Things learned today:

  • Playing around with Quantopian for next month’s contest.
    • Using fetcher for live trading is difficult, and doubly so for the contest. You need a pre-function to adjust the start date on the CSV, otherwise it will only work in either backtests or live trading.
    • It is possible to create an algo based on a data feed from Quandl.
  • Exploring the possibilities of Jekyll some more.
    • Customized the footer, learned about layouts (HTML templates in the _layouts folder).
    • Learned how to remove file extensions from a URL (Stick multiple index.html files into folders).
    • Based on Josh’s design, created an archive page and added Google Analytics.
    • Also followed his advice to shorten blog post URLs (Jekyll docs).
    • Modified index.html to display content of posts on the front page because I like it more.
  • Found a subreddit on body language. Interesting techniques:
    • Using rapport tests such as glancing at watch or touching hair. Mirroring gestures for rapport.
    • Diffusing dominance respectfully by circling behind speaker to change the subject.
    • Infographic on psychological space, sharing object of attention to build rapport.
    • Book recommendation: What Every Body is Saying
  • Reading about the life of JSG Boggs, an artist who creates counterfeit bank notes as art.
    • A historical and more fraudulent comparison is Emmanuel Ninger.
    • Art appraisals are generally not worthwhile unless it is a large value. Bonham’s offers free appraisals. Otherwise look for galleries selling comparable art pieces.
  • Enable spell check for markdown in Sublime Text.