"Travel is the only thing you can buy
that makes you richer." Anonymous

#Trending

Bud Light With a Side of NFT

Okay, before we begin discussing the main topic of this story; let's start with a simplified definition of what an NFT is. A Non-Fungible-Token is a unique and non-interchangeable unit of data that is stored on a public ledger using blockchain technology to establish proof of ownership. Let’s break this down a bit more.

In November 2021, Ryan Zurrer (Swiss entrepreneur) purchased a ‘Human One’ NFT for $28.9 million. Yes, you read that correctly. With that same amount of money you could buy 8,257,142.86 Bud Lights, but that’s besides the point.  This piece of artwork is not only a symbol of culture, prestige, and monetary significance but there is a 0% chance of it being forged or replicated.

How? The crypto wallet he uses has a 32 character address that is connected to the unit of data (from paragraph above) associated with the artwork. So no matter if someone screenshots the picture, the true proof of ownership will be shown on the blockchain. Following along yet? If not, don’t worry we’re working on a beginner’s guide to NFTs for an upcoming newsletter. 

Now…you guys know the boys love their Bud Latte’s and if you don’t know Justin has stumbled upon a borderline addiction to NFT’s over the last month. Alex is quite concerned. 

So when we caught wind that Bud Light is not only releasing 12,722 unique tokens designed in the blue and white colours of the brew's packaging, but a no calorie beer as well? It was like the world was designed in the most beautiful light. The “Bud Light N3XT Collection” will be available February 14th to holders 21 years and older at a price of $399 USD. Who would have ever thought there would be an age restriction on NFT’s? 

The project is set to appeal both to surfacing health trends and the new generation of investors who prefer to purchase a picture of a kitten on molly for 5k than buy shares in the S&P 500. The token will also provide holders access to exclusive merchandise and brand affiliated events. This is the purpose of utility for a lot of brands who have begun diving into this space. Holders gain entry into events, networks, etc that others don't as the virtual and physical worlds begin to merge.

#Trailblazing

Music Makes the Tok - True or False?

TikTok is arguably the best discovery app with the most accurate algorithm to push creators to a desirable demographic based on user preferences. One of the key traits to the algorithm is sounds. First off, if anyone tells you they know how to “crack the code” to make viral content, they don’t. It’s a computer generated beast of a different colour. There are however, tactics you can implement in your videos to give you a better chance at having your video shown on the For You Page. For example, 7 second videos with more than 3 lines of text has been a recent trick of the trade to effectively increase watch time.

According to MRC (Music Business World Data Control), 75% of TikTok users say they discover new artists through the app. That is a significant majority. A lucrative opportunity for artists to showcase their talent. Sadie Jean is a true testament to this statement. In October 2021 she had 3k followers and after she posted a duet challenge of her first single “Wyd now”, she took over the app and amassed a following of 427k. Not only did she experience profound TikTok growth but currently is sustaining 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Here’s a list of 10 songs that have already risen to the heights of TikTok fame over the last year: 

1. “Oh No” by Kreepa
2. “Aesthetic” by Xilo
3. “Buss It” by Erica Banks
4. “Lotus Flower Bomb” by Wale feat. Miguel
5. “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
6. “Sugarcrash!” by ElyOtto
7. “So Pretty” by Reyanna Maria
8. “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall
9. “Vacation” by Dirty Heads
10. “Streets” by Doja Cat

#Traveling

Top Travel Destinations with a Twist

As the boys continue their travel throughout the United States, discussions about increasing the stakes and truly embarking on a one-of-a-kind adventure have commenced. Don’t get us wrong, we have loved going to the places we have over the last 5 months but let’s just say, it was only the warm-up. Our goal is to bring you guys the best content we can. Therefore, making our way down to some of the most haunted places in the world makes sense, right? Apparently Peru doesn’t have Bud Light so that's an immediate no. 

Sailing Stones, Death Valley: Since 1915 there have been many theories of how these stones move on dry land. Some say it has to do with ice formation around the rocks, but since no one has ever seen the rocks moving - it remains a mystery.

Blood Falls, Antarctica: The striking blood red water that stains the white snow of the Taylor Glacier has been a mystery for quite some time. Well, no more. Thanks to researchers we now know it is iron oxide - basically rust - that flows from the nearby lake and creates the red hue in the water.

Lake Anjikuni, Nunavut:  This lake can be found in the Kivallig Region of rural Nunavut in Canada. Often dubbed the Village of the Dead, the site is infamous for an entire Inuit village disappearing without a trace in November 1930. To this day, there is no answer to where the village or its inhabitants went. 

Nazca Lines, Peru: These prehistoric remains are amongst the most mysterious in South America. Etched into the dusty desert landscape these geoglyphs depicting spiders and monkeys are best viewed from above (flying high overhead). No one really knows why something visible from above was made by the ancient Nazca people long before air travel was a reality.

#WeeklyTopPicks

We Go Along Top Picks

#AlexFoodReview
Ben's Pizza | 123 MacDougal St., New York, NY

Old Style Classic Pepperoni Pizza: While In New York City, a pizzeria by the name of “Ben’s Pizza” was brought to our attention. There was a lot of hype around it, so it was only right to give it a whirl. Upon entering, I could tell that this was about to be some of the best pizza I’ve had yet - was definitely not let down there. The pizza had lots of flavour in both the Old style classic pepperoni and the Buffalo chicken pizza, with a perfect crunch to top it off. All in all, I’d say it’s a must try if you’re ever in New York City. You won’t be disappointed.
Overall Rating: 8.9

#Flix
Entourage | 2004 - 2011 | Drama-Comedy | 8 Seasons

Follows Vince, an actor deemed to be "the next big thing", who moves from Queens N.Y. with four of his buddies to L.A.

#Facts
Random fact of the week

Austin, Texas has the largest urban bat colony in North America. During Spring and Summer, about 1.5 Million Mexican free-tailed bats migrate to Austin and take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge every night. Tourists and residents wait for and watch this crazy spectacle.

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