Web3Weekly by Spawn 03
Happy New Years
ISSUE 03
Like many, I took a step back and a little break from my work last week. It felt weird not to open my email, check telegram, and be in Google Meets all day. I almost felt guilty that I should be doing more while traveling abroad with my family, whom I only see ever so often. However, the break gave me a lot of time to think.
I believe the act of sitting down with an open mind (and notebook) is far overlooked in our go-go-go culture. Yes, getting things done is crucial, and execution is key. But what outcome am I working towards without direction, awareness, and presence? Can I be more efficient in my work? More confident in my actions? More deliberate in my processes?
That was a long-winded way to say that I found value in stillness. As I mentioned last week, the ability to think creatively trumps all in my opinion, and taking a step back, or even a small break, has helped me a lot.
I like this section of the newsletter to brain-dump some of my thoughts, so hopefully, a few of you like them :)
- Jake
Around the Block-chain
Turkey to use blockchain-based digital identity for online public services (Source: CoinTelegraph)
DeFi Protocol Sushi to Shutter Lending Product to Focus on DEX (Source: Coin Desk)
MicroStrategy sold bitcoin worth $11.8 million for tax benefits (Source: The Block)
Gemini Earn Users Pursue Class-Action Arbitration Over Genesis-DCG 'Sham Transaction' (Source: Decrypt)
Into Blockchain Clubs
What are universities doing around the country?
FEATURING CORNELL BLOCKCHAIN
Cornell Blockchain had a successful year offering new courses to the Cornell community, hosting their annual conference in New York City, being ranked #2 in the US for blockchain education by Coindesk. They also hosted speakers from various companies, brought blockchain education to BIPOC Brooklyn public high school students, and worked on various projects throughout the year. Read more about their year in their 2022 Wrapped update.
Spotlight 🔎
What We’re Watching
Some recommended content from the Spawn Team
Lecture 3 - Before the Startup (Paul Graham) by Y Combinator: The Vault - Jake
The Real Danger of ChatGPT by Nerdwriter1 - Zuhair
OpenAI Co-Founder Ilya Sutskever: What's Next for Large Language Models (LLMs) by Scale AI - Arthur
What We’re Reading
Some recommended reads from the Spawn Team
2023 Crypto Market Outlook by Coinbase - Jake
A few of the things we’re excited about in crypto by a16z - Zuhair
DAOs are not corporations: where decentralization in autonomous organizations matters by Vitalik Buterin - Arthur
App Recommendation
One Sec - Zuhair
This is an app that changed the way I use my phone. I’ve saved countless hours of what could’ve been endless scrolling all because the app asks me to breathe before opening Twitter, Instagram or other social media. If your New Year's resolution is to limit your screen time, download One Sec and take your time back.
What’s new at Spawn?
Cohort applications are still open until Jan 15th, get those last minute applications in!
Fellowship Application - Connecting students to industry leaders in Web3
Studio Application - Cohort of developers building on the blockchain, sponsored by Polygon
Ending Thoughts
If you want your club’s or company’s content featured on the newsletter, feel free to message me @jakelevy on telegram or email me at jake@spawn.global.
Wishing you all a productive and creative week.
— Jake