Blogs

“What could be the cruel truth of life that must be told? Bicycles are the ultimate evil.” The CEO of Euro Exim Bank Limited shocked economists with these words: “Bicycles are a scourge on a nation’s economy. People who ride bicycles don’t buy cars or take loans to buy bicycles. They don’t pay insurance. They don’t buy fuel, nor do they pay for maintenance or necessary repairs. They don’t use paid parking lots. They don’t cause major accidents. Multi-lane roads are unnecessary. They don’t gain weight. Furthermore, healthy individuals are a negative, not a benefit, to the economy. Healthy people don’t buy medicine. They don’t go to hospitals or doctors. […]

Relationships: Regrettably, I’ve come to realize this far too late. I deeply regret not noticing this sooner and wish I had. 1. People come and go In the past, there were times when I prioritized friends over family. I believed in trusting friends and cherishing friendship, but that was a grave misconception. Only family remains steadfastly loyal, assuming one is fortunate and their family remains intact. Therefore, I desire to behave normally and maintain a moderate distance. 2. Others truly don’t care about you I used to overthink how people perceived me, but in reality, they didn’t care much. Everyone is self-centered and self-absorbed. It’s natural. So, what you want […]

Who are you, really? In the realm of psychology, there exists a test that is as simple as it is chilling. You must do it for yourself, and only you will know the results. All you need is a little courage, some paper, a pen, and thirty minutes of quiet. It’s called the “20 Questions,” and it goes like this. First, write at the top of the paper, “Who am I?” and then write your answer. Next, ask the second question, “Who am I?” and write another answer. Then move to the third “Who am I?” and its response. Repeat this process twenty times. The only rule is that each […]

Do you think it’s too late to give up on something? I started studying English at the age of 44. At 49, I founded a pantomime group. I joined a gym for the first time at 50. At 57, I performed dance on stage and created a unique art called “living sculpture.” After turning 70, I began seriously training my body. At 79, I received my first award. Now at 80, I still have projects. What I’m fighting for are my DREAMS. Consider carefully, as thinking it’s too late might just be an excuse to do nothing, avoid taking responsibility for your life, and maintain the same level of self. […]

Why Did Ancient Romans Craft Amphorae with Pointed Bottoms for Liquid Transport? It was a grand and highly efficient design. Amphorae were primarily used for transporting liquids. Being pottery, they were prone to damage and cracking if handled roughly. Bottles with flat bottoms have a rim where the bottom meets the wall. This rim is a weak point that easily breaks upon impact. Many bottles were shattered before carriers noticed. However, bottles with narrow, thick, and sturdy bottoms proved to be less prone to damage. The long double handles allowed carriers to easily pass the load from hand to hand when loading onto ships. They also served as attachment points […]

In one of the palaces believed to be Ravana’s, I am beholding one of the world’s largest archaeological sites known as Sigiriya. This astonishing place in Sri Lanka is unparalleled globally, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Surely, you must be wondering what makes this place so extraordinary. Well, it is, in fact, a colossal monolithic rock standing approximately 660 feet tall, with its summit flattened as if cleaved by a giant knife. At its peak lies an incredibly mystical and unbelievable array of ruins. As you can see, peculiar brick structures dot the landscape, not only confusing visitors but also confounding archaeologists as they struggle […]

Reclaim the Economy Class photograph from a Pan Am flight in 1960. If there’s anything to reclaim, it’s this. It harks back to the late 1960s, when Pan Am treated Economy Class passengers like this. In seats akin to a lounge, it seemed advisable not to sit next to strangers. There always seemed to be vacant seats. And though it’s not clear, these passengers likely enjoyed delicious food as well. Of course, back then, air travel was more expensive, and not everyone could afford it. It was something special. But truth be told, I’d rather save up for more expensive airfares and fly in an atmosphere where people are treated […]

00:00 – Confronting Death Awareness, I board the next flight to my hometown, Porsea. A place lost in the world’s vast tapestry, perhaps unknown to you. 00:15 – Summoning an Uber, Death Awareness riding shotgun as I head to the airport. 00:45 – In the twilight before departure, dialing a number dear to my heart, Death Awareness whispering truths of love as I confess. 01:20 – Amidst the quiet of mortality’s embrace, drafting an email to my professional kin, announcing a respite from the relentless march of days. 01:30 – The email dispatched, Death Awareness lingering in the digital ether. 02:00 – Settling financial accounts, severing subscriptions, and offering the […]

Photo by Nikolai Kozakov Thin Ice The Changing Climate of Sakha Republic “A letter arrived from a friend in Yakutsk, saying it’s very warm, only minus 5 degrees. No snow has fallen,” it read. I asked other Yakut friends if they remember such warmth at the end of October. They all answered in unison, “No.” Last year at this time, it was minus 20 degrees. All regions, including Yakutsk, have become warmer. The same is true even in the inland areas covered with permafrost. The onset of the first cold was normal. Frost arrived in September, but by early October, temperatures rose. Puddles spread everywhere, and snow almost disappeared. Unprecedented […]

Thoreau’s Simple Life in 1845: Above Image. “And pray what more can a reasonable man desire, in peaceful times, in ordinary noons, than a sufficient number of ears of green-sweet corn boiled, with the addition of salt.” – Henry David Thoreau Thoreau reminisces about his solitary life for two years at Walden Pond in Massachusetts in his memoir “Walden.” He lived in a cabin he built himself, relying on the surrounding land and nature for sustenance. While many of us today may not opt to live off the grid in such a manner… Why is it challenging to lead a simple life in today’s suburban or urban environments? Let’s recall […]