4 Best Luxurious Theatres In The World (Which You Can’t Skip)!

Who doesn’t like snuggling up on a cushy seat of an ostentatiously classy theatre with every nook and cranny donned to artistically enthral you? From Raj Mandir to Walt Disney Concert Hall, there are some cinemas, concert halls and opera houses swathed in sumptuously stunning aesthetics from Art Deco style to Neo Classical to Contemporary style. Some of these have been here for a long time while others have sprouted in recent decades. So here’s the list of luxurious theatres that will widen your eyes in admiration. Raj Mandir, Jaipur, India Raj Mandir, built in 1976, is the most luxurious and awe-striking cinema theatre with the blend of classy and modern touch. Inside the theatre, ceilings are donned with dangling chandelier, floor carpeted with wooden tiles and the air is filled with floral fragrance spilled by the air conditioning. This sprawling theatre can lavishly seat around 1300 people. If you’re a movie buff with an eye for artistic beauty, you can watch Bollywood while enduring the royal beauty of this place. Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain If you’re a music enthusiast, this music palace will enthral you with its ethereal beauty. This concert hall, built back in 1908, is donned in modernista style by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. There’s an incredible blend of different architectural styles like Moorish and Gothic with sculptures and glass art. The facade of this building is donned with floral mosaic pillars. Sculptures of Beethovan and Anselm Clavè are adorned on the right and left of the mystical stage. Opera Garnier, Paris Opera Garnier also known as Palais Garnier is such a dazzling architectural beauty that entertains one with dance and operas. This breathtaking world of Opera is adorned with magnificent sculptures, paintings, dangling chandelier ornamented in bronze and crystal. If you’ve heard of the popular novel Phantom of Opera by Gaston Leroux, you would be pleased to know that this magnificent architectural beauty is the setting of the novel. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Are you a diehard fan of Disney and orchestra? If yes, you will undoubtedly be thrilled by this spellbinding concert. This wonder, crafted by the well known architect Frank Gehry, presents the world’s best euphonious orchestral pieces, including classical and contemporary. The concert hall stands out for its striking steel structure that shines when embraced by the light. The sprawling vineyard style seating can be comfortably filled with around 2,265 people.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

Upcoming Animations On Netflix To Add To Your Watchlist in 2024!

Netflix is waiting to thrill you with more fantastically intriguing animations. From Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp to That Christmas, many animations are going to blow up and warm up your quest. So, are you ready to take rip-roaring rides to the magical world of captivating characters, and learn to bravely face challenges? If yes, here’s the list of upcoming animations. Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp When Woody Woodpecker gets ousted from the forest, he finds Camp Woo Hoo and sees a forever home in it, but will the inspector shatter his new home by closing down the camp? If you have watched Woody Woodpecker released back in 2017, you should definitely watch this upcoming sequel, directed by Jonathan A. Rosenbaum. Release Date: 12, April, 2024 Thelma The Unicorn If you want a lesson on loving yourself, you should definitely give it a shot. Thelma Unicorn by Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, is based on a vivacious picture book by Aaron Blabey. The animation tells the tale of an ordinary pony who wishes to be a magically glamorous Unicorn. But she’s struck by disappointments when her wish was granted and fame was showered. Release Date: 17, May, 2024 Spellbound If you’re ready to go on an adventure to break the dangerously mysterious spell that sparkled Ellian’s parents (the rulers of Lumbria) into hideous monsters, add this to your watchlist. Spellbound is a musical fantasy animation from Skydance Animation, directed by Vickh Jenson, based on the screenplay by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton. Release Date: TBD That Christmas That Christmas from Locksmith animation is simply a holiday movie. The movie is based on a children’s trilogy titled Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually and Yesterday, written by award winning writer Richard Curtis. If you’re up for Christmas tales woven with friends, family, love and loneliness, this animation will make your evening tea taste better! Release Date: TBD

Fathima Sanna

Education

Feynman Technique: An Interestingly Effective Way To Learn For Exam

Do you have trouble swallowing chapters in detail? Are you someone who easily forgets the topic after hours of painful learning? If you’re someone struggling with learning and feeling dispirited, you need to actively engage your brain by employing Feynman Technique, a self-learning technique that can interestingly help you enhance your knowledge through simplified teaching. What is Feynman Technique ? Feynman technique is an art of learning crafted by the well-known physicist Richard Feynman. This learning technique consists of four simple steps that encourage the learners to dive deeply into a concept for a complete and simplified understanding. As a result, the self-learning technique can dampen the chances of forgetfulness and enhance your knowledge. Here’s the list of four steps you need to immediately try. Step 1 – Study First step is to choose a topic instead of selecting the whole chapter to avoid getting bored and burdened. Take a piece of paper, and write the topic you want to dive in. This makes your learning easier and simpler. By specifically focusing on one topic at a time, you will know the topic backward and forwards. Step 2 – Teach it to a Child This is the most important step in the Feynman technique. Pretend like you’re teaching the topic to a child who has no idea about anything you’ve learned. Make it as simple as ABC by presenting without jargons, breaking complexities into chunks of easily catchable information. This step helps us understand our own understanding of the topic, thus helping us understand the gap in our knowledge. Step 3 – Identify Knowledge Gap Now you know what you missed! We have to identify the gaps in our knowledge and learn more about it. Feynman technique encourages repetitive learning of a topic to enhance our knowledge. By directing the focus on the area we struggled to explain, and by revisiting the topic multiple times, we can lessen the chances of forgetfulness. Step 4 – Simplify The last step is all about simplifying the content using simple vocabularies. Rewrite everything you’ve learnt in a crystal clear language. This helps one examine their understanding of the subject. Are you able to completely simplify without facing the barricades of complexities? If yes, you’ve done it.

Ishita

Trends

Resignation 2024 (Beyond Pay) – And What Companies Must Offer?

From the “Great Resignation” to what some are now calling the “Great Reassessment,” there’s no question that employees are quitting their jobs in record numbers. But before you boil it all down to a salary arms race, remember this: money isn’t the only thing getting people to walk away. Today’s workers want more than a paycheck — they want a job that supports their well-being, purpose, and respect. So, what does this mean for employers? It’s time to get over the one-size-fits-all mentality and understand the evolving reasons behind resignations. Here’s a peek behind the resignation letter: Burnout is Blazing Remember those pre-pandemic days when we could actually leave work at work? The line between work and life has become blurry thanks to endless emails and the ever-present glow of laptops. But companies that get it – offer flexible hours, mental health support, and chances to unplug. They will see a wave of happy, recharged employees. Who knew a little humanity could go such a long way? Purpose over Paycheck Working with meaning is what employees today want: something bigger than a spreadsheet. Employers that convey a clear purpose and connect respective roles to that mission will attract and retain top talent. Work-Life Harmony? More Like Work-Life Integration No longer do employees compartmentalize work and personal lives. Modern workers seek flexibility that seamlessly blends their personal life into their 9-5. Compressed workweeks, childcare solutions, and remote working options- are just a few ways to cater to this evolving need. Respect Revolution Gone are the days when micromanagement was a thing. Now, it’s a major turn-off. Today, employees crave autonomy and a sense of being valued for their skills. Cultivating open communication and offering growth opportunities are key to building respect and loyalty. What Can Companies Do? The answer is simple: listen and adapt. Here are some actionable steps: Final Words! The future of work belongs to companies that prioritize their people over profit. Success lies in understanding the evolving reasons behind resignations and creating a work environment that fosters well-being, purpose, and respect. This will help companies retain top talent and attract the next generation of passionate and committed employees.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

Moonlight Sonata to Hedwig’s Theme: 5 Best Instrumental Songs of All the Time

Instrumental songs are quite magical with the power to spark various shades of emotions. Though instrumental pieces alone are ethereally euphonious, they’re often employed in movies and video games. Movies and concerts can sometimes propel the instrumental music to new heights by garnering the world’s attention. From Moonlight Sonata to Hedwig Theme, here is the list of some of the canorous instrumental works that have stood the test of time. Moonlight Sonata (1801) It’s Beethoven’s masterpiece woven by the bewitching magic of the moon. This euphonious instrumental piece will make you feel like everything is soaked in ethereal beauty. Ludwig Van Beethovan composed this magnificent piano work back in 1801, that was when his hearing was hitting the skids. The first movement is notable for its gripping gentleness. This timeless classic was dedicated to his student, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi Blue Danube Waltz (1867) The Blue Danube Waltz or An der schönen blades Donau composed by Johann Strauss is a canorous instrumental music that makes your heart beat in romantic rhythm, synchronically soaking one’s heart in tranquillity. This instrumental music was originally played at a concert named “Wiener Männergesang-Verein”, back in 1867. Blue danube Waltz struck the world when the orchestral piece was performed in Paris. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan (1992) The Swan or Le Cygne, the 13th movement of Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival Of the Animals, is a soothing melody that flutters with echoes of emotions. This popular instrumental music is crafted through a cello and two pianos. The Swan is based on Greek and Roman belief, where the swan is worshipped as the most beautiful animal that sings so strikingly seraphic in their final moments of life. The Murder (1960) The Murder by Bernard Herrman is the spookiest instrumental to rekindle nightmares. This iconic cinematic score garnered world’s attention through Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The shower scene in psycho was intensified with this hauntingly sonorous score. If you’re someone with a quest for spine-chilling music, you will undoubtedly be enthralled. Hedwig’s Theme (2001) Potterheads, the diehard fans of Harry Potter must be familiar with this striking score. This iconic piece was crafted by John Willaims. The orchestral piece named after Harry potter’s pet owl “Hedwig”, was often played when the owl takes flight, also used to strikingly intensify the wizardry feeling. Plethora of video games as well as universal themed parks are widely using this piece to sparkle the air with magical vibe.

Aswathy

Food

An Aromatic Expedition – Part #1, The Spice Bazaar

Through the world of colourful, aromatic spices, we can experience one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. From the fiery depths of Sichuan peppercorns to the gentle floral notes of saffron, they transport us to a state of bliss and ecstasy. Delving into the vibrant, weaving tales of tastes spanning continents is fascinating. We welcome you to the world of salt, pepper, sweets, and sourness, where they join together to ignite and excite your passion and palette. Let us unlock the secrets of ancient traditions and tantalise the senses with the prospect of new culinary discoveries. New culinary traditions and cultural exchange flourished and spread throughout many different civilisations through the trade of spices. As we explore the route map of our familiar spices, we see secret but fascinating tales of expeditions and adventures. Some age-old, unique spices around the world have a rich and colourful past, dating back more than four thousand years! Sumac Sumac, a deep red Middle Eastern spice, is a common flavouring agent in many traditional Middle Eastern dishes. This tangy, smokey citrus-flavoured spice is perfect for adding a subtle acidic flavour to dishes. Dried red sumac berries are used to make the spice. It is commonly added to salads, meats like chicken and fish, and rice dishes. Sichuan Peppercorn Sichuan peppercorn is not actually a pepper variety. They are the berries obtained from the prickly citrus ash tree. Carefully plucked from thorny citrus trees, the berries are dried under the sun. Citrus-flavoured, mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorn is the main ingredient used in the complex Sichuan cuisine, adding heat and aroma. This is one of the five Chinese spices ( Cassia, Fennel, cloves, Star anise, and Szechuan pepper). Shichimi Togarashi A popular Japanese seven-spice blend, which is also known as Shichimi Togarashi contains red chilli pepper, Japanese pepper, roasted orange peel, black and white sesame seeds, hemp seeds, yuzu peel, nori, poppy seeds, and ground ginger. This finishing ingredient can be added to various dishes, such as soups and salads. Shichimi Togarashi has a unique blend of fruity, nutty, and umami flavours with the fragrance of dried ginger. Berbere Ethiopian spice Berbere is a blend of fiery-natured spices, including coriander, garlic, ginger, chilli pepper, Ethiopian holy basil, rue, korarima, ajwain, fenugreek, and nigella. Cooking with Berbere imparts complex flavours and heat to stews, lentil dishes, and grilled meats. Ras el Hanout This spice blend is popular in Tunisian, Moroccan, and Algerian cuisines. It typically contains aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. When used in tagines, couscous, and grilled meats, Ras el Hanout adds an extra depth of flavour. Annato Annatto, a spice made from the seeds of the achiote tree, is a natural colouring agent in Latin American cuisines. Particularly in Mexican and Caribbean cooking, it elevates the appearance of dishes like stew and rice by giving them a golden hue. Asafoetida Popularly known as ‘hing,’ asafoetida is an aromatic spice of Iranian origin. It is also known as ‘devil’s dunk’. It is mainly used to enhance the flavour of dishes and gravies.

Ishita

Trends

From Ramayana to Reality: Did India Just Build a REAL Pushpak Viman?

Remember that epic chariot from the Ramayana, the Pushpak Viman? The one that could fly anywhere, anytime, even changing size at will? Hold onto your spacesuits because India’s space agency, ISRO, has unveiled something unique with a futuristic twist: their very own Pushpak Viman! ISRO’s latest innovation isn’t a mythical chariot (sorry, no size-changing chariots yet). However, a cutting-edge reusable launch vehicle (RLV) named Pushpak Viman. Like its namesake, this spacecraft can take off, deliver cargo into space, and then return for a safe landing. Pushpak’s Successful Test Flight: Recently, the “swadeshi space shuttle” named Pushpak, an SUV-sized winged rocket, executed a successful test landing on a runway in Karnataka. Lifted and dropped from an Air Force Chinook helicopter, the test was praised by ISRO chief S Somanath for its “excellent and precise” outcomes. The mission simulated the RLV’s high-speed landing after space flight, with the vehicle autonomously approaching the runway and landing accurately, utilizing a brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system. The Journey So Far: Over a decade ago, a hardworking crew of engineers and scientists started building the space shuttle. The 6.5-m beast, which weighs around 1.75 tons. It is equipped with tiny yet powerful thrusters that guide the vehicle into a safe landing as it descends, has been given a whopping ₹ 100 crore in funding from the government. So, is this the REAL Pushpak Viman? No, at least not yet! While this winged wonder is still in its testing phase, its successful trials look promising. This is enough to ensure it will be possible for us. With each milestone achieved, India edges closer to realizing its vision of affordable and sustainable space travel. The public is excited, scientists are dreaming big. And who knows—maybe one day, we’ll be cruising through the cosmos in our very own Pushpak Viman. Just like in the Ramayana. What if Pushpak Viman gets real? Safe to say the Pushpak Viman could change travel as we know it today – Although it’s tough to predict anything right now, one thing’s for sure. With the Pushpak Viman soaring into the sky, the fate of Indian space exploration is looking brighter than a million diyas!

Fathima Sanna

Education

SQ3R: An Active Reading Technique To Enhance Your Learning Experience

Isn’t it excruciatingly painful when chapters are hard to recall? Even after reading multiple times, do you feel as blank as a black screen? But SQ3R learning technique can help you memorise the topics you read. Though reading is often considered passive, here it’s going to be interestingly effective. What is SQ3R ? SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite And Review) is an active reading technique developed by the American psychologist, Francis P Robinson. This reading comprehension technique helps one glean as many details as possible through active reading. Instead of passively reading and wasting your time, learn this method to upgrade your learning experience. Here’s the list of steps to dive in Survey You don’t have to burden your head with the vastness of materials. This step can be done within 5-10 minutes. Just look at the bold headings and subheadings. Scan the pictures and everything visually appealing. Go through the brief summary of the chapter as well as the questions shot at the end of the chapter. Question Now you need to prepare questions out of everything you read. Craft questions from headings and subheadings before you begin reading the paragraphs. The more you prepare questions, the more interestingly you learn. For example, turn the heading “Light Years” into “What’s light years?”. Read It’s time to read and dive in for answers. While reading, make sure to make it as effective as possible. Dive into paragraphs to grasp the idea between the words. Carve notes out of everything you read. Instead of swallowing exactly the same way, try to paraphrase to enhance your understanding. Highlight everything important, but don’t highlight extensively to make it feel like too much. Recite Go to the questions at the end of the chapter to see if you’re able to answer them. Read the part you have trouble answering. Make sure to clear every part without barricades of doubts. After reading, recite everything you’ve learnt to store in your memory. Review Reviewing everything you’ve swallowed is important to boost your memory. The lack of reviewing can make you forget things within days, and you’ll be blank and anxious. Inorder to enhance knowledge as well as memory, revise everything you learnt within 24 hours.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

A Plastic Ocean to Mission Blue: 5 Documentaries on Ocean Conservation

Ocean is dying! From the dumping of an oceanic amount of poisonous plastics to the overfishing of predators like sharks, the vast world beneath the thrashing waves is falling into the abyss of impending death. If you’re someone who loves the vast blue ocean for all its mysteries and wonders, why not watch documentaries that shed light on the consequences of the villainous threats and be inspired to take part in the conservation of ocean before it’s too late. A Plastic Ocean (2016) A Plastic Ocean is an achingly beautiful documentary that portrays the problems propelled by plastic waste. Every year, the world produces a staggering amount of plastic, and around 8 million plastic wastes are dumped, bestially polluting and killing marine species. Plastic Ocean is crafted with a powerful message for the world to take action before it’s too late. From solutions like recycling and reusing to implementing effective programs by the governments all around the world can help the ocean from its impending catastrophe. Sharkwater: Extinction ( 2018) Sharkwater: Extinction is a thrilling documentary that bravely exposes a million dollar shark fin industry responsible for the Extinction of sharks. Unfortunately, Rob Stewart passed away while filming this documentary. Sharkwater attempts to stop the unsettling slaughter of sharks that can hit back at human beings with dangerous consequences. The extinction of predators like sharks can vastly collapse marine ecosystems. If you’re someone who’s concerned about conservation, you should definitely give it a watch. Chasing Coral (2017) Chasing Coral is a heartbreaking Netflix documentary that captures the issues behind the swift vanishing of coral reefs. The documentary portrays the bleaching of coral reefs and the deaths of marine species, one of the most concerning catastrophes unfurling beneath the water. The purpose of this documentary was to create awareness as well as to fuel action to prevent such dangers. Although it captures the issues in such a serious manner, Chasing Coral ends by casting hope. Mission Blue (2014) Mission Blue by Sylvia Erie captures the quest of Dr. Sylvia to save the Ocean from the threat of pollution and overfishing. This breathtakingly inspiring documentary aims to create awareness as well as to take actions to restore the Ocean. Mission Blue also shows that there’s hope in this moment. If you’re a sea lover who wishes to protect the Ocean, this fascinating documentary will inspire you to take steps towards conservation.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

Our Universe to Mars Generation: 5 Best Space Documentaries For Astrophiles

Are you someone who often keeps wondering about this enormously miraculous universe? If yes, get ready to unravel a bit of mysteries through some spellbinding documentaries. From Our Universe to Mars Generation, there are Netflix documentaries that will help you explore the origin and mystery that lies within our entrancing planet, solar system and the ever expanding universe. Learn how everything is intriguingly connected to each other, and get a glimpse into the bright future awaiting us. Our Universe (2022) Our Universe, narrated by Morgan Freeman, is a six-part series that beautifully shows the blooming of the universe. The sprouting of the solar system amid myriad collisions, and the mushrooming of millions of lives on earth. Our Universe shows us the magical role of the sun and meteor falls in enabling life on earth. Alien Worlds (2020) What if lives on planets are reigned by two suns? How would life look if the planet is frozen or terribly getting scorched? Alien Worlds, a spellbinding fictional documentary narrated by Sophie Okonendo, is for the ones who are excited about aliens and exoplanets. This explorational documentary will satisfy your thoughts and nurture your imagination by shedding light on the endless possibilities of our miraculous universe. Black Holes: The Edge Of All We Know (2021) What could be more mysterious than the black hole? Black Holes: The Edge Of All We Know sheds light on how black holes are formed including the massive black hole at the centre of the milky way. By featuring a striking team of mathematicians including the scientist Stephen Hawking, the documentary beautifully gives a glimpse of everything the science has uncovered so far. The Mars Generation (2017) For years, scientists have been exploring Mars to make it habitable like earth. This documentary is such a spellbinding documentary showing the quest and struggles of young scientists and engineers to build a future on Mars for humanity. The future of humanity is beautifully portrayed as bright, brimming with possibilities. Mars Generation will surely nurture your inspiration, if you’re one interested in exploring space. Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified (2022) Do you believe in extraterrestrial beings? Why not dive deep into the clues to explore? Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified is a worth watching documentary that includes the unravelling of Project Blue Book and Code Name Aurora, some of the secret projects about aliens by the US government. The documentary covers the shocking evidence of alien sightings as well as the words of people who claimed to have carried out alien autopsies.

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