🧠 Neuralink Implant. Horizontal TikTok. Unboxing Apple Vision Pro

Stock markets. Investors await Microsoft to kick off Big Tech results as earnings season roars into gear. Counting down to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision at the end of its two-day meeting on Wednesday. The question of whether cuts will happen in March or May is currently the subject of intense debate on Wall Street as markets hang near records. Monday saw both the S&P 500 and Dow reaching record highs. Pfizer, UPS, and GM reported this morning, sparking varied stock reactions, with GM soaring while UPS and Whirlpool faced declines. Bond yields edged up, influenced by consumer confidence and job openings data. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks grapple with concerns over the economy and Evergrande's liquidation, reflecting in a 2.3% fall in the Hang Seng Index.

I.M.F. Signals Optimism. The International Monetary Fund offers a more positive perspective on the global economy, upgrading growth forecasts and signaling a potential 'soft landing.' Despite challenges such as a pandemic, inflation, conflicts, and rising interest rates over the past four years, the world seems to be defying the odds, according to Tuesday's projections.

Norway's Wealth Soars. Norway's colossal sovereign wealth fund reports a record profit of 2.22 trillion kroner ($213 billion) in 2023, buoyed by robust returns from technology stocks. Despite global challenges like high inflation and geopolitical unrest, the equity market showcased remarkable strength compared to the preceding weak year of 2022.

First Look at Apple Vision Pro. The highly-anticipated Apple Vision Pro is under the spotlight as the first reviews and unboxing videos emerge, creating a buzz before its U.S. launch on Friday. Watch.

Zooming into the Future. Vision Pro introduces digital avatars, transforming video calls into a quirky virtual experience. Zoom promises even more excitement this spring with the upcoming "real-world pinning" feature. This immersive twist allows Vision Pro users to pin up to five meeting participants in their physical space, while backgrounds vanish.

Amelia Earhart's Plane Found. Former US Air Force pilot Tony Romeo claims to have located what seems to be Amelia Earhart's Lockheed 10-E Electra using sonar. In July 2, 1937, while attempting to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, Amelia Earhart's plane disappeared somewhere between Lae, New Guinea, her last known location, and Howland Island where she was headed next.  After funding an $11 million search and scanning the ocean floor since September 2023, Romeo believes he has cracked the case. If confirmed, this discovery could finally unravel the enigma surrounding Earhart's disappearance 87 years ago.

Titanic Champagne's Deep-Sea Secret. Delving into the mysteries of the Titanic, the question arises: Why didn't champagne bottles implode? The answer lies within with the elevated pressure inside the bottle, fueled by carbon dioxide, to start. Champagne's pressure, reaching 6 bar (90 psi), surpasses expectations, with modern bottles designed to endure up to 20 bar (290 psi). As it descended, the pressure difference reduced until around 60 meters (197 feet), keeping the risk of implosion low. Yet, the Titanic's 3,800-meter (12,500 feet) depth poses a greater challenge. Beyond strong glass, the cork's mangled appearance suggests a novel solution: water ingress equalizing the bottle's internal and external pressures.

Mind Over Matter. Elon Musk reveals a human patient has undergone Neuralink's brain implant, signaling a leap toward the company's ambitious goal of achieving symbiosis with artificial intelligence. Musk's initial focus is on empowering paralyzed individuals to control a cursor or keyboard with their minds. While details remain scant, Musk notes the patient is "recovering well," with promising signs of neuron spike detection.

TikTok Goes Horizontal. TikTok takes a cue from YouTube's playbook, urging users to broaden their content horizon with longer horizontal videos. The platform sweetens the deal by promising boosted visibility within 72 hours for these extended narratives. Eligible creators, seasoned on TikTok for over three months, are invited to explore this fusion of TikTok and YouTube aesthetics, excluding ads and political content from the incentive.

Sky's the Limit. SpaceX's Starlink introduces 'Community Gateways,' aiming to revolutionize high-speed internet in remote areas. However, the gigabit dream comes at a hefty cost—starting at $75,000 per month. This business program, not targeted at consumers, offers a comprehensive package: a dish and the construction of a dedicated facility capable of receiving up to 10Gbps from Starlink's satellite fleet.

IRS Innovation: Free Tax Filing (It’s About Time). IRS introduces Direct File, new software set to offer free tax filing. Initially available to specific filers in select states, the IRS plans to test and refine the program with a smaller user group before expanding it to a broader taxpayer audience in the future.

Justin Timberlake Returns. He announced the "Forget Tomorrow" world tour on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." Kicking off in Vancouver, B.C. on April 29, the tour marks Timberlake's hard-charging return six weeks after dropping his first solo album in five years, "Everything I Thought It Was.

Elton John's Watch Collection Takes the Auction Stage. Elton John's watch collection, featuring standout pieces like the Cartier Crash and Leopard Daytona, is ready to dazzle at Christie's eight-part auction series starting February 21. With over 30 watches, including Rolex Daytona and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, this musical maestro's distinctive taste becomes a collector's dream.

Historic Transformation. Klamath River Renewal Corporation embarks on the removal of the largest dam in U.S. history. After the successful dismantling of one dam, crews have initiated the process for the remaining three hydroelectric dams on the lower Klamath River. The lowering of water levels in Iron Gate Reservoir marks the beginning of the end for the 173-foot-tall Iron Gate Dam, contributing to the conservation efforts aimed at benefiting endangered salmon and other native fish species.

Desert to Oasis. The United Arab Emirates leads the charge in combating desertification and water scarcity. As a pivotal player among the Middle East's water-stressed nations, the UAE's journey unfolds with breakthrough technologies and significant investments. Abdulla Al Mandous, director general at the UAE National Centre of Meteorology, reveals the country's forward-looking $20 million investment in cloud seeding research, a key player in their quest for a greener tomorrow.

Top 20 Coolest Travel Adventures for 2024. From horseback safaris in Kenya to Olympic marathons in Paris and skiing tours of UNESCO sites in Georgia, the options are endless. For a wild experience, bear-watch in Katmai National Park or cruise an epic river in Colombia. More here.

The Age of 'Shoulder Season’. Welcome to the era of 'shoulder season' travel, where the sweet spot between high and low seasons promises cheaper trips and fewer crowds. A survey of 200 travel specialists reveals that 41% note high seasons are extending, blurring the lines with shoulder seasons. Additionally, 43% observe more destinations transforming into year-round options, eliminating distinct low seasons.

Tractor 'Siege' in Paris. French farmers intensify their protest, encircling Paris with tractors and barricades for a second day. With traffic disruptions, they demand government action on fuel taxes, regulations, and declining incomes. The "siege" strategy involves convoys of tractors and even harvesters, indicating a firm stand until concessions are made, with some protesters prepared for a long haul with supplies.

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