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My 2025 Reflections

Minor Musings • 0 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry Music Performance Engineering Leadership Coaching
  1. Publishing a serious poetry collection and performing publicly opened up deeper creative authenticity and stronger emotional connection with audiences.
  2. Work moved into large, cross-team engineering projects where coordination, trust, and leadership matter more than raw coding, while tools like observability and agentic coding expanded technical impact.
  3. New coaching and workshop formats supported others' transformation, and clear 2026 plans aim to scale artistic performances, a poetry reading tour, more coaching cohorts, and refined consulting and technical focus.

On walking 🚶‍♂️

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Urban life Lifestyle Travel Self-Exploration Mindfulness
  1. Walking is the best way to really understand a city. It helps you see and feel the place more deeply than driving or cycling.
  2. Taking walks helps you notice unique things about neighborhoods, like local shops and street life. Each walk can reveal something new and interesting.
  3. To fully enjoy walking, try to keep distractions away, like music or podcasts. This way, you can focus on your surroundings and explore freely.

Found in translation

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Language Traditions Identity Regionalism Communication
  1. Learning local language quirks is fun when living in a new country. It helps you connect with the culture and meet new people.
  2. Unique phrases often reflect local culture and history. These sayings can offer a peek into how people in that area view their world.
  3. Food-related expressions show cultural differences, like how New Yorkers say 'get a slice' for pizza. Such phrases highlight impactful local customs.

Things I love about Chernobyl, the HBO series

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Storytelling History
  1. The show Chernobyl uses restraint in its storytelling, focusing on the reality of the disaster without overly dramatizing events. This makes the series feel more authentic and trustworthy.
  2. Language plays a big role in the show, showcasing unique phrases and expressions that reflect the culture and complexity of the Soviet Union. This adds depth and richness to the dialogue.
  3. Attention to detail is a standout feature of Chernobyl, with accurate depictions of the era's hairstyles, clothing, and technology. It helps to transport viewers back to the 1980s Soviet Union and makes the story more believable.
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Tiny differences between America and the UK

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural differences Social norms Everyday life Language Humor
  1. Public restrooms in the US have big gaps in the doors, making it awkward to use them. In the UK, bathrooms are more private, and you can relax without feeling exposed.
  2. In America, people walk consistently on the right side of the sidewalk. It's an unspoken rule that even confuses some visitors from the UK.
  3. US grocery stores use strong paper bags that aren't common in the UK. These bags are reusable and sturdy, making shopping easier.

The Art of Naming

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Language Communication Concepts Labels Ideas
  1. Naming is really powerful. When you have a good name for an idea, it makes it easier for people to understand and connect with it.
  2. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings. If we can't agree on names and terms, we might end up talking about different things.
  3. Good labels can make ideas stick in people's minds for a long time. So, think about how to package your ideas in a catchy way to make them more impactful.

I just met Bob Dylan 🎨

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Identity Narrative Personal Experience
  1. Meeting your heroes can be surprising and sometimes not meet your expectations. It's okay because they are just people too, like you.
  2. Finding art you connect with can be meaningful and help you feel at home in new places. It can also lead to curiosity about the person behind that art.
  3. We all have the power to change the world around us. If we have ideas or dreams, we should go out and make them a reality, just like the artist 'Blob Dylan' did.

Why finding love is more complicated than ever

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Dating Relationships Society Expectations Love
  1. Finding love today is more complicated because there are many more choices but less societal structure to help make those choices. In the past, love was often found through arranged introductions and societal expectations.
  2. People now take longer to decide on a partner because they can explore many options. This leads them to expect love before committing, changing the traditional sequence of ritual coming before love.
  3. Modern relationships demand a lot more from partners, but people often try to achieve deep connections in a much shorter time. This makes the search for love feel harder and more rushed than it used to be.

The unwritten clock of human behaviour

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Human behavior Social norms Cultural observations
  1. You can notice the passage of time by observing people's behaviors, rather than just looking at a clock or calendar.
  2. Certain events and trends, like the busy gym in January, can happen in predictable patterns every year.
  3. Every month has its own unique signs, like holiday decorations or weather changes, which can help you identify the time of year.

What do you do? 🙋🏾‍♂️

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Conversations Social norms Personal Growth Self-Expression
  1. When asked about what you do, it's common to talk about your job. But your job is just one part of who you are.
  2. You have many layers to your identity beyond your work, like your hobbies and interests. These things can help you connect with others on a deeper level.
  3. Instead of just giving a job title, try sharing something personal or interesting about yourself. It can lead to better conversations and real connections.

Mindful Musings #1

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Education History Art Social Issues
  1. Love languages are more complex than we think; how you give love is often different from how you want to receive it. Only 14% of people express love in the same way they want to receive it.
  2. The ancient Babylonians were really smart! They figured out how to get the square root of 2 almost perfectly without modern tools, showing that limits can spark creativity.
  3. AI, like ChatGPT, will change how we work by taking over some tasks, but it won't replace jobs. Humans will still be needed to guide and correct the AI's output.

Some Theories for/from Dancing

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Dance Performance Empathy Self Social Interaction
  1. Dancing is often a selfish act that brings focus to oneself, allowing the dancer to feel lost in their own body. It's okay to explore this self-centeredness and let go of the fear of being perceived as selfish.
  2. Empathy can be practiced in dancing by mirroring others' movements, including their struggles. By doing this, dancers become more aware of their own bodies and can connect with others on a deeper level.
  3. Social dancing is about connection and validation, where dancers support each other rather than compete. It's important to balance taking care of one's own energy while engaging with others through eye contact and smiles.

Dinner dance party

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social Events Food Relationships Community Entertainment
  1. Taking orders at work can be tricky, especially if those orders could lead to serious consequences. It's important to think about how our actions align with ethics and rights.
  2. Building strong relationships at work can really help you succeed and learn more. Having a good mentor makes navigating the job easier and more rewarding.
  3. Dinner parties with friends can lead to great memories and fun times. It's nice to relax, enjoy good food, and even have a dance party afterward!

Social overload

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social life Community Networking Recreation Self-Expression
  1. Meeting new people can lead to surprising connections, like finding out someone lives close by or has a cool job. It's interesting how socially active situations can turn into networking opportunities.
  2. Physical activities like running or dancing can be tiring but also very energizing. Engaging with others in these activities can create joyful moments, even if you're not feeling your best.
  3. Speaking up in social settings can help you feel more connected and included. Even a simple request like asking for a ride can change how others see you in the group.

Monkey Loft

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social life Dance Relationships Self-Improvement Personal Growth
  1. Getting stung by hornets can be painful, but responding with both fight and flight can help you tackle scary situations.
  2. Dancing alone can feel freeing, and it allows you to connect with others without the pressure of performing.
  3. It's okay to be hesitant when asking for someone's number; the important part is to engage and have a genuine conversation.

A very sick love letter

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Relationships Personal Growth Dreams Health Narrative
  1. Being sick can make you reflect on your relationships and feelings deeply. It's important to take the time to express your thoughts to those you care about.
  2. Connecting emotionally is essential before building a romantic relationship. Trying exercises like eye-gazing can help explore those feelings.
  3. Listening to different perspectives on work-life balance can open your eyes to how people live around the world. Conversations can lead to valuable insights about happiness and stress.

Performance and Effort

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Performance Art Dance Consciousness Creativity
  1. Performance doesn't have to feel like hard work. Sometimes, it can be more about living in the moment and enjoying the experience.
  2. In dance and life, it's possible to let go of unnecessary tension and just flow with the energy around you.
  3. Being fully present might not mean putting in more effort; it could actually be about inhibiting certain thoughts or actions to find a more relaxed state.

Building a women’s hostel

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Charity Community Health Adventure Women
  1. A women's hostel is being built to provide a place for mothers of children receiving treatment at the Shoe 4 Africa hospital. This will help reduce expenses and ensure that parents can stay close to their kids during treatment.
  2. Running a long distance will help raise money for the hostel. The goal is to collect $600,000, and collecting donations from many people can make a big difference.
  3. The Shoe 4 Africa hospital serves a large area with many patients in need. It not only provides medical care but also plays a key role in the community by helping fight treatment abandonment due to costs.

Don't be a hater

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Online behavior Personal Growth Social media Communication
  1. Engaging in negative conversations doesn't help anyone and can hurt people's lives. It's better to focus on uplifting others instead.
  2. Feeling jealous might lead us to criticize others, but we should celebrate their successes instead. This helps everyone grow and feel better.
  3. Making a shift to positive thinking not only helps others but also makes us feel more productive and happier in our own lives.

I’m sexy and I know it

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Dance Self-Expression Relationships Personal Growth Artistry
  1. Confidence can create a cycle where feeling sexy boosts self-esteem, making you feel and appear even sexier.
  2. Dancing can be a way to connect deeply with others, allowing for fun while embracing vulnerability and being present.
  3. Consent and respect in physical interactions enhance comfort and enjoyment, leading to positive experiences in social settings.

Book Review: The Loneliest Americans

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Identity Society History Politics
  1. Jay Caspian Kang's book
  2. 'Asian American' as an identity was born at the University of California Berkeley in 1968, shaped by shared challenges tied to U.S. military interventions abroad and domestic oppression
  3. Asian Americans, though often portrayed as a 'model minority', face socioeconomic disparities within their community, with some groups like Hmong and Cambodian Americans experiencing lower incomes and educational outcomes
  4. Younger Asian American migrants and professionals often grapple with a hyphenated identity, feeling like outsiders in both the U.S. and their ancestral countries, leading to a sense of 'loneliness' and complex challenges in education, workplace, and representation

The city is your oyster

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Film Theater Comedy Food
  1. Oysters were once abundant in New York City, but pollution wiped them out. Now, projects are working to restore oyster reefs, which help prevent erosion and clean the water.
  2. Attending a script reading can be a fun and inspiring experience. Being in a room with talented actors makes you feel the magic of storytelling and the desire for connection.
  3. Spending time with friends and being open to spontaneous events, like a comedy show, can lead to memorable experiences and connections with others.

AI and another confrontation

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Identity AI Impact Human behavior
  1. AI is changing how we think about intelligence. As machines get smarter, the importance of human intelligence might decrease.
  2. Skills like love and relationship-building may become more valuable than just being smart. It's nice to focus on connecting with others rather than always trying to show off our intelligence.
  3. Facing confrontations can lead to growth. Engaging with others, even in tense situations, can be more rewarding than avoiding them.

Big Cow

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Environmental Impact Political Tensions
  1. In India, a group called the Holy Cowboys is dedicated to rescuing cows and punishing those who harm them. They see cows as important symbols in their culture and history.
  2. The cow is a significant point of debate in the USA, dividing people into two groups: those who support cattle farming and those who advocate for reducing meat and dairy consumption for environmental reasons.
  3. The conflict over the cow reflects broader tensions, and it may lead to serious debates in the future, emphasizing how food choices can impact social and political issues.

Rules

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Rules Freedom Creativity Ethics Decision-making Community
  1. Rules can create freedom by providing structure in life. They allow people to focus on what matters and enjoy life more fully.
  2. Understanding that knowledge is always evolving can help us grow. We shouldn't rely on authority but be open to changing our ideas as we learn more.
  3. The key to making decisions is being able to explain your reasoning. It's more important to consider your choices and share your thoughts than to follow strict rules.

Steamboat springs

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence Friendship Entertainment
  1. Engaging people with eye contact, a smile, and humor really improves interactions. It can turn a good moment into a great one.
  2. It's important to recognize and challenge negative thoughts. You don’t have to believe every thought that comes to mind.
  3. You can enjoy dancing and socializing without alcohol. Sometimes moving your body is enough to help you feel loose and happy.

Paranoia at the elevation hotel

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Story Mental health Social Interaction Substance Use
  1. Taking edibles can sometimes lead to feelings of paranoia, especially in unfamiliar places. It’s important to trust your instincts when you start feeling uneasy.
  2. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends can help ease feelings of anxiety. Even a little humor can go a long way in making you feel better.
  3. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from authorities. It's okay to ask for assistance when you feel uncomfortable.

DMV

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Personal Stories Work Culture Life experiences
  1. People can show kindness and support in unexpected places, like the DMV. The interactions between the attendants and the customers can really brighten someone's day.
  2. Teamwork and communication are important in the workplace. It's vital to listen to everyone's ideas and find common ground for the best solutions.
  3. Sometimes, changing the name of something can lead to better agreement and collaboration. Being flexible in discussions can help achieve a desirable outcome.

the flirtation continues

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social Events Identity Lifestyle Personal Stories
  1. The author had a fun dinner with a family, highlighting connections and potential future friendships.
  2. Going to a Halloween party with a crush led to flirty moments and making each other slightly jealous.
  3. A surprising question about the author's sexuality from the crush made the night memorable, but it showed a deeper concern about feeling safe.

The Bender Ends and New Chapter Begins

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Adventure Philosophy Creativity Personal Growth Social connection
  1. Life is about finding what you love and doing it without worrying about losing anything. Sometimes, it's good to take a step back and work on what truly makes you happy.
  2. It's important to be original and explore new paths instead of following what everyone else does. Creating your own adventure can inspire changes in how we all live.
  3. Sharing experiences with friends and family can enhance the journey. It's nice to include loved ones rather than going on adventures alone.

The Pursuit of Evergreen

CAUSL Effect • 0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Content creation Social media Digital Identity Content Strategy
  1. It's important to own your content rather than just sharing it on social media. When you put effort into writing, you want it to be seen for a long time.
  2. Writing long pieces first, then shortening them for social media, can help in conveying your ideas better. It also means your hard work doesn't get lost in the fast-paced flow of posts.
  3. Finding the right platform for your writing is a challenge. You want to balance getting your work seen by others while still having control over it.

Installement 2 of “The Masai Part I: A Glimpse of Gender, Sexuality, and Spirituality in the Loita Masai” is now up!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jul 11
🎭️ Culture Gender Sexuality Spirituality
  1. The post discusses divisions of labor, ownership rights, and authority by age and sex in Masai society.
  2. It provides insight into the gender, sexuality, and spirituality aspects within the Loita Masai community.
  3. The content is part of a series that delves into different facets of Masai culture and way of life.

28 Films & TV Shows Every Product Manager and Analyst Need to Watch

CAUSL Effect • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Entertainment
  1. Movies and TV shows can help revive motivation and passion for your job. Taking a break and watching something interesting can inspire new ideas and energy.
  2. A curated list of films and shows is available for product managers and analysts to check out. These recommendations aim to provide both entertainment and insight related to work.
  3. Engaging with stories from cinema and TV can help you reconnect with your industry and find fresh perspectives during tough work periods. It's a fun way to boost creativity.

Freedom From Monogamy Comes at a Price — The Masai as an Illustrative Example

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 24 Aug 11
🎭️ Culture Relationships Society Gender Marriage Traditions
  1. Non-monogamous cultures, like the Masai, come with unique social expectations and pressures that differ from monogamous societies.
  2. Polyamorous arrangements may not always lead to carefree relationships, as seen in the case of the Masai where jealousy and sharing spouses are significant challenges.
  3. The Masai society's emphasis on extensive sharing and avoidance of daughters sheds light on how non-monogamous social mores can impact family dynamics and relationships.

Shhh don’t tell anyone

The Jolly Contrarian • 0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Technology History
  1. There's a push for an industry-standard non-disclosure agreement led by Electra Japonas and the Law Boutique.
  2. The challenge is in convincing legal professionals to agree on a 'pedantry amnesty.'
  3. Uncanny Valley, a concept from 1970, explains the discomfort with avatars that look almost human, rooted in an evolutionary instinct to be wary of deformities.

From the pages of the Jolly Contrarian Law Reports

The Jolly Contrarian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Legal case Art Gallery Protest Humor
  1. The Jolly Contrarian Law Reports discuss a hypothetical legal case of common assault with an edible weapon involving soup throwing incident in a gallery in the UK.
  2. The appellant in the case argued that the complainants' behavior granted him a license to act, justifying his actions based on their self-righteous attitudes and provocative conduct.
  3. The court ruled in favor of the appellant, stating that by loudly announcing their stance and behaviors, the complainants essentially allowed others to act similarly towards them, leading to the assault being deemed justified.

Installment 3 of The Masai Part I Is Now Up!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 11
🎭️ Culture Gender Sexuality Spirituality
  1. In Masai society, women have the power to challenge decisions and influence the council of elders.
  2. The Masai fertility ritual involves symbolic elements like anointment with ox fat, emphasizing the importance of fertility and childbearing in their culture.
  3. Gender roles in Masai society show a defined authority structure, but women still hold significant influence and power.

The Haves and the Havents Part 6

Carefree Sketches • 0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art Ceremony Craftsmanship Food
  1. Culture is a curation and elaboration of elements from the past, reflecting interactions between the affluent and less affluent.
  2. The rich set aesthetic standards that the poor strive to meet to gain resources and validation.
  3. The Japanese tea ceremony, _chanoyu_, showcases how artisanship is patronized by the wealthy, creating a system where artisans adapt the rich's preferences in new ways.