For IT professionals Archives - MediaMC-Luha https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/category/for-it-professionals/ Blog about useful literature for work Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:08:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-lkiilynj-32x32.png For IT professionals Archives - MediaMC-Luha https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/category/for-it-professionals/ 32 32 Enhancing Your Work with Useful Literature https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/enhancing-your-work-with-useful-literature/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:08:45 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=176 In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge and trends is crucial to succeed. One of the best ways to

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In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge and trends is crucial to succeed. One of the best ways to acquire new skills and expand your knowledge is through reading useful literature. Whether you are a manager, entrepreneur, or an employee in any industry, there are countless books, articles, and research papers that can help you improve your work performance and achieve your goals. From leadership and communication to marketing and personal development, there is a vast array of literature available to guide you towards success. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful literature for work, and how it can help you enhance your skills and knowledge in the workplace.

Must-Read Books for Career Development

Reading books is not only an enjoyable pastime, but it can also be a valuable tool for professional growth. There are countless books on the market that offer practical advice and insights into how to succeed in the workplace. Some of the most popular titles include “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, which teaches readers how to prioritize tasks and achieve their goals. “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg is another popular choice, which discusses the challenges women face in the workplace and provides advice on how to overcome them. For those interested in mastering the art of communication, “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson offers strategies for handling difficult conversations with colleagues and superiors. No matter what your career goals may be, there is sure to be a book out there that can help you achieve them.

Essential Business Books: A Must-Read List for Professionals

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, staying ahead of the curve is essential. One way to gain an edge is by constantly learning and expanding your knowledge base through reading. There are countless books available on a variety of business topics, but not all of them are created equal. This list of essential business books has been curated to provide professionals with the most useful and relevant literature for work.

The list includes books on leadership, communication, productivity, and entrepreneurship, among other topics. Each book has been selected for its practical insights and actionable advice. For example, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey provides a framework for personal and professional development, while “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler offers strategies for handling difficult conversations and resolving conflicts.

Other books on the list focus on specific industries or areas of expertise. For instance, “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to launch a new business, while “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson provides guidance on how to effectively manage a team.

Whether you are looking to improve your leadership skills, increase your productivity, or start your own business, this list of essential business books has something for everyone. By reading and implementing the lessons from these books, you can enhance your career and achieve greater success in your professional life.

The Top 10 Must-Read Books for Professional Development

1. What are some good books to read for professional development?

– “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey

– “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg

– “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie

– “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale

– “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

– “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss

– “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman

– “The One Minute Manager” by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

– “Drive” by Daniel Pink

– “Getting Things Done” by David Allen

2. Why is reading useful literature important for work?

– Reading can help improve your communication and leadership skills.

– It can provide new ideas and perspectives to help you solve problems or innovate in your field.

– It can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

– It can help you develop a growth mindset and continuous learning mentality.

3. How do I find time to read while working?

– Schedule time for reading in your daily or weekly routine.

– Listen to audiobooks during your commute or while doing other tasks.

– Set a goal to read a certain number of pages or chapters each day or week.

– Join a book club or discussion group to stay motivated and accountable.

4. Can reading fiction also be beneficial for professional development?

– Yes, reading fiction can improve empathy and emotional intelligence, which are valuable skills in any workplace.

– Fiction can also help develop creativity and imagination, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.

– Reading for pleasure can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

The Top 5 Must-Read Books for Professional Growth

In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and continually develop your skills. One way to do this is through reading books that offer valuable insights and strategies for success. Here are the top 5 must-read books for professional growth: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, “Getting Things Done” by David Allen, and “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. Each of these books offers unique perspectives and practical advice for improving your productivity, communication skills, leadership abilities, and overall effectiveness in the workplace. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these books are sure to provide valuable insights and help you achieve your career goals.

Reading for Success: A Guide to Useful Literature for Work

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive work environment, staying ahead of the curve is not just a matter of hard work and dedication, but also of continuous learning and self-improvement. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a young graduate just starting out in your career, there are countless books, articles, and other resources that can help you sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and enhance your performance on the job. From classic works on leadership and management to cutting-edge research on technology and innovation, the world of literature offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that can benefit anyone who is serious about achieving success in the workplace. So why not invest some time and effort in exploring this rich and diverse universe of ideas and inspiration, and see how it can transform your career and your life?

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The Best Books on Gambling: Master the Art of Casino Games and Online Gambling https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/the-best-books-on-gambling-master-the-art-of-casino-games-and-online-gambling/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:33:52 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=155 Gambling is a popular form of entertainment, and for some, it is a way to make a living. From the glitz and glamor of Las

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Gambling is a popular form of entertainment, and for some, it is a way to make a living. From the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas to the digital world of online casinos, gambling has evolved over the years and has become more accessible to people. Whether you’re a casual gambler or an aspiring professional, it’s important to understand the strategies, psychology, and math behind the games to maximize your chances of winning. To help you on this journey, we have compiled a list of the best books on gambling. These books offer insights and tips to improve your skills in various casino games, both in physical casinos and online.

Books on General Gambling Strategies and Psychology

“Gambling for a Living” by David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth

This classic book on gambling strategies teaches players how to turn their hobby into a profitable career. Written by two of the most respected authors in the world of gambling, “Gambling for a Living” offers insights on bankroll management, game selection, and psychological factors that can affect your gameplay. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to make a living from gambling.

“The Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky

Often regarded as the bible of poker, “The Theory of Poker” provides an in-depth look at the strategies and tactics that can help players excel in the game. Although primarily focused on poker, the concepts discussed in this book can be applied to other casino games as well. Sklansky’s masterpiece is a must-read for anyone interested in improving their poker skills and understanding the underlying principles of gambling.

“Gamblers’ Fallacy: The Fallacy of the Mature Player” by Ben Mezrich

In this book, Mezrich explores the psychological traps that gamblers often fall into, which can lead to poor decision-making and losing streaks. By understanding these pitfalls and learning how to avoid them, players can significantly improve their chances of success in both traditional casinos and online gambling platforms.

Books on Specific Casino Games

“Beat the Dealer” by Edward O. Thorp

This groundbreaking book, first published in 1962, introduced the concept of card counting and changed the world of blackjack forever. Edward O. Thorp, a mathematician, and pioneer in probability theory, presents a detailed and systematic approach to beating the dealer in blackjack. By following the strategies outlined in this book, players can increase their odds of winning and even gain an advantage over the house in the long run.

“Casino Craps: Strategies for Reducing the Odds against You” by Robert R. Roto

Craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced casino games, but it can also be one of the most challenging to master. In this book, Robert R. Roto breaks down the game of craps and provides readers with strategies for reducing the house edge. By understanding the odds and applying the tactics discussed in this book, players can improve their chances of winning at craps, whether they’re playing in a physical casino or online.

“Winning Roulette Systems” by Andruchi

Roulette is a game of chance, but there are still ways to improve your odds of winning. In “Winning Roulette Systems,” Andruchi shares a variety of strategies and systems that can help players increase their chances of success at the roulette table. From understanding the odds to implementing betting systems, this book provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the game of roulette.

“Gambling 102: The Best Strategies for All Casino Games” by Michael Shackleford

Michael Shackleford, also known as “The Wizard of Odds,” is a respected gambling expert and mathematician. In “Gambling 102,” Shackleford provides in-depth strategies for various casino games, including roulette, craps, baccarat, and slots. This book offers a comprehensive understanding of the odds and house edge in each game, helping you make better decisions and increase your chances of winning.

“Internet Texas Hold’em: Winning Strategies from an Internet Pro” by Matthew Hilger

As the popularity of online poker soared, Matthew Hilger’s “Internet Texas Hold’em” quickly became the go-to resource for players looking to up their game. In this book, Hilger shares his expert knowledge on online poker strategy, covering topics such as hand selection, position, pot odds, and reading opponents. The book is designed for players of all skill levels and offers valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

“Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner” by Bob Dancer

Video poker is a popular online casino game that combines the thrill of slots with the strategy of poker. In “Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner,” Bob Dancer, a professional video poker player, teaches readers how to find the best machines, identify the most profitable pay tables, and use the right strategies to increase their odds of winning. The book is suitable for both beginners and experienced players looking to hone their skills and maximize their returns.

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Uncovering the Power of Storytelling Through Literary Essays https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/uncovering-the-power-of-storytelling-through-literary-essays/ Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:46:42 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=151 Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful means of communication. It is how we share our experiences and connect with others. Through storytelling,

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Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful means of communication. It is how we share our experiences and connect with others. Through storytelling, we can explore the human experience and learn about different cultures. Literary essays are a form of storytelling that uses writing to explore the power of storytelling itself.

A literary essay is a relatively short piece of writing that explores a specific idea or theme. It is usually written in response to a book, article, or other work of literature. Unlike a traditional essay, a literary essay doesn’t have to argue a point. Instead, it is focused on exploring the theme or idea of the work of literature.

One of the benefits of writing a literary essay is that it can help you better understand the work of literature that you are reading. By exploring the theme or idea of the work, you can get a deeper understanding of what the author is trying to say. Additionally, literary essays can be a great way to learn about different cultures and ways of thinking.

If you’re interested in writing a literary essay, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to understand the difference between a literary essay and a traditional essay. Second, you need to be familiar with the work of literature that you are writing about. Finally, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to say.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are a few great resources available online. The best website to write an essay is a great place to start. There are also many helpful articles and tutorials available on the internet. If you’re looking for a more specific guide, there are also many books on the subject of literary essays.

So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the power of storytelling, a literary essay may be the perfect choice for you.

Examining the Role of Imagery in Essay Writing

When writing an essay, imagery can play a significant role in helping to convey your ideas to the reader. Imagery can help to paint a picture in the reader’s mind, which can make your argument or point of view more understandable. Additionally, well-chosen imagery can add beauty and power to your writing.

However, it is important to use imagery sparingly. If you use too much, your writing can become choppy and confusing. It is also important to make sure that the images you use are appropriate for your topic. If you are writing about a serious topic, for example, it is not generally appropriate to use images that are frivolous or light-hearted.

Ultimately, the role of imagery in essay writing depends on the specific situation. However, when used correctly, imagery can be a powerful tool for helping the reader to understand your argument.

How to Write Essay an Engaging Literary Analysis

When it comes to writing an essay, literary analysis is one of the most engaging and interesting types of essays to write. When writing this type of essay, it is important to remember that you are not simply describing the text or providing your own interpretation of it. Rather, you are trying to explore the text and its meaning in depth, and to show how your analysis can help us better understand the work.

To write a successful literary analysis essay, you will need to do the following:

  1. Read and understand the text. This may seem like a given, but it is important to take the time to read and understand the text that you are analyzing. If you are not familiar with the work, take the time to read it carefully so that you can gain a clear understanding of its content.
  2. Analyze the text. This involves examining the text closely, looking at the different elements that make it up and trying to understand their significance. What is the author trying to say? What is the purpose of each element in the text?
  3. Interpret the text. Once you have analyzed the text, it is important to offer your own interpretation of it. What do you think the author was trying to say, and what are your thoughts on the work as a whole?
  4. Support your arguments with evidence. Whenever you make a statement about the text, it is important to back it up with evidence from the text itself. This will help to strengthen your argument and ensure that your essay is well-supported.
  5. Use a clear and concise writing style. When writing a literary analysis essay, it is important to use clear and concise language. This will make your argument easier to follow and will ensure that your essay is easy to read.

Exploring the Role of Literary in Crafting a Powerful Essay

When it comes to writing an essay, one of the most important things you can do is make sure it is well-crafted. This means taking the time to select the right words, to make sure your sentences are well-constructed, and to ensure that your argument is clear.

One of the best ways to do this is to use literary devices. These are devices that writers use to create a specific effect in their writing. Some of the most common literary devices include irony, metaphor, and allusion.

Using literary devices can help you to create a more powerful essay. They can help you to make your argument more clear, and they can also make your writing more interesting to read.

If you are looking to improve your essay writing skills, using literary devices can be a great way to do it.

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The Surprising Benefits of Reading for Personal Development  Knowledge https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-reading-for-personal-development-knowledge/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:15:23 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=121 Whether you know it or not, reading a book can be one of the most beneficial activities that you know: improving writing skills, gaining knowledge,

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Whether you know it or not, reading a book can be one of the most beneficial activities that you know: improving writing skills, gaining knowledge, personal development and even confidence. 

The problem is that many people have this belief that reading is too time consuming and they don’t always have time to read a book. But if you look at it as a “form of entertainment” you will realize how easy it is to find time to read. 

In this article, you will know some of the benefits of reading and show you how you can use it even if you are someone with a busy life.

1. Better Self-Development

Reading helps you grow as a person by allowing you to explore different ideas and viewpoints. You’re exposed to new concepts, which can help you expand your worldview and gain new perspectives on life.

Reading is also an excellent way to learn about yourself and the world around you. You might read a book that describes your thoughts or feelings in ways that were previously unclear to you. Or it may offer suggestions on how to improve your life and relationships with others.

When reading books, try to think critically about what they say and ask yourself if there are any flaws in their arguments or logic. By doing this, not only will you understand these ideas, but also gain valuable insight into how other people think so that you can relate better with them in the future.

2. Improved Communication Skills

One of the benefits of reading is that it helps improve your communication skills. This is because when you read, you’re constantly exposed to new words and ideas, which helps expand your vocabulary.

In addition, reading teaches you how to structure your thoughts better and communicate them clearly to others. This is an important skill in both written and verbal communication, and in everyday conversation.

If you want to improve your communication skills, read various genres so that you’re exposed to different types of writing. This will help you learn how to adapt your communication style to different situations.

3. Improved Writing Skills

Since reading and writing are so closely linked, it’s not surprising that one of the benefits of reading is improved writing skills.

When you read regularly, you’ll naturally start to pick up on how authors use language to convey their message. You’ll learn how to construct sentences in a way that is clear and concise, and you’ll also get a better sense of what types of language are more effective for different audiences.

In addition, reading will improve your grammar and punctuation skills and your overall command of the English language. This is because you’ll be constantly exposed to correct usage when reading, which you can then imitate in your own writing.

4. Improved Focus and Concentration

Another one of the benefits of reading is that it improves your focus and concentration. This is because when you read, you’re constantly practicing your ability to pay attention to a piece of text for an extended period of time.

This skill is not only important for academic success, but also for your professional life like when gaming on the best casinos not on Gamstop. If you can’t focus on a task and see it through to completion, you’re likely to have difficulty succeeding in any field.

In addition, reading can also improve your memory. When you read, you’re constantly exposing yourself to new information, which you then have to remember to understand the text. This process helps strengthen your memory and recall skills.

5. Relaxation and Stress Relief

One of the best benefits of reading is that it’s a great way to relax and reduce stress. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time just to relax and unwind. However, reading provides a perfect opportunity to do just that.

When you read, you can escape from everyday life’s hustle and bustle and enter a different world. This can help take your mind off of your problems and stressors, and allow you to relax and rejuvenate.

In addition, reading has also been shown to have physical benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and heart rate. You can de-stress and relax by reading a book!

6. Improved Analytical Skills

One of the benefits of reading is that it helps improve your analytical skills. When you read, you’re constantly exposed to different ideas and perspectives. As you encounter these new ideas, you’ll learn how to critically evaluate them and determine whether or not they’re valid.

In addition, reading will also improve your ability to see both sides of an issue. This is because when you read, you’re constantly exposed to different points of view. As a result, you’ll learn how to better understand and empathize with people who have different opinions.

If you want to improve your analytical skills,read a variety of different genres so that you’re exposed to different types of arguments and perspectives.

7. Increased Knowledge

One of the most obvious benefits of reading is that it increases your knowledge. When you read, you’re exposed to new information that you can then use to expand your understanding of the world.

In addition, reading also improves your general knowledge and understanding of different concepts. This is because when you read, you’re constantly encountering new words and ideas. As you encounter these new concepts, you’ll learn more about them and how they fit into the world around you.

So if you want to increase your knowledge, make sure to pick up a book the next time you have some free time!

8. Improved Imagination and Creativity

Another one of the benefits of reading is that it improves your imagination and creativity. When you read, you’re exposed to different worlds, characters, and scenarios. As you encounter these new ideas, your mind will start to generate its ideas and images.

In addition, reading also helps improve your ability to think abstractly. This is because when you read, you’re constantly exposed to different ideas and perspectives. As a result, you’ll learn how to better understand and empathize with people who have different opinions than your own.

So if you want to improve your imagination and creativity, pick up a book the next time you have some free time!

9.Higher Level of Comfort and Satisfaction

Reading enhances your ability to think critically and creatively, which can make you more comfortable in social situations. It also helps you become more satisfied with your life by increasing your self-awareness. 

The books often contain information about human behavior that isn’t always obvious from first impressions. As a result, if you read extensively enough, it will help you develop new perspectives on the world that help you relate to others better than before.

10.Better Memory and Concentration Skills

Reading regularly improves your memory and concentration skills because it expands the vocabulary in your mind. When you have a larger vocabulary at your disposal, it becomes easier to remember words because they become familiar to you over time.

 Reading also improves concentration because it requires you to focus on what is being said without being distracted by other things around you or thoughts in your head. This allows you to retain much more information than if you were watching television or surfing the Internet instead of reading!

Get Better with Books!

There are many benefits of reading, including improved mental well-being, increased knowledge, and enhanced imagination and creativity. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your life, pick up a book!

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What is the Best Book to Read for Programmers? https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/what-is-the-best-book-to-read-for-programmers/ Mon, 31 Oct 2022 14:25:03 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=114 A book is a great source of inspiration and motivation. It can also be a great source of knowledge and information. There are many books

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A book is a great source of inspiration and motivation. It can also be a great source of knowledge and information. There are many books that can help you in your career as an engineer or programmer.

When you are a programmer, it is hard to find a book that will teach you the basics of programming. There are so many books out there. Some are good while some are bad. The best book to read for programmers is usually the one that teaches you how to code in a particular language or framework.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best book to read for programmers will vary depending on your level of experience and what you are hoping to get out of a programming book. However, some good recommendations for books for beginners include “Learning Python” by Mark Lutz and “Python for Data Science Quick Start” by Wes McKinney. More experienced programmers may find more value in books like “The Pragmatic Programmer” by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas or “Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship” by Robert C. Martin.

This book is considered as a must read for all programmers. It teaches them the fundamentals of computer programming and how to write good software.

The best book to read for programmers is usually a technical book on programming languages. However, there are many books that can be used as a starting point.

Book reviews are the best way to share your thoughts on a book. This is because they help you to get the right perspective on a book and make you feel like you know it better than anyone else.

A book review is a great way to make your reader understand the content of your book. It can be used as a marketing tool to attract attention to your product or service.

A book review is a helpful way to get to know your target audience and help them get in touch with your brand.

Programmers are a small market, especially in the tech world. They have a large amount of knowledge and expertise to share with other programmers.

The problem with this is that they tend to be quiet and don’t talk about their opinions and experiences. So, they are not easily accessible for other programmers to learn from.

If you want to learn programming, there are plenty of books out there. If you want to be a programmer, then you will need to read books as well.

Programming is one of the most important skills for any professional. Most software developers have to learn it either by themselves or through a tutorial. This book will provide you with a step-by-step guide to learning programming, as well as some of the best books on the subject.

Programmers are a special kind of people. They have to deal with the complexity of code and then, they have to make sure that it is all going well for them.

They need to be able to understand the code, so they can make sure that it is all going well for them. They need to be able to visualize their code, so they can understand how it works and what needs changing or adding.

The book I am recommending is “Programming in Python” by Mark Lutz and Matthew Flatt. It has been written by two software engineers who are known for their excellent programming skills and also for their books on software engineering topics like Python programming language. The book has been published in 2014 by O’Reilly Media and covers a wide range of topics from basic programming concepts (like variables) through advanced topics like object-oriented programming. It includes some fantastic examples as well as lots of real-world applications of Python coding in various domains such as

Programmers need to read books for their career development. This is as a result of the fact that they are in the field of computer science and programming.

Programmers are the backbone of software development. They are the ones who write the code that runs on your computer and make sure that your software works as it should. They keep all the systems running smoothly, make sure they are compatible with each other and make sure that everything is safe to use.

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What books do successful IT people read? https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/what-books-do-successful-it-people-read/ Thu, 17 Jun 2021 12:11:00 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=37 In the age of IT technology, a lot of pseudo-scientific literature has appeared. Because of the rich choice sometimes it is difficult to understand the quality of the material

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In the age of IT technology, a lot of pseudo-scientific literature has appeared. Because of the rich choice sometimes it is difficult to understand the quality of the material, and there is no one to ask for advice.

The industry is highly applied, which means that it is primarily experience – personal and collective – that counts. If you don’t have any experience, take some “Python for Kids”, or anything in JS, or SHENZHEN I/O for that matter, and read it, try to write simple code, upload it, check it, debug it. At the same time try to get a job (the goal is to start working on real tasks).

Engineers who chose the field “for love” rather than career potential have a special, distorted computationally-formalistic mindset. It is definitely useful for solving engineering problems, but often deplete the ability to communicate with other people (who have unclear internal state, no documented API, and it’s not clear what they need in general). That is why I would recommend “successful IT people” to read texts of general humanitarian orientation: Plato and Aristotle, national classics, continental and English philosophers and sociologists from the 17th century onwards. At a comfortable depth, from “sci-fi pop”/historiographers to primary sources. In the name of compensating for the almost unavoidable, unfortunately, personal deformation.

All literature falls into three categories: professional literature, books from which you can learn something for your own development, and fiction.

From the field of professional literature one of the most valuable books for me was “Programming the Collective Mind” by Toby Segaran: a very large number of useful examples and a lively style put this book at the top of the rating. Also one of the most important works from this field for me is the Java series by Kay S. Horstmann, thanks to which I managed to get into the Java language. I can’t help but think of “Head First. Design Patterns”, which presents the basics of development in an unusual form – design patterns. And if speaking about professional books I will never forget, the first place goes to “Data Abstraction and Problem Solving with C++: Walls & Mirrors” by F. Carrano and T. Henry: at that time this work helped me not only to write my term paper, but to decide my further career path.

If we are talking about business literature, the must-read here is “The Brain. Instructions for Use. How to use your capabilities to the maximum and without overloading” by David Rock. The book helped me to understand how I should structure my work process in order to get the most out of myself.

“Lean Production. How to get rid of waste and get your company to thrive.” James Woomek, Daniel Jones. A book about lean manufacturing, how to eliminate waste in your team, and the great thing about it is that it is written from a practical perspective.

“Purpose. The Process of Continuous Improvement.” Jeff Cox, Eliyahu Goldratt. A business novel about Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints. An interesting presentation that allows you to understand where you have conflicts (limitations) that prevent your team from reaching its full potential.

“Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints: A Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement.” William Detmer. A follow-up book (not literally) to the previous book, but no longer in the form of a novel, but a serious book with practical applications.

“Flow: the psychology of optimal experience.” Mihai Csiksentmihaii. All the developers we work with are creative children who need to be protected. The book talks about the state of flow, how to achieve it, and why.

“The Kamikaze Way. Edward Yordon.” A book about surviving a hopeless project and getting it done (or figuring out in time to drop it)

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Useful books that every product manager should read https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/useful-books-that-every-product-manager-should-read/ Sun, 10 Nov 2019 12:23:00 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=43 This position is often called a mini-CEO, because the level of responsibility and duties of this person is very similar to what the "big" CEO does.

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Who is a product manager
This position is often called a mini-CEO, because the level of responsibility and duties of this person is very similar to what the “big” CEO does. The main task of a product manager is to understand what functionality needs to be developed for the product metrics (user engagement, page views, conversions, revenue, etc.) to grow, to set the task for the programming team, to control the execution and to understand whether the results are better/worse than expected. Then – do it iteratively several thousand times.

It is the PM who determines what changes will happen in the product, and it is the PM who is responsible for whether the business succeeds or whether the numbers go down. This is very interesting and very difficult. You have to combine the incompatible (for example, work simultaneously on monetization and user satisfaction) and understand a variety of areas (from advertising networks to front-end development). But the main thing is that PM is the one who has the ability to say: “I made the product that is used by millions” and PM is the one who will be asked if the product cannot be made.

What’s also interesting is that the product manager, if he is completely focused on his direct responsibilities, does not have his own tangible result of the work (personally written lines of code or made layouts in Photoshop).

So what exactly does a mini-CEO do? Ben Horowitz, one of the most legendary people in IT: Good PM/Bad PM, is the first person to answer this question. It was written 17 years ago, but it is still relevant today. Another great post by Ken Norton is 11 years old, but still almost as relevant as it was in 2005: How to Hire a Product Manager.

I’d also recommend a more recent article that talks about one of the key but overlooked functions of the product manager — being the point of communication across the company: Why doing nothing is a lot of work.

To summarize, the product manager should:

1) Define what the product should be
The main part of a product manager’s job is to define the direction in which the product should develop, which features should be removed and which should be added.

The industry is developing very quickly, so most of the knowledge should be taken from conversations with colleagues and competitors, from the analysis of their own and other people’s products and from thematic blogs. A strong product manager knows almost everything about his industry.

But there are fundamental books that are very helpful in understanding how to make a successful product:

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business – Habit is the foundation of any popular online product’s success, and the right product manager understands how it works. Also books can better understand themselves and their peers because it is habits that largely determine the way we live our lives.

The Lean Startup is a book you just have to read. I am not aware of any other way of working other than the one described in this book that can lead to results in a product company.

Only the Paranoid Survive is a wise book about how to work through dramatic changes in external factors. Since changing external factors are a constant in IT, this book is good reading for every PM.

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose is a deeply personal book about how, by following your beliefs, you can build a great and successful business.

Thinking, Fast and Slow – A seminal book on how we think, make decisions, and why those decisions are often irrational.

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future – important reading for inspiration to change the world. Little will help in your day-to-day work.

2) Managing the team.
Project team management is organized differently in different companies, sometimes the product manager has the team in direct supervision, sometimes not. I believe that the product can not be built in a matrix structure, and the team must report directly to the product manager; in most other companies the process is built differently. But in any case, colleagues, managers and subordinates have to be managed in some way to get the necessary results.

The main member of the right PM team is the PM himself. So it makes sense to start by working on your own productivity.

Buddha, Brain and Neurophysiology of Happiness. How to change lives for the better. Practical Guide – a great book on how to understand yourself a little better.

The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It- great book on how willpower works and what to do to get more control over your life.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success and Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance- two important books on how and why people achieve their goals. If choosing, I’d recommend Grit – it’s more scientific and balanced.

3) Communicate.
A good product manager is an excellent communicator. You have to communicate with your team, with other teams, with the management, with people outside the company. Candidates need to be persuaded to join the team, investors need to be persuaded that the project has a future, developers need to be persuaded to work on Saturday. You have to lead rallies and read reports. More often than not, good PMs come from analysts, testers, or programmers who don’t have to talk to their colleagues very much. Therefore, this competence often remains underdeveloped and therefore requires separate attention.

How to Win Friends and Influence People is a classic you need to know.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – a great book on how to recognize and use manipulation techniques.

Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal – an uncomplicated but useful book on how to get results from presentations and negotiations.

Does every PM need to read these books? Actually, no. There are hundreds of examples where cool products are created without a theoretical base and teams are run by people without formal education. But what I’m sure of is that reading good books hasn’t made anyone less competent yet.

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“Deep Learning” https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/deep-learning/ Fri, 02 Feb 2018 12:19:00 +0000 https://www.mcluhanmedia.com/?p=40 Deep learning is a type of machine learning that empowers computers to learn from experience.

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Release date: November 2017

Deep learning is a type of machine learning that empowers computers to learn from experience. The book contains the mathematical and conceptual foundations of linear algebra, probability and information theory, numerical computation, and machine learning to the extent necessary to understand the material. Deep learning techniques used in practice are described, including direct propagation deep networks, regularization, optimization algorithms, convolutional networks, sequence modeling, etc. Applications such as natural language processing, speech recognition, computer vision, online recommendation systems, bioinformatics, and video games are discussed. Finally, promising research directions are described: linear factor models, autoencoders, representation learning, structural probabilistic models, Monte Carlo methods, statistical summation, approximate inference, and deep generating models. The publication will be useful to undergraduate and graduate students as well as experienced programmers who would like to apply deep learning as part of their products or platforms.

Briefly about the topics:

  • basic mathematical apparatus;
  • well-known deep learning algorithms;
  • linear algebra, probability theory, and fundamental machine learning concepts;
  • basics of machine learning;
  • deep direct propagation networks;
  • regularization in deep learning;
  • Optimization in deep learning;
  • convolutional networks;
  • sequence modeling: recurrent and recursive networks;
  • algorithm selection for a particular application, and collection and analysis of data obtained in order to improve the machine learning system.

About the authors:

Ian Goodfellow is a researcher at OpenAI. He has invented various machine learning algorithms, including adversarial networks, and has contributed to various machine learning programs, including TensorFlow and Theano.

Yoshua Bengio, professor in the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research and director of the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms. The main goal of his research is to understand the principles of learning that give rise to intelligence. He teaches a course on machine learning and supervises a large group of undergraduate and graduate students. He is editor of the Journal of Machine Learning Research and deputy editor of Neural Computation. Has co-organized a variety of conferences, seminars and symposia on machine learning.

Aaron Courville, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research at the University of Montreal and member of the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA).

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