Tags: data analysis, data science, douglas twisselmann, Netflix Caitlyn Jordan | The Observer Douglas Twisselmann, expert in Data Science at Netflix, spoke on Wednesday in Little Theatre at Saint Mary’s.Saint Mary’s hosted senior data scientist Douglas Twisselmann on Wednesday night in Little Moreau Theatre. Twisselmann is a member of the science and algorithms group at Netflix and works with the branch dealing with the media content Netflix provides for its viewers. Twisselmann’s talk focused on Netflix’s goals of identifying characteristics of an “ideal” content library, predicting demand for content that Netflix does not have and divining the next Netflix original series.Twisselmann works with the Netflix content team to license, purchase and develop the movies and television shows that will be featured on the streaming service. Netflix has more than 60 million viewers across more than 40 different countries, and it falls to the content team to predict the material viewers want to watch and create a content library to fit that criteria.“We always want to keep the viewers happy,” Twisselmann said.All aspects of data science are modeled around consumer science testing, which allows Netflix to have personalized content libraries for all of its viewers, Twisselmann said. Netflix does not base its suggested libraries based on gender or age but on the content that one watches, Twisselmann said. This way, Netflix can send users personal updates and messages about one’s favorite shows or potential options that they may enjoy, Twisselmann said.“With a lot of our content acquisition, because we tend to buy for long periods of time, we’re less concerned if someone is going to watch it tomorrow; we’re more interested, on average, who is going to watch it,” Twisselmann said.“Our home pages are very personalized based on what people watch,” Twisselmann said. “We’re one of the few companies that doesn’t ask background information. If we don’t know a lot about the individuals, then we can’t make assumptions about them.”When looking for content to add to a Netflix library, the data scientists have to determine what the ideal consumer catalog would look like, the span of the content and the depth of the content, Twisselmann said. The content cannot be too repetitive and it must be worth the cost, Twisselmann said. He said the value of each potential program is not based on revenue but the number of viewers and how much the viewers want to watch over a certain period of time.The key to predicting is to analyze data categories such as how well the program did in the theaters, what the program was rated, the time since it has been released and the actors and actresses performing in it, Twisselmann said. To be able to do so quickly, Netflix has created a linear predictive system called “The Crystal Ball,” based on a simple y=mx+b formula, Twisselmann said.“It’s pretty straightforward in actually doing it,” said Twisselmann. “It’s interpreting [the data], that’s the hard part.”Netflix’s goal is to eventually perfect the system to work globally, Twisselmann said.There a certain culture attributed to Netflix — one that involves freedom, hard work and high performance.“I love working there,” Twisselmann said. “It’s a culture with freedom and responsibility — freedom to do what’s right and the responsibility to do what we know is right.”With all of that freedom, there is a certain level of standard within the company, as well, Twisselmann said.“We spend most of our time in meetings to make sure everybody is in line and on the same page, and then we go off and do our own thing,” Twisselmann said. “However, we have a high performance culture where trying isn’t good enough — it is very demanding.”Twisselmann encouraged students to consider data science as a career.“Everybody’s hiring in data science — Netflix, Facebook, Google, Yelp! — you name it,” Twisselmann said. “It’s a young business.” read more

FILE PHOTO: Cristiano RonaldoPorto, Portugal | AFP | Portugal’s meeting with the Netherlands to decide the first ever winners of the Nations League on Sunday sees the unstoppable force of Cristiano Ronaldo face the immovable object in Virgil van Dijk.Ronaldo sat out the early stages of UEFA’s new competition to save his 34-year-old legs for his first season at Juventus, but returned in time to ride to the host nation’s rescue once more in Wednesday’s semi-final against Switzerland.The Swiss enjoyed the better of the game in Porto, but the five-time world player of the year was lethal in scoring his 53rd career hat-trick with three exquisite finishes.“It’s the preparation – my work ethic. I still feel good despite being 34 years of age,” Ronaldo told UEFA.com.“The most important thing is your head, to feel motivated and happy, and to follow my path as a player, because I think I still have a lot to give.”Portugal’s run to the last four without their all-time record top goalscorer showed why hopes are high the European champions will remain a force even when Ronaldo does eventually depart the international scene.The talent of Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Ruben Neven and Bruno Fernandes among others promises much, but Ronaldo remains Portugal’s X-factor.“We know sometimes it is impossible to have good defending against Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman.“I think the best that we can do is keeping the ball, to have good ball possession because when we have the ball he can do nothing in attack.”– Van Dijk transformative –However, Koeman is blessed with the man most capable of keeping Ronaldo quiet in world football at the moment in Van Dijk.The world’s most expensive defender has more than justified his £75 million ($95 million) price tag since swapping Southampton for Liverpool 18 months ago.His transformative effect has brought back the glory days at Anfield, capped by winning the Champions League last weekend.And now Van Dijk is also leading his country back to where they belong as a European powerhouse after failing to even qualify for the last two major tournaments. Koeman boasted about having the best central defensive partnership in Europe even before the tournament with Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt lining up alongside Van Dijk.Yet, while the 19-year-old may well succeed his skipper as the world’s most expensive defender in the coming weeks, Holland’s 3-1 semi-final victory over England showed why he is not yet the finished article.De Ligt’s error in conceding a first half penalty could have cost his side a place in the final.Van Dijk was first to console his young teammate and that assurance helped De Ligt to atone in perfect fashion as he scored the Dutch’s equaliser before easing past an error-strewn England in extra-time.Ronaldo may be keen for revenge against De Ligt as he also scored the winner when Ajax shocked Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals this season.Despite the Italian champions’ elimination, Ronaldo scored his side’s two goals in that tie.But he is yet to net when faced with the more imposing and composed figure of Van Dijk.In their only two previous meetings, Real Madrid beat Liverpool in last season’s Champions League final thanks to two calamitous goalkeeping errors from Loris Karius and a wonder goal from Gareth Bale in what proved to be Ronaldo’s last ever game for the Spanish giants.The last time the two nations met, it was Van Dijk who was on target in a 3-0 friendly win for the Netherlands last March.A five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner, who has also won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, there is little left for Ronaldo to prove.Yet, the chance to win an international tournament on home soil and avenge the pain of defeat in the Euro 2004 final as hosts will not come round again.Fifteen years on, Portugal’s hopes still rely Ronaldo rising to the challenge of overcoming the world’s best defender.Share on: WhatsApp read more

By Bruce Fuhr,The Nelson Daily SportsEarly penalty troubles proved to be too much for the Kootenay Wildcats to overcome.Vancouver Fusion scored three times on the power play to dump the Wildcats 5-1 in B.C. Female AAA Hockey League action Sunday at the NDCC Arena.The Wildcats managed to pull off the weekend split by rallying for a 5-4 win Saturday over the Fusion at the Civic Centre Arena.“Fusion jumped out to a 3-0 first-period lead when (we) got into penalty trouble,” Kootenay coach Mario DiBella explained.Kiana Strand managed to pull Kootenay a little closer with a second period marker.However, that would be as close as the home side would get as, with the net empty for an extra attacker, Vancouver scored and insurance marker. The final tally came after a defensive miscue by Kootenay.Saturday, Kootenay kept the fans on the edge of their seats as the Cats staged a second-period rally before holding on to register the one-goal win.Daley Oddy opened the scoring for Kootenay, converting her own rebound to give the Cats a 1-0 lead after one period. Vancouver scored twice in the second to take a 2-1 advantage into the final period.However, Kootenay out scored the Lower Mainland squad 4-2 in the third to register the one-goal victory. “Veteran leadership was key to this win with (Shannon) Hall, (Kiana) Strand and (Shea) Weighill leading the way,” said DiBella.Hailey McLean, Strand, Oddy, with her second of the game, and Shea Weighill into an empty net, scored for the Cats. Captain Shannon Hall and Aimee DiBella each had two assists. Brianne Burns and Kayla Keraiff split the netminder duties.Kootenay, 3-1 in league play, plays host to the five-team B.C. Female AAA Hockey League tournament beginning Friday in Nelson. Other teams include Okanagan Rockets, Prince George Cougars and Fraser Valley Phantom.The tournament begins Friday at 10:45 a.m. in the Civic Centre Arena with Prince George Cougars meeting the Okanagan Rockets. Wildcats first game is at 5:30 p.m. in the Civic Centre Arena against Vancouver Fusion.
The Cats meet Okanagan Rockets at 8 a.m. Saturday in the NDCC Arena before battling Prince George Cougars at 2 p.m. in the Civic Centre Arena. Kootenay concludes the tournament Sunday with a game at 10:45 p.m. against Fraser Valley Phantom.OVERTIME: Daly Oddy and Shannon Hall sit in second and third spots, respectively, in league scoring behind leader Rachel Dong of Fraser Valley. Oddy has three goals on the season. Kootenay Aimee DiBella and Lee Jordyn are tied for fourth spot.sports@thenelsondaily.com read more

Victor Espinoza2553320%44%$681,105 Jeff Mullins1130327%55%$108,380 CALIFORNIA CHROME WORKS FOUR FURLONGS FOR CLASSICCalifornia Chrome, who looms the heaviest favorite on the Breeders’ Cup card that will be run at Santa Anita for an unprecedented ninth time come Nov. 4 and 5, worked four furlongs at his Los Alamitos headquarters Saturday in 48 flat for the Classic.“Nice and easy” is how trainer Art Sherman’s son and assistant Alan described the move for the five-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit, who will be seeking his seventh straight victory when he runs in the mile and a quarter Classic for three-year-olds and up. Bob Baffert1736218%65%$638,255 DOLLASE WELCOMES OPPORTUNITY WITH RUIS HORSESCraig Dollase, who recently received 19 horses from Mick Ruis after the owner ended his business relationship with his daughter, trainer Shelbe, worked one of them Saturday morning, Grade I Del Mar Debutante winner Union Strike, the favorite for the $2 million 14 Hands Winery Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 5.“Mick and (his wife) Wendy have put a lot of money into the game in a short period of time,” said Dollase, who turns 46 on Dec. 8, and at the age of 27 in 1998 became the youngest trainer to saddle a Breeders’ Cup winner when Reraise dominated the field in the Sprint at Churchill Downs.“With my years of experience and horsemanship, I hope that keeps the ship rolling. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. Union Strike worked in 1:14 out of the gate with Martin Garcia up. He was pleased with the work and we’re right on schedule.” TrainerMts1st2nd3rdWin%ITM%Money Won (Current Through Friday, Oct. 14) Mark Glatt1436321%86%$143,368 Peter Eurton1030030%30%$197,044 Norberto Arroyo, Jr.41104524%46%$399,620 Mike Smith1732118%35%$188,645 MELATONIN ‘LOOKS REAL GOOD’ IN CLASSIC DRILL            Santa Anita Handicap winner Melatonin moved another step closer to his first race since winning the Gold Cup at Santa Anita on June 25 when he worked seven furlongs in 1:27 flat under regular rider Joe Talamo for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Nov. 5.“He looked real good,” said David Hofmans, who trains the gelded son of Kodiak Kowboy for owner Susan Osborne, who races as Tarabilla Farms, Inc. “Joe was happy. We’re on course. He’ll probably work again next Saturday and go from there.”Added Talamo after the work: “He’s good to go.” Jamie Theriot2531212%24%$120,045 Jerry Hollendorfer2333213%35%$168,335 Joseph Talamo2544016%32%$191,920 Richard Baltas3656314%39%$316,435 Gary Stevens1933416%53%$379,210 Rafael Bejarano55815715%55%$743,140 SANTA ANITA STATISTICS Kent Desormeaux3393527%52%$329,925 Peter Miller3193329%48%$269,965 Flavien Prat50117822%52%$942,715 Doug O’Neill4757911%45%$254,748 JockeyMts1st2nd3rdWin%ITM%Money Won Fernando Perez2740515%33%$107,810 MELATONIN CONTINUES PREPPING FOR RICH CLASSICCHROME GOES ‘NICE AND EASY’ AT LOS ALAMITOSDOLLASE WORKS UNION STRIKE FOR JUVENILE FILLIESNYQUIST TO BREEZE ON MONDAY FOR THE BC CLASSIC Mike Puype1331023%31%$100,690 Philip D’Amato3130510%26%$299,970 Tyler Baze4583718%40%$280,520 FINISH LINES: Kentucky Derby king Nyquist is scheduled to work Monday as the male two-year-old champion of 2015 trained by Doug O’Neill for Reddam Racing prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Classic . . . Probable for next Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for three-year-olds and up at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in the Golden State Series: Acceptance, Boozer, Never Say Try, Richard’s Boy and Somethings Unusual . . . Congrats to the Red Baron Barn of long-time owner Jed Cohen on back-to-back winners Friday, Itsinthepost under Tyler Baze for trainer Jeff Mullins in the fifth race and Generous Pour under Flavien Prat for Jack Carava in the sixth. Cohen had Darrell Vienna as his trainer for eons until his retirement earlier this year . . . Family affair: Tiago Pereira, who won Friday’s seventh race aboard Atomic Rule ($14) for trainer Richard Baltas, was joined in the Winner’s Circle by his wife, Fernanda, and their baby girl, Valentina, just two months old tomorrow . . . Agent Susan McBrayer has taken the book of jockey Gonzalo Ulloa, who rode Chilean invader Kitkat to a second-place finish in the Swingtime Stakes last Saturday in his first-ever ride in the United States. Kitcat, a candidate for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile against males, worked three furlongs Saturday in 36 seconds flat, breezing . . . The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m., at Santa Anita. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website . . . Tomorrow, Santa Anita hosts the popular Road Kings of Burbank Car Show, free in its spacious Infield. read more