/ Editor's Note, Fall 2008

by Anokhi Admin

Editor’s Note, Fall 2008

Aug 01, 2013

It’s impossible to digest any news these days without thinking of major change-some of it imposed and some of it warmly embraced-looming on the horizon. Hearing about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the world anxiously watches as the American housing market faces its worst downturn since the Great Depression. We are continuously bombarded with stories about mounting bad debt and corporate collapses. Then, there is the exciting US presidential election of 2008, which is virtually assured of having a historic context. Barring unforeseen events, this will be the first time in American history in which a candidate on the winning ticket is either a woman or an African American. Not to mention that the Canadian election is just around the corner. That’s a lot of change coming our way.

Maybe all of this uncertainty and intrigue is why fashion designers have reclaimed black this Fall! The intense and mysterious onslaught of black is in almost everything this fall: patent black, velvet black, lacy black, gothic black, and the list goes on (Femme Fatale, p.30). And the “dark one” has even found itself in beauty products this season, including black lipstick (Painted Black, p.44).

Part of the fun to witnessing change is to follow the momentum and diversity of opinions it generates. Even celebrities in Bollywood want to be known for more than just a glamorous face. From Amitabh Bachchan to Aamir Khan to Shekhar Kapur, their musings are posted in the blogosphere. Read about their blogs and what gets them riled up (Celebrities Cruise the Blogosphere, p.100).

A change in the economy has all of us thinking about a shift in our way of thinking and spending. In our annual Holiday Gift Guide, we’ve been sure to truly hunt down gift ideas that are not only creative but also provide options that stay within your budget (p.X). After selecting those optimal gifts for everyone on your list, it’s time to plan your precious getaway, so be sure to check out the ayurvedic retreats around the world that scream “my time-do not disturb” and promise a holistic sense of rejuvenation when you walk out their doors (Wisdom for Living? p.62).

Our Percolator Talk this issue implores you to think about the changing landscape of Bollywood-a euphoric world of fantasy like no other-and its escape from the everyday hardships of reality. While it’s an opportunity to completely immerse oneself into the perpetual land of happily ever after, are we all able to walk away from our elated film-watching experiences, and walk back into the realities and responsibilities of our everyday lives? (Bollywood Myth versus Everyday Realism: The Importance of Film Ratings, p.82)

As always, I love to hear your thoughts.