style / layout bugfixes

posts/10_seconds.md

@@ -19,15 +19,15 @@ The idea that recruiters can reliably select strong candidates in such a short t
 
 Let’s put this 7-10 second rule into perspective. If a recruiter receives **200 resumes** for a single position and spends an average of **10 seconds** on each, that amounts to:
 
-\[
+$$
 200 \text{ resumes} \times 10 \text{ seconds} = 2000 \text{ seconds}
-\]
+$$
 
 To convert that into hours:
 
-\[
+$$
 \text{Hours} = \frac{2000 \text{ seconds}}{3600 \text{ seconds/hour}} \approx 0.5556 \text{ hours}
-\]
+$$
 
 That’s roughly **33 minutes** of total resume review time—just for one role. If the recruiter has **15 open positions**, they’re looking at around **8 hours** of total time dedicated just to skimming resumes. In a typical workday, this could mean that recruiters spend nearly an entire day merely glancing at resumes, without truly engaging with the content.
 

posts/all_your_base.md

@@ -7,13 +7,13 @@ description: This article explores a wild ride of freelancing and astroturfing,
 
 Freelancing can be an unpredictable adventure, filled with highs, lows, and surprising twists. My journey is a testament to the unexpected turns that can shape a career. From an unconventional start involving hacking to dealing with the loss of a major client and eventually transitioning into the SaaS space, my path has been anything but ordinary. Here’s a look at how I navigated these challenges, including a particularly memorable project that combined creativity with a bit of mischief.
 
-# The Unconventional Start
+## The Unconventional Start
 
 My freelancing career began in an unconventional way. When a company was acquired, the new owners found themselves locked out of their website due to missing credentials. I used my technical skills to exploit an SQL injection vulnerability, gaining access to the site and saving the day. This initial success led to a long-term relationship with the company, which became a significant source of income, accounting for 80% of my business. 
 
 The relationship with the CEO was solid, and everything seemed stable until tragedy struck. The CEO passed away unexpectedly, and the new leadership brought significant changes. Overnight, the majority of my income vanished as my work was redirected elsewhere. Desperate to maintain financial stability, I took the first opportunity available and joined an agency.
 
-# The Agency and Astroturfing
+## The Agency and Astroturfing
 
 Joining the agency provided a new stream of projects, but not without its own set of challenges. One of the more unconventional and ethically complex projects involved astroturfing—creating a false appearance of grassroots support for various causes. The work was lucrative but often disingenuous, leading to a growing discomfort with the deceptive nature of some tasks.
 
@@ -29,11 +29,11 @@ I saw an opportunity to leverage my technical skills in a unique way.
 
 The constant interruptions drew significant attention to the residents’ complaints.
 
-# Transitioning to SaaS
+## Transitioning to SaaS
 
 I realized that I needed to pivot towards a more sustainable and fulfilling career path. I transitioned into the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, leveraging my technical skills and unconventional problem-solving experiences.
 
-## Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
+### Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
 
 1. **Adaptability and Creativity:** The ability to adapt and think creatively was crucial in both the garbage dump project and my transition to SaaS. Embracing unconventional approaches can lead to unique solutions and opportunities.
 

posts/bootstraps.md

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, recently told Stanford students steal everyt
 
 Let’s explore how some of the most iconic startups owe much of their success to luck, parents' money, and bending the rules—or outright cheating.
 
-# Uber: A Better Product Built on Ignoring the Law
+## Uber: A Better Product Built on Ignoring the Law
 Uber revolutionized transportation and made getting a ride as easy as a tap on your phone. But its rise wasn’t just about innovation—it was about blatantly ignoring taxi laws for years.
 
 Breaking the rules: Uber launched its service without complying with the regulations that traditional taxi companies had to follow—driver licensing, insurance requirements, and background checks. They expanded rapidly by operating in this legal gray zone, forcing cities to deal with them after they’d already established a massive user base.
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ Why it worked: By the time regulators realized what was happening, Uber had gain
 
 There’s no denying Uber provides a better, cheaper, and more convenient service than traditional taxis in many ways. But it’s also true that the company’s meteoric rise was built on breaking the law for years.
 
-# Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook’s Roots in a Hack
+## Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook’s Roots in a Hack
 Facebook has transformed the way we communicate and connect, but its origin story isn’t the pure stroke of genius it’s often portrayed as. In reality, Facebook’s roots trace back to Mark Zuckerberg hacking into Harvard’s student database to create a site called “FaceMash,” where users could rate their classmates' looks. This act of hacking wasn’t just unethical; it violated university policies and led to disciplinary action.
 
 Breaking rules, again: Even after Facebook launched, Zuckerberg’s approach to user privacy was cavalier at best, with the company continuously facing scandals over how it handled personal data. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where millions of users' data was harvested without consent, is just one example of Facebook’s long-standing practice of exploiting user data for growth.
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ Why it worked: Facebook grew so fast by pushing boundaries and ignoring privacy
 
 So while Facebook is undeniably innovative, its rise is also a story of rule-breaking and a disregard for privacy from the start.
 
-# Amazon: Built on a Quarter-Million-Dollar Loan from Mom and Dad
+## Amazon: Built on a Quarter-Million-Dollar Loan from Mom and Dad
 Jeff Bezos is often portrayed as the ultimate startup success story—launching Amazon from his garage and growing it into the world’s largest retailer. But there’s one crucial detail that’s often glossed over: Bezos’ parents gave him a $250,000 loan to help get Amazon off the ground.
 
 Financial privilege: A quarter-million dollars is no small sum, and for most aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s an amount they can only dream of. That kind of money provides a massive safety net, allowing Bezos to take risks and focus on long-term growth without the immediate pressure of turning a profit.
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Why it worked: With family financial backing, Bezos could afford to prioritize g
 
 The narrative of Amazon’s scrappy beginnings in a garage conveniently leaves out the fact that Bezos had a quarter-million-dollar cushion that gave him an enormous advantage.
 
-# Elon Musk: From an Emerald Mine to Tech Empire
+## Elon Musk: From an Emerald Mine to Tech Empire
 Elon Musk is hailed as a self-made billionaire who defied the odds to build companies like Tesla and SpaceX. But the story isn’t quite that simple. Musk’s father owned an emerald mine in apartheid-era South Africa, a period marked by systemic racial oppression and vast disparities in wealth.
 
 Privileged beginnings: While Musk is undeniably brilliant and hard-working, his early life wasn’t one of hardship. His father’s wealth provided him with a financial cushion that most people don’t have, allowing him to take big risks that others might not have been able to afford.

posts/credentialism.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ As someone who has spent 15 years in the tech industry, I’ve seen firsthand ho
 
 However, in 2024's tech market, where hundreds of thousands are facing layoffs and resumes are often filtered by AI, not having a degree has suddenly become a liability. Despite my extensive experience, I’ve noticed that the absence of a formal credential can lead to overlooked opportunities.
 
-# Experience Speaks Volumes
+## Experience Speaks Volumes
 
 Throughout my career, I’ve driven policy and architecture for one of the largest websites on the internet, designed electronics, and written microcontroller firmware. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the industry and honed my problem-solving skills. In employee markets, where talent is in high demand, I’ve found that employers are often more interested in what I can do than in whether I have a degree.
 
@@ -29,6 +29,6 @@ However, the reality shifts when considering the employer market. In many fields
 
 3. **Networking and Opportunities**: Graduating from university can provide access to valuable networks and job opportunities that may not be as readily available to those without a degree.
 
-# Conclusion
+## Conclusion
 
 While a degree can open doors in some employer markets, my experience shows that practical skills and a proven track record hold significant weight, especially in tech. I’ve learned that innovation, adaptability, and real-world experience can lead to remarkable career success, even without formal educational credentials. However, as the job market continues to evolve—marked by layoffs and the prevalence of AI resume filtering—emphasizing experience over a degree may not just be an advantage, but a necessity.

posts/cyber_tourdefrance.md

@@ -9,29 +9,29 @@ In the world of software development, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) h
 
 ![Cyborgs running the tour de france](/images/cybertourdefrance.webp "Cyber Tour De France")
 
-# The Role of AI in Software Development
+## The Role of AI in Software Development
 
 AI serves as a powerful performance enhancer in the realm of software development. For seasoned developers, AI tools can dramatically increase productivity by handling routine tasks, solving straightforward problems, and managing documentation. Here’s how AI acts as a game-changer in these areas:
 
-## 1. Streamlining Boilerplate Code
+### 1. Streamlining Boilerplate Code
 
 Boilerplate code—the repetitive, standard code that doesn’t contribute to the core functionality of a program—can be tedious and time-consuming. AI tools can generate this boilerplate code automatically, freeing developers from mundane tasks and allowing them to focus on more complex aspects of their work. This is comparable to how performance enhancers can help an elite athlete by improving their efficiency in specific areas.
 
-## 2. Simplifying Routine Problems
+### 2. Simplifying Routine Problems
 
 AI can assist with straightforward programming tasks, such as debugging common issues or implementing basic algorithms. For instance, AI-powered code assistants can suggest fixes for frequently encountered errors or help write standard algorithms quickly. This functionality is similar to how performance enhancers might boost a pro athlete’s ability to excel in routine tasks or skills, allowing developers to dedicate more time to tackling complex problems.
 
 ## 3. Enhancing Documentation
 
 Keeping documentation up-to-date and comprehensive is essential but often neglected. AI tools can automatically generate and update documentation from code, ensuring that it remains accurate and useful. This aspect of AI is analogous to advanced training tools in sports, which help athletes maintain peak performance by automating certain aspects of their regimen. By reducing the time developers spend on documentation, AI allows them to concentrate on development and problem-solving.
 
-# Expertise: The Key to AI’s Effectiveness
+## Expertise: The Key to AI’s Effectiveness
 
 Just as Lance Armstrong’s use of performance enhancers provided an unfair advantage in a sport with strict regulations, AI tools offer a significant edge to developers but are most effective in the hands of those who already possess deep expertise. AI alone won’t transform an inexperienced developer into a coding maestro. The true potential of AI is realized when it’s used by those who understand its capabilities and limitations, integrating it into their workflow to optimize productivity and innovation.
 
 For novice developers, AI tools might appear as a magical solution, but without a solid foundation in programming principles and problem-solving skills, the benefits can be limited. The real power of AI is unlocked by those who know how to use it effectively to enhance their existing skills, much like how a seasoned athlete maximizes the benefits of performance enhancers within the boundaries of their sport.
 
-# Conclusion
+## Conclusion
 
 AI in software development is akin to performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports—a powerful tool that can significantly boost efficiency and productivity. It excels at handling boilerplate code, simplifying routine problems, and managing documentation, providing a substantial advantage to skilled developers. However, like performance enhancers, AI tools are most effective when used by those who already have a strong foundation in their field. Embracing AI with expertise transforms it from a mere tool into a game-changing asset, much like how performance enhancers, when used correctly, can elevate an elite athlete’s performance.
 

posts/government_control.md

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ But here’s the catch: the average Canadian’s beliefs and priorities are cons
 
 DALL-E: wierdly on point, but deeply unsettling, as always. 
 
-# What is a PID Loop?
+## What is a PID Loop?
 
 In control systems, a [PID controller (Proportional-Integral-Derivative)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proportional%E2%80%93integral%E2%80%93derivative_controller) is used to manage and stabilize outputs—like keeping your car at a set speed while accounting for inclines and declines. Just as the PID loop adjusts the throttle to smooth out deviations from the target speed, the different elements of the Canadian government work to stabilize policy and governance in the face of changing public opinion.
 
@@ -31,25 +31,25 @@ A PID loop has three parts:
 
 Now, let’s map these components to the Canadian political system.
 
-## The Proportional Gain: Parliament
+### The Proportional Gain: Parliament
 
 The **House of Commons** functions like the **Proportional (P)** element of a PID loop. The elected Members of Parliament (MPs) react to the current will of the people, adjusting policies and laws based on immediate concerns. In control theory, the proportional gain reacts to the difference between the target value (what we want) and the current value (what we have). Similarly, Parliament responds directly to the electorate, working to close the gap between the current state of the nation and the desires of voters.
 
 However, relying solely on proportional control can lead to instability. Imagine driving a car and slamming on the brakes when you overshoot your desired speed, only to floor the gas when you drop too low. The result is oscillation—constant overcorrection. Without checks and balances, a government without dampening could swing wildly in policy direction every election cycle. That’s where the Senate comes in.
 
-## The Integral Gain: The Senate
+### The Integral Gain: The Senate
 
 In a PID loop, the **Integral (I)** part helps smooth out the output by considering the cumulative past errors. This can be thought of as a shock absorber that prevents wild oscillations. In Canada’s political system, the **Senate** serves this purpose. Senators, appointed for life, provide a "sober second thought," reviewing and revising legislation with a long-term perspective. Free from the pressures of elections, the Senate can take into account the cumulative lessons of past governments and temper the swift swings in policy that the House of Commons might introduce.
 
 By taking a broader, long-term view, the Senate acts like the integral gain in a PID loop—stabilizing the political system and preventing rapid, reactionary shifts. In this analogy, **life appointments** are critical to maintaining this function. Senators are not beholden to the same immediate political pressures as MPs, allowing them to act as a counterweight to the rapid pace of electoral politics.
 
-## The Derivative Gain: The Crown
+### The Derivative Gain: The Crown
 
 In PID loops, the **Derivative (D)** component helps predict future errors and corrects for them before they happen. In Canada, this role can be seen in the **Crown** (or more practically, the Governor General as the monarch’s representative). Although rarely invoked, the Governor General has the power to intervene in extreme situations—such as the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis—when the political system is at risk of serious instability. While this "derivative control" is rarely used, its mere existence can serve as a backstop against overshoot and political chaos.
 
 However, in the post-Elizabeth II era, this role is becoming more ambiguous. As public sentiment shifts regarding the monarchy, it’s unclear how much authority the Crown’s reserve powers will carry in future crises. Nonetheless, for now, the Governor General remains an important but rarely activated element of Canada’s political stabilizer.
 
-# The Danger of Electing Senators with Fixed Terms: Two Proportional Gains
+## The Danger of Electing Senators with Fixed Terms: Two Proportional Gains
 
 Here’s the crux of the issue: some advocate for an **elected Senate**, arguing that life appointments are undemocratic. However, electing senators with fixed terms could severely disrupt this balance. If senators were elected on the same or similar cycles as MPs, they might start reacting to the same political trends as the House of Commons, especially if they run on party lines. This would turn the Senate into another **proportional gain**—responding to immediate public opinion rather than dampening it.
 
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ Electing senators for life could avoid the risk of turning the Senate into anoth
 
 This would keep the **shock absorber** in place while addressing concerns about representation.
 
-# Conclusion: Stability, Democracy, and Life-Term Senators
+## Conclusion: Stability, Democracy, and Life-Term Senators
 
 Just like a well-tuned PID loop, the Canadian political system relies on careful balance to function smoothly. The **House of Commons** reacts quickly to shifts in public opinion, while the **Senate** absorbs these shocks and ensures that policy changes are more gradual and considered. Meanwhile, the **Crown** provides a rarely-used but essential check against the most extreme potential outcomes.