Random Whys

Nobody Wants This: Review

“Nobody Wants This” impresses with thoughtful writing, character vulnerabilities, personal growth, and meaningful communication. Highly recommended!

1–2 minutes

I recently watched a show called Nobody wants this. It was recommended to me, and I must say, it surprised me in the best way. At first, I thought it would be just another rom-com, but this one truly stands out. While it’s obviously fictional, the writing feels thoughtful, especially in how the characters speak—particularly the two leads.

The story revolves around a woman searching for a healthy relationship after a string of failed dates. On the other hand, the male lead is a rabbi who has just ended an engagement. Without giving too much away, there were several things that really impressed me.

For one, the characters, including the families, are all vulnerable. Everyone has their flaws and hidden struggles. The open communication between the couple throughout the story is refreshing to see, especially in a rom-com.

Another highlight is how both characters experience personal growth and change. You get to see how the reasons things didn’t work out with Rebecca are different from why things do work with Joanne. The role of family politics is also well-explored, showing how the pressure to “put on a show” to please families can create complications.

One line that really stood out to me was, “I can handle you.” It was simple but carried so much weight in the moment.

OMG, a special appreciation to the writer for crafting such a thoughtful and meaningful scripts. The way the characters’ emotions and vulnerabilities were portrayed felt very real.

I was a bit skeptical when she talked about converting, but the ending wrapped up beautifully. I won’t spoil anything, but it’s definitely worth a watch. Give it a try! Available in Netflix ! In part 2, I liked Shasha more.

Cheers

PS: FI is the illustrations of Lucy Claire Dunbar

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Sunandhini R

Praise/Rebuke!

The book “The Courage to Be Disliked” discusses Adlerian philosophy, emphasizing encouragement over praise or rebuke, which can manipulate our sense of freedom.

2–3 minutes

I’ve been reading a book for over a month now, but I still haven’t finished it. Maybe it’s because there’s a lot to absorb. There are many interesting chapters, but one thing that stayed with me is this. Don’t praise or rebuke, just focus on encouragement.

The book is called The Courage to Be Disliked, and it’s written by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It’s a conversation between a young man and a philosopher, discussing Adlerian philosophy. There are many thought-provoking ideas, but the chapter “To live in earnest in the here and now” was especially hard to understand and accept. I’m still trying to adjust to it.

The philosopher says we shouldn’t praise or rebuke others. The young man argues that praise gives us confidence to face challenges, even life tasks. But the philosopher explains that praise is based on someone’s idea of what’s good or bad. When someone praises you as “good,” it means you’re being measured by their standards, which limits your freedom.

If receiving praise is what one is after, one will have no choice but to adapt to that person’s yardstick and put the brakes on one’s own freedom.

The idea here is that praise can manipulate people into fitting into a vertical hierarchy in relationships. An example given is how parents praise their children for good behavior. Now, think of this “good girl syndrome.” We are adjust ourselves to get the tag or label of good girl. The authenticity is lost/limited. Then it all made sense to me, but I’m still unsure if all praise leads to a hierarchy or if it’s always manipulative. These thoughts keep spinning in my mind. Yet, it gives a kind of awareness that it could be manipulative too.

The book could have explained more about why not rebuke and it isn’t stressed, but it does suggest an alternative to praising, “Encouragement”. At first, it might seem confusing, but the more you think about it, the clearer it becomes.

Maybe to avoid this, we could use a simple trick. When someone praises us, just say எல்லா புகழும் இறைவன் ஒருவனுக்கே (All praise belongs to God alone)! and move on. And when rebuked, we can simply say, Let me think about it, and move on. This reminds me of This too shall pass story But never let yourself fall!

Cheers

Check out the previous post: Expectations

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Sunandhini R

CTRL (2024) Movie Review

CTRL explores privacy themes through a couple’s online life, revealing secrets and consequences that arise from digital exposure, ultimately urging awareness of privacy issues.

2–3 minutes

I watched CTRL (Hindi, Indian based) yesterday, after a few recommendations. I should have stuck with my own watchlist (lol). The movie was about raising awareness on privacy settings and social media platforms. Good one tho! The story follows a couple bloggers on social media. The initial story part of plot shows them being happy, exploring places and brands. Showing a perfect couple picture.

Later, the girl finds out the guy is cheating after a tech meetup. Since they are public figures, the news spreads quickly. To delete his digital presence, she uses an AI tool called ctrl.ai. This AI seems talkative and has access to her microphone and video. It also monitors her activities, schedules and more. The AI even gives her tips and helps her regain popularity through brand advertising. She gets used to talking to it.

The ex-boyfriend tries to contact her with something secret, but he’s murdered. When she tries to find the reason, there is something big. He had been trying to spread awareness about privacy policies and how company influence our choices and collects our data. Though, she has evidence, the blame falls on her. The girl feels powerless and withdraws from the fight against the powerful one.

In the end, she gets back back to her dad’s business. To avoid loneliness, she starts talking to the AI again. The movie has a strong message about privacy. How addictive these are. The visuals and interface were stunning. However, the way it’s shown through app interfaces might make it hard for some viewers to follow. The transitions between apps can be confusing.

Overall, CTRL raises awareness, but it’s best suited for viewers with a medium level of understanding about privacy. Privacy is a key theme here, much like in the Korean movie Unlocked also highlights the dark sides of it. Give them a try. Both are available in Netflix.

Cheers

PS: AI? Totally not addictive…? Yup, sure! 😜

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Sunandhini R

#Agri09: Neelakurinji!

The Neelakurinji flower, blooming every twelve years, holds ecological and cultural significance, especially in Tamil literature, while facing climate change threats.

3–5 minutes

Last week was fun but it was like a learning session. I heard of this Kurinji flower but haven’t witnessed it. It is called Kurinji or Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) , found along the Western Ghats of India. It is a shrub, grown mostly on the grasslands. They bloom once in twelve years. Once they bloom, you see a burst of blue (kind of of purplish tint) across the mountains. The bloom of Neelakurinji is more than just a visual spectacle but it holds deep ecological and cultural significance, especially in Tamil literature and history.

#Tamil Literature

Neelakurinji has deep roots in Tamil culture and literature. During the Sangam period, the landscape was classified into five regions (known as Thinai)—Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forests), Marutham (agricultural lands), Neithal (coastal areas), and Palai (desert). Maybe named because of the flower. I still remember studying the table which these different landscapes and its characteristic for my Tamil exam. These flower is not just a part of nature but a symbol of their heritage too.

As we know the bloom cycle of the Neelakurinji happens once every 12 years, it was sometimes used as a reference for measure time and age. The ancient community people (Paliyan tribal people) living near the Western Ghats used the flowering to calculate their ages. For example, people would say, “I have seen three Neelakurinji blooms,” meaning they are approximately 36 years old. Interesting isn’t it? I believe, those people would’ve way happier than us. No clocks, No calender, No meetings! Simple life! Lol!

#Honey Bees

The place was very clam and you would be able hear those buzzing bee sound echoing acroos the mountains. There were so much of bees. These flowers provide an abundance of nectar. The bees are drawn to the nectar and help with pollination. In return, honey bees benefit from the rich food source, producing honey during this time. This interaction also supports the broader ecosystem and helps the survival of the other species. However, if the blooming doesn’t happen as expected due to climate or environmental changes, it can affect bee population, honey production and the many species that rely on them. Most the flowerings gets delayed .

#Different Bloom Cycles

While Neelakurinji blooms every twelve years, another species of Kurinji (Strobilanthes callosa) flowers once every eighth years. The first seven years dryness followed by flowering in eighth year. Sea of lavender blush. This shows how different species of the plant have adapted to different cycles. Who knows, some might have hundred? These mass blooms create a surge of nectar and pollen, supporting honey bees, insects and animals.

#Grasslands and Ecosystem

The grasslands around Neelakurinji are also important. These grasslands help prevent soil erosion and provide food for grazing animals. The plants and shrubs in this ecosystem helps to absorb water and prevent landslides, especially on the steep hills of the Western Ghats. The connection between Neelakurinji and the grasslands creates a balance that supports life in the region. However, both are under threat from human activities like deforestation, construction and many more.

#Climate Change

Climate change poses a serious threat to Neelakurinji. The plant’s blooming cycle is closely tied to rainfall and temperature, and changing weather patterns can delay or disrupt the bloom. Over time, this could reduce the frequency of these blooms, harming the entire ecosystem. It is the connections that exist in nature, where plants, bees, grasslands, and even the climate work together to maintain balance. I am reminded of a line from a song!

உலகத்தில் எதுவும்… தனிச்சு இல்லையே…!

#Conservation Efforts

Today, Neelakurinji faces threats of habitat loss. Ofcourse, human activities included. Responsible tourism and stricter land use policies are being required to ensure that future generations can witness this beautiful blooms. It is not just saving a flower but it’s about preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage that it represents.

#Blue Mountains

The Nilgiris in southern India are often called as Blue Mountains, and this name comes from a combination of two reasons. One is because of these flowers and the other one is due to blueish haze (Rayleigh scattering). The eucalyptus trees in the Nilgiris also plays a role in this haze it seems, as they release oils into the atmosphere, enhancing the bluish tint. There is a blue mountain express as well.

Witnessing these Neelakurinji bloom is an unforgettable one. It is a rare moment when beauty, nature, and culture coming together! Make sure to see it if you get the chance!

Cheers

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Sunandhini R

Kottukkaali/The Adamant Girl (2024) Movie Review

The movie explores themes of caste, patriarchy, and interpersonal relationships through the journey of Pandi and Meena.

4–5 minutes

I watched this movie after being intrigued by the trailer and Soori’s role. He did an amazing role here. It’s a slow-paced film. If you’re looking for a clear plot or fast-paced action, this one isn’t for you. The story is open-ended and unfolds at its own pace

The plot revolves around Pandi and Meena, who are traveling to meet a seer. Pandi is Meena’s maternal uncle. He had been abroad for a long time, while Meena is continuing her studies. When he returns, he finds out Meena is in love with a man from a different caste. The movie is set in a rural village. They are on a journey to get advice from the seer, hoping to change Meena’s mind. The film doesn’t spoon-feed the plot through dialogues. Instead, it lets the audience think and understand what’s happening through the scenes.

In the beginning of the scene, Meena’s hair is oiled and plaited while she sits alone at home. A rooster is also tied to a rock, struggling. Both Meena and the rooster are shown as being tied down by the men in their lives.

The conversations between the family members are unsettling, even though they’re within the same family. The film explores interpersonal relationships within the context of culture and village life. The discussions revolve around how others might judge them. There’s talk about the family name being spoiled, in-laws being shamed, and a planned function being ruined. All these conversations are focused on how society perceives them.

One thing to notice is the lack of proper facilities. There are no petrol stations, no proper sanitation, and mostly barren lands during their travel. Houses are scattered, and the unimportant things seem more accessible

The sisters in the movie are the most vocal. They question people, ask Meena’s father to pay the bill, criticize others, and even advise Pandi. But when it comes to talking about menstruation, they fall silent. Are they still hesitant? Or is it still taboo?

While traveling, they come across a ritual being celebrated by a random maternal uncle. Meena stares at a poster. The movie gives you time to think: will Meena follow the same path as the women in the poster? Is this her last innocent smile? Or will she be allowed to make her own choices?

There are two children in the movie: a boy and a girl. The boy, who travels with them, is unaware of what’s going on. He enjoys his snacks and feeds the rooster and stay’s in his world. But he’s the one who cries when Meena is beaten badly. The movie doesn’t reveal a hint whether he will grow up with the same patriarchal mindset. The girl, on the other hand, seems brave, controlling a bull. It’s left to us to interpret whether future generations will be brave like her when Meena looked at her, or if Meena sees herself in that girl.

Meena’s character stands out. She prays silently, bears the beatings, and even hums a love song, suggesting there’s still love for the man she’s in a relationship with. Her role captures the rigidness, silent suffering, and strength to endure the situation. The movie clearly blends themes of caste, superstition, patriarchy, and interpersonal relationships. Meena has to fight against these strong factors.

Pandi’s character is complex. At first, he’s hopeful that Meena will change her mind. He tries to make eye contact and believes she will listen. But as time passes, and after seeing her pray and hum the love song, his hope begins to fade. His ego, fear of losing her, or possessiveness causes him to lash out violently. He loses control, and you can almost see an animalistic rage in him. Even the elder people, Meena’s parents. Unexpected! He did end up of explaining his rage to her father and her mother was ignored.

The ending of the movie is open to us to interpret. When they reach the seer, another family is ahead of them for consultation. There were families irrespective of status. The woman from the earlier family stands still, unresponsive. The seer performs rituals, and at the end, a rooster is killed and tossed aside, its final moments haunting. Pandi walks away deep in thought.

The seer calls for the next family, but Pandi walks toward them, lost in his own wavering thoughts. The movie doesn’t give a clear conclusion. Maybe Pandi saw himself in the earlier family, or maybe he realized Meena won’t change. It’s also possible that his love for her made him decide to let go. I am not sure tho! The film leaves it to the us to interpret what happens next. It is available in amazon prime. Give it try!

Cheers

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Sunandhini R

Inside Out 2 (2024) Movie Review

The review discusses Inside Out 2’s exploration of new emotions in Riley’s adolescence, emphasizing personal growth and emotional complexity.

2–3 minutes

I was waiting for this movie to be released on OTT platforms. It came out on Google TV, but I didn’t have a subscription. So, I waited for it on Disney or Amazon. I have to admit, I missed seeing this in big screen. The quick recap of Inside Out 1, where Riley’s emotions were simple. They were joy, sadness, disgust, anger, and fear which explained her behavior, as well as her parents. The main idea of the joy to make sure that Riley feels happy and good throughout. However, by the end, Joy realized that sadness and the other emotions are necessary to navigate life.

For Inside Out 2, I wasn’t sure if it was meant for teenagers or adults. Some might think it’s just an animated film for kids, but I don’t agree. It helps explain how people act in different situations. When Riley reaches puberty, new emotions like anxiety, embarrassment, envy, nostalgia, and boredom appear alongside her existing ones. At first, the memories from the first movie formed her belief that she is a good person, kind and caring.

When anxiety takes control over the emotional control panel after puberty, Riley starts to predict and deal with the unknown. Her behavior changes to focus on what will help her in the future. Anxiety becomes the dominant emotion, pushing Joy and others aside. Joy struggles to bring things back to how things were. There’s a great line from Joy about adulthood: we have so much to deal with, which is why happiness feels harder to hold onto happiness all the time. Riley’s belief shifts from “I am a good person” to “I am not good enough” when anxiety take control. She worries about fitting in, even thinking, “If I don’t like that band, I’ll never be friends with them.”

The ending was remarkable. When Joy tries to restore Riley’s belief that she’s good and kind, Anxiety steps in, saying, “We don’t define Riley.” That line really stood out. Joy then adds that all of Riley’s memories, even the ones pushed to the back of her mind, contribute to who she is.

In the end, Riley is a mix of all her experiences. She is good, kind, selfish, and more. She accepts her true self, and the final quote was very powerful. But, It is also important to note that our sense of self isn’t static. It grows and adapts with every experience, which is just one of the factors that shape who we are!

I do wonder why emotions like excitement, love, pride, guilt, and loneliness weren’t explored. Maybe they’re saving them for the third part? If so, I’m excited!

Cheers

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Sunandhini R

So you want to be a writer?

Bukowski emphasizes that writing should come naturally and passionately; if it feels forced or for external gains, don’t pursue it.

by Charles Bukowski

if it doesn't come bursting out of you
in spite of everything,
don't do it.
unless it comes unasked out of your
heart and your mind and your mouth
and your gut,
don't do it.

if you have to sit for hours
staring at your computer screen
or hunched over your
typewriter
searching for words,
don't do it.

if you're doing it for money or
fame,
don't do it.
......

if you have to sit there and
rewrite it again and again,
don't do it.
.....

if you're trying to write like somebody
else,
forget about it.
if you have to wait for it to roar out of
you,
then wait patiently.
if it never does roar out of you,
do something else.
.....
unless the sun inside you is
burning your gut,
don't do it.
when it is truly time,
and if you have been chosen,
it will do it by
itself and it will keep on doing it
until you die or it dies in you.

there is no other way.

and there never was.

Reposting From Sifting Through the Madness for the Word, the Line, the Way, the line, the way by Charles Bukowski (Source: Poets.org)

Found that poem through YT. It was inspiring! Hope it helps! These lines made me pause and think. They remind us that real creativity comes from a deep, genuine place. Bukowski urges us not to force it but to wait until we truly feel it. It’s a simple yet powerful!

Cheers!

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Sunandhini R

Hidden Expiry Date!

The content explains the distinction between perishable and non-perishable commodities, emphasizing that all products have a price and an eventual expiry or transformation.

1–2 minutes

Almost everything we buy has a price and an expiry date. For some products, we know the exact expiry date. For others, we can only guess when they might expire.

In agriculture, we classify products into two categories: perishable and non-perishable commodities.

Perishable commodities are those that spoil quickly. These include items like milk, fruits, and vegetables. For example, milk usually expires within a day or two. You need to consume it fast or it goes bad.

On the other hand, non-perishable commodities last much longer. Items like rice, flour, and beans can stay good for months or even years if stored properly. However, even non-perishable items can expire quickly when we change their form. Take rice as an example. Raw rice can last for years, but once it’s cooked, it must be eaten within a day or two.

You might question me with things like diamonds or rocks?

While they don’t have a typical “expiry date,” they still change over time. Diamonds are incredibly durable but can chip or crack under certain conditions. Rocks, too, last for millions of years but eventually erode due to natural processes called weathering and they transform into soil. Everything experiences transformation, even if it takes centuries.

This idea of expiry applies to almost all aspects of life.

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Sunandhini R

Sentinel

A triune formed by what's unsaid, 
Unspoken words hang around the air. 
You dance around with our hidden fears, 
Longing to bridge these unseen possibilities.
Keeper of secrets, yet misunderstood
How strange, this bond of secrecy! 
That binds us, yet sets none free.

Cheers

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Sunandhini R

Choices and Challenges

The debate highlighted women’s struggles in choosing between homemaking and working, emphasizing the need for societal change.

2–3 minutes

This is a follow-up to my earlier post. Please read that one first for better understanding.

There was a debate on Neeya Nana, a Tamil TV show, about homemakers vs. working women. The show was filled with women and two men. The educated working women group argued that having a job gives financial independence, spreading knowledge, and promoting inclusivity. On the other side, the educated homemakers emphasized the importance of parenting, home maintenance, personal time, and providing healthy food for the family.

Women have the choice to work or stay at home, but some are privileged while others are oppressed. Here are some key points from the show:

Men doesn’t have a choice of staying at home
Raising children is harder without a joint family.
Balancing work with family health and values is tough.
Mothers feel pressured to raise children while men remain the providers.
Society expects women to be the “perfect” mother.
Sons who grow up with a homemaker mother might expect the same from their wives.
Some women may idolize homemakers and stop prioritizing education and work.
Correction on the taboo around periods. Women should rest during their menstrual cycle if they choose, not be forced. Too much of conditioning on women
The working set up/ companies doesn’t offer enough space to look after the kids.

However, the show missed addressing some issues

Domestic violence and oppression when women stay at home.
Emotional manipulation and undermining women’s intelligence.
The importance of working if the husband passes away.
The ability to leave a marriage in case of abuse.
Some women don’t have the choice between homemaking and working.
Work as escapism to certain people
It shouldn’t cause conflict over the choices they make
The involvement of men in all these issues addressed was missing.

Apart from that, two men supported and sat on the working women side, but I’m not sure what they said. It wasn’t telecasted either. Both sides in the debate justified and projected their choices, but none mentioned the struggles women (as collective) face either way.

In my previous post, I spoked about how women are vital to the economy. Developed nations have more women in the workforce, with better daycare and healthcare systems compared to ours. It helps to simplify their role and responsibilities. However, women here, are often ones who face criticism if something goes wrong with their children/family.

While we discuss gender issues and increasing women’s participation in various sectors, real changes are needed at the grassroots level—from both men and women. In the end, real progress for women will only come when we stop framing their choices as right or wrong and start addressing the deeper struggles they face—at home, at work, and in society. True equality begins when both men and women share the responsibility for change. It is available in Disney. Give it a try.

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Sunandhini R

Spider Man

A heartwarming exchange between a curious adult and a child’s innocent admiration for Spider-Man, highlighting the importance of preserving innocence and purity.

His laughter spread wide, teeth gleaming bright
Eyes twinkling with joy, a heartwarming sight.
My heart felt warm, as I handed him sheets, 
Filled with vibrant Spider-Man in his roles.

Curious me, asked why he loved him so
This champion who swings high and swoops low
He never hurts people or shouts in anger, he replied
Seeing no world-weariness or danger.

Answer flowed through, touching the nerves inside,
Leaving me wordless, but smiling with pride.
I ruffled his hair, gentle and kind,
Unwilling to cloud the peace in his mind.

For in his world, these characters shine pure and true,
Couldn't bear to change his cozy view.
Letting him believe in his spider-friend,
Protecting the innocence, hoping, would never end.

Cheers

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Sunandhini R

Fresh (2022) Movie Review

The movie “Fresh” showcases the dangers of online dating with suspense and unexpected twists.

3–4 minutes

I shouldn’t have trusted IG reels! I was scrolling and came across a reel showing a dating scene from Fresh. So, I decided to give it a try. If you haven’t watched it yet, you should. It’s tough to explain without giving spoilers or hints. Please watch it before reading it any further.

The movie is about Noa, the main character, who pretty much lives alone. She has a close friend called mollie. The bond between her and her friend is great. The code word is love you and love you more between them.

Mollie encourages her to date, but Noa is tired of using online dating apps. Almost every guy she meets is the same. The movie starts with her going on a date with a guy who talks about women from older generations, but then makes her pay at the end. He doesn’t handle her rejection well. After that, she receives some inappropriate messages and gets irritated with the whole online dating apps and culture.

She seems done with dating, looking for real conversations instead of the usual shallow chats. She meets a guy at a store and gives him her number. They go on a date at a bar and really hit it off. Things move quickly, but Noa keeps her friend updated.

No social media, no Instagram, no X, and she doesn’t have much personal info about the guy. Just few things like his name Steve and a surgeon. Luckily, Noa snaps a picture of him and sends it to her. But these seemed like big red flags for Mollie. She gives warning signals, yet she is happy that she is happy.

The guy appears to like Noa, and Steve does a great job switching between different sides of his character. During dinner, while Noa is eating short ribs, he mentions that he doesn’t eat animals, but instead of just saying he’s a vegetarian, it hints at something much darker. I thought he might be a psycho, but it’s worse than that. There’s a whole community feeding on this—literally!

There’s also a scene where his wife takes off a prosthetic leg, hinting she might have been a victim too. She tries to signal Mollie to get away. But mollie persist on finding on her. At the end, she too became a victim.

Noa plays along with the Steve, using her wits to fight back and escape. still wonder why the guy searching for Mollie ran off halfway through. Along with that, why Steve’s wife did support, if she was one among them? Maybe, she got addicted to the taste? eww. Ena kandravi’nu theriyalanga!

At the end, she almost makes it out and escapes with the other girls. The friendship between Mollie and Noa is something amazing. They did lighten things up with some chats between Noa and the other victims, but I think the movie would’ve been stronger with a more serious tone throughout.

I liked the final scene where Noa finally gets a phone signal, and the first message she receives is from a dating app, asking, “U up?” Lol.

Overall, it’s a solid thriller. Fresh really does serve something unexpected. A taste that you won’t forgot. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re sensitive, though. I almost threw up. It’s available on Hotstar if you want to check it out!

Cheers

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Sunandhini R

Barnacles and their annoying nature!

Barnacles, crustaceans, attach with glue causing impacts on marine life and ships. Despite troubles, their resilience and adhesion are something interesting

4–5 minutes

Barnacles are the little hitchhikers of the sea. They are fascinating (/s) yet infamous for their tenacity. These crustaceans have been around for millions of years. Despite their tiny size, they’ve made a big impact on marine life. Definitely not to the marine organisms.

The History of Barnacles

Barnacles belong to a group of crustaceans called Cirripedia. They have been sticking to surfaces since the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago. Their fossil record reveals that barnacles have been clinging to the shells of marine reptiles, other crustaceans, and even floating wood. Over time, they’ve perfected the art of attaching (should learn, lol) themselves to almost anything that comes their way.

Attachment

Barnacles are born as free-swimming larvae, moves along with ocean currents. But once they find a suitable surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation. They produce a super-strong adhesive, often considered one of the strongest natural glues, and stick to them for good. This glue is so effective that it’s even being studied for medical and industrial applications.

Removal and the Impact

Removal from Marine Animals

Removing barnacles from marine animals is not an easy task. For creatures like whales and turtles, the barnacles are often deeply embedded in the skin or shell. The removal process can be harmful or painful. Whenever I am watching the whales reels, i have urge from deep down of my body to starch (Pudingify) those barnacles. One of reader (G.) sent the videos of how it is removed from turtles. Too painful to watch! They might cause skin irritation, open sores, infections and more prone to diseases and predators. Anyways, they are done in two ways

Physical Scraping: In rehabilitation centers, barnacles are sometimes removed manually using tools. This must be done cautiously to avoid injuring the animal, as barnacles can leave open wounds susceptible to infection.
Natural Shedding: Some marine animals can shed their outer layers or engage in behaviors like rubbing against hard surfaces to dislodge barnacles.

Distress

For marine creatures, barnacles can be more than just an annoyance. Imagine trying to swim with several small creatures stuck to your body. I don’t why I am annoyed with these. Whales, for example, can carry thousands of barnacles, which can create drag and slow them down. Similarly, sea turtles often have their shells covered in barnacles, making it harder for them. Already the shells are heavy. In extreme cases, the sheer number of barnacles can even impact the animal’s health, causing diseases.

While most barnacles are harmless filter feeders, some are parasitic. The rhizocephalan barnacles, for example, infect crabs and can alter their host’s behavior and reproduction. (Upcoming ones)

Impact on Ships

For ships, the removal of these barnacles is labor-intensive.

Dry Docking: Ships are brought to a dry dock where the hull is cleaned manually or with high-pressure water jets.
Chemical Treatments: Anti-fouling paints and coatings are applied to hulls to prevent barnacle attachment. Obviously, some of these chemicals can be harmful to the marine environment.

This means that ships have to burn more fuel to maintain speed, leading to higher costs and more pollution.

Marvel of Glue

The glue of barnacles is a something amazing I believe. It’s a complex mixture of proteins and other molecules that combine to form an incredibly strong and durable adhesive. Unlike most glues (Fevikwik?) we’re familiar with, barnacle glue sets in water and even in the presence of turbulence, which is why barnacles can attach themselves to the hulls of moving ships or the rough skin of marine organisms.

The glue works by first creating a sort of primer layer that bonds with the surface. Then, as the barnacle secretes more adhesive, it builds a layer that forms a strong, permanent bond. The glue isn’t just strong but it’s also flexible enough to absorb shocks and adapt to the movements of the surface where its attached to. Maybe, that’s why its hard to remove.

Scientists have been studying barnacle glue for years, hoping to replicate its properties for human use. Imagine surgical adhesives that work better in wet environments or industrial glues that can bond materials even underwater. While we’re still figuring out all the secrets of barnacle glue, it’s clear that these tiny creatures have mastered a form of adhesion that’s far beyond our current capabilities.

A Love-Hate Relationship

Despite the trouble they cause, barnacles are also a marvel of nature (Bound to say). Their ability to adhere so strongly to surfaces, their ancient history, and their resilience in harsh marine environments make them interesting to study.

So next time you see a barnacle-covered rock at the beach/whale, take a moment to appreciate the complex life of these tiny, stubborn creatures and scrap them off the surface (lol). Appreciate the nature too at least they mastered the art of attachment. They’ve been clinging to survival for millions of years sometimes, quite literally!

Cheers.

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini R

Malargal Kaeten (2024) Short film

2–3 minutes

This is a Tamil short film that runs for 40 minutes. I got curious about it after seeing a reel. The story follows a young couple who have lost their love. Even though it’s short, it’s engaging and thoughtful. The plot starts on the female lead’s birthday. She’s on her way to a singing performance, which is a big opportunity for her. But when she gets a message from her boyfriend (the male lead), she drops everything and rushes to Chennai to see him.

There’s tension between them because of their breakup, and she wants to fix things. Throughout the scenes, it’s clear she always put him first. The actress did a great job. Her eyes really conveyed her emotions. In the story, her expectations were simple, like wanting his attention or a jasmine garland, but it was obvious how much sleep she had lost over the situation. The songs also prefectly synced with the scenes. She tries to convince him, but things don’t work out in the end.

The climax focused on both their perspectives. The male lead points out that love alone isn’t enough in life, while the female lead wants love but doesn’t want to be used in it. In the end, she chooses to prioritize herself and buys that jasmine garland for herself. (Maybe Miley Cyrus Flowers could’ve played, lol)

The songs, realistic lighting, the look of the bachelor’s room, and how friends try to help the couple were well done. The male lead’s viewpoint was realistic, especially for today’s world, though more dialogue from him would have added depth and justified his stand. This might seem simple and not worth much attention, but it’s a series of small things that build up, just like what’s shown here. Communication could’ve solved some issues and understanding each other perspectives, wants and values, but some things just aren’t meant to be. Give it a watch. It is available in YouTube.

Cheers

Check out the similar posts: movies reviews (Kannagi, Hotspot)

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini R

The Benefit of Doubt

Summary: A psychologist’s advice on “benefit of the doubt” has impacted the writer’s relationships positively. It involves initial trust, setting boundaries, and the potential for positive change.

1–2 minutes

What a beautiful phrase, right? I started using it after hearing it from a psychologist I admire. He is like mentor to me and his advice has had a big impact on me. He doesn’t know me BTW. You never know who might influence your life. Check out his YouTube channel if you’re interested!

It is kind of trick that help me handle relationships. So, what does “benefit of the doubt” mean? It’s about giving someone a chance when you’re unsure if they’re being truthful. It doesn’t mean you should trust them completely, but you’re willing to give them the benefit of the doubt at first. If they keep showing the same behavior or patterns, that’s when you talk to them or set boundaries.

Sometimes, when you give someone the benefit of the doubt, they might surprise you and change for the better. And if not, at least you’ll know where you stand.

Cheers

Happy Week ahead!

If you like what you see and wish to support my work, then

Support !

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini R