Music is not just sound; it’s a tapestry woven from varied chords, voices, and instruments. In a pop melody like some Mariah Carey ballad, the lead vocal takes center stage, supported by complex add libs and rhythmic undercurrents. Not to mention classical pieces which are an intricate dance of harmonies, each note a thread in a larger musical fabric. Yet, even the finest audio technology falls short in unraveling these layers completely, and as audience distinguishing every element remains a challenge. Often, it’s the melody or the primary voice that captures our attention, leaving subtler nuances unnoticed. Moreover, even worse, our listening rituals often relegate music to a mere background score for life’s routine acts - commuting, working, or household chores. Even in concert halls, the visual spectacle can overshadow the auditory experience, leaving the rich tapestry of sound unexplored. ...

In modern days, facial expression control in front of camera should be considered just as important as public speaking…

In the dance of supply and demand, every fruit tells a story. And when a design of a market fail, it shouldn’t be the strategic agent to take all the blame, isn’t it?

Wanna share a morning podcast golden quote that marks the beginning of a brilliant day.

In a humorous twist of fate, our mechanism design course unveils the curious case of two student groups unwittingly mirroring each other’s presentations on Pandora’s Box, spotlighting the ironic interplay of choice and chance in academic endeavors.

Navigating the tricky balance of engaging and informative slides in academic talks, where visuals can both command and complement the narrative.

Earlier this week, a post touched on the murky world of fake reviews. A pivotal 2021 study in SIGecom Exchanges by He et al. delved into this labyrinth on the behemoth platform, Amazon. The dance between third-party sellers, consumers, and the platform itself is somewhat like a strategic ballet, with each trying to outmaneuver the other for a sliver of extra margin. It’s an intricate competitive ecosystem where strategy meets survival. ...

What a surprisingly awesome Sunday afternoon! Professor Hubert Pun from Ivey Business School graced SUFE with his presence and insights, discussing his research: “Counterfeiting and Traceability in Secondary Markets.” Certificates of the authenticity of luxury goods aren’t necessarily real, especially on the secondary market. Counterfeiters are adept at creating fakes that are often sold at prices comparable to genuine products. And even, sometimes people knowingly buy fake items, like knock-off LV bags, just for the logo. ...

In a city like Shanghai where affluence and ennui often walk hand in hand, it is never in lack of crazily rich yet bored people seeking an emotional sanctuary to spare time and spend money.

Here’s a list of to-read papers, books, and blogs. I’ll be updating you on my thoughts and insights both during and after I finish each one. And before finishing at least half of the list, I promise not to be wasting any time on Instagram or any e-commerce shopping platform. On Search Costs and Platforms A fascinating collection of papers intersecting econ and CS. Ngwe et al. 2019, “The Impact of Increasing Search Frictions on Online Shopping Behavior: Evidence from a Field Experiment”. ...