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Good day valued readers,

We hope this week's carefully curated selection of news finds you well. In this edition, we cover the latest developments across investing, finance, crypto, AI, and other topics to help you stay informed.

As always, our goal is to provide you with a professional, unbiased roundup of noteworthy news to augment your understanding of what's happening in the world. We take pride in hand-selecting articles from trustworthy sources across a diverse range of industries.

Please enjoy this week's newsletter. We're grateful for the opportunity to share these insights with you and look forward to continuing to be a valuable resource.

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Investing and Finance

In this week’s newsletter, we dive into the shifting dynamics of modern economies and industries, starting with the idea that attention has become the new currency, reshaping how businesses and individuals compete in an increasingly distracted world. The alcohol industry is feeling the heat as changing consumer habits and regulatory pressures challenge its traditional business model, while the concept of what constitutes a high income is being redefined in an era of inflation and wealth disparity. Investors, beware: hidden risks could sting your portfolio, as markets grow more volatile and unpredictable.

Tesla’s brand value has taken a $15 billion hit in 2024, raising questions about its aging lineup and Elon Musk’s leadership. Meanwhile, the debate over financial literacy heats up: Should kids really learn about getting rich? As the world’s elite gather for what some are calling the last days of Davos, Caitlín Doherty reflects on the evolving relevance of such summits in a fractured global landscape.

Tech stocks are reeling as Nvidia, TSMC, and ASML face pressure from the rise of DeepSeek, contributing to a staggering $1.2 trillion market drop. And in a surprising twist, Playboy announces its return to print, signaling a nostalgic yet uncertain revival of traditional media. Stay tuned as we unpack these stories and more in this week’s edition.

1. The New Currency is Attention - Read more

2. The business of selling booze is under pressure - Read more

3. What’s a High Income? - Read more

4. What You Don’t Know Could Sting Your Portfolio - Read more

5. Tesla brand value shed $15 billion in 2024 with aging lineup, Musk at helm, researchers found - Read more

6. Should Kids Really Learn About Getting Rich? - Read more

7. The last days of Davos - At the Summit, by Caitlín Doherty - Read more

8. Nvidia, TSMC, ASML Among Tech Stocks Sinking on DeepSeek Threat - Read more

9. A Printed 'Playboy' Magazine Is Returning to Newsstands Next Month - Read more

10. DeepSeek buzz puts tech stocks on track for $1.2 trillion drop - Read more

Crypto News

This week’s newsletter takes you into the fast-paced world of crypto and AI, where seismic shifts are reshaping the landscape. AI tokens are emerging as the unexpected losers in the DeepSeek revolution, as investors recalibrate their portfolios amid rapid technological advancements. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq has filed for in-kind redemptions for BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, signaling a major step toward mainstream crypto adoption. Sam Altman’s Worldcoin is riding high after former President Trump hinted at a $500 billion OpenAI plan, sparking a surge in interest and value.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has made headlines with his bold prediction that Bitcoin could soar to $700,000, reflecting growing institutional confidence in the digital asset. In a surprising turn, Trump has pardoned Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht, reigniting debates about justice and the legacy of crypto’s early days. However, not all Trump-related crypto news is positive: Ivanka Trump has slammed an unauthorized meme coin as Donald’s Solana-based token faces a slump.

In a dramatic twist, Ledger’s co-founder was reportedly kidnapped and held for a crypto ransom before being freed, highlighting the risks in this high-stakes industry. Trump has also issued a crypto executive order aimed at paving the way for U.S. digital asset innovation, while MicroStrategy made waves with its latest Bitcoin purchase—10,107 BTC for $1.1 billion. Despite these bullish moves, Bitcoin’s retreat below $100,000 has triggered $850 million in liquidations, reminding us of the market’s volatility. Stay tuned as we break down these stories and their implications for the future of finance.

1. ANALYSIS: AI Tokens Are the Real Losers of the DeepSeek Revolution - Read more

2. Nasdaq Files for In-Kind Redemptions for BlackRock Spot Bitcoin ETF - Read more

3. Sam Altman's Worldcoin Surges After Trump Teases $500 Billion OpenAI Plan - Read more

4. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink can see a world where bitcoin hits $700,000 - Read more

5. Trump pardons Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht - Read more

6. Ivanka Trump Slams 'Unauthorized' Meme Coin as Donald's Solana Token Slumps - Read more

7. Ledger Co-Founder Freed After Being Kidnapped and Held for Crypto Ransom: Reports - Read more

8. Trump Issues Crypto Executive Order to Pave U.S. Digital Assets Path - Read more

9. Breaking : MicroStrategy Buys 10,107 Bitcoin For $1.1 Billion - Read more

10. Bitcoin retreats below $100,000, causing $850 million in crypto liquidations over past day - Read more

Artificial Intelligence

This week’s newsletter delves into the accelerating race for AI dominance, where innovation, investment, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the future. Eric Schmidt’s family office has made a bold move, investing in 22 AI startups, signaling confidence in the sector’s explosive potential. Meanwhile, French AI firm Mistral AI is planning an IPO, underscoring the growing appetite for AI-focused public offerings. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has sparked debate by dismissing AGI as a marketing term, instead envisioning the next AI milestone as a “country of geniuses in a data center.”

Google is doubling down on its AI ambitions with a new $1 billion investment in Anthropic, while ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is reportedly planning a staggering $20 billion capex in 2025, mostly directed toward AI. As Chinese AI rapidly catches up, it poses a complex dilemma for policymakers, including Donald Trump, who must navigate the balance between competition and collaboration. Amodei also made waves with his prediction that AI could double human lifespans within five years, a claim that raises both excitement and ethical questions.

In a surprising twist, Perplexity AI has revised its TikTok merger proposal, potentially giving the U.S. government a 50% stake—a move that could redefine the intersection of tech and national security. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s new AI agent, capable of ordering groceries, has analysts warning of bad news for Google, as the battle for AI-powered convenience heats up. Finally, we explore China’s DeepSeek and why it’s causing a stir in the AI world, highlighting the global competition for supremacy in this transformative technology. Stay tuned as we unpack these developments and their far-reaching implications.

1. Eric Schmidt's family office invests in 22 AI startups - Read more

2. Mistral AI plans IPO - Read more

3. Anthropic CEO says AGI is a marketing term and the next AI milestone will be like a 'country of geniuses in a data center' - Read more

4. Google agrees to new $1 billion investment in Anthropic - Read more

5. Exclusive: ByteDance plans $20 billion capex in 2025, mostly on AI, sources say - Read more

6. Chinese AI is catching up, posing a dilemma for Donald Trump - Read more

7. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei Believes A.I. Could Double Human Lifespans in 5 Years - Read more

8. Perplexity AI revises Tiktok merger proposal that could give the U.S. government a 50% stake - Read more

9. OpenAI's New AI Agent Can Order Groceries for You. Analysts Say That's Bad News for Google. - Read more

10. What is China’s DeepSeek and why is it freaking out the AI world - Read more

Top Article Picks this week

In this week’s newsletter, we explore a fascinating mix of science, self-improvement, and the quirks of human nature. The transformative power of journaling takes center stage, revealing how this simple practice can unlock creativity, clarity, and emotional resilience. Meanwhile, the rise of short-sightedness—both literal and metaphorical—raises questions about our modern lifestyles and the need for balance. For those looking to boost their physical health, we’ve got 11 ways to test and improve your strength, balance, and mobility, offering practical tips for a stronger, more agile you.

Religion’s role in emotion regulation is under the spotlight, with research showing how it provides a unique framework for managing life’s ups and downs. On a more personal note, one writer’s experiment with living car-free in rural America ended after just two weeks, highlighting the challenges of ditching convenience. Science takes a surprising turn with the discovery of the birth certificate in your mouth—your teeth—and the alarming truth about caterpillars that can kill you.

Ever wondered how to spot a liar? The new science of lie detection offers intriguing insights, while we revisit Descartes and his groundbreaking discovery of the mind-body problem. Looking to the future, researchers are exploring whether we could one day regrow adult teeth, a breakthrough that could revolutionize dental care. We also examine the puzzling virus that infects almost everyone, shedding light on its mysterious prevalence. Finally, for aspiring leaders, we share one small but powerful habit to inspire and motivate those around you. Dive in for a thought-provoking and empowering read!

1. The transformative power of journaling (Reading time: 10 min) - Read here

2. Why Short-Sightedness Is on the Rise (Reading time: 11 min) - Read here

3. 11 Ways to Easily Test Your Strength, Balance and Mobility – And Make Them All Better (Reading time: 12 min) - Read here

4. Religion Is About Emotion Regulation, and It’s Very Good at It (Reading time: 6 min) - Read here

5. I tried living without a car in rural America—I lasted only 2 weeks (Reading time: 6 min) - Read here

6. The Birth Certificate in Your Mouth (Reading time: 7 min) - Read here

7. The caterpillars that can kill you (Reading time: 4 min) - Read here

8. How to actually catch a liar, according to the new science of lie detection (Reading time: 9 min) - Read here

9. Descartes and the Discovery of the Mind-Body Problem (Reading time: 11 min) - Read here

10. Could we ever regrow our adult teeth? (Reading time: 6 min) - Read here

11. The Puzzling Virus That Infects Almost Everyone (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

12. One small and powerful thing you can do to be a more inspiring leader (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

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Book of the week

Robert Bagley III’s unabridged audio-book of The Book of Enoch is a captivating and immersive experience, brought to life by the exceptional narration of Steve Cook. As a #1 Best Seller in Science & Religion, this production delivers a passionate and engaging reading of I Enoch, a text that holds immense significance for those interested in Biblical history and ancient religious writings.

The Book of Enoch is a fascinating piece of pseudepigrapha, attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, and is considered scripture by the Ethiopic Coptic Church. Its influence on early Christian thought is undeniable, with direct references in the New Testament, including Jude 14-15 and themes echoed in 2 Peter 2:1. Even Jesus’ teachings in Matthew and Luke appear to draw from its content, making it a vital text for understanding the context of early Christianity.

This audio-book explores the mysteries surrounding why Enoch was excluded from the Jewish Canon, including theories that its messianic prophecies were seen as pointing to Jesus. The inclusion of scholarly insights, such as the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church’s perspective on the Qumran fragments, adds depth and context to the narrative. Steve Cook’s narration is a standout feature, delivering the text with clarity and emotion, making the ancient words feel alive and relevant. The production quality is excellent, ensuring a seamless listening experience.

For anyone curious about Biblical apocrypha, early Jewish and Christian history, or the Dead Sea Scrolls, this audio-book is a must-listen. It not only presents the text in its entirety but also provides thought-provoking commentary and fun facts that enrich the journey. Whether you’re a scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, The Book of Enoch audio-book is a compelling exploration of a text that continues to intrigue and inspire.

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