Weirdo's Weekly Update — 17 Jul, 2023

AI News

In AI news this week, Anthropic's AI chatbot, Claude 2, has debuted its second-gen version, offering a massive leap in summarization capabilities compared to ChatGPT. Claude 2 can summarize up to 75,000 words, outperforming GPT-4 in various areas and even offering abilities similar to ChatGPT's Code Interpreter. It's also 5 times cheaper for developers.

Elon Musk has announced the creation of xAI, a new AI company focused on understanding the true nature of the universe. The team behind xAI includes experts from DeepMind, OpenAI, Google Research, and more.

Google's ChatGPT competitor, Bard, is now available in over 40 languages and has integrated with Google Lens, allowing users to upload images with prompts. Bard's range of possibilities has just doubled.

Crypto Update

In the ongoing SEC vs Ripple Labs lawsuit, Judge Analisa Torres ruled that institutional sales of XRP by Ripple were considered securities transactions, while other distributions were not. This is a positive win for Ripple and the crypto market, but the final outcome is still uncertain as certain issues will go to trial and there is potential for appeal.

The decision also conflicts with previous rulings, which could lead to a challenge. While it's a positive development, there are still uncertainties and legal steps to be taken.

Alex Mashinsky, the founder and former CEO of Celsius, was arrested this week on charges including securities fraud. He has pleaded not guilty, but the consequences could be severe if convicted.

Changes in the Last Week

Bitcoin $30,198 (-0,2%) ⎸ Ethereum $1,911 (+2.3%) ⎸ Gold $1,955

Changes Last Week 17.7.
Changes Last Week
Fear and Greed Index 17.7.
Fear and Greed Index
Crypto Events 17.7.

Travel Tips

When it comes to exchanging money for local currency, it's best to steer clear of the airport unless absolutely necessary. Why, you ask? Well, the exchange rates offered at airport currency bureaus are notorious for being the least favorable. These bureaus have higher operating costs, which means they often charge higher fees or provide less advantageous rates compared to other locations. So, if you want to get the most bang for your $$$, consider exchanging your money at a bank or a reputable exchange bureau in the city you're visiting.

Now, let's say you find yourself in a pinch and have no other option but to exchange money at the airport. In that case, try to exchange only the minimum amount needed. Another trick is to use a credit or debit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees and offers favorable exchange rates.

We use Wise, which is connected to our Curve card, and we’ve been satisfied with the rates so far with the rates.

I am currently listening

To get ready for the upcoming PictureOn festival we are visiting, i am listing to their playlist.

I am currently watching

Great tips on on how to automate your Video Upload workflow with Zapier by Stephen G. Pope

How To AUTOMATE Video Uploads To YouTube Using Zapier

Tool of the week

KeepKey is a crypto hardware wallet supporting over 40 different cryptocurrencies. It's an easy-to-use, sleek, and affordable wallet (currently $49) that keeps your assets safe. It’s a great device if you are a beginner or long-term holder looking for a simple way to store your first crypto assets or if you plan to make some trades in and out of ShapeShift. It's nicely designed, a bit larger than other devices on the market, but comes with a large screen that improves usability with confirming transactions.

Full Review here.

Inspiring Quotes

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."—Gandhi

and

"Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard."—Guy Kawasaki

Something to think about

“What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

Productivity Tips and Tricks

❓ Why do we start off with strong motivation just to quit soon after?

We all probably experienced that - hype at the beginning of a new idea, project, or work, but lost the drive soon afterward. One common reason is the lack of a clear and realistic plan. When we set ambitious goals without breaking them down into manageable steps, we can quickly become overwhelmed. Without a well-defined roadmap, it becomes easier to lose motivation and give up.

Another factor is the fear of failure. We often fear making mistakes or falling short of our own expectations. This fear can lead to self-doubt and a reluctance to persist in facing challenges. Instead of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth, we perceive them as indications of our incompetence, leading to a loss of motivation and, ultimately, quitting.

Additionally, a lack of support and accountability can contribute to quitting. When we try to pursue our goals in isolation, we miss out on the benefits of a supportive network. Without encouragement, guidance, and someone to hold us accountable, it becomes easier to lose momentum and abandon our pursuits.

To increase the chances of staying committed, it's important to set realistic goals, break them down into manageable steps, and create a supportive environment. By setting attainable milestones and celebrating small victories along the way, we can stay motivated and build momentum. Seeking support from friends, family, or like-minded communities can provide encouragement, accountability, and valuable guidance.

You can learn more here.

July 24, 2023
Leo Brunnhofer