Humans of TPOT: Astronikos

Things have been a bit slow on my side. The stock market has been performing well for some days, but I see job losses around, so I am not sure about the state of the economy. I remember 10-12 years ago, I used to go to the vegetable vendor on a scooter. We used to buy vegetables worth 100-150 INR every week, and it would fill the bag. Today, when I go to the vendor and pay him 100 INR, only 1/3rd of the bag gets filled. Prices have risen.

Anyway, this has been long pending, we are here with @astronikos today.

I met Nikos Ji on bbit, and then he shared some of his hacking trauma, and we became friends. Now, I am his self-proclaimed best friend who doesn’t even know who he is in real life. But that’s fine. We’re tight.

He seems to have a penchant for suffering; I think he likes it. Maybe it gives him purpose? I’m not here to psychoanalyse him. He’s a good human being who has given me an open invitation to visit his home and play games on his PS5.

Also, he’s searching for someone ambitious to marry (or date?). So, if you’re an ambitious person ready to mingle, I (HotPot) endorse Astronikos. He has also been going to the gym! What say?

Questionnaire

1. When did you join tpot?
   I joined twitter back in 2010 but only joined tpot with this alt around june 2023.

2. Origin of your username/handle? (iff)
   I’ve always been very introspective, all that thinking led me to a lot of ideas but also trapped me in a cynical headspace for a while, it took an effort to get out of it with a healthy and fresh perspective on life, i became more aware about that journey when i realized i’m a former pessimist (now leading towards optimistic nihilism).

3. How did you come across tpot?
   I came across tdm ji on my main account then through him I eventually found ftlsid around the time he was making a soap film simulator the updates on which hooked me in and made me want to join in the space.

4. Which account do you worship here/ fav account?
   I like so many accounts here that it’s hard to pick any single one. I like how tdm ji pushes tpot to become better and more high agency, yacine’s cracked up poasting and development, tokenbender bhai being like a rare mentor figure i respect, cokane ji bringing balance being the funniest degen on here, prge bringing a vibe where everyone feels comfy and welcomed.

5. Hobbies?
   video games, gym(?), breaking linux and cuda installations

6. Profession?
   Data Scientist mostly doing CV (before tpot) but now mostly an imposter syndrome enjoyer (after tpot)

7. What is your favourite breakfast?
   Anda bhurji and chai

8. A dish you can never get enough of?
   Dal Baati or Kachori (yes i’m from rajasthan why do you ask?)

9. What Lays flavour do you like?
   West Indies Hot n Sweet Chilli, (but Bingo Chilli Sprinkled is the only chips I need)

10. Are you blocked by lex?
    Yep, my dude didn’t like my critique of his VR pod. *It was ridiculous*

11. Which programming language do you hate? (only for coders)
    Java, its the only dogma i’ve held onto

12. Who is your favourite anime waifu/ fav actress/actor?
    him

    

13. What is the secret to your bangers?
    By periodically partaking in an ethereal detachment from reality.

14. Favourite movie? (Any top 5)

    

15. any 5 go-to songs that you think people should listen?

    • Luv (sic) - Nujabes

    • Epitaph - King Crimson

    • The Salmon Dance - The Chemical Brothers

    • Memory Box - Peter Cat Recording Co.

    • Fujiyama - The Dave Brubeck Quartet

16. any kinda sports you follow?
    Nope, used to follow csgo esport scene but not anymore

17. Favourite pepe?
    He just hits home rn

    

18. The last meme that made you chuckle?

    

19. Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time in the TPOT community that had a significant impact on you, without disclosing specific names or identities?

    Randomly deciding to go to sphinx ji’s meetup after being on tpot for like a month or so really changed how i looked at the space, it was an amazing experience meeting cool relatable nerds.

20. A tweet you think is based?
    I cant think of one right now :’) but anything from Sam bhai would count.

21. An image from your camera roll that you think captures your essence?
    Capturing my overall essence is too hard, here’s at least one of em

We are eternally grateful to astronikos ji for taking out the time for this. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours. May his keyboard gets repaired itself.