In today’s newsletter we discuss Binance CEO Changpeng “CN” Zhao pleads guilty to money laundering and resigns from Binance, AirBnB makes their 1st acquisition as a public company, Honda debuts their luggage-like Motocompacto scooter, Banksy gets exposed (or does he?), Adrian Grenier settles down on a 46-acre ranch in Texas, and Lionel Messi’s jerseys he wore in the World Cup are being auctioned for $10 million dollars.

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Kim Kardashian Sings Praises of Prenuvo's Full Body MRI Scan

Business

Everyone is getting in on the AI frenzy lately, even AirBnB, who has just made their first acquisition as a public company for a company named Gameplanner.AI valued at just under $200 million.

Why would AirBnB want to acquire an AI company? Well, Gameplanner.AI could help accelerate some of Airbnb’s AI projects according to the article.

Interesting tidbit:

“Gameplanner.AI was cofounded by Adam Cheyer, one of the founders of Siri. When Siri was acquired by Apple, he worked alongside Steve Jobs. Cheyer later co-founded Viv Labs, which would become the foundation for Samsung’s voice assistant.”

Airbnb acquires AI startup for just under $200 million

Tech

Honda has just created the Ikea of scooters with their newly launched Motocompacto.

According to the article: “The Motocompacto’s seat, back wheel and handle bars fold neatly into its body, a flat off-white rectangle designed to slide easily into the cargo compartment of a small SUV like, say, a Honda HR-V. It will fit into other vehicles, as well, but the Motocompacto will be sold by Honda dealers.”

What I love about this is they’ve chosen form over fashion, but in doing so it’s actually become fashionable. How’s that for a paradox?

Honda’s new scooter is also the box it comes in

Crypto

Well isn't this the pot calling the kettle black. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, better known in the crypto industry as CN, just pled guilty to money laundering charges. Some might call this “karma” (that someone being me) since CN was so quick to critizie FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried as FTX was imploding (which as it would happen CN had a role in lighting the fuse that lead to the implosion of FTX, but that’s for another article).

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao to plead guilty to federal charges, step down

Entertainment

It’s getting so hard to have a secret identity these days. First Clark Kent was outed as Superman, then Bruce Wayne was exposed as Batman, now Banksy’s real name may-or-may-not have been exposed….in an article from 20 years ago! Really onto of that reporting aren’t they?!?!

I’m not going to lend any credibility to these rumors. For me, one of the greatest things about Banksy IS this anonymity.

Is this Banksy’s real name? Resurfaced interview suggests it could be

Real Estate

You might remember him best from his role on Entourage as Vincent Chase, but the 46-year old Adrian Grenier decided to change the pace of his life and settle down. That doesn’t mean he’s left Hollywood for good, but rather found peace in his 46-acre ranch in Austin, Texas where he raises chickens, goats, lamas, and donkeys. You think Vinney Chase would ever be caught dead petting a lama?

‘Decided to change my entire life’: Exclusive look at Adrian Grenier’s 46-acre Texas ranch

Sports

The world can’t seem to get enough of Lionel Messi, or even just a small piece of clothing he’s worn. Now there’s news that a set of 6 Messi’s World Cup jerseys are up for auction and could bring bids north of $10 million dollars.

I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say these could become “most valuable collection of sports memorabilia at auction.”

Prices for a set of Messi’s World Cup jerseys could exceed a record $10 million

So much news, so little time. Until tomorrow we’re signing out.

— Chris