Checkpoints vol. 2
AI x Crypto, Pivots, Prompts, Shoegaze, How to exercise your agency, living forever and more.
Hello!
How’s your February treating you? Isn’t it funny how January quickly went by? I’ve heard that time speeds up as you get older, and it’s starting to feel all too real for me. If I stumble upon a way to slow it all down, you’ll be the first to know. But until then, we’re diving into another issue of Checkpoints, packed with all the fascinating finds I’ve stumbled upon and loved on the web recently. I hope there’s something in here that clicks with you!
Technology:
The Promise and Challenges of Crypto + AI Applications - Vitalik Buterin delves into the exciting yet complex world of crypto and AI synergy. He breaks down the potential and pitfalls across four categories, offering insights that balance optimism with caution. A must-read for anyone curious about the future of these technologies.
AI+ - Jacob Horne presents an in-depth look at merging AI with blockchain to create and transact AI-generated artworks onchain. Although we're not quite there technology-wise, Jacob's exploration of how these technologies complement each other, especially in challenging traditional IP paradigms, is fascinating.
You Are Not Too Old (to Pivot into AI) - Swyx shares an encouraging perspective on the viability of pivoting to a career in AI, regardless of age. Drawing from his own journey from finance to AI, he highlights the endless possibilities within AI's expanding landscape and offers practical advice for those considering a similar path.
Artist Trains Rats to Take Selfies - Augustin Lignier's "Selfie Rats" art installation cleverly critiques our social media-driven dopamine quests by comparing us to rats trained to snap selfies. It's a thought-provoking piece that mirrors our own tech-driven behaviors.
Nightshade: Protecting Copyright - Discover Nightshade, a clever tool designed to foil generative AI models by turning images into "poison" samples. This approach seeks to protect creators' rights by making unlicensed data training prohibitive. (Sounds like this project can be complementary to Spawning’s “Opt out anything” project)
Prompts for Work & Play - Stephen Wolfram introduces the Wolfram Prompt Repository, a treasure trove of prompts for large language models. Whether you're into prompt engineering or just want to explore LLMs' capabilities, this resource is invaluable.
Culture:
The Prestige Recession - Yancey Strickler reflects on the transformation from passionate cultural criticism to content that serves marketing ends. He laments the decline of genuine cultural discourse, attributing it to the dominance of metrics over artistry.
A Lull in Traffic - Norman Brannon, of “Anti-Matter” zine fame, muses on the challenges indie publishers face in preserving their identity amid growth and mainstream pressures. His insights into the value of a dedicated readership over broad appeal are especially poignant.
Inside the TikTok shoegaze revival - I recently enjoyed this podcast episode from Emilie Friedlander and Andrea Domanick, where they offers insights into the unexpected resurgence of shoegaze music, a genre traditionally rooted in the '80s and '90s, now revitalized by Gen Z's engagement on TikTok. The episode explores the dynamics between new digital platforms and music discovery, creation, and fan engagement, highlighting shifts in the music industry landscape.
Work/Life:
How to Be More Agentic - This guide, which I've devoured multiple times already, lays out actionable steps to assert your agency by embracing challenges, forging connections, and continuously learning. An essential read for those looking to take charge of their life.
An Old Hacker’s Tips on Staying Employed - The gist? Build a solid reputation, be indispensable, tackle tough tasks, and always be ready to lend a hand, even when it's tough.
Teach Yourself Programming in Ten Years - Embraces the journey of mastering programming, advocating for patience and dedication over shortcuts.
Misidentifying Talent - Dives into the complexities of recognizing true talent, the ease of misjudgment, and its implications for both the individual and the collective.
Dr. Jeff Chen’s Longevity Guide - Offers intriguing tips into extending your lifespan, or at least coming close to immortality.
On Repeat:
Tanukichan - Hunned Bandz - Embodies shoegaze perfection with its slow tempo and lush guitar fuzz. The chords in the verse? Absolute magic.
Gio Chamba - Dern Kala - A delicious cumbia rendition of Khruangbin’s hit. It’s a fusion that hits all the right notes.
Evinha - Olha Eu Aqui Oh! Oh! Oh! - The perfect Portuguese soundtrack for wooing someone. Seductive.
Mndsgn - Truth Interlude - Offers a minute of bliss, sampling a Brazilian radio station bumper from the '70s. Pure gold.
Sadistic Mika Band - Showcases '70s Japanese rock with a hint of country. For all citypop enthusiasts, this band is a prelude to Masayoshi Takanaka’s solo adventures. The chorus is especially captivating.
And just like that, we wrap up this issue. Thank you so much for spending a part of your day with me. I’m looking forward to bringing you more discoveries in our next dispatch!
Take care,
<3
Mark
Amazing links that I really needed right now