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2,900 | Why Programmers Should Write Tutorials | Why Programmers Should Write Tutorials
The best people teach
Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash.
Imagine this situation: You receive a task to implement a new feature in your company’s software. You think it will be easy because you did something similar a few months ago. Just copy, paste, and be happy. You even start doing something else not related to the problem because you have the time.
A few hours before the deadline, you open your old code and panic. You don’t understand any of what you have written or why you chose those data structures. You start to check the test code if you are lucky enough to have coded one.
After you run the tests, make some changes to see what happens, and search for alternatives on Stack Overflow, you are finally able to understand the code and implement the original task.
In the end, you wasted a few hours (and encountered a lot of self-doubt) just to remember that you had to install a library that was not in the original documentation. One single command. It is inevitable not to feel frustrated.
You have probably gone through this situation during your life as a programmer. The more years of experience you gain, the greater your chances of facing this again — just because you did not write it down. | https://medium.com/better-programming/why-programmers-should-write-tutorials-6ecbb83f43e3 | ['Fernando Souza'] | 2020-08-17 15:19:44.984000+00:00 | ['Software Development', 'Startup', 'Tutorial', 'Programming', 'Writing'] | Title Programmers Write TutorialsContent Programmers Write Tutorials best people teach Photo Corinne Kutz Unsplash Imagine situation receive task implement new feature company’s software think easy something similar month ago copy paste happy even start something else related problem time hour deadline open old code panic don’t understand written chose data structure start check test code lucky enough coded one run test make change see happens search alternative Stack Overflow finally able understand code implement original task end wasted hour encountered lot selfdoubt remember install library original documentation One single command inevitable feel frustrated probably gone situation life programmer year experience gain greater chance facing — write downTags Software Development Startup Tutorial Programming Writing |
2,901 | Learn React Native State Management and Horizontal Scroll by Making a Color Palette App | The most fun way to learn new technologies is to actually implement them.
A little bit of a lecture here…
Alright, if you don’t want to read it, feel free to skip to the next section.
Yes, I will feel bad if you skip, but alright, I’ll hold no grudges :(
If I could put forward all my tech experience in one sentence, it would probably be the above statement, “The most fun way to learn new technologies is to actually implement them”, and if you follow me, I guess you must have read this same statement thousands of times.
The reason why I put so much stress on this one single statement always is because, I get this question almost daily, how do I learn this, how do I learn that? And most of the time my answer is, go through docs or see some youtube videos, and make side projects.
By following the video tutorials or documentation, you can get the knowledge, but if you want that knowledge to stay in your mind for a long period, you must understand what is actually happening, and to understand that, the best way is to make side projects and actually see what is happening.
So yeah, enough side talks, let’s get to the point.
P.S. This blog is going to be a little long, I’ll try to make it “not so boring”, plus you will learn a lot, so LET’S START!
Let’s see what are we going to make today
From the title, you might have already noticed that we are going to make a color palette app today, and in the process, we will be learning many things, including —
State Management Component Lifecycle RN Toast RN Clipboard Horizontal Scrolling FlatList
and much more… (probably since I am tired to write everything, and I don’t want to exaggerate)
In case you are interested in the code only, you can visit this GitHub repo —
Alrighttt, excited about the app? Well, I am! So let’s start. (Do note that in this blog, I am assuming that you already have NodeJS installed on your system, if you don’t, just go on to this website: nodejs.org/ and download it)
(Also, I will try to make this blog very concise, so we will directly jump on to the steps, if you get any doubts in between, feel completely free to contact me)
1. Setting up our project
We will be setting up our project with expo, if you don’t know what expo is, I will tell you a little bit, but you can always read more about it on the official website: https://expo.io/
Just a random GIF :)
So yeah, as you might have guessed, expo is a tool using which we can create our react native apps faster. Basically, if you use expo, you don’t have to set up the development environment, just one command, and you are good to go.
It’s very simple to use, just go to play store or app store, download its mobile app, and on your desktop, we will do the things from expo-cli. When you run it, it will show you a QRCode which you will have to scan through the mobile app, and voila!
So, open your project directory, and type this command —
npx expo-cli init <project_name>
You can give any name to your project, but I will give it the name colorPalette . So my command would look something like —
npx expo-cli init colorPalette
Wait for a couple of seconds as it starts the process, then you will be asked about which template you want to choose. Since this is (mostly) a single page application, I will go with the minimal app
> blank a minimal app as clean as an empty canvas
Then, you will be asked a name for your app, I’ll again go with the colorPalette
{
"expo": {
"name": "colorPatette",
"slug": "colorPalette"
}
}
Then you will be prompted to install the dependencies, press ‘Y’ and done. That’s basically it!
2. Let’s run our expo app, and have a look at the existing code
If you followed the above steps correctly, you should have got this message —
To get started, you can type:
cd colorPalette
yarn start
So go into the colorPalette directory and run the command npm start or yarn start
By doing so, you will see, expo shows a QR Code on your browser, open the expo app on mobile and scan the QR Code, and the app will open.
Celebrate small victories as well :3
As of now, it’s just a minimal app having some text in the center.
Your project directory should look somewhat like this. (Ignore the gifs folder, those are the screen recordings)
If you know a little React Native, you can easily figure out that our app entry point is App.js
Now we will start making our components.
I prefer to store the components in a separate directory named components , but again, it’s your personal choice if you want to do it or not.
So I’ll just make a new components directory.
Here’s how our app looks as of now —
3. Let’s get our data ready
Alright, as you might have guessed, before starting anything, we actually need the color palettes.
So I searched quite a lot of places on the internet but couldn’t find any API which could provide some cool color palettes, so I decided to gather some myself.
Special thanks to Canva for writing this blog on 100 amazing color combinations: https://www.canva.com/learn/100-color-combinations/
I made an array of objects, each having 4 colors, each of the colors having a name and a hex code. Currently, I took the first 10 combinations from the Canva blog, but it would be a great help if any of you can add more into the JS file.
So you can download the data.js from my GitHub repo — https://github.com/MadhavBahlMD/Color-Palette-App/blob/master/data.js
4. Let’s understand the structure of a component
Before starting this, I would like to give you a code snippet that you can use as bootstrap for writing any component.
Let’s divide this component to understand it. To be honest, if you understand this code, half of your job is done. Almost every component uses this type of structure.
1. Import statements
At the top there are the various libraries and components which we want to import. In the simplest component we can import these —
import React from 'react';
import { View, Text, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';
2. Component Body
After the import statements, there is the main definition of our component. If can be either a functional component or a class component.
A functional component —
export default function App() {
return (
<View style={styles.container}>
<Text>Hi There!</Text>
</View>
);
}
Class component —
export default class Bootstrap extends Component {
render () {
return (
<View style={styles.container}>
<Text>This is a Bootstrap Component</Text>
</View>
)
}
}
This code is easily readable and understandable. At the end of the day, from every component file, we have to return a “single” component.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you literally have to return a single component only, whatever you want to return, you can wrap it around some container like <View></View>
Please also notice how did we apply styling to our <View>
3. Style Sheet
This part includes the styles we set to our components. A simple example is —
const styles = StyleSheet.create({
container: {
flex: 1,
backgroundColor: '#fff',
alignItems: 'center',
justifyContent: 'center',
},
});
Alright, so I guess now you must have a pretty good idea of how we can set up a React Native application and make components. Now, we can finally start with our main application.
5. Little bit about the components we will make
Alright, so mostly we will have 2 components in this project,
Home HorizontalCard
<HorizontalCard /> (as the name suggests), will be the actual card which will contain the color palette element, and we will be able to swipe it horizontally.
The <Home /> component will be a sort of wrapper from where we will call FlatList to show the different colors in a palette (or, to show the various horizontal cards, each card containing a color from that palette)
FlatList helps us render a list of data, plus it has various features which make the development really simple, for example, horizontal scroll, paging enabled, etc.
6. Let’s start making our Home Component
Here, we will import the color palette data, choose one of the palettes (let’s say the 7th one), and then render the hex codes of those colors using a FlatList.
Here’s the code, read it once, you will mostly understand, I’ll also break it down afterwards, for better clarity.
Don’t forget to import and add the <Home /> component in the App.js
import Home from './components/Home';
And <App> will return —
<View style={styles.container}>
<Home />
</View>
Whole code of App.js —
As I explained the structure of the generic component above, it must be easy for you now to understand.
In the case of <Home /> basically we are importing the palette data, which is an array of objects, then, inside the render method, we are extracting one of the palettes (7th one, I like the number 7), and then, creating a new array out of it. (This array basically extracts the 4 inner objects (colors) as array elements).
Then we are returning the FlatList, which takes in the data as the newly created colors array, horizontal true (for horizontal scrolling), showsHorizontalScrollIndicator false, to hide the scroll bar, we will use the hex codes as the keys (since hex codes will be different), and inside the renderItem method, we each iterated color which we display on the screen.
It looks like this —
Alright, it’s the time for some styling 😍
P.S. In further steps we will modify the <Home /> component, you can find the corresponding codes in this directory — https://github.com/MadhavBahlMD/Color-Palette-App/tree/master/components
7. Let’s make a welcome and end screen (:
Ok, now I am going to comment out the flat list and I’ll make a welcome and end screen first.
Alright, you might be thinking that it will take some huge code to make horizontally sliding pages, but on the contrary, it’s very simple to do so, it’s possible in a very few lines of code!
Here’s the code —
So, as you can see, here, we made 2 Views, one for welcome and one for “The End”, and wrapped them inside ScrollView.
Probably the most important things which we require are these properties of ScrollView —
horizontal={true}
pagingEnabled={true}
showsHorizontalScrollIndicator={false}
We already discussed the horizontal and showsHorizontalScrollIndicator You can easily understand the importance of pagingEnabled through what’s written about it in the official documentation,
When true, the scroll view stops on multiples of the scroll view’s size when scrolling. This can be used for horizontal pagination.
Remaining changes are just the styles, let’s have a look at what styles we added,
outer: {
flex: 1,
alignItems: 'center',
justifyContent: 'center',
width: Dimensions.get ('window').width,
height: Dimensions.get ('window').height,
}, innerText: {
color: '#fff',
fontSize: 32,
fontWeight: 'bold'
}
In the outer (container), we basically made it to cover the whole screen, so that we can see the whole card like pages, and in the innerText, we just set the color, font size, and weight.
Let’s see how it looks —
Alright, this was basically a huge thing we completed, our app is, (say), 30% complete!
And the code compiled successfully!
Alright, now’s the time to uncomment the FlatList
8. Let’s make the horizontal cards, Finally!
Ok, now that you have already seen the styling for the cards, we can actually separate it as a complete component.
Don’t uncomment the FlatList just yet, let’s first make a <HorizontalCard /> component first.
If you are wondering how will we get the color palette data inside the separate horizontal cards component, the answer is “props”.
We will call a FlatList to iterate over each color in the color palette and call one card for each color, and pass on the color data inside props.
Also, just so that you are not confused, here is how our colors array looks like (the array over which we will Iterate our FlatList) —
Array [
Object {
"hex": "#375e97",
"name": "Sky",
},
Object {
"hex": "#fb6542",
"name": "Sunset",
},
Object {
"hex": "#ffbb00",
"name": "Sunflower",
},
Object {
"hex": "#3f681c",
"name": "Grass",
},
]
It’s an array of objects, each object having the color name and hex code.
Let’s see the code for HorizontalCard component —
Hang on, we are not done yet (Don’t worry, will look at the Horizontal card component as well), we have to include the Horizontal Card component inside the Flat List in App.js
So finally we can uncomment the FlatList component now :)
So, in the render item, we can return a HorizontalCard component.
renderItem={({ item }) => {
return <HorizontalCard colorName={item} />
}}
Also, don’t forget to import it.
Let’s see how are app looks now —
Pretty amazing right?
No :)
Our job is only half done, as you can see,
I have to explain you this code. There’s some warning at the bottom which I have to remove. Add the “Copy to clipboard feature” when we click on the hex code. Add a toast to notify “Copy to clipboard: Successful”. Select a random palette from the data and show it. Add a “Refresh Palette” button in the “The End” page.
But, as you can see, this blog has already become VERY HUGE, so I’ll be discussing the things which are remaining in the next blog 😁
P.S. Don’t worry about the warning too much, it’s coming because we have a FlatList inside a ScrollView, which we will remove in the part 2 of this blog :)
“Hey, Madhav, but you didn’t explain the HorizontalCard Component!”
Yes, I did that on purpose
Yeah, this blog was getting pretty big, plus I want you to understand that code yourself. So take it as a homework, read the code and try to understand that component, if you have understood the previous sections, I am pretty sure that you will be able to understand the HorizontalCard component as well.
But even if you don’t, no worries, part 2 of this blog is will be published very soon, in which I will discuss everything that is remaining in this one.
So till now, we have done till here — | https://medium.com/javascript-in-plain-english/learn-react-native-state-management-and-horizontal-scroll-by-making-a-color-palette-app-3a66cf0d9825 | ['Madhav Bahl'] | 2020-01-22 09:55:33.245000+00:00 | ['Mobile App Development', 'JavaScript', 'React', 'React Native', 'Programming'] | Title Learn React Native State Management Horizontal Scroll Making Color Palette AppContent fun way learn new technology actually implement little bit lecture here… Alright don’t want read feel free skip next section Yes feel bad skip alright I’ll hold grudge could put forward tech experience one sentence would probably statement “The fun way learn new technology actually implement them” follow guess must read statement thousand time reason put much stress one single statement always get question almost daily learn learn time answer go doc see youtube video make side project following video tutorial documentation get knowledge want knowledge stay mind long period must understand actually happening understand best way make side project actually see happening yeah enough side talk let’s get point PS blog going little long I’ll try make “not boring” plus learn lot LET’S START Let’s see going make today title might already noticed going make color palette app today process learning many thing including — State Management Component Lifecycle RN Toast RN Clipboard Horizontal Scrolling FlatList much more… probably since tired write everything don’t want exaggerate case interested code visit GitHub repo — Alrighttt excited app Well let’s start note blog assuming already NodeJS installed system don’t go website nodejsorg download Also try make blog concise directly jump step get doubt feel completely free contact 1 Setting project setting project expo don’t know expo tell little bit always read official website httpsexpoio random GIF yeah might guessed expo tool using create react native apps faster Basically use expo don’t set development environment one command good go It’s simple use go play store app store download mobile app desktop thing expocli run show QRCode scan mobile app voila open project directory type command — npx expocli init projectname give name project give name colorPalette command would look something like — npx expocli init colorPalette Wait couple second start process asked template want choose Since mostly single page application go minimal app blank minimal app clean empty canvas asked name app I’ll go colorPalette expo name colorPatette slug colorPalette prompted install dependency press ‘Y’ done That’s basically 2 Let’s run expo app look existing code followed step correctly got message — get started type cd colorPalette yarn start go colorPalette directory run command npm start yarn start see expo show QR Code browser open expo app mobile scan QR Code app open Celebrate small victory well 3 it’s minimal app text center project directory look somewhat like Ignore gifs folder screen recording know little React Native easily figure app entry point Appjs start making component prefer store component separate directory named component it’s personal choice want I’ll make new component directory Here’s app look — 3 Let’s get data ready Alright might guessed starting anything actually need color palette searched quite lot place internet couldn’t find API could provide cool color palette decided gather Special thanks Canva writing blog 100 amazing color combination httpswwwcanvacomlearn100colorcombinations made array object 4 color color name hex code Currently took first 10 combination Canva blog would great help add JS file download datajs GitHub repo — httpsgithubcomMadhavBahlMDColorPaletteAppblobmasterdatajs 4 Let’s understand structure component starting would like give code snippet use bootstrap writing component Let’s divide component understand honest understand code half job done Almost every component us type structure 1 Import statement top various library component want import simplest component import — import React react import View Text StyleSheet reactnative 2 Component Body import statement main definition component either functional component class component functional component — export default function App return View stylestylescontainer TextHi ThereText View Class component — export default class Bootstrap extends Component render return View stylestylescontainer TextThis Bootstrap ComponentText View code easily readable understandable end day every component file return “single” component Don’t worry doesn’t mean literally return single component whatever want return wrap around container like ViewView Please also notice apply styling View 3 Style Sheet part includes style set component simple example — const style StyleSheetcreate container flex 1 backgroundColor fff alignItems center justifyContent center Alright guess must pretty good idea set React Native application make component finally start main application 5 Little bit component make Alright mostly 2 component project Home HorizontalCard HorizontalCard name suggests actual card contain color palette element able swipe horizontally Home component sort wrapper call FlatList show different color palette show various horizontal card card containing color palette FlatList help u render list data plus various feature make development really simple example horizontal scroll paging enabled etc 6 Let’s start making Home Component import color palette data choose one palette let’s say 7th one render hex code color using FlatList Here’s code read mostly understand I’ll also break afterwards better clarity Don’t forget import add Home component Appjs import Home componentsHome App return — View stylestylescontainer Home View Whole code Appjs — explained structure generic component must easy understand case Home basically importing palette data array object inside render method extracting one palette 7th one like number 7 creating new array array basically extract 4 inner object color array element returning FlatList take data newly created color array horizontal true horizontal scrolling showsHorizontalScrollIndicator false hide scroll bar use hex code key since hex code different inside renderItem method iterated color display screen look like — Alright it’s time styling 😍 PS step modify Home component find corresponding code directory — httpsgithubcomMadhavBahlMDColorPaletteApptreemastercomponents 7 Let’s make welcome end screen Ok going comment flat list I’ll make welcome end screen first Alright might thinking take huge code make horizontally sliding page contrary it’s simple it’s possible line code Here’s code — see made 2 Views one welcome one “The End” wrapped inside ScrollView Probably important thing require property ScrollView — horizontaltrue pagingEnabledtrue showsHorizontalScrollIndicatorfalse already discussed horizontal showsHorizontalScrollIndicator easily understand importance pagingEnabled what’s written official documentation true scroll view stop multiple scroll view’s size scrolling used horizontal pagination Remaining change style let’s look style added outer flex 1 alignItems center justifyContent center width Dimensionsget windowwidth height Dimensionsget windowheight innerText color fff fontSize 32 fontWeight bold outer container basically made cover whole screen see whole card like page innerText set color font size weight Let’s see look — Alright basically huge thing completed app say 30 complete code compiled successfully Alright now’s time uncomment FlatList 8 Let’s make horizontal card Finally Ok already seen styling card actually separate complete component Don’t uncomment FlatList yet let’s first make HorizontalCard component first wondering get color palette data inside separate horizontal card component answer “props” call FlatList iterate color color palette call one card color pas color data inside prop Also confused color array look like array Iterate FlatList — Array Object hex 375e97 name Sky Object hex fb6542 name Sunset Object hex ffbb00 name Sunflower Object hex 3f681c name Grass It’s array object object color name hex code Let’s see code HorizontalCard component — Hang done yet Don’t worry look Horizontal card component well include Horizontal Card component inside Flat List Appjs finally uncomment FlatList component render item return HorizontalCard component renderItem item return HorizontalCard colorNameitem Also don’t forget import Let’s see app look — Pretty amazing right job half done see explain code There’s warning bottom remove Add “Copy clipboard feature” click hex code Add toast notify “Copy clipboard Successful” Select random palette data show Add “Refresh Palette” button “The End” page see blog already become HUGE I’ll discussing thing remaining next blog 😁 PS Don’t worry warning much it’s coming FlatList inside ScrollView remove part 2 blog “Hey Madhav didn’t explain HorizontalCard Component” Yes purpose Yeah blog getting pretty big plus want understand code take homework read code try understand component understood previous section pretty sure able understand HorizontalCard component well even don’t worry part 2 blog published soon discus everything remaining one till done till —Tags Mobile App Development JavaScript React React Native Programming |
2,902 | A Deliberate Pause May Be the Best Advice for Our Business Growth | 1. The thinking part of your brain needs a break
When you run your business every day, every week, every month, and every year, without taking a break, part of your brain responsible for logical thinking runs dry. Can you put more backpacks on a shoulder that’s already carrying a heavy backpack?
You can’t.
To carry another backpack, you need to put down what you’re already carrying. Your shoulders need to be free of any weight and take a rest. Otherwise, you’ll bend, whimper, and collapse on the floor.
The same is true for the prefrontal cortex (PFC) — the thinking part of your brain.
PFC has a lot of responsibility. When you run your business, it carries a load of logical thinking, executive functioning, and using willpower to override impulses. Any part of your business that needs your concentration, the PFC does the job.
When you use the PFC without allowing it to rest, you make impulsive decisions that may cost you and your business thousands or millions of dollars.
So you need to take a deliberate pause so the PFC can carry the weight of any logical thinking your business needs.
2. Taking a deliberate pause prevents decision fatigue
Last month, I almost made a poor decision that would have cost my online business a tremendous loss. I’ve been teaching different online courses nonstop since the pandemic started. Because I am exhausted from running a demanding online business, I almost asked my students who already took one of my courses to pay and learn the same course.
Decision fatigue is real.
You understand what I’m talking about. Making frequent business decisions wear down your willpower and reasoning ability.
You’re not the only one with this problem. A famous study shows that decision fatigue is more common than you think. In the study, Israeli judges were more likely to grant paroles to prisoners after their two daily breaks than after they had been working for a while. When the judges didn’t take breaks and decision fatigue set in, the rate of granting paroles gradually dropped to near 0%. Exhausted judges resorted to the easiest and safest option — just say no.
Can you believe two daily breaks made a difference? A difference between a tough decision of giving parole or taking the easy way out and saying no.
I can.
Taking a two-week restorative rest is benefiting my business. I took a walk in the woods for days and recharged my batteries. And I came back to my online teaching feeling more inspired and with a mindset that could make an excellent decision than before.
Taking a break benefits your business. It’s not an indulgence. Nor is it something you should do as an afterthought.
It’s so important like an essayist Tim Kreider noted in the New York Times in 2012,
“Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets…It is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.”
If you don’t want fatigue to make poor decisions that may cost your business, dedicate time to recharge your batteries. You don’t need to take a vacation to a beach to stare at a glittering sea; the ocean breeze ruffling your hair.
You can take a break right where you are.
You just need to block a time on your calendar to take a deliberate pause from your business. You can pause for one day a week. Or you can even do it for a few hours every day if you’re intentional about when that time comes and how you use it. Decide what you’re going to do with that time. It should be something restorative. Not lying on your couch and watching reruns of whatever your favorite TV show is. That will not recharge your batteries. It’s probably going to suck any energy left from running your business.
The point of taking a break is not to make yourself more exhausted than you already are and make poor decisions.
3. Your productivity and creativity benefits from taking a break
When I take a break to brisk walk around my favorite park, I write more articles in a few hours. I teach with my full energy. My teammates can see my energy through the camera on our video calls.
Taking a deliberate pause boosts your productivity.
It also allows your brain to generate new ideas and concepts. After each break, a new idea always pops into my head. When you take a break, you might come up with an idea that changes your business model or something that creates more value for your customers. It’s not just me who says taking a break benefits your creativity. According to research, “Aha moments” came more often to those who took breaks.
Isn’t that something you want? To take a pause and replenish your mental resources and become more creative?
Just like an athlete allows his body to rest after a race or training session, you need to take a break and make it a habit to grow your business.
4. You can isolate the important things your business needs and get a better sense of the bigger picture
Sometimes when you run your day-to-day tasks for your business, you forget important things. Like what’s best for your business right now and the tasks you need to be doing.
What’s worse, you forget the bigger picture.
Taking a deliberate pause reminded me I’ve forgotten my bigger picture. When I started an online business two years ago, my goal was to create an E-book my students could use after they took my courses. In my day-to-day online teaching, I’ve forgotten this big picture. I’ve forgotten an important task I needed to be doing for my business.
These days, I walk a different way each day to think about the bigger picture. I adjust my clock a few weeks ahead to rise with the sun and work on a digital product for my students.
You need to step back from your business and take a deliberate pause. To isolate important things your business needs. To reassess your business goals. To make sure you’re giving your attention to the right tasks and projects.
5. You can see something new — precisely what building any business requires
Taking a deliberate pause helps you to reflect on the success of your business or failure. To think about what’s coming next. To reflect on the current status of your business, where you see it going, and how it’s competing against your competitors.
This keeps your business fresh and relevant. This is the key to lasting impact, anywhere, in anything.
Taking a break is a clearing, not a construction or a conclusion. It’s a tool that reveals the path of your business — where it is and where it might go. It helps you cross between two worlds (what is — and what might be.) | https://medium.com/swlh/a-deliberate-pause-may-be-the-best-advice-for-our-business-growth-97c5838957 | ['Banchiwosen Woldeyesus', 'Blogger Ethiopia'] | 2020-11-18 11:03:15.142000+00:00 | ['Business Strategy', 'Business', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Business Development', 'Psychology'] | Title Deliberate Pause May Best Advice Business GrowthContent 1 thinking part brain need break run business every day every week every month every year without taking break part brain responsible logical thinking run dry put backpack shoulder that’s already carrying heavy backpack can’t carry another backpack need put you’re already carrying shoulder need free weight take rest Otherwise you’ll bend whimper collapse floor true prefrontal cortex PFC — thinking part brain PFC lot responsibility run business carry load logical thinking executive functioning using willpower override impulse part business need concentration PFC job use PFC without allowing rest make impulsive decision may cost business thousand million dollar need take deliberate pause PFC carry weight logical thinking business need 2 Taking deliberate pause prevents decision fatigue Last month almost made poor decision would cost online business tremendous loss I’ve teaching different online course nonstop since pandemic started exhausted running demanding online business almost asked student already took one course pay learn course Decision fatigue real understand I’m talking Making frequent business decision wear willpower reasoning ability You’re one problem famous study show decision fatigue common think study Israeli judge likely grant parole prisoner two daily break working judge didn’t take break decision fatigue set rate granting parole gradually dropped near 0 Exhausted judge resorted easiest safest option — say believe two daily break made difference difference tough decision giving parole taking easy way saying Taking twoweek restorative rest benefiting business took walk wood day recharged battery came back online teaching feeling inspired mindset could make excellent decision Taking break benefit business It’s indulgence something afterthought It’s important like essayist Tim Kreider noted New York Times 2012 “Idleness vacation indulgence vice indispensable brain vitamin body deprived suffer mental affliction disfiguring rickets…It paradoxically necessary getting work done” don’t want fatigue make poor decision may cost business dedicate time recharge battery don’t need take vacation beach stare glittering sea ocean breeze ruffling hair take break right need block time calendar take deliberate pause business pause one day week even hour every day you’re intentional time come use Decide you’re going time something restorative lying couch watching rerun whatever favorite TV show recharge battery It’s probably going suck energy left running business point taking break make exhausted already make poor decision 3 productivity creativity benefit taking break take break brisk walk around favorite park write article hour teach full energy teammate see energy camera video call Taking deliberate pause boost productivity also allows brain generate new idea concept break new idea always pop head take break might come idea change business model something creates value customer It’s say taking break benefit creativity According research “Aha moments” came often took break Isn’t something want take pause replenish mental resource become creative like athlete allows body rest race training session need take break make habit grow business 4 isolate important thing business need get better sense bigger picture Sometimes run daytoday task business forget important thing Like what’s best business right task need What’s worse forget bigger picture Taking deliberate pause reminded I’ve forgotten bigger picture started online business two year ago goal create Ebook student could use took course daytoday online teaching I’ve forgotten big picture I’ve forgotten important task needed business day walk different way day think bigger picture adjust clock week ahead rise sun work digital product student need step back business take deliberate pause isolate important thing business need reassess business goal make sure you’re giving attention right task project 5 see something new — precisely building business requires Taking deliberate pause help reflect success business failure think what’s coming next reflect current status business see going it’s competing competitor keep business fresh relevant key lasting impact anywhere anything Taking break clearing construction conclusion It’s tool reveals path business — might go help cross two world — might beTags Business Strategy Business Entrepreneurship Business Development Psychology |
2,903 | If You Want a Better Life, Tell Yourself Better Metaphors. | If You Want a Better Life, Tell Yourself Better Metaphors.
The Story You Tell Yourself Is the Story You Live By
You probably do not notice it but we use metaphors all the time.
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
We use metaphors to sound more than just cool and philosophical. Metaphors enable us to bring structure to our daily lives, create new meaning, interpret our past experiences, and plan our future aspirations. In short, like the role of DNA, metaphors are the linguistic building blocks to our reality.
They are so ingrained in what we do and how we do it that they have become invisible to us. We barely give it a second thought and that’s why metaphors are so powerful. They operate in the background of our existence, almost like the strings and we are the puppets.
Metaphors control how we interpret the experiences in our lives. For instance, metaphors give a conceptual meaning to a highly abstract concept such as love. The most common metaphors we have for love is: Love Is A Journey. This is why we get common phrases such as:
We’ve hit a roadblock in our relationship
This relationship has come to a dead-end
I feel like we are spinning our wheels in this relationship
A few of these are actually starting to sound familiar to me…
Metaphors are also the reason we associate the abstract concept of being ‘happy’ with the orientational metaphor of being ‘up’. You’ll often hear people say:
I am on a high today
I feel like we are coming up
That boosted my spirits
By the same token, we tend to associate ‘sadness’ with being ‘down’.
I am feeling a bit low today
My spirits sank
I am depressed
In essence, the distillation of everything that makes life meaningful (e.g love, happiness, sadness) can only be adequately captured through metaphors. We can’t escape the metaphor’s power to shape our experiential existence and bring meaning to our daily activities. We could not have designed a more perfect linguistic tool to program how we think, feel and act.
I hope you are starting to see why metaphors are so important.
What I am trying to say is that the metaphors we tell ourselves are the metaphors we live by. They ultimately constrain the range of possible actions and opportunities we think we have in a given context. We act to be coherent with the stories we tell ourselves. Humans are made to avoid cognitive dissonance, we don’t like being consciously inconsistent with ourselves. We want our actions to align with our identity and for better or for worse, metaphors are what define our identity.
The implications of this are enormous.
If you live by negative metaphors, you will only really have negative experiences.
For instance, two people can have the same experience but live by different metaphors and thus elicit different actions. Where one person can experience learning and excitement, another person can experience failure and discouragement.
The interpretation is solely determined by the metaphoric filter we use. Thus, the only difference between one person moving and one person stagnating in life are the metaphors they tell themselves.
This is not exactly new either. There has been an enormous amount of research into this field in recent times. Carol Dweck’s fixed and growth mindset is essentially a theory that uses contrasting metaphors for human intelligence.
The fixed mindset follows the metaphor that the mind is concrete . It is difficult to change once set and only gets more difficult as you age.
. It is difficult to change once set and only gets more difficult as you age. The growth mindset is a metaphor that the mind is a sponge. It is the notion that the mind is malleable and can change with enough deliberate effort.
Both of these metaphors rely on a broader metaphor of the mind as a substance. Whichever metaphor you identify with will shape how you view, interpret and act in your world. Choose wisely.
What Can You Do?
What should be clear by now is that most of the metaphors we live by come from our own context or culture. This means we are not innately born with metaphors but are instead indirectly or directly given metaphors from our parents, caregivers and society.
This brings both good and bad news.
The good news is that metaphors can be treated like a habit. This means that through proactive behavioral changes you can train yourself to break bad metaphors and establish good ones. Metaphors exist in your mind. If you can reimagine metaphors, you can reimagine your life. This might take some time and conscious effort but the payoffs can be enormous.
The bad news is that we can live most or all of our lives unconsciously. If we never really know what our metaphors are, we will never know how to change them. What is then not made conscious to us will only be experienced as fate. We will always remain victims of our metaphors and the cycle continues on and on.
For instance, if you live life by the metaphor that Life is Dangerous, you will only act and then experience life according to that metaphor. You’ve trapped yourself in your own linguistic prison.
On the other hand, if you live life by the metaphor that Life is a Journey, the inevitable setbacks, stumbles and heartbreak that are associated with journeys can be interpreted as a necessary part of a long and beautiful adventure.
It is really quite simple and we often get the simplest things wrong.
Summary:
We all have the ability to live better lives and that starts with having better metaphors.
The process of improving your life involves consciously recognizing previously unconscious metaphors and how you lived by them. Self-help is really just a constant process of deconstructing old metaphors and constructing new ones.
Choose better metaphors and you will have a better life. Continue to live by toxic metaphors and you will have a toxic life. | https://medium.com/curious/if-you-want-a-better-life-tell-yourself-better-metaphors-95387fbdb218 | ['Michael Lim'] | 2020-10-17 04:29:16.231000+00:00 | ['Creativity', 'Books', 'Language', 'Self Improvement', 'Reading'] | Title Want Better Life Tell Better MetaphorsContent Want Better Life Tell Better Metaphors Story Tell Story Live probably notice use metaphor time Photo Tyler Nix Unsplash use metaphor sound cool philosophical Metaphors enable u bring structure daily life create new meaning interpret past experience plan future aspiration short like role DNA metaphor linguistic building block reality ingrained become invisible u barely give second thought that’s metaphor powerful operate background existence almost like string puppet Metaphors control interpret experience life instance metaphor give conceptual meaning highly abstract concept love common metaphor love Love Journey get common phrase We’ve hit roadblock relationship relationship come deadend feel like spinning wheel relationship actually starting sound familiar me… Metaphors also reason associate abstract concept ‘happy’ orientational metaphor ‘up’ You’ll often hear people say high today feel like coming boosted spirit token tend associate ‘sadness’ ‘down’ feeling bit low today spirit sank depressed essence distillation everything make life meaningful eg love happiness sadness adequately captured metaphor can’t escape metaphor’s power shape experiential existence bring meaning daily activity could designed perfect linguistic tool program think feel act hope starting see metaphor important trying say metaphor tell metaphor live ultimately constrain range possible action opportunity think given context act coherent story tell Humans made avoid cognitive dissonance don’t like consciously inconsistent want action align identity better worse metaphor define identity implication enormous live negative metaphor really negative experience instance two people experience live different metaphor thus elicit different action one person experience learning excitement another person experience failure discouragement interpretation solely determined metaphoric filter use Thus difference one person moving one person stagnating life metaphor tell exactly new either enormous amount research field recent time Carol Dweck’s fixed growth mindset essentially theory us contrasting metaphor human intelligence fixed mindset follows metaphor mind concrete difficult change set get difficult age difficult change set get difficult age growth mindset metaphor mind sponge notion mind malleable change enough deliberate effort metaphor rely broader metaphor mind substance Whichever metaphor identify shape view interpret act world Choose wisely clear metaphor live come context culture mean innately born metaphor instead indirectly directly given metaphor parent caregiver society brings good bad news good news metaphor treated like habit mean proactive behavioral change train break bad metaphor establish good one Metaphors exist mind reimagine metaphor reimagine life might take time conscious effort payoff enormous bad news live life unconsciously never really know metaphor never know change made conscious u experienced fate always remain victim metaphor cycle continues instance live life metaphor Life Dangerous act experience life according metaphor You’ve trapped linguistic prison hand live life metaphor Life Journey inevitable setback stumble heartbreak associated journey interpreted necessary part long beautiful adventure really quite simple often get simplest thing wrong Summary ability live better life start better metaphor process improving life involves consciously recognizing previously unconscious metaphor lived Selfhelp really constant process deconstructing old metaphor constructing new one Choose better metaphor better life Continue live toxic metaphor toxic lifeTags Creativity Books Language Self Improvement Reading |
2,904 | How to Create a Minimalist Work Environment | How to Create a Minimalist Work Environment
File it or bin it ?— A quick checklist for decluttering your desk
Photo by Aleksi Tappura on Unsplash
Marie Kondo is all the rage. But even before tidying was in vogue, we all knew that getting rid of clutter is one of the best things we can do to create a more efficient work environment. Yet for some of us (myself included!), this can be a daunting task. We often like to hang on to things.
But a messy desk can be distracting and makes us less productive. So it’s time to check what’s in front of you and start sorting! | https://medium.com/the-sixth-sense/file-it-or-bin-it-8faaa88235c9 | ['Kahli Bree Adams'] | 2020-06-30 04:21:02.934000+00:00 | ['Business', 'Startup', 'Work', 'Productivity', 'Freelancing'] | Title Create Minimalist Work EnvironmentContent Create Minimalist Work Environment File bin — quick checklist decluttering desk Photo Aleksi Tappura Unsplash Marie Kondo rage even tidying vogue knew getting rid clutter one best thing create efficient work environment Yet u included daunting task often like hang thing messy desk distracting make u le productive it’s time check what’s front start sortingTags Business Startup Work Productivity Freelancing |
2,905 | Your Product Needs a Product Design Workshop to Scale | Domain knowledge & technical expertise meeting for the first time
A Product Design workshop is a perfect and probably the most time-efficient way to clash your vision with the reality of building digital products. You are an expert in the field, with the domain knowledge of your business.
For the designers or developers participating in the workshop, although it might be their very first time they encounter the problem you’re trying to solve, they possess the knowledge about the technical, ecosystem or customer constraints involved in digital product development.
Vision clash is the key element here: you confront your domain knowledge with their technical expertise to deliver the best product possible. Together, you can decide on the best technology to develop your project, access how big of a team you’ll need and how much time and money it will take to deliver the first version to the end-user.
Split the product’s growth into stages
Somehow, every new business founder’s secret wish is to give your users everything you have and, preferably, all at once. But this often results in a massive backlog, overbearing cost estimation, and an app that takes a lot of time, but more importantly, a lot of money, to get on the market.
The main role of a well-conducted Product Design Workshop is to use research and research-based methods to help you divide your product development into relevant and manageable stages (from the money & tech perspective) that will also make your idea profitable business-wise as soon as possible.
Dividing the project’s focus into short-term, mid-term and long-term goals gives you more space to manoeuvre and react to the market changes. You can react to your users’ direct feedback and scale your business accordingly.
Establish a doable and profitable MVP scope
Time-to-market may be your competitive advantage, if well thought-through. A quicker MVP, even if some advanced elements get pushed to the second stage, allows your users to be introduced to your brand new solution quicker. And to you, it’s a chance to monetize your solution quicker.
At EL Passion, a two-day workshop allowed us to build a solid foundation and mutual understanding that resulted in an MVP prototype delivered in just 2 weeks. With the traditional process approach, this tempo would not be possible.
Thinking now will save you time & money later
Apart from accelerating the project quickly, a workshop is a high-intensity meeting, where the team can talk risks, and decide on the vital project points. From experience, we know there are some elements that not all stakeholders agree on. Treat a workshop as an opportunity to find solutions supported by everyone at the table (sometimes it’s not possible, and then you can go with the next-best thing: an old school compromise).
But it is worth it. Reaching a consensus on the project’s core functionalities will speed up the actual development and can minimize changes you’ll want to make later in the project. | https://medium.com/elpassion/your-product-needs-a-product-design-workshop-to-scale-better-43da7d72e41d | ['Patrycja Paterska'] | 2020-06-09 09:18:11.034000+00:00 | ['Business', 'Startup', 'Design', 'Agile', 'UX'] | Title Product Needs Product Design Workshop ScaleContent Domain knowledge technical expertise meeting first time Product Design workshop perfect probably timeefficient way clash vision reality building digital product expert field domain knowledge business designer developer participating workshop although might first time encounter problem you’re trying solve posse knowledge technical ecosystem customer constraint involved digital product development Vision clash key element confront domain knowledge technical expertise deliver best product possible Together decide best technology develop project access big team you’ll need much time money take deliver first version enduser Split product’s growth stage Somehow every new business founder’s secret wish give user everything preferably often result massive backlog overbearing cost estimation app take lot time importantly lot money get market main role wellconducted Product Design Workshop use research researchbased method help divide product development relevant manageable stage money tech perspective also make idea profitable businesswise soon possible Dividing project’s focus shortterm midterm longterm goal give space manoeuvre react market change react users’ direct feedback scale business accordingly Establish doable profitable MVP scope Timetomarket may competitive advantage well thoughtthrough quicker MVP even advanced element get pushed second stage allows user introduced brand new solution quicker it’s chance monetize solution quicker EL Passion twoday workshop allowed u build solid foundation mutual understanding resulted MVP prototype delivered 2 week traditional process approach tempo would possible Thinking save time money later Apart accelerating project quickly workshop highintensity meeting team talk risk decide vital project point experience know element stakeholder agree Treat workshop opportunity find solution supported everyone table sometimes it’s possible go nextbest thing old school compromise worth Reaching consensus project’s core functionality speed actual development minimize change you’ll want make later projectTags Business Startup Design Agile UX |
2,906 | Your Default Brain Is Female | Your brain and the pancreas aren’t much different. Both are formed prenatally, both are bodily organs, and both interact with the rest of anatomy to give us complex physiological systems. But, unlike the pancreas, the brain also gives us sex.
Sexual differentiation in the brain is the product of a long journey through prenatal development. This journey starts in the DNA, moves to our sex organs, then shapes the rest of the body from there. This shaping organizes our anatomy along male and female lines.
There’s diversity, however, in the way we express these male and female traits. Some of us are male, yet not too masculine, and others of us female, yet not too feminine. Some of us don’t identify with any known gender. Curiously, many of these differences emerge from small modifications to a female default.
Undifferentiated
Early in gestation (i.e., the womb), there are few differences between the sexes. Our growing anatomy is undifferentiated and essentially ambiguous. The differentiation begins to unfold around week nine. Here, the gonads turn into testes or ovaries, a change that initiates the rest of sexual differentiation.
Whether we get testes or ovaries is determined by our genes — more precisely, our sex chromosomes. Genetic females have an XX pair, which supplies the genetic material to become women, while males have an XY pair, supplying the material to become men. (While you can have an extra X or Y chromosome, which would make you a trisomy, I won’t discuss that here.)
Specifically, it’s the Y chromosome that does the heavy lifting; it carries a gene that codes for testes. Conveniently, in an act of felicity uncommon to biology, geneticists call this gene the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome. Called the SRY gene for short, this small patch of DNA skews gonadal development in the male direction.
Without an SRY gene, the gonads follow the female path — they turn into ovaries. We can replicate this experience in many mammals, inducing a mutation that renders the gene mute. The result of this mutation is always the same: ovaries. The SRY gene, then, is the first way in which development is biased female.
A Move from Default
We call this default pathway feminization. This is the trajectory we follow without an SRY gene. To get us anything other than this, we have to undergo two separate processes: defeminization, the suppression of this female default, and masculinization, the active construction of male traits.
Defeminization and masculinization influence everything from our sexual orientation to the behavior we express in childhood. The first thing they do is differentiate the reproductive tract. The second thing they do is shape the brain. Here’s a little more on the specifics:
Defeminization . This process prevents the development of a female reproductive tract and other naturally unfolding female parts. This includes the uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes.
. This process prevents the development of a female reproductive tract and other naturally unfolding female parts. This includes the uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes. Masculinization. This creates male reproductive organs wherever the female default was suppressed. The result is a penis, scrotum, epididymis, and vas deferens — but also a male brain.
Each of these processes is governed by the hormonal milieu secreted from the testes. Masculinization is due mostly to testosterone, while defeminization is due to a few other hormones. Both processes are necessary to get us anything other than female.
Incompletely Masculinized
Sometimes masculinization and defeminization don’t work as intended; they suffer a kink that causes them to unfold incompletely. The result of such kinks is a mixture of male and female traits — masculinization in some places, feminization in others. Androgen insensitivity is one way in which we get such mixtures.
Androgen insensitivity is exactly what it sounds like — the person’s body is unresponsive to androgens. Typically, this is because the receptor for said androgens is defunct, possessing a mutation that renders it difficult to bind to. The disorder is only salient in genetic males, since they’re the ones that produce most of the testosterone.
Androgen insensitivity exists along a spectrum. It can either be complete, in which case the androgens can’t bind to the receptor at all, or partial, in which case some binding can occur. The effects of the disorder are commensurate to the functionality of the receptor.
Males with complete androgen insensitivity generally identify as women; their testes don’t drop, they develop a vagina, and from all external appearances look female. Sometimes they don’t realize they’re a genetic male until later in life when they face reproductive issues. Because they still have testes (which secrete other defeminizing hormones), certain parts of the reproductive tract don’t differentiate correctly. The result is infertility.
Partial androgen insensitivity yields something a little more complex. Those affected often present with ambiguous genitalia, sometimes a “micropenis,” and are more likely to experience gender dysphoria, a feeling of psychological discomfort with the body they inhabit. This happens regardless of the gender in which they were raised.
In aggregate, androgen insensitivity shows what happens when a genetic male doesn’t masculinize. Either the result is total, in which case most of the body develops female, or partial, in which case you get a mixture of male and female traits. Either way, this lack of testosterone causes the body to feminize.
The Default Brain
Without the hormones secreted from the testes, feminization will continue unabated. You’ll get a female reproductive tract, female reproductive organs, and all the other bells and whistles of a female reproductive anatomy. But you’ll also get a female brain.
The process of feminization in the brain is generally one of automated self-destruction through a process called apoptosis (the second “p” is silent). Since at birth — with one minor exception — we’re born with all the neurons we’ll ever have, this destruction yields lifelong consequences for the size and shape of many parts of the brain.
Some of the regions affected by this treatment make total sense. The spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus, for instance, which projects motor input from the brain to the penis, withers in genetic females. To survive, it needs more testosterone.
Other regions affected by this treatment make a little less sense, yet still demonstrate how male and female brains come to differ. I’ll mention two of these: the hippocampus, which is involved in learning, memory, and spatial reasoning, and the locus coeruleus, which is involved in stress and fight or flight.
Hippocampal volume shrinks without prenatal testosterone. This is why men, on average, have larger hippocampi than women — genetic females don’t produce enough to keep it as large. This difference is often used to help explain the disparity in male and female spatial reasoning.
The locus coeruleus, in contrast, thrives in genetic females. This is why women, on average, have larger loci coerulei than men. It also helps explain why men suffer a higher percentage of stupidity-induced deaths from things like accidental injuries and violence: their stress responses are defunct, so they’re less intimidated by reckless and stupid things.
Without testosterone, this differentiation veers in the female direction: you get a smaller hippocampus, a larger locus coeruleus, and very few neurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus. With testosterone, you get the opposite.
More than Female
Testosterone is the primary masculinizing hormone in the brain. While its presence is far greater in males than in females, there are certain disorders that can give females comparable amounts. One such disorder is congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most common autosomal disorder, affecting one in every 2,000 women. It results from a defect in the biological system that produces cortisol, a stress hormone derived from the adrenal glands. This defect causes the brain to secrete more precursors to cortisol in an attempt to establish normal physiological amounts. The problem is, these precursors also cause the adrenal glands to secrete more testosterone (something they produce naturally but not in great volume). As a result, affected genetic females get masculinized.
Like androgen insensitivity, congenital adrenal hyperplasia exists on a spectrum. There’s both a classic version, in which case the defect causes a total dissolution of cortisol production, and a nonclassic version, wherein most of the production is preserved. Since nonclassic versions don’t manifest until later in life, they won’t affect prenatal sexual differentiation.
Classic versions of congenital adrenal hyperplasia trigger significant masculinization: you get a penis, diminished desire for heterosexual relationships, more male-typical behavior, and experience less satisfaction with the female sex category. But you also get a male brain.
Genetic females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia get a larger hippocampus, a smaller locus coeruleus, and increased spatial reasoning over that of their unaffected brothers and sisters. These changes are proportional to the amount of testosterone they experienced prenatally.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, then, illustrates what can happen when genetic females are masculinized by testosterone. If severe enough, most of the body will develop male. If less severe, the changes won’t really show. Either way, testosterone will push anatomy in the male direction.
Know Your Body
It’s imperative that we understand how sexual differentiation takes place in the prenatal environment. Why, you might ask? Because current surgical practices tend to favor some ugly outcomes.
With both androgen insensitivity and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, for instance, many of those affected are born with ambiguous genitalia. In response, surgeons will often opt for feminization surgery, giving the affected person female sex organs. The problem is, these genitalia don’t necessarily match with the person’s felt identity.
As we saw, both disorders tweak the brain along with the rest of the body. Partial androgen insensitivity yields something between a male and female brain. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia does the same. In neither case does feminization surgery seem likely to match the external sex with the internal.
It’s not a coincidence that rates of gender dysphoria are greater in these two populations than in the general public. If your external genitalia are pressed to fit a shape that doesn’t match your internal identity, it makes sense that dysphoria would follow. (We also, however, live in a society where such people are stigmatized, which contributes to the dysphoria.)
Our goal, then, should be to understand this differentiation as clearly as we can. This will allow us to appropriately align the sex organs — if they even need to be aligned — with whatever identity the person will ultimately develop. Then, we will be able to employ practices that minimize the amount of dysphoria in the world. But until then, at least we all now know that our brains are by default female. | https://medium.com/s/story/your-default-brain-is-female-7481f8ae7827 | ['Taylor Mitchell Brown'] | 2018-07-10 03:09:25.721000+00:00 | ['Neuroscience', 'Gender', 'LGBTQ', 'Science', 'Transgender'] | Title Default Brain FemaleContent brain pancreas aren’t much different formed prenatally bodily organ interact rest anatomy give u complex physiological system unlike pancreas brain also give u sex Sexual differentiation brain product long journey prenatal development journey start DNA move sex organ shape rest body shaping organizes anatomy along male female line There’s diversity however way express male female trait u male yet masculine others u female yet feminine u don’t identify known gender Curiously many difference emerge small modification female default Undifferentiated Early gestation ie womb difference sex growing anatomy undifferentiated essentially ambiguous differentiation begin unfold around week nine gonad turn testis ovary change initiate rest sexual differentiation Whether get testis ovary determined gene — precisely sex chromosome Genetic female XX pair supply genetic material become woman male XY pair supplying material become men extra X chromosome would make trisomy won’t discus Specifically it’s chromosome heavy lifting carry gene code testis Conveniently act felicity uncommon biology geneticist call gene sexdetermining region chromosome Called SRY gene short small patch DNA skews gonadal development male direction Without SRY gene gonad follow female path — turn ovary replicate experience many mammal inducing mutation render gene mute result mutation always ovary SRY gene first way development biased female Move Default call default pathway feminization trajectory follow without SRY gene get u anything undergo two separate process defeminization suppression female default masculinization active construction male trait Defeminization masculinization influence everything sexual orientation behavior express childhood first thing differentiate reproductive tract second thing shape brain Here’s little specific Defeminization process prevents development female reproductive tract naturally unfolding female part includes uterus vagina fallopian tube process prevents development female reproductive tract naturally unfolding female part includes uterus vagina fallopian tube Masculinization creates male reproductive organ wherever female default suppressed result penis scrotum epididymis va deferens — also male brain process governed hormonal milieu secreted testis Masculinization due mostly testosterone defeminization due hormone process necessary get u anything female Incompletely Masculinized Sometimes masculinization defeminization don’t work intended suffer kink cause unfold incompletely result kink mixture male female trait — masculinization place feminization others Androgen insensitivity one way get mixture Androgen insensitivity exactly sound like — person’s body unresponsive androgen Typically receptor said androgen defunct possessing mutation render difficult bind disorder salient genetic male since they’re one produce testosterone Androgen insensitivity exists along spectrum either complete case androgen can’t bind receptor partial case binding occur effect disorder commensurate functionality receptor Males complete androgen insensitivity generally identify woman testis don’t drop develop vagina external appearance look female Sometimes don’t realize they’re genetic male later life face reproductive issue still testis secrete defeminizing hormone certain part reproductive tract don’t differentiate correctly result infertility Partial androgen insensitivity yield something little complex affected often present ambiguous genitalia sometimes “micropenis” likely experience gender dysphoria feeling psychological discomfort body inhabit happens regardless gender raised aggregate androgen insensitivity show happens genetic male doesn’t masculinize Either result total case body develops female partial case get mixture male female trait Either way lack testosterone cause body feminize Default Brain Without hormone secreted testis feminization continue unabated You’ll get female reproductive tract female reproductive organ bell whistle female reproductive anatomy you’ll also get female brain process feminization brain generally one automated selfdestruction process called apoptosis second “p” silent Since birth — one minor exception — we’re born neuron we’ll ever destruction yield lifelong consequence size shape many part brain region affected treatment make total sense spinal nucleus bulbocavernosus instance project motor input brain penis withers genetic female survive need testosterone region affected treatment make little le sense yet still demonstrate male female brain come differ I’ll mention two hippocampus involved learning memory spatial reasoning locus coeruleus involved stress fight flight Hippocampal volume shrink without prenatal testosterone men average larger hippocampus woman — genetic female don’t produce enough keep large difference often used help explain disparity male female spatial reasoning locus coeruleus contrast thrives genetic female woman average larger locus coerulei men also help explain men suffer higher percentage stupidityinduced death thing like accidental injury violence stress response defunct they’re le intimidated reckless stupid thing Without testosterone differentiation veers female direction get smaller hippocampus larger locus coeruleus neuron spinal nucleus bulbocavernosus testosterone get opposite Female Testosterone primary masculinizing hormone brain presence far greater male female certain disorder give female comparable amount One disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia Congenital adrenal hyperplasia common autosomal disorder affecting one every 2000 woman result defect biological system produce cortisol stress hormone derived adrenal gland defect cause brain secrete precursor cortisol attempt establish normal physiological amount problem precursor also cause adrenal gland secrete testosterone something produce naturally great volume result affected genetic female get masculinized Like androgen insensitivity congenital adrenal hyperplasia exists spectrum There’s classic version case defect cause total dissolution cortisol production nonclassic version wherein production preserved Since nonclassic version don’t manifest later life won’t affect prenatal sexual differentiation Classic version congenital adrenal hyperplasia trigger significant masculinization get penis diminished desire heterosexual relationship maletypical behavior experience le satisfaction female sex category also get male brain Genetic female congenital adrenal hyperplasia get larger hippocampus smaller locus coeruleus increased spatial reasoning unaffected brother sister change proportional amount testosterone experienced prenatally Congenital adrenal hyperplasia illustrates happen genetic female masculinized testosterone severe enough body develop male le severe change won’t really show Either way testosterone push anatomy male direction Know Body It’s imperative understand sexual differentiation take place prenatal environment might ask current surgical practice tend favor ugly outcome androgen insensitivity congenital adrenal hyperplasia instance many affected born ambiguous genitalia response surgeon often opt feminization surgery giving affected person female sex organ problem genitalia don’t necessarily match person’s felt identity saw disorder tweak brain along rest body Partial androgen insensitivity yield something male female brain Congenital adrenal hyperplasia neither case feminization surgery seem likely match external sex internal It’s coincidence rate gender dysphoria greater two population general public external genitalia pressed fit shape doesn’t match internal identity make sense dysphoria would follow also however live society people stigmatized contributes dysphoria goal understand differentiation clearly allow u appropriately align sex organ — even need aligned — whatever identity person ultimately develop able employ practice minimize amount dysphoria world least know brain default femaleTags Neuroscience Gender LGBTQ Science Transgender |
2,907 | 10 Small Design Mistakes We Still Make | The saying that “good design is obvious” is pretty damn old, and I am sure it took different shapes in the previous centuries. It referred to good food, music, architecture, clothes, philosophy and everything else.
We forget that the human mind changes slowly, and the knowledge you have about human behaviour will not go old for at least 50 years or so. To make it easy for you, we need to keep consistent with a couple of principles that will remind us of how to design great products. We should be told at least once a month about these small principles until we live and breathe good design.
The human brain’s capacity doesn’t change from one year to the next, so the insights from studying human behaviour have a very long shelf life. What was difficult for user twenty years ago continues to be difficult today — J. Nielsen
Revisiting: Don’t Make Me Think
Steve Krug laid out some useful principles back in 2000, after the dot-com boom which are still valuable and relevant nowadays. Even after his revised version, nothing changed. Yes, you will tell me that the looks are more modern and the websites are more organised and advanced (no more flash!). But what I mean about that is — nothing has changed in human behaviour. We will always want the principle “don’t make me think” applied to any type of product we interact (whether it is a microwave, tv, smartphone or car). | https://uxplanet.org/10-small-design-mistakes-we-still-make-1cd5f60bc708 | ['Eugen Eşanu'] | 2020-07-31 06:49:32.876000+00:00 | ['Design', 'UX', 'Design Thinking', 'Product Management', 'Creativity'] | Title 10 Small Design Mistakes Still MakeContent saying “good design obvious” pretty damn old sure took different shape previous century referred good food music architecture clothes philosophy everything else forget human mind change slowly knowledge human behaviour go old least 50 year make easy need keep consistent couple principle remind u design great product told least month small principle live breathe good design human brain’s capacity doesn’t change one year next insight studying human behaviour long shelf life difficult user twenty year ago continues difficult today — J Nielsen Revisiting Don’t Make Think Steve Krug laid useful principle back 2000 dotcom boom still valuable relevant nowadays Even revised version nothing changed Yes tell look modern website organised advanced flash mean — nothing changed human behaviour always want principle “don’t make think” applied type product interact whether microwave tv smartphone carTags Design UX Design Thinking Product Management Creativity |
2,908 | How a History Teacher Taught Me the Most Important Thing About Writing | How a History Teacher Taught Me the Most Important Thing About Writing Jodi Compton Follow Dec 4 · 7 min read
Aka, ‘How I Wrote My First Novel, Part 1’
Photo by Pixabay via Pexels.com
“How I Wrote My First Novel” is a short series about, as you’d expect, the process of writing my first crime novel and getting it published. This series is meant to help aspiring novelists, especially those who work in genre, and who have publication as a goal. This is why the subtitles take the form of questions published writers are often asked. (Note: I’ve flipped the title/subtitle protocol for this piece, because the title deserved it) The series will progress in chronological order — but you can find the “prologue,” or my story in brief, here.
In my third year of high school, I had my first class with the history teacher whom I’ll just call ‘Mr. J’ (because I haven’t been able to reach him about this piece). The high school I attended was a small Christian school with an equally small faculty, so it bemuses me now that I completed half my education there without taking a course from Mr. J. But because of this, I had to wait two years to learn the thing that would change my writing life forever.
That thing was structure.
For my first two years, when faced with an essay assignment, I simply wrote down everything I knew, or thought, about the question at hand. When I was done, I stopped. My fellow students, I’m pretty sure, were all doing the same thing. Oh, we had a vague sense that your opening sentence needed to make a broad introductory statement, and at the end, you had to wrap up semi-gracefully. But there was no sense of putting together the essay as an architect might a building.
In our first week with Mr. J, though, he told us that before he could teach us history, he had to teach us how to write a five-paragraph essay. The format went like this:
Introductory/thesis paragraph. Introduce the topic/problem and end on a thesis statement (what you’ll prove).
Antithesis paragraph: Raise the common objections/counterarguments to your thesis and, in brief, neutralize them. Or, if that takes longer than a paragraph should reasonably be, explain that you’ll refute them in the paragraphs/text to come. (Sidebar: Though we were encouraged to use the ‘antithesis’ form, Mr. J did note that if there’s no powerful idea you need to neutralize, you could scrap it — simply state your thesis, then add an extra support paragraph).
Support paragraph 1: Unpack one reason your thesis is valid, with concrete evidence.
Support paragraph 2: Unpack a second reason, again with examples or quotes.
Synthesis/conclusion paragraph: Summarize what you’ve said and sign off.
The angels sing … or not
You can immediately see that this is a lot to ask of just five paragraphs. But this was high school; we needed something we could write in a single class period, as an exam. It was understood that our first essays would skim the surface of our topics. The important thing was, we were learning to write in a measured, well-thought-out way. It was a form that would serve, in particular, students who might want a career in law or politics.
To me, a novelist to be, that wasn’t the beautiful part.
The beautiful part was, the five-paragraph essays didn’t have to be five paragraphs. They could be six, or seven, or eight. You could write as many paragraphs as you had facets to examine. When I learned this, it didn’t seem earth-shaking. I didn’t jump up and yell, Oh my god, I get it now! It wasn’t until college, and its greater demands in length and complexity of writing, that I began to appreciate it.
Okay, the angels do sing
The five-paragraphs essay’s initial simplicity was like the “Do Re Mi” scene in The Sound of Music: once you understood the scales, you were on your way on to whole songs, even an opera. Likewise, you could build out a simple essay into something bigger. In a term paper, maybe you’d need a page of introduction, and then your antithesis and support material would be in segments of roughly equal length, probably with a line break and a bold subheading each. Then you’d wrap up with a page of conclusion. Point was, balance was an essential part of the form: you counter-weighted length with length. Your paper was like a ship. You couldn’t have 200 pounds in the bow and 40 tons in the stern. It wouldn’t float.
It was magic. Because once you understood that basic do-re-mi formula, you could build on it in ever-more elaborate ways. You could write anything — a senior thesis, an honors thesis, and maybe someday, a nonfiction book.
Wait … aren’t you a novelist?
Yes, I did. The frameworks in novels are admittedly harder to see. That’s by design. Story is meant to be subtler, to direct your attention delicately.
Fortunately, thanks to Mr. J, I went to college primed to see structure, even in the English department and its readings. I’d clearly seen the difference between the “spill it all onto the page” model and the beauty of a framework that held up and showed off your work. It was patently clear that there had to be similar structures holding up fiction.
And there are.
One of the classic, and easiest to spot, structures is the “frame tale.” An example of this is when someone meets a stranger on an airplane, and this seatmate tells a great story, which is the main story. Suddenly, we’re immersed in you-are-there action and dialogue which a person couldn’t possibly remember in such detail, or relate in the course of a four- to five-hour flight. It’s understood that this is a dramatic effect. Films use frame tales, too, making most of the movie a flashback (hopefully, in 2020, without a swimmy ‘dissolve’ effect).
Equally recognizable is the epistolary novel — a story told in diary entries and letters. That is, letters of the intensely detailed, very eloquent type that few people can write. The epistolary novel was popular in the 19th Century, but fell out of fashion in the 20th, until new forms of communication made it fresh again: email, texts, DMs, and so on.
Many novels, however, don’t use such explicit types of structure. Even so, nearly every writer makes some sort of choice about form. Should there be a prologue and epilogue to bracket the story, like a milder version of a frame tale? Or should the prologue that plunges the reader into the action, near the climax, with Chapter One jumping back in time to start the reader on the path that got us there?
Or, if two characters are equally important, should they trade off as first-person narrators? This can be a great tool for telling the story of a marriage (or, for that matter, a divorce). But it comes into play in diverse genres: Sydney van Scyoc’s sci-fi classic Sunwaifs had alternating first-person narrators, to show two vastly differing views of the same situation: human colonists’ attempts to survive on a planet which seems determine to shake them off like parasites.
The Holy Grail (sort of)
Finally, and least explicit, we have the classic “three-act structure.” Let me write that differently: the Three-Act Structure. I capitalize and italicize here because some writers swear by this, saying that any good novel will naturally fall into this format as you write. If it doesn’t, this implication is, something’s wrong with your work.
I’m not quite sold, but I have to admit, many things I’ve written do naturally fall into the three-act form. Maybe it’s because of humans’ natural affinity for the number three. Certainly, after I’d written my first novel, I could see that the story divided into a Minnesota-Utah-Minnesota structure. Sarah, my protagonist, realizes that her husband is missing and begins the search for him in Minneapolis, where they live. She realizes that she has to go to Utah, where Shiloh grew up, to talk to his family, whom she’s never met. She learns some important things there about Shiloh’s past, but doesn’t actually find him. So she goes back to Minnesota, where Sarah learns the truth and the story comes to its climax.
I didn’t plan this three-act arc, but I did outline the story before I started writing. In doing so, I could see that the story divided into large chunks, with geography being important to where the divisions fell. The Utah material wasn’t just a change of scene: It’s more reflective and slower-paced. The reader feels certain that Sarah isn’t going to drop in on Shiloh’s brother or sister and find Shiloh in the living room. Instead, the Utah material is about Sarah realizing she doesn’t know everything about her almost-newlywed husband, and some of what she doesn’t know really isn’t good. It’s a part of the novel where theme and tone is key, like a pianissimo interlude in a musical piece. Then, it’s back to Minnesota, where the action picks up again.
One caveat: I know some writers don’t outline or synopsize; they just sit down and write. Some of them are very successful, too; somehow, it works for them. I understand this phenomenon nearly as poorly as I understand quantum entanglement. It seems impossible, but it undeniably happens. I don’t think these writers’ work is necessarily unstructured. I just think they have a kind of talent in which the structure forms on the page as they invent the story day-by-day. Lucky them.
The concept of a rare natural talent — a writer who doesn’t think about structure in advance at all — is an idea that Mr. J would have told me to raise and discredit at the top of this essay, in classic antithesis-paragraph style. With due respect, I chose not to do that. “Rare” does not equal “impossible.” I’d simply warn you not to assume you’re one of the rare few. I’ve found it invaluable — as you plan, as you write, and as you revise — to think about giving your story the good bones that’ll make it stand tall and catch the world’s eye. | https://medium.com/swlh/how-a-history-teacher-taught-me-the-most-important-thing-about-writing-54c45273bae | ['Jodi Compton'] | 2020-12-05 00:24:04.525000+00:00 | ['Writing Tips', 'Creativity', 'Writing Life', 'Writing'] | Title History Teacher Taught Important Thing WritingContent History Teacher Taught Important Thing Writing Jodi Compton Follow Dec 4 · 7 min read Aka ‘How Wrote First Novel Part 1’ Photo Pixabay via Pexelscom “How Wrote First Novel” short series you’d expect process writing first crime novel getting published series meant help aspiring novelist especially work genre publication goal subtitle take form question published writer often asked Note I’ve flipped titlesubtitle protocol piece title deserved series progress chronological order — find “prologue” story brief third year high school first class history teacher I’ll call ‘Mr J’ haven’t able reach piece high school attended small Christian school equally small faculty bemuses completed half education without taking course Mr J wait two year learn thing would change writing life forever thing structure first two year faced essay assignment simply wrote everything knew thought question hand done stopped fellow student I’m pretty sure thing Oh vague sense opening sentence needed make broad introductory statement end wrap semigracefully sense putting together essay architect might building first week Mr J though told u could teach u history teach u write fiveparagraph essay format went like Introductorythesis paragraph Introduce topicproblem end thesis statement you’ll prove Antithesis paragraph Raise common objectionscounterarguments thesis brief neutralize take longer paragraph reasonably explain you’ll refute paragraphstext come Sidebar Though encouraged use ‘antithesis’ form Mr J note there’s powerful idea need neutralize could scrap — simply state thesis add extra support paragraph Support paragraph 1 Unpack one reason thesis valid concrete evidence Support paragraph 2 Unpack second reason example quote Synthesisconclusion paragraph Summarize you’ve said sign angel sing … immediately see lot ask five paragraph high school needed something could write single class period exam understood first essay would skim surface topic important thing learning write measured wellthoughtout way form would serve particular student might want career law politics novelist wasn’t beautiful part beautiful part fiveparagraph essay didn’t five paragraph could six seven eight could write many paragraph facet examine learned didn’t seem earthshaking didn’t jump yell Oh god get wasn’t college greater demand length complexity writing began appreciate Okay angel sing fiveparagraphs essay’s initial simplicity like “Do Mi” scene Sound Music understood scale way whole song even opera Likewise could build simple essay something bigger term paper maybe you’d need page introduction antithesis support material would segment roughly equal length probably line break bold subheading you’d wrap page conclusion Point balance essential part form counterweighted length length paper like ship couldn’t 200 pound bow 40 ton stern wouldn’t float magic understood basic doremi formula could build evermore elaborate way could write anything — senior thesis honor thesis maybe someday nonfiction book Wait … aren’t novelist Yes framework novel admittedly harder see That’s design Story meant subtler direct attention delicately Fortunately thanks Mr J went college primed see structure even English department reading I’d clearly seen difference “spill onto page” model beauty framework held showed work patently clear similar structure holding fiction One classic easiest spot structure “frame tale” example someone meet stranger airplane seatmate tell great story main story Suddenly we’re immersed youarethere action dialogue person couldn’t possibly remember detail relate course four fivehour flight It’s understood dramatic effect Films use frame tale making movie flashback hopefully 2020 without swimmy ‘dissolve’ effect Equally recognizable epistolary novel — story told diary entry letter letter intensely detailed eloquent type people write epistolary novel popular 19th Century fell fashion 20th new form communication made fresh email text DMs Many novel however don’t use explicit type structure Even nearly every writer make sort choice form prologue epilogue bracket story like milder version frame tale prologue plunge reader action near climax Chapter One jumping back time start reader path got u two character equally important trade firstperson narrator great tool telling story marriage matter divorce come play diverse genre Sydney van Scyoc’s scifi classic Sunwaifs alternating firstperson narrator show two vastly differing view situation human colonists’ attempt survive planet seems determine shake like parasite Holy Grail sort Finally least explicit classic “threeact structure” Let write differently ThreeAct Structure capitalize italicize writer swear saying good novel naturally fall format write doesn’t implication something’s wrong work I’m quite sold admit many thing I’ve written naturally fall threeact form Maybe it’s humans’ natural affinity number three Certainly I’d written first novel could see story divided MinnesotaUtahMinnesota structure Sarah protagonist realizes husband missing begin search Minneapolis live realizes go Utah Shiloh grew talk family she’s never met learns important thing Shiloh’s past doesn’t actually find go back Minnesota Sarah learns truth story come climax didn’t plan threeact arc outline story started writing could see story divided large chunk geography important division fell Utah material wasn’t change scene It’s reflective slowerpaced reader feel certain Sarah isn’t going drop Shiloh’s brother sister find Shiloh living room Instead Utah material Sarah realizing doesn’t know everything almostnewlywed husband doesn’t know really isn’t good It’s part novel theme tone key like pianissimo interlude musical piece it’s back Minnesota action pick One caveat know writer don’t outline synopsize sit write successful somehow work understand phenomenon nearly poorly understand quantum entanglement seems impossible undeniably happens don’t think writers’ work necessarily unstructured think kind talent structure form page invent story daybyday Lucky concept rare natural talent — writer doesn’t think structure advance — idea Mr J would told raise discredit top essay classic antithesisparagraph style due respect chose “Rare” equal “impossible” I’d simply warn assume you’re one rare I’ve found invaluable — plan write revise — think giving story good bone that’ll make stand tall catch world’s eyeTags Writing Tips Creativity Writing Life Writing |
2,909 | Tips on Passing Your AWS Certification | 1. Actually Build Something Using AWS
Just like any good student of computer science, I decided to purchase a handful of online courses to help me prepare for the exam. While the courses provided a structured learning experience and were effective at outlining the theory at a high level, I found myself struggling to learn effectively by following along with the simple “hello world” examples.
I found the hands-on exercises presented by the instructors to be far too simple and not representative of what you would be doing in the real world. Who runs Nginx/Apache on EC2 without SSL/TLS or a JavaScript function on Lambda without a handful of libraries in node_modules ?
This is not to say that instructors/courses are ineffective at preparing you for the exam — they are perfectly adequate for you to pass — but if you are like me and learn best with a hands-on, in-depth approach, then you might need to do a bit more than just pull httpd from ECR to your Fargate cluster and call it a day.
So right after learning the high-level theory for a particular service, I skipped the instructor-provided labs and decided to get some real-life hands-on experience by either migrating a particular app of mine from Heroku to AWS or simply deploying one already on AWS in a different way. In the interest of having everything under one roof, I also migrated from Godaddy DNS to AWS Route 53.
By the end of my practice/study period, I had migrated all my apps out of Heroku (four to be exact). So in addition to slashing my hosting costs by over 60%, I also gained valuable hands-on learning. A win-win situation in my book. Here is my AWS bill compared to Heroku:
Heroku (left) vs. AWS (right). I went from spending $126 USD/month to $42 USD/month.
For each app migration, I made a conscious effort to use a particular service set from AWS that would cater to the needs of the app. For example, for a large enterprise-grade Rails app, I made sure to use RDS for the PostgreSQL database, ECS on EC2 for application servers, and Codepipline for CI/CD. For a small agency website, I figured a T2.micro EC2 instance with certbot would suffice.
I embraced serverless when I migrated a React app hosted on Heroku to AWS using nothing more than an S3 bucket, a Cloudfront distribution, and an SSL/TLS certificate sponsored free of charge by ACM. | https://medium.com/better-programming/tips-on-passing-your-aws-certification-26fd95f3ee01 | ['Don Restarone'] | 2020-12-17 17:58:58.850000+00:00 | ['Programming', 'DevOps', 'AWS', 'Career Development', 'Startup'] | Title Tips Passing AWS CertificationContent 1 Actually Build Something Using AWS like good student computer science decided purchase handful online course help prepare exam course provided structured learning experience effective outlining theory high level found struggling learn effectively following along simple “hello world” example found handson exercise presented instructor far simple representative would real world run NginxApache EC2 without SSLTLS JavaScript function Lambda without handful library nodemodules say instructorscourses ineffective preparing exam — perfectly adequate pas — like learn best handson indepth approach might need bit pull httpd ECR Fargate cluster call day right learning highlevel theory particular service skipped instructorprovided lab decided get reallife handson experience either migrating particular app mine Heroku AWS simply deploying one already AWS different way interest everything one roof also migrated Godaddy DNS AWS Route 53 end practicestudy period migrated apps Heroku four exact addition slashing hosting cost 60 also gained valuable handson learning winwin situation book AWS bill compared Heroku Heroku left v AWS right went spending 126 USDmonth 42 USDmonth app migration made conscious effort use particular service set AWS would cater need app example large enterprisegrade Rails app made sure use RDS PostgreSQL database ECS EC2 application server Codepipline CICD small agency website figured T2micro EC2 instance certbot would suffice embraced serverless migrated React app hosted Heroku AWS using nothing S3 bucket Cloudfront distribution SSLTLS certificate sponsored free charge ACMTags Programming DevOps AWS Career Development Startup |
2,910 | Manage Vue i18n with Typescript | VUE with TYPESCRIPT
Manage Vue i18n with Typescript
Internationalize your Vue project thanks to vue-i18n along with Typescript
Your Vue project is running well for now. Greeeeat! 💥💥💥
All text is in English and it’s a good bet since you target all English speakers (a large part of the population). But it could be interesting to manage several languages to make your app world wide 🌐 and closer to your users 👩💻.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
In this article, you will learn how to manipulate Vue i18n with Typescript. It’s a very handy and easy-to-use library to manage a multi-language app.
⚙ ️Setting things up
Installing vue-i18n starts with an npm command of course:
npm install vue-i18n yarn add vue-i18n #OR with yarn vue add i18n #OR with Vue CLI 3.x
Then in your main.ts file, you just need to add the following lines:
import Vue from 'vue'
import VueI18n from 'vue-i18n'
Vue.use(VueI18n)
For further details 🔍 about installation, I recommend you to read the doc:
Adding Typescript support
First, let’s create a file defining some typings in a dedicated folder named i18n :
Then JSON files have to be created to map the translations in an object:
Don’t forget to add the configuration key resolveJsonModule: true in your tsconfig.json so that the json files can be imported.
In order to link the translation files with the Locales model we created earlier, we add a setup file index.ts:
Finally, all this configuration has to be included to our Vue project. In the main.ts file, add:
Now, we are good to go! ☄️ Let’s use the translations in our project.
🈯 Using translations
In template 📐
It’s super easy to get the translations we defined in the locale files. vue-i18n provides a $t method to which you give a dot-separated path to the locale key you are seeking for.
In the script’s component 📦
Get Directly a TranslateResult
We can get a translation from the script using the same $t method accessible from the Vue instance. It returns a TranslateResult object.
Here in L4, I use the v-html attribute because the locale key headline contains HTML content. In a nominal case, it would have been : <p>{{ $t('headline') }}</p>
Map set of TranslateResult into a Typescript object
You can create a Typescript model which will be used to map a set of translations. In L28, by using a simple cast — as unknown as Link[] — we map a set of translations to a single object. Handy! 💪
In model file ( .ts ) 🖼️
Using vue-i18n in a Typescript model file requires a single line of setup in main.ts. At the end of the file, you just need to add an export statement:
export { i18n };
Or you can add the export keyword in front of the i18n variable declaration: export const i18n = new VueI18n({ … })
Thus, we can use it everywhere we want… and that’s cool since we want to use it in our model.ts:
Using a function is mandatory so that i18n to be defined.
🤝 Putting it all together
Now we can add a select to update the current language.
This renders:
Switching current language
You may have noticed the headline and the link captions are not updated. This is due to the fact that the translations are not reactive and won’t update themselves on the variables they are used. ⛔
To solve this problem, we can use the Vuex store to detect language changes and react to them:
Problem solved ✅:
Everything works great now!
🛤️ Going further…
Vue i18n offers a lot of cool features such as pluralization, parametrized keys, currency management, datetime management, and more… That’s why I recommend you to go further into their complete guide.
Finally, you can find the source code here: | https://medium.com/js-dojo/manage-vue-i18n-with-typescript-958b2f69846f | ['Adrien Miquel'] | 2020-10-25 22:35:03.377000+00:00 | ['JavaScript', 'Web Development', 'Typescript', 'Vuejs', 'Programming'] | Title Manage Vue i18n TypescriptContent VUE TYPESCRIPT Manage Vue i18n Typescript Internationalize Vue project thanks vuei18n along Typescript Vue project running well Greeeeat 💥💥💥 text English it’s good bet since target English speaker large part population could interesting manage several language make app world wide 🌐 closer user 👩💻 Photo Aaron Burden Unsplash article learn manipulate Vue i18n Typescript It’s handy easytouse library manage multilanguage app ⚙ ️Setting thing Installing vuei18n start npm command course npm install vuei18n yarn add vuei18n yarn vue add i18n Vue CLI 3x maints file need add following line import Vue vue import VueI18n vuei18n VueuseVueI18n detail 🔍 installation recommend read doc Adding Typescript support First let’s create file defining typing dedicated folder named i18n JSON file created map translation object Don’t forget add configuration key resolveJsonModule true tsconfigjson json file imported order link translation file Locales model created earlier add setup file indexts Finally configuration included Vue project maints file add good go ☄️ Let’s use translation project 🈯 Using translation template 📐 It’s super easy get translation defined locale file vuei18n provides method give dotseparated path locale key seeking script’s component 📦 Get Directly TranslateResult get translation script using method accessible Vue instance return TranslateResult object L4 use vhtml attribute locale key headline contains HTML content nominal case would p theadline p Map set TranslateResult Typescript object create Typescript model used map set translation L28 using simple cast — unknown Link — map set translation single object Handy 💪 model file t 🖼️ Using vuei18n Typescript model file requires single line setup maints end file need add export statement export i18n add export keyword front i18n variable declaration export const i18n new VueI18n … Thus use everywhere want… that’s cool since want use modelts Using function mandatory i18n defined 🤝 Putting together add select update current language render Switching current language may noticed headline link caption updated due fact translation reactive won’t update variable used ⛔ solve problem use Vuex store detect language change react Problem solved ✅ Everything work great 🛤️ Going further… Vue i18n offer lot cool feature pluralization parametrized key currency management datetime management more… That’s recommend go complete guide Finally find source code hereTags JavaScript Web Development Typescript Vuejs Programming |
2,911 | The Story Behind Pearl Jam’s 1992 Censored Music Video | The Story Behind Pearl Jam’s 1992 Censored Music Video
28 years later, the unedited version of the band’s video clip for the song “Jeremy” has resurfaced on their YouTube page for National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Photo by Wendy Wei from Pexels
In January 1991, Jeremy Delle, a 15-year-old sophomore from Richardson High School, Texas, shot himself with a Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 .357 Magnum revolver in front of his English class. The event inspired Pearl Jam frontman, Eddie Vedder, and bassist, Jeff Ament, to write the track which would end up becoming the band’s debut album third single.
In that same year, Pearl Jam became one of the bands launched into stardom in the wake of the explosion of the Grunge movement. The group had emerged from the ashes of another of Seattle’s promising bands, Mother Love Bone, whose tenure was ended abruptly after the death of singer Andrew Wood shortly before the release of their acclaimed first album. Vedder, who at the time was a blue-collar worker and drifting California’s surfer with a taste for both Classic and Punk Rock, joined the band after composing melodies and lyrics for an instrumental demo tape created by the remaining members of the group. What ensued was a small and emotional Rock Opera that chronicled the tales of a young man who, like Vedder, found he had been lied to about his paternity, while his real biological father was dying from a terminal illness.
Most of these tracks eventually made into the band’s first record and resonated with the wave of northwestern Alternative Rock that emerged throughout the early ’90s. Although, as a musical genre, the term “Grunge” remains ambiguous, it is often used to describe the music of said bands, which contradicted the aesthetic of the Hair Metal and often formulaic commercial Rock popularized in the previous decade. In mainstream culture, this had also been the first artistically impactful scene created by the Generation X, the youngsters who had grown in the often dysfunctional families fathered by the Baby Boomers and lived under an economy that had just recently seen the rise of neoliberalism, with the subsequent lack of meaningful and stable career opportunities as well as the marginalization of the youth from the grown-up professional world.
In a lot of ways, this generation of young musicians lacked the unrestrained utopian idealism which had characterized their parents’ youth. As a result, their music was often dark and anguished, focused on themes like psychological trauma, social alienation, abuse, broken relationships, a pursuit of authentic freedom and, in Pearl Jam’s case, sympathy for troubled individuals. Somewhere among it all, there was Jeremy, whose lyrical thematic inspiration came to Vedder after reading a newspaper article on Delle’s suicide.
The Song
With the instrumental composition envisioned by bassist Jeff Ament, Jeremy starts off with an intro played on a 12 stringed bass and an uncommon creative use of bass harmonics, a technique initially popularized in the late 70’s by legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius. The powerful bass lines built on this initial motif are what carries the song forward, a testament to Ament’s musical prowess. The guitars played with a tremolo effect pedal create melodic phrases that alternate between the outline of two different chords, Stone Gossard’s guitar to bring out the tense harmony in the higher notes combined with Mike McCready’s assertive use of power chords. The chorus makes use of an often unnoticed acoustic section with the added dramatic ambiguity of the lyrics sang by Vedder. There is also a genius key modulation from A minor to A Major built on top of the dissonant note choices of the two electric guitars.
Although, with its Punk roots, the Grunge movement rejected the pompous idea of the musical virtuoso, a closer look proves that those musicians had their own layer of subtle sophistication. On this track, the melody sang by Eddie Vedder on both verses makes use of plenty of intervallic jumps between notes, which makes it uncommon in comparison to most modern popular songs. It’s also worth noting that the final half of the second verse introduces the creative use of a cello played by Walter Gray of the Seattle Symphony, something unconventional in Rock music.
The bridge that builds up to the final chorus starts off with plenty of intensity, with all instruments playing the same riff along with Vedder’s angst-filled vocals. The final section that leads the song to its coda is defined by tense prolonged guitar notes and phantasmagorical vocals which together transmit to the listener the idea that something tragic has happened.
There are elements of Jeremy that give it the feel of a protest song, but, obviously, in a more abstract and less explicit manner. The lyrics chronicle the journey of Jeremy as a boy that struggled with his loneliness and lack of care by his community until he arrived at his final destination —, not as a tale to be glorified, but that, either way, is a story deserving of being told and emphasized. We are left with the idea that, perhaps, there were many things that could’ve been done to prevent Delle’s death that were neglected by his family and school. This compassion is possibly the ultimate lesson of the song.
The Music Video
After an initial attempt at shooting an unreleased video for the song by photographer Chris Cuffaro, the record label Epic had become receptive of the idea of the track being released as a single and was now willing to fund a new high-budget video with director Mark Pellington and editor Bruce Ashley behind the project, which now revolved around the idea of a juxtaposition of various visual and audio elements as a mean to tell a story. Visually, the video was now a combination of close-ups of Vedder as a narrator, classroom scenes shot at Bayonne High School in New Jersey and the dramatic acting of 12-year-old Trevor Wilson, whose magnificent performance gave a face to Jeremy in the eyes and collective imagination of the millions who have watched the video since its release.
The clip starts off with a collage of various newspaper articles concerning other cases throughout the country that could perhaps share some degree of similarity to the main story. We are then shown the shirtless Jeremy alone in the woods, drawing and painting with obsessive vigor. There are glimpses of passages from the Bible such as “the serpent was subtil”, and ”the unclean spirit entered”, from Mark 5:13, and Genesis 3:6 respectively, as well as shots of words used by acquaintances to describe Delle. We see Jeremy running alone throughout the woods, which possibly symbolizes his tumultuous walk through the painful coming of age experiences of adolescence. His depiction as a feral child is meant to represent the emotional abandonment he was subjected to, alone to fend off for himself. There is also a shot where a large portrait of a wolf seems to be about to eat him, which could possibly be a metaphorical foreshadow of the impending doom.
The school images show Jeremy as being alienated from the rest of his peers, either scrambling on his notebook, exhibiting frustration and disgust from the surrounding environment or being subjected to bullying and humiliation by his classmates and teacher, who collectively point their fingers at him, their faces deformed by laughter. The main character is also shown enveloped in the American flag, symbolizing he was a child of the country and his tragic story is a byproduct of it. In one of the most haunting scenes, we see the children standing with their right hands on their chest, pledging their patriotic allegiance to the flag, but their gesture quickly turns into a different one that resembles a fascist salute.
Photo by Samuel Schneider on Unsplash
Most of the shots with Jeremy are stationary, with him being the only character to move. We also witness a reference to his home life, with his static parents arguing and ignoring their child’s angry pleas and desperate outburst. Jeremy’s tormented and anguished emotional state is then alluded to by a shot of him standing with his arms raised in front of a wall of fire. His actions become more erratic has the ending grows closer, the woods of his adolescence becoming dark as he leaves them behind with all of the paintings that perhaps represented the multiple possibilities of what he could’ve been.
In a final scene, we see the shirtless Jeremy walking the door to his class and tossing an apple to his teacher before proudly standing before his classmates. The child grabs a concealed gun and puts it inside his mouth as the real-life Jeremy Delle did. In the next shot, we see the remaining children frozen in shock as their classmate’s blood is now splattered all over their clothes and hands.
The Censorship
Although this is how the initial version of the video went, MTV was displeased with the ending. For it to be accepted, an edited version had to be made in which there was a close-up of the main character's face that omitted the gun, as well as a shortening of the fascist salute scene. Oddly, this in turn ended up making the video more ambiguous and many people believed Jeremy to be a school shooter who had fired upon his classmates, a misconception that was far from the truth and was further reinforced in a short misleading coverage by Rolling Stone magazine. This was one of the greatest frustrations of director Pellington, who claims that the final shot is meant to present the idea that Jeremy’s blood is on his classmates, not that they were physically harmed. Nonetheless, the clip became quite popular among MTV viewers and won multiple awards after it’s release in August 1992.
However, in 1996, the legal defense team for a school shooting case in the city of Moses Lake, Washington, affirmed that the shooter had been influenced by the edited version of the video. After the Columbine High School massacre three years later, it became rarely exhibited and mentioned on TV, with its memory preserved mostly exclusively on the internet.
It remains to be asked whether the censorship did more harm than good because the truth is this — neither the song nor the video ever had anything to do with a school shooter. The story was, instead, about the tale of a lonely and tormented teenage boy whose death could have been prevented had his community demonstrated greater care for him. Earlier this month, the uncensored version of the video was finally released on YouTube in coordination with National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
On Mental Illness Among The Youth
Photo by Andrik Langfield on Unsplash
According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the principal causes of illness and disability among teenagers and suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15–19-year-olds. The repercussions of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, harming both mental and physical health and inhibiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults. Young people that struggle with mental illness are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination and stigma, which diminishes the readiness to seek help.
In the late 19th century, French sociologist Durkheim concluded that suicide has causes and reasons that are not purely on the individual but on society itself. This should serve as a powerful reflection point on how to address the subject not necessarily by avoiding bigger discussions on the issue but by recognizing the problem and reflecting on what can be done to prevent it.
Perhaps there is a real danger that a depiction of a suicide can further encourage someone else to commit a similar act but art should not be used as a scapegoat to avoid confronting deeper issues concerning our communities, domestic households and perhaps even ourselves and our hidden stigmas concerning the topic of mental illness and depression.
Sadly, Trevor Wilson, the young actor who played the main role in Pearl Jam’s video, has also passed away in 2016 at age 36 in a drowning accident in Puerto Rico. We can honor Jeremy’s life and Wilson’s artistic contribution to his portrayal by reflecting and raising awareness to the topic of suicide prevention and do what we can to fight the stigma. The best way to deal with the issue of mental illness and suicide among the youth is not to find scapegoats or to repress deeper conversations on the subject but to openly recognize the problem and consider what can be done to make the world a better place for those who are struggling with it.
This story serves not only as a cautionary tale on the topic of mental illness among young people but also as a testament to the power of Rock music as a vehicle to found catharsis, comprehension and purpose in the wake of a tragedy. | https://rafaelpinheirolopes.medium.com/the-story-behind-pearl-jams-1992-censured-music-video-1aa38849556a | ['Rafael Pinheiro'] | 2020-11-19 21:40:18.964000+00:00 | ['Arts And Entertainment', 'Gun Control', 'Mental Health', 'Culture', 'Music'] | Title Story Behind Pearl Jam’s 1992 Censored Music VideoContent Story Behind Pearl Jam’s 1992 Censored Music Video 28 year later unedited version band’s video clip song “Jeremy” resurfaced YouTube page National Gun Violence Awareness Day Photo Wendy Wei Pexels January 1991 Jeremy Delle 15yearold sophomore Richardson High School Texas shot Smith Wesson Model 194 357 Magnum revolver front English class event inspired Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder bassist Jeff Ament write track would end becoming band’s debut album third single year Pearl Jam became one band launched stardom wake explosion Grunge movement group emerged ash another Seattle’s promising band Mother Love Bone whose tenure ended abruptly death singer Andrew Wood shortly release acclaimed first album Vedder time bluecollar worker drifting California’s surfer taste Classic Punk Rock joined band composing melody lyric instrumental demo tape created remaining member group ensued small emotional Rock Opera chronicled tale young man like Vedder found lied paternity real biological father dying terminal illness track eventually made band’s first record resonated wave northwestern Alternative Rock emerged throughout early ’90s Although musical genre term “Grunge” remains ambiguous often used describe music said band contradicted aesthetic Hair Metal often formulaic commercial Rock popularized previous decade mainstream culture also first artistically impactful scene created Generation X youngster grown often dysfunctional family fathered Baby Boomers lived economy recently seen rise neoliberalism subsequent lack meaningful stable career opportunity well marginalization youth grownup professional world lot way generation young musician lacked unrestrained utopian idealism characterized parents’ youth result music often dark anguished focused theme like psychological trauma social alienation abuse broken relationship pursuit authentic freedom Pearl Jam’s case sympathy troubled individual Somewhere among Jeremy whose lyrical thematic inspiration came Vedder reading newspaper article Delle’s suicide Song instrumental composition envisioned bassist Jeff Ament Jeremy start intro played 12 stringed bass uncommon creative use bass harmonic technique initially popularized late 70’s legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius powerful bass line built initial motif carry song forward testament Ament’s musical prowess guitar played tremolo effect pedal create melodic phrase alternate outline two different chord Stone Gossard’s guitar bring tense harmony higher note combined Mike McCready’s assertive use power chord chorus make use often unnoticed acoustic section added dramatic ambiguity lyric sang Vedder also genius key modulation minor Major built top dissonant note choice two electric guitar Although Punk root Grunge movement rejected pompous idea musical virtuoso closer look prof musician layer subtle sophistication track melody sang Eddie Vedder verse make use plenty intervallic jump note make uncommon comparison modern popular song It’s also worth noting final half second verse introduces creative use cello played Walter Gray Seattle Symphony something unconventional Rock music bridge build final chorus start plenty intensity instrument playing riff along Vedder’s angstfilled vocal final section lead song coda defined tense prolonged guitar note phantasmagorical vocal together transmit listener idea something tragic happened element Jeremy give feel protest song obviously abstract le explicit manner lyric chronicle journey Jeremy boy struggled loneliness lack care community arrived final destination — tale glorified either way story deserving told emphasized left idea perhaps many thing could’ve done prevent Delle’s death neglected family school compassion possibly ultimate lesson song Music Video initial attempt shooting unreleased video song photographer Chris Cuffaro record label Epic become receptive idea track released single willing fund new highbudget video director Mark Pellington editor Bruce Ashley behind project revolved around idea juxtaposition various visual audio element mean tell story Visually video combination closeup Vedder narrator classroom scene shot Bayonne High School New Jersey dramatic acting 12yearold Trevor Wilson whose magnificent performance gave face Jeremy eye collective imagination million watched video since release clip start collage various newspaper article concerning case throughout country could perhaps share degree similarity main story shown shirtless Jeremy alone wood drawing painting obsessive vigor glimpse passage Bible “the serpent subtil” ”the unclean spirit entered” Mark 513 Genesis 36 respectively well shot word used acquaintance describe Delle see Jeremy running alone throughout wood possibly symbolizes tumultuous walk painful coming age experience adolescence depiction feral child meant represent emotional abandonment subjected alone fend also shot large portrait wolf seems eat could possibly metaphorical foreshadow impending doom school image show Jeremy alienated rest peer either scrambling notebook exhibiting frustration disgust surrounding environment subjected bullying humiliation classmate teacher collectively point finger face deformed laughter main character also shown enveloped American flag symbolizing child country tragic story byproduct one haunting scene see child standing right hand chest pledging patriotic allegiance flag gesture quickly turn different one resembles fascist salute Photo Samuel Schneider Unsplash shot Jeremy stationary character move also witness reference home life static parent arguing ignoring child’s angry plea desperate outburst Jeremy’s tormented anguished emotional state alluded shot standing arm raised front wall fire action become erratic ending grows closer wood adolescence becoming dark leaf behind painting perhaps represented multiple possibility could’ve final scene see shirtless Jeremy walking door class tossing apple teacher proudly standing classmate child grab concealed gun put inside mouth reallife Jeremy Delle next shot see remaining child frozen shock classmate’s blood splattered clothes hand Censorship Although initial version video went MTV displeased ending accepted edited version made closeup main character face omitted gun well shortening fascist salute scene Oddly turn ended making video ambiguous many people believed Jeremy school shooter fired upon classmate misconception far truth reinforced short misleading coverage Rolling Stone magazine one greatest frustration director Pellington claim final shot meant present idea Jeremy’s blood classmate physically harmed Nonetheless clip became quite popular among MTV viewer multiple award it’s release August 1992 However 1996 legal defense team school shooting case city Moses Lake Washington affirmed shooter influenced edited version video Columbine High School massacre three year later became rarely exhibited mentioned TV memory preserved mostly exclusively internet remains asked whether censorship harm good truth — neither song video ever anything school shooter story instead tale lonely tormented teenage boy whose death could prevented community demonstrated greater care Earlier month uncensored version video finally released YouTube coordination National Gun Violence Awareness Day Mental Illness Among Youth Photo Andrik Langfield Unsplash According World Health Organization depression one principal cause illness disability among teenager suicide third leading cause death 15–19yearolds repercussion addressing adolescent mental health condition extend adulthood harming mental physical health inhibiting opportunity lead fulfilling life adult Young people struggle mental illness particularly vulnerable social exclusion discrimination stigma diminishes readiness seek help late 19th century French sociologist Durkheim concluded suicide cause reason purely individual society serve powerful reflection point address subject necessarily avoiding bigger discussion issue recognizing problem reflecting done prevent Perhaps real danger depiction suicide encourage someone else commit similar act art used scapegoat avoid confronting deeper issue concerning community domestic household perhaps even hidden stigma concerning topic mental illness depression Sadly Trevor Wilson young actor played main role Pearl Jam’s video also passed away 2016 age 36 drowning accident Puerto Rico honor Jeremy’s life Wilson’s artistic contribution portrayal reflecting raising awareness topic suicide prevention fight stigma best way deal issue mental illness suicide among youth find scapegoat repress deeper conversation subject openly recognize problem consider done make world better place struggling story serf cautionary tale topic mental illness among young people also testament power Rock music vehicle found catharsis comprehension purpose wake tragedyTags Arts Entertainment Gun Control Mental Health Culture Music |
2,912 | Wish is Hiring Growth Market Managers! | The Wish app, although started in the United States, is global by design and is now utilized in 70+ countries! We know that different markets around the world have unique needs and aim to make our customer experience as customized as possible. That’s where our growth market managers come in.
What is a Growth Market Manager?
I’m the current Brazil growth market manager at Wish. My job is to take the growth team’s programs — App Store Optimization (ASO), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), messaging, and others and localize those for Brazilian consumers (more information on Wish’s growth team efforts can be found here).
Day-to-day, I examine key metrics, such as conversion, retention, revenue, and customer satisfaction, in order to prioritize the actions to be taken in my region. From there I collaborate with other members of the growth team to decide on actions or experiments that could be implemented to better serve my market and how to test them.
Making adjustments to serve a particular region really takes Wish’s service to the next level. Even the smallest of changes can compound into very significant gains in the future.
My favorite projects
Some of my favorite projects have to be the ones related to top-funnel experimentation on the app stores. These are the places where we have the unique opportunity to tell new users what Wish is all about. And there are multiple elements to play around with. We want our users to know that Wish is available to them, and that certain conveniences have been added for their market (e.g. in Brazil’s case, local payment options) so that they can shop as easily as possible. Given how large our user base is, even a 1% increase in conversion is a huge improvement.
Implementing our order confirmation and shipment flows on WhatsApp
It is also important to understand which companies are necessary to partner with in our strategic markets. A recent project that I enjoyed was bringing some of our post-sales transactional messages into the WhatsApp Business solution. As a messaging app that nearly every Brazilian uses daily, it’s super meaningful in the country, and is now an important messaging system for Wish globally. Now the user doesn’t have to detract from their interactions with their friends and family to check the progress of their Wish orders — it integrates seamlessly into their life.
Other projects I enjoy are related to logistics, because they’re incredibly challenging! Moving products tens of thousands of miles entails maneuvering customs, door-to-door time, last mile delivery, mainstream visibility, and several other demands. If you can succeed in solving a logistics problem, it is hugely rewarding in that it creates a stronger trust with our customers.
What I like about Wish is that we have an incredibly intelligent multidisciplinary team that bands together to improve every single step ranging from ideation to execution. Our growth team is a diverse blend of data scientists, engineers, designers and marketers. I can start with a simple idea to address a pain point in my market and it will evolve pretty quickly given the great contribution from other team members.
What does it take to be successful as a Growth Market Manager?
I think through the flow as a consumer every time I approach a problem. I ask myself, what would make things more convenient for me in going through the discovery/onboarding/shopping /purchasing processes?
Additionally, I iterate new ideas as quickly as I can. I won’t know for sure if an idea I have is good or not until I implement it and get it out into the market. Then the consumer can tell me what works for them.
Lastly, not being afraid to fail has been important. There are things that I thought would make the app more intuitive that did not work, and that’s okay. In constantly trying to reinvent the app, a lot of things are not going to work and you just move on to the next idea. The true failure would be staying stuck on an idea that didn’t work and not continuing to learn, grow, and adapt.
My favorite part of the job
My favorite part of my role has to be experimenting. It’s fun to come up with an idea and see if it works or not. You can’t wait to get the problem solved! If an idea doesn’t work, you try again with something else. Millions of potential shoppers and daily active users means lots of opportunities for experimentation. You just have to put your ideas out there and see what happens.
We are looking to hire more growth market managers to further customize the Wish experience. If you’re interested, check out our current job openings at www.wish.com/careers! | https://medium.com/wish-engineering/wish-is-hiring-growth-market-managers-e7076ece4c87 | ['Nicola Azevedo'] | 2018-08-14 01:01:15.113000+00:00 | ['Growth', 'Engineering', 'Growth Marketing', 'Design', 'App Store Optimization'] | Title Wish Hiring Growth Market ManagersContent Wish app although started United States global design utilized 70 country know different market around world unique need aim make customer experience customized possible That’s growth market manager come Growth Market Manager I’m current Brazil growth market manager Wish job take growth team’s program — App Store Optimization ASO Search Engine Optimization SEO messaging others localize Brazilian consumer information Wish’s growth team effort found Daytoday examine key metric conversion retention revenue customer satisfaction order prioritize action taken region collaborate member growth team decide action experiment could implemented better serve market test Making adjustment serve particular region really take Wish’s service next level Even smallest change compound significant gain future favorite project favorite project one related topfunnel experimentation app store place unique opportunity tell new user Wish multiple element play around want user know Wish available certain convenience added market eg Brazil’s case local payment option shop easily possible Given large user base even 1 increase conversion huge improvement Implementing order confirmation shipment flow WhatsApp also important understand company necessary partner strategic market recent project enjoyed bringing postsales transactional message WhatsApp Business solution messaging app nearly every Brazilian us daily it’s super meaningful country important messaging system Wish globally user doesn’t detract interaction friend family check progress Wish order — integrates seamlessly life project enjoy related logistics they’re incredibly challenging Moving product ten thousand mile entail maneuvering custom doortodoor time last mile delivery mainstream visibility several demand succeed solving logistics problem hugely rewarding creates stronger trust customer like Wish incredibly intelligent multidisciplinary team band together improve every single step ranging ideation execution growth team diverse blend data scientist engineer designer marketer start simple idea address pain point market evolve pretty quickly given great contribution team member take successful Growth Market Manager think flow consumer every time approach problem ask would make thing convenient going discoveryonboardingshopping purchasing process Additionally iterate new idea quickly won’t know sure idea good implement get market consumer tell work Lastly afraid fail important thing thought would make app intuitive work that’s okay constantly trying reinvent app lot thing going work move next idea true failure would staying stuck idea didn’t work continuing learn grow adapt favorite part job favorite part role experimenting It’s fun come idea see work can’t wait get problem solved idea doesn’t work try something else Millions potential shopper daily active user mean lot opportunity experimentation put idea see happens looking hire growth market manager customize Wish experience you’re interested check current job opening wwwwishcomcareersTags Growth Engineering Growth Marketing Design App Store Optimization |
2,913 | Build an Interactive, Modern Dashboard With Dash | Building a Dash App
Any Dash app is divided into two main parts:
1. Layout — Considers the static appearance of the app in the UI.
2. Callback functions — Considers the interactivity of the app.
Having a Python class for each and every HTML class is just another example of how easy Dash has made it to build web-based front ends using Python.
They maintain a set of components in the dash_core_components and the dash_html_components library but you can also build your own with JavaScript and React.js.
You can use any IDE as per your preference and you can simply name your file “ app.py ” and start using the Dash framework.
Here is a basic example of a graph that can be used in the Dash framework.
import dash_core_components as dcc
import dash_html_components as html
external_stylesheets = [‘
app = dash.Dash(__name__, external_stylesheets=external_stylesheets)
app.layout = html.Div(children=[
html.H1(children=’Weather Dashboard’),
html.Div(children=’’’
Dash: A web application framework for Python.
‘’’),
dcc.Graph(
id=’example-graph’,
figure={
‘data’: [
{‘x’: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12], ‘y’: [60.56, 150.43, 76.98, 80.49, 250.80, 110.56, 80.33,
20.44, 15.32, 90.11, 150.67, 150.55], ‘type’: ‘bar’, ‘name’: ‘Expected Rain’},
{‘x’: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12], ‘y’: [40.09, 128.82, 51.57, 88.53, 295.47, 47.94, 42.05,
3.41, 14.4, 113.65, 226.95, 142.51], ‘type’: ‘bar’, ‘name’: Actual Rain’},
],
‘layout’: {
‘title’: ‘Rainfall in SL in 2016’
}
}
)
])
if __name__ == ‘__main__’:
app.run_server(debug=True) import dashimport dash_core_components as dccimport dash_html_components as htmlexternal_stylesheets = [‘ https://codepen.io/chriddyp/pen/bWLwgP.css ']app = dash.Dash(__name__, external_stylesheets=external_stylesheets)app.layout = html.Div(children=[html.H1(children=’Weather Dashboard’),html.Div(children=’’’Dash: A web application framework for Python.‘’’),dcc.Graph(id=’example-graph’,figure={‘data’: [{‘x’: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12], ‘y’: [60.56, 150.43, 76.98, 80.49, 250.80, 110.56, 80.33,20.44, 15.32, 90.11, 150.67, 150.55], ‘type’: ‘bar’, ‘name’: ‘Expected Rain’},{‘x’: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12], ‘y’: [40.09, 128.82, 51.57, 88.53, 295.47, 47.94, 42.05,3.41, 14.4, 113.65, 226.95, 142.51], ‘type’: ‘bar’, ‘name’: Actual Rain’},],‘layout’: {‘title’: ‘Rainfall in SL in 2016’])if __name__ == ‘__main__’:app.run_server(debug=True)
Here, “Dash Core Components” were imported as dcc and form the Graph component to plot this graph.
Again, the format of the data feed is quite simple. x represents the values of the x-axis while y represents the respective values of the y-axis.
So, as you can see, we only have to give our data as two Python lists so that Dash will take care of the rest and plot an eye-catching graph for you.
Furthermore, there are plenty of customizations which can be done, such as in type , names of the axes, colors, grids, background colors, etc.
Dash includes “hot-reloading”. This feature is activated by default when you run your app with app.run_server(debug=True) . This means that Dash will automatically refresh your browser when you make a change in your code. This will make your life far easier if you’re a developer.
The dash_html_components library has a component for every HTML tag. You can use any HTML element in the format html.<element> . But there is a slight difference in the notation.
If you want to use <div> in Dash you have to use the html.Div instead of html.div . The html.H1(children='Hello Dash’) component generates a <h1>Hello Dash</h1> HTML element in your application.
The children property is special. By convention, it’s always the first attribute, which means that you can omit it: html.H1(children='Hello Dash’) is the same as html.H1('Hello Dash’) .
Also, it can contain a string, a number, a single component, or a list of components. For the dash_html_components , each component matches the associated HTML component exactly.
From the documentation, you can get further information. If you’re using HTML components, you also access properties, such as style , class , and id . All of these attributes are available in the Python classes.
The HTML elements and Dash classes are mostly the same but there are a few key differences:
The style property is a dictionary.
Properties in the style dictionary are camelCased .
. The class key is renamed as className .
. Style properties in pixel units can be supplied as just numbers without the px unit.
Not all components are pure HTML. The dash_core_components describe higher-level components that are interactive and are generated with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS through the React.js library.
For dash_core_components , there are many examples and a reference guide. See this link for a dropdown example.
For dash_core_components.Graph , the syntax of the figure matches that of the Plotly.py library and the Plotly.js library. So, any examples that you see in https://plot.ly/python/ apply and all of the available attributes can be found in the documentation.
Styling the elements
Styling the elements is achieved with CSS through the style property. An example from the documentation:
html.Div([ html.Div(‘Example Div’, style={‘color’: ‘blue’, ‘fontSize’: 14}), html.P(‘Example P’, className=’my-class’, id=’my-p-element’) ], style={‘marginBottom’: 50, ‘marginTop’: 25
These key-value pairs in the style property can be found in any CSS tutorial online, they aren’t in the Dash documentation yet. The community has been compiling some nice resources for this.
The fonts in your application will look a little bit different than what is displayed here. This application using a custom CSS stylesheet to modify the default styles of the elements.
external_stylesheets = [‘https://codepen.io/chriddyp/pen/bWLwgP.css'] app = dash.Dash(__name__, external_stylesheets=external_stylesheets)
There are various kinds of dashboard templates which are already available in Dash. So, we can use one and customize according to our needs. These templates can be found in the Dash App Gallery.
A graph component has many arguments where most of them are optional. If you want more insight about those you can refer to the community. | https://medium.com/better-programming/build-an-interactive-modern-dashboard-using-dash-ab6b34cb515 | ['Uditha Maduranga'] | 2019-08-19 03:16:05.117000+00:00 | ['Python', 'Data Visualization', 'Dash', 'React', 'Programming'] | Title Build Interactive Modern Dashboard DashContent Building Dash App Dash app divided two main part 1 Layout — Considers static appearance app UI 2 Callback function — Considers interactivity app Python class every HTML class another example easy Dash made build webbased front end using Python maintain set component dashcorecomponents dashhtmlcomponents library also build JavaScript Reactjs use IDE per preference simply name file “ apppy ” start using Dash framework basic example graph used Dash framework import dashcorecomponents dcc import dashhtmlcomponents html externalstylesheets ‘ app dashDashname externalstylesheetsexternalstylesheets applayout htmlDivchildren htmlH1children’Weather Dashboard’ htmlDivchildren’’’ Dash web application framework Python ‘’’ dccGraph id’examplegraph’ figure ‘data’ ‘x’ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ‘y’ 6056 15043 7698 8049 25080 11056 8033 2044 1532 9011 15067 15055 ‘type’ ‘bar’ ‘name’ ‘Expected Rain’ ‘x’ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ‘y’ 4009 12882 5157 8853 29547 4794 4205 341 144 11365 22695 14251 ‘type’ ‘bar’ ‘name’ Actual Rain’ ‘layout’ ‘title’ ‘Rainfall SL 2016’ name ‘main’ apprunserverdebugTrue import dashimport dashcorecomponents dccimport dashhtmlcomponents htmlexternalstylesheets ‘ httpscodepeniochriddyppenbWLwgPcss app dashDashname externalstylesheetsexternalstylesheetsapplayout htmlDivchildrenhtmlH1children’Weather Dashboard’htmlDivchildren’’’Dash web application framework Python‘’’dccGraphid’examplegraph’figure‘data’ ‘x’ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ‘y’ 6056 15043 7698 8049 25080 11056 80332044 1532 9011 15067 15055 ‘type’ ‘bar’ ‘name’ ‘Expected Rain’‘x’ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ‘y’ 4009 12882 5157 8853 29547 4794 4205341 144 11365 22695 14251 ‘type’ ‘bar’ ‘name’ Actual Rain’‘layout’ ‘title’ ‘Rainfall SL 2016’if name ‘main’apprunserverdebugTrue “Dash Core Components” imported dcc form Graph component plot graph format data feed quite simple x represents value xaxis represents respective value yaxis see give data two Python list Dash take care rest plot eyecatching graph Furthermore plenty customizations done type name ax color grid background color etc Dash includes “hotreloading” feature activated default run app apprunserverdebugTrue mean Dash automatically refresh browser make change code make life far easier you’re developer dashhtmlcomponents library component every HTML tag use HTML element format htmlelement slight difference notation want use div Dash use htmlDiv instead htmldiv htmlH1childrenHello Dash’ component generates h1Hello Dashh1 HTML element application child property special convention it’s always first attribute mean omit htmlH1childrenHello Dash’ htmlH1Hello Dash’ Also contain string number single component list component dashhtmlcomponents component match associated HTML component exactly documentation get information you’re using HTML component also access property style class id attribute available Python class HTML element Dash class mostly key difference style property dictionary Properties style dictionary camelCased class key renamed className Style property pixel unit supplied number without px unit component pure HTML dashcorecomponents describe higherlevel component interactive generated JavaScript HTML CSS Reactjs library dashcorecomponents many example reference guide See link dropdown example dashcorecomponentsGraph syntax figure match Plotlypy library Plotlyjs library example see httpsplotlypython apply available attribute found documentation Styling element Styling element achieved CSS style property example documentation htmlDiv htmlDiv‘Example Div’ style‘color’ ‘blue’ ‘fontSize’ 14 htmlP‘Example P’ className’myclass’ id’mypelement’ style‘marginBottom’ 50 ‘marginTop’ 25 keyvalue pair style property found CSS tutorial online aren’t Dash documentation yet community compiling nice resource font application look little bit different displayed application using custom CSS stylesheet modify default style element externalstylesheets ‘httpscodepeniochriddyppenbWLwgPcss app dashDashname externalstylesheetsexternalstylesheets various kind dashboard template already available Dash use one customize according need template found Dash App Gallery graph component many argument optional want insight refer communityTags Python Data Visualization Dash React Programming |
2,914 | How You Can Improve Your Writing With Bubbles and Squares | But what next? Have I launched all my rockets? I didn’t want to keep re-writing the same story. I needed to find other related topics that I thought my growing audience would find interesting. These stories are also in that Q1 wheelhouse. I wanted something for those who were already engaged, but I hoped somewhat different stories, submitted to different publications, would increase my audience. I will continue to write for Q1, but I know it’s not going to be enough.
Q2: What are the other things that I am interested in, passionate about, and have some expertise? How can those topics be enlarged and deepened with a bit of planning and research?
I don’t know what other readers think, but some people write stories they aren’t equipped to write. I don’t mean to sound elitist, but if someone who hasn’t gone beyond Psychology 101, are they qualified to write “5 Easy Ways To Deal With Your Anxiety Disorder,” a listicle that you’ve seen in every magazine in your doctor’s office? For me, that’s a Q4.
Has life ever been so free from nuance and ambiguity that a shortlist of solutions will fix every problem?
I don’t want to waste my time reading those stories, and I don’t want to write them. I don’t mean to imply that only a psychiatrist or therapist is qualified to write about anxiety disorders. If a person wants to write, “How My Anxiety Disorder Ruined My Life and How I Learned to Cope,” I am more apt to read it. I want to dig my teeth into how that personal struggle feels. That can be your Q1.
The beauty of Q2 is that you can have a piece in progress that you tussle with over a more extended period. What can you write that’s different or better than most of what you’ve read? You can think about it and incubate ideas. You can search Google Scholar to see what others have written. When I want to review academic research on physician burnout, for example, I type into my search, “physician burnout site:edu” and then I can retrieve only current research on the topic.
I’m not just gay. I’m an old psychiatrist, and I’ve treated psychiatric disorders for a long time. Here’s a Q2, story I wrote about Depression that brought attention to “old” and “psychiatrist,” and I wrote it slowly:
If I want to amplify my thoughts or see what others think about a subject, I will post a somewhat provocative question on Twitter or Facebook, as I did for my stories about circumcision and being “gay fat.” Waiting for responses takes time, and if you wish to quote someone who responded, it takes even more time to request permission from the person who commented.
I keep a file of half-written stories. I continue to work on them as I collect the supporting information, and allow my thoughts to congeal.
I fertilize these essays on Q2 with small stories from my own life to keep them alive and exciting. It seems to be working because several have been curated, and my audience has expanded beyond the LGBTQ community.
Q3. What has touched your life that you think might resonate with others’ lives?
I think of these as feel-good stories, such as my story about cardinals and angels. The idea came to me while sitting on the deck with my husband drinking our morning coffee. I heard a cardinal sing, and I had a warm feeling about my mother. I shared it with Doug, and I could see he shared my sentiment. Perhaps others might feel it, too, I thought, and when I investigated, I found it was far from unique to us. I had sewn a seed.
I had a similar experience when I was riding my bike and lost control on some mud. You can’t steer in the mud, I thought. My next thought was That’s an interesting metaphor. As I continued my ride, I thought of several more ideas, and I quickly wrote the entire essay when I got home. Although a listicle, it is my listicle, not a reproduction.
Every day we have these human experiences. Capture them and put them in Q3 for when you run short of other things to write. These pieces need to capture your emotion as well as that of your reader. By tagging them in areas in which you don’t usually write, you will attract an even broader audience.
Q4. Check these off your list. You’ll never write them, or if you do, no one will want to read them. | https://medium.com/beingwell/how-you-can-improve-your-writing-with-bubbles-and-squares-10a27fadc249 | ['Loren A Olson Md'] | 2020-08-18 12:15:24.748000+00:00 | ['Creativity', '52 Week Writing Challenge', 'Writing Tips', 'Writer', 'Writing'] | Title Improve Writing Bubbles SquaresContent next launched rocket didn’t want keep rewriting story needed find related topic thought growing audience would find interesting story also Q1 wheelhouse wanted something already engaged hoped somewhat different story submitted different publication would increase audience continue write Q1 know it’s going enough Q2 thing interested passionate expertise topic enlarged deepened bit planning research don’t know reader think people write story aren’t equipped write don’t mean sound elitist someone hasn’t gone beyond Psychology 101 qualified write “5 Easy Ways Deal Anxiety Disorder” listicle you’ve seen every magazine doctor’s office that’s Q4 life ever free nuance ambiguity shortlist solution fix every problem don’t want waste time reading story don’t want write don’t mean imply psychiatrist therapist qualified write anxiety disorder person want write “How Anxiety Disorder Ruined Life Learned Cope” apt read want dig teeth personal struggle feel Q1 beauty Q2 piece progress tussle extended period write that’s different better you’ve read think incubate idea search Google Scholar see others written want review academic research physician burnout example type search “physician burnout siteedu” retrieve current research topic I’m gay I’m old psychiatrist I’ve treated psychiatric disorder long time Here’s Q2 story wrote Depression brought attention “old” “psychiatrist” wrote slowly want amplify thought see others think subject post somewhat provocative question Twitter Facebook story circumcision “gay fat” Waiting response take time wish quote someone responded take even time request permission person commented keep file halfwritten story continue work collect supporting information allow thought congeal fertilize essay Q2 small story life keep alive exciting seems working several curated audience expanded beyond LGBTQ community Q3 touched life think might resonate others’ life think feelgood story story cardinal angel idea came sitting deck husband drinking morning coffee heard cardinal sing warm feeling mother shared Doug could see shared sentiment Perhaps others might feel thought investigated found far unique u sewn seed similar experience riding bike lost control mud can’t steer mud thought next thought That’s interesting metaphor continued ride thought several idea quickly wrote entire essay got home Although listicle listicle reproduction Every day human experience Capture put Q3 run short thing write piece need capture emotion well reader tagging area don’t usually write attract even broader audience Q4 Check list You’ll never write one want read themTags Creativity 52 Week Writing Challenge Writing Tips Writer Writing |
2,915 | How Apple’s AR Glasses Can Benefit the Blind | How Apple’s AR Glasses Can Benefit the Blind
Current technologies can provide many benefits for the visually impaired if Apple develops it further
Photo by Alexandr Bormotin on Unsplash
Apple has yet to release or announce any sort of smart or augmented reality glasses, yet many rumors have been circling about its potential release. When Apple announced AR Kit, a software development kit for developers to create augmented reality applications for iPhone and iPad, many video game and furniture apps took the opportunity to use AR Kit as a means of bringing virtual items to real life. Furniture apps project their products into the user’s living room, and video games like Pokémon Go became immensely popular.
However, assuming Apple launches its AR glasses soon, Apple could use AR Kit and Siri with their smart glasses as a means of making things more accessible to those who are visually impaired or blind.
Reading could become immensely simpler
If Apple plays their cards right, by which I mean, if their developers combine AR Kit with Siri, they could quickly help the visually impaired identify text. Apple currently has a feature on iOS devices where Siri can read a webpage or PDF to the user simply by swiping two fingers down on the screen.
To a visually impaired or blind person, purchasing Apple’s rumored AR Glasses could be of immense benefit.
Currently, the cost of purchasing books in Braille is very expensive, with one book in Braille running around $100 or more. This is because books in Braille do not use ink. Instead, it uses a system of creating bumps on the page for the blind to read using their fingers. This uses a lot of paper since the letters must be big enough for Braille readers to understand, and obviously, it cannot be double-sided.
If a user wears the glasses when handed, say, a worksheet at school, the user could instruct Siri to read the worksheet to them (this is of course assuming Apple integrates a camera into the glasses). By advancing Siri’s intelligence, Siri could read the text to the user and pause when appropriate.
If Siri could be advanced even further, Siri could scan the document using its camera, read the text to the user, and ask the user questions from the worksheet. When the user responds, Siri could create a digital version of the assignment and type the responses the user provides. Siri could then ask the user if they want to e-mail the digital version of the assignment to their teacher, and the user would be able to complete their work.
This would allow the visually impaired to complete their work without requiring worksheets to be printed in large fonts, nor would families have to purchase equipment needed for reading or writing in Braille.
Moving around the house becomes more reliable
With Apple’s AR Kit, users have been able to identify objects using the camera on their iPhone or iPad. So far, Apple’s AR can indeed recognize household objects, such as cups or couches.
On that note, if a visually impaired user purchases Apple’s AR Glasses, they can easily use Siri to identify where something is. All the user has to do is ask Siri, “where is my cup?” and Siri can respond with “to your left” or “six inches in front of you”.
If Apple advances Siri’s intelligence and updates their AR Kit, similar to what Google’s Project Tango offered in 2014, users could even identify objects in their home. The user could ask Siri, “where am I right now?” and Siri could respond with “in the kitchen”. The user could follow up with “I want to go to bed”. Siri could respond “Okay, take ten steps forward”, and so on.
This would allow the user to walk around without being worried about foreign objects. Siri could tell the user an object is in the way and guide them around it without the use of a walking stick.
Siri and Apple’s AR Glasses combined with AR Kit could easily become eyes for those who are blind or visually impaired for families who cannot spend thousands of dollars on eye surgery.
Of course, this is all assuming Apple developers work to update Siri’s available responses and comprehension of questions, as well as Apple updating their AR Kit to provide better accessibility options.
Facial recognition
While some corporations and local governments are now banning the use of facial recognition by the police, facial recognition can still be used ethically to benefit the public.
Using the camera on Apple’s Glasses could benefit the visually impaired or the blind if Siri identifies the person walking up to the user and notifies them. A simple “John is approaching” would suffice. Imagine how happy the user would be to acknowledge and greet the person as they are walking towards them!
Going shopping
Probably the riskiest one, but Apple could enhance their tools even further for users to leave their house on their own.
Granted, this is a far-fetched and dangerous idea, but let’s explore it anyway.
A user can walk out of their house, and Siri could guide them by telling the user how many steps ahead to walk. Once the user arrives at, for example, the supermarket, Siri could guide the user through each aisle and help them find whatever they need.
If the user tells Siri “I need to buy bread, ground beef, and sliced cheese”, Siri could scan the aisle numbers and its food categories to help identify where the items are located. Siri could then guide the user, telling them to walk forward, left, or right a certain number of steps, then tell the user the prices available of the product.
Siri could even read the text on the products to the user, letting the user know the different kinds of ground beef or cheese available, or whether the user wants wheat or white bread.
Once the user tells Siri they want to head over to the cash register, Siri can guide them there, then head home.
Conclusion
Should Apple release its Glasses within the next few years, it could provide accessibility options for the visually impaired and the blind, which would be of immense benefit. It would provide a better option for those that cannot afford to purchase books, equipment, or computers for writing or reading in Braille. A one time purchase of Apple’s AR Glasses would save the users hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long-term, and would quickly simplify their life. | https://medium.com/technology-hits/how-apples-ar-glasses-can-benefit-the-blind-6771af7673c4 | ['Aj Krow'] | 2020-12-06 07:44:23.521000+00:00 | ['Technology', 'Gadgets', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Future', 'Innovation'] | Title Apple’s AR Glasses Benefit BlindContent Apple’s AR Glasses Benefit Blind Current technology provide many benefit visually impaired Apple develops Photo Alexandr Bormotin Unsplash Apple yet release announce sort smart augmented reality glass yet many rumor circling potential release Apple announced AR Kit software development kit developer create augmented reality application iPhone iPad many video game furniture apps took opportunity use AR Kit mean bringing virtual item real life Furniture apps project product user’s living room video game like Pokémon Go became immensely popular However assuming Apple launch AR glass soon Apple could use AR Kit Siri smart glass mean making thing accessible visually impaired blind Reading could become immensely simpler Apple play card right mean developer combine AR Kit Siri could quickly help visually impaired identify text Apple currently feature iOS device Siri read webpage PDF user simply swiping two finger screen visually impaired blind person purchasing Apple’s rumored AR Glasses could immense benefit Currently cost purchasing book Braille expensive one book Braille running around 100 book Braille use ink Instead us system creating bump page blind read using finger us lot paper since letter must big enough Braille reader understand obviously cannot doublesided user wear glass handed say worksheet school user could instruct Siri read worksheet course assuming Apple integrates camera glass advancing Siri’s intelligence Siri could read text user pause appropriate Siri could advanced even Siri could scan document using camera read text user ask user question worksheet user responds Siri could create digital version assignment type response user provides Siri could ask user want email digital version assignment teacher user would able complete work would allow visually impaired complete work without requiring worksheet printed large font would family purchase equipment needed reading writing Braille Moving around house becomes reliable Apple’s AR Kit user able identify object using camera iPhone iPad far Apple’s AR indeed recognize household object cup couch note visually impaired user purchase Apple’s AR Glasses easily use Siri identify something user ask Siri “where cup” Siri respond “to left” “six inch front you” Apple advance Siri’s intelligence update AR Kit similar Google’s Project Tango offered 2014 user could even identify object home user could ask Siri “where right now” Siri could respond “in kitchen” user could follow “I want go bed” Siri could respond “Okay take ten step forward” would allow user walk around without worried foreign object Siri could tell user object way guide around without use walking stick Siri Apple’s AR Glasses combined AR Kit could easily become eye blind visually impaired family cannot spend thousand dollar eye surgery course assuming Apple developer work update Siri’s available response comprehension question well Apple updating AR Kit provide better accessibility option Facial recognition corporation local government banning use facial recognition police facial recognition still used ethically benefit public Using camera Apple’s Glasses could benefit visually impaired blind Siri identifies person walking user notifies simple “John approaching” would suffice Imagine happy user would acknowledge greet person walking towards Going shopping Probably riskiest one Apple could enhance tool even user leave house Granted farfetched dangerous idea let’s explore anyway user walk house Siri could guide telling user many step ahead walk user arrives example supermarket Siri could guide user aisle help find whatever need user tell Siri “I need buy bread ground beef sliced cheese” Siri could scan aisle number food category help identify item located Siri could guide user telling walk forward left right certain number step tell user price available product Siri could even read text product user letting user know different kind ground beef cheese available whether user want wheat white bread user tell Siri want head cash register Siri guide head home Conclusion Apple release Glasses within next year could provide accessibility option visually impaired blind would immense benefit would provide better option cannot afford purchase book equipment computer writing reading Braille one time purchase Apple’s AR Glasses would save user hundred thousand dollar longterm would quickly simplify lifeTags Technology Gadgets Artificial Intelligence Future Innovation |
2,916 | What Are You Waiting For? | What Are You Waiting For?
All you need to do is take one step forward
Photo Credit: Florian Klauer on Unsplash
Last January, I set a goal for myself. I intended to publish my first book. I had two ideas, and I hoped to self-publish one and submit another to a publishing company. I set up a calendar, I set up a monthly goal plan, and I wrote. Until, the pandemic.
As a teacher, I was overwhelmed in the spring with the switch to online school in addition to the general stress, anxiety, and isolation the pandemic lockdowns brought for all of us. The last thing I wanted to do was sit alone in my office and reflect. Writing seemed impossible, and my pre-pandemic topics were not resonating with me in the moment.
Over the summer, a few weights were lifted. I no longer had daily lesson plans and new technology to manage. While I was still planning and prepping for fall, I could manage my own time, and the daily commitments were released. In addition, our strict lockdowns began to be lifted. I could at least get out of the house and go to the outdoor pool for a respite from my quiet house. My mental state shifted, and I began to write again.
I created daily goals, not expecting too much from myself. I decided to focus solely on self-publishing as I thought it would be more manageable than crafting a sales pitch and first chapter to be reviewed by some stranger. So I devoted about an hour or so each day to writing, and I wrote 1500 words a day. By the end of the summer, I had a good size draft.
However, back to school 2020 was more challenging than anyone imagined it would be. Schools waivered back and forth between virtual and in-person school, and I was again overwhelmed with planning. My book was put to the side, and I could not imagine facing the editing aspect of the book. I am published professionally, and I know that the writing is the “easy” part. It’s the editing that takes the most time and effort for a writer, and I could not even begin to think about tackling the editing of a nearly 100 page book. I essentially gave up on my 2020 goal.
All along, I kept writing on Medium. I set no plan, but I just allowed my thoughts and ideas to take charge. When I felt inspired, I wrote an essay. By December, I had a collection of over 80 essays in my Medium account. While the content was varied, a significant number of the writings were the musings of a teacher stuck in a pandemic. A lightbulb in my brain came on-why not publish a compilation of essays?
My ego battled me. No, I wanted a “true” book. A compilation of Medium essays was not what I had imagined. And yet, something about the idea resonated with me. Publishing teacher’s musings in the moment seemed timely. I knew many teachers who were struggling this fall and looking for validation. I knew teachers who were looking for a voice. And so, I began the project on my first day of holiday break.
Using Amazon’s KDP, I compiled the essays into a book, checked the editing, created a cover I liked on Canva. And voila, I had a published book within a few hours. I went to bed in shock. I had done it! I knocked out my 2020 goal in the midst of a pandemic. Pandemic Teaching: Reflections from the Playground was published, and I suddenly became an author!
While it was not the book I had intended to publish, perhaps this was the book that I needed to publish. I had been focused on a linear path. I envisioned writing a traditional book even though I am far from a traditional personality. I had become bogged down with the idea of writing, and writing, and writing until the idea overwhelmed me. While in reality, I had been writing and writing and writing just in a different way.
I have already received comments from teachers with screenshots of their favorite parts of the book. I have received thank yous from teachers for giving voice to their thoughts and feelings. And I could not be happier; that was my intent. Writing a book seemed like such a lofty goal, yet now that I have published one, I am ready to write the next.
Sometimes the idea of the actions that need to be taken can hold us back from achieving our goals and dreams. Do not allow what you imagine to be challenging or hard prevent you from moving forward. What you imagine to be the traditional path may not be the path you are meant to use. Do not be afraid to reimagine how you might achieve your greatest life. All you need to do is take one step forward.
What are you waiting for? | https://medium.com/the-innovation/what-are-you-waiting-for-bb0c229c3682 | ['Jennifer Smith'] | 2020-12-26 18:32:06.270000+00:00 | ['Education', 'Writing', 'Pandemic', 'Society', 'Lifestyle'] | Title Waiting ForContent Waiting need take one step forward Photo Credit Florian Klauer Unsplash Last January set goal intended publish first book two idea hoped selfpublish one submit another publishing company set calendar set monthly goal plan wrote pandemic teacher overwhelmed spring switch online school addition general stress anxiety isolation pandemic lockdown brought u last thing wanted sit alone office reflect Writing seemed impossible prepandemic topic resonating moment summer weight lifted longer daily lesson plan new technology manage still planning prepping fall could manage time daily commitment released addition strict lockdown began lifted could least get house go outdoor pool respite quiet house mental state shifted began write created daily goal expecting much decided focus solely selfpublishing thought would manageable crafting sale pitch first chapter reviewed stranger devoted hour day writing wrote 1500 word day end summer good size draft However back school 2020 challenging anyone imagined would Schools waivered back forth virtual inperson school overwhelmed planning book put side could imagine facing editing aspect book published professionally know writing “easy” part It’s editing take time effort writer could even begin think tackling editing nearly 100 page book essentially gave 2020 goal along kept writing Medium set plan allowed thought idea take charge felt inspired wrote essay December collection 80 essay Medium account content varied significant number writing musing teacher stuck pandemic lightbulb brain came onwhy publish compilation essay ego battled wanted “true” book compilation Medium essay imagined yet something idea resonated Publishing teacher’s musing moment seemed timely knew many teacher struggling fall looking validation knew teacher looking voice began project first day holiday break Using Amazon’s KDP compiled essay book checked editing created cover liked Canva voila published book within hour went bed shock done knocked 2020 goal midst pandemic Pandemic Teaching Reflections Playground published suddenly became author book intended publish perhaps book needed publish focused linear path envisioned writing traditional book even though far traditional personality become bogged idea writing writing writing idea overwhelmed reality writing writing writing different way already received comment teacher screenshots favorite part book received thank yous teacher giving voice thought feeling could happier intent Writing book seemed like lofty goal yet published one ready write next Sometimes idea action need taken hold u back achieving goal dream allow imagine challenging hard prevent moving forward imagine traditional path may path meant use afraid reimagine might achieve greatest life need take one step forward waiting forTags Education Writing Pandemic Society Lifestyle |
2,917 | Epipen® and Why Carrying One May Save Your Life | Epipen® and Why Carrying One May Save Your Life
If you suffer from serious allergies, you need one.
Image courtesy of Epipen®
Epipen® is an intramuscular auto-injector that administers a single measured dose of Epinephrine (you probably know this as Adrenaline) in the event of an anaphylactic attack.
If you have a severe peanut allergy, then you would carry an Epinen® everywhere with you. If you accidentally ingest peanuts and develop breathing problems (Anaphylaxis), the Epipen® can save your life.
Image courtesy of Epipen®
What is Epinephrine and how does it work?
You’ve probably heard of epinephrine under it’s non-technical name — adrenaline. When you ride a roller coaster or give a presentation, you may feel your heart beat a little faster, your breath intake increase and a sudden burst of energy. That’s adrenaline at work, a substance your body naturally releases under stress. The medicine inside EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injectors and Mylan’s authorized generics happens to be a synthetic version of adrenaline — epinephrine.
Epinephrine and adrenaline are the same thing. However, the preferred name of the substance inside your EpiPen® Auto-Injector or its authorized generic varies by where you live. In Europe, the term “adrenaline” is more common, while in the United States the term “epinephrine” is used.
During a life threatening event, Epinephrine (Adrenaline) constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs to reduce wheezing and improve breathing, stimulates the heart (increases heart rate) and works to reduce hives and swelling that may occur around the face and lips.
According to national food allergy guidelines, epinephrine is the only recommended first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Not antihistamines, which do not relieve shortness of breath, wheezing, gastrointestinal symptoms or shock. Therefore, antihistamines should not be a substitute for epinephrine, particularly in severe re-actions where rapid medication is required to ease breathing. As Epipen® delivers the epinephrine directly into the muscle. It is almost instantly available to the body.
Image courtesy of Epipen®
Who should carry an Epipen®?
Everyone who suffers from any of the following conditions should discuss with and request their doctors to prescribe Epipen®
Allergies to foods such as peanuts, shellfish, etc, particularly if you’ve experienced trouble breathing in the past.
Bee Sting Allergy
Allegies to environmental allergens or other that may affect your breathing
Certain types of medication
Eczema sufferers may also consider carrying an Epipen® as there is conclusive evidence that a large number of eczema sufferers also experience reactions to certain allergens. These reactions may in some instances, without warning, become severe.
My child requires/uses an Epipen®
If your child experiences severe reactions to certain allergens, ensure the following;
If the child is old enough, ensure they know how to use the Epipen® themselves. Frequently go over the directions for administering the injection and the site (upper thigh) to be injected. Allow them to use expired Epipen’s® to practice on an orange or other suitable surface.
Ensure the child’s teachers, coaches and any other caregivers are well versed in the use of the Epipen®
Request at least four Epipen’s® from your doctor. One should be carried by the child in their backpack to ensure it is always close to hand.
Keep one in the family car, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Ensure the school/daycare/creche has an Epipen® on site with specific instructions.
Keep an Epipen® in the house, in a clearly marked container and within reach of everyone.
Epipen’s® expire quickly. Set an alarm on your phone for a date two weeks prior to the expiration. Ensure you change all the packs at the same time to simplify keeping track of the dates.
If you, as the adult, require the Epipen®, then obviously many of the above points are not applicable, but many are. Remember the car, the home and the briefcase or office. One of these is usually close at hand.
You can also purchase a sling for around your neck that will hold the Epipen®, these can prove convenient from time to time if your hiking, running or cycling.
Safety and can I use my Epipen on someone else?
If you know the person uses an Epipen®, then absolutely. However you need to be cautious with an Epipen® in case the person has an underlying health condition or if they are old, as an Epipen® can have dangerous side effects for some people. Epinephrine can affect your heart and interact with certain medications. If you’re on the line with 9–1–1 tell them you have the Epipen® and allow them to advise you.
There are also a few safety precautions you should observe with an Epipen® | https://medium.com/beingwell/epipen-and-why-carrying-one-may-save-your-life-1d4b04d8a590 | ['Robert Turner'] | 2020-06-27 10:16:17.552000+00:00 | ['Health', 'Anaphylaxis', 'Allergies', 'Wellness', 'Medication'] | Title Epipen® Carrying One May Save LifeContent Epipen® Carrying One May Save Life suffer serious allergy need one Image courtesy Epipen® Epipen® intramuscular autoinjector administers single measured dose Epinephrine probably know Adrenaline event anaphylactic attack severe peanut allergy would carry Epinen® everywhere accidentally ingest peanut develop breathing problem Anaphylaxis Epipen® save life Image courtesy Epipen® Epinephrine work You’ve probably heard epinephrine it’s nontechnical name — adrenaline ride roller coaster give presentation may feel heart beat little faster breath intake increase sudden burst energy That’s adrenaline work substance body naturally release stress medicine inside EpiPen® EpiPen Jr® epinephrine injection USP AutoInjectors Mylan’s authorized generic happens synthetic version adrenaline — epinephrine Epinephrine adrenaline thing However preferred name substance inside EpiPen® AutoInjector authorized generic varies live Europe term “adrenaline” common United States term “epinephrine” used life threatening event Epinephrine Adrenaline constricts blood vessel increase blood pressure relaxes smooth muscle lung reduce wheezing improve breathing stimulates heart increase heart rate work reduce hive swelling may occur around face lip According national food allergy guideline epinephrine recommended firstline treatment anaphylaxis antihistamine relieve shortness breath wheezing gastrointestinal symptom shock Therefore antihistamine substitute epinephrine particularly severe reaction rapid medication required ease breathing Epipen® delivers epinephrine directly muscle almost instantly available body Image courtesy Epipen® carry Epipen® Everyone suffers following condition discus request doctor prescribe Epipen® Allergies food peanut shellfish etc particularly you’ve experienced trouble breathing past Bee Sting Allergy Allegies environmental allergen may affect breathing Certain type medication Eczema sufferer may also consider carrying Epipen® conclusive evidence large number eczema sufferer also experience reaction certain allergen reaction may instance without warning become severe child requiresuses Epipen® child experience severe reaction certain allergen ensure following child old enough ensure know use Epipen® Frequently go direction administering injection site upper thigh injected Allow use expired Epipen’s® practice orange suitable surface Ensure child’s teacher coach caregiver well versed use Epipen® Request least four Epipen’s® doctor One carried child backpack ensure always close hand Keep one family car away heat direct sunlight Ensure schooldaycarecreche Epipen® site specific instruction Keep Epipen® house clearly marked container within reach everyone Epipen’s® expire quickly Set alarm phone date two week prior expiration Ensure change pack time simplify keeping track date adult require Epipen® obviously many point applicable many Remember car home briefcase office One usually close hand also purchase sling around neck hold Epipen® prove convenient time time hiking running cycling Safety use Epipen someone else know person us Epipen® absolutely However need cautious Epipen® case person underlying health condition old Epipen® dangerous side effect people Epinephrine affect heart interact certain medication you’re line 9–1–1 tell Epipen® allow advise also safety precaution observe Epipen®Tags Health Anaphylaxis Allergies Wellness Medication |
2,918 | Converting a Picture into an Excel File | Converting a Picture into an Excel File
Python exercise for computer vision
A question popped up in my head. Images are basically raster files. As a raster file, naturally, an image consists of rows and columns filled by colour values. You can see this by opening a picture in Photoshop and zoom in. Or just open the picture and zoom in, you’ll see it’ll get pixelated. So technically, an image can be converted into an excel file that also consists of rows and columns.
How to convert an image into an excel file
Image as a Raster File (Source: Author, 2020)
Diving into computer vision (CV) science, there is a way by utilising Python and VBA for Excel. In CV, commonly, images are treated as an array. Usually, the colours are expressed in RGB values that range between 0–255, but it can also be in another model such as the HSV value scale. These colour models need 3 channels, one for each element. but for excel, we need a colour expression that only needs 1 channel. Well, not really, but it’s easier this way.
And that’s where the hex colour model comes in. We can visit the science behind the hex colour model, but it’s just too long for this essay. My concern for this essay is that one colour must be represented in one channel.
So, this essay's objective is to describe how to convert an image into an excel file with coloured cells corresponding to the input image. Let’s get into it!
The Principal Steps
there are many tools to do this, but I think the principles remain the same.
convert the image into an array object (for this case, a NumPy array) (optional, but recommended) resize the image so that it won’t be too heavy in excel. My preference is to scale the width to 100 px. This means that the result excel file will contain 100 columns. this array, naturally, is a 3-dimensional array (height, width, RGB value); the RGB values must be converted into Hexadecimal form. (well this is also optional, but it’s easier in excel to convert hex form into colour for the cell) export the array into an excel file (the shape will be (height, width, hex value) colour each cell based on its hexadecimal colour value. Use VBA! VBA is used because this work is mathematical and scalable. don’t waste your time by colouring it one by one….
All right, let’s get started…
Converting The Image into an Excel File with Hexadecimal Values using Python
let’s just go to the python script!
the philosophy behind the script: I want to run the script, type my image file name, type my excel file name, and that’s it (for now).
The terminal (Source: Author, 2020)
# input the image name via command line
name = input("what is your filename?: ") # check if the image name is valid or not. if valid, continue to the next step!
# use PIL for image manipulation
readmode=True
from PIL import Image
while readmode:
try:
img = Image.open(name)
readmode = False
except:
print("can not read", name)
print("please input your file name again: ")
name = input("what is your filename?:") # resize the image
basewidth = 100
wpercent = (basewidth/float(img.size[0]))
hsize = int((float(img.size[1])*float(wpercent)))
img = img.resize((basewidth,hsize), Image.ANTIALIAS) # convert the image into an array object
# I also convert the image into a pandas DataFrame because I'm going to convert it into an excel file
import numpy as np
arr = np.array(img)
arr_container = np.empty((arr.shape[0], arr.shape[1]), dtype=np.str)
import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame(arr_container) # convert the R,G,B into hexadecimal
# populate the DataFrame with the hexadecimal value
for l,x in enumerate(arr):
for m,y in enumerate(x):
r,g,b = arr[l][m]
hexval = '%02x%02x%02x' % (r, g, b)
df[m][l] = hexval # save it! yeay!
save_file_name = input("your excel file name, without '.xlsx' please: ")
df.to_excel(str(save_file_name) + ".xlsx")
print("success!! now colour the file")
Colouring the Cells with VBA
The source code for the VBA can be found here. basically, the code colours the cell every time the cell is typed a hexadecimal colour value.
open the excel file result add the VBA code into the sheet (copy the code from below) copy all cell, and paste into the same location (the cell will be coloured automatically) (ctrl + a, ctrl + c, ctrl + v) delete all cell values (ctrl + a, delete) adjust the column size voila
converting the hex values into colours (source: Author, 2020)
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
On Error GoTo bm_Safe_Exit
Application.EnableEvents = False
Dim rng As Range, clr As String
For Each rng In Target
If Len(rng.Value2) = 6 Then
clr = rng.Value2
rng.Interior.Color = _
RGB(Application.Hex2Dec(Left(clr, 2)), _
Application.Hex2Dec(Mid(clr, 3, 2)), _
Application.Hex2Dec(Right(clr, 2)))
End If
Next rng
bm_Safe_Exit:
Application.EnableEvents = True
End Sub
The Result
and yeah, that’s it. you can see in the gif below that the cells are coloured, and we still can change the cell color. good luck! | https://towardsdatascience.com/converting-a-picture-into-an-excel-file-c735ab4e876d | ['Sutan Ashari Mufti'] | 2020-12-26 23:23:41.214000+00:00 | ['Python', 'Excel', 'Vba', 'Raster', 'Computer Vision'] | Title Converting Picture Excel FileContent Converting Picture Excel File Python exercise computer vision question popped head Images basically raster file raster file naturally image consists row column filled colour value see opening picture Photoshop zoom open picture zoom you’ll see it’ll get pixelated technically image converted excel file also consists row column convert image excel file Image Raster File Source Author 2020 Diving computer vision CV science way utilising Python VBA Excel CV commonly image treated array Usually colour expressed RGB value range 0–255 also another model HSV value scale colour model need 3 channel one element excel need colour expression need 1 channel Well really it’s easier way that’s hex colour model come visit science behind hex colour model it’s long essay concern essay one colour must represented one channel essay objective describe convert image excel file coloured cell corresponding input image Let’s get Principal Steps many tool think principle remain convert image array object case NumPy array optional recommended resize image won’t heavy excel preference scale width 100 px mean result excel file contain 100 column array naturally 3dimensional array height width RGB value RGB value must converted Hexadecimal form well also optional it’s easier excel convert hex form colour cell export array excel file shape height width hex value colour cell based hexadecimal colour value Use VBA VBA used work mathematical scalable don’t waste time colouring one one… right let’s get started… Converting Image Excel File Hexadecimal Values using Python let’s go python script philosophy behind script want run script type image file name type excel file name that’s terminal Source Author 2020 input image name via command line name inputwhat filename check image name valid valid continue next step use PIL image manipulation readmodeTrue PIL import Image readmode try img Imageopenname readmode False except printcan read name printplease input file name name inputwhat filename resize image basewidth 100 wpercent basewidthfloatimgsize0 hsize intfloatimgsize1floatwpercent img imgresizebasewidthhsize ImageANTIALIAS convert image array object also convert image panda DataFrame Im going convert excel file import numpy np arr nparrayimg arrcontainer npemptyarrshape0 arrshape1 dtypenpstr import panda pd df pdDataFramearrcontainer convert RGB hexadecimal populate DataFrame hexadecimal value lx enumeratearr enumeratex rgb arrlm hexval 02x02x02x r g b dfml hexval save yeay savefilename inputyour excel file name without xlsx please dftoexcelstrsavefilename xlsx printsuccess colour file Colouring Cells VBA source code VBA found basically code colour cell every time cell typed hexadecimal colour value open excel file result add VBA code sheet copy code copy cell paste location cell coloured automatically ctrl ctrl c ctrl v delete cell value ctrl delete adjust column size voila converting hex value colour source Author 2020 Private Sub WorksheetChangeByVal Target Range Error GoTo bmSafeExit ApplicationEnableEvents False Dim rng Range clr String rng Target LenrngValue2 6 clr rngValue2 rngInteriorColor RGBApplicationHex2DecLeftclr 2 ApplicationHex2DecMidclr 3 2 ApplicationHex2DecRightclr 2 End Next rng bmSafeExit ApplicationEnableEvents True End Sub Result yeah that’s see gif cell coloured still change cell color good luckTags Python Excel Vba Raster Computer Vision |
2,919 | 6 Best AWS Developer Associate (DVA-C001) Certification Practice Test, Mock Exams and Dumps | 6 Best AWS Developer Associate (DVA-C001) Certification Practice Test, Mock Exams and Dumps
1600+ practice questions and dumps to prepare for AWS Developer Associate certification in 2021.
image_credit — udemy
Hello guys, if you are aiming to crack AWS developer Associate certification in 2021 and looking for the best resources then you have come to the right place. Earlier, I have shared the best AWS Developer associate certification courses and in this article, I am going to share best practice questions, mock exams, and dumps to build the speed and accuracy you need to pass the exam on the first attempt.
Time and again I have said that practice questions and mock tests are an integral part of passing AWS certifications be it AWS solution architect or this AWS developer associate exam.
They not only help you to prepare in the exam-like environment with time constraint but also re-enforce and solidify whatever you have learned from online courses, books, tutorials, and white papers.
It doesn’t matter whether you have joined AWS developer courses like Ryan Krooneberg’s AWS course on Udemy or Stephane Maarek’s AWS developer course, unless and until you have practiced enough problems, you are not really ready for the exam.
My readers, often asked me which AWS developer practice test is best? Should I go for an exam dumps? how many practice tests should I solve before appearing for the AWS Developer Associate exam and so on?
With so many mock tests and practice questions flying around the internet, it becomes very difficult to choose the right one, and that’s where this article will help you. If you stick with an inferior quality practice test then you won’t be as ready for the exam as the practice test shows and this disconnect may cost you your chance to pass the exam in very the first attempt.
Remember, you need to score 76% to pass this AWS certification and I have seen many cases where many people failed the exam with one or two mistakes. By choosing the good quality practice tests you can avoid such kinds of mistakes.
It’s key to remember that knowing just what does a particular AWS service is used for is not enough, if you want to pass the exam, you must know about how to choose the most appropriate AWS services based upon a given scenario. These mock tests present such kind of questions to train your mind for real exam.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best mock tests and practice questions for the AWS Certified Developer Associate mock test exam. These practice questions are tried and tested by many cloud professionals who have passed the AWS Developer associate exam with flying colors.
6 Best Mock Tests and Practice Question for AWS Developer Associate Certification
Without wasting any more of your time, here is a list of best practice tests and mock exams you can take online to prepare for the AWS Certified Developer Associate exam.
I strongly suggest you go through as many mock tests as possible to develop the speed and accuracy required to pass this exam with a high score. As soon as you start hitting 80% on these exams continuously, you can go for a real exam.
This is one of the most up-to-date and useful practice tests you can take to prepare for your AWS Developer Associate exam. This practice test is created by Stephane Maarek, one of my favorite Udemy instructors and an AWS expert who has passed most of the AWS certification with flying color by himself.
Talking about this practice test, it contains 325 quiz questions on DVA-C01 (AWS Developer Associate exam) which is divided into 4 practice papers of 65 questions each, and a bonus test of 33 questions which was added later to cover new topics for AWS Developer Associate certification.
Here is the link to join this test — Practice Exams | AWS Certified Developer Associate 2021
Talking about social proof, this practice test has been trusted by more than 24,000 AWS certification aspirants and it has on average 4.7 ratings from close to 1000 participants which are simply amazing.
If you don’t know, Stephane has done all the AWS certification and I remember he scored around 980/1000 on the AWS SysOps exam which is simply amazing.
For better preparation, you can also combine this practice test with the Ultimate AWS Certified Developer Associate 2021 — NEW! course by the same instructor. This will help you to pass this valuable AWS certification in the very first attempt. | https://medium.com/javarevisited/6-best-aws-developer-associate-dva-c001-certification-practice-test-mock-exams-and-dumps-9e24573f509a | [] | 2020-12-25 08:34:04.142000+00:00 | ['Certification', 'AWS', 'Amazon Web Services', 'Cloud Computing', 'Programming'] | Title 6 Best AWS Developer Associate DVAC001 Certification Practice Test Mock Exams DumpsContent 6 Best AWS Developer Associate DVAC001 Certification Practice Test Mock Exams Dumps 1600 practice question dump prepare AWS Developer Associate certification 2021 imagecredit — udemy Hello guy aiming crack AWS developer Associate certification 2021 looking best resource come right place Earlier shared best AWS Developer associate certification course article going share best practice question mock exam dump build speed accuracy need pas exam first attempt Time said practice question mock test integral part passing AWS certification AWS solution architect AWS developer associate exam help prepare examlike environment time constraint also reenforce solidify whatever learned online course book tutorial white paper doesn’t matter whether joined AWS developer course like Ryan Krooneberg’s AWS course Udemy Stephane Maarek’s AWS developer course unless practiced enough problem really ready exam reader often asked AWS developer practice test best go exam dump many practice test solve appearing AWS Developer Associate exam many mock test practice question flying around internet becomes difficult choose right one that’s article help stick inferior quality practice test won’t ready exam practice test show disconnect may cost chance pas exam first attempt Remember need score 76 pas AWS certification seen many case many people failed exam one two mistake choosing good quality practice test avoid kind mistake It’s key remember knowing particular AWS service used enough want pas exam must know choose appropriate AWS service based upon given scenario mock test present kind question train mind real exam article we’ll share best mock test practice question AWS Certified Developer Associate mock test exam practice question tried tested many cloud professional passed AWS Developer associate exam flying color 6 Best Mock Tests Practice Question AWS Developer Associate Certification Without wasting time list best practice test mock exam take online prepare AWS Certified Developer Associate exam strongly suggest go many mock test possible develop speed accuracy required pas exam high score soon start hitting 80 exam continuously go real exam one uptodate useful practice test take prepare AWS Developer Associate exam practice test created Stephane Maarek one favorite Udemy instructor AWS expert passed AWS certification flying color Talking practice test contains 325 quiz question DVAC01 AWS Developer Associate exam divided 4 practice paper 65 question bonus test 33 question added later cover new topic AWS Developer Associate certification link join test — Practice Exams AWS Certified Developer Associate 2021 Talking social proof practice test trusted 24000 AWS certification aspirant average 47 rating close 1000 participant simply amazing don’t know Stephane done AWS certification remember scored around 9801000 AWS SysOps exam simply amazing better preparation also combine practice test Ultimate AWS Certified Developer Associate 2021 — NEW course instructor help pas valuable AWS certification first attemptTags Certification AWS Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing Programming |
2,920 | How Do Neural Networks Learn? | How Do Neural Networks Learn?
Understand AI… without the math!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
In the previous two posts, we saw what a neural network is and even how we can simulate one inside a spreadsheet. Feel free to go back to have a refresher, if you like! You can also get the whole series as a book!
Let us now have a closer look at how a neural network can learn by itself. After all, this is the main attraction of neural networks over conventional computer programs.
Synaptic weights
Image by the author
Imagine again that you have a neural network like this one.
This is the same that we used in our examples before. But now imagine that it is not trained at all. So, in the beginning, its synaptic weights will be initialised to random values. Clearly, then, the behaviour of the network will be random too. When you apply some input pattern, you will get some random output pattern.
Now, how do we make this neural network learn? Let’s say we wanted to teach it the or function. What we would do is take the first line of our truth table. The first line says that if the inputs are 0 and 0, then the output should be 0 too:
Input A Input B Output
------- ------- ------
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1
----------------------
Now we set both inputs to 0, and we tell the network to start changing the weights until the output is also 0. In the beginning, as we saw, the output will be a random number. Now the network will change one of the weights by a little bit and look at what happens to the output. Will the output change, or will it not change? If the output does not change, then the network will try to increase or decrease the synaptic weight a little more. Then it will try the same with the other synaptic weights until finally, it reaches a combination of synaptic weights that brings the output to the desired value of 0.
The activation function
You can already see now why our threshold activation function was not a particularly good idea. If you have a binary activation function like this, which can only jump from 0 to 1 and back, then there is only one particular change to the synaptic weights that will completely flip the output from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0. Every other change will be ignored as long as the sum of the inputs does not cross the threshold value. This makes it difficult for the neural network to guess whether particular small changes in the synaptic weights represent any progress towards reaching the desired output. It is a little like someone being blindfolded and then trying to grab a particular object in the room. Being blindfolded, the player of this game does not have any idea whether a step in one direction brings him closer to the object he wants to grab or not. Every step he’ll take in that room is just a random step that either succeeds or fails in terms of grabbing the object. It would be much better if the player had some feedback. For example, a second player telling him how close he is to the object. Then the player could make successive steps that bring him closer to the object, and he would notice when particular steps are not useful in approaching the object.
In order to model this with our neural networks, we can change the so-called activation function to be not a simple threshold but a function that continuously maps its inputs onto an output value. We could then calculate the difference between the actual output of the neuron and the desired output, and we would always know whether particular changes in the synaptic weights are bringing us closer to the desired value or not, instead of having the output suddenly jump to the desired output value or do nothing.
Training a network
So, let us now assume that we have such an activation function, for example, this one:
Sigmoid function. Source: Wikipedia
This is called the sigmoid function because it looks like the letter S, which in Greek is called sigma. Think of it like this: the horizontal axis is what comes into the neuron as the sum of its weighted inputs. The vertical axis determines what the neuron will output to its axon, and what, therefore, the neurons that come after it will see as an input.
The sigmoid function (or any other activation function) has the important property of normalising all output values of neurons to a range of 0 to 1. Since every neuron can have multiple inputs, if we didn’t do that and just added up the inputs, the results would possibly be greater than 1, and they would grow and grow as they walk through the layers of the network, and neurons keep adding up their inputs. This would make it difficult to handle the synaptic weights because some synaptic weights would be multiplied by very big numbers, and others by very small numbers. Mapping all outputs to a range between 0 and 1 solves this problem.
The activation function has the important property of normalising all output values of neurons to a range of 0 to 1.
Now let us again apply the input values 0 and 0 (as in the first line of our logical or truth table) and let the network change the random weights just a little bit. Now the network can observe the output value, which it knows should become 0. With every change of the synaptic weights, the network would know whether it is making progress in the right direction or not. After a while of changing the weights this way and that, the network would manage to approach a 0 output value.
Training more patterns
So now we have trained the network to correctly classify the first of our patterns: the first line in the logical or truth table. We can now go for the second line. Again, we apply the input values, in this case, 0 and 1, to the input side of the neuron, and we tell the neural network that the desired output value, in this case, is 1.
The neural network will again start changing the weights slightly so that it reaches the desired output value. Of course, this will now probably destroy the result we had before. By training the network with a second pattern, we might erase the previous training of the first pattern in the truth table. So now the network has a more difficult task: it has to try all of the patterns we have shown it up to this point and try to adjust the weights in such a way that they can all be satisfied at the same time. You can see that, as you add more and more patterns, this process will take more and more time because it will be more difficult to set the weights in such a way that previous knowledge is not erased when the network learns a new line of our truth table (i.e. a new pair of input-output patterns).
This is precisely why training a neural network takes a long time. The network has to go again and again through the patterns and adjust all the synaptic weights one after the other until it can produce all the desired output patterns. Eventually, the network will be able to adjust the weights in the right way, and all the patterns will have been learnt.
Since our activation function is not binary any more, but a continuous function, it is probable that the network will not reach exactly an output of 1 or 0 for each pattern. It might only get an output of 0.9 for a 1, or 0.1 for a 0.
This is still fine with us because we know that we only expect 0 and 1 as output values, so it is clear that the value of 0.1 has to mean 0 and that a value of 0.9 has to mean 1.
The goal of training a neural network is to minimise the error.
The difference between the value that comes out of an untrained neural network and the desired output value of a well-trained network is called the error of the network. So we can say that the goal of training a neural network is to minimise the error. The trainer of the network can decide which error is considered as successful learning. We might be happy with a value of 0.9 instead of a 1. Or we might want a value of 0.99, perhaps because we have to distinguish not only between 0 and 1 but also between 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 in our outputs, where each of these values means a different thing to our application. If we train the network long enough, we can get smaller and smaller error values. It depends entirely on the application, what error value we consider acceptable. What we are doing is essentially a trade-off between training time and accuracy. If we want the network to be more accurate, we have to train it longer. If we want to cut down on the training time, we can do it by accepting greater error values. | https://medium.com/the-innovation/how-do-neural-networks-learn-82d5e067887 | ['Moral Robots'] | 2020-10-16 17:46:42.407000+00:00 | ['Neural Networks', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Artificial Neural Network', 'AI', 'Programming'] | Title Neural Networks LearnContent Neural Networks Learn Understand AI… without math Photo Element5 Digital Unsplash previous two post saw neural network even simulate one inside spreadsheet Feel free go back refresher like also get whole series book Let u closer look neural network learn main attraction neural network conventional computer program Synaptic weight Image author Imagine neural network like one used example imagine trained beginning synaptic weight initialised random value Clearly behaviour network random apply input pattern get random output pattern make neural network learn Let’s say wanted teach function would take first line truth table first line say input 0 0 output 0 Input Input B Output 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 set input 0 tell network start changing weight output also 0 beginning saw output random number network change one weight little bit look happens output output change change output change network try increase decrease synaptic weight little try synaptic weight finally reach combination synaptic weight brings output desired value 0 activation function already see threshold activation function particularly good idea binary activation function like jump 0 1 back one particular change synaptic weight completely flip output 0 1 1 0 Every change ignored long sum input cross threshold value make difficult neural network guess whether particular small change synaptic weight represent progress towards reaching desired output little like someone blindfolded trying grab particular object room blindfolded player game idea whether step one direction brings closer object want grab Every step he’ll take room random step either succeeds fails term grabbing object would much better player feedback example second player telling close object player could make successive step bring closer object would notice particular step useful approaching object order model neural network change socalled activation function simple threshold function continuously map input onto output value could calculate difference actual output neuron desired output would always know whether particular change synaptic weight bringing u closer desired value instead output suddenly jump desired output value nothing Training network let u assume activation function example one Sigmoid function Source Wikipedia called sigmoid function look like letter Greek called sigma Think like horizontal axis come neuron sum weighted input vertical axis determines neuron output axon therefore neuron come see input sigmoid function activation function important property normalising output value neuron range 0 1 Since every neuron multiple input didn’t added input result would possibly greater 1 would grow grow walk layer network neuron keep adding input would make difficult handle synaptic weight synaptic weight would multiplied big number others small number Mapping output range 0 1 solves problem activation function important property normalising output value neuron range 0 1 let u apply input value 0 0 first line logical truth table let network change random weight little bit network observe output value know become 0 every change synaptic weight network would know whether making progress right direction changing weight way network would manage approach 0 output value Training pattern trained network correctly classify first pattern first line logical truth table go second line apply input value case 0 1 input side neuron tell neural network desired output value case 1 neural network start changing weight slightly reach desired output value course probably destroy result training network second pattern might erase previous training first pattern truth table network difficult task try pattern shown point try adjust weight way satisfied time see add pattern process take time difficult set weight way previous knowledge erased network learns new line truth table ie new pair inputoutput pattern precisely training neural network take long time network go pattern adjust synaptic weight one produce desired output pattern Eventually network able adjust weight right way pattern learnt Since activation function binary continuous function probable network reach exactly output 1 0 pattern might get output 09 1 01 0 still fine u know expect 0 1 output value clear value 01 mean 0 value 09 mean 1 goal training neural network minimise error difference value come untrained neural network desired output value welltrained network called error network say goal training neural network minimise error trainer network decide error considered successful learning might happy value 09 instead 1 might want value 099 perhaps distinguish 0 1 also 08 09 10 output value mean different thing application train network long enough get smaller smaller error value depends entirely application error value consider acceptable essentially tradeoff training time accuracy want network accurate train longer want cut training time accepting greater error valuesTags Neural Networks Artificial Intelligence Artificial Neural Network AI Programming |
2,921 | Case study: Rethinking Google’s new icons | Google’s latest redesign sparked a debate over prioritizing aesthetics vs. usability.
In this project, I attempted to rethink how Google’s icons could leverage their old look while sporting a refreshing look consistent with Google’s latest design language.
The main challenge of this project was to keep Google’s new colour palette while creating a new set of easily recognizable and distinct icons, prioritizing usability over aesthetics.
The Problem
In Google’s latest update, the Californian company chose to unify its visual look through its four brand colours: Blue, Red, Yellow, Green. While Google’s intent was to create a cohesive suite of icons for its new ‘Workspace’ product, the execution was for many, underwhelming. As I researched Google’s average user profile, I confirmed my beliefs that most of Google users interact with its services on either their smartphone or internet browser. Furthermore, I discovered that the average number of opened browser tabs for a single user is between 10 and 20 — if not more! As I gathered feedback from friends and colleagues, it became clear to me that Google’s icons had never been reminders of Google’s brand, but instead, they served an important function: visual cues inside a chaotic row of tabs.
Reflecting on the Problem
As users interact with their phone, they become accustomed to the look and layout of their icons. On iPhone, users that wish to communicate with someone, will be looking for a green icon (i.e. Phone, Messages, Facetime). Alternatively, if they seek to use a utility app, they will likely be looking for a grey icon (i.e. Camera, Settings, Calculator).
In the field of cognitive neuroscience, we call this concept pattern recognition. Pattern recognition is the process of retrieving a long-term memory (e.g., memory of the iPhone messages icon) based on a stimulus (e.g., visual representation of the iPhone messages icon). We recognize dozens of patterns every day. From traffic lights to our smartphone home screens, we become habituated to specific patterns that have become quick and easy for us to recognize.
We are coded to contrast icons based on their differences in colour and shape. As we introduce new icons in our daily lives, our brain has to encode this information into our semantic memory for retrieval later on. This allows for swift retrieval later, which becomes extremely beneficial for productivity.
In the case of Google’s new redesign, the concept of pattern recognition was forgone. Feedback from many users highlighted one critical issue: users rely on the icons’ shape and colour to easily differentiate one tab from one another.
Now homogenous, Google’s new icons are no longer easily recognizable. Their new shape and colours make swift pattern recognition difficult for many, subsequently threatening productivity.
The Solution
To bridge the gap between Google’s new redesign and its usability, I had to think of a solution.
Howbeit a simple one, the redesign required that I meticulously select the parts reminiscent of Google’s old design and blend them with the new design in a way that would make it quick and easy for most users to recognize and differentiate them.
Behind the Thinking
Gmail
For the Gmail icon, I chose to keep the famous red-bordered white envelope most users are used to. I reshaped the envelope to be simpler and more symmetric, removing the old pseudo-reflective shadow effect of the old envelope. Since the red colour was so prominent with the old icon, I maintained it for the slip and added the blue and green colours to each side, blending into dark red and yellow at the junctions.
With these adjustments, the icon retains its former shape and outline while having a refreshing look on both the envelope and the ‘M’ shaped slip.
Docs
The Docs icon was one of the less challenging ones to do. Other than the blue of the original icon, the outline of it did not look so much dated. The gist of it was maintained, keeping the elongated shadow of the fold and then colouring the four lines to Google’s new colours.
Alternative icons were explored, such as adding a picture icon above the lines, adding bullet points before the lines. However, those changes clustered the icon and made the icon less distinguishable when reduced to a favicon size.
Calendar
The Calendar icon proved to be a challenge when trying to blend the old with the new. The old Calendar icon had an old skeuomorphic-like look that was hard to refresh without significantly altering it. For this icon I decided to keep the old number look in the centre, but I changed the outline to one that resembled the newer Calendar icon. This combination of Google’s old and new Calendar icon created an icon that was both refreshing, yet slightly different.
Meet
The Meet icon required a different thought process. While it would have been easy to make an outline akin to the Calendar icon and call it a day, it would have been too similar to the Calendar icon when viewed in a tab. I sought to create an icon that had all four of Google’s colours on four different components. Since the old icon only had a camera body and a lens, I had to figure out a way of adding two other components that would complement the icon.
Reflecting on the concept of Meet, I realized that while we record ourselves through our webcam, we also project ourselves on the other participants’ screen. Drawing from that, I decided to have two circles reminiscent of old-school projectors. This alternate shape now fits with the concept of Meet but also allows for four components that can individually be coloured.
The Takeaway
Google’s latest icon redesign, though refreshing, sparked an enormous debate on whether aesthetics should be prioritized over usability. As demonstrated by the findings above, a significant percentage of Google’s users rely extensively on favicons to get around their tabs. Unfortunately, Google’s recent design changes defeated this purpose and created dissatisfaction for many. The takeaway? Form often follows function. As designers, it is our duty to see beyond the design and understand the many impacts it may have. After all, designing around constraints can only expand our creativity! | https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/rethinking-googles-new-icons-cc99a72b94aa | ['Maxence Parenteau'] | 2020-11-25 23:35:38.508000+00:00 | ['Case Study', 'Google', 'Design', 'Icons', 'Illustration'] | Title Case study Rethinking Google’s new iconsContent Google’s latest redesign sparked debate prioritizing aesthetic v usability project attempted rethink Google’s icon could leverage old look sporting refreshing look consistent Google’s latest design language main challenge project keep Google’s new colour palette creating new set easily recognizable distinct icon prioritizing usability aesthetic Problem Google’s latest update Californian company chose unify visual look four brand colour Blue Red Yellow Green Google’s intent create cohesive suite icon new ‘Workspace’ product execution many underwhelming researched Google’s average user profile confirmed belief Google user interact service either smartphone internet browser Furthermore discovered average number opened browser tab single user 10 20 — gathered feedback friend colleague became clear Google’s icon never reminder Google’s brand instead served important function visual cue inside chaotic row tab Reflecting Problem user interact phone become accustomed look layout icon iPhone user wish communicate someone looking green icon ie Phone Messages Facetime Alternatively seek use utility app likely looking grey icon ie Camera Settings Calculator field cognitive neuroscience call concept pattern recognition Pattern recognition process retrieving longterm memory eg memory iPhone message icon based stimulus eg visual representation iPhone message icon recognize dozen pattern every day traffic light smartphone home screen become habituated specific pattern become quick easy u recognize coded contrast icon based difference colour shape introduce new icon daily life brain encode information semantic memory retrieval later allows swift retrieval later becomes extremely beneficial productivity case Google’s new redesign concept pattern recognition forgone Feedback many user highlighted one critical issue user rely icons’ shape colour easily differentiate one tab one another homogenous Google’s new icon longer easily recognizable new shape colour make swift pattern recognition difficult many subsequently threatening productivity Solution bridge gap Google’s new redesign usability think solution Howbeit simple one redesign required meticulously select part reminiscent Google’s old design blend new design way would make quick easy user recognize differentiate Behind Thinking Gmail Gmail icon chose keep famous redbordered white envelope user used reshaped envelope simpler symmetric removing old pseudoreflective shadow effect old envelope Since red colour prominent old icon maintained slip added blue green colour side blending dark red yellow junction adjustment icon retains former shape outline refreshing look envelope ‘M’ shaped slip Docs Docs icon one le challenging one blue original icon outline look much dated gist maintained keeping elongated shadow fold colouring four line Google’s new colour Alternative icon explored adding picture icon line adding bullet point line However change clustered icon made icon le distinguishable reduced favicon size Calendar Calendar icon proved challenge trying blend old new old Calendar icon old skeuomorphiclike look hard refresh without significantly altering icon decided keep old number look centre changed outline one resembled newer Calendar icon combination Google’s old new Calendar icon created icon refreshing yet slightly different Meet Meet icon required different thought process would easy make outline akin Calendar icon call day would similar Calendar icon viewed tab sought create icon four Google’s colour four different component Since old icon camera body lens figure way adding two component would complement icon Reflecting concept Meet realized record webcam also project participants’ screen Drawing decided two circle reminiscent oldschool projector alternate shape fit concept Meet also allows four component individually coloured Takeaway Google’s latest icon redesign though refreshing sparked enormous debate whether aesthetic prioritized usability demonstrated finding significant percentage Google’s user rely extensively favicons get around tab Unfortunately Google’s recent design change defeated purpose created dissatisfaction many takeaway Form often follows function designer duty see beyond design understand many impact may designing around constraint expand creativityTags Case Study Google Design Icons Illustration |
2,922 | Digital Twin Solutions | Combined Power of IoT, AI, Data, Cloud, Machine Learning
Digital Twin Solutions
An architectural overview and business value for industry
Image by ArtTower from Pixabay
In this article, I want to introduce Digital Twin concept as an emerging technology used in various industries. My aim is to give an overview and shed lights on this emerging technology, architectural construct, and business initiative based on my experience. I explain the digital twin concept using the Cyber-Physical System architecture, business use cases, and value proposition.
Digital Twin concept is simple however manifesting them in reality can be complex and difficult to due to combination of underlying technology stacks, tools, and integration requirements. Therefore, a structured and methodical approach to the topic is essential.
What is a Digital Twin?
At the highest level, a digital twin (DT) is an architectural construct which is enabled by a combination of technology streams such as IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Fog Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics.
Even though the term digital twin was coined in 2002, by Michael Grieves in the University of Michigan, this technology architecture was used by NASA in the Apollo 13 program in the 1970s to create identical space vehicles, one in space and one on earth. But we lacked the underlying technology capabilities on those days: no Cloud, no ML, no IoT, no Big Data.
With limited capabilities, this approach enabled the NASA engineers to manage the physical device using the virtual counterpart on the surface.
As you may have read, the famous book, Mirror Worlds by David Gelernter, popularized the concept in 1993.
The digital twin concept turned into reality thanks to rapidly growing new technology stacks and capabilities such as Cloud, IoT, AI and Big Data.
DT nowadays are used in various industries, in large business organizations, and the startup companies. Manufacturing industry embraced it for its compelling business proposition. There are many DT initiatives globally.
DT initiatives use the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) method. PLM is implemented using various agile approaches integrated with propriety methods belong to business organizations. The method is supported by Design Thinking workshops during the conceptual stage. You can find more on Design Thinking in the attached article.
To add clarity, let me give you an architectural overview of the DT concept.
The Architecture of Digital Twin Concept
In DT concept, each physical object has its virtual counterpart. These virtual counterparts are called virtual mirror models. These virtual mirror models have built-in capabilities to analyze, evaluate, predict, and monitor the physical objects.
This innovative architecture of DT concept creates a powerful communication mechanism between the physical (material) and the virtual world by using data.
In DT architecture, physical and virtual components integrate synchronously to create a close loop.
Digital twin initiatives are the practical implementation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) architecture in engineering and computer science domains. To understand the technical aspect of the digital twins, we need to know the CPS architecture.
In a nutshell, CPS is a technical construct converging physical and virtual domains. The core architecture of CPS is to embed communication and computing capacity into physical objects so that physical objects can be coordinated, controlled, and monitored via virtual means.
CPS integrates physical processes, computing, and networking as a single entity called embedded object. We can use embedded objects in various devices and appliances. The prime examples are medical devices, scientific instruments, toys, cars, fitness clothes, and other wearables.
CPS requires architectural abstraction and modelling. Based on the models, we can develop designs leveraging computation power, data, and application integration for monitoring of physical phenomena such as heat, humidity, motion, and velocity.
CPS can leverage IoT (Internet of Things) technology stack. CPS can be part of the IoT ecosystem in global IoT service providers. You can read the details of the IoT ecosystem in the attached article.
Scalability and capacity of the embedded objects are critical. You can read more about the architectural implications of scalability and capacity of IoT devices from this article.
Use Cases & Business Value of Digital Twin Initiatives
The primary use case for DT is asset performance, utilization, and optimization. DT enables monitoring, diagnosing, and prognostics capabilities for this use case. For example, DT can be used to optimize cars, locomotives, and jet engines. This use case can improve the productivity and customer satisfaction.
DT can be ideal for creating 3D modelling of the digital objects from the physical objects. This use case is a critical success factor for smart manufacturing initiatives.
DT is commonly used for identifying symptoms with constant monitoring and finding the root causes of production issues in factories. The business value for this use case is to improve productivity.
Healthcare projects commonly use DT for simulation purposes. For example, doctors practice risky operations in simulated environments before attempting them in the patients. This approach address the safety concerns.
Town planners use DT initiatives by using the virtual models to improve the city conditions in a proactive manner. This approach can reduce the complexity and simplify the processes for planners.
In Enterprise Architecture initiatives, we use DT as an architecture blueprint of the business organization. This helps us articulate the big picture to our business stakeholders.
As a stream of the hyper-automation concept in the IT industry, we use DT as part of the Robotics Process Automation (RPA) initiatives. You can check the details on RPA in my attached article.
Conclusion
Digital twin is a reality now. It is not a concept any more. Even though it is seen as an emerging technology, it is widely used in various industries such as manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and smart cities.
There is a growing interest for use of this technology globally. For example, last week in Australia, the NSW government launched a large DT initiative. The initiative includes virtual environment of more than half a million buildings.
Understanding the underlying technology stacks is critical for architecting and designing digital twin solutions. To this end, the key technology considerations are IoT, Cloud, Edge, Fog, AI, ML, Robotics, and Big Data Analytics. You can check the following articles related to these technology domains.
As a concluding remark, while architecting and designing digital twin solutions, we need to understand the business goals, requirements, and use cases based on the industry. There may be additional industry compliance and ethical considerations that solution architects and designers need to know upfront.
You are welcome to join my 100K+ mailing list, to collaborate, enhance your network, and receive technology newsletter reflecting my industry experience. | https://medium.com/technology-hits/digital-twin-solutions-c5288fcc3bc7 | ['Dr Mehmet Yildiz'] | 2020-12-06 06:31:05.434000+00:00 | ['Digital Twin', 'Technology', 'Future', 'Design', 'IoT'] | Title Digital Twin SolutionsContent Combined Power IoT AI Data Cloud Machine Learning Digital Twin Solutions architectural overview business value industry Image ArtTower Pixabay article want introduce Digital Twin concept emerging technology used various industry aim give overview shed light emerging technology architectural construct business initiative based experience explain digital twin concept using CyberPhysical System architecture business use case value proposition Digital Twin concept simple however manifesting reality complex difficult due combination underlying technology stack tool integration requirement Therefore structured methodical approach topic essential Digital Twin highest level digital twin DT architectural construct enabled combination technology stream IoT Internet Things Cloud Computing Edge Computing Fog Computing Artificial Intelligence Robotics Machine Learning Big Data Analytics Even though term digital twin coined 2002 Michael Grieves University Michigan technology architecture used NASA Apollo 13 program 1970s create identical space vehicle one space one earth lacked underlying technology capability day Cloud ML IoT Big Data limited capability approach enabled NASA engineer manage physical device using virtual counterpart surface may read famous book Mirror Worlds David Gelernter popularized concept 1993 digital twin concept turned reality thanks rapidly growing new technology stack capability Cloud IoT AI Big Data DT nowadays used various industry large business organization startup company Manufacturing industry embraced compelling business proposition many DT initiative globally DT initiative use PLM Product Lifecycle Management method PLM implemented using various agile approach integrated propriety method belong business organization method supported Design Thinking workshop conceptual stage find Design Thinking attached article add clarity let give architectural overview DT concept Architecture Digital Twin Concept DT concept physical object virtual counterpart virtual counterpart called virtual mirror model virtual mirror model builtin capability analyze evaluate predict monitor physical object innovative architecture DT concept creates powerful communication mechanism physical material virtual world using data DT architecture physical virtual component integrate synchronously create close loop Digital twin initiative practical implementation CyberPhysical Systems CPS architecture engineering computer science domain understand technical aspect digital twin need know CPS architecture nutshell CPS technical construct converging physical virtual domain core architecture CPS embed communication computing capacity physical object physical object coordinated controlled monitored via virtual mean CPS integrates physical process computing networking single entity called embedded object use embedded object various device appliance prime example medical device scientific instrument toy car fitness clothes wearable CPS requires architectural abstraction modelling Based model develop design leveraging computation power data application integration monitoring physical phenomenon heat humidity motion velocity CPS leverage IoT Internet Things technology stack CPS part IoT ecosystem global IoT service provider read detail IoT ecosystem attached article Scalability capacity embedded object critical read architectural implication scalability capacity IoT device article Use Cases Business Value Digital Twin Initiatives primary use case DT asset performance utilization optimization DT enables monitoring diagnosing prognostic capability use case example DT used optimize car locomotive jet engine use case improve productivity customer satisfaction DT ideal creating 3D modelling digital object physical object use case critical success factor smart manufacturing initiative DT commonly used identifying symptom constant monitoring finding root cause production issue factory business value use case improve productivity Healthcare project commonly use DT simulation purpose example doctor practice risky operation simulated environment attempting patient approach address safety concern Town planner use DT initiative using virtual model improve city condition proactive manner approach reduce complexity simplify process planner Enterprise Architecture initiative use DT architecture blueprint business organization help u articulate big picture business stakeholder stream hyperautomation concept industry use DT part Robotics Process Automation RPA initiative check detail RPA attached article Conclusion Digital twin reality concept Even though seen emerging technology widely used various industry manufacturing automotive healthcare smart city growing interest use technology globally example last week Australia NSW government launched large DT initiative initiative includes virtual environment half million building Understanding underlying technology stack critical architecting designing digital twin solution end key technology consideration IoT Cloud Edge Fog AI ML Robotics Big Data Analytics check following article related technology domain concluding remark architecting designing digital twin solution need understand business goal requirement use case based industry may additional industry compliance ethical consideration solution architect designer need know upfront welcome join 100K mailing list collaborate enhance network receive technology newsletter reflecting industry experienceTags Digital Twin Technology Future Design IoT |
2,923 | 7 Ways to Limit Scope in Your Code | 7 Ways to Limit Scope in Your Code
Easy methods you can adopt to keep your code clean, concise, and testable
Photo by Ludovic Charlet on Unsplash.
As a general rule, developers should limit the scope of variables and references as much as possible. Limiting scope in every way possible, from the big things (never, ever use global variables) to the subtle little things a language can do (declare const whenever possible), can contribute to clean, easy-to-test code.
The limiting of scope has all kinds of benefits. First, limiting the scope of a variable reduces the number of places where a given variable can be modified. The reason we rightfully abhor global variables is there is no telling where or when a global variable might be changed. A global variable hangs out there like that last donut in the break room. You know you shouldn’t touch it, but it’s so tempting and easy just to grab that variable and use it for whatever you need to do. Limiting the scope of a changeable thing reduces the chances that it will be changed in a way that it shouldn’t be — or worse, in a way you don’t even know about.
By definition, limiting scope is also a main feature of object-oriented programming. Encapsulation is probably the first thing you think of when you think of OOP, and its basic purpose — its whole reason for existing — is to formalize the process of limiting scope. They don’t call it “information hiding” for nothing. The term “information hiding” really means “Hide the scope of your variables so much that they can’t be changed except in the exact way you let them be.” Encapsulation enables you to ensure that data you don’t want to be exposed isn’t exposed. And if it isn’t exposed, it can’t be changed.
Limiting scope also limits the ability for people to depend on code that they shouldn’t be depending on. Loose coupling — the limiting of the dependencies within a system — is a good thing. Tight coupling is a bad thing. Limiting scope makes it harder for one class to latch on to another class and create dependencies that make code hard to test and difficult to maintain. It also makes it harder for changes in one area of code to have secondary effects in other, coupled areas. There is nothing worse than changing code in (metaphorically speaking) New York City and having that change cause a bug in code all the way over in Los Angeles. This is commonly called “Action at a distance” and is something that should be avoided like a bad burrito. | https://medium.com/better-programming/7-ways-to-limit-scope-in-your-code-e3052cdb91a4 | ['Nick Hodges'] | 2020-06-17 15:10:07.308000+00:00 | ['Software Development', 'Startup', 'Mobile', 'Software Engineering', 'Programming'] | Title 7 Ways Limit Scope CodeContent 7 Ways Limit Scope Code Easy method adopt keep code clean concise testable Photo Ludovic Charlet Unsplash general rule developer limit scope variable reference much possible Limiting scope every way possible big thing never ever use global variable subtle little thing language declare const whenever possible contribute clean easytotest code limiting scope kind benefit First limiting scope variable reduces number place given variable modified reason rightfully abhor global variable telling global variable might changed global variable hang like last donut break room know shouldn’t touch it’s tempting easy grab variable use whatever need Limiting scope changeable thing reduces chance changed way shouldn’t — worse way don’t even know definition limiting scope also main feature objectoriented programming Encapsulation probably first thing think think OOP basic purpose — whole reason existing — formalize process limiting scope don’t call “information hiding” nothing term “information hiding” really mean “Hide scope variable much can’t changed except exact way let be” Encapsulation enables ensure data don’t want exposed isn’t exposed isn’t exposed can’t changed Limiting scope also limit ability people depend code shouldn’t depending Loose coupling — limiting dependency within system — good thing Tight coupling bad thing Limiting scope make harder one class latch another class create dependency make code hard test difficult maintain also make harder change one area code secondary effect coupled area nothing worse changing code metaphorically speaking New York City change cause bug code way Los Angeles commonly called “Action distance” something avoided like bad burritoTags Software Development Startup Mobile Software Engineering Programming |
2,924 | How To Build Your Writing Space | How To Build Your Writing Space
Helpful tips to create a workplace which allows you to create
Photo by Georgie Cobbs on Unsplash
We have all heard that you need to make your workspace a place where your mind can do its fabulous duty of writing. But what makes a workplace that way. Below you will find ideas that have worked for me, along with the ideas I have tried which didn’t work for me, but could work for you.
Grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever tickles your fancy.
Have a separate space
One of the biggest things you need to have is a separate space to perform your writing. Don’t sit in the living room if someone else is in there, the same with the kitchen or bedroom. The distraction level will go through the roof and you won't get much done.
An office would be preferable, but not many of have that luxury of a spare room with a door. Just find a quiet space to write. You will want to ensure you don’t place your desk or computer in front of a window. Watching the cars and people walk by will distract you. Pull the blind or curtains, or steer clear of windows.
Keep organized
As a master of disorganization I know what it is like to have a messy desk. Find a place for everything to go, whether it be in the drawers of a desk, a filing cabinet or a bookshelf. The only things that should be on your desk are the computer, keyboard, mouse, a lamp, a notebook, a pen and your drink.
Always have a drink with you, it will deter you from getting up to grab something when thirsty. A snack is also good to have, we all get the munchies once in a while.
Your notebook and pen will be useful as this is where you keep your notes on ideas and story plots. If you outline, something I don’t do, then this is where your outline will be. Always have a notebook with you to write down your ideas wherever you are.
Put down your cell phone
When preparing to sit down and write, it is imperative you avoid any and all distractions. Treat this as you would a job, most jobs have rules against using your cell phone during working hours. Use this rule to your own advantage. Put it on vibrate or silent.
A little trick I do is put it on the charger in another room, on vibrate. I tell my family the hours I work and if they need me to send a quick email, but only if it’s an emergency. Writers need as few distractions as possible. Especially if you are a fiction writer who is creating a world in a your story.
Shut the door
Try to find a space where the door can be shut. If you have animals this can be useful, you don’t need your cats to have a fight right behind your chair. The shut door means they can’t come in. This is also true for dogs, as much as they want love, you need to concentrate on what you are doing, writing.
I find that when I shut the door, I can become more focused because the distractions of the rest of the house are filtered through the door. I am lucky enough where I have an extra room we call the office. It is my own work area, free from distractions. When I shut the door everyone knows not to bother me as I work on my next creation.
Tiny nuts and bolts
When you sit down to write decide how long you want to write for. I have a timer on my computer which I set for the amount of time I want to work. Usually I work well past the time, but it gives me an idea of how much time I am giving myself as a minimum. Anything over that is gravy on the potatoes.
It was once recommended to me to have some soft music in the background. I did try this, but it created more of a distraction for me. Some say the music inspires their writing and while I didn’t find this to be the case for me, I can understand why it would be for someone else.
Some have suggested going outside to write, I have tried this also and while I can see how the inspiration can happen by viewing the scenery, I found I couldn’t actually write a full piece, however, I was able to write a bunch of notes that I used later to write a fabulous piece of fiction.
Final thoughts
In the end only you can determine what works and what doesn’t. Distractions are everywhere, especially in this age of technology. But strong discipline and a desire to create something magical with words can make all the difference in the world.
Find your place of quiet and solitude and write to your heart's content. | https://medium.com/the-writers-bookcase/how-to-build-your-writing-space-1483ee533f9 | ['Tammi Brownlee'] | 2019-12-05 20:29:42.718000+00:00 | ['Advice', 'Writing', 'Life', 'Hacks', 'Productivity'] | Title Build Writing SpaceContent Build Writing Space Helpful tip create workplace allows create Photo Georgie Cobbs Unsplash heard need make workspace place mind fabulous duty writing make workplace way find idea worked along idea tried didn’t work could work Grab cup coffee tea whatever tickle fancy separate space One biggest thing need separate space perform writing Don’t sit living room someone else kitchen bedroom distraction level go roof wont get much done office would preferable many luxury spare room door find quiet space write want ensure don’t place desk computer front window Watching car people walk distract Pull blind curtain steer clear window Keep organized master disorganization know like messy desk Find place everything go whether drawer desk filing cabinet bookshelf thing desk computer keyboard mouse lamp notebook pen drink Always drink deter getting grab something thirsty snack also good get munchies notebook pen useful keep note idea story plot outline something don’t outline Always notebook write idea wherever Put cell phone preparing sit write imperative avoid distraction Treat would job job rule using cell phone working hour Use rule advantage Put vibrate silent little trick put charger another room vibrate tell family hour work need send quick email it’s emergency Writers need distraction possible Especially fiction writer creating world story Shut door Try find space door shut animal useful don’t need cat fight right behind chair shut door mean can’t come also true dog much want love need concentrate writing find shut door become focused distraction rest house filtered door lucky enough extra room call office work area free distraction shut door everyone know bother work next creation Tiny nut bolt sit write decide long want write timer computer set amount time want work Usually work well past time give idea much time giving minimum Anything gravy potato recommended soft music background try created distraction say music inspires writing didn’t find case understand would someone else suggested going outside write tried also see inspiration happen viewing scenery found couldn’t actually write full piece however able write bunch note used later write fabulous piece fiction Final thought end determine work doesn’t Distractions everywhere especially age technology strong discipline desire create something magical word make difference world Find place quiet solitude write heart contentTags Advice Writing Life Hacks Productivity |
2,925 | Jupyter Notebook Shortcuts | What is Jupyter Notebook?
Jupyter Notebook is widely used for data analysis. I started to learn Data Science 2–3 months ago and I used this tool to explore some datasets (a collection of data). It’s awesome!
Let’s see the definition from the docs.
The notebooks documents are documents produced by the Jupyter Notebook App, which can contain both code (e.g. Python) and rich text elements (paragraphs, equations, links, etc..). The Jupyter Notebook App is a client-server application that allows editing and running notebook documents by a browser.
Here you can find more detailed information if you want to.
Shortcuts
As a developer, I like to use shortcuts and snippets as much as I can. They just make writing code a lot easier and faster. I like to follow one rule:
If you start doing some action with the mouse, stop and think if there is a shortcut. If there is a one - use it.
When I started using Jupyter Notebook I didn’t know that there are shortcuts for this tool. Several times, I changed my cell type from code to markdown and I didn’t know how. As you can guess this caused me a lot of headache. One day I just saw that there is a Help > Keyboard Shortcuts link in the menu bar. To my surprise, it turned out that Jupyter Notebook has a ton of shortcuts.
In this article, I’ll show you my favorite ones. Note that the shortcuts are for Windows and Linux users. Anyway, for the Mac users, they’re different buttons for Ctrl , Shift , and Alt :
Ctrl : command key ⌘
: command key Shift : Shift ⇧
: Shift Alt : option ⌥
First, we need to know that they are 2 modes in the Jupyter Notebook App: command mode and edit mode. I’ll start with the shortcuts shared between the two modes.
Shortcuts in both modes:
Shift + Enter run the current cell, select below
run the current cell, select below Ctrl + Enter run selected cells
run selected cells Alt + Enter run the current cell, insert below
run the current cell, insert below Ctrl + S save and checkpoint
While in command mode (press Esc to activate):
Enter take you into edit mode
take you into edit mode H show all shortcuts
show all shortcuts Up select cell above
select cell above Down select cell below
select cell below Shift + Up extend selected cells above
extend selected cells above Shift + Down extend selected cells below
extend selected cells below A insert cell above
insert cell above B insert cell below
insert cell below X cut selected cells
cut selected cells C copy selected cells
copy selected cells V paste cells below
paste cells below Shift + V paste cells above
paste cells above D, D (press the key twice) delete selected cells
delete selected cells Z undo cell deletion
undo cell deletion S Save and Checkpoint
Save and Checkpoint Y change the cell type to Code
change the cell type to Code M change the cell type to Markdown
change the cell type to Markdown P open the command palette.
This dialog helps you run any command by name. It’s really useful if you don’t know some shortcut or when you don’t have a shortcut for the wanted command.
Command Palette
Shift + Space scroll notebook up
scroll notebook up Space scroll notebook down
While in edit mode (press Enter to activate)
Esc take you into command mode
take you into command mode Tab code completion or indent
code completion or indent Shift + Tab tooltip
tooltip Ctrl + ] indent
indent Ctrl + [ dedent
dedent Ctrl + A select all
select all Ctrl + Z undo
undo Ctrl + Shift + Z or Ctrl + Y redo
or redo Ctrl + Home go to cell start
go to cell start Ctrl + End go to cell end
go to cell end Ctrl + Left go one word left
go one word left Ctrl + Right go one word right
go one word right Ctrl + Shift + P open the command palette
open the command palette Down move cursor down
move cursor down Up move cursor up
These are the shortcuts I use in my daily work. If you still need something that is not mentioned here you can find it in the keyboard shortcuts dialog ( H ). You can also edit existing or add more shortcuts from the Help > Edit Keyboard Shortcuts link in the menu bar. Clicking the link will open a dialog. At the bottom of it there are rules for adding or editing shortcuts. You need to use hyphens - to represent keys that should be pressed at the same time.
For example, I added a shortcut Ctrl-R for the restart kernel and run all cells command.
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Final Words
Thank you for the read, if you like this post please hold the clap button. Also, I’ll be happy to share your feedback. | https://towardsdatascience.com/jypyter-notebook-shortcuts-bf0101a98330 | ['Ventsislav Yordanov'] | 2020-01-13 21:27:25.327000+00:00 | ['Jupyter Notebook', 'Tips And Tricks', 'Productivity', 'Data Science', 'Shortcuts'] | Title Jupyter Notebook ShortcutsContent Jupyter Notebook Jupyter Notebook widely used data analysis started learn Data Science 2–3 month ago used tool explore datasets collection data It’s awesome Let’s see definition doc notebook document document produced Jupyter Notebook App contain code eg Python rich text element paragraph equation link etc Jupyter Notebook App clientserver application allows editing running notebook document browser find detailed information want Shortcuts developer like use shortcut snippet much make writing code lot easier faster like follow one rule start action mouse stop think shortcut one use started using Jupyter Notebook didn’t know shortcut tool Several time changed cell type code markdown didn’t know guess caused lot headache One day saw Help Keyboard Shortcuts link menu bar surprise turned Jupyter Notebook ton shortcut article I’ll show favorite one Note shortcut Windows Linux user Anyway Mac user they’re different button Ctrl Shift Alt Ctrl command key ⌘ command key Shift Shift ⇧ Shift Alt option ⌥ First need know 2 mode Jupyter Notebook App command mode edit mode I’ll start shortcut shared two mode Shortcuts mode Shift Enter run current cell select run current cell select Ctrl Enter run selected cell run selected cell Alt Enter run current cell insert run current cell insert Ctrl save checkpoint command mode press Esc activate Enter take edit mode take edit mode H show shortcut show shortcut select cell select cell select cell select cell Shift extend selected cell extend selected cell Shift extend selected cell extend selected cell insert cell insert cell B insert cell insert cell X cut selected cell cut selected cell C copy selected cell copy selected cell V paste cell paste cell Shift V paste cell paste cell press key twice delete selected cell delete selected cell Z undo cell deletion undo cell deletion Save Checkpoint Save Checkpoint change cell type Code change cell type Code change cell type Markdown change cell type Markdown P open command palette dialog help run command name It’s really useful don’t know shortcut don’t shortcut wanted command Command Palette Shift Space scroll notebook scroll notebook Space scroll notebook edit mode press Enter activate Esc take command mode take command mode Tab code completion indent code completion indent Shift Tab tooltip tooltip Ctrl indent indent Ctrl dedent dedent Ctrl select select Ctrl Z undo undo Ctrl Shift Z Ctrl redo redo Ctrl Home go cell start go cell start Ctrl End go cell end go cell end Ctrl Left go one word left go one word left Ctrl Right go one word right go one word right Ctrl Shift P open command palette open command palette move cursor move cursor move cursor shortcut use daily work still need something mentioned find keyboard shortcut dialog H also edit existing add shortcut Help Edit Keyboard Shortcuts link menu bar Clicking link open dialog bottom rule adding editing shortcut need use hyphen represent key pressed time example added shortcut CtrlR restart kernel run cell command Blog Posts LinkedIn LinkedIn profile case want connected Newsletter want notified post new blog post subscribe newsletter Final Words Thank read like post please hold clap button Also I’ll happy share feedbackTags Jupyter Notebook Tips Tricks Productivity Data Science Shortcuts |
2,926 | 12 Things You Can Do to Advance Your Startup While Maintaining Your Day Job | Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash
12 Things You Can Do to Advance Your Startup While Maintaining Your Day Job
And answering the question “When is the right time to quit”?
The idea for my first business came to me in January of 2014. I was working with my 6th manufacturing client at McKinsey, and realized the fundamental behaviors driving the problem we were there to solve mirrored the previous 5 companies almost to the “t”.
My engineering brain went into overdrive, and I began thinking of what a technology platform would look like that could both address and improve those behaviors.
As the idea took shape in my brain, I pitched it to 2–3 friends at the client and received extremely positive feedback. This feedback was enough that I immediately decided I should pursue the idea full time. I considered those few conversations the full extent of my market research.
I’d never started a business before, but I knew 2 things. First, I knew it was hard, and second, I knew it took all of one's time/attention to pursue. Thus, I began plotting my exit from McKinsey.
Without any declared goals or specific milestones to hit first, I determined at that moment I would leave McKinsey in 12 months. In 1 year, I would quit my job, and go full time — which in my mind, going full time was the only way to legitimately start a business.
I didn’t think there was any way I could keep my day job and make material progress on the business. One year was the minimum amount of time I needed to save enough money to go full time and to develop the idea enough that I knew what I’d be building.
For the next 12 months, I basically focused on filling out a business model canvas. When the declared day of leaving McKinsey finally arrived, I may as well have spent my first day googling “How to start a business”.
One of the many lessons I have learned since was — this is a terrible way to approach starting a business. You don’t have to be a seasoned entrepreneur to see this.
Top 12 ideas you can pursue with a day job
With no coach, no mentor, and nobody really to provide guidance, I had a very myopic view of entrepreneurship.
Now, nearly 7 years later, my hindsight is quite clear. There are literally an endless number of things I easily could have pursued while maintaining a full-time job. This article is for the first time entrepreneur who’s wrestling with this same issue. So that you can learn from my mistakes, here are 12 of my top ideas of things I could have done before leaving my job, but didn’t.
1. Figure out your company name/brand
There is literally no reason I waited to leave my job before figuring this one out, and neither should you. Think of your company narrative, and think of ideas that support it. Share the name with your family, friends and get their thoughts. Google it and see what comes up. Check with the USPTO to see what name competition exists, and how you might want to vary the name you do business under from the name you market. Use Upwork or Fiverr to find a freelancer and design a logo and your color palette.
2. Buy a domain
Real-estate on the web is a crowded place. The most obvious names are all claimed, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still good opportunities. It just takes a lot of time. So start your research now. Use tools like Google domains to check what’s available, or Snapnames, which will be more expensive, but there are great domains available there. Brandbucket can be even more expensive, but you’re also buying a starter kit to jumpstart your brand, which can be helpful if you find something you really like.
3. Create a landing page
Design a landing page to tell your company’s story, and build it using a free/cheap service like Carrd, Mailchimp, or Wix. Create a specific Call to Action (CTA) that will help advance your idea. This could mean having visitors take a short survey and providing feedback or collecting their email addresses. If you’re feeling really ambitious, set up multiple landing pages with slightly different messaging around your value proposition, or perhaps targeting different segments of who you believe your audience to be so you can find which drive the most growth.
4. Test marketing messages/channels
Connect your landing pages to Google Analytics (most of the platforms I mentioned above will have this as a configuration property) so you can start understanding how people are finding your site. Google “free google adwords”, “free facebook ads”, “free linkedin ads” to find options on getting and learning how to use some free ad spend credits. Use it to try and find which terms resonate the most with driving people to your site.
5. Build and curate a mailing list
Use all the emails you’re collecting from your landing page(s) to start a weekly newsletter. Send out relevant information about your product/service. Give updates, progress, or share helpful industry-related information. Use a free service like Mailchimp or Hubspot Marketing to design, send, and track analytics on your emails. Track open rates, see what content people are reading/clicking on. As you’re consistent, people will unsubscribe, and others will keep reading. That’s good, you’re refining your audience and messaging.
6. Interview prospective customers/clients
Use the emails you’re collecting to reach out to contacts and ask if they’d be willing to take a quick phone call. Identify questions you can ask that will test the hypothesis of your business. The goal is to get as clear an understanding of the customer pain as you can — not to get validation on your solution. Once you can understand and articulate the problem, as the saying goes, there’s more than one way to skin that cat.
7. Build our your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)
Come up with the profile of the type(s) of individuals/companies that will purchase your product/service. If you’re selling to individuals, figure out their gender, age, interests, where they shop, and how they’re solving your identified problem today. If you’re selling to businesses, figure out what industry they’re in, the size of the company, and who within the company you need to be talking to. Write all these things down. You need to iterate on your definition, and continually refine/hone it. The clearer the definition of your customer, the easier it will be for you to find them.
8. Articulate your problem statement/null hypothesis
Building a business is fundamentally a science experiment. Your null hypothesis is a statement of the problem you think you are solving. Everything you do to launch your business should be in the spirit of trying to disprove your null hypothesis, so you can rewrite it and make it stronger/more accurate. At some point, you’ll no longer be able to disprove your hypothesis, and you’ll know you’ve come into truth that resonates with your target market. The better you can articulate this, the easier it will be for you to explain your company’s value proposition.
9. Build a prototype of the product and get feedback
Regardless if you’re building a physical product, software, or delivering a service, there are ways to create simple prototypes to get feedback. Get creative. As you build your mailing list and define your ICP, you have an audience that can provide feedback on your prototype. If you’re building software, this could look like visual designs. You can use Figma, Invision or even Google Slides to visualize the user experience. If you’re providing a service, contact your list and provide it for free to the first 10 respondents. If you’re building a physical product, find people in your local proximity so you can get the prototype in their hands. Test it yourself to solve your own problem. While the medium of your solution may change, getting customer feedback is a critical step that you can do on the side.
10. Identify and prove teammates
Put the time into finding your “who”. While you can go at it alone, it’s much easier/more powerful to have someone(s) at your side. Find them. This is a great time to prove it out. You’re not reliant on each other yet, so find who you can work with, and who will show up to the fight. Work out the details of roles and timing of when you’ll leave your jobs. Make sure you’re all committed and work well together before formalizing any arrangement. Handshake partnerships are a quick way to get started before making anything permanent, as you have to be able to trust each other.
11. Incorporate the company
When the time comes, move to incorporate your company, but don’t make it the first thing you do. You don’t have to wait until you’re full time to incorporate, but you do want to make sure you have the right teammates and are headed in the right direction with your product/service. If you incorporate too early, you’re going to waste a lot of time and money if things don’t work out. But once you’re confident, there’s no reason to wait until your full time, as this step takes much longer than you think.
12. Figure out funding
Work out the financial model for your business, and figure out how much money you’re going to need to become sustainable. Will you be able to self-fund? How far can you get while maintaining your day job? Will you need to fundraise? And if so, what milestones do you need to hit to best position your fundraise? The best thing about working on all these things while you have a day job is you can often make much more progress on your own before seeking funding if you ever need to at all. The worst thing you can do is quit your job and then figure out how you’re going to fund it later (that’s what I did, and I highly discourage doing this).
How to know when to quit your day job and go full time
You might be wondering “These seem like all the things I’d be doing while working full time, so if I do them while I keep my day job, when should I actually leave to pursue it full time?”
The simple answer to this question is — you will know. It might feel like a cop-out, but here’s what will happen.
You’ll have your business fundamentals in place. You have your partner(s) figured out, the domain, brand, website, incorporation is all complete. The least sexy parts of starting a business are all taken care of, and now you’re primarily focused on two things: product and sales.
This generally takes shape in the form of the feedback you’re receiving from prospective customers. There’s so much of it rolling in that the hours you have available are literally limiting your ability to react to it. If customers are providing feedback, it means they care. If you have so much of it you can’t respond, it means you’re gaining an audience. Translate that feedback into your product. Get it back in your customer's hands. Find more customers. Rinse. Repeat.
At some point, your business will feel imminent. You don’t have answers to all the questions, but if you’ve done the items on this list, you will have a solid foundation to start from. Done right, you should have a very clear path to create value for your customers when you step away from your day job. Until then, keep building! | https://medium.com/startup-grind/12-things-you-can-do-to-advance-your-startup-while-maintaining-your-day-job-fa6512e0c9b1 | ['Jonathan Woahn'] | 2020-11-16 18:03:08.069000+00:00 | ['Startup Lessons', 'Life Lessons', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Startup', 'Entrepreneur'] | Title 12 Things Advance Startup Maintaining Day JobContent Photo Maria Teneva Unsplash 12 Things Advance Startup Maintaining Day Job answering question “When right time quit” idea first business came January 2014 working 6th manufacturing client McKinsey realized fundamental behavior driving problem solve mirrored previous 5 company almost “t” engineering brain went overdrive began thinking technology platform would look like could address improve behavior idea took shape brain pitched 2–3 friend client received extremely positive feedback feedback enough immediately decided pursue idea full time considered conversation full extent market research I’d never started business knew 2 thing First knew hard second knew took one timeattention pursue Thus began plotting exit McKinsey Without declared goal specific milestone hit first determined moment would leave McKinsey 12 month 1 year would quit job go full time — mind going full time way legitimately start business didn’t think way could keep day job make material progress business One year minimum amount time needed save enough money go full time develop idea enough knew I’d building next 12 month basically focused filling business model canvas declared day leaving McKinsey finally arrived may well spent first day googling “How start business” One many lesson learned since — terrible way approach starting business don’t seasoned entrepreneur see Top 12 idea pursue day job coach mentor nobody really provide guidance myopic view entrepreneurship nearly 7 year later hindsight quite clear literally endless number thing easily could pursued maintaining fulltime job article first time entrepreneur who’s wrestling issue learn mistake 12 top idea thing could done leaving job didn’t 1 Figure company namebrand literally reason waited leave job figuring one neither Think company narrative think idea support Share name family friend get thought Google see come Check USPTO see name competition exists might want vary name business name market Use Upwork Fiverr find freelancer design logo color palette 2 Buy domain Realestate web crowded place obvious name claimed doesn’t mean aren’t still good opportunity take lot time start research Use tool like Google domain check what’s available Snapnames expensive great domain available Brandbucket even expensive you’re also buying starter kit jumpstart brand helpful find something really like 3 Create landing page Design landing page tell company’s story build using freecheap service like Carrd Mailchimp Wix Create specific Call Action CTA help advance idea could mean visitor take short survey providing feedback collecting email address you’re feeling really ambitious set multiple landing page slightly different messaging around value proposition perhaps targeting different segment believe audience find drive growth 4 Test marketing messageschannels Connect landing page Google Analytics platform mentioned configuration property start understanding people finding site Google “free google adwords” “free facebook ads” “free linkedin ads” find option getting learning use free ad spend credit Use try find term resonate driving people site 5 Build curate mailing list Use email you’re collecting landing page start weekly newsletter Send relevant information productservice Give update progress share helpful industryrelated information Use free service like Mailchimp Hubspot Marketing design send track analytics email Track open rate see content people readingclicking you’re consistent people unsubscribe others keep reading That’s good you’re refining audience messaging 6 Interview prospective customersclients Use email you’re collecting reach contact ask they’d willing take quick phone call Identify question ask test hypothesis business goal get clear understanding customer pain — get validation solution understand articulate problem saying go there’s one way skin cat 7 Build Ideal Customer Profile ICP Come profile type individualscompanies purchase productservice you’re selling individual figure gender age interest shop they’re solving identified problem today you’re selling business figure industry they’re size company within company need talking Write thing need iterate definition continually refinehone clearer definition customer easier find 8 Articulate problem statementnull hypothesis Building business fundamentally science experiment null hypothesis statement problem think solving Everything launch business spirit trying disprove null hypothesis rewrite make strongermore accurate point you’ll longer able disprove hypothesis you’ll know you’ve come truth resonates target market better articulate easier explain company’s value proposition 9 Build prototype product get feedback Regardless you’re building physical product software delivering service way create simple prototype get feedback Get creative build mailing list define ICP audience provide feedback prototype you’re building software could look like visual design use Figma Invision even Google Slides visualize user experience you’re providing service contact list provide free first 10 respondent you’re building physical product find people local proximity get prototype hand Test solve problem medium solution may change getting customer feedback critical step side 10 Identify prove teammate Put time finding “who” go alone it’s much easiermore powerful someone side Find great time prove You’re reliant yet find work show fight Work detail role timing you’ll leave job Make sure you’re committed work well together formalizing arrangement Handshake partnership quick way get started making anything permanent able trust 11 Incorporate company time come move incorporate company don’t make first thing don’t wait you’re full time incorporate want make sure right teammate headed right direction productservice incorporate early you’re going waste lot time money thing don’t work you’re confident there’s reason wait full time step take much longer think 12 Figure funding Work financial model business figure much money you’re going need become sustainable able selffund far get maintaining day job need fundraise milestone need hit best position fundraise best thing working thing day job often make much progress seeking funding ever need worst thing quit job figure you’re going fund later that’s highly discourage know quit day job go full time might wondering “These seem like thing I’d working full time keep day job actually leave pursue full time” simple answer question — know might feel like copout here’s happen You’ll business fundamental place partner figured domain brand website incorporation complete least sexy part starting business taken care you’re primarily focused two thing product sale generally take shape form feedback you’re receiving prospective customer There’s much rolling hour available literally limiting ability react customer providing feedback mean care much can’t respond mean you’re gaining audience Translate feedback product Get back customer hand Find customer Rinse Repeat point business feel imminent don’t answer question you’ve done item list solid foundation start Done right clear path create value customer step away day job keep buildingTags Startup Lessons Life Lessons Entrepreneurship Startup Entrepreneur |
2,927 | Old Mortality | My uncle died a few weeks ago. He didn’t die from the virus, but his funeral was affected by the ongoing restrictions. Today those of us too distant or too numerous to attend got to watch the crematorium service live-streamed to our laptops or smartphones. It made what would always be a sombre experience surreal and grimly affecting.
It was a one-way connection, so I could see my Mum, Dad, widowed Aunt and other family members playing their part, but couldn’t interact in any way. They were all respectful, socially distanced, and in most cases mask-wearing. It seemed almost disrespectful to be watching remotely in comfort and casual attire, like a ghost at the feast. | https://medium.com/grab-a-slice/old-mortality-ed9c68fb8628 | ['Mark Kelly'] | 2020-09-17 14:23:15.949000+00:00 | ['Death', 'Nonfiction', 'Technology', 'Coronavirus', 'Funerals'] | Title Old MortalityContent uncle died week ago didn’t die virus funeral affected ongoing restriction Today u distant numerous attend got watch crematorium service livestreamed laptop smartphones made would always sombre experience surreal grimly affecting oneway connection could see Mum Dad widowed Aunt family member playing part couldn’t interact way respectful socially distanced case maskwearing seemed almost disrespectful watching remotely comfort casual attire like ghost feastTags Death Nonfiction Technology Coronavirus Funerals |
2,928 | I ranked every Intro to Data Science course on the internet, based on thousands of data points | Our goal with this introduction to data science course is to become familiar with the data science process. We don’t want too in-depth coverage of specific aspects of the process, hence the “intro to” portion of the title.
For each aspect, the ideal course explains key concepts within the framework of the process, introduces common tools, and provides a few examples (preferably hands-on).
We’re only looking for an introduction. This guide therefore won’t include full specializations or programs like Johns Hopkins University’s Data Science Specialization on Coursera or Udacity’s Data Analyst Nanodegree. These compilations of courses elude the purpose of this series: to find the best individual courses for each subject to comprise a data science education. The final three guides in this series of articles will cover each aspect of the data science process in detail.
Basic coding, stats, and probability experience required
Several courses listed below require basic programming, statistics, and probability experience. This requirement is understandable given that the new content is reasonably advanced, and that these subjects often have several courses dedicated to them.
This experience can be acquired through our recommendations in the first two articles (programming, statistics) in this Data Science Career Guide.
Our pick for the best intro to data science course is…
Kirill Eremenko’s Data Science A-Z™ on Udemy is the clear winner in terms of breadth and depth of coverage of the data science process of the 20+ courses that qualified. It has a 4.5-star weighted average rating over 3,071 reviews, which places it among the highest rated and most reviewed courses of the ones considered.
It outlines the full process and provides real-life examples. At 21 hours of content, it is a good length. Reviewers love the instructor’s delivery and the organization of the content. The price varies depending on Udemy discounts, which are frequent, so you may be able to purchase access for as little as $10.
Though it doesn’t check our “usage of common data science tools” box, the non-Python/R tool choices (gretl, Tableau, Excel) are used effectively in context. Eremenko mentions the following when explaining the gretl choice (gretl is a statistical software package), though it applies to all of the tools he uses (emphasis mine):
In gretl, we will be able to do the same modeling just like in R and Python but we won’t have to code. That’s the big deal here. Some of you may already know R very well, but some may not know it at all. My goal is to show you how to build a robust model and give you a framework that you can apply in any tool you choose. gretl will help us avoid getting bogged down in our coding.
One prominent reviewer noted the following:
Kirill is the best teacher I’ve found online. He uses real life examples and explains common problems so that you get a deeper understanding of the coursework. He also provides a lot of insight as to what it means to be a data scientist from working with insufficient data all the way to presenting your work to C-class management. I highly recommend this course for beginner students to intermediate data analysts!
The preview video for Data Science A-Z™.
A great Python-focused introduction
Udacity’s Intro to Data Analysis is a relatively new offering that is part of Udacity’s popular Data Analyst Nanodegree. It covers the data science process clearly and cohesively using Python, though it lacks a bit in the modeling aspect. The estimated timeline is 36 hours (six hours per week over six weeks), though it is shorter in my experience. It has a 5-star weighted average rating over two reviews. It is free.
The videos are well-produced and the instructor (Caroline Buckey) is clear and personable. Lots of programming quizzes enforce the concepts learned in the videos. Students will leave the course confident in their new and/or improved NumPy and Pandas skills (these are popular Python libraries). The final project — which is graded and reviewed in the Nanodegree but not in the free individual course — can be a nice add to a portfolio.
Udacity instructor Caroline Buckey outlining the data analysis process (also known as the data science process).
An impressive offering with no review data
Data Science Fundamentals (Big Data University)
Data Science Fundamentals is a four-course series provided by IBM’s Big Data University. It includes courses titled Data Science 101, Data Science Methodology, Data Science Hands-on with Open Source Tools, and R 101.
It covers the full data science process and introduces Python, R, and several other open-source tools. The courses have tremendous production value. 13–18 hours of effort is estimated, depending on if you take the “R 101” course at the end, which isn’t necessary for the purpose of this guide. Unfortunately, it has no review data on the major review sites that we used for this analysis, so we can’t recommend it over the above two options yet. It is free.
A video from the first module of the Big Data University’s Data Science 101 (which is the first course in the Data Science Fundamentals series).
The competition
Our #1 pick had a weighted average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars over 3,068 reviews. Let’s look at the other alternatives, sorted by descending rating. Below you’ll find several R-focused courses, if you are set on an introduction in that language. | https://medium.com/free-code-camp/i-ranked-all-the-best-data-science-intro-courses-based-on-thousands-of-data-points-db5dc7e3eb8e | ['David Venturi'] | 2018-11-14 16:41:17.584000+00:00 | ['Big Data', 'Programming', 'Startup', 'Data Science', 'Tech'] | Title ranked every Intro Data Science course internet based thousand data pointsContent goal introduction data science course become familiar data science process don’t want indepth coverage specific aspect process hence “intro to” portion title aspect ideal course explains key concept within framework process introduces common tool provides example preferably handson We’re looking introduction guide therefore won’t include full specialization program like Johns Hopkins University’s Data Science Specialization Coursera Udacity’s Data Analyst Nanodegree compilation course elude purpose series find best individual course subject comprise data science education final three guide series article cover aspect data science process detail Basic coding stats probability experience required Several course listed require basic programming statistic probability experience requirement understandable given new content reasonably advanced subject often several course dedicated experience acquired recommendation first two article programming statistic Data Science Career Guide pick best intro data science course is… Kirill Eremenko’s Data Science AZ™ Udemy clear winner term breadth depth coverage data science process 20 course qualified 45star weighted average rating 3071 review place among highest rated reviewed course one considered outline full process provides reallife example 21 hour content good length Reviewers love instructor’s delivery organization content price varies depending Udemy discount frequent may able purchase access little 10 Though doesn’t check “usage common data science tools” box nonPythonR tool choice gretl Tableau Excel used effectively context Eremenko mention following explaining gretl choice gretl statistical software package though applies tool us emphasis mine gretl able modeling like R Python won’t code That’s big deal may already know R well may know goal show build robust model give framework apply tool choose gretl help u avoid getting bogged coding One prominent reviewer noted following Kirill best teacher I’ve found online us real life example explains common problem get deeper understanding coursework also provides lot insight mean data scientist working insufficient data way presenting work Cclass management highly recommend course beginner student intermediate data analyst preview video Data Science AZ™ great Pythonfocused introduction Udacity’s Intro Data Analysis relatively new offering part Udacity’s popular Data Analyst Nanodegree cover data science process clearly cohesively using Python though lack bit modeling aspect estimated timeline 36 hour six hour per week six week though shorter experience 5star weighted average rating two review free video wellproduced instructor Caroline Buckey clear personable Lots programming quiz enforce concept learned video Students leave course confident new andor improved NumPy Pandas skill popular Python library final project — graded reviewed Nanodegree free individual course — nice add portfolio Udacity instructor Caroline Buckey outlining data analysis process also known data science process impressive offering review data Data Science Fundamentals Big Data University Data Science Fundamentals fourcourse series provided IBM’s Big Data University includes course titled Data Science 101 Data Science Methodology Data Science Handson Open Source Tools R 101 cover full data science process introduces Python R several opensource tool course tremendous production value 13–18 hour effort estimated depending take “R 101” course end isn’t necessary purpose guide Unfortunately review data major review site used analysis can’t recommend two option yet free video first module Big Data University’s Data Science 101 first course Data Science Fundamentals series competition 1 pick weighted average rating 45 5 star 3068 review Let’s look alternative sorted descending rating you’ll find several Rfocused course set introduction languageTags Big Data Programming Startup Data Science Tech |
2,929 | No One Has Their Sh*t Together | LET’S GET REAL
No One Has Their Sh*t Together
And why I don’t plan on getting mine together anytime soon
(Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash)
I’m sure everyone recognizes this feeling: your life looks like a mess. You’re behind on your work, you aren’t reaching your goals, the days seem to disappear before your eyes, and you’re just totally and utterly dissatisfied with your life.
Then you open up the news or your Instagram or your LinkedIn and you’re bombarded with people talking about their new internships, the next child prodigy going to university, or how everyone is now a lean, mean, pescetarian, productivity machine.
You sit there and think, Ugh, why am I like this? Why can’t I get my sh*t together? Why does everyone else have their sh*t together?
The truth is… they don’t. Or, at least 99.9999% of them don’t.
Let me explain.
Four years ago, I was like any other try-hard high school freshman. I signed up for an abnormal number of clubs and admired all of the seniors who were either club heads or involved in elite entrepreneurship programs or running conferences.
And as the little man who sat there watching or following their lead, I always thought that, well, you know, in order for them to have gotten to those places, clearly they’re absolute gods and know what to do, how to do it, and exactly who they are!
But more importantly, all I could think at the time was wow — if I were like that… I’d have my sh*t together. My life would be COMPLETE, I would be living life like a BOSS.
Four years later, as a try-hard high school senior that is now one of those club heads, entrepreneurship program participants and organization runners… guess what?
I still don’t have my sh*t together.
You heard me right. I still don’t have my sh*t together.
I applied or joined these positions because I thought they were cool, because they would look good on a resume, or sometimes just because my friend needed another person. I thought that if I was accepted, surely I was either already fully prepared for this or someone was going to teach me “the way.”
Nu-uh.
I didn’t know how to manage a team, I didn’t know how to run meetings or teach lessons or whatever else I was being told to handle. I was running around trying my best to figure things out as I went… and that’s exactly the point: You sort of never have your sh*t together.
And you might be thinking, What the hell? So we just go through our entire lives frantically not having our lives together and constantly feeling dissatisfied?
No. You don’t.
You learn to be comfortable with not having your sh*t together.
You have to realize that nobody has their life together, and that’s the way it sort of should be.
Think about it. The concept of not having your sh*t together means you don’t really know what to do. And the reason you’re not reaching the amazing goals you have is because you’re in unfamiliar territory and/or you have a lot of work to do.
But this is bound to happen as you grow and take on bigger and more difficult challenges, because you’re encountering problems that you’ve never dealt with before.
If every problem was simple to solve off the bat, not only would that be unbelievably boring, there probably wouldn’t be any problems left for anyone to solve in this world and everyone would have their sh*t together. But that’s clearly not the case.
I think there’s only three types of people who “have their sh*t together”:
People who stagnate and get good at doing something and don’t actively challenge themselves to do more and be more People who think that they know everything and anything but really don’t People who have accepted and are at peace with not having their sh*t together.
And frankly, I think it’s much better to be someone who feels like they “don’t have their sh*t together” than to be the first two — because that means you at least acknowledge that you have work to do. Or alternatively, it means you’re actively pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Both facts mean you are on the path to growth. It’s only by recognizing problems that you can solve them, and it’s only by taking on new challenges that you can evolve.
And if you fall into the first two categories… that’s okay! Maybe you’re totally happy with where you are in life and that’s awesome, live the lifestyle you want man and keep doing what you’re doing. Or maybe you aren’t and now you feel like you don’t have your sh*t together, in which case — I’ve done my job. Now it’s time for you to get comfortable with that feeling, and search for it.
No matter how high of a ranking you attain or how old you get, you’re constantly going to be faced with new challenges, which means you and everyone else on this planet will NEVER have your sh*t together.
That is to say, there is no concrete finish line or trophy you can obtain that will magically guarantee you the title or feeling of “having your sh*t together.”
This means that the best thing you can do for yourself is to accept that. Accept that feeling of discomfort. Accept the fact that you don’t know what to do or that there’s so much to fix.
In fact, I challenge you to SEEK IT OUT.
Why? Because it means you’re growing and pushing yourself to your limits. You’re becoming a better person each and every day.
That’s why I’m proud to say: I don’t have my shit together, and I don’t plan on it any time soon. | https://medium.com/bigger-picture/no-one-has-their-sh-t-together-14a44c0bb007 | ['Bonnie Chin'] | 2020-08-21 16:56:51.246000+00:00 | ['Life Lessons', 'Self Improvement', 'Motivation', 'Self', 'Productivity'] | Title One Sht TogetherContent LET’S GET REAL One Sht Together don’t plan getting mine together anytime soon Photo Clay Banks Unsplash I’m sure everyone recognizes feeling life look like mess You’re behind work aren’t reaching goal day seem disappear eye you’re totally utterly dissatisfied life open news Instagram LinkedIn you’re bombarded people talking new internship next child prodigy going university everyone lean mean pescetarian productivity machine sit think Ugh like can’t get sht together everyone else sht together truth is… don’t least 999999 don’t Let explain Four year ago like tryhard high school freshman signed abnormal number club admired senior either club head involved elite entrepreneurship program running conference little man sat watching following lead always thought well know order gotten place clearly they’re absolute god know exactly importantly could think time wow — like that… I’d sht together life would COMPLETE would living life like BOSS Four year later tryhard high school senior one club head entrepreneurship program participant organization runners… guess still don’t sht together heard right still don’t sht together applied joined position thought cool would look good resume sometimes friend needed another person thought accepted surely either already fully prepared someone going teach “the way” Nuuh didn’t know manage team didn’t know run meeting teach lesson whatever else told handle running around trying best figure thing went… that’s exactly point sort never sht together might thinking hell go entire life frantically life together constantly feeling dissatisfied don’t learn comfortable sht together realize nobody life together that’s way sort Think concept sht together mean don’t really know reason you’re reaching amazing goal you’re unfamiliar territory andor lot work bound happen grow take bigger difficult challenge you’re encountering problem you’ve never dealt every problem simple solve bat would unbelievably boring probably wouldn’t problem left anyone solve world everyone would sht together that’s clearly case think there’s three type people “have sht together” People stagnate get good something don’t actively challenge People think know everything anything really don’t People accepted peace sht together frankly think it’s much better someone feel like “don’t sht together” first two — mean least acknowledge work alternatively mean you’re actively pushing outside comfort zone fact mean path growth It’s recognizing problem solve it’s taking new challenge evolve fall first two categories… that’s okay Maybe you’re totally happy life that’s awesome live lifestyle want man keep you’re maybe aren’t feel like don’t sht together case — I’ve done job it’s time get comfortable feeling search matter high ranking attain old get you’re constantly going faced new challenge mean everyone else planet NEVER sht together say concrete finish line trophy obtain magically guarantee title feeling “having sht together” mean best thing accept Accept feeling discomfort Accept fact don’t know there’s much fix fact challenge SEEK mean you’re growing pushing limit You’re becoming better person every day That’s I’m proud say don’t shit together don’t plan time soonTags Life Lessons Self Improvement Motivation Self Productivity |
2,930 | Why Consumer Emotions Are Difficult to Read | Consumer Emotions Are Highly Contextual
Many theories around emotion psychology have emphasized the universality and innate nature of emotions. They assume that we can detect facial patterns that express each time the same emotion, whether it is fear or joy.
However, when famous psychologists Schachter and Singer had the idea of injecting epinephrine into patients, they realized the deep ambivalence of our emotions. After making them wait in a room in the company of fake actors, they confronted them in two situations.
In one, the actors complained rather loudly about the difficulty of filling out a paper and expressing their anger openly. On the other, they showed enthusiasm and excitement by making paper airplanes and playing with them.
Quite strangely, in the first case, participants affected by adrenaline also experienced significant anger, with no other connection. Meanwhile, in the second case, they showed euphoria in sync with the scene they had experienced.
What the researchers then realized is that our emotions are not self-generated but are largely defined by context. The situation in which we may both feel joy or anger for the same internal stimulus (be it adrenaline, dopamine, or any other physiological reaction).
As a result, our body or mind defines less what we feel, than the interpretation we make of what we feel. In this precise situation, participants inferred from cues in the situation that their beating heart was the result of anger or joy, and thus experienced that sentiment.
Hence, the growing importance of the experience and context of consumption in marketing. Marketers have noticed the power of contextual targeting to get a more emotional impact. For example, P&G’s “Thank you, Mom” campaign played when people were watching the Olympics with their families. As such, it gets a big resonance from mothers thinking about their sons’ bright futures. The ads wouldn’t have had the same meaning when watched at a different time. | https://medium.com/better-marketing/why-consumer-emotions-are-difficult-to-read-dd58183e9026 | ['Jean-Marc Buchert'] | 2020-12-17 08:53:52.499000+00:00 | ['Advertising', 'Feelings', 'Marketing', 'Consumer Behavior', 'Psychology'] | Title Consumer Emotions Difficult ReadContent Consumer Emotions Highly Contextual Many theory around emotion psychology emphasized universality innate nature emotion assume detect facial pattern express time emotion whether fear joy However famous psychologist Schachter Singer idea injecting epinephrine patient realized deep ambivalence emotion making wait room company fake actor confronted two situation one actor complained rather loudly difficulty filling paper expressing anger openly showed enthusiasm excitement making paper airplane playing Quite strangely first case participant affected adrenaline also experienced significant anger connection Meanwhile second case showed euphoria sync scene experienced researcher realized emotion selfgenerated largely defined context situation may feel joy anger internal stimulus adrenaline dopamine physiological reaction result body mind defines le feel interpretation make feel precise situation participant inferred cue situation beating heart result anger joy thus experienced sentiment Hence growing importance experience context consumption marketing Marketers noticed power contextual targeting get emotional impact example PG’s “Thank Mom” campaign played people watching Olympics family get big resonance mother thinking sons’ bright future ad wouldn’t meaning watched different timeTags Advertising Feelings Marketing Consumer Behavior Psychology |
2,931 | Lacking Motivation? By Doing These 3 Things You’ll Find You Don’t Need It | Who here has ever waited for the Monday to arrive when everything would change? We anticipate the changes to come by indulging in sinful acts of gluttony and binge-watching because come Monday, we’re clearing the decks for the much-anticipated change that’s a’coming!
My hand is raised! I’ve always found that the excitement and the build-up to the day was a very motivating factor. The possibilities — oh the endless ways I was going to clean things up, make better use of my time, nurture my body with foods that would provide it with dense nutrients, and vitamins it had been lacking. I was finally going to do away with my bad habits and don a few healthy ones.
But as the story goes, after day 3, which proves to be the most challenging, our motivation begins its inevitable descent. Our excuses begin hopping aboard again, like good friends we haven’t seen in ages, and our descent turns into a plummet. (Because these friends are right! I deserve a break, a treat, a cheat day.)
Motivation is a fickle companion. It’ll leave you in the throes to wither and die, only to return again as if nothing ever happened, placing the blame on you for its disappearance.
We’ve learned this lesson time and time again. So how do we tackle this “motivation” problem?
Here’s what can help.
Motivation gets you started, habit is what keeps you going is a well-used phrase. I’ve used it in many of my challenge emails as a way to help people see the flip side of motivation.
Yes, it gets you going in the first place, but it’s not what gets you to the finish line. The idea is that you begin new habits because you’re excited to change things up. Once you have the habit, or routine in place, you don’t need the motivation anymore, you can solely rely on the power of habit.
If only that were true. Because if that were true, we’d be the healthiest planet in the Universe. Hospitals would treat cuts, bruises, broken limbs, and deliver babies. Pepsi and Coca-Cola would be farm-to-table, and we’d all live to at least 100.
Unfortunately, this isn’t our reality, and habits don’t always stick around either. (Just try to find your habit when you come back from vacation, or you recover from an injury. You’ll see it has found the world's best hiding spot! And no, I don’t know where that is.)
So what can we do when motivation plummets and habits bail?
Here are three best practices to employ when trying something new, something you’re set on making a habit. (Note: this is a practice, meaning you must work at it, tweak it, and try performing it better each new day.)
Start off with these three things:
Create accountability.
In any form, but preferably in a friend, or group of friends who have no qualms calling your lame-ass out for being an excuse hoarder, because that’s exactly what happens… we hoard excuses and then hurl them at those who question us.
Don’t be the one who thinks “I have no time” is a perfectly valid excuse either. A few other gems you may want to discard are:
I’m too tired.
I can’t get myself out of bed in the mornings.
Work is too stressful.
My kids need me. (Which is basically what you’re saying when you’re tired, stressed, or feeling guilty for not being available to your children 24/7. Psssst… they’re fine with the separation, it’s what will help them become socially acceptable individuals who can function independently. Plus, if they see you working out or eating delicious healthy snacks, it will impress them.)
When you have someone, or a crew, to lean on when it comes to doing what needs to be done, even when you’re dead-set against it, you’ll show up more times than if you went it alone. It’s been proven in research… do you need me to go digging in Google scholar to prove it to you?
Trust me, accountability is going to get you to show up more than motivation ever will!
Action step: Take it upon yourself right now to think of one person you can call on to be your accountability partner (and it’s probably best to not use your spouse for this… don’t stir the pot if you don’t have to!)
Decide what’s important, and what’s not, and stick to it!
Instagram is NOT important. Facebook is watching your every move. Tik Tok is owned by another country that doesn’t have your best interest in mind.
Email is full of junk — mostly ;) I’m in there soooooo yea…
Anyway, my point is to stop the colossal “screen-suck” time-waster that you hold in the palm of your hand. It’s become the silent habit you don’t realize you have.
Case in point, I’ve recognized my own bad habit with my phone. When I get an instant message from a friend, I’ll, of course, quickly check it — because the little ding or vibration is crack to my brain — and after I shoot off a reply, I’ll check my email. Why? I have no friggin’ clue why but somewhere along the way, this became a blind habit of mine.
Once I noticed it, I noticed it often. I witnessed it happening —and it was freaky, as if my fingers and thumbs were in cahoots against my sensible brain. My brain would try to stop it, but it was always after I had already opened my email… too late, sucked in by junk.
Pay attention to your phone habit because I’m certain it’s one of the things that’s sucking time away from you. And your attention, focus, and sensibilities. (We know better! We tell our kids to be better!)
Action step: Put it down, walk away for 30 minutes, workout, come back to it, resume phone hypnosis.
Don’t be vague.
Starting tomorrow I’m going to workout! (that exclamation point is your ever-present initial motivation — which we now know is already beginning its descent!) is so vague and non-descript. It’s like saying I’m going on vacation tomorrow without having an itinerary, plane ticket, or hotel reservation. Sure you are.
Tomorrow then becomes the next day, and then the next, and then you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night feeling like a failure because you can’t seem to get your life in order, or at the very least get in a 15-minute workout that you know will help you feel better, manage stress, and tire you out so you can actually sleep throughout the night! (And if you do suffer from a 3 am worry habit that keeps you up till the sun begins to rise, I have two tips to help you work through that.)
There’s a reason there are time management guru’s out there making millions off people like you and me. It’s because we’re not specific. We do things like “winging it” and “playing it by ear” and give a lot of decision-making power to how we’re feeling in the moment. We think we’ll make time for something when what we need to be doing is making a plan for something.
Action step: Here’s what I want you to do tonight, before you go to bed, or before you finish your workday and get distracted by the kiddos. I want you to take 4-minutes and plan out your day for tomorrow.
Seriously, it will only take 4-minutes. I want you to place on your calendar three important things: 1. what time you will workout and the length of time you will do it for, 2. what workout you will do (i.e. yoga, Peloton, pilates, etc.), and 3. what you’re going to make for dinner.
That’s it. Those three things are all you have to plan out.
To reinforce this idea, or if you find yourself with a wonky schedule and you’re already saying, but AM, my day to days are always different, watch this, it can help!
And for all my mom peeps out there… this is incredibly important to do when those kids have days off from school and you know there will be all sorts of distractions buzzing around you. Know when you are carving out time for yourself before the day begins… this way you get in some quality me-time that can make for a much nicer, and calmer mama!
Your Turn!
Now, these are three simple things you must put into action for them to be of any use to you, so don’t walk away without:
Deciding who will be your accountability partner, and set it up with them! Eliminate your ‘screen-suck’ time by paying attention to your little sneaky phone habits. And get clear on how you’re going to spend your day, and your workout time. Plan ahead and be specific!
Once you’re set-up, motivation won’t know what happened, you’ll be all “Bye Felicia” when it shows up at your doorstep because you no longer need to rely or lean on it for support. | https://medium.com/live-your-life-on-purpose/lacking-motivation-3-things-help-workout-routine-39401e747e56 | ['Am Costanzo'] | 2020-11-18 15:01:08.362000+00:00 | ['Self', 'Wellness', 'Productivity', 'Life', 'Fitness'] | Title Lacking Motivation 3 Things You’ll Find Don’t Need ItContent ever waited Monday arrive everything would change anticipate change come indulging sinful act gluttony bingewatching come Monday we’re clearing deck muchanticipated change that’s a’coming hand raised I’ve always found excitement buildup day motivating factor possibility — oh endless way going clean thing make better use time nurture body food would provide dense nutrient vitamin lacking finally going away bad habit healthy one story go day 3 prof challenging motivation begin inevitable descent excuse begin hopping aboard like good friend haven’t seen age descent turn plummet friend right deserve break treat cheat day Motivation fickle companion It’ll leave throe wither die return nothing ever happened placing blame disappearance We’ve learned lesson time time tackle “motivation” problem Here’s help Motivation get started habit keep going wellused phrase I’ve used many challenge email way help people see flip side motivation Yes get going first place it’s get finish line idea begin new habit you’re excited change thing habit routine place don’t need motivation anymore solely rely power habit true true we’d healthiest planet Universe Hospitals would treat cut bruise broken limb deliver baby Pepsi CocaCola would farmtotable we’d live least 100 Unfortunately isn’t reality habit don’t always stick around either try find habit come back vacation recover injury You’ll see found world best hiding spot don’t know motivation plummet habit bail three best practice employ trying something new something you’re set making habit Note practice meaning must work tweak try performing better new day Start three thing Create accountability form preferably friend group friend qualm calling lameass excuse hoarder that’s exactly happens… hoard excuse hurl question u Don’t one think “I time” perfectly valid excuse either gem may want discard I’m tired can’t get bed morning Work stressful kid need basically you’re saying you’re tired stressed feeling guilty available child 247 Psssst… they’re fine separation it’s help become socially acceptable individual function independently Plus see working eating delicious healthy snack impress someone crew lean come need done even you’re deadset you’ll show time went alone It’s proven research… need go digging Google scholar prove Trust accountability going get show motivation ever Action step Take upon right think one person call accountability partner it’s probably best use spouse this… don’t stir pot don’t Decide what’s important what’s stick Instagram important Facebook watching every move Tik Tok owned another country doesn’t best interest mind Email full junk — mostly I’m soooooo yea… Anyway point stop colossal “screensuck” timewaster hold palm hand It’s become silent habit don’t realize Case point I’ve recognized bad habit phone get instant message friend I’ll course quickly check — little ding vibration crack brain — shoot reply I’ll check email friggin’ clue somewhere along way became blind habit mine noticed noticed often witnessed happening —and freaky finger thumb cahoot sensible brain brain would try stop always already opened email… late sucked junk Pay attention phone habit I’m certain it’s one thing that’s sucking time away attention focus sensibility know better tell kid better Action step Put walk away 30 minute workout come back resume phone hypnosis Don’t vague Starting tomorrow I’m going workout exclamation point everpresent initial motivation — know already beginning descent vague nondescript It’s like saying I’m going vacation tomorrow without itinerary plane ticket hotel reservation Sure Tomorrow becomes next day next find waking middle night feeling like failure can’t seem get life order least get 15minute workout know help feel better manage stress tire actually sleep throughout night suffer 3 worry habit keep till sun begin rise two tip help work There’s reason time management guru’s making million people like It’s we’re specific thing like “winging it” “playing ear” give lot decisionmaking power we’re feeling moment think we’ll make time something need making plan something Action step Here’s want tonight go bed finish workday get distracted kiddos want take 4minutes plan day tomorrow Seriously take 4minutes want place calendar three important thing 1 time workout length time 2 workout ie yoga Peloton pilate etc 3 you’re going make dinner That’s three thing plan reinforce idea find wonky schedule you’re already saying day day always different watch help mom peep there… incredibly important kid day school know sort distraction buzzing around Know carving time day begins… way get quality metime make much nicer calmer mama Turn three simple thing must put action use don’t walk away without Deciding accountability partner set Eliminate ‘screensuck’ time paying attention little sneaky phone habit get clear you’re going spend day workout time Plan ahead specific you’re setup motivation won’t know happened you’ll “Bye Felicia” show doorstep longer need rely lean supportTags Self Wellness Productivity Life Fitness |
2,932 | Announcing Cross-Chain Group - A Blockchain Interoperability Resource | We are thrilled to announce that Summa has partnered with Keep to form Cross-Chain Group; a working group focused on furthering blockchain interoperability.
Cross-Chain Group is an industry resource dedicated to promoting the research, design, and implementation of cross-chain technology through collaboration, development, and educational events. By working closely with projects, chains, and technologists at the forefront of blockchain interoperability, we hope to drive innovation that leads to a more functional and robust ecosystem.
At Summa, we build cross-chain architecture and interoperability solutions that break the silos between chains, allowing liquidity, users, and value to flow more freely throughout the ecosystem. Our work on Stateless SPVs, Blake2b support in Ethereum (EIP-152), and Zcash MMR’s (ZIP-221) all promise to help bridge the gap, bringing some of the largest chains closer together.
“The initiative brings together two like-minded teams that want to see the industry mature through collaboration and connectivity,” said Matt Luongo, Project Lead at Keep. “Working with Summa and their cross-chain architecture means we can address more users on more chains. We look forward to bringing other teams into the fold who share this vision.”
Keep, a chain-agnostic provider of privacy technology for public chains, has shown tremendous dedication towards driving interoperability. Our shared vision of a fully interoperable ecosystem made them a natural partner for us. We’re working closely with their team to build the cross-chain solutions necessary to bring privacy to all chains and will share additional details as they become available.
“Partnering with Keep was a natural fit. Their tECDSA work allows smart contracts to write to the Bitcoin chain, which complements our read-optimized SPV work,” said James Prestwich, Co-founder of Summa. “Together, our technologies enable a wide array of interoperability use cases.”
Meaningful discussion, collaboration, and alignment between companies will drive innovation in interoperability and lead to more functional and user-friendly solutions. While Cross-Chain Group is currently invite-only, we would love to hear from projects, investors, and members of the community about the work they’re doing in interoperability and the ways that we can support them.
If you’re working on solutions that further cross-chain interoperability, please reach out at https://crosschain.group/
We’ll be continuing the conversation on interoperability next week with our new series, Blockchain Interoperability & Cross-Chain Communication. Until then, feel free to reach out to us on Twitter to ask questions and learn more. | https://medium.com/summa-technology/cross-chain-group-ae671b844dc9 | ['Matthew Hammond'] | 2019-08-01 17:04:15.108000+00:00 | ['Tech', 'Startup', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Blockchain', 'Programming'] | Title Announcing CrossChain Group Blockchain Interoperability ResourceContent thrilled announce Summa partnered Keep form CrossChain Group working group focused furthering blockchain interoperability CrossChain Group industry resource dedicated promoting research design implementation crosschain technology collaboration development educational event working closely project chain technologist forefront blockchain interoperability hope drive innovation lead functional robust ecosystem Summa build crosschain architecture interoperability solution break silo chain allowing liquidity user value flow freely throughout ecosystem work Stateless SPVs Blake2b support Ethereum EIP152 Zcash MMR’s ZIP221 promise help bridge gap bringing largest chain closer together “The initiative brings together two likeminded team want see industry mature collaboration connectivity” said Matt Luongo Project Lead Keep “Working Summa crosschain architecture mean address user chain look forward bringing team fold share vision” Keep chainagnostic provider privacy technology public chain shown tremendous dedication towards driving interoperability shared vision fully interoperable ecosystem made natural partner u We’re working closely team build crosschain solution necessary bring privacy chain share additional detail become available “Partnering Keep natural fit tECDSA work allows smart contract write Bitcoin chain complement readoptimized SPV work” said James Prestwich Cofounder Summa “Together technology enable wide array interoperability use cases” Meaningful discussion collaboration alignment company drive innovation interoperability lead functional userfriendly solution CrossChain Group currently inviteonly would love hear project investor member community work they’re interoperability way support you’re working solution crosschain interoperability please reach httpscrosschaingroup We’ll continuing conversation interoperability next week new series Blockchain Interoperability CrossChain Communication feel free reach u Twitter ask question learn moreTags Tech Startup Entrepreneurship Blockchain Programming |
2,933 | Building a Java REST API | Rest (REpresentational State Transfer) API (Application Program Interface) a lot of abbrevations, but what is a REST API and how is it related to Web Applications?
It’s very unlikely that you have never met or interacted with a REST API before, when using different web applications/services. Take forexample Google Maps, when you enter a location and the Map service provide you with driving guidelines presented nicely within the Google Maps GUI(Graphical User Interface). Such task is completed using API’s communicating with the Google Servers requesting the needed data. In that way you do never directly talk to the servers containing the actual information.
Lets start with REST, what is it? REST is an architectual style, which in most cases is based on HTTP protocols to communicate between different services/clients. It’s in it’s simple sense a set of constraints and properties used to define such communication. When HTTP is used the following operations are avalible:
GET — Request data from a specified resource (Get relevant posts on your Facebook Wall)
— Request data from a specified resource (Get relevant posts on your Facebook Wall) POST — Submits data to be processed (e.g save a user in a Database)
— Submits data to be processed (e.g save a user in a Database) PUT — For saving or updating a resource on the server
— For saving or updating a resource on the server DELETE — For deleting a given resource
With the basic understanding of how API’s are used and what operations are available over HTTP, it’s time to look into how such can be implemented. Within large web applications we will often need several API’s in order to process and offer different services like e.g creating users, saving posts and editing of profile information. When web API’s are combined we often refere to them as a Mashup.
A Mashup in web development is a web application that uses content from more than one source to create a single new service displayed in a single graphical interface. 1.
It’s therefore important to be aware of how we deploy different API’s based on how they are to be used. To do so, we refere to release polices. The following release polices are normaly used:
Private : The API is for internal company use only
: The API is for internal company use only Partner: Only specific business partners can use the API
Only specific business partners can use the API Public: The API is available for use by the public
With this short introduction to the different aspects of REST API’s it’s time to show how such can be developed and deployed. For this we will create a Public available API, in the programming language Java, running on a localhost environment.
For the implementation Spring Boot will be used, which is a popular Java framework for building web and enterprise applications. For more info about Spring Boot Click Here. To start up our REST API project navigate to http://start.spring.io, here the packages and version for our project will be set. To ensure you have the right setup you settings should look similar to the following picture.
Once your setup is similar to the picture above, click Generate Project. The Group/Artifact can however be named as you wish, to match your project. The next step is to open the project within an IDE. When opened for the first time, the IDE will most likely load for a few secs/min in order to setup dependencies. To ensure that you setup is right and that your application is able to compile and execute, run the project as a Java application within your IDE. If the build succeeded you will see something similar to this in the console:
Tomcat started on port(s): 8080 (http) with context path ‘’
Started RestApiDemoApplication in 3.332 seconds (JVM running for 5.3)
With that being tested it’s time to get into the code. Navigate to src/main/java/yourPackageName/yourAtifactNameApplication.java. Here we will create our first Controller, which is a normal .java file with certain specifications within the code. As an example we will create a GET method which returns a String. We will do the following steps.
Create a java class, e.g HelloWorldController.Java Define your class as a Controller in order to specify that our class needs to handle REST Requests using @Controller Create a method which returns a string e.g helloWorld Define the request type by using @RequestMapping and the path in which we will access it over HTTP e.g “/Hello”.
Once complete your file should look like this.
Once completed, restart your application and you should now be able to navigate to localhost:8080/hello and see the following.
We have now created our first REST API with a GET method.
In order to secure a REST API or anything else for that matter, we need to have a formal understanding of what security is within this context. This tutorial will focus on security centered around Authentication and Authorization as this is what we are going to center our implementation around.
Authentication
Authentication is the act of proving the identity of who we are. So when someone is trying to access our REST API, we want to ensure that the caller can be identified and thereby only allow trusted users to access the service. The most basic way of authentication is by using a User/password approach which works if we trust that the password is kept secure. However there are other ways of Authentication and these can be combined in what is called Two Factor Authentication. Two Factor Authentication is acomblished by using two or more techniques to authenticate. See example of such techniques below:
Something you know (e.g A user account containing a username and Password)
Something you have (e.g A mobile phone where a SMS can be send with a unique code)
Somerthing you are (Biometics e.g fingerprint or eye scanner)
Authorization
Authorization is the step following that a given user has Authenticated successfully. Authorization is the process of giving someone permission to do or access something. So if we have a Web Application there might be a set of Services which regular users can access and a set of admin services that only a admin is supposed to use. The users in the system is thereby divided into groups which will be given different authorization rights even though both groups can authenticate to the same Web Application.
Securing our REST API
Now that the differences between Authentication and Authorization has been established it’s time to look further into how we can achieve such for our Java REST API using Basic Authentication. In this guide we will make use of the Spring Security Framework which is the de-facto standard for securing Spring-based applications. For more about Spring Security, see: https://spring.io/projects/spring-security. If you have followed the steps in Part 1 of this tutorial you can implement this without much effort. All you need to do to add this Framework to your project is to add the following to your POM.xml file. within the dependencies tag.
In this part of the tutorial we will stick to basic Authentication with the use of a single User account. To add such you will go to the resources packed and then add the following in the application.properties file.
in the user.name you can specify a username whereas in the user.password you will write the password. When adding this you will see the following login page, next time you try to access your REST API.
The REST API is now complete with Basic Authentication. | https://medium.com/vinsloev-academy/building-a-java-rest-api-9b36b295fa58 | [] | 2020-06-28 06:44:06.527000+00:00 | ['Software Engineering', 'Java', 'Programming', 'Rest Api', 'Web Development'] | Title Building Java REST APIContent Rest REpresentational State Transfer API Application Program Interface lot abbrevations REST API related Web Applications It’s unlikely never met interacted REST API using different web applicationsservices Take forexample Google Maps enter location Map service provide driving guideline presented nicely within Google Maps GUIGraphical User Interface task completed using API’s communicating Google Servers requesting needed data way never directly talk server containing actual information Lets start REST REST architectual style case based HTTP protocol communicate different servicesclients It’s it’s simple sense set constraint property used define communication HTTP used following operation avalible GET — Request data specified resource Get relevant post Facebook Wall — Request data specified resource Get relevant post Facebook Wall POST — Submits data processed eg save user Database — Submits data processed eg save user Database PUT — saving updating resource server — saving updating resource server DELETE — deleting given resource basic understanding API’s used operation available HTTP it’s time look implemented Within large web application often need several API’s order process offer different service like eg creating user saving post editing profile information web API’s combined often refere Mashup Mashup web development web application us content one source create single new service displayed single graphical interface 1 It’s therefore important aware deploy different API’s based used refere release police following release police normaly used Private API internal company use API internal company use Partner specific business partner use API specific business partner use API Public API available use public short introduction different aspect REST API’s it’s time show developed deployed create Public available API programming language Java running localhost environment implementation Spring Boot used popular Java framework building web enterprise application info Spring Boot Click start REST API project navigate httpstartspringio package version project set ensure right setup setting look similar following picture setup similar picture click Generate Project GroupArtifact however named wish match project next step open project within IDE opened first time IDE likely load secsmin order setup dependency ensure setup right application able compile execute run project Java application within IDE build succeeded see something similar console Tomcat started port 8080 http context path ‘’ Started RestApiDemoApplication 3332 second JVM running 53 tested it’s time get code Navigate srcmainjavayourPackageNameyourAtifactNameApplicationjava create first Controller normal java file certain specification within code example create GET method return String following step Create java class eg HelloWorldControllerJava Define class Controller order specify class need handle REST Requests using Controller Create method return string eg helloWorld Define request type using RequestMapping path access HTTP eg “Hello” complete file look like completed restart application able navigate localhost8080hello see following created first REST API GET method order secure REST API anything else matter need formal understanding security within context tutorial focus security centered around Authentication Authorization going center implementation around Authentication Authentication act proving identity someone trying access REST API want ensure caller identified thereby allow trusted user access service basic way authentication using Userpassword approach work trust password kept secure However way Authentication combined called Two Factor Authentication Two Factor Authentication acomblished using two technique authenticate See example technique Something know eg user account containing username Password Something eg mobile phone SMS send unique code Somerthing Biometics eg fingerprint eye scanner Authorization Authorization step following given user Authenticated successfully Authorization process giving someone permission access something Web Application might set Services regular user access set admin service admin supposed use user system thereby divided group given different authorization right even though group authenticate Web Application Securing REST API difference Authentication Authorization established it’s time look achieve Java REST API using Basic Authentication guide make use Spring Security Framework defacto standard securing Springbased application Spring Security see httpsspringioprojectsspringsecurity followed step Part 1 tutorial implement without much effort need add Framework project add following POMxml file within dependency tag part tutorial stick basic Authentication use single User account add go resource packed add following applicationproperties file username specify username whereas userpassword write password adding see following login page next time try access REST API REST API complete Basic AuthenticationTags Software Engineering Java Programming Rest Api Web Development |
2,934 | Design Leadership: On Trust and Empowerment | This is the third in a series of articles on the subject of design leadership (here are the first and second instalments). In this article, I’m going to attempt to dig into your role as a leader to build trust and empower others; creating both a safe and challenging environment in which folks can grow and thrive.
Creating a space for people to thrive
With a mission to create teams and set them up for success in our organisations comes the responsibility to create a culture in which that team can thrive. We go to great lengths to hire great, talented people, so our duty as leaders is to ensure we’re utilising and nurturing the skills for which they were employed. Setting them, and by virtue the wider team, up to succeed.
How do you, as a leader, create the right environment where people can do their best work? How do you enable people to leverage and play to their strengths? How do you recognise when you’re overstepping as a leader and starting to stifle those around you?
It starts with you and your outlook on management and leadership Do you possess and practice a mindset and philosophy around empowering others? As a leader, your role isn’t to solve all of your team’s problems, nor is to deliver exemplary design work, it’s about fostering the capability, impetus and belief that others can and should do that for themselves.
Trust and safety are key here. People need to to be able to put themselves forward, take risks, raise concerns and enact change without fear of judgment and free from the governance and all-seeing the eye of management.
Our job here is to lead, not to manage. To motivate more and demand less. To create a team of self-sufficient, problem-solvers, not a network of dependency where you, as the leader, are the single point of failure.
As Grace Murray Hopper once said:
“You manage things, you lead people”.
Leading through empowerment
The idealistic view is one of empowered, self-sufficient teams who feel supported in doing their best work. Where it follows that the more we empower others and create the environment in which folks can succeed, the greater the likelihood that they will experience personal growth and individual success.
However, trust is the kicker! Without trust, we can’t sustain a healthy state of empowerment. At one extreme we are ‘that boss’. A lack of trust sees us bias towards a style of leadership that is more directive and seeks to micro-manage every situation. We bring everything under our immediate control to ensure it’s ‘done right’.
Don’t get me wrong, there are times where a more directive approach is right and applicable, but we create a lot of problems where this becomes our default. Talented folks you’ve hired, many of whom will likely have more experience than you in certain areas, will be sidelined and worst still, demotivated, where not given the opportunity to act autonomously.
In contrast, in the the scenario where there are high levels of trust and respect for the skills and experiences of the team, the leader assumes more of a coaching role, providing the right level of support as and when needed. The result is empowered individuals who act autonomously, operate without scrutiny and use their best judgement to solve problems in the way they see fit and appropriate.
Trust and empowerment go hand-in-hand.
Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and we must flex accordingly per individual and per scenario, but as a principle, learning to trust and allowing folks the opportunity to earn it is something all leaders have to work at. For most, it doesn’t come naturally and unfortunately is often very hard to rebuild when compromised.
Trust-Empowerment Chart.
Balance of safety and accountability
As I mentioned earlier, creating a safe environment, one that is free of judgment and encourages failure is a foundation for any high-performing team. But safety and accountability are not mutually exclusive.
Accountability is defined as:
“The fact of being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it or the degree to which this happens.”
You can and I’d argue should create a culture of high accountability without fear of compromising a teams’ sense of psychological safety. Accountability is a key component of trust. As leaders, we are reliant upon individual accountability to evidence consistency through action and credibility through outcomes.
In this below model, which I’m referring to as the ‘trust triangle’, there are three key components of trust:
Opportunity: Identifying the right opportunities for folks to lead and be accountable for a particular outcome; based on a combination of skill and experience, or the need for stretch and exposure.
Empowerment: Creating the right conditions and employing the right mindset that sets individuals up to succeed through their own merits; including the authority and autonomy to make decisions and act independently.
Accountability: Ensure individuals recognise and take ownership of a responsibility; taking steps to ensure progress is visible and that they can reason and rationalise when this isn’t happening.
The Trust Triangle.
These three components create a virtuous cycle of leaders providing opportunities, empowering others to act in a self-directed way, with individuals that recognise the need to demonstrate accountability through action and results. Where any of these components are missing, trust quickly begins to erode!
Trust is a two-way street
Trust is a two-way street. You, as a leader, have to trust in the people you’ve hired and those on your team need to trust in you, as their leader, to provide them with the support they need. Similarly, they will also expect a level of consistency and a degree of accountability when it comes to you and your actions.
It’s this reciprocal nature of trust that is so important, but easy to overlook. Often we expect others to trust us either by virtue of our role or some sense of entitlement, but just as we look to others to earn our trust, their trust in us must also be earned.
How often do we find ourselves compromising our leadership approach or principles of empowerment? In times of pressure, do we unwittingly slip back towards a position of distrust and direction? Do we fail to live up to our promises and default on others’ expectations of us?
The next time you pause to think about your current leadership situation and empowerment dynamics, consider the following: | https://medium.com/leading-design/design-leadership-series-on-trust-and-empowerment-f62af0e3894f | ['Matthew Godfrey'] | 2020-10-12 07:30:56.733000+00:00 | ['Leadership', 'Design', 'Empowerment', 'User Experience', 'Trust'] | Title Design Leadership Trust EmpowermentContent third series article subject design leadership first second instalment article I’m going attempt dig role leader build trust empower others creating safe challenging environment folk grow thrive Creating space people thrive mission create team set success organisation come responsibility create culture team thrive go great length hire great talented people duty leader ensure we’re utilising nurturing skill employed Setting virtue wider team succeed leader create right environment people best work enable people leverage play strength recognise you’re overstepping leader starting stifle around start outlook management leadership posse practice mindset philosophy around empowering others leader role isn’t solve team’s problem deliver exemplary design work it’s fostering capability impetus belief others Trust safety key People need able put forward take risk raise concern enact change without fear judgment free governance allseeing eye management job lead manage motivate demand le create team selfsufficient problemsolvers network dependency leader single point failure Grace Murray Hopper said “You manage thing lead people” Leading empowerment idealistic view one empowered selfsufficient team feel supported best work follows empower others create environment folk succeed greater likelihood experience personal growth individual success However trust kicker Without trust can’t sustain healthy state empowerment one extreme ‘that boss’ lack trust see u bias towards style leadership directive seek micromanage every situation bring everything immediate control ensure it’s ‘done right’ Don’t get wrong time directive approach right applicable create lot problem becomes default Talented folk you’ve hired many likely experience certain area sidelined worst still demotivated given opportunity act autonomously contrast scenario high level trust respect skill experience team leader assumes coaching role providing right level support needed result empowered individual act autonomously operate without scrutiny use best judgement solve problem way see fit appropriate Trust empowerment go handinhand course onesizefitsall approach must flex accordingly per individual per scenario principle learning trust allowing folk opportunity earn something leader work doesn’t come naturally unfortunately often hard rebuild compromised TrustEmpowerment Chart Balance safety accountability mentioned earlier creating safe environment one free judgment encourages failure foundation highperforming team safety accountability mutually exclusive Accountability defined “The fact responsible able give satisfactory reason degree happens” I’d argue create culture high accountability without fear compromising teams’ sense psychological safety Accountability key component trust leader reliant upon individual accountability evidence consistency action credibility outcome model I’m referring ‘trust triangle’ three key component trust Opportunity Identifying right opportunity folk lead accountable particular outcome based combination skill experience need stretch exposure Empowerment Creating right condition employing right mindset set individual succeed merit including authority autonomy make decision act independently Accountability Ensure individual recognise take ownership responsibility taking step ensure progress visible reason rationalise isn’t happening Trust Triangle three component create virtuous cycle leader providing opportunity empowering others act selfdirected way individual recognise need demonstrate accountability action result component missing trust quickly begin erode Trust twoway street Trust twoway street leader trust people you’ve hired team need trust leader provide support need Similarly also expect level consistency degree accountability come action It’s reciprocal nature trust important easy overlook Often expect others trust u either virtue role sense entitlement look others earn trust trust u must also earned often find compromising leadership approach principle empowerment time pressure unwittingly slip back towards position distrust direction fail live promise default others’ expectation u next time pause think current leadership situation empowerment dynamic consider followingTags Leadership Design Empowerment User Experience Trust |
2,935 | E Pluribus Unum | E Pluribus Unum
On John Dos Passos’s U.S.A.
John Dos Passos’s trilogy U.S.A. — comprising The 42nd Parallel (1930), 1919 (1932), and The Big Money (1936) — stands today like an unvisited historical monument in the annals of American literature, a Grant’s Tomb of the bookshelf. Despite its acceptance as a classic, and its being ranked twenty-third on the Modern Library list of the 100 best English-language novels of the twentieth century, it seems to be little read today. Yet when we open it again at the end of the second decade of the twenty-first, Dos Passos’s innovative, panoramic documentary of America’s emergence from its nineteenth-century cocoon onto the world stage during and after World War I is as timely a piece of fiction as one could imagine encountering in the echo chamber of our contemporary political discourse.
The author’s reputation preceding him (Gore Vidal once wrote, “Of all the recorders of what happened last summer — or last decade — John Dos Passos is the most dogged”), I was expecting an out-modishness barely tolerable when I reread it myself in 2016. What I found instead was an extraordinary fidelity to the faults at the core of our national identity, then and now. Immigrants of different nationalities are greeted with an all-too-familiar fear and aggression (“those damn lousy furreners”), and the realization of the gulf between the haves and the have-nots — be the having economic means, political power, or constabulary force — is similarly recognizable: “all right we are two nations” we read as The Big Money approaches its conclusion in the turmoil surrounding the trial and execution of Sacco and Vanzetti.
Through it all, we witness the author’s keen eye for the headlines, news flashes, and song lyrics that shaped the public mind in the first flush of mass media (how prescient Dos Passos was in his understanding of both its stimulating and stupefying effects). So if the trilogy is at times dated in expression, it is alive with a kind of scriptural foreshadowing, intuitive in its understanding of our enduring national character and the conflicts at the heart of it — between capitalism and the commonweal, finance and labor, the individual and the community, the familiar and the strange, the little guy and the big guy, us and them. In other words, the same impulses driving our current sense of crisis.
“all right we are two nations”
Dos Passos’s formal ambitions — the works are not conventional novels, but rather collages of voices, found language, stream-of-consciousness descriptions, “newsreels,” set pieces offering capsule biographies of inventors and thinkers such as Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, Thorstein Veblen, and Charles Steinmetz, and running narratives following the development of a handful of characters — were bold at the time of writing and remain striking today. As Alfred Kazin astutely wrote of the first book in the series:
What Dos Passos created with The 42nd Parallel was in fact another American invention — an American thing peculiar to the opportunity and stress of American life, like the Wright Brothers’ airplane, Edison’s phonograph, Luther Burbank’s hybrids, Thorstein Veblen’s social analysis, Frank Lloyd Wright’s first office buildings. (All these fellow inventors are celebrated in U.S.A.) The 42nd Parallel is an artwork. But we soon recognize that Dos Passos’ contraption, his new kind of novel, is in fact … the greatest character in the book itself.
U.S.A. is like a vast history painting, a montage of carefully constructed panels juxtaposed to create a composite “voice” more vivid, more resourceful, more impersonal, and more capacious than that heard in ordinary literary composition. He wanted to find a wavelength strong enough to broadcast the speech of the people entire, with all its messy and often anguished noise. Kazin again:
The artistic aim of his book, one may say, is to represent the litany, the tone, the issue of the time in the voice of the time, the banality, the cliché that finally brings home to us the voice in the crowd: the voice of mass opinion. The voice that might be anyone’s voice brings home to us, as only so powerful a reduction of the many to the one ever can, the vibrating resemblances that make history.
If you read Dos Passos’s dispatches from eight decades ago in tandem with news reports from any recent week, you’ll see how long those vibrating resemblances last. If U.S.A. has been out of fashion, it might be time for it to come back in: it’s like a reading of the entrails of American modernity, an ominous prophecy that is wise to the collective nature of the democratic enterprise, and therefore alert to the desperate disillusion which can threaten that enterprise when our sense of all-being-in-this-together is more real as phantom than as fact — when we embrace too blindly a destiny not manifest but makeshift, afraid of the riskiness inherent in the freedom it purports to espouse. | https://jamesmustich.medium.com/e-pluribus-unum-d4e32995c01f | ['James Mustich'] | 2019-02-27 13:36:10.978000+00:00 | ['Writing', 'History', 'Politics', 'Books'] | Title E Pluribus UnumContent E Pluribus Unum John Dos Passos’s USA John Dos Passos’s trilogy USA — comprising 42nd Parallel 1930 1919 1932 Big Money 1936 — stand today like unvisited historical monument annals American literature Grant’s Tomb bookshelf Despite acceptance classic ranked twentythird Modern Library list 100 best Englishlanguage novel twentieth century seems little read today Yet open end second decade twentyfirst Dos Passos’s innovative panoramic documentary America’s emergence nineteenthcentury cocoon onto world stage World War timely piece fiction one could imagine encountering echo chamber contemporary political discourse author’s reputation preceding Gore Vidal wrote “Of recorder happened last summer — last decade — John Dos Passos dogged” expecting outmodishness barely tolerable reread 2016 found instead extraordinary fidelity fault core national identity Immigrants different nationality greeted alltoofamiliar fear aggression “those damn lousy furreners” realization gulf have havenots — economic mean political power constabulary force — similarly recognizable “all right two nations” read Big Money approach conclusion turmoil surrounding trial execution Sacco Vanzetti witness author’s keen eye headline news flash song lyric shaped public mind first flush mass medium prescient Dos Passos understanding stimulating stupefying effect trilogy time dated expression alive kind scriptural foreshadowing intuitive understanding enduring national character conflict heart — capitalism commonweal finance labor individual community familiar strange little guy big guy u word impulse driving current sense crisis “all right two nations” Dos Passos’s formal ambition — work conventional novel rather collage voice found language streamofconsciousness description “newsreels” set piece offering capsule biography inventor thinker Thomas Edison Wright Brothers Thorstein Veblen Charles Steinmetz running narrative following development handful character — bold time writing remain striking today Alfred Kazin astutely wrote first book series Dos Passos created 42nd Parallel fact another American invention — American thing peculiar opportunity stress American life like Wright Brothers’ airplane Edison’s phonograph Luther Burbank’s hybrid Thorstein Veblen’s social analysis Frank Lloyd Wright’s first office building fellow inventor celebrated USA 42nd Parallel artwork soon recognize Dos Passos’ contraption new kind novel fact … greatest character book USA like vast history painting montage carefully constructed panel juxtaposed create composite “voice” vivid resourceful impersonal capacious heard ordinary literary composition wanted find wavelength strong enough broadcast speech people entire messy often anguished noise Kazin artistic aim book one may say represent litany tone issue time voice time banality cliché finally brings home u voice crowd voice mass opinion voice might anyone’s voice brings home u powerful reduction many one ever vibrating resemblance make history read Dos Passos’s dispatch eight decade ago tandem news report recent week you’ll see long vibrating resemblance last USA fashion might time come back it’s like reading entrails American modernity ominous prophecy wise collective nature democratic enterprise therefore alert desperate disillusion threaten enterprise sense allbeinginthistogether real phantom fact — embrace blindly destiny manifest makeshift afraid riskiness inherent freedom purport espouseTags Writing History Politics Books |
2,936 | What Are RBMs, Deep Belief Networks and Why Are They Important to Deep Learning? | What Are RBMs, Deep Belief Networks and Why Are They Important to Deep Learning?
In this article, we are going to take a look at what are DBNs and where can we use them.
A Deep Belief Network(DBN) is a powerful generative model that uses a deep architecture and in this article we are going to learn all about it. Don’t worry this is not relate to ‘The Secret or Church’, even though it involves ‘Deep Belief’, I promise!
After you read this article you will understand what is, how it works, where to apply and how to code your own Deep Belief Network.
Here is an overview of the points we are going to address:
What is a Boltzmann Machine?
Restricted Boltzmann Machine
Deep Belief Network
Deep Boltzmann Machine vs Deep Belief Network
What is a Boltzmann machine?
To give you a bit of background, Boltzmann machines are named after the Boltzmann distribution (also known as Gibbs Distribution and Energy-Based Models — EBM) which is an integral part of Statistical Mechanics and helps us to understand the impact of parameters like Entropy and Temperature on the Quantum States in the field of Thermodynamics. They were invented in 1985 by Geoffrey Hinton and Terry Sejnowski.
There are no output nodes! This may seem strange but this is what gives them this non-deterministic feature. They don’t have the typical 1 or 0 type output through which patterns are learned and optimized using Stochastic Gradient Descent. They learn patterns without that capability and this is what makes them so special!
One thing to note, unlike normal neural networks that don’t have any connections between the input nodes, a Boltzmann Machine has connections among the input nodes. We can see from the image that all the nodes are connected to all other nodes irrespective of whether they are input or hidden nodes. This allows them to share information among themselves and self-generate subsequent data. We only measure what’s on the visible nodes and not what’s on the hidden nodes. When the input is provided, they are able to capture all the parameters, patterns and correlations among the data. This is why they are called Deep Generative Model and fall into the class of Unsupervised Deep Learning .
Restricted Boltzmann machine
RBMs are a two-layered generative stochastic building blocks that can learn a probability distribution over its set of inputs features( i.e. image pixels).
Note: First, they aren’t used as much nowadays if at all and second they aren’t themselves neural networks, they are used as building blocks, more on this on the next section.
RBMs were also invented by Geoffrey Hinton and has many uses cases such as dimensionality reduction, classification, regression, collaborative filtering, feature learning, and topic modelling.
As the name implies, RBMs are a variant of Boltzmann machines with a small difference, their neurons must form a bipartite graph, which means there are no connections between nodes within a group(visible and the hidden) which makes them easy to implement as well as makes them more efficient to train them when compared to Boltzmann Machines.
In particular, this connection restriction allows RBMs to use more efficient and sophisticated training algorithms than the ones available for BM, such as the gradient-based contrastive divergence algorithm.
In simpler terms, this means that we basically have fewer connections.
As shown in the figure above. RBMs hold two sets of random variables (also called neurons): one layer of visible variables/nodes(which is the layer where the inputs go) to represent observable data and one layer of hidden variables to capture dependencies(calculate the probability distribution of the features) of the visible variables.
Forward pass
Example without data
Example using actual data. Image credits
Backward Pass
Example without data
Example with data. Image credits
RBM is a stochastic building block (layer) which means that the weights associated with each neuron are randomly initialized then we perform alternating Gibbs sampling: All of the units in a layer are updated in parallel given the current states of the units in the other layer and this is repeated until the system is sampling from its equilibrium distribution.
Now Given a randomly selected training image 𝑣, the binary state ℎ𝑗 of each hidden unit 𝑗, is set to 1 where its probability is:
𝑃(ℎ 𝑗 = 1|𝒗) = ℊ (𝑏𝑗 + ∑i V𝑖 . W𝑖𝑗 ) — (12)
Where ℊ(𝑥) is the logistic sigmoid function ℊ(𝑥) = 1/(1 + exp(−𝑥)). Therefore 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 can be computed easily.
Where 𝑊𝑖𝑗 represents the symmetric interaction term between visible unit 𝑖 and hidden unit j, 𝑏𝑖 and 𝑎i are bias terms for hidden units and visible units respectively.
Since there are no direct connections between visible units in an RBM, it is very easy to obtain an unbiased sample of the state of a visible unit, given a hidden vector
𝑃(𝑣𝑖 = 1|𝒉) = ℊ (𝑎𝑖 + ∑j ℎ𝑗 W𝑖𝑗 ) — (13)
However computing 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑙 is so difficult. It can be done by starting from any random state of the visible units and performing sequential Gibbs sampling for a long time. Finally due to impossibility of this method and large run-times, Contrastive Divergence (CD) method is used.
Contrastive Divergence (CD)
Since Gibbs sampling method is slow, Contrastive Divergence (CD) algorithm is used. In this method, visible units are initialized using training data. Then binary hidden units are computed according to equation (12). After determining binary hidden unit states, 𝑣𝑖 values are recomputed according to equation (13). Finally, the probability of hidden unit activation is computed and using these values of hidden units and visible units, 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑙 is computed.
Figure 3: Computation steps in CD1 method.
𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 (𝑒𝑖𝑗) is related to computing 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 for 𝑒𝑖𝑗 connection.
Negative (𝑒𝑖𝑗) is related to computing reconstruction of the data for 𝑒𝑖𝑗 connection.
Although CD1 method is not a perfect gradient computation method, but its results are acceptable. By repeating Gibbs sampling steps, CDk method is achieved. The k parameter is the number of repetitions of Gibbs sampling steps. This method has a higher performance and can compute gradient more exactly.
This method is great at learning features that are very at modelling/reconstructing data input data.
Let’s say you take a binary matrix that is an image of handwritten digit(i.e. number 6), turn it into a binary vector and feed it to trained RBM model, using its trained weights the model will be able to find low energy states compatible with that image and if you give it an image that is not of handwritten digit the model will not be able to find low energy states compatible with that image.
So what is this energy?
An energy function can be defined as a function that we want to minimize or maximize and it is a function of the variables of the system(model weights and bias).
We use energy functions as a unified framework for representing many machine learning algorithms(models).
Deep belief network
A Deep Belief Network(DBN) is a powerful generative model that use a deep architecture of multiple stacks of Restricted Boltzmann machines(RBM).
Each RBM model performs a non-linear transformation(much like a vanilla neural network works) on its input vectors and produces as outputs vectors that will serve as input for the next RBM model in the sequence.
This allows a lot flexibility to DBNs and makes them easier to expand.
Being a generative model allows DBNs to be used in either an unsupervised or a supervised setting. Meaning, DBNs have the ability to do feature learning/extraction and classification that are used in many applications, more on this in the applications section.
Precisely, in feature learning we do layer-by-layer pre-training in an unsupervised manner on the different RBMs that form a DBN and we use back-propagation technique(i.e. gradient descent) to do classification and other tasks by fine-tuning on a small labelled dataset.
Architecture & Fine-tuning
As we already know by now with most of Neural Networks whether CNNs, LSTM, Transformers and etc. Pre-training helps our network generalise better and we can slightly adjust this pre-trained weights to many downstream tasks(i.e. binary classification, multi-class classification and etc) with a small dataset.
Applications
Here are some of the tasks that this family of networks can be used for:
Image generation Image classification Video recognition Motion-capture And Natural Language Understand(i.e. speech processing), for detailed description, read check out the paper by the creator of DBNs himself Geoffrey Hinton
Deep Boltzmann Machine
After DBNs another moodel called Deep Boltzmann Machine (DBM) was created that trains better and achieves a lower loss, although it had some issues like being hard to generate sample from.
A DBM is a three-layer generative model. They are similar to a Deep Belief Network, but they while DBNs have bidirectional connections in the bottom layer on the other hand DBM has entirely undirected connections.
Now that we are equipped with the theory it is time to dive into the implementation details.
Code implementation
If you looking for a plug and play like implementation of DBN but also Ives lots of flexibility, checkout:
If you a looking for a DIY and step by step tutorial from scratch, checkout:
Conclusion
Deep belief Networks are family of deep architecture networks that uses stacks of Restricted Boltzmann Machines as building blocks. Furthermore, DBNs can be used in a both unsupervised setting for tasks such as image generation and in a supervised setting for tasks such as image classification, and it takes full advantage of great techniques such as unsupervised pre-training and fine tuning on a down stream task.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Ms. Esther M Dzitiro for suggesting the topic of this article.
References
Checkout for more detailed explanation: Lecture 12C : Restricted Boltzmann Machines
Lecture 12D : An example of Contrastive Divergence Learning
Gibbs sampling
https://cedar.buffalo.edu/~srihari/CSE676/20.4-DeepBoltzmann.pdf
https://www.cs.toronto.edu/~hinton/absps/fastnc
http://www.robotics.stanford.edu/~ang/papers/icml09-ConvolutionalDeepBeliefNetworks
https://www.cs.toronto.edu/~hinton/absps/ruhijournal.pdf
https://astrostatistics.psu.edu/su14/lectures/CosPop14-2-2-BayesComp-2.pdf
A Tutorial on Energy-Based Learning
Loss Functions for Energy-Based Models With Applications to Object Recognition | https://medium.com/swlh/what-are-rbms-deep-belief-networks-and-why-are-they-important-to-deep-learning-491c7de8937a | ['Prince Canuma'] | 2020-12-23 22:46:05.160000+00:00 | ['Deep Learning', 'Machine Learning', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Computer Vision', 'Deep Belief Network'] | Title RBMs Deep Belief Networks Important Deep LearningContent RBMs Deep Belief Networks Important Deep Learning article going take look DBNs use Deep Belief NetworkDBN powerful generative model us deep architecture article going learn Don’t worry relate ‘The Secret Church’ even though involves ‘Deep Belief’ promise read article understand work apply code Deep Belief Network overview point going address Boltzmann Machine Restricted Boltzmann Machine Deep Belief Network Deep Boltzmann Machine v Deep Belief Network Boltzmann machine give bit background Boltzmann machine named Boltzmann distribution also known Gibbs Distribution EnergyBased Models — EBM integral part Statistical Mechanics help u understand impact parameter like Entropy Temperature Quantum States field Thermodynamics invented 1985 Geoffrey Hinton Terry Sejnowski output node may seem strange give nondeterministic feature don’t typical 1 0 type output pattern learned optimized using Stochastic Gradient Descent learn pattern without capability make special One thing note unlike normal neural network don’t connection input node Boltzmann Machine connection among input node see image node connected node irrespective whether input hidden node allows share information among selfgenerate subsequent data measure what’s visible node what’s hidden node input provided able capture parameter pattern correlation among data called Deep Generative Model fall class Unsupervised Deep Learning Restricted Boltzmann machine RBMs twolayered generative stochastic building block learn probability distribution set input feature ie image pixel Note First aren’t used much nowadays second aren’t neural network used building block next section RBMs also invented Geoffrey Hinton many us case dimensionality reduction classification regression collaborative filtering feature learning topic modelling name implies RBMs variant Boltzmann machine small difference neuron must form bipartite graph mean connection node within groupvisible hidden make easy implement well make efficient train compared Boltzmann Machines particular connection restriction allows RBMs use efficient sophisticated training algorithm one available BM gradientbased contrastive divergence algorithm simpler term mean basically fewer connection shown figure RBMs hold two set random variable also called neuron one layer visible variablesnodeswhich layer input go represent observable data one layer hidden variable capture dependenciescalculate probability distribution feature visible variable Forward pas Example without data Example using actual data Image credit Backward Pass Example without data Example data Image credit RBM stochastic building block layer mean weight associated neuron randomly initialized perform alternating Gibbs sampling unit layer updated parallel given current state unit layer repeated system sampling equilibrium distribution Given randomly selected training image 𝑣 binary state ℎ𝑗 hidden unit 𝑗 set 1 probability 𝑃ℎ 𝑗 1𝒗 ℊ 𝑏𝑗 ∑i V𝑖 W𝑖𝑗 — 12 ℊ𝑥 logistic sigmoid function ℊ𝑥 11 exp−𝑥 Therefore 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 computed easily 𝑊𝑖𝑗 represents symmetric interaction term visible unit 𝑖 hidden unit j 𝑏𝑖 𝑎i bias term hidden unit visible unit respectively Since direct connection visible unit RBM easy obtain unbiased sample state visible unit given hidden vector 𝑃𝑣𝑖 1𝒉 ℊ 𝑎𝑖 ∑j ℎ𝑗 W𝑖𝑗 — 13 However computing 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑙 difficult done starting random state visible unit performing sequential Gibbs sampling long time Finally due impossibility method large runtimes Contrastive Divergence CD method used Contrastive Divergence CD Since Gibbs sampling method slow Contrastive Divergence CD algorithm used method visible unit initialized using training data binary hidden unit computed according equation 12 determining binary hidden unit state 𝑣𝑖 value recomputed according equation 13 Finally probability hidden unit activation computed using value hidden unit visible unit 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑙 computed Figure 3 Computation step CD1 method 𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑖𝑗 related computing 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑒𝑖𝑗 connection Negative 𝑒𝑖𝑗 related computing reconstruction data 𝑒𝑖𝑗 connection Although CD1 method perfect gradient computation method result acceptable repeating Gibbs sampling step CDk method achieved k parameter number repetition Gibbs sampling step method higher performance compute gradient exactly method great learning feature modellingreconstructing data input data Let’s say take binary matrix image handwritten digitie number 6 turn binary vector feed trained RBM model using trained weight model able find low energy state compatible image give image handwritten digit model able find low energy state compatible image energy energy function defined function want minimize maximize function variable systemmodel weight bias use energy function unified framework representing many machine learning algorithmsmodels Deep belief network Deep Belief NetworkDBN powerful generative model use deep architecture multiple stack Restricted Boltzmann machinesRBM RBM model performs nonlinear transformationmuch like vanilla neural network work input vector produce output vector serve input next RBM model sequence allows lot flexibility DBNs make easier expand generative model allows DBNs used either unsupervised supervised setting Meaning DBNs ability feature learningextraction classification used many application application section Precisely feature learning layerbylayer pretraining unsupervised manner different RBMs form DBN use backpropagation techniqueie gradient descent classification task finetuning small labelled dataset Architecture Finetuning already know Neural Networks whether CNNs LSTM Transformers etc Pretraining help network generalise better slightly adjust pretrained weight many downstream tasksie binary classification multiclass classification etc small dataset Applications task family network used Image generation Image classification Video recognition Motioncapture Natural Language Understandie speech processing detailed description read check paper creator DBNs Geoffrey Hinton Deep Boltzmann Machine DBNs another moodel called Deep Boltzmann Machine DBM created train better achieves lower loss although issue like hard generate sample DBM threelayer generative model similar Deep Belief Network DBNs bidirectional connection bottom layer hand DBM entirely undirected connection equipped theory time dive implementation detail Code implementation looking plug play like implementation DBN also Ives lot flexibility checkout looking DIY step step tutorial scratch checkout Conclusion Deep belief Networks family deep architecture network us stack Restricted Boltzmann Machines building block Furthermore DBNs used unsupervised setting task image generation supervised setting task image classification take full advantage great technique unsupervised pretraining fine tuning stream task Acknowledgements Special thanks Ms Esther Dzitiro suggesting topic article References Checkout detailed explanation Lecture 12C Restricted Boltzmann Machines Lecture 12D example Contrastive Divergence Learning Gibbs sampling httpscedarbuffaloedusrihariCSE676204DeepBoltzmannpdf httpswwwcstorontoeduhintonabspsfastnc httpwwwroboticsstanfordeduangpapersicml09ConvolutionalDeepBeliefNetworks httpswwwcstorontoeduhintonabspsruhijournalpdf httpsastrostatisticspsuedusu14lecturesCosPop1422BayesComp2pdf Tutorial EnergyBased Learning Loss Functions EnergyBased Models Applications Object RecognitionTags Deep Learning Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Computer Vision Deep Belief Network |
2,937 | Fairytale Retellings: What Old Stories May Still Offer to the Modern Reader | Fairytales have been around for a long time. Millennia-kind of a long time. They’ve accompanied us for a long, long time and some have become almost second-nature to us. Everybody has heard them as kids and recounted them as adults.
They have insinuated in our lives in so many forms, always changing, always themselves. And of course, as writers, we have often appropriated them and make them our own.
But isn’t it odd?
As writers, we pursue the elusive idea of originality. If this is what we are expected to achieve, why are we still telling the same fairytales? And why are readers still reading them?
Retellings are addictive
I became fascinated with retellings when I was a teenager. After reading The Mist of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, I became obsessed with the Arthurian Legends. I discovered there were many different versions from many different periods, and — still more awesome — there were many different modern versions. Every time seems to have its own retelling of the story and, most fascinating of all, so many authors have given the story their own spin.
I suppose that’s when I became addicted to retellings. The fact that I could get the same story I love over and over again, and never the exact same one.
These stories are old and new at the same time. They are recognizable, familiar. In a way, they are like old friends. But at the same time, they are never the story we know. They always have something to offer, they can always surprise us. There is always something new to discover about them.
This is something I’ve realised a long time ago. But writing my own retelling in the last few months have made me think more closely to what it is that retellings can give to a writer, and therefore to a reader.
The power of these old stories
The secret to the power fairytales still carry, in my opinion, resides in their antiquity. They have been told for millennia, changing many times over the centuries, but far from having worn out over this time, they have gathered meaning and strength. They have become richer, and at the same time, they have learned to adapt, they have learned new languages, over and over again.
Adaptability is the magic world here, which is already a great lesson for a writer.
But there’s even more.
Fairytales have a strong message for our hearts
This is often why they have survived so long. Their core message is universal. They speak to us as human beings.
Their core message is universal. They speak to us as human beings.
As readers, we consume stories because we want to learn something about ourselves. We read because we want to understand things about ourselves that we can’t quite explain. Deep inside, we all have the same fears and the same hopes and the same desires. And fairytales know this.
When as authors, we pair up with fairytales, they lend us what they have learned about fears and desires and hopes over the centuries. We can let them lend us their characters, their plots, their twists, so that we may look further. We can experiment, we can search deeper.
It’s liberating. But it’s also challenging and inspiring. Pursuing my own retelling has allowed me to address my usual themes with a different take. Even as I bent the fairytale, it forced me to explore new territories that I might have never tackle without that prompt.
Fairytales speak the language of the heart
When they were first told, fairytales didn’t have the form we know now. Many fairytales were first recounted in a prehistoric time. I’m not joking. Scholars who have analysed their structure and elements have been able to determine that some well-known fairytales probably date back to Prehistory. Snow White, and especially Little Red Riding Hood appear to be among these.
It is clear, then, that fairytales have gone through huge changes through the many centuries of their existence. Little Red Riding Hood, for example, acquired the form we know today only a couple of centuries ago. Nothing, in comparison to its long life. It also appears that some of the older fairytales exist in many different cultures across the globe, even far away from one another (Cinderella has its own Chinese version, for example), though there is no accordance among scholars of how this happened.
Fairytales don’t fear to change and adapt. This is how they survived over the millennia. They changed, but they remained the same, to the point that we can recognise them no matter the language and the culture or the time. Adapting doesn’t mean losing themselves. It means reaching out to new readers, speaking their language.
Fairytales don’t fear to change and adapt. This is how they survived over the millennia. They changed, but they remained the same
This is how the very concept of retelling exists: as readers, we’ll recognise the story no matter what dress it will wear. This means that as writers, we will be free to experiment if we stay true to the core of the story. Retellings show us what’s crucial and what’s just makeup. What’s crucial is universal, and we’ll always connect with it. And because we connect with the heart of the story, we can play around with everything else.
Fairytales are old friends of ours
When we combine the steady core with the shifting language, we come to the true power of fairytale retellings. Telling our own version of a well-known story puts us writers in a place where we would always want to be, but we seldom are: we know quite well what readers expect and think.
Writer and readers both know the story, they both know the plot, the characters and the themes. So the writer has the opportunity to twist and turn the story, in a way that will surprise the readers once they have recognised the story.
But it isn’t just a matter of surprise.
Twisting the story will make it richer. Readers will have a notion of the original story, and the new twist, rather than destroy the old story, will enrich it. Our own theme will overlay the theme of the classic story, and the dialogue between old and new will give the possibility to spark even newer thoughts and reflection.
If we are faithful to the story, we can afford to betray it in all possible ways.
This is what I love about fairytale retellings. I’m thrilled that I’ve finally come to write my own.
— — — — — — — — — — —
Sarah Zama wrote her first story when she was nine. Fourteen years ago, when she started her job in a bookshop, she discovered books that address the structure of a story and she became addicted to them. Today, she’s a dieselpunk author who writes fantasy stories historically set in the 1920s. Her life-long interest in Tolkien has turned quite nerdy recently.
She writes about all her passions on her blog https://theoldshelter.com/ | https://medium.com/the-gogs-and-gears-storyteller/fairytale-retellings-what-old-stories-may-still-offer-to-the-modern-reader-5168b5bfefc | [] | 2019-11-10 13:53:27.140000+00:00 | ['Storytelling', 'Writing', 'Writers On Writing', 'Fantasy', 'Fairy Tale'] | Title Fairytale Retellings Old Stories May Still Offer Modern ReaderContent Fairytales around long time Millenniakind long time They’ve accompanied u long long time become almost secondnature u Everybody heard kid recounted adult insinuated life many form always changing always course writer often appropriated make isn’t odd writer pursue elusive idea originality expected achieve still telling fairytale reader still reading Retellings addictive became fascinated retellings teenager reading Mist Avalon Marion Zimmer Bradley became obsessed Arthurian Legends discovered many different version many different period — still awesome — many different modern version Every time seems retelling story fascinating many author given story spin suppose that’s became addicted retellings fact could get story love never exact one story old new time recognizable familiar way like old friend time never story know always something offer always surprise u always something new discover something I’ve realised long time ago writing retelling last month made think closely retellings give writer therefore reader power old story secret power fairytale still carry opinion resides antiquity told millennium changing many time century far worn time gathered meaning strength become richer time learned adapt learned new language Adaptability magic world already great lesson writer there’s even Fairytales strong message heart often survived long core message universal speak u human being core message universal speak u human being reader consume story want learn something read want understand thing can’t quite explain Deep inside fear hope desire fairytale know author pair fairytale lend u learned fear desire hope century let lend u character plot twist may look experiment search deeper It’s liberating it’s also challenging inspiring Pursuing retelling allowed address usual theme different take Even bent fairytale forced explore new territory might never tackle without prompt Fairytales speak language heart first told fairytale didn’t form know Many fairytale first recounted prehistoric time I’m joking Scholars analysed structure element able determine wellknown fairytale probably date back Prehistory Snow White especially Little Red Riding Hood appear among clear fairytale gone huge change many century existence Little Red Riding Hood example acquired form know today couple century ago Nothing comparison long life also appears older fairytale exist many different culture across globe even far away one another Cinderella Chinese version example though accordance among scholar happened Fairytales don’t fear change adapt survived millennium changed remained point recognise matter language culture time Adapting doesn’t mean losing mean reaching new reader speaking language Fairytales don’t fear change adapt survived millennium changed remained concept retelling exists reader we’ll recognise story matter dress wear mean writer free experiment stay true core story Retellings show u what’s crucial what’s makeup What’s crucial universal we’ll always connect connect heart story play around everything else Fairytales old friend combine steady core shifting language come true power fairytale retellings Telling version wellknown story put u writer place would always want seldom know quite well reader expect think Writer reader know story know plot character theme writer opportunity twist turn story way surprise reader recognised story isn’t matter surprise Twisting story make richer Readers notion original story new twist rather destroy old story enrich theme overlay theme classic story dialogue old new give possibility spark even newer thought reflection faithful story afford betray possible way love fairytale retellings I’m thrilled I’ve finally come write — — — — — — — — — — — Sarah Zama wrote first story nine Fourteen year ago started job bookshop discovered book address structure story became addicted Today she’s dieselpunk author writes fantasy story historically set 1920s lifelong interest Tolkien turned quite nerdy recently writes passion blog httpstheoldsheltercomTags Storytelling Writing Writers Writing Fantasy Fairy Tale |
2,938 | Help! I’m Working From Home. Now What? | Photo by Lauren Mancke on Unsplash
So you’re working from home now. Whether it is long-term or temporary, the truth is, it doesn’t really matter. You just know that you want to be as productive as possible. So on that note, here is a simple, practical guide to help you make the most of this opportunity.
1. Have A Dedicated Workspace.
If you have a laptop, you’ll probably migrate to the couch, right? There’s an inherent problem with this. If you sit where you normally sit when you’re at home relaxing, you’re sending your brain mixed messages.
To avoid this, consider using a desk or even moving to the kitchen table. Move to a chair. Last case scenario, move to the other side of the couch or another part of the couch you never use. At least that will help your brain realize something is different.
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
Ideally, you want to have a work computer versus a personal computer. If those are one in the same, consider using another device for personal use such as your tablet or your phone. This will help you stay on track and cut down on distractions.
2. Set Yourself Working Hours
Set some rigid working hours so you can stay on task. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have lots of time now. The truth is, time goes by very quickly when working from home. Schedule in time to take breaks as you would do in the office, so you remain productive and ready to start the next challenge.
Without a set structure in place, it is very easy to get distracted and then your work time will end up eating into the precious time you spend with friends or family after your workday should be over.
3. Keep In Touch
When working remotely, you must communicate well with your co-workers. For example, it might not be as clear as if you were discussing a project in person. Spend more time focusing on communication.
Photo by Berkeley Communications on Unsplash
Personally, I would recommend checking in via video chat like Zoom if possible. Email is not ideal (and it is often a time suck too). Direct communication over video chat or the phone will help convey tone of voice and body language.
When in doubt, ask for clarification. You’ll be glad you did.
4. Take A Lunch Break.
You need to set up some boundaries when you work from home. Lunch is one of the non-negotiables. If you eat in front of your computer, you will lose focus and mental fatigue will take a toll. It has been scientifically proven to truly help you out.
Photo by Mike Mayer (Creative Commons)
So step away from the screen. A change of scenery will help you come back refreshed and ready to come back to work with a new perspective.
5. Talk To People.
I know I mentioned communication being important earlier but this isn’t just about communication, it’s about mental health. The truth is, working from home can be really lonely, especially if you are not used to it.
Loneliness is a serious issue as it can lead to many chronic health conditions. Chat with a friend on your lunch break or on another break. We need human interaction, even if you’re an introvert.
6. Dress Up.
This one is surprising, but it really makes sense. Whenever I stay in my pajamas or wear a hoodie or sweats, I’m always less motivated to work. When you dress up, you will find many benefits. For starters, it will help you with your morning routine and help define the line between work and home.
Remember the example with the couch in #1? Wearing your comfy clothes is going to make you want to watch Netflix and take a nap. When you wear professional clothes, you’ll also be prepared for the inevitable impromptu video meeting.
7. Track Your Time.
Make no mistake, tracking your time will make you more productive. Always. And it also gives you some data that you can look at, as opposed to just guesstimating. I really like Toggl. It’s pretty easy to use and the free version has plenty of bells and whistles. Even just tracking your time with a basic timer can be fine too. There’s also a Toggl version for IOS and Android too.
Photo by Author/Toggl.com
Using a timer is probably the most practical piece of advice I can give you. It makes THAT much of a difference. A timer creates urgency and let’s face it… the data doesn’t lie!
8. Be Aware Of Distractions.
There are different distractions that pop up when working from home. The neighbor starts cutting their grass right by your office. You have to sign for the delivery of a package. You notice the dirty dishes in your sink. You realize you need to move the laundry over. The dog needs to go outside.
Some of these distractions can be avoided, others cannot. Many of these distractions can be handled within your daily routine and the boundaries you put in place. Others cannot. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members with some of these things if possible.
The Takeaway
Working from home definitely has some benefits. Despite the popular image of someone working from bed in their pajamas like this…
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
the truth is, to work from home successfully, you really need to create a simple plan. Follow the steps above to create a positive work from home experience. Want some more help with this? Feel free to fire me a message. | https://medium.com/the-partnered-pen/help-im-working-from-home-now-what-6385e8d733e7 | ['Jim Woods'] | 2020-03-14 01:27:28.381000+00:00 | ['Careers', 'Coronavirus', 'Work', 'Jobs', 'Health'] | Title Help I’m Working Home WhatContent Photo Lauren Mancke Unsplash you’re working home Whether longterm temporary truth doesn’t really matter know want productive possible note simple practical guide help make opportunity 1 Dedicated Workspace laptop you’ll probably migrate couch right There’s inherent problem sit normally sit you’re home relaxing you’re sending brain mixed message avoid consider using desk even moving kitchen table Move chair Last case scenario move side couch another part couch never use least help brain realize something different Photo Arnel Hasanovic Unsplash Ideally want work computer versus personal computer one consider using another device personal use tablet phone help stay track cut distraction 2 Set Working Hours Set rigid working hour stay task Don’t make mistake thinking lot time truth time go quickly working home Schedule time take break would office remain productive ready start next challenge Without set structure place easy get distracted work time end eating precious time spend friend family workday 3 Keep Touch working remotely must communicate well coworkers example might clear discussing project person Spend time focusing communication Photo Berkeley Communications Unsplash Personally would recommend checking via video chat like Zoom possible Email ideal often time suck Direct communication video chat phone help convey tone voice body language doubt ask clarification You’ll glad 4 Take Lunch Break need set boundary work home Lunch one nonnegotiables eat front computer lose focus mental fatigue take toll scientifically proven truly help Photo Mike Mayer Creative Commons step away screen change scenery help come back refreshed ready come back work new perspective 5 Talk People know mentioned communication important earlier isn’t communication it’s mental health truth working home really lonely especially used Loneliness serious issue lead many chronic health condition Chat friend lunch break another break need human interaction even you’re introvert 6 Dress one surprising really make sense Whenever stay pajama wear hoodie sweat I’m always le motivated work dress find many benefit starter help morning routine help define line work home Remember example couch 1 Wearing comfy clothes going make want watch Netflix take nap wear professional clothes you’ll also prepared inevitable impromptu video meeting 7 Track Time Make mistake tracking time make productive Always also give data look opposed guesstimating really like Toggl It’s pretty easy use free version plenty bell whistle Even tracking time basic timer fine There’s also Toggl version IOS Android Photo AuthorTogglcom Using timer probably practical piece advice give make much difference timer creates urgency let’s face it… data doesn’t lie 8 Aware Distractions different distraction pop working home neighbor start cutting grass right office sign delivery package notice dirty dish sink realize need move laundry dog need go outside distraction avoided others cannot Many distraction handled within daily routine boundary put place Others cannot Don’t hesitate ask help family member thing possible Takeaway Working home definitely benefit Despite popular image someone working bed pajama like this… Photo Andrew Neel Unsplash truth work home successfully really need create simple plan Follow step create positive work home experience Want help Feel free fire messageTags Careers Coronavirus Work Jobs Health |
2,939 | Internal Logic: What Is Our Business For? | A good commitment to a “how” — to being a certain way, as distinct from advancing a mission out in the world — should be explicit and stated in impersonal terms, versus personalized in terms of the desires of founders or leaders.
A relatively small number of organizations are built in service of an idea that’s about the company’s way of being or what it produces for its employees or community, rather than for its customers. Greyston Bakery, founded by Zen Buddhist Bernie Glassman to create jobs for people in the Bronx, hiring them no questions asked, is one compelling example. 35 years later, Greyston is advancing its philosophy of Open Hiring beyond its own operations, for instance through a pilot with Unilever that we had the honor of helping set into motion through our work on employment of opportunity youth. While producing brownies is important to Greyston, serving Ben & Jerry’s as a customer is really a vehicle for Greyston’s primary goal, which is the creation of opportunity in the surrounding community.
Another small group of organizations are approximately balanced in their intrinsic commitments to a what they achieve in the world and a how they exemplify on the inside. An example that stands out is Valve, the video game development and technology company and perhaps the world’s most successful exemplar of radically non-hierarchical management. The preface to Valve’s employee handbook — which I’d nominate as one of the most interesting business documents in the world — begins:
“In 1996, we set out to make great games, but we knew back then that we had to first create a place that was designed to foster that greatness. A place where incredibly talented individuals are empowered to put their best work into the hands of millions of people, with very little in their way.”
Plenty of companies might write something similar, but almost none would make the choices Valve has made based on the depth of their commitment to these ideas: for instance, allowing employees to work on any project they choose, refusing to take any external funding and adjusting compensation to fit value creation as judged by an individual’s peers.
The question of whether commitment to a how is viewed as having deep, intrinsic value may seem like a philosophical debate. Perhaps so. But certain companies embrace a distinctive way of operating — whom they hire, how they manage, how they treat customers, what objectives they prioritize, etc. — that becomes integral to how they succeed out in the world. They tie themselves to the mast by treating this way of being as something they can’t compromise. Southwest is truly commited to irreverence and fun, and they’ve done the hard work of reconciling that with their equally bedrock commitment to make air travel cheap. In contrast, United may genuinely aspire to “fly the friendly skies,” but the operational priorities that would make that a reality for customers haven’t been viewed as intrinsically important and unacceptable to compromise. Rather, the “friendly skies” are a second-order goal, generally placed behind the goal of optimizing capacity utilization and pricing.
These questions about commitments can be illuminated through the question of who has the most important claims on the organization, a question that comes to life when potential claims conflict. Valve doesn’t report its financials, but has been estimated to be the most profitable company in the US on a per-employee basis. There’s no mechanism, however, for the interests of shareholders — co-founder Gabe Newell being by far the largest owner — to outweigh other priorities for the company. What Valve’s team members do is driven by their personal views of what’s valuable for Valve to accomplish, not through any process of budgeting and allocating resources where they’d generate highest shareholder return. Financial logic doesn’t explain why Valve did X or didn’t do Y — that can only be understood through the lens of the people at Valve and why they believed X mattered and Y didn’t. By contrast, financial logic, connected to specific beliefs about what will deliver shareholder returns, explains almost all of the choices United has made in recent years. As explored above, a core question for founder-led organizations is whether the founders, in practice, have the most important claim on the enterprise, or whether the founders put the organization in service of something, to which the founders’ own opinions and even interests become subordinate. | https://medium.com/on-human-enterprise/internal-logic-what-is-our-business-for-85600f32a30f | ['Niko Canner'] | 2018-06-12 15:26:14.306000+00:00 | ['Leadership', 'Startup', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Strategy', 'Management'] | Title Internal Logic Business ForContent good commitment “how” — certain way distinct advancing mission world — explicit stated impersonal term versus personalized term desire founder leader relatively small number organization built service idea that’s company’s way produce employee community rather customer Greyston Bakery founded Zen Buddhist Bernie Glassman create job people Bronx hiring question asked one compelling example 35 year later Greyston advancing philosophy Open Hiring beyond operation instance pilot Unilever honor helping set motion work employment opportunity youth producing brownie important Greyston serving Ben Jerry’s customer really vehicle Greyston’s primary goal creation opportunity surrounding community Another small group organization approximately balanced intrinsic commitment achieve world exemplify inside example stand Valve video game development technology company perhaps world’s successful exemplar radically nonhierarchical management preface Valve’s employee handbook — I’d nominate one interesting business document world — begin “In 1996 set make great game knew back first create place designed foster greatness place incredibly talented individual empowered put best work hand million people little way” Plenty company might write something similar almost none would make choice Valve made based depth commitment idea instance allowing employee work project choose refusing take external funding adjusting compensation fit value creation judged individual’s peer question whether commitment viewed deep intrinsic value may seem like philosophical debate Perhaps certain company embrace distinctive way operating — hire manage treat customer objective prioritize etc — becomes integral succeed world tie mast treating way something can’t compromise Southwest truly commited irreverence fun they’ve done hard work reconciling equally bedrock commitment make air travel cheap contrast United may genuinely aspire “fly friendly skies” operational priority would make reality customer haven’t viewed intrinsically important unacceptable compromise Rather “friendly skies” secondorder goal generally placed behind goal optimizing capacity utilization pricing question commitment illuminated question important claim organization question come life potential claim conflict Valve doesn’t report financials estimated profitable company US peremployee basis There’s mechanism however interest shareholder — cofounder Gabe Newell far largest owner — outweigh priority company Valve’s team member driven personal view what’s valuable Valve accomplish process budgeting allocating resource they’d generate highest shareholder return Financial logic doesn’t explain Valve X didn’t — understood lens people Valve believed X mattered didn’t contrast financial logic connected specific belief deliver shareholder return explains almost choice United made recent year explored core question founderled organization whether founder practice important claim enterprise whether founder put organization service something founders’ opinion even interest become subordinateTags Leadership Startup Entrepreneurship Strategy Management |
2,940 | The Day I Earned A Six Figure Salary Was The Day I Quit My Job | Two years ago on January 6th 2014, I quit my job.
It was just four weeks after I’d been offered my first six-figure salary. My manager handed me the letter that day and there it was, right in front of me and clear as day.
Your annual remuneration is now $103,000.
I should have been ecstatic … but I wasn’t.
As a country boy growing up in his teens, I’d had the audacious goal many years before that one day I’d reach a six-figure salary. I didn’t know how I’d do it, I just knew that I would.
In 2013 I reached my goal, it had taken just seven years. I had moved from small town to big city and at the age of 28 I’d reached my goal.
But this isn’t a self-indulgent story to brag and make you jealous, in fact it’s the exact opposite.
The truth was that for the past 18 months I’d viciously hated my job. Was I depressed? It’s safe to say that I really wasn’t sure anymore, but the job had certainly taken its toll on me.
What was more confusing was that I’d reached my goal, but I wasn’t happy when I got there. I didn’t understand why.
It sounds cliché but truth be told, money isn’t everything.
Identifying the root cause
At the time I was working shift work for a bank which meant I was often working alternate hours to family and friends.
For two out of every four weeks, the most I’d see of my wife was a brief kiss on the forehead to say “goodbye” as she hurried off to work and as I tried to catch up on my sleep.
I often asked myself, “Why am I spending more time with colleagues than I was with my own family?”
The truth was that I’d been employed to work in a global business, within a brand new team, to create and mature the capabilities of a global IT security response team. Sounds impressive huh?
But putting it simply, it was us against the hackers in a game which is incredibly challenging for any business to win. I wanted to foster an environment where we at least had a chance but I soon realized that our best response was to raise a white flag.
As I grew to understand the organisation I realized that our goal wasn’t to make the business more secure, we were simply ticking audit boxes that had little to no impact on overall security posture. It was deflating.
Managers were inexperienced struggling to provide direction, accountability or even understand the issues at hand. It was like playing in a professional sports team that didn’t want to win any games with coaches who had never played the game.
It wasn’t challenging, I couldn’t innovate and I wasn’t inspired in any way about my day. I wondered whether the legacy of my life was to live an unfulfilled life?
It was like playing in a professional sports team that didn’t want to win any games with coaches who had never played the game.
Inspiring the change
In those last 18 months of the job I’d started to seriously consider my career path. Was this really what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? What was I passionate about?
I really didn’t know anymore.
I started reading books like the 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris, The Art of Non Conformity by Chris Guillebeau and Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk.
My morning ritual in the office started by reading inspiring stories from this very site while trying to hide what was on my screen from my boss.
If you’re at work right now doing the exact same then just know that you do have a choice, there is a way out.
Regardless, my eyes had been opened, what these resources taught me was huge.
They taught me:
That it’s not unreasonable to seek a flexible lifestyle where family, travel and work can integrate seamlessly.
They taught me the importance of time and flexible working arrangements. Why travel for three hours, to and from work, if you can do it all from home? Why work 9–5 if you work better from 2–10?
They taught me to value my time and that 40–60 hours of time was more valuable than what I was currently being paid for it.
These books also taught me about online business, affiliate advertising and many other alternative ways of generating an income online.
I knew the only pathway forward was to start my own online business.
So how do you quit a job you hate?
On December 6th 2013, I handed in my resignation and gave my four weeks’ notice, this was just one month after my wife had quit her job too.
(One Friday afternoon prior, after another bad week for both of us, I made a bet with my wife that she wouldn’t go back to work on Monday and quit her job. She did quit her job and she did win that bet.)
Looking back the decision to quit seems so much easier than it actually was, but in reality losing two incomes ($170k+) is a very scary decision.
For many of the readers on Medium I presume you might be in a similar position to the one I was in, struggling in a job you don’t like and wondering how to be your own boss.
When you have children, mortgages, car loans, and many other factors the decision becomes that much harder.
I hope to inspire you by highlighting the changes I made in my own life.
1. Start saving ASAP
It all started with my wife and I saving money religiously so that we had something to sustain us for a period of time post quit.
We realized that what we needed to live and to make us happy was a very small number of items and it became very easy to say no to bright shiny items that caught our attention.
We also made the decision to sell our house as we felt the mortgage was restricting our ability to make the right decisions about our lives.
Using this approach we had enough savings to sustain ourselves for 12–24 months without any extra income.
2. Reduce your possessions
You might think that you own your possessions but more often than not your possessions can own you. The more you have the harder it is to let go and the more easily they can affect your decisions in life.
Look around your house and think to yourself “how much of this do I actually use?”
We realized that in most cases the reasons we bought new “things” was not because we actually needed them, but because they were a treat for getting through one more week of a job we hated so much.
The once president of Uruguay José Mujica says it best, “When you buy something, you’re not paying money for it. You’re paying with the hours of life”.
Life and time is a finite resource for all of us, we can’t make more of it.
We began to eliminate everything in our lives that we weren’t using, didn’t make us happy or had a negative impact on our time. We were inspired by a minimalist approach. Remember, if you want a flexible life, with more travel and freedom, then you should only carry what is necessary.
“When you buy something, you’re not paying money for it. You’re paying with the hours of life.” — Ex Uruguay President José Mujica
3. Develop your side hustle
If you want to be your own boss there is no better time to start a business on the side. The more effort you put in outside of your 9–5, the better position you’ll be in to make the transition comfortably.
You don’t have to sell your house or get rid of your possessions like I did, but that may mean it might take you a little longer before you’re ready.
You can’t be the kind of person that comes home and binges on NetFlix because you’re “tired” or “you don’t have any time”.
If you’re going to build a business or be your own boss then it takes hard work, so start working after your kids go to bed or for a few hours before you normally wake up.
You’ve got to find the time, excuses will only hold you back.
From the moment I finished dinner and often until the early hours of the morning, I was working on my side business and mastering my craft. At times I was running on five hours sleep or less, it will be a grind at times.
I failed numerous times before I found success.
4. Ignore the gatekeepers
At times the path less followed means you’ll be going it alone. Choosing a life of uncertainty versus one of security is often misunderstood by those around you.
If starting your own business was easy then everyone would be doing it but the truth is that most people are afraid to try.
Many of your family and friends will likely encourage you towards a path of conformity and security simply because it’s what they know and understand. Know that their fears come from a good place and wanting the best for you but you can’t let their fears hold you back from your own dreams.
Steve says it best.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. — Steve Jobs.
What happens when you master these techniques?
Well, that’s up to you.
Just three months after I quit my job my wife and I moved to Port Douglas in Australia, typically termed a holiday destination, for twelve of the best months of our life thus far.
We rented within a 5-star hotel with our own swim-up pool deck for less than what we’d paid to rent in a big city, it was surreal. We lived within five minutes walk of one of the world’s best beaches.
In that time we also spent a month living in Tokyo while at the same time running and growing a thriving online business.
Now back in the big city, due to family reasons, and two years on, I’m the owner of a successful online marketing business called PixelRush. I work from home with a virtual team, avoiding the commute, while helping clients build profitable online businesses.
The money I make in a day now frequently outweighs the money I could make in a month. It hasn’t always been easy, it’s a roller-coaster journey, but the life I now have is a life that’s worth living.
So what are you going to do? | https://medium.com/career-relaunch/the-day-i-earned-a-six-figure-salary-was-the-day-i-quit-my-job-1d49f16c7f7c | ['Byron Trzeciak'] | 2016-07-07 13:05:35.396000+00:00 | ['Lifestyle Design', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Career Change', 'Startup'] | Title Day Earned Six Figure Salary Day Quit JobContent Two year ago January 6th 2014 quit job four week I’d offered first sixfigure salary manager handed letter day right front clear day annual remuneration 103000 ecstatic … wasn’t country boy growing teen I’d audacious goal many year one day I’d reach sixfigure salary didn’t know I’d knew would 2013 reached goal taken seven year moved small town big city age 28 I’d reached goal isn’t selfindulgent story brag make jealous fact it’s exact opposite truth past 18 month I’d viciously hated job depressed It’s safe say really wasn’t sure anymore job certainly taken toll confusing I’d reached goal wasn’t happy got didn’t understand sound cliché truth told money isn’t everything Identifying root cause time working shift work bank meant often working alternate hour family friend two every four week I’d see wife brief kiss forehead say “goodbye” hurried work tried catch sleep often asked “Why spending time colleague family” truth I’d employed work global business within brand new team create mature capability global security response team Sounds impressive huh putting simply u hacker game incredibly challenging business win wanted foster environment least chance soon realized best response raise white flag grew understand organisation realized goal wasn’t make business secure simply ticking audit box little impact overall security posture deflating Managers inexperienced struggling provide direction accountability even understand issue hand like playing professional sport team didn’t want win game coach never played game wasn’t challenging couldn’t innovate wasn’t inspired way day wondered whether legacy life live unfulfilled life like playing professional sport team didn’t want win game coach never played game Inspiring change last 18 month job I’d started seriously consider career path really wanted rest life passionate really didn’t know anymore started reading book like 4 Hour Work Week Tim Ferris Art Non Conformity Chris Guillebeau Crush Gary Vaynerchuk morning ritual office started reading inspiring story site trying hide screen bos you’re work right exact know choice way Regardless eye opened resource taught huge taught it’s unreasonable seek flexible lifestyle family travel work integrate seamlessly taught importance time flexible working arrangement travel three hour work home work 9–5 work better 2–10 taught value time 40–60 hour time valuable currently paid book also taught online business affiliate advertising many alternative way generating income online knew pathway forward start online business quit job hate December 6th 2013 handed resignation gave four weeks’ notice one month wife quit job One Friday afternoon prior another bad week u made bet wife wouldn’t go back work Monday quit job quit job win bet Looking back decision quit seems much easier actually reality losing two income 170k scary decision many reader Medium presume might similar position one struggling job don’t like wondering bos child mortgage car loan many factor decision becomes much harder hope inspire highlighting change made life 1 Start saving ASAP started wife saving money religiously something sustain u period time post quit realized needed live make u happy small number item became easy say bright shiny item caught attention also made decision sell house felt mortgage restricting ability make right decision life Using approach enough saving sustain 12–24 month without extra income 2 Reduce possession might think possession often possession harder let go easily affect decision life Look around house think “how much actually use” realized case reason bought new “things” actually needed treat getting one week job hated much president Uruguay José Mujica say best “When buy something you’re paying money You’re paying hour life” Life time finite resource u can’t make began eliminate everything life weren’t using didn’t make u happy negative impact time inspired minimalist approach Remember want flexible life travel freedom carry necessary “When buy something you’re paying money You’re paying hour life” — Ex Uruguay President José Mujica 3 Develop side hustle want bos better time start business side effort put outside 9–5 better position you’ll make transition comfortably don’t sell house get rid possession like may mean might take little longer you’re ready can’t kind person come home binge NetFlix you’re “tired” “you don’t time” you’re going build business bos take hard work start working kid go bed hour normally wake You’ve got find time excuse hold back moment finished dinner often early hour morning working side business mastering craft time running five hour sleep le grind time failed numerous time found success 4 Ignore gatekeeper time path le followed mean you’ll going alone Choosing life uncertainty versus one security often misunderstood around starting business easy everyone would truth people afraid try Many family friend likely encourage towards path conformity security simply it’s know understand Know fear come good place wanting best can’t let fear hold back dream Steve say best Remembering I’ll dead soon important tool I’ve ever encountered help make big choice life — Steve Jobs happens master technique Well that’s three month quit job wife moved Port Douglas Australia typically termed holiday destination twelve best month life thus far rented within 5star hotel swimup pool deck le we’d paid rent big city surreal lived within five minute walk one world’s best beach time also spent month living Tokyo time running growing thriving online business back big city due family reason two year I’m owner successful online marketing business called PixelRush work home virtual team avoiding commute helping client build profitable online business money make day frequently outweighs money could make month hasn’t always easy it’s rollercoaster journey life life that’s worth living going doTags Lifestyle Design Entrepreneurship Career Change Startup |
2,941 | Is There a Difference Between Open Data and Public Data? | There is a general consensus that when we talk about open data we are referring to any piece of data or content that is free to access, use, reuse, and redistribute. Due to the way most governments have rolled out their open data portals, however, it would be easy to assume that the data available on these sites is the only data that’s available for public consumption. This isn’t true.
Although data sets that receive a governmental stamp of openness receive a lot more publicity, they actually only represent a fraction of the public data that exists on the web.
So what’s the difference between “public” data and “open” data?
What is open data?
Generally speaking, “ open data “ is the information that has been published on government-sanctioned portals. In the best case, this data is structured, machine-readable, open-licensed, and well maintained.
What is public data?
Public data is the data that exists everywhere else. This is information that’s freely available (but not really accessible) on the web. It is frequently unstructured and unruly, and its usage requirements are often vague.
“Only 10% of government data is published as open data”
What does this mean?
Well, for starters, it means that there’s a discrepancy between the open data that exists in government portals and public data in general. This is an important distinction to make because while there’s a lot of excitement surrounding open data initiatives and their potential to transform modern society, the data that this premise rests on — open data — is only a fraction of what’s needed in order for this potential to be realized.
The fact is this: the majority of useful government data is either still proprietary or stowed away in a filing cabinet somewhere, and the stuff that is available is being released haphazardly.
Does it matter?
Does it actually matter that there’s a distinction between these two kinds of data? Well… yes.
Open data, because it represents such a small portion of what’s available, hasn’t lived up to its potential. People, like me, who have very high hopes for the open data movement haven’t yet seen the ROI (economically or socially) that we were supposed to. The reason we haven’t is manyfold, but this distinction is part of the problem.
In order for open data to be as effective as predicted, the line that demarcates open and public data needs to be erased, and governments need to start making a lot more of their public information open data. After all, we’re the ones paying for it. | https://towardsdatascience.com/is-there-a-difference-between-open-data-and-public-data-6261cd7b5389 | ['Lewis Wynne-Jones'] | 2019-09-28 13:24:17.885000+00:00 | ['Government Data', 'Open Data', 'Public Data', 'Data Science', 'Big Data'] | Title Difference Open Data Public DataContent general consensus talk open data referring piece data content free access use reuse redistribute Due way government rolled open data portal however would easy assume data available site data that’s available public consumption isn’t true Although data set receive governmental stamp openness receive lot publicity actually represent fraction public data exists web what’s difference “public” data “open” data open data Generally speaking “ open data “ information published governmentsanctioned portal best case data structured machinereadable openlicensed well maintained public data Public data data exists everywhere else information that’s freely available really accessible web frequently unstructured unruly usage requirement often vague “Only 10 government data published open data” mean Well starter mean there’s discrepancy open data exists government portal public data general important distinction make there’s lot excitement surrounding open data initiative potential transform modern society data premise rest — open data — fraction what’s needed order potential realized fact majority useful government data either still proprietary stowed away filing cabinet somewhere stuff available released haphazardly matter actually matter there’s distinction two kind data Well… yes Open data represents small portion what’s available hasn’t lived potential People like high hope open data movement haven’t yet seen ROI economically socially supposed reason haven’t manyfold distinction part problem order open data effective predicted line demarcates open public data need erased government need start making lot public information open data we’re one paying itTags Government Data Open Data Public Data Data Science Big Data |
2,942 | What Is It Really Like Moving From a Big Company to a Start-Up? | 1. It’s extraordinarily fast-paced; even faster than you probably think it is
A small company with fewer people generally means there are fewer processes in place. Along with less people who need to have a say in something. It’s faster and easier to get things done. It’s liberating and I love the pace. It’s great for people who are action orientated.
If you are the kind of person who needs to follow detailed instructions to do something, or have lots of meetings to plan. Or cross every T before you feel comfortable making a decision. You may find the lack of structure, speed and changeability unsettling. At least at the beginning.
2. You need to be mentally and physically fit
The grind is real people. Very real. Prepare to work harder than you have ever worked in your life, particularly when trying to secure your first customers and earn enough revenue (or until then, raise enough capital) to break even each month. And you will likely face a large number of setbacks along the way. It’s not an easy life. Exhaustion is common.
This is ok if it comes with a sense of achievement at the end. Less so if it is heavy churn or constant pivoting with little accomplishment and irregular payroll. Stress and burnout are perennial shadows and you need to think carefully about how you look after your mind, body and soul. From exercise to mindfulness and nutrition. A bit like a professional athlete.
3. People might be wary that you will be too “corporate” and damage the culture
I received mixed welcomes. The majority of people were excited to see me and wanted to learn how things work at big companies to help professionalise processes and inform strategy to facilitate faster growth. Particularly with institutional clients on the fintech side. A handful were less friendly with a fear I would damage the team’s culture through introducing rigid corporate ways of doing things.
Before you join, ask about the culture and make sure it sounds like something you would enjoy. It’s your responsibility to fit in. Make the coffee. Offer to help and be helpful. Listen more than you speak. Ask questions. Learn. Roll up your sleeves, get involved and show your value quickly.
4. You have the freedom to innovate and this may sometimes mean you fail
In a big company, people can fear ridicule, criticism and damage to their career if they make a mistake. Failure may impact my bonus, for example. Yet failure is simply part of the innovation process. We conduct pilots and gather data. Information. Intelligence. It is an opportunity to learn, fix it, and make it even better. Or pivot in a new direction. Key is if you are going to fail, you fail quickly, safely and cheaply. To innovate, you have to be comfortable with the possibility of failing. And that’s a new feeling.
5. You learn a lot, and I mean, A LOT
This is because you are expected to do a lot and learn as you go. And you have the opportunity to step up and take on responsibilities that can be way, way, way outside your comfort zone. At a large company there is always someone you can contact who knows how to do something and it is their job to do it.
At a start-up, there are only a handful of people, so you need to be strong at problem-solving, willing to figure it out and do the work. Sometimes on your own, sometimes in collaboration with colleagues. The opportunities for rapid professional growth are exponential.
6. Have a strategy but keep it agile and keep an open mind
Start-ups need the same strategic principles of a big company — purpose, mission, vision, and so on. You definitely need a clear market-focused sales strategy, and, of course, a solid pricing strategy. But until you’ve secured your first customers and are gaining momentum, it’s not wise to have a concrete plan.
I have a framework and calendar for the year, a list of things I know I must do, and an ever-evolving list of monthly, weekly, even daily, new actions I update after each sales or product meeting. Life is difficult to plan at a start-up. If you need a long-term agreed plan, or prescriptive goals to feel in control, this might not be for you.
7. It can sometimes be difficult to get colleagues to focus
Your colleagues are likely to be amazing entrepreneurs with lots of ideas, drive and enthusiasm. Which is truly energising. It’s the magic sauce of a start-up. People are reimagining the future. But there is a danger of people spreading themselves too thin by trying to implement too many ideas at once in their excitement. Throwing everything at the wall in the hope one idea sticks.
With the limited resources of a start-up, its important teams identify the ideas which are the fastest to convert into real and sustainable revenue streams. And build a solid foundation for rapid growth. Once you have enough revenue to stay afloat each month, then start branching out. Laser focus is vital.
8. Time becomes a vortex and your personal relationships may suffer
You will have very little personal time, certainly at the beginning. Quality time with family, friends and partners is rare. Weeks will pass in the blink of an eye. And when you are lucky enough to see them, be ready for the potential impact your absence will likely have as not everyone will understand or agree with why you are no longer as available as you once were.
This is only temporary, but you need to be ready for how your sacrifice to try and achieve something incredible will likely impact your relationships.
9. You need to be passionate and really believe in the company
Working at a start-up isn’t just a job. It’s a vocation. You’re going to need to work insane hours, make large personal sacrifices and there is no guarantee you will be rewarded with success. Sounds crazy right?
It is crazy. So, you have to be passionate about what the company is trying to achieve as no matter how hard it gets, it’s your passion that will drive you in between paydays and during all the times when everyone else tells you to quit. If you’re not passionate about the company and just want a nine-to-five style job, a start-up probably isn’t for you.
10. Hiring the wrong people can be costly
Think of your early hires and colleagues almost as cofounders. At a start-up, no matter what your job title. No matter what your level of experience. You have to be prepared to get in the trenches. Hire someone who shares the same rewards (or worse, has better rewards) but doesn’t put in the same hard work and it can severely impact team morale. Notwithstanding the financial impact, both in expenses and slower revenue growth.
Plenty of talented people aren’t going to fit the mould needed of an early stage start-up employee. They might make great hires down the road, but right now, they might not be a good fit. It’s really important to be very clear in what you are looking for when recruiting and be very clear with candidates too. And if a hire is not working out as well as hoped, you need to be quicker in addressing issues than you might at a large company.
11. Know where every penny goes, and justify it
One thing I have really come to appreciate at a start-up is the value of money. What things cost and the value of what you are buying. And not just physical items which you can see like advertisements, events, office equipment; even people. I also mean the cost of time. The cost of unnecessary meetings and chasing the wrong sales leads. The cost of nice to haves versus need to haves. The cost of delays. The cost of mistakes.
In a start-up, you need a sharp eye on your balance sheet and be able to justify every penny spent. Overspends or bad investments do not just impact growth, they could impact your survival. Be smart with your budget and measure everything.
And don’t spend any money (or very, very little with a clear justifiable rationale) on direct marketing until you have revenue. A good deal on an advert, for example, is a bad deal if it doesn’t directly align to immediate revenue generation at a start-up.
12. Perfection is your enemy but lowering your standards doesn’t mean poor quality results
Lastly, they say as an entrepreneur, perfection is your greatest enemy. This is true. When you’re building a company from an idea to reality, I have needed to learn to not be afraid to pull the trigger on something I know isn’t perfect. If it does the job, that’s all that matters.
I’m not advocating you accept mediocracy and throw just anything out the door (and anyone who knows me well knows I set a high bar). Strive for excellence, but make sure you balance quality over what’s best for the company. Put your ego to the side and take action. You can improve something on the next bounce.
And just because you will likely have a small budget, that doesn’t mean you cannot deliver. You might be pleasantly surprised with what you can achieve with a little imagination, tenacity and ambition. | https://medium.com/the-post-grad-survival-guide/what-is-it-really-like-moving-from-a-big-company-to-a-start-up-6461e485b9a0 | ['Louisa Bartoszek'] | 2020-07-18 11:51:18.157000+00:00 | ['Leadership', 'Startup', 'Work', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Careers'] | Title Really Like Moving Big Company StartUpContent 1 It’s extraordinarily fastpaced even faster probably think small company fewer people generally mean fewer process place Along le people need say something It’s faster easier get thing done It’s liberating love pace It’s great people action orientated kind person need follow detailed instruction something lot meeting plan cross every feel comfortable making decision may find lack structure speed changeability unsettling least beginning 2 need mentally physically fit grind real people real Prepare work harder ever worked life particularly trying secure first customer earn enough revenue raise enough capital break even month likely face large number setback along way It’s easy life Exhaustion common ok come sense achievement end Less heavy churn constant pivoting little accomplishment irregular payroll Stress burnout perennial shadow need think carefully look mind body soul exercise mindfulness nutrition bit like professional athlete 3 People might wary “corporate” damage culture received mixed welcome majority people excited see wanted learn thing work big company help professionalise process inform strategy facilitate faster growth Particularly institutional client fintech side handful le friendly fear would damage team’s culture introducing rigid corporate way thing join ask culture make sure sound like something would enjoy It’s responsibility fit Make coffee Offer help helpful Listen speak Ask question Learn Roll sleeve get involved show value quickly 4 freedom innovate may sometimes mean fail big company people fear ridicule criticism damage career make mistake Failure may impact bonus example Yet failure simply part innovation process conduct pilot gather data Information Intelligence opportunity learn fix make even better pivot new direction Key going fail fail quickly safely cheaply innovate comfortable possibility failing that’s new feeling 5 learn lot mean LOT expected lot learn go opportunity step take responsibility way way way outside comfort zone large company always someone contact know something job startup handful people need strong problemsolving willing figure work Sometimes sometimes collaboration colleague opportunity rapid professional growth exponential 6 strategy keep agile keep open mind Startups need strategic principle big company — purpose mission vision definitely need clear marketfocused sale strategy course solid pricing strategy you’ve secured first customer gaining momentum it’s wise concrete plan framework calendar year list thing know must everevolving list monthly weekly even daily new action update sale product meeting Life difficult plan startup need longterm agreed plan prescriptive goal feel control might 7 sometimes difficult get colleague focus colleague likely amazing entrepreneur lot idea drive enthusiasm truly energising It’s magic sauce startup People reimagining future danger people spreading thin trying implement many idea excitement Throwing everything wall hope one idea stick limited resource startup important team identify idea fastest convert real sustainable revenue stream build solid foundation rapid growth enough revenue stay afloat month start branching Laser focus vital 8 Time becomes vortex personal relationship may suffer little personal time certainly beginning Quality time family friend partner rare Weeks pas blink eye lucky enough see ready potential impact absence likely everyone understand agree longer available temporary need ready sacrifice try achieve something incredible likely impact relationship 9 need passionate really believe company Working startup isn’t job It’s vocation You’re going need work insane hour make large personal sacrifice guarantee rewarded success Sounds crazy right crazy passionate company trying achieve matter hard get it’s passion drive payday time everyone else tell quit you’re passionate company want ninetofive style job startup probably isn’t 10 Hiring wrong people costly Think early hire colleague almost cofounder startup matter job title matter level experience prepared get trench Hire someone share reward worse better reward doesn’t put hard work severely impact team morale Notwithstanding financial impact expense slower revenue growth Plenty talented people aren’t going fit mould needed early stage startup employee might make great hire road right might good fit It’s really important clear looking recruiting clear candidate hire working well hoped need quicker addressing issue might large company 11 Know every penny go justify One thing really come appreciate startup value money thing cost value buying physical item see like advertisement event office equipment even people also mean cost time cost unnecessary meeting chasing wrong sale lead cost nice have versus need have cost delay cost mistake startup need sharp eye balance sheet able justify every penny spent Overspends bad investment impact growth could impact survival smart budget measure everything don’t spend money little clear justifiable rationale direct marketing revenue good deal advert example bad deal doesn’t directly align immediate revenue generation startup 12 Perfection enemy lowering standard doesn’t mean poor quality result Lastly say entrepreneur perfection greatest enemy true you’re building company idea reality needed learn afraid pull trigger something know isn’t perfect job that’s matter I’m advocating accept mediocracy throw anything door anyone know well know set high bar Strive excellence make sure balance quality what’s best company Put ego side take action improve something next bounce likely small budget doesn’t mean cannot deliver might pleasantly surprised achieve little imagination tenacity ambitionTags Leadership Startup Work Entrepreneurship Careers |
2,943 | 5 Angel Investors of Color You Don’t Know, But Should | Entrepreneurship can seem like the ultimate catch 22 — making progress requires funding, but progress begets funding in the first place.
The average seed stage startup is worth over $5M, and is bootstrapped by founders for about 2.5 years before the first venture capitalist (VC) invests money to help the business grow.
Source: Tech Crunch
Entrepreneurs of color however, disproportionately fall short of accessing the necessary capital to achieve the initial traction above. For instance, although the total venture capital investments reached nearly $70B in the U.S. in 2016, companies led by founders of color received less than 1% of that funding. What’s worse is there were only 138 active U.S. seed stage VC investors reported in 2014. Since VCs typically only invest in industry sectors that fall within their domain of expertise, 138 funds quickly becomes way fewer for an entrepreneur whose business tackles a specific problem.
Stats like this make raising venture capital sound impossible, especially for people of color.
But there is another road less traveled that more founders may want to consider.
Approximately 300,000 high net-worth individuals in the U.S. invest in technology as angel investors today. 5% or 15,000 of those angels identify as people of color. Ta-da! The grass just got a little greener. People are drawn to others similar to themselves. Therefore, more diverse investors means a more diverse distribution of venture capital funds to those seeking it.
Over the past three months as a Summer Associate at Kapor Capital, I got to know some of these angel investors of color, and I want to make sure all the founders of color out there know them too. Without further adieu, here are the 5 angel investors of color you should know:
Tony Wilkins
Bet on the jockey, not the horse. Young entrepreneurs need mentors with relevant experiences to help them gain perspective and move their businesses to the next level.
Location: Chicago, IL
Investments: 39 total (20 current), up to $50K each, 5 exits
Investment Sectors: Consumer, Education, Fintech, and People Operations Tech
Select Portfolio Companies: AgileMD, Kudzoo, Nexercise, New Aero, SA Ignite, SpotHero, and more
Where To Find This Angel: Tony Wilkins (LinkedIn)
After losing his first job out of college as an electrical engineer at Chrysler in 1980, Tony Wilkins, of Chicago, IL, quickly realized that he needed to secure multiple sources of income in order to achieve financial security. While building a strong real-estate portfolio alongside his career in asset management, Tony also decided to make his first VC investment in 1991. He’s been an active angel ever since. In 29 years of investing, he has made a total of 39 investments with 11 total losses, 5 successful exits and 3 successful shutdowns. Today, he has 20 companies in his personal portfolio located in Chicago, Madison (WI), Galesburg (IL), New York and the Bay Area.
Tony invests across education, fintech, consumer, and people operations tech. He’s particularly interested in globally scalable, disruptively efficient digital companies, generally based in the Midwest where he can closely mentor young entrepreneurs. Seven of the 20 companies in Tony’s portfolio consist of founders who are people of color or women. Entrepreneurs can expect Tony to be an active mentor in the early stages, providing counsel, connections and capital.
2. Donray Von
These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and not supporting them is a missed opportunity. I want to spur that change.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Credit Facility: Up to $25M
Investments: 11 total, 4 exits
Investment Sectors: Consumer, Education, Fintech, and Media
Select Portfolio Companies: DSTLD, Speakaboos, Speakr, and more
Where To Find This Angel: donrayvon.com (personal website), Donray Von (LinkedIn)
Donray Von built a 20-year career in the music industry where he worked with artists like Outkast and The Roots. After meeting Nick Gross, son of billionaire PIMCO co-founder Bill Gross, they went on to launch Castleberry & Co., a tech-focused angel investment venture fund. Castleberry invests in digital software and e-commerce companies across the consumer, education, finance, and media sectors. Donray has made a total of 11 seed and series A investments and has realized 4 exits. They have co-invested alongside funds like Google Ventures, Guggenheim, TPG, and Lower Case Capital.
Donray’s newest venture, Currency, is a commercial finance platform focused on providing small to medium sized businesses, especially those run by people of color, with immediate access to the capital they need to grow without giving away ownership in their businesses. According to Donray, “These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and not supporting them is a missed opportunity. I want to spur that change.” When Black women are starting businesses at 6x the national average, there’s no better time than now.
3. Manny Fernandez
People of color have an advantage. They don’t need to be taught it — they know it, and I want to meet them.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Investments: 30+ total, $25K-$50K each
Investment Sectors: Real-Estate, Marketplaces, Enterprise Software, and Blockchain
Select Portfolio Companies: LiquidSpace, Revel Systems, Task Rabbit, and more
Where To Find This Angel: @mannyfernandez (Twitter), Manny Fernandez (LinkedIn)
Manny Fernandez bought his first investment property at 20 years old. He went on to buy a portfolio of single-family homes in Sacramento and sold 34 of them at the height of the real-estate market.
Manny later expanded his investments to include tech companies. He made his first angel investment in 2012 with TiE Angels and eventually founded SF Angel Group in 2013. Manny has a particular interest in tech platforms and marketplaces in the real-estate sector that have the ability to reach massive scale.
Manny personally believes that Silicon Valley places too much emphasis on academic pedigree, instead of focusing on an entrepreneur’s level of sheer hustle and hunger. According to Manny, “People of color have an advantage. They don’t need to be taught it — they know it, and I want to meet them.”
4. Jill Ford
Smart, scrappy people will find their way to success — no matter the challenges on the field.
Location: Detroit, MI
Investment Sectors: Consumer, Gaming, Mobile, and Social
Where To Find This Angel: @JillFord313 (Twitter), Jill Ford (LinkedIn)
After earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Jill Ford, now Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the City of Detroit, developed her mobile, social, and gaming expertise through a 15+ year career in business development and strategy at Disney, Motorola, HP, and Microsoft.
Her passion and expertise in the space eventually lead her to begin making personal investments in young entrepreneurs she knew well. Three years in however, she found herself at a crossroads. She could stay in Silicon Valley and continue building out her portfolio as a dedicated angel investor and startup advisor, or play a central role in the modernization and revitalization of Detroit’s tech sector as a special advisor to the mayor. Although she ultimately chose the latter and primarily focuses on helping people of color transition from owners to investors, Jill still finds time to mentor young entrepreneurs in the mobile, social, and gaming space as a mentor in the Techstars accelerator program and beyond.
When evaluating early-stage investment opportunities, Jill prioritizes people over product because “Smart, scrappy people will find their way to success — no matter the challenges on the field.”
5. Ryan Mundy
I want to change what tech looks like from both sides — for future investors, and entrepreneurs.
Location: Chicago, IL
Investments: 5 total, $25K+ each
Investment Sectors: Generalist (Fintech, Healthcare, Enterprise Software, Consumer, and more)
Where To Find This Angel: @RyanGMundy (Twitter), Ryan Mundy (LinkedIn)
The average NFL career lasts 3.3 years, and 78% of players go broke within three years of retirement. Ryan Mundy, however, wrote himself a different story. After 8 years of playing with the Steelers, Giants, and Bears, Ryan set his sights on tackling life after football. He earned his MBA from the University of Miami during his last season with the Bears, and at the suggestion of a friend, began honing his expertise in tech in order to become an angel investor.
Although he doesn’t solely invest in people of color, he saw an opportunity to be a financial resource and mentor for young entrepreneurs in his community. He spent the next year fully immersing himself in the tech world. He built his own framework for investing, expanded his network, learned the industry jargon, the standard financing vehicles, and the types of questions he needed ask to evaluate young companies.
Ryan considers himself a generalist and makes it a point to evaluate all companies that find their way to his desk, regardless of industry. He even considers non-tech startups and traditional brick & mortar businesses, like restaurants, for investment. When evaluating companies, Ryan looks for a well-defined value proposition, and booked revenue. An intrinsic risk comes with investing in pre-revenue companies — a risk too high for his taste. Companies in Ryan’s portfolio can expect to leverage his strategy and operations, as he is a recently certified Six Sigma Green Belt. They can also expect to leverage his experience in health and wellness and his expansive network to get to decision-makers. His ex-NFL status still has its perks.
Other Angels Worth Knowing
6. Charles King
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Investments: 30+ total, $50K-$500K each, 4 exits
Investment Sectors: Consumer, E-Commerce, Media
Select Portfolio Companies: Afrostream, Blavity, Mayvenn, Walker & Company, and more
Where To Find This Angel: @IAmCharlesDKing (Twitter), Charles D. King (LinkedIn)
Charles King has actively made angel investments for 6 years. The bad news is that Charles no longer makes active angel investments. The good news is that he is currently institutionalizing his angel investments into a venture capital fund housed under the larger umbrella of his multi-cultural media investment and production company, Macro Media. Charles leverages his 15 year media career and focuses on investing in consumer Internet and media companies.
7. Joanne Wilson
Location: New York, NY
Investments: 100+ total, $25K-$50K each
Investment Sectors: Consumer, E-Commerce, Food, Healthcare, Media
Select Portfolio Companies: Maker’s Row, Mercaris, and more
Where To Find This Angel: gothamgal.com (Personal Website), @thegothamgal (Twitter), Joanne Wilson (LinkedIn)
Joanne Wilson made her first angel investment in 2007. Although Joanne does not identify as a person of color, she has reportedly invested in three of the 11 black women-led startups that have raised over $1 million in venture capital funds. Joanne targets tech companies in the consumer, media, and e-commerce spaces.
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Anastacia Gordon is a writer, backpacker, and investor interested in music x media x culture x tech. She is currently an MBA student at Columbia Business School and spent summer 2017 as a summer associate at Kapor Capital. Prior to that, she was a founding team member at Jopwell (YC S’15).
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Sign up here to receive more music x media x culture x tech in your inbox. | https://medium.com/kapor-the-bridge/5-angel-investors-of-color-you-dont-know-but-should-4004e9c49ff6 | ['Anastacia Gordon'] | 2017-09-05 18:12:41.655000+00:00 | ['Tech', 'Startup', 'Venture Capital', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Diversity'] | Title 5 Angel Investors Color Don’t Know ShouldContent Entrepreneurship seem like ultimate catch 22 — making progress requires funding progress begets funding first place average seed stage startup worth 5M bootstrapped founder 25 year first venture capitalist VC invests money help business grow Source Tech Crunch Entrepreneurs color however disproportionately fall short accessing necessary capital achieve initial traction instance although total venture capital investment reached nearly 70B US 2016 company led founder color received le 1 funding What’s worse 138 active US seed stage VC investor reported 2014 Since VCs typically invest industry sector fall within domain expertise 138 fund quickly becomes way fewer entrepreneur whose business tackle specific problem Stats like make raising venture capital sound impossible especially people color another road le traveled founder may want consider Approximately 300000 high networth individual US invest technology angel investor today 5 15000 angel identify people color Tada grass got little greener People drawn others similar Therefore diverse investor mean diverse distribution venture capital fund seeking past three month Summer Associate Kapor Capital got know angel investor color want make sure founder color know Without adieu 5 angel investor color know Tony Wilkins Bet jockey horse Young entrepreneur need mentor relevant experience help gain perspective move business next level Location Chicago IL Investments 39 total 20 current 50K 5 exit Investment Sectors Consumer Education Fintech People Operations Tech Select Portfolio Companies AgileMD Kudzoo Nexercise New Aero SA Ignite SpotHero Find Angel Tony Wilkins LinkedIn losing first job college electrical engineer Chrysler 1980 Tony Wilkins Chicago IL quickly realized needed secure multiple source income order achieve financial security building strong realestate portfolio alongside career asset management Tony also decided make first VC investment 1991 He’s active angel ever since 29 year investing made total 39 investment 11 total loss 5 successful exit 3 successful shutdown Today 20 company personal portfolio located Chicago Madison WI Galesburg IL New York Bay Area Tony invests across education fintech consumer people operation tech He’s particularly interested globally scalable disruptively efficient digital company generally based Midwest closely mentor young entrepreneur Seven 20 company Tony’s portfolio consist founder people color woman Entrepreneurs expect Tony active mentor early stage providing counsel connection capital 2 Donray Von business backbone economy supporting missed opportunity want spur change Location Los Angeles CA Credit Facility 25M Investments 11 total 4 exit Investment Sectors Consumer Education Fintech Media Select Portfolio Companies DSTLD Speakaboos Speakr Find Angel donrayvoncom personal website Donray Von LinkedIn Donray Von built 20year career music industry worked artist like Outkast Roots meeting Nick Gross son billionaire PIMCO cofounder Bill Gross went launch Castleberry Co techfocused angel investment venture fund Castleberry invests digital software ecommerce company across consumer education finance medium sector Donray made total 11 seed series investment realized 4 exit coinvested alongside fund like Google Ventures Guggenheim TPG Lower Case Capital Donray’s newest venture Currency commercial finance platform focused providing small medium sized business especially run people color immediate access capital need grow without giving away ownership business According Donray “These business backbone economy supporting missed opportunity want spur change” Black woman starting business 6x national average there’s better time 3 Manny Fernandez People color advantage don’t need taught — know want meet Location San Francisco CA Investments 30 total 25K50K Investment Sectors RealEstate Marketplaces Enterprise Software Blockchain Select Portfolio Companies LiquidSpace Revel Systems Task Rabbit Find Angel mannyfernandez Twitter Manny Fernandez LinkedIn Manny Fernandez bought first investment property 20 year old went buy portfolio singlefamily home Sacramento sold 34 height realestate market Manny later expanded investment include tech company made first angel investment 2012 TiE Angels eventually founded SF Angel Group 2013 Manny particular interest tech platform marketplace realestate sector ability reach massive scale Manny personally belief Silicon Valley place much emphasis academic pedigree instead focusing entrepreneur’s level sheer hustle hunger According Manny “People color advantage don’t need taught — know want meet them” 4 Jill Ford Smart scrappy people find way success — matter challenge field Location Detroit MI Investment Sectors Consumer Gaming Mobile Social Find Angel JillFord313 Twitter Jill Ford LinkedIn earning bachelor’s degree computer science Jill Ford Head Innovation Entrepreneurship City Detroit developed mobile social gaming expertise 15 year career business development strategy Disney Motorola HP Microsoft passion expertise space eventually lead begin making personal investment young entrepreneur knew well Three year however found crossroad could stay Silicon Valley continue building portfolio dedicated angel investor startup advisor play central role modernization revitalization Detroit’s tech sector special advisor mayor Although ultimately chose latter primarily focus helping people color transition owner investor Jill still find time mentor young entrepreneur mobile social gaming space mentor Techstars accelerator program beyond evaluating earlystage investment opportunity Jill prioritizes people product “Smart scrappy people find way success — matter challenge field” 5 Ryan Mundy want change tech look like side — future investor entrepreneur Location Chicago IL Investments 5 total 25K Investment Sectors Generalist Fintech Healthcare Enterprise Software Consumer Find Angel RyanGMundy Twitter Ryan Mundy LinkedIn average NFL career last 33 year 78 player go broke within three year retirement Ryan Mundy however wrote different story 8 year playing Steelers Giants Bears Ryan set sight tackling life football earned MBA University Miami last season Bears suggestion friend began honing expertise tech order become angel investor Although doesn’t solely invest people color saw opportunity financial resource mentor young entrepreneur community spent next year fully immersing tech world built framework investing expanded network learned industry jargon standard financing vehicle type question needed ask evaluate young company Ryan considers generalist make point evaluate company find way desk regardless industry even considers nontech startup traditional brick mortar business like restaurant investment evaluating company Ryan look welldefined value proposition booked revenue intrinsic risk come investing prerevenue company — risk high taste Companies Ryan’s portfolio expect leverage strategy operation recently certified Six Sigma Green Belt also expect leverage experience health wellness expansive network get decisionmakers exNFL status still perk Angels Worth Knowing 6 Charles King Location Los Angeles CA Investments 30 total 50K500K 4 exit Investment Sectors Consumer ECommerce Media Select Portfolio Companies Afrostream Blavity Mayvenn Walker Company Find Angel IAmCharlesDKing Twitter Charles King LinkedIn Charles King actively made angel investment 6 year bad news Charles longer make active angel investment good news currently institutionalizing angel investment venture capital fund housed larger umbrella multicultural medium investment production company Macro Media Charles leverage 15 year medium career focus investing consumer Internet medium company 7 Joanne Wilson Location New York NY Investments 100 total 25K50K Investment Sectors Consumer ECommerce Food Healthcare Media Select Portfolio Companies Maker’s Row Mercaris Find Angel gothamgalcom Personal Website thegothamgal Twitter Joanne Wilson LinkedIn Joanne Wilson made first angel investment 2007 Although Joanne identify person color reportedly invested three 11 black womenled startup raised 1 million venture capital fund Joanne target tech company consumer medium ecommerce space — Anastacia Gordon writer backpacker investor interested music x medium x culture x tech currently MBA student Columbia Business School spent summer 2017 summer associate Kapor Capital Prior founding team member Jopwell YC S’15 Like you’ve read Sign receive music x medium x culture x tech inboxTags Tech Startup Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Diversity |
2,944 | Never Give Up Without A Fight | Never Give Up Without A Fight
The day I stepped away from writing (this would be almost 7 years ago) it was with the deliberate intention of never putting another word on paper.
Photo by Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash
I was fed up with the stops and starts, the mixed advice, the ‘almost were’ projects, the half-finished manuscripts and my own sense of ennui. It felt like there was never enough time to write. And the worst part was — I convinced myself that writing was a frivolous waste of the time.
Somehow I got the idea I should spend every waking moment building servers or learning Cisco networking or studying for certification tests or, well, anything other than writing. Doing those tasks was more ‘real’ than writing could ever be…
It was a difficult and fairly negative time for me. I’ve read enough from other writers to know that many of us have gone through even worse while building their careers. I mean, let’s be honest, there are more reasons not to write than there are reasons to write.
Most ‘reasons’ are excuses. Some are legit.
A legitimate reason would be losing a job or a true family crisis. My experience tells me anything else is doubt masquerading as purpose.
I learned the hard way that if you’re meant to write the stress of avoiding or ignoring it will eat you alive.
How did I get over myself?
For years I ignored my feelings. I told myself all kinds of stories about how it didn’t matter if I wrote or not. I reasoned that no one was waiting for anything I’d produce anyway.
The vast emptiness that sometimes overwhelmed me HAD to have some other source, right? It sure as hell couldn’t be happening because I wasn’t putting words on paper. That was too silly to consider.
I believe I’ve mentioned before that depression is an issue for me. I assumed the emptiness was just another bout with my old enemy. It took a while to comprehend that not writing removed one of my coping mechanisms.
The printed word (reading and writing) helped me fight back.
In a way, at least for me, writing is medicine. Every time I forget that I suffer.
Since I’m stubborn, realizing the issue and then doing something about it was a real battle. The person I’d asked to be my mentor bailed on me. No one offered encouragement or even noticed. That meant it was my problem to solve.
I was forced to take a hard look at why I loved writing so much. I also had to overcome the internal argument that writing was a stupid waste of time.
Pro tip #1 — You can only ignore your feelings for so long. Eventually your body will get fed up with the lies and do something nasty to you to get your attention.
I won’t go into what happened, but trust and believe my body’s response got my attention in a major way. It was time to get my shit together.
I made a deal with myself which went a little like this — Produce just one book this year, get it published and into the hands of at least one reader. If I can do that then I’ve proven writing isn’t a waste of time. I also promised that if I kept hemming and hawing and produced nothing in that year, I would drop this forever and do something else.
I am often scattershot in my approach to solving my own problems. I tried meditating on my own. I tried writing random pieces and creating a daily journal. I tried joining writing groups. I tried getting help from other writers I knew.
I didn’t start to get any traction until I found some things on YouTube that resonated.
Remember, I was searching for a type of internal approval. My struggle was more than just the mechanics of crafting stories and books. I needed to feel that it was ‘okay’ for me to write!
Pro tip #2 — All of the pie in the sky motivational BS on the planet means nothing if YOU don’t believe in your own dream.
It took a while but I finally found a few videos that sunk in and felt right. One of the first was a video featuring Les Brown, Eric Thomas, Will Smith and some others. The link to the video is right here. The other one featured a speech from Sly Stallone and that link is here.
Why these two videos?
I wish I had a single coherent answer for you, I really do. Something about them struck a deep chord.
I watched them twice a day that first year. When I woke up and right before I went to bed.
Finally it sank in.
The message was clear — NEVER GIVE UP WITHOUT A FIGHT. The words and energy were correct. I’ve always loved Les Brown and Eric Thomas. I didn’t know Will Smith was doing motivational stuff but his words were awesome too.
So I listened to them every day and after a while I took small actions every day.
I spent time on my rebounder. I walked until the sweat stung my eyes. I started doing morning pages again. I wrote and published two books instead of one. I even sold some…
Going through all that gave me back the one thing I was missing — my own approval.
I still listen to them now several years later. Give them a try and see what you think.
Never give up without a fight!
Struggling with feelings is natural for creatives. Every one of us go through it once or a hundred times. Following your heart is difficult every time. If you’re brave enough it’s worth the effort.
Feel like you’re at a crossroads on your own journey?
I wish I had all the answers for you but I’m only one person. All I can do make suggestions. Like Morpheus said — “I can only show you the door; you’re the one who has to walk through.”
What do I suggest?
Before you decide you’re done with your dream, give it one last honest try.
Finish that book (novel, poem, screenplay, article) this year. Spend time crafting several short stories, participate in NANOWRIMO next November. Make friends with another writer. DO something.
Write something that matters to you. Work hard to keep your internal editor and self-limiting detractors at bay. Keep in mind YouTube can be your friend…
Write to please yourself. If you can do that and have fun with it, you may puncture your own doubt.
Should you choose to quit that’s fine. Put it down, walk away and turn your energy to something that matters to you.
You must be clear though. Have you actually tried or did you just give up? Don’t sell yourself short, that way lies madness. Also, never give up on being creative out of fear of how someone else might view you.
And for God’s sake don’t give up on writing because you feel that it’s a waste of time.
Even if you only ever write for yourself, that’s worth the effort right there.
Good Luck!
Peace
You just read another exciting post from the Book Mechanic: the writer’s source for creating books that work and selling those books once they’re written.
If you’d like to read more stories just like this one tap here to visit | https://medium.com/the-book-mechanic/never-give-up-without-a-fight-aa8e7a530dce | ['Ronn Hanley'] | 2020-04-17 17:30:00.773000+00:00 | ['Keep Going', 'Perserverance', 'Trust', 'Writing Advice', 'Writing'] | Title Never Give Without FightContent Never Give Without Fight day stepped away writing would almost 7 year ago deliberate intention never putting another word paper Photo Jeremy Perkins Unsplash fed stop start mixed advice ‘almost were’ project halffinished manuscript sense ennui felt like never enough time write worst part — convinced writing frivolous waste time Somehow got idea spend every waking moment building server learning Cisco networking studying certification test well anything writing task ‘real’ writing could ever be… difficult fairly negative time I’ve read enough writer know many u gone even worse building career mean let’s honest reason write reason write ‘reasons’ excuse legit legitimate reason would losing job true family crisis experience tell anything else doubt masquerading purpose learned hard way you’re meant write stress avoiding ignoring eat alive get year ignored feeling told kind story didn’t matter wrote reasoned one waiting anything I’d produce anyway vast emptiness sometimes overwhelmed source right sure hell couldn’t happening wasn’t putting word paper silly consider believe I’ve mentioned depression issue assumed emptiness another bout old enemy took comprehend writing removed one coping mechanism printed word reading writing helped fight back way least writing medicine Every time forget suffer Since I’m stubborn realizing issue something real battle person I’d asked mentor bailed one offered encouragement even noticed meant problem solve forced take hard look loved writing much also overcome internal argument writing stupid waste time Pro tip 1 — ignore feeling long Eventually body get fed lie something nasty get attention won’t go happened trust believe body’s response got attention major way time get shit together made deal went little like — Produce one book year get published hand least one reader I’ve proven writing isn’t waste time also promised kept hemming hawing produced nothing year would drop forever something else often scattershot approach solving problem tried meditating tried writing random piece creating daily journal tried joining writing group tried getting help writer knew didn’t start get traction found thing YouTube resonated Remember searching type internal approval struggle mechanic crafting story book needed feel ‘okay’ write Pro tip 2 — pie sky motivational BS planet mean nothing don’t believe dream took finally found video sunk felt right One first video featuring Les Brown Eric Thomas Smith others link video right one featured speech Sly Stallone link two video wish single coherent answer really Something struck deep chord watched twice day first year woke right went bed Finally sank message clear — NEVER GIVE WITHOUT FIGHT word energy correct I’ve always loved Les Brown Eric Thomas didn’t know Smith motivational stuff word awesome listened every day took small action every day spent time rebounder walked sweat stung eye started morning page wrote published two book instead one even sold some… Going gave back one thing missing — approval still listen several year later Give try see think Never give without fight Struggling feeling natural creatives Every one u go hundred time Following heart difficult every time you’re brave enough it’s worth effort Feel like you’re crossroad journey wish answer I’m one person make suggestion Like Morpheus said — “I show door you’re one walk through” suggest decide you’re done dream give one last honest try Finish book novel poem screenplay article year Spend time crafting several short story participate NANOWRIMO next November Make friend another writer something Write something matter Work hard keep internal editor selflimiting detractor bay Keep mind YouTube friend… Write please fun may puncture doubt choose quit that’s fine Put walk away turn energy something matter must clear though actually tried give Don’t sell short way lie madness Also never give creative fear someone else might view God’s sake don’t give writing feel it’s waste time Even ever write that’s worth effort right Good Luck Peace read another exciting post Book Mechanic writer’s source creating book work selling book they’re written you’d like read story like one tap visitTags Keep Going Perserverance Trust Writing Advice Writing |
2,945 | 5 Valuable Lessons I Learned About Development After Multiple App Failures | Lesson 1: Perfection Is the Dream-Killer
Ah, perfection. The quintessential idea of what we aim to achieve and in turn romanticize in our minds. It’s that overwhelming desire to achieve the exact outcome that we envision in our minds. We have high hopes that it’ll seize the attention of all those who interact with the final creation.
Nothing has impeded my ability to make forward progress in development more than striving for perfection.
It made me feel like whatever it was I was building out wasn’t good enough.
I wouldn’t celebrate little wins. I wouldn’t focus on atomically approaching tasks. I wouldn’t focus on simplicity. I wouldn’t focus on refactoring. I wouldn’t know where to even start because my mind was way too focused on the big picture rather than the problem I was trying to solve right in front of me.
This isn’t to say that being a big-picture thinker isn’t important at all. The idea you lay out for yourself is the driving motivation behind an entire project after all.
But that doesn’t mean you should delay deployment solely because you aren’t where you want to be quite yet.
Perfection takes time. Perfection is not something you can simply strive for. Rather, perfection is the result of the tiny achievements and improvements you make throughout the entire lifetime of the product you’re developing.
Perfection is seen in the eyes of the user — not the eyes of the creator.
That’s why rather than aiming to be perfect, you should deploy the imperfect and be willing to alter your course as a response to the results you sequentially see from tiny wins. If you can’t adapt, be fluid, and be dynamic in the way you move forward through development, you’re only setting the stage for failure to take the spotlight.
Be willing to be criticized. Be open to the notion that you won’t achieve that perfect idea in your head. Be aware that the imperfect may just be the precursor to perfection that you’ve been looking for.
What’s important is that you’ve developed something more functional and valuable than you did the day before.
Focus on the small wins, and as time goes on, every tiny thing you achieve will evolve together into a fluid and functional application that people will want to use because you focused more on building out the little things very well rather than everything all at once.
Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Develop, refine, simplify, deploy, fail, reiterate, and you’ll eventually build an even better Rome than you imagined. | https://medium.com/better-programming/5-valuable-lessons-i-learned-about-development-after-multiple-app-failures-34fe07623978 | ['Zachary Minott'] | 2020-12-11 16:56:26.315000+00:00 | ['Self Improvement', 'Software Engineering', 'Startup', 'Life Lessons', 'Programming'] | Title 5 Valuable Lessons Learned Development Multiple App FailuresContent Lesson 1 Perfection DreamKiller Ah perfection quintessential idea aim achieve turn romanticize mind It’s overwhelming desire achieve exact outcome envision mind high hope it’ll seize attention interact final creation Nothing impeded ability make forward progress development striving perfection made feel like whatever building wasn’t good enough wouldn’t celebrate little win wouldn’t focus atomically approaching task wouldn’t focus simplicity wouldn’t focus refactoring wouldn’t know even start mind way focused big picture rather problem trying solve right front isn’t say bigpicture thinker isn’t important idea lay driving motivation behind entire project doesn’t mean delay deployment solely aren’t want quite yet Perfection take time Perfection something simply strive Rather perfection result tiny achievement improvement make throughout entire lifetime product you’re developing Perfection seen eye user — eye creator That’s rather aiming perfect deploy imperfect willing alter course response result sequentially see tiny win can’t adapt fluid dynamic way move forward development you’re setting stage failure take spotlight willing criticized open notion won’t achieve perfect idea head aware imperfect may precursor perfection you’ve looking What’s important you’ve developed something functional valuable day Focus small win time go every tiny thing achieve evolve together fluid functional application people want use focused building little thing well rather everything Remember Rome wasn’t built day Develop refine simplify deploy fail reiterate you’ll eventually build even better Rome imaginedTags Self Improvement Software Engineering Startup Life Lessons Programming |
2,946 | Bird Brains May Be Smarter Than We Thought | 3. Comparing Corvids and Ape
Despite a long history of intelligence testing in apes, as well as in various corvids, there is no direct comparison between these two animals using a single comprehensive panel of tests. The PCTB in fact has been used to compare a wide range of non-primate animals like monkeys, parrots, and dogs, which makes a lack of direct comparisons surprising. The authors of a paper just published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports aimed to fill this gap.
Simone Pika is the lead author of a paper titled “Raven's parallel great apes in physical and social cognitive skills”, reporting on their work to adapt the PCTB to hand-raised ravens. The main goal was to stick to the methodology of the PCTB closely, to enable direct species comparison, yet to adapt the test methods for ravens who use their beaks instead of thumbs.
Pika called this the Corvid Cognition Test Battery (or CCTB).
The authors bundled the many individual tests into larger groups which tested the animal’s understanding of: causality, quantity, space, communication, and theory of mind.
The subjects were eight hand-raised ravens, tested after they were fully hatched at four months, eight months, twelve months, and 16 months of age. Comparisons to non-human primates (chimpanzees and orangutans) used previously published primate studies.
The primary findings within the birds studied was that cognitive skills remained the same throughout the study period, and were approximately the same across types of cognition. In other words, raven’s impressive cognitive skills are already fully developed across a wide range of skills when they are only four months old.
Cognitive performance of ravens at each age from 4–16 months (image by Pika et al., 2020)
The ravens performed very similarly in both physical and social cognition, with their highest scores in quantitative skills, and lowest in spatial skills. The authors had a hypothesis going into this study that the ravens would perform higher in social than in physical cognition, given their complex societies and long-term monogamy.
The author’s hypothesis that ravens develop cognition very quickly was supported by their data showing that their performance didn’t vary over time and was already at a high level at four months of age.
The final hypothesis was that ravens would match apes in social intelligence because of their known complex social interactions, and that they would perform worse than apes in physical cognition. Their last hypothesis was not fully supported by their data. Ravens performed similarly to chimpanzees and orangutans in both physical and social intelligence. Only the raven’s spatial skills suffered in the comparison, all other skills matching the great apes. | https://medium.com/the-apeiron-blog/bird-brains-may-be-smarter-than-we-thought-7497f34f3d34 | [] | 2020-12-19 15:03:20.861000+00:00 | ['Philosophy', 'Animals', 'Intelligence', 'Psychology', 'Science'] | Title Bird Brains May Smarter ThoughtContent 3 Comparing Corvids Ape Despite long history intelligence testing ape well various corvids direct comparison two animal using single comprehensive panel test PCTB fact used compare wide range nonprimate animal like monkey parrot dog make lack direct comparison surprising author paper published journal Nature Scientific Reports aimed fill gap Simone Pika lead author paper titled “Ravens parallel great ape physical social cognitive skills” reporting work adapt PCTB handraised raven main goal stick methodology PCTB closely enable direct specie comparison yet adapt test method raven use beak instead thumb Pika called Corvid Cognition Test Battery CCTB author bundled many individual test larger group tested animal’s understanding causality quantity space communication theory mind subject eight handraised raven tested fully hatched four month eight month twelve month 16 month age Comparisons nonhuman primate chimpanzee orangutan used previously published primate study primary finding within bird studied cognitive skill remained throughout study period approximately across type cognition word raven’s impressive cognitive skill already fully developed across wide range skill four month old Cognitive performance raven age 4–16 month image Pika et al 2020 raven performed similarly physical social cognition highest score quantitative skill lowest spatial skill author hypothesis going study raven would perform higher social physical cognition given complex society longterm monogamy author’s hypothesis raven develop cognition quickly supported data showing performance didn’t vary time already high level four month age final hypothesis raven would match ape social intelligence known complex social interaction would perform worse ape physical cognition last hypothesis fully supported data Ravens performed similarly chimpanzee orangutan physical social intelligence raven’s spatial skill suffered comparison skill matching great apesTags Philosophy Animals Intelligence Psychology Science |
2,947 | 6 Greatest [Marketing] Insights from the School of Startups | 6 Greatest [Marketing] Insights from the School of Startups
I was lucky enough to be both a volunteer and a participant at the School of Startups, organised by The Shortcut. The School of Startups is series of creative business workshops, bringing the insights on different sides of business, from tech to design. This year specialists from different fields and startups came along together to help and encourage future startup stars. Being at the same time a volunteer, I had a chance to be a mediator between speakers and the audience and get insights from both sides. Excited by marketing, I am happy to share my greatest findings from 6 marketing-related workshops I participated in.
Content is about how you get on that first Google page — by Peter Seenan from Leadfeeder
Although blogging seems to be everywhere, marketers come up with new ways to catch attention. Search engine optimisation, or keyword search together with proper linking will skyrocket your content up to the first Google pages. Ever thought of using Quora? Quora turns out to be of great marketing use in terms of generating leads. When used properly, Quora enriches your personal brand together with bringing high-quality traffic to your website. Leadfeeder itself is a very powerful b2b marketing tool, that gives you a prospects on which company visited your website.
Business development is everywhere around you — by Dean Pattrick
There is Oreo and there is Burger King, both very successful and well-known brands. How can you boost sales then? The answer is simple, but genius, all you have to do is to get them together. Examples are endless: Marabou + Domino, Oboy + Daim, Fazer + Angry Birds etc.. Famously stated by Seth Godin, business development is “for entrepreneur or small business to have fun, create value and make money”.
Magic of Facebook Ads — by Kalle Tiihonen from Smartly
Hard to deny that internet advertising revenues continue to grow, last year Facebook & Google Ads reached unbelievable 99% in the US market. Although, for anyone, who has ever worked with Facebook Ads before this seems to be obvious, my first impression was that Facebook used pure magic to know everything about everyone and the professional use of it is even magic of higher level. Want to target travellers interested in web-development, who recently visited Helsinki? Want to find one more million users, with the same interests as your 100 existing customers? There is no limit for you.
Why branding is not only for corporations — by Robin Lemonnier
SME and starting entrepreneurs often mistake branding for logo and visual designs. Taking branding not serious enough might damage your business from the very beginning. In a nutshell, branding is the promise you make to your customers and technically covers your relationships with customers from the start till the very end.
Lean Branding goes together with storytelling — by Pouria Kay from Grib
“Lean” becoming a very trendy business concept still is getting power. Lean branding is about innovation and being flexible in the world of constant changes. Lean branding, explained by Pouria, a good friend of The Shortcut, in 4 steps starts with identifying the problem, offering value delivered through design and storytelling. The message of storytelling can not be underestimated either, same as lean branding itself.
Experiment with Google Analytics! — by Tatu Mäkijärvi from Nosto
Google Analytics tells you everything about the audience of your website: audience acquisition, behaviour, conversion and demographics. Google Analytics, let’s say, uses the same magic as Facebook Ads. Except that in this case, luckily for us, Google assists in learning the basics of Google Analytics via Demo Account, allowing you to try and experiment with all the main features.
The Shortcut is a community-driven organisation empowering diversity as an engine for growth through gatherings, workshops, trainings and programmes that help people explore ideas, share knowledge and develop skills to enable new talents required in the startup life. Follow The Shortcut not to miss next School of Startups and many more entrepreneurial events. | https://medium.com/the-shortcut/6-greatest-marketing-insights-from-the-school-of-startups-472f782b7e63 | ['Anna Pogrebniak'] | 2018-09-18 12:29:50.825000+00:00 | ['Finland', 'Startup', 'Marketing', 'Hacks', 'Digital Marketing'] | Title 6 Greatest Marketing Insights School StartupsContent 6 Greatest Marketing Insights School Startups lucky enough volunteer participant School Startups organised Shortcut School Startups series creative business workshop bringing insight different side business tech design year specialist different field startup came along together help encourage future startup star time volunteer chance mediator speaker audience get insight side Excited marketing happy share greatest finding 6 marketingrelated workshop participated Content get first Google page — Peter Seenan Leadfeeder Although blogging seems everywhere marketer come new way catch attention Search engine optimisation keyword search together proper linking skyrocket content first Google page Ever thought using Quora Quora turn great marketing use term generating lead used properly Quora enriches personal brand together bringing highquality traffic website Leadfeeder powerful b2b marketing tool give prospect company visited website Business development everywhere around — Dean Pattrick Oreo Burger King successful wellknown brand boost sale answer simple genius get together Examples endless Marabou Domino Oboy Daim Fazer Angry Birds etc Famously stated Seth Godin business development “for entrepreneur small business fun create value make money” Magic Facebook Ads — Kalle Tiihonen Smartly Hard deny internet advertising revenue continue grow last year Facebook Google Ads reached unbelievable 99 US market Although anyone ever worked Facebook Ads seems obvious first impression Facebook used pure magic know everything everyone professional use even magic higher level Want target traveller interested webdevelopment recently visited Helsinki Want find one million user interest 100 existing customer limit branding corporation — Robin Lemonnier SME starting entrepreneur often mistake branding logo visual design Taking branding serious enough might damage business beginning nutshell branding promise make customer technically cover relationship customer start till end Lean Branding go together storytelling — Pouria Kay Grib “Lean” becoming trendy business concept still getting power Lean branding innovation flexible world constant change Lean branding explained Pouria good friend Shortcut 4 step start identifying problem offering value delivered design storytelling message storytelling underestimated either lean branding Experiment Google Analytics — Tatu Mäkijärvi Nosto Google Analytics tell everything audience website audience acquisition behaviour conversion demographic Google Analytics let’s say us magic Facebook Ads Except case luckily u Google assist learning basic Google Analytics via Demo Account allowing try experiment main feature Shortcut communitydriven organisation empowering diversity engine growth gathering workshop training programme help people explore idea share knowledge develop skill enable new talent required startup life Follow Shortcut miss next School Startups many entrepreneurial eventsTags Finland Startup Marketing Hacks Digital Marketing |
2,948 | A Creature Without Emotions 2.0: A Thought Experiment | Imagine a creature or some kind of unusual animal without any emotional life. Could such a being survive in the everyday world?
The Harvard philosopher, Nelson Goodman, once remarked that we probably rely more on feelings in our everyday lives than arid and cold cognition. Indeed, much of everyday thought is bound up with our fluctuating emotional lives. For instance, as some clinicians are fond to point out, strong emotional arousal has a tendency to significantly narrow our range of attention. Attention itself is a conscious process in which we selectively focus our mind-brain-body on one thing while we ignore other things, divide our attention among several things or sustain our attention on a single thing over an extended duration of time. What we focus our minds on and what we think about are highly determined by our level of emotional arousal as well as the range and kinds of emotional states we have experienced in the past.
Antonio Damasio, a neurologist, suggests that bodily signals — visceral sensation emanating from our abdominal area as well as bodily sensations arising from other parts of the body — modify the way the brain handles information and this is accomplished primarily through use of our prefrontal cortices in the thinking part of our brains. Because they lack these bodily signals or “somatic markers,” patients with damage to the frontal lobes are unable to even anticipate the future. That is, they are unable to predict future events, such as make simple, ordinary choices in everyday life, because they possess no biasing somatic state to rely on in decision-making.
Photo by Victoriano Izquierdo on Unsplash
Imagine yourself standing in a buffet line and having to decide between a piece of chocolate cake and a piece of apple pie. How does one typically make this type of decision? Certainly, there is no logical choice between the two if they are essentially the same price or calories. That is, there is no logical calculus that one can apply to arrive at deciding whether one option or another is preferable. That’s because we typically make choices based on our preferences, and our preferences are closely aligned with our pleasurable or non-pleasurable experiences in past encounters. We choose the chocolate cake because of the extraordinary memories we experienced of its exuberant sweetness, notes of cheery and almond, and the dark, rich flavors underneath — or something similar. The sensual joy of a gourmand is what prepared us for this experience not a series of logical steps in deductive thought.
It would appear, then, that a creature without emotions would thus be helpless in the most mundane of everyday tasks. Captain Spock of Star Trek fame is a convenient dramatic fiction not a character that has any rational basis in science or real life. Just like children that fail to survive because of a lack of ability to perceive and respond to pain (commonly referred to as “congenital analgesia” denoting a class of sensory neuropathies), our fictional Spock, bereft of the ability to perceive and respond to emotions in himself and others, would be unable to make even the simplest of everyday decisions — often to avoid harm — or form enduring relationships with caregivers and others that are essential for survival.
Q.E.D.: “Spock” is a dramatic fiction. Which again brings me to the main point of this short intellectual dalliance. Never take seriously anything you watch in a Hollywood sci-fi flic or TV show. | https://medium.com/peter-lang/a-creature-without-emotions-2-0-a-thought-experiment-35ef5731e8e4 | ['Peter Lang'] | 2019-02-27 13:06:00.795000+00:00 | ['New York', 'Science', 'Emotions'] | Title Creature Without Emotions 20 Thought ExperimentContent Imagine creature kind unusual animal without emotional life Could survive everyday world Harvard philosopher Nelson Goodman remarked probably rely feeling everyday life arid cold cognition Indeed much everyday thought bound fluctuating emotional life instance clinician fond point strong emotional arousal tendency significantly narrow range attention Attention conscious process selectively focus mindbrainbody one thing ignore thing divide attention among several thing sustain attention single thing extended duration time focus mind think highly determined level emotional arousal well range kind emotional state experienced past Antonio Damasio neurologist suggests bodily signal — visceral sensation emanating abdominal area well bodily sensation arising part body — modify way brain handle information accomplished primarily use prefrontal cortex thinking part brain lack bodily signal “somatic markers” patient damage frontal lobe unable even anticipate future unable predict future event make simple ordinary choice everyday life posse biasing somatic state rely decisionmaking Photo Victoriano Izquierdo Unsplash Imagine standing buffet line decide piece chocolate cake piece apple pie one typically make type decision Certainly logical choice two essentially price calorie logical calculus one apply arrive deciding whether one option another preferable That’s typically make choice based preference preference closely aligned pleasurable nonpleasurable experience past encounter choose chocolate cake extraordinary memory experienced exuberant sweetness note cheery almond dark rich flavor underneath — something similar sensual joy gourmand prepared u experience series logical step deductive thought would appear creature without emotion would thus helpless mundane everyday task Captain Spock Star Trek fame convenient dramatic fiction character rational basis science real life like child fail survive lack ability perceive respond pain commonly referred “congenital analgesia” denoting class sensory neuropathy fictional Spock bereft ability perceive respond emotion others would unable make even simplest everyday decision — often avoid harm — form enduring relationship caregiver others essential survival QED “Spock” dramatic fiction brings main point short intellectual dalliance Never take seriously anything watch Hollywood scifi flic TV showTags New York Science Emotions |
2,949 | Continuously extending Zarr datasets | The Pangeo Project has been exploring the analysis of climate data in the cloud. Our preferred format for storing data in the cloud is Zarr, due to its favorable interaction with object storage. Our first Zarr cloud datasets were static, but many real operational datasets need to be continuously updated, for example, extended in time. In this post, we will show how we can play with Zarr to append to an existing archive as new data becomes available.
The problem with live data
Earth observation data which originates from e.g. satellite-based remote sensing is produced continuously, usually with a latency that depends on the amount of processing that is required to generate something useful for the end user. When storing this kind of data, we obviously don’t want to create a new archive from scratch each time new data is produced, but instead append the new data to the same archive. If this is big data, we might not even want to stage the whole dataset on our local hard drive before uploading it to the cloud, but rather directly stream it there. The nice thing about Zarr is that the simplicity of its store file structure allows us to hack around and address this kind of issue. Recent improvements to Xarray will also ease this process.
Download the data
Let’s take TRMM 3B42RT as an example dataset (near real time, satellite-based precipitation estimates from NASA). It is a precipitation array ranging from latitudes 60°N-S with resolution 0.25°, 3-hour, from March 2000 to present. It’s a good example of a rather obscure binary format, hidden behind a raw FTP server.
Files are organized on the server in a particular way that is specific to this dataset, so we must have some prior knowledge of the directory structure in order to fetch them. The following function uses the aria2 utility to download files in parallel.
Create an Xarray Dataset
In order to create an Xarray Dataset from the downloaded files, we must know how to decode the content of the files (the binary layout of the data, its shape, type, etc.). The following function does just that:
Now we can have a nice representation of (a part of) our dataset:
And plot e.g. the accumulated precipitation:
Store the Dataset to local Zarr
This is where things start to get a bit tricky. Because the Zarr archive will be uploaded to the cloud, it must already be chunked reasonably. There is a ~100 ms overhead associated with every read from cloud storage. To amortize this overhead, chunks must be bigger than 10 MiB. If we want to have several chunks fit comfortably in memory so that they can be processed in parallel, they must not be too big either. With today’s machines, 100 MiB chunks are advised. This means that for our dataset, we can concatenate 100 / (480 * 1440 * 4 / 1024 / 1024) ~ 40 dates into one chunk. The Zarr will be created with that chunk size.
Also, Xarray will choose some encodings for each variable when creating the Zarr archive. The most special one is for the time variable, which will look something like that (content of the .zattrs file):
It means that the time coordinate will actually be encoded as an integer representing the number of “hours since 2000–03–01 12:00:00”. When we create new Zarr archives for new datasets, we must keep the original encodings. The create_zarr function takes care of all that:
Upload the Zarr to the cloud
The first time the Zarr is created, it contains the very beginning of our dataset, so it must be uploaded as is to the cloud. But as we download more data, we only want to upload the new data. That’s where the clear and simple implementation of data and metadata as separate files in Zarr comes handy: as long as the data is not accessed, we can delete the data files without corrupting the archive. We can then append to the “empty” Zarr (but still valid and appearing to contain the previous dataset), and upload only the necessary files to the cloud.
One thing to keep in mind is that some coordinates (here lat and lon) won’t be affected by the append operation. Only the time coordinate and the DataArray which depends on the time dimension (here precipitation) need to be extended. Also, we can see that there will be a problem with the time coordinate: its chunks will have a size of 40. That was the intention for the precipitation variable, but because the time variable is a 1-D array, it will be much too small. So we empty the time variable of its data for now, and it will be uploaded later with the right chunks.
Repeat
Now that we have all the pieces, it is just a matter of putting them together in a loop. We take care of the time coordinate by uploading in one chunk at the end.
The following code allows to resume an upload, so that you can wait for new data to appear on the FTP server and launch the script again:
Conclusion
This post showed how to stream data directly from a provider to a cloud storage bucket. It actually serves two purposes:
for data that is produced continuously, we hacked around the Zarr data store format to efficiently append to an existing dataset.
for data that is bigger than your hard drive, we only stage a part of the dataset locally and have the cloud store the totality.
An in-progress pull request will give Xarray the ability to directly append to Zarr stores. Once that feature is ready, this process may become simpler. | https://medium.com/pangeo/continuously-extending-zarr-datasets-c54fbad3967d | ['David Brochart'] | 2019-04-18 14:47:00.954000+00:00 | ['Open Source', 'Python', 'Pangeo', 'Data Science', 'Science'] | Title Continuously extending Zarr datasetsContent Pangeo Project exploring analysis climate data cloud preferred format storing data cloud Zarr due favorable interaction object storage first Zarr cloud datasets static many real operational datasets need continuously updated example extended time post show play Zarr append existing archive new data becomes available problem live data Earth observation data originates eg satellitebased remote sensing produced continuously usually latency depends amount processing required generate something useful end user storing kind data obviously don’t want create new archive scratch time new data produced instead append new data archive big data might even want stage whole dataset local hard drive uploading cloud rather directly stream nice thing Zarr simplicity store file structure allows u hack around address kind issue Recent improvement Xarray also ease process Download data Let’s take TRMM 3B42RT example dataset near real time satellitebased precipitation estimate NASA precipitation array ranging latitude 60°NS resolution 025° 3hour March 2000 present It’s good example rather obscure binary format hidden behind raw FTP server Files organized server particular way specific dataset must prior knowledge directory structure order fetch following function us aria2 utility download file parallel Create Xarray Dataset order create Xarray Dataset downloaded file must know decode content file binary layout data shape type etc following function nice representation part dataset plot eg accumulated precipitation Store Dataset local Zarr thing start get bit tricky Zarr archive uploaded cloud must already chunked reasonably 100 m overhead associated every read cloud storage amortize overhead chunk must bigger 10 MiB want several chunk fit comfortably memory processed parallel must big either today’s machine 100 MiB chunk advised mean dataset concatenate 100 480 1440 4 1024 1024 40 date one chunk Zarr created chunk size Also Xarray choose encoding variable creating Zarr archive special one time variable look something like content zattrs file mean time coordinate actually encoded integer representing number “hours since 2000–03–01 120000” create new Zarr archive new datasets must keep original encoding createzarr function take care Upload Zarr cloud first time Zarr created contains beginning dataset must uploaded cloud download data want upload new data That’s clear simple implementation data metadata separate file Zarr come handy long data accessed delete data file without corrupting archive append “empty” Zarr still valid appearing contain previous dataset upload necessary file cloud One thing keep mind coordinate lat lon won’t affected append operation time coordinate DataArray depends time dimension precipitation need extended Also see problem time coordinate chunk size 40 intention precipitation variable time variable 1D array much small empty time variable data uploaded later right chunk Repeat piece matter putting together loop take care time coordinate uploading one chunk end following code allows resume upload wait new data appear FTP server launch script Conclusion post showed stream data directly provider cloud storage bucket actually serf two purpose data produced continuously hacked around Zarr data store format efficiently append existing dataset data bigger hard drive stage part dataset locally cloud store totality inprogress pull request give Xarray ability directly append Zarr store feature ready process may become simplerTags Open Source Python Pangeo Data Science Science |
2,950 | How to Practice Misogi (Cold Meditation) in Your Shower | For millennia, shamanistic and nature-based religions have made heavy use of the elements in their spiritual practices.
And the fact is, whether we’re aware of it or not, many of us have also long engaged in such elemental practices — often ritualistically and religiously.
Think bathing in the sun for hours on end. Doing breathing exercises. Going to the sauna. Subjecting the body to intense pressure, strain, and workouts. Or hiking in winter.
Traditionally, such practices as cold and heat exposure were believed to cleanse ourselves of impurities and act as a restorative balancer between mind, body, and spirit.
And in the modern-day, we’re starting to see these claims being backed up by science (apart from the spirit bit).
But here’s the thing. There’s a major difference between how such practices are typically approached today and traditionally.
We often don’t see such activities as meditative practices and ways to connect to ourselves and nature, but rather as tools to improve our health and wellbeing by reducing stress or getting a tan or breaking a sweat.
One such elemental practice that’s joining this health-boosting craze is cold exposure.
Cold exposure has a tonne of benefits, from enhancing immune function to aiding weight loss. But before science got its hands on it, for thousands of years cold exposure has been used to bring us closer to and into greater harmony with ourselves and nature.
One such tradition that has a long history with the cold is Shinto. Japan's oldest and still most practiced nature-based religion, Shinto is known for its practices called misogi or “cold water purification”.
Misogi sounds more sophisticated than it is: squatting under a freezing waterfall, standing in the sea in winter, or dousing yourself with ice water.
But like other Shinto practices, misogi has a special purpose. It’s practiced to help bring us into direct, unmediated communion with nature and to cultivate greater harmony within ourselves and with the natural world.
This approach to healing through engaging in practices that bring back balance to mind and body, as opposed to problem and treatment-based methods, has much in common with the Buddhist practice of mindfulness.
The Mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young found this out directly, when, during his 100-day initiation into the secret practices of Vajrayana (a kind of practical version of Buddhism), he had to throw a bucket of ice water over himself three times a day, in the middle of winter.
Rather than focusing on analyzing, fixing, and cultivating things in order to find solutions, like in many Western methods, such practices are instead focused on restoring imbalances that may be causing us to forget or not see the reality of wholeness and connectedness that is present in the first place.
With the modern world often leaving us feeling out of balance and out of touch with nature, cold exposure can work wonders. Let’s get into how to (and why you should want to) make this ancient practice a regular part of your routine by taking advantage of your own private waterfall a.k.a. your shower.
1. Eat the freezing frog
We all know we could take a cold shower if we really need to, say when the hot water isn’t working or after a really hard workout. But knowing this and actually proving it through doing it regularly are two massively different things.
Typically, we have the choice not to take a cold shower. So it almost seems stupid and even masochistic to purposely subject ourselves to one when we have the choice not to.
And it is. If we only consider exposure to water as being about cleaning our smelly bits.
Eat the frog is a principle from the productivity world that has come to mean taking on the most difficult or challenging part of your day first.
It comes from something Mark Twain once said: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
The idea is that if you eat the frog, the frog won’t eat you. Meaning you won’t spend most of the day procrastinating and avoiding what you really need to do. You’ll gain momentum and a sense of achievement from the get-go.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t see eating the frog as being about facing the most horrific task possible first. It’s not about getting through your taxes as soon as you can so the day can‘t get any worse from then on.
It’s more about the mental space you get yourself into by consciously choosing to do something difficult and eat the frog. In doing so, you take advantage of the night of sleep and don’t spend your day being eaten up by “Resistance” (more on that soon). Right from the start, you banish or “cleanse yourself of” doubt and you know it in your bones that you can face anything the day throws at you.
Tip: I find writing harder than taking a freezing cold shower. So every day I write, workout, and take a cold shower in that order. With the demon of not being able to write off my shoulders, there’s much less reason why I can’t handle a measly bit of cold water. More so, I’m much less likely to be in my head and therefore gritting my teeth and enduring the pain, and instead breathing into it and feeling the water.
2. Willpower vs limitless power
Cold showers are often talked about as a way to build mental strength.
In this way, you might think that cold exposure is all about willpower. It’s about putting on your motivational playlist and beating your chest and gritting your teeth until the timer is up.
Some people even recommend clenching your jaw or tensing all your muscles to help you get through cold showers. As if you didn’t make the choice to be there.
The way of willpower can be highly effective for enduring difficult feats. But it does little for improving your relationship with difficulty or helping you to welcome it.
Defined as the “capacity to override an unwanted thought, feeling, or impulse”, willpower is a limited reserve. All of us have access to it, but it’s typically constrained by conditions like emotion, energy, stimulants, and other external inputs like music that’s present in any given moment.
Real power is not relying on any external conditions to deal with the unwanted and control your experience, but rather, meeting the experience, no matter how difficult, and being able to embrace it fully with calm and equanimity.
You see this difference in high level mixed martial arts fighters. Some have to get really angry and revved up to fight, and then puff out after a few minutes. While others are composed and relaxed from the start and barely change their expression or level of performance throughout the fight.
Now, I couldn’t fight my way out of a paper bag, but it’s clear for anyone to see that these two types of fighters are relating differently to their experience. One is trying to get through what they’re facing, the other is choosing to meet it head-on.
This is the fundamental difference between enduring a cold shower using willpower, and welcoming it as a meditative practice with mindfulness.
In the second approach, it doesn’t mean everything will be all pleasant and fuzzy. The difference is you’re welcoming the feelings, thoughts, and sensations that are present, instead of trying to ignore them, push them away, fight them, or otherwise try to change them. You’re letting them in and allowing them to be there.
Tip: Not using willpower doesn’t mean you can’t use other means to help you be more present with the cold. The idea isn’t about dominating the cold and going hard or going home. It’s about being with and responding to the cold. So grunting/chanting, deep breathing, jumping around, and warming yourself up with exercise beforehand are not cheating if they help you actually be with the cold rather than simply endure it for longer periods.
3. Make a friend of Resistance
No matter how much calm and equanimity you have, there are just some days when you really don’t want to take a cold shower.
After more than two years of more or less daily cold showers, I still often have these days. But by recognizing I’m not trying to dominate my experience with willpower but instead become more in touch with it, I can recognize such thoughts and feelings as what Steven Pressfield calls “Resistance”.
Resistance is a universal, impersonal force that appears in the face of any worthy or challenging endeavor. The problem is, it often feels incredibly personal to the point it hijacks the driving seat and feels like it’s us.
According to Pressfield, Resistance will use any means necessary to stop us in our tracks and make us feel incapable. Including using internalized negative tapes from our childhood or the past against us. We thus identify Resistance as being our thoughts and our limitations and shortcomings, and then feel trapped and unable to take action.
This is how deceptive Resistance can be. But Pressfield says we don’t need to suppress this voice or push through. We don’t need to fight with it at all, because it’s not your thoughts.
It’s not you.
It’s Resistance.
There will always be Resistance in life. Especially if you want to do anything meaningful or worth doing.
You can make an enemy or close and faithful friend of Resistance. You can come to recognize it and get familiar with it by meeting it by doing things you don’t want to do like, for instance, taking a freezing cold misogi shower. Make a friend of Resistance, instead of fighting it, and you will become unstoppable.
Tip: Resistance won’t be a friend if you don’t respect it. Start slowly and gradually by splashing cold water on yourself before stepping in, practicing with milder temperatures first, and not expecting too much of yourself. I also make sure the room is warm and begin with hot water. Gradually these conditions matter less and less, but when starting out, Resistance often takes hold as we’re holding ourselves to too high or unrealistic expectations.
4. One lifetime, one moment
What do you want from your life?
I need to ask myself this question on a daily basis. Otherwise, I can easily while away the hours doing meaningless tasks and before I know it, the day is over.
When you ask the question of what do you want from your life regularly, you close the gap between what you want and what you actually do.
It’s easy to have a nice idea of how you want to live your life. But like the difference between knowing you can take a cold shower and actually doing it regularly, we may still continue to ignore the everyday moments that actually make up our lives.
If you ask it regularly and sincerely, the answer to what you want from life shouldn’t look any different from how your life is today or how you are in this very moment.
This is the principle of “one lifetime, one moment”, or “ichi-go ichi-i”, a Japanese saying from Zen Buddhism.
Ichi-go ichi-i is about fully appreciating this moment. And in doing so, as life is just a series of moments, making sure we actually live—not imagine we are living—life to its fullest.
Without ichi-go ichi-i, we may be more likely to succumb to Resistance and get lost in its endless doubts and excuses. We might be more likely to not eat the frog and opt for comfort over discomfort. We might be more likely to keep putting our plans for life on hold until a better day.
This is especially true when so much of modern life is oriented around achieving and maintaining comfort, pleasure, and stability.
If we truly succeed in getting rid of the uncomfortable and unwanted and are just left with the pleasant and pleasurable, then we may never want to step outside this fabricated world.
We may continue to relate to difficulty by pushing it away or gritting our teeth through it, and we thus may never feel fully able to appreciate or take advantage of the life we have in this moment.
Resistance is a sign of something worth doing. And most often, if not always, it’s also a sign of discomfort. This doesn’t mean we have to suffer to find any meaning in life. It just means that pleasure and comfort aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. And that we can learn a different way of relating to difficulty that includes it as a valid, expected, and even welcomed part of life.
This is the beauty of cold showers.
Taking a cold shower isn’t just something you do for mental toughness or the health benefits or the pride of knowing you can do it.
It’s a millennia if not eons-old practice that helps us to wake up to and inhabit each moment of our lives.
Because ichi-go ichi-i — each moment is unique unto itself, never to be replicated ever again.
And as long as we are fully here to live this moment, and the next one, and the next, then the rest of life will take care of itself.
Tip: All of life is precious. But it often doesn’t feel this way when we’re stuck in the rhythm of enduring or avoiding the bad and craving the good. Disrupt this habit by regularly including conscious discomfort in your life. If there was ever one tip I could give you (and myself) it would be don’t think about it too much. Your life might be over before you decide. Just do it. And get used to just doing it. | https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/how-to-practice-misogi-cold-meditation-in-your-shower-a738c0dac936 | ['Joe Hunt'] | 2020-12-29 16:45:12.700000+00:00 | ['Self-awareness', 'Life Lessons', 'Mental Health', 'Self Improvement', 'Mindfulness'] | Title Practice Misogi Cold Meditation ShowerContent millennium shamanistic naturebased religion made heavy use element spiritual practice fact whether we’re aware many u also long engaged elemental practice — often ritualistically religiously Think bathing sun hour end breathing exercise Going sauna Subjecting body intense pressure strain workout hiking winter Traditionally practice cold heat exposure believed cleanse impurity act restorative balancer mind body spirit modernday we’re starting see claim backed science apart spirit bit here’s thing There’s major difference practice typically approached today traditionally often don’t see activity meditative practice way connect nature rather tool improve health wellbeing reducing stress getting tan breaking sweat One elemental practice that’s joining healthboosting craze cold exposure Cold exposure tonne benefit enhancing immune function aiding weight loss science got hand thousand year cold exposure used bring u closer greater harmony nature One tradition long history cold Shinto Japans oldest still practiced naturebased religion Shinto known practice called misogi “cold water purification” Misogi sound sophisticated squatting freezing waterfall standing sea winter dousing ice water like Shinto practice misogi special purpose It’s practiced help bring u direct unmediated communion nature cultivate greater harmony within natural world approach healing engaging practice bring back balance mind body opposed problem treatmentbased method much common Buddhist practice mindfulness Mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young found directly 100day initiation secret practice Vajrayana kind practical version Buddhism throw bucket ice water three time day middle winter Rather focusing analyzing fixing cultivating thing order find solution like many Western method practice instead focused restoring imbalance may causing u forget see reality wholeness connectedness present first place modern world often leaving u feeling balance touch nature cold exposure work wonder Let’s get want make ancient practice regular part routine taking advantage private waterfall aka shower 1 Eat freezing frog know could take cold shower really need say hot water isn’t working really hard workout knowing actually proving regularly two massively different thing Typically choice take cold shower almost seems stupid even masochistic purposely subject one choice consider exposure water cleaning smelly bit Eat frog principle productivity world come mean taking difficult challenging part day first come something Mark Twain said “Eat live frog first thing morning nothing worse happen rest day” idea eat frog frog won’t eat Meaning won’t spend day procrastinating avoiding really need You’ll gain momentum sense achievement getgo Don’t get wrong don’t see eating frog facing horrific task possible first It’s getting tax soon day can‘t get worse It’s mental space get consciously choosing something difficult eat frog take advantage night sleep don’t spend day eaten “Resistance” soon Right start banish “cleanse of” doubt know bone face anything day throw Tip find writing harder taking freezing cold shower every day write workout take cold shower order demon able write shoulder there’s much le reason can’t handle measly bit cold water I’m much le likely head therefore gritting teeth enduring pain instead breathing feeling water 2 Willpower v limitless power Cold shower often talked way build mental strength way might think cold exposure willpower It’s putting motivational playlist beating chest gritting teeth timer people even recommend clenching jaw tensing muscle help get cold shower didn’t make choice way willpower highly effective enduring difficult feat little improving relationship difficulty helping welcome Defined “capacity override unwanted thought feeling impulse” willpower limited reserve u access it’s typically constrained condition like emotion energy stimulant external input like music that’s present given moment Real power relying external condition deal unwanted control experience rather meeting experience matter difficult able embrace fully calm equanimity see difference high level mixed martial art fighter get really angry revved fight puff minute others composed relaxed start barely change expression level performance throughout fight couldn’t fight way paper bag it’s clear anyone see two type fighter relating differently experience One trying get they’re facing choosing meet headon fundamental difference enduring cold shower using willpower welcoming meditative practice mindfulness second approach doesn’t mean everything pleasant fuzzy difference you’re welcoming feeling thought sensation present instead trying ignore push away fight otherwise try change You’re letting allowing Tip using willpower doesn’t mean can’t use mean help present cold idea isn’t dominating cold going hard going home It’s responding cold gruntingchanting deep breathing jumping around warming exercise beforehand cheating help actually cold rather simply endure longer period 3 Make friend Resistance matter much calm equanimity day really don’t want take cold shower two year le daily cold shower still often day recognizing I’m trying dominate experience willpower instead become touch recognize thought feeling Steven Pressfield call “Resistance” Resistance universal impersonal force appears face worthy challenging endeavor problem often feel incredibly personal point hijack driving seat feel like it’s u According Pressfield Resistance use mean necessary stop u track make u feel incapable Including using internalized negative tape childhood past u thus identify Resistance thought limitation shortcoming feel trapped unable take action deceptive Resistance Pressfield say don’t need suppress voice push don’t need fight it’s thought It’s It’s Resistance always Resistance life Especially want anything meaningful worth make enemy close faithful friend Resistance come recognize get familiar meeting thing don’t want like instance taking freezing cold misogi shower Make friend Resistance instead fighting become unstoppable Tip Resistance won’t friend don’t respect Start slowly gradually splashing cold water stepping practicing milder temperature first expecting much also make sure room warm begin hot water Gradually condition matter le le starting Resistance often take hold we’re holding high unrealistic expectation 4 One lifetime one moment want life need ask question daily basis Otherwise easily away hour meaningless task know day ask question want life regularly close gap want actually It’s easy nice idea want live life like difference knowing take cold shower actually regularly may still continue ignore everyday moment actually make life ask regularly sincerely answer want life shouldn’t look different life today moment principle “one lifetime one moment” “ichigo ichii” Japanese saying Zen Buddhism Ichigo ichii fully appreciating moment life series moment making sure actually live—not imagine living—life fullest Without ichigo ichii may likely succumb Resistance get lost endless doubt excuse might likely eat frog opt comfort discomfort might likely keep putting plan life hold better day especially true much modern life oriented around achieving maintaining comfort pleasure stability truly succeed getting rid uncomfortable unwanted left pleasant pleasurable may never want step outside fabricated world may continue relate difficulty pushing away gritting teeth thus may never feel fully able appreciate take advantage life moment Resistance sign something worth often always it’s also sign discomfort doesn’t mean suffer find meaning life mean pleasure comfort aren’t they’re cracked learn different way relating difficulty includes valid expected even welcomed part life beauty cold shower Taking cold shower isn’t something mental toughness health benefit pride knowing It’s millennium eonsold practice help u wake inhabit moment life ichigo ichii — moment unique unto never replicated ever long fully live moment next one next rest life take care Tip life precious often doesn’t feel way we’re stuck rhythm enduring avoiding bad craving good Disrupt habit regularly including conscious discomfort life ever one tip could give would don’t think much life might decide get used itTags Selfawareness Life Lessons Mental Health Self Improvement Mindfulness |
2,951 | 3時間で本格的なJupyterHub環境を構築！！そう、Kubernetesならね | JupyterHubのトップページに以下のような2つのユースケースが紹介されています。
1. If you need a simple case for a small amount of users (0–100) and single server take a look at The Littlest JupyterHub distribution.
2. If you need to allow for even more users, a dynamic amount of servers can be used on a cloud, take a look at the Zero to JupyterHub with Kubernetes . | https://medium.com/voicy-engineering/3%E6%99%82%E9%96%93%E3%81%A7%E6%9C%AC%E6%A0%BC%E7%9A%84%E3%81%AAjupyterhub%E7%92%B0%E5%A2%83%E3%82%92%E6%A7%8B%E7%AF%89-%E3%81%9D%E3%81%86-kubernetes%E3%81%AA%E3%82%89%E3%81%AD-31d29436509 | ['Yoshimasa Hamada'] | 2019-07-09 00:24:07.407000+00:00 | ['Jupyter Notebook', 'Google Cloud Platform', 'Data Science', 'Kubernetes'] | Title 3時間で本格的なJupyterHub環境を構築！！そう、KubernetesならねContent JupyterHubのトップページに以下のような2つのユースケースが紹介されています。 1 need simple case small amount user 0–100 single server take look Littlest JupyterHub distribution 2 need allow even user dynamic amount server used cloud take look Zero JupyterHub Kubernetes Tags Jupyter Notebook Google Cloud Platform Data Science Kubernetes |
2,952 | 9 Powerful MS Excel Features That You May Not Be Aware Of | 1 — Power Query (Advanced)
Are you spending a lot of time extracting and formatting the same data in Excel? There is a big chance you could automate all of this using Power Query. Power Query is an Excel ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) tool. You can pull data from multiple sources (CSV, TXT, SQL, Hadoop, SalesForce, Web) and compile it into one table which can be refreshed in one click.
For example, let’s say you have 1000's of files with the same format that you want to compile into one file.With one simple query you can get all the data in a report with just a few clicks!
2 — Power Pivot (Advanced)
Power Pivot is one of the most powerful features in Excel and hands down one of the best enhancements in the past few years.
Power Pivot works in tandem with Power Query: you use Power Query to acquire / format and load the data, then you use Power Pivot to do your analysis. You can link entire sets of data together, then create a data model that can handle millions of data records! You can then connect other tools like Power View/Power Map/Pivot Chart to visualize your insights.
Relationships in Power Pivot
3 — Conditional Formatting (Intermediate)
Most Excel users know how to use the built in conditional formatting options, you can achieve a lot more by writing your own conditions. You can see on the screenshot below how you can highlight cells in green that have a higher return than the average of the whole list of stocks.
Conditional Formatting Example
4 — Forecast Tool
Are you manually doing your own forecasting? You can now do it straight in Excel using the forecasting tool. You can find the option on the Data tab. These are forecasted sales figures for Tencent for example:
Sample Forecast Chart
5 — INDEX/MATCH (Advanced)
If you want to do a lookup in Excel you would usually use a VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP. However, many people are not familiar with INDEX/MATCH; once you understand the logic around it you will quickly understand that INDEX/MATCH is more powerful and will let you do lookups both horizontally and vertically.
Example below shows how the function used to get the 1 Week return of a specific stock:
Index / Match Function Example
6 — Keyboard Shortcuts (Basic)
Ultimately you should aim to use your keyboard as much as possible to be more efficient using Excel. There are multiple cheat sheets online for Excel shortcuts. Below are some shortcuts that you might find quite useful:
Ctrl + 1 — when you select a chart to bring the formatting panel.
— when you select a chart to bring the formatting panel. Ctrl + E — Flash fill
— Flash fill Create a quick bar chart -> select your values, then press F11, it will automatically insert a bar chart in a new sheet.
Ctrl + Arrows — you can navigate one your table using Ctrl and the arrows.
— you can navigate one your table using Ctrl and the arrows. Highlight entire row/column then Ctrl Shift plus sign (“+”) , this will insert a row or column. To delete you can press Ctrl and minus sign (“ — ”) .
, this will insert a row or column. To delete you can press . Ctrl + ; — to add today’s date, Ctrl Shift + ; — to add current time.
7 — Flash Fill (Intermediate)
If you are doing a task that follows the same pattern, you can select the entire range of cells and press Ctrl + E. Excel will then apply it to the entire range. As per below, I’m removing the dot in the stock Ticker and replacing it with a space:
Flash Fill
8 — Sparklines (Intermediate)
This is another option in Excel that lets you visualize data within a cell. You can just select your data, click on insert -> Win/Loss. Which will give you a quick visualization of stock returns, for example.
Sparkline Charts
9 — Azure Machine Learning add-in (Advanced)
You can now use different machine learning techniques using the Microsoft Azure Machine Learning add-in. You can either use an existing model or create your own on the Azure Studio website. It’s very easy to set up and let you access very powerful tools.
For example, using the Sentiment Analysis tool, I pulled a list of stocks headlines and use the tool to see which headlines are negative / neutral / positive. All it takes is a few clicks to get this setup. This is a simple example, it could be used to analyze information on Twitter. | https://medium.com/lets-excel/9-powerful-ms-excel-features-that-you-may-not-be-aware-of-eb077c898be6 | ['Don Tomoff'] | 2018-01-26 21:52:48.522000+00:00 | ['Excel', 'Business Intelligence', 'Automation', 'Financial Modeling', 'Productivity'] | Title 9 Powerful MS Excel Features May Aware OfContent 1 — Power Query Advanced spending lot time extracting formatting data Excel big chance could automate using Power Query Power Query Excel ETL Extract Transform Load tool pull data multiple source CSV TXT SQL Hadoop SalesForce Web compile one table refreshed one click example let’s say 1000 file format want compile one fileWith one simple query get data report click 2 — Power Pivot Advanced Power Pivot one powerful feature Excel hand one best enhancement past year Power Pivot work tandem Power Query use Power Query acquire format load data use Power Pivot analysis link entire set data together create data model handle million data record connect tool like Power ViewPower MapPivot Chart visualize insight Relationships Power Pivot 3 — Conditional Formatting Intermediate Excel user know use built conditional formatting option achieve lot writing condition see screenshot highlight cell green higher return average whole list stock Conditional Formatting Example 4 — Forecast Tool manually forecasting straight Excel using forecasting tool find option Data tab forecasted sale figure Tencent example Sample Forecast Chart 5 — INDEXMATCH Advanced want lookup Excel would usually use VLOOKUP HLOOKUP However many people familiar INDEXMATCH understand logic around quickly understand INDEXMATCH powerful let lookup horizontally vertically Example show function used get 1 Week return specific stock Index Match Function Example 6 — Keyboard Shortcuts Basic Ultimately aim use keyboard much possible efficient using Excel multiple cheat sheet online Excel shortcut shortcut might find quite useful Ctrl 1 — select chart bring formatting panel — select chart bring formatting panel Ctrl E — Flash fill — Flash fill Create quick bar chart select value press F11 automatically insert bar chart new sheet Ctrl Arrows — navigate one table using Ctrl arrow — navigate one table using Ctrl arrow Highlight entire rowcolumn Ctrl Shift plus sign “” insert row column delete press Ctrl minus sign “ — ” insert row column delete press Ctrl — add today’s date Ctrl Shift — add current time 7 — Flash Fill Intermediate task follows pattern select entire range cell press Ctrl E Excel apply entire range per I’m removing dot stock Ticker replacing space Flash Fill 8 — Sparklines Intermediate another option Excel let visualize data within cell select data click insert WinLoss give quick visualization stock return example Sparkline Charts 9 — Azure Machine Learning addin Advanced use different machine learning technique using Microsoft Azure Machine Learning addin either use existing model create Azure Studio website It’s easy set let access powerful tool example using Sentiment Analysis tool pulled list stock headline use tool see headline negative neutral positive take click get setup simple example could used analyze information TwitterTags Excel Business Intelligence Automation Financial Modeling Productivity |
2,953 | Enhance Your Learning by Calculating The Learning Compression Score | Enhance Your Learning by Calculating The Learning Compression Score
A (futuristic) method of assessing a source’s learning efficiency
Learning compression score = Quality / Size reduction
Calculating Learning Compression Score
This method, which I will call “Learning compression score”, is a (futuristic) method that I can imagine will accelerate learning.
Essentially, this “score” says how efficiently you learn things from a particular source in terms of time e.g. two similar articles may talk about the same idea, but one of them explains it in half the time required to read it.
So how can we “calculate” the compression score of a source? Let’s say you are aware of a book containing 70,000 words but, instead, there’s an article summarizing the book in only 1,000 words. In other words, the source has been compressed by ~99%. This, however, is just a component for calculating the learning compression score.
In order to calculate the compression score, we have to “calculate” how much (subjective) “quality” we have retained from the original source. Often, the quality goes down when summarizing sources, but in rare cases, it might even go up.
Let’s say we have retained 80% of the “quality”. Now, in order to calculate the compression score, we have to divide 0.8 with 0.01 = 80.
This number essentially means that every second you spend on reading the summary, you learn things 80x faster than when reading the original source.
Futuristic Method To Enhance Learning?
I think we can become more and more precise and efficient in calculating things like how much calories, proteins, and vitamins certain food contains. In fact, we might even be able to do such things in the future via brain augmentation by simply staring at food.
Perhaps it might even be possible to calculate more precisely how valuable and efficient a certain source would be to read for us. I mean, we already are doing that (subconsciously) based on our feelings of curiosity, joy, and so on.
What do you think of this concept? | https://medium.com/superintelligence/enhance-your-learning-by-calculating-the-learning-compression-score-bec27c18638c | ['John Von Neumann Ii'] | 2020-02-12 09:22:10.443000+00:00 | ['Books', 'Self Improvement', 'Reading', 'Education', 'Productivity'] | Title Enhance Learning Calculating Learning Compression ScoreContent Enhance Learning Calculating Learning Compression Score futuristic method assessing source’s learning efficiency Learning compression score Quality Size reduction Calculating Learning Compression Score method call “Learning compression score” futuristic method imagine accelerate learning Essentially “score” say efficiently learn thing particular source term time eg two similar article may talk idea one explains half time required read “calculate” compression score source Let’s say aware book containing 70000 word instead there’s article summarizing book 1000 word word source compressed 99 however component calculating learning compression score order calculate compression score “calculate” much subjective “quality” retained original source Often quality go summarizing source rare case might even go Let’s say retained 80 “quality” order calculate compression score divide 08 001 80 number essentially mean every second spend reading summary learn thing 80x faster reading original source Futuristic Method Enhance Learning think become precise efficient calculating thing like much calorie protein vitamin certain food contains fact might even able thing future via brain augmentation simply staring food Perhaps might even possible calculate precisely valuable efficient certain source would read u mean already subconsciously based feeling curiosity joy think conceptTags Books Self Improvement Reading Education Productivity |
2,954 | What is Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence?? | “A baby learns to crawl, walk and then run. We are in the crawling stage when it comes to applying machine learning.” ~Dave Waters
Let’s answer the fairly obvious question.
Machine Learning is a broad set of software capabilities that make your software smarter. The ability to learn without being explicitly programmed.
Let’s take an example of translation service. Lets just say you want to translate from one language to another language. So if you want to do this as a coding exercise. What would you do?? First, you would take that language, then, you will write certain rules for that language and you’re going to implement the translator to translate from this language to the next language. Now see if I ask you to do it for other language you’d have to start over. You’ll have to start from scratch again and write the rules for the programming language. But that is not the case with machine learning.
With Machine Learning, all you have to do is to actually train your machine learning model for translation from one model to the next. Once your code is ready your model is ready. And if you want to implement a new language translation all you have to do is to feed a data-set of that language and the machine learning model will take care of the rest. So, you’ll be able to create a translation without even changing a single line of code.
Machine Learning produce predictions
Machine Learning is a paradigm in which we think about problem solving. Also in machine learning we think more like a scientist, we observe, we run experiments and analyze experiment to form conclusions like we did in chemistry labs at school.
A breakthrough in Machine Learning would be worth 10 Microsofts ~Bill Gates
Now this is somewhat different than usual programming (problem solving) but once you understand it, it becomes very easy to implement machine learning algorithms.
Artificial Intelligence creates Actions
Now, Let’s discuss about AI yeah Artificial Intelligence, it is just about making machines mimic human behavior i.e. making computers as smart as humans like walking, talking, listening, reading, understanding and even learning new things. Over the past few years computers have automated tasks. For example identifying a cat in an image.
Now AI is not a new term. Researchers have been trying to teach machines and give them human intelligence since 1960s that is 60 plus years since then researchers have tried many different techniques to program computers to mimic human intelligence. The classical AI approach of using logical rules to model intelligence and understanding the world meant that giving precise rules and data structures created by researchers to implement those models. But those methods never lasted longer. They were wrong again and again.
But in today’s world, these modern techniques are slightly more advanced. And they do represent similarity in which we learn. Like, instead of explicitly telling a computer what we do is we make sure, we feed a bunch of data and machine learns from it, whether this is Cat or the dog you have to of course explicitly state that this image is of cat and this is of a dog. But after giving lots of data of cats and dogs like What is cat or what is not a cat or what is not a dog. A machine can fairly and easily identify with a reasonable accuracy which is a cat or dog.
Cats vs Dogs
So talking about few terms we generally confuse them like ML vs AI vs Deep Learning.
Artificial Intelligence is a super-set of machine learning and deep learning. Now AI is defined basically as a broad set of machine learning techniques and other things as well like symbolic reasoning and behavior based techniques etc. Now Machine Learning is a subset of artificial intelligence, and Deep Learning is even a subset of machine learning techniques and There are a lot of machine learning techniques, so Deep Learning is one of them you can say.
In other terms, we can see the difference between Strong/ Weak/ Shallow/Deep Machine Learning algorithms. Generally we listen and hear about strong or weak or shallow or deep machine learning algorithms. Now weak and shallow ML algorithms are those which are specific to machine learning problem like identifying an image, Computer vision basically or natural language processing and strong or deep machine learning techniques are techniques which are generic machine learning algorithms where you can use the same algorithm for accomplishing multiple task.
To be Continued……
If you liked and found informative, Don’t forget to give a Clap, Thanks | https://medium.com/codingurukul/what-is-machine-learning-and-artificial-intelligence-34861ab35f58 | ['Mohit Sharma'] | 2019-06-13 15:06:28.222000+00:00 | ['Deep Learning', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Python', 'Data Science', 'Machine Learning'] | Title Machine Learning Artificial IntelligenceContent “A baby learns crawl walk run crawling stage come applying machine learning” Dave Waters Let’s answer fairly obvious question Machine Learning broad set software capability make software smarter ability learn without explicitly programmed Let’s take example translation service Lets say want translate one language another language want coding exercise would First would take language write certain rule language you’re going implement translator translate language next language see ask language you’d start You’ll start scratch write rule programming language case machine learning Machine Learning actually train machine learning model translation one model next code ready model ready want implement new language translation feed dataset language machine learning model take care rest you’ll able create translation without even changing single line code Machine Learning produce prediction Machine Learning paradigm think problem solving Also machine learning think like scientist observe run experiment analyze experiment form conclusion like chemistry lab school breakthrough Machine Learning would worth 10 Microsofts Bill Gates somewhat different usual programming problem solving understand becomes easy implement machine learning algorithm Artificial Intelligence creates Actions Let’s discus AI yeah Artificial Intelligence making machine mimic human behavior ie making computer smart human like walking talking listening reading understanding even learning new thing past year computer automated task example identifying cat image AI new term Researchers trying teach machine give human intelligence since 1960s 60 plus year since researcher tried many different technique program computer mimic human intelligence classical AI approach using logical rule model intelligence understanding world meant giving precise rule data structure created researcher implement model method never lasted longer wrong today’s world modern technique slightly advanced represent similarity learn Like instead explicitly telling computer make sure feed bunch data machine learns whether Cat dog course explicitly state image cat dog giving lot data cat dog like cat cat dog machine fairly easily identify reasonable accuracy cat dog Cats v Dogs talking term generally confuse like ML v AI v Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence superset machine learning deep learning AI defined basically broad set machine learning technique thing well like symbolic reasoning behavior based technique etc Machine Learning subset artificial intelligence Deep Learning even subset machine learning technique lot machine learning technique Deep Learning one say term see difference Strong Weak ShallowDeep Machine Learning algorithm Generally listen hear strong weak shallow deep machine learning algorithm weak shallow ML algorithm specific machine learning problem like identifying image Computer vision basically natural language processing strong deep machine learning technique technique generic machine learning algorithm use algorithm accomplishing multiple task Continued…… liked found informative Don’t forget give Clap ThanksTags Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence Python Data Science Machine Learning |
2,955 | This One Simple Exercise Tells You What You Really Believe about Money | The turn around.
Once you identify your deep-seated relationship with money, what your negative programming looks like, you can do a positive affirmation on it.
Even though I did not know this consciously — I was unaware I held this negative belief — my machine was running on the sub-conscious thought that, “There’s probably something wrong with anyone who has a lot of money.”
To reverse this negative belief, I can say to myself a few times a day, “There is nothing wrong with someone just because they have a ton of money.”
A turn around.
Now aware, I can do something to change it. I can change it by recognizing it as a false belief and manifest a different reality.
I can tell myself, ‘Oprah has a ton of money, I don’t think there is anything bad about Oprah.’ I don’t know Oprah personally, but I’m fairly sure Oprah is a good person. She does a lot of good with her wealth. I know this.
The same goes for Jeff Bezos’s ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott. She received billions in her divorce settlement, making her one of the world’s wealthiest women.
Recently, she gave much of her wealth away to causes I believe in to aid marginalized people in our society who have been systematically beaten down and economically and politically thwarted through systematic racism and sexism.
The previous belief my mind was running on isn’t true, there is nothing wrong with someone just because they have a ton of money. Just because someone has gobs of money, doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.
Tell the reverse to yourself daily, put it up on the wall, read it. Persistence in changing any negative belief takes care of the negative belief. Your mind has to be disciplined, but it’s possible to change it.
The more you give authority and own what is healthy about you (for me answers to the statements 1–9, excluding #4), the more your trauma side is reduced.
Even though I was programmed to believe anyone with a lot of money must have something wrong with them, I’m reversing that negative belief. It is just a false belief I picked up somewhere (no big deal), and I’m going to manifest from my true self all the comfort and money I desire, letting go of this one negative belief will help me do so.
When we know better, we do better. Know thyself. Knowledge is power.
Keep working at it to reprogram the machine. It isn’t hard. It takes persistence, not a struggle.
The more you own and give authority to what is healthy about yourself, the healthy choices you make, the more your trauma side is reduced.
There is nothing you can do that is better for you than to give authority to your healthy self and stay out of your traumatized self.
On the financial side, that means to be in alignment with your financial success.
Identify those things where if you held that belief (like number 4 for me), it clearly could not serve you.
It isn’t serving me, it hasn’t served me, and if I continue to believe it, it won’t serve me.
It won’t serve you to carry the belief that people are better than or worse than you because they have money. Get rid of that belief. It doesn’t serve you to have the belief that money is scarce and is a struggle to obtain. “The universe is abundant” is a more productive belief to carry because it’s true.
The universe is abundant.
The pendulum exercise helps you identify your best way to manifest the money that aligns with your true self. To feel comfortable and safe and to be doing what you want to do in life.
There is no separation between having the life you want, having the money you want, and being who you truly are.
You can have it all. | https://medium.com/the-happy-spot/this-one-simple-exercise-tells-you-what-you-really-believe-about-money-574794deda02 | ['Jessica Lynn'] | 2020-08-27 11:46:01.610000+00:00 | ['Self-awareness', 'Life Lessons', 'Money', 'Psychology', 'Success'] | Title One Simple Exercise Tells Really Believe MoneyContent turn around identify deepseated relationship money negative programming look like positive affirmation Even though know consciously — unaware held negative belief — machine running subconscious thought “There’s probably something wrong anyone lot money” reverse negative belief say time day “There nothing wrong someone ton money” turn around aware something change change recognizing false belief manifest different reality tell ‘Oprah ton money don’t think anything bad Oprah’ don’t know Oprah personally I’m fairly sure Oprah good person lot good wealth know go Jeff Bezos’s exwife MacKenzie Scott received billion divorce settlement making one world’s wealthiest woman Recently gave much wealth away cause believe aid marginalized people society systematically beaten economically politically thwarted systematic racism sexism previous belief mind running isn’t true nothing wrong someone ton money someone gob money doesn’t mean they’re bad person Tell reverse daily put wall read Persistence changing negative belief take care negative belief mind disciplined it’s possible change give authority healthy answer statement 1–9 excluding 4 trauma side reduced Even though programmed believe anyone lot money must something wrong I’m reversing negative belief false belief picked somewhere big deal I’m going manifest true self comfort money desire letting go one negative belief help know better better Know thyself Knowledge power Keep working reprogram machine isn’t hard take persistence struggle give authority healthy healthy choice make trauma side reduced nothing better give authority healthy self stay traumatized self financial side mean alignment financial success Identify thing held belief like number 4 clearly could serve isn’t serving hasn’t served continue believe won’t serve won’t serve carry belief people better worse money Get rid belief doesn’t serve belief money scarce struggle obtain “The universe abundant” productive belief carry it’s true universe abundant pendulum exercise help identify best way manifest money aligns true self feel comfortable safe want life separation life want money want truly allTags Selfawareness Life Lessons Money Psychology Success |
2,956 | Grace: Self-Discovery Oracle Card | Grace is when you wake up in your deepest darkness and realize someone put flowers around you while you were sleeping.
Grace is both what prompts and carries you through your evolution. Grace is your guide on the spiral path deeper into yourself.
This spiral path leads you so deep into yourself that you find oneness with all that is. Grace shows you what it means to belong to the infinite as well as to yourself.
Grace is what helps you hold the mighty paradox of, “Things are not okay,” and, “All is well.”
There is always enough grace to carry you from this moment to this moment.
Let grace carry you. | https://medium.com/just-jordin/grace-self-discovery-oracle-card-c1fe5fbb52da | ['Jordin James'] | 2020-08-02 16:40:09.969000+00:00 | ['Spirituality', 'Mental Health', 'Self Improvement', 'Self', 'Psychology'] | Title Grace SelfDiscovery Oracle CardContent Grace wake deepest darkness realize someone put flower around sleeping Grace prompt carry evolution Grace guide spiral path deeper spiral path lead deep find oneness Grace show mean belong infinite well Grace help hold mighty paradox “Things okay” “All well” always enough grace carry moment moment Let grace carry youTags Spirituality Mental Health Self Improvement Self Psychology |
2,957 | WORKSHOP: how to use the properties, characteristics, and benefits of marketing and copywriting | How to use the properties, characteristics, and benefits of marketing and copywriting
An interesting trend. New copywriting sites and blogs are springing up like mushrooms after rain. On the one hand, this is good, because the direction is developing. However, the other side of the coin is the quality of most resources. Many of them simply rewrite superficial things and even manage to distort them to such an extent that they do nothing but harm.
For example, many of you have heard about the properties of a product and its benefits for the consumer (if you haven’t heard, it’s not scary, I’ll explain everything further, tell you and show it). If you ask most copywriters and marketers what should be indicated in the text: properties or benefits, most of them, without batting an eye, will answer: “Of course, benefits!”
Moreover, now many copywriting training “gurus” repeat like a mantra: “Benefits, not properties, benefits, not properties …” As a result, dozens of “Zombo-writers” come out of such training who are obsessed with benefits, but who do not bother to think about whether the benefits are appropriate in their particular case. However, let’s talk about everything in order.
Characteristics, properties, and benefits
Each product or service has its own characteristics. Some features are important for suppliers, others for consumers, others for manufacturers, etc. All these features can be conditionally divided into three large groups:
Specifications
Properties
Benefits
Sometimes it happens that one feature is included in 2 groups at once. For example, a characteristic or property can itself be a benefit. Further, we will consider this point with examples.
1. Characteristics
Characteristics are numerical parameters that characterize a product or service. Here are some examples of characteristics for three areas — home appliances, auto, and online advertising.
Characteristics
The strength of the characteristics lies in their specificity and certainty. The disadvantage is that certain segments of the audience do not understand what these characteristics mean.
2. Properties
Properties are the characteristics of certain goods or services. This also includes various functions, chips, and goodies. As a rule, properties are based on characteristics and can include them. Please note that properties can be both concrete and abstract. In the case of abstraction, it is better to supplement them with numbers.
Let’s look at what properties can be in our examples, based on the described characteristics.
Washing machine
Washing machine
Vehicle
Vehicle
Contextual advertising
Contextual advertising
3. Benefits
Benefits are what a person ultimately gets in a language he understands. The last 4 words of the previous sentence are key. And this is where the main highlight lies. The same product can have different benefits for different groups of people. This nuance is the most common mistake of novice copywriters. They show benefits, but not what their buyer is looking for. This mistake is especially common in the B2B segment, where companies buy goods in bulk to then sell them at retail to end consumers.
Let’s take a closer look at examples.
a) Washing machine
This is a typical example. Household appliances can be purchased by both wholesalers for sale and end consumers. The first is interested in the profit from the sale, and the second — in the quality performance of the functions assigned to the device.
Consequently, the benefit sets for different audience segments will differ. Take a look.
For retail buyers
For retail buyers
For wholesalers
For wholesalers
See the difference? Let’s take a look at the following example.
b) Vehicle
I chose a car as an example for a reason. The point is that a car belongs to a special category of goods, in which the characteristics themselves can be advantages for certain segments of the audience. Our car is abstract, and different people can buy it. Let’s compare the benefits for professionals and ordinary buyers.
For professionals
Professionals are well versed in the automotive market. Moreover, they are guided most often by characteristics. This means that for them the characteristics will be an indicator of benefits (this is the main criterion that professionals rely on). The same is true for a variety of equipment purchased by technicians. They are interested in characteristics. Let’s do it again.
Specialists who buy complex technical goods are primarily interested in characteristics, not benefits! Benefits can be shown differently, focusing on buying from you and not from other sellers.
For professionals
For ordinary users
To illustrate the differences in this example, let’s take a “simpler” group of people.
For ordinary users
This table shows only 5 bundles of characteristics with benefits, but with a real sale, there are many more. It is also worth remembering that to save money, people prefer to buy cars with diesel engines, and here you also need to show your benefits (savings on spare parts, simplicity, and cheapness of repairs, etc.)
c) Contextual advertising
When we talk about any advertising in principle, here you need to understand that this is a B2B segment, where the main motivator for action is the return on investment and economic feasibility. Naked calculation. This must be understood and distinguished from the B2C segment, which has completely different values.
Contextual advertising
What to include in promotional materials?
There is a simple rule: you need to indicate what interests the person and what contributes to the achievement of the goal. If you don’t know what to specify, try using the link:
PROPERTIES BENEFIT based on CHARACTERISTICS.
At the same time, characteristics and properties can be used both together and separately, but in both cases in conjunction with benefits.
Please note: if your product is the same as that of your competitors, then you are showing the benefit not of the product, but of purchasing it from you.
For example, if your distinguishing feature is that you are an official representative of the manufacturer, then the benefit for your client is saving money due to a lower price (say, 10–15% compared to competitors).
A few more examples of the implementation of the formula for consolidation.
Saving up to $100 per month on electricity thanks to energy-saving bulbs, which give the same light as incandescent lamps, but consume 4 times less power.
100% return of receivables without any extra effort at the expense of the debtor. Just one call to the “One Window” service of “Wall Street Kind of Investors” LLC, and the problem is solved.
Quiet and pliable neighbors, thanks to the Infrabass function with a frequency of 10 Hz and a power of 300 watts in Shardex speakers.
66 of your favorite movies or 12,500 songs are always with you on one flash drive with a capacity of 100 GB.
Send photos in 1 click to all social networks: the application works with JPG and PNG files.
You get the idea. Proceed from the task that you are facing and the audience to which you deliver your advertising message. I have a special setup for such cases. I called it the “ATHYW” installation. It stands for “Always Think With Your Head”. Believe me, it will be a little more difficult, but more reliable.
Once I came across a text that was selling a foot massager. This massager was designed for American 110-volt outlets. A man in pursuit of profit, without batting an eye, concluded: energy savings are 2 times compared to analogs (without indicating the voltage of the network). A gross mistake that, at best, will result in a search for an adapter for an outlet with a transformer, and at worst, will make it necessary to buy a new device.
Another point: not always turning properties into benefits is the best solution. For example, if a person chooses a refrigerator, and he needs the NoFrost function (he initially knows what it is). Explicitly indicating the presence of this function (in fact, a property), and you make it easier for a person to choose. At the same time, if you turn it into a benefit and write it down in detail, the required criterion may get lost in the mass of the text, and a person will consider that this function does not exist. The result is predictable — a lost customer.
Another example: You are selling headphones. Of course, you can use all your epistolary skill in describing the sound, but knowledgeable people need not this, but the frequency range.
Moral: Give people the information they need to make a decision. Benefits are good for persuasion, and properties and characteristics are good for targeted searches.
Remember this and let your texts sell!
Yours sincerely, Alex
P.S. Try to write down the characteristics, properties, and benefits of your products and services. Which one is the most important for your clients? What benefits do you use to detach from your competitors? | https://medium.com/marketing-laboratory/workshop-how-to-use-the-properties-characteristics-and-benefits-of-marketing-and-copywriting-9bbafc77801c | ['Alex Koma'] | 2020-10-16 11:38:48.919000+00:00 | ['Writing', 'Blogging', 'Marketing', 'Blog', 'Copywriting'] | Title WORKSHOP use property characteristic benefit marketing copywritingContent use property characteristic benefit marketing copywriting interesting trend New copywriting site blog springing like mushroom rain one hand good direction developing However side coin quality resource Many simply rewrite superficial thing even manage distort extent nothing harm example many heard property product benefit consumer haven’t heard it’s scary I’ll explain everything tell show ask copywriter marketer indicated text property benefit without batting eye answer “Of course benefits” Moreover many copywriting training “gurus” repeat like mantra “Benefits property benefit property …” result dozen “Zombowriters” come training obsessed benefit bother think whether benefit appropriate particular case However let’s talk everything order Characteristics property benefit product service characteristic feature important supplier others consumer others manufacturer etc feature conditionally divided three large group Specifications Properties Benefits Sometimes happens one feature included 2 group example characteristic property benefit consider point example 1 Characteristics Characteristics numerical parameter characterize product service example characteristic three area — home appliance auto online advertising Characteristics strength characteristic lie specificity certainty disadvantage certain segment audience understand characteristic mean 2 Properties Properties characteristic certain good service also includes various function chip goody rule property based characteristic include Please note property concrete abstract case abstraction better supplement number Let’s look property example based described characteristic Washing machine Washing machine Vehicle Vehicle Contextual advertising Contextual advertising 3 Benefits Benefits person ultimately get language understands last 4 word previous sentence key main highlight lie product different benefit different group people nuance common mistake novice copywriter show benefit buyer looking mistake especially common B2B segment company buy good bulk sell retail end consumer Let’s take closer look example Washing machine typical example Household appliance purchased wholesaler sale end consumer first interested profit sale second — quality performance function assigned device Consequently benefit set different audience segment differ Take look retail buyer retail buyer wholesaler wholesaler See difference Let’s take look following example b Vehicle chose car example reason point car belongs special category good characteristic advantage certain segment audience car abstract different people buy Let’s compare benefit professional ordinary buyer professional Professionals well versed automotive market Moreover guided often characteristic mean characteristic indicator benefit main criterion professional rely true variety equipment purchased technician interested characteristic Let’s Specialists buy complex technical good primarily interested characteristic benefit Benefits shown differently focusing buying seller professional ordinary user illustrate difference example let’s take “simpler” group people ordinary user table show 5 bundle characteristic benefit real sale many also worth remembering save money people prefer buy car diesel engine also need show benefit saving spare part simplicity cheapness repair etc c Contextual advertising talk advertising principle need understand B2B segment main motivator action return investment economic feasibility Naked calculation must understood distinguished B2C segment completely different value Contextual advertising include promotional material simple rule need indicate interest person contributes achievement goal don’t know specify try using link PROPERTIES BENEFIT based CHARACTERISTICS time characteristic property used together separately case conjunction benefit Please note product competitor showing benefit product purchasing example distinguishing feature official representative manufacturer benefit client saving money due lower price say 10–15 compared competitor example implementation formula consolidation Saving 100 per month electricity thanks energysaving bulb give light incandescent lamp consume 4 time le power 100 return receivables without extra effort expense debtor one call “One Window” service “Wall Street Kind Investors” LLC problem solved Quiet pliable neighbor thanks Infrabass function frequency 10 Hz power 300 watt Shardex speaker 66 favorite movie 12500 song always one flash drive capacity 100 GB Send photo 1 click social network application work JPG PNG file get idea Proceed task facing audience deliver advertising message special setup case called “ATHYW” installation stand “Always Think Head” Believe little difficult reliable came across text selling foot massager massager designed American 110volt outlet man pursuit profit without batting eye concluded energy saving 2 time compared analog without indicating voltage network gross mistake best result search adapter outlet transformer worst make necessary buy new device Another point always turning property benefit best solution example person chooses refrigerator need NoFrost function initially know Explicitly indicating presence function fact property make easier person choose time turn benefit write detail required criterion may get lost mass text person consider function exist result predictable — lost customer Another example selling headphone course use epistolary skill describing sound knowledgeable people need frequency range Moral Give people information need make decision Benefits good persuasion property characteristic good targeted search Remember let text sell sincerely Alex PS Try write characteristic property benefit product service one important client benefit use detach competitorsTags Writing Blogging Marketing Blog Copywriting |
2,958 | Spark 3.0: First hands-on approach with Adaptive Query Execution (Part 1) | Apache Spark is a distributed data processing framework that is suitable for any Big Data context thanks to its features. Despite being a relatively recent product (the first open-source BSD license was released in 2010, it was donated to the Apache Foundation) on June 18th the third major revision was released that introduces several new features including adaptive Query Execution (AQE) that we are about to talk about in this article.
A bit of history
Spark was born, before being donated to the community, in 2009 within the academic context of ampLab (curiosity: AMP is the acronym for Algorithms Machine People) of the University of California, Berkeley. The winning idea behind the product is the concept of RDD, described in the paper “Resilient Distributed Datasets: A Fault-Tolerant Abstraction for In-Memory Cluster Computing” whose lead author is Spark Matei Zaharia’s “father”.
The idea is for a solution that solves the main problem of the distributed processing models available at the time (MapReduce in the first place): the lack of an abstraction layer for the memory usage of the distributed system. Some complex algorithms that are widely used in big data, such as many for training machine learning models, or manipulating graph data structures, reuse intermediate processing results multiple times during computation. The “single-stage” architecture of algorithms such as MapReduce is greatly penalized in such circumstances since it is necessary to write (and then re-read) the intermediate results of computation on persistent storage. I/O operations on persistent storage are notoriously onerous on any type of system, even more so on one deployed due to the additional overhead introduced by network communications. The concept of RDD implemented on Spark brilliantly solves this problem by using memory during intermediate computation steps on a “multi-stage” DAG engine.
The other milestone (I leap because I enter into the merits of RDD programming and Spark’s detailed history, although very interesting, outside the objectives of the article) is the introduction on the first stable version of Spark (which had been donated to the Apache community) of the Spark SQL module.
One of the reasons for the success of the Hadoop framework before Spark’s birth was the proliferation of products that added functionality to the core modules. Among the most used surely we have to mention Hive, SQL abstraction layer over Hadoop. Despite MapReduce’s limitations that make it underperforming to run more complex SQL queries on this engine after “translation” by Hive, the same is still widespread today mainly because of its ease of use.
The best way to retrace the history of the SQL layer on Spark is again to start with the reference papers. Shark (spark SQL’s ancestor) dating back to 2013 and the one titled “Spark SQL: Relational Data Processing in Spark” where Catalyst, the optimizer that represents the heart of today’s architecture, is introduced.
Spark SQL features are made available to developers through objects called DataFrame (or Java/Scale Datasets in type-safe) that represent RDDs at a higher level of abstraction. You can use the DataFrame API through a specific DSL or through SQL.
Regardless of which method you choose to use, DataFrame operations will be processed, translated, and optimized by Catalyst (Spark from v2.0 onwards) according to the following workflow:
What’s new
We finally get to get into the merits of Adaptive Query Execution, a feature that at the architectural level is implemented at this level. More precisely, this is an optimization that dynamically intervenes between the logical plan and the physical plan by taking advantage of the runtime statistics captured during the execution of the various stages according to the stream shown in the following image:
The Spark SQL execution stream in version 3.0 then becomes:
Optimizations in detail
Because the AQE framework is based on an extensible architecture based on a set of logical and physical plan optimization rules, it can easily be assumed that developers plan to implement additional functionality over time. At present, the following optimizations have been implemented in version 3.0:
Dynamically coalescing shuffle partitions
Dynamically switching join strategies
Dynamically optimizing skew joins
let’s go and see them one by one by touching them with our hands through code examples.
Regarding the creation of the test cluster, we recommend that you refer to the previously published article: “How to create an Apache Spark 3.0 development cluster on a single machine using Docker”.
Dynamically coalescing shuffle partitions
Shuffle operations are notoriously the most expensive on Spark (as well as any other distributed processing framework) due to the transfer time required to move data between cluster nodes across the network. Unfortunately, however, in most cases they are unavoidable.
Transformations on a dataset deployed on Spark, regardless of whether you use RDD or DataFrame API, can be of two types: narrow or wide. Wide-type data needs partition data to be redistributed differently between executors to be completed. The infamous shuffle operation (and creating a new execution stage)
Without AQE, determining the optimal number of DataFrame partitions resulting from performing a wide transformation (e.g. joins or aggregations) was assigned to the developer by setting the spark.sql.shuffle.partitions configuration property (default value: 200). However, without going into the merits of the data it is very difficult to establish an optimal value, with the risk of generating partitions that are too large or too small and resulting in performance problems.
Let’s say you want to run an aggregation query on data whose groups are unbalanced. Without the intervention of AQE, the number of partitions resulting will be the one we have expressed (e.g. 5) and the final result could be something similar to what is shown in the image:
Enabling AQE instead would put data from smaller partitions together in a larger partition of comparable size to the others. With a result similar to the one shown in the figure.
This optimization is triggered when the two configuration properties spark.sql.adaptive.enabled and spark.sql.adaptive.coalescePartitions.enabled are both set to true. Since the second is set true by default, practically to take advantage of this feature you only need to enable the global property for AQE activation.
Actually going to parse the source code you find that AQE is actually enabled only if the query needs shuffle operations or is composed of sub-queries:
and that there is a configuration property that you can use to force AQE even in the absence of one of the two conditions above
The number of partitions after optimization will depend instead on the setting of the following configuration options:
spark.sql.adaptive.coalescePartitions.initialPartitionNum
spark.sql.adaptive.coalescePartitions.minPartitionNum
spark.sql.adaptive.advisoryPartitionSizeInBytes
where the first represents the starting number of partitions (default: spark.sql.shuffle.partitions), the second represents the minimum number of partitions after optimization (default: spark.default.parallelism), and the third represents the “suggested” size of the partitions after optimization (default: 64 Mb).
To test the behaviour of the dynamic coalition feature of AQE’s shuffle partitions, we’re going to create two simple datasets (one is to be understood as a lookup table that we need to have a second dataset to join).
The sample dataset is deliberately unbalanced, the transactions of our hypothetical “Very Big Company” are about 10% of the total. Those of the remaining companies about 1%:
Let’s first test what would happen without AQE
We will receive output:
Number of partitions without AQE: 50
The value is exactly what we have indicated ourselves by setting the configuration property spark.sql.shuffle.partitions.
We repeat the experiment by enabling AQE
The new output will be:
Number of partitions with AQE: 7
The value, in this case, was determined based on the default level of parallelism (number of allocated cores), that is, by the value of the spark.sql.adaptive.coalescePartitions.minPartitionNum configuration property.
Now let’s try what happens by “suggesting” the target size of the partitions (in terms of storage). Let’s set it to 30 Kb which is a value compatible with our sample data
This time the output will be:
Number of partitions with AQE (advisory partition size 30Kb): 15
regardless of the number of cores allocated on the cluster for our job.
Apart from having a positive impact on performance, this feature is very useful in creating optimally sized output files (try analyzing the contents of the job output directories that I created in CSV format while being less efficient so that you can easily inspect the files).
In the second and third part of the article we will try the other two new features:
Dynamically switching join strategies
Dynamically optimizing skew joins
Stay tuned! | https://medium.com/p/ff987f66b5c0 | ['Mario Cartia'] | 2020-10-14 05:31:47.419000+00:00 | ['Big Data', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Apache Spark', 'Advanced Analytics', 'Machine Learning'] | Title Spark 30 First handson approach Adaptive Query Execution Part 1Content Apache Spark distributed data processing framework suitable Big Data context thanks feature Despite relatively recent product first opensource BSD license released 2010 donated Apache Foundation June 18th third major revision released introduces several new feature including adaptive Query Execution AQE talk article bit history Spark born donated community 2009 within academic context ampLab curiosity AMP acronym Algorithms Machine People University California Berkeley winning idea behind product concept RDD described paper “Resilient Distributed Datasets FaultTolerant Abstraction InMemory Cluster Computing” whose lead author Spark Matei Zaharia’s “father” idea solution solves main problem distributed processing model available time MapReduce first place lack abstraction layer memory usage distributed system complex algorithm widely used big data many training machine learning model manipulating graph data structure reuse intermediate processing result multiple time computation “singlestage” architecture algorithm MapReduce greatly penalized circumstance since necessary write reread intermediate result computation persistent storage IO operation persistent storage notoriously onerous type system even one deployed due additional overhead introduced network communication concept RDD implemented Spark brilliantly solves problem using memory intermediate computation step “multistage” DAG engine milestone leap enter merit RDD programming Spark’s detailed history although interesting outside objective article introduction first stable version Spark donated Apache community Spark SQL module One reason success Hadoop framework Spark’s birth proliferation product added functionality core module Among used surely mention Hive SQL abstraction layer Hadoop Despite MapReduce’s limitation make underperforming run complex SQL query engine “translation” Hive still widespread today mainly ease use best way retrace history SQL layer Spark start reference paper Shark spark SQL’s ancestor dating back 2013 one titled “Spark SQL Relational Data Processing Spark” Catalyst optimizer represents heart today’s architecture introduced Spark SQL feature made available developer object called DataFrame JavaScale Datasets typesafe represent RDDs higher level abstraction use DataFrame API specific DSL SQL Regardless method choose use DataFrame operation processed translated optimized Catalyst Spark v20 onwards according following workflow What’s new finally get get merit Adaptive Query Execution feature architectural level implemented level precisely optimization dynamically intervenes logical plan physical plan taking advantage runtime statistic captured execution various stage according stream shown following image Spark SQL execution stream version 30 becomes Optimizations detail AQE framework based extensible architecture based set logical physical plan optimization rule easily assumed developer plan implement additional functionality time present following optimization implemented version 30 Dynamically coalescing shuffle partition Dynamically switching join strategy Dynamically optimizing skew join let’s go see one one touching hand code example Regarding creation test cluster recommend refer previously published article “How create Apache Spark 30 development cluster single machine using Docker” Dynamically coalescing shuffle partition Shuffle operation notoriously expensive Spark well distributed processing framework due transfer time required move data cluster node across network Unfortunately however case unavoidable Transformations dataset deployed Spark regardless whether use RDD DataFrame API two type narrow wide Widetype data need partition data redistributed differently executor completed infamous shuffle operation creating new execution stage Without AQE determining optimal number DataFrame partition resulting performing wide transformation eg join aggregation assigned developer setting sparksqlshufflepartitions configuration property default value 200 However without going merit data difficult establish optimal value risk generating partition large small resulting performance problem Let’s say want run aggregation query data whose group unbalanced Without intervention AQE number partition resulting one expressed eg 5 final result could something similar shown image Enabling AQE instead would put data smaller partition together larger partition comparable size others result similar one shown figure optimization triggered two configuration property sparksqladaptiveenabled sparksqladaptivecoalescePartitionsenabled set true Since second set true default practically take advantage feature need enable global property AQE activation Actually going parse source code find AQE actually enabled query need shuffle operation composed subqueries configuration property use force AQE even absence one two condition number partition optimization depend instead setting following configuration option sparksqladaptivecoalescePartitionsinitialPartitionNum sparksqladaptivecoalescePartitionsminPartitionNum sparksqladaptiveadvisoryPartitionSizeInBytes first represents starting number partition default sparksqlshufflepartitions second represents minimum number partition optimization default sparkdefaultparallelism third represents “suggested” size partition optimization default 64 Mb test behaviour dynamic coalition feature AQE’s shuffle partition we’re going create two simple datasets one understood lookup table need second dataset join sample dataset deliberately unbalanced transaction hypothetical “Very Big Company” 10 total remaining company 1 Let’s first test would happen without AQE receive output Number partition without AQE 50 value exactly indicated setting configuration property sparksqlshufflepartitions repeat experiment enabling AQE new output Number partition AQE 7 value case determined based default level parallelism number allocated core value sparksqladaptivecoalescePartitionsminPartitionNum configuration property let’s try happens “suggesting” target size partition term storage Let’s set 30 Kb value compatible sample data time output Number partition AQE advisory partition size 30Kb 15 regardless number core allocated cluster job Apart positive impact performance feature useful creating optimally sized output file try analyzing content job output directory created CSV format le efficient easily inspect file second third part article try two new feature Dynamically switching join strategy Dynamically optimizing skew join Stay tunedTags Big Data Artificial Intelligence Apache Spark Advanced Analytics Machine Learning |
2,959 | What I Learned From My Little Experiment With Short-Form Posts | What I Learned From My Little Experiment With Short-Form Posts
The good, bad, and the face for radio
Photo by OCV PHOTO on Unsplash
Over the last couple weeks I’ve experimented with short-form Medium stories. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about. To qualify (and get listed as) a short-form story, you need a few things:
The things
No title The first sentence must be bold The whole lock, stock, and Harold must be under 150 words (a shortcut for word count is a quick click to your drafts stories section and it’ll tell you).
Short-form posts can even get curated, so don’t forget to use all your favorite tags.
These little posts are shown in the entirety, versus getting a regular story truncated on your page or the various Medium screens. This means every view also counts as a read.
I wrote a total of nine short-post. They all got at least 30 reads. Some, many more. They all earned money. While these shorties aren’t a Medium miracle or anything I think they are a really good tool to promote your longer stories fast.
While I’m still investigating, there are a few good things I learned:
Every short-form story gets a 100% read rate, eventually. Sometimes the stats take a bit to catch-up. So don’t get discouraged if your stats are wonky when you first publish. You will earn money from these little posts. They take about 1 minute to write. My top-earner got me a dollar. Most earn around 25–50 cents. Do not look at these as a way to make money, but it’s not nothing. You can use them as a secondary sounding-board to promote something you just published. People can click your links straight from the summary window. They can click your full story as they scroll past the short-form post. Pretty cool. And I’m positive this has led to additional traffic for a few stories, by the way the read numbers coincide with spikes in the stories.
The bad:
I thought this would be a great way to help grow my email list, but the links I’ve added don’t seem to do much of anything. I think the primary benefit for short-form is their ability to reach more readers for your long-form stories.
The radio face:
Short-form stories are gimmicky. They aren’t that exciting to read since they’re under 150 words. I look at them as a commercial post for your real writing. I believe they have their place, and I’ll continue to use them as long as readers keep reading them, but don’t go too crazy, thinking that writing 50 of these a day will somehow get you more traffic.
I think a strategy of one short-form post per real story is a good metric.
If you bomb Medium with a bunch of short-forms you’re traffic will get throttled as spam, so take ‘er easy, Cheesy.
That’s all I’ve got.
Try adding short-form stories to your portfolio. They’re stupid-easy to write. There isn’t much of a downside. People clap and maybe even comment on them too. Add a link to your most-recent story and see if they’ll help add a couple new readers. Don’t forget to use your tags!
I’ve got something. Just for you… I want to invite you inside the fence.
When you build a tribe around your best work, even if you’re starting-out, you’ve got an instant audience when you’re ready to fly. No matter what kind of work you create. I want you inside the fence, but you’ve got to move fast, so I can shut the gate behind you.
Therefor, I built a free email masterclass for you. I hand-crafted the whole thing. It took me a couple months. I call the masterclass the Tribe 1K.
I’ll show you how to get your first 1,000 (or your next 1,000) readers without spending a hot nickel on ads. Past students include New York Times bestselling authors. Yep, the ones you see in the bookstore.
Your email list will help you build a legacy creative business.
If you want to grow your creative business you need email before you lose that valuable reader’s attention. Start your list before you need one. Once you need a list it’s almost too late.
Tap the link.
Guarantee your seat before I start to charge an enrollment fee.
We’re waiting for you. | https://medium.com/the-book-mechanic/what-i-learned-from-my-little-experiment-with-short-form-posts-8e1650c13c11 | ['August Birch'] | 2020-12-16 16:07:59.574000+00:00 | ['Medium', 'Marketing', 'Money', 'Life Lessons', 'Writing'] | Title Learned Little Experiment ShortForm PostsContent Learned Little Experiment ShortForm Posts good bad face radio Photo OCV PHOTO Unsplash last couple week I’ve experimented shortform Medium story Here’s example I’m talking qualify get listed shortform story need thing thing title first sentence must bold whole lock stock Harold must 150 word shortcut word count quick click draft story section it’ll tell Shortform post even get curated don’t forget use favorite tag little post shown entirety versus getting regular story truncated page various Medium screen mean every view also count read wrote total nine shortpost got least 30 read many earned money shorties aren’t Medium miracle anything think really good tool promote longer story fast I’m still investigating good thing learned Every shortform story get 100 read rate eventually Sometimes stats take bit catchup don’t get discouraged stats wonky first publish earn money little post take 1 minute write topearner got dollar earn around 25–50 cent look way make money it’s nothing use secondary soundingboard promote something published People click link straight summary window click full story scroll past shortform post Pretty cool I’m positive led additional traffic story way read number coincide spike story bad thought would great way help grow email list link I’ve added don’t seem much anything think primary benefit shortform ability reach reader longform story radio face Shortform story gimmicky aren’t exciting read since they’re 150 word look commercial post real writing believe place I’ll continue use long reader keep reading don’t go crazy thinking writing 50 day somehow get traffic think strategy one shortform post per real story good metric bomb Medium bunch shortforms you’re traffic get throttled spam take ‘er easy Cheesy That’s I’ve got Try adding shortform story portfolio They’re stupideasy write isn’t much downside People clap maybe even comment Add link mostrecent story see they’ll help add couple new reader Don’t forget use tag I’ve got something you… want invite inside fence build tribe around best work even you’re startingout you’ve got instant audience you’re ready fly matter kind work create want inside fence you’ve got move fast shut gate behind Therefor built free email masterclass handcrafted whole thing took couple month call masterclass Tribe 1K I’ll show get first 1000 next 1000 reader without spending hot nickel ad Past student include New York Times bestselling author Yep one see bookstore email list help build legacy creative business want grow creative business need email lose valuable reader’s attention Start list need one need list it’s almost late Tap link Guarantee seat start charge enrollment fee We’re waiting youTags Medium Marketing Money Life Lessons Writing |
2,960 | How I Deal With Dissociation as an Abuse Survivor | How I Deal With Dissociation as an Abuse Survivor
I can’t function when I’m not present
Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels
I have a hard time feeling my feelings. I often don’t know they are there, until several of them gang up and perform an intervention on me — and then suddenly it’s all too much.
Abuse survivors are well known to dissociate. It’s a fairly common maladaptive response to trauma.
For me, dissociating from early on in life was what saved me. I could leave my body, and exist in a dialogue-only part of my mind, where I could comprehend what was going on, but it didn’t break me.
I could stay quiet and small, and that kept me safe.
While it was an essential life skill for me as a child in an unsafe home, today as an adult trying to make it in the ‘normal’ world, I find myself lost from time to time.
I miss important cues that most people would get from their feelings, because mine are locked away.
I can go for days, weeks, and sometimes months without connecting with my feelings, especially the negative ones.
I’ve been hearing the term ‘toxic positivity’ a lot lately, in relation to other people forcing their need for positivity onto others. But personally, that’s something I’ve been doing to myself for as long as I can remember.
When something goes wrong, my immediate response is “It will be fine.”
Then I tell myself to suck it up, and I press on.
At the root of it all, I’m scared that if I acknowledge an emotion it will carry me away, and I will stop being an independent and functional adult.
In my early 20s I slipped into a period of low functioning depression where I didn’t get out of bed for many months. I don’t remember how I got out of it, but I just know that I can’t go back.
For abuse and trauma survivors, our fear of feeling our feelings can be related to our fear of losing control and efficacy over our own lives. We know that our grief will engulf everything if we let it, and so we don’t.
We march on, chanting our mantra of “It will be fine,” because that is the safest way for us to be. But this is only effective in the short term.
So what happens when we get so emotionally constipated that we can’t breathe anymore? What if life has become black, white and grey because all of the joy has slipped away?
And most worryingly — what happens when we fail to read the warning signs that our life is going in the wrong direction.
Take 2020 for example. I think most people accepted that something was very off about this year long before I did. While our economy was shutting down, I ploughed on with my self employed freelance lifestyle, while friends of mine who are more rooted in reality were applying for any jobs they could get.
Looking back, I wish I’d started that process sooner. Now my freelance work has dried up, and I still don’t have a job.
I also haven’t been processing my anxiety about my lack of income, at least I wasn’t until it started coming out as anger.
How to feel feelings again
So now that I am finally awake to the fact that I have been floating about in a dissociated state for most of this year, I intend to do the work to get unblocked emotionally, process my feelings, and join the rest of the population on planet Earth — and also to sort out my lack of income.
I need to be present, aware and feeling everything to make better decisions.
Step 1 — getting back into my body
The thing about dissociating is that it takes me out of my body, which is full of aches and pains, bad memories and horrible feelings. I don’t really want to be in there.
But I know that my body can be a good place too. It’s also where I feel joy, love and light. But I have to be prepared to take the rough with the smooth.
We can’t cherry pick the emotions that we want to feel.
So in order to begin feeling — all of it — I first have to get back into my body.
I have to remind (or convince) myself that today I am physically safe, and so my body is a safe place to be too.
In a previous post, The Law of Attraction for Abuse Survivors, I said this:
Getting into an abused and painful body is like stepping into a freezing cold and rapid river. The current is strong and it will take your breath away!
I want to raise this point again just as a reminder not to force yourself to get back in to your body, or do it too quickly. Take your time and stay calm.
As for the how part, I find anything tactile can help me with this, from petting my cats to having a hot bath. Touch is a great way to reconnect with ourselves.
But it has to be done mindfully — and this really is the key. If you are attempting this process too, then just focus on being in your physical form, and notice sensations like hot and cold, soft and rough.
You might find that a mantra helps too — try a few things and see what works for you.
Step 2 — Let a little out first
Whether at this point you are still reaching for any scrap of emotion within you, or you find yourself now suddenly holding back the flood gates, it’s again important to go slowly.
Processing your feelings isn’t another task or chore for you to power your way through. This is deep work and should be done carefully.
Try just letting a little out at a time. Try to focus on just one feeling, or just one situation in your life that you had been avoiding, and not the whole bigger picture.
Have a trusted friend on standby if you need somebody to support you. This is always a smart move.
If you are trying to feel but still nothing comes, then maybe music will help you. This usually works for me. I go for a walk or a run with a well chosen playlist of songs that make me feel, and I usually manage to cry a little.
It feels great to finally vent some of the pressure.
Final step — have a way forward
So, if you have reconnected with your body, felt your feelings and vented them a little, you will now need to know what comes next.
This is important for everyone, but perhaps feels even more important for abuse survivors. We can’t stand not knowing what to expect — for obvious reasons.
So making yourself a plan to deal with whatever you have been bottling up or avoiding is the smartest thing you can do now.
Don’t just think about it, writing it down and making it your official plan will give you a sense of security that you will likely need to avoid dissociating and floating off again.
Try and stay down here on Earth for as long as you can. You are more effective at solving problems and keeping your life on track while you are here, in your actual life.
Finally, remember that any habits we form in our early years, such as dissociation, are incredibly hard to break. So keep working at it, but don’t beat yourself up when you drift off again — because you likely will.
We all need reminders to stay on track. For me, I remind myself best when I write or talk about my dissociation. Maybe that would help you too?
Be gentle with yourself. You have come a long way and this year has been especially challenging for us all. But if you read to the end, then you are clearly thinking about processing your own emotions and that’s a great first step.
Just take one step at a time and keep being brave. | https://medium.com/the-virago/how-i-deal-with-dissociation-as-an-abuse-survivor-8dfff09f2919 | ['Sarah K Brandis'] | 2020-11-25 14:56:15.302000+00:00 | ['Mental Health', 'Abuse Survivors', 'Psychology', 'Life Lessons', 'Women'] | Title Deal Dissociation Abuse SurvivorContent Deal Dissociation Abuse Survivor can’t function I’m present Photo RFstudio Pexels hard time feeling feeling often don’t know several gang perform intervention — suddenly it’s much Abuse survivor well known dissociate It’s fairly common maladaptive response trauma dissociating early life saved could leave body exist dialogueonly part mind could comprehend going didn’t break could stay quiet small kept safe essential life skill child unsafe home today adult trying make ‘normal’ world find lost time time miss important cue people would get feeling mine locked away go day week sometimes month without connecting feeling especially negative one I’ve hearing term ‘toxic positivity’ lot lately relation people forcing need positivity onto others personally that’s something I’ve long remember something go wrong immediate response “It fine” tell suck press root I’m scared acknowledge emotion carry away stop independent functional adult early 20 slipped period low functioning depression didn’t get bed many month don’t remember got know can’t go back abuse trauma survivor fear feeling feeling related fear losing control efficacy life know grief engulf everything let don’t march chanting mantra “It fine” safest way u effective short term happens get emotionally constipated can’t breathe anymore life become black white grey joy slipped away worryingly — happens fail read warning sign life going wrong direction Take 2020 example think people accepted something year long economy shutting ploughed self employed freelance lifestyle friend mine rooted reality applying job could get Looking back wish I’d started process sooner freelance work dried still don’t job also haven’t processing anxiety lack income least wasn’t started coming anger feel feeling finally awake fact floating dissociated state year intend work get unblocked emotionally process feeling join rest population planet Earth — also sort lack income need present aware feeling everything make better decision Step 1 — getting back body thing dissociating take body full ache pain bad memory horrible feeling don’t really want know body good place It’s also feel joy love light prepared take rough smooth can’t cherry pick emotion want feel order begin feeling — — first get back body remind convince today physically safe body safe place previous post Law Attraction Abuse Survivors said Getting abused painful body like stepping freezing cold rapid river current strong take breath away want raise point reminder force get back body quickly Take time stay calm part find anything tactile help petting cat hot bath Touch great way reconnect done mindfully — really key attempting process focus physical form notice sensation like hot cold soft rough might find mantra help — try thing see work Step 2 — Let little first Whether point still reaching scrap emotion within find suddenly holding back flood gate it’s important go slowly Processing feeling isn’t another task chore power way deep work done carefully Try letting little time Try focus one feeling one situation life avoiding whole bigger picture trusted friend standby need somebody support always smart move trying feel still nothing come maybe music help usually work go walk run well chosen playlist song make feel usually manage cry little feel great finally vent pressure Final step — way forward reconnected body felt feeling vented little need know come next important everyone perhaps feel even important abuse survivor can’t stand knowing expect — obvious reason making plan deal whatever bottling avoiding smartest thing Don’t think writing making official plan give sense security likely need avoid dissociating floating Try stay Earth long effective solving problem keeping life track actual life Finally remember habit form early year dissociation incredibly hard break keep working don’t beat drift — likely need reminder stay track remind best write talk dissociation Maybe would help gentle come long way year especially challenging u read end clearly thinking processing emotion that’s great first step take one step time keep braveTags Mental Health Abuse Survivors Psychology Life Lessons Women |
2,961 | Life Isn’t Supposed to Be Lived Alone | Stop isolating yourself and start living.
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
It takes a special type of person to be fine living in the woods completely on their own. I wonder if they are truly happy.
Maybe, but I know that’s not me. Isolation is a punishment for most people.
Being social is good for you.
I do love spending time alone. I am such an introvert that I look forward to the times when I know I don’t have to talk to or be around anybody. However, I know I couldn’t live like that all the time.
I use my alone time to recharge from being social, but I need to spend time with my family and friends. I never regret going over to a friend’s house or having my partner sleep over. I never wish I hadn’t gone to visit my parents or my brothers.
It’s a necessity to interact with other people, to feel their energy and to have great conversation.
I can spend a couple days alone and feel fine, but after several days, I feel lonely. I feel a little sad. My mental and physical health are better when I’m socially active.
It’s important to step outside of your introspection and focus on other people. When I catch myself being too self-absorbed, I turn to my social circle to pull me out.
I always feel better when I take my attention away from myself and whatever issues I’m going through and live in the moment with friends and family.
Aristotle said that human beings are social animals. We thrive on interaction with our peers. We depend on it for our overall well-being. It helps to keep our mind and communication skills active.
Think about it. When you’re alone, how much speaking do you do? Can you develop your interpersonal skills by yourself? Muscles atrophy if you don’t use them. That goes for any type of practice.
We aren’t meant to live in complete silence. Meditation is great, but only for a period of time. Even monks socialize with each other.
Interacting with others is great for mental health. It can decrease feelings of depression and loneliness. Having others to talk to can help you deal with feelings of anxiety.
Being a productive member of society can certainly improve your mood and self-esteem. Knowing that other people are counting on you can give you purpose and lift your spirits.
When you feel like isolating yourself, try to go out into the world instead. Make an effort to hang out with friends. If stepping outside is too much, then a phone call is a good first step. It’s always good to at least have someone to talk to.
There are too many possibilities and opportunities in life that are waiting for you. You’ll miss out on most of them if you keep to yourself. You’re one of billions. You fit in somewhere. Don’t hide from the world. Go out and find your place in it. | https://maclinlyons.medium.com/life-isnt-supposed-to-be-lived-alone-80aa51bb2788 | ['Maclin Lyons'] | 2019-08-04 17:55:04.040000+00:00 | ['Self-awareness', 'Mental Health', 'Self Improvement', 'Life', 'Self'] | Title Life Isn’t Supposed Lived AloneContent Stop isolating start living Photo Anthony Tran Unsplash take special type person fine living wood completely wonder truly happy Maybe know that’s Isolation punishment people social good love spending time alone introvert look forward time know don’t talk around anybody However know couldn’t live like time use alone time recharge social need spend time family friend never regret going friend’s house partner sleep never wish hadn’t gone visit parent brother It’s necessity interact people feel energy great conversation spend couple day alone feel fine several day feel lonely feel little sad mental physical health better I’m socially active It’s important step outside introspection focus people catch selfabsorbed turn social circle pull always feel better take attention away whatever issue I’m going live moment friend family Aristotle said human being social animal thrive interaction peer depend overall wellbeing help keep mind communication skill active Think you’re alone much speaking develop interpersonal skill Muscles atrophy don’t use go type practice aren’t meant live complete silence Meditation great period time Even monk socialize Interacting others great mental health decrease feeling depression loneliness others talk help deal feeling anxiety productive member society certainly improve mood selfesteem Knowing people counting give purpose lift spirit feel like isolating try go world instead Make effort hang friend stepping outside much phone call good first step It’s always good least someone talk many possibility opportunity life waiting You’ll miss keep You’re one billion fit somewhere Don’t hide world Go find place itTags Selfawareness Mental Health Self Improvement Life Self |
2,962 | Recidivism, Rehabilitation, and the Grand Tour | Recidivism, Rehabilitation, and the Grand Tour
The US prison turnstile
Unsplash — Pablo Padilla
In theory, prisons should perform the dual function of rehabilitating and deterring its convicts from becoming repeat offenders. Inmates would be trained with a skill to make an honest living once they get out. And prison life made uncomfortable enough to leave those subjected to it in search of a better way.
Well, maybe in other countries those in control are doing a good job on this front. But judging from my experience, I’d have to give the BOP a failing grade here in the USA. To be fair (to the BOP), I was locked up in a transient facility where most inmates would not be serving a lot of time. So I can understand why the authorities might skip over our prison. But there were some prisoners “down” for a year or two. And if you incarcerate somebody for that duration, you ought to have programs in place to help him make a living upon release to society.
When it came to rehab, it was mostly non-existent at MCC. Though I personally had no financial need for skilled training, most others did. And whether I did or not, even I was hoping to get some if for no other reason than to fix my plumbing (or car) when the need arose after I was released — or to simply have something to occupy my mind. Alas, there was really almost none to be had!
The plumbing jobs were administered by a hispanic man who rumor had it, took care of his own. So if an inmate wasn’t hispanic — and had no experience or expertise in the skill — he wasn’t likely to get that job. And if a non-hispanic and inexperienced inmate did luck into that employment, he’d be hazed forthwith. One inmate told me he was soaked to the bone performing a task that the others knew would give him a good dousing. Similarly, the electrician jobs went almost exclusively to loud-mouthed gangbangers of color. Maybe I was imagining things, but rumor and my vision claimed differently.
In fact, the only employment which seemed to be open to all regardless of race, ethnicity, or experience was suicide watch. And that was hardly employment that might help an inmate navigate the square world on the outside.
With respect to course work (as opposed to the mostly non-existent on-the-job training I just described), the BOP was equally lacking. I was told by my first bunky (Benji) that the prison offered a class in commercial driving (big rigs).
I figured “What the hell! Let me learn how to drive a big rig.” I asked the head of education when I could sign up. He looked like a deer in the headlights when I presented the question.
In reality, there was no course in commercial driving. It, like much else at MCC, existed only in the theoretical — and not actual — realm.
Finally, 9 months into my sentence, the prison actually offered that course (though the prison brochure claimed it was a constant offering) in commercial driving. And who taught it? An actual teacher? Not quite. Try an inmate who was serving 6 years for the crime of transporting cocaine across state lines in his rig. Was he qualified to teach the course? Maybe. Maybe not.
In theory, there was a GED class for the many inmates who’d dropped out of high school and never got a degree. My bunky Chan was tasked with teaching that class by virtue of the fact that he volunteered for the job (Chan was not one to do physical labor) and had a college degree — albeit no experience teaching. Whether I questioned his abilities as a teacher was irrelevant. The BOP did not.
It was all moot anyway. Chan reported that the woman who administered the program was only semi-literate herself — and mostly absent. I roomed with him for 4 months, and he never (not once) descended to the library (where the education department was located) to teach a class. Occasionally, somebody would stop by for a little tutoring. But mostly, Chan sloughed him off. He wasn’t getting paid to do the job and really, had little interest in doing it. His teaching position simply fulfilled a requirement that all inmates work. All in all, hardly an educational scenario in which any student — let alone slacker inmates — could excel.
Oddly, John, an inmate with a PHD from Berkley in Astro-physics, was allowed to teach a college-level course in Astronomy. In truth, John was brilliant. And the course was excellent. Far and away way too cerebral for the surroundings. But really, what is an inmate going to do with the theoretical knowledge John’s course of study provided those matriculated in his class? While I enjoyed his presentation — and others did as well — the class certainly wasn’t going to help a prisoner make a living on the outside.
The federal government has a program called RDAP, an intensive 500 hour course with which druggy offenders with more than two years remaining on their sentence can enroll to trim a year off their time incarcerated. Two things about that program:
First, it wasn’t available at MCC. Because most (but not all) inmates in our prison were transient, the BOP didn’t bother. Those who managed to qualify were sometimes shipped out to another facility to participate in that program. But not always. It was a struggle many qualified inmates endured.
And second, nobody I knew who applied for RDAP really did so with an eye toward reforming. They were simply losing a year off their sentence. From what I heard, guys mostly talked out their drug shit, reminiscing to their old get high days while the teacher might interject here and there to direct the conversation. In short, the “high road” was not in evidence in that program.
On to the subject of recidivism. You would think that a country as modern and forward-thinking as the United Sates of America could figure out a way to convince its first-time offenders to not offend a second time. But unfortunately, not even close.
While at 68, my entrance into MCC was but my first go-round in the federal system, I was almost alone in that distinction. The prison was filled with guys who’d been in and out several times before. There were precious few of us who were rooks. And the ones that were struck me as people who didn’t hurt anybody…would not ever return…and probably never would have been incarcerated in the first place in another modern country.
One thing I noticed about the majority of prisoners (and especially those who’d been in and out for years) was how comfortable they were with prison life. The problem is if you’re a criminal type, you have a plethora of like-minded guys to hang out with behind bars. You can relate to most of the other inmates. You don’t really have to make a living. All your housing and food is provided for you. You got your three hots and a cot! That’s significant for some inmates. All they’re really missing is women. And if they could get that, I’m quite certain that a surprising percentage of prisoners would choose to stay. It’s called being institutionalized. And trust me, there was no shortage of institutionalized prisoners at MCC.
Clearly, this is not a formula to prevent recidivism. So many of the inmates had been in and out of the system so many times — for so long — that I coined a term for what turned out to be the majority of the prisoners at MCC. I’d say so-and-so had done the “Grand Tour.” Meaning “they’d been everywhere man, they’d been everywhere.”
And actually, much of the conversation in prison centered around conditions and features in a wide menu of prisons. “When I was on the compound,” or “at Canaan…or Laretto…or Otisville…or Danbury…or Fort Dix,” were words and phrases I constantly heard in prison. Even Paul Manafort’s conversation had that institutionalized feel. (Manafort was my celly for a spell during my stay at MCC.)
It has occurred to me that making prison an absolutely horrible experience during which inmates are tortured to the point that they’d do anything not to return might prevent recidivism. But it would also induce rioting — and murders — and suicides — and basically, a laundry list of collateral damage I can’t even fathom. Honestly, I don’t have the answer to the recidivism problem. And from my experience in the system, the BOP was as clueless as I — if not more.
I can only report that the issue was not addressed properly where I served my time. And clearly, from the stats, however the BOP is trying to rectify the problem isn’t working particularly well. Thus, we have all those inmates doing the Grand Tour. While I’m confident I won’t be one of them, I can’t say that the majority of my fellow prisoners at MCC can honestly make the same statement. The USA has a problem in this area. And that problem is at least being acknowledged if not rectified. Keeping so many prisoners behind bars is getting too expensive for the American taxpayer. Which is mostly why the situation is being addressed. Sympathy for the devil is in short supply. | https://medium.com/doing-time/recidivism-rehabilitation-and-the-grand-tour-5768b712e643 | ['William', 'Dollar Bill'] | 2020-11-25 12:56:12.814000+00:00 | ['Life Lessons', 'Mental Health', 'Prison', 'Culture', 'Psychology'] | Title Recidivism Rehabilitation Grand TourContent Recidivism Rehabilitation Grand Tour US prison turnstile Unsplash — Pablo Padilla theory prison perform dual function rehabilitating deterring convict becoming repeat offender Inmates would trained skill make honest living get prison life made uncomfortable enough leave subjected search better way Well maybe country control good job front judging experience I’d give BOP failing grade USA fair BOP locked transient facility inmate would serving lot time understand authority might skip prison prisoner “down” year two incarcerate somebody duration ought program place help make living upon release society came rehab mostly nonexistent MCC Though personally financial need skilled training others whether even hoping get reason fix plumbing car need arose released — simply something occupy mind Alas really almost none plumbing job administered hispanic man rumor took care inmate wasn’t hispanic — experience expertise skill — wasn’t likely get job nonhispanic inexperienced inmate luck employment he’d hazed forthwith One inmate told soaked bone performing task others knew would give good dousing Similarly electrician job went almost exclusively loudmouthed gangbangers color Maybe imagining thing rumor vision claimed differently fact employment seemed open regardless race ethnicity experience suicide watch hardly employment might help inmate navigate square world outside respect course work opposed mostly nonexistent onthejob training described BOP equally lacking told first bunky Benji prison offered class commercial driving big rig figured “What hell Let learn drive big rig” asked head education could sign looked like deer headlight presented question reality course commercial driving like much else MCC existed theoretical — actual — realm Finally 9 month sentence prison actually offered course though prison brochure claimed constant offering commercial driving taught actual teacher quite Try inmate serving 6 year crime transporting cocaine across state line rig qualified teach course Maybe Maybe theory GED class many inmate who’d dropped high school never got degree bunky Chan tasked teaching class virtue fact volunteered job Chan one physical labor college degree — albeit experience teaching Whether questioned ability teacher irrelevant BOP moot anyway Chan reported woman administered program semiliterate — mostly absent roomed 4 month never descended library education department located teach class Occasionally somebody would stop little tutoring mostly Chan sloughed wasn’t getting paid job really little interest teaching position simply fulfilled requirement inmate work hardly educational scenario student — let alone slacker inmate — could excel Oddly John inmate PHD Berkley Astrophysics allowed teach collegelevel course Astronomy truth John brilliant course excellent Far away way cerebral surroundings really inmate going theoretical knowledge John’s course study provided matriculated class enjoyed presentation — others well — class certainly wasn’t going help prisoner make living outside federal government program called RDAP intensive 500 hour course druggy offender two year remaining sentence enroll trim year time incarcerated Two thing program First wasn’t available MCC inmate prison transient BOP didn’t bother managed qualify sometimes shipped another facility participate program always struggle many qualified inmate endured second nobody knew applied RDAP really eye toward reforming simply losing year sentence heard guy mostly talked drug shit reminiscing old get high day teacher might interject direct conversation short “high road” evidence program subject recidivism would think country modern forwardthinking United Sates America could figure way convince firsttime offender offend second time unfortunately even close 68 entrance MCC first goround federal system almost alone distinction prison filled guy who’d several time precious u rook one struck people didn’t hurt anybody…would ever return…and probably never would incarcerated first place another modern country One thing noticed majority prisoner especially who’d year comfortable prison life problem you’re criminal type plethora likeminded guy hang behind bar relate inmate don’t really make living housing food provided got three hots cot That’s significant inmate they’re really missing woman could get I’m quite certain surprising percentage prisoner would choose stay It’s called institutionalized trust shortage institutionalized prisoner MCC Clearly formula prevent recidivism many inmate system many time — long — coined term turned majority prisoner MCC I’d say soandso done “Grand Tour” Meaning “they’d everywhere man they’d everywhere” actually much conversation prison centered around condition feature wide menu prison “When compound” “at Canaan…or Laretto…or Otisville…or Danbury…or Fort Dix” word phrase constantly heard prison Even Paul Manafort’s conversation institutionalized feel Manafort celly spell stay MCC occurred making prison absolutely horrible experience inmate tortured point they’d anything return might prevent recidivism would also induce rioting — murder — suicide — basically laundry list collateral damage can’t even fathom Honestly don’t answer recidivism problem experience system BOP clueless — report issue addressed properly served time clearly stats however BOP trying rectify problem isn’t working particularly well Thus inmate Grand Tour I’m confident won’t one can’t say majority fellow prisoner MCC honestly make statement USA problem area problem least acknowledged rectified Keeping many prisoner behind bar getting expensive American taxpayer mostly situation addressed Sympathy devil short supplyTags Life Lessons Mental Health Prison Culture Psychology |
2,963 | How to Get Your First 100,000 Followers (Redux) | I was looking through some old posts today and I came across this one.
I’d forgotten about it. I had this big fat goal of building up to 100,000 email subscribers in a year. That was in spring 2017 — so exactly two years ago.
Yeah. That didn’t happen. Instead, right around that time I started an MFA program. And I sold a book. And my focus shifted.
Which is pretty clear when you look at this.
My email list numbers, April 2017
And compare it to this.
My email list numbers, May 2019
So. I have 200 fewer email subscribers.
Le sigh.
There are a few reasons for that. Two are big ones.
Big One One
I’ve cleaned my email list twice since April 2017. That means I sent an email out to cold subscribers (that’s people who haven’t opened an email for at least 90 days) and when they didn’t respond, I deleted them from my list.
I’ve deleted roughly 10,000 email addresses from my list in the last two years. About 5,000 each time. The last time was just about a year ago. That reduced my email list to about 8,000 people. So in the last year, I’ve added in the neighborhood of 6,000 subscribers or 500 a month.
Big One Two
Around the time I wrote the post I linked to above, I cut my Facebook ad spend from about $600 a month to about $300 a month. By the end of 2017, I cut it to $0 + the occasional boosted post. Maybe $250 a year.
Part of the reason for that was because while Facebook ads were building up my email list quickly and that was exciting, they weren’t giving me a very health list, as evidenced by the fact that I was able to delete more than 40 percent of it as ‘cold subscribers’ over the last two years.
Just having a big email list isn’t enough. It has to be full of people who don’t only want your one free thingie. You want fans, right? Mine live on my list, but they were getting buried under people who use a special email address to sign up for freebies and don’t really want to read what I write.
So, It Makes Sense
But it also means that overall, my email list building mojo has gone stale.
I think that having a goal of building a giant list in a very short amount of time was probably never a great idea. I mean, it would be awesome if something happened and suddenly a gazillion people were leap frogging onto my email list — but trying to force that didn’t work out very well for me.
Not really, anyway.
Because my email list is awesome. My followers are the bomb. I have the best followers in the whole world.
I’d rather not pay for the people who are on my list, but aren’t really following me. They’re welcome to my freebie. But I’m okay with saying goodbye if I’m not their cup of tea.
Lately my email list kind of churns.
People come — mostly via my blog posts here. Some from Google sending people to my website. Some organically via Facebook.
People leave — maybe they don’t like how may emails I send out (a lot), maybe they just wanted my free thing (like I said), maybe they just aren’t into writing right now.
It seems healthy to me. The people in are coming to my list organically, because they’ve read something of mine all the way to the bottom, to my email form. The people are leaving make me grateful.
I’m Ready for Growth, Though
No crazy 100,000 followers in a year goals.
It’s pretty clear how that worked.
Photo by Dušan Smetana on Unsplash
That, my friends, is a sad panda.
I feel like just paying attention will help. It’s been a while since I did that.
I don’t plan to run ads, at least not specifically for list building.
Here are a couple of things I do plan on trying this week.
I created a new free mini-course about starting a Creativity Practice.
I’m working on making some connections with people who have followers who are in my space.
I’ll keep you posted. I like my original every two weeks plan. (Just two years late!) | https://medium.com/the-write-brain/how-to-get-your-first-100-000-fans-redux-9744c73b64b8 | ['Shaunta Grimes'] | 2019-07-23 13:27:30.632000+00:00 | ['Marketing', 'Email Marketing', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Digital', 'Email'] | Title Get First 100000 Followers ReduxContent looking old post today came across one I’d forgotten big fat goal building 100000 email subscriber year spring 2017 — exactly two year ago Yeah didn’t happen Instead right around time started MFA program sold book focus shifted pretty clear look email list number April 2017 compare email list number May 2019 200 fewer email subscriber Le sigh reason Two big one Big One One I’ve cleaned email list twice since April 2017 mean sent email cold subscriber that’s people haven’t opened email least 90 day didn’t respond deleted list I’ve deleted roughly 10000 email address list last two year 5000 time last time year ago reduced email list 8000 people last year I’ve added neighborhood 6000 subscriber 500 month Big One Two Around time wrote post linked cut Facebook ad spend 600 month 300 month end 2017 cut 0 occasional boosted post Maybe 250 year Part reason Facebook ad building email list quickly exciting weren’t giving health list evidenced fact able delete 40 percent ‘cold subscribers’ last two year big email list isn’t enough full people don’t want one free thingie want fan right Mine live list getting buried people use special email address sign freebie don’t really want read write Makes Sense also mean overall email list building mojo gone stale think goal building giant list short amount time probably never great idea mean would awesome something happened suddenly gazillion people leap frogging onto email list — trying force didn’t work well really anyway email list awesome follower bomb best follower whole world I’d rather pay people list aren’t really following They’re welcome freebie I’m okay saying goodbye I’m cup tea Lately email list kind churn People come — mostly via blog post Google sending people website organically via Facebook People leave — maybe don’t like may email send lot maybe wanted free thing like said maybe aren’t writing right seems healthy people coming list organically they’ve read something mine way bottom email form people leaving make grateful I’m Ready Growth Though crazy 100000 follower year goal It’s pretty clear worked Photo Dušan Smetana Unsplash friend sad panda feel like paying attention help It’s since don’t plan run ad least specifically list building couple thing plan trying week created new free minicourse starting Creativity Practice I’m working making connection people follower space I’ll keep posted like original every two week plan two year lateTags Marketing Email Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Email |
2,964 | How to Succeed at Your Own Speed | There’s so much potential for success in the world. So, what’s holding you back?
A fairly common answer is age. This year, I turned 30. To some, that means I ought to be settled comfortably into a life that will carry me to the grave. I must have a stable career, a family, possibly own multiple properties, etc.
And a quick browse on Amazon turns up several resources I could use to achieve these expectations. Books such as Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Good Luck Don’t Suck: A Tactical Guide to Early Success in the Workplace, and Unlock Your Career Success: Knowing the Unwritten Rules Changes Everything are available to anyone chasing this dream.
But, the more I wax poetic about these expectations, the less I describe the actual world I live in. Furthermore, the more I concede to these fantasies, the less control I retain over my life.
As stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote in his classic The Art of Living:
“Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people say or do. Hold true to your aspirations no matter what is going on around you.”
While easy to remember, this lesson is increasingly difficult to practice. Nowadays, learning to succeed on one’s own is a revolutionary act. It requires one to take a lonesome path, away from so many who are quick to offer advice or tell stories of how they found success.
Rich Karlgaard, the publisher of Forbes Magazine, posits that our cultural obsession with early success actually dissuades many from achieving success later in life. In his book Late Bloomers, Karlgaard depicts just how obsessed our culture has become with early achievement by citing a parenting article from the Washington Post about youth sports.
“Our culture no longer supports older kids playing [sports] for the fun of it. The pressure to raise “successful” kids means that we expect them to be the best. If they’re not, they’re encouraged to cut their losses and focus on areas where they can excel,” it reads.
But, this mantra isn’t just coming from parents. Karlgaard found evidence of this thinking in admissions applications from the nation’s top universities. Not only do they want “solid SAT scores” and “continually improving grades in challenging coursework, [but]” they also want students to be interested in “a few activities” and those who “go the extra mile to develop a special talent.”
Read: If you’re not quantifiably special, we don’t want you here.
Some colleges have taken steps to retract this philosophy. A report by The National Center for Open and Fair Testing found 85 of the country’s top-100 liberal arts colleges and seven Ivy League universities will be test-optional in 2021. This means students won’t have to take the SAT or ACT to be admitted. Instead, these schools will admit students based on a holistic application.
Moreover, adolescents are bombarded with similar rhetoric on social media. Some of the most commanding voices on these platforms are teens and young adults. Charli D’Amelio is dominating TikTok at just 17 years old, Corey Maison has amassed a huge following on Instagram for documenting her transgender life, and then there’s Billie Eilish. To this end, a poll by CNBC found that 86% of adolescents want to become a social media influencer.
So how is one supposed to rise above the fray when youths often portray models for success? What does success for late bloomers look like in a world obsessed with young stars? | https://medium.com/curious/learn-to-find-success-at-your-own-speed-27f5d0aa26e1 | ['Robert Davis'] | 2020-12-21 11:37:45.226000+00:00 | ['Mental Health', 'Personal Development', 'Life', 'Success', 'Science'] | Title Succeed SpeedContent There’s much potential success world what’s holding back fairly common answer age year turned 30 mean ought settled comfortably life carry grave must stable career family possibly multiple property etc quick browse Amazon turn several resource could use achieve expectation Books Grit Power Passion Perseverance Good Luck Don’t Suck Tactical Guide Early Success Workplace Unlock Career Success Knowing Unwritten Rules Changes Everything available anyone chasing dream wax poetic expectation le describe actual world live Furthermore concede fantasy le control retain life stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote classic Art Living “Attach spiritually superior regardless people say Hold true aspiration matter going around you” easy remember lesson increasingly difficult practice Nowadays learning succeed one’s revolutionary act requires one take lonesome path away many quick offer advice tell story found success Rich Karlgaard publisher Forbes Magazine posit cultural obsession early success actually dissuades many achieving success later life book Late Bloomers Karlgaard depicts obsessed culture become early achievement citing parenting article Washington Post youth sport “Our culture longer support older kid playing sport fun pressure raise “successful” kid mean expect best they’re they’re encouraged cut loss focus area excel” read mantra isn’t coming parent Karlgaard found evidence thinking admission application nation’s top university want “solid SAT scores” “continually improving grade challenging coursework but” also want student interested “a activities” “go extra mile develop special talent” Read you’re quantifiably special don’t want college taken step retract philosophy report National Center Open Fair Testing found 85 country’s top100 liberal art college seven Ivy League university testoptional 2021 mean student won’t take SAT ACT admitted Instead school admit student based holistic application Moreover adolescent bombarded similar rhetoric social medium commanding voice platform teen young adult Charli D’Amelio dominating TikTok 17 year old Corey Maison amassed huge following Instagram documenting transgender life there’s Billie Eilish end poll CNBC found 86 adolescent want become social medium influencer one supposed rise fray youth often portray model success success late bloomer look like world obsessed young starsTags Mental Health Personal Development Life Success Science |
2,965 | A Beginner’s Guide to Tesseract OCR | This tutorial consists of the following sections:
Setup and installation Preparing test images Usage and API call Fine-tuning Results Conclusion
1. Setup and installation
There are multiple ways to install tesserocr. The requirements and steps stated in this section will be based on installation via pip on Windows operating system. You can check the steps required via the official Github if you wanted to install via other methods.
Github files
Clone or download the files to your computer. Once you have completed the download, extract them to a directory. Make sure you have saved it in an easily accessible location — we will be storing the test images in the same directory. You should have a tesserocr-master folder that contains all the required files. Feel free to rename it.
Python
You should have python installed with version 3.6 or 3.7. I will be using Python 3.7.1 installed in a virtual environment for this tutorial.
Python modules via pip
Download the required file based on the python version and operating system. I downloaded tesserocr v2.4.0 — Python 3.7–64bit and saved it to the tesserocr-master folder (you can save it anywhere as you like). From the directory, open a command prompt (simply point it to the directory that holds the whl file if you opened a command prompt from other directory). Installation via pip is done via the following code:
pip install <package_name>.whl
Package_name refers to the name of the whl file you have downloaded. In my case, I have downloaded tesserocr-2.4.0-cp37-cp37m-win_amd64.whl. Hence, I will be using the following code for the installation:
pip install tesserocr-2.4.0-cp37-cp37m-win_amd64.whl
The next step is to install Pillow, a module for image processing in Python. Type the following command:
pip install Pillow
Language data files
Language data files are required during the initialization of the API call. There are three types of data files:
tessdata: The standard model that only works with Tesseract 4.0.0. Contains both legacy engine (--oem 0)and LSTM neural net based engine (--oem 1). oem refers to one of the parameters that can be specified during initialization. A lot faster than tessdata_best with with lower accuracy. Link to standard tessdata. tessdata_best: Best trained model that only works with Tesseract 4.0.0. It has the highest accuracy but a lot slower compared to the rest. Link to tessdata_best. tessdata_fast: This model provides an alternate set of integerized LSTM models which have been built with a smaller network. Link to tessdata_fast.
I will be using the standard tessdata in this tutorial. Download it via the link above and place it in the root directory of your project. In my case, it will be under tesserocr-master folder. I took an extra step and renamed the data files as tessdata. This means I have the following folder structure:
.../tesserocr-master/tessdata
2. Preparing test images
Saving images
The most efficient ways to get test images are as follows:
Search images online using keywords such as “road sign”, “restaurant” “menus”, “scanned”, “receipts” etc. Use snipping tool to save images of online articles, novels, e-books and etc. Use camera to take screenshot of labels or instructions pasted on top of household products.
The least efficient ways to get test images are as follows:
Find a book and type out the first few paragraphs in any word processing document. Then, print it on a piece of A4 paper and scan it as pdf or any other image format. Practice your handwriting to write as if the words are being typed. Earn sufficient money to purchase a high-end DSLR or a phone with high quality camera. Take a screenshot and transfer it to your computer. Study up on the basic of pixels to fill up a 128x128 canvas with blocks of characters. If you feel that it is too time-consuming, consider take up some programming and algorithm classes to write some codes that automate the pixel-filling process.
I saved the following images as test images:
A receipt
An abstract from a published paper
Introduction from a book
Code snippet
A few paragraphs from novels (Chinese and Japanese)
A few Chinese emoticons
Pre-processing
Most of the images required some form or pre-processing to improve the accuracy. Check out the following link to find out more on how to improve the image quality. A few important notes to be taken into account for the best accuracy:
dark text on white background
black and white image
remove alpha channel (save image as jpeg/jpg instead of png)
fine-tuning via psm parameters (Page Segmentations Mode)
Page Segmentation Mode will be discussed later, in the next section. We will start with converting a image into black and white. Given the following image:
Sample code snippet from my Notebook
If you are using Jupyter Notebook, you can type the following code and press Shift+Enter to execute it:
from PIL import Image column = Image.open('code.jpg')
gray = column.convert('L')
blackwhite = gray.point(lambda x: 0 if x < 200 else 255, '1')
blackwhite.save("code_bw.jpg")
Image.open(‘code.jpg’) : code.jpg is the name of the file. Modify this according to the name of the input file.
: is the name of the file. Modify this according to the name of the input file. PIL : refers to the old version of Pillow. You only need to install Pillow and you will be able to import Image module. Do not install both Pillow and PIL.
: refers to the old version of Pillow. You only need to install Pillow and you will be able to import Image module. Do not install both Pillow and PIL. column.convert(‘L’) : L refers to greyscale mode. Other available options include RGB and CMYK
: refers to greyscale mode. Other available options include and x < 200 else 255: fine-tune the value of 200 to any other values range from 0 to 255. Check the output file to determine the appropriate value.
If you are using command-line to call a Python file. Remember to change the input file and import sys:
Black and white version of the code snippet
Feel free to try out other image processing methods to improve the quality of your image. Once you are done with it, let’s move on to the next section.
3. Usage and API calls
Using with-statement for single image
You can use with-statement to initialize the object and GetUTF8Text() to get the result. This method is being referred as context manager. If you are not using with-statement, api.End() should be explicitly called when it’s no longer needed. Refer to the example below for manual handling for single image.
from tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI with PyTessBaseAPI() as api:
api.SetImageFile('sample.jpg')
print(api.GetUTF8Text())
If you encounter the following error during the call, it means the program could not locate the language data files (tessdata folder).
RuntimeError: Failed to init API, possibly an invalid tessdata path:
You can solve this by providing the path as argument during the initialization. You can even specify the language used — as you can see in this example (check the part highlighted in bold):
from tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI with PyTessBaseAPI(path='C:/path/to/tessdata/.', lang='eng') as api:
api.SetImageFile('sample.jpg')
print(api.GetUTF8Text())
Manual handling for single image
Although the recommended method is via context manager, you can still initialize it as object manually:
from tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI api = PyTessBaseAPI(path='C:/path/to/tessdata/.', lang='eng')
try:
api.SetImageFile('sample.jpg')
print(api.GetUTF8Text())
finally:
api.End()
Get confidence value for each word
PyTessBaseAPI has several other tesseract methods that can be called. This include getting the tesseract version or even the confidence value for each word. Refer to the tesserorc.pyx file for more information. To get the word confidence, you can simply use the AllWordConfidences( ) function:
from tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI with PyTessBaseAPI(path='C:/path/to/tessdata/.', lang='eng') as api:
print(api.GetUTF8Text())
print(api.AllWordConfidences())
You should get a list of integers ranging from 0(worst)to 100(best) such as the results below (each score represent one word):
[87, 55, 55, 39, 88, 70, 31, 60, 18, 18, 71]
Get available languages
There is also a function to get all available languages: GetAvailableLanguages() . You can use the output as reference for the lang parameter.
from tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI with PyTessBaseAPI(path='C:/path/to/tessdata/.', lang='eng') as api:
print(api.GetAvailableLanguages())
The output that follows depends on the number of language data files that you have in the tessdata folder:
['afr', 'amh', 'ara', 'asm', 'aze', 'aze_cyrl', 'bel', 'ben', 'bod', 'bos', 'bre', 'bul', 'cat', 'ceb', 'ces', 'chi_sim', 'chi_sim_vert', 'chi_tra', 'chi_tra_vert', 'chr', 'cos', 'cym', 'dan', 'dan_frak', 'deu', 'deu_frak', 'div', 'dzo', 'ell', 'eng', 'enm', 'epo', 'equ', 'est', 'eus', 'fao', 'fas', 'fil', 'fin', 'fra', 'frk', 'frm', 'fry', 'gla', 'gle', 'glg', 'grc', 'guj', 'hat', 'heb', 'hin', 'hrv', 'hun', 'hye', 'iku', 'ind', 'isl', 'ita', 'ita_old', 'jav', 'jpn', 'jpn_vert', 'kan', 'kat', 'kat_old', 'kaz', 'khm', 'kir', 'kmr', 'kor', 'kor_vert', 'lao', 'lat', 'lav', 'lit', 'ltz', 'mal', 'mar', 'mkd', 'mlt', 'mon', 'mri', 'msa', 'mya', 'nep', 'nld', 'nor', 'oci', 'ori', 'osd', 'pan', 'pol', 'por', 'pus', 'que', 'ron', 'rus', 'san', 'script/Arabic', 'script/Armenian', 'script/Bengali', 'script/Canadian_Aboriginal', 'script/Cherokee', 'script/Cyrillic', 'script/Devanagari', 'script/Ethiopic', 'script/Fraktur', 'script/Georgian', 'script/Greek', 'script/Gujarati', 'script/Gurmukhi', 'script/HanS', 'script/HanS_vert', 'script/HanT', 'script/HanT_vert', 'script/Hangul', 'script/Hangul_vert', 'script/Hebrew', 'script/Japanese', 'script/Japanese_vert', 'script/Kannada', 'script/Khmer', 'script/Lao', 'script/Latin', 'script/Malayalam', 'script/Myanmar', 'script/Oriya', 'script/Sinhala', 'script/Syriac', 'script/Tamil', 'script/Telugu', 'script/Thaana', 'script/Thai', 'script/Tibetan', 'script/Vietnamese', 'sin', 'slk', 'slk_frak', 'slv', 'snd', 'spa', 'spa_old', 'sqi', 'srp', 'srp_latn', 'sun', 'swa', 'swe', 'syr', 'tam', 'tat', 'tel', 'tgk', 'tgl', 'tha', 'tir', 'ton', 'tur', 'uig', 'ukr', 'urd', 'uzb', 'uzb_cyrl', 'vie', 'yid', 'yor']
Using with-statement for multiple images
You can use a list to store the path to each images and call a for loop to loop each one of them.
tesserocr provides us with a lot of helper functions that can be used with threading to concurrently process multiple images. This method is highly efficient and should be used whenever possible. To process a single image, we can use the helper function without the need to initialize PyTessBaseAPI.
Other available helper functions include:
If you would like to know more about other available API calls, check the tesserocr.pyx file. Let’s move on to the next section.
4. Fine-tuning
In this section we will be exploring how to fine-tune tesserocr to detect different languages and setting different PSMs (Page Segmentation Mode).
Setting other languages
You can change the language by specifying the lang parameter during initialization. For example, to change the language from English to Simplified Chinese, just modify eng to chi_sim, as follows:
lang='eng'
lang='chi_sim'
In fact, you can specify more than one language. Simply pipe it with a + sign. Note that the order is important as it will affects the accuracy of the results:
lang='eng+chi_sim'
lang='jpn+chi_tra'
Certain languages, such as Japanese and Chinese, have another separate category to recognize vertical text:
lang='chi_sim_vert'
lang='jpn_vert'
Refer to the following code on how to change the language during initialization:
Setting the Page Segmentation Mode
During initialization, you can set another parameter called psm, which refers to how the model is going to treat the image. It will have an effect on the accuracy, depending on how you set it. It accepts the PSM enumeration. The list is as follows:
0 : OSD_ONLY Orientation and script detection only.
Orientation and script detection only. 1 : AUTO_OSD Automatic page segmentation with orientation and script detection. (OSD)
Automatic page segmentation with orientation and script detection. (OSD) 2 : AUTO_ONLY Automatic page segmentation, but no OSD, or OCR.
Automatic page segmentation, but no OSD, or OCR. 3 : AUTO Fully automatic page segmentation, but no OSD. (default mode for tesserocr)
Fully automatic page segmentation, but no OSD. (default mode for tesserocr) 4 : SINGLE_COLUMN -Assume a single column of text of variable sizes.
-Assume a single column of text of variable sizes. 5 : SINGLE_BLOCK_VERT_TEXT -Assume a single uniform block of vertically aligned text.
-Assume a single uniform block of vertically aligned text. 6 : SINGLE_BLOCK -Assume a single uniform block of text.
-Assume a single uniform block of text. 7 : SINGLE_LINE -Treat the image as a single text line.
-Treat the image as a single text line. 8 : SINGLE_WORD -Treat the image as a single word.
-Treat the image as a single word. 9 : CIRCLE_WORD -Treat the image as a single word in a circle.
-Treat the image as a single word in a circle. 10 : SINGLE_CHAR -Treat the image as a single character.
-Treat the image as a single character. 11 : SPARSE_TEXT -Find as much text as possible in no particular order.
-Find as much text as possible in no particular order. 12 : SPARSE_TEXT_OSD -Sparse text with orientation and script detection
-Sparse text with orientation and script detection 13 : RAW_LINE -Treat the image as a single text line, bypassing hacks that are Tesseract-specific.
You can specify it in the code as follows:
with PyTessBaseAPI(path='C:path/to/tessdata/.', psm=PSM.OSD_ONLY) as api:
If you have issues detecting the text, try to improve the image or play around with the PSM values.
Next up, I will share some interesting results I obtained.
5. Results
Here are the results from my experiment running tesserocr.
Chinese emoticons (表情包)
The images is the input file used while the caption is the results.
是 的 没 错
你 巳 经 超 过 1 尘
没 理 你 的 小 宝 宝 了
后 退 , 我 要 开 始 装 逼 了
The result is pretty good when the text are in one line. Also note that the emoticons have black text against white background. I did try white text overlaid on a scene from an animation (a colored scene, without any image pre-processing). The results were quite bad.
English digital text
The images is the input file and the caption is the category. Results are shown after the image.
Receipt
THE SUNCADIA RESORT
TC GOLF HOUSE
1103 CLAIRE 7
1/5 1275 1 68E.1
SARK
JUNOS' 11 10: 16AH
35 HEINEKEN 157.50
35 COORS LT 175.00
12 GREY GOCSE 120.00
7 BUD LIGHT 35.00
7 BAJA CHICKEN 84.00
2 RANCHER 24.00
1 CLASSIC 8.00
1 SALMON BLT 13.00
Y DRIVER 12,00
6 CORONA 36.00
2 7-UP 4.50
Subtotal 669.00
Tax 53.52
3:36 Asnt Due $722 .52
FOR HOTEL GUEST ROOM CHARGE ONLY
Gratuity
E-book
ABOUT ESSENTIALS OF LINGUISTICS
This Open Educational Resource (OER) brings together Open Access content from
around the web and enhances it with dynamic video lectures about the core areas of
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supplemented with discussion of psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic findings. Essentials
of Linguisticsis suitable for any beginning learner of linguistics but is primarily aimed at
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TO THE STUDENT
Your instructor might assign some parts or all of this OER to support your learning, or
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Abstract of a scientific paper
Abstract
Natural language processing tasks, such as ques-
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Code snippet
Generally results are excellent, except for some issues with formatting, spaces and line breaks.
6. Conclusion
This is the end of our tutorial on usingtesserocr to recognize digital words in images. Although the results are promising, it’s a lot of work to create a pipeline for an actual use case. This includes image pre-processing, as well as text post-processing.
For example, to automate the auto-filling of an identity card for registration, or a receipt paper for compensation filling, there is a simple application or web service that accepts an image input. First, the application needs to crop the image and convert it into a black and white image. Then, it will pass the modified image for character recognition via tesserocr. The output text will be further processed to identify the necessary data and saved to the database. A simple feedback will be forwarded to the users, indicating that the process has been completed successfully.
Regardless of the work involved now, this technology is here to stay. Whoever is willing to spend time and resources deploying it will benefit from it. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Reference | https://medium.com/better-programming/beginners-guide-to-tesseract-ocr-using-python-10ecbb426c3d | ['Ng Wai Foong'] | 2020-11-09 05:29:05.051000+00:00 | ['Tesseract', 'Image Processing', 'Ocr', 'Python'] | Title Beginner’s Guide Tesseract OCRContent tutorial consists following section Setup installation Preparing test image Usage API call Finetuning Results Conclusion 1 Setup installation multiple way install tesserocr requirement step stated section based installation via pip Windows operating system check step required via official Github wanted install via method Github file Clone download file computer completed download extract directory Make sure saved easily accessible location — storing test image directory tesserocrmaster folder contains required file Feel free rename Python python installed version 36 37 using Python 371 installed virtual environment tutorial Python module via pip Download required file based python version operating system downloaded tesserocr v240 — Python 37–64bit saved tesserocrmaster folder save anywhere like directory open command prompt simply point directory hold whl file opened command prompt directory Installation via pip done via following code pip install packagenamewhl Packagename refers name whl file downloaded case downloaded tesserocr240cp37cp37mwinamd64whl Hence using following code installation pip install tesserocr240cp37cp37mwinamd64whl next step install Pillow module image processing Python Type following command pip install Pillow Language data file Language data file required initialization API call three type data file tessdata standard model work Tesseract 400 Contains legacy engine oem 0and LSTM neural net based engine oem 1 oem refers one parameter specified initialization lot faster tessdatabest lower accuracy Link standard tessdata tessdatabest Best trained model work Tesseract 400 highest accuracy lot slower compared rest Link tessdatabest tessdatafast model provides alternate set integerized LSTM model built smaller network Link tessdatafast using standard tessdata tutorial Download via link place root directory project case tesserocrmaster folder took extra step renamed data file tessdata mean following folder structure tesserocrmastertessdata 2 Preparing test image Saving image efficient way get test image follows Search image online using keywords “road sign” “restaurant” “menus” “scanned” “receipts” etc Use snipping tool save image online article novel ebooks etc Use camera take screenshot label instruction pasted top household product least efficient way get test image follows Find book type first paragraph word processing document print piece A4 paper scan pdf image format Practice handwriting write word typed Earn sufficient money purchase highend DSLR phone high quality camera Take screenshot transfer computer Study basic pixel fill 128x128 canvas block character feel timeconsuming consider take programming algorithm class write code automate pixelfilling process saved following image test image receipt abstract published paper Introduction book Code snippet paragraph novel Chinese Japanese Chinese emoticon Preprocessing image required form preprocessing improve accuracy Check following link find improve image quality important note taken account best accuracy dark text white background black white image remove alpha channel save image jpegjpg instead png finetuning via psm parameter Page Segmentations Mode Page Segmentation Mode discussed later next section start converting image black white Given following image Sample code snippet Notebook using Jupyter Notebook type following code press ShiftEnter execute PIL import Image column Imageopencodejpg gray columnconvertL blackwhite graypointlambda x 0 x 200 else 255 1 blackwhitesavecodebwjpg Imageopen‘codejpg’ codejpg name file Modify according name input file name file Modify according name input file PIL refers old version Pillow need install Pillow able import Image module install Pillow PIL refers old version Pillow need install Pillow able import Image module install Pillow PIL columnconvert‘L’ L refers greyscale mode available option include RGB CMYK refers greyscale mode available option include x 200 else 255 finetune value 200 value range 0 255 Check output file determine appropriate value using commandline call Python file Remember change input file import sys Black white version code snippet Feel free try image processing method improve quality image done let’s move next section 3 Usage API call Using withstatement single image use withstatement initialize object GetUTF8Text get result method referred context manager using withstatement apiEnd explicitly called it’s longer needed Refer example manual handling single image tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI PyTessBaseAPI api apiSetImageFilesamplejpg printapiGetUTF8Text encounter following error call mean program could locate language data file tessdata folder RuntimeError Failed init API possibly invalid tessdata path solve providing path argument initialization even specify language used — see example check part highlighted bold tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI PyTessBaseAPIpathCpathtotessdata langeng api apiSetImageFilesamplejpg printapiGetUTF8Text Manual handling single image Although recommended method via context manager still initialize object manually tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI api PyTessBaseAPIpathCpathtotessdata langeng try apiSetImageFilesamplejpg printapiGetUTF8Text finally apiEnd Get confidence value word PyTessBaseAPI several tesseract method called include getting tesseract version even confidence value word Refer tesserorcpyx file information get word confidence simply use AllWordConfidences function tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI PyTessBaseAPIpathCpathtotessdata langeng api printapiGetUTF8Text printapiAllWordConfidences get list integer ranging 0worstto 100best result score represent one word 87 55 55 39 88 70 31 60 18 18 71 Get available language also function get available language GetAvailableLanguages use output reference lang parameter tesserocr import PyTessBaseAPI PyTessBaseAPIpathCpathtotessdata langeng api printapiGetAvailableLanguages output follows depends number language data file tessdata folder afr amh ara asm aze azecyrl bel ben bod bos bre bul cat ceb ce chisim chisimvert chitra chitravert chr co cym dan danfrak deu deufrak div dzo ell eng enm epo equ est eu fao fa fil fin fra frk frm fry gla gle glg grc guj hat heb hin hrv hun hye iku ind isl ita itaold jav jpn jpnvert kan kat katold kaz khm kir kmr kor korvert lao lat lav lit ltz mal mar mkd mlt mon mri msa mya nep nld oci ori osd pan pol por pu que ron ru san scriptArabic scriptArmenian scriptBengali scriptCanadianAboriginal scriptCherokee scriptCyrillic scriptDevanagari scriptEthiopic scriptFraktur scriptGeorgian scriptGreek scriptGujarati scriptGurmukhi scriptHanS scriptHanSvert scriptHanT scriptHanTvert scriptHangul scriptHangulvert scriptHebrew scriptJapanese scriptJapanesevert scriptKannada scriptKhmer scriptLao scriptLatin scriptMalayalam scriptMyanmar scriptOriya scriptSinhala scriptSyriac scriptTamil scriptTelugu scriptThaana scriptThai scriptTibetan scriptVietnamese sin slk slkfrak slv snd spa spaold sqi srp srplatn sun swa swe syr tam tat tel tgk tgl tha tir ton tur uig ukr urd uzb uzbcyrl vie yid yor Using withstatement multiple image use list store path image call loop loop one tesserocr provides u lot helper function used threading concurrently process multiple image method highly efficient used whenever possible process single image use helper function without need initialize PyTessBaseAPI available helper function include would like know available API call check tesserocrpyx file Let’s move next section 4 Finetuning section exploring finetune tesserocr detect different language setting different PSMs Page Segmentation Mode Setting language change language specifying lang parameter initialization example change language English Simplified Chinese modify eng chisim follows langeng langchisim fact specify one language Simply pipe sign Note order important affect accuracy result langengchisim langjpnchitra Certain language Japanese Chinese another separate category recognize vertical text langchisimvert langjpnvert Refer following code change language initialization Setting Page Segmentation Mode initialization set another parameter called psm refers model going treat image effect accuracy depending set accepts PSM enumeration list follows 0 OSDONLY Orientation script detection Orientation script detection 1 AUTOOSD Automatic page segmentation orientation script detection OSD Automatic page segmentation orientation script detection OSD 2 AUTOONLY Automatic page segmentation OSD OCR Automatic page segmentation OSD OCR 3 AUTO Fully automatic page segmentation OSD default mode tesserocr Fully automatic page segmentation OSD default mode tesserocr 4 SINGLECOLUMN Assume single column text variable size Assume single column text variable size 5 SINGLEBLOCKVERTTEXT Assume single uniform block vertically aligned text Assume single uniform block vertically aligned text 6 SINGLEBLOCK Assume single uniform block text Assume single uniform block text 7 SINGLELINE Treat image single text line Treat image single text line 8 SINGLEWORD Treat image single word Treat image single word 9 CIRCLEWORD Treat image single word circle Treat image single word circle 10 SINGLECHAR Treat image single character Treat image single character 11 SPARSETEXT Find much text possible particular order Find much text possible particular order 12 SPARSETEXTOSD Sparse text orientation script detection Sparse text orientation script detection 13 RAWLINE Treat image single text line bypassing hack Tesseractspecific specify code follows PyTessBaseAPIpathCpathtotessdata psmPSMOSDONLY api issue detecting text try improve image play around PSM value Next share interesting result obtained 5 Results result experiment running tesserocr Chinese emoticon 表情包 image input file used caption result 是 的 没 错 你 巳 经 超 过 1 尘 没 理 你 的 小 宝 宝 了 后 退 我 要 开 始 装 逼 了 result pretty good text one line Also note emoticon black text white background try white text overlaid scene animation colored scene without image preprocessing result quite bad English digital text image input file caption category Results shown image Receipt SUNCADIA RESORT TC GOLF HOUSE 1103 CLAIRE 7 15 1275 1 68E1 SARK JUNOS 11 10 16AH 35 HEINEKEN 15750 35 COORS LT 17500 12 GREY GOCSE 12000 7 BUD LIGHT 3500 7 BAJA CHICKEN 8400 2 RANCHER 2400 1 CLASSIC 800 1 SALMON BLT 1300 DRIVER 1200 6 CORONA 3600 2 7UP 450 Subtotal 66900 Tax 5352 336 Asnt Due 722 52 HOTEL GUEST ROOM CHARGE Gratuity Ebook ESSENTIALS LINGUISTICS Open Educational Resource OER brings together Open Access content around web enhances dynamic video lecture core area theoretical linguistics phonetics phonology morphology syntax semantics supplemented discussion psycholinguistic neurolinguistic finding Essentials Linguisticsis suitable beginning learner linguistics primarily aimed Canadian learner focusing Canadian English learning phonetic transcription discussing status Indigenous language Canada Drawing best practice instructional design Essentials Linguistics suitable blended class traditional lecture class selfdirected learning prior knowledge linguistics required STUDENT instructor might assign part OER support learning youmay choose use teach introductory linguistics might decide read textbook straight watch video order might select specific topic particular interest However use OER recommend begin Chapter 1 provides fundamental rest topic also find complete quiz attempt exercise youll achieve better understanding material chapter Abstract scientific paper Abstract Natural language processing task ques tion answering machine translation reading com prehension summarization typically approached supervised learning task specific datasets demonstrate language model begin learn task without ex plicit supervision trained new dataset million webpage called WebText conditioned document plus question swers generated language model reach 55 F1 CoQA dataset matching exceeding performance 3 4 baseline system without using 127000 training example capacity language model essential success zeroshot task transfer creasing improves performance loglinear Code snippet Generally result excellent except issue formatting space line break 6 Conclusion end tutorial usingtesserocr recognize digital word image Although result promising it’s lot work create pipeline actual use case includes image preprocessing well text postprocessing example automate autofilling identity card registration receipt paper compensation filling simple application web service accepts image input First application need crop image convert black white image pas modified image character recognition via tesserocr output text processed identify necessary data saved database simple feedback forwarded user indicating process completed successfully Regardless work involved technology stay Whoever willing spend time resource deploying benefit way ReferenceTags Tesseract Image Processing Ocr Python |
2,966 | Medium Writer Resources | Medium Review | Blogging Guide
Medium is one of the better known free blogging platforms. The site features amateur writers alongside well known… | https://caseybotticello.medium.com/medium-writer-resources-3df1f8540a05 | ['Casey Botticello'] | 2020-11-01 20:45:34.992000+00:00 | ['Medium', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Social Media', 'Medium Partner Program', 'Writing'] | Title Medium Writer ResourcesContent Medium Review Blogging Guide Medium one better known free blogging platform site feature amateur writer alongside well known…Tags Medium Entrepreneurship Social Media Medium Partner Program Writing |
2,967 | How to Stay Flexible in Life and Business | In improv there is no script. When starting and building a company and in life there is no script.
Don’t write the script ahead of time in an improv show, in building new products or a new company, or in life. If you write the script ahead of time going into an improv performance, well, it’s not going to work. Because in improv there are other people involved. You have your scene partners, who have their own ideas and ways of seeing the improv scenes. You have the audience, who will react to your show based on what they think is funny, horrifying, entertaining, and worthy of applause and laughter. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have ideas and characters and premises in mind, but ultimately, be willing to let them go and be present, because once you’re in the scene, if you’re not taking in information happening outside of your head, well, your scene is going to suck.
In business, if you make the plan ahead of time, i.e. write the script ahead of time, and are too inflexible with that plan, well, you’re going to struggle. All companies are created from nothing and there’s so much we learn along the way that we can’t always predict and plan for when we’re putting together an initial plan.
Take it from me — I started a gelato business when I was 14 years old. Before getting started my dad asked me to write a business plan, so I did. If I stuck to that initial plan the business would still look like this…
Photo Credit: Thanks, Mom!
Despite still having a youthful glow (thank you, thank you) I’ve learned and grown a lot since age 14. I no longer use Proactiv or wear Limited Too. Except for one pair of shorts that still fit and are reversible. Don’t judge me. I also learned a lot about business, from doing business, getting more experience, and from business school. It’d be quite a shame to not use customer feedback, lessons learned, and new ideas to improve my business.
All to say — it’s important to let go of the plan. Let go of the script. If you have ideas in place and put together a plan, great. Just be prepared to be nimble and flexible as you learn more.
In improv, we practice divergent thinking, a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. There an infinite number of directions a scene can go. We practice using “yes, and” to generate and build ideas together, and at any time our scene partner can add something to a scene that we didn’t see coming and couldn’t plan for. At that point we choose to say “yes” to this new idea “and” build on that idea. We’re generating lots of ideas, and nimble to move to each new idea like a smooth sailing bird flying between clouds.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in plans and goals. If you saw my calendar and my journals you’d see lots of plans and goal setting. It is important to have a vision and a plan to get there. The point is not to throw away having a vision and plan in mind. The point is to have flexibility in thinking about how to achieve that vision. There are many ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes (note: I don’t condone skinning cats. It’s an expression.) First, know what your goal is. Know that you want to skin a cat (again, expression). Then, generate ideas for the many ways to accomplish that goal. Come up with 100 ideas to find 1 that you want to pursue. Then, start to do that idea and pay attention to whether it’s working or not. Is it getting you closer to accomplishing your goal? If it is, great, keep doing it. If it’s not, let it go and go back to your many generated ideas, or generate new ideas, to come up with a new idea you can try for accomplishing your goal.
As a leader, practice divergent thinking, coming up with lots of ideas, and not getting too attached to any single idea, in case you get new information that inspires adjusting your initial idea. Don’t get too attached or committed to any single idea and drive that idea forward as if there are no other ideas at all. Stubbornness with the ability to let go is a great combination of skills to have as an entrepreneur. The ability to make a strong choice, make a plan, and work towards that plan, and then being able to let go of the specifics for achieving that plan. Those may change. Like Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of this little website you may have heard of called “Amazon”, once said “We are stubborn on vision. We are flexible on details…. We don’t give up on things easily.” Don’t give up on the vision. Be willing to give up your exact plans for accomplishing that vision.
As a business leader, here’s how you can practice this,
Define your goal. Write down your vision. What does success look like? Then, work backwards. Generate ideas for how to achieve that goal. Rinse and repeat. Do this for every goal and vision you have. Practice generating and pursuing ideas. Have lots and lots of ideas every day! Like shooting free throws, generating ideas is a practice. Each day, brainstorm a list of 10 ideas. Don’t worry about if they’re good or bad or related to your business in any way. The purpose of this is to get the idea generating muscle flowing. Not to come up with the single best idea ever.
Like the great Kendrick Lamar once said, “Be nimble.” Wait. Shoot. He said, “Be humble.” You know. Both are important. Be both.
❤
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Improv4 uses improv comedy techniques to train leadership, team effectiveness, and communication skills to individuals, teams, companies. Learn more at www.improv4.com | https://medium.com/improv4/how-to-stay-flexible-in-life-and-business-bd3f112a2f0a | ['Mary Elisabeth'] | 2019-02-05 21:40:53.155000+00:00 | ['Improv', 'Leadership', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Startup', 'Life'] | Title Stay Flexible Life BusinessContent improv script starting building company life script Don’t write script ahead time improv show building new product new company life write script ahead time going improv performance well it’s going work improv people involved scene partner idea way seeing improv scene audience react show based think funny horrifying entertaining worthy applause laughter Don’t get wrong it’s great idea character premise mind ultimately willing let go present you’re scene you’re taking information happening outside head well scene going suck business make plan ahead time ie write script ahead time inflexible plan well you’re going struggle company created nothing there’s much learn along way can’t always predict plan we’re putting together initial plan Take — started gelato business 14 year old getting started dad asked write business plan stuck initial plan business would still look like this… Photo Credit Thanks Mom Despite still youthful glow thank thank I’ve learned grown lot since age 14 longer use Proactiv wear Limited Except one pair short still fit reversible Don’t judge also learned lot business business getting experience business school It’d quite shame use customer feedback lesson learned new idea improve business say — it’s important let go plan Let go script idea place put together plan great prepared nimble flexible learn improv practice divergent thinking thought process used generate creative idea exploring many possible solution infinite number direction scene go practice using “yes and” generate build idea together time scene partner add something scene didn’t see coming couldn’t plan point choose say “yes” new idea “and” build idea We’re generating lot idea nimble move new idea like smooth sailing bird flying cloud Don’t get wrong believe plan goal saw calendar journal you’d see lot plan goal setting important vision plan get point throw away vision plan mind point flexibility thinking achieve vision many way skin cat saying go note don’t condone skinning cat It’s expression First know goal Know want skin cat expression generate idea many way accomplish goal Come 100 idea find 1 want pursue start idea pay attention whether it’s working getting closer accomplishing goal great keep it’s let go go back many generated idea generate new idea come new idea try accomplishing goal leader practice divergent thinking coming lot idea getting attached single idea case get new information inspires adjusting initial idea Don’t get attached committed single idea drive idea forward idea Stubbornness ability let go great combination skill entrepreneur ability make strong choice make plan work towards plan able let go specific achieving plan may change Like Jeff Bezos founder CEO little website may heard called “Amazon” said “We stubborn vision flexible details… don’t give thing easily” Don’t give vision willing give exact plan accomplishing vision business leader here’s practice Define goal Write vision success look like work backwards Generate idea achieve goal Rinse repeat every goal vision Practice generating pursuing idea lot lot idea every day Like shooting free throw generating idea practice day brainstorm list 10 idea Don’t worry they’re good bad related business way purpose get idea generating muscle flowing come single best idea ever Like great Kendrick Lamar said “Be nimble” Wait Shoot said “Be humble” know important ❤ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Improv4 us improv comedy technique train leadership team effectiveness communication skill individual team company Learn wwwimprov4comTags Improv Leadership Entrepreneurship Startup Life |
2,968 | Building Sustainable Circular Economy With Blockchain | Source: Circular Economy via Shutterstock
Since the industrial revolution began, the world has focused on the production and consumption of products. Little or no attention is paid to where the materials are sourced from, the conditions in which the products are manufactured, and how they are finally disposed of. However, the toxic effects that the current processes are having on the environment, coupled with the rapid depletion of natural resources, have necessitated everyone to switch to a sustainable and environment-friendly circular economy. But, what are the hurdles in shifting to a completely different paradigm? Can technologies such as Blockchain address these challenges?
Why Is Circular Economy the Need of the Hour?
Source: Linear vs. Circular Economy via Shutterstock
What Are the Challenges With the Current Linear Economy?
Today’s linear economy adopts a take-Make-Dispose model of resource consumption. Raw materials are either extracted (metals and minerals) or harvested (agricultural products). They are then procured and used in manufacturing other products. These finished products are then purchased by consumers who dispose of them at the end of the product life. These products are eventually found in some landfills or are incinerated. Some of these materials are even toxic, and releasing them back to the biosphere has a dire impact on climate.
Such linear systems result in the depletion of those natural resources used as raw materials. This depletion results in high prices and supply disruptions of these resources. All these factors have added a sense of urgency to finding alternate models and have prompted businesses to explore ways to recycle and reuse products and conserve precious natural resources.
How Does the Circular Economy Address These Challenges?
Circular economy creates a closed-loop ecosystem that extends the current take and make model. It adds processes such as repossess, reprocess, resell, and reuse, repeated multiple times before the materials are disposed of. This model emphasizes the use of renewable energy and reduced consumption of toxic chemicals. It also focuses on improving the design of products and systems. Additionally, businesses are also working on responsible waste management and industrial waste minimization.
Today, an increasing number of businesses are transitioning to the sustainable, circular economy model. Ricoh was one of the pioneers in this space when they started their recycled copiers and printers GreenLine series back in 1997. Today, this model has extended to other industries such as textiles, electronics, tires, and automobiles.
Circular economy is a trillion-dollar opportunity with the potential for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. This economy opens up new business opportunities that are also beneficial to the environment and the society. was able to reduce 80% of energy, 88% of water, 77% of waste, and a substantial amount of capital expenditure by transitioning to the green model. As per the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), thousands of companies in the remanufacturing sector have created over 500,000 jobs in the US alone.
What Are the Essential Requirements for the Success of the Circular Economy?
Source: Circular Economy Via Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Innovative Product and System Design
Designing products that are durable and eliminating those that are not is vital for a sustainable economy. The consumables in the circular economy have to use non-toxic materials. Additionally, the energy required to fuel this cycle should be renewable by nature to reduce the attrition of the fossil fuels and increase system resilience.
Materials Management and Provenance
In its lifetime, a particular material changes its shape ever too often — from raw material, it becomes a component of a finished product. In the circular economy, the finished products of the forward chain get recycled into another product in the reverse chain. For instance, cotton clothing is transformed first as another apparel, then moved to the furniture industry as fiber-fill, and later reused in stone wool insulation in construction.
Material management is a very involved process. First, the movement of materials spans across multiple industries and geographies. Second, not all materials have the same recycling values. Materials such as glass and paper have a high collection rate but also higher quality loss. On the other hand, polymers have lower collection rates and lack a systematic reuse solution. Third, the corresponding supply chains are highly fragmented. Finally, the products are recycled multiple times.
For the success of the sustainable ecosystem, it is essential to establish an irrefutable chain of custody of the material throughout its journey from being a raw material to a finished good and a recycled product till its responsible disposal.
Manage Complex Supply Chains
The global value chains include several entities such as suppliers, logistics companies, governments, regulators, and consumers. The supply chain network will need a strong collaboration with the incumbent value chain partners and the auxiliary chain partners such as waste management. Companies have so far focused on the inbound supply chain, orchestrating the complex supply chain networks involving procuring the raw materials from suppliers and manufacturing the products. Now, they need to extend this focus to involving several reverse cycle partners. Hence, a credible, transparent, traceable, and secure information reverse supply chain and manage the post-usage value chain exchange system is essential for a circular economy.
Create New Business Model and Markets
In order to streamline the circular economy, it is necessary to foster new business models such as a sharing economy. In the sharing model, end consumers lease products instead of buying them. It leaves the ownership of the products with the manufacturers and retailers, making the reclaiming and recycling of these products at the end of their life more streamlined.
Similarly, if the circular economy has to be made mainstream, it is vital to establish trustworthy secondary markets for the recycled products. Assuring the quality and provenance of the secondary products is crucial for the success of the secondary markets.
Encouraging Companies and Consumers to Go Green
Rewards are a constructive means to foster good behavior. Tax benefits and discounts to the businesses and consumers when they produce and use sustainable materials or when they repurpose and recycle products will spur them to adopt this environment-friendly mindset.
How Blockchain Bolsters the Circular Economy?
Tracing Materials in the Complex Forward and Reverse Value Chains
Blockchain presents a viable solution to track the flow of the products in both forward and reverse value chains. Blockchain provides a reliable trace of the material flow in the multi-tier supply chain networks. Along with IoT, Blockchain can also give accurate information regarding the product condition, its location, its quality, and all the processing the material has undergone.
Product Provenance
The immutable nature of Blockchain gives assurance to the consumers about the authenticity of the product information they get from Blockchain. The technology also adds enhanced transparency about the origins of the product — how and where they are sourced. This increased scrutiny will steer the companies to change what and how they procure. It will drive ethical sourcing and fair employment. All these features help customers make informed decisions, thus enabling them to buy sustainable products and services.
Incentivization
Rewards for adopting eco-friendly practices will help drive the circular economy. Companies can issue digital tokens that are supported by Blockchain to their customers when they buy recycled products or responsibly return the end-of-life products. Similarly, the technology can be used to create and manage energy credits that the businesses earn for going green.
Decentralized Marketplace
There are several advantages of using a Blockchain-powered platform for materials and energy marketplaces. First, Blockchain upholds trust among the consumers of recycled products. The customers get accurate and authentic information about the goods they are buying. Second, the buyers and sellers can connect without any intermediaries, thereby reducing the transaction costs.
Finally, decentralized energy markets can leverage Blockchain to issue unique digital identities to the natural resources in the form of tokens. Furthermore, people can sell, buy, and trade these tokens, thereby creating an open market for the energy they generate using renewable sources.
Tracking Energy Consumption
Regulators can track energy consumption and carbon emissions using Blockchain. They can then use this information to monitor whether the businesses and consumers are compliant with environmental goals.
Smart Contracts to Encourage Recycling
Smart contracts generally reflect the agreement between multiple parties. They initiate actions based on certain predefined conditions. They can play a vital role in accelerating the adoption of the sustainable circular ecosystem.
First, smart contracts can automatically trigger payments to the consumers returning the products, based on the condition and quantity of the material. With automatically executing smart contracts, the consumers are better guaranteed of the incentives, thereby encouraging them to adopt a recycle and reuse mindset. Second, using smart contracts to calculate the incentives based on the type of products can foster a holistic recycling approach. For instance, companies can use smart contracts to award higher incentives when consumers return materials that they far more frequently discard than others.
A Precompetitive Environment Fostering Collaboration
Blockchain provides a trustworthy platform where all participants, including competitors, can collaborate. When all the members of the ecosystem can make joint decisions, conflicts and challenges are significantly reduced.
The circular economy offers several benefits for both businesses and end consumers. It reduces costs, adds new jobs, and improves the existing processes. Blockchain technology can significantly contribute to creating a collaborative, trustworthy, and secure platform for building this sustainable ecosystem. | https://medium.com/datadriveninvestor/building-sustainable-circular-economy-with-blockchain-fba93775a040 | ['Deepa Ramachandra'] | 2020-11-17 16:09:16.596000+00:00 | ['Blockchain', 'Supply Chain', 'Sustainability', 'Environment', 'Esg'] | Title Building Sustainable Circular Economy BlockchainContent Source Circular Economy via Shutterstock Since industrial revolution began world focused production consumption product Little attention paid material sourced condition product manufactured finally disposed However toxic effect current process environment coupled rapid depletion natural resource necessitated everyone switch sustainable environmentfriendly circular economy hurdle shifting completely different paradigm technology Blockchain address challenge Circular Economy Need Hour Source Linear v Circular Economy via Shutterstock Challenges Current Linear Economy Today’s linear economy adopts takeMakeDispose model resource consumption Raw material either extracted metal mineral harvested agricultural product procured used manufacturing product finished product purchased consumer dispose end product life product eventually found landfill incinerated material even toxic releasing back biosphere dire impact climate linear system result depletion natural resource used raw material depletion result high price supply disruption resource factor added sense urgency finding alternate model prompted business explore way recycle reuse product conserve precious natural resource Circular Economy Address Challenges Circular economy creates closedloop ecosystem extends current take make model add process repossess reprocess resell reuse repeated multiple time material disposed model emphasizes use renewable energy reduced consumption toxic chemical also focus improving design product system Additionally business also working responsible waste management industrial waste minimization Today increasing number business transitioning sustainable circular economy model Ricoh one pioneer space started recycled copier printer GreenLine series back 1997 Today model extended industry textile electronics tire automobile Circular economy trilliondollar opportunity potential innovation job creation economic growth economy open new business opportunity also beneficial environment society able reduce 80 energy 88 water 77 waste substantial amount capital expenditure transitioning green model per Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association APRA thousand company remanufacturing sector created 500000 job US alone Essential Requirements Success Circular Economy Source Circular Economy Via Ellen MacArthur Foundation Innovative Product System Design Designing product durable eliminating vital sustainable economy consumables circular economy use nontoxic material Additionally energy required fuel cycle renewable nature reduce attrition fossil fuel increase system resilience Materials Management Provenance lifetime particular material change shape ever often — raw material becomes component finished product circular economy finished product forward chain get recycled another product reverse chain instance cotton clothing transformed first another apparel moved furniture industry fiberfill later reused stone wool insulation construction Material management involved process First movement material span across multiple industry geography Second material recycling value Materials glass paper high collection rate also higher quality loss hand polymer lower collection rate lack systematic reuse solution Third corresponding supply chain highly fragmented Finally product recycled multiple time success sustainable ecosystem essential establish irrefutable chain custody material throughout journey raw material finished good recycled product till responsible disposal Manage Complex Supply Chains global value chain include several entity supplier logistics company government regulator consumer supply chain network need strong collaboration incumbent value chain partner auxiliary chain partner waste management Companies far focused inbound supply chain orchestrating complex supply chain network involving procuring raw material supplier manufacturing product need extend focus involving several reverse cycle partner Hence credible transparent traceable secure information reverse supply chain manage postusage value chain exchange system essential circular economy Create New Business Model Markets order streamline circular economy necessary foster new business model sharing economy sharing model end consumer lease product instead buying leaf ownership product manufacturer retailer making reclaiming recycling product end life streamlined Similarly circular economy made mainstream vital establish trustworthy secondary market recycled product Assuring quality provenance secondary product crucial success secondary market Encouraging Companies Consumers Go Green Rewards constructive mean foster good behavior Tax benefit discount business consumer produce use sustainable material repurpose recycle product spur adopt environmentfriendly mindset Blockchain Bolsters Circular Economy Tracing Materials Complex Forward Reverse Value Chains Blockchain present viable solution track flow product forward reverse value chain Blockchain provides reliable trace material flow multitier supply chain network Along IoT Blockchain also give accurate information regarding product condition location quality processing material undergone Product Provenance immutable nature Blockchain give assurance consumer authenticity product information get Blockchain technology also add enhanced transparency origin product — sourced increased scrutiny steer company change procure drive ethical sourcing fair employment feature help customer make informed decision thus enabling buy sustainable product service Incentivization Rewards adopting ecofriendly practice help drive circular economy Companies issue digital token supported Blockchain customer buy recycled product responsibly return endoflife product Similarly technology used create manage energy credit business earn going green Decentralized Marketplace several advantage using Blockchainpowered platform material energy marketplace First Blockchain upholds trust among consumer recycled product customer get accurate authentic information good buying Second buyer seller connect without intermediary thereby reducing transaction cost Finally decentralized energy market leverage Blockchain issue unique digital identity natural resource form token Furthermore people sell buy trade token thereby creating open market energy generate using renewable source Tracking Energy Consumption Regulators track energy consumption carbon emission using Blockchain use information monitor whether business consumer compliant environmental goal Smart Contracts Encourage Recycling Smart contract generally reflect agreement multiple party initiate action based certain predefined condition play vital role accelerating adoption sustainable circular ecosystem First smart contract automatically trigger payment consumer returning product based condition quantity material automatically executing smart contract consumer better guaranteed incentive thereby encouraging adopt recycle reuse mindset Second using smart contract calculate incentive based type product foster holistic recycling approach instance company use smart contract award higher incentive consumer return material far frequently discard others Precompetitive Environment Fostering Collaboration Blockchain provides trustworthy platform participant including competitor collaborate member ecosystem make joint decision conflict challenge significantly reduced circular economy offer several benefit business end consumer reduces cost add new job improves existing process Blockchain technology significantly contribute creating collaborative trustworthy secure platform building sustainable ecosystemTags Blockchain Supply Chain Sustainability Environment Esg |
2,969 | Passion as a Privilege | Profiles of Passionates
We hear, from antiquity to the modern day, stories of people raising their kids to learn the family trade. By the time they reach adulthood, these children are skilled in the field, learning almost from birth how to navigate the field and build the necessary skills to succeed. Though the world has mostly changed, this is still alive and kicking in some regards.
A doctor is generally in an excellent position to explain to someone how they became a doctor, the mistakes they made, and how they overcame them. As such, their child is in a prime position to enter the medical training system, as they have a guide for the entire journey.
Jean was a seemingly happy-go-lucky Frenchman, a fellow student in my degree programme. He always seemed so excited, so engaged. Whatever you were working on, he loved to know, and would always find an angle of discussion, even if he had no direct experience in the area. One day, he showed me a photo on his phone.
A family friend had printed off the title, author list and abstract of his first scientific publication, and put it into a frame next to the title, author list, and abstract of his father’s first publication from 20 years before. Then it made more sense. His father turned out to be an overly sociable academic, and growing up, there were always academics from some field or other hanging out in his parents’ house. He was surrounded by the energy that would impassion him and boost him upwards.
Molly was an incredible musician. From a young age, she was a multi-instrumental prodigy. Learning musical instruments is good for the mind, and is found to improve learning in other parts of one’s life. This was clear from how she went from never having driven to passing her driving test in the space of a month and a half during a study period before exams and just before trying out for the national orchestra.
She went on to study at one of the world’s best conservatories. Her parents were both trained musicians too. I heard fairly regularly about how her parents gave her new ways to overcome struggling to learn new instruments or more complex techniques. They helped her build her passionate livelihood. They also had the financial means and the priority to bolster her passion.
Then there was Daniel. He’d grown up in the rural outskirts of a large city in the US Midwest. His parents were, in his own words, “loving rednecks”. I met them once. They seemed like kind people, but with little awareness of the greater world. However, he could get on his bike, and during his summers while in high school, he’d cycle to the nearby university, where he’d do research.
This eventually netted him a summer studentship and later a place in the PhD programme at one of the best universities in the world. While his parents weren’t passionate people, he had easy access to people who were and facilities to help him pursue his passion.
So what do these people have in common? They have easy access to Passionates; either in their home or not far from it, guiding them to build their passion, skills and knowledge in a healthy, manageable, and efficient way. | https://medium.com/swlh/passion-as-a-privilege-4ec8ceedc5c8 | ['Will Bowers'] | 2019-05-15 12:38:55.205000+00:00 | ['Mental Health', 'Education', 'Productivity', 'Life', 'Academia'] | Title Passion PrivilegeContent Profiles Passionates hear antiquity modern day story people raising kid learn family trade time reach adulthood child skilled field learning almost birth navigate field build necessary skill succeed Though world mostly changed still alive kicking regard doctor generally excellent position explain someone became doctor mistake made overcame child prime position enter medical training system guide entire journey Jean seemingly happygolucky Frenchman fellow student degree programme always seemed excited engaged Whatever working loved know would always find angle discussion even direct experience area One day showed photo phone family friend printed title author list abstract first scientific publication put frame next title author list abstract father’s first publication 20 year made sense father turned overly sociable academic growing always academic field hanging parents’ house surrounded energy would impassion boost upwards Molly incredible musician young age multiinstrumental prodigy Learning musical instrument good mind found improve learning part one’s life clear went never driven passing driving test space month half study period exam trying national orchestra went study one world’s best conservatory parent trained musician heard fairly regularly parent gave new way overcome struggling learn new instrument complex technique helped build passionate livelihood also financial mean priority bolster passion Daniel He’d grown rural outskirt large city US Midwest parent word “loving rednecks” met seemed like kind people little awareness greater world However could get bike summer high school he’d cycle nearby university he’d research eventually netted summer studentship later place PhD programme one best university world parent weren’t passionate people easy access people facility help pursue passion people common easy access Passionates either home far guiding build passion skill knowledge healthy manageable efficient wayTags Mental Health Education Productivity Life Academia |
2,970 | You don’t know what you don’t know… until you know: The Dunning-Kruger Effect. | The Dunning-Kruger Effect on full display in Clueless (1995).
While doing research for my thesis, I came across an article entitled The Dunning-Kruger Effect: On Being Ignorant of One’s Own Ignorance.
With a title like that, I felt compelled — not just out of boredom — to set aside the battered pages of my research and read the article.
One month later, my friend texted me, describing someone as “clueless” and followed up with, “Dunning-Kruger Effect.”
Later, a LinkedIn connection introduced himself and his blog and had written a recent post on the same topic. His therapist’s perspective on the issue was an interesting one.
My first introduction to the topic of ignorance of one’s ignorance came by way of my own blog project called The Ardent Reader.
I read and reviewed a book called The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life by Steve Leveen. One of my key takeaways was as follows:
“[The book] begins with one simple lesson: the more ‘well-read’ you are, the more you will understand how little you actually know — and will be able to know — during the course of your life. Throughout the past year, I’ve been overwhelmingly disturbed by the fact that the less I knew, the smarter I thought I was. Hence the reason why everyone should make reading a priority.”
Got the old noggin joggin’ yet?
The less I knew, the smarter I thought I was.
The more I read, the more I realized how much I didn’t know.
Stay with me as I try to explain this, because it seems to go in circles.
Ignorance — the word in its strictest definition — is a lack of knowledge or information.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect deals with being ignorant of your own ignorance.
We don’t know what we don’t know, and we aren’t aware that we don’t know it.
As a result, we live our lives in a kind of bubble based on our limited awareness.
Some people recognize their own ignorance and seek to become better informed.
Other people never realize the extent of their own ignorance and go through life thinking they’re freaking great.
They’re overconfident.
This is the essence of the Dunning-Kruger Effect.
David Dunning and Justin Kruger collaborated to name and study this effect.
Here’s an excerpt from an article from Dunning (2011), published in Advances in Experimental Social Psychology:
“In essence, we proposed that when it came to judgments of performance based on knowledge, poor performers would face a double burden. First, deficits in their expertise would lead them to make many mistakes. Second, those exact same deficits would lead them to be unable to recognize when they were making mistakes and when other people were choosing more wisely. As a consequence, because poor performers were choosing the responses that they thought were the most reasonable, this would lead them to think they were doing quite well when they were doing anything but.”
Right now, you may be thinking of someone who could have made an excellent subject for this study.
Or maybe you’re thinking, “Oh my GOD. Could that be me?”
Sometimes we recognize Dunning-Kruger in others. We roll our eyes and whisper, “She’s in her own world.” Or, “He suffers from a lack of perspective.”
But can we recognize it in ourselves?
Good news: To a certain degree, we can, and we do.
But only through acquired knowledge and experience.
My personal prescription includes reading, writing, formal and informal education, doing grunt work (waiting tables, for example), and seeking other perspectives.
And if you really want to gain new perspectives, do something that makes you uncomfortable. (For me it’s being dirty and camping in a tent.)
Dunning wrote:
“We have shown that once poor performers are educated out of their incompetence, they show ample ability and willingness to recognize the errors of their past ways. Evidence already suggests people who are more educated (which we can take as a proxy for literacy) are better able to separate what they know from what they do not.”
Here’s a made up scenario:
You ask me what I think of lightning rods.
I am educated enough to know I know nothing about lightning rods. I say, “I don’t know anything about lightning rods.”
Now we have a starting point for a conversation, in which you tell me what you know about lightning rods.
And I might learn something.
But if I shrugged and said, “Of course!” you might simply change the topic — and perhaps even write me off as a smug jerk.
Life is full of paradoxes, and this is just another one:
When we recognize our lack of knowledge, we see where we need to fill in the gaps.
And then our education can begin. | https://estherhofknechtcurtis.medium.com/you-dont-what-you-don-t-know-until-you-know-the-dunning-kruger-effect-c32a4708263e | ['Esther Hofknecht Curtis'] | 2019-07-14 20:49:15.712000+00:00 | ['Self-awareness', 'Self Improvement', 'Dunning Kruger', 'Education', 'Psychology'] | Title don’t know don’t know… know DunningKruger EffectContent DunningKruger Effect full display Clueless 1995 research thesis came across article entitled DunningKruger Effect Ignorant One’s Ignorance title like felt compelled — boredom — set aside battered page research read article One month later friend texted describing someone “clueless” followed “DunningKruger Effect” Later LinkedIn connection introduced blog written recent post topic therapist’s perspective issue interesting one first introduction topic ignorance one’s ignorance came way blog project called Ardent Reader read reviewed book called Little Guide WellRead Life Steve Leveen One key takeaway follows “The book begin one simple lesson ‘wellread’ understand little actually know — able know — course life Throughout past year I’ve overwhelmingly disturbed fact le knew smarter thought Hence reason everyone make reading priority” Got old noggin joggin’ yet le knew smarter thought read realized much didn’t know Stay try explain seems go circle Ignorance — word strictest definition — lack knowledge information DunningKruger Effect deal ignorant ignorance don’t know don’t know aren’t aware don’t know result live life kind bubble based limited awareness people recognize ignorance seek become better informed people never realize extent ignorance go life thinking they’re freaking great They’re overconfident essence DunningKruger Effect David Dunning Justin Kruger collaborated name study effect Here’s excerpt article Dunning 2011 published Advances Experimental Social Psychology “In essence proposed came judgment performance based knowledge poor performer would face double burden First deficit expertise would lead make many mistake Second exact deficit would lead unable recognize making mistake people choosing wisely consequence poor performer choosing response thought reasonable would lead think quite well anything but” Right may thinking someone could made excellent subject study maybe you’re thinking “Oh GOD Could me” Sometimes recognize DunningKruger others roll eye whisper “She’s world” “He suffers lack perspective” recognize Good news certain degree acquired knowledge experience personal prescription includes reading writing formal informal education grunt work waiting table example seeking perspective really want gain new perspective something make uncomfortable it’s dirty camping tent Dunning wrote “We shown poor performer educated incompetence show ample ability willingness recognize error past way Evidence already suggests people educated take proxy literacy better able separate know not” Here’s made scenario ask think lightning rod educated enough know know nothing lightning rod say “I don’t know anything lightning rods” starting point conversation tell know lightning rod might learn something shrugged said “Of course” might simply change topic — perhaps even write smug jerk Life full paradox another one recognize lack knowledge see need fill gap education beginTags Selfawareness Self Improvement Dunning Kruger Education Psychology |
2,971 | Want to Write More Words Each Day? Streamline Your Decision Making | Want to Write More Words Each Day? Streamline Your Decision Making
The magic of planning ahead and helping your future self
Photo by Burst on Unsplash
Before I was a full time writer, I had to scrape words out of tiny minutes throughout my day. I was lucky if I wrote one thousand words before I left for work or even after I got home… combined. I understand the frustration of seeing writers who can churn out 5K or more words a day with little to no effort, some of which still balance their lives and families on top of other work obligations.
In my early time of writing, I was working full time, traveling constantly as a softball coach, and a full time graduate student. I barely had time to breathe, let alone cultivate my newest passion. I envied all the writers who could produce one, two, three, or more articles every day. I could barely get a chapter done on a book that I absolutely loved.
But the more I learned the skill of writing, the more I discovered that it wasn’t about having a million ideas running through your brain at once. It wasn’t about how fast you could type or how many minutes you could steal back while you were running to the bathroom or between homework assignments.
The secret to producing more words was streamlining the decision making process.
You see, when I sat down to write, I hadn’t actually thought about what I would write. Sure, thoughts ran through my head during the day, but I never had a concrete plan about what I would work on when I sat down to write. I would open my document and then decide what I would write.
I left all of my decision making for the first twenty minutes of my writing session. By the time I got started, I’d barely have forty minutes to write what I had finally decided on, and that’s if I was lucky. I wasted all of my time trying to figure out what to write rather than actually writing.
So, I started streamlining my decision making process. Instead of sitting down for the first twenty minutes to choose where my story was going to go, I used the last few minutes to decide where I’d pick up. My stolen minutes throughout the day became planning minutes, so when I could finally sit down and write, all I had to do was write.
I started to write for an hour, uninterrupted, and learned how much more I could produce in that short time frame. Then, I started to plan in more detail the things I would write and found that my production increased yet again. I cut out all of my in-the-moment decisions and started writing more words.
But it didn’t stop there. I discovered that so much of my time during the day, even outside of writing, was wasted on decision making. So, I started streamlining those decisions as well. I minimized my breakfast choices and cut out five or more minutes of prep time. I started meal prepping, using an hour or so over the weekend to cut out all prep time for the entire week ahead. I set out my workout clothes and work clothes before I went to bed and found an extra ten minutes in my day.
Those moments didn’t feel like much, but over time, they added up. I started discovering entire hours during my day that I could use for writing by minimizing the wasted space in my day. I deleted social media apps and instead put the Google Docs app front and center so instead of deciding which social to scroll, I scrolled my book. Instead of an hour during my day, I found three free ones to write during. I started to get up earlier, write for a while, go to work, and come home and write again.
When I was finally able to write full time, I transitioned those decisions into my day. I have such a streamlined process that I am able to sit down at my desk at or before 9AM every morning, write until lunch, and then use the rest of the afternoon to filter out ideas and prepare myself for the next writing session.
You don’t have to write the same number of words as me, or anyone else, because we all have different circumstances. You can, however, write more words relative to your own typical productivity by eliminating wasted space. Prepare yourself, streamline decisions, and discover that empty time to dedicate to writing. More time saved means more time spent in front of your document. | https://medium.com/the-winter-writer/want-to-write-more-words-each-day-streamline-your-decision-making-59ce3015a2e0 | ['Laura Winter'] | 2020-09-09 10:36:00.928000+00:00 | ['Decision Making', 'Writing', 'Productivity', 'Writing Tips', 'Organization'] | Title Want Write Words Day Streamline Decision MakingContent Want Write Words Day Streamline Decision Making magic planning ahead helping future self Photo Burst Unsplash full time writer scrape word tiny minute throughout day lucky wrote one thousand word left work even got home… combined understand frustration seeing writer churn 5K word day little effort still balance life family top work obligation early time writing working full time traveling constantly softball coach full time graduate student barely time breathe let alone cultivate newest passion envied writer could produce one two three article every day could barely get chapter done book absolutely loved learned skill writing discovered wasn’t million idea running brain wasn’t fast could type many minute could steal back running bathroom homework assignment secret producing word streamlining decision making process see sat write hadn’t actually thought would write Sure thought ran head day never concrete plan would work sat write would open document decide would write left decision making first twenty minute writing session time got started I’d barely forty minute write finally decided that’s lucky wasted time trying figure write rather actually writing started streamlining decision making process Instead sitting first twenty minute choose story going go used last minute decide I’d pick stolen minute throughout day became planning minute could finally sit write write started write hour uninterrupted learned much could produce short time frame started plan detail thing would write found production increased yet cut inthemoment decision started writing word didn’t stop discovered much time day even outside writing wasted decision making started streamlining decision well minimized breakfast choice cut five minute prep time started meal prepping using hour weekend cut prep time entire week ahead set workout clothes work clothes went bed found extra ten minute day moment didn’t feel like much time added started discovering entire hour day could use writing minimizing wasted space day deleted social medium apps instead put Google Docs app front center instead deciding social scroll scrolled book Instead hour day found three free one write started get earlier write go work come home write finally able write full time transitioned decision day streamlined process able sit desk 9AM every morning write lunch use rest afternoon filter idea prepare next writing session don’t write number word anyone else different circumstance however write word relative typical productivity eliminating wasted space Prepare streamline decision discover empty time dedicate writing time saved mean time spent front documentTags Decision Making Writing Productivity Writing Tips Organization |
2,972 | Set Up TSLint and Prettier in VS Code for React App with Typescript | First, install the following VS Code extensions:
Prettier — Code formatter. VS Code package to format your JavaScript / TypeScript / CSS using Prettier.
TSLint. Adds tslint to VS Code using the TypeScript TSLint language service plugin.
After you have installed this plugin you need to enable it in tsconfig.json:
{
“compilerOptions”: {
…,
“plugins”: [{“name”: “typescript-tslint-plugin”}]
},
…
}
In case, you might want to format your code using the Prettier extension after saving a file, you will need to configure VS Code Workspace Settings.
You can quickly get there through the Command Palette… (cmd + shift + P, by default on MacOs) and type “>settings”:
Choose the first option from the above, Preferences: Open Settings (JSON), and add the following rule to the settings.json:
“editor.formatOnSave”: true
If you open the workspace settings, you will see that the rule is reflected immediately after you save the changes to your settings.json file like so:
Add Prettier to your project
Prettier is a fully automatic “style guide” worth adopting.
“When you’re a beginner you’re making a lot of mistakes caused by the syntax. Thanks to Prettier, you can reduce these mistakes and save a lot of time to focus on what really matters.”
npm install prettier --save-dev
Specify the formatting rules you want in a .prettierrc file, which you create at the root level of your project, same as package.json:
{
"printWidth": 80,
"tabWidth": 2,
"singleQuote": true,
"trailingComma": "es5",
"semi": true,
"newline-before-return": true,
"no-duplicate-variable": [true, "check-parameters"],
"no-var-keyword": true
}
Add TSLint dependencies to your React project
npm i --save-dev tslint tslint-react
TSLint will be deprecated some time in 2019. See this issue for more details: Roadmap: TSLint → ESLint.
So, in case if you are interested in migrating from
tslint-react . Lint rules related to React & JSX for TSLint.
Adding Linter Configuration
Now, let’s configure our linter, TSLint, by adding a file called tslint.json at the root level (same as package.json ) of your project.
Below follows the configuration that I am currently using in my CRA project. Feel free to copy and adjust the “rules” (on line 9) according to the needs of your project.
Adding TypeScript-specific configuration
Another file that you have in your CRA-based project is tsconfig.json , which contains TypeScript-specific options for your project.
Also, there are tsconfig.prod.json and a tsconfig.test.json in case you want to make any tweaks to your production or test builds.
Add the rest of the dependencies
To make Prettier compatible with TSLint, install the tslint-config-prettier rule preset:
npm i --save-dev tslint-config-prettier
Usage
Now, to actually lint your .ts and .tsx files, run tslint -c tslint.json 'src/**/*.{ts,tsx}' command in your terminal.
Additional plugins
In case you want to add tslint-plugin-prettier to your project, and it will run Prettier as a TSLint rule and report differences as individual TSLint issues.
npm i --save-dev tslint-plugin-prettier
You will then have to add few lines to the TSLint configuration file tslint.json like below:
{
"extends": [
"tslint:recommended",
"tslint-react",
"tslint-config-prettier"
],
"rulesDirectory": [
"tslint-plugin-prettier"
],
"rules": {
"prettier": true,
"interface-name": false
}
}
However, I did not try using it in my own project, so this is just additional info.
Finally
I created the following script in my package.json , and named it lint:ts . You can name it whatever you want.
"scripts": { "lint:ts": "tslint 'src/**/*.{ts,tsx,js}'", },
By adding this configuration you can now run linting on your project files in terminal like so:
➜ my-app git:(feature/new-feature) ✗ npm run lint:ts
Running this command and fixing errors (if any) before pushing your code to the repo will help you avoiding failed Jenkins builds. 👌 🎊 | https://0n3z3r0n3.medium.com/set-up-tslint-and-prettier-in-vs-code-for-react-app-with-typescript-5b7f5895ce37 | [] | 2019-08-15 19:50:20.976000+00:00 | ['Typescript', 'React', 'Vscode', 'Linter', 'Tslint'] | Title Set TSLint Prettier VS Code React App TypescriptContent First install following VS Code extension Prettier — Code formatter VS Code package format JavaScript TypeScript CSS using Prettier TSLint Adds tslint VS Code using TypeScript TSLint language service plugin installed plugin need enable tsconfigjson “compilerOptions” … “plugins” “name” “typescripttslintplugin” … case might want format code using Prettier extension saving file need configure VS Code Workspace Settings quickly get Command Palette… cmd shift P default MacOs type “settings” Choose first option Preferences Open Settings JSON add following rule settingsjson “editorformatOnSave” true open workspace setting see rule reflected immediately save change settingsjson file like Add Prettier project Prettier fully automatic “style guide” worth adopting “When you’re beginner you’re making lot mistake caused syntax Thanks Prettier reduce mistake save lot time focus really matters” npm install prettier savedev Specify formatting rule want prettierrc file create root level project packagejson printWidth 80 tabWidth 2 singleQuote true trailingComma es5 semi true newlinebeforereturn true noduplicatevariable true checkparameters novarkeyword true Add TSLint dependency React project npm savedev tslint tslintreact TSLint deprecated time 2019 See issue detail Roadmap TSLint → ESLint case interested migrating tslintreact Lint rule related React JSX TSLint Adding Linter Configuration let’s configure linter TSLint adding file called tslintjson root level packagejson project follows configuration currently using CRA project Feel free copy adjust “rules” line 9 according need project Adding TypeScriptspecific configuration Another file CRAbased project tsconfigjson contains TypeScriptspecific option project Also tsconfigprodjson tsconfigtestjson case want make tweak production test build Add rest dependency make Prettier compatible TSLint install tslintconfigprettier rule preset npm savedev tslintconfigprettier Usage actually lint t tsx file run tslint c tslintjson srctstsx command terminal Additional plugins case want add tslintpluginprettier project run Prettier TSLint rule report difference individual TSLint issue npm savedev tslintpluginprettier add line TSLint configuration file tslintjson like extends tslintrecommended tslintreact tslintconfigprettier rulesDirectory tslintpluginprettier rule prettier true interfacename false However try using project additional info Finally created following script packagejson named lintts name whatever want script lintts tslint srctstsxjs adding configuration run linting project file terminal like ➜ myapp gitfeaturenewfeature ✗ npm run lintts Running command fixing error pushing code repo help avoiding failed Jenkins build 👌 🎊Tags Typescript React Vscode Linter Tslint |
2,973 | Why Assemblage Had To Remove Its Submission Requirements | Why Assemblage Had To Remove Its Submission Requirements
How To Get Better, Not Bigger
Photo by Enrico Mantegazza on Unsplash
Once upon a time, it made sense to have well thought out submission requirements that writers would read before making a decision on whether or not to apply to be a writer to a publication on Medium. Then the tide shifted and a deluge of “writers” descended on these screens like ants to an errant apple. And here we are.
As of today, October 2, 2020, Assemblage is removing its submission requirements from all of its publications. No, that does not mean it is now open for anyone to apply. Exactly the opposite. Submissions are closed indefinitely. Because this is what it has come to.
Widespread plagiarism, disastrous creative “coaching”, and the overwhelming entitlement of the Internet writer have all led to this. When you spend half of your publishing time each day reviewing submissions from “writers” who didn’t read the guidelines, tout their favorite Medium writer as themselves, or say they are applying to grow their audience first, you get a little tired.
Not to mention that the more you uphold journalistic and creative standards as a bastion for your publication, the more sour “writers” bemoan the fact that you are restrictive and elitist. The amount of email flagellation that goes on because of the word no is beyond comprehension.
Even writers who make it to the party often fall under the spell of creative egoism and fail to see the forest for the trees. If The New York Times can say that they won’t publish work by a freelancer who also publishes for The New York Post than why can’t Assemblage say that it won’t add writers who choose to write for Illumination, Illumination-Curated, The Innovation, Never Fear, or An Idea? (and Be Unique — added October 30, 2020, and now Paper Poetry — added November 15, 2020)
The new-fangled, self-indoctrinated “writer” believes that a publication owned by one person, run by one person, with all the work done by one person should kowtow to every Tom, Dick, and Sally that wants to write everywhere and anywhere, no matter how high the pyramid, but also still wants to write here. Sorry.
I thought by exposing the most disingenuous Medium strategies that it would curtail the ragtag submissions and spam sham follow-for-follow flavor hounds hellbent on hedonism, but I was wrong. Again. It’s a runaway train of glad-handing and fakeness and ego massage that will never leave internet writing. This is what it has become.
But fortunately, at Assemblage, we don’t have to be or want to be what it has become. We’ve always fought against it since back in the days of Redoubtable and Uncalendared. And now we will continue to fight to make sure we are always getting better, not bigger. | https://medium.com/assemblage/why-assemblage-had-to-remove-its-submission-requirements-57f75077459c | ['Jonathan Greene'] | 2020-11-15 14:47:54.122000+00:00 | ['Writing', 'Creativity', 'Standards', 'Integrity', 'Publication'] | Title Assemblage Remove Submission RequirementsContent Assemblage Remove Submission Requirements Get Better Bigger Photo Enrico Mantegazza Unsplash upon time made sense well thought submission requirement writer would read making decision whether apply writer publication Medium tide shifted deluge “writers” descended screen like ant errant apple today October 2 2020 Assemblage removing submission requirement publication mean open anyone apply Exactly opposite Submissions closed indefinitely come Widespread plagiarism disastrous creative “coaching” overwhelming entitlement Internet writer led spend half publishing time day reviewing submission “writers” didn’t read guideline tout favorite Medium writer say applying grow audience first get little tired mention uphold journalistic creative standard bastion publication sour “writers” bemoan fact restrictive elitist amount email flagellation go word beyond comprehension Even writer make party often fall spell creative egoism fail see forest tree New York Times say won’t publish work freelancer also publishes New York Post can’t Assemblage say won’t add writer choose write Illumination IlluminationCurated Innovation Never Fear Idea Unique — added October 30 2020 Paper Poetry — added November 15 2020 newfangled selfindoctrinated “writer” belief publication owned one person run one person work done one person kowtow every Tom Dick Sally want write everywhere anywhere matter high pyramid also still want write Sorry thought exposing disingenuous Medium strategy would curtail ragtag submission spam sham followforfollow flavor hound hellbent hedonism wrong It’s runaway train gladhanding fakeness ego massage never leave internet writing become fortunately Assemblage don’t want become We’ve always fought since back day Redoubtable Uncalendared continue fight make sure always getting better biggerTags Writing Creativity Standards Integrity Publication |
2,974 | 10 Best Coursera Certifications and Courses for AWS, GCP, and Azure in 2021 | 10 Best Coursera Certifications and Courses for AWS, GCP, and Azure in 2021
These are the best Coursera Courses for AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Cloud Computing
Hello guys, if you are keen to learn Cloud Computing and essential Cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and looking for the best Coursera certifications, courses, specializations, and projects then you have come to the right place.
Earlier, I have shared the best Coursera courses and certifications to learn Artificial Intelligence, Python, Software Development, and Web Development, and, today I am going to share the best Coursera courses for Cloud computing skill like AWS, GCP, and Azure from reputed universities like Illionis and tech companies like Amazon, Google Cloud, etc.
Cloud Computing is an in-demand skill for programmers, Software Developers, and any IT professionals including support engineers, sysadmins, and even QA and business analysts.
In the last few years, more and more companies have moved to the cloud and most of the technical development happening there, hence Cloud computing has become an essential skill to service the tech world. If you are wan to become a Cloud developer or administrator or just want to know about Cloud computing then you have come to the right place.
In the past, I have shared the best AWS, GCP, and Microsoft Azure online courses, and today, I will share the best Coursera courses to learn Cloud Computing with AWS and Google Cloud Platform.
Coursera is one of the most popular online learning websites which allows you to learn from top universities of the world and top-class IT companies. The courses in this list are created by companies like IBM, Google, and Amazon itself. This means you will be learning from the most authoritative sources.
Cloud computing is one of the big industries that have millions of users and attract investors from anywhere in the world and generate an unbelievable amount of revenue compared to the other services or industries in the IT area since all the organization needs to host their websites and services to engage and connect with their customers.
The certification can make the difference between getting hired by your employees and have a professional career or stay away from the competition so for that, many platforms come to the real-world and offer some online courses for many industries and Cloud computing is one of them.
Today you will see in this article several cloud computing courses from Coursera with the ability to get certified after completing their classes and covers many cloud services such as Amazon AWS and Google cloud.
10 Best Coursera Courses to learn Cloud Computing, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform
Here is the list of the best Coursera courses, certifications, specialization, and guided projects you can join in 2021 to learn Cloud Computing with AWS and Google Cloud Platform.
These courses have been offered by reputed universities and companies like IBM, Google, and AWS itself. Most of the courses are free for audit which means you can join them for FREE to learn but you need to pay for certifications, quizzes, and assessments.
1. AWS Fundamentals
The best specialization to learn Amazon web services offered from amazon itself starting as a beginner such as how the AWS infrastructure builts and works then addressing the security issues and how to secure your applications then learn how to migrate your work to the cloud then introducing you to the AWS serverless applications.
Here is the link to join this course —AWS Fundamentals | https://medium.com/javarevisited/10-best-aws-google-cloud-and-azure-courses-and-certification-from-coursera-to-join-in-2021-5c5e2029a8e7 | [] | 2020-12-14 06:42:12.348000+00:00 | ['Azure', 'AWS', 'Google Cloud Platform', 'Cloud Computing', 'Cloud'] | Title 10 Best Coursera Certifications Courses AWS GCP Azure 2021Content 10 Best Coursera Certifications Courses AWS GCP Azure 2021 best Coursera Courses AWS Google Cloud Platform Microsoft Azure Cloud Computing Hello guy keen learn Cloud Computing essential Cloud platform like AWS Google Cloud Microsoft Azure looking best Coursera certification course specialization project come right place Earlier shared best Coursera course certification learn Artificial Intelligence Python Software Development Web Development today going share best Coursera course Cloud computing skill like AWS GCP Azure reputed university like Illionis tech company like Amazon Google Cloud etc Cloud Computing indemand skill programmer Software Developers professional including support engineer sysadmins even QA business analyst last year company moved cloud technical development happening hence Cloud computing become essential skill service tech world wan become Cloud developer administrator want know Cloud computing come right place past shared best AWS GCP Microsoft Azure online course today share best Coursera course learn Cloud Computing AWS Google Cloud Platform Coursera one popular online learning website allows learn top university world topclass company course list created company like IBM Google Amazon mean learning authoritative source Cloud computing one big industry million user attract investor anywhere world generate unbelievable amount revenue compared service industry area since organization need host website service engage connect customer certification make difference getting hired employee professional career stay away competition many platform come realworld offer online course many industry Cloud computing one Today see article several cloud computing course Coursera ability get certified completing class cover many cloud service Amazon AWS Google cloud 10 Best Coursera Courses learn Cloud Computing AWS Google Cloud Platform list best Coursera course certification specialization guided project join 2021 learn Cloud Computing AWS Google Cloud Platform course offered reputed university company like IBM Google AWS course free audit mean join FREE learn need pay certification quiz assessment 1 AWS Fundamentals best specialization learn Amazon web service offered amazon starting beginner AWS infrastructure builts work addressing security issue secure application learn migrate work cloud introducing AWS serverless application link join course —AWS FundamentalsTags Azure AWS Google Cloud Platform Cloud Computing Cloud |
2,975 | Men’s Vs. Females’ SHAMPOO | But what about men?
Are they smarter?
Pfttt.
Photo by Christopher Ott on Unsplash
MEN’S Shampoos
Science has dictated that men and women simply care about different things in their shampoos and that’s okay. Men also have a process for choosing their hair care products and marketing companies are aware of that.
Without further ado, here are the things men care about:
1. It Says Shampoo
Somewhere on the bottle. Does it work for a specific type of hair? Does it cater to dandruff-ridden scalps? Doesn’t really matter. What matters is that it says shampoo. If it doesn’t say shampoo but says shower gel that’s basically the same thing as well.
Marketing companies are cleverly taking advantage of this by writing “Shampoo” on their shampoo bottles. And we’re just falling right into their trap.
2. It Cleans Fucking Everything
As a man, I like to know that my shampoo can also wash dishes, my car, my clothes as well as my barbecue. It needs to be able to clean everything. Who wants different cleaning products anyway?
However — going back to my first point — we don’t read anything on the shampoo bottle as long as it says shampoo (or shower gel which is the same thing).
Marketing companies have catered to this by making our shampoos:
6 in 1
We don’t know what the 6 things are. But we assume at a glance that since the shampoo does 6 things, it can probably clear up oil spills as well as being used as paint remover… probably. So as long as it says 6 in 1 or 8 in 1 or whatever, we simply assume that is the alpha shampoo. The one shampoo to rule them all.
And we buy the crap out of it.
3. SIZE
Size matters to guys. The third most important thing that guys look for in shampoos is the size. And marketing companies are clearly aware of this.
What we want in our shampoos is that they come in as many liters/ gallons as possible in one container, so we don’t have to buy one ever again.
I bought my last shampoo when I was just in 6th grade. It came in a giant oil can which said 6 in 1 on it. I lugged it around and it dispenses shampoo right under my bathroom sink.
All kidding aside, if our shampoo bottles aren’t at least the same size as buckets, we ain’t buying. | https://medium.com/the-haven/mens-vs-females-shampoo-e75d9f115e73 | ['Sabana Grande'] | 2020-12-28 17:10:10.229000+00:00 | ['Health', 'Marketing', 'Humor', 'Satire', 'Life Lessons'] | Title Men’s Vs Females’ SHAMPOOContent men smarter Pfttt Photo Christopher Ott Unsplash MEN’S Shampoos Science dictated men woman simply care different thing shampoo that’s okay Men also process choosing hair care product marketing company aware Without ado thing men care 1 Says Shampoo Somewhere bottle work specific type hair cater dandruffridden scalp Doesn’t really matter matter say shampoo doesn’t say shampoo say shower gel that’s basically thing well Marketing company cleverly taking advantage writing “Shampoo” shampoo bottle we’re falling right trap 2 Cleans Fucking Everything man like know shampoo also wash dish car clothes well barbecue need able clean everything want different cleaning product anyway However — going back first point — don’t read anything shampoo bottle long say shampoo shower gel thing Marketing company catered making shampoo 6 1 don’t know 6 thing assume glance since shampoo 6 thing probably clear oil spill well used paint remover… probably long say 6 1 8 1 whatever simply assume alpha shampoo one shampoo rule buy crap 3 SIZE Size matter guy third important thing guy look shampoo size marketing company clearly aware want shampoo come many liter gallon possible one container don’t buy one ever bought last shampoo 6th grade came giant oil said 6 1 lugged around dispenses shampoo right bathroom sink kidding aside shampoo bottle aren’t least size bucket ain’t buyingTags Health Marketing Humor Satire Life Lessons |
2,976 | You Hate Multilevel Marketing Because It’s Cringeworthy & Dishonest | The Multilevel Marketing Bible
I’ve been around lots of multilevel marketing companies over the years because of my commitment to open-mindedness. I want to be proven wrong. I want to find one MLM company that is honest. I haven’t found one yet, although I’ll keep being the human MLM guinea pig for you (I promise!).
This is everything you need to know about MLM.
The purpose is to recruit, not sell products
This is the biggest problem with MLM. It’s not about selling a product so much. It’s about recruiting members to your team. An MLM company needs lots of fresh victims because the churn rate is high.
My friend who got the Ferrari from MLM doesn’t do it anymore. Neither do the others from my high school. (After writing this story I am going to find out why because I never asked.)
The mantra with MLM is “if you bring in the people, we will do the brainwashing for you.” When you have a group of people who believe in something, you can do a lot — both good and evil.
MLM functions like a cult
I shared a story recently of getting sucked into a religious cult a few years back. You want to know the number one occupation of the people who were part of that church? Multilevel marketing. (Nothing against religious folk.)
This is not the first time I’ve seen this. It turns out if you believe in a higher power you might believe in MLM.
MLM companies actively target churches because they’re complex and highly spreadable social networks. Just like a cult, once you join an MLM company it’s hard to get out. The other members you helped bring in will shame you for doing so.
You’ll get person after person telling you that you’re throwing your life away and if you stay for a little bit longer you’ll experience the magic.
Hold annual seminars in exotic locations
MLM is sold to you as a lifestyle. Part of the lifestyle is hanging by the pool and taking photos of your friend drinking a coconut cocktail. People don’t buy MLM products; they buy the lifestyle the products give them, regardless of whether the products being sold are rubbish.
These annual conferences cost money to attend. If you’re a superstar at MLM you might get a free ticket. But the majority of tickets you have to pay a lot of money for. Everything in MLM earns money for the MLM company.
You can’t not go to the conference, either, otherwise, your MLM buddies will hound you via SMS daily and hunt you down.
Hold lots of events
Live events are the lifeblood of MLM. Think of the model like a pyramid.
You have the annual conference at the top of the pyramid.
You have the country level conference next.
You have the state level events after that.
You have the regional level events weekly.
You have the team member events daily.
Not attending an event shows a lack of commitment. The purpose of having so many events is so you continually have the MLM message reinforced into your skull until your eyes bleed and you can’t *not* see it as being the promised land full of rainbow unicorns.
Fly in winners (because there are none locally)
The bigger events on the pyramid tend to have MLM winners from other parts of the world fly in. The reason is that there are so few people who do well with MLM.
I reckon 1% or less ever actually make six figures from MLM. This means if you make it into the 1% by some miracle, then you’re going to be continuously flying to events all year and speaking about your Ferrari life.
The number of hours is horrific
My friends who have worked in MLM are hard workers. They would typically be pitching and attending events seven days a week. They didn’t have time to start families or get married (unless it was to another MLM person) because they were always finding ways to grow their business.
Many people I’ve met along the way lost their normal jobs because they committed so much time to MLM that they had no time to do work of the paying variety using their skills.
Replace everyday purchases with MLM products
One clever trick with MLM is the products they often sell can be ones you’re already buying like supermarket groceries.
This means the sell is easier. You’re not asking people to spend more money or believe in something special. You’re asking them to buy their food or energy drinks or essential oils from a different provider. This works well for the MLM company.
If a person fails to master the business of MLM then they can always just be a customer for life and still make them money.
Teach others using the potato method
Once you’re an MLM goddess you are asked to become a teacher.
The strategy they teach you is the potato method. You bring a bag of potatoes to a live event with your team. You show the model and how it works.
You talk to one potato. That potato talks to another potato. You follow up with the potato. You pitch the potato again if they don’t believe in your potato philosophy. You leave the potato with some books to read. You invite the potato to the next event. You ask the potato how it feels. You keep discovering the objections from the potato. You bring the potato’s objections in list format to the next potato event with the team. You invite the potato to a potato conference, if all else fails, and let the Ferrari do the selling to the potato.
(The potato is a human by the way.)
The MLM model for society
MLM mimics the model for an ancient society. Those at the very top get 99% of the money. Everybody else is a slave with no chance of reaching the top. This isn’t a philosophy we want to recreate.
Products are hyped
The results you get from taking the MLM products are hyped. There are huge claims that can’t be backed up.
The list of disclaimers is longer than the Bible. Your grandma’s wisdom applies to MLM too: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Secret coffees that are actually sales pitches
The problem with MLM is it’s dishonest. You’re taught to ask people to have coffee with you so you can pitch them. But the victim is never told. The coffee is disguised as something completely random.
(The coffee isn’t paid for by the MLM company either. So you could go broke by buying endless free coffees.)
Trapping people into product presentations is weird.
Mapping out how you can leave your day job on a serviette
A bizarre experience I had much later in the journey was when I went to catch up with a friend. Out of nowhere, he hit me with the MLM spiel. I listened to it so I could keep my desire to be open-minded intact.
He took out a pen and asked the waiter for a serviette. He then mapped out the exact numbers I’d need to achieve to leave my 9–5 job.
It had an average sale price, number of units, risk-adjusted outputs, and timelines. It was a finance dude’s dream. I still have that serviette in my cupboard. It was an unexpected moment, and it’s another bizarre technique taught by MLM.
You get paid in cars
This part may surprise you.
When you hit the big sales numbers in MLM you are paid in cars first. The goal of the MLM company is always to recruit, not to sell products. They know if they give you a luxury car you’re going to take a photo of it and spam it all over social media with the hashtag #BlessedLife
Your followers on social media will then start to ask you about your car. This brings in more cold leads you can use the potato method with. If the MLM company gave you cash then there’d be no social proof.
Unless you’re Dan Bilzerian, the average person isn’t going to take a photo of a pile of cash they made from MLM. Photos of cash aren’t appealing. But a photo of four wheels and a sunroof is enough to get the average punter’s heart greased and purring. | https://medium.com/better-marketing/you-hate-multilevel-marketing-because-its-cringeworthy-dishonest-a24d9ad043c4 | ['Tim Denning'] | 2020-12-22 18:02:09.887000+00:00 | ['Marketing', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Business', 'Social Media', 'Life Lessons'] | Title Hate Multilevel Marketing It’s Cringeworthy DishonestContent Multilevel Marketing Bible I’ve around lot multilevel marketing company year commitment openmindedness want proven wrong want find one MLM company honest haven’t found one yet although I’ll keep human MLM guinea pig promise everything need know MLM purpose recruit sell product biggest problem MLM It’s selling product much It’s recruiting member team MLM company need lot fresh victim churn rate high friend got Ferrari MLM doesn’t anymore Neither others high school writing story going find never asked mantra MLM “if bring people brainwashing you” group people believe something lot — good evil MLM function like cult shared story recently getting sucked religious cult year back want know number one occupation people part church Multilevel marketing Nothing religious folk first time I’ve seen turn believe higher power might believe MLM MLM company actively target church they’re complex highly spreadable social network like cult join MLM company it’s hard get member helped bring shame You’ll get person person telling you’re throwing life away stay little bit longer you’ll experience magic Hold annual seminar exotic location MLM sold lifestyle Part lifestyle hanging pool taking photo friend drinking coconut cocktail People don’t buy MLM product buy lifestyle product give regardless whether product sold rubbish annual conference cost money attend you’re superstar MLM might get free ticket majority ticket pay lot money Everything MLM earns money MLM company can’t go conference either otherwise MLM buddy hound via SMS daily hunt Hold lot event Live event lifeblood MLM Think model like pyramid annual conference top pyramid country level conference next state level event regional level event weekly team member event daily attending event show lack commitment purpose many event continually MLM message reinforced skull eye bleed can’t see promised land full rainbow unicorn Fly winner none locally bigger event pyramid tend MLM winner part world fly reason people well MLM reckon 1 le ever actually make six figure MLM mean make 1 miracle you’re going continuously flying event year speaking Ferrari life number hour horrific friend worked MLM hard worker would typically pitching attending event seven day week didn’t time start family get married unless another MLM person always finding way grow business Many people I’ve met along way lost normal job committed much time MLM time work paying variety using skill Replace everyday purchase MLM product One clever trick MLM product often sell one you’re already buying like supermarket grocery mean sell easier You’re asking people spend money believe something special You’re asking buy food energy drink essential oil different provider work well MLM company person fails master business MLM always customer life still make money Teach others using potato method you’re MLM goddess asked become teacher strategy teach potato method bring bag potato live event team show model work talk one potato potato talk another potato follow potato pitch potato don’t believe potato philosophy leave potato book read invite potato next event ask potato feel keep discovering objection potato bring potato’s objection list format next potato event team invite potato potato conference else fails let Ferrari selling potato potato human way MLM model society MLM mimic model ancient society top get 99 money Everybody else slave chance reaching top isn’t philosophy want recreate Products hyped result get taking MLM product hyped huge claim can’t backed list disclaimer longer Bible grandma’s wisdom applies MLM sound good true probably Secret coffee actually sale pitch problem MLM it’s dishonest You’re taught ask people coffee pitch victim never told coffee disguised something completely random coffee isn’t paid MLM company either could go broke buying endless free coffee Trapping people product presentation weird Mapping leave day job serviette bizarre experience much later journey went catch friend nowhere hit MLM spiel listened could keep desire openminded intact took pen asked waiter serviette mapped exact number I’d need achieve leave 9–5 job average sale price number unit riskadjusted output timeline finance dude’s dream still serviette cupboard unexpected moment it’s another bizarre technique taught MLM get paid car part may surprise hit big sale number MLM paid car first goal MLM company always recruit sell product know give luxury car you’re going take photo spam social medium hashtag BlessedLife follower social medium start ask car brings cold lead use potato method MLM company gave cash there’d social proof Unless you’re Dan Bilzerian average person isn’t going take photo pile cash made MLM Photos cash aren’t appealing photo four wheel sunroof enough get average punter’s heart greased purringTags Marketing Entrepreneurship Business Social Media Life Lessons |
2,977 | How to Tell If You Have the Flu, Coronavirus, or Something Else | How to Tell If You Have the Flu, Coronavirus, or Something Else
This symptom chart will help you determine which virus ails you
Photo: Guido Mieth/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Editor’s Note: This article is no longer updated and much has been learned about Covid-19 symptoms. For the latest on the disease, visit Elemental’s ongoing coverage of the coronavirus outbreak here.
The first sign of a scratchy throat is scientifically known to be accompanied by an “uh-oh” sensation, followed by the ironic hope that it’s “just a cold,” because otherwise it could be the onset of a disabling flu, the looming coronavirus, or some other infectious disease affecting the upper airways.
“Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But in fact, the CDC’s own lists of symptoms for the two diseases draw notable distinctions in typical cases.
Symptoms of the new coronavirus, Covid-19, can indeed be difficult to distinguish from flu symptoms, but in recent weeks, infectious-disease experts have gotten a clearer picture of telltale signs, particularly fever early on, and which symptoms are rare in most cases but may show up when it becomes most serious.
There are distinct differences in the most likely symptoms of various viral infections and how fast they come on.
So, how do you know whether to call a doctor immediately or just settle in with a good book and some chicken soup?
There are distinct differences in the most likely symptoms of various virus infections and how fast they come on. This chart — and the deeper explanations below on four viruses getting a lot of attention these days — can’t replace a doctor’s diagnosis, but they may help you contemplate what you’re in for. If you have questions or concerns, consult a health care professional, and don’t let an unknown disease fester.
Common cold
Colds are caused by more than 200 different viruses, including strains of coronavirus and, more commonly, rhinoviruses. While miserable and exceedingly common, a cold is rarely as debilitating as the flu.
Frequency
Each year, a typical adult will catch two or three colds. Young children can get six or more annually.
Common symptoms
A gradual progression often starting with a sore throat, leading to sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, and the annoying postnasal drip (that’s mucus running down your throat, attempting to wash the infection away).
Possible complications
Colds are much less likely to cause serious complications compared to the flu, but they can lead to ear infections, sinus infections, or, more rarely, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other secondary infections — all of which need medical treatment. Colds can also trigger or exacerbate asthma.
How it spreads
Through the air from a cough or sneeze, from the hands of an infected person, from hard surfaces, and via close contact with an infected person.
Contagious period
One to two days before symptoms appear and then until all symptoms are gone, as much as two weeks from the onset.
Influenza
Despite understandable fears of outbreaks like coronavirus, various strains of the flu — there are 29 different subtypes — cause far more deaths every year than most other viral outbreaks do across several years.
Frequency
About 8% of the U.S. population comes down with a flu bug every year. On average, it kills 12,000 to 61,000 Americans annually.
Common symptoms
Quick onset of fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, aching muscles, and chills are the characteristic signs.
Possible complications
Ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions, and death. As with other viruses, the flu tends to be most problematic for the young, the old, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
How it spreads
Through the air from a cough or sneeze, from the hands of an infected person, from hard surfaces, and via close contact with an infected person.
Cold and flu viruses can survive for 15 to 20 minutes on the skin and several hours on hard surfaces.
Contagious period
One day before symptoms start, and then for three to seven more days.
Norovirus
This fast-acting germ, often incorrectly called “stomach flu,” inflames the stomach or intestines and leads to intense but typically short-lived gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s the leading cause of outbreaks of food poisoning in the United States (more common than bacterial outbreaks from salmonella or E. coli).
Frequency
About 20 million Americans, or 6% of the population, suffer an acute case of norovirus-induced gastroenteritis each year.
Common symptoms
Unlike cold or flu viruses, norovirus brings on sudden, often severe and frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Possible complications
Dangerous dehydration. Some 400,000 U.S. norovirus cases annually lead to emergency room visits, with children predominating. Between 570 and 800 patients die—mostly kids, older people, and people with compromised immune systems.
How it spreads
Most notoriously through human poop and vomit (including airborne puke droplets). A droplet of diarrhea the size of a pinhead can contain enough norovirus particles to make someone else sick. The disease is often transmitted by food harvested in contaminated water, or it’s passed along at a restaurant or at home by an infected person preparing food served raw or touching food after it’s cooked.
Contagious period
Before symptoms start and up to two weeks after recovery.
Covid-19 coronavirus
Symptoms of Covid-19 caused by the coronavirus, are difficult to distinguish from influenza, health experts say, and can range from mild and even almost unnoticed for some people to severe and deadly for others. (Scientists can’t yet explain why, but such varied reactions also occur with other viral diseases.)
Frequency
That remains to be determined through the lens of history, but cases are mounting in the U.S. and around the globe. [See the latest updates in Elemental’s ongoing coverage of the coronavirus here.]
Most common symptoms
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Fever early on is a distinguishing symptom. Dry coughs follow in cases that become moderate or severe. Shortness of breath is a telltale and dangerous development distinguishing COVID-19 from influenza or a cold.
But other people, including some children, have been diagnosed with the disease only after mild cold- or flu-like symptoms. Still others are infected and infectious while showing no symptoms.
And recently, doctors say a significant number of people with COVID-19 have lost their sense of smell, though it hasn’t been studied yet to determine for sure if this is a symptom of COVID-19 or related to some other condition.
Possible severe complications
Pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, death.
How it spreads
Through the air from a cough or sneeze, from hard surfaces, and via close contact with an infected person (within six feet, the CDC says). Also, possibly in human feces, according to a study published February 17 in the journal Emerging Microbes and Infections, plus one other previous study and another one announced since. Researchers have said that the spread through poop and the potential for the disease to cause diarrhea could be a rapid transmission factor, but most evidence suggests this is not a primary means.
Contagious period
Possibly before symptoms start, but mostly when symptoms are present. (The specifics are not yet known to science.)
Emerging view of coronavirus symptoms
Because the Covid-19 coronavirus emerged only in December, the CDC has yet to firmly state the likelihood of the various symptoms beyond the three most common. “We do not have any more specifics at this time, because there has been a range of possible symptoms for people with Covid-19,” CDC spokesperson Richard Quartarone tells Elemental.
However, researchers recently studied 138 people with advanced cases of the virus who had been hospitalized with pneumonia after being infected with Covid-19 in Wuhan, China. The research, published February 7 in JAMA, revealed preliminary data showing the percentage of patients with these symptoms:
Fever: 98.6%
Fatigue: 69.6%
Cough: 59.4%
Aches: 34.8%
Difficulty breathing: 31.2%
Nausea: 10.1%
Diarrhea: 10.1%
Headache: 6.5%
Vomiting: 3.6%
But these were patients with severe symptoms, and nearly half of them had preexisting medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, so the figures may not represent how the disease typically manifests in healthy individuals.
In other research recently published by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 81% of 44,672 coronavirus cases were mild, including some in which symptoms were like a minor flu and others that were like a minor cold. The fatality rate for COVID-19 is not known for sure, but data from cases in Italy, published on March 17 by the Journal of the American Medical Association, finds death rates ranging from 0.3% in people age 30–90 to 3.5% in the 60–69 set and 19.7% and higher for people 80 and older. (Seasonal flu typically kills about 0.1% of all people infected.)
Serious symptoms
A big caveat to all symptom spotting: No given disease presents the same in each person or each case, and there are many different strains of cold, flu, and norovirus with different degrees of impact. Sometimes fever does not accompany influenza, for example. Symptoms that are rare can occur. Children, the elderly, and anyone with existing health issues may experience more severe symptoms than others. Among the list of a dozen serious symptoms that should trigger immediate medical attention:
Seizures
Chest pains
Trouble breathing or fast breathing
Fever lasting more than four days or rising above 104 degree Fahrenheit
Conditions that lasts beyond typical duration
Conditions that improve then worsen
Severe dehydration
Bluish lips or face
And there are, of course, many other diseases that may seem cold- or flu-like at the outset but require prompt medical attention. Among them:
Measles may start out with mostly cold-like symptoms but is accompanied by a rash and tends to spike a fever to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mumps starts out flu-like but typically swells the salivary glands, causing puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw.
Strep throat tends to start quickly with a sore throat and painful swallowing. (Strep is a bacterial infection, not a virus, that can be treated effectively with antibiotics, which don’t work on viruses.)
Seasonal allergies can also mimic cold and flu symptoms. But they’re often marked by itchy, watery eyes, which are not common to colds, the flu, or other infectious diseases. Allergies do not trigger headaches or muscle aches. And, of course, allergies can last weeks.
Spread the word, not the virus
Viruses have evolved over millions of years to be supremely capable of surviving outside a host and infecting another — to go viral — simply by floating through the air inside the mucus of a cough or sneeze. Even talking can unleash virus-containing droplets seeking a new host. “These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs,” the CDC says.
Viruses can also spread when an infected person touches their face and then shakes a hand, turns a doorknob, or prepares food. Cold and flu viruses can survive for 15 to 20 minutes on the skin and several hours on hard surfaces. New research on Covid-19 suggests this coronavirus might survive for a few days on surfaces.
If you think you’re getting sick, or if you have a fever or are coughing, sneezing or vomiting:
If you feel desperately ill, have any of the serious signs mentioned above, or suspect coronavirus because you visited an area with an outbreak or have been around someone diagnosed with the disease, put down that great book, forget the chicken soup, and call your doctor immediately or get to an emergency room.
This article has been updated on 3/19.
The coronavirus outbreak is rapidly evolving. To stay informed, check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as your local health department for updates. If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed, reach out to the Crisis Text Line. | https://elemental.medium.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-the-flu-coronavirus-or-something-else-30c1c82cc50f | ['Robert Roy Britt'] | 2020-05-18 13:35:12.633000+00:00 | ['Health', 'Cold', 'Body', 'Coronavirus', 'Flu'] | Title Tell Flu Coronavirus Something ElseContent Tell Flu Coronavirus Something Else symptom chart help determine virus ail Photo Guido MiethDigitalVisionGetty Images Editor’s Note article longer updated much learned Covid19 symptom latest disease visit Elemental’s ongoing coverage coronavirus outbreak first sign scratchy throat scientifically known accompanied “uhoh” sensation followed ironic hope it’s “just cold” otherwise could onset disabling flu looming coronavirus infectious disease affecting upper airway “Because cold flu share many symptom difficult even impossible tell difference based symptom alone” according US Centers Disease Control Prevention fact CDC’s list symptom two disease draw notable distinction typical case Symptoms new coronavirus Covid19 indeed difficult distinguish flu symptom recent week infectiousdisease expert gotten clearer picture telltale sign particularly fever early symptom rare case may show becomes serious distinct difference likely symptom various viral infection fast come know whether call doctor immediately settle good book chicken soup distinct difference likely symptom various virus infection fast come chart — deeper explanation four virus getting lot attention day — can’t replace doctor’s diagnosis may help contemplate you’re question concern consult health care professional don’t let unknown disease fester Common cold Colds caused 200 different virus including strain coronavirus commonly rhinovirus miserable exceedingly common cold rarely debilitating flu Frequency year typical adult catch two three cold Young child get six annually Common symptom gradual progression often starting sore throat leading sneezing runny nose stuffiness annoying postnasal drip that’s mucus running throat attempting wash infection away Possible complication Colds much le likely cause serious complication compared flu lead ear infection sinus infection rarely bronchitis pneumonia secondary infection — need medical treatment Colds also trigger exacerbate asthma spread air cough sneeze hand infected person hard surface via close contact infected person Contagious period One two day symptom appear symptom gone much two week onset Influenza Despite understandable fear outbreak like coronavirus various strain flu — 29 different subtypes — cause far death every year viral outbreak across several year Frequency 8 US population come flu bug every year average kill 12000 61000 Americans annually Common symptom Quick onset fever 1004 degree Fahrenheit aching muscle chill characteristic sign Possible complication Ear sinus infection pneumonia worsening chronic medical condition death virus flu tends problematic young old anyone compromised immune system spread air cough sneeze hand infected person hard surface via close contact infected person Cold flu virus survive 15 20 minute skin several hour hard surface Contagious period One day symptom start three seven day Norovirus fastacting germ often incorrectly called “stomach flu” inflames stomach intestine lead intense typically shortlived gastrointestinal discomfort It’s leading cause outbreak food poisoning United States common bacterial outbreak salmonella E coli Frequency 20 million Americans 6 population suffer acute case norovirusinduced gastroenteritis year Common symptom Unlike cold flu virus norovirus brings sudden often severe frequent vomiting andor diarrhea Possible complication Dangerous dehydration 400000 US norovirus case annually lead emergency room visit child predominating 570 800 patient die—mostly kid older people people compromised immune system spread notoriously human poop vomit including airborne puke droplet droplet diarrhea size pinhead contain enough norovirus particle make someone else sick disease often transmitted food harvested contaminated water it’s passed along restaurant home infected person preparing food served raw touching food it’s cooked Contagious period symptom start two week recovery Covid19 coronavirus Symptoms Covid19 caused coronavirus difficult distinguish influenza health expert say range mild even almost unnoticed people severe deadly others Scientists can’t yet explain varied reaction also occur viral disease Frequency remains determined lens history case mounting US around globe See latest update Elemental’s ongoing coverage coronavirus common symptom Fever cough shortness breath Fever early distinguishing symptom Dry cough follow case become moderate severe Shortness breath telltale dangerous development distinguishing COVID19 influenza cold people including child diagnosed disease mild cold flulike symptom Still others infected infectious showing symptom recently doctor say significant number people COVID19 lost sense smell though hasn’t studied yet determine sure symptom COVID19 related condition Possible severe complication Pneumonia severe acute respiratory syndrome kidney failure death spread air cough sneeze hard surface via close contact infected person within six foot CDC say Also possibly human feces according study published February 17 journal Emerging Microbes Infections plus one previous study another one announced since Researchers said spread poop potential disease cause diarrhea could rapid transmission factor evidence suggests primary mean Contagious period Possibly symptom start mostly symptom present specific yet known science Emerging view coronavirus symptom Covid19 coronavirus emerged December CDC yet firmly state likelihood various symptom beyond three common “We specific time range possible symptom people Covid19” CDC spokesperson Richard Quartarone tell Elemental However researcher recently studied 138 people advanced case virus hospitalized pneumonia infected Covid19 Wuhan China research published February 7 JAMA revealed preliminary data showing percentage patient symptom Fever 986 Fatigue 696 Cough 594 Aches 348 Difficulty breathing 312 Nausea 101 Diarrhea 101 Headache 65 Vomiting 36 patient severe symptom nearly half preexisting medical condition including hypertension diabetes heart disease figure may represent disease typically manifest healthy individual research recently published Chinese Center Disease Control Prevention 81 44672 coronavirus case mild including symptom like minor flu others like minor cold fatality rate COVID19 known sure data case Italy published March 17 Journal American Medical Association find death rate ranging 03 people age 30–90 35 60–69 set 197 higher people 80 older Seasonal flu typically kill 01 people infected Serious symptom big caveat symptom spotting given disease present person case many different strain cold flu norovirus different degree impact Sometimes fever accompany influenza example Symptoms rare occur Children elderly anyone existing health issue may experience severe symptom others Among list dozen serious symptom trigger immediate medical attention Seizures Chest pain Trouble breathing fast breathing Fever lasting four day rising 104 degree Fahrenheit Conditions last beyond typical duration Conditions improve worsen Severe dehydration Bluish lip face course many disease may seem cold flulike outset require prompt medical attention Among Measles may start mostly coldlike symptom accompanied rash tends spike fever 104 degree Fahrenheit Mumps start flulike typically swell salivary gland causing puffy cheek swollen jaw Strep throat tends start quickly sore throat painful swallowing Strep bacterial infection virus treated effectively antibiotic don’t work virus Seasonal allergy also mimic cold flu symptom they’re often marked itchy watery eye common cold flu infectious disease Allergies trigger headache muscle ache course allergy last week Spread word virus Viruses evolved million year supremely capable surviving outside host infecting another — go viral — simply floating air inside mucus cough sneeze Even talking unleash viruscontaining droplet seeking new host “These droplet land mouth nose people nearby possibly inhaled lungs” CDC say Viruses also spread infected person touch face shake hand turn doorknob prepares food Cold flu virus survive 15 20 minute skin several hour hard surface New research Covid19 suggests coronavirus might survive day surface think you’re getting sick fever coughing sneezing vomiting feel desperately ill serious sign mentioned suspect coronavirus visited area outbreak around someone diagnosed disease put great book forget chicken soup call doctor immediately get emergency room article updated 319 coronavirus outbreak rapidly evolving stay informed check US Centers Disease Control Prevention well local health department update you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed reach Crisis Text LineTags Health Cold Body Coronavirus Flu |
2,978 | Covid Casualties That Will Haunt Us Forever | Covid Casualties That Will Haunt Us Forever
Things big and small that will never be the same post-pandemic
Image: Pixabay
With a fierce winter storm bearing down on the Northeast, Connecticut doctor Craig Canapari, MD, was asked by his kids: Will tomorrow be a snow day? “Sadly they will be disappointed,” Canapari tweeted. “One is already doing online school on Thursday. The other will be.”
This arguably innocuous annoyance struck me as telling of the countless things that are being disrupted by the pandemic — small pleasures and larger ways of life we’ve long taken for granted but which will never be the same.
Death is the ultimate horrific outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic, of course, and without meaning to minimize the pain and sadness left behind by the more than 300,000 departed Americans and 1.6 million deaths worldwide, I got to thinking about the many other ways Covid has, and will, irrevocably change the lives of so many people, of society as a whole, for years and even generations to come.
I’ll get to the lesser things below. But first, there are several truly distressing and harrowing casualties of Covid-19 that will play out for years:
Long-haul physical effects
We have no clue yet just how devastating Covid-19 is for those who survive it. Already, we do know that thousands of people, young and old, are suffering physical pain and mental distress — including memory and concentration problems — months after they were declared Covid-free. Sadly, it’s appearing ever more likely that some of these long-haul symptoms could be lifetime afflictions.
Economic catastrophe
It will be many months and possibly years before we can grasp the full scope of disastrous financial effects on tens of millions of Americans who’ve lost their jobs or had their incomes slashed, or might soon. Already the devastation clear for countless families. Across the country, children are going hungry and parents are overwhelming food pantries like never in recent memory. Missed rent and homeowner payments are piling up, and broad wealth reduction will create hardship for millions of families — holes are being dug that will sink some people for the rest of their lives.
Educational and earnings disadvantages
The year of disrupted instruction, with more sure to come, will reverberate for a lifetime, especially among kids who are in (or out of) K-8 schools, in the form of lower earning potential. Research has shown what all parents have learned: Online education is not as effective as in-class instruction, particularly for young children. One study projects that one year of online-only learning would cause $195 billion of lifelong earnings losses for current K-12 students.
Deadly side effects
People are already dying from several non-Covid causes because they missed cancer screenings or didn’t get medical care for other serious health issues. Excess deaths in 2020, those that exceed the otherwise very stable annual average, will end the year above 400,000 (based on my own analysis of actual excess deaths through November 21, Covid-19 deaths since then, and the current daily pace of Covid-19 deaths). While the majority of the excess deaths are officially attributed to Covid-19, the others can be explained only by lapses in treatment, multiple studies and analyses show. The impact on reduced cancer screenings alone will result in additional unnecessary deaths for years to come, simply because treatments were not started as soon as they would have been without the pandemic disruption.
Mental health crisis
The pandemic is fueling increases in depression, alcohol use, and opioid deaths. We can’t begin to predict the long-term effects of all the current stress and sorrow, but we do know our social systems were not prepared to deal with it. | https://coronavirus.medium.com/covid-casualties-that-will-haunt-us-forever-1f8795ebccf1 | ['Robert Roy Britt'] | 2020-12-16 19:25:18.165000+00:00 | ['Society', 'Pandemic', 'Covid 19', 'Culture', 'Coronavirus'] | Title Covid Casualties Haunt Us ForeverContent Covid Casualties Haunt Us Forever Things big small never postpandemic Image Pixabay fierce winter storm bearing Northeast Connecticut doctor Craig Canapari MD asked kid tomorrow snow day “Sadly disappointed” Canapari tweeted “One already online school Thursday be” arguably innocuous annoyance struck telling countless thing disrupted pandemic — small pleasure larger way life we’ve long taken granted never Death ultimate horrific outcome Covid19 pandemic course without meaning minimize pain sadness left behind 300000 departed Americans 16 million death worldwide got thinking many way Covid irrevocably change life many people society whole year even generation come I’ll get lesser thing first several truly distressing harrowing casualty Covid19 play year Longhaul physical effect clue yet devastating Covid19 survive Already know thousand people young old suffering physical pain mental distress — including memory concentration problem — month declared Covidfree Sadly it’s appearing ever likely longhaul symptom could lifetime affliction Economic catastrophe many month possibly year grasp full scope disastrous financial effect ten million Americans who’ve lost job income slashed might soon Already devastation clear countless family Across country child going hungry parent overwhelming food pantry like never recent memory Missed rent homeowner payment piling broad wealth reduction create hardship million family — hole dug sink people rest life Educational earnings disadvantage year disrupted instruction sure come reverberate lifetime especially among kid K8 school form lower earning potential Research shown parent learned Online education effective inclass instruction particularly young child One study project one year onlineonly learning would cause 195 billion lifelong earnings loss current K12 student Deadly side effect People already dying several nonCovid cause missed cancer screening didn’t get medical care serious health issue Excess death 2020 exceed otherwise stable annual average end year 400000 based analysis actual excess death November 21 Covid19 death since current daily pace Covid19 death majority excess death officially attributed Covid19 others explained lapse treatment multiple study analysis show impact reduced cancer screening alone result additional unnecessary death year come simply treatment started soon would without pandemic disruption Mental health crisis pandemic fueling increase depression alcohol use opioid death can’t begin predict longterm effect current stress sorrow know social system prepared deal itTags Society Pandemic Covid 19 Culture Coronavirus |
2,979 | How Anxiety Can Be Your Secret Creative Superpower | How Anxiety Can Be Your Secret Creative Superpower
It’s not always about worst-case scenarios
Image by Jason McBride
I used to control my anxiety by reminding myself that my brain was making things out to be much worse than they were. That worked for several years.
But, this strategy gradually lost its effectiveness as the state of the world around me decayed. First, I lost both my parents within five months while dealing with a mysterious gut infection that led to me being hospitalized, where I discovered I had kidney cancer.
That was 2019. After my successful surgery, I thought things had to get better.
Then 2020 came. It seemed like my anxiety was laughing at me as I freaked out, unsure if I was rational or irrational.
Now I have a new strategy for managing my anxiety. I have learned to be grateful for it.
Because of my anxiety disorder, my brain works differently. I have learned that my anxiety is my secret creative superpower.
Image by Jason McBride
Image by Jason McBride
You might wonder if you can calculate the volume of water a towel removes from your body after a shower by weighing the towel after you use it.
Image by Jason McBride
If you have an anxiety disorder or are neurodivergent, you may not know that thoughts like these were strictly a middle-of-the-night phenomenon for most people.
Random thoughts like these are always passing through my mind. In my world, for better or worse, it’s always 3 am.
I have anxiety brain.
I imagine that my brain has two extra parts: a random idea generator and a worst-case scenario generator. There is a narrow tube that connects these two machines. When my anxiety spikes, it’s because the random thoughts generator is funneling all of its output into my worst-case scenario generator.
Image by Jason McBride
Image by Jason McBride
Image by Jason McBride
Thanks to my anxiety, while many people are limited to the occasional three o’clock musing, I am inundated with exquisite, weird thoughts all day long.
These thoughts fuel my creativity and allow me to entertain friends, family, and strangers. While I may never have a million-dollar idea, I do not doubt that I will have a million one-dollar ideas. And that will get me to an even better place — creatively connected to people like you.
Image by Jason McBride
Your anxiety brain doesn’t have to only produce doomsday scenarios. You can use your overactive imagination to fuel your creativity. Let’s face it. Anxiety is your imagination run amok. Once you learn to harness that power, even just a little bit, you unlock a creative superpower.
Having anxiety means looking at the world differently. Is there anything more powerful than that? Every scientific, cultural, and artistic advancement in the Earth’s history has been made by weirdos who look at the world differently and imagine something better.
That can be you. Turn your anxiety brain into your secret creative superpower. The world needs you! | https://medium.com/weirdo-poetry/how-anxiety-can-be-your-secret-creative-superpower-22479da9c5ca | ['Jason Mcbride'] | 2020-09-29 14:20:19.782000+00:00 | ['Creativity', 'Mental Health', 'Comics', 'Anxiety', 'Life Lessons'] | Title Anxiety Secret Creative SuperpowerContent Anxiety Secret Creative Superpower It’s always worstcase scenario Image Jason McBride used control anxiety reminding brain making thing much worse worked several year strategy gradually lost effectiveness state world around decayed First lost parent within five month dealing mysterious gut infection led hospitalized discovered kidney cancer 2019 successful surgery thought thing get better 2020 came seemed like anxiety laughing freaked unsure rational irrational new strategy managing anxiety learned grateful anxiety disorder brain work differently learned anxiety secret creative superpower Image Jason McBride Image Jason McBride might wonder calculate volume water towel remove body shower weighing towel use Image Jason McBride anxiety disorder neurodivergent may know thought like strictly middleofthenight phenomenon people Random thought like always passing mind world better worse it’s always 3 anxiety brain imagine brain two extra part random idea generator worstcase scenario generator narrow tube connects two machine anxiety spike it’s random thought generator funneling output worstcase scenario generator Image Jason McBride Image Jason McBride Image Jason McBride Thanks anxiety many people limited occasional three o’clock musing inundated exquisite weird thought day long thought fuel creativity allow entertain friend family stranger may never milliondollar idea doubt million onedollar idea get even better place — creatively connected people like Image Jason McBride anxiety brain doesn’t produce doomsday scenario use overactive imagination fuel creativity Let’s face Anxiety imagination run amok learn harness power even little bit unlock creative superpower anxiety mean looking world differently anything powerful Every scientific cultural artistic advancement Earth’s history made weirdo look world differently imagine something better Turn anxiety brain secret creative superpower world need youTags Creativity Mental Health Comics Anxiety Life Lessons |
2,980 | 5 Tips for your Live Coding Interview | You’ve just received an invitation to attend a tech screening interview at Revolut. This is your moment to shine! It might feel like a lot of pressure — after all, you only have between 30 and 60 minutes to show the interviewers what you can do. They want to see your real-time problem solving skills, and you’re wondering what you can do to prepare for the unknown. To help you go into this interview with confidence, here are my five top tips on what you can do to prepare yourself to get the best results.
Be yourself
One of the main goals of the live coding interview is to assess how you deal with given requirements and provide solutions to problems as if it were a real task in your day-to-day work. Some candidates might try to show off with a TDD (Test Driven Development) approach, or experimenting with things they wouldn’t use in everyday practice. This can be a mistake, as it often pulls all their focus into the technical problems of writing and debugging code. Instead, you should focus on your tried-and-tested methods of working to deliver a working and tested MVP (minimum viable product) solution, which you’ll then have space and time to improve and refactor before the end of the interview.
One step at a time
The task at hand will probably have several steps that you’ll need to complete, and your time will be constrained. Remember that this is a simulation of your day-to-day work, so approach the problem logically and break it into manageable chunks. It’s better to deliver some working functionality than to start many different little tasks and leave them all incomplete. Start with a plan, so you can better control the quality of your work in the time you’re given.
Think loudly
There’s no such thing as a stupid question. As a developer, most tasks will require some degree of clarification from your requestor. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask whether your planned approach is correct before wasting time on implementing your own interpretation.
Don’t overcomplicate
Let’s assume that you get a task to implement a piece of code which tells you if a given number is prime or not. You don’t need defining interfaces, REST APIs, or multithreading. Instead, form a simple working solution which fulfils the requirement, but without the unnecessary overhead. Be careful not to cross the line between creating a minimum working solution, and writing untested code which just prints some output to the console. Once you’re done with the little things, there’s always something in the ‘interview backlog’ to deliver next.
Practice makes perfect
There’s always something to improve in the way we write code. While you can read countless books and articles about it, there’s nothing better than sitting down and spending some time trying things out yourself. Nobody is expecting you to memorise all the APIs and structures in the world, but having several years of experience doesn’t excuse you from being up to date with the most recent language syntax and concepts. Take the example of Java — it’s 2020 and not everybody is familiar with the concept of Optionals and null handling. The answer to these problems is practice. | https://medium.com/revolut/5-tips-for-your-live-coding-interview-c6d5b05adf97 | ['Michal Gurgul'] | 2020-07-07 14:00:21.145000+00:00 | ['Programming', 'Backend', 'Development', 'Engineering', 'Fintech'] | Title 5 Tips Live Coding InterviewContent You’ve received invitation attend tech screening interview Revolut moment shine might feel like lot pressure — 30 60 minute show interviewer want see realtime problem solving skill you’re wondering prepare unknown help go interview confidence five top tip prepare get best result One main goal live coding interview ass deal given requirement provide solution problem real task daytoday work candidate might try show TDD Test Driven Development approach experimenting thing wouldn’t use everyday practice mistake often pull focus technical problem writing debugging code Instead focus triedandtested method working deliver working tested MVP minimum viable product solution you’ll space time improve refactor end interview One step time task hand probably several step you’ll need complete time constrained Remember simulation daytoday work approach problem logically break manageable chunk It’s better deliver working functionality start many different little task leave incomplete Start plan better control quality work time you’re given Think loudly There’s thing stupid question developer task require degree clarification requestor doubt don’t afraid ask whether planned approach correct wasting time implementing interpretation Don’t overcomplicate Let’s assume get task implement piece code tell given number prime don’t need defining interface REST APIs multithreading Instead form simple working solution fulfils requirement without unnecessary overhead careful cross line creating minimum working solution writing untested code print output console you’re done little thing there’s always something ‘interview backlog’ deliver next Practice make perfect There’s always something improve way write code read countless book article there’s nothing better sitting spending time trying thing Nobody expecting memorise APIs structure world several year experience doesn’t excuse date recent language syntax concept Take example Java — it’s 2020 everybody familiar concept Optionals null handling answer problem practiceTags Programming Backend Development Engineering Fintech |
2,981 | Maximum Entropy Reinforcement Learning | The general law of entropy. Source:[7]
Let’s discuss entropy before diving into the usage of entropy in Reinforcement Learning(RL).
Entropy
Entropy is an old concept in physics. It can be defined as the measure of chaos or disorder in a system[1]. Higher entropy means lower chaos. It is slightly different in information theory. The mathematician Claude Shannon introduced the entropy in information theory in 1948. Entropy in information theory can be defined as the expected number of bits of information contained in an event. For instance, tossing a fair coin has the entropy of 1. It is because of the probability of having a head or tail is 0.5. The amount of information required to identify it’s head or tail is one by asking one, yes or no question — “is it head ? or is it tail?”. If the entropy is higher, that means we need more information to represent an event. Now, we can say that entropy increases with increases in uncertainty. Another example is that crossing the street has less number of information required to represent/ store/ communicate than playing a poker game.
Calculating how much information is in a random variable, X={x0,x1,….,xn} is same as calculating the information for the probability distribution of the events in the random variable. In that sense, entropy is considered as average bits of information required to represent an event drawn from the probability distribution. Entropy for a random variable X can be computed using the below equation:
Maximum Entropy Reinforcement Learning
In Maximum Entropy RL, the agent tries to optimise the policy to choose the right action that can receive the highest sum of reward and long term sum of entropy. This enables the agent to explore more and avoid converging to local optima. It is important to state the principle of maximum entropy to understand it uses in RL.
Principle of maximum entropy[6]: If we have a few number probability distribution that would encode the prior data, then the best probability distribution is the one with maximum entropy.
In the intuition of principle of maximum entropy, the aim is to find the distribution that has maximum entropy. In many RL algorithms, an agent may converge to local optima. By adding the maximum entropy to the objective function, it enables the agent to search for the distribution that has maximum entropy. As we defined earlier, in Maximum Entropy RL, the aim is to learn the optimal policy that can achieve the highest cumulative reward and maximum entropy. As the system has to search for the entropy as well, it enables more exploration and chances to avoid converging to local optima is higher.
The concept of adding entropy is not a new concept as there are RL algorithms that make use of entropy in the form of entropy bonus [1]. Sometimes entropy is called entropy regularisation. For instance, entropy bonus in A3C RL algorithm[3]. The entropy bonus is described as one step bonus as it focuses on the current state only and not much worry about the future states[1]. As in standard RL, the aim of the agent to learn the optimal policy that can maximise the cumulative reward or long term reward. Similarly, learning the sum of entropy or long term entropy instead of learning the entropy in a one-time step has more benefits. The benefits are in terms of more robust performance under the changes in the agent’s knowledge about the environment and environment itself[1].
The objective function of the standard RL is as shown below. It is the expectation of the long term reward.
The objective function of reinforcement learning.Source: [8]
The optimal policy of the standard RL is as shown below. The agent learns to achieve the optimal policy which can receive a high cumulative reward.
In standard RL, the optimal policy can generate the highest cumulative reward by choosing the right action. Source: [4]
The objective function of the Maximum entropy RL is as shown below. It is the expectation of the long term reward and long term entropy
The objective function of Maximum entropy RL
The optimal policy of the Maximum entropy RL as shown below. The optimal policy is the highest expectation of long term reward and long term entropy.
In maximum entropy RL, the optimal policy is the maximum expectation of the long term reward and long term entropy. Source: [5]
If you like my write up, follow me on Github, Linkedin, and/or Medium profile. | https://medium.com/intro-to-artificial-intelligence/maximum-entropy-reinforcement-learning-ee7ad77289c0 | ['Dhanoop Karunakaran'] | 2020-10-06 10:28:25.511000+00:00 | ['Machine Learning', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Robotics', 'Software Development', 'Science'] | Title Maximum Entropy Reinforcement LearningContent general law entropy Source7 Let’s discus entropy diving usage entropy Reinforcement LearningRL Entropy Entropy old concept physic defined measure chaos disorder system1 Higher entropy mean lower chaos slightly different information theory mathematician Claude Shannon introduced entropy information theory 1948 Entropy information theory defined expected number bit information contained event instance tossing fair coin entropy 1 probability head tail 05 amount information required identify it’s head tail one asking one yes question — “is head tail” entropy higher mean need information represent event say entropy increase increase uncertainty Another example crossing street le number information required represent store communicate playing poker game Calculating much information random variable Xx0x1…xn calculating information probability distribution event random variable sense entropy considered average bit information required represent event drawn probability distribution Entropy random variable X computed using equation Maximum Entropy Reinforcement Learning Maximum Entropy RL agent try optimise policy choose right action receive highest sum reward long term sum entropy enables agent explore avoid converging local optimum important state principle maximum entropy understand us RL Principle maximum entropy6 number probability distribution would encode prior data best probability distribution one maximum entropy intuition principle maximum entropy aim find distribution maximum entropy many RL algorithm agent may converge local optimum adding maximum entropy objective function enables agent search distribution maximum entropy defined earlier Maximum Entropy RL aim learn optimal policy achieve highest cumulative reward maximum entropy system search entropy well enables exploration chance avoid converging local optimum higher concept adding entropy new concept RL algorithm make use entropy form entropy bonus 1 Sometimes entropy called entropy regularisation instance entropy bonus A3C RL algorithm3 entropy bonus described one step bonus focus current state much worry future states1 standard RL aim agent learn optimal policy maximise cumulative reward long term reward Similarly learning sum entropy long term entropy instead learning entropy onetime step benefit benefit term robust performance change agent’s knowledge environment environment itself1 objective function standard RL shown expectation long term reward objective function reinforcement learningSource 8 optimal policy standard RL shown agent learns achieve optimal policy receive high cumulative reward standard RL optimal policy generate highest cumulative reward choosing right action Source 4 objective function Maximum entropy RL shown expectation long term reward long term entropy objective function Maximum entropy RL optimal policy Maximum entropy RL shown optimal policy highest expectation long term reward long term entropy maximum entropy RL optimal policy maximum expectation long term reward long term entropy Source 5 like write follow Github Linkedin andor Medium profileTags Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Robotics Software Development Science |
2,982 | Building a Virtual Assistant that Your Customers Want to Talk to (Part 2) | Building a Virtual Assistant that Your Customers Want to Talk to (Part 2) Adam Benvie Follow Nov 6 · 4 min read
Ensure your customers don’t hit frustrating dead ends with your virtual assistant
Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash
Intro
Here’s Part II of the Watson Assistant blog series on Building a Virtual Assistant Your Customers Want to Talk To. In this three part series we show how Watson Assistant’s web chat UI and service desk integrations help you build a virtual assistant that your customers actually want to talk to resolve their problems.
In part one we discussed how to build customer trust and drive engagement. In part two we demonstrate how to ensure your customers don’t hit frustrating dead ends.
Virtual Assistant Dead Ends
Most people have little faith that virtual assistants will resolve their problems. Why? Because virtual assistants that they’ve tried in the past lead them to dead ends. Maybe you can relate. Hitting a dead end looks like this:
Or this:
Or this:
If you’ve had one of these experiences, best case scenario you got annoyed before picking up the phone to call and wait for a live agent on phone. Worst case scenario you took a screen shot and posted it to social media where the New York Times used it as an example in a column on what’s wrong with customers service in the digital age.
Okay, maybe that’s a dramatic worst case — but chances are you lost faith in the virtual assistant and did not return the next time you had a problem to resolve.
No More Dead Ends
The problem is that virtual assistants, like humans, can’t understand everything, but unlike humans, we expect them to. We train virtual assistants with data, but we don’t teach them to seek clarification, provide alternatives, or get help when they are having a hard time resolving a customer’s problem — until now.
With Watson Assistant’s web chat user interface and service desk integrations, you can ensure your customers never hit a dead end by teaching your assistant to behave more like a human would when they’re having a hard time helping your customers.
Clarify When Confused
When people aren’t sure what someone else is asking them, they ask the other person to clarify their meaning before responding. Watson Assistant’s disambiguation feature teaches your assistant to do the same.
With disambiguation your assistant acknowledges when it is confused between similar meanings and will prompt your customers to clarify. This way your assistant does not risk responding incorrectly with a dead end.
Provide Alternatives When Wrong
A common curtesy in customer service is to provide alternative options when the initial option does not seem to be what the customers is looking for. Watson Assistant suggestions feature now fills this role.
If your assistant provides the wrong response, suggestions provides your customers with alternative paths forward. This way, even when your assistant responds incorrectly, your customers can find the response they’re looking for.
Suggestions are always there for when your customers to access when they are not getting the response they want. As well, your assistant will nudge your customers to consider suggestions when it detects that it’s not providing the right response.
Seek Help When All Else Fails
Even the best customer service representatives can’t solve every customer problem on their own. Sometimes it’s necessary to get help. When it’s clear the customer is losing patience, good customer service representatives will find someone else who has the expertise to help.
With Watson Assistant if your assistant can’t find what your customers need by clarifying with disambiguation or by providing alternative options with suggestions, it will connect them to a live agent who can. Your assistant will detect when it doesn’t seem to be getting your customers what they want, and before your customers give up, it will connect them to a live agent. Once again — dead end avoided. | https://medium.com/ibm-watson/building-a-virtual-assistant-that-your-customers-want-to-talk-to-part-2-49dc45de4c10 | ['Adam Benvie'] | 2020-11-13 13:01:09.306000+00:00 | ['Artificial Intelligence', 'Chatbots', 'Wa Announcement', 'AI', 'Watson Assistant'] | Title Building Virtual Assistant Customers Want Talk Part 2Content Building Virtual Assistant Customers Want Talk Part 2 Adam Benvie Follow Nov 6 · 4 min read Ensure customer don’t hit frustrating dead end virtual assistant Photo Rodion Kutsaev Unsplash Intro Here’s Part II Watson Assistant blog series Building Virtual Assistant Customers Want Talk three part series show Watson Assistant’s web chat UI service desk integration help build virtual assistant customer actually want talk resolve problem part one discussed build customer trust drive engagement part two demonstrate ensure customer don’t hit frustrating dead end Virtual Assistant Dead Ends people little faith virtual assistant resolve problem virtual assistant they’ve tried past lead dead end Maybe relate Hitting dead end look like you’ve one experience best case scenario got annoyed picking phone call wait live agent phone Worst case scenario took screen shot posted social medium New York Times used example column what’s wrong customer service digital age Okay maybe that’s dramatic worst case — chance lost faith virtual assistant return next time problem resolve Dead Ends problem virtual assistant like human can’t understand everything unlike human expect train virtual assistant data don’t teach seek clarification provide alternative get help hard time resolving customer’s problem — Watson Assistant’s web chat user interface service desk integration ensure customer never hit dead end teaching assistant behave like human would they’re hard time helping customer Clarify Confused people aren’t sure someone else asking ask person clarify meaning responding Watson Assistant’s disambiguation feature teach assistant disambiguation assistant acknowledges confused similar meaning prompt customer clarify way assistant risk responding incorrectly dead end Provide Alternatives Wrong common curtesy customer service provide alternative option initial option seem customer looking Watson Assistant suggestion feature fill role assistant provides wrong response suggestion provides customer alternative path forward way even assistant responds incorrectly customer find response they’re looking Suggestions always customer access getting response want well assistant nudge customer consider suggestion detects it’s providing right response Seek Help Else Fails Even best customer service representative can’t solve every customer problem Sometimes it’s necessary get help it’s clear customer losing patience good customer service representative find someone else expertise help Watson Assistant assistant can’t find customer need clarifying disambiguation providing alternative option suggestion connect live agent assistant detect doesn’t seem getting customer want customer give connect live agent — dead end avoidedTags Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Wa Announcement AI Watson Assistant |
2,983 | MIT’s Free Online Course to Learn Julia — The Rising Star | MIT’s Free Online Course to Learn Julia — The Rising Star
And why you should take it.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
Background
Python is the unchallenged leader of AI programming languages, used by 87% of data scientists. That said, there’s no guarantee of Python’s future, as languages come and go all the time — COBOL, ALGOL, BASIC, the list of graveyard languages goes on.
Indeed, Jeremy Howard — AI expert and former President of Kaggle — says that “Python is not the future of Machine Learning. It can’t be.” In short, native Python is too slow and there’s too much overhead.
Julia is faster, comes with a nicely designed type system and dispatch system, and has a lot of potential in the future of AI.
While you don’t need to know programming to do AI, given no-code AI tools like Obviously.AI, Julia is a handy skill to have as a developer.
Learn Julia From MIT
MIT recently announced a free online course on computational thinking, taught using Julia.
Ask yourself this: What programming language have the courses you’ve taken been taught in? Almost all data and AI courses are taught in Python, with a small number taught in R and other languages.
That’s what makes this course stand out, besides the fact that it’s tackling a very timely issue: The spread of COVID-19.
Syllabus
The course includes topics on analyzing COVID-19 data, modeling exponential growth, probability, random walk models, characterizing variability, optimization and fitting to data, and more.
A famous quote by Albert Bartlett says:
“The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function.”
This course will teach you how to understand and model exponential functions, which is useful far beyond the spread of disease, into financial markets, compound interest, population growth, inflation, Moore’s Law, or even the spread of wildfires.
Knowing Julia is a Career Advantage
Building a successful career is all about supply and demand. The lower the supply: demand ratio, the more opportunities you’ll find.
For example, more people can be a cashier than there is a demand for cashiers, which is why those jobs typically earn minimum wage. On the other side, very few people have the skills to be an anesthesiologist, which is they have extremely high earnings.
Let’s put this into practice.
As of writing, when you search for the title “Python Developer” on LinkedIn, you get around 23,000 results. When you search “Julia Developer,” you get hardly any. Of course, many people have downloaded Julia, but there aren’t many specialists.
The top LinkedIn group for Julia developers, called “The Julia Language,” has 2,300 members. Meanwhile, there are 1,644 groups that mention Python. The top 10 Python groups add up to over 600,000 members:
Developers, Engineers & Techies: Python, Java, Javascript, C#, PHP | Blockchain (191,966 members)
Python Developers Community (176,164 members)
Python Data Science, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing
Group (71,432 members)
Group (71,432 members) Python Professionals Group • 59,635 members
Python Web Developers Group • 43,553 members
Programming Language (Java, C, C++, C#, Python, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, Swift, Objective-C, R, PL/SQL) Group • 25,411 members
Python Programmer / Developers Group • 20,003 members
Scientific Python Group • 13,400 members
Epic Python Academy Group Group • 13,127 members
Python Developers Group Group • 10,270 members
In short, you’ll stand out from the crowd by knowing Julia. Currently, almost 8,000 jobs on LinkedIn mention “Julia,” including:
Summary
Julia would be a valuable addition to any tech portfolio, and this MIT course is a great way to build your skills. Many believe that Julia has a bright future in the data & AI industry, which will help CVs with Julia float to the top. | https://medium.com/towards-artificial-intelligence/mits-free-online-course-to-learn-julia-the-rising-star-b00a0e762dfc | ['Frederik Bussler'] | 2020-12-18 19:03:34.437000+00:00 | ['Python', 'Julia', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Data Science', 'Data'] | Title MIT’s Free Online Course Learn Julia — Rising StarContent MIT’s Free Online Course Learn Julia — Rising Star take Photo Scott Webb Unsplash Background Python unchallenged leader AI programming language used 87 data scientist said there’s guarantee Python’s future language come go time — COBOL ALGOL BASIC list graveyard language go Indeed Jeremy Howard — AI expert former President Kaggle — say “Python future Machine Learning can’t be” short native Python slow there’s much overhead Julia faster come nicely designed type system dispatch system lot potential future AI don’t need know programming AI given nocode AI tool like ObviouslyAI Julia handy skill developer Learn Julia MIT MIT recently announced free online course computational thinking taught using Julia Ask programming language course you’ve taken taught Almost data AI course taught Python small number taught R language That’s make course stand besides fact it’s tackling timely issue spread COVID19 Syllabus course includes topic analyzing COVID19 data modeling exponential growth probability random walk model characterizing variability optimization fitting data famous quote Albert Bartlett say “The greatest shortcoming human race inability understand exponential function” course teach understand model exponential function useful far beyond spread disease financial market compound interest population growth inflation Moore’s Law even spread wildfire Knowing Julia Career Advantage Building successful career supply demand lower supply demand ratio opportunity you’ll find example people cashier demand cashier job typically earn minimum wage side people skill anesthesiologist extremely high earnings Let’s put practice writing search title “Python Developer” LinkedIn get around 23000 result search “Julia Developer” get hardly course many people downloaded Julia aren’t many specialist top LinkedIn group Julia developer called “The Julia Language” 2300 member Meanwhile 1644 group mention Python top 10 Python group add 600000 member Developers Engineers Techies Python Java Javascript C PHP Blockchain 191966 member Python Developers Community 176164 member Python Data Science Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Group 71432 member Group 71432 member Python Professionals Group • 59635 member Python Web Developers Group • 43553 member Programming Language Java C C C Python PHP JavaScript Ruby Swift ObjectiveC R PLSQL Group • 25411 member Python Programmer Developers Group • 20003 member Scientific Python Group • 13400 member Epic Python Academy Group Group • 13127 member Python Developers Group Group • 10270 member short you’ll stand crowd knowing Julia Currently almost 8000 job LinkedIn mention “Julia” including Summary Julia would valuable addition tech portfolio MIT course great way build skill Many believe Julia bright future data AI industry help CVs Julia float topTags Python Julia Artificial Intelligence Data Science Data |
2,984 | VR Journalism: The New Way of Storytelling | Journalism hasn’t changed much throughout the years — until VR (Virtual Reality) stepped into the game. In traditional journalism, an event happens, you pick up your notebook, slam the doors of your media van, and rush to the place of the scene.
You talk to witnesses, conduct a few interviews, and check the surroundings. The cameraman follows you in every way as a second pair of eyes and ears. This has been done the same way for decades.
With the arrival of 360˚ videos and Cinematic VR, you are able to bring the stories much closer to your audience. With a spherical/360 camera, you capture the real world.
Journalists across the world are now embracing virtual reality as a new way to engage audiences and encourage emotional connections between viewers and the people in their stories. Journalism is changing.
Journalism is there to inform and ultimately changes the way the world is perceived. A medium such as VR can enhance the engagement and empathy far more than a newspaper article or traditional footage.
Which News Companies have embraced VR?
The best known is New York Times. With their app (NYTVR) and the awesome promo stunt in which they distributed over 1-million Google cardboards, NYT is delivering 360 news to their readers through their phones. “The Displaced” gave viewers a close look of the lives of three children who represented more then 30 million refugee children across the world. With such a low-priced viewing tool such as Google Cardboard and a powerful storytelling medium, this type of journalism is made to reach larger market.
NYT VR iPhone app
New York Times aren’t the only one making good content. RYOT (a Los Angeles-based production company) has been acquired by Huffington Post is serving their master in the similar way. They have their own app through which viewers can consume 360 content. RYOT also helped the Associated Press last year. The Guardian’s first VR project, 6x9 put the viewers into solitary confinement and BBC made viewers witness the 1916 uprising in the streets of Dublin. Then there is also the Economist and Washington Post.
Actually, New York Times is betting on VR Journalism to take off. Sam Dolnick, the editor of New York Times said:
“The Times is always trying to innovate and discover new ways of telling stories and uncovering the World”.
Why should you leverage VR?
The Journalistic goal is to bring a reader/viewer into a space and tell a great story. VR has the ability to take the reader into the location itself, witness an event and see the place through their own eyes. As a storyteller you do have to be careful and you should always ask yourself — “how will this affect the viewer”.
Only certain type of stories can be told with VR
It seems like every newsroom, sports video centres, marketing agency is trying to bring in and sell VR. While VR can be applied in numerous ways, it won’t replace TV, print or radio. In fact, VR can show you an immersive world and bring you closer to the location, but it won’t give you enough context if you’re not familiar with the story background.
The story is still going to be covered in print, where the editors are going to use the best writers to deliver the information and prepare the viewer for the next scene.
How to get into VR Journalism?
Jenna Pirog suggests to pick up one of the lower price cameras such as Ricoh Theta S or Gear360 and just start experimenting.
Samsung Gear360 camera
You will find tons of tips, tricks and suggestions which are a good read, but I would advise you to just experiment and allow yourself to make mistakes.
Keep creating great content; the better the content is the better we all are. As a journalist who wants to get into a VR and 360˚ production, you’re an early adopter. Make mistakes and learn from them. Then create something amazing.
“Journalism is a magic carpet that can take you to places you have never been and to experiences that many other people can never have. Enjoy the ride.” — Caryl Rivers, Journalism
This article first appeared at Viar360 blog.
Like this story? Get more in the weekly newsletter from CinematicVR. | https://medium.com/cinematicvr/vr-journalism-the-new-way-of-storytelling-ec5ef46996c2 | ['Dejan Gajsek'] | 2016-11-06 23:16:59.708000+00:00 | ['Journalism', 'Virtual Reality', 'Storytelling', '360 Video', 'VR'] | Title VR Journalism New Way StorytellingContent Journalism hasn’t changed much throughout year — VR Virtual Reality stepped game traditional journalism event happens pick notebook slam door medium van rush place scene talk witness conduct interview check surroundings cameraman follows every way second pair eye ear done way decade arrival 360˚ video Cinematic VR able bring story much closer audience spherical360 camera capture real world Journalists across world embracing virtual reality new way engage audience encourage emotional connection viewer people story Journalism changing Journalism inform ultimately change way world perceived medium VR enhance engagement empathy far newspaper article traditional footage News Companies embraced VR best known New York Times app NYTVR awesome promo stunt distributed 1million Google cardboard NYT delivering 360 news reader phone “The Displaced” gave viewer close look life three child represented 30 million refugee child across world lowpriced viewing tool Google Cardboard powerful storytelling medium type journalism made reach larger market NYT VR iPhone app New York Times aren’t one making good content RYOT Los Angelesbased production company acquired Huffington Post serving master similar way app viewer consume 360 content RYOT also helped Associated Press last year Guardian’s first VR project 6x9 put viewer solitary confinement BBC made viewer witness 1916 uprising street Dublin also Economist Washington Post Actually New York Times betting VR Journalism take Sam Dolnick editor New York Times said “The Times always trying innovate discover new way telling story uncovering World” leverage VR Journalistic goal bring readerviewer space tell great story VR ability take reader location witness event see place eye storyteller careful always ask — “how affect viewer” certain type story told VR seems like every newsroom sport video centre marketing agency trying bring sell VR VR applied numerous way won’t replace TV print radio fact VR show immersive world bring closer location won’t give enough context you’re familiar story background story still going covered print editor going use best writer deliver information prepare viewer next scene get VR Journalism Jenna Pirog suggests pick one lower price camera Ricoh Theta Gear360 start experimenting Samsung Gear360 camera find ton tip trick suggestion good read would advise experiment allow make mistake Keep creating great content better content better journalist want get VR 360˚ production you’re early adopter Make mistake learn create something amazing “Journalism magic carpet take place never experience many people never Enjoy ride” — Caryl Rivers Journalism article first appeared Viar360 blog Like story Get weekly newsletter CinematicVRTags Journalism Virtual Reality Storytelling 360 Video VR |
2,985 | Understanding Recursion With Examples | Understanding Recursion With Examples
Read it again, and again, and again, and again…
Photo by Josip I. on Unsplash.
What is recursion?
Open a browser and type “recursion” on Google. Did you notice the “Did you mean: recursion” message?
Photo by author. Screenshot of Google.
Click on that message. It will appear again. Click again. There it is again. Click it… OK, enough.
You’re now beginning to understand what recursion is. If you scroll down on that very same Google page, you will see this:
“Recursion: the repeated application of a recursive procedure or definition.”
Even recursion’s own definition is recursive. | https://medium.com/better-programming/understanding-recursion-with-examples-f74606fd6be0 | ['Diana Bernardo'] | 2020-08-07 14:58:16.468000+00:00 | ['Startup', 'Coding', 'Technology', 'Java', 'Programming'] | Title Understanding Recursion ExamplesContent Understanding Recursion Examples Read again… Photo Josip Unsplash recursion Open browser type “recursion” Google notice “Did mean recursion” message Photo author Screenshot Google Click message appear Click Click it… OK enough You’re beginning understand recursion scroll Google page see “Recursion repeated application recursive procedure definition” Even recursion’s definition recursiveTags Startup Coding Technology Java Programming |
2,986 | The Architecture of. Multilayered Storytelling through… | For each story we consider and pursue a topic we believe may be of particular interest to explore, ranging from current affairs to historical or cultural issues. Sometimes choices are driven by a fascination we have, sometimes by a compelling dataset we find and we would start from, other times we choose to present events and topics that are hot at the moment. We then analyze and compare different kinds of datasets trying to identify and reveal a central story, hopefully a not-so-expected one.
We start from a question or an intuition we have and work from here, then try to put the information in context and find some further facts and materials to potentially correlate. Every time we aim at moving away from mere quantity in order to pursue a qualitative transformation of raw statistical material into something that will provide new knowledge: unexpected parallels, not common correlation or secondary tales, to enrich the main story with.
In this respect our work here cannot be considered data-visualization in the pure sense: we are not just providing insight into numbers but into social issues or other qualitative aspects as well. | https://medium.com/accurat-studio/the-architecture-of-a-data-visualization-470b807799b4 | ['Giorgia Lupi'] | 2015-02-27 01:59:20.126000+00:00 | ['Data Visualization', 'Design', 'Journalism'] | Title Architecture Multilayered Storytelling through…Content story consider pursue topic believe may particular interest explore ranging current affair historical cultural issue Sometimes choice driven fascination sometimes compelling dataset find would start time choose present event topic hot moment analyze compare different kind datasets trying identify reveal central story hopefully notsoexpected one start question intuition work try put information context find fact material potentially correlate Every time aim moving away mere quantity order pursue qualitative transformation raw statistical material something provide new knowledge unexpected parallel common correlation secondary tale enrich main story respect work cannot considered datavisualization pure sense providing insight number social issue qualitative aspect wellTags Data Visualization Design Journalism |
2,987 | Open sourcing Singer, Pinterest’s performant and reliable logging agent | Yu Yang | Software Engineer, Data Engineering
At Pinterest, we use data to guide product decisions and ultimately improve the Pinner experience. In an earlier post, we shared the design of Pinterest’s data ingestion framework. The first step of data ingestion and data-driven decision making is data collection.
At first glance, data collection seems simple: it’s just about uploading data from hosts to a central repository. However, in order to collect data from tens of thousands of hosts in various formats, uploading data reliably and efficiently with low latency at scale becomes a challenging problem. In 2014, we evaluated available open source logging agents and didn’t find any that met our needs. As a solution, we built a logging agent named “Singer”, which has been in production at Pinterest for years. Singer has been a critical component of our data infrastructure and streams over one trillion messages per day now. Today, we’re sharing Singer with the open source community. You can find its source code and design documentation on GitHub.
Singer supports the following features:
Text-log format and thrift log format out of box: Thrift log format provides better throughput and efficiency. We have included thrift log client libraries in Python and Java in Singer repository.
At-least-once message delivery: Singer will retry when it fails to upload a batch of messages. For each log stream, Singer uses a watermark file to track its progress. When Singer restarts, it processes messages from the watermark position.
Support logging in Kubernetes as a side-car service: Logging in Kubernetes as a daemonset, Singer can monitor and upload loads from log directories of multiple Kubernetes pods.
High throughput writes: Singer uses staged event-driven architecture and is capable of streaming thousands of log streams with high throughput (>100MB/s for thrift logs and >40MB/s for text logs)
Low Latency logging: Singer supports configurable processing latency and batch sizes, it can achieve <5ms log uploading latency.
Flexible message partitioning: Singer provides multiple partitioners and supports pluggable partitioner. We also support locality aware partitioners, which can avoid producer traffic across availability zones and reduce data transfer costs.
Monitoring: Singer can send heartbeat messages to a centralized message queue based on configuration. This allows users to set up centralized monitoring of Singer instances at scale.
Extensible design: Singer can be easily extended to support data uploading to custom destinations.
Figure 1. Singer internals
In detail, the services write logs to append-only log streams. Singer listens to the file system events based on configurations. Once log file changes are detected, Singer processes the log streams and sends data to writer threads pool for uploading. It then stores logstream watermark files on disk after successfully uploading a batch of records. It will also process log streams from watermark positions when restarted.
Singer can automatically detect newly added configuration and process related log streams. Running as a daemonset in Kubernetes environment, Singer can query the kubelet API to detect live pods on each node, and process log streams on each pod based on the configuration. Please see the tutorial on how to run Singer.
Open source is important not only for engineers at Pinterest, but also for companies like YouTube, Google, Tinder, Snap and others, who use our open source technologies to power app persistence, image downloading, and more. See opensource.pinterest.com and GitHub for our open source projects. Pinterest engineering has many interesting problems to solve, check out our open engineering roles and join us!
Acknowledgments: Huge thanks to Ambud Sharma, Indy Prentice, Henry Cai, Shawn Nguyen, Mao Ye and Roger Wang for making significant contributions to Singer! | https://medium.com/pinterest-engineering/open-sourcing-singer-pinterests-performant-and-reliable-logging-agent-610fecf35566 | ['Pinterest Engineering'] | 2019-06-20 16:54:02.130000+00:00 | ['Big Data', 'Open Source', 'Data Engineering'] | Title Open sourcing Singer Pinterest’s performant reliable logging agentContent Yu Yang Software Engineer Data Engineering Pinterest use data guide product decision ultimately improve Pinner experience earlier post shared design Pinterest’s data ingestion framework first step data ingestion datadriven decision making data collection first glance data collection seems simple it’s uploading data host central repository However order collect data ten thousand host various format uploading data reliably efficiently low latency scale becomes challenging problem 2014 evaluated available open source logging agent didn’t find met need solution built logging agent named “Singer” production Pinterest year Singer critical component data infrastructure stream one trillion message per day Today we’re sharing Singer open source community find source code design documentation GitHub Singer support following feature Textlog format thrift log format box Thrift log format provides better throughput efficiency included thrift log client library Python Java Singer repository Atleastonce message delivery Singer retry fails upload batch message log stream Singer us watermark file track progress Singer restarts process message watermark position Support logging Kubernetes sidecar service Logging Kubernetes daemonset Singer monitor upload load log directory multiple Kubernetes pod High throughput writes Singer us staged eventdriven architecture capable streaming thousand log stream high throughput 100MBs thrift log 40MBs text log Low Latency logging Singer support configurable processing latency batch size achieve 5ms log uploading latency Flexible message partitioning Singer provides multiple partitioners support pluggable partitioner also support locality aware partitioners avoid producer traffic across availability zone reduce data transfer cost Monitoring Singer send heartbeat message centralized message queue based configuration allows user set centralized monitoring Singer instance scale Extensible design Singer easily extended support data uploading custom destination Figure 1 Singer internals detail service write log appendonly log stream Singer listens file system event based configuration log file change detected Singer process log stream sends data writer thread pool uploading store logstream watermark file disk successfully uploading batch record also process log stream watermark position restarted Singer automatically detect newly added configuration process related log stream Running daemonset Kubernetes environment Singer query kubelet API detect live pod node process log stream pod based configuration Please see tutorial run Singer Open source important engineer Pinterest also company like YouTube Google Tinder Snap others use open source technology power app persistence image downloading See opensourcepinterestcom GitHub open source project Pinterest engineering many interesting problem solve check open engineering role join u Acknowledgments Huge thanks Ambud Sharma Indy Prentice Henry Cai Shawn Nguyen Mao Ye Roger Wang making significant contribution SingerTags Big Data Open Source Data Engineering |
2,988 | In Defense of Daydreaming | In Defense of Daydreaming
Leave science out of it
Author’s photo
I didn’t do well in grade school. I always thought I was dumb–and it’s possible I really was–but even after the teacher wrote on my third grade report card, “Ramona needs to work on her concentration. She daydreams too much in class”, I saw my lack of interest in learning the hard stuff as little more than a case of misinterpretation. Daydreaming is nothing more than thinking, and thinking, I knew even then, was good.
My mom, always one to let me believe I might be the most important person on the face of the earth (A terrible burden to place on such young shoulders, I know, but back then I enjoyed the hell out of it), sighed over the hard evidence–the C’s and D’s–and winced when she spotted the notation. She was quiet for a minute and then she said, “Well, honey, you know I would never tell you to give up your daydreams. You’re just going to have to stop dreaming in school.”
I never did give up my daydreams. They’re such a part of my life I might as well stop my daily breathing as to stop my daily dreaming. It’s a wondrous thing, the ability to slide away from the real and glide into the realm of imagination.
It can cause problems, I will be the first to admit. I used to keep my thoughts to myself when I was younger but nowadays whatever is going on in my head is somehow coming out of my mouth. I don’t notice until I get the stares, and all I can hope for is that I was mumbling and they weren’t actually hearing, say, my acceptance speech at the Oscars.
So, because my daydreams have been with me forever, I’ve never thought about them as being the kind of thing the scientific community might latch onto.
Who but someone who doesn’t daydream would think it might be interesting to investigate the cause and effect of daydreams and write it up as scientific data?
If these people really understood how delicious daydreams can be they would be doing more of it and less of the drudgework–which trying to dissect the makeup of daydreams must be. It’s like tearing the stuffing out of Winnie the Pooh to see what makes him so special.
How would you go about researching them? Do you ask daydreamers what happens when they daydream? Any self-respecting daydreamer would never tell. What goes on inside our heads is nobody else’s business. (Forget what you saw above about the Oscar speech. I didn’t say that exactly.)
What brought me to thinking about this is an article I found at Maria Popova’s wonderful ‘Brain Pickings’, called, “How Mind-Wandering and ‘Positive Constructive Daydreaming’ enhance creativity and Improve our Social Skills.” I’m a huge fan of “Brain Pickings” and of Popova, and I usually eat these things up, but this one sounded silly at the get-go.
It’s a wondrous thing, the ability to slide away from the real and glide into the realm of imagination.
I’m protective of daydreaming, even when it’s being dissected as the prime outlet for creativity, and any time it goes under the microscope–which seems to be every few years–I want to remind everyone to just take it easy. There is no mystery to it. I call it a relaxation of the brain. Even brains need some R&R.
But here you go:
In the 1950s, Yale psychologist Jerome L. Singer […] embarked upon a groundbreaking series of research into daydreaming. His findings, eventually published in the 1975 bible The Inner World of Daydreaming (public library), laid the foundations of our modern understanding of creativity’s subconscious underbelly. Singer described three core styles of daydreaming: positive constructive daydreaming, a process fairly free of psychological conflict, in which playful, vivid, wishful imagery drives creative thought; guilty-dysphoric daydreaming, driven by a combination of ambitiousness, anguishing fantasies of heroism, failure, and aggression, and obsessive reliving of trauma, a mode particularly correlated with PTSD; and poor attentional control, typical of the anxious, the distractible, and those having difficulties concentrating.
Creativity’s subconscious underbelly? Good lord, really? Guilty-dysphoric daydreaming? Poor attentional control? (Attentional??)
We’re talking about vegging out for a few unplanned moments in which we–at least I–get to be somewhere else but here. I don’t know about yours, but my daydreams are deliciously pleasant, moving ever so inexorably toward fame and fortune. If anxiety or fear invades, they’re no longer daydreams. Then they’re called nightmares.
But, wait–was I just analyzing?
Oh, Gawd. I was. | https://medium.com/indelible-ink/in-defense-of-daydreaming-264bc8f913bd | ['Ramona Grigg'] | 2020-12-07 15:30:09.636000+00:00 | ['Humor', 'Creativity', 'Life', 'Imagination', 'Writing'] | Title Defense DaydreamingContent Defense Daydreaming Leave science Author’s photo didn’t well grade school always thought dumb–and it’s possible really was–but even teacher wrote third grade report card “Ramona need work concentration daydream much class” saw lack interest learning hard stuff little case misinterpretation Daydreaming nothing thinking thinking knew even good mom always one let believe might important person face earth terrible burden place young shoulder know back enjoyed hell sighed hard evidence–the C’s D’s–and winced spotted notation quiet minute said “Well honey know would never tell give daydream You’re going stop dreaming school” never give daydream They’re part life might well stop daily breathing stop daily dreaming It’s wondrous thing ability slide away real glide realm imagination cause problem first admit used keep thought younger nowadays whatever going head somehow coming mouth don’t notice get stare hope mumbling weren’t actually hearing say acceptance speech Oscars daydream forever I’ve never thought kind thing scientific community might latch onto someone doesn’t daydream would think might interesting investigate cause effect daydream write scientific data people really understood delicious daydream would le drudgework–which trying dissect makeup daydream must It’s like tearing stuffing Winnie Pooh see make special would go researching ask daydreamer happens daydream selfrespecting daydreamer would never tell go inside head nobody else’s business Forget saw Oscar speech didn’t say exactly brought thinking article found Maria Popova’s wonderful ‘Brain Pickings’ called “How MindWandering ‘Positive Constructive Daydreaming’ enhance creativity Improve Social Skills” I’m huge fan “Brain Pickings” Popova usually eat thing one sounded silly getgo It’s wondrous thing ability slide away real glide realm imagination I’m protective daydreaming even it’s dissected prime outlet creativity time go microscope–which seems every years–I want remind everyone take easy mystery call relaxation brain Even brain need RR go 1950s Yale psychologist Jerome L Singer … embarked upon groundbreaking series research daydreaming finding eventually published 1975 bible Inner World Daydreaming public library laid foundation modern understanding creativity’s subconscious underbelly Singer described three core style daydreaming positive constructive daydreaming process fairly free psychological conflict playful vivid wishful imagery drive creative thought guiltydysphoric daydreaming driven combination ambitiousness anguishing fantasy heroism failure aggression obsessive reliving trauma mode particularly correlated PTSD poor attentional control typical anxious distractible difficulty concentrating Creativity’s subconscious underbelly Good lord really Guiltydysphoric daydreaming Poor attentional control Attentional We’re talking vegging unplanned moment we–at least I–get somewhere else don’t know daydream deliciously pleasant moving ever inexorably toward fame fortune anxiety fear invades they’re longer daydream they’re called nightmare wait–was analyzing Oh Gawd wasTags Humor Creativity Life Imagination Writing |
2,989 | 2015 year in review for Graph Commons | We wish you a peaceful and happy new year! This graph image is generated from The Emoji Graph.
2015 year in review for Graph Commons
2015 was a year of great new beginnings for Graph Commons and for our mission to provide an open network mapping platform, so that everyone can collectively involve in the act of mapping networks as an ongoing practice.
This post was originally posted in the Graph Commons Journal.
Here is our progress in 2015:
May
After six months of development, the new version of Graph Commons released on May 28th 2015 and witnessed a momentum of interest from people with varying interests, backgrounds and skill sets.
June
Network mapping at Les Laboratoires d’Aubervilliers, Paris (view all workshops)
Video tutorials released on network mapping using the new graph interface.
SIMPOL data Hub started on financial systems simulation and policy modelling in EU.
July
August
Force Atlas 2 layout feature released to provide better organization of large graphs.
Graph Commons API alpha version released.
Mobile view of graphs improved.
September
Graph Commons Hackathons site released for announcements and documentation.
Structured Journalism and Network Mapping Hackathon brought together programmers, activists, and journalists to create tools for network mapping and analysis using the API.
Private plans announced to help build a sustainable platform while supporting free public graphs.
Graph Commons Slack Channel started for community chat, questions, discussions, meeting people, sharing work.
October
November
December
Workshop at The Brown Institute, Columbia Journalism School (view documentation).
Networks of Dispossession project’s large prints and touch screen maps featured in the exhibition at MAXXI Museum in Rome.
Better Filters released, enabling graph authors to compose their custom filters depending on the graph context.
Node embed released for publishers to embed information cards in their publications.
iklimadaleti.org, new journal on ecological justice, launched using graph embeds and node embeds.
Better site wide search released (Elastic Search), so you can search among all public graphs, nodes, and members on Graph Commons.
Coming up in January 2016…
API refinement with general search, graph analysis + more API wrappers
New Hackathon: Creative Use of Complex Networks, Jan 9–10
Thank you everyone for your great support and encouragement. We will continue to provide an ever-growing connected knowledge base and support a network-literate community flourishing around it.
We wish you a peaceful and happy new year! | https://medium.com/graph-commons/2015-year-in-review-for-graph-commons-33610754cc95 | ['Burak Arikan'] | 2016-12-26 13:20:13.556000+00:00 | ['Open Data', 'Big Data', 'Social Network', 'Productivity', 'Data Visualization'] | Title 2015 year review Graph CommonsContent wish peaceful happy new year graph image generated Emoji Graph 2015 year review Graph Commons 2015 year great new beginning Graph Commons mission provide open network mapping platform everyone collectively involve act mapping network ongoing practice post originally posted Graph Commons Journal progress 2015 May six month development new version Graph Commons released May 28th 2015 witnessed momentum interest people varying interest background skill set June Network mapping Les Laboratoires d’Aubervilliers Paris view workshop Video tutorial released network mapping using new graph interface SIMPOL data Hub started financial system simulation policy modelling EU July August Force Atlas 2 layout feature released provide better organization large graph Graph Commons API alpha version released Mobile view graph improved September Graph Commons Hackathons site released announcement documentation Structured Journalism Network Mapping Hackathon brought together programmer activist journalist create tool network mapping analysis using API Private plan announced help build sustainable platform supporting free public graph Graph Commons Slack Channel started community chat question discussion meeting people sharing work October November December Workshop Brown Institute Columbia Journalism School view documentation Networks Dispossession project’s large print touch screen map featured exhibition MAXXI Museum Rome Better Filters released enabling graph author compose custom filter depending graph context Node embed released publisher embed information card publication iklimadaletiorg new journal ecological justice launched using graph embeds node embeds Better site wide search released Elastic Search search among public graph node member Graph Commons Coming January 2016… API refinement general search graph analysis API wrapper New Hackathon Creative Use Complex Networks Jan 9–10 Thank everyone great support encouragement continue provide evergrowing connected knowledge base support networkliterate community flourishing around wish peaceful happy new yearTags Open Data Big Data Social Network Productivity Data Visualization |
2,990 | 3 Brilliant Projects My 10th Grade English Teacher Used | The best educator I’ve ever had was my 10th grade English teacher. There are too many reasons to name here for why I felt this way about him nearly a decade ago, and still feel impacted by him all this time later. All you need to know is that he is a very gifted instructor, someone who thought outside of the box, if you will.
What I want to share with you here is three of his most clever and ingenious projects that he had students complete throughout the school year. To connect with adolescents, to truly attempt to have them reach their potential, more teachers should take parts of these assignments and incorporate them into their own classrooms.
Non-verbal presentation
One of the first major projects of the school year, this assignment requires the class to make a slideshow presentation that shows peers all about who you are and what you represent. Sounds pretty basic. There’s a catch, though.
As already stated in the subtitle, the project is non-verbal. You cannot explain anything to the class that isn’t already laid out in the slideshow. No misunderstandings can be cleared up, and no points that were made too short can be elaborated on. Everything must be made crystal clear through the text, pictures, and choice of song in the background that plays along with the PowerPoint.
You know the saying “show, don’t tell”? This is the perfect scenario to teach students how to convey deeply personal anecdotes and storytelling skills to the class without just stating blah facts. It’s part ice-breaker, part narrative-driver, part visual essay.
I don’t know whether my teacher came up with it completely on his own, or whether parts of it were adopted from other classrooms, but it’s a very mature literary experience. It will make your students think about themselves in a more artistic manner, and allows them creativity and leeway that a normal personal narrative essay would not. It makes shy students give more of themselves to the class, and it forces loud students to carefully introspect in a new way.
Mask construction art project
This assignment saw each student take advantage of their painting skills, molding a mask out of clay and then painting it with topics and ideas that are deeply important to each student on a personal level. Don’t worry, nobody was graded on their art talent, so there is no requirement to emulate Picasso or DaVinci.
What you did need to do was convey things about yourself that you may not normally show, using the same symbolism that you access when discussing a book or piece of writing. My teacher wanted to demonstrate to the class that we all put on a “mask” each day depending on what mood we are in, who we are around, and what activity we are participating in.
Photo by Viktor Talashuk on Unsplash
The physical mask that students create would represent and tell a story about you asking that you put the things about yourself that you usually reveal to the world on the outside of the mask, and then share some things that you normally wouldn’t on the inside of the mask. Literal and figurative literary skills are being tapped, and the personal element makes kids get much more involved and active in their own learning about the most important thing you can think of: yourself.
I will also note that you should not feel required to put anything on your mask that you are uncomfortable sharing with others. Keep everything reasonable and respectful if instituted in your own classroom.
Parent/teen role-reversal project
High school students not only have to adjust to the rigors of school, they also may be undergoing tumultuous relationships at home with their parents. This project asked each person to create a set of rules for how a parent should manage their teenager, presenting a sort of role reversal for students.
The literary aspect was added when you are asked to make the entire project in line with an analogy or metaphor. You choose a position of authority and who they preside over that is in line with a parent and child relationship, and then build the set of circumstances and rules around that comparison.
As a basketball fan, I chose the coach and player metaphor. I built what I thought the perfect player would be, the perfect coach, and the do’s and do not’s of each role, among other items. It was quite a revelation to see the overlap between the positive qualities of a great player and a great teenager, and then the same overlaps between coach and parent.
Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash
It truly is an immersive and life-changing activity for many students to see the way the world connects, and how many of the positive qualities we use when playing one role in our lives translate right over to another. Analysis skills and self-reflection are used heavily here, but in a much more practical manner than old books and poems. | https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/3-brilliant-projects-my-10th-grade-english-teacher-used-ab755ecf4fff | ['Shawn Laib'] | 2020-11-20 11:49:54.467000+00:00 | ['Creativity', 'Schools', 'Education', 'Teaching', 'Writing'] | Title 3 Brilliant Projects 10th Grade English Teacher UsedContent best educator I’ve ever 10th grade English teacher many reason name felt way nearly decade ago still feel impacted time later need know gifted instructor someone thought outside box want share three clever ingenious project student complete throughout school year connect adolescent truly attempt reach potential teacher take part assignment incorporate classroom Nonverbal presentation One first major project school year assignment requires class make slideshow presentation show peer represent Sounds pretty basic There’s catch though already stated subtitle project nonverbal cannot explain anything class isn’t already laid slideshow misunderstanding cleared point made short elaborated Everything must made crystal clear text picture choice song background play along PowerPoint know saying “show don’t tell” perfect scenario teach student convey deeply personal anecdote storytelling skill class without stating blah fact It’s part icebreaker part narrativedriver part visual essay don’t know whether teacher came completely whether part adopted classroom it’s mature literary experience make student think artistic manner allows creativity leeway normal personal narrative essay would make shy student give class force loud student carefully introspect new way Mask construction art project assignment saw student take advantage painting skill molding mask clay painting topic idea deeply important student personal level Don’t worry nobody graded art talent requirement emulate Picasso DaVinci need convey thing may normally show using symbolism access discussing book piece writing teacher wanted demonstrate class put “mask” day depending mood around activity participating Photo Viktor Talashuk Unsplash physical mask student create would represent tell story asking put thing usually reveal world outside mask share thing normally wouldn’t inside mask Literal figurative literary skill tapped personal element make kid get much involved active learning important thing think also note feel required put anything mask uncomfortable sharing others Keep everything reasonable respectful instituted classroom Parentteen rolereversal project High school student adjust rigor school also may undergoing tumultuous relationship home parent project asked person create set rule parent manage teenager presenting sort role reversal student literary aspect added asked make entire project line analogy metaphor choose position authority preside line parent child relationship build set circumstance rule around comparison basketball fan chose coach player metaphor built thought perfect player would perfect coach do’s not’s role among item quite revelation see overlap positive quality great player great teenager overlap coach parent Photo Jon Flobrant Unsplash truly immersive lifechanging activity many student see way world connects many positive quality use playing one role life translate right another Analysis skill selfreflection used heavily much practical manner old book poemsTags Creativity Schools Education Teaching Writing |
2,991 | Gestalt in visualizations | Gestalt principles or laws are rules that describe how the human eye perceives visual elements. These principles aim to show how complex scenes can be reduced to more simple shapes. They also aim to explain how the eyes perceive the shapes as a single, united form rather than the separate simpler elements involved.
“Gestalt” refers to “shape” or “form” in German; the principles — originally developed by Max Wertheimer (1880–1943), an Austro-Hungarian-born psychologist. — were improved later by Wolfgang Köhler (1929), Kurt Koffka (1935), and Wolfgang Metzger (1936).
Researchers have integrated all of these theories to show how people unconsciously connect and link design elements. Here are some examples of how they manifest in the work of data visualization-
Similarity
The human eye tends to build a relationship between similar elements within a design. Similarity can be achieved using basic elements such as shapes, colors, and size. | https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/gestalt-in-visualizations-b2e35d3f701 | ['Arushi Singh'] | 2020-12-21 01:57:58.535000+00:00 | ['Design', 'Psychology', 'Gestalt', 'Data Visualization', 'Infographics'] | Title Gestalt visualizationsContent Gestalt principle law rule describe human eye perceives visual element principle aim show complex scene reduced simple shape also aim explain eye perceive shape single united form rather separate simpler element involved “Gestalt” refers “shape” “form” German principle — originally developed Max Wertheimer 1880–1943 AustroHungarianborn psychologist — improved later Wolfgang Köhler 1929 Kurt Koffka 1935 Wolfgang Metzger 1936 Researchers integrated theory show people unconsciously connect link design element example manifest work data visualization Similarity human eye tends build relationship similar element within design Similarity achieved using basic element shape color sizeTags Design Psychology Gestalt Data Visualization Infographics |
2,992 | Vaccinating Against Anxiety and Depression | Vaccinating Against Anxiety and Depression
Microbes in the dirt might lead to an innovative approach to reduce the burden of mental health.
Photo by CDC on Unsplash
I am fascinated by the intersection of mental health and neuroscience. It inspired me to pursue my graduate degree, studying the interactions between the bacteria in our guts and the brain. While we don’t fully understand how these microbes impact the brain, they might provide a new source of treatment for many common disorders. The absurdity and incredulity of a bunch of microscopic organisms aren’t lost on me. I want to share one of the coolest findings in recent years, centered on one such bacteria, found in soil.
Depression is the world’s leading cause of disability, affecting over 250 million people every single year. People might experience prolonged sadness, fatigue, and apathy. Additionally, people with depression often also experience severe anxiety. Anxiety can cause our heart to pace while our mind thinks about impending danger or doom. Many people experience these debilitating symptoms in social settings. During particularly-stressful times, like global pandemics, people become even more susceptible to these disorders.
How do we solve this problem?
We still don’t fully understand what causes depression or anxiety or even how most medications work. In contrast, it is easier to identify what goes wrong during bacterial or viral infection. There’s a tangible target microbial cause that we can train our immune system to handle. By providing a part of a pathogen or an inactivated pathogen, our immune system learns to recognize and mount an effective response against it. The next time we might encounter this pathogen, our body can easily handle it. These strategies allowed humanity to fight diseases like polio and eliminate others like the Black Plague.
Interestingly, a lot of intriguing research finds an overactive immune system in depression, anxiety and a whole host of other brain disorders. A lot of evidence also suggests changes in the composition and function of the gut microbial community in individuals with these disorders. An intriguing question arises: could we vaccinate against anxiety and depression?
Towards a Vaccine for Anxiety and Depression
In recent decades, we have seen vast increases in allergies and other immune-related diseases. In peanut allergies, our immune system overreacts to something harmless. In more severe inflammatory disorders, the body attacks itself, mistaking it for a pathogen. The Hygiene Hypothesis explains some of these increases.
As our day-to-day lives became more industrialized and clean, we are exposed to microbial organisms much less often. Our immune system does not receive sufficient training early in life. When exposed to the mud and dirt of the outdoors, our bodies encounter substantially more bacteria and pathogens. Our immune system needs to learn to categorize different bacteria and pathogens to determine which are dangerous. Then it has to learn how to deal with these situations appropriately. Non-pathogenic bacteria or potential allergens do not need to be attacked by the immune system. Additionally, the immune system learns how to react to a particular threat without causing more harm to the host. Rates of allergies and immune disorders are substantially lower in less industrialized parts of the world due to this effect.
Could these effects also predispose us to increased rates of anxiety and depression?
Photo by Adrian Lange on Unsplash
Christopher Lowry, an Associate Professor of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder, is at the forefront of this exciting research. Using a strain of common soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, his research team reduces the impacts of stress in rodents. This strain of bacteria was isolated decades earlier in Uganda. Curiously, it boosted the effectiveness of the leprosy vaccine. This uncanny soil microbe showed incredible immune-modulating activity!
In 2004, an oncologist decided to see the impact of this strain on cancer. This U.K. study enrolled patients with inoperable lung cancer who would receive chemotherapy. While it didn’t improve cancer-related outcomes or impact mortality, it showed promise in impacting the mental health of patients. In addition to a higher quality of life, patients receiving the bacteria also experienced fewer side effects of the chemotherapy itself and higher cognitive functioning. Though this trial did not control for the placebo effect, its results caught the eye of Christopher Lowry.
Unlike humans, rodents cannot tell researchers that they are experiencing anxiety or depression. Elaborate behavioural tests were developed specifically to assess anxiety-like and depressive-like responses in rodents. While they aren’t perfect, they’ve allowed researchers to develop anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. Additionally, Lowry could look into the rodent brain to try and figure out exactly what’s going on.
In 2007 he published his first study using this bacteria. Administering it to mice, his team found that the immune response activated specific neurons in the brain. This increased the amount of a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, called serotonin, in the prefrontal cortex of the mouse brain. This also reduced some anxiety-like behaviors in the mice 12 hours after being given this bacteria.
In 2016, he showed how these bacteria promoted stress resilience across many different behavioural tests. The tests were conducted 1–2 weeks after immunization, showing that there was some sustained effect on stress responses in mice. They also determined that these effects required immune cells that regulated inflammation. More recently, his group is studying how these bacteria could reduce the severity of neurodegenerative disorders in mice.
Vaccinating Neuro-Inflammation
While M. vaccae boosts our regulatory immune response to certain pathogens, it is uncertain if these mouse studies translate to humans. Nonetheless, it could prove valuable in future clinical trials. We already know it’s safe when administered to humans but there are no currently registered clinical trials attempting to test its properties for treating anxiety or depression.
A 2019 study from Lowry’s group identified a specific triglyceride molecule, derived from M. vaccae that interacts with mouse immune cells. Even the molecule alone without the bacteria could theoretically exert some of these immune-modulating effects. Perhaps a way forward would involve screening for immune activation in humans, and using these specific bacterial components to inoculate them against future stress, depression or anxiety.
Lowry predicts that this might become a reality in 10 to 15 years. Perhaps a few decades from now, we’ll effectively reduce the burden of these inflammatory mood disorders through vaccination. Until then, scientists continue on with innovative approaches to tackle this prescient issue. | https://medium.com/invisible-illness/vaccinating-against-anxiety-and-depression-bfd3df324bbe | ['Simon Spichak'] | 2020-10-22 21:30:52.480000+00:00 | ['Stress', 'Innovation', 'Mental Health', 'Medicine', 'Science'] | Title Vaccinating Anxiety DepressionContent Vaccinating Anxiety Depression Microbes dirt might lead innovative approach reduce burden mental health Photo CDC Unsplash fascinated intersection mental health neuroscience inspired pursue graduate degree studying interaction bacteria gut brain don’t fully understand microbe impact brain might provide new source treatment many common disorder absurdity incredulity bunch microscopic organism aren’t lost want share one coolest finding recent year centered one bacteria found soil Depression world’s leading cause disability affecting 250 million people every single year People might experience prolonged sadness fatigue apathy Additionally people depression often also experience severe anxiety Anxiety cause heart pace mind think impending danger doom Many people experience debilitating symptom social setting particularlystressful time like global pandemic people become even susceptible disorder solve problem still don’t fully understand cause depression anxiety even medication work contrast easier identify go wrong bacterial viral infection There’s tangible target microbial cause train immune system handle providing part pathogen inactivated pathogen immune system learns recognize mount effective response next time might encounter pathogen body easily handle strategy allowed humanity fight disease like polio eliminate others like Black Plague Interestingly lot intriguing research find overactive immune system depression anxiety whole host brain disorder lot evidence also suggests change composition function gut microbial community individual disorder intriguing question arises could vaccinate anxiety depression Towards Vaccine Anxiety Depression recent decade seen vast increase allergy immunerelated disease peanut allergy immune system overreacts something harmless severe inflammatory disorder body attack mistaking pathogen Hygiene Hypothesis explains increase daytoday life became industrialized clean exposed microbial organism much le often immune system receive sufficient training early life exposed mud dirt outdoors body encounter substantially bacteria pathogen immune system need learn categorize different bacteria pathogen determine dangerous learn deal situation appropriately Nonpathogenic bacteria potential allergen need attacked immune system Additionally immune system learns react particular threat without causing harm host Rates allergy immune disorder substantially lower le industrialized part world due effect Could effect also predispose u increased rate anxiety depression Photo Adrian Lange Unsplash Christopher Lowry Associate Professor Integrative Physiology University Colorado Boulder forefront exciting research Using strain common soil bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae research team reduces impact stress rodent strain bacteria isolated decade earlier Uganda Curiously boosted effectiveness leprosy vaccine uncanny soil microbe showed incredible immunemodulating activity 2004 oncologist decided see impact strain cancer UK study enrolled patient inoperable lung cancer would receive chemotherapy didn’t improve cancerrelated outcome impact mortality showed promise impacting mental health patient addition higher quality life patient receiving bacteria also experienced fewer side effect chemotherapy higher cognitive functioning Though trial control placebo effect result caught eye Christopher Lowry Unlike human rodent cannot tell researcher experiencing anxiety depression Elaborate behavioural test developed specifically ass anxietylike depressivelike response rodent aren’t perfect they’ve allowed researcher develop antidepressant antianxiety medication Additionally Lowry could look rodent brain try figure exactly what’s going 2007 published first study using bacteria Administering mouse team found immune response activated specific neuron brain increased amount neurotransmitter involved regulating mood called serotonin prefrontal cortex mouse brain also reduced anxietylike behavior mouse 12 hour given bacteria 2016 showed bacteria promoted stress resilience across many different behavioural test test conducted 1–2 week immunization showing sustained effect stress response mouse also determined effect required immune cell regulated inflammation recently group studying bacteria could reduce severity neurodegenerative disorder mouse Vaccinating NeuroInflammation vaccae boost regulatory immune response certain pathogen uncertain mouse study translate human Nonetheless could prove valuable future clinical trial already know it’s safe administered human currently registered clinical trial attempting test property treating anxiety depression 2019 study Lowry’s group identified specific triglyceride molecule derived vaccae interacts mouse immune cell Even molecule alone without bacteria could theoretically exert immunemodulating effect Perhaps way forward would involve screening immune activation human using specific bacterial component inoculate future stress depression anxiety Lowry predicts might become reality 10 15 year Perhaps decade we’ll effectively reduce burden inflammatory mood disorder vaccination scientist continue innovative approach tackle prescient issueTags Stress Innovation Mental Health Medicine Science |
2,993 | Advanced Function Concepts in Python | The usage of functions in your program improves the simplicity of code and made the debugging simple. Python gives wonderful control over creating and utilizing functions in your programs. In the previous article, I have clearly explained the process of creating a function. In this, we will learn about some advanced functional programming concepts in python. Once you mastered these things you can write better programs than before. Let me try to explain everything in a simple manner as much as possible. On successful completion of this reading, you can create functions in one line of code, you can create iterators from the given sequences.
Lambda Expressions
Lambda is a pure anonymous function in python which allows us to write a function in a single line of code. It reduces the effort of programmer in writing multiple lines of code to create user-defined functions. Before going to write the actual code we must understand the concept behind the lambda function. Look at the explanation about lambda in Wikipedia.
Lambda calculus (also written as λ-calculus) is a formal system in mathematical logic for expressing computation based on function abstraction and application using variable binding and substitution. It is a universal model of computation that can be used to simulate any Turing machine.
Lambda Function Symbol
Lambda calculus was introduced by the mathematician Alonzo Church to investigate the foundational mathematical calculus. This calculus helps the mathematicians to understand the mechanism between basic arithmetic and logical operations. The symbolic representation of the lambda is λ Greek alphabet.
In python, the function is denoted with the keyword lambda . Look at the syntax of the lambda function.
Syntax: lambda arguments : expression
Let us create a function to calculate the volume of given cube.
def volume(side):
return side*side*side side = int(input("Enter Side of Cube"))
Volume_of_cube = volume(side)
print( Volume_of_cube )
Look at the following code which contains lambda expression to create the function.
side = int(input("Enter Side of Cube"))
Volume_of_cube = lambda side : side * side * side print( Volume_of_cube (side) )
Both codes give the same output for similar kind of inputs as follows.
Enter Side of Cube6
216
Why Anonymous?
In the previous program, we have called the lambda function with the help of the name Volume_of_cube . But actually this name is not a function name. The previous program is just one of the ways to use a lambda function. In python the function created using the lambda does not have any function name. In the program, the variable name itself acted as function name. To understand clearly you can replace the entire lambda expression instead of the variable name.
side = int(input("Enter Side of Cube"))
print( (lambda side : side * side * side) (side) )
I hope you can understand the concept. That is why the lambda expression is called as an anonymous function. There are certain conditions in creating a lambda function in Python. More than one argument can be passed in the lambda expression but only one expression can be created in it. Some more examples are given below using lambda functions.
add = lambda a,b,c : a + b + c
print( add(5,4,6) ) multiply = lambda x,y : x * y
print( multiply(3,7) ) power = lambda m,n : m ** n
print( power(6,2) )
Output
15
21
36
Map function in Python
Map is a function used to trace the sequencing objects. The map function reduces great effort of applying some functions for each elements of collections such as list and dictionaries. Let us try to get a list of interest amount of each employee for an particular sum of money using normal way.
Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash
Syntax: map[]
def interest(amount, rate, year):
return amount * rate * year / 100 amount = [10000, 12000, 15000]
rate = 5
year = 3 for x in amount:
y = interest(x, rate, year)
print(y)
Output
1500.0
1800.0
2250.0
The same can be done easily with the help of map function in Python. The following code is created using the map function.
def interest(amount):
rate = 5
year = 3
return amount * rate * year / 100 amount = [10000, 12000, 15000] interest_list = map(interest,amount)
print( interest_list )
Output
<map object at 0x7fd6e45d90b8>
Get confused with the output? The map function always return a map object. We have type cast the object using list keyword.
def interest(amount):
rate = 5
year = 3
return amount * rate * year / 100 amount = [10000, 12000, 15000] interest_list = list( map(interest,amount) )
print( interest_list )
Output
[1500.0, 1800.0, 2250.0]
Map function is not only take the user defined function. We can use the built in function also.
name = ["alex", "felix", "antony"]
cap = list( map(str.capitalize, name))
print(cap)
Output
['Alex', 'Felix', 'Antony']
Filter Function in Python
In some times you have to filter some elements in a list based on some conditions. Let us consider a list of ages of ten persons. We have to filter the persons based on their age. If a person’s age is greater than or equal to 24 then they can be eligible to be in the list. In a normal way, we can use something like the following.
list_of_age = [10, 24, 27, 33, 30, 18, 17, 21, 26, 25] filtered_list = [] for x in list_of_age:
if(x>=24):
filtered_list.append(x) print( filtered_list )
Using filter function this can be very easy. The filter function returns an object that contains the elements that are true for certain conditions.
Syntax: filter(function, iterables)
def eligibility(age):
if(age>=24):
return True
list_of_age = [10, 24, 27, 33, 30, 18, 17, 21, 26, 25] age = filter(eligibility, list_of_age) print(list(age))
The output for the previous programs are given below.
[24, 27, 33, 30, 26, 25]
Reduce function in Python
Reduce is a built in function in a module called functools. It reduces the size of iterable objects by applying function in each step. The syntax of reduce() function is given below.
Syntax: reduce(function, iterables, start)
Let us consider a list of five numbers [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] from which you need to find the sum of the numbers. The reduce function first takes the numbers (1,2) then pass them through the defined function. Then the return value from the first one and the third value will be passed through the function. Let the name of the function be add() then the steps involved in finding the sum will be the following.
add(1, 2)
add(add(1, 2) , 3)
add(add(add(1, 2) , 3), 4)
add(add(add(add(1, 2) , 3), 4),5)
The actual code for the previous explanation is given below.
from functools import reduce
def add(a,b):
return a+b
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
sum = reduce(add, my_list)
print(sum)
Output
15
Combining Lambda with Map, Filter and Reduce
The higher order functions can replace the function object with the lambda expressions. The usage of lambda expression helps us to implement the discussed concept easily with a couple of lines of code.
Lambda with Map
The following code will help you to know how to implement the map function with lambda. Let us try to create a list of power of a list.
list_of_numbers = [10, 6, 5, 17, 15]
order = 2
power = map(lambda x : x ** order, list_of_numbers)
print(list(power))
Output
[100, 36, 25, 289, 225]
Lambda with Filter
The conditional statements can be used with lambda expressions. Using the return value from the lambda function we can use filter the list.
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
even = list(filter(lambda x: x%2==0, numbers))
print(even)
Output
[2, 4, 6, 8, 10]
I hope this article helped you to understand some interesting concepts in functional programming. Practice more using the concepts explained in this article.
Happy coding! | https://towardsdatascience.com/advanced-function-concepts-in-python-9c8f1a59711 | ['Felix Antony'] | 2020-06-14 12:45:46.679000+00:00 | ['Machine Learning', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Python', 'Data Science', 'Programming'] | Title Advanced Function Concepts PythonContent usage function program improves simplicity code made debugging simple Python give wonderful control creating utilizing function program previous article clearly explained process creating function learn advanced functional programming concept python mastered thing write better program Let try explain everything simple manner much possible successful completion reading create function one line code create iterators given sequence Lambda Expressions Lambda pure anonymous function python allows u write function single line code reduces effort programmer writing multiple line code create userdefined function going write actual code must understand concept behind lambda function Look explanation lambda Wikipedia Lambda calculus also written λcalculus formal system mathematical logic expressing computation based function abstraction application using variable binding substitution universal model computation used simulate Turing machine Lambda Function Symbol Lambda calculus introduced mathematician Alonzo Church investigate foundational mathematical calculus calculus help mathematician understand mechanism basic arithmetic logical operation symbolic representation lambda λ Greek alphabet python function denoted keyword lambda Look syntax lambda function Syntax lambda argument expression Let u create function calculate volume given cube def volumeside return sidesideside side intinputEnter Side Cube Volumeofcube volumeside print Volumeofcube Look following code contains lambda expression create function side intinputEnter Side Cube Volumeofcube lambda side side side side print Volumeofcube side code give output similar kind input follows Enter Side Cube6 216 Anonymous previous program called lambda function help name Volumeofcube actually name function name previous program one way use lambda function python function created using lambda function name program variable name acted function name understand clearly replace entire lambda expression instead variable name side intinputEnter Side Cube print lambda side side side side side hope understand concept lambda expression called anonymous function certain condition creating lambda function Python one argument passed lambda expression one expression created example given using lambda function add lambda abc b c print add546 multiply lambda xy x print multiply37 power lambda mn n print power62 Output 15 21 36 Map function Python Map function used trace sequencing object map function reduces great effort applying function element collection list dictionary Let u try get list interest amount employee particular sum money using normal way Photo Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz Unsplash Syntax map def interestamount rate year return amount rate year 100 amount 10000 12000 15000 rate 5 year 3 x amount interestx rate year printy Output 15000 18000 22500 done easily help map function Python following code created using map function def interestamount rate 5 year 3 return amount rate year 100 amount 10000 12000 15000 interestlist mapinterestamount print interestlist Output map object 0x7fd6e45d90b8 Get confused output map function always return map object type cast object using list keyword def interestamount rate 5 year 3 return amount rate year 100 amount 10000 12000 15000 interestlist list mapinterestamount print interestlist Output 15000 18000 22500 Map function take user defined function use built function also name alex felix antony cap list mapstrcapitalize name printcap Output Alex Felix Antony Filter Function Python time filter element list based condition Let u consider list age ten person filter person based age person’s age greater equal 24 eligible list normal way use something like following listofage 10 24 27 33 30 18 17 21 26 25 filteredlist x listofage ifx24 filteredlistappendx print filteredlist Using filter function easy filter function return object contains element true certain condition Syntax filterfunction iterables def eligibilityage ifage24 return True listofage 10 24 27 33 30 18 17 21 26 25 age filtereligibility listofage printlistage output previous program given 24 27 33 30 26 25 Reduce function Python Reduce built function module called functools reduces size iterable object applying function step syntax reduce function given Syntax reducefunction iterables start Let u consider list five number 1 2 3 4 5 need find sum number reduce function first take number 12 pas defined function return value first one third value passed function Let name function add step involved finding sum following add1 2 addadd1 2 3 addaddadd1 2 3 4 addaddaddadd1 2 3 45 actual code previous explanation given functools import reduce def addab return ab mylist 1 2 3 4 5 sum reduceadd mylist printsum Output 15 Combining Lambda Map Filter Reduce higher order function replace function object lambda expression usage lambda expression help u implement discussed concept easily couple line code Lambda Map following code help know implement map function lambda Let u try create list power list listofnumbers 10 6 5 17 15 order 2 power maplambda x x order listofnumbers printlistpower Output 100 36 25 289 225 Lambda Filter conditional statement used lambda expression Using return value lambda function use filter list number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 even listfilterlambda x x20 number printeven Output 2 4 6 8 10 hope article helped understand interesting concept functional programming Practice using concept explained article Happy codingTags Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Python Data Science Programming |
2,994 | Becoming Emotionally Intelligent | Try walking up to someone and ask them about academic intelligence. Although not guaranteed a smart answer, most will understand what you’re on about. Now try emotional intelligence. Chances are it will take them a minute to answer.
Emotional intelligence requires thought to discuss; perhaps because we’ve always thought of intelligence as something to be found in books or academia. The fact of the matter is, “intelligence” is an all-encapsulating word that refers to our skills at solving a challenge. If you're paying a bill, then it’s mathematical intelligence you’re after. A chef will have high culinary intelligence whilst a professor of English will have intelligence centered around literature. A vet will be intelligent towards the behavior of animals.
“‘intelligence’ is an all-encapsulating word that refers to our skills at solving a challenge.”
This brings about the notion that intelligence is an accumulation of skill or experience. The above-mentioned chef was not born an excellent cook, but hours spent over a cooker have seen to that. When seen in this light, intelligence no longer becomes something innate, but an external factor. There is no such thing as I completely intelligent person; someone who is well versed and experienced and everything. Following the same logic, there is no such thing as a completely stupid one either. An illiterate person can make genuine contributions to the well-being of society and a top university professor can be amazingly capable of messing up their life. Intelligence is not something we are born with, it is merely an understanding (to one degree or other) of a function. Emotional intelligence works the same way.
It is hard to quantify emotional intelligence, but indicators of it (or a high level of it) do exist. Things like the ability to communicate one’s feelings, to read the moods of others, to have patience when needed, and to empathize with others. These are all skills an emotionally intelligent person will have developed.
“There is no such thing as I completely intelligent person; someone who is well versed and experienced and everything. Following the same logic, there is no such thing as a completely stupid one either.”
Let’s give the theory some context, and use “love” as an example. Most of us have been taught (formally or informally) that love is a feeling (and a complicated one at that). We are not encouraged to question matters of love; if he/she doesn’t feel the same way, there is nothing you can do about it! Perhaps it is for this reason that we attribute a different organ to it; the heart as opposed to the brain — love does not follow the same thought patterns as other thoughts do.
“It’s hard to blame someone for being emotional if they have admitted to going through a rough breakup.”
To the emotionally intelligent person, love is a skill not a feeling. It is one that requires trust, generosity, and openness to a degree of vulnerability and resignation. An emotionally intelligent person allows themselves the time and thoughts that give their love meaning. This, in turn, builds up a confidence to juggle strong emotions such as love with the demands of daily life. It no longer feels larger than life, or unfathomable.
That is not to say emotionally intelligent people are incapable of being moved or overwhelmed. They also have hopes, and are grateful when things go the way they expected. The difference? Emotionally intelligent people accept the fact that nothing lasts forever. They are at ease with the reality that they will be anxious in some areas in some areas of life at certain times. They apologize in advance for their shortcomings and warn those around them in good time. It’s hard to blame someone for being emotional if they have admitted to going through a rough breakup.
In short, one of the key steps towards emotional intelligence is learning to identify potential pitfalls. This allows you to identify your shortcomings and let those around you know, thus preventing misinterpretations.
Final thought; have a browse true world history, and I’m sure you’ll be able to spot quite a few national (or global) catastrophes that can trace their origins to the emotional ignorance of political leaders. | https://medium.com/swlh/becoming-emotionally-intelligent-4970101af3ce | ['Daniel Caruana Smith'] | 2020-12-22 22:52:45.454000+00:00 | ['Emotional Intelligence', 'Mental Health', 'Self Improvement', 'Psychology', 'Life Lessons'] | Title Becoming Emotionally IntelligentContent Try walking someone ask academic intelligence Although guaranteed smart answer understand you’re try emotional intelligence Chances take minute answer Emotional intelligence requires thought discus perhaps we’ve always thought intelligence something found book academia fact matter “intelligence” allencapsulating word refers skill solving challenge youre paying bill it’s mathematical intelligence you’re chef high culinary intelligence whilst professor English intelligence centered around literature vet intelligent towards behavior animal “‘intelligence’ allencapsulating word refers skill solving challenge” brings notion intelligence accumulation skill experience abovementioned chef born excellent cook hour spent cooker seen seen light intelligence longer becomes something innate external factor thing completely intelligent person someone well versed experienced everything Following logic thing completely stupid one either illiterate person make genuine contribution wellbeing society top university professor amazingly capable messing life Intelligence something born merely understanding one degree function Emotional intelligence work way hard quantify emotional intelligence indicator high level exist Things like ability communicate one’s feeling read mood others patience needed empathize others skill emotionally intelligent person developed “There thing completely intelligent person someone well versed experienced everything Following logic thing completely stupid one either” Let’s give theory context use “love” example u taught formally informally love feeling complicated one encouraged question matter love heshe doesn’t feel way nothing Perhaps reason attribute different organ heart opposed brain — love follow thought pattern thought “It’s hard blame someone emotional admitted going rough breakup” emotionally intelligent person love skill feeling one requires trust generosity openness degree vulnerability resignation emotionally intelligent person allows time thought give love meaning turn build confidence juggle strong emotion love demand daily life longer feel larger life unfathomable say emotionally intelligent people incapable moved overwhelmed also hope grateful thing go way expected difference Emotionally intelligent people accept fact nothing last forever ease reality anxious area area life certain time apologize advance shortcoming warn around good time It’s hard blame someone emotional admitted going rough breakup short one key step towards emotional intelligence learning identify potential pitfall allows identify shortcoming let around know thus preventing misinterpretation Final thought browse true world history I’m sure you’ll able spot quite national global catastrophe trace origin emotional ignorance political leadersTags Emotional Intelligence Mental Health Self Improvement Psychology Life Lessons |
2,995 | When Anxiety Is Inevitable | When Anxiety Is Inevitable
Taming the uncertainty, chaos and mental noise that fuels it
Photo by BERTRY Nicole on Unsplash
Ever since I can remember, I’ve shared my life with a low-level hum in the background. Growing up, it was as amorphous and nameless as the strange electrical buzz that filled my head as I tried to sleep.
At times I’ve felt a sense of impending doom; a worried edginess that may or may not attach itself to something specific. When things really get out of balance, an unsettling feeling rises up and dominates every part of my being.
It’s only as an adult that I’ve been able to name this thing as anxiety and identify the ways it affects my life. Being autistic means that I perceive, process and respond to the world differently to others. Getting by in a world that’s built for neurotypical people is hard work and I’m never quite sure if I’ve got it right. It’s no co-incidence that I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder at the same time I was diagnosed autistic.
For me, anxiety means never fully inhabiting the moment. It’s always there siphoning off my attention and preventing me from being present. It’s a nasty parasite, a cruel thief, robbing me of my enjoyment of life. I have hated myself for not making the most of life; of failing to find the joy in it that other people seem blessed with.
Anxiety also lives in the memory. When I look back on ‘happy’ times I also see the dark cloud looming in the background. Pushing my baby daughter on the swing in the park, driving in the country, travelling the world — they are all tainted. I look back and puzzle over what it was that prevented me from owning these experiences. It’s difficult to think of a time when I fully inhabited happiness.
I’ve lived a life on the outside looking in, marvelling at the apparently seamless way that other people’s lives come together. It amazes me how they seem to take it for granted that it will all work out: friendships, relationships, work, buying a car, finding somewhere to live, being an adult. By contrast, I often feel like my life is one step away from spiralling out of control. So I am ever-vigilant in the attempt to hold it all together.
Anxiety gives my life a level of difficulty that has become my ‘normal’. It’s the expectation that nothing will ever be straightforward but instead fraught with complication. Sometimes I feel that I’m a magnet for complication.
Even the most simple social interaction or errand is a multi-step exercise, each step representing the possibility of something going awry. If something goes wrong or there is some unanticipated factor thrown in, I can end up stressed out and unhinged. Sometimes for fun I revise my to-do list at the end of the day and fill in the actual steps involved. It is strangely validating to see just how much I did and realise why I feel burnt out.
I live with a constant internal monologue and only realised recently that by and large, other people don’t. It seems that they just get on with things and immerse themselves in whatever is happening. It’s probably the same people who tell me not to overthink things. Like it’s a choice. Like it’s not my default in the same way that other people’s is zoning out.
Even when things are going well, my brain will be in overdrive. Not being able to switch off can be really annoying at 4am. I wish I could chill out or go with the flow or whatever it is that people do. It would make my life a lot easier.
My brain is constantly working to make sense of things that are self-evident to other people. Being autistic means that I lack the intuitive understanding that many neurotypical people have so my mind needs to put in the extra work.
I’ve never really been able to trust my judgment. Not having an organic understanding of social communication and relationships means having to compensate cognitively to make sense of it. I’ve become quite good at applying my powers of observation and analytical skill to people and situations. The effort some autistic folk put into reading people makes us amateur psychologists — some actually go on to the formal study of psychology.
If there’s a social event involving anything other than a catch up with a close friend, I can expect to expend a vast amount of energy. I’ll be mentally casing the joint in the lead up — will it be crowded? Will it be too noisy for me to have a conversation? Will there be somewhere to escape to? It doesn’t end after the event either because I will fixate on how it went — whether I did the right thing, what else I could/should have done and how I came across, what the other people were thinking and whether there might be any implications for me.
So many times I’ve put myself into uncomfortable situations because I thought I had to. I felt that if I couldn’t cope with things other people didn’t give a second thought to, I must be feeble-minded and less of a person. I thought that I had to cope so I did whatever it took. I tried to push through the surging anxiety. Even if things went well, I would be exhausted from the effort required. If the experience brought awkwardness and social faux pas, I would spend days steeped in self-loathing rumination.
But to stop trying to cope would have been to give the game away; to admit that I just wasn’t up to it. So I kept pretending that I was just as capable as everyone else. To some I would have looked perfectly calm and in control because I was keeping such a tight rein on the chaos within. To others, I’m sure it was clear that something was a bit off. I was always afraid of being ‘found out’ although I never really knew what for. By continuing to turn up I think I managed to maintain the illusion that I was coping just enough.
There’s a lot of power in being able to name something. Discovering I was autistic meant that I could own the fact that I experience life differently to many other people. It meant that it’s okay to set limits. I now give myself permission to avoid situations that I know will take too much from me.
When I examine what is most likely to trigger my anxiety, it’s uncertainty and the lack of control that this brings. Not feeling in control makes me freeze and takes away my voice. It’s a common misunderstanding that the need for control is about wanting to control other people but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s about having a level of self-agency that enables me to have my needs met.
The anxiety isn’t necessarily tied to the magnitude of the event either. When I had shoulder surgery recently, I did experience considerable anxiety due to the date being changed, throwing my plans into disarray. However, once it was rescheduled and I was confident it would go ahead, I barely gave a through to the actual surgery. I trusted my surgeon who had explained everything to me and patiently answered my questions. I knew exactly what was going to happen. I could then just direct my anxiety to getting to the hospital in time for admission.
There is a cruel paradox in having a greater need for order and certainty but being less equipped than the average person to achieve it. Most autistic people struggle with uncertainty. The world is chaotic and processing whatever it throws up requires constant effort — whether we’re aware of it or not. Unfamiliar situations equal high anxiety. Autistic people are fond of routines, structures and plans because they minimise uncertainty and anchor us in a chaotic world.
I’m not someone who requires a strict routine but I do need to feel that I’ve got some measure of control over my immediate circumstances. I write things down. I make lists, I maintain calendars and I have several notebooks on the go. Usually if I can map out in my mind what is going to happen and feel reasonably confident that’s how things will pan out, I’m fine. Of course I rely on certain things being in place or being able to adapt if they aren’t.
So I know that minimising the uncertainty in my life will help keep the anxiety under control. But the knowledge that life is inherently uncertain is pervasive. People are unpredictable and communication is variable. Some things are just out of everyone’s control.
I will live with anxiety for the rest of my life but there are things I can do to at least keep it to the low background hum most of the time. I’ve realised how important it is to me to feel grounded. To feel attached to the here and now. To feel that I exist.
For me self-care is about the things I need to do to feel grounded. Self-care is not what a lot of people think it is. It’s essentially about arranging your life in a way that adds to rather than takes from your capacity to deal with it.
Self-care is about knowing your limits and setting boundaries. It’s understanding how you operate and putting strategies in place that support it. It’s prevention rather than reaction. It needs to be integrated into your life rather than an afterthought. It’s too late by the time you feel burnt out and need a week off.
There is no set formula to self-care. Beyond eating well, sleeping and exercising, the things that count as self-care for different people vary enormously. For some people it might be spending time with friends or family. These things make demands on me. It’s solitude and space that recharges.
If I’m doing self-care well, I’m aware of what’s going on for me on an emotional level. It gives me a good basis to identify and articulate my needs and feel that I am in control of my life. These are the things that help me:
Being immersed in nature, especially taking long walks
Spending time at home doing things like gardening, cooking, sorting shelves
Being creative — drawing, painting, sewing, writing — anything involving self expression
Meditation and reflection
All these things give me a sense of inhabiting myself and being at home with who I am. They make me feel grounded and ready to put myself out in the world.
Everyone deserves the time to explore what self-care practices work for them and to be supported to maintain them. | https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/when-anxiety-is-inevitable-26f8291d8f0 | ['Justine L'] | 2020-12-27 04:08:18.814000+00:00 | ['Self Care', 'Anxiety', 'Mental Health', 'Psychology', 'Autism'] | Title Anxiety InevitableContent Anxiety Inevitable Taming uncertainty chaos mental noise fuel Photo BERTRY Nicole Unsplash Ever since remember I’ve shared life lowlevel hum background Growing amorphous nameless strange electrical buzz filled head tried sleep time I’ve felt sense impending doom worried edginess may may attach something specific thing really get balance unsettling feeling rise dominates every part It’s adult I’ve able name thing anxiety identify way affect life autistic mean perceive process respond world differently others Getting world that’s built neurotypical people hard work I’m never quite sure I’ve got right It’s coincidence diagnosed Generalised Anxiety Disorder time diagnosed autistic anxiety mean never fully inhabiting moment It’s always siphoning attention preventing present It’s nasty parasite cruel thief robbing enjoyment life hated making life failing find joy people seem blessed Anxiety also life memory look back ‘happy’ time also see dark cloud looming background Pushing baby daughter swing park driving country travelling world — tainted look back puzzle prevented owning experience It’s difficult think time fully inhabited happiness I’ve lived life outside looking marvelling apparently seamless way people’s life come together amazes seem take granted work friendship relationship work buying car finding somewhere live adult contrast often feel like life one step away spiralling control evervigilant attempt hold together Anxiety give life level difficulty become ‘normal’ It’s expectation nothing ever straightforward instead fraught complication Sometimes feel I’m magnet complication Even simple social interaction errand multistep exercise step representing possibility something going awry something go wrong unanticipated factor thrown end stressed unhinged Sometimes fun revise todo list end day fill actual step involved strangely validating see much realise feel burnt live constant internal monologue realised recently large people don’t seems get thing immerse whatever happening It’s probably people tell overthink thing Like it’s choice Like it’s default way people’s zoning Even thing going well brain overdrive able switch really annoying 4am wish could chill go flow whatever people would make life lot easier brain constantly working make sense thing selfevident people autistic mean lack intuitive understanding many neurotypical people mind need put extra work I’ve never really able trust judgment organic understanding social communication relationship mean compensate cognitively make sense I’ve become quite good applying power observation analytical skill people situation effort autistic folk put reading people make u amateur psychologist — actually go formal study psychology there’s social event involving anything catch close friend expect expend vast amount energy I’ll mentally casing joint lead — crowded noisy conversation somewhere escape doesn’t end event either fixate went — whether right thing else couldshould done came across people thinking whether might implication many time I’ve put uncomfortable situation thought felt couldn’t cope thing people didn’t give second thought must feebleminded le person thought cope whatever took tried push surging anxiety Even thing went well would exhausted effort required experience brought awkwardness social faux pa would spend day steeped selfloathing rumination stop trying cope would give game away admit wasn’t kept pretending capable everyone else would looked perfectly calm control keeping tight rein chaos within others I’m sure clear something bit always afraid ‘found out’ although never really knew continuing turn think managed maintain illusion coping enough There’s lot power able name something Discovering autistic meant could fact experience life differently many people meant it’s okay set limit give permission avoid situation know take much examine likely trigger anxiety it’s uncertainty lack control brings feeling control make freeze take away voice It’s common misunderstanding need control wanting control people couldn’t truth It’s level selfagency enables need met anxiety isn’t necessarily tied magnitude event either shoulder surgery recently experience considerable anxiety due date changed throwing plan disarray However rescheduled confident would go ahead barely gave actual surgery trusted surgeon explained everything patiently answered question knew exactly going happen could direct anxiety getting hospital time admission cruel paradox greater need order certainty le equipped average person achieve autistic people struggle uncertainty world chaotic processing whatever throw requires constant effort — whether we’re aware Unfamiliar situation equal high anxiety Autistic people fond routine structure plan minimise uncertainty anchor u chaotic world I’m someone requires strict routine need feel I’ve got measure control immediate circumstance write thing make list maintain calendar several notebook go Usually map mind going happen feel reasonably confident that’s thing pan I’m fine course rely certain thing place able adapt aren’t know minimising uncertainty life help keep anxiety control knowledge life inherently uncertain pervasive People unpredictable communication variable thing everyone’s control live anxiety rest life thing least keep low background hum time I’ve realised important feel grounded feel attached feel exist selfcare thing need feel grounded Selfcare lot people think It’s essentially arranging life way add rather take capacity deal Selfcare knowing limit setting boundary It’s understanding operate putting strategy place support It’s prevention rather reaction need integrated life rather afterthought It’s late time feel burnt need week set formula selfcare Beyond eating well sleeping exercising thing count selfcare different people vary enormously people might spending time friend family thing make demand It’s solitude space recharges I’m selfcare well I’m aware what’s going emotional level give good basis identify articulate need feel control life thing help immersed nature especially taking long walk Spending time home thing like gardening cooking sorting shelf creative — drawing painting sewing writing — anything involving self expression Meditation reflection thing give sense inhabiting home make feel grounded ready put world Everyone deserves time explore selfcare practice work supported maintain themTags Self Care Anxiety Mental Health Psychology Autism |
2,996 | The Best Ways To Get More Clients For Your Social Media Marketing Agency (SMMA) Today | When it comes to creating a profitable SMMA, sales is your most important asset.
Sure, that can be said about any business.
However, as I watch hundreds of people come and go in the SMMA industry, I’m noticing the biggest pattern for failed agencies: the lack of sales.
More specifically, the lack of going out and getting them.
It’s Really About The Sales
If you search for a term like “online business” in Youtube or Facebook, you’re likely to get an ad for SMMA. Visitors are sold all the hype about how they can make endless profits from owning an SMMA.
Like any online business, it’s just not that easy.
Many people don’t understand how to get more clients, let alone their first.
Don’t get me wrong, with most SMMA courses the sales training is provided. You can even go online and watch free videos on how to do all of that.
But the unseen truth about starting an SMMA is for the first part of it, it’s mostly just sales. Before you plop down a few hundred (or thousand) dollars on a course about SMMA, let me show the sales process.
If you can get sales, you have a chance at making great money with an SMMA. If you think you’ll struggle with sales, you’re doomed from the beginning. It’s something that can be learned, but real salespeople are a special breed as well.
Under The Hood Of SMMA
Before we get into the sales part, let me unpack the SMMA operating model.
Like any marketing agency, an SMMA is composed of specialists. You need at least one person who is an expert at creating effective social media ads and content. In many cases, Instagram and Facebook is the focus because of the potential reach and ROI.
It’s not rocket science to navigate the Facebook dashboard or to create a good ad. However, since policies, rules, and strategies constantly change an expert on the subject is often needed. Campaigns and accounts get shut down all the time, so working with someone very familiar with the landscape is imperative. In my agency, I never hire anyone with less than $150,000 in ad spend experience.
And that’s the kicker.
A lot outside the SMMA think that the business owner is the ad expert: they’re not. Most of what I see are owners who understand social media well, but hire experts (on Upwork or a similar website) as subcontractors to do the technical work. It’s like a restaurant. The owner is not always the chef. In many cases, SMMA owners also act as the social media expert to cut costs. However, running an SMMA and deploying multiple campaigns for clients can get complicated.
So what’s an owner to do?
Job #1 For SMMA Owners
If they hire a subcontractor to place and optimize ads, an owner’s role is simple: get sales. That’s it. Technically, onboarding clients would be another major task but that can be automated with a video and an online form.
I came to this conclusion early in my journey with SMMA. I had it all wrong. I focused on the mechanical aspects of mastering Facebook ads, but none of that really mattered if I had no one to create ads for. And to be honest, no one is good at getting fantastic results when they’re just starting out.
That’s when it hit me.
I felt like a poser. How could I go on about getting awesome results for potential clients when all I had was a couple of weak case studies I created with my friends? Business owners would be forking over $2,000 a month, and for what? An amateur cutting his teeth on paid ads? That did not hold a lot integrity for me, but unfortunately it’s a pretty common situation in this industry.
That wasn’t for me.
I decided to stop learning Facebook Ads and hire a real expert. I interviewed a lot of top-notch social media experts for paid ads and found a couple real pros with enterprise-level experience. I paid them nearly half of the retainer (minus client ad spend costs). It was more like a business partnership until I learned how the finances really worked in an SMMA. (It’s about a 70/30 split plus performance bonuses now.)
After the first few clients, I thought things were going pretty well. Clients would get at least 1,000% ROAS and plenty of new business. But what they don’t tell you is that clients don’t always stay for the retainer you prescribed (usually 3–6 months with an incentive/discount to stay on).
If you lose a couple clients, it’s a huge hit on your revenue. Therefore, the agency owner’s job is to keep new clients coming in. You can always hire more ad specialists if need be.
Why SMMA Owners Give Up
That brings us to the hardest part of running an SMMA. It’s where I see dozens of would-be owners lose interest and give up the business entirely. This happens daily. Here are the three patterns of SMMA failure:
1.FEAR OF FAILURE AND REJECTION — No one likes to hear no’s all day. You must build thick skin to compete in sales and some people just don’t have it. In the beginning, you’re calling on 50–100 people a day to get a presentation appointment. The best strategy is to never sell your service on the phone, but talk up potential sales results for the client based on your custom research. All the selling, data, and proof-of-concept happens in a lengthier face-to-face meeting. Because of this, prospecting calls only last a minute or two. Even so, every rejection adds up and it’s defeating.
2.LACK OF PROPER SALES TRAINING — Resources on how to sell are a dime a dozen. A lot of them are pure regurgitated hype. However, there are some sales training gems out there that are worth paying for. The truth is that sales are in the realm of psychology and communication. Both of those topics are not exactly scientific, though they try to be. In reality, it’s messy and speculative at best. However, refining scripts, body language, and responses have proven to be valuable to increase sales.
3.SMMA IS A POOR BUSINESS-FOUNDER FIT — Some people are natural introverts. While some introverts do quite well in this industry, a lot don’t because there are constant interactions with complete strangers. You have to serve your client, reach out to hundreds of people every week, and give talks on building businesses with social media ads. This is the job. If you’re an introvert that can’t “turn it on” when you need to, this is not the right business for you. Furthermore, some people just find that running an agency isn’t what they thought it was. The business-owner fit is completely off and perhaps another field would be a win-win.
So how do you get over all of these obstacles to getting sales?
What Great SMMA Owners Do
There are a few solutions that have helped SMMA owners handle sales. Here are three actions great salespersons do to get more SMMA clients:
First, they commit to reaching out every day (preferably by phone). If you called at least 50 people every day for a month purely for the experience with talking to strangers, you’re guaranteed to get better at your people skills. That is assuming you adjust your conversations based on feedback.
I’m talking about using a little bit of The Scientific Method here.
What worked and what didn’t?
What did customers respond positively to?
What things should you avoid saying?
What tone works best?
What time works best?
There are lots of things to recalibrate when you do sales and seeing the whole process more scientifically will definitely improve it.
Second, let others do some heavy lifting for you. I wrote about this in another article, but it’s a common tactic for the most advanced salespeople. They use their existing network to send them pre-qualified prospects.
Here is a short list of networks most people have at their disposal: Friends and Family, Former Co-Workers, Email Lists, Former Classmates (alumni), LinkedIn Contacts, Facebook Contacts, etc.
If your lists are full of mostly weak connections, leverage the network lists of close friends and family.
It’s easy to spruce up your lists.
You simply meet up with people you know, like, and trust. You learn what they’re up to lately, and you get a good handle on what their ideal client looks like. Then you do the same for your business. Lastly, you send each other potential clients. Over-deliver on your quid pro quo. (A good book about all of this is by professor Adam Grant: Give And Take: Why Driving Others Drives Our Success).
The key here is to have your contact call the potential client before you call. This is called a “favorable introduction”. They can briefly talk you up and let others know you’ve done business with them. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but it’s worth a try.
Me, I don’t like to get emails or calls that are unsolicited. I’ve seen the failed business hook-up scheme far too many times to count, and this is what goes through my head each time:
Gee Bob, thank you for connecting me to this complete stranger in an awkward way that clearly points to a form of cross-promotional marketing. You’re disinvited to next week’s BBQ!
However, if someone I trust really understands my business and deep down they truly believe some stranger can add value to it, I’m happy to give them a minute or five on the phone.
This is the way empires, past and present, have been built.
We only buy from whom we know, like, or trust — unless we desperately need something. A favorable introduction tactic is like standing outside in the long sinuous line at Club Business. You’re at the very end of it. After waiting, you bump into someone who knows and likes you. You get to talking and they realize you should meet the club owner because of your shared interests. From there, your friend walks you right up to the front of the line, tells the bouncer “he’s with me”, and suddenly the red velvet rope is unlatched for you to walk through. Next thing you know, you’re being introduced to the club owner.
It works, so work your network!
Third, get a sales coach or mentor. Learn from the best and someone who has done what you want to do.
Model success: it’s that simple.
If they’ve been where you’re at, it’s likely they know all the common ways to fail at selling in your field. They also know a lot of ways to succeed. Why waste your time and money trying to figure it out for yourself? If SMMA sales training is not a big part of your current program, get more training elsewhere. Remember, at the end of the day sales is a vital activity. No sales, no profit.
The catch is, a lot of sales advice is misguided and unethical.
So-Called Sales Gurus
I have a strong and unpopular opinion on a few sales gurus that seem to get all the attention. It’s not that I don’t think their tactics work. Again, we’re talking psychology and communication here, the weakest sciences of all. Something is bound to work.
What I look for in sales training are the three E’s. Training needs to be Effective, Efficient, and Ethical. Bottom line, the sales system must actually get sales (effective). Parts of this sales system and training must be scalable and automated to free up my time and energy (efficient). It’s the last “E” that is usually questionable. A lot of sales advice is too slick for me (ethics).
So where should you go to get sales training for your SMMA?
Learn from whomever you are comfortable with. If that’s Belfort or Cardone, go for it. My picks are the less flamboyant types like Zig Zigler, Jeffrey Gitomer, and Oren Klaff. But to each their own.
As you learn more about sales, focus on the general principles and verify that it aligns with your company values and goals. All the details will be ironed out by putting in the long hours practicing it in the field.
That can take a long time to master, but the good news is that the pains of SMMA sales are quickly being addressed. One key to SMMA sales is to hone in on specific platforms and niche strategists with proven results for what they do.
For example, to get to decision-makers it makes sense to utilize LinkedIn. Recently, I came across a company that passes my 3 E’s test called (SurgeFlowDigital owned by Natasha Vilaseca — no affiliation). This company has done-for-you lead generation services and training on how to systematically acquire SMMA clients from LinkedIn. Since getting clients is difficult, this is a great solution.
Quality Lead Sourcing
To get the edge, I would look at the way you qualify your leads. A lot of time and money is spent on calling prospects that are in no position to qualify for your services. I have coached SMMAs to set up 5–10 criteria for their ideal client. Those items are put on a spreadsheet. You can hire cheap labor on Upwork or Fiverr to do this task. It’s called Lead Sourcing. Build a quality list of businesses to call by pre-qualifying them first.
For example, here are a few things I look for. A good client must be bringing in at least $20,000 a month. In my town, there are several lists and reports that make his information available to all (The Book of Business Lists). They must also be within 15 miles from where my business is located so only focus on a few local cities in my region. Their website must not have a Facebook pixel (use Chrome’s extension called FB Pixel Helper and turn off any ad blockers).
Other good signs are that they don’t have recent ads on their business Facebook Page. If they don’t have a page, but they’re a big business it’s actually a selling point for your services. Often I look at Instagram to evaluate their follower count and engagement, especially if they have visual services or products (gyms, homes, retail goods, etc). Low activity on Instagram could be a golden opportunity to discuss with them.
Every criterion takes you a step closer to finding a high-quality lead. Guesstimating the average sale is a good criterion. You want that figure to be over $100, but ideally north of $500. If they’re already advertising on traditional media, this is a great sign. In my mind, they’ve wasted a lot of money on print ads or television and that kind of marketing is hard to track. Moreover, on Facebook they’ll simply get more exposure to their ideal and highly-targeted market. I like to take a look at their Google Business page and/or Yelp page see if there are only a few reviews. That’s a good indicator they might need social media marketing help too.
There are many more things to look for when creating a good lead sourcing list. However, the list of things I look for above is a start. In addition, many SMMA owners have discovered that even though leads meet their basic criteria they still have to go one step further.
SMMA Lead Scoring
I first discovered a problem with basic online sales funnels when I had a luxury real estate client. My client’s task was to pre-lease fancy units from buildings that weren’t even finished. I learned that they spent a lot of marketing dollars to acquire new tenants (CoCA): $3,500 per sale. That seemed like a lot, but their year-long leases were worth over $80,000 a year per unit.
The client’s goal was to get enough interested parties to go through the sales funnel and come out signing contracts. That was easier said than done. That’s when I learned that even within the funnel there were pre-qualifying features and segments that would determine the best kinds of buyers from the tire-kickers.
From this point onward, I started to implement the idea of Lead Scoring into my high-end clients and my own agency. Sadly, this was a new term to me a few years ago. Lead Scoring is when you evaluate the best leads based on select criteria, urgency, and trust. For example:
A prospect that downloaded your freebie is a better lead than someone who didn’t.
Did the lead come from a guest post on a niche website or did they come from a general business directory?
Is the visitor local?
Have they attended one of your events or toured a unit?
Which pages did they visit? Which videos did they watch?
Was the website visitor male or female, and who controlled the family finances?
All of these things add up and become prioritized in your lead scoring system. This is why my real estate client spent so much money on acquiring customers. They didn’t want a basic list generated from placing a few targeted video ads on Facebook. They needed more commitment and engagement to land customers.
This process was like throwing a whole new dimension on to my basic funnel and lead sourcing activities. The payoff of lead scoring is that what you end up with the Glengarry leads. Leads that score the highest are truly the best and have the greatest probability of doing business with you.
If you get lots of leads that don’t go anywhere and you sell high-ticket items, you need lead scoring. It takes more time and money, but this is another task that can be outsourced and automated with lead scoring software. When you get a budget for it, implement it immediately.
The Selling Get Easier
All this heavy sales stuff might sound daunting to new SMMA owners. It does get easier and more interesting. As you build up your case studies and client base, you’ll take on different roles.
In the beginning, 80% of your time should be doing some sort of direct sales activity.
However, when your agency is cruising along practically on auto-pilot because you have more help, the percentage of time flips. Now you spend 80% of the time improving business systems and only 20% doing pure sales.
I’m lucky to have survived the pains of early SMMA growth. I have certainly learned a lot and failed a lot of times. But today, a big part of business development is simply collecting referrals from previously satisfied clients. I can’t remember the last time I did a cold call.
Arlie Peyton is a coach for personal brands and online businesses. He has served as Oregon’s state representative for vocational education and strongly believes that everyone creates their own brand of intrinsic and commercial value. Peyton is based in Portland, Oregon — a magical and mysterious city enveloped by a Douglas Fir rainforest. Learn more at arliepeyton.com.
READ NEXT ON THE STARTUP
Do you want to learn how I got into SMMA? Read the article about my journey and the random course I took by Iman Gadhzi.
This story is published in The Startup, Medium’s largest entrepreneurship publication followed by +438,678 people.
Subscribe to receive our top stories here. | https://medium.com/swlh/the-best-ways-to-get-more-clients-for-your-social-media-marketing-agency-smma-today-627167ee42a5 | ['Arlie'] | 2019-12-17 17:55:20.742000+00:00 | ['Marketing', 'Business Development', 'Startup', 'Smma', 'Sales'] | Title Best Ways Get Clients Social Media Marketing Agency SMMA TodayContent come creating profitable SMMA sale important asset Sure said business However watch hundred people come go SMMA industry I’m noticing biggest pattern failed agency lack sale specifically lack going getting It’s Really Sales search term like “online business” Youtube Facebook you’re likely get ad SMMA Visitors sold hype make endless profit owning SMMA Like online business it’s easy Many people don’t understand get client let alone first Don’t get wrong SMMA course sale training provided even go online watch free video unseen truth starting SMMA first part it’s mostly sale plop hundred thousand dollar course SMMA let show sale process get sale chance making great money SMMA think you’ll struggle sale you’re doomed beginning It’s something learned real salesperson special breed well Hood SMMA get sale part let unpack SMMA operating model Like marketing agency SMMA composed specialist need least one person expert creating effective social medium ad content many case Instagram Facebook focus potential reach ROI It’s rocket science navigate Facebook dashboard create good ad However since policy rule strategy constantly change expert subject often needed Campaigns account get shut time working someone familiar landscape imperative agency never hire anyone le 150000 ad spend experience that’s kicker lot outside SMMA think business owner ad expert they’re see owner understand social medium well hire expert Upwork similar website subcontractor technical work It’s like restaurant owner always chef many case SMMA owner also act social medium expert cut cost However running SMMA deploying multiple campaign client get complicated what’s owner Job 1 SMMA Owners hire subcontractor place optimize ad owner’s role simple get sale That’s Technically onboarding client would another major task automated video online form came conclusion early journey SMMA wrong focused mechanical aspect mastering Facebook ad none really mattered one create ad honest one good getting fantastic result they’re starting That’s hit felt like poser could go getting awesome result potential client couple weak case study created friend Business owner would forking 2000 month amateur cutting teeth paid ad hold lot integrity unfortunately it’s pretty common situation industry wasn’t decided stop learning Facebook Ads hire real expert interviewed lot topnotch social medium expert paid ad found couple real pro enterpriselevel experience paid nearly half retainer minus client ad spend cost like business partnership learned finance really worked SMMA It’s 7030 split plus performance bonus first client thought thing going pretty well Clients would get least 1000 ROAS plenty new business don’t tell client don’t always stay retainer prescribed usually 3–6 month incentivediscount stay lose couple client it’s huge hit revenue Therefore agency owner’s job keep new client coming always hire ad specialist need SMMA Owners Give brings u hardest part running SMMA It’s see dozen wouldbe owner lose interest give business entirely happens daily three pattern SMMA failure 1FEAR FAILURE REJECTION — one like hear no’s day must build thick skin compete sale people don’t beginning you’re calling 50–100 people day get presentation appointment best strategy never sell service phone talk potential sale result client based custom research selling data proofofconcept happens lengthier facetoface meeting prospecting call last minute two Even every rejection add it’s defeating 2LACK PROPER SALES TRAINING — Resources sell dime dozen lot pure regurgitated hype However sale training gem worth paying truth sale realm psychology communication topic exactly scientific though try reality it’s messy speculative best However refining script body language response proven valuable increase sale 3SMMA POOR BUSINESSFOUNDER FIT — people natural introvert introvert quite well industry lot don’t constant interaction complete stranger serve client reach hundred people every week give talk building business social medium ad job you’re introvert can’t “turn on” need right business Furthermore people find running agency isn’t thought businessowner fit completely perhaps another field would winwin get obstacle getting sale Great SMMA Owners solution helped SMMA owner handle sale three action great salesperson get SMMA client First commit reaching every day preferably phone called least 50 people every day month purely experience talking stranger you’re guaranteed get better people skill assuming adjust conversation based feedback I’m talking using little bit Scientific Method worked didn’t customer respond positively thing avoid saying tone work best time work best lot thing recalibrate sale seeing whole process scientifically definitely improve Second let others heavy lifting wrote another article it’s common tactic advanced salesperson use existing network send prequalified prospect short list network people disposal Friends Family Former CoWorkers Email Lists Former Classmates alumnus LinkedIn Contacts Facebook Contacts etc list full mostly weak connection leverage network list close friend family It’s easy spruce list simply meet people know like trust learn they’re lately get good handle ideal client look like business Lastly send potential client Overdeliver quid pro quo good book professor Adam Grant Give Take Driving Others Drives Success key contact call potential client call called “favorable introduction” briefly talk let others know you’ve done business Sometimes doesn’t work it’s worth try don’t like get email call unsolicited I’ve seen failed business hookup scheme far many time count go head time Gee Bob thank connecting complete stranger awkward way clearly point form crosspromotional marketing You’re disinvited next week’s BBQ However someone trust really understands business deep truly believe stranger add value I’m happy give minute five phone way empire past present built buy know like trust — unless desperately need something favorable introduction tactic like standing outside long sinuous line Club Business You’re end waiting bump someone know like get talking realize meet club owner shared interest friend walk right front line tell bouncer “he’s me” suddenly red velvet rope unlatched walk Next thing know you’re introduced club owner work work network Third get sale coach mentor Learn best someone done want Model success it’s simple they’ve you’re it’s likely know common way fail selling field also know lot way succeed waste time money trying figure SMMA sale training big part current program get training elsewhere Remember end day sale vital activity sale profit catch lot sale advice misguided unethical SoCalled Sales Gurus strong unpopular opinion sale guru seem get attention It’s don’t think tactic work we’re talking psychology communication weakest science Something bound work look sale training three E’s Training need Effective Efficient Ethical Bottom line sale system must actually get sale effective Parts sale system training must scalable automated free time energy efficient It’s last “E” usually questionable lot sale advice slick ethic go get sale training SMMA Learn whomever comfortable that’s Belfort Cardone go pick le flamboyant type like Zig Zigler Jeffrey Gitomer Oren Klaff learn sale focus general principle verify aligns company value goal detail ironed putting long hour practicing field take long time master good news pain SMMA sale quickly addressed One key SMMA sale hone specific platform niche strategist proven result example get decisionmakers make sense utilize LinkedIn Recently came across company pass 3 E’s test called SurgeFlowDigital owned Natasha Vilaseca — affiliation company doneforyou lead generation service training systematically acquire SMMA client LinkedIn Since getting client difficult great solution Quality Lead Sourcing get edge would look way qualify lead lot time money spent calling prospect position qualify service coached SMMAs set 5–10 criterion ideal client item put spreadsheet hire cheap labor Upwork Fiverr task It’s called Lead Sourcing Build quality list business call prequalifying first example thing look good client must bringing least 20000 month town several list report make information available Book Business Lists must also within 15 mile business located focus local city region website must Facebook pixel use Chrome’s extension called FB Pixel Helper turn ad blocker good sign don’t recent ad business Facebook Page don’t page they’re big business it’s actually selling point service Often look Instagram evaluate follower count engagement especially visual service product gym home retail good etc Low activity Instagram could golden opportunity discus Every criterion take step closer finding highquality lead Guesstimating average sale good criterion want figure 100 ideally north 500 they’re already advertising traditional medium great sign mind they’ve wasted lot money print ad television kind marketing hard track Moreover Facebook they’ll simply get exposure ideal highlytargeted market like take look Google Business page andor Yelp page see review That’s good indicator might need social medium marketing help many thing look creating good lead sourcing list However list thing look start addition many SMMA owner discovered even though lead meet basic criterion still go one step SMMA Lead Scoring first discovered problem basic online sale funnel luxury real estate client client’s task prelease fancy unit building weren’t even finished learned spent lot marketing dollar acquire new tenant CoCA 3500 per sale seemed like lot yearlong lease worth 80000 year per unit client’s goal get enough interested party go sale funnel come signing contract easier said done That’s learned even within funnel prequalifying feature segment would determine best kind buyer tirekickers point onward started implement idea Lead Scoring highend client agency Sadly new term year ago Lead Scoring evaluate best lead based select criterion urgency trust example prospect downloaded freebie better lead someone didn’t lead come guest post niche website come general business directory visitor local attended one event toured unit page visit video watch website visitor male female controlled family finance thing add become prioritized lead scoring system real estate client spent much money acquiring customer didn’t want basic list generated placing targeted video ad Facebook needed commitment engagement land customer process like throwing whole new dimension basic funnel lead sourcing activity payoff lead scoring end Glengarry lead Leads score highest truly best greatest probability business get lot lead don’t go anywhere sell highticket item need lead scoring take time money another task outsourced automated lead scoring software get budget implement immediately Selling Get Easier heavy sale stuff might sound daunting new SMMA owner get easier interesting build case study client base you’ll take different role beginning 80 time sort direct sale activity However agency cruising along practically autopilot help percentage time flip spend 80 time improving business system 20 pure sale I’m lucky survived pain early SMMA growth certainly learned lot failed lot time today big part business development simply collecting referral previously satisfied client can’t remember last time cold call Arlie Peyton coach personal brand online business served Oregon’s state representative vocational education strongly belief everyone creates brand intrinsic commercial value Peyton based Portland Oregon — magical mysterious city enveloped Douglas Fir rainforest Learn arliepeytoncom READ NEXT STARTUP want learn got SMMA Read article journey random course took Iman Gadhzi story published Startup Medium’s largest entrepreneurship publication followed 438678 people Subscribe receive top story hereTags Marketing Business Development Startup Smma Sales |
2,997 | How Can I Improve On My Writing? | ‘Creating A Masterpiece’
How can I improve on my writing? Which is the best format, style and technique to use? Where can I get the ideas to write about?
These are just some of the questions I have asked myself as I embark upon my curious writing adventure.
I realize that perhaps I should have created this particular piece first, ahead of the previous two articles I recently produced, asked some of the above questions before jumping in and writing whatever was on my mind at the time. But I didn’t, so….
Where It Began
My interest in writing has only recently been triggered again, I do not know why and I do not know what it was that ignited that smoldering ember, but I’m here now, intrigued as to what will come of this recurring interest.
Writing first became of interest to myself in my school days, as I imagine was the case for the majority of people.
A rebel without a cause, the class clown, slouched in my seat at the front of the class (so as the teacher could see what I was up to), shirt hanging out, top button undone and tie in a loose knot all accompanied by a far away glaze in my eyes that signaled to the educator, ‘I am just not that interested in retaining the information that is being forced upon me.’
In my naive ‘know it all’ teenage brain, all teachers had nothing useful to say and they were saying it all too loud!
This was my opinion in each of my classes bar one, English.
Perhaps it was the 6’3, square shouldered, balding giant of a teacher who conduced the class that compelled me to straighten up, smarten up and pay attention. That and he was also the vice principle of the school.
Working our way through the various case studies of the school curriculum was when writing first engaged my curiosity.
A Quick Fix?
Jump forward a few years, 10 (and a bit) roughly, which brings us to present day, 2018. Besides the bare minimum at work or a social media post while under the influence, when we all become a deep and spiritual individual with the answers to all of life’s big questions, I have done next to nothing when it comes to writing, until now.
I have decided to write as often as I can or whenever there is a moment of silence at home, which isn’t a common occurrence with a boisterous 1-year-old running amok and a prepubescent 10-year-old moping around like a lost soul.
As a result of this decision, I have been eager to answer the questions previously mentioned and most commonly asked it seems: ‘How can I improve my writing?’ ‘Which is the best format, style and technique to use?’ ‘Where can I get the ideas to write about?’ to name a few.
It then occurred to me, everyone already knows the answers to these questions deep down, the real question that is being asked is: ‘I need a quick fix to becoming a successful writer, where can I find it?’
As I am a complete newbie to writing I am not going to say for certain that I know this answer, but I would hazard a guess and say, ‘There is no quick fix’
Solutions?
Through researching and on the quest to increase my knowledge on writing, I have come up with a few personal opinions on how to improve on my writing.
1. Practice — The only way to improve at anything, whether it be writing, sports, driving, you name it, is to practice. Repetition is the key. You will never master a task if you never perform the task, so get writing as often as possible, emails, social media posts, blogs will all contribute to increasing your writing capabilities. 2. Reading — Lately I have been paying closer attention to how pieces are written and formatted. By reading books, articles, blog posts, advertisements in magazines and newspapers, bill boards, anything were the creator/author of the content is trying to evoke an emotion I have not only been reading, but also thinking about why this has been put together in this particular style, what is the author trying to achieve, what can I learn from this etc. 3. Listening — This is the digital era and there is no shortage of podcasts, videos and audiobooks, to name a few, on almost any subject you could possibly think of. I have been listening to podcasts and interviews from professional writers on my daily commute, whilst I work and even as I drift of to sleep. The beauty of listening is it can be done on the move and be done whilst multitasking with the option to playback any thing you may have missed. 4. Online Courses — I haven’t looked to deeply into any of the online courses that are on offer as I believe there is more than enough free content to learn from for someone at my stage of their writing journey. 5. Where to get ideas — I have set up a Google Docs folder on my phone that I use to note ideas that I hear in my daily life. Perhaps I hear a certain subject mentioned on the radio that triggers an idea I could write about, I jot it down right there and then so as not to forget. There are ideas surrounding you every day, you just have to listen. Maybe you don’t wear your ear buds the next time you use the bus or train for example and just listen to what’s going around you, anything can set off a thought pattern in your mind and next thing you know you have 5 or 6 ideas to write about, give it a go.
The points listed above include some of the steps which I use when I wish to learn or improve at anything in life and I believe the same methods will be just as rewarding as I seek to improve on my own writing skills.
I would love to hear of any other methods you use to help increase your knowledge and skills when it comes to writing or anything that you have tried in the past that has been of immense value and help in moving you forward toward your writing goals. | https://weejusty.medium.com/how-can-i-improve-on-my-writing-37544ae10f89 | ['Ryan Justin'] | 2019-05-03 01:35:57.289000+00:00 | ['Ideas', 'Practice', 'Writing', 'Reading', 'Productivity'] | Title Improve WritingContent ‘Creating Masterpiece’ improve writing best format style technique use get idea write question asked embark upon curious writing adventure realize perhaps created particular piece first ahead previous two article recently produced asked question jumping writing whatever mind time didn’t so… Began interest writing recently triggered know know ignited smoldering ember I’m intrigued come recurring interest Writing first became interest school day imagine case majority people rebel without cause class clown slouched seat front class teacher could see shirt hanging top button undone tie loose knot accompanied far away glaze eye signaled educator ‘I interested retaining information forced upon me’ naive ‘know all’ teenage brain teacher nothing useful say saying loud opinion class bar one English Perhaps 6’3 square shouldered balding giant teacher conduced class compelled straighten smarten pay attention also vice principle school Working way various case study school curriculum writing first engaged curiosity Quick Fix Jump forward year 10 bit roughly brings u present day 2018 Besides bare minimum work social medium post influence become deep spiritual individual answer life’s big question done next nothing come writing decided write often whenever moment silence home isn’t common occurrence boisterous 1yearold running amok prepubescent 10yearold moping around like lost soul result decision eager answer question previously mentioned commonly asked seems ‘How improve writing’ ‘Which best format style technique use’ ‘Where get idea write about’ name occurred everyone already know answer question deep real question asked ‘I need quick fix becoming successful writer find it’ complete newbie writing going say certain know answer would hazard guess say ‘There quick fix’ Solutions researching quest increase knowledge writing come personal opinion improve writing 1 Practice — way improve anything whether writing sport driving name practice Repetition key never master task never perform task get writing often possible email social medium post blog contribute increasing writing capability 2 Reading — Lately paying closer attention piece written formatted reading book article blog post advertisement magazine newspaper bill board anything creatorauthor content trying evoke emotion reading also thinking put together particular style author trying achieve learn etc 3 Listening — digital era shortage podcasts video audiobooks name almost subject could possibly think listening podcasts interview professional writer daily commute whilst work even drift sleep beauty listening done move done whilst multitasking option playback thing may missed 4 Online Courses — haven’t looked deeply online course offer believe enough free content learn someone stage writing journey 5 get idea — set Google Docs folder phone use note idea hear daily life Perhaps hear certain subject mentioned radio trigger idea could write jot right forget idea surrounding every day listen Maybe don’t wear ear bud next time use bus train example listen what’s going around anything set thought pattern mind next thing know 5 6 idea write give go point listed include step use wish learn improve anything life believe method rewarding seek improve writing skill would love hear method use help increase knowledge skill come writing anything tried past immense value help moving forward toward writing goalsTags Ideas Practice Writing Reading Productivity |
2,998 | Q&A with Sherrell Dorsey, Founder of The PLUG | Q&A with Sherrell Dorsey, Founder of The PLUG
This week, The Idea caught up with Sherrell to learn more about The PLUG — a digital platform that covers the black tech sector. Read to learn about The PLUG’s data-driven journalism, how the outlet plans to close the gap between journalists and black innovation communities, and why Sherrell thinks media outlets struggle to draw diverse audiences. Subscribe to our newsletter on the business of media for more interviews and weekly news and analysis.
Tell me about The PLUG.
The PLUG is a subscription-based digital news and insights platform. We cover the black innovation economy and report on black tech, investment, ecosystems, workforce development, and anything pertaining to the future of technology from the perspective of black leaders and innovators.
We deliver exclusive stories once per week. We’re increasing this frequency to two times a week in June. We also provide data indexes, reports, and other intelligence on the black tech space like black CIOs and S&P 500s. We also have monthly pro member calls where we feature different leaders in the space. Back in February, we launched a live summit to bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
We currently have several thousand subscribers with hundreds of paid members. Most of these pro members actually opt for an annual subscription instead of a quarterly one.
And, how did you come up with the idea?
I actually stumbled across the idea accidentally. I have always worked in tech and one of the challenges for me was not seeing folks that looked like me in the tech scene in the media I was consuming. I grew up in Seattle, so I was constantly around black engineers, black programmers, black network administrators. It bothered me that I wasn’t seeing that reflected in the material that I was reading and that there wasn’t a rigorous and analytical look at what people of color are doing in the tech space
In 2008, I started a blog and began writing about black tech innovators who were developing models to provide formerly incarcerated people with employment by training them in solar panel installation. At the time I didn’t have a journalism background, but I was calling publications asking to write about these topics. I found that as I was building up my freelance repertoire, people began reaching out to me because of my knowledge of this space. This inspired me to launch a daily tech newsletter in 2016. Our readers not only included black techies at companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon but also investors and other tech reports who felt that they had been missing a diversity lens on tech.
The newsletter was getting traction and advertisers like Capital One and Goldman Sachs started reaching out to me asking to connect with my audience, which eventually allowed me to grow the newsletter into a platform that provides readers with highly data-driven journalism.
How has the platform’s business structure evolved since its inception?
When I first started, it was just me, my laptop, and my WiFi. Then, when Capital One and other sponsors came on board, I was able to grow revenue and start doing some testing on the structure of the business. I would also go on to secure a six-month publishing partnership with Vice Media where we co-published pieces on diversity and tech onto the tech vertical they had at the time, Motherboard.
It quickly became apparent, however, that advertising isn’t the best way to play the long game. So, I started looking into how The PLUG can build a sustainable subscription model. In 2019, The PLUG participated in The Information’s Accelerator, which is an initiative that supports next-generation news publications. Shortly after, we launched a paid version of The PLUG in July.
Aside from that, we also license our content and publish sponsored content. Every now and then, we also secure grants.
What do you think mainstream outlets get wrong when trying to attract black and brown audiences?
Way too often people treat these audiences as a charity and think that giving them free access will solve the issue. It unsettles me when media leaders treat this issue as a philanthropic initiative. We overestimate how much money factors into this. I grew up in the inner city; people pay for what it is they value at the end of the day, rich or poor. You have to have content that these audiences find valuable. Even if you give it to them for free, the content and coverage are not valued if it does not reflect their community or voice in an authentic way.
Did you consider VC funding?
Yeah, I initially thought I was going to secure VC dollars. But, I found that a lot of the pushback I was getting was “Well, we already invested in another black media outlet.” The real question is: why can there only be one? Do black and brown people not have needs and nuances?
What do you think sets The PLUG apart from other black tech media outlets?
Definitely our depth and analysis — The PLUG has extensive data libraries. For instance, we were the first one to develop a map of all black-owned coworking spaces in the country. We cover topics that no one else is asking questions about.
Unfortunately, there’s no centralized source on black tech, and so The PLUG’s ability to bring this data, comprehensive indexes, and in-depth coverage has allowed us to garner a lot of attention. A talent scout for ABC’s Shark Tank recently told me that they use The PLUG to stay informed on emerging start-ups across the nation.
What’s your long-term vision for The PLUG?
I’d like to offer more city-specific reportage on black innovation communities across the country and the world and build a global network of reports.
I’d also like to move into more research-based initiatives to help fuel academic research, investor analysis, and government policy on black innovation.
In all honesty, though, I don’t even have a 10-year plan. The impetus behind our work is greater visibility and I hope that in 10 years we don’t have to continue staying niche. My hope is that more businesses and tech publications will cover communities of color with the same diligence and rigor as The PLUG. I hope that this kind of reportage is not seen as ancillary but instead more integrated in tech and business reportage.
And with that, I hope that we get purchased and can grow within the walls of a publisher that recognizes our value and the importance of delivering this information to readers.
RAPID FIRE
What is your first read in the morning?
The Wall Street Journal’s tech news briefing and The Daily Stoic.
What was the last book you consumed?
Arlan Hamilton’s It’s About Damn Time and Kevin Kelly’s The Inevitable.
What job would you be doing if you weren’t in your current role?
This is tricky because I like the grind of building something from the ground up. If I wasn’t working on The Plug, I’d probably be teaching inclusive entrepreneurship at the collegiate level or within vocational training ecosystems. | https://medium.com/the-idea/q-a-with-sherrell-dorsey-founder-of-the-plug-8fd4227440d9 | ['Tesnim Zekeria'] | 2020-05-27 19:38:12.108000+00:00 | ['Journalism', 'Startup', 'Technology', 'Subscriber Spotlight', 'Media'] | Title QA Sherrell Dorsey Founder PLUGContent QA Sherrell Dorsey Founder PLUG week Idea caught Sherrell learn PLUG — digital platform cover black tech sector Read learn PLUG’s datadriven journalism outlet plan close gap journalist black innovation community Sherrell think medium outlet struggle draw diverse audience Subscribe newsletter business medium interview weekly news analysis Tell PLUG PLUG subscriptionbased digital news insight platform cover black innovation economy report black tech investment ecosystem workforce development anything pertaining future technology perspective black leader innovator deliver exclusive story per week We’re increasing frequency two time week June also provide data index report intelligence black tech space like black CIOs SP 500 also monthly pro member call feature different leader space Back February launched live summit bring together researcher entrepreneur investor currently several thousand subscriber hundred paid member pro member actually opt annual subscription instead quarterly one come idea actually stumbled across idea accidentally always worked tech one challenge seeing folk looked like tech scene medium consuming grew Seattle constantly around black engineer black programmer black network administrator bothered wasn’t seeing reflected material reading wasn’t rigorous analytical look people color tech space 2008 started blog began writing black tech innovator developing model provide formerly incarcerated people employment training solar panel installation time didn’t journalism background calling publication asking write topic found building freelance repertoire people began reaching knowledge space inspired launch daily tech newsletter 2016 reader included black techie company like Google Facebook Amazon also investor tech report felt missing diversity lens tech newsletter getting traction advertiser like Capital One Goldman Sachs started reaching asking connect audience eventually allowed grow newsletter platform provides reader highly datadriven journalism platform’s business structure evolved since inception first started laptop WiFi Capital One sponsor came board able grow revenue start testing structure business would also go secure sixmonth publishing partnership Vice Media copublished piece diversity tech onto tech vertical time Motherboard quickly became apparent however advertising isn’t best way play long game started looking PLUG build sustainable subscription model 2019 PLUG participated Information’s Accelerator initiative support nextgeneration news publication Shortly launched paid version PLUG July Aside also license content publish sponsored content Every also secure grant think mainstream outlet get wrong trying attract black brown audience Way often people treat audience charity think giving free access solve issue unsettles medium leader treat issue philanthropic initiative overestimate much money factor grew inner city people pay value end day rich poor content audience find valuable Even give free content coverage valued reflect community voice authentic way consider VC funding Yeah initially thought going secure VC dollar found lot pushback getting “Well already invested another black medium outlet” real question one black brown people need nuance think set PLUG apart black tech medium outlet Definitely depth analysis — PLUG extensive data library instance first one develop map blackowned coworking space country cover topic one else asking question Unfortunately there’s centralized source black tech PLUG’s ability bring data comprehensive index indepth coverage allowed u garner lot attention talent scout ABC’s Shark Tank recently told use PLUG stay informed emerging startup across nation What’s longterm vision PLUG I’d like offer cityspecific reportage black innovation community across country world build global network report I’d also like move researchbased initiative help fuel academic research investor analysis government policy black innovation honesty though don’t even 10year plan impetus behind work greater visibility hope 10 year don’t continue staying niche hope business tech publication cover community color diligence rigor PLUG hope kind reportage seen ancillary instead integrated tech business reportage hope get purchased grow within wall publisher recognizes value importance delivering information reader RAPID FIRE first read morning Wall Street Journal’s tech news briefing Daily Stoic last book consumed Arlan Hamilton’s It’s Damn Time Kevin Kelly’s Inevitable job would weren’t current role tricky like grind building something ground wasn’t working Plug I’d probably teaching inclusive entrepreneurship collegiate level within vocational training ecosystemsTags Journalism Startup Technology Subscriber Spotlight Media |
2,999 | How to Easily Create Animated Gifs, Step-by-Step Guides, and Videos | You know that feeling in your gut when you get a loong email with complicated sentences explaining what you should do and where you should find it. This is a kind of email you need to read three times to understand what the person wants from you.
Or that gut feeling when you’ve had a Zoom meeting with several of your co-workers explaining a procedure a couple of times, not once but a couple of times. And still, you get emails and phone calls with questions about the same procedure.
Are you sick of endless phone calls and online meetings where you have to explain the same thing over and over again?
Do you have a feeling you spend more time on meetings than you are writing code?
I know how that feels. FRUSTRATING!
Throwing your computer through the window is out of the question. The problem is not the computer, and no, no need to assume others are stupid or don’t listen.
Here is the problem.
Two-thirds of people understand information better when communicated visually.
We process visuals 60,000 times faster than text
How long does it take you to realize that a curved line with every point equal distance from the center is a circle? Is it not easier just to show?
Still, many people rely mostly on writing long exhausting emails and having long fruitless phone calls.
It’s time to put a stop to it.
There is a solution to the problem.
You can make a how-to guide, animated gif, or a video explaining a topic so coworkers can watch it over and over again without bothering you.
In this article, you’ll learn about Snagit.
Snagit is a super useful tool that helps you:
create how-to guides,
animated gifs,
instructional videos
You can create:
materials for technical documentation,
materials for marketing, or
training materials.
With visual materials, you can improve communication in your team.
And no, creating these materials is not a long and challenging procedure.
Snagit has a super simple screen recorder, snipping tool, screen capture and more
How visual communication can help you be a better communicator
In the next lines, I’ll demonstrate a few examples.
Try to imagine the amount of time and effort it would take if you tried to explain the same thing with words or try to create the same thing with a graphic tool like Photoshop or Microsoft Word.
Examples:
You want to share a print screen of an app/page with sensitive data. You want to show extra attention to a part of the app/page, but you want to hide some parts of the app/page since it reveals some sensitive information. You want to record a simple video explaining the results of your last week’s work. You’ll make a simple HOW-TO guide. You’ll make it in less than a minute. Do you want to see how? You’ll pretend to be a designer that needs to give feedback on the new website. You’ll make an animated gif showing how to do a simple task. And you’ll optimize the gif size.
These are just a few examples where using a visual is way more effective than using plain text. And Snagit makes it quick and easy for you.
While I’ll demonstrate the examples, I’ll show you some of my favorite tools in Snagit.
How to make a print screen and hide sensitive information… quickly
Report with hidden information
How to make a print screen with panoramic capture and hide sensitive information
In the video, you can learn:
how to make a print screen that needs scrolling with Snagit’s screen capture
how to grab text from the print screen
how to hide sensitive data on the print screen
how to simplify an image
how to add annotations to the image
how to share it or host it in the cloud
Snagit tools used in the video are:
panoramic capture
simplify tool
grab text (only mentioned)
annotations
themes
sharing to Screencast.com
Panoramic screen capture
One of the great features of Snagit is the ability to do a panoramic screen capture.
With panoramic capture, you can make a print screen and include anything that needs scrolling. You can record the screen vertically or horizontally. Horizontal scrolling would be useful if you were recording something like a Trello dashboard.
Simplify tool
The simplify tool makes all the objects on the page simplified.
The simplify tool is useful when:
we are showing the UI that might change in the future, and we don’t want the user to get confused
we have some delicate data on the screen, and we don’t want the user to see this information.
The simplify tool takes the colors from the page.
Grab text tool
Grab text tool helps you grab text from an image. It’s super simple. Here is how:
Themes
If you want to use the same colors and styles in all Snagit tools, you can make a theme.
Snagit themes make it easy to create and share a set of custom tool styles, called quick styles, to create consistency in your images.
To a theme, you can add up to 8 colors.
Create a theme when you want to stick to your companies branding throughout several projects.
You can also download themes from their resources.
Sharing
One cool thing about Snagit is that it integrates with:
Google Drive,
Slack,
Dropbox
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
YouTube
Camtasia
and more.
You can add more plugins for sharing.
How to record a simple video from print screens
Once you have your print screens created, you can make a video from these images. Snagit has a super simple screen recorder and editing tools.
In Snagit, it’s a simple procedure:
select images you want to use in a video, right-click and select Create Video from Images enable audio and/or camera record the video while explaining the content of the print screens add annotations and callouts where they make sense export the video and share it.
This part of the Youtube video explains how to record a simple video from print screens to explain the results of your last week’s work:
Present results of your work in a video
How to create a HOW-TO guide
This kind of guide would take some time to create in Photoshop or Microsoft Word. The latest version of Snagit introduced Templates that make creating guides a breeze.
In Snagit, you do the following:
select print screens you want to add to a guide, right-click and select Combine in a template rearrange images and add captions add title and subtitle export
You have many Templates available for free and even more in TechSmith’s resources library.
This part of the video explains how to create a simple step-by-step guide:
How to make a simple HOW-TO guide with templates
Give quick feedback using a visual
You need to give feedback on the new app or website; you need to discuss the UI and functionality.
Would it not be great if you could:
make a print screen remove parts from the print screen that you don’t like add what is missing move the parts of the app that need re-arranging and add comments and callouts right on the print screen
In this example, we pretend to be a designer that needs to give feedback on the new website:
How to move elements on the page
Create an animated gif showing how to do a simple task
Snagit makes it simple to create a gif. The animated gif is perfect for showing a simple task like filling a simple form.
Snagit lets you optimize the gif. Custom options include:
Frame rate is the number of frames per second. A higher frame rate produces smoother video playback and can result in larger file sizes.
Gif dimensions
Dithering prevents color banding and helps produce smoother video content. Dithering can result in larger file sizes.
Dynamic colors are recommended. Enabling this option can result in increased file sizes.
With looping, the Animated GIF plays back on a continuous loop.
Fade to black causes animated GIF to fade the last frame to black.
In the video, you will see how to create an animated gif with Snagit:
How to make an animated gif showing a simple task
Snagit for visual communication
I’m a Snagit user, I use it daily. I’m also their affiliate since I’m a fan of their software and cannot work without their products anymore.
If Snagit is the right tool for you then I would be happy if you buy from the this link. I get a super small fee.
Snagit is the golden tool for:
developers,
eLearning professionals,
marketing gurus, and
everybody that works in a field where good communication is the key to quality work.
Before buying you can try a trial version.
If you have any questions about Snagit, you can contact me via LinkedIn or add a comment to the YouTube Snagit review. I would be happy to help. | https://medium.com/ucan-learn-to-code/snagit-2021-tutorial-9175857a6fff | ['Jana Bergant'] | 2020-12-22 12:30:57.735000+00:00 | ['Tutorial', 'Marketing', 'Documentation', 'Startup', 'Communication'] | Title Easily Create Animated Gifs StepbyStep Guides VideosContent know feeling gut get loong email complicated sentence explaining find kind email need read three time understand person want gut feeling you’ve Zoom meeting several coworkers explaining procedure couple time couple time still get email phone call question procedure sick endless phone call online meeting explain thing feeling spend time meeting writing code know feel FRUSTRATING Throwing computer window question problem computer need assume others stupid don’t listen problem Twothirds people understand information better communicated visually process visuals 60000 time faster text long take realize curved line every point equal distance center circle easier show Still many people rely mostly writing long exhausting email long fruitless phone call It’s time put stop solution problem make howto guide animated gif video explaining topic coworkers watch without bothering article you’ll learn Snagit Snagit super useful tool help create howto guide animated gifs instructional video create material technical documentation material marketing training material visual material improve communication team creating material long challenging procedure Snagit super simple screen recorder snipping tool screen capture visual communication help better communicator next line I’ll demonstrate example Try imagine amount time effort would take tried explain thing word try create thing graphic tool like Photoshop Microsoft Word Examples want share print screen apppage sensitive data want show extra attention part apppage want hide part apppage since reveals sensitive information want record simple video explaining result last week’s work You’ll make simple HOWTO guide You’ll make le minute want see You’ll pretend designer need give feedback new website You’ll make animated gif showing simple task you’ll optimize gif size example using visual way effective using plain text Snagit make quick easy I’ll demonstrate example I’ll show favorite tool Snagit make print screen hide sensitive information… quickly Report hidden information make print screen panoramic capture hide sensitive information video learn make print screen need scrolling Snagit’s screen capture grab text print screen hide sensitive data print screen simplify image add annotation image share host cloud Snagit tool used video panoramic capture simplify tool grab text mentioned annotation theme sharing Screencastcom Panoramic screen capture One great feature Snagit ability panoramic screen capture panoramic capture make print screen include anything need scrolling record screen vertically horizontally Horizontal scrolling would useful recording something like Trello dashboard Simplify tool simplify tool make object page simplified simplify tool useful showing UI might change future don’t want user get confused delicate data screen don’t want user see information simplify tool take color page Grab text tool Grab text tool help grab text image It’s super simple Themes want use color style Snagit tool make theme Snagit theme make easy create share set custom tool style called quick style create consistency image theme add 8 color Create theme want stick company branding throughout several project also download theme resource Sharing One cool thing Snagit integrates Google Drive Slack Dropbox Microsoft Word PowerPoint Outlook YouTube Camtasia add plugins sharing record simple video print screen print screen created make video image Snagit super simple screen recorder editing tool Snagit it’s simple procedure select image want use video rightclick select Create Video Images enable audio andor camera record video explaining content print screen add annotation callouts make sense export video share part Youtube video explains record simple video print screen explain result last week’s work Present result work video create HOWTO guide kind guide would take time create Photoshop Microsoft Word latest version Snagit introduced Templates make creating guide breeze Snagit following select print screen want add guide rightclick select Combine template rearrange image add caption add title subtitle export many Templates available free even TechSmith’s resource library part video explains create simple stepbystep guide make simple HOWTO guide template Give quick feedback using visual need give feedback new app website need discus UI functionality Would great could make print screen remove part print screen don’t like add missing move part app need rearranging add comment callouts right print screen example pretend designer need give feedback new website move element page Create animated gif showing simple task Snagit make simple create gif animated gif perfect showing simple task like filling simple form Snagit let optimize gif Custom option include Frame rate number frame per second higher frame rate produce smoother video playback result larger file size Gif dimension Dithering prevents color banding help produce smoother video content Dithering result larger file size Dynamic color recommended Enabling option result increased file size looping Animated GIF play back continuous loop Fade black cause animated GIF fade last frame black video see create animated gif Snagit make animated gif showing simple task Snagit visual communication I’m Snagit user use daily I’m also affiliate since I’m fan software cannot work without product anymore Snagit right tool would happy buy link get super small fee Snagit golden tool developer eLearning professional marketing guru everybody work field good communication key quality work buying try trial version question Snagit contact via LinkedIn add comment YouTube Snagit review would happy helpTags Tutorial Marketing Documentation Startup Communication |
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