[Miscellany] The Monarch’s symbols, writing for the algorithm vs. your audience, and people that shaped me

On the power of symbols Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday, September 8th. In addition to being a person, Elizabeth II was also an institution, and, in that latter role, she was promptly replaced by her first-born son, Charles. The change in Head of State will be reflected in ceremonial as well as functional objects … Continue reading [Miscellany] The Monarch’s symbols, writing for the algorithm vs. your audience, and people that shaped me

[Miscellany] Three interesting podcast episodes

I want to share with you three interesting podcasts that I came across recently. Daniel Kahneman on noisy decision making, and the need for algorithms Sandra Peter interviews psychologist / behavioural economist and Noble prize winner, Daniel Kahneman, for the Sydney Business Insights podcast. He discusses his famous book, Thinking Fast and Slow. But, most … Continue reading [Miscellany] Three interesting podcast episodes

[Miscellany] Students these days

Differences between generations Now and then, when I am talking with colleagues who have been teaching in the University environment for... some time (almost 20 years, like me), one of us will end up reminiscing about the “good old days” when we would do X or Y, which worked well with students. We will wonder … Continue reading [Miscellany] Students these days

[Miscellany] Apple vs ad tracking industry, Online attention crisis, and eating out trends

I am getting the first part of my Covid-19 vaccine on Friday*. I heard that some people feel unwell a few hours later - so, I booked it for Friday morning, and cleared my diary for Friday afternoon and Saturday. I can't stop marvelling at how quickly scientists have come up with a vaccine for … Continue reading [Miscellany] Apple vs ad tracking industry, Online attention crisis, and eating out trends

Miscellany: Webinar video, research news, and GOV.UK updates

I have put together a short blog post with some odds and ends that I have been meaning to share with you. Webinar video – How to improve the world on a small budget To start with, here is the video from the talk on “How to improve the world, on a small budget” that … Continue reading Miscellany: Webinar video, research news, and GOV.UK updates

[Miscellany] Musings from being at the receiving end of bad advertising messages

Programmatic advertising Do you remember when people were stockpiling toilet paper, at the start of the Covid-19 crisis? It was so hard to find (and, in some places, so expensive) that some people even joked that they would make great gifts. Fast forward to February 2021, and I ordered bamboo toilet paper, online. A few … Continue reading [Miscellany] Musings from being at the receiving end of bad advertising messages

[Miscellany] Covid-19 vaccines – intentions, celebrities, and marketing strategy insights

The Covid-19 vaccine effort is truly exceptional. First, how scientists have developed the vaccines at incredible speed. Then, the logistics of manufacturing, distributing and delivering the vaccines around the world. And, now, the effort of convincing citizens to get vaccinated. According to the Omni Calculator, given the UK government’s priority list, and assuming a vaccination … Continue reading [Miscellany] Covid-19 vaccines – intentions, celebrities, and marketing strategy insights

[Miscellany] Christmas is here, again

Just like that (or what feels like “just like that” to me – maybe for those working in health services it feels never ending), it is December, and Christmas is around the corner. Four days’ away, to be precise. And, after that, the New Year. If you live in the Western Hemisphere, and if you … Continue reading [Miscellany] Christmas is here, again

Someone else’s reflections on my use of technology

Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post sharing some thoughts I had had (largely, of disappointment) related to my own use of technology. In that post, I noted how the iWatch had become more and more a part of my daily life; how I had mistrusted a human being for trying to bypass the … Continue reading Someone else’s reflections on my use of technology

Podcast recommendations: Why we stockpile(d) toilet paper; Why tracing COVID-19 with an app is tricky; and Why automated recommendations technology is struggling

Today, I would like to share with you three podcast episodes. While discussing issues related to COVID-19, they actually offer great insight about consumer psychology, and about the limitations of technology. Why we stockpile(d) toilet paper In episode 34 the “It's all just a bunch of BS” podcast, Caroline Roux discusses decision making in … Continue reading Podcast recommendations: Why we stockpile(d) toilet paper; Why tracing COVID-19 with an app is tricky; and Why automated recommendations technology is struggling