“Bewilderment” by Richard Powers: A Quiet Meditation on Grief and Earth’s Fragility

Richard Powers’ Bewilderment (2021) is more than a literary novel—it’s an intimate exploration of parenting, ecological despair, and the search for emotional connection in a chaotic world. The story follows Theo, an astrobiologist, and his neurodivergent son, Robin, as they navigate grief after the loss of Robin’s mother. Set in a near-future America facing environmental…

Read More

Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World: Light in the Darkest Days

While Christmas and New Year’s dominate global headlines, the winter solstice—occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere—has long been honored across cultures as a moment of rebirth, light, and resilience. As the shortest day and longest night of the year, the solstice marks a turning point, symbolizing the return of the sun. From Scandinavia’s…

Read More

Vertical Dramas, The Rise of Micro‑Episode Storytelling Optimized for Mobile

In 2025, a new narrative form known as vertical dramas—also called duanju or microdramas—is captivating mobile-first audiences around the globe. Originating in China, these bite-sized TV serials last just one to two minutes per episode and often feature cliffhanger endings or sensational plot lines. Users report binge-watching entire story arcs during short commutes or waiting…

Read More

How Buddhism’s Mindfulness Practices Are Transforming Modern Mental Health

Buddhism, one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions, has significantly influenced modern approaches to mental health through its ancient mindfulness practices. Drawing from centuries of lived experience among Buddhist monks and practitioners, techniques like mindful breathing, body scanning, and loving-kindness meditation are now widely adopted in psychological therapies around the globe. Clinical psychologists and mindfulness…

Read More

Robert Downey Jr, A Hollywood Icon of Talent, Resilience, and Influence

Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and transformative actors. With a career spanning over four decades, he has built a reputation for his exceptional acting range, charismatic screen presence, and remarkable personal comeback. From early critical acclaim in Chaplin to becoming the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Tony Stark/Iron Man,…

Read More