Author: Uncle TJ
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Is Gaming a Relationship Red Flag? Let’s Break Down the Stereotypes
For many, video gaming is a beloved pastime, a way to relax, connect with friends, and explore imaginative worlds. Yet, in the realm of dating and general perception, it sometimes carries an unwarranted stigma, often labeled a “red flag.” Some argue that gaming detracts from life, suggesting “more productive” hobbies like carpentry or automotive work.…
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How to Build a Retrieval Augmented Generator (RAG) from Scratch
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is a powerful approach in AI that combines the strengths of large language models (LLMs) with external knowledge retrieval. By augmenting LLMs with external databases, documents, or APIs, RAG enables accurate and up-to-date information retrieval, dramatically improving the quality of generated responses. What is Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)? A RAG system…
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AI vs. Software Engineers: A Nuanced Look at the Future of Work
Recently, at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame says “We’ve been telling kids for 15 years to learn to code. Well, AI is coming for the coders. It’s not coming for the welders, the plumbers, the steamfitters, the pipefitters, the HVAC, or the electricians.” While this statement is true…
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Understanding Inflation: How Different Products Affect Our Perception of Price Increases
Understanding Inflation: How Different Products Affect Perception of Price Increases Inflation is the general increase in prices across an economy, resulting in decreased purchasing power of money. Purchasing power refers to the amount of goods or services that one unit of currency can buy. Let’s explore how inflation impacts consumer perceptions differently depending on the…
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How to Build a Simple LLM-Powered App from Scratch
In recent years, Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s GPT have transformed how developers create powerful, intelligent applications. If you’ve been wondering how you can build your own app powered by these cutting-edge technologies, this guide will walk you through the essentials, step by step. Step 1: Define Your App Idea Every great app starts…
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Comparative Advantage, Specialization, and Trade: The Foundations of Global Economics
When we discuss global trade and economic growth, concepts such as comparative advantage, specialization, and trade frequently emerge as central themes. Understanding these concepts is essential to appreciating how nations and individuals benefit from engaging with each other economically. What is Comparative Advantage? Comparative advantage is an economic theory first introduced by economist David Ricardo…
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The Great Shift: Where Did All the Jobs Go? A 20-Year Look at Industry Disruption
Remember the concept of a “job for life”? For our parents’ and grandparents’ generations, it was a tangible reality. You started at a company, learned the trade, and retired 40 years later with a pension and a gold watch. Today, that idea feels like a relic from a black-and-white movie. Over the last 20 years,…
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Real-World Budgeting: Case Study Insights to Boost Your Savings
Understanding where your money goes is the first step toward financial freedom. In this case study, we’ll walk through three months of real-world transactions, highlight key insights, and offer actionable strategies to improve your budget without feeling deprived. Historical Budget Analysis Below is a summary of net income versus expenses from January through March 2025:…
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Roth IRA Calculator
Here is a simple Roth IRA Growth Calculator I built using AI. I used the prompt: “Build an app that calculates long term growth of a Roth IRA based on a given interest rate (average return), time length in years, and annual contribution”The prompt is simple and direct, thus the result is equally simple. I…
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Will AI Destroy Jobs or Redefine Them? An Economic Perspective
As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly integrates into every aspect of modern life, one pressing question emerges: Will AI eliminate jobs or simply redefine them? From an economic viewpoint, the answer may be more nuanced than it initially appears. Understanding the Historical Context Throughout history, new technologies have often sparked fears of widespread unemployment. From the…
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Unlocking the Hidden Value: Understanding Producer and Consumer Surplus
Ever wondered what makes a great deal feel so good? Or how businesses profit while still delivering value to their customers? The answers lie in two fundamental economic concepts: consumer surplus and producer surplus. These ideas help us understand the benefits that both buyers and sellers gain from market transactions, illustrating the efficiency and welfare…
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Navigating Your Wants and Needs: Understanding Utility Maximization and How Prices & Income Shape Your Choices
Ever wonder why you buy what you buy? Or how a sale on your favorite item, or a sudden raise at work, changes your shopping habits? It all boils down to fundamental economic principles: utility maximization and the interplay of income and substitution effects. As consumers, we’re all trying to get the most “bang for…