Michal Fabinger
@fabinger.bsky.social
Ask me any questions about AI/ML, economics, biology, physics, math, statistics, or health & nutrition. I spent a lot of time thinking about these.
Vedian College, Acalonia, Charles Univ. Prev.: Stanford, Princeton IAS, Harvard, Penn State, Univ. of Tokyo
Vedian College, Acalonia, Charles Univ. Prev.: Stanford, Princeton IAS, Harvard, Penn State, Univ. of Tokyo
9. Africa's Growing Integration 🌍📈
Historically, tariffs and limited infrastructure restricted trade within Africa. Recently, regional agreements like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have sought to lower tariffs and boost intra-African trade.
Historically, tariffs and limited infrastructure restricted trade within Africa. Recently, regional agreements like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have sought to lower tariffs and boost intra-African trade.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
9. Africa's Growing Integration 🌍📈
Historically, tariffs and limited infrastructure restricted trade within Africa. Recently, regional agreements like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have sought to lower tariffs and boost intra-African trade.
Historically, tariffs and limited infrastructure restricted trade within Africa. Recently, regional agreements like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have sought to lower tariffs and boost intra-African trade.
6. North America's Free Trade Experiment 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽🚛
Inspired by Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico signed NAFTA in 1992, removing nearly all mutual tariffs. In 2020, NAFTA was replaced by the updated USMCA agreement, reflecting evolving trade priorities.
Inspired by Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico signed NAFTA in 1992, removing nearly all mutual tariffs. In 2020, NAFTA was replaced by the updated USMCA agreement, reflecting evolving trade priorities.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
6. North America's Free Trade Experiment 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽🚛
Inspired by Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico signed NAFTA in 1992, removing nearly all mutual tariffs. In 2020, NAFTA was replaced by the updated USMCA agreement, reflecting evolving trade priorities.
Inspired by Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico signed NAFTA in 1992, removing nearly all mutual tariffs. In 2020, NAFTA was replaced by the updated USMCA agreement, reflecting evolving trade priorities.
5. Europe's Tariff-Free Success Story 🇪🇺✨
Europe embraced tariff reduction early. The European Economic Community (1957) removed tariffs among six nations, greatly boosting trade within a decade. Today's EU shows how openness enhances economic growth and political unity.
Europe embraced tariff reduction early. The European Economic Community (1957) removed tariffs among six nations, greatly boosting trade within a decade. Today's EU shows how openness enhances economic growth and political unity.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
5. Europe's Tariff-Free Success Story 🇪🇺✨
Europe embraced tariff reduction early. The European Economic Community (1957) removed tariffs among six nations, greatly boosting trade within a decade. Today's EU shows how openness enhances economic growth and political unity.
Europe embraced tariff reduction early. The European Economic Community (1957) removed tariffs among six nations, greatly boosting trade within a decade. Today's EU shows how openness enhances economic growth and political unity.
4. Lessons Learned: GATT and the WTO 🤝
Later nations realized protectionism’s dangers. In 1947 they formed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to lower tariffs.
In 1995 it evolved into the World Trade Organization (WTO), with 164 members today (green and blue).
Later nations realized protectionism’s dangers. In 1947 they formed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to lower tariffs.
In 1995 it evolved into the World Trade Organization (WTO), with 164 members today (green and blue).
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
4. Lessons Learned: GATT and the WTO 🤝
Later nations realized protectionism’s dangers. In 1947 they formed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to lower tariffs.
In 1995 it evolved into the World Trade Organization (WTO), with 164 members today (green and blue).
Later nations realized protectionism’s dangers. In 1947 they formed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to lower tariffs.
In 1995 it evolved into the World Trade Organization (WTO), with 164 members today (green and blue).
Other countries retaliated, causing global trade to plunge nearly two-thirds in three years. This increased the severity of the Great Depression.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Other countries retaliated, causing global trade to plunge nearly two-thirds in three years. This increased the severity of the Great Depression.
2. The Great Depression’s Tariff Disaster 🌩️💸 🤦
At the beginning of the Great Depression, the U.S. passed the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930), sharply raising import tariffs to above 50%.
At the beginning of the Great Depression, the U.S. passed the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930), sharply raising import tariffs to above 50%.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
2. The Great Depression’s Tariff Disaster 🌩️💸 🤦
At the beginning of the Great Depression, the U.S. passed the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930), sharply raising import tariffs to above 50%.
At the beginning of the Great Depression, the U.S. passed the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930), sharply raising import tariffs to above 50%.
And here is how trade openness of countries increased over the last decades.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
And here is how trade openness of countries increased over the last decades.
This figure shows the trade openness index of countries in 2023, defined as the sum of exports and imports (of goods and services) divided by gross domestic product, expressed as a percentage.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
This figure shows the trade openness index of countries in 2023, defined as the sum of exports and imports (of goods and services) divided by gross domestic product, expressed as a percentage.
Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Globalization: A Quick Tour from 1900 to Today 📦🌎💸
I've seen someone say that in year 1900, tariffs on international trade were high, so it would be ok to return to that level.
Does this make sense? Let's take a quick look at the history of tariffs.
I've seen someone say that in year 1900, tariffs on international trade were high, so it would be ok to return to that level.
Does this make sense? Let's take a quick look at the history of tariffs.
April 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Globalization: A Quick Tour from 1900 to Today 📦🌎💸
I've seen someone say that in year 1900, tariffs on international trade were high, so it would be ok to return to that level.
Does this make sense? Let's take a quick look at the history of tariffs.
I've seen someone say that in year 1900, tariffs on international trade were high, so it would be ok to return to that level.
Does this make sense? Let's take a quick look at the history of tariffs.
Jevons Paradox: Can More Efficient Use of a Resource Lead to Greater Demand for It? ⚙️📈
If you buy a car that uses less fuel per kilometer, you’ll spend less on fuel, right? That seems intuitive.
But...
If you buy a car that uses less fuel per kilometer, you’ll spend less on fuel, right? That seems intuitive.
But...
January 27, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Jevons Paradox: Can More Efficient Use of a Resource Lead to Greater Demand for It? ⚙️📈
If you buy a car that uses less fuel per kilometer, you’ll spend less on fuel, right? That seems intuitive.
But...
If you buy a car that uses less fuel per kilometer, you’ll spend less on fuel, right? That seems intuitive.
But...
Brazil nuts are healthy if you eat just one per day.
But eating significantly more could exceed the maximum safe selenium limit and pose health risks.
But eating significantly more could exceed the maximum safe selenium limit and pose health risks.
January 14, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Brazil nuts are healthy if you eat just one per day.
But eating significantly more could exceed the maximum safe selenium limit and pose health risks.
But eating significantly more could exceed the maximum safe selenium limit and pose health risks.
Healthy Protein Intake vs. Exercise 🏋️♂️🥛🧀🍳
You may hear that you should eat a lot of protein, or you may hear the opposite. Which advice should you follow? It turns out that it depends on what else you do in your life.
Let me elaborate:
You may hear that you should eat a lot of protein, or you may hear the opposite. Which advice should you follow? It turns out that it depends on what else you do in your life.
Let me elaborate:
January 4, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Healthy Protein Intake vs. Exercise 🏋️♂️🥛🧀🍳
You may hear that you should eat a lot of protein, or you may hear the opposite. Which advice should you follow? It turns out that it depends on what else you do in your life.
Let me elaborate:
You may hear that you should eat a lot of protein, or you may hear the opposite. Which advice should you follow? It turns out that it depends on what else you do in your life.
Let me elaborate:
Did you know human eyes are inside-out, while octopuses have them right-side-out? 🧍🏾👀🐙
What do I mean? Take a look at the image below, which shows a vertebrate eye on the left and a cephalopod eye on the right. The parts are: 1 – retina, 2 – nerve fibers, 3 – optic nerve, 4 – blind spot.
What do I mean? Take a look at the image below, which shows a vertebrate eye on the left and a cephalopod eye on the right. The parts are: 1 – retina, 2 – nerve fibers, 3 – optic nerve, 4 – blind spot.
January 3, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Did you know human eyes are inside-out, while octopuses have them right-side-out? 🧍🏾👀🐙
What do I mean? Take a look at the image below, which shows a vertebrate eye on the left and a cephalopod eye on the right. The parts are: 1 – retina, 2 – nerve fibers, 3 – optic nerve, 4 – blind spot.
What do I mean? Take a look at the image below, which shows a vertebrate eye on the left and a cephalopod eye on the right. The parts are: 1 – retina, 2 – nerve fibers, 3 – optic nerve, 4 – blind spot.
Dark Matter vs. Dark Energy: Clarifying a Confusion 🌌✨
People often feel confused by inaccurate statements like 'only 5% of the universe has been explained by physicists' or '68% of the universe is dark energy, 27% is dark matter, and 5% is ordinary matter.'
People often feel confused by inaccurate statements like 'only 5% of the universe has been explained by physicists' or '68% of the universe is dark energy, 27% is dark matter, and 5% is ordinary matter.'
January 2, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Dark Matter vs. Dark Energy: Clarifying a Confusion 🌌✨
People often feel confused by inaccurate statements like 'only 5% of the universe has been explained by physicists' or '68% of the universe is dark energy, 27% is dark matter, and 5% is ordinary matter.'
People often feel confused by inaccurate statements like 'only 5% of the universe has been explained by physicists' or '68% of the universe is dark energy, 27% is dark matter, and 5% is ordinary matter.'
Istanbul airport was surprisingly spacious. I think it's the best airport in Europe. And Turkish Airlines serve (tasty) meals even on shorter flights, which I would not expect in 2024.
November 23, 2024 at 4:48 PM
Istanbul airport was surprisingly spacious. I think it's the best airport in Europe. And Turkish Airlines serve (tasty) meals even on shorter flights, which I would not expect in 2024.
The current Turkish state gained independence in 1923 following a war of independence led by Mustafa Kemal, later known as Atatürk, a reformer who opposed the role of religion in governing the state.
In contrast, today's president, Erdoğan, emphasizes a greater role for religion in public life.
In contrast, today's president, Erdoğan, emphasizes a greater role for religion in public life.
November 23, 2024 at 4:48 PM
The current Turkish state gained independence in 1923 following a war of independence led by Mustafa Kemal, later known as Atatürk, a reformer who opposed the role of religion in governing the state.
In contrast, today's president, Erdoğan, emphasizes a greater role for religion in public life.
In contrast, today's president, Erdoğan, emphasizes a greater role for religion in public life.
Turks brought with them dishes such as dumplings from Central Asia, but much of today's Turkish cuisine also draws heavily from the ancient Mediterranean culinary tradition. The pastries are especially amazing!
November 23, 2024 at 4:47 PM
Turks brought with them dishes such as dumplings from Central Asia, but much of today's Turkish cuisine also draws heavily from the ancient Mediterranean culinary tradition. The pastries are especially amazing!
The first conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque occurred after the pivotal Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
Prior to that, the Turks began migrating into the Anatolian region in the 11th century.
Prior to that, the Turks began migrating into the Anatolian region in the 11th century.
November 23, 2024 at 4:46 PM
The first conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque occurred after the pivotal Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
Prior to that, the Turks began migrating into the Anatolian region in the 11th century.
Prior to that, the Turks began migrating into the Anatolian region in the 11th century.
Can a building be a church, a mosque, and a museum? You bet!
Hagia Sophia:
Church: 537–1453
Mosque: 1453–1934
Museum: 1935–2020
Mosque (ground floor), museum (above): 2020–present
Hagia Sophia:
Church: 537–1453
Mosque: 1453–1934
Museum: 1935–2020
Mosque (ground floor), museum (above): 2020–present
November 23, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Can a building be a church, a mosque, and a museum? You bet!
Hagia Sophia:
Church: 537–1453
Mosque: 1453–1934
Museum: 1935–2020
Mosque (ground floor), museum (above): 2020–present
Hagia Sophia:
Church: 537–1453
Mosque: 1453–1934
Museum: 1935–2020
Mosque (ground floor), museum (above): 2020–present
Here you can see Europe on the left and Asia on the right.
Yes, this is the Bosphorus Strait, facing north.
Yes, this is the Bosphorus Strait, facing north.
November 23, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Here you can see Europe on the left and Asia on the right.
Yes, this is the Bosphorus Strait, facing north.
Yes, this is the Bosphorus Strait, facing north.
As I learned, Istanbul is the home of many cool street cats.
Now I think every city should have them!
Now I think every city should have them!
November 23, 2024 at 4:37 PM
As I learned, Istanbul is the home of many cool street cats.
Now I think every city should have them!
Now I think every city should have them!
I went for a short vacation to Istanbul with my family. The city surprised me in many ways.
Even the name Istanbul, which I thought was of Turkish origin, actually comes from the Greek phrase "eis tēn pólis", meaning "to the city." Continued ⤵️
Even the name Istanbul, which I thought was of Turkish origin, actually comes from the Greek phrase "eis tēn pólis", meaning "to the city." Continued ⤵️
November 23, 2024 at 4:36 PM
I went for a short vacation to Istanbul with my family. The city surprised me in many ways.
Even the name Istanbul, which I thought was of Turkish origin, actually comes from the Greek phrase "eis tēn pólis", meaning "to the city." Continued ⤵️
Even the name Istanbul, which I thought was of Turkish origin, actually comes from the Greek phrase "eis tēn pólis", meaning "to the city." Continued ⤵️
As I learned, Istanbul is the home of many cool street cats.
Now I think every city should have them!
Now I think every city should have them!
November 23, 2024 at 4:34 PM
As I learned, Istanbul is the home of many cool street cats.
Now I think every city should have them!
Now I think every city should have them!
Most people never get their Lipoprotein(a) checked, even if they know their cholesterol levels
It's a really cheap test, and managing the high-Lp(a) condition saves lives !
Ethnicity plays a role
Drugs that specifically lower Lp(a) are expected soon
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #health
It's a really cheap test, and managing the high-Lp(a) condition saves lives !
Ethnicity plays a role
Drugs that specifically lower Lp(a) are expected soon
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #health
November 21, 2024 at 8:51 AM
Most people never get their Lipoprotein(a) checked, even if they know their cholesterol levels
It's a really cheap test, and managing the high-Lp(a) condition saves lives !
Ethnicity plays a role
Drugs that specifically lower Lp(a) are expected soon
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #health
It's a really cheap test, and managing the high-Lp(a) condition saves lives !
Ethnicity plays a role
Drugs that specifically lower Lp(a) are expected soon
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #health
The last rays of a sunset are green 🌅
The sun is already below the horizon, but its light is bent by the air, allowing you to still see it
🟥🟧🟨 Red, orange, and yellow are bent less, while 🟦🟪 blue and purple are scattered by the atmosphere, so you don't see them
🟩 A green flash appears #physics
The sun is already below the horizon, but its light is bent by the air, allowing you to still see it
🟥🟧🟨 Red, orange, and yellow are bent less, while 🟦🟪 blue and purple are scattered by the atmosphere, so you don't see them
🟩 A green flash appears #physics
November 21, 2024 at 8:11 AM
The last rays of a sunset are green 🌅
The sun is already below the horizon, but its light is bent by the air, allowing you to still see it
🟥🟧🟨 Red, orange, and yellow are bent less, while 🟦🟪 blue and purple are scattered by the atmosphere, so you don't see them
🟩 A green flash appears #physics
The sun is already below the horizon, but its light is bent by the air, allowing you to still see it
🟥🟧🟨 Red, orange, and yellow are bent less, while 🟦🟪 blue and purple are scattered by the atmosphere, so you don't see them
🟩 A green flash appears #physics