The Fortune favors the Bold

I want to share a short story of this weekend that made me realize something interesting. Under that are the news and articles of your favorite topics as usual. Enjoy :)

The fortune favors the bold

The sun peeked over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson as I strode out of my home with the energetic bounce of a man bound for a padel match. The air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of morning dew—the perfect day for a game of padel. Padel is really like tennis, just smaller courts and glass walls around you.

My excitement fizzled, however, upon receiving the disheartening update that the game was canceled; one player had ghosted us. My fingers danced across the phone screen, texting a friend in hopes of salvaging the morning match, but alas, he too could not fill the void.

Just as I slumped against the bench, my phone buzzed. My friend had a lead—there was a padel tournament in town. Hopes reignited, I inquired about open slots, only to face the cold reality: none were available. Crestfallen, but clinging to a sliver of hope, I decided to embrace the day regardless. "Worst case scenario, I'll cycle to the padel center, have a coffee, meet my friend and head back home”.

Upon my arrival, fortune playfully winked. "Ah, you're our lucky substitute!" the organizer proclaimed as a no-show participant left a void that perfectly fit the shape of my aspirations. Booked and thrilled, I took my place in the tournament.

Against all odds, my newly appointed partner (14 year old) and I, an impromptu duo, juggled the victories from paddle to paddle, weaving through the games with the grace of seasoned champions. Match by match, we climbed the ladder, our rhythm as synchronized as the beats of a drum in the hands of a maestro. Four wins consecutively, and our names were etched as the rulers of our division.

Next, we faced the champions from other divisions in a short 1-point match mini-tournament. The crowd swelled like a tide, sixty pairs of eyes coursing with the adrenaline that now charged the air. That was no longer about a friendly match—this was about honor, skill, and the unforeseen shot at glory.

Quarterfinals came with opponents whose skills were honed on tougher courts, yet after a long rally - the point was resolved. Victory was ours once more.

Semifinals beckoned; the adversaries' were also ranked higher. Their paddles were swift, their shots calculated, but our spirit remained unyielding, and once again, as David to Goliath, we overcame.

Finals—a stage we hadn't dared to imagine that morning. The crowd's roars crescendoed as we matched our opponents stroke for stroke. The atmosphere was electric; two teams locked in a dance where only one could lead. Until a slip, a small misjudgment—a momentary lapse— and the ball hit the glass wall - out. That shot cost us the crown.

The second best across divisions... In the heat of defeat, we stood tall, our day's journey was its own mosaic of triumphs. The joy, the unity, the thrill—every drop of sweat that had kissed the court was a testament to our unexpected journey, a reminder that life is full of serendipitous turns and marvelous misadventures.

The day, which started with a simple desire for a friendly match, concluded as an odyssey. In life, often the unexpected paths lead to the most memorable experiences, teaching us to embrace opportunities and be ready for any challenge. The fortune favors the bold. Get out there, show up and fight!

PS: If you are in Valencia and look for padel matches - the VLC Padel Social is a great community

Martin

And now onto the usual topics...

News about Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is already in our hospitals. Here are five questions people want answered

???? Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare! It can analyze medical images, predict patient deterioration, and summarize research papers. But what questions do people have about AI in hospitals? Find out in this fascinating article. From improving diagnoses to enhancing patient care, AI is making waves in the medical world. ????

BEYOND LOCAL: Merriam-Webster’s word of the year - authentic - reflects growing concerns over AI’s ability to deceive and dehumanize

???? Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "authentic," highlighting concerns over AI's deceptive and dehumanizing abilities. As terms related to artificial intelligence dominate the conversation, it's clear that society is grappling with the impact of this technology. Read on to explore the growing concerns and implications of AI.

Australia to put artificial intelligence to the test tracking Chinese submarines under AUKUS deal

??????????????????? Australia is diving into the world of artificial intelligence to track Chinese submarines as part of the AUKUS deal. Following an incident with a Chinese warship, Australian naval divers are eager to explore this innovative method. With the help of AI, they aim to enhance their surveillance capabilities and strengthen their partnership with the US and UK.

News about Sustainability

The link between meal sustainability perceptions and healthiness

?????? Researchers have delved into the connection between meal sustainability and healthiness, and the results are in! Published in PLOS SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSFORMATION, the study explores whether our perception of sustainable meals aligns with reality. They also dive into the influence of meal and individual characteristics. Exciting findings await! ?????

95% of Malaysian companies have established sustainability goals but only half have implemented plans: Survey

???? 95% of Malaysian companies have set sustainability goals, but only half have put plans into action, according to a survey. 44% are motivated by business opportunities. However, poor incentives and low return on investment hinder progress. Let's hope more companies turn their green intentions into action for a sustainable future!

Climate change: Corporate sustainability disclosures still 'insufficient' for rapid transition, report shows

?? Climate change: Corporate sustainability disclosures still 'insufficient' for rapid transition, report shows ?? Executives and world leaders are set to unite at the UN's Climate Change Conference in Dubai, urging for swift action to prevent a catastrophic future. Yet, a recent report reveals that major corporations are falling short in their sustainability disclosures, highlighting the need for urgent change. Let's hope this conference sparks impactful solutions! ??

News about Entrepreneurship

Explainer: Can technology solve the global climate crisis?

???? The world's first CO2 mineral storage operator, Icelandic startup Carbfix, is using technology to tackle the global climate crisis. By injecting CO2 into underground rock formations, the company permanently sequesters the greenhouse gas. With innovative solutions like this, can technology truly solve the climate crisis

Inheritance outstrips entrepreneurship in making of new billionaires: UBS report

???? Inheritance trumps entrepreneurship in creating new billionaires, according to a UBS report. Out of the 137 individuals who joined the billionaire club in the past year, 53 inherited their wealth. This highlights the importance of family legacies in the world of extreme wealth. ??

Local fund has $125K to dole out for economic development projects

???? The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie and Area is ready to make a difference! With a generous fund of $125K, they aim to boost economic development through various exciting projects. From promoting tourism to empowering youth entrepreneurship, they're set to create a thriving local economy. ????