Good morning, thoughtful readers!

Today, we’re diving into the new era of AI romance, unexpected travel snubs, and more weekend-curated insights. Let’s get rolling.

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🚨 Be the First to Know:

• The White House says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to stop fighting in the Black Sea.
• At least 24 people died in South Korea wildfires that destroyed centuries-old Buddhist temples.
• President Trump signs order overhauling US elections, including citizenship requirements.
• Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, and Frances Tiafoe exited the Miami Open on a day to forget for the Americans.​

Meh-merica

It's official—America's not the hot date anymore. Thanks in part to Trump's salvos, the US is now getting a collective side-eye from tourists, especially Canadians and Europeans. Travel numbers are down, embassies issue caution notices, and tourism experts say it could cost billions.

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Once the envy of travelers worldwide, the land of the free is getting a big, fat "pass" from folks overseas. If the US wants those lost tourist dollars, it could check its attitude at the door—or risk becoming the butt of world jokes.

Love Bytes

As AI "companions" proliferate—from chatbots to sophisticated virtual reality games—people increasingly bond with software instead of humans. These AI partners could offer solace, practice real-world intimacy, or just cure loneliness.

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Critics warn that easy, on-demand devotion will erode genuine human connection and lock you in artificial relationships. In any case, digital romance is quickly taking off, blurring the lines between heart and code. Ultimately, we'll have to see if AI lovers are harmless or ominous. The era of algorithmic affection is already here.

Guess Who’s Back?

​Napster—once the cause of the record industry's meltdown—has been acquired by metaverse company Infinite Reality for $207 million. The plan? Transform the former music piracy giant into a "social music platform" with 3D virtual concert spaces, merch, and direct artist-to-fan interactions.

Infinite Reality @Infinite_iR "The most legendary collab?! Infinite Reality has acquired iconic online music brand @Napster. With this acquisition, we're expanding and reimagining Napster, empowering artists with new audience monetization and engagement capabilities, underpinned by iR’s #immersive 9:4 AM • Mar 25, 2025 21 Retweets 64 Likes Read 10 replies

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Jon Vlassopulos, who helped launch Roblox's virtual gigs, will stay on. In a plot twist worthy of a '90s throwback, the app that revolutionized music-sharing is reinventing itself. Stay tuned—literally.

💬 Beyond the Core

Office-ly: Americans are working less. Who – and why? (with charts)

Dine fine: This server has the inside scoop on the worst generation to wait on at a restaurant.

Age Spot-on: The science of standing on one leg can reveal how old your body is.

Typecast: The clack of typewriter keys is still heard in some parts of the US.

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📸 Lens to Life

​Photos of the Ukraine War entering its fourth year.

🧮 Core Count: $1,100,000

This is the selling price of a 1-of-1 baseball card featuring Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

🗓️ Flashback:

1027 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor, founding the Salian dynasty.

1812 - The 7.7 Richter earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, destroyed 90% of the city and killed 15,000 to 20,000 people.

1871 - Municipal elections brought revolutionaries to power in Paris, who formed the short-lived Paris Commune government.

1909 - Russian forces invaded northern Persia to support Mohammad Ali Shah's coup against the constitution and relieve Tabriz.

1942 - First "Eichmann transport" to Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.

1953 - Dr. Jonas Salk announces that he has successfully tested a vaccine to prevent polio, and clinical trials begin the following year.

1966 - Large-scale anti-Vietnam War protests take place in the United States, including in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

1971 - Bangladesh (East Pakistan) under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence from Pakistan.

Before you go...

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. Before moving on, would you consider supporting my work as we prepare for a pivotal, uncertain year?

I rely on readers like you—yes, you! It takes a few dollars a month to keep The Core going.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

​Fatih Taskiran​
​Founder & Chief Daydreamer at The Core​

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