WEEKLY REVIEW  |  December 7, 2017

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TECH

The Winklevoss twins are now Bitcoin billionaires

How do you parlay $11 million into end up a billionaire? Just ask the Winklevoss twins who took $11 million from the $65 million awarded them in the infamous Facebook lawsuit and invested in Bitcoin. Their gamble makes them one of the few Bitcoin investors worth a billion dollars.  

40 Cyber Monday tech deals still available

If you’re a self-admitted technophile, you’ll be happy to know that you can still take advantage of Cyber Monday tech deals with major online retailers. Here’s a roundup of 40 super buys including laptops, headphones, gaming, and of course, smart home devices.

MARKETING

UK TV viewers treated to an ad more than three minutes long showing clothes being washed

Ever catch yourself staring at a microwave waiting for it to hurry up and finish? UK viewers were recently treated to a 3-minute, 20-second TV commercial showing clothes in a Samsung washing machine going around and around and yes, around. Research indicates that the average Briton spends 61 days across a lifetime watching the washing go around.

Facial recognition gives you deeper insights into travel planning.

You’ve read the reviews on every possible social media travel website, but you’re not convinced where to go for your next trip. Now, you can let a company use a facial recognition tool to track your facial reactions and your gaze when you’re shown travel videos. The data is then turned into destinations you might want to consider.

A coming-of-age story for mobile: interactive ads

The combination of new technologies and smarter mobile devices has paved the way for interactive ads delivered on your mobile phone. Purveyors of small-screen ads reason that since people are already interacting with touch-sensitive screens, why not ads?  

DESIGN

What to give a graphic designer for the holidays

Shopping for the holidays is tough, but what if your giftee is a graphic designer with an artful eye? Here’s a list of gift ideas that may appeal to artist types that value aesthetics over practicality.

Beautiful awards for 2017: the best infographics and data visualizations

Award-winning designs explore the effects of Trump, climate change, the rhythm of food, the nuclear threat, and more.

INFLUENCERS

Linus Sebastian (of LinusTechTips on YouTube)

The stars on YouTube cover virtually every subject imaginable. For Linus Sebastian, and his nearly 5 million subscribers on LinusTechTips, his how-to videos make him a bonafide tech-enthusiast-turned-guru sensation.

EVENTS

Enjoy food, beer, and short films at the Surfrider SF Holiday Party. PitchForce: San Francisco gives early stage, high-tech startups a chance to pitch angel investors. Moonlight Comedy: Stand Up Under the Stars. Enjoy stand-up comedy? How about under the stars at the Uptown in downtown Oakland. Or learn about Silicon Valley’s birth and coming of age at CHM Live | Troublemakers: The Story of Silicon Valley’s Coming of Age in Mountain View. San Francisco Music Conference offers insights into the music industry and networking opportunities. Pop-up Art Gallery brings together artists and merchants for art exhibits in 20 locations throughout Old Town Pittsburg.

AND JUST FOR FUN

Ultimate fantasy gift benefits global education

A one-of-a-kind gift priced at $150,000 offers a luxury vacation for four to Paris and the Champagne region of France. The focus of the trip is the legendary Champagne Armand de Brignac (“Ace of Spades”) and its 13th-generation wine-growing family. Proceeds from this gift goes to Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit organization that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world.


“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

Buddha