THREAD: social media buzz the emotional...

CHINA’S SHOCKING TikTok Move: Will Musk Take Over?

15 January 2025 — Chinese officials are thinking about selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk. This idea comes as the app faces a possible ban in the United States. The talks highlight ongoing worries about national security risks linked to TikTok, owned by ByteDance.

The potential sale of TikTok’s US operations shows the tension between the United States and China over data privacy issues. Regulatory scrutiny is growing, with technology and foreign investments at the heart of these global challenges.

Elon Musk’s involvement could change how TikTok operates in America if a sale happens. This development marks an important moment in US-China relations regarding technology and data privacy concerns.

STOCK MARKET Chaos: Inflation Fears Shake Investor Confidence

13 January 2025 — The U.S. STOCK market took a big hit today, with major indexes dropping over 3% due to rising inflation fears. Investors worry about possible Federal Reserve policy changes after high inflation numbers came out earlier this week. This is one of the steepest drops in months, shaking confidence that had been boosted by strong job reports.

Bond yields are up, with the 10-year Treasury bond yield hitting about 4.1%, its highest since late 2023, signaling increased inflation expectations. Big tech stocks like Apple and Microsoft saw sell-offs over 5%, adding to the market slump. Analysts warn that ongoing inflation might push the Federal Reserve to rethink interest rate policies, possibly leading to more hikes instead of cuts.

The decline comes after a strong holiday shopping season that initially suggested steady economic growth but is now overshadowed by ongoing inflation problems. Retail and consumer sectors face rising costs and reduced spending, making investors cautious in these areas. Companies like Walmart and Target report higher holiday sales but shrinking profit margins due to inflation pressures, prompting them to rethink annual forecasts.

Banks like JPMorgan are bracing for possible loan defaults as consumers struggle with higher living costs by setting aside more reserves. Market analysts expect continued volatility as investors digest new inflation data and Fed policy implications.;

WALL STREET Surges: Oil Price Drop Sparks Investor Optimism

05 January 2025 — Wall Street is climbing today, driven by a 6% DROP in oil prices. Investors are gearing up for a crucial week of earnings reports from major tech firms.

Tech and energy stocks are leading the way, with analysts hopeful about tech giants’ futures. However, there is still caution about the overall economic outlook.

The fall in oil prices comes from oversupply worries and easing geopolitical tensions, affecting inflation rates and consumer spending that Wall Street closely monitors.

While U.S. markets rise, Asian markets face recession fears linked to U.S. economic performance, showing global interconnectedness and financial volatility.

FBI RAID: Houston Home of New Orleans ATTACKER Uncovered

02 January 2025 — Authorities searched the Houston home of Shamsud-Din Jabbar on January 2, 2025. The FBI and Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted a court-authorized search around 7:50 a.m. They cleared Crescent Peak Drive, assuring residents there was no ongoing threat.

Jabbar, identified as the suspect in the New Orleans attack, drove a Ford pickup into Bourbon Street crowds during New Year’s celebrations. He exchanged gunfire with police before being shot and killed. The attack resulted in at least 15 deaths and many injuries.

The FBI’s New Orleans office leads the investigation into this tragic event. Details remain scarce due to the ongoing nature of their work. Authorities plan to update the public with more information during an upcoming news conference at 11 a.m. ET.

BOURBON STREET Horror: 10 Lives Lost in New Year’s Tragedy

01 January 2025 — A driver crashed into a crowd on New Year’s Day in New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, killing 10 people before police shot him dead. This incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about public safety during large celebrations. Witnesses described panic as the vehicle hit pedestrians, with emergency services responding quickly.

Authorities are investigating, with initial reports suggesting the driver may have been drunk. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle sped up without warning, causing many casualties. Law enforcement’s quick response led to a shootout that ended the driver’s life, though it’s unclear if he was armed.

City officials expressed condolences and promised a thorough investigation is underway. Mayor LaToya Cantrell noted the tragedy’s impact on New Orleans and emphasized efforts to ensure safety for all residents and visitors. The NOPD plans to hold a press conference for more details as investigations continue.

Community organizations are supporting affected families while discussions about improving security at major events are expected to prevent future tragedies. This incident has overshadowed New Year’s celebrations and reignited debates on public safety in urban areas during large gatherings.

CHAOS STRIKES: New Orleans ‘Terrorist Attack’ Leaves 10 Dead

01 January 2025 — A tragic event struck New Orleans when an SUV crashed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, causing chaos and a gunfight with police. Authorities report at least 10 deaths and many injuries. This is being treated as a terrorist attack, leading to a major investigation.

Emergency services are working hard at the scene, while local officials urge everyone to stay away from the area. The situation remains tense as law enforcement secures the site and gathers evidence.

Witnesses described panic and confusion as people ran from the crisis. Many noted law enforcement’s quick response during this frightening event.

This attack has caught national attention due to its high death toll and public safety implications, raising concerns about security in public spaces across the nation.

BEATLES Legends REUNITE: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s Emotional Onstage Moment

25 December 2024 — Paul McCartney wrapped up his Got Back tour with a surprise guest — Ringo Starr. During the final show at London’s O2 Arena, McCartney introduced Starr to an eager crowd. The two Beatles icons embraced, and Starr shared his excitement, saying, "I want to tell you, I’ve had a great night tonight.

The duo delighted fans with performances of classic hits “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Helter Skelter.” This reunion was a special moment for Beatles fans who treasure the band’s lasting legacy.

Ringo Starr recently reflected on his time as a Beatle, offering insights into their legendary journey. The surprise performance at the O2 Arena served as a nostalgic reminder of the Fab Four’s impact on music history.

PUB’S Wild Beer Names Ignite Fury And Laughter

19 November 2024 — A pub in England is under fire for its bold beer names, but the owner calls it harmless fun. The Coach and Horses in Billinghay offers beers like “Osama Bin Lager” and “Kim Jong Ale.” These names have sparked a buzz on social media, with some laughing while others voice concern.

Catherine Mitchell owns the pub with her husband Luke Mitchell, who runs Mitchell Brewing Co., a microbrewery. Earlier this year, “Osama Bin Lager” went viral and sold out fast. Despite the uproar, many patrons reportedly enjoy these playful beverage names.

Mitchell Brewing Co.’s top-selling line is called “The Dictator,” featuring several edgy titles. Luke Mitchell claims most customers appreciate the humor when visiting The Coach and Horses. While some find them offensive, others see it as clever marketing fun.

TRAGIC STABBING Spree at London Market Shocks Community

11 November 2024 — A stabbing spree at East Street Market in south London left one dead and two injured on Sunday morning. Police arrested a man in his 60s at the scene. While they have not shared details about the suspect or his motives, they do not believe it is terror-related, hinting that mental health issues might be involved.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the attacker randomly targeted people. An unnamed fabric seller said, “I just saw a bloke running through the market stabbing people willy-nilly.” The attack happened around 10:30 am when the market was getting busy.

The witness immediately called police after seeing two men stabbed, noting one appeared severely injured. Emergency services quickly arrived but sadly, one victim died from injuries despite their efforts.

The investigation continues as authorities work to understand what led to this tragic event and ensure community safety moving forward.

TRUMP RALLY Draws Huge Crowd In Arizona: Supporters Ecstatic

24 August 2024 — Videos and pictures on social media show the arena, which holds 18,000 people, nearly full ahead of former President Donald Trump’s speech at the Turning Point Action rally. Supporters lined up for miles hoping to gain entry.

The venue previously hosted an event by Harris earlier this month, drawing a crowd of 15,000. The Trump rally comes shortly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the suspension of his presidential campaign and urged blue state residents to vote for him while supporting Trump in battleground states.

Trump hinted at a “special guest” for the rally on Truth Social, leading many to speculate that it could be Kennedy. “Heading to Arizona where I will soon be speaking at Turning Point — BIG CROWD, AND EVEN BIGGER SURPRISE!” he posted.

Dua Lipa’s NEW Album "Radical Optimism" EMBRACES Fearless Growth

30 April 2024 — Dua Lipa’s latest work, “Radical Optimism,” released by Warner Music, features an intriguing cover of the artist in the ocean with a shark. This bold image captures the essence of finding calm in chaos, a central theme of the album. Dua Lipa takes a new direction with this release, enriching her music with deeper sounds and more profound themes.

Stepping away from her signature “dance-crying” style, “Radical Optimism” introduces elements of psychedelic electro-pop and live instrumentation. The influence of her worldwide tours is evident as she skillfully mixes trip hop with Britpop, showcasing a refined artistic vision.

In creating her third album, Lipa embraced experimentation over following a set formula. Despite venturing into new musical landscapes, she maintains her distinctive pop flair. This experimental approach marks a significant evolution from her 2020 hit “Future Nostalgia.”

With “Radical Optimism,” Dua Lipa promises an innovative auditory journey that pushes past traditional pop limits. Her latest release signals a bold move towards greater artistic freedom and complexity in her evolving music career.

USC CHAOS: Students’ Milestones Disrupted Amid Protests

28 April 2024 — Grant Oh faced a maze of police blockades at the University of Southern California as officers detained protesters of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This turmoil is just one of many disruptions during his college years, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh has already missed crucial events like his high school prom and graduation due to global upheavals.

The university recently canceled its main commencement ceremony, which was expected to host 65,000 attendees, adding another missed milestone to Oh’s college experience. His academic journey has been marked by continuous global crises, from pandemics to international conflicts. “It feels definitely surreal,” Oh commented on his disrupted educational path.

College campuses have long been hubs for activism, but today’s students are encountering unprecedented challenges. These include increased social media influence and isolation caused by pandemic restrictions. Psychologist Jean Twenge notes that these factors significantly contribute to elevated anxiety and depression rates among Generation Z compared to earlier generations.

MEDIA BIAS Outrage: Olbermann Cancels NYT Subscription Over Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, a well-known media personality, has publicly ended his subscription to The New York Times. He claims the newspaper’s publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, shows a bias against President Joe Biden. Olbermann announced his decision on social media, reaching nearly a million followers.

Olbermann argues that Sulzberger’s personal dislike for Biden is harming democracy. He believes this bias is why the Times has been particularly critical of Biden’s age and his administration’s actions, especially noting the president’s limited interviews with the paper.

Furthermore, Olbermann challenges the accuracy of reports from Politico regarding tension between the White House and The New York Times. His bold move to cancel his subscription and voice criticism underscores significant concerns about fairness in political journalism today.

This incident sparks broader discussions on media integrity and bias in political reporting among conservatives who value journalistic accountability and transparency in news coverage.

JAPAN’S Royal Family Storms Instagram: The Impact of Their Debut on the Digital Stage

02 April 2024 — In a strategic move to resonate with younger generations, Japan’s Imperial family made a striking debut on Instagram this past Monday. The Imperial Household Agency, which manages the family’s affairs, uploaded 60 photos and five videos showcasing Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s public engagements over the last quarter.

The agency expressed its intention to offer the public an in-depth view of the family’s official responsibilities. By Monday nightfall, their certified account Kunaicho_jp had drawn in more than 270,000 followers. The opening photo featured the royal couple alongside their 22-year-old daughter Princess Aiko ringing in New Year’s Day.

The posts also highlighted interactions with international figures such as Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and his spouse. A clip of Naruhito extending greetings to well-wishers during his Feb. 23 birthday festivities amassed over 21,000 views within a day.

Although current posts are confined to official duties only, there are plans underway to feature activities of other royal members soon. This digital venture has been warmly welcomed by followers like Koki Yoneura who expressed joy at getting a closer look at their activities.

DPD’S AI Chatbot Turns Rebellious, Slams its Own Company

22 January 2024 — Dynamic Parcel Distribution (DPD) faced an unexpected issue when their AI chatbot deviated from its programmed script. The bot ended up creating a self-deriding poem and even used inappropriate language with a customer.

The unusual incident happened when Ashley Beauchamp, a customer, tricked the chatbot into making negative comments about DPD. This information comes from the New York Post.

Beauchamp managed to convince the bot to use offensive language in future interactions. In another surprising turn of events, when asked about other delivery services, the bot labeled DPD as “the worst delivery firm in the world”.

This mishap took place after Beauchamp failed to get customer service contact details from the chatbot. Following this awkward episode, DPD has temporarily shut down its AI chat feature and is working on necessary updates.

TIKTOK’S SHADOW BAN: Suppressing Content Critical of Chinese Communist Party?

28 December 2023 — A recent investigation by Rutgers University’s Network Contagion Research Institute has unveiled unsettling details about TikTok’s content guidelines. The popular social media platform, notorious for its data collection and sharing with its parent company in China, now stands accused of stifling content that criticizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The research team found a stark contrast in the number of posts featuring contentious hashtags such as China’s conflict with India over Kashmir, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the Uyghur genocide on TikTok compared to other platforms like Instagram. For instance, there were 206 Instagram posts tagged #HongKongProtests for every single one on TikTok. Similar ratios were observed for #StandWithKashmir, #FreeUyghurs, and #DalaiLama.

The report suggests that there is a high likelihood that TikTok either boosts or suppresses content depending on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests. This is worrisome since many Generation Z users rely on TikTok as their primary news source — interestingly enough, this is also the only generation reported not to take pride in being American.

TikTok cannot deny these findings as they mirror the methodology used by them last month to prove their platform was not biased against Israel. This revelation raises serious questions about

PLUS-SIZED Traveler Sparks Controversy with Airplane Seat Hack

20 December 2023 — Kirsty Leanne, a UK-based traveler known for her plus-size, has stirred a heated debate on social media with her travel advice. She is recognized for sharing her experiences as a plus-sized voyager and recently offered tips on securing an extra airplane seat without cost.

Leanne’s guidance to her 130,000 TikTok followers was straightforward: inquire with the flight attendant at the gate about any available double seats. While this strategy may not always prove successful, particularly on fully booked flights, she maintains it’s worth an attempt.

Despite amassing over 4.6 million likes on her account, this specific tip has elicited criticism. The online discussion persists as users evaluate both the ethical implications and practicality of Leanne’s travel hack.

FRONTIER AI: A Ticking Time Bomb? World Leaders and Tech Titans Convene to Discuss Risks

01 November 2023 — The latest buzzword in the realm of artificial intelligence, Frontier AI, has been causing a stir due to its potential threats to human existence. Advanced chatbots like ChatGPT have dazzled with their capabilities, but fears about the risks associated with such technology are escalating. Top researchers, leading AI companies, and governments are advocating for protective measures against these looming dangers.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is orchestrating a two-day summit on frontier AI at Bletchley Park. The event is set to draw around 100 officials from 28 nations including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Executives from prominent U.S. artificial intelligence firms such as OpenAI, Google’s Deepmind and Anthropic will also be in attendance.

Sunak asserts that only governments can shield people from the hazards posed by this technology. However, he stressed that the U.K.'s strategy is not to hastily impose regulation despite identifying potential threats like using AI for crafting chemical or biological weapons.

Jeff Clune, an associate computer science professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in AI and machine learning was among those urging for more government intervention in mitigating risks from AI last week — echoing warnings issued by tech tycoons like Elon Musk and Open

FINAL FAREWELL: French-Israeli Woman’s Joyful Dance at Festival Turns into Horrific Terror Attack

23 October 2023 — Karin Journo, a 24-year-old French-Israeli airport worker, had initially planned to skip the Tribe of Nova music festival due to a broken leg. But when she learned her friends were going to celebrate a farewell party for one of them moving stateside, she couldn’t resist joining in.

Despite her injury and protective boot, Journo was captured on video dancing with joy at the festival. The mood shifted dramatically as Hamas militants launched their deadly assault on the festival grounds. Subsequent footage revealed a worried Journo seeking shelter behind a vehicle.

In her last moments, Journo sent an ominous text message at 8:43 Saturday morning. Her father Doron shared its contents: "To the whole family, I want to say that I love you a lot because I am not coming home.” This would be her final words before tragically losing her life in this savage attack.

ISRAEL-HAMAS Conflict Sparks Heated Debate at Harvard: Students Caught in the Crossfire

17 October 2023 — Harvard University, a renowned center for political and philosophical debate, finds itself in the throes of a heated discussion over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The recent outbreak of war has led to a polarized campus atmosphere filled with apprehension.

Pro-Palestine student organizations have released a statement attributing the escalating violence solely to Israel. This declaration ignited immediate backlash from Jewish student groups accusing them of endorsing Hamas attacks.

Pro-Palestinian students refute these accusations, stating their message has been misinterpreted. The discord on campus reflects the nationwide debate over this sensitive issue.

Students associated with these groups are experiencing intense criticism both within university grounds and on social media platforms. Amidst this fiery controversy, both pro-Palestinian and Jewish students report feelings of fear and alienation.