Uncrowned Guard

A Breakdown in Negotiations Universal Music Group (UMG), home to stars like Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and Ariana Grande, announced its decision to remove its vast music catalog from TikTok. The move comes as a result of unsuccessful negotiations with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, regarding royalties. UMG's existing licensing agreement with TikTok is set to expire at the end of January, with plans to discontinue content licensing to TikTok and its dedicated music service, TikTok Music, due to disagreements over fair compensation for music usage. Dispute Over Fair Value UMG criticizes TikTok for not offering adequate payment rates to artists and songwriters, contrasting TikTok's proposal with the more favorable terms provided by other major social platforms. Despite TikTok's significant ad revenue, reported to be around $20 billion last year, UMG claims that TikTok's contributions to its total revenue amount to only about 1%. UMG accuses TikTok of attempting to profit from music-based content without duly compensating the creators. TikTok's Response and Copyright Concerns In response to UMG's allegations, TikTok expressed disappointment, accusing UMG of prioritizing greed and neglecting the interests of artists and songwriters. TikTok highlighted its role as a promotional platform, citing successful partnerships with other labels and publishers. The disagreement also extends to the handling of AI-generated recordings using UMG's properties and TikTok's alleged inadequacy in removing copyright-violating content promptly. Implications and TikTok's Music Ambitions UMG's withdrawal from TikTok could have significant implications for the platform, which increasingly focuses on music curation and creation. TikTok Music aims to compete with giants like Spotify and Apple Music, while initiatives like the "AI Song" feature and exclusive distribution deals through ByteDance’s SoundOn service underscore TikTok's investment in becoming a key player in the music industry. However, TikTok's aggressive strategy, including testing the removal of major record company music in markets like Australia, indicates a complex relationship between the platform and the music industry. As the situation unfolds, the music and tech industries will closely watch the impact of UMG's catalog withdrawal on TikTok's content and its ambitious music-related endeavors. View full article

No Solo Outing for Hulk Mark Ruffalo, the actor behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Hulk, has shared insights into the future of his character, revealing that fans should not expect a standalone Hulk movie. During a conversation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Ruffalo recalled discussions with Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige about the direction of the Hulk character. Feige made it clear that while Hulk's journey from a "raging maniac" to an "integrated character" would unfold across multiple films, a solo Hulk movie was off the table. Mixed Reactions from Fans The news of Hulk's absence from solo screen ventures sparked a variety of reactions among fans online. Some expressed disappointment, voicing their desire for a movie dedicated entirely to the green giant, while others appreciated Hulk's contributions to ensemble casts in previous Marvel films. This mixed feedback underscores the character's enduring popularity and the high expectations for his continued presence in the MCU. Ruffalo's Continued Role and Upcoming MCU Slate Despite the lack of a solo movie, Ruffalo hinted at Hulk's return in future MCU stories, though he clarified misconceptions about appearing in "Captain America: Brave New World." Ruffalo's portrayal of Hulk has been a staple of the MCU, with his most recent appearances in "She-Hulk" and "What If…?" following his role in "Avengers: Endgame." As Ruffalo explores roles outside the superhero genre, fans eagerly anticipate Hulk's next appearance. Meanwhile, the MCU is set to expand with the release of "Deadpool & Wolverine" in 2024, the only MCU movie slated for that year. Mark Ruffalo's discussion about Hulk's role in the MCU sheds light on Marvel Studios' approach to character development and storytelling. While a standalone Hulk movie may not be in the cards, the character's journey continues to captivate audiences, promising more adventures in the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe. View full article

It seems like something out of a sci-fi novel, but it's real: the woolly mammoth, an icon of the Ice Age, extinct for over 4,000 years, is on the brink of making a comeback. This isn't just a pipe dream anymore; Colossal Biosciences, a pioneering company in the field, is saying they've got the technology to make it happen by 2028. Imagine that for a second. Mammoths roaming the Earth again, alongside creatures like the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger, which Colossal is also looking into. It's a monumental task, considering these creatures disappeared from the face of the planet thousands of years ago. But with modern DNA sequencing and genetic editing technologies, what was once thought impossible is becoming increasingly plausible. George Church, a co-founder of Colossal and a leading geneticist, is planning to blend the genetic material of woolly mammoths with that of their closest living relatives, the Asian elephants. This isn't just for the spectacle or to fulfill some Jurassic Park fantasy. The aim is to bolster elephant populations threatened by human activity and climate change and to reintroduce these ancient giants into ecosystems where they can thrive and benefit biodiversity. It's a bold vision, especially in light of the current biodiversity crisis, with predictions of losing nearly half of the planet's species by 2050 if drastic changes aren't made. This project could represent a beacon of hope, not just for mammoths but for countless other species at risk. However, it's not without its challenges. For instance, woolly mammoths have a 22-month gestation period, posing significant hurdles for scientists working to create healthy, viable calves in a lab setting. Plus, there's the pressing issue of elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses devastating young elephant populations, a problem that this project could potentially help mitigate. This raises so many questions and possibilities. What could the reintroduction of species like the woolly mammoth mean for our ecosystems? How does this technology change our approach to conservation and the fight against climate change? And, of course, there are the ethical considerations of such a monumental scientific endeavor. Let's dive into this fascinating topic. What are your thoughts on the revival of extinct species? Are you excited, skeptical, concerned? How do you see this impacting our world and the future of conservation?

Super Bowl LVIII wasn't just any football game; it went down in history as the most-watched telecast ever. Yeah, you heard that right – it's officially the biggest in the medium's history, with a whopping 123.4 million viewers tuning in from all sorts of platforms like CBS, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, and various CBS Sports and NFL digital properties, including NFL+. This year's clash between the 49ers and the Chiefs didn't just keep us on the edge of our seats with a game that went into overtime, ending in a nail-biting 25-22 win for the Chiefs, but it also managed to draw in a seven-percent increase in viewership from last year's record of 115.1 million. And if that's not enough to impress you, over 200 million people watched at least part of the game. That's a lot of eyes! But this brings up an interesting point – with the population sitting at around 340 million this month, what exactly were the other 140 million Americans doing instead of joining in on this historic viewing party? What do you think made Super Bowl LVIII so incredibly watchable? Was it the teams, the halftime show, the commercials, or maybe the sheer spectacle of it all? And for those who might not have tuned in, what were your reasons?

TL;DR: The NFL has set the stage for the 2024 Draft, taking place in Detroit from April 25-27, with the Chicago Bears holding the first pick, acquired from Carolina. The draft order reveals the teams' positions, from the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots rounding out the top three to the Kansas City Chiefs at 32. This event marks a pivotal moment for teams to fortify their lineups with new talent, shaping the league's future. The anticipation builds as the combine approaches, signaling the countdown to one of the most impactful weekends in NFL history. The Countdown Begins As the curtain falls on another exhilarating NFL season, attention swiftly turns to the future stars of football with the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon. The much-anticipated event is scheduled to kick off in Detroit on Thursday, April 25, setting in motion a weekend where dreams come true, and the next generation of NFL talent is unveiled. The first round promises an evening of suspense and excitement, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, and concluding with the final four rounds on Saturday. First-Round Draft Order Locked In Following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, the NFL has finalized the order for the first round of the 2024 Draft. The Chicago Bears, via a trade with Carolina, have secured the coveted first overall pick, setting the stage for potential game-changing selections. Close on their heels are the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots, rounding out the top three. The draft order reflects the culmination of the season's results, trades, and strategic maneuvers by the teams, all aiming to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. Key Picks and Potential Impacts The top of the draft order sees the Chicago Bears in a prime position to impact their team's future significantly, followed by other teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots who are looking to make substantial additions to their squads. Notably, the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in the top five, each poised to make selections that could alter the course of their franchises. Further down the order, teams like the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, determined by divisional head-to-head tiebreakers, and trades, such as Houston's deal with the Cleveland Browns, illustrate the intricate strategies at play as teams position themselves for success. As the NFL combine looms and the draft draws nearer, teams, analysts, and fans alike eagerly anticipate the decisions that will shape the league's future. The 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit is not just an event; it's the beginning of a new chapter for the league's next stars and the teams that will welcome them. The Full List Chicago Bears Washington Commanders New England Patriots Arizona Cardinals Los Angeles Chargers New York Giants Tennessee Titans Atlanta Falcons Chicago Bears New York Jets Minnesota Vikings Denver Broncos Las Vegas Raiders New Orleans Saints Indianapolis Colts Seattle Seahawks Jacksonville Jaguars Cincinnati Bengals Los Angeles Rams Pittsburgh Steelers Miami Dolphins Philadelphia Eagles Houston Texans Dallas Cowboys Green Bay Packers Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals Buffalo Bills Detroit Lions Baltimore Ravens San Francisco 49ers Kansas City Chiefs

Tucker Carlson has conducted an in-person interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sadly, he only uses his site and Twitter, so this is the only embed I can offer that isn't a stolen YouTube video upload. My opinion of the interview is slightly mixed. I'm glad the interview took place, but basically, all of Putin's answers were "the West did it" and he never seemed to provide any evidence or detailed events to match up. This made the interview feel more like a Russian propaganda ad than an interview, which isn't very surprising as it was surely done via Putin's terms. Tucker Carlson also appeared to interview him more like a guest on his YouTube podcast than a professional journalist interviewing a leader of a world power, but that is mostly my personal opinion. What do you think? Warographics did a fairly solid summary and review of the interview if you want a short version.

It is kind of strange. The sport itself is quite good for both TV and live watching compared to many other sports.

Toys that talk to kids and interact with kids have always been a hot item and a fun toy for both the kids and parents. However, now we have AI and more precisely Grok by Curio that uses a kid-friendly ChatGPT model to interact with children. For kids, this opens up a huge world where they can tell the toy to act like their dream toy (e.g. a superhero or an astronaut, like in the video) and use the AI to open a world of possibilities that most of us simply dreamed of with our toys as a kid. For parents, the AI offers a fully interactive toy with one of the most powerful AI models protecting the content for the child, but it also opens up the toy to full access to the internet if something were to go wrong. This is certainly going to cause some debates, but I feel like most of those debates will have little to do with the toy or the AI model used sadly. Overall, the video I linked offers a pretty solid introduction to the toy and tries to get it to provide "bad" answers as many parents would worry about. I personally would have been against a toy like this, but seeing how well it did, I might consider it at this point. Their largest problems were actually not the AI or safety issues, it was the design and how the toy's interaction was set up.

At the end of the day, the truth is that nations too small to defend themselves from their neighbors are simply vulnerable to attack. Over the years, humanity has seen stability via international law and larger nations defending those that cannot defend themselves, but these are not certain outcomes and sadly location is a major factor. European nations have the ability to join NATO or the EU, Latin American nations fall under the protection of the US, but many nations in places like Africa and Asia often get support only when it is convenient. We have seen different types of leagues of nations rise and fall in some of these areas, but most lack the central power to add in the punches when they need it.

I believe the most likely reason for the invasion is that Ukraine was starting to become a natural gas giant that could rival Russia. The discoveries of massive gas fields and the introduction of Western drilling companies were rapidly placing Ukraine in a position to supply the EU and directly compete with Russia for their largest customer and most valuable export. This is really followed up by Russia's involvement in the Donbas rebels that are next to these fields and even the Chimera invasion that took out Ukraine's best ports. There is also the NATO membership idea, but Ukraine wasn't looking like it was going to have major support to join NATO internally and NATO also didn't have a huge reason to accept them as Ukraine was they were a stability-generating buffer state since the fall of the USSR. Of course, we may never know what spies and unofficial documents were saying about this matter for both sides. Then there is just the unchecked aggression by Putin and the dream of restoring the older Russian Empires. Many people are quick to point out that the US has little room to judge Russia, but in all reality, Russia has not only started more wars since the creation of the Russian Federation, but each one of those wars has resulted in more deaths than all of the US ones combined and also ended with the expansion of Russian land and had no justification for the initial invasions. Overall, they are quite comparable with the Nazi Germany nation of old where nearly all their reasoning and justifications were simply made up to gain support for the wars. Although, the Nazis at least had moderate reasonings to start the initial invasions due to the terrible Treaty of Versailles of WW1 setting up a nearly certain WW2.

A Glimpse into a Fractured Society The latest trailer for "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" premiered during Super Bowl LVIII, offering audiences an epic preview of a world where apes reign supreme and humans lurk in the margins. Set generations after the reign of Caesar, the film introduces viewers to Noa, a young ape who might hold the key to reconciling the fractured relationship between apes and humans. This new chapter in the Planet of the Apes saga explores the complexities of a society divided, where not all apes see eye to eye, setting the stage for a narrative rich in conflict and search for harmony. Visionary Direction and Legacy Directed by Wes Ball, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" seeks to inject fresh energy into the storied franchise, portraying a future where apes have established dominance, and humans are reduced to shadows of their former selves. Amidst the emergence of a tyrannical ape leader's empire, Noa's journey becomes a beacon of hope, challenging the status quo and prompting critical reflections on past and future. This continuation, while introducing new characters and conflicts, remains tethered to the universe crafted by the preceding trilogy, maintaining continuity within the broader narrative landscape. The Journey Ahead Since its reboot in 2011 with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," followed by "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" in 2014, and "War for the Planet of the Apes" in 2017, the franchise has captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and complex characters. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is positioned as a narrative leap, set 300 years after the conclusion of the Caesar trilogy, inviting speculation on how the new storyline will intertwine with the established lore. With its release now scheduled for May 10, 2024, after a recent schedule adjustment, fans eagerly await the chance to dive into this latest installment and explore the evolving dynamics of a world where apes and humans vie for survival and coexistence. As "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" gears up for its theatrical debut, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a compelling exploration of power, identity, and the possibility of unity in a world marked by division and historical legacies. View full article

An Explosive Reveal at Super Bowl LVIII During one of Super Bowl LVIII's commercial breaks, audiences were treated to the first trailer of "Deadpool 3," offering a sneak peek into Wade Wilson's anticipated entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside his "best friend," Wolverine. This reveal not only provided fans with a first official look at the film's direction but also unveiled its new title, "Deadpool and Wolverine." This title sets the stage for an epic showdown between some of Marvel's most iconic characters, promising the same irreverent humor and fourth-wall-breaking antics that have become synonymous with Deadpool's character. Integrating X-Men into the MCU "Deadpool 3" marks a pivotal moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it navigates the incorporation of X-Men characters following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox. This merger opens up new possibilities for character crossovers and universe blending, providing a unique opportunity for "Deadpool and Wolverine" to explore these dynamics under a fresh set of rules. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprise their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively, with the film boasting an R rating, indicating that it will maintain the edgy and unfiltered style that fans have come to expect from the franchise. A Standalone Marvel Entry in 2024 While "Deadpool and Wolverine" is set to captivate audiences in theaters on July 26, 2024, it stands as the singular Marvel Cinematic Universe movie release of the year. Fans of the MCU will have to wait until February 2025 for the next cinematic installment, "Captain America: Brave New World." However, Marvel enthusiasts have a selection of Disney+ shows to look forward to in 2024, including "Agatha: Darkhold Diaries" in the fall, and other eagerly awaited projects such as "X-Men ’97," "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," and "Eyes of Wakanda." As "Deadpool and Wolverine" gears up for its summer premiere, the excitement builds for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the MCU. With the integration of X-Men characters and the return of fan-favorite heroes, the film is poised to offer a unique blend of action, humor, and comic book lore that will undoubtedly leave its mark on Marvel's expansive universe. View full article

Long time indeed! So far so good for me, how about yourself?

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The debate continues regarding the extent to which these actions were intentionally designed to suppress Ukrainian nationalism or were simply the result of economic mismanagement. The consensus among many historians (and I'd put myself into this group as to the why) is that the Holodomor was a man-made tragedy exacerbated by the Soviet government's policies, which targeted the Ukrainian peasantry and led to widespread starvation and death. In terms of parallels with today's relationship between Russia and Ukraine, it's important to recognize the significant historical, political, and socio-economic developments that have occurred between the two nations. The memory of the Holodomor surely influences Ukrainian national identity and perceptions of Russian influence and intentions. Contemporary issues, such as the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, can be seen as part of a long history of difficult relations between Ukraine and Russia. These events reflect ongoing disputes over sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national identity, though they occur in a vastly different context than the events of the 1930s. Understanding the Holodomor and its impact on Ukrainian history is crucial for comprehending the depth of historical grievances that inform current dynamics between Ukraine and Russia. While direct parallels may be limited, the historical memory of such tragedies continues to shape perceptions and relations in the present day.

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Obviously, the US is not innocent as even the war on terror led to a barely/highly debated justified invasion of Afghanistan and a completely unjustified invasion of Iraq and that is not even the whole list of problems the US has had. However, Putin is without question in a much worse view as his recent wars, including the war in Ukraine, have all been for conquest of the area. There is no way to look at Putin in a good light as there is essentially no war cause more unjustified than conquest for resources, perhaps conquest for genocide, but Putin isn't doing too well in that regard either. I personally have never seen his Christian ways mentioned as to why the world is persecuting him, most of the nations looking poorly at him are Christian nations. Sure, he does get some love from the insane people on the far, far, right of things, but those are just tiny extremist groups and every dictator has some extremist group that loves them.

A Strategic Alliance Unveiled X, the platform formerly known as Twitter and revitalized under Elon Musk's ownership, has announced a significant partnership with sports betting operator BetMGM. This collaboration marks BetMGM as X's exclusive Live Odds Sports Betting partner, introducing a novel feature that integrates access to sports betting services directly within X. Initially targeting U.S. users, the service will commence with pro football betting odds and is expected to expand to encompass a broader range of professional and collegiate sports over time. Enhancing User Experience with Betting Integration The integration promises a seamless transition for X users to engage with betting odds and proceed to BetMGM’s platform for placing bets. Although the initial phase will require users to navigate to BetMGM’s website or app to complete their bets, future updates aim to simplify the betting process directly on X. A mockup shared by X CEO Linda Yaccarino showcased how the integration would present betting odds for major sporting events, like Super Bowl LVIII, enhancing the sports fan experience by bringing them closer to the action. Broadening X’s Horizons This partnership reflects the broader vision Elon Musk has for X, steering the platform towards becoming an "everything app." The introduction of sports betting aligns with Musk's ambition to expand X's offerings beyond traditional social networking, incorporating diverse functionalities such as creator content, subscriptions, live and recorded video, online shopping, and payments. The move also comes at a crucial time for X, which seeks new revenue streams amid challenges in retaining advertising revenue due to brand safety concerns and a need to diversify its financial strategy. The collaboration between X and BetMGM is poised to attract a new audience to the platform, leveraging the dynamic nature of sports commentary and fan engagement on X. As BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt highlighted, the partnership offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach a highly engaged sports fan base directly within their preferred social forum. This initiative not only aims to enrich the sports discussion on X but also to explore new avenues for growth and engagement in the evolving landscape of online sports betting and social media interaction. View full article

I do enjoy everything on one platform, but I would much rather see less exclusive content and not give up a competitive market that is currently pro-consumer to achieve it. Granted, the bigger issue in this move for me is once again a company is pulling purchased movies and content that they made users believe they "owned" and offering nothing in return.