19 Comments
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Sandra Yvonne's avatar

"Those squishable smiles. Boopable noses. Those snuggly, roly-poly, I-JUST-WANT-TO-HUG-YOU faces!"

Just like you, Ishan. Just like you.

Can't we love and save the adorable pandas and gross frogs with equal measure??

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Awww thanks Sandra! Full blushing right now :)

Yes I guess we could. That's the first step towards a world where frogs rule the world! XD

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Michelle Elisabeth Varghese's avatar

I love this panda hot take! I had no idea, I may decide to adopt when I want to get in friendly heated debates at parties. Also, what an amazing drawing!!

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Haha, I'm glad you love the hot take. Let me know how that party goes :)

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Karena's avatar

+1 on the drawing. I'm glad you were challenged by Sairam and Elizabeth

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Sairam Sundaresan's avatar

You have the gift of words and art my friend. That owl is fantastic!

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Thank you Sairam for your kind words!

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Kirsten Corbett's avatar

Love this spiky take on conservation! And I'm so happy to know about those dancing frogs, thanks Ishan!

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Thanks Kirsten! I am glad it resonated. Come over to India and I'll show you some :)

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Elizabeth Edwards's avatar

Woooow love this edition Ishan! Your whole piece on saving the frogs was so funny! And I learned a lot. Beautiful owl drawing!!! Is that the Owlet's mascot? =)

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Thanks Elizabeth!

It's so funny that you should ask that; I never really thought of the sketch as a mascot.

He is the mascot for now. But he is a Scops Owl, not a Spotted Owlet (the bird that gave me the name for this newsletter)

So later, I will do sketch of a Spotted Owlet and that will be the official mascot. I'll be sure to send you the final version :)

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Diya Isha's avatar

Your hot take suggests that you might like this article, Ishan: https://aeon.co/essays/breeding-dogs-to-be-cute-and-anthropomorphic-is-animal-cruelty. Some of the arguments here could serve as extensions to what you’ve explored.

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Thanks Diya! This is very kind of you :)

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Haley Brengartner's avatar

I was obsessed with frogs as a child so this really spoke to me and pulled some laughs out of me. I love it Ishan, this was so fun to read!

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

I knew you'd like it! Thanks Haley. Means a lot :)

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randy's avatar

Dude, your drawing skills are off the charts. That looks incredible! Also, great essay!

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Thanks buddy! That is very kind of you. All smiles :)

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Karena's avatar

An absolutely brilliant post. Coming from western India, you have my frog vote. You carefully manipulated my thoughts with your METAphors.

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Yeah, frogs all the way! Love your playful comment Karena. Thanks a lot :)

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