A video: “Why algorithms are called algorithms”

00:01 Algorithms date back 900 years 00:36 Director of House of Wisdom made innovative contributions to mathematics, astronomy, geography and cartography 00:54 Hindu-Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals 01:17 Al-Khwarizmi’s works revolutionized mathematics in the West 01:36 The term ‘algorismus’ originated from the decimal number system and was used in English by the 13th century. 01:59 … Read more

Our review of the year in SosyalKafa

  A few days ago, I and Sinem reviewed the world of digital communications in our way. Here is a summary of what we talked in English:   Short Summary for 2023 Teknolojik Trendler Z Raporu by Merlin The video is discussing the technological trends for 2023, focusing on generative artificial intelligence and its impact. … Read more

Reading “A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul” and realizing fires were once No 1 enemy of Istanbulians

I am reading a nice book A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul. One chapter deals with the fires. It was the most damaging disaster for centuries. Mavi Boncuk listed major fires: Major Named Istanbul Fires Mavi Boncuk | The period with no organized Tulumba Fire Crews until 1714. Important fires of this period; 1510    It … Read more

Interesting: “Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city”

Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city: Research   According to a recent study by a U.K.-based company, Istanbul has been ranked as the second most brilliantly lit Christmas city in Europe during the month of December. This information has been reported by several reputable sources, including Daily Sabah, Hürriyet Daily News, and enginakyurekunitingheartsworldwide.org. Additionally, a … Read more

Big mess in Riyadh as some losers decided to have the Turkish Super Cup final there…

This is a hilarious diplomatic crisis, with an unprecedented level of idiocy and incompetence on all involved. ❌ The Turkish government decides to hold the Turkish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, no doubt in return for continued cash flow. ❌ Saudi authorities don't allow… https://t.co/8oGDhRuVPd — Umut Özkırımlı (@UOzkirimli) December 29, 2023 The Turkish … Read more

A video: “The Dark Truth About Airbnb”

00:03 Airbnb defied odds and became a billion-dollar company. 02:01 Struggling to gain traction, Airbnb founders used unconventional tactics to attract attention. 05:56 Airbnb founders created successful limited edition cereal brands 07:59 Airbnb founders faced financial struggles and rejections before getting investment. 12:06 Airbnb’s success factors 13:59 Airbnb’s impact on travel and hospitality 18:01 Airbnb … Read more

“Anthropologists on Palestine”

Anthropologists on Palestine SAPIENS by Bridget Alex Amid the war on Gaza and long before, anthropologists have been speaking out against Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Here’s a curated list of their perspectives as scholars and activists. ✽ SAPIENS seeks to amplify anthropological insights to build a more just and sustainable world. In line with our vision, as a … Read more

Erdoğan and Orban; Europe’s two maverick leaders

Erdoğan paid a visit to Orban of Hungary recently. I feel pity for the EU. One from the inside, the other from the outside (!) Erdoğan visits Hungary in bid to ‘deepen strategic partnership’ Hungary Vetoes EU Aid Package for Ukraine Hungary blocks $54bn EU financial aid for Ukraine Climate friendly, carpool diplomacy between Erdogan … Read more

Dear Michael, May you rest in peace…

I am sad to share the news of the passing of an old friend and classmate, Michael Adair-Kriz from my days at Rice Anthropology. I was not able to attend the celebration as I am living far far away. I will always remember him as a joyful person who was consoling me at the campus … Read more

Farewell to a major anthro blog: “anthro{dendum}”

I believe that the moment they changed their name from “Savage Minds” to “anthro{dendum}”, the decline started. Over-reliance on (political) correctness is a kind of (political) purism that never ends well. (I do not claim all contributors are like that; I actually like some of them very much). Life is rich, and anthropology is the … Read more

A video: The Collapse Of FTX: Insiders Tell All

00:04 Top crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried’s empire collapses in a shocking scandal. 02:16 FTX, once considered a successful cryptocurrency exchange, faces financial turmoil and bankruptcy. 06:55 FTX faces collapse due to financial entanglement with Alameda 09:11 Alameda used FTT token to manipulate its price and faced significant financial risks. 13:44 FTX and Alameda face a … Read more

A tribute to İstanbul’s Tercüman building

I heard the news that this building will be demolished. Its architectural style was unique in İstanbul. I would admire it when I was a child. It was futuristic when it was first built. I had been inside once when it was used as a private high school building. But it was first used as … Read more

Yes, Istanbul is financially hard to live but not for the Central Bank governor

In a recent strange interview, Ms. Erkan stated that she ‘lives with mother’ due to excessive rental prices in İstanbul I don’t know her intentions, but I list below how much she earned in recent years. It is hypocritical- but probably politically beneficial- to identify with poorer people like that. How much she actually earned recently? … Read more

A video: “How WhatsApp Makes Money”

A video: “How WhatsApp Makes Money” Main points:  00:01 WhatsApp founders built a free messaging app without ads, in-app purchases or selling user data. 04:12 WhatsApp’s revenue strategy was largely based on attracting investors 08:16 Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp allowed them to extend their surveillance business and collect more personal data. 11:58 Facebook’s acquisition of … Read more

A moment of shame (?) in Turkish politics as a Turkish MP suffered heart attack during speech

Turkish MP who suffered heart attack during speech in parliament dies As he was suffering a heart attack after a harsh criticism of the government, a ruling party MP allegedly shouted at him, saying that this was the real wrath of god. During the speech, Hasan Bitmez, a member of the Saadet Party, criticized the … Read more

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