sporadicthoughtsofascientist

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Four Years of Data Eng

I am somewhat of an overthinker. I find it hard to absorb/acknowledge patterns and observations without a “formalization” and “documentation” process.  In the last 4 years I have been observing some weird patterns and behaviors in the institutions and individuals. As I look forward towards building a fulfilling career I am starting to realize that I need to go through the process of acknowledging the “rules of the game” and the "current state of my bubble". I have decided to use books/articles/videos as the primary form knowledge confirmation.

This is my fourth year into my career as a data/software engineer. I started this journey by teaching myself python as a masters student at the University of Pennsylvania. Before my masters I have worked in the “real world” for about 4 years. I did construction oversight, environmental field sampling, CAD/GIS drafting and some quantitative contaminant modeling. I was lucky enough to realize that the tasks that bring me the most excitement and joy are geospatial mapping, data analysis and data systems scaling (aka speeding up the process in which sample results are tagged as non-compliant - instead of doing it manually). Well, I have been in the tech/tech adjacent world for about 4 years and 6 months now… and I have definitely learned a lot - but at the same time some things still feel confusing.

Things that still confuse me:

Disengagement and apathy in software engineers is much more common than it is in civil or environmental engineers. “Real” [physical world] engineers seem to care about the quality of their work or safety of their structure, and if they don’t personally care their formal certification body ensures that they abide by some collective “code”.

Software engineers (and adjacent) seem to be more individualistic - there is a lot less cooperation. It feels inhumanely competitive sometimes.

The gap between “reality” and “bullshit” is concerningly huge - software engineers' claims are exaggerated and overly optimistic, not sure if it's from a place of ignorance or delusional optimism. Civil engineers are constrained by the physical world, they cannot overpromise and then “bullshit” the specs of their delivered product.

The scientific method and methodical thinking are foreign concepts to (some) software engineers. Even documentation and writing seem to not interest them.

Profit.. Above all - no ethical or moral guidelines - no consideration for long term impacts - or considering second order effects - or taking into account the humanity of the worker - burn out, PIPs, over-exhaustion, mental breakdowns.. I have never seen a civil engineer, environmental engineer have to go through that.

This is intended to be a reference document summarizing the important concepts in Hacking Capitalism Version 0.1.6 written by Kris Nova. The order of the sections is primarily adopted from the sequence at which the book chapters appear.

Drafted on May 9, 2024

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Copeium

I want to protect myself from the tariffs impact regardless whether they get put into place or not. That means stocking up on items that are generally manufactured in Asia and super-low price crap in anticipation for price fluctuations. This also could include furniture. Products that are already on american soil are probably the most stable in price.

I don't think LLMs are getting as capabable as we think. I need to ensure that data engineering and leadership experience keeps developing regardless of what bubble we are going through.

I need to find a new book that helps me understand the new world that we are heading towards ... not COVID but something more absurd than COVID times. Also a lot less emphasis on US impact.

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

My Eudaimonia Machine

How I would Design my own Eudaimonia Machine.

The Gallery: Narrow and long, high ceiling, well lit bright colored walls (light gray) with thin black vertical stripes. Thick black lines connected to the thick stripes provide a visual cue for visitors to concentrate their attention on a variety of “products” on display. An LCD screen displaying a variety of examples of ongoing work and exceptional examples of dedication. Dark grey/black floor tiles with no visible divisions.

The Salon: Darker shades of grey couches/futons. Simple clear glass tables  (light grey) with white tulips. A shiny metal self-service espresso machine and large volume metallic french press, coffee grinder and shiny aluminum coffee, tea, sugar container lines with dark brown mahogany tables. The vertical lines shall increase in thickness at a frequency of 0.5 inches width per 12 inches of wall length.

The Library: even darker grey tones, balance LED overhead lighting, over dark grey/black couches. Books on dark shelves against a faint overhead light.  

The Office: cubicles/tables … don't care much about the existence of the “office” I don’t work well in a cubicle style setting and I don’t want to waste time having a conversation in a cubicle. Automation shall remove any need for shallow work anyways.

The Chambers: dark grey walls, concentrated lightning on the keyboard and mouse. Black chair, black desk, black floor. No distractions, no posters, no phones. Low brightness computer LED monitors, beautiful black speakers, low LED reading light. I would love to stay in this room forever.

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Skittle Brain Theory is a highly influential research-based cross-disciplinary concept based on human physiology and psychology. According to the theory, an animal’s brain consists of 60% Skittles by volume (Skittles Institue of Human Behavior, 2050). The physical and chemical interactions between the skittles lead to the development of a variety of moods and feeling in the brain. The expression of such moods is mostly defined by the statistical frequency of the interactions. The general equation for the expression of a mood or feeling can be summarized as [ n (number of skittle bumps per femtosecond) X F (force of skittle bump in pounds per square inches) X Sk (the skittle constant which varies by atmospheric conditions) ]. The value produced from the equation determined the ability of the skittle interaction to produce an observable change in behavior or mood. 

There has been a variety of research into the average number of skittles in a human skull, it was concluded that the number of skittles tends to decrease in a non-linear fashion (The National Insitute of Health, 2064). The number of skittles in a skull tends to peak around the age of 23 years. The decline is usually due to skittles undergoing physical and chemical deformation and degradation. There have been observations of skittles that were unable to get unstuck right after a collision for a variety of reasons (Poopster, et.al, 2066). 

It should be clear that this research does not propose that an accurate prediction of moods is an easily derived calculation. The interaction between skittles is far too complex for skittle-brained humans to grasp. I would assume we would lose our Skittles if we look too hard into the Skittle Brain Theory’s algorithmic propagation.

I shall be following up with more information about the Skittle Brain Theory as I discover and organize my research results.   

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Information [data] wants to be scarce and expensive

Scott Galloway

https://soundcloud.com/bloombergview/scott-galloway-discusses-four-world-conquering-companies

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Tyler Cowen

It has been about two years since I first I read one of Tyler’s articles on Bloomberg (View). His philosophical stance on the economy intrigued my interest. I decided It was time to check several of his books. I would categorize his books as “philosophically-driven, well structured, strongly persuasive social and economic predictions”. The more I read Tyler’s articles and books, the more critical I grew of his outlook on the world. His books generally follow the same themes and topics. 

Economic stagnation, the increase of economic inequality, the unimpressive pace in technological development and increased urban-class divide are common themes of a Tyler book, article, interview or podcast. His arguments are strong, he provides both qualitative and quantitative proof for his theories. I believe the proof provided in his writings help reinforce his perspective and the vision to the readers.

Looking back and reflecting on his writings, I would conclude that his perspective is pessimistic. That being said, I believe that having a pessimistic or realistic perspective should be a priority when predicting future phenomena. Tyler’s writing is one of the reasons I became far more driven to pursue the further development and improvement to/of my academic and professional field (in a systems perspective). 

Books: 

The Complacent Class_Tyler Cowen

The Great Stagnation_Tyler Cowen

Average Is Over_Tyler Cowen

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Theory of Time and Energy

The last 7-10 days were extremely chaotic, stressful and volatile. 

Now that I have had about 12 hours to step back, relax and reflect on last week. I find it important to document and reinforce my “theory of time and energy” 

The Theory of Time and Energy is a way to predict workload (personal, professional and educational). The theory attempts to model workload intensity (or frequency) versus time. The theory does not take into account time spent sleeping, cooking and showering.

I started by tracking my “busy score” with a maximum value of 10 (every 3 hours), the scores were added for five categories (Work, Homework/Class, Tangents, Books and Relax Time). See Image Below !!

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

System Dynamics

I have always been frustrated and appalled to realize that modern companies, universities, and governments seem to house and maintain inefficient and sometimes ineffective systems. 

My interest in system dynamics started with Donella Meadows. During one of her talks, she mentions Jay Forester. Naturally,  I started searching for some of his books and papers. 

The concepts J. Forrester and D. Meadows highlight in their lectures, talks, conversation, and books are profoundly moving and sanity-saving (at least for me). If I learned anything from their teachings, It would be that I need to belong to an efficient and dynamic system. I have always assumed that “the people make the system”, now though, I do believe that “the system exerts its will on the people”. I have always had obstacles with flawed systems in my life, I have always wondered how the individuals running and maintaining those systems sit idly by. My attempts to point out problems, flaws and inefficiencies with systems have always gotten ignored or denied. 

I do believe it is time for me to remove myself from inefficient and ineffective systems. In order to reach my full academic, social and professional potential I owe to seek, join and support dynamic, mature, efficient and effective systems.  

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Thinking in Systems - Book

Two years ago I got really interested in reading about economic theory, social science, and human behavior. The interest in cross-disciplinary teachings came from the conclusion that environmental science is not the sole key to improving our planet and increasing sustainability. 

The more I read about economics, social science and sustainability the more I believed that all those fields are interconnected. I came to the realization that improving social, natural and economic sustainability can only be done in a "systemic approach". At that point, I went on Amazon and looked up books about "systems" and I found Donella Meadows "Thinking in Systems". 

I have been reading the books for the last couple of days, naturally, I got really interested in looking up Donella's current events and/or publications. The search concluded with the realization that the book I am reading is far older than I thought and that unfortunately, she is not around anymore.  Donella provided concepts and ideas decades ahead of when society was ready for them. 

I have found several videos of her lectures on youtube and I have been watching them regularly. Donella is an amazing thinker, philosopher, and scientist. I wish I could've gotten the chance to meet her. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL_lOoomRTA&t=666s

https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Systems-Donella-H-Meadows/dp/1603580557

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Twenty Five

I woke up today in a calm and composed mood.Unfortunately, I was neither focused nor excited to leave for work day. The drive from home to work inspired a variety of reflective thoughts. 

I am officially twenty-five, I live in a house from the 1920s, drive on road from the 1950s in a car with technology from the 1980s. I have to slow down to a halt (twice) for two large unfixed potholes on my way to work. It is extremely frustrating that certain individuals in society create burdens and obstacles that hamper the smooth and efficient flow of my daily operations. This day will mostly be about self-reflection and maybe some reflection of the social and economic processes that brought me to this point in my life. 

Documenting my thoughts and arguments has always been on my to-do list. I am assuming that constructive documentation will help me be a better writer and help me formulate an anchored philosophical system. I hope that this is the beginning of my newly adopted habit of formal and constructive documentation. 

Songs on my mind: 

Ben Khan - Blade 

Ben Khan - Savage 

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

0007 - Grimes

Grimes is our modern day surreal abstract pop artist !! 

SHE DESERVES A MOMA EXHIBIT 

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

0004 - DEN

I think the homeless guy next to me is breaking up with his significant other at the park (I am uncertain about gender/orientation), across the street they had a picnic for the homeless of the city. It’s fair to say, it’s easier to break it up on a full stomach.

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

0003

Argument: 

Considering that a corporation conducts complex centralized planning, the decentralization of financial corporations by crypto-currency will lead to the increase of power to the proletariat. 

Counter Argument: 

The development of internet/tech/crypto based economy is yet another way the capitalist system is adapting. It is merely a change and transition of power.. Evolution vs. Revolution !!  

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

Photo Inspired by @untiltheribbonbreaks music ! 

[sporadicthoughtsofascientist]

0002

Before reproducing, a human individual ough to step back and think: " do you I want my offspring to live on a chaotic planet with suppressed ecosystems and violent autocracies "