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Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb - book review

A Children's Book No One Should Read – Or Should They? Summary “Tales from Shakespeare” by Charles and Mary Lamb has delighted readers for over two centuries, but it is time we reconsider its place in modern literature. Originally written as an “introduction to Shakespeare,” it weaves sexist tropes, objectifies characters, and promotes regressive gender roles. Is this really what we want to hand to our children? Read on for a thoughtful critique of this so-called children’s classic. --- Have you ever come across a children’s book that, at first glance, seems perfectly innocent—maybe even charming—but after closer inspection, you wonder why anyone thought it was a good idea for kids? That’s how I felt when I revisited Tales from Shakespeare  by Charles and Mary Lamb, a book that many of us have either heard of or, perhaps, read during our childhood. The book, often passed off as a harmless introduction to the world of Shakespeare, feels more like a collection of cautionary tales for...

People that elect corrupt politicians, imposters and traitors are not victims but accomplices – Are we all guilty?

When George Orwell penned the phrase, " A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims but accomplices ," he was not merely pointing fingers at the misdeeds of politicians, but at the broader societal complicity in tolerating, enabling, and even endorsing such leadership. It's an uncomfortable truth: we, the citizens, are part of the system, either by action or inaction. But how did we reach this point of collective responsibility? And more importantly, is there a way out? 2024 is one of the defining year for World politics. Elections have happened in France, United Kingdom, India, Thailand and many other countries. United States is going to poll next and Bangladesh is expected to elect a new government as well. I don’t recall any year in recent memory which has seen such a busy slate of national elections across the Globe. This is what makes this article important to discuss.  What makes us complicit? I often wonder: Are we tru...

Should parenting be a certainty? A hard look at who should be raising kids

“Sometimes I think the answer lies in wondering if the lives we are creating for others are better than the ones we inherited ourselves.” I am convinced that many people who are parents should not be. It is a bold statement, but when you strip away the romanticised lens through which we have been conditioned to view parenthood, it becomes harder to ignore the underlying truth: parenting is not something to be taken lightly. Nor is it a choice that should be made unless you are 100% certain —mentally, emotionally, and financially ready for it.  Is parenting more than just a biological destiny? The moment you announce that you are pregnant, society collectively leans in, nods approvingly, and asks about baby showers and cribs. The truth? Being responsible for an entire human being is incredibly tough—life-altering, in fact. Yet, people still push forward with the idea that it’s something “ you just do, ” that it will all work out because, well, doesn’t it always? In reality, parentin...

Genocide in Gaza: How colonialism has alienated you from your own humanity

The discomfort you feel speaking up about genocide in Palestine: How colonialism has alienated us from humanity Why does speaking about Gaza feel so unsettling? There is an undeniable discomfort that arises when we speak of genocide in Gaza, a conflict rooted not only in geopolitics but also in a long history of colonialism. That discomfort? It is a manifestation of how deeply colonialism has alienated us from our own humanity. It has made us bystanders, distant observers, to a grotesque tragedy that demands our empathy and action. Every day, the children of Gaza are bombarded by forces much larger than themselves—forces of colonial interests, global profits, and silent complicity. How many of us have spoken up about the atrocities in Gaza? How many of us have chosen silence because the violence feels too far away, too complex, or too heavy to carry? That silence—our silence—perpetuates a chasm in our spirit, a gap that must be bridged if we are to mend not just Palestine, but the fray...

Joyful by Toks Adebyi

A concise yet powerful book packed with anecdotes from Toks own life. It is an inspirational book that guides you to succeed in life and live a quality life. Despite many failures, Toks had the courage to continue his struggle. If you have been there, where life looks like it has reached an abysmal low, this book could be for you. It is not at all preachy, its exact and has a lot to offer. Also present are  various interesting quotes that are quite insightful. Pages - 102 Self published How can you implement joy into your daily life? One of the most valuable aspects of Joyful is its practicality. Adebyi doesn’t leave readers hanging with vague advice—he provides concrete, actionable steps that anyone can integrate into their daily routine. From creating morning rituals to setting boundaries with toxic people, Joyful is packed with small, manageable steps that collectively lead to a more joyful life.  For instance, Adebyi emphasises the importance of self-care, no...

Coconut Delights

Ingredients Milk or milk Powder. Maida Sugar Coconut pd. METHOD Mix together the condensed milk, milk pd, malai or sugar Make it dough Bake it NOTE - If you want to add any dry fruits in the cake first roll it in the maida. 

Are feminists really fighting patriarchy, or paying bribes to it?

"Why do feminists say, 'Don’t give dowry,' but like appeasing patriarchy for alimony?"   It is an uncomfortable question, isn’t it? But one that deserves to be asked.  The idea of dowry being condemned by feminists, and rightfully so, isn’t controversial. But when it comes to alimony—a system that, in many places, seems almost like a reverse dowry—many of these same voices go silent. What is going on here? Is it simply about equality or something much more?  As someone who’s been quietly observing (and occasionally questioning) the system, I couldn’t help but notice that divorce laws are often less about fairness and more about perpetuating age-old norms. And it is not just about money—it is about alienation, manipulation, and a lack of empathy. In this piece, we are going to explore this complex web through personal stories, facts, and figures, and perhaps, by the end, you will find yourself wondering too: are we fighting patriarchy or paying it off? How are divorce ...