Drawing is one of the few activities that can soothe me into a zone/flow, like hours before a SIGGRAPH deadline (before year 2011, the start of my diminishing marginal return).
2021-02-08
2021-01-19
Being attentive
I was reading this book chapter about a group of poker players at a game table, some closely observed every play and some just focused on their own thoughts.
The former can learn others’ habits and adapt their betting strategies, while the latter can bust out even with a mathematically good hand.
This made me realize that I could have paid more outward attention and less inward looking to the different situations I have been in, from daily conversations/meetings (too much self distractions) to international jobs/travels (too little observation these different people and places).
This also relates to a maxim of meditation, of being present, which can enhance happiness and productivity.
2021-01-18
Fairness
If we continue this line of reasoning, is it fair for younger, healthy people in richer nations to receive more heath care, social welfare, etc., than vulnerable people in poorer states?
How should we define fairness across different groups of people?
Is such fairness achievable or desirable?
Money, discipline, and life
Without enough disciplines, money, talent, or other resources cannot solve our problems, if not create more.
2021-01-15
Genetic donation
A discussion about sperm donation came into my mind a few days ago.
All biological beings are built to spread and continue their genetic legacies. However, I should also be responsible on how my genetic future will match, grow, and further spread. And thus consider one-way blind donation unsuitable for me.
2020-12-29
Stolen package
I noticed a missed delivery slip near my front door. As before, I filled it out for redelivery without requiring signature, but the package never came and the staff could not find it in their office. Due to its content, I guess the package has been stolen. I did not keep a copy of the delivery slip since the process has worked before a few times.
Lesson learned: keep the due diligence and never let my guard down.
2020-11-20
How to deal with randomness in life
[This is my reply to a co-author who expressed concerns about the randomness in peer reviews.]
During my military training, a saying went like 散彈打鳥不死也傷, which roughly translates to “if one shoots enough bullets into a forest eventually a bird will be hit”.
(There are others related quotes such as “the best way to have a great idea is to have a lot of ideas” by Linus Pauling, but shooting bullets feels more concrete/visceral.)
Other things being equal, more attempts tend to reduce statistical variance and increase the numbers of success.
2020-11-12
Rick retiring
I received an announcement earlier today that a prominent member of our research community is scheduled to retire next month, which made me think about what it means for a research scientist to retire.
To me, it means all the extra time and freedom to do whatever I want, such as single-author a SIGGRAPH paper in an exotic topic that I wouldn’t be able to find support from funding agencies or company managements. (I used to joke with my students that I plan to single-author papers when I am 88 years old.) But I have yet to reach that biological and career stage, so I cannot predict what I can or want to do then.
Maybe I will write a follow-up post when I turn 88.