Age of Algorithm
Amazingly, in a span of a few years the internet has evolved from a high tech curiosity to a basic element of modern life. Every day, everywhere, billions turn to the internet for downloading and uploading pages and images among several other things. Over the years, the internet has grown exponentially. Undoubtedly, it is still growing constantly. It has not only revolutionized the world. But it has also transformed the every sphere of life- be it communication, financial transaction, research, and education to name a few. It has completely changed just about everything- the way- we think, find information and how we shop and most importantly pay securely.
As the wired enthusiasts navigate the online world, surf pages and upload pictures and textual matters, little did they know that the whole thing is deciphered by revolving around the algorithm/s. How to search information with Google search engine and how to find friends on Facebook, all are governed by algorithm/s. It is important to note, the algorithm is not a newbie like this digital world. It is a mathematical term and is centuries old. It generally means a set of instructions to solve a problem. In relation to the internet, it is a sophisticated, fast and accurate tool which delivers results effectively and efficiently.
The algorithms handle this complex and complicated data, interpret, interrelate and interosculate in such a way that useful information is available in a jiffy. It does not take very long to line up all the possible results. It helps us stretch our imagination to figure out what actually we are looking for.
The algorithm/s can be called- the brain of the internet, which encrypts our personal information and data to help us to navigate this complex online world. It is the lifeline of Google search engine, e-commerce portal, online music and everything digital. The algorithm/s gets to work to display more than one hundred billion searches every month. Definitely, it is becoming one of the most important tool/s to manage the scale of operations, speed of execution and complexity of human nature. It maps the behavior of the consumers on the basis of their past search, thereby keeps an eye on their needs and wants and accordingly sort their preferences and choices. Hence, it anticipates and influences, human behavior. It also gauges the difficulties faced by the user while surfing. It is a mathematical term which has a name (Algorithm) but has many identities vis a vis to internet- tool, software, code, program or set of instructions. Whatsoever it is, there is a lot surfing on them. And did you realize, this is what you are using right now? Thanks to Algorithm!!
What you search: An algorithm monitors your interests, habits, keywords and throws up the best options. The online buying portal will have a different homepage for different buyers on the basis of the preference and choice of a particular consumer.
What you read: Depending on what you read you will be pushed a lot more on the topic on LinkedIn.
Recommendations: You will get recommendations on the basis of what you generally buy. If you are a book lover, most likely you will get a must read 500 books list from an e- commerce portal.
Understands you online: An Algorithm picks up information from images, text, videos whenever you visit Facebook, YouTube, e-commerce portal, etc. and then it tries to understand what you want and require. Therefore, it also anticipates your future online actions.
Isn’t this wired world amazing and interesting but complex.
Hats Off
I was a little blessed angel to adorn two hats at the start of my wonderful and joyous journey into this bold and beautiful world- a daughter’s hat: my wonderful parents
and a sister’s hat: my adorable brother and sister.
I was growing up fast, studying so assiduously to become something in life and thankfully I became one. Now when I turn back the clock. I revel in joy. Yippee!! Hats off.
My daughter’s Hat taught me: What I am today- family bonds and its values, culture, belief, respect for elders, love for the young ones and last but not least importance of studies. Undoubtedly, I turned out to be not only a considerate and loving but also a responsible person. I am proud to have had those moments.
My sister’s Hat trained me: How to help my sibling: be it homework or a household chore? How to share interests and feelings and of course above all toys? How significant is it to be a team player? Also, How to stand by in the hour of need? No matter how much we fought, argued this bond never shatter and our roots will always be tangled.
The time machine was churning at a high speed changing days into weeks into months to years. I was ready to mingle, I was no more a single. Then came the perfect time. I was a gorgeous bride. Yeah! You guessed it right: I got another hat of a wife – A hat with duties and responsibilities.
Though I did not follow Chankaya’s advice seriously, where he said a good wife serves her husband like his mother, loves him like his sister and pleases him like a prostitute. I guess, I am doing pretty well.
We were busy making our nest of love and happiness and everything in between. And then……. What you are presuming is right. Definitely, it brought profound change to my life. Really, my life was not mine anymore. The center of my universe was my fourth hat of a proud mother to a beautiful and loving daughter. I relinquished everything to her. Then, along came my son. I can go on and on, but I will try to run through. I am not too sure whether I am a protector or a caring mother or a control freak. Probably I am all of them. No matter what but I will always be there to make their life healthy and pleasurable.
Lastly, a mother is cognizant that she nurtures and prepares her progeny for someone else- for the future would be’s.
I am swelling with pride while bowing hats off to my hats!!
Sad or Glad
This summertime, our family reunion was in Bali. It was a reunion of three generations. I find it quite interesting how different generations have a different perspective on parenting, marriage, life and everything in between.
We had been planning everything for a few months and when it was finally time to board the plane, we were beyond excited. During our flight, we were reminiscing about my siblings and of course sibling rivalry. As usual, there is always a nostalgia about sibling rivalry. I was also curious to meet my long lost cousins, their families and most importantly, people from third generations who are equally excited to join in. Throughout, I kept myself hydrated so that I look good and feel good when I get there and frankly, it really worked.
I fully agree with and support my father’s decision. Bali, with its serene natural beauty and pristine beaches against the backdrop of ancient temples, is the perfect place for family reunions. The locals are really friendly and the food, simply fantastic! The past and the present blend seamlessly here. Natural attractions, apart, this place will keep everyone engaged with a slew of activities.
We were the first ones to reach and check in the grand villa. The feeling was simply surreal. Embraced by the charm of the clear sky and the lush green garden, it felt like THE ideal place to be. Not only were the surrounding breathtaking, the amenities in the villa also exceeded our expectations. A 24-hour butler, driver, Balinese massage, swimming pool and (most importantly) good WI-Fi – what else could one need. Bali is the perfect place to catch up and unwind.
With families arriving every few hours, the place was packed by the evening. A delightful cacophony of shouts of joy could be heard all around and people of all types filled the villa. There were chubby and cute babies; tall and lean to short and stout kids; geeks to jocks; married to unmarried adults and healthy to not so healthy oldies. We talked about the good old days, sibling rivalry and also about how my father favored me no matter what as I was the youngest in the family.
I was meeting the families of a few distant cousins for the first time. First, I had the impression that it would be awkward to meet them after so many years but I was wrong. They all knew me and I knew them well. Although, with the passage of time, there was a profound change in all of us. After catching up for a few hours, we all called it a day. Everyone was looking forward to the enjoyment of the next day.
But, the next day, what I noticed left me thinking. Absolute silence had descended into the room. Except for a few, most of the people were busy on their devices. They watched with rapt attention as they updated their status on Facebook, uploaded pictures on Instagram and watched videos on YouTube. The little ones were left alone on their own. One thing immediately struck me: are these devices new sibling in the house? Then by all odds, there will be a sibling rivalry here too. I felt bad for those little ones who were too young to handle themselves, let alone this new sibling and its rivalry. No doubt, the omnipresence of technology is taking us slowly but surely away from the families.
However, when we all greeted each other and the day really began, the dampening thought slipped from my mind.We took the caravan to the beach with a picnic basket (all credits go to our butler for that fantastic spread).
Bali offers incredible activities for everyone, including both kids and adults. We all tested our courage as we soared through the sky on a parasail and the others showed their adventurous side as they snorkeled and surfed. The older people took solace in the traditional Balinese massage. Ladies were busy haggling for sarongs and hats. Making of sand dunes was the favorite of the little ones. As the sun was going down, the blue sky along with the ocean was changing hues. We then witnessed a picture perfect spectacular sunset.
As the night fell, there was an unbelievable buzz in the air, which was a perfect accompaniment to the booze and the breeze. The place was same, but not the atmosphere. Under the stars, the place was humming with the thumping of drums, tapping of feet and clicking of glasses. We came back recharged and relaxed. It was a day full of amusement and exhilaration.
I wish we could have had more of this amusement. But, like a whole lot of other things, this fun-filled reunion came to an end. It was time to pack the suitcases and say goodbye. The bags were filled with sand chafed linen and souvenirs for family and friends back home. Everyone departed with a heavy heart but promised to meet again. As always, it was a memorable extravaganza.
This is Life…..
Giftastic
vroom…..vroom I LIKE IT
New Normal
New Normal
THE PROMISES AND PERILS OF ‘NO RESCUE PARENTING’
The fears and the aspirations of a parent and the inexperienced fumbling of a child result in a helicopter parent taking charge.
But meet the newbie in the town- The ‘No Rescue Parenting.’
As the name suggests, these parents do not come to the rescue of their children every now and then. Rather, they are not apprehensive of the failed attempts and allow their children to truly experience disappointments and achievements, success and failure. They take a backseat and let the child be at the helm of his or her affairs. This can rightly be called as the learning with chills and thrills of experience. This will empower the child and will inculcate decision-making power in him or her. It will also introduce a new quality in the children of no rescue parents – one that enables them to effectively organize their affairs and take charge of them.
All of us as parents need a little shove to start focusing on the bigger picture. Yes, we don’t have to be totally indifferent ruthless per se but we must surely let the younger ones take charge. We just have to admit that they will gradually learn and can eventually do just as well without us. And anyways, we will always be there to guide, support and motivate them so that they make the right choices. Hence, stop just raising your kids start empowering them.
No rescue parents play a big part in helping their children in framing their questions properly and help them understand that considering a plethora of options before reaching a conclusion is necessary. The future of the next generation depends on the hunger and willingness to take the risk.
I am sure many of the parents will not find this concept appropriate or suitable for them. Perhaps having grown up in different and more prevalent style of parenting they cannot even think of considering such a seemingly absurd new concept but they must broaden their horizons to truly see that this new style of parenting will ensure that their children are the ‘fittest’ in this race of ‘survival of the fittest.’
So let’s do the right thing now! Happy parenting!!
boom…. ba….boom!!!!
Its Time For Celebration and Contemplation
The Daily Prompt
Unequal Terms
Did you know today is Blog Action Day? Join bloggers from around the world and write a post about what inequality means to you. Have you ever encountered it in your daily life?
As I ponder about inequality, first and foremost thought that comes to my mind is inequality between rich and poor. Undoubtedly, it is omnipresent. All the time, I have to force down this reality down the throat. Though I feel helpless and miserable. But, alone, I cannot do anything.
On one hand, there is plenty for the rich. They revel in luxury from stylish boutique, fine dining, branded possessions to gourmet food. The poor cannot even dream of it or I would rather add, they do not even know if these exist.
On the other hand, the poor are struggling to make both their ends meet. One day they thrive and maybe strive the very next day. They do not have a moment to uncurl their overworked, overstressed and overburdened spine.
Alone I cannot do anything. I am sure, together, we can build a better place for everyone to live. I hope Blog Action Day is a propitious day for this.
5 Shades of Lo♥e
What is Love:
- Love is not only an emotion, but also a sentiment, concern or feeling which
- varies in intensity depending on the type of the relationship and circumstances
What is a Language:
- It is a means of communication of thoughts, feelings, sentiments and emotions
- By way of formalized symbols, signs, sounds and gestures etc.
Great, now we are familiar with –
What is love?
Also, what is a language?
Undoubtedly, communication is the most fundamental skill. But it is also the most challenging. The key to doing it effectively is to decide which means of communication you should ideally use.
When it comes to love, do we really know, how to express our love? Have you been struggling to express naturally when it comes to love? The answers to these questions are yes. Yes, we all do. We use trial and error in an attempt to develop a worthwhile bond. The relationship slips by unnoticed as we lament, regret and apologize leaving behind a trail of what-ifs. But wait, pointless fretting about this is not going to help.
Life just goes on. Ups and downs are part and parcel of life. There is no need to worry so much. Five shades of love can come handy to avoid landing in the similar situation. Absolutely the eternal way to love and be loved. I am talking about and is sharing 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
They are:
♥ WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Words mean a lot to these people. Words of appreciation, encouraging words and compliments to name a few do wonders.
I love you!!♥
Take care!! ♥
Do you say these words to your family members to show love?
Do you expect these words from your family members?
- Mean words and criticism may leave them traumatized.
♥ ♥ ACTS OF SERVICE
Action speaks louder than words to these people. Acts of service like helping with household chores, sharing responsibilities do wonders.
How do you feel, when your mommy help in doing homework? Do you feel loved?
When your husband said,” Honey, shall I lay table for you?” What was your expression?
- Laziness, not fulfilling commitment may hurt their feelings.
♥ ♥ ♥ RECEIVING GIFTS
These people feel the love on receiving gifts. Oh dear, we all do. Right! This should not be confused with materialism. It is the thought and effort that counts.
A birthday gift!♥
Gift for performing well in the exams!♥
Gift for good behavior!♥
When was the last time you gave a gift to your dad?
What was his first reaction?
- Forgetting special dates may upset them.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ PHYSICAL TOUCH
Appropriate physical touch is how these people feel loved. Remember, there is a fine line between appropriate and inappropriate touch depending upon the circumstances and relationship. It does not always come to sex.
Hug!♥
Kiss!♥
Holding hands!♥
How did you feel when your mommy patted on your back today?
Did you give her a hug today?
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ QUALITY TIME
Spending quality time works for these people. Quality not quantity time and giving undivided attention does wonders.
Play games together!♥
Going out to eat!♥
Going for a vacation!♥
What do you think, can your screen time be labeled as quality time at home?
Can watching movie together be called as spending quality time?
Now, let’s go- back- to – basics of love. Love is always about someone else. Hence, it becomes pertinent that if I wish someone to feel the love I am trying to bestow, I must confer it in his or her primary love language.
Well, it is worth mentioning that different people have different primary love language. Most importantly, everyone tends to exhibit one dominant love language. Usually, we show and expect love in our own primary love language. Really?
Thank you so much for reading! Hoping that things would take off blissfully. My primary love language is – Acts of Service ☺! What’s yours? Share it with me to spread your love ♥. You can find it here http://www.5lovelanguages.com/.
Love to Unravel 
