Miscellaneous

Following Pornhub’s block of Texas, Google search trends revealed a surge in inquiries from Lone Star State residents seeking ways to access adult content, with search terms like “How to watch porn in Texas?” and “Pornhub alternatives” spiking significantly. Texans also explored VPN services to circumvent the ban. Deputy editor Warren Brown noted the state’s high libido, emphasizing the challenges of enforcing age verification laws on explicit websites and the ongoing quest for unrestricted access to sexual content.

Musician Grimes made her new relationship with DJ Anyma Instagram official, sparking speculation on when her ex Elon Musk will react explosively. Grimes and Musk’s tumultuous relationship ended in March 2022. Following their split, Grimes dated Chelsea Manning, prompting Musk’s transphobic meme. Their custody battle intensified in September when Grimes pleaded publicly to see her son. Meanwhile, Grimes and Anyma met through work and seem to be going strong. Let’s see how Musk handles this one!

A year after Elon Musk took over X-formerly-Twitter, user numbers have plummeted, with daily active app users in the US dropping by 18% from the previous year. Musk’s controversial changes, layoffs, and declining functionality have all contributed to the platform’s struggles, despite X claiming 250 million global users per day. While exact figures remain murky, the mass exodus of users suggests that X is failing to attract new or returning users to make up for its losses.

Despite facing challenges and controversies, Stability AI is at a crossroads following the resignation of its CEO, Emad Mostaque, who stepped down to “Pursue decentralized AI.” With financial and legal issues, credibility concerns, and high-profile departures, the company’s future hangs in the balance. Interim co-CEOs Shan Shan Wong and Christian Laforte have been tasked with navigating Stability AI through turbulent waters and advancing its generative AI products, while the search for a permanent CEO continues amidst uncertain times.

Disgraced crypto CEO Sam Bankman-Fried attempted to reduce his 40-to-50-year prison sentence to 6.5 years, claiming zero loss and harm to his customers, despite FTX Exchange’s collapse. His successor, FTX CEO John Ray, criticized Bankman-Fried’s delusional assertions and fraudulent actions, emphasizing the extensive harm caused. As negotiations for FTX’s revival continue, Ray advocates for full compensation to investors, highlighting the irrevocable damage inflicted by Bankman-Fried’s reckless behavior. The judge’s forthcoming decision will determine Bankman-Fried’s fate, with little chance of leniency given the compelling evidence against him.

Former Boeing employee John Barnett was found dead in South Carolina, with his death potentially linked to his testimony against the company. A redacted lawsuit from 2017 revealed alleged retaliation tactics by Boeing, including harassment and isolation. Barnett’s claims of parts theft and safety violations align with recent FAA findings on Boeing’s production practices. Suspicion surrounds Barnett’s death, with some questioning the suicide ruling. His lawyer and acquaintances doubt he took his own life, adding complexity to the case.

Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, rewarded himself with a hefty $193 million compensation package, contrasting sharply with unpaid moderators. Huffman defended his pay, citing the company’s success as vital for his own. However, Reddit, despite its two-decade lifespan, has yet to turn a profit. The controversial decisions made by Huffman have alienated users and sparked suspicions regarding the company’s IPO. The future of Reddit remains uncertain amid skepticism about its financial practices and leadership.

During a tense interview with Elon Musk, Don Lemon didn’t hold back, questioning Musk’s leadership at X and the platform’s decline. Musk responded defensively, claiming moderation equals censorship. His inability to articulate a clear vision for his companies was evident, and his regression into conspiracy theories post-interview was alarming. Despite Musk’s optimism, evidence shows a different reality. The interview highlighted Musk’s struggles and growing radicalization by followers. Lemon’s probing clashed with Musk’s closed-off worldview, revealing a strained relationship between the two.