An outsider stepping into the frame, with more than one future in mind.

What holds up out of sample?

Ideas and views on science, technology, markets, and occasionally life reflections and random topics.

Gradient descent toward a global minimum A three-dimensional graph, z = f(x, y), of a nonnegative function with several valleys. Six dots mark selected gradient descent iterates and their limiting minimum, joined by straight segments with smaller gaps toward the finish. The segments summarize multiple updates between dots. The filled target x-star denotes the unique global minimizer; the path converges to it as a limit. The hollow marker x-sub-ell denotes a higher local minimizer in the interior-left valley. Matching elliptical annotation rings encircle the two minima, with a stronger ring around the global one. The update rule subtracts the gradient multiplied by a positive step size from the current position.

HEAD

log

  1. Le Mot Juste

    Craft
    · 7 min read

    A writing protocol that puts purpose, evidence, and objections before sentence polish, with a worked example of revision that preserves meaning.

  2. In Search of the Right Word

    CraftAI
    · 6 min read

    Developing a writing protocol with AI: how to judge revisions, protect the meaning of an argument, and remain responsible for what you publish.

  3. Inception

    Reflections
    · 6 min read

    On testing assumptions, choosing what to build or back, and writing in public before every uncertainty is resolved.