Overwhelmed by cues from ads, editor’s picks, and various nudges, I finally caved and downloaded the new Apple Music Classical app. Though it was released on March 28, 2023, its recent intensive marketing push has really put it in the spotlight. Reflecting on my use of the app, it’s clear that it has significantly improved the classical music listening experience, making it more professional, smooth, and enjoyable. huh? another music app? Apple Classical comes at zero extra expense if one already has Apple Music subscribtion, seamlessly integrating every piece from the classical genre in one’s Apple Music library. So people are asking like, why is there a separate app for classical music? ...

up on the mountain down by the sea

According to Better Heath Channel Mountain climbers are at risk of developing altitude sickness (also known as mountain sickness), which may be harmful or even fatal if its onset is ignored. It is caused by gaining altitude too rapidly, which doesn’t allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure, and causes hypobaric hypoxia (a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body). ...

In our digitally inter-connected era, platforms like Dianpin and Yelp have become integral to our decision-making process for choosing restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. These online rating platforms are revolutionizing the demand pattern hence revenue stream of service providers. Basically, ratings platforms are to provision information. Service providers, from local bistros to boutique hotels, register themselves on these platforms. Consumers then rate these services, often accompanied by comments and photos. These ratings are the lifeblood of these platforms, determining how businesses are ranked and recommended to new users searching for, say, “nearby hotpot restaurants.” Despite the lack of transparency in these algorithms, their impact is undeniably profound, especially for those ranked highest in their categories. ...

Whenever one downloads a new app on an iPhone, a system notification pops up, inquiring if one wish to permit cross-application tracking. Apple has long championed this feature, underscoring their commitment to user privacy. Apple’s marketing not only highlights Apple’s dedication to privacy but also subtly positions their products as trustworthy guardians of personal data. However, I’ve also read about (although not taking their opinions seriously cause I had been a stan of Apple by then) some critics pointing to a nuanced concern. They argue that while this approach seemingly safeguards user privacy in the short term, it potentially seeds future monopolistic issues. As Apple’s market share expands, they become the sole custodians of vast amounts of personal information. The fear is that this data, initially collected under the guise of protection, would eventually be leveraged for advertising purposes. ...

A classic example when the model works fine but the real market gets fucked up with misaligned incentives.

Ariana Grande’s new album drops on March 8th (Yep that’s International Women’s Day. Coincidence? I think not). The album’s titled “eternal sunshine”, a shoutout to the 2004 movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michel Gondry and starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. This film, a favorite among critics, explores the complexities of memory and identity, themes that often echo in Grande’s work. Grande’s well-known admiration for Carrey, whom she famously termed as her “first celebrity crush” on The Tonight Show, is more than a fangirl moment. The connection to themes of existentialism and nihilism can be traced back to “Sweetener,” Grande’s previous album, that already hinted at this philosophical depth. The album juxtaposed light, sweet pop with undertones of resilience and the search for meaning in chaos – almost a nod to existentialism’s core tenets. Now, with “eternal sunshine,” it seems Grande is diving deeper into these complex waters. ...

Hello??? Do your cookies and preference estimates even know me?

Here’s an interesting line I read recently: When you speak, your words should be more valuable than your silence. – Lin’s Comics. from 01/15/2024 of Lin’s Comics Calender.

The world of football once again witnessed a momentous occasion as Lionel Messi clinched The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, while Pep Guardiola was honored as the best coach. As a fervent admirer of both figures, this dual triumph resonates deeply with me, offering a blend of joy and professional intrigue. CONGRATULATIONS! This recent accolade for Messi isn’t just a testament to his unparalleled skill on the field: the Ballon d’Or, a topic I’ve previously touched upon (see my earlier post), serves as a prime example of this intersection between sports and economics - just look into its voting mechanism and there would be highly interesting network patterns and bias and randomness. ...