Shopify delivered strong fourth-quarter revenue, fueled by the holiday shopping season, but shares dropped more than 10% after earnings as investors focused on softer margins and guidance. The company reported revenue of $3.67 billion, topping expectations, though adjusted earnings per share came in slightly below estimates. Shopify also announced a $2 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its long-term outlook.

The Breakdown:

• Top-line beat: Revenue exceeded analyst forecasts
• Earnings miss: Adjusted EPS fell short of expectations
• Strong growth forecast: Q1 revenue expected to grow in the low-30% range
• Buyback boost: $2B repurchase program announced

The Angle: Shopify's fundamentals remain solid—but Wall Street is demanding perfection. Strong growth isn't enough if margins show even slight pressure in a high-expectation environment.

Buddhist Monks Complete 108-Day Walk for Peace in Washington

Nineteen Buddhist monks concluded a 108-day silent pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C., advocating for peace and nonviolence. The single-file march ended February 10 with a call for unity amid political division.

King Charles Offers Support Amid Epstein-Andrew Inquiry

King Charles is said to be prepared to assist authorities as they review claims that Prince Andrew shared confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations add fresh scrutiny to the disgraced royal's past associations.

French Ex-Teacher Charged Over Decades of Abuse

Former French teacher Jacques Leveugle has been charged with abusing 89 teenagers dating back to the 1960s. Prosecutors say he allegedly documented the assaults in diaries, prompting police to urge additional victims to come forward.

The British Museum has raised nearly $5 million in an effort to secure a rare gold Tudor heart pendant believed to be connected to Henry VIII's marriage to Katherine of Aragon. The ornate piece is considered a significant artifact from England's royal past.

In celebrity news, officials confirmed that Catherine O'Hara died from a pulmonary embolism at age 71 on January 30. The cause was listed on her death certificate, bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding the beloved actress's passing.

Fasted training can improve fat oxidation and metabolic flexibility, but it's not ideal for everyone. Some people feel energized training fasted, while others experience reduced strength, poor focus, or elevated cortisol. Fasted cardio works well for low-intensity sessions; fasted strength training is more individual.

If performance suffers, add a small pre-workout snack of protein + carbs. If you enjoy fasted sessions and your energy is stable, there's no need to change. The best approach is the one that supports your goals, recovery, and consistency.

The modern career is no longer tied to a single employer. The rise of remote work, online businesses, and digital skills allows individuals to design careers independent of location or traditional structures. The "sovereign individual" takes ownership of their income, skills, and opportunities.

Build sovereignty by strengthening mobile skills (writing, coding, design), building digital assets, and cultivating a global network. The more independent you become, the more optionality you have—professionally and financially.

Background noise ruins calls, but simple settings and tools can create crystal-clear audio.

Pro Tip: Use headphones—built-in mics pick up less room noise.

Imagine jagged peaks erupting from Arctic waters, fishing villages clinging to rocky shores, and the midnight sun hanging above the horizon at 2am. Welcome to the Lofoten Islands, a 118-mile archipelago in Arctic Norway that looks photoshopped but is shockingly real. Tourism surged 73% in 2024, with travelers chasing Northern Lights (September-April), midnight sun (May-July), and landscapes that National Geographic called "the world's most beautiful islands."

These islands sit 105 miles above the Arctic Circle where the Gulf Stream creates mild winters (30-40°F) despite the latitude. 24,000 residents live across six main islands connected by bridges and tunnels, most in traditional rorbuer—red fishing cabins on stilts. Viking heritage runs deep; Lofotr Viking Museum sits on the site of the largest Viking longhouse ever found. But what stops hearts? Mountains like Reinebringen and Ryten plunging 2,000 feet straight into fjords, creating drama that makes the Alps look gentle. The Lofoten Wall—a continuous mountain range visible from the mainland—defines the horizon. This is nature operating at maximum intensity.

Tomorrow: Vikings, stockfish, and Arctic survival...