What uncertainty the world has been thrown into once again! With most of us going back to square one, we wanted to write about inspiration in these tough times ahead of us. Which is why our feature is about three of the most tenacious and daring men I have read about in recent times. We also wanted to talk about the times where the lack of something actually brings out the best in us. Can you imagine a world without Louis Armstrong? Wouldn't have been possible without Prohibition in America!
We also talk about Tomorrowland, a festival that I have always had an admiration for but unfortunately could not attend in 2020. An event that united people across the entire spectrum of life!
We hope this edition of Portmanteau helps us tide over the next few days of hardship, at least a little.
With you, in spirit and in strength,
Ashish
A deep dive into a story that's arcane, thoughtful, and sometimes humorous!
Throughout what has resulted in a stressful and troubled time for the entire world at large, it is important to remember that there will always be a way out and better times ahead. We are currently facing a global crisis, and the Portmanteau team felt that a tribute to some of the success stories of the past bring some much needed light into our lives at large!
One of the world's largest music festivals. Will it happen in 2021?
Last July, we were supposed to witness the sixteenth edition of one of the world's largest music festivals.
Of course, obvious reasons meant that the festival was curtailed and a digital festival took place instead. What did we lose out on?
Pearls of wisdom from Jiddu Krishnamurthi, brought to you by Zen Pencils! Click to read the full comic.
A mixed selection of movies in no particular order or theme this time. Except that they're all really good and funny.
The Motorcycle Diaries tells the tale of one of the world's most influential revolutionaries through equal parts humor and thoughtful scenes.
Our young doctor Ernesto Guevara sets off on a mighty journey along with his friend Alberto Granado to see the sights of South America before they finish their degree. On a rusty Norton motorbike, their dusty, rainy and exhilarating journey takes them over 14,000km in just over 5 months. But it's the end goal that touches the heart; Ernesto's ambition to help in a leper colony in Peru.
The Motorcycle Diaries gives you a great insight into the man we now know as Che, through a brilliant adaptation of his own novel.
What if you were a young boy in Nazi Germany who wanted to become a soldier one day? And what if Hitler was your best friend through the journey?
Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit is a dark comedy that makes you laugh, then makes you think. It tells the story of the Nazi's Hitler Youth programs. An innocent boy who is led into believing the many "evils" of the jews, Jojo is soon faced with a dilemma when he discovers a Jew hiding not very far away from him but is someone he is forced to keep a secret from the others. What will he do? What would Hitler do?
An immensely unique perspective of the Holocaust, Jojo Rabbit is a brilliant take on what would have happened if the war was left in a young boy's hands.
A Grand Budapest Hotel is a rags to riches story that tickles every possible sense. An unusual hero named Zero is mentored by an eccentric man as they engage in cat and mouse chase.
The movie does not disappoint, entertaining its audience with thrilling pursuits and escapes. The characters are deep and the humour is absurd and whimsical. Wes Anderson has chosen a colour palette that resembles a scrumptious collection of ice cream scoops. The music by Michael Giacchino adds to the fantastical nature of the movie giving you a grand invitation into the hotel.
Hurry up and make a reservation, the Grand Budapest Hotel awaits.
How did alcohol prohibition lead to the rise of Jazz music in America?
Have you ever been to a speakeasy in New York or New Jersey? If you have ever been to the Big Apple, there are small chances you may have stepped into one unknowingly.
A lot of history is contained within these dimly lit, joyous joints!
Achieving the impossible is something every human should aspire to. Like trying to fly as quietly as I do.
Soul Food is what you need this summer.
What better food to warm the cockles of the heart than food drizzled in butter, cheese and other forms of goodness? Calories be damned, sometimes all the heart wants is a good meal. America’s South has always been at the forefront of good soul food. From Louisiana to Texas to Alabama to Harlem, soul food has reigned supreme. Although the history of the cuisine originally has some dark references, today it is an essential part of African American heritage and identity, and it is absolutely delicious.
Here’s a simple soul food recipe from allrecipes.com for American Biscuits in gravy!
Some of the best tracks played on the piano to have graced us. From timeless classics to contemporary music from the hidden parts of the globe.
While not strictly a puzzle to keep you engaged, we felt that this test known as the Meyers Briggs Test is a great way to figure out parts of your personality and discover who you are as a person!
Click Here To Take The Test
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