The Multiverse and the Cycle of Hope

William James in the 1890s coined this theory about “The Multiverse” which suggests that a hypothetical set of multiple universes comprises everything that can possibly exist simultaneously.

Fucking brilliant init!!! The entirety of space, time, matter and energy is all happening at once in different timelines: It’s the idea of parallel universes. Right? So okay, let’s presume the multiverse is real.

Well then, maybe somewhere in those infinite universes is one, or several, where I deserve you.

Maybe there’s a universe out there — happening now — where we end up together. They’re not simple dreams because I miss you, right? They’re scientific, anachronistic visions.

For instance:

In this universe, I'm all about living life fast and large, but maybe in another, I’m more of the type to settle down. Maybe there’s a universe where I hold your hand while you give birth to our daughter. Where we take family vacations and pose for pictures in our neon bathing suits on the sands of a beach somewhere in Mykonos. Where we curl up to watch a cheesy movie at the end of a long day in our big, green, suburban house once the kids have fallen asleep.

Maybe there’s a universe where we are middle-aged and taking our child to college and bickering over where to put her dresser or what posters she should hang up. Where you kiss her on the forehead ‘goodbye’ and we drive home in contented, proud silence, your fingers grazing my knuckles, our wedding rings glistening. Where we both have gray hair and we laugh and smile and hug and drink lemonade on the porch.

Maybe there’s a universe where that’s the life I want. Where I don’t second guess everything and I’m not afraid of commitment and of the future and of love. Maybe there’s a universe without all the noise in my head and the pride that makes me so fiercely independent and the coldness in my heart that I can turn on and off like a security fence.

Maybe there’s a universe where I’m the right person for you. Where I adore every nice thing you did for me without starting to resent you. A universe where you actually end up with someone who appreciates you. Where no one becomes a doormat. Where both of us can shed our baggage and curiosity and issues. A universe where we’re happy — without wondering if that happiness is some messed-up Jenga game ready to topple at the slightest quiver. A universe where we’re comfortable and sure, and we have dogs and cats and all the other amazing animals you always to take care of. Heck! our own zoo even.

Maybe there’s a universe where we fall asleep next to each other every night like spoons, like two innocent bunnies — my face buried in your neck, hugging your warmth — and we both don’t want anything or anybody else. Where we don’t want more, we just want each other.

Maybe there’s a universe where I don’t covet so much all the time and where I’m content and where I don’t wonder about picking up and moving to another city without saying anything to anyone and where at this very juncture, I can just know I’ll always want to come home and cook dinner with you.

If you think of it all this way, then it’s like neither of us did anything wrong.

You just found me in the wrong universe. That’s all. This is, as they say, the darkest timeline. Everywhere else, nay, “everywhen” else — us in the Civil War, us in Ancient Egypt, us in the swinging ’60s — we are happy.

If this theory holds, well, by the law of averages, there had to be one universe — just this one — where we don’t end up together. Here and now just happens to be it. If you think of it this way, nothing is our fault.

So see, that explains everything. We’re not together anymore because of the multiverse.

Well, isn’t that comforting?

If you’re sad, do like I do and just think of the other ‘verses. The ones where I believe in love and where I don’t hate myself and where I never feel the need to kamikaze relationships. A universe where we can have nice things. It’s helpful, right?

Because you could have loved me forever. And maybe in another universe, I let you.

 ____________________

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Damn the AM

Damn the AM

I'm a creature of the night. If you know me even as an acquaintance, you'd know this for a fact. I am better at night. Everything about me gets better at night. I've always had a fascination for the night. You know, midnight – the time when all the cool things happen - you make new friends, you sing, suddenly you're dancing with a complete stranger and it doesn't feel odd.
Same old song and dance. Depending on the company and place it's almost always the same song, "How deep is your love" or "Baby pull me closer". I don't want to know about you. Your name is all that I want to know. I already am too worried about you. Too involved. I can feel the buzz rushing through my body.

And yet, midnight doesn’t feel cheap. It doesn’t feel lonely. Seems full of possibility, in some weird way. A new day. The start of another 24 hours for your life to change.

Now it's 2 A.M.

This is where things get a little out of hand. They've just called for the last rounds. the lights are up again. You can finally start hearing people again. People are saying goodbyes. Goodbyes are a little too reminiscent of death. I am not good at goodbyes. Never have liked it.

Now it's 2 A.M.

Someone is crying in bed alone. Or not alone. Or not alone but still alone. I look out and imagine a time and place where there would be no goodbyes. My Uber driver Yakub calls to let me know he's already arrived. I struggle to get in and apologize for keeping him waiting. He smells the bourbon and decides it's best not to engage with me. I sheepishly ask for the AC and the radio to be turned up. I need the distraction.

Now it's 2 A.M.

I’m mad at myself for things I did three years ago. I’m dissecting conversations I should have buried already. I’m looking at photos or reaching for my phone. I’m making a list of all the people I lost touch with. I’m wanting to hug them all.
I search every Ex I’ve ever had. Some that don’t even realize I think of them as an Ex. A former somebody. An almost. A fleeting thought.

Now it's 2 A.M.

I'm Angry. I'm always angry. Angry that everyone else seems to move on so easily. I am stuck running a romantic hamster wheel. I’ve never known how to make a graceful exit. I'm not able to sleep. I’m not falling asleep when my head hits the pillow. And I don’t want my 2 am thoughts. I want a distraction. God, you there? Naah! forget it!!

Now it's 2 A.M.

I’m awake, but I don’t want to be.

I’m buzzing, but I should stay still.

I'm staring at my room ceiling and cursing out loud and insomnia she yells right back.

____________

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Authentication - Why am I not convinced

Authentication - Why am I not convinced 

Full disclosure:

• My employer provides cyber security services however this is an opinion piece in my personal individual capacity.
• The opinion shared here does not have any bearing on me or my employer.
• This does not constitute as a professional advice in any manner
• Reader discretion advised

What are authentication factors?

Authentication usually uses either one of the three factors:

1. something you know (e.g. a password)
2. something you have (e.g. a phone)
3. something you are (e.g. a fingerprint)

While the first two types of authentications have been in use for long now. In comparison, the third one is relatively new. When you use a combination of any of the three, it's called multi-factor authentication.

One of the often overlooked qualities of any authentication factor is its expendability. Meaning if that factor is compromised in any way, it should be easy to replace it with a new, now secure factor. This is where passwords are the best. If a password is exposed - no problem change it and we're back at the previous assured secured level.

Why I am not convinced

Using "something you have" is like using a code or a random token no. sent to your phone for granting you access. In fact, one of the most common types of authentication factor used these days is a code sent your phone. These are valid only for a predetermined period of time post which they become useless. Using such factor makes it easier for physically close attackers to access your accounts, but potentially harder for remote ones. This also how roughly ~90% of banking transactions is being carried out in India.

Fun fact: NIST in a very subtle way is now saying that text message as 2FA isn't ideal.

Alternatively, using “something you are” is also not safe.

I recently read about how attackers are now using ultra -HD images to recreate fingerprints. Another reason I have my doubts about using "something you are" like your fingerprints have got to do with its lack of expendability. Think about it, you have only 10 fingers to use as an authentication factor. And you're leaving it everywhere you go even without your knowledge. At your local Starbucks, when you're using a common washroom, holding railings for support while on your daily commute. An attacker needs to pick the right place and the factor is compromised, it's lost forever, never to be used again. Now you're left with 9 then 8 and so on and so forth. It does pack a punch, though. Since it isn't as easy as it seems to duplicate it (only time before technology catches up) and hence probably better than the other two. 

Finally, we come to my favourite, " something you know" like a password. I love how passwords can be set up in so many different ways, each unique than the other. The best part is that it's the most expendable among the three.

In conclusion, I'd like to say that using two of these three factors improves your security drastically, yet I expect password to still be around for a long while (alongside one of the other two).

If you liked this post show your love in the comments below. Do write, tweet, IM or FB me (I'm faster to respond on Twitter, though). I'd be happy to know your thoughts. 

Feminism isn't just a woman's issue, It is everyone's issue

I am sorry I am a bit late in getting it out. I had originally planned it to be posted on 8th March as part of my International Woman's Day celebration post. I sincerely apologise and promise to do better in the future.

Feminism isn't just a woman's issue, It is everyone's issue

Let me be honest with you. I do not understand the topic as well as I'd like to. I'm reading more about it and getting there.

But what I can tell you is that feminism isn't a group of bra burning, men hating, woman. It is a group of women and MEN who believe in the notion that woman and man are equals. Speaking in biblical terms, a woman was carved out using one of the rib bones of a man. Which suggests that not only are they equals but better still one-half of a whole. But alas, that's not how the modern woman is.

Recently I came across a news piece that said that the Government has passed a bill raising the maternity leaves to 6 months now. This is huge. I felt WOW not bad, not bad at all. Later I spoke to my mum and she mentioned that the Indian Railways have it even better. Now what I am about to tell you is something that I'm paraphrasing and may not be 100% accurate. As it turns out the Railways has a plan for mothers to take care of their babies by taking a leave of absence up to 2 years or so. Wait it gets better, They can avail these many days anytime between childbirth and till the baby turns 18. Talk about woman welfare! and men don't be sad, for men too can take up to 15 days off as paternity leave. Now this for a government organisation speaks volume about their pedigree. In a recent survey, as many as 78% of the surveyed organisations are looking to hire more woman.

I was curious and I wanted to know more. And I'm afraid it's not such a good news. But what I found is very intriguing. The disparity between man and woman runs deeper and is without an iota of doubt a problem that transcends countries, religion, caste or creed.

• Estonia allows parents to take up to three years of leave, fully paid for the first 435 days. The United States has no policy requiring maternity leave. In fact in the US woman join back work as early as within 2 weeks of childbirth. 
• New Zealand’s women have the smallest gender gap in wages, at 5.6%. United States’ pay gap is 20%. Even today in the US, woman get paid 79 cents to every dollar that a man earns. This is in spite of doing the exact same job, putting in the exact same no. of hours.
• Iceland has the highest number of women CEOs, at 44%. The United States is at 4.0%.
• The United States ranks at 45 for women’s equality. Behind Rwanda, Cuba, Philippines, Jamaica
• Azerbaijan prohibits women from 38 categories of jobs.
• In Belarus, as late as 2014 the number of restrictions on women’s work was reduced from 252 to 182. It still prohibits woman from working in those 182 jobs as a LAW.

I am appalled by all that I've read. It is shameful on everyone's part that we don't treat our women as humans let alone as equals. Women whom we worship as a goddess.

This is a serious issue. And it impacts us all. Sure there will be people who would say that woman have come a long way. But let me remind you that even at jobs considered to be more woman-oriented, the top jobs goes to a man. Look up the top chefs or teachers or any vocation for that matter. The female gender is disproportionately represented. Sure centuries ago this made sense cause it's true a man and a woman aren't built the same. A woman can give birth, men can't. Men were mostly warriors and hunters because their bodies were built that way. But now in the 21st Century, where the survival of a human isn't based on his or her hunting skills, this needs to change. 

This International Woman's Day I request each one of you reading this to pledge that you'd do your bit. Pledge that you'd Step Up, Step In, Stand Up, Sit Down, Support, Nurture and Encourage the woman around you.

With all the love I have to all the woman I know, You're Amazing.

XOXO

__________________________________________________

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Handpicked playlist for Week of 20th - 24th February 2016

Handpicked playlist for Week of 20th - 24th February 2016

As promised when I first said that I'll be working again on my blogs albeit in a more structured mannered I had mentioned that I'll also be including some handpicked stuff that I've enjoyed on the web, in person or otherwise and here is are the goods as promised.

This week I came across some great numbers which since then have found a place on my playlist. I hope you like them too!

As I've always believed, there's only one way to listen to music and that's in the most encapsulating way possible. If that's not possible I'd request to play it loud. Last but certainly not the least if you've been following my music recommendations on Facebook you'd know that I'm a sucker for good lyrics. So please pay close attention to the lyrics of the songs that I share here.

1. Cold by Maroon 5 Ft. Future

Maroon 5 is among the few artists I diligently follow. I mean how can you not love Adam!

2. Sleep on the floor by The Lumineers

There's something about the video that draws me to it. Maybe the way they've shot it or maybe it's what they've shot. Let me know what did you like about it. For now, I'll not stand in the way and let you enjoy it!

3. Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi Ft. MGMT

The only song in the playlist that I probably heard every day of the week. Enough said!

This has been a recent find. Interesting story. Maybe a future post only about that night!

4. Chained to the rhythm by Katy Perry Ft. Skip Marley

If you know me, you probably already know that I'm a little biased towards male singers I somehow find male singers better. But then it's just me. No logic why I feel like that as you'd have noticed the first few songs till now on the playlist are all by male singers. But I'm telling you, forget the video for a moment. Trust me this song is soon going to explode everywhere. Thank me later! 

5. Something just like this by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Thankfully the singing bit is left to Chris here. I know what you're going to say, why did they have to put all these beats in it. The thing is that's how creativity works. Hope you enjoy it too!

6. It ain't me by Kygo and Selena Gomez

I'm very desi in the sense that I like to sing along to the songs that I like. I just can't help it.

Another gem from Kygo. I absolutely love this song. 

7. Say you won't let go by James Arthur

Shot in Monochrome - Check

Guitar strumming - Check

Brilliant Lyrics - Check

There you go guys, this song has everything that makes a great video. Now go listen!

8. Ginza by J. Balvin Ft. Anitta

I do not understand a single line from this song but boy O' boy! do I like the music or what!

Before you go and judge, just think If closer could be the rage that it was why shouldn't this be too!

9. Big Picture by London Grammar

I'm yet to figure out why I love this song. I was introduced to London Grammar by a friend sometime back and I'll be honest this isn't the only song that I like by them, it might be worth your time to listen to some of their other works as well.

10. How would you feel by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is probably among the few greats that we have. And I am a huge fan. HUGE. Enjoy!

Those were the 10 songs that I've been listening to this past week. I would love to hear your thoughts on the music you just heard. Do let me know in the comments below. As always, Do write, tweet, IM or FB me (I'm faster to respond on Twitter, though). I'd be happy to know your thoughts.

# 10 Things I've learned in the last year!

In another 2 months and some days, it would have been my 2 year anniversary since the time I stopped writing my blogs. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll not be able to enjoy that anniversary since here I am doing what I thought I'd given up.

10 Things I've learned in the last year!

This last year was an exciting one. I went on my first ever trip abroad and followed it up with another one with friends. It was great!

I am sharing 10 things that I learned over this past year. This is in no order as such but rather randomly written as they popped up in my head.

1. Travel

Travelling to and exploring new places is awesome. There is nothing that takes your mind off of things like it. It really helps to detox (both of the digital as well as the traditional type). Travelling opens you to a new world- full of ideas, culture and experiences. Don't travel cause it'll somehow change you or move you like how they show in movies. Travel cause it's science that when you're removed from your comfort zone your body goes through wonderful chemical reactions. Feel every bit of it. Drown yourself in it. This last year I managed to go to three different places- Goa, Poland and Malaysia and I Loved.Every.Part.Of.It. In fact, I'm now looking forward to going on my next trip. (:

2. Life is not a race, It's a Marathon

I repeat, Life is not a race rather it's a marathon. And likewise, the skills required are different. Sure some might seem to be ahead but the race is long and there will be plenty of chances. Stop and take a moment. Don't be an impatient punk. No matter what you're trying to accomplish, whether working on your fitness or working on your skills; always remember nothing worth having is ever easy and that easy things are never worth having.

3. Quality over quantity

People will come and go. The truth be told I've ghosted out of a few people's lives. For that, I'm extremely sorry. Most of the people you know won't be around in the next five years, tell them now how you feel about them. But here is the real deal, there will always be people who forget you, no matter how important you think they are. More often than not, these will be people whom you expect most from. Try to forget them too.

Equally, some will always remember you and have faith in you, irrespective of whether you ask or not. Keep these friends, fight for them- with tooth and nail.

4. Obsession beats talent

Trust me on this one. Pick up whatever is it that you're doing and just make it an obsession. Make it your purpose, your vices. In the words of the great poet Rumi "Find something you love and let it kill you". Some people have a talent for something that doesn't necessarily make you any inferior. Believe in yourself. Do More. In life and in the professional set-up the ones you do more consistently are the ones who are really successful.

5. Be a student - For life

Most people I've come across either aspire to be masters of their craft or already claim to be so. Don't be that idiot. Become a student. Be excited about things. Stay in that wonderment and awe of things. Be curious. Ask questions. The moment you think you know something better than others, question yourself. You're a masterpiece in the making. Don't ever forget that. 

6. Read

This alone shall have amazing changes in your life. Read. Just pick up something, anything. I probably read from the latest Kim K gossip to what's happening in the specific areas of interest that I have or those that I think to help with work. The idea is to read. Fantasy, fiction or non-fiction just start and do not stop. I'm here to help. Need a book, I'm willing to share. Need recommendations, ask me!

7. People are awesome

Put an effort to meet people. Both old and new. Don't meet them on the web or online. Meet them in person. Put some effort. I know we've grown too used to remain within the walls that we've built for ourselves. We feel it's safer. Well, meeting people is awesome. Always be on the lookout for meeting people, friends.

8. Listen, not hear

To understand this you must first understand the subtle difference between the two. When you say you're hearing, it's just sound waves hitting against your ear drums. Net result nothing, zilch. Listening, on the other hand, is when you are not only hearing what the other person is saying but also showing empathy, noticing the subtle variations to speech. Another huge difference is when you're hearing, it's mostly your brain picking up information to have a reply ready. I don't blame you we have all been programmed like that now, remember how in a GD round we've been told to either start or end. Doesn't work. Being effective does. Next time someone is saying something don't be in a hurry to give a reply. Understand. Ask if you're not clear.

9. Do the new, embrace change

This comes from personal experience, 99% of the changes that occur in our lives are always for the better. Maybe not immediately and certainly not in a way we expect it to be but it is. In hindsight they always are. And you know what else looks easy in hindsight, our troubles. Persevere. Hang in there. Remember that the night is darkest just before dawn.

10. Do better than yesterday

I'm surprised I didn't notice it earlier, the trick is to try and do better than yesterday. No problem in this world is big enough when you break it down to smaller chunks and just focus on doing that bit. One small bit at a time. Most people I speak to have this image a sort of perfect world in their head that they want to have. But most of them aren't willing to go through the process to building one. Everyone is just running after their own version and compare it with others. I compete to do better than I did yesterday. If I'm able to do that I sleep smiling knowing I was able to achieve something. Focus on yourself and improving yourself, even if it's just a little bit. As a wise man once said, "One step at a time. One punch at a time. One round at a time."

These were the 10 things that I learned in this last year. If you liked this post show your love in the comments below. Do write, tweet, IM or FB me (I'm faster to respond on Twitter, though). I'd be happy to know your thoughts.