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Uncrowned Guard

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Uncrowned Guard last won the day on March 15

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  • Birthday 06/29/1990

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  1. Vinyl records have once again outdone CDs in sales, marking the second consecutive year for this trend. Last year, 43 million vinyl records were sold, which is 6 million more than CD sales. This growth in vinyl sales has been consistent for 17 years, with vinyl also generating significantly higher revenue—$1.4 billion compared to CDs' $537 million. Despite the rise of streaming services, which account for 84% of music revenue, physical media remains resilient, holding an 11% share of sales. The RIAA notes this endurance even amidst the rise of generative AI, which poses new challenges for the music industry. Vinyl's popularity could be attributed to the decline in CD players in cars and computers, as well as the tactile and visual appeal of vinyl collections.
  2. Machine Learning in Beer Flavor Prediction Study Overview: A groundbreaking study has utilized machine learning to predict beer flavor profiles and consumer preferences. By analyzing chemical and sensory data from a diverse selection of 250 beers, researchers have demonstrated the potential of data-driven approaches in the food industry. Key Findings: Among various predictive models, the Gradient Boosting algorithm emerged as the most accurate, showcasing its capability to decipher complex food characteristics and align them with consumer tastes. Impactful Compounds: The research highlighted several chemical compounds that significantly influence beer flavor. These findings challenge previous assumptions and underscore the importance of certain elements that were previously undervalued in flavor science. Future Applications: This study not only enhances our understanding of beer flavors but also signals a shift toward personalized food production. Leveraging big data and machine learning, manufacturers can now aspire to create customized flavors that cater to individual preferences, potentially revolutionizing the food and beverage sector. The Research: Predicting and improving complex beer flavor through machine learning | Nature Communications
  3. Instagram has recently updated its recommendation algorithm for political content. During the U.S. election season, the platform will not proactively recommend political posts to users unless they follow the accounts. This change aims to limit the spread of political content and could affect users' exposure to diverse political views, which is crucial for community organizing and staying informed. Adjusting Your Content Preferences For those who wish to continue seeing political content, Instagram provides an option to adjust settings: Navigate to your profile and access the 'Settings and activity' page. Under 'What you see,' select 'Content preferences' and then 'Political content.' Choose to either see political content from non-followed accounts or keep it limited. Meta's History with Political Content Meta, Instagram's parent company, has faced controversies over political content, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal and issues related to the January 6 Capitol event. The new policy could have significant implications for content creators and the platform's role in political discourse. Remember, if you change your preferences on Instagram, it will also apply to Threads, an integrated app within the platform.
  4. TL;DR: The NFL has introduced a new kickoff rule to reduce high-speed collisions and injuries, inspired by the XFL. The rule positions players closer, changes the kickoff point, and alters the touchback location, aiming to make the game safer and more thrilling. NFL Introduces Low-Impact Kickoff Rule In a landmark decision, the NFL has implemented a new kickoff rule aimed at enhancing player safety and increasing the excitement of returns. This innovative approach, inspired by the XFL, is set to transform the opening play of every game. Revolutionizing the Kickoff The new rule positions players from both teams just five yards apart, eliminating the high-speed collisions that have historically led to injuries. Only the kicker and returners will be separate from this formation. The kickoff team will line up on the opposing team's 40-yard line, while the receiving team's blockers will position themselves on their own 35-yard line. Strategic Placement and Movement Kickoffs will now originate from the kicker's 35-yard line, with the ball needing to land between the 20-yard line and the goal line. If the ball goes out of bounds or falls short, the receiving team will start at the 40-yard line. For touchbacks, the ball will be placed at the 30-yard line. Players are restricted from moving until the ball is caught or touches the ground. Trial Period and Future Outlook This rule change is currently set for a one-year trial, after which it may be re-evaluated. The NFL anticipates a reduction in injuries and an increase in returns, mirroring the positive outcomes observed during the XFL's implementation of a similar rule. The kickoff's new look is a step towards a safer and more dynamic NFL experience.
  5. TL;DR: The “Dragon Ball Super” manga faces a hiatus due to the passing of creator Akira Toriyama. Fans mourn his loss, and the industry grapples with the future of the series. Meanwhile, tributes pour in for the legendary artist. In an unforeseen turn of events, the manga community faces a hiatus of the beloved series "Dragon Ball Super." The sudden departure of Akira Toriyama, the esteemed creator, has left a void in the hearts of fans and a pause in the manga's publication. A Legacy Interrupted The "Dragon Ball Super" manga, which began its journey in 2015, has been a continuation of the epic saga that has captivated audiences for decade. While Toriyama was the narrative force behind the series, Toyotarou's artistic contributions brought the story to life. The hiatus, announced by V Jump magazine, leaves readers in suspense, with no clear indication of when the series will resume. Tributes Pour In for a Legend The global manga community is mourning the loss of a visionary. Toriyama's influence extended far beyond the pages of his works, inspiring countless individuals and shaping the industry. His passing from an acute subdural hematoma has prompted an outpouring of homage, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the art form. The Future of Dragon Ball Questions loom over the fate of "Dragon Ball Daima," another project that boasted Toriyama's deep involvement. The industry ponders how to proceed without the creative genius who once steered the ship. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await the English release of the 21st volume by VIZ Media this May, hoping for a glimpse into the future Toriyama envisioned.
  6. DOJ Lawsuit Against Apple: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), along with 16 state and district attorneys general, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple. They accuse the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market by restricting competition and driving up prices1. Allegations: Apple is alleged to have disrupted “super apps,” blocked cloud-streaming apps, suppressed messaging quality between iOS and Android, limited third-party smartwatch functionality, and blocked competing digital wallets. These actions are claimed to protect Apple’s monopoly and harm consumers and developers. Legal Actions: The lawsuit seeks to prevent Apple from using its control to undermine competition and asks for relief to restore competitive conditions. The DOJ did not specify if they would seek to break up Apple but emphasized the need for remedies tied to the court’s findings2. Apple’s Response: Apple defends its practices, stating that the lawsuit threatens its principles and could hinder its ability to innovate. The company plans to move to dismiss the case and disagrees with the DOJ’s market definition, arguing for a global perspective3. The article details the government’s efforts to challenge Apple’s market practices and the potential implications for the tech industry. Read more: US sues Apple for illegal monopoly over smartphones - The Verge
  7. I use a laptop as I used to travel a lot for work, but a desktop is my preferred setup.
  8. it sounds like the first one was a wild success. I suppose you could downplay "play civilization vs a high risk surgery", but I personally couldn't even imagine the joy that something like this would provide to a full quadriplegic who would have otherwise found gaming completely inaccessible along with most other forms of entertainment.
  9. Nolan Arbaugh's Experience: Nolan, a quadriplegic, has been able to play chess and Civilization VI on his PC using a Neuralink brain implant. Implant Functionality: The implant translates brain signals into Bluetooth commands, allowing Nolan to control a mouse cursor intuitively. Impact on Daily Life: The technology has significantly improved Nolan's quality of life, enabling him to engage in long gaming sessions without physical strain. Ongoing Development: Although the implant has been life-changing for Nolan, he acknowledges that there are still issues to address and that it's not the end of the journey. This breakthrough represents a remarkable advancement in brain-computer interface technology. Read More: https://www.pcmag.com/news/first-human-to-receive-neuralink-implant-says-it-lets-him-play-civilization
  10. A New Visual Experience on Spotify Spotify is set to enhance how fans connect with music and artists by launching music videos in beta for its Premium users across select markets. This new feature marks a significant addition to the streaming platform, offering users the chance to experience their favorite songs not just audibly but visually, mirroring the transformative impact music videos had since their explosion onto the scene in the early '80s. Spotify aims to deepen the artist-to-fan connection by integrating music videos into the platform, recognizing their pivotal role in turning listeners into fans and influencing pop culture. Diverse Ways to Connect with Artists The introduction of music videos on Spotify is part of the platform's broader strategy to offer diverse and meaningful ways for artists to connect with their audience. Spotify already features several artist engagement tools such as Canvas, Clips, Artist Bios, Live Events, and Merch. These features have proven effective in driving engagement, with Canvas visuals, in particular, leading to higher rates of user interactions. Music videos will now join this suite of tools, offering both new and loyal fans an immersive experience that complements the listening experience. Accessing Music Videos on Spotify The beta rollout of music videos begins with a limited catalog, including global hits from artists like Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice, as well as tracks from local favorites such as Aluna and Asake. Premium users in the U.K., Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya will be the first to access this feature. They can toggle between audio and video modes on supported tracks via iOS, Android, desktop, or TV devices, enhancing their listening experience with the option for full-screen viewing in landscape mode. As Spotify gathers feedback from this beta launch, it plans to expand the music video catalog and availability to more users and countries, further bridging the gap between music and visual artistry on its platform. View full article
  11. Global Music Leaderboard: Past 9 Weeks (Feb 2024 Edition)
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