Joy of Learning vs what we actually do

Today I was thinking about some sorting algo, and it reminded me of my college days-when the teacher was trying to tell us difference between sorting algos, pros and cons of each. But at that time my focus was more on understanding it enough to clear the next exam. Never paid much attention to actual implications.
And its just not that one class or one year, this behavior is consistent through an average person's school life.
Now I read books and articles on Wikipedia for the joy of it. I work on mathematical problems to kill time. But not when that was what I was supposed to do. It was a burden back then.

I am not sure who is responsible for this problem. Maybe its the immaturity of kids when they are in school, never actually understanding the value of knowledge. It could be the constant pressure of being compared to 'X Aunty ki beti, or Y Uncle ka beta' which pushes  them to either take short cuts or to not giving a damn. Or is it rote teaching methods of most schools.

I am not blaming teachers here. In my school and college life, I had the opportunity of learning from some good teachers and I am thankful for that. But even they are under pressure of making kids ready for exams. Making sure they are fit enough to be accepted in some decent college.
And it continues to college. There the pressure is about landing with a decent job.

I just wish I had a little more independence, more choices to pick from. Or a little maturity to enjoy what I was doing.

Sometimes I wish I could just go back and attend those classes again. Just for learning, just for fun.

Harry is still #1

Since last 3-4 of months I am on a book reading spree. I finish with one and I want another one to kill my time. One thing I noticed is that a lot of writers are vying to fill in the void left by Harry Potter books. There are scores of writers dealing with magic and mythology right now. Though none of them comes close to Harry Potter, they do make an interesting read.

One thing which JK Rowling did with panache was imagine whole new worlds and creatures. This is is the very thing lacking with other writers. I have read Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson and Nicholas Flamel series recently. All of them deal with mythical creatures but none of them have the imagination of Harry Potter nor the twisting, all engrossing plots. All of them seem to pick myths from different parts of the world and extend on it. I wish something better hits the stands soon.

And yes, I didn't like the new Harry Potter movie. Why? Because of how the movie veers away from the original script.

Hiatus ends.

After a long, long break I am back. And I hope to be regular this time. I was raised from my slumber by one of my friends who on a daily basis kept me updating with what she's doing on her blog. She continually kept informing me of her 'new post', 'new template' and the likes.

I wonder if my other friends are active on their blogs or not these days. If not, I will pester them till they are.

The bugging Bugs

Phew!!! Another day of fixing (read fighting bugs) code. My fellow comrades will agree that there are two distinct varieties of bugs. One is the strong, beefy, fearless type we all love to fix. This one fights like a man, out in the open, challenging you and your skills. You know it's there in the first debug run. You know what's wrong but still it's a herculean task to get it down.
It might take days to take this one down but at the end of it, you sport the victory smile even when you are bloody and soaked in sweat.

The other one is the puny, fearsome kinds. Hiding in some nook of the code, dreading the sunlight. You end up spending most of the time finding it out than fixing it. You have the feeling that something is screwy; but what and where; no clue whatsoever.
And even after that you feel stupid and have a feeling of wasting your time on something insignificant.

But all in a day's work. :)

Give up :(

Has it ever happened to you that you just feel like giving up, just want to lose and break apart. You don’t have the will or the courage to fight anymore. It seems losing the battle is the only way out. At least then you will have peace of mind. Then you don’t have to fight everyday. It will be perpetual bliss then even though you lost.
It’s happening to me now. I am fighting a monster. Whatever I do, I can’t make a dent in the desperate situation. When I try to win, all I end up doing is biting the dust. I am so sick and tired of the whole thing. It feels like with every attempt I make, the problem gets bigger and worse. It’s like its using the energy I m putting in to its own benefit, to feed itself and to grow more powerful. Now all I want to do is accept my defeat and run away from here. Somewhere far and peaceful, where this monster won’t haunt me anymore.
But the truth is I can’t do it, no matter how much I wish I could. What keeps me going is not the fear of defeat, I will accept it too gladly. It’s the shame of defeat. That’s what I fear. You have that nagging feeling at the back of your mind that you gave up. And all of us hate that feeling.

So I will fight till I learn to live with that shameful feeling. Does anyone has a better solution?

Ratatouille

A very nice movie is Ratatouille. It takes you on a journey of a well knitted story line with great graphics. A story about living your dreams, in spite of their absurdity and what others think about it. Its all about your passion, you true calling. Everything else takes a back seat.

The visual effects are nifty. The dishes look so delectable, you actually yearn for them. Kudos to the animators. A job well done.

Each character is well placed, complementing each other, revolving around the story in perfect harmony.

This one is a treat of the summer. A much needed cool respite after many stupid movies.

As Remy would put it..Yes! It's Lighteningy.

Professional Friends

Two days back, I came across a new term: Professional Friends. Since then I am wondering about it's precise meaning. I mean either you could be friends or have a steely cold professional relation. How these two got merged is beyond me. Well, this new term shattered my long held beliefs.
I think it means that you got to pretend to be friends, have good time under the garb of friendship and then at the precise right moment blurt out 'Hey, we are just colleagues. Professional Friends.' and steer clear.
So far it sounds like a very beneficial term if used judiciously. I have had the first taste of it. I think I should keep it handy. Seemingly, if used properly, it can bear great results.
Hats off to the person who came up with this fantastic idea. So knavish, yet so subtle.

Use this term and rest assured, the other person wouldn't be able to say a word. He will just stare at you open mouthed in complete awe.
Long live Prefessional Friendship. Or should it be Short Live???