and sexually abusing her to the point that she considers jumping off of a building. With no one to lean on, Dong-eun leaves school and starts working while scheming an intricate and detailed plan set in the future to destroy her perpetrators and avenge herself.
One of the highlights of the show is Dong-Eun’s character itself. Song Hye-kyo’s Dong-eun resembles Rosamund Pike’s Amy of Gone Girl. Although Dong-eun is definitely way subtler and patient than Amy, waiting years to get her plan into action. Dong-eun worked in a factory and prepared for her college entrance tests while Yeon-jin and her friends were having the time of their lives. Now, she reappears as Yeon-jin’s child’s homeroom teacher with nothing to lose and determined to win.
Moreover, the motif of the game of ‘Go’ is also a recurring theme in the series where Dong-eun tries to learn the game from a medical intern Joo Yeo-jeong played by Lee Do-hyun. The game of Go is one of the oldest and most difficult games in the world. It is an abstract strategy game where a player tries to win by surrounding more territory than their opponent.
Interestingly and quite cleverly, this is exactly what Dong-eun seems to be doing in season one of the show. She makes her moves quietly, trying to win as much territory as she can and on her way tries to unravel the façade of Yeon-jin’s supposedly perfect life. This is what makes The Glory such a thrilling and interesting watch. The characters are all but playing a game of Go against each other, trying to win as many stakes as possible to tumble the other over for good.
Moreover, as all well-written revenge thrillers, The Glory deals with extremely high-stake twists and turns. The kind that can make one’s life topsy-turvy in a second. But as viewers, what more could we ask for!
In a nutshell, The Glory’s season one with its experienced and talented cast gives a phenomenal performance. The action-packed, fast-paced storyline with the subdued scandalous secrets is a treat for any thriller lover. Without revealing a spoiler, must we say that you are in for a treat. So, what are you waiting for? Watch The Glory season one on Netflix and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Final Offer By Lauren Asher Book Review – After devouring the first two books in the series and waiting almost a year for the next book, I had pretty high expectations for Callahan and Alana. Cal and Lana along with cami have reached those expectations. Final Offer is the third book in the Dreamland Billionaire series by Lauren Asher. The Series follows the lives of three Kane brothers who strive to fulfil their late grandfather’s will in order to receive their share of inheritance.
Final Offer By Lauren Asher Summary
Cal and Alana are childhood friends and lovers who break up after a relationship of one summer and Cal promises never to return to the Lake house. He kept his promise for six years. As a part of the will, Cal returns to sell the lake house before his grandfather’s second death anniversary to receive his twenty-five billion dollars. He returns to Lake Wysteria and learns that Alana is a co-owner of the lake house.
Cal and Lana’s story is a second chance, small town romance. Our man Callahan Kane is a charmer. He can sweet talk you into doing anything for him. The Kane brothers go above and beyond for the ones they love and Callahan Kane is no exception. Alana Castillo is a single mother in a small town trying her hardest to provide the best life for her daughter. The 5 year-old Cami Castillo is a sweetheart. She has a big heart and is full of love and warmth. She makes a get well soon card for Cal when he wakes up with a hangover.
The book also beautifully portrays life in a small town and the care and concern the residents have for one another. The bond between cami and cal was a treat to read. From being terrified of the possibility of a child to giving cami the best birthday by taking her to Dreamland they have come a long way.
The interactions between the Kane brothers and between Iris and Cal were too good. There are a number of cute and toe-curling moments in the book. “He makes me want to have fun, enjoy life, and dream in a way I have long since forgotten over the years. Even with the odds stacked against us, he makes me want to believe we can work out.” Although, both of them have never stopped loving each other, they each have issues to deal with. Lana has a tough time trusting Cal the second time around, afraid he is going to break Cami’s heart along with her own. “Not trusting him and his addiction isn’t a sign of immaturity, but experience”.
The book talks about addiction. Cal is always running away from problems and trying to numb his pain using alcohol. The kind of effect addiction have on people’s lives and relationships. “Getting sober isn’t a goal, it’s a journey. YOUR journey. And as much as I wanted you to get healthy, I went about it all the wrong way. There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t wonder what might have happened if I supported you rather than turned my back on you.”
Dreamland Billionaires series has three strong women of color who know their worth and not let anyone tell them otherwise. Zahra, Iris and Alana are extremely talented in their respective fields and have certain dreams and aspirations. Personally, I think although Dreamland Billionaires is a story of three brothers the fmc’s take away the attention in each book.
If you like reading similar romance stories like Final offer and other Lauren Asher’s books then give the following a try as well.
Addicted to you (by Krista and Becca Ritchie): Lily and Lo are childhood best friends, then fake date each other, finally falling in love. Both of them battling with their individual addictions
It Happened One Summer (by Tessa Bailey): It is a small town romance set in Westport. Brendan and Piper coming from two different worlds and lifestyles fall in love and navigate through life.
Every Summer After (by Carley Fortune): It is a small town childhood friends to lovers. Written in two different timelines, the story is all about past love and a apt read if you are thinking about your first crush.
Do let me know in the comments section if you guys want a detailed review on the above books as well. I will see you in another article. Until then, take care!
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OnePlus 11 Review – When OnePlus first entered the market, it only had one goal: FLAGSHIP KILLER. OnePlus’ sole motive was to offer a smartphone with all of the top-specs at an affordable price. Remember the OnePlus One, Two, and X? Yes, those were the absolute flagship killers at the time. However, in recent years, OnePlus has altered its focus from being a flagship killer to a flagship maker. This strategy, however, was not as effective as they had planned, and the firm is now back to fundamentals with a more traditional formula: a phone with a top-of-the-line processor and a competitive price that undercuts many flagship models. Well, welcome back, bro!!
OnePlus has stated that there would be no Pro model this year, as the OnePlus 11 5G will be the company’s sole flagship model in 2023. But, I believe they will issue a T model later this year, similar to how they do after 6 months after the first model launch. Right, enough on the intro, let’s get right into the review.
When it comes to design, the OnePlus 11 is certainly one of the sleekest-looking phones you can get for this price. It has a thin design, with only 0.34 inches, making it even slimmer than the Google Pixel 7 (one of the competitors for a near similar price), but not as thin as the iPhone 14 or the Samsung Galaxy S23 models. I assume the curved screen, combined with the slim edges, makes it appear more sleek than it really is.
The OnePlus has a 6.7-inch screen with a sharper 3,216 x 1,440 AMOLED display and a 120Hz maximum refresh rate. One minor limitation is that it only has two refresh rate options: standard (60Hz) and high (120Hz). Although it is not a big deal, an adjustment at 90Hz could have an added advantage.
Also, it has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is often found in the top flagship models and makes it extremely scratch-resistant. It also includes the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is common in top flagship models, making this one extremely scratch resistant. The speckled and textured surface added by OnePlus to the phone’s Gorilla Glass 5 rear panel gives it a plastic-like feel. Still, the OnePlus 11 looks great thanks to the matte stainless steel with chrome accents on the camera housing and sides.
OnePlus 11 Software & Performance
The OnePlus 11 is a mid-range model that comes with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset, which is superior to the Google Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 and the Samsung Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. That top-tier processor is combined with 256GB of storage and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM to help manage a dozen (or up to 44) apps cached in the background. Seems like nothing in today’s world, right? Trust me, you will know when you use it real time.
OnePlus phones have also always been more tailored towards gaming than most other mainstream handsets, thanks to its built-in Hyper Boost Gaming Engine capabilities. If you’re already a OnePlus user, I’m sure I don’t need to explain that the “gaming mode” starts as soon as you start playing, freeing up Memory and optimising the device’s performance. The OnePlus 11 is especially enjoyable because of its 120Hz display and 1000Hz touch response rate. This phone will also attempt to maintain a consistent frame rate on the screen, similar to how variable refresh rate works on the Xbox Series X or PS5.
In terms of the operating system, it comes with Android 13, which OnePlus alters further and calls OxygenOS 13, which is essentially another iteration of its sister company’s ColorOS 13. I have to say this now! I miss the days when OnePlus had its own OxygenOS version that was a strong competitor to Android OS on Pixel phones. According to a post on the OnePlus community, the OnePlus 11 will receive four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
With the OnePlus 11, OnePlus continued their collaboration with Hasselblad on the software side of the camera to extract and deliver the best images from the 50-megapixel main camera, 48MP wide-angle, and 32MP Portrait Tele camera. The main camera also boasts Sony IMX890 optical and electronic image stabilisation which is now a default one all the top-end flagship models. It also comes with a 115-degree wide-angle field of view, and a special 13-channel Accu-spectrum Light Color Identifier sensor for accurate colour reproduction.
The images from the OnePlus 11 appear to have a very contrasty look when we look more closely at the camera section, with an emphasis on darker shadows over brilliant highlights. The combination of Hasselblad’s colour calibration and the phone’s ability to shoot in 10-bit colour makes photographs from this device sparkle.
Instead of a telephoto camera, the OnePlus 11 includes a portrait-enhancing camera that has been tweaked by Hasselblad to mimic bokeh portraits from its XCD 30mm and 65mm camera lenses. It’s adequate, but it’s no replacement for a telephoto camera’s excellent zoom option. While other handsets in the OnePlus 11’s price range don’t even have a telephoto camera, it is very disappointing that the Google Pixel 7 Pro has a 5x optical zoom and the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 10x lens.
OnePlus 11 Battery Life & Charging
The OnePlus 11 has a large 5000 mAh battery, which is currently standard for most high-end smartphones. Also, with this battery capacity, heavy users can expect a full day of use, while light users can extend this to two days. The phone has an LTPO display and a power-efficient processor to further improve battery life.
Nevertheless, battery life isn’t the most important topic here. What’s important to note here is the OnePlus’s fast charging. I don’t think I need to explain this to OnePlus users. I’m sure we all leave our phones at 10% when we go for a bath and get 50 – 60% when we return from the bath after 20 minutes. With its 100W rapid charging capability, the OnePlus 11 is even faster. The phone’s battery can be charged from 0% to 100% in about 25 minutes. Even a 10-minute charge can recharge the battery to roughly 50%.
It’s also worth mentioning that the phone comes with a 100W charger in the box, which is a big deal nowadays. Lol! The only drawback is the absence of wireless charging support, which is surprising given that this is a flagship killer phone. However, if you want a phone with a long battery life and charging that is so fast that you don’t have to set aside time to do it, the OnePlus 11 is the phone for you.
Camera performance is inconsistent when comparing to its competitors and the 2x telephoto lens isn’t worth much
No wireless charging (Come on!! You are supposed to be a flagship killer bruh!)
No IP68 Rating (Bruh! Why?)
OnePlus 11 Price In India, US, and UK
The OnePlus 11 comes in two different variants. The version with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage costs $699/£729/€849/₹56,999, while the version with 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage costs $799/£799/€919/₹61,999. The phone is available at OnePlus stores (in-person or online) and Amazon. I’ve included the links below for your convenience.
Overall, the OnePlus 11 is a wonderful package at this price point, with impressive battery life, fast charging, and performance. Indeed, it falls short in some areas, such as camera performance, lack of wireless charging, and lack of an IP68 rating when compared to competitors.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a high-performance Android smartphone with top specs in 2023 that will be guaranteed to remain fast and have software support until 2028, then the OnePlus 11 is an excellent option I would strongly recommend!!
OnePlus 11 FAQs
Is OnePlus 11 Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for a high-performance Android smartphone with top specs in 2023 that will be guaranteed to remain fast and have software support until 2028, then the OnePlus 11 is an excellent option I would strongly recommend!!
Is OnePlus 11 Waterproof?
No, OnePlus 11 doesn’t have the IP68 rating. Although it is dust and water resistant, you should not use it in heavy rain for an extended period of time.
OnePlus 11 Colour Variants?
OnePlus 11 comes in two colours: Titan black and Eternal green.
OnePlus 11 Alternatives?
Google Pixel 7, iPhone 14, and Samsung Galaxy S23 are some alternatives for OnePlus 11.
Does OnePlus 11 have wireless charging?
No, OnePlus 11 doesn’t have wireless charging. This is one of the disadvantages we have in this model for this price.
Google AI Chatbot Bard – Every year, our world becomes more modern, and as I was wondering what is in for us in 2023, OpenAI released their new chatGPT version. ChatGPT is market disruptive technology which is very much different from the typical automated responses we get from chatbots on today’s websites. It has captivated the imagination of millions of people since its release in November 2022, owing to its human-like reactions and simple interface. So Google has to do something now, right? Well, That’s all about this article.
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What is Google AI Chatbot Bard and How Google Bard Works?
Google AI chatbot Bard works in the same way that ChatGPT does, in that users can interact with the chatbot through conversation. The new chatbot is built on Google’s Language Model for Dialogue Application (Language Model for Dialogue Application or LaMDA). It is, according to the firm, a lite-version of LaMDA. For the unknown, LaMDA model has access to a total of 1.56 trillion words of “public conversation data and web content” prior to its launch. The dataset is comprised of the following mix:
12.5% are code documents from programming Q&A websites, tutorials, and others
6.25% are English web documents
6.25% are Non-English web documents
50% are dialogs data from public forums.
Only 25% of the data is from a named source (the C4 dataset and Wikipedia). The remaining data, which accounts for 75% of the Infinite dataset, consists of words scraped from the Internet.
According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Bard is currently being tested by a small group of users. However, Bard will be available for general use very shortly. According to a Google spokesperson, The goal is not to monetise Bard at the moment and the plan now is to build a healthy online ecosystem and will prioritise directing search traffic to creators and news publishers as it develops AI tools.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between Google’s Bard and chatGPT, the answer is the data. I’m not sure whether you’ve tested chatGPT for yourself, if you ask a difficult question, chatGPT will respond back to you that it’s knowledge base is limited only till 2021, whereas Bard uses real-time data from Google dataset I’ve mentioned above. Well, here comes the problem.
On February 6th, 2023, this Monday, Google organised an event. The main objective of this Google’s event was to reveal new Google Maps and Google Search features and enhancements that have been in the works for some time. The immersive view and glanceable directions are two notable features that would have been major attractions from this event. But, of course, the recent partnership announcement of Microsoft’s cooperation with Open AI, followed by the fast inclusion of ChatGPT into the new and better Bing version, forced Google to say something about Bard.
What question did Bard get wrong?
During the event, they not only mentioned Google Bard, but also demonstrated it and broadcasted it widely on social media. Google shared a GIF of Bard responding to the question, “What new discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope can I tell my 9 year old about?” In response, Bard provides three bullet points, one of which asserts that the telescope “took the very first pictures of a planet outside of our own solar system.” Well, that’s the issue here!
Bard is an experimental conversational AI service, powered by LaMDA. Built using our large language models and drawing on information from the web, it’s a launchpad for curiosity and can help simplify complex topics → https://t.co/fSp531xKy3pic.twitter.com/JecHXVmt8l
According to NASA, however, the first picture of an exoplanet, or a planet outside of our solar system, was actually captured in 2004 by the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory. Although Bard is still in its early stages of development, it is evident that it is not good at fact-checking.
Bard’s miscalculation cost Google’s parent firm Alphabet $100 billion (£82 billion), causing the stock to fall 7.7% on Wednesday. On the other hand, Microsoft shares increased 3% at the time and were flat post trading. In addition, Microsoft stole the spotlight on February 7 with a surprise event in which it introduced a new version of its search engine Bing developed in collaboration with OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT, Dall-E, and other products.
This is what Google’s spokesperson had to say when the media went crazy about it.
This highlights the importance of a rigorous testing process, something that we’re kicking off this week with our Trusted Tester program. We’ll combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bard’s responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information.” — Google spokesperson
Mistakes Google Must Have Avoided
1. Google rush the chatGPT rival
Given the growing popularity of ChatGPT, which debuted in November, Google internally declared the creation of its own chatbot a “code red” project. CNBC reported last month that the Google team had issued an internal memo instructing them reduce meeting times and to prioritise work on a response to ChatGPT.
2. Google AI chatbot Bard makes factual error in first demo
This haste in development is very evident in the demo. They say that first impressions must be positive. Just picture yourself confidently presenting a bad project output to your entire class. As previously said, this one tiny blunder has resulted in a $100 billion loss. To prevent humiliation, Google decided to hide the new AI announcement by switching the livestream to private, assuming that the rest of the world would not be aware of it. Lol. Come on, guys!! Here’s a tweet about it that I found on Twitter.
Last but not least, you must avoid arriving late to the party! Well, that what happened here. Google is very well late to this AI party. Lol. I’m not sure what you think, but in my opinion, with Google’s leadership and knowledge base, Google must have started this AI trend at least 5 years ago.
Up until this point, I didn’t believe ChatGPT could pose a real threat to Google’s AI development. However, as chatGPT continues to advance and Google’s Bard’s sluggishness, it is now become a question.
But, I also have a sense that Google will not leave this easily. OpenAI was first, but with technological breakthroughs and a larger knowledge base, I believe Google could quickly outperform it. That could happen in the next weeks or months, but this demo incident shows that Google’s primary enemy isn’t ChatGPT, but itself.
What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments below. I am also planning to write a comparative article of Google Bard vs openAI ChatGPT. Follow and stay tuned with Just A Library for more such interesting articles.
Harry Styles Grammys – It’s difficult to predict which musicians will last the longest in the test of time. Once they’ve attained icon status after 5 – 10 years in the industry, it will be always amusing to retrace their spectacular rise. However, there are a select few artists whose memorable moments can be witnessed in real time. Harry Styles is one such artist. This post is written by a Harry Styles admirer who recalls some of his most memorable career moments.
Harry Styles is a charming, witty, and extremely likeable person. He has both girls and boys drooling over him. Hundreds of thousands of people are captivated by those forest green eyes. In 2022, he also starred in two films now has three Grammys to his name. In this article, We will assess the years 2011-2023 as one in a million.
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Harry Styles Grammys – Where it all started
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, Harry auditioned the X Factor at the age of 16 as his mother told him “he is a good singer.” He was in the band “One Direction” at the time, along with four other teenagers. One Direction finished third on the show, but went on to become the most successful boy band, earning 242 awards out of 366 nominations during their time together.
One Direction experienced some of the biggest highs of all time, gaining millions of fans worldwide. Their biggest fan base was teen girls attending concerts and buying records and vinyls. They went on to win seven Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards (including Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015), and 28 Teen Choice Awards. According to Forbes, they earned an estimated $75 million in 2013, making them the second highest-paid stars under 30.
After Hiatus
After their huge journey, One Direction decided to take a break in January 2016 to focus on their individual careers. “[It was scary] because I’d come out of the band and it was like, if I want to be considered seriously as a musician, I can’t make fun music,” he recounted. “[It was] bowling with the bumpers up, playing it safe.” Since releasing his debut solo album in 2017, Harry has gained more confidence and identity about the style of music he wants to make and has indicated that it is still alright if he falls short of One Direction’s peak success.
Harry Styles’ Music
Many people have found solace in Harry’s songs during difficult time including myself. In ‘Matilda,’ he wrote about children who did not have the childhood or parents they deserved, and he informs us that it is okay to move on from such individuals and form new and better relationships. His first song following a break, “Sign of the Times,” is about the difficult times in life which not only expressed how it came through the difficult times but also tells how we should keep going. His other songs, such as “Watermelon sugar” and “As it was,” also went on to get acclamations and awards.
Harry Styles’ Love on Tour
Harry’s latest album, “Harry’s House,” was published in 2022, and he is now on tour. Styles has been travelling in support of his album Harry’s House, and has sold out 15 nights at Madison Square Garden in New York and 15 nights at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Harry’s concerts are one-of-a-kind, providing a safe atmosphere for his supporters to come out and express themselves. He gives his viewers advice on relationships, self-love, and life in general. I wish to be a part of all the magic and madness that unfolds in his concert one day.
Styles is an inspiration not just as an artist but also as someone who is true to himself. He is a fashion icon inspiring people to be comfortable in their skin and making bold statements in terms of style. “I’ve never talked about my life away from work publicly and found that it’s benefited me positively,” Harry adds. Harry recently received two Grammy Awards in 2023 for best album and best pop vocal album.
To Harry,
We are proud of all that you have achieved and support your choices today or years down the line. May you continue to do whatever it is that makes your heart happy and you achieve all that you desire and more.
We’ll be alright Harry!! Love to you!!
Like all of the One Direction fans dying to see Harry, Louis, Liam, Niall and Zayn on stage together, we wish and pray for a reunion whenever the five of them are ready and comfortable.
A post By JAL Guest Author – This die-hard Harry Styles fan prefers to remain anonymous. We therefore excluded the author’s details from this article.
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Stromboli Movie Review – It is said that you should face your fears to conquer them. But it is always easier said than done. Sometimes it takes a lot of persuasion and support from others to take the leap. Facing the fear eventually does purge one of that fear, but going through the motions once again can be quite scary.
The movie Stromboli on Netflix is a testament to this claim. It tells the story of Sara, a middle-aged Dutch woman on a trip to Stromboli in Italy. She initially went with the aim to just get drunk and forget her worries, but she stumbled upon a self-help group one night. This self-help group helps her overcome the issues she has been running away from. Stromboli is a scenic hamlet in Italy and it boasts of aesthetic avenues for people to soak in the Mediterranean sun.
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Stromboli Movie Trailer
Stromboli Movie Plot
The movie Stromboli is all about the journey of self-discovery and facing one’s fears. Elise Schnapps plays the role of Sara who is on a vacation to the volcanic town of Stromboli in Italy. Upon her arrival at the picturesque Italian hamlet, the first thing she does is drink alcohol instead of some water. She clearly is going through turmoil and acts on an impulse. After spending an evening with a strange man, Sara goes back to her room in an inebriated state and ends up creating a mess there. She gets thrown out with nowhere to go. She takes refuge in a church for the night.
There she meets Jens who takes her to the same place she dropped the stranger off the previous night. A bunch of people have already settled there to embark on a journey to face their inner demons and purge themselves of that anger, fear, and other negative emotions. There, Sara faces her fear. As a young woman, she was molested at a party. During her daughter’s birthday, she sees a boy getting close to her daughter and she flies into a rage. She throws the boy out of the house. Sara also is addicted to drugs, and alcohol and also cheats on her husband. After those incidents, she has a rocky relationship with her husband and her daughter too.
After a few days of intense self-help sessions with Jens, Thandi, and others, Sara learns to embrace her fears. She decides to let go of her guilt. She settles her issues with her daughter and also sobers up. Along with Sara, the other members of the self-help group also learn to come face to face with guilt and trauma that has been weighing them down all their lives. After those few days in Stromboli, Sara makes a new set of friends whom she can count on. She is much more calm, collected now and she also sets her records straight with the owner of the place she initially stayed at.
Source – Netflix (A still from ‘Stromboli’ on Netflix)
Stromboli Movie Review
Stromboli is a movie you have to watch if you want encouragement, persuasion, and support. The movie moves something in the audience’s mind which makes them vulnerable but at the same time very strong. Elise Schaap as Sara is a delight to watch on screen. She nailed the role of a troubled woman who is suffering from alcoholism, filial issues, and also a deep settled trauma from her younger days. Stromboli provides a shoulder to the tired soul, it works like a balm on the wounds, it helps you finally cry those tears you’ve been suppressing inside.
Sure, some might find the practices of the self-help group to be very intense, a little unnerving, and perhaps also not conducive to everyone’s mental health. But it all depends on the person opting for it. For Jens, Thandi, Sara, and others in the self-help group, these exercises – of describing their trauma, of having a dialogue with the one they have unresolved issues with, of lying to another person and feeling their weight – they worked out for them. All of this eventually boils down to what practice or routine one is willing to adopt to purge oneself of the fear and be free from the shackles of trauma.
Stromboli does not advocate a set style of exercises to overcome a trauma. Instead, it provides an outlet, an option for those seeking respite. The movie is definitely not something all of us would be comfortable watching for it does have vivid descriptions of sexual assault, physical violence, suicide, and deep-settled trauma.
JAL gives Stromboli a solid 4 out of 5. This Elise Schaap-starrer film is a must-have on your watchlist. Who knows? Perhaps it might help you peep into yourself and go on a journey of self-discovery!
Which other films of similar themes have you watched? Tell us in the comments below!
Rich Dad Poor Dad Summary & Review – Rich Dad Poor Dad is a modern classic of personal finance and an International best-selling book of all time written by Robert Kiyosaki based on his real-life experiences. Robert Kiyosaki is an American entrepreneur, author, and a big supporter of financial education. He has authored several books based on his life experiences. His books have sold over 41 million copies worldwide. Read the full article to know more about his book, summary, key takeaways, etc.
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Rich Dad Poor Dad Summary & Review
In this book, Robert Kiyosaki recollects his childhood memories of his two fathers. His father and his best friend’s father. While he has fond memories of both, they were different perspectives on finances.
This book is about Robert Kiyosaki’s (Poor Dad) and his friend’s (Rich Dad) and how both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing.
The concept of a rich dad vs. a poor dad should help people stop blaming others for their financial problems. Instead, it should teach people that they are responsible for their financial well-being- no one else is responsible for that but them.
Robert Kiyosaki’s ideology of “ you don’t need to earn a high income to be rich”.
We let the two most common emotions linked with money, fear, and greed, rule our decisions. That is why we still abide by the old mentality “Go to school, go to college, get a job, play it safe,” even though no job is safe any longer. The author shares his life examples to help others escape the rate race.
1. The poor and the middle-class work for money. The rich have money to work for them
The idea is to invest, buy assets, sell, and build businesses that make profits and make money and make that money work for you instead of relying solely on paychecks. He brings out facts and real examples of Rich people working smartly to reach financial freedom.
Rich Dad Poor Dad Summary and Review - Is Rich Dad Poor Dad Worth Reading?
People who are controlled by fear and greed drive the Rat Race. Their fear of not having enough money motivates them to get out of bed, go to work, and pay their bills. When they are paid more, their desire drives them to increase their spending, which forces them to continue working indefinitely. Most people in this cycle believe that money will alleviate their anxiety, but it never does.
2. Why learn financial literacy?
A concept you might be familiar with. Today the internet is filled with this message. Robert Kiyosaki has explained this in his book on the topic “why financial literacy”. Financial literacy is required to make, grow, and save money over time. You can make a lot of money and still be broke if you are not financially literate. You can use it to learn smart ways to make money work for you over time.
3. It’s not how much money you make that matters. It’s how much money you keep.
You could make a million dollars today, but if you mismanage it tomorrow, it doesn’t really matter if you made a million. The true strength lies in limiting or, as most of us refer to it, budgeting. Some guy making money and keeping it for a few generations; means he made the money and multiplied it across generations. He or she made it work for them. Make money work for you rather than being slaves to it. If you are worrying about your future and thinking about how you can manage these recession times, then you should read our article on a helpful guide on how to prepare for a recession.
One definition of wealth is that of R. Buckminster Fuller: “Wealth is a person’s ability to survive so many days forward – or, if I stopped working today, how long could I survive? The first step toward becoming wealthy is to ensure that your assets’ income exceeds your expenses.
4. Rich people acquire assets. The poor and middle class acquire liabilities that they think are assets
To be rich, you must understand the distinction between an asset and a liability and invest in assets. It may appear to be a simple rule, but most people have no idea how difficult it is. People struggle financially because they do not understand the distinction between an asset and a liability.
An asset is a source of income for you. A liability consumes your money. Despite this, people pour their money into liabilities, such as high-priced cars and other material possessions. When you have enough assets, you don’t need a salary to make ends meet. For example, The majority of the population believes that their home is an asset. However, it is a liability. That’s because it takes money out of your pocket in taxes, expenses, or any value losses, and the opportunities you miss by tying up your money in a home.
The majority of people spend their lives working for others. It includes their employer, the government through taxes, and banks through mortgages. Most people remain trapped in the cycle of working for others and making them rich instead of themselves.
You do not need to start your own business to break the cycle. All you have to do is focus on increasing your assets rather than solely relying on your income. Many people live paycheck to paycheck and will never be able to escape the Rat Race because they have no assets working for them.
6. Three Management Principles
To succeed in life and become wealthy, one should possess these crucial management skills
Management of cash flows – If you are able to manage your cash flows, and find a way to earn more income, you will be rich than most of the population
Management of Systems – This is a crucial skill, if you learn how systems work and how to earn money, and escape the debt cycle smartly, you will become wealthy over time.
Management of People – Managing people and getting work done is a crucial task, with good people handling, negotiation, and persuasion skills, you will be an unstoppable force.
Rich Dad Poor Dad is written from an American perspective considering their lifestyle, taxation models, etc. But the concepts apply to all country’s citizens. He claims that even if someone is an academic genius, a topper, or a gold medalist, without financial know-how, there is a possibility they will end up as a failure.
The First half of the book is about conversations with both of his fathers (well, one is biological, and the other is his financial (his best friend’s dad). The second half of the book is about thinking about your current situation and how to improve it. We highly recommend this book to anyone interested in finance or looking to improve their financial literacy regardless of age.
Are you in a shopping mood and looking for some great deals? Look no further than Five Below Stores, where you can find amazing discounted items of all kinds. From clothing and accessories to audio equipment and electronics, there is something for everyone at these stores. Check out our list of the five best Five Below deals available now!
Why Five Below?
If you are a parent looking for cool books and toys for your kids, or a uni student on a budget who wants cool quality stuff, or a homemaker/renter wanting to refurb your home on a budget, then Five Below is your answer. They sell a wide range of toys and games, books, candies, stationeries, electronics, home decor, storage organization products, and other cool stuff at unbeatable prices. And the great news is this discount retail chain is set to lengthen its chain with 200 more stores nationwide in 2023.
Given the current cost of living, stretching a dollar can be challenging without Five Below. Here are some interesting ways to make your dollar go above and beyond at Five Below:
Are you looking for some affordable, yet perfect workout outfit or accessories? Five Below Stores has an amazing collection of activewear for you to choose from. A wide range of fitness accessories such as kettlebells, dumbbells, cryo massagers, resistance bands, etc. ergonomically and economically designed are available here. Check out their newest collections available now.
Follow your dream influencer, photographer, dancer, musician, or gamer life with technology starting at $5. Get yourselves the perfect gaming gears, phone covers, Bluetooth speakers/headphones/earbuds, streaming equipment, camera kits, and other smart accessories for a smart living at smart prices from Five Below. Don’t miss out on this incredible offer – shop now at Five Below Stores to get your hands on the best technology at unbeatable prices!
At Five Below Stores, you can find amazing home decor and organization stuff starting as low as $1. Enjoy top-quality home and office essentials like soft pillows, comfy blankets, aesthetic rugs and lights, durable mugs, organizing containers, edgy shelves, and whatnot at affordable prices. Check out dreamy decorations for your dream home now.
Five Below Squishmallows, Game Tables, Puzzles & Crafts Start As Low As $3
Discover the amazing selection of games, puzzles, and craft materials starting from as low as $3 at Five Below Stores! Let your children on a shopping spree worry-free at Five Below. From classic card games like Uno, Cluedo, and advanced jigsaw puzzles to funky action figures, hello kitty, and the famous plush squishmallows and books, paints, and brushes, you can find everything here at incredible prices. Check out the offers now to get the best value for your money and take part in hours of family fun and entertainment.
At Five Below, your pets too can be spoiled with their favorite toys, apparel, and accessories at low prices. Give them their dream sleep on a plush bed with a holiday blanket as low as $4 without breaking your pocket. Grab the offer now.
These Five Below deals can be found in-store as well as in the Five Below Online store. And while you are at it, do not miss out on the famous Five Below Hello Kitty and Five Below Squishmallows special valentine collections for your mini-valentines.
Is StockX Legit? How Does Bidding Work on StockX? – I know you might have so many questions related to StockX, how StockX works, how to buy and sell products in StockX, etc. This article will give you a comprehensive overview of what is StockX and a step-by-step guide on how to use StockX. Keep reading!!
What is StockX? Is StockX Legit?
StockX is an online marketplace that was founded in 2016 and has quickly become the go-to destination for buying and selling sneakers, streetwear, watches, and designer handbags. It is more like eBay but on a different level. haha! StockX has a unique bidding system that allows buyers and sellers to negotiate prices in real-time, similar to the stock market in today’s world.
Long story short, the concept of StockX was born out of the frustration of sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts who were tired of dealing with counterfeit products and unreliable sellers on other online marketplaces. StockX offers a safe and secure platform where buyers can be confident that they are getting authentic products, and sellers can be sure they will get a fair price for their items. So, if you are wondering if stock is legit, it is a yes!!
How Does StockX Bidding Work? How StockX works?
Just like I’ve mentioned earlier, the bidding system on StockX is quite simple and straight forward. When a seller lists an item, they set a minimum price they are willing to accept for that specific products, known as the “ask.” Buyers just like you can then place bids on the listed products, starting at the lowest possible price the seller will accept.
As buyers place bids, they can see how many other buyers are interested in the same item and what prices they have bid. This information allows buyers to adjust their bids in real-time to try and secure the item at the best possible price. Once a buyer’s bid matches or exceeds the seller’s ask, a “sale” occurs, and the transaction will be completed.
StockX then verifies the authenticity of the product before shipping it to the buyer and that’s it. If you are a seller – you list, watch and sell! If you are a buyer – You explore, bid, and buy the products you like! Also, worth mentioning again that this is another platform you can find all the exclusive and limited edition shoes, watches from all big brands.
StockX has a wide variety of products available from top brands in the sneaker, streetwear, watch, and designer handbag industries. Here are some of the most popular brands and products available on the platform. Starting with sneakers from Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Yeezy, New Balance to watches from Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe. You can also buy and sell designer luxury handbags as well. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Hermes are some of the luxury handbag brands you can buy from StockX. StockX also has streetwear from Bape, Palace, Supreme, etc. In short, you can find everything you need to make yourself a fashion icon. All you need is to join, bid/sell and have fun!
How to Buy on StockX? How to Buy Sneakers on StockX?
Create an Account To start buying on StockX, you need to create an account. Visit the StockX website or download the app and click on “Sign Up” in the top right corner. Fill out the required information, including your name, email address, and password.
Browse Products Once you’ve created an account, you can browse the products available on StockX. You can use the search bar to look for a specific item or browse by category, brand, or product type. You can also filter your search by size, condition, and price range.
Place a Bid When you find an item you want to purchase, you can place a bid. Click on the item to view its details, including the current lowest ask (the lowest price that a seller is willing to accept) and the highest bid (the highest price that a buyer is willing to pay). Enter the amount you’re willing to pay and click “Place Bid.”
Wait for Your Bid to be Accepted Once you’ve placed your bid, you’ll need to wait for a seller to accept it. You can track the status of your bid by clicking on “My Bids” in your account. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be notified via email.
Complete the Purchase After your bid is accepted, you’ll need to complete the purchase by providing payment and shipping information. StockX accepts payment through major credit cards and PayPal. Once your payment is processed, the seller will ship the item to StockX for verification.
Receive and Confirm Your Purchase After StockX verifies that the item is authentic, it will be shipped to you. Once you receive it, you’ll need to confirm that you’ve received it in good condition by clicking on “Confirm Delivery” in your account. The seller will then receive payment for the item.
How to Sell Shoes on StockX? How to Sell on StockX?
Create an Account To start selling on StockX, you need to create an account. Visit the StockX website or download the app and click on “Sign Up” in the top right corner. Fill out the required information, including your name, email address, and password.
List Your Item Once you’ve created an account, you can list the item you want to sell. Click on “Sell” in the top navigation bar and enter the details of your item, including the product type, brand, size, and condition. You’ll also need to set a price for the item.
Wait for a Buyer to Place a Bid After you’ve listed your item, you’ll need to wait for a buyer to place a bid. You can track the status of your item by clicking on “My Asks” in your account. When a buyer places a bid, you’ll be notified via email.
Ship Your Item to StockX If your ask is accepted, you’ll need to ship your item to StockX for verification. StockX will provide you with a prepaid shipping label to use. Once StockX receives your item, it will be verified for authenticity.
Receive Payment After your item is verified, it will be shipped to the buyer. Once the buyer confirms receipt of the item, you’ll receive payment for the sale, minus StockX’s seller fees.
Is StockX Legit? How Does StockX Bidding Work?
Pros of StockX
Authenticity Guarantee: StockX verifies the authenticity of every product sold on the platform, so buyers can be confident that they are getting the real deal.
Competitive Prices: The bidding system on StockX ensures that buyers can get the best possible price for the items they want to purchase.
Large Selection: StockX has a vast selection of products available from top brands in the sneaker, streetwear, watch, and designer handbag industries.
Easy to Use: The StockX website and app are easy to navigate, making it simple to find and purchase the items you want.
Safe and Secure: StockX provides a safe and secure platform for buyers and sellers to transact, with features like buyer protection and seller accountability.
Cons of StockX
High Fees: StockX charges a transaction fee of between 3% and 9.5%, depending on the product category, which can add up quickly.
Slow Shipping: StockX’s verification process can take several days, which means that buyers may have to wait longer to receive their purchases.
Limited Returns: StockX has a strict “no returns” policy, which means that buyers need to be sure they want the item before making a purchase.
Counterfeit Products: While StockX verifies the authenticity of every item sold on the platform, there is always a risk of counterfeit products slipping through the cracks.
Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported difficulties contacting StockX’s customer support team when issues arise.
FAQs About StockX
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about StockX.
What is StockX?
StockX is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell authentic sneakers, streetwear, watches, and designer handbags.
Q: Is StockX legit?
A: Yes! Thanks to its strict authentication process and buyer/seller protections. StockX is a legitimate platform for buying and selling authentic sneakers, streetwear, watches, and designer handbags.
Q: How does StockX verify authenticity?
A: StockX employs a team of experts who verify the authenticity of every product sold on the platform. They use a combination of technology and human inspection to ensure that every item is authentic.
Q: Can I cancel a bid on StockX?
A: No, once you place a bid on StockX, you cannot cancel it. You are committing to purchasing the item at that price if your bid is accepted.
Q: How long does it take to receive my purchase from StockX?
A: The time it takes to receive your purchase from StockX depends on several factors, including the verification process and shipping time. Generally, it can take up to two weeks to receive your purchase.
Q: What payment methods does StockX accept?
A: StockX accepts payment through major credit cards and PayPal.
Q: Can I sell items on StockX?
A: Yes, anyone can sell items on StockX as long as they meet the platform’s seller criteria.
What is the StockX buyer protection policy?
StockX offers a buyer protection policy that guarantees that every item sold is authentic and in the condition described. If an item is found to be inauthentic or significantly not as described, StockX will issue a refund to the buyer.
How long does it take to receive an item from StockX?
The shipping time varies depending on the seller’s location and the shipping method selected. In general, most items are delivered within 3-7 business days.
What is the StockX seller protection policy?
StockX offers seller protection by ensuring that all payments are processed securely and by providing a prepaid shipping label for each sale. Additionally, StockX has a team of experts who verify the authenticity and condition of each item
How do I contact StockX customer service?
You can contact StockX customer service through the website or app by clicking on the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page. You can also reach out to StockX through social media or email
Our Verdict
StockX Reviews
While there are some downsides to using StockX, such as high fees and limited returns, the benefits, such as the authenticity guarantee and large selection of products, make it a popular choice among sneakerheads, streetwear enthusiasts, watch collectors, and designer handbag aficionados. So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of sneakers or a designer handbag, StockX might just be the place for you. Click the link below to join StockX and start bidding/selling!
FursatReview – Phone cameras have come a long way from clicking pixelated pictures to high resolution that can shame some of the budget friendly camera options out there. Consumers gladly opt for cheaper alternatives with such phone cameras which give them a similar finesse to that of a SLR or DSLR camera. In recent years, smartphones have also sometimes replaced the professional cameras used in filmmaking. iPhones have become a great accessory to shooting films and presenting stories through the small lens.
The latest short film to hit the scene is Vishal Bharadwaj’s Fursat starring Ishaan Khattar and Wamiqa Gabbi. It also becomes the first Indian film to be shot on an iPhone 14. Fursat was released on Apple’s YouTube channel on February 3, 2023 along with a premiere on Disney+ Hotstar. The 30-minute film tells a musical fantasy time travel romance between our leads. Acclaimed lyricist Gulzar penned the lyrics for the songs whereas Shiamak Davar choreographed the dance sequences. The music album is also available on Apple Music and sports spatial hearing technology which enhances the sonic experience of the listeners.
Fursat Trailer
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Fursat Review
Fursat tells the story of Nishant aka Nishu (played by Khattar) who is obsessed with time travel. He has created a device called ‘Doordarshak’. He is about to be engaged to Diya (played by Gabi) but on the day of his engagement, he engages with his time traveling device and is transported to a desert. At the desert, he sees Diya standing on a small balcony and she leaves. When Nishant comes back to the present, he realizes that he missed the engagement and Diya is standing in a similar pose as his vision.
The story moves back and forth between scenes as Nishant tries to go to the future. One thing that remains constant in the visions of the future is the desert. The desert is often considered as a symbol of creativity, revelation, loneliness and also clarity. The desert coming in Nishant’s future visions is a testament to the fact that he is perhaps struggling with something and that him trying to go to the future are his attempts to find his answers. Diya, his fiance, is a doctor by profession. She wants him to be with her in the present, but Nishant is obsessed to find out about the future.
A still from the short film ‘Fursat’. Credits: Apple Official YouTube Channel
The short film also sees a cameo by dancer Salman Yusuff Khan as a dacoit. With him and his gang planning a robbery, there are certain comic elements sprinkled in the short film. The songs between the sequences add layers to the story with their narration. They act like a whole narration by themselves for the whole short film. If one just listens to the album, then that would also provide adequate material for the story to stand on its own.
Interestingly, the word ‘Fursat’ means leisure, rest or freedom, depending on how one wants to perceive it. Adding the word as a title for a short film about the obsession with time travel is also a commentary. ‘Fursat’ is what the characters are looking for in the short film. It is something that each of them is seeking in their own way. While Nishant wants to have a rest from his anxiety about the future, Diya wants freedom from Nishats obsession. Do they eventually find it? You will need to watch the short film to know!
Ishaan Khattar is a Bollywood actor known for his work in films like Dhadak, Khali Peeli, Beyond the Clouds, and the latest horror comedy Phone Bhoot. Wamiqa Gabbi is a Punjabi actress who appeared in Netflix’s thriller series Mai: A Mother’s Rage and Disney+Hotstar series Grahan. Vishal Bharadwaj is a notable filmmaker, songwriter and singer with works like Saat Khoon Maaf, Ishqiya, Kaminey, Omkara among others to his credit. Gulzar is a veteran lyricist and scriptwriter in Bollywood with works like Maachis, Masoom, Khoobsurat, among others to his credit. Salman Yusuff Khan is a popular dancer and choreographer. He has appeared in movies like Any Body Can Dance.
Fursat – JAL Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Just A Library gives ‘Fursat’ a solid 4.5 out of 5 for its unique concept, fluid music and a stunning cast. Which movies shot on an iPhone or a smartphone have you watched? Tell us in the comments below!
Gunther’s Millions Review – Having access to money brings with it a slew of luxury and elevated lifestyle shenanigans. As much as money is good for one’s living, it can also be harmful in excess. Rich people with no heirs or anyone to pass on to their wealth to often resort to trusts or pass it on to unlikely recipients – their pets. You must be familiar with the Bollywood movie Entertainment where a wealthy merchant leaves his wealth to his pet dog after his death. Well, something similar happened in the real life as well. Gunther’s Millions is a documentary on Netflix that reflects these actions.
Gunther’s Millions Trailer
Gunther’s Millions Review
Gunther’s Millions premiered on Netflix on February 1st, 2023. The 4-part documentary covers the story of the world’s richest German Shephard Gunther and his caretaker Maurizio Mian. The dog shot to fame in the 90s and early 2000s when his story came to light. The dog inherited a wealth of millions from a German countess after her death, but the money was transferred to a trust fund since a dog is unable to take any decision.
His caretaker Maurizio Mian lived a life of luxury, wealth and access to every possible thing on this planet. He has a degree in pharmacology and he was also a professor until the age of 37. But there is more to Gunther and Maurizio’s story than just an uncanny situation they are in. It is told to the public that a German countess named her pet dog after her son after he killed himself at the age of 26. The son was suffering from depression and his premature loss was a shock to the countess.
As the documentary moves ahead, it is revealed that there was no German countess in the first place. A woman like that did exist but she was no countess. Maurizio hailed from a family of wealth. His family earned its fortune from their pharmaceutical company which boomed in its heydays. Maurizio’s family transferred their wealth to this woman who was a family friend.
The story of the German countess and her son were just make believe. The dog itself belonged to one of Maurizio’s romantic partners. The dog only served as a device for Maurizio to lead a voyeuristic lifestyle. The countess’ son was a reflection of Maurizio’s experiences and aspirations. Maurizio struggled with establishing an amicable relationship with his mother and through the story of the countess’ love for her son he aimed to perhaps get the motherly love he always wanted.
Gunther’s Million Review – A still from Gunther’s Millions on Netflix.
Under the Gunther Trust, Mian ventured into various aspects of show business. He hired five people and made them live together. They were given every possible luxury and freedom. But what makes the story unsettling is that Maurizio employed a group of scientists to watch and observe these five individuals. He has been of the opinion that money and wealth can bring one immense happiness. These five people were his subjects to study happiness. Happiness is something that he himself has searched for all his life through materialistic pursuits.
The people involved in the studies were also interviewed for this documentary. They were also of the opinion that as enticing as the whole proposition seemed initially, something strange was indeed happening behind the scenes. After the first five members left, another set of individuals were hired. A baby was also born to one of the women, and it was believed that the baby would be happy since she was born to parents who were happy. This practice thrust on the individuals raises several moral and ethical questions. A study on humans and their lifestyle under such controlled simulations is not regarded in the best of interests.
Gunther’s Millions started as a documentary about a wealthy dog, but it soon opened doors to a heap of lies. If one is to surmise from the events shown, it can be said that Maurizio Mian and his family came up with a story to cover up their wealth, escape paying taxes, and also find a loophole in the system to spend their money relentlessly. In the later part of the documentary it was also revealed that the first dog might be actually cloned. This again raises questions against the ethical conduct of keeping the original line of Gunther alive.
Then there was also a case where several German Shepherd dogs were released from captivity. People involved in these incidents gave diplomatic answers which might not have answered truthfully but they did hint at something ominous happening behind the scenes. Despite the documentary unearthing so many of the hidden secrets surrounding Gunther Trust, there is still a lot to discover. Perhaps the audience will never find the true happenings of the Gunther Trust, but at least it brought out the whole hoax to the public. Mian and his team continue to lead a life of wealth, luxury and extravaganza.
Just A Librarygives Gunther’s Millions a sold 4.5 out of 5 for its stunning revelation of a scam. Have you come across such stories? Let us know in the comments below!
Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita – While being regarded as a clever piece of literary work in the scholarly world, no doubt, one still finds it absolutely flummoxing how the author concocted such a narrative which is now, regarded as a classic storytelling in the contemporary era among all others. It feeds on our sense of judgement, clouds the vision through which we discern between all rights and wrongs, and constantly throws bewildering lies in our direction but in a way which is undiscoverable to us all – the poetic and captivating use of language in the book.
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Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita
The aesthetic appeal of Lolitais immense; fluid and articulate ply of words in a manner which deceives its audience and almost makes it empathise with the narrator himself, which many found to be very eerily disturbing and disgusting, because of the fact we are talking about grooming of a young girl who is robbed of her own perspective, no voice of her own whatsoever.
The alluring language is very much successful in its attempt to put a blanket on the taboo and illegal relationship between Humbert-Humbert and Dolores. Because some people who read it do find themselves forgiving our narrator and understanding his bizarre perception. He, himself, can’t forgive his own self because he never comes full circle with identifying his own sins and repenting on them.
‘Hamartia,’ in Greek, as defined by Aristotle in his Poetics, refers to the tragic flaw of the protagonist in a literary tragedy. Lolita is Humbert-Humbert’s Hamartia. But, do notice, that it is “Lolita” and not “Dolores” who is responsible for his perversion and ultimately gets the blame of seduction and intoxication instead, it’s his own vile solipsism and odious mind, which warped up the fabricated idea of a Nymphette, which he named “Lolita”.
Our protagonist has no shame in admitting his wrongdoings but it is the way he lowkey seems to ask for repentance from his public rather than his own self, which doesn’t make any sense but is fitting for his character as he never puts a stop on his own curse so there will be no catharsis, no relief from sin. He is eternally damned.
Nabokov’s writing in Lolita can literally be defined as Belle-Lettres. Valued for its aesthetic qualities and originality for style and tone; on top of all this, this piece of literary work albeit considered an “art” for its aesthetic language, I much prefer applauding it for its approach in certain intricate and complex topics through various narratives. As the author completely separates himself and his ideals from the narrator and the book, we are required to make a judgement by going through all these boxes of perspectives, inspecting it and then forming an opinion with an open mind with all the facts and speculations down.
The ambiguity still remains since we don’t exactly know what the author actually thinks of such topics and where his moral compass lies. We only know of the harsh critiques condemning this work, denouncing it as ‘pornographic’ or ‘the filthiest book ever read’ or, people pitying the narrator and finding fatal flaws in him, missing the chief point of the whole novel.
Nymphet is derived from the Ancient Greek ‘Nymph,’ a young female mystical being, usually associated with nature that entranced lone travellers. They are described as alluring, entrancing and bewitching deities. While the myths of Ancient Greece have faded away and gave rise to new themes and archetypes, contemporary authors, such as Vladimir Nabokov have attempted to resurrect the essence of the nymph in their writing. It is also sometimes referred to as Coquette, is an aesthetic based on a character trope originated in this novel only, a young girl who is sexually precocious towards adult men. Tragic love, new adult experiences, rebellion, drug use, toxic relationships, intense friendships, and self-destructive behaviours are some common motifs.
Lana del Rey and her album Born to Die is a main inspiration in the aesthetic that depicts these. This theme also overrides Humbert’s narrative, in which he doesn’t take any accountability for his actions as he describes them, but rather poses Dolores as a “Nymphet” who is entirely responsible for all his crooked desires and wrong for misleading him. Other Nymphets also use the aesthetic as a way to cope with childhood sexual assault. This can be through either identifying with Dolores and her trauma, which is in line with the novel, or through self-destructive hyper-sexuality. But the media has once again gained authority over this topic by romanticising it beyond comprehensive capabilities.
What are your thoughts on Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita? Let me know in the comments below.
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9 Aesthetic Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her and Him – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it is a time of celebration. Gifts are something that will make your love and language even more beautiful. Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty. Nowadays aesthetics is very popular in social media. A lot of people are invested in creating aesthetic looks and backgrounds in their picture, home, mobile phones, laptop and what not!
In this age of aesthetics, let us look at some of the aesthetic gifts you can give your partner this Valentine’s Day. This post will be extensive as we have included some of the best small business Instagram pages below. Please read all the way to the end and support local businesses.
Note: We’ve not partnered with any of the small business mentioned here in this article.
9 Aesthetic Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her and Him
1. Books and Bookmarks
If your partner is a bookworm or someone who loves reading a lot of romantic books, who imagine themselves in those scenarios and is a hopeless romantic, then this is the perfect choice of gift. A lot of amazing books in different genres like romance, fiction, non-fiction, manga, anime are available across the internet. Here are some Instagram pages that could help you find perfect gift for your partner.
This is old school style yet a very personal and beautiful gift for your partner. In this social media influenced world, where you could send 100 messages within 10 minutes to anywhere in the world, there are cravings for something that is more beautiful, heart-touching, personal and heartwarming. That’s where handwritten letters stand out. Pour out your heart to your partner and I bet they will keep this safe in their heart, forever.
This is absolutely the latest trend. A lot of customisable options are available with sellers which will help you choose the perfect gift for your partner. Customise the case with the aesthetics that describes you and your partner. Code messages in them would be great fun too! Here are some recommendations!
One of the most important things in our life is to take care of our mental health. Gratitude reflections and journaling will help us to reflect on our habits and life. A planner or journal as a gift to your partner will help them take care of their mental health and will help in keeping your relationship a happy and stable one. Here are some recommendations!
They create amazing, beautiful and minimalistic planners that will definitely suit your aesthetics.
5. Stationary
If your partner loves stationery and literally spends half of their money buying cute and quirky stationery, then this is the perfect gift for them. Let them bring their inner child to this world. Here are our recommendations!
They have very pretty, cute, small and large stationary that will definitely make the inner child in your partner feel very happy and loved.
6. Jewellery
Who doesn’t love beautiful, aesthetic jewellery? Gift your partner their favorite jewellery. A variety of options and colors are available that will help you choose the perfect design. Oh and the best part is you can customise some of the designs too! Here are our recommendations!
For best silver jewelleries, check out Giva Jewellery. They have some pretty good collections.
7. Merchandises
If your partner has a favorite movie, series, actor or a character and is totally obsessed with it, gifting them a merchandise will make them even more happy. I mean, who doesn’t love to have their favorite character with them forever? Here are our recommendations!
For all the fellow Swifties like me, this is mostly Taylor Swift merchandise. They custom make their clothing using her song lyrics, theme and album. The best part is it is affordable, available in different sizes and colors and they give beautiful freebies as well!
Tamil people, you don’t really need special mention of fully filmy. They create a lot of memes and movie based clothing, postures etc. Go grab your favorite for your partner from their collection. Check out their website for more details.
8. Personalised Gifts
If your partner is a private person or someone who loves personal and reminding gifts, yes you heard it right, this will be the perfect gift. Here are our recommendations!
This is one of my most favorite pages of all time. They give you customisable Polaroids in different sizes, wall collages, wallet cards and so much more at a very affordable rate. Just place your orders and you’ll love it
This is again one of my most favorite pages. They are perfect for long distance couples. Their memory maps are a perfect reminder that distance doesn’t matter if your souls are intertwined. They also have a variety of frames and more.
Some Special Aesthetic Gifts For Her
Guys, listen up. Here’s a whole new section just to give you extra deets to keep your girl the happiest. Here are our recommendations:
They make handcrafted sarees that are literally straight out from a romantic film. They give a princess in saree vibe and are very beautiful. If your girl loves wearing a saree, then just simply go for this. They’re literally perfect.
They have a very cute and wide range of tote bags to choose from based on your favorite artists and also with quotes. They also have T-shirts and crop tops. They’re affordable and of great quality. Check them out!
If your girl loves makeup, just head over here. They have lip glosses, lip and cheek tint, lip scrub and eyeliners. Their glosses and tint are highly pigmented, long lasting and can be used everyday. The shades they have are so beautiful and neutral, perfect for everyday use.
9. Surprise With A Playlist
Last but not the least, if your partner loves listening to songs and if they’re into music, then this is a perfect choice. Create a playlist with your favorite songs, their favorite songs and songs that both of you have fond memories of. Let it be from your favorite singer, music director, lyricist or actors. Show them your world through music. This may not seem like a gift, but there are certain people who would appreciate it.
And there you have it!! Our list on 9 Aesthetic Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her and Him. Have a look at them and choose a perfect gift for your partner!
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Guest Author Name – Karunya Ramesh
About – Just a simple girl who loves coffee, lives between books and running towards her goals!
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Best Aloe Vera Gel In India For Face And Hair – Aloe Vera has numerous healing and nourishing qualities, making it one of the excellent choices for the skincare. There are several brands in India that offer wide variety of Aloe Vera gel – which one should you buy? If you’re seeking for the greatest Aloe Vera gels in India, you’ve come to the right place. We performed all of the legwork to uncover the 10 best Aloe Vera gels in India that are high in quality, affordable, and provide a wide range of advantages. Keep reading to find out the complete list and which brand is ideal for you!
Aloe Vera Benefits
Aloe Vera is a fantastic natural component with numerous skin and hair benefits. This herbal cure can easily become a part of your normal skincare routine, from relieving irritation and inflammation to reducing acne scars. Here is our detailed post about the 5 Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera For Face & Skin Care.
Disclaimer and Tips
All our reviews are based on my personal experience. Every product might not work the same way for every individual. Now that you guys know my skin type and struggle through all these years you might able to get a better idea about the products I’m here to review.
Every product needs its own time to show the results especially when it comes to natural products. Nothing happens overnight.
Don’t buy many products from a brand before knowing how it works on your skin. Buy a single product and use it for a few weeks to see the result before you decide anything.
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The Vilvah Aloe Vera gel is one of the best organic gels in India. It’s formulated with organic, cold-pressed, unrefined aloe extract, as well as other soothing extracts and natural goodness like chamomile and calendula. This product is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and scents, ensuring that you receive the most nurturing and beneficial advantages. I personally tried it and found it to be quite good and effective, and I would strongly advise you to try it out. Click here to read our detailed Vilvah products review from here.
Bubble Farm provides a natural and organic Aloe Vera gel that is free of any additives, artificial fragrances, and preservatives. The essence of aloe leaf joins with other natural components such as cucumber, geranium, and chamomile to provide a refreshing and nutritious sensation. It deeply hydrates your skin while also acting as an anti-inflammatory to alleviate any irritation or itching caused by sunburn. It can be used as a moisturiser or as a conditioner for your hair, which can greatly aid in the treatment of itchy scalp. Again, I strongly advise you to try this product. Click here to read check out our detailed review on Bubble Farm Aloe Vera gel and other bubble farm products.
This Plum Hello Aloe Just Gel gives you the whole new level of Aloe Vera experience. It is formulated with organic Aloe Vera, herbs, fruit extracts, and antioxidants to deliver a great cooling effect on the skin. It soothes sunburn, reduces skin peeling, and repairs damaged skin, leaving it shining and radiant. Its non-sticky composition makes it an ideal daily moisturiser for all skin types on all seasons.
Although I have not personally used this product, it was one of the top recommendations from our JAL Instagram followers when I conducted a vote for this article. Another fantastic tip from JAL followers is that this can be used as a great light natural styler for hair or primer under your makeup. Also, this product is 100% FRAGRANCE-FREE & COLOUR-FREE.
Forest Essentials Pure Aloe Vera Light Hydrating Gel contains 99% pure aloe vera juice extracted from the plant’s ripened leaves. This gel deeply hydrates the skin and keeps it moisturised for a long time without leaving any greasers or a greasy appearance. It contains special ingredients such as cucumber, ashwagandh, wheat germ oil, and glycerine, which cools and soothes sunburned skin and decreases inflammation. Again, I haven’t tried it personally, but it is one of the recommendations from JAL followers. If you can, give it a shot and let me know what you think in the comments section.
The UrbanBotanics Pure Aloe Vera Skin/Hair Gel contains 99% pure aloe vera and is free of alcohol, colours, and artificial smells. It aids in the restoration of your skin’s moisture balance while combating the impacts of free radicals. This gel, which is high in vitamins A, C, and E as well as active enzymes, helps soothe sunburned sensitive skin and provides relief from irritation caused by eczema or psoriasis.
Its numerous advantages make it ideal for both men and women, and it is one of the best aloe vera gel for oily skin. I’ve tried it and it’s undoubtedly one of my favourite Aloe Vera gels in India. Give it a shot and let me know what you think in the comments section.
WOW Aloe Vera Multipurpose Beauty Gel is yet another popular recommendations from JAL followers on Instagram. From what I’ve heard from the users, it is 99% pure and made from ripe, robust, and succulent Aloe Vera leaves that can be used for a variety of skincare purposes. It is formulated with aloe vera extract and botanical ingredients such as chamomile extract, cucumber extract, and also high in nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, B12, Folic Acid which will helps to nourish and hydrate your skin.
It also includes no parabens or sulphates, making it a safe and gentle choice for all skin types. It also contains Xanthan Gum, which increases skin hydration and tightens pores to help decrease acne, soothe inflammations, and boost immunity. A must-try product.
Green Leaf Pure Aloe Vera Skin Gel is another another nourishing, cooling gel that moisturises and calms damaged skin. It contains pure Aloe Vera extract, as well as additional nutrients including hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration and Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental harm. It is also free of harsh chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances, making it one of the perfect organic Aloe Vera gel especially for people with sensitive skin. I haven’t tried it myself, but the JAL community highly recommends it. Please give it a shot or, if you’ve already tried it, provide your thoughts in the comments section.
The Cosmetics Store Jeju Aloe Fresh Soothing Gel is obtained from 99% aloe barbadensis leaf extract from Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea. This gel can be used for a variety of things, including facial packs, calming, after-sun care, and hydrating. Aloe barbadensis leaf extract calms and hydrates at the same time since it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any gummy residue. It is also free of parabens, benzophenone, animal oil, mineral oil, and artificial colouring. This is a must-try product and one of the top recommendations on this list. Do try it out and let me know your feedbacks in the comments below.
Khadi Natural’s Aloe Vera Gel with Licorice and Cucumber Extracts is an all-natural product made from organic ingredients. It deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin while also soothing it. Cucumber components assist to decrease excessive sebum production, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and oil-free. This gel also contains Vitamin E, which helps to tighten, tone, and smooth the skin’s surface! This is a great aloe vera gel for oily skin. A must-try product.
Deyga’s Aloe Vera gel contains 100% pure aloe vera extract, which deeply hydrates, tones, and encourages skin regeneration while soothing redness and irritation. This product also contains unique antioxidants to fight oxidative stress and protect the skin from environmental damage. Some of the benefits include: improving skin hydration and luminosity, soothing irritated skin, soothing sunburns, reducing acne scars, and combating bothersome pimples with its anti-inflammatory characteristics. The non-greasy gel absorbs quickly and can be used on the face as well as the body. Also, it is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. A must-try product again.
And there you have it, the 10 best Aloe Vera gel in India for your face and hair. I hope you find this post informative. How many of these have you tried? Which is your favourite, and why? Share your experience with us and help others in choosing one of these best Aloe Vera gels in India.
Which brand aloe vera gel is best in India?
All the above mentioned ones are really good brands. Personally, I really like the Vilvah, Deyga, and Wow aloe vera gels. Read the article to know the full list in detail.
