BLUES CLUES, BITCOIN IN EL SALVADOR & 3D ART

Blues Clues’ ever-recognizable Steve is back—with over 60 million views across Twitter and Instagram this week. In a video posted by Nick Jr., Steve acknowledges that when he up and left the kids’ show for college, it was “kind of abrupt.” He also talks about how life has been hard but he’s proud of all of his old friends, and many people were like “yeah Steve, it has been hard”. Of course the viral moment resulted in hilarious takes and memes, (this one and this one particularly got me) that point out how wild it is that we’re at a point in society where Steve from Blues Clues needs to step in and give us emotional closure. Regardless, I am always here for a throwback from my childhood, and this one clearly struck a chord with a ton of people. Thanks, Steve—for everything. 

El Salvador became the first country to adopt bitcoin as an official currency this week. On Monday, President Nayib Bukele tweeted that the country just bought another 200 bitcoin, which brings El Salvador’s total holdings to 400 bitcoin, or around $20.9 million. Citizens can now sign up for the new wallet app called Chivo (and see a fresh $30 for signing up), or use one of the bitcoin ATMs that the government has started installing across the country. While the currency fell up to 20% after the change, it doesn’t look like that volatility is going to deter adoption. This week, Ukraine also passed a law making bitcoin legal—and regulating it. 

And, of course, two of my favorite videos from this week. This one, shining a light on the inner monologue of a dog when he does a certain trick, is something special. And, this one, from a very talented 3D artist is unexpected and trippy. I recommend checking out a few other videos on the latter’s page—they are very unique. 

—Darlene Kenney, Digital Strategist