Tag: 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 Muse & Musings10 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.

Whanganui River Granted Legal Personhood: A Historical Shift

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings24 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 Letter That Found Its Way: A Hand-Drawn Map, A Horse Farm, & a Little Icelandic Magic

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings16 Comments

In western Iceland, a letter lacking a proper address reached its destination—Rebecca's horse farm in Búðardalur—thanks to inventive postal workers. With a doodle and optimistic clues from the sender, the tale illustrates the enduring power of human connection and intuition amidst modern communication. It captured hearts online, exemplifying faith in unexpected possibilities.

When Time Pauses: Understanding the Leap Second

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings6 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 Haloed Moon & the Whisper of Wonder

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings1 Comment

At 10:45 PM, I received a message from my colleague Teeba urging me to look at the moon. A stunning lunar halo encircled the full moon, mesmerizing us both as we explored its beauty. This phenomenon, caused by ice crystals refracting moonlight, connects scientific wonder with cultural significance. Coincidentally, it coincided with the winter solstice and a rare total lunar eclipse, reinforcing the night's magical ambiance.