NFTs FOR STARTERS

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique, unrepeatable and indivisible digital asset that, linked to the development of blockchain technology and can't be regular cryptocurrencies, as each NFT has a distinct value, hence non-fungible.

NFTs, which are unique digital assets that live on the blockchain, started to gain steam in the digital art world, but quickly expanded into luxury fashion, music, video games, social media and sports. Pop culture became saturated with NFTs throughout 2021, from X-ray images of William Shatner’s tooth, to a digital replica of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s first tweet and numerous memes preserved as NFTs.

Enter 2022, and NFTs are becoming even more mainstream. Samsung, for instance, unveiled plans to bring NFT marketplaces to its smart TVs ahead of the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show.

What’s the definition of an NFT?

NFT stands for a “non-fungible token,” which is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind digital asset that lives on the blockchain. The first NFTs were created in 2017 before the term even existed. Shortly after, crypto-kitties and crypto-sharks coined the term on the market and standardized Smart Contracts, a program that runs on the Ethereum blockchain which is like a “paper contract operated by a computer,” said Calderon.

“I think if there's a single takeaway, for the first time in history, we're able to prove that we own a digital asset,” he added.

How is an NFT different from Cryptocurrency?

NFT stands for non-fungible token. It’s built using the same kind of programming as cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but that’s where the similarity ends.

Physical money and cryptocurrencies are “fungible,” meaning they can be traded or exchanged for one another. They’re also equal in value—one pound is always worth another pound; one Bitcoin is always equal to another Bitcoin. Crypto’s fungibility makes it a trusted means of conducting transactions on the blockchain.

Each has a digital signature that makes it impossible for NFTs to be exchanged for or equal to one another (hence, non-fungible).

How do NFTs work?

At a very high level, most NFTs are part of the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is a cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Dogecoin, but its blockchain also supports these NFTs, which store extra information that makes them work differently from an ETH coin.

What’s the point of NFTs?

That really depends on whether you’re an artist or a buyer.

I’m an artist.

You might be interested in NFTs because it gives you a way to sell work that otherwise might not be much of a market for.

Also, NFTs have a feature that you can enable that will pay you a percentage every time the NFT is sold or changes hands, making sure that if your work gets popular and appreciates in value.

I’m a buyer.

One of the obvious benefits of buying art is it lets you financially support artists you like, and that’s true with NFTs (which are way trendier than, like, Telegram stickers). Buying an NFT also usually gets you some basic usage rights, like being able to post the image online or set it as your profile picture. Plus, of course, there are bragging rights that you own the art, with a blockchain entry to back it up.

I’m a collector.

NFTs can work like any other speculative asset, where you buy it and hope that the value of it goes up one day, so you can sell it for a profit.

Is every NFT is unique?

In the boring, technical sense that every NFT is a unique token on the blockchain. But while it could be like a Picasso where there’s only one definitive actual version, it could also be like a trading card, where there’s 50 or hundreds of numbered copies of the same artwork.

Who would pay hundreds of thousands of pounds for what basically amounts to a trading card?

Some people treat them like they’re the future of fine art collecting

(read: as a playground for the mega-rich), and some people treat them like Pokémon cards (where they’re accessible to normal people but also a playground for the mega-rich).

What are the most popular NFT marketplaces?

Once you’ve got your wallet set up and funded, there’s no shortage of NFT sites to shop. Currently, the largest NFT marketplaces are:

• OpenSea.io: This peer-to-peer platform bills itself a purveyor of “rare digital items and collectibles.” To get started, all you need to do is create an account to browse NFT collections. You can also sort pieces by sales volume to discover new artists.

• Rarible: Similar to OpenSea, Rarible is a open marketplace that allows artists and creators to issue and sell NFTs. RARI tokens issued on the platform enable holders to weigh in on features like fees and community rules.

• Foundation: Artists must receive “upvotes” or an invitation from fellow creators to post their art. The community’s exclusivity and cost of entry—artists must also purchase “gas” to mint NFTs—means it may boast higher-calibre artwork. For instance, Nyan Cat creator Chris Torres sold the NFT on the Foundation platform.

It may also mean higher prices — not necessarily a bad thing for artists and collectors seeking to capitalise, assuming the demand for NFTs remains at current levels, or even increases over time.

APPLE 13 LAUNCH EVENT 2021

After months of rumours, Apple has finally announced the iPhone13, succeeding the iPhone 12 series released last year.

A light update from last year’s iPhone 12, the new devices feature upgraded cameras and the company’s latest A15 chip, which it says is up to 50% faster than the competition.

The iPhone 13 family includes four models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max – all feature the new processor, which Apple said would help users “absolutely fly through demanding workloads smoothly and efficiently”.

As far as battery life goes, all four phones also feature larger batteries, which the company says combined with the more power-efficient chip offers between 1.5 and 2.5 hours more use each day.

“iPhone 13 has a faster chip, faster 5G speeds, a brighter OLED display and the most advanced dual camera system ever in an iPhone, and with all these upgrades the iPhone 13 has a better battery life,” Apple’s vice-president Kaiann Drance said.

The upgraded cameras have enabled a reduction in the “notch” on the front of the devices, shrinking the black bar by 20%, and as for video, Apple is making a big deal out of its Cinematic mode that lets you selectively adjust focus and depth of field when post-processing, like Portrait mode for photos. The 13 Pro, meanwhile, lets you record and edit video in Apple’s ProRes codec on the phone itself, or you can export the ProRes file to Final Cut Pro on a Mac.

The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max contain three cameras and what Apple calls "its most advanced camera system yet".

Its premium models include a Super Retina XDR display and ProMotion - which delivers adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This allows for smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay.

The iPhone 13 mini starts at £679, with the iPhone 13 starting at £779. The iPhone 13 Pro starts at £949, and the larger Pro Max £1,049.

The iPhone 13 was one of many reveals as part of Apple's "California Streaming" event.

FAQs

Q: Do the Apple iPhone 13 devices have fingerprint sensors? A: No. This was rumoured for a few months but it didn’t come to be. The lone biometric security system of these phones is Face ID.

Q: Are the iPhone 13 phones water-resistant? A: Yes, all four models are IP68-rated against water and dust.

Q: Will cases for the iPhone 12 series fit the iPhone 13 series? A: No. Although the phones are about the same size as last year, the rear camera modules have been slightly redesigned. Therefore, cases from last year’s models won’t fit correctly.

30 THINGS EVERY GENTLEMAN SHOULD DO BEFORE TURNING 30

How many of the following have you ticked off in your twenties?

Words: Jonathan Wells

Ah, your roaring twenties. Kicked off with a big, brash twenty-first birthday party, it’s a decade that begins with such promise. But then, as you graduate, delve into the world of work and inevitably settle down, it’s common to find yourself approaching the big 3-0 as a shadow of your former self.

Thankfully, to combat these late-twenties blues, we’ve amassed a list of things that you can do to spice up this exciting decade. From buying a tailored suit to climbing a mountain, these are the 30 things every discerning gentleman should have done by the time he’s 30. So get ready to tick off, and make plans to complete those that have as yet evaded you…

1. Climb a mountain

We may as well start with a big one — literally. Climbing a mountain takes patience and skill, as well as physical strength, so it’s a good test of your mettle, and something every self-respecting gentleman should tick off his list before 30.

And we’re not talking Everest, necessarily. Any old mountain will do. Just make sure you do the obligatory hands-on-hips take-in-the-view sigh when you get to the top.

2. Invest in a piece of art Art is long and life is short — or so they say. We’d argue that it’s more than that. Today, art is a global currency, and the right piece can fetch tens of millions.

So what are you waiting for? Be it a whirl around a local art fair or a big spend at a high-end auction house. In ten years time, you could be thanking us…

3. Go skydiving

It’s said that if you haven’t bungee-jumped or skydived before you’re 30, you never will. Our advice, then, is simple; do it. Skydiving would be our chosen pursuit — throwing yourself out of a plane and falling two miles to the ground. You’ll feel just like an action hero, and that’s what we all secretly want…

4. Learn how to master a signature dish And steak doesn’t count. We mean a proper, classic dish that you can whip up for dinner parties, entertaining the in-laws or impressing the boss.

Whether it’s a perfect carbonara, an impeccably-made Massaman curry or a flawless Doro Wat — don’t know it? You’re missing out… — throw on your apron and get those culinary skills honed.

5. Buy one tailored suit

Because nothing looks as good. And, even if you’re only going to invest in one tailored suit in your lifetime, it makes sense to get it early on. That way, you can make the most out of it. But remember: Keep it simple. You’ll regret that floral pink print the first time you have to throw it on for a funeral…

6. Travel to at least three continents Europe, Australasia and Africa? North America, Antarctica and Asia? Africa, South America and Europe? There’s seven to choose from, and if you’ve visited at least three before you hit the big three-o, you’re well on your way to conquering the world.

And, with the different cultures, peoples, food and landscapes you can find, there’s truth in the maxim; travel really does broaden the mind.

7. Learn another language well enough to flirt It’s said that the measure of learning another language well is making a native speaker laugh. We disagree, as surely flirting is the gold standard of proving your lingo skills?

Opt for a romantic language to this end, something latin such as French, Spanish or Italian. Then unleash your newfound tongue next time you take a trip.

8. Ride a horse Who doesn’t watch westerns and feel a twinge of jealousy? We know we do. Be it Eastwood or Wayne, whenever anyone canters across the silver screen, we all have secret desire to saddle up and ride off into the sunset ourselves. So why not do it? Just leave the chaps and spurs at home…

9. Read a great (though not necessarily celebrated) work of literature

No-one’s going to be impressed at a dinner party if you tell them you’ve read Ulysses or War & Peace. They’ll likely just think you pretentious — and thoroughly predictable.

Instead, when conversation turns to literature, ensure you can surprise them with a little-known classic — anything from Wilde to Woolf, Conrad to Kipling.

10. Win a game of chess

This is harder than it sounds. Not only do shockingly few people under 30 even know how to play chess, but the game’s popularity has waned since the seventies heydays of Spassky vs Fischer.

And then, even if you do find someone who has knowledge of the rules, a chess set and a want to play you, you have to win. Thought this was a simple one? Checkmate.

11. Reach out to one of your heroes They say you should never meet your heroes, but we disagree. If you admire someone, they should stand up to scrutiny — and offer you advice that will better your life.

So, whoever they may be and however you may contact them — even a letter is better than nothing — reach out and reaffirm why you respected them so much in the first place.

12. Become a mentor to somebody else, even if just for a week One of the key parts about growing into a man is assuming responsibility and imparting knowledge. With a whole new younger generation beginning to their mark on the world, it’s a key time to take someone under your wing and show them the ropes of a hobby, career or skill.

Doubtlessly someone did the same for you, and you wouldn’t be where you are today without them…

13. Learn how to make one cocktail really well

Just one. That’s not really that hard. There are a lot to choose from, after all. So, whether it’s an Amaretto Highball, a Death in the Afternoon, a Pisco Sour or a Black Russian, buy the barware you need to craft it, invest in a couple of bottles and practice until it’s perfect. You’ll be the toast of any party.

14. Learn to drive Even if you grew up in a city, driving is a skill every gent should have under his belt.

15. Find a pub to call home

Of course, this depends on where you find yourself, but every discerning gent needs a good local — an armchair in the corner that others know not to sit in, and a landlord who knows your usual the minute you breeze in the door.

Look for studded leather, a dark wood bar and some sort of old hunting weapon mounted above the optics. Then settle in and raise a glass.

16. Go to the opera, even if you never return Opera. It’s a word that can strike fear into even the most cultured of hearts. But, if there’s one leap you should take before you turn 30 — the skydiving above notwithstanding — it’s a trip to the opera. From Rossini to Puccini, Wagner to Strauss, it may be a case of closing your eyes and picking one, but it’s worth taking the chance, even if you never return…

17. Give blood If you’re not already a blood donor, you should be. Your donations are few and far between, it’s an incredibly important public service to undertake and you tend to get a free cup of tea after you’ve given up some of the red stuff. It’s a no-brainer.

18. Host a Sunday roast in your own home Nothing says ‘adulting’ more than juggling a meat, several different dishes of vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, gravy and dessert all at the same time. As such, invite your friends and family around for a huge Sunday roast, put on a great spread and have a lovely time. It’s as easy as that.

19. Go on a shoot Shrug on your Norfolk Shooting Jacket, pull on your Le Chameau Boots and head to the fields — for every gentleman has to go on a shoot every once in a while.

20. Learn to Ski

Because every man should know his way around the slopes. If you haven’t learned to ski in your youth, you’ll inevitably start to worry when you finally do get around to it, and likely won’t make it past the green slopes for fear of dislocating a knee/making a fool out of yourself.

21. Have a favourite whisky And it doesn’t have to be Scotch, either. As long as it’s a delicious dark amber in colour, looks excellent swirling around a lowball with a couple of cubes of ice and tastes like liquid manliness, you’re onto a winner.

22. Make homemade sloe gin Having a favourite whisky is all well and good, but it’s not until you’ve made a spirit yourself that you can sip with the pride of a real drinksmith. Sloes and sugar are all you need to add to the gin, and then you play the waiting game. We’d recommend you save this until Christmas — unless you turn 30 before then…

23. Travel on your own for a week

There’s nothing quite like getting away from it all to clear the mind. And that goes double if you travel on your own. Book your flights, take a trip and really get to know yourself.

But choose your destination carefully; a week alone in Grimsby might do you more harm than good…

24. Cook a steak to perfection It’s a simple one. But everyone should know how to cook a steak to perfection.

25. Own a pair of Goodyear-welted shoes

First up, let’s explain. A Goodyear welt is a strip of leather or rubber that runs along the outside of your outsole.

It’s the mark of a reliable, hard-wearing shoe — and the next pair of shoes you buy simply must have one.

26. Buy property If there’s more of a mark of adulthood, we’d like to see it. Granted, you’ve been living on your own for a while now — or we certainly hope you have been — so you’re a dab hand at household chores and paying bills.

But you should aim to actually buy before you hit 30

27. Place a bet in a casino

You don’t have to tux up and sit by the roulette wheel with a dry martini, but we’d suggest that you head to a casino and place a bet before turning 30.

True, it may not be the most sustainable way of earning money, but there’s a certain fun in the risk of gambling. And, if it pays off, winning is a high unlike no other. Just know when to quit…

28. Find your signature scent It’s another way that you build a persona during your twenties — picking out that singular, signature scent that will stay with you and define you for years to come.

29. Learn at least one song on piano or guitar If you sink your time and effort into learning one song on an instrument, whenever the party is dying down, you’ll come to the rescue and look highly-skilled doing so.

30. Own a Swiss watch that will see you through the next 30 years