Welcome Back! Count: 1,039 words…. 8min read. Don’t be lazy knowledge is power.

By Kervins Valcourt

Whoa, Runway ML latest update is nuts! This is a game-changer! Content creators are going to go wild. Submit an image or video, type up a prompt, and BOOM, you’re giving Pixar a run for their money.

Runway’s free tier lets you create animated images and videos, but you need enough credits. Free accounts start with 125 credits, which reset daily. Your content will be 720p, but for the best experience, upgrade to that sweet 4K baby!

One thing to know is that you won’t be able to animate your favorite celebrity. That means no Kevin Hart, Druski, or Kai Cenat memes without consent. I mean, I get it deepfakes are bad, but damn, that’s going to be a bit of a loss. Imagine if we could animate these.

Now, is this the only option? HELL NO! We’ve got several at our disposal—OpenAI, Sora, and Google’s Veo 2, to name a few. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Next week, I’ll break down the differences and show you which gives you the most bang for your buck. If you wanna read more about AI tools, follow me on LinkedIn or X

Navigating NYC’s Congestion Pricing: What You Need to Know and How to Save Money

By Joshua Clennon

As of Sunday, January 5, 2025, New York City officially implemented its long-debated congestion pricing plan. This marks a significant change in how drivers access Manhattan below 60th Street. While the plan aims to reduce gridlock and fund public transit, it also places an added financial burden on many New Yorkers, particularly working families.

Here’s how drivers can navigate around the fees, along with some essential details about the program.

How Drivers Can Save Money

Drivers traveling from Brooklyn can avoid the congestion fee by taking this specific route:

1. Take the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan.

2. Enter the northbound FDR Drive immediately upon crossing.

3. Continue on the FDR Drive beyond 60th Street.

As long as you stay on the FDR Drive and do not exit onto local streets below 61st Street, you will not incur the congestion fee. However, if you exit the FDR Drive below 60th Street or enter local streets in the designated Congestion Relief Zone, the fee will apply.

Why This Route Works

The congestion fee applies only to vehicles entering local Manhattan streets below 60th Street. Routes like the FDR Drive are exempt to ensure through-traffic isn’t penalized. Returning to Brooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridge is also toll-free.

Keep in Mind:

• Exiting the FDR Drive below 60th Street will trigger the fee, so plan carefully.

• Other toll-free Manhattan entry points include the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge.

For more information, visit the MTA’s congestion pricing website.

Congestion Pricing Breakdown

The congestion pricing tolls vary by time of day and vehicle type:

• Passenger Vehicles:

• Peak Hours (Weekdays 5 a.m.–9 p.m.; Weekends 9 a.m.–9 p.m.): $9 per entry.

• Off-Peak Hours: $2.25 per entry.

• Trucks:

• Peak Hours: $14.40–$21.60, depending on vehicle size.

Additional tolls for bridges and tunnels still apply for these routes:

• Hugh L. Carey Tunnel

• Queens-Midtown Tunnel

• Triborough (RFK) Bridge

• Henry Hudson Bridge

• George Washington Bridge

Toll-free options include:

• Brooklyn Bridge

• Manhattan Bridge

• Williamsburg Bridge

• Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge

The Bigger Picture

The congestion pricing program is projected to generate $1 billion annually for public transit improvements. However, many New Yorkers are skeptical of the MTA’s ability to manage these funds effectively. Meanwhile, the city continues to lose working families in droves due to rising costs. Between 2020 and 2022, over 300,000 residents left NYC, citing affordability as a top concern.

Critics argue that the program disproportionately impacts working-class families, many of whom rely on their cars for commuting and essential errands. Without substantial transit improvements and accountability for funds, the program risks exacerbating the very affordability crisis it aims to address.

Plan Ahead, Save Money

By carefully planning your route—like using the Brooklyn Bridge to FDR Drive option—you can avoid unnecessary fees. As this new system rolls out, staying informed is the best way to save money and adapt to NYC’s ever-changing landscape.

For more details on congestion pricing, visit the official MTA website. Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates and practical advice to help you navigate these changes.

The Bulls are Back

by Anthony Snaggs

The cryptocurrency market is once again making waves, attracting investors eager to capitalize on its explosive growth. With Bitcoin’s latest surge to $100k seeming inevitable, what does this mean for you? It’s a clear signal that there’s an opportunity for those looking to generate significant returns in a market known for its volatility, yet immense rewards.

For this cycle, I’m heavily invested in certain plays. This is not financial advice—always do your own research (DYOR). However, these are my highest-conviction picks, and they’re primarily in the meme coin sector. Why? Because I believe meme coins are set to go parabolic this year, creating new millionaires seemingly overnight. My approach to choosing these plays is simple and based on patterns I've observed during my time in the crypto space.

You’re not just buying memes—you’re investing in people.

The key to success lies in identifying communities that exhibit the following traits:

• Survived significant market drops during bearish periods

• A steadily growing holder base month over month

• A passionate community of individuals hustling daily to push the project forward

• A history of 6+ months of development and growth

• Strong token distribution and a community of “diamond hands” (holders committed to long-term success)

By focusing on these factors, you position yourself to invest in meme coins with the potential to achieve massive gains.

Now for one my highest conviction plays.

 $SPX6900

At this very moment $SPX6900 is trading at $1.50, this community has shown explosive growth within the past few months and I believe is set to make huge gains this year out performing its competitors. $SPX is the Dogecoin of this cycle.

As you can see in the see of red $spx continues to rise.