FILM REVIEW: “The Red Turtle”

(2016, my rating: 5 of 5 stars)

WARNING: This review contains spoilers!

"The Red Turtle" is a critically acclaimed 2016 animated film notable for its stunning visuals, poignant storytelling, and exploration of universal themes.

"The Red Turtle" is widely considered to be a philosophical metaphor. Here's why:

- Themes of Acceptance and Letting Go: The film explores the struggle between the man's desire for escape and the island's resistance. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from accepting one's circumstances and finding peace within them, rather than constantly striving for something else.

- The Cycle of Life: The story mirrors the natural cycle of life – birth, growth, aging, and death. The man's initial aggression towards the turtle, representing Nature, gives way to acceptance and love, culminating in the cycle of life continuing with their child.

- The Nature of Reality: The film's dreamlike quality and ambiguous ending leave room for interpretation, questioning the nature of reality and the boundaries between life and death.

- Spiritual Undertones: Some viewers interpret the turtle as a spiritual entity or a representation of the divine feminine, suggesting a deeper spiritual meaning beneath the surface narrative.

While the film can be enjoyed on a simple level as a beautiful and moving story, its rich symbolism invites viewers to contemplate deeper philosophical questions about life, death, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all things.

"The Red Turtle" can definitely be considered a fantasy film. While it doesn't have dragons or magic spells in the traditional sense, it incorporates fantastical elements that set it apart from pure realism.

Here's why it leans towards fantasy:

- The Red Turtle Transformation: The most obvious fantastical element is the red turtle's ability to transform into a human woman. This is a clear departure from the natural world and introduces a magical or mythical element.

- Symbolic and Allegorical Storytelling: The film uses symbolism and allegory to explore themes of life, death, Nature, and humanity's relationship with the environment. This symbolic approach, where elements represent deeper meanings, is a common characteristic of fantasy narratives.

- Dreamlike Quality: The film has a dreamlike and ethereal quality, with its serene visuals and minimal dialogue. This atmosphere contributes to the sense of wonder and otherworldliness often found in fantasy.

- Magical Realism: Some might argue that it falls into the realm of magical realism, where fantastical elements are interwoven with everyday reality. However, the core transformation of the turtle is a significant departure from reality, making it lean more towards fantasy.

Ultimately, the genre of "The Red Turtle" is open to interpretation. It blends elements of fantasy, drama, and even romance. But the presence of the transformative red turtle and the film's symbolic storytelling firmly place it within the realm of fantasy, albeit a subtle and poetic kind.

Here are some of its key other aspects:   

- Visuals: The film is renowned for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation. The meticulous attention to detail in the landscapes, characters, and movements creates a visually captivating experience. The use of color and light is particularly striking, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. 

- Storytelling: The film tells a simple yet profound story about a man shipwrecked on a deserted island and his gradual acceptance of his fate. The narrative is largely devoid of dialogue, relying on visuals and sound design to convey emotions and themes. This minimalist approach allows viewers to connect with the story on a deeper, more universal level. 

- Themes: "The Red Turtle" explores various themes, including the power of Nature, the cycle of life and death, and the importance of acceptance. The film's ending, in particular, is both heartbreaking and beautiful, serving as a powerful reflection on the impermanence of life.

- Production: The film was a collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Wild Bunch, marking the first time Studio Ghibli produced a film not directed by Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata. The director, Michaël Dudok de Wit, is known for his short films and his unique animation style. 

"The Red Turtle" received critical acclaim and won several awards, including:

- Un Certain Regard Special Prize at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival   

- Best Animated Feature - Independent at the 44th Annie Awards

- Best Animated Film from the San Francisco Film Critics Circle

- It was also nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Animated Feature.

"The Red Turtle" is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its exploration of universal themes and its masterful use of animation make it a truly remarkable cinematic experience. 

Broken link adjusted: now you can watch with English subtitles "FALHU" - a short film from Maldives

From Madhoship Maldives comes writer-director Movanu Shafeeq's English-subtitled 23-minute short Dhivehi film, titled "Falhu", released on August 3, 2023, which depicts a slice of life, as Yoosuf, a young boy comes to terms with the departure of his best friend Raai from their home island in the Maldives to the capital city of Male', resulting in the collective end of their childhood.

Watch it from this YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LUFj6vs_Og&t=269s

Madhoship Maldives (https://www.youtube.com/@madhoship) is a movie/television studio video production house (https://www.instagram.com/madhoship/) based in the Maldives. Madhoship is a group founded by a set of young and creative minds working towards a higher standard of art and media in Maldives.

"The devout Sikh had no problem wishing me in the name of a God he does not believe in."

Maldives Police bans a Pongal festival organized by Indian expatriates on Hulhumale island, the local news Mihaaru reports. I skim through the comments section. An overwhelming majority seem convinced Maldives Police did the right thing: we should under no circumstance allow non-Muslims to celebrate any of their festivals. READ MORE from Naimbe's Instagram

Quotable quote

 

China: five years after breaking key stories on COVID-19, journalist Zhang Zhan is dying in detention

... In the beginning of February 2020, Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan heard rumours that an unidentified disease was killing citizens in the city of Wuhan. Despite the risk of contagion, she travelled 850 km to cover the situation on the ground, working in the epicentre of what turned out to be one of the deadliest pandemics in modern history. For this, she was sentenced to four years in prison as the Chinese regime tried to cover up news about the outbreak and their responsibility for the spread of the disease. READ MORE from Reporters Without Borders

Dreams #3: MDP Mariya

I was sleeping on a traditional wooden bed woven with coconut coir rope - the one where  servants from rural islands slept at my home in the capital island Male' during my childhood. 

I woke up and wondered what I was doing on the servants' bed.

I also felt disoriented: was it my childhood self or my adult self, I wondered.

I shifted my body so that I faced up and in my line of sight was the roof made from corrugated tin sheets.

I then wanted to get out of the bed and turned to the side and saw Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s politician Mariya Ahmed Didi.

She was standing with her right side turned towards me and so she wasn't looking at me. She just stood there unmoving.

I wondered what she was doing in my dad's home (where I lived the better part of my life) and how she came to be standing near the servants' bed on which I was sleeping for reasons that wasn't clear to me because I had my own bed in my dad's home.

I also wondered how she had travelled back to the past - if the wooden bed is an indication that this was the past of my childhood times. It was the time when servants were given such wooden beds with coconut palm leaf thatch mattresses. Although that was the condition servants, all from outer islands, slept in Male' homes, the capital's families slept on steel meshed beds with cotton filled mattresses.

In my whole journalistic life, I directly met Mariya only once and that was when I went (to her apartment on the same street as my dad's home) to interview her at a time when MDP was hotly fighting against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's rule.

I don't remember the rest of the dream, so I don't know whether I interacted with Mariya or not. 

Quotable quote

Most people don't view themselves as one-dimensional creatures obsessed solely with power. Why, then, hold such a view about everyone else?

-- Yuval Noah Harari, "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI"

BOOK REVIEW: "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI" by Yuval Noah Harari

 

Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Israeli historian and philosopher, professor Yuval Noah Harari is a lecturer at the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the author of the phenomenal "Sapiens" and his latest book, "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI" is a thought-provoking exploration of how information networks have shaped human history and continue to do so, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can encroach our privacy while at the same time been capable of establishing both democracies and dictatorships.

The great thing about him is that he simplifies complex concepts so that a layperson like me can understand complicated science and technology. So this time around, too, he manages to do that. Once again, his clear and accessible writing style makes complex ideas understandable to a wide audience. He uses vivid examples and thought-provoking questions to keep readers engaged.

With a sweeping historical perspective, Harari takes readers on a journey through time, examining how information has been disseminated and used, from ancient myths and religious texts to the internet and social media. He connects the past to the present, showing how patterns of information control and dissemination repeat themselves in new forms.

The book highlights the dual nature of information as a double-edged sword. It can be a tool for unity, cooperation, and progress, but also for manipulation, control, and even destruction. Harari argues that the way information is structured and used is crucial to its impact.

The rise of AI and its implications form a significant portion of "Nexus"; the book is dedicated to discussing the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape information networks. Harari expresses concerns about the possibility of AI being used to manipulate and control populations, erode privacy, and even threaten human existence.

He calls for human responsibility to acknowledge the potential dangers of AI. However, he doesn't succumb to pessimism. He emphasizes the importance of human responsibility in shaping the future of information networks. He urges readers to be aware of the power of information and to use it wisely.

Harari takes an interdisciplinary approach: as with his previous works, Harari draws on history, philosophy, technology, and other disciplines to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the topic. He weaves together diverse strands of knowledge to offer fresh perspectives on complex issues.

Like his previous books, "Nexus" is a timely and important book that encourages readers to think critically about the role of information in shaping our world. It offers a historical context for understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI and provides a call to action for responsible use of information technologies.

View all my reviews

Dreams #2: Woman with boils

I was wearing my school uniform.

I climbed over the walls of the cemetery where my classmate had been buried after he committed suicide.

I crossed to the other side and climbed down.

On the street, a woman approached me. She had boils on her face.

She said she had a job interview that day and asked if one of my relatives could give her a ride to the workplace.

The relative she mentioned was pious, and I was fairly certain he wouldn’t want to share his motorbike with a strange woman.

I couldn't bring myself to say this, so I lied: "My relative is busy today."

Then I suddenly remembered that some Maldivians had a prejudice against people with disabilities.

I placed my hope in the idea that she would get the job if she sounded passionate about the work she was pursuing.

It was important that she conveyed her seriousness to the interviewer.

So I told her, "Be sure to look directly into the interviewer's eyes and explain how serious you are about working there."

I hoped that would help convince the employer—especially in a society where some Maldivian men gave jobs only to physically attractive women.

The way she held my gaze showed me that she was serious about life—and in that moment, she was beautiful to me.

I don't remember the rest of the dream.

Quotable quote

Life can only be understood backwards, but we have to live it forwards. Snails never go back over their trails, always moving forwards. Time for you to leave some glittering snail trails all over the world.

-- From "Memoir of a Snail"

FILM REVIEW: “Memoir of a Snail” (2024, my rating 5 of 5 stars)

This is not only one of the best animated movies I have ever watched but also one of the best stories ever told.

It’s a 2024 Australian stop-motion animated tragicomedy film written, produced, and directed by Adam Elliot.   

Some noteworthy aspects:

Heartfelt Story: It explores themes of loss, grief, family, and finding hope in unexpected places. It tells the story of Grace, a lonely misfit who finds solace in collecting snails and forms a unique bond with an eccentric elderly woman.   

Stunning Stop-Motion Animation: The film is visually captivating, with intricate and detailed stop-motion animation bringing the characters and world to life.   

Talented Voice Cast: The film features a strong voice cast, including Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, and Jacki Weaver.   

Critical Acclaim: The film received critical acclaim for its artistry, emotional depth, and humor. It has won numerous awards, including the Cristal Award for a Feature Film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.   

The film has been nominated for numerous awards including:

- Golden Globe Awards: Best Animated Feature Film

- Satellite Awards: Best Motion Picture – Animated or Mixed Media

- Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Animated Feature

- Annie Awards: Best Animated Feature — Independent, Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Feature Production

- Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards: Best Film, Best Direction, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Music Score, Best Sound, Best Production Design

It is a poignant and beautifully crafted film that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

Listening to one of my all-time favorite Hindi songs: "Phir Mohabbat"

A great thanks to one of my Maldivian male friends who introduced this song to me years ago and another great thanks to a Maldivian female friend (who is also a friend of that friend) who yesterday sent me this link because I had forgotten the name of this song.

CHECK THE LYRICS WHILE LISTENING TO THE SONG: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1rcse8INWk

BOOK REVIEW: "The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability" by James Gustave Speth

 

The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability [Paperback] by James Gustave Speth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

James Gustave Speth was a co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council and was a senior advisor to US presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. He served as the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 1993 to 1999. His work has been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to environmental protection.

Author of also "Red Sky at Morning: America and the Crisis of the Global Environment", Speth's book "The Bridge at the Edge of the World" argues that the current capitalist economic system is fundamentally incompatible with environmental sustainability.

Here are some of the key points:

Environmental Crisis: Speth presents a stark assessment of the environmental challenges facing the planet, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. He argues that these problems are not merely isolated incidents but rather systemic issues rooted in the core principles of capitalism.

Critique of Capitalism: The book critiques the relentless pursuit of economic growth as the primary goal of capitalist societies. Speth argues that this focus on growth incentivizes unsustainable practices, such as the overexploitation of natural resources and the externalization of environmental costs. He also criticizes the influence of corporations on political processes, which he argues hinders effective environmental regulation.

Need for Transformative Change: Speth contends that incremental reforms within the existing capitalist framework are insufficient to address the environmental crisis. He calls for a fundamental shift in our economic and social systems, moving towards a more sustainable and equitable model.

Proposed Solutions: The book outlines a range of potential solutions, including:

Ecological Economics: Reframing economic thinking to prioritize environmental sustainability and social well-being over economic growth.

Green Governance: Strengthening democratic institutions and empowering citizens to participate in environmental decision-making.

Sustainable Consumption: Promoting responsible consumption patterns and reducing reliance on material goods.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Encouraging businesses to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices.

Call to Action: Speth emphasizes the need for individual and collective action to create a more sustainable future. He urges readers to become informed, engaged citizens and to advocate for transformative change.

Speth's writing style in "The Bridge at the Edge of the World" can be generally described as:

Clear and Accessible: Despite dealing with complex scientific and economic concepts, Speth presents his arguments in a way that is generally understandable to a broad audience.

Urgent and Alarming: The book conveys a sense of urgency and alarm about the environmental crisis, emphasizing the seriousness of the challenges we face.

Frank and Direct: Speth doesn't shy away from criticizing the current economic system and the powerful interests that resist change.

Hopeful but Realistic: While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Speth maintains a sense of hope and outlines potential solutions for a more sustainable future.

Some might also describe his tone as:

Scholarly: Drawing upon his extensive academic and professional experience, Speth provides a well-researched and data-driven analysis of the environmental crisis.

Moral: The book carries a strong moral undercurrent, emphasizing the ethical imperative to protect the planet for future generations.

His writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making the book a compelling read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.

The book has been praised for its clear and compelling analysis of the environmental crisis and its unflinching critique of the current economic system. However, some critics have argued that Speth's proposed solutions are overly idealistic and may not be feasible within the existing political and economic context.

View all my reviews

What's the difference between "totalitarian" and "autocratic"?

SOURCE: Gemini

Both totalitarian and autocratic regimes are forms of government that concentrate power in the hands of a single person or a small group, limiting individual freedoms. 

However, there are key distinctions between the two:

Scope of Control

Totalitarian: Seeks to control all aspects of citizens' lives, including their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. This control extends to the public and private spheres.

Authoritarian: Primarily focuses on maintaining political power and suppressing dissent. While individual freedoms are restricted, there might be some degree of personal liberty outside the political realm.

Ideology

Totalitarian: Often driven by a specific ideology (e.g., communism, fascism) that the government seeks to impose on society.

Authoritarian: May not have a defined ideology. The main goal is to maintain power, and the regime may use various tactics to achieve this.

Use of Force

Totalitarian: Relies heavily on force, surveillance, and propaganda to maintain control. Often employs secret police and other repressive measures to eliminate dissent.

Authoritarian: May use force to suppress dissent, but it's not always the primary method of control. Co-optation, patronage, and manipulation can also be used to maintain power.

Examples

Totalitarian: Nazi Germany, Soviet Union under Stalin

Authoritarian: Many military dictatorships, some single-party states

In essence, totalitarianism is a more extreme form of authoritarianism. It seeks to control every aspect of society and the individual, while authoritarianism primarily focuses on maintaining political power.

MOVIE REVIEW: "A Real Pain" (2024, my rating: 5 of 5 stars)

"A Real Pain" is a 2024 buddy road comedy-drama film written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. It stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mismatched Jewish American cousins who travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother. 

The film delves into the complexities of family history, particularly the impact of the Holocaust on subsequent generations. It examines themes of grief, guilt, and the search for identity.

Culkin received critical acclaim for his nuanced and emotionally resonant performance. 

Eisenberg's directorial debut is praised for its sensitivity and thoughtful exploration of its themes. The screenplay, also written by Eisenberg, is lauded for its wit and emotional depth.

"A Real Pain" received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its performances, writing, and direction. It was named one of the top ten films of 2024 by several publications. 

Here are some awards the movie won:

- Golden Globe Award: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (Culkin)

- National Society of Film Critics Award: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin), Best Screenplay (Eisenberg)

- New York Film Critics Circle Award: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin)

- Critics' Choice Movie Award: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin), Best Original Screenplay (Eisenberg)

The movie is a thought-provoking and moving film that explores complex themes with humor and sensitivity.

Quotable quote

Religions are like rivers: They all flow to the same sea. -- Elif Shafak, "The Forty Rules of Love"

BOOK REVIEW: "Azadi" by Arundhati Roy

Azadi by Arundhati Roy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arundhati Roy's "Azadi" presents shocking revelations about India's atrocities against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to uncover the truths of this disputed land, which has never held the self-determination referendum it was promised and whose fate has been forsaken by the rest of the world.

This is a collection of essays that explore the complexities of freedom not only in India but around the world.

Here are some notable aspects of the book:

Critique of Authoritarianism: Roy sharply criticizes the rise of authoritarianism in India and globally, particularly focusing on the erosion of democratic institutions and the suppression of dissent.

Focus on Kashmir: The book delves into the ongoing conflict in Kashmir, highlighting the human rights abuses and the impact of militarization on the region.

Exploration of Language and Power: Roy examines the role of language in shaping political discourse and how it can be used to manipulate and control.

Call for Alternative Imaginations: She advocates for the power of imagination and the need to envision alternative futures beyond the dominant narratives of power and oppression.

Provocative and Polemical Style: Roy's writing is known for its passionate and often confrontational style, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths.

Overall, "Azadi" is a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a critical perspective on contemporary political issues. It has resonated with many readers who share Roy's concerns about the state of the world and the need for resistance and change.

View all my reviews

Quotable quote

By and large, the narrow-minded say that dancing is sacrilege. They think God gave us music - not only the music we make with our voices and instruments but the music underlying all forms of life, and then He forbade our listening to it. Don't they see that all nature is singing? Everything in this universe moves with a rhythm - the pumping of the heart, the flaps of a bird's wings, the wind on a stormy night, a blacksmith working iron, or the sounds an unborn baby is surrounded with inside the womb.... Everything partakes, passionately and spontaneously, in one magnificent melody. The dance of the whirling dervishes is a link in that perpetual chain. Just as a drop of seawater carries within it the entire ocean, our dance both reflects and shrouds the secrets of the cosmos.

-- Elif Shafak, "The Forty Rules of Love"

BOOK REVIEW: "The Forty Rules of Love" by Elif Shafak

 

The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a latecomer when it comes to reading the works of Türkiye’s novelist Elif Shafak. In fact, “The Forty Rules of Love” is the first book of hers that I have read, and I only started it last week.

The novel is clearly written for a pop culture audience, but I don’t mind that because I can relate to its subject matter—the idea that the universe is a unified, conscious entity. This concept aligns with the verses of Islam’s holy scripture, the Quran, in which Allah (God) has revealed that everything, including rocks and animals, praise Him.

Shafak's novel is a captivating story that seamlessly blends historical fiction with contemporary storytelling.

The novel masterfully intertwines two timelines: the 13th century story of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz, and the 21st-century story of Ella Rubinstein, a dissatisfied housewife. This dual narrative structure creates a rich tapestry of connections and parallels between the two eras.

The novel delves into the mystical teachings of Sufism, a branch of Islam that emphasizes love, compassion, and the search for divine truth. Shafak explores these concepts through the relationship between Rumi and Shams, offering readers a glimpse into the beauty and depth of Sufi philosophy.

At its core, the novel is a story about love in its various forms: romantic love, divine love, and the love between friends. The novel explores the transformative power of love, its ability to heal, inspire, and challenge our perceptions of the world.

By weaving together historical and contemporary narratives, Shafak bridges the gap between past and present. The challenges faced by Rumi and Shams in their time resonate with the struggles of Ella and Aziz in the 21st century, highlighting the enduring power of human emotions and experiences.

Shafak's writing is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to 13th-century Konya and contemporary Istanbul. Her vivid descriptions and poetic language create a sensory experience that enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Throughout the novel, Shams imparts forty rules of love to his disciples. These rules serve as guiding principles for living a life of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening. They offer timeless wisdom that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

This is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of love, the beauty of Sufism, and the enduring connection between past and present. It is a book that stays with you long after you finish reading it, inviting you to reflect on your own life and the meaning of love.

View all my reviews

Dreams #1: Swallowing cigarettes

I had two cigarettes in my hand. I swallowed one with a glass of water, but the second one wouldn't go down my throat. I wondered why. Was it because of its elongated shape? If so, why was I able to swallow the first cigarette?

I don't remember the rest of the dream, so I'm not sure what happened to the second cigarette.

Nasheed invites Trump to observe Maldives’ climate crisis after U.S. exit from Paris agreement

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, as Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the Maldives to observe the adverse effects of climate change, expressing regret over America's decision. READ MORE from The Edition

Sri Lanka, Maldives enhance oil spill response skills

... The training aimed to bolster oil spill response strategies, establish effective incident command systems, and implement joint practical solutions during field exercises. READ MORE from News1st

Taliban minister urges leadership to lift Afghan female education ban

... Stanikzai suggested that the world is critical of the Taliban’s curbs on women and “this is precisely the problem” that they have with the Afghan government, which has not been officially recognized by any country, primarily over its treatment of the female population. READ MORE from VOA

Malala Yousafzai asks Muslim leaders to reject Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women openly

“The Taliban are explicit about their mission. They want to eliminate women and girls from every aspect of public life and erase them from society,” she said. “Simply put, the Taliban do not see women as human beings. They cloak their crimes in cultural and religious justification.” READ MORE from VOA

Police harassment, astronomical visa fees, deportation threats — RSF warns of the dire situation facing Afghan journalists exiled in Pakistan

Reduced visa durations and intensified police raids have aggravated the alarming conditions of Afghan journalists exiled in Pakistan. These media professionals are increasingly subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrests and threats of expulsion. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Pakistani authorities to guarantee their protection. READ MORE from Reporters Without Borders

Annie Dillard on how winter awakens us to life

Rilke considered the cold season the time for tending one’s inner garden. “In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer,” Albert Camus wrote a generation later. “If we didn’t remember winter in spring, it wouldn’t be as lovely,” Adam Gopnik observed after many more revolutions of the Earth around the Sun in his lyrical love letter to winter. But if we are to reap winter’s quiet and invisible spiritual rewards, it seems that special regard must be paid to the day of the season’s onset as the time to set such interior intentions.

That’s what Annie Dillard (b. April 30, 1945) invites in a splendid meditation on the winter solstice, originally published in her 1974 masterpiece Pilgrim at Tinker Creek — which I revisit frequently as a sort of secular scripture — and later included in The Abundance: Narrative Essays Old and New (public library), one of the 16 finest books of 2016. READ MORE from The Marginalian

Quotable quote

"The Sufi says, 'I should mind my inner encounter with God rather than judging other people.' An orthodox scholar, however, is always on the lookout for the mistakes of others. But don't forget, students, most of the time he who complains about others is himself at fault." 

-- Elif Shafak, "The Forty Rules of Love"