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Check FAQAbout Alastair
Alastair Gill is a journalist based in Bansko, Bulgaria.
Portfolio
The ancient civilization that inspired democracy in the United States (and it's not Athens)
The article explores the rich heritage of Lycia, an ancient maritime republic in Turkey, recognized as the first democratic union in the world. It highlights the influence of Lycia on the democratic principles adopted by the United States, particularly through the speech of James Madison at the Constitutional Convention of Philadelphia in 1787. The League of Lycia, formed in the 2nd century BC, was a confederation of 23 city-states with a proportional representation system. The article also delves into the archaeological and cultural significance of Lycia, including its elaborate funerary practices and the creation of the Lycian Way hiking trail by Kate Clow.
Walking Scotland’s West Highland Way in winter
The author recounts a winter trek along Scotland's West Highland Way, highlighting the challenges and rewards of hiking the 96-mile trail from Glasgow to Fort William during the coldest time of the year. Despite inclement weather and limited accommodation options, the journey offers profound solitude and stunning natural beauty, contrasting sharply with the crowded summer months. Key moments include encounters with wildlife, reflections on historical figures like Dorothy Wordsworth, and the serene, desolate landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.
How an unlikely city in Europe is attracting digital nomads
Bansko, a small mountain town in southwest Bulgaria, has become an unlikely hub for digital nomads, attracting a diverse international community with its natural beauty, practical benefits like fast Wi-Fi, low cost of living, and low taxes. The town hosts the Bansko Nomad Fest, the world's largest annual digital nomad event, and has seen a 231% growth in remote workers since 2018, outpacing cities like Madrid and Warsaw. German entrepreneur Matthias Zeitler played a key role in this transformation by establishing the first coworking space, Coworking Bansko, and initiating the festival. The town offers a range of outdoor activities, a welcoming community, and affordable real estate, with a growing trend of digital nomad families settling down. Plans for a new coliving space in a former hotel aim to further cement Bansko's status as a remote work center.
What can we learn from AI and ML use cases?
The use of machine learning (ML) technologies in UK financial services firms is on the rise, with over 70% of firms using or developing ML applications and expecting a threefold increase in the next three years. Benefits include enhanced data analytics, operational efficiency, and improved fraud detection. The article discusses the challenges of identifying appropriate AI and ML use cases in financial services and presents a synthesized summary of use cases categorized into risk management, organizational/operational, and customer experience enhancement. It also highlights the potential of generative AI, referencing the public beta release of ChatGPT by OpenAI and similar tools. The author plans to share detailed reviews and present at a Google event in London.
What can we learn from AI and ML use cases?
The use of machine learning (ML) technologies in UK financial services firms is on the rise, with over 70% of firms using or developing ML applications and expecting a significant increase in the next three years. Benefits include enhanced analytics, operational efficiency, and improved fraud detection. The article discusses the challenges of identifying appropriate AI and ML use cases and presents a synthesized summary of applications in risk management, organizational/operational improvements, and customer experience enhancement. It also touches on the potential of generative AI, exemplified by the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI, and anticipates sharing detailed reviews at an upcoming Google event in London.
What makes Bankso, Bulgaria, one of the most attractive places in the world for digital nomads
Bansko, a small mountain resort town in Bulgaria, has become one of the world's most attractive places for digital nomads. The town hosts the annual Bansko Nomad Festival, which has grown significantly over the years. Factors contributing to its popularity include natural beauty, fast Wi-Fi, low cost of living, and low taxes. German entrepreneur Matthias Zeitler was instrumental in establishing the first coworking space, Coworking Bansko, which has seen rapid growth. The town now hosts over 300 remote workers monthly, and the population increases during the ski season. Bansko offers a variety of social events and has a welcoming community. The digital nomad population is diverse, including tech workers, developers, and creatives from many nationalities. The real estate market is affordable, and some nomads are choosing to settle down in Bansko. The town is also becoming a hub for Bulgarian remote workers.
From legacy to leading edge: How insurtech is redefining insurance
The insurance industry, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has turned to insurtech to meet the demand for customized products and services. Insurtech, leveraging AI and machine learning, is transforming operations by streamlining processes, reducing costs and risks, and improving customer experiences. The global insurtech market is projected to grow significantly by 2030. AI enhances risk evaluation, pricing strategies, and personalized coverage, while automating underwriting and claims processing. Despite potential challenges such as cybersecurity and resistance to change, insurtech promises a more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric future for the insurance industry.
How an Unlikely City in Europe is Attracting Digital Nomads
Bansko, a small town in southwestern Bulgaria, has become an unexpected hub for digital nomads, attracting over 700 entrepreneurs and freelancers during the annual Bansko Nomad Fest. The town offers fast Wi-Fi, low living costs, and a welcoming community, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. Key figures like Matthias Zeitler and Becky Bottjer have contributed to the town's growth, establishing coworking spaces and organizing events. The town's multicultural environment is further enriched by foreign families and refugees, creating a unique social fabric. Real estate remains affordable, drawing both foreign and local investors. The town's natural beauty and recreational opportunities add to its appeal, making it a preferred destination for digital nomads looking for a balanced lifestyle.
How an unlikely city in Europe is attracting digital nomads
Bansko, a small mountain town in Bulgaria, has become an unlikely hub for digital nomads, attracting a diverse international community with its natural beauty, fast Wi-Fi, low cost of living, and favorable tax rates. The town hosts the annual Bansko Nomad Fest, the world's largest celebration of the digital nomad lifestyle, and has seen a 231% growth in remote work popularity, outpacing cities like Madrid and Warsaw. German entrepreneur Matthias Zeitler initiated this trend by establishing Coworking Bansko, and the town now boasts multiple coworking spaces catering to various needs. The local community has embraced the international atmosphere, and the town's appeal is growing, with some nomads even settling down and investing in property. Bansko offers year-round attractions, from skiing to outdoor recreation in the neighboring Pirin National Park, and has become a beacon for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
How an Unlikely City in Europe is Attracting Digital Nomads
Bansko, a small town in southwestern Bulgaria, has become an unexpected hub for digital nomads, attracting over 700 entrepreneurs and freelancers. The town's appeal includes its natural beauty, affordable living costs, fast Wi-Fi, and low taxes. The Bansko Nomad Fest, initiated by Matthias Zeitler, has grown into the world's largest annual celebration of the digital nomad lifestyle. The town offers a variety of social events and recreational activities, fostering a welcoming and multicultural community. The local real estate market is also benefiting from this influx, with affordable property prices attracting both foreign and Bulgarian buyers. Key figures in this transformation include Zeitler, who founded the first coworking space, and other entrepreneurs who have contributed to the town's growing coworking ecosystem.
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