Excursions

I like what I see in the new iPhone SE. First the perfect name — the “smaller” SE brand did not die (4.7” is now the new small). It is exactly what the old SE was — the proven externals with the latest internals. But personally, I can’t go back to the small, bezeled screens.

Almost all the core features of Github are free now. It’s so refreshing to see the approach of this new Microsoft towards the open-source software. They have been wonderful custodians of all the services they have recently purchased. I respect this Microsoft under Satya Nadella.

One thing that Corona pandemic hasn’t managed to change - media, social or otherwise, is still full of cynicism. The environment outside is already heavy, laden with negative thoughts. It tends to affect your mind more than it regularly did. You do not want more fed externally.

I heard about another “simpler” service aimed to replace Medium - Typehut. Of course, I gave a try. It took everything from Medium — good and bad. Simplified what was already good and simple - editor. Kept all that was bad as is. No RSS. No title-less posts. No custom styles.

Apparently, Google plans to charge for using reCAPTCHA. Looks like we have trained Google’s algorithm well enough now that they do not need to run the service anymore. Best way to kill it is by start charging for it.

I cut my hair at home today with “some” help from my wife. Then I helped my dad with his hair. He looked satisfied. He stressed and did so many-a-times, how close his hair looked to those cut professionally. Funny how some services deemed essential are not so in reality.

I find it ironic that “the everything store” has found it extremely difficult to serve customers in India. I haven’t managed to order anything from Amazon. The specific stores for groceries or vegetables, on the other hand, have managed to thrive. I do wonder why.

I have been winding every day down with this playlist on Spotify — Calming Acoustic. It relieves me of all the stress accumulated throughout the day. Allows me to focus on a few things that matter the most. And to spend some quiet time with me.

I am avoiding anything too serious in these times — searching for something to binge-watch that is light but at the same time intriguing. I had enjoyed the comedy police procedurals like Castle and Psych. I’m sure there would be something similar to be streamed somewhere.

I have realized that am not afraid to click the “Follow” link on a profile on Micro.blog. I believe it is the lack of an algorithmic timeline that prevents the whole reading experience from becoming overwhelming. The list of post is never too much - so keeps the timeline sane.