A Professor leaves a cushy job in academics for a job @ Google. Here’s Why ?

Analyzing data is a little like fixing a motorbike but in reverse: it consists of breaking a data set into its parts e.g., covariate effects and variances), whereas fixing a bike means putting all the parts of a bike into the right place. One way to convince yourself that you really understand how a bike works is to first dismantle and then reassemble it again to a functioning vehicle. Similarly, for data analysis, by first assembling a data set and then breaking it apart into recognizable parts by analyzing it, you can prove to yourself that you really understand the analysis.

This book is indeed a joy to read. There were many “aha” moments, some of which are : Google’s Page rank explained using a simple Markov chain example. Demonstrates the power of linear algebra. Thinking about conditional probability in terms of frequencies is more intuitive and less confusing than the usual Bayes formula. Power Law is the new Normal Distribution of the world.They are everywhere.

Cal Newport wants to find out an answer to a nagging question in his mind, “Why do some people end up loving what they do, while so many others fail at this goal ?”. Researching on this question leads him on to a path where he finds rather unconventional answers. Through this book , he shares his findings. Most of us have equate “passion” as intense love affair with one’s work.

The month of September vanished from my life as my erratic eating habits and my work schedule took a toll on my health. Having recovered now, one of the biggest changes I have made to my life is, my diet. Thanks to a colleague of mine, Gautam, who suggested this book, I have started changing a few things in my daily schedule. Usually I don’t even cast a glance on books with such titles.