I was doing some reading about Bitcoin and considering whether it would be wise to invest in it. From what I could see, I don’t think it would be a good idea yet, and this post explains why. Before we get into the risks associated with Bitcoin, a quick primer on the concept of this […]
Orkut – A Window to the Past
More than 3 years ago, I was as avid a user of Orkut as I am today of Facebook. From there the decline of Orkut usage has been so drastic that I hadn’t even cared to log in to Orkut in the past many months. Today, on a whim, I logged into Orkut to see […]
A trick with Java’s Increment Operator
Almost every Java programmer knows how and when to use the unary increment operator (++) on an integer. If we have an integer i, both i++ and ++i increment the value of i by 1 (though in slightly different ways). However, if you have an integer array arr, and there is a value at its […]
Dispelling the Delusion of Freedom
In a previous post, an attempt was made to hint at the subjective nature of freedom, and how it is often a trade-off between freedom and stability or security. I hope it also brought out the point that often there is no direct relation between freedom (as meant in common usage) and happiness. Having said […]
Crusader against Nature!
The lone building under construction appears to be a symbol of human encroachment into a natural paradise. In a few years, more buildings will come, replacing the greenery all around. Futher, the borewells drilled for supplying water to these dwellings will quickly deplete the water table. Wastes created in this new settlement will find its […]
Arbitrary and Gender Biased Laws In India
What do you call a law that is designed (intentionally or otherwise) as a tool for women to harass their husbands (or male partners)? What do you call a law under which only a man can be charged for a crime that both men and women are perfectly capable of? If your answer is “gender […]
How Much is “Freedom” Worth?
There was once wolf that one day strayed into a village and met a domestic dog. They talked to each other and became friends, as you would expect of distant cousins who run into each other by chance. The wolf was hungry and the dog shared a few of his biscuits with the wolf, who […]
I Know That…
It is not the fault of the Rock that a gentle fruit falling on its surface is smashed to smithereens;It is not the fault of the Candle that flies burn themselves up in its flame; It is not the fault of the River that it floods the numerous villages on its banks; It is not […]
Back to College!
Yesterday I met up with two friends from college, and though we did not discuss anything specific from our college days, I guess it got my mind into a college mode. There is no other explanation to why I would see a dream yesterday night, about me joining college again to improve my marks! As […]
The Mass Appeal of Martyrdom
In most contests, dead men cannot compete with those still alive. But when it comes to evoking deep sentiments such as patriotism, blind following, and ignorant hatred, the living mortals of this world are no match for their brothers and sisters whose bodies found their way back into the earth. Yesterday, 23-Mar, was the […]