#32 - National Steve Irwin Day 🐊

Author

Graham Schroeder
November 15, 2024

Your home base for investing, finance, personal growth.

This week Bitcoin surged to new all-time highs, why people are flocking to BlueSky, and Happy National Steve Irwin Day!

Market Recap

  • New Users Flock to Decentralized Social Media Platform BlueSky

    • Bluesky (founded by ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey) gained over 1.25 million users in the week following the U.S. presidential election, reflecting a shift in social media desires​.

    • The platform is a decentralized alternative to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s Threads. Despite the growth, Bluesky’s total user base of 15.2 million remains significantly smaller than its competitors, such as Threads with 275 million monthly users and X with 318–600 million​.

    • Decentralized social media allows users to own their data, customize algorithms, and operate across multiple platforms while centralized social media such as X & Meta manages all data, algorithms, and user experiences.

  • Saudi Arabia’s Neom City Project New CEO

    • Nadhmi al-Nasr the CEO of Neom since 2018 left suddenly, marking a major shake-up in the $500 billion project that is central to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision their future.

    • Neom has faced schedule delays, budget failure, and executive turnover. The largest part of the project called “The Line,” has been scaled back, with estimated costs for the skyscrapers alone exceeding $2 trillion​.

    • Aiman al-Mudaifer from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has been appointed acting CEO. The shift reflects increasing PIF control over the project amid financial constraints.

  • Bitcoin $BTC Hits New All Time High

    • $BTC hit new all time highs past $93,000 over the past week and analysts predict $BTC could reach $100,000 by year-end​.

    • Investors are optimistic due to Trump’s proposals, including a strategic national bitcoin stockpile, firing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and establishing a crypto advisory council.

    • Analysts attribute the bullish market sentiment of pro-crypto political advisors and a shift toward a more favorable environment. This "step change" is expected to drive mainstream crypto adoption and sustain positive momentum​. Ex-NFL player Russell Okung's $6.5M $BTC contract salary in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers is now worth $20M.

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Quote of the Week

In honor of National Steve Irwin day today I always end up re-watching clips of one of the most enthusiastic characters from my childhood. The energy and passion that Steve Irwin lived with should be a reminder to all people that no matter what you do, you can choose your attitude and energy each and every day. A couple of thoughts:

  • Message of Possibility: He always encouraging people to dream big and believe that their goals are within reach, no matter how ambitious or challenging they may seem.

  • The Key to Success: He was evident that success isn’t just about talent or resources, it’s fueled by a deep determination and excitement for what you do. Passion drives perseverance, and enthusiasm makes even hard work enjoyable.

  • Intentionality Matters: He advises focusing your energy and passion on a path that resonates with your values and interests. Choosing a direction that aligns with your true self leads to fulfillment.

  • Redefining Success: For Irwin, being a winner wasn’t just about fame or fortune. It was about living a meaningful, joyful life, fully engaged with your purpose and driven by a love for what you do.

Achieving great things comes from choosing a path that excites and inspires you. And pouring your effort and soul into it with enthusiasm. Success, in his view, was not about the outcome but about the journey of pursuing what you care about.

The purpose of this newsletter is to encourage you and our other 77 Gazette subscribers to start and stay consistent with your personal, professional, and financial journey.

Thanks for investing your time reading this.

Disclaimer: Graham’s Gazette provides information and resources related to investing, financial topics, and personal growth for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content presented is not intended to be construed as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. Graham’s Gazette and its creators do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided nor do they guarantee any specific results from such use of information.