Good morning and happy Hump Day!

Here are some numbers to help you get out of bed and do something great today!

• 84% of people struggle with procrastinating

• 44% of people are most productive first thing in the morning

• 31% of people are most productive in the late morning

• You are only ‘productive’ for about 3 hours/day

What does that mean?

Finish reading this newsletter, of course. Then get after the day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. (Credit to Jim Harbaugh for the phrase)

-Wally

Markets

Microsoft's Cloud Soars: A 33% Surge in Profits

Microsoft has once again surpassed expectations with a 33% surge in net profits, largely thanks to its ambitious entrance into artificial intelligence and dominance in cloud computing. The tech behemoth reported $21.87 billion in net income for the October-December quarter.

Wall Street’s Prediction: $2.79
Actual Share Price Today: $2.93

The quarter saw Microsoft rake in $62.02 billion in revenue, marking an 18% increase from the previous year and outpacing analyst forecasts. This financial feat proves that Microsoft's strategic pivot towards AI and the cloud are paying off in more ways than just tech advancement.

Analysts, having had their expectations exceeded, are now eyeing the January-March quarter with projections of $60.97 billion in revenue, keenly watching Microsoft's next moves in the rapidly evolving AI and computing landscapes.

On This Day

1966: Soviets Launch Luna 9

On this day, the Soviet Union made a significant leap in space exploration by launching the Luna 9 spacecraft. This mission was aimed at achieving the first soft landing on the moon, a milestone that would pave the way for future lunar exploration. The successful launch of Luna 9 marked the beginning of a new era in our understanding of the moon and demonstrated the possibilities of space travel and exploration beyond Earth's orbit.

International

U.S. Clamps Down on Volt Typhoon Cyber Threat

The U.S. government has launched an extensive operation to counteract a significant Chinese hacking endeavor known as Volt Typhoon. These guys had infiltrated thousands of internet-connected devices and were met with a robust response: The Justice Department and FBI were granted legal permission to neutralize key components of the hackers' operations.

The Biden administration's increased focus on cybersecurity comes in the wake of ransomware attacks that have disrupted Corporate America and concerns over potential disruptions to the U.S. electoral process. Volt Typhoon, known for its efforts to compromise critical Western infrastructure like naval ports, ISPs, and utilities, signals a broader strategy to weaken defenses and potentially severely interfere with crucial services.

The campaign, which initially emerged in May 2023, has seen its techniques evolve, with the White House collaborating with the private sector to get the threat under control. National security experts have highlighted the potential for these types of breaches to impair U.S. military readiness, particularly in scenarios involving Taiwan.

Decent Headlines

Decent Destinations

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Discover the allure of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This "forest" of limestone needles offers a landscape like no other, with its dramatic pinnacles, deep canyons, and hidden caves. Ideal for the intrepid explorer, it's a testament to nature's artistry, virtually untouched and unknown to mainstream tourism.

Marketing

Optimize on Meta

As we dive into 2024, the landscape of digital advertising, particularly within the Meta ecosystem, continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. With Facebook remaining a juggernaut for marketers worldwide, courtesy of its massive active user base, staying on top of the latest trends is crucial for those looking to maintain a competitive edge. Here's a snapshot of the pivotal trends shaping Meta advertising this year:

• Augmented Reality (AR) Ads: This makes a bit more sense when you consider transparent VR glasses. AR technology is transforming Meta ads, allowing users to interact with products and experiences directly in their Facebook feeds. This immersive approach is set to become more sophisticated, offering memorable brand interactions that drive engagement and conversions.

• Video Dominance: Video content's grip on user engagement tightens, with Facebook championing various formats like in-stream ads and stories. Brands should prioritize crafting compelling short videos to capture audience attention in a cluttered news feed.

• Influencer Collaborations: The power of influencers on social media endures, with brands leveraging these partnerships for authentic and relatable ad campaigns. The key lies in aligning with influencers whose values resonate with the brand's ethos.

• Personalized Advertising: Tailored ads are the cornerstone of effective advertising, with Facebook leading the charge through advanced targeting and analytics. Advertisers should harness retargeting and dynamic ads to deliver customized content that resonates with individual preferences and behaviors.

• Privacy and Data Protection: Amid growing data privacy concerns, Facebook is adapting with changes to ensure user data protection and regulatory compliance. Brands need to navigate this privacy-conscious environment by obtaining explicit user consent and exploring alternative targeting strategies.

• E-commerce Integration: Facebook's e-commerce features, like Shops and Instagram Checkout, are making online shopping seamless within the platform. Brands should optimize their online storefronts and leverage shopping ads to enhance the user shopping experience.

• Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: Today's consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability and social responsibility. Brands that incorporate these values into their ad campaigns can deepen their connection with a socially aware audience.

• Messaging Apps Advertising: With the rising importance of WhatsApp and Messenger, brands are exploring advertising opportunities within these messaging platforms. Effective use of chatbots and personalized messages can engage users in meaningful conversations.

• Voice Search Optimization: The ascent of voice search demands that advertisers refine their campaigns for voice-activated queries. Embracing conversational language and voice-specific keywords can position brands favorably for this growing trend.

Staying informed and adaptable to these trends will be key for businesses aiming to leverage Facebook's vast platform to its fullest potential in 2024 and beyond.

Cryptocurrency

Vitalik Concerned About AI

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain is generating both excitement and raised eyebrows. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently outlined the need for caution in this domain. In a blog post dated January 30, Buterin articulated his concerns and offered guidance to developers venturing into the fusion of AI with blockchain technology, emphasizing the high stakes involved, particularly in contexts where substantial assets are at risk.

Buterin's cautionary stance highlights the potential vulnerabilities and unforeseen consequences of integrating AI into blockchain applications, such as prediction markets or stablecoins. He points out the risk associated with AI oracles — automated agents that fetch and verify external data for blockchain networks — which, if compromised, could lead to significant financial losses. Buterin also sees merit in employing AI on a smaller scale, such as enhancing user interfaces for crypto wallets, thereby making interactions with cryptocurrencies more intuitive and secure for users.

However, Buterin advises against relying solely on AI for user interfaces, suggesting instead that AI could complement traditional interfaces to mitigate the risk of errors. The most daunting challenge, according to Buterin, lies in the development of a decentralized AI, which could serve as a single, trusted entity across various applications. Such a task, he argues, is loaded with complexity, particularly in ensuring the AI's reliability and resistance to manipulation.

Is Vitalik Buterin telling everyone that he thinks AI should be centralized?

Draw your own conclusions.

What’s Not News

‘Taylor Drift’ Wins Minnestoa Snowplow Naming Contest

What are these headlines, man.

In the realm of "what isn't news anymore?", Minnesota's snowplow naming contest takes the cake. The long, chilly winters have left Minnesotans with ample time to ponder the existential question: "What shall we name our snowplows?" With entries like "Taylor Drift" leading the pack, one can't help but chuckle at the thought of new names being submitted every single year.

But really, in a land famed for its many lakes, are we resorting to naming snowplows for entertainment?

Perhaps it's time to dust off those skates and play some puck, Minnesota.