Managing Multiple Email Addresses: A Solution
Published:
The tribulations of academia lie in our continued reliance on emails. An unencrypted multitude of email addresses abounds, yet the challenge remains in managing them all. …
– anon
2024
Some of my favorite xkcd comics.
Published:
Everyone requires a stress release to avoid mental and physical breakdowns. Enter xkcd, Randall Munroe’s webcomic. If science, math, or programming tickle your funny bone, the stick-figure comics are a must-read. Indulge in xkcd at your leisure and utilize explainxkcd for clarifications and don’t overlook the captions. Here are a few of my all-time favorites.
2023
Navigating Misinformation: A Digital Survival Guide
Published:
In today’s digital age, we find ourselves in a constant battle against the relentless waves of misinformation. The information landscape has evolved significantly over the years, and with the advent of social media and advanced technologies, the challenges have grown exponentially. To stay afloat and make informed decisions, we need a digital survival guide. The story of news media and propaganda has a long history, but it has reached new heights in the digital era. Misinformation, or false and misleading information, is disseminated at an unprecedented scale, thanks to social media. The information landscape is in a constant state of flux, and this discussion has never been more pertinent than in today’s global context.
The Intersection of Atheism, Science, and Belief: Reflections Inspired by Kushi
Published:
I recently watched the Telugu romantic comedy film “Kushi” (2023), and its portrayal of atheists sparked some intriguing thoughts that I felt compelled to share. In the movie, the character representing an atheist is depicted as a “science believer,” which, from my perspective, falls short of capturing the essence of atheism. Allow me to elaborate on this matter further. There’s a distinction between what we can call a “strong atheist” and a “science supporter.” A strong atheist, based on the classification by renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, is a person who asserts with 100% certainty that there is no God. However, even in this extreme case of atheism, one should not automatically assume a strong inclination toward science. The reason I emphasize the distinction between a “supporter of science” and a “believer” is rooted in the core tenets of scientific thinking. Science is fundamentally about inquiry, skepticism, and the pursuit of knowledge based on empirical evidence. It is not a system of belief but a conceptual tool for understanding the world. In science, one cannot merely believe; one must question in order to comprehend.
Exploring GIFs: An Animated Journey
Published:
If you’re a regular visitor to the digital landscape, you’ve likely stumbled upon a timeless question: Is it pronounced “JIFF” or “GHIF”? Interestingly, both pronunciations are deemed acceptable, despite the official stance of the GIF format’s creator, Steve Wilhite, who advocated for the soft “G.” But beyond this linguistic debate lies a rich world of GIFs that has captivated internet users since their inception.
When Mistakes Make Masterpieces: The Unintended Innovations in Technology
Published:
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the unexpected often leads to the extraordinary. Some of the most cherished features we enjoy today were born not from meticulous planning but rather from bugs, glitches, and unintended twists of fate. In this blog post, I will delve into the realms of technology, gaming, and creative design to uncover instances where mistakes turned into masterpieces.
Ode to the terminal
Published:
To my usual readers, if there are any out there, I’d like to ask for a bit of space because I’m about to go on a poetic rant.
Growing Code: Lessons from the Garden and ‘The Pragmatic Programmer’
Published:
In the digital world, we often hear about programming being compared to craftsmanship or engineering. While these comparisons are certainly valid, there’s another analogy that beautifully captures the essence of coding: coding as gardening. The idea was inspired by the timeless wisdom found in “The Pragmatic Programmer” book written by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas, which highlights the parallels between nurturing a garden and nurturing your codebase.
Dive into Podcasts: Some examples
Published:
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of solace and entertainment amidst our daily routines can be a challenge. However, over the past two years, I’ve discovered a delightful escape that fits seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules - podcasts. Whether it’s during my daily commute, household chores, or even while whipping up a quick meal, podcasts have become my trusted companions.
Hopper and the Moth: How a Tiny Insect Taught Computers to Behave
Published:
In the world of software development, the term “bug” has become synonymous with defects or issues in code. But did you know that this term’s history dates back to engineering jargon long before the advent of computers? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating history behind the term “bug,” its evolution, and how a literal insect led to the birth of a now-common phrase.
Falling in Love with Vim: A Journey of Workflow Optimization
Published:
In the world of text editing, where the choices are abundant, one software has stood the test of time and captured the hearts of its users. Vim, a powerful and versatile text editor, has not only optimized workflows but also ignited a love affair with its unique approach to editing. Join me as I share my journey with Vim, from the initial motivation to the profound appreciation for its intricacies.
Mastering Gmail: Unveiling the Infinite Gmail Glitch
Published:
In today’s digital age, email has become an indispensable part of our lives. Among the various email service providers, Gmail stands out as one of the most popular platforms. Many users are unaware of a powerful set of features that Gmail offers, which can be collectively referred to as the “Infinite Gmail Glitch.” In this blog, we will delve into the two main methods that unlock a world of possibilities with your Gmail account. Let’s explore how you can create an infinite number of Gmail addresses and make email management a breeze!
Mastering LaTeX: Three Tips for Efficient Typesetting
Published:
LaTeX is a powerful typesetting tool widely used in academic and scientific fields for creating professional documents. If you’re new to LaTeX, don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll explore three essential tips to help you make the most of LaTeX and elevate your document preparation skills. Let’s dive in!
Typography Tales: The Curious case of lorem ipsum!
Published:
Have you ever wondered about the cryptic text that designers and publishers use as a placeholder in their work? This mysterious text, known as “Lorem ipsum,” has a fascinating history that dates back centuries. Join me on a journey as we delve into the world of Lorem ipsum, uncovering its true origins and understanding why it continues to be an essential part of the design process. Additionally, we’ll explore some compelling alternatives to Lorem ipsum that designers can consider for their projects.
Mastering SSH: Tips and Tricks for Efficient Remote Connections
Published:
SSH (Secure Shell) is a powerful tool for establishing secure remote connections and executing commands on remote computers. In this blog post, we will explore some essential tips and tricks to enhance your SSH experience and make your remote connections more efficient and secure.
Embracing Freedom: Git vs GitHub in the Microsoft Era
Published:
In the world of software development, Git and GitHub are two popular tools that often go hand in hand. However, it’s essential to understand their distinctions and how they serve different purposes in the development workflow. This blog post aims to clarify the differences between Git and GitHub, their unique functionalities, and the scenarios in which each tool shines.
Exploring Fediverse: An Alternative to Centralized Social Media
Published:
The Fediverse is an innovative approach to web publishing that challenges the traditional model of centralized social media platforms. Instead of relying on a single organization to govern the entire network, the Fediverse consists of a collection of interconnected servers called instances. These instances enable users to create identities and communicate across instance boundaries, promoting decentralization, freedom of expression, and resistance to censorship.
Google Alerts: Your Personalized Information Radar
Published:
In the vast realm of the internet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and miss out on important updates. But fear not! Google Alerts is here to be your trusty information radar. This powerful service provided by Google allows you to effortlessly track specific keywords and receive timely notifications whenever new content related to those keywords appears online.
Dive into Podcasts: Your Audio Escape from Algorithms
Published:
In today’s digital age, where algorithms dominate our online experiences, breaking free from the monotony and discovering meaningful content can be a challenge. Welcome to the world of podcasts, where audio-driven programs offer an escape from the algorithmic mold. Whether you’re on a boring bus journey or stuck in a long queue, podcasts have the power to transform these moments into valuable opportunities for learning and entertainment. In this blog, we’ll explore what podcasts are, how to get started, and why they have become such a popular medium for engaging with diverse topics.
Exploring the World of Torrents: Why Choose Torrenting?
Published:
In a world dominated by centralized servers, torrents stand as a unique and alternative method of file sharing. Unlike traditional server-based downloads, torrents rely on distributed sharing, allowing users to simultaneously download and host (seed) content. This decentralized approach offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of scalability and resilience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of torrents, explore their benefits, and learn how to utilize this technology for efficient and seamless file sharing.
3 Ways to Be Better at Shell Scripting
Published:
In the journey of Homo sapiens, we have constantly sought to simplify our daily lives. Automation has become the epitome of intelligence, and scripting plays a crucial role in achieving that automation. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of scripting and explore three ways to enhance your skills as a command-line Jedi.
Unleashing the Power of VisiData: The Ultimate CSV Toolkit
Published:
CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are a common and widely used format for storing and exchanging tabular data. While tools like Excel are often used for working with CSV files, they can be cumbersome and limited when it comes to handling large datasets. Enter VisiData, a versatile and powerful command-line tool that revolutionizes the way we interact with CSV files. Let’s explore the capabilities of VisiData and discover why it become why of my favorites.
Embracing a Lifelong Reminder: I Inked a Tattoo on My Hand
Published:
Tattoos serve as personal expressions, etching permanent reminders on our bodies. Recently, I made the bold decision to ink a tattoo on my hand—a symbolic journey encapsulating the essence of “一期一会” (ichigo ichi-e), treasuring each moment as a unique encounter.
Streamlining Research Workflow: Organizing Papers and eBooks
Published:
When dealing with large collections of files, such as research papers or ebooks, finding and opening the right file can be a time-consuming task. In this blog post, we’ll explore a Bash script that streamlines this process by providing a convenient menu for selecting and opening PDF or DJVU files. With just a few modifications, you can adapt the script to suit your specific needs.
3 Life-Changing Software That Transformed My Productivity and Organization
Published:
In the vast realm of software, there are a few gems that have had a profound impact on my life. Let me share with you the three software applications that have significantly transformed the way I work and boosted my productivity.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Your PhD Journey
Published:
Welcome to my new blog series, where I’ll be sharing helpful information that has made a significant difference in my own PhD journey. In this first installment, I want to emphasize the often neglected aspect of mental health among PhD students. Please note that the following tips are based on my personal experience and should not be considered as medical advice. If you’re facing any problems, seek expert help.
2022
My Digital Detox Journey: The Beginning
Published:
Let’s talk about the forever scroll! The endless stream of data that algorithms present to us on a platter. The happiness we derive from reaching a certain like count. The sadness of feeling alone amidst a crowd of friends.
Rediscovering the Internet: Navigating with RSS
Published:
In our modern world, the Internet has become an overwhelming sea of information. But have we truly mastered the art of navigating it? While the Internet presents itself differently to each individual, we often find ourselves at the mercy of bloated interfaces and algorithms that dictate what we see. However, there is a time-tested solution that empowers us to take control of our information consumption: Rich Site Summary (RSS), also known as Really Simple Syndication. Let’s take a step back in time and explore the power of RSS.
2021
Organize Your Files Automatically: A Bash Script Based on Creation Date
Published:
In today’s digital age, managing and organizing files can quickly become overwhelming. Locating specific files can be a time-consuming task, especially when dealing with a large number of documents, photos, or other digital assets. To streamline your file organization process, I’ve developed a bash script that automatically classifies files into respective year and month folders based on their creation date. This script simplifies file management and ensures a well-organized file structure. Let’s dive into the details of this handy script!
An All-in-One Bash Script for PDF Conversion
Published:
Do you often find yourself needing to convert various file types to PDF format? If so, this versatile bash script can be a valuable tool in your arsenal. With this script, you can easily convert files to PDF using appropriate command-line utilities based on their file types. Whether you have text documents, markdown files, presentations, or even obscure file formats, this script has got you covered.
Enhancing Your Vim Workflow: Tips and Configurations
Published:
Vim is a powerful text editor that can revolutionize your workflow with its extensive customization options. In this blog post, we’ll explore some useful tips and configurations to enhance your Vim experience.