Predictive analysis and OK Cupid

Recently, I was chatting with a friend of mine as to how dumb the idea of matrimonial site is and how it can make one depressing. While we were chatting she had an interesting technical take on the whole system. Here is her post on the subject. Also, she is the first guest writer on my blog. Madhuri Haraway.

Madhuri was my junior in MSRIT and completed her masters form USC. She writes more regularly here http://madhurih.blogspot.com/ .

Recently I was going through the TIME magazine's list of ' 100 most influential people in the world' . The list featured Sam Yagan one of the co-founders of the dating website OK Cupid. A note below his name stated that ' What do you get when you combine big data, the quest for love and complete irrelevance? The hippest spot  on the internet: OKC!' 

Though I had heard of dating websites using predictive/ big data analytics I had never  thought about how they collect data and come up with statistical models to predict the compatibility between two people. I started looking online about how OKC collects data. ( Ok you may think I am a nerd but predictive analytics fascinate me! This is what I do for a living and derive immense joy out of it. I love to think of ways to collect data, preprocess it ,come up with the best statistical models and optimize it. Well I won't bore you anymore with my tech talk but it was amusing to know the love of my life is used to help people find love.). I read that they have an extensive questionnaire system which people take and based on their responses they are matched up with various profiles.  To put it lay man's terms the answers become the response variable or the output and the questions become the predictor variables or inputs. This input- output form is then mapped on to a mathematical equation. Basically when people give answers, the server takes in these answers converts into a suitable form, plugs it into an equation and outputs a value. This output value for each person is used to determine the compatibility between two people.

The data modeler aspect of me was curious to know about the questions asked. So I registered on OKC in order to take their through questionnaire , to better understand the data that is being collected and how I would go about designing models for such data. ( I admit I am a data junkie. I get my fix by studying various complex algorithms to process data) As I filled out the questionnaire I realized I had not been very truthful with my answers.  I mentioned in my profile that I was looking for a casual fling (which is a blatant lie because I don't have the guts to go through with it). I answered that looks are more important than a man's smartness. Before you go ahead and judge me if casual  fling is what I am looking for-- I sure can judge the book by its cover. In the middle of answering 158th question an odd thought occurred to me--  sometimes people may twist their answers in order to make them look appealing. The algorithms can't account for this human ambiguity and takes the answers as is. This introduces certain errors/bias in the data and could lead to wrong predictions.  That is when I decided to stop answering the questions and delete my profile because I could not take the predictions the system made for me at face value. It wasn't fun anymore as I did not trust OKC's suggestions.

However this approach to dating reminded me of the middle aged 'aunties' in India who tried to fix me up with the so called ' perfect guy'. I am sure their approach at matching two people is not as sophisticated as OKC but the essence remains same. They collect data about a guy(s) and his family (his qualifications, job, salary, properties owned, how many times he goes to the temple, his family status etc etc) by exchanging details (a.k.a gossip) in social gatherings and try to compare this detail with girl(s) they know of. Next they rank the girls based on what they determine as compatibility and start approaching the highest ranked girl in the list. If it doesn't work out they try the second highest and process continues. So I concluded that OKC is a high tech, 'amoral' (indian aunties don't believe in setting up people for casual sex because they consider it amoral and would take offense if I compared the dating site to the ' Noble work' they do) version of middle aged indian ' marriage broker' aunties. 

P.S. Sam Yagan went to Harvard and Stanford and turned his talents (he was a math major at Harvard) to help people not as lucky as him in finding love (he married his high school sweetheart), made money and featured in the TIME list. I applause his efforts as it has helped bring many people closer. 

P.P.S: I am extremely curious to know how my friends will react if I add OKC as my current employer on Facebook. Ah well! I suppose blatant lying on FB is not a good idea. 

-Madhuri

Aashayein

It has been quite sometime that I wanted to scribble something, I really could not find a topic. Hence, this one.

Its been one of the best phases of life (after that dream period Post PUC before engineering). I have been really enjoying this period of joblessness combined with hope of future being bright.

In the last few weeks joblessness has reached such extremes. I have been watching all the movies on youtube. The other day I ended up watching a Aftab Shivdasani movie (that's limit right). However, this post is dedicated to couple of movies Aashayein and Bucket List. For some reason these movies made me realize how lucky I am or blessed if we could call it.

I was thinking what would I like to do if I would be certified that I have only a few days left. Ironically, I probably would not want to do anything that I am currently doing. So I thought I should make a list just in case.

• Propose to a pretty girl in a very romantic setting. (Even if I would know a denial from her. Well the list is for my happiness not hers :)) The place can be a beach, exuberant hotel something dramatic.
• Earn $1000 with out using anything on my resume. (Funnily, as I write this I am packing to leave to an interview with a huge company).
• Do one painting of my own on 3 X 5 ft canvas.
• Learn to play one song on any instrument. (Can be the birthday song on keyboard.)
• Take an autograph from a celebrity. (Would be great if its Rahul Dravid or may be Lance Armstrong or Yuvraj Singh if the reason is cancer).
• Canter a horse one last time.
• Read 100 books. Visit 100 new places.
• Lastly I would like to spend a week of perfect joblessness like now. (Just that there will be no hope this time).

P.S : I probably will never do any of these unless a professional doctor certifies that I only have a few days left. (Anything less than a year is considered few). For when you do not know the end the goals are completely different.

P.P.S : I took less than 5 mins to type this post. If I thought more I am sure I would have more cravings. These were the first things that came to my mind when I decided to write a post.

Sorry about the gloomy post but I had to do this. Mostly for myself.

Cheers,

Sri!!

Wishful wives!!

Age has got a lot to do not only with the way you think but also with the matters you discuss. More so because you hang around people more or less of your age. I am friends with a few such close friends for more than ten years now. Ten years back the only thing we discussed was "What will we do today" (thats when we were done playing all the card games we knew for the day). A few years later when we were in engineering, we discussed "What makes a girl look hot" (thats when we still had so much to mug for the engineering exams). Then a few years later we would discuss "Who would make a hot colleague" (only after they ranted about how not so pretty their colleagues were, luckily i didnt have much to speak in this part). Latest, we discuss the kind of girls whom we would like to marry (thats after a very brief discussion of the jobs we are headed). I guess we have reached a limit because we are asking one of the guys to hit on his imaginary colleague and give us updates. So hence the post with some of our views of the wives we would like to have.

Top 5 professions we would NOT like to pick a wifey from:

1. Software/Hardware engineer : Most of these girls are strained by the pressures of meeting deadlines. A lot of health problems like repetitive stress disorder, eye sight problems (and weight problems because of free coffee) are direct symptoms of this girl. So its not something we would like. (Real reason is we can not take technical criticism from wifey, in home also. After getting all the yelling from the boss in office).
2. Actor : We think most girls in this category are so used to acting that we think they might be acting (faking: you know the context i mean) in home also. Also the other boy was telling, with the kind of make up they use, probably not too good for long run. (Real reason is we are very confident, we will never stand a chance with any of those pretty actors.)
3. Police Officer : It needs a very gutsy woman to be a police officer. And we are scared of gutsy women. Also, some criminal to take revenge on her could hurt us. (Real reason: We would be ashamed to read headlines "Young police officer arrests her husband for eveteasing ")

Now for the more interesting part.

Top 5 professions we would like the wifey to be :

1. Sports (Any of them but boxing for obvious reasons) : I know a lot of guys like dolled up girls with all the fake makeup, but nothing is more turning on than a girl who sweating after a game of squash or just back from a run. Sports also means healthy, more importantly more stamina. (Real reason : They will be killer where they are supposed to be. And its also the only place a guy would like to be challenged . And its known these girls are capable of challenging with their ability to stretch and thereby open to various positions).
2. Architect : There is something ravishing about an architect. Her ability to look all suave and all but still create something nice. (Real reason : Architects make a lot of money and she could so easily design our house. We dont have to pay also. )
3. IAS Officer : Its a proud moment when you know that your wife in home is also part of cleansing the system. Government work is God's work. (Real reason : Some day if we want to start something and need an approval from govt. Hopefully she can get it .)
4. Nursery school teacher/ Singer : There is something really cute about being a nursery teacher. Well thats the real reason too. Singer because there is nothing more soothing than listening to a very pleasant voice after a hard days work. Here also it is the real reason.
5. Commerce graduate/ MBA/ Fashion designer/ Writer and a lot others all get 5th place. More like the common ground, not too much problem not too much benefits too.

Disclaimer : All the above choices are solely personal choices. Nothing is meant to be derogatory and shouldnt be taken personal by any girl unless you like it.

P.S : If you like anything above, it means you have cleared the first round of being the wishful wife of me or any of my single friends. ("First round" was mentioned solely because its been an interview season and everyone around me are busy interviewing.)

P.P.S : There could be a part 2 coming out too. Watch out.

Cheers,

Sri!!

&Friends.

Band Bajaa Baraath

Its holiday season here in the US. And today is the 4th day of the season. Still a day to go. All I have been doing in the last 3 days is shifting between tabs of Gmail, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. With youtube winning the race between the others easily. I am seeing all shows, movies, soaps, talk shows and also a complete documentary of SRK. Well thats how bored I am.

In the last 2 hrs, I watched Band Bajaa Baraath. Its not the first time I watched it. However, I had not realized these things the first time I watched. I just couldnt see more than the chemistry of Anushka and Ranveer the first time.

• Spirit of Entrepreneurship : Is fantastically captured in the first half. It shows that irrespective of the binness (like he says :)) and its size, if you have a great team its gonna be a lot of fun. And it would really help if there is a pretty girl in the team, even better if she is a partner. Nothing works like the right team spirit.
• Another realistic fact is that the guys suddenly feel very proud and great about themselves when the realize the girl whom they are dying to impress gives a feeling that she is interested in him. For some reason the interest in the girl dies once she reciprocates, and I wonder the reason is it suddenly feels too easy for the guy. Lesson for the girls : Even if you like the guy you need to keep some mystery and suspense to keep the relation alive. If the guy is a creep, the girl usually ends up being the candy in discussion amongst boys.
• Finally, I guess i am the only guy(amongst all the audience of the film so far) who sympathized with the character of Chethan. What mistake did he do for him to end up like that?? Anushka and Ranveer did business, Anushka and Ranveer had fun, Anushka and Ranveer fought, Anushka and Ranveer broke up, Anushka and Ranveer got back, Anushka and Ranveer got married but what did the poor CHETHAN do for him to go through the trauma of his marriage getting cancelled with no mistake of his. For some reason, I can strongly relate to this character. (I hope not but have a strong feeling, i might experience this). Such is the plight of Chethan that he was not even shown once on screen while Anushka and Ranveer did a lot of things even if it was only on screen.

I had not given thought to these things much while I watched the movie for the first time. Wonder what BBB will bring the next time I watch it.

Until the next watch. I pity you chircut (Chethan).

Luv,

Sri!!!

Funny Conversation!!

Friend : Hey wassup??

Me : Nothing much.

Friend : How is life??

Me : What happened to you. Cut the crap. Come to the point.

Friend : You remember that guy XXXX.

Me : Oh that idiot who would always be in the first bench and acting studious.

Friend : Yeah the same jackass. He is getting married.

Me : Damn. We already crossed the 7 billion mark. Whats the hurry.

Friend : Did you get the invite??

Me : I need to check the other email. Anyways I am not interested in checking others wedding invites.

Friend : I just checked and realized he is not marrying YYYY.

Me : Well I always thought she deserved someone better than that jerk. Anyways who is the poor girl marrying him.

Friend : Chuck him and whoever he is marrying man. Guess what??

Me : Are you fuckin hanging around with too many girls. Whats with this guessing and all.

Friend : OK listen YYYY mailed me. She is coming to the states to do masters.

Me: Oh good. Good for her.

Friend : Dude, I need a favor. I always liked her. And now she mailed.

(Meanwhile I am checking the other mail)

Friend : Hello. where are you.

(After 2 mins)

Friend : What do you think?? Anyways listen she has got an admit to ASU and is coming in spring. You are the President of ISA right. So I will mail her telling you are my good friend and you will help her in accommodation and all.

(After 5 mins)

Friend : Are you there??

Me : Ha what happened??

Friend : Where were you. I think I am serious about her man. She i so PRETTY dude.

Me : I just checked my other mail. She has mailed me too about her Masters plans . I was sending a reply to her .

Friend : Dude WTH man.

Me: Dont worry buddy, I will take good care of her in ASU.

Friend : I wanted to introduce you as my friend man. We were talking right how can you send the mail??

Friend : I had just now even sent an offline message to her about me arranging something in ASU. You could have waited right. What was the hurry??

Me : Dude take it easy man. She is not like your girlfriend or something.

Me : Also she is not your type.

Friend : What do you mean??

Me : Oh did you say you left an offline message. She just added me on Gtalk. She is asking about my studies, blah blah blah and even my relationship status.

Friend : No. It cant be possible.

(After 2 mins)

Friend : Are you there?? WTH man?

Me : Ok dude thanks for the informing about YYYY, I mean about XXXX's marriage. Now wait till I send my wedding invite.

Me : If you dont find YYYY's name in it, then try again.

Me : Ciao. Need to go. Catchya later.

Friend : Fuck you and fuck that bitch.

Me : Ha ha. She is asking me why are you pinging her again and again.

Friend : I neither care about her or you. I just told her what a bitch she is.

(After 5 mins)

Me : Hey are you there??

Friend : Yeah WTF do you need. I am busy dont irritate me.

Me : No I was just wondering if you can give me YYYY's latest email id.

Friend : WHAT THE FUCK??

The Scar.

What happened : Was fielding on one end of the tennis court, the fielder on the other end left the ball under his legs. I made a fast move to stop the boundary. Was too fast and too concentrating on the ball. Couldn't control the body or rather the shoes didn't grip the court.

Next Moment : I left the ball and held my face, only to feel blood gushing out profusely. After 30 secs, players on either side are scared and discussing which is the nearest hospital. Still bleeding on the right side of the face.

Hospital : Too much importance to system. No human touch. While I am still bleeding, no one is even bothered.

Procedure : More painful than the cut.

• Fill the application form to be admitted. Name, Address, SSN etc
• Weight and Height measurement. And then sit in the waiting area.
• After 15 mins, comes a nurse and checks temperature and BP.
• She notes down the case and asks what happened and some random questions. Funniest one being "Are you thinking of killing yourself". If I was why would I come to hospital??
• After she records the case, the wait continues and so does the bleeding for 40 mins.
• Then I am shifted to a bed, where I continue waiting for 40 mins for the doctor to come.
• He checks the wound and tells the nurse to prepare for stitches.
• He then works on stitching the cut for 1 hr while I am too bored and am clicking pictures (with my phone) he operating on my face.
• He says you will be fine and will be discharged in some time. Wait continues for an hour after which the nurse comes and issues the discharge sheet and asks me to leave.
• This was procedure for emergency visit. I cant imagine the normal visit.
  

Pessimist : Two scars on already ****** face.
Optimist : I can still see through my right eye, its better to have a scar half a cm below eye than not have a eye.
Realist : That will be an expensive bill. Getting hurt in US is a costly affair.

Two days later : Eye swollen and black. Since no antibiotics or any medicines were prescribed, fear arises, as the swelling increases, panic sets in. Finally, gave in to the fear and saw the doctor again, went through the entire stupid procedure after which the doctor says, swelling is NORMAL. Nothing to worry. Realist cries again, for it increases the bill by another $100 after insurance cut.


Facebook : Picture uploaded with the caption "My best friend's face art". Some believed, some thought I was beaten up, few concerned called to check. Overall good fun.

The other story : "I was in a bar chasing a girl, her boyfriend pushed me to the edge of the table and this happened. However, I broke a beer bottle on his head and he is still in hospital". I liked the fact that lot of people believed this and thought I was capable of this.

Advices : "U are old now, should be more careful". " Be a little less adventurous".

Thought process : I have done way crazier things than playing cricket in a tennis court to get hurt. Its God's way of telling, "When I decide, anything can happen anywhere".

Lesson learnt : U never know what will happen. How good or bad it could be. So do whatever you like if it makes you happy. For safety is not guaranteed just because u would be cautious.

Prayer : Final bill is yet to come. Hope its not too burdensome. And hopefully, these scars don't work negatively while my parents are bride hunting for me :).

Currently : I am going to Vegas and the doctor is not available to remove the stitches. People come back from Vegas with a scar, broken tooth, tattoo but I am already going in with a scar. Wonder what to expect.

Until next time (mostly after vegas),

Luv,
Sri!!!

The Summer of 2011!!

Generally, I post here when I like something and feel like posting. This is a different one. I am bored on a saturday evening. So I am writing this just to update something.

Internship : Currently, doing the summer internship with Cirrus Logic. Still not the work I would like to do for the rest of my life. Lets see, how it turns out. I sometimes wonder will I ever find something that I would like to do for the rest of my life. But at the moment, I hope to fund one semester fee. And Tucson, is not the greatest of places. Hopefully, it will get better in the rest of the internship. But I like Cirrus, they have a very positive energy and the other reason is they sent me to Austin for a weekend.

Austin : Loved the energy of the city. But what I liked more is the greenery of the place, the climate is closest to Bangalore. Its called silicon hills, i just hope the development does not kill the serenity of the place. Cirrus is situated in the lush green hills of Austin. We had a pep talk by one tech genius and the CEO (who is in his early 40's). There is something about CEO's, I always like their speech. Are all of them so good or is it just my perspective?? Cirrus is rated the best place to work in Austin. Was very impressed by the lovely HR staff there. Overall, at the moment Austin is one place I would like to be if I am given a choice. But I am yet to see the very famous California.

Movies : Watched Pyar ka Punchnama. It was not funny and at the end of I am optimistic and do not think the girls are as bad a s they are projected. Watched Ye maya chesave, telugu version of Vinaithandi Varuvaya. The telugu version does not work for me. I loved the tamil version. Jessie - Trisha - lovely.

Relationships : These are very funny. (You know the type of relationships I am talking.) I do not know much about them but I enjoy when I see others and try to learn from them. A lot of friends are tying the magical knot, this sort of gives me complex. Another good friend is in midst of very funny situation in his relationship. I am enjoying it from a distance.

If there is an award to somebody who like people who are committed, I might win it hands down. I always end up liking girls who are already seeing someone. One of them also got married recently. No no, I am not sad. Life moves on. Now I like another girl, who is also seeing someone else. Pretty much been the story of my life. But no I am not complaining.

For the rest of summer, gymming, research work on two topics along with the ongoing internship is on the agenda. Will update on how much was successfully done.

Until next time,

Luv,

Sri!!