Oversimplified: Volume 128

The power of momentum, heuristics that almost work, and data team red flags

Hey there 👋

Oversimplified is a digest of the best links I stumble upon each week, and any new posts from me. If this is your first issue, welcome! You can subscribe with the big blue button below:

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📚 Heuristics That Almost Always Work

Let’s say there’s a security guard. Whenever he hears a noise, he assumes it’s nothing. 99.9% of the time he’s right. It’s a great heuristic. But then the question remains: Why even have a security guard in the first place?

📚 Momentum Is Magic

Short, but sweet. This post sums up a concept that we all know well in our work lives: When you get going on something, it’s easier to continue. “Forward motion becomes the new default state.” So figure out ways to get started and pile up quick wins.

📚 Red Flags When Joining a Data Team

Lot’s of stuff in here that I would happily echo: “Looking for new data science opportunities in this heated market? Before you accept that offer, here are some red flags to beware of. While these are from the perspective of data science, they also apply to most tech roles.”

🔗 Unique Places to Eat and Drink

If you haven’t heard of Atlas Obscura, it’s quite cool. “Descend into the depths for dinner at the world's largest underwater restaurant. Sip global gins poured from a gilded tower. Stroll through a wild coffee forest or eat at the last Woolworth’s Lunch Counter. Choose your favorite flavor of food adventure and this global guide will lead you there.”

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Food for Thought

“It was a brilliant idea: You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing.” — Richard Feynman

I’m back in New York and looking at apartments to settle down in for a while. Wish me luck… I might need it 🤞

Until next time

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Until next time,

Conor