What I Read This Week (12/15)
Wisdom from Nietzsche, OpenAI Sora Release, Google's Quantum Computer Chip, Full Body Reanimation, CPI Report, Cousin in the Clergy, & Holding My First Book
Every week, I like to share what caught my attention. This is from 12/17/24 to 12/15/24
Old Idea
“When we are tired, we are attacked by ideas we conquered long ago” - Friedrich Nietzsche (Beyond Good and Evil)
This is especially relevant to my fellow burnt-out teachers and me this time of year. I’m currently troubled by things I know I have already dealt with.
When I feel this way, I remind myself to recharge. I need more time to do the things I love.
New Ideas
There was a lot that I found super interesting this week.
Open AI Sora Release
OpenAI's new model, Sora, is changing the game in video creation. With just text, we can generate stunning, high-quality videos up to 60 seconds long. This is super exciting because anyone can make professional-grade videos, leveling the playing field for small creators.
You can see an example of what Sora is like in action here!
I want to spend some time playing with this.
Google New Quantum Computer Chip: “Willow”
Google has unveiled a new quantum computer chip named "Willow," a significant step forward in quantum computing.
Willow can perform calculations in just five minutes, theoretically taking the world's fastest supercomputers around 10 septillion years to complete. This is a big deal. On top of this massive breakthrough, Willow can reduce errors as the system scales up. Historically, quantum computers struggled to maintain accuracy as they grew in complexity.
This much computing power could revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, battery design, and climate modeling by solving complex problems that classical computers cannot efficiently handle. This could lead to advancements in medicine, technology, and environmental science. Some people say this could be troublesome for cryptocurrencies. The future is looking exciting!
You can read more about it here!
Full Body Reanimation?
I find the idea of a neural shunt fascinating! It sounds like it’s straight out of a science fiction book, but it has real potential. If Neurolink can act as a 'wireless bridge' for neural signals, the implications for mobility restoration in paralysis cases could be revolutionary. I am curious to see how this progresses from concept to clinical application.
I honestly think Neuralink could redefine paralysis and even life itself. Maybe I’m too optimistic.
You can check this out here!
What I See In Markets
November CPI Report & Fed Watch
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for November 2024 shows
CPI rose 2.7% year-over-year, compared to 2.6% in the previous month.
Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is steady at 3.3% year-over-year.
Monthly, both CPI and core CPI increased by 0.3%.
For the uninitiated, the CPI roughly measures inflation. Inflation is relatively stable but still above the Federal Reserve's long-term target of 2%. It is not accelerating but persistent.
I don’t think it’s cause for alarm or that it will stop the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates.
The CME FedWatch Tool indicates a 96.7% probability of a quarter-point (25 basis points) rate cut at the next FOMC meeting. The federal funds rate will go down, but I don’t think that will affect mortgage rates.
My Watchlist Favorites This Week
This week, I’ve been paying extra attention to AMD and HNST. I recommend everyone put these companies on their watchlists. I think there will be great opportunities over the next few years.
Admittedly, I have been steadily buying HNST since it was $3, but not AMD (yet). I want to add more HNST when it hits support or moves under the 200MA. Depending on their earnings reports, I’m considering adding more AMD next quarter.
Personal Updates
My cousin became a Deacon last week, and I went to his ordination. It was amazing to be in a beautiful church and see my cousins. I am so incredibly proud of my cousin. Every person who gets the privilege to hear him speak will be blessed with someone thoughtful, knowledgeable, and kind-hearted. I can’t wait to see him at mass.
My book is almost done. I received the proof copy, and having a physical printed book is amazing. I feel like I have accomplished something good. I cannot believe I wrote this, but at the same time, I know I have put in countless hours to make it the best I could. I need to fix a few printing mistakes, and it will be done and out in the wild!
