Category: Rare & Offbeat

Rare & Offbeat is a term used to describe things that are unusual, unique, or unconventional. It often refers to experiences, places, activities, or items that are not commonly encountered in everyday life or mainstream culture.

The Calibri Font Scandal: A Typeface That Shook Politics

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Rare & Offbeat10 Comments

In 2017, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, faced disqualification after the Panama Papers revealed his family's offshore companies. The controversy intensified over a document dated 2006, typed in the Calibri font, not widely available until 2007. This raised suspicions of forgery, highlighting the influence of technology in political crises. Ultimately, the Calibri font became emblematic of Sharif's downfall, showcasing the interplay between technology, governance, and accountability in modern politics.

A River Is Now Legally a Person

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Rare & Offbeat24 Comments

A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and granted the same rights as a human. The sacred river will be granted all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person after a 170-year battle led by a local Maori tribe known as the Iwi. Rights of Nature or granting legal personhood to nature may finally provide balance in legal systems around the world that tend to view nature as only an economic resource for humans.

The Incredible Journey of a Letter: A Tale of Icelandic Serendipity

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Rare & Offbeat16 Comments

In a world of instant messaging and email, a letter's journey from Reykjavík to a horse farm in Búðardalur, Iceland, captures the enduring magic of traditional mail. The unconventional address, hand-drawn map, and social media viral sensation serve as a testament to the resilience of human connections and the beauty of the unexpected in our interconnected world.

Time Stands Still: The Leap Second of June 30 – July 1

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Rare & Offbeat6 Comments

On the night of June 30, a leap second will be added to the world's clocks to align Earth's rotation with atomic time. This adjustment is necessary due to the fluctuating speed of Earth's rotation caused by gravitational effects. While this leap second may go unnoticed by most, it poses a challenge for computer systems and can potentially impact global trading and digital services.

A Night of Mystique: Witnessing a Lunar Halo

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Iraq, Rare & Offbeat1 Comment

Tonight, a colleague's message led to a breathtaking sight: a luminous lunar halo encircling the moon. This phenomenon results from moonlight passing through ice crystals in the atmosphere, creating a 22-degree ring of light. Moon halos hold cultural significance and offer scientific insights into atmospheric conditions. The night also featured a rare total lunar eclipse and marked the winter solstice, prompting reflection on the wonder of the natural world.