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The partnership between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok has apparently soured, as the music company is set to pull its music catalogue from the social media app.

The agreement between the two companies is set to expire today (Jan. 31), and negotiations appear to have come to a standstill. UMG published an impassioned open letter addressed to the artist and songwriter community, saying they must "call time on TikTok." The letter explained that UMG has been pressing TikTok on three key issues: appropriate compensation for artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the dangers of AI, and online safety for TikTok users.

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UMG said that TikTok wanted to pay their artists at a rate that is just a "fraction" of what other platforms offer. "Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business," said Universal, "without paying fair value for the music." The statement read:

TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans.

In response, TikTok released their own statement, declaring it "sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters." The letter from the tech company also labelled Universal's narrative as "false" and pointed out that they have been able to negotiate 'artist-first' agreements with every other label and publisher."

SEE ALSO: Deepfakes of Taylor Swift have gone viral. How does this keep happening?

Universal, which is behind a third of the world's music, has said that only 1 percent of their revenue comes from TikTok, a platform with over a billion users. The music company's roster of artists includes Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, The Weeknd and Drake.

If negotiations fail to go through today, Universal's entire music catalogue will be removed from TikTok immediately, a spokesperson confirmed to Reuters.

TikTok's seeming takeover of the music industry has been swift, with milestones like its own streaming service, a music festival, and a chart in collaboration with Billboard, all in the past year. Also last year, Warner Music Group inked an expanded deal with TikTok.

Lawsuits filed by NetChoice, which represents companies including TikTok and Meta, have stalled protection efforts in three states.

What if you could talk to the dead... not just to them, but with them? Imagine you could text them as casually as you once did, and they'd text back.

What was once the stuff of séances and Ouija boards has gotten a high-tech makeover through artificial intelligence. Chatbots can scan the dead's social media profiles and texts, and then simulate the departed's way of speaking to create new messages. The documentary Eternal You probes into this intriguing use of AI, speaking with the users who find comfort in such apps, critics who see danger in them, and the tech developers who are brashly pushing the boundaries. 

Directed by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck, Eternal You offers audiences a tour of the emerging discourse of death capitalism and AI. Because, of course, like the old-school clairvoyants, these tech developers charge to "talk" to the dead. It's easy to sneer or be cynical at the concept, especially when the tech bros behind it out themselves as callous creators — like when Project December cofounder Jason Rohrer crassly cackles over a dubious user getting called a "fucking bitch" by his chatbot. But Eternal You also reveals how a major gap in how Western civilizations deal with grief leaves a hole that needs filling. And that need can mean grim things for the future of AI afterlife. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 Sundance movies (and shows) you need to know about Can you text the dead? Project December says, Why not? 

Eternal You begins with Christi Angel, a grieving Christian woman desperate to reconnect with her lost love. She says that Project December, which promises it can "simulate the dead," comforts her by giving her a space to feel connected to her deceased partner once more. Another user, Joshua Barbeau, whose high school sweetheart died before graduation, echoes this enthusiasm. He says the texts he receives include emoji and a cheekiness that was true to the spirit of his late girlfriend. And if it brings them comfort, one might ask, what's the harm? 

SEE ALSO: #GriefTok allows TikTokkers to celebrate life and express loss

Block and Riesewieck balance these testimonials with interview subjects who are less emotionally compromised in their relation to such AI. Tech reporter Sara M. Watson cautions that our understanding of AI is still in the early stages, so unleashing such unregulated apps upon people in potentially serious distress could be hazardous. Sherry Turkle, an MIT professor with degrees in sociology and psychology, likewise warns about how these echoes of a dead person might feel comforting in the short-term, but could prove addictive as well as an obstacle to processing the loss. How can you say goodbye to someone if they're always just a text away?

Eternal You suggests such an addiction isn't a glitch but a feature for the founders of these tech start-ups, as they seek financial gain. In a Western world immune to discomfort, such an app seems an easy answer — and an easy sell.

SEE ALSO: Reddit saved me after my dad died Eternal You exposes the tech bros behind AI resurrections. 

Let's go back to Angel. After extolling the virtues of Project December, this user admits that sometimes the messages she gets from the simulated dead are disturbing. In one harrowing moment, her lover texted that he was in hell. Then she received a notification reminding her to re-up her subscription to continue the conversation. It's hard to take Project December founder Jason Rohrer's claims of there being "magic" in the machine seriously once the nakedly mercenary model of its use is exposed. But his isn't the only play emerging.

Elsewhere, Resemble AI offers a service that can use recordings of someone's voice to create new audio. Something similar has been done in bio-documentaries like Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and The Andy Warhol Diaries, allowing the dead subjects to provide posthumous voiceovers. While Eternal You explores how users feels about personal interactions with such tech, the doc doesn't probe the issue of consent. Essentially, who has the right to make the dead say something they never said in real life?

SEE ALSO: AI voice replicas are getting out of hand — that's why lawmakers are pushing the 'No Fakes' Act

Brushing off such ethical quandaries is Justin Harrison, founder of YOV (You, Only Virtual), a start-up that declares on its website, "You Never Have to Say Goodbye." His product, "versona," promises virtual immortality, creating an avatar based on submitted data. Pressed about who "owns" the data — essentially the identity of the dead — Harrison answers with a legal talking point, skirting the broader moral issue.

Like Rorher, Harrison offers a cringe moment or two, including one where he brags about his divorce as part of his self-mythologizing. Through such moments, the documentarians subtly ask the viewer, "Would you trust this guy with your identity — your virtual legacy?"

God, to such men, is an outdated construct. When questioned about the pain their virtual versions of the dead may cause, Rorher throws the idea back at his users, saying they have a "personal responsibility" to use tech safely. Eternal You then cuts to Rorher haphazardly flying a drone dangerously close to his business partner's face, a masterstroke in illustrating his hypocrisy and moral emptiness. He laughs at the near face-shredding mishap, and the audience is left to shudder. 

Virtual children bring stinging heartbreak to Eternal You. 

Elsewhere, the doc shows how one inventor has made a virtual baby modeled after his own child, who is alive. Meanwhile, the South Korean TV show Meeting You invites mourning mother Jang Ji-sung to visit a custom-made virtual reality in which her dead daughter frolics and calls her name. No one could blame this parent for holding out her arms to the virtual child, grateful for a second chance to say the goodbye she didn't get in their lives together. But what does it mean when this private moment is made for public consumption? 

In exploring the landscape of death and tech, Eternal You wisely offers questions but few answers. It's a cautionary tale, warning audiences to beware of those selling “full package digital immortality.” For what is presented as the resurrected dead is not fully understood, even by those selling it. Can this virtual loved one grow in their understanding and ideas as they may have in life? Can the complexity of an inner world be understood and recreated by a machine? Can such interaction help someone cope? Or are users left to grieve away from community, in an echo-chamber with a digital ghost?

With AI developing so fast, it'd be foolish to make some definitive statement so soon and in such a concrete medium as film. Instead, this documentary captures a moment in which the technology takes off at such a pace that we — its makers and users — struggle to keep up with what it can do, what that means, and how it will impact our world.

AI is a genie let out of the bottle, for better or worse. Eternal You gives us a taste of both, making for an experience that is equal parts enlightening, heartbreaking, and infuriating — much like real grief. 

Eternal You was reviewed out of Sundance 2024.

When deepfake explicit pictures of Taylor Swift recently began going viral on X (formerly Twitter), the platform eventually deleted the original poster's account, then made the pop star's name unsearchable, though certain search terms still surfaced the pornographic content.

In short, X couldn't figure out how to keep the images off its platform. This doesn't bode well for the average person who becomes a victim of a nonconsensual deepfake image or video.

After all, if social media platforms can't protect one of the world's most famous people from deepfake abuse, they certainly don't guarantee safety for unknown users, who can't lean on lawyers, publicists, and a fervent fan base for help.

Adam Dodge, a licensed attorney and founder of Ending Tech-Enabled Abuse (EndTAB), says the lack of safeguards, regulation, and robust legal protection puts victims, who are consistently women, in the position of managing the fallout of nonconsensual explicit or pornographic deepfake images and videos that feature their likeness.

Dodge argues that burdening an already traumatized person with these tasks only magnifies the violation she's experienced. But unfortunately, doing it yourself is currently the main way to handle deepfake abuse.

SEE ALSO: Deepfakes of Taylor Swift have gone viral. How does this keep happening?

If you become the victim of deepfake abuse, here are six steps you can take toward protecting yourself:

1. Acknowledge the harm of deepfake abuse.

Dodge says that victims may hear that deepfake pornography doesn't really harm the victim because the images or videos aren't real. He urges victims not to believe that rationale.

Instead, he frames AI image-based abuse as a form of violence, particularly against women. Fake images and videos can damage a woman's reputation, professional prospects, and be used by strangers to harass and bully her online and offline. Dealing with their removal is also exhausting and emotional. In other words, consider this type of abuse against women as part of a spectrum of violence that leads to real trauma.

Before a victim starts the arduous process of dealing with deepfakes, Dodge recommends they take a moment to note that what happened is not their fault, and to validate what they're experiencing.

"Acknowledging the harm is really important for the victim, and for the people supporting them, and for the people who are creating and sharing these things, so they understand it's a deeply violent and harmful act."

There are also resources to help support victims. The U.S.-based Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has an image abuse helpline, along with a thorough guide for what to do once you've become a victim. In the United Kingdom, victims can turn to the Revenge Porn Helpline, which aids victims of intimate image abuse.

2. Gather evidence by documenting the content.

Currently, Dodge says that the majority of AI image-based abuse happens mostly through two mediums.

One type is perpetrated through apps that enable users to take an existing image of someone and turn that into a fake nude using the app's AI-powered algorithm.

The second type of abuse is generated by deepfake face-swapping apps, which can superimpose someone's face onto a preexisting pornographic image or video. Though fake, the resulting image or video is surprisingly realistic.

A growing type of abuse can be traced back to text-image generators, which are capable of turning word prompts into fake nude or explicit images. (Mashable is not publishing the names of these apps due to concerns over further publicizing them for perpetrators.)

Regardless of the format used, victims should do their best to document every instance of AI image-based abuse via screenshots or saving image and video files. These screenshots or files can be used in takedown requests and legal action, when possible. For a step-by-step guide to documenting evidence, review the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative's guide.

Still, gathering this evidence can further traumatize victims, which is why Dodge recommends they enlist the help of a "support circle" to do this work.

"If [victims] do need to report it, having evidence is really critical," Dodge says.

3. Issue takedown notices to platforms where the content appears.

Social media platforms let people report when a user has posted nonconsensual images of them online. Historically, these takedown requests have been used to help victims whose real intimate images were shared without permission. But Dodge says victims of AI image-based abuse can also use this tool.

Each platform has their own process. For a thorough listing of online removal policies for major apps, social media platforms, and dating sites, consult the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative's guide.

Dodge also recommends the free tool offered by StopNCII.org, a nonprofit that supports victims of nonconsensual intimate image abuse. The organization's tool allows victims to select an image or video of them that's been shared without their consent and independently generates a digital fingerprint, or hash, as a way of flagging that content. The user does not have to upload the image or video itself, so it never leaves the victim's possession.

The organization then shares the hash with its partners, which includes companies like Facebook, Reddit, and TikTok. In turn, its partners are then primed to detect content that matches the generated digital fingerprint. The company removes any matches within their platform, as necessary.

4. Make requests to de-index images and videos from search engines.

Bing and Google allow people to submit requests to de-index fake and nonconsensual pornographic images and videos from their search results. Dodge recommends that victims use this strategy to limit the discoverability of AI image-based abuse.

Google's step-by-step process can be found here. Directions for the same process on Bing are here.

It's important to make these requests specifically of each company. This month, NBC News found that Google and Bing search results surfaced nonconsensual deepfake porn in response to certain queries, raising questions about how frequently the companies patrolled their indexes for such content in order to remove it.

5. Research your legal options.

As of 2021, more than a dozen states, including California, Texas, and New York, had laws related to deepfake imagery, according to the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. If you live in a state with laws prohibiting the creation of deepfake pornography or AI image-based abuse, you may be able to file a police report or sue the perpetrator. Internationally, sharing deepfake porn just became a crime in England and Wales.

Even in the many U.S. states that don't bar this type of abuse, Dodge says there are other related laws that may apply to a victim's case, including cyber stalking, extortion, and child pornography.

Still, Dodge says that many police departments are unprepared and lack the resources and staff to investigate these cases, so it's important to manage expectations about what's possible. Additionally, some victims, particularly those who are already marginalized in some way, may choose not to report nonconsensual deepfakes to the authorities for various reasons, including lack of trust in law enforcement.

6. Opt out of data broker sites.

Dodge says that victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery are sometimes targeted by strangers online, if their personal information becomes connected with the content.

Even if this hasn't happened yet, Dodge recommends opting out of data broker sites that collect your personal information and sell it to anyone for a fee. Such brokers include companies like Spokeo, PeekYou, PeopleSmart, and BeenVerified. Victims will have to go to each broker to request removal of their personal information, though a service like DeleteMe can monitor and remove such data for a fee. DeleteMe charges a minimum of $129 for an annual subscription, which scans for and removes personal information every three months.

Google also has a free tool for removing some personal information from its search results.

Given how rapidly AI-powered image tools are proliferating, Dodge can't imagine a future without nonconsensual explicit images generated by AI.

Even a few years ago, committing such abuse required computing power, time, and technical expertise, he notes. Now these tools are easy to access and use.

"We couldn't be making it easier," says Dodge.

TL;DR: As of January 31, get the WonderCubePro for only $39.97 — that's a 42% discount.

It's been said that good things come in small packages, and that could be especially true when it comes to handy gadgets you can carry around. If you have a tech-savvy special someone, the WonderCube Pro could be a great gift this Valentine's Day. On sale for just $39.97 (reg. $70), you can make sure it arrives for the big day if you order by February 4.

This little tool can transform into a variety of useful tools. Need a stand for your phone in a pinch? You got it. How about a high-speed charger with universal compatibility? No problem. With a one-inch foldout USB cord (extends to three inches), gold-plated connectors with a USB outlet for a quick charge, and syncing capabilities, this cube can come in handy for a multitude of scenarios while you're out and about.

And because this miniature powerhouse fits right on your keyring, you'll always be prepared for any mobile situation. It also has a built-in light and a microSD card reader that supports 128GB. 

Grab the WonderCube Pro All-in-One Mobile Keyring while it's on sale for Valentine's Day for just $39.97 (reg. $70) until February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: WonderCube WonderCube Pro: All-In-One Mobile Keyring $39.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 31, get The Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle for only $69.97 — an 83% discount.

If you've been with your valentine for more than a couple of years, practicality can definitely score points when it comes to gifts. This Valentine's Day, move beyond traditional gifts and surprise your loved one with a present that empowers their career aspirations and passion for technology. The Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle is just $69.97 (reg. $429) through February 4 and can be of immense help to your boo's future.

With eleven courses that include 246 hours of specialized content, they won't have to leave the house to learn what they need to take the Microsoft Tech certification exams. They'll be able to learn from the comfort of their own home (and in their jammies if they want to).

This content is brought to by the people at IDUNOVA, which has been offering high-quality online learning for 20 years. Each course has multiple lessons to learn from. The course called Managing Modern Desktops provides 64 lectures that cover the basics, giving you insight into on-premise and cloud-based solutions, creating an OS deployment strategy, and more.

Courses also head into more specific topics covering Microsoft Teams, including management, security, and compliance. It also covers a few courses about Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform. This includes Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions and Microsoft Azure Administration. It also covers advanced MS 365, security operations analysis, and more.

This comprehensive learning experience is a gesture of support for your loved one's professional growth and a key to helping them unlock new opportunities in the fast-paced tech landscape.

Get this Microsoft Tech Certification Training Bundle while it's on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $429) until February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Idunova The Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle $69.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 31, get this set of 8 Japanese Knives from Seido for only $119.97 — a 72% discount.

Safety comes first, especially in the kitchen when dealing with sharp objects. And a dull knife can cause slipping and, with it, the possibility of cuts and wounds. If you are a home chef looking to prepare a home-cooked meal for the one you love for Valentine's Day — or your valentine is a home chef and you want to give a great gift — this set can replace any old knives and make your prep for the big day and years to come easier.

This set of Japanese Knives from Seido has a knife for just about every type of kitchen scenario and is on sale through February 4 for just $119.97 (reg. $429). This set allows you to experience the precision that Japanese craftsmanship is renowned for. Each knife in the Seido set is forged with meticulous attention to detail, providing razor-sharp edges that were made to effortlessly slice through ingredients.

Here's what's included in the set:

• 8-inch chef's knife

• 8-inch slicing knife

• 8-inch bread knife

• 7-inch cleaver

• 7-inch Santoku knife

• 5-inch Santoku knife

• 6-inch boning knife

• 3.5-inch paring knife

• Gift box

The Seido knives are made with strong, high-carbon stainless steel. They are also different from other knives in that they offer a 15-degree angle rather than a 25-degree angle. This gives it a sharper cutting surface. And the ergonomic handles are made from Pakka wood, giving the knives a comfortable grip. 

Whether for yourself or your valentine with a passion for the culinary arts, this set offers precision, comfort, and style to elevate the tools in any kitchen.

Get this eight-piece Seido Japanese Master Chef's Knife Set with a gift box for $119.97 (reg. $499), with guaranteed delivery for Valentine's Day when you order by February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Seido Seido™ Japanese Master Chef's 8-Piece Knife Set w Gift Box $119.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 31, get two dozen long-stem roses delivered for $50 — save 42%.

Valentine's Day is approaching quickly. If you don't know how to show the one you love just how much you love them, keep in mind that a classic is a classic for a reason. Something like farm-fresh flowers can make a loving statement and will fill your sweetheart's home with beautiful, fragrant blooms. However, you will pay a pretty penny if you go to your local florist for Valentine's Day. 

Instead, cut out the middleman and get your flowers straight from the farm for a fresher, less-pricey option. This digital voucher lets you get two dozen (24) long-stem roses, handpicked by farmers, for just $49.99, which includes delivery. The colors will be the farmer's choice, depending on what is available and at its most beautiful during your delivery time, and no specific color can be guaranteed.

Here's how the voucher works:

1. Purchase your digital voucher here.

2. Go to the Rose Farmers website to redeem the code on your voucher and select your delivery day (it's recommended to choose a day or two before you need the flowers in case of a carrier delay).

Whether you're celebrating a budding romance, a milestone anniversary, or simply expressing your admiration, giving the gift of 24 farm-fresh roses is a thoughtful gesture. Please note, the vase is not included.

This Valentine's Day, make a statement with a gift that goes beyond the typical roses found in stores. Choose the elegance of 24 farm-fresh roses to convey your feelings for the one you love.

Pick up this digital voucher now to redeem for two dozen (24) long-stem roses, handpicked by farmers (in their choice of colors) for just $49.99, including delivery.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rose Farmers Get 2 Dozen (24) Farmer's Color Choice Roses for Only $49.99 Shipped $49.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for January 31 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for January 31

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024:

Across"My bad!"

• The answer is oops.

Driver around Hollywood

• The answer is Adam.

Complete and utter

• The answer is total.

Make mad, with "up"

• The answer is rile.

Brand of cups often used for beer pong

• The answer is solo.

Down___ milk

• The answer is oat.

Foul smells

• The answer is odors.

Place for an outdoor grill

• The answer is patio.

Like the stuff you shouldn't sweat

• The answer is small.

"Killers of the Flower Moon" star, familiarly

• The answer is Leo.

A Delaware court has thrown out Elon Musk's $55.8 billion Tesla compensation package, ruling that its board of directors breached their legal duty to the company when deciding their CEO's pay. It's a sizeable blow to the multi-billionaire's wallet, and might even put a dent in the richest man in the world's solid gold throne.

In a lengthy 201-page post-trial opinion on Tuesday, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick found that Tesla's board of directors failed to act in the best interests of the company when determining Musk's compensation package, violating their legal obligation to its shareholders. Instead, they simply followed Musk's proposal and agreed to pay him "the largest potential compensation plan in the history of public markets." 

SEE ALSO: Tesla reportedly raising US factory workers' pay as union looms

Announced in 2018, Musk's 10-year compensation plan would have granted him stock options provided he hit certain operational milestones.

This substantial compensation package might have still stood if Tesla's board could prove it was fair, or alternatively that most of the minority shareholders were "fully informed" when they approved it. However, the court also found that not only had shareholders not been fully informed, they had actually been misinformed about key factors in the decision making process.

"The process leading to the approval of Musk’s compensation plan was deeply flawed," wrote McCormick.

Musk: '[It was] me negotiating against myself'

The court found Musk had "extensive ties" to the committee of Tesla board members in charge of negotiating his compensation, including business and personal relationships dating as far back as 20 years. At least one director "whose admiration for Musk moved him to tears" acted as a go-between between the CEO and the board, to the point where the court found it unclear whether he was acting for Musk or for Tesla.

"Given the collection of people tasked with negotiating on Tesla’s behalf, it is unsurprising that there was no meaningful negotiation over any of the terms of the plan," wrote McCormick.

The committee even admitted that they approached the task of determining Musk's compensation as a cooperative rather than adversarial process, involving no oppositional negotiations that might have achieved a better result for Tesla. Instead, the company's directors effectively followed Musk's lead and agreed to what he asked for, with the CEO himself stating that the process resulted in "me negotiating against myself."

"Put simply, neither the Compensation Committee nor the Board acted in the best interests of the Company when negotiating Musk’s compensation plan," wrote McCormick. "In fact, there is barely any evidence of negotiations at all. Rather than negotiate against Musk with the mindset of a third party, the Compensation Committee worked alongside him, almost as an advisory body."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's Neuralink has implanted a brain chip in a human for the first time

On top of this, the court found that details about how Musk's compensation was determined were "misleadingly omitted" from information supplied to shareholders. 

When shareholders voted on Musk's compensation package in 2018, Tesla claimed that it had been developed by the board of directors alongside a private compensation consulting firm, and that Musk had recused himself from the process. In actuality, it was Musk himself who proposed the size and structure of his compensation, dictating the terms the committee considered and eventually approved. 

"Musk made an initial proposal [regarding the size of his compensation], and that proposal was the only one seriously considered until Musk unilaterally changed it six months later," wrote McCormick.

Shareholders weren't made aware that Musk had authored his own compensation plan, nor were they informed of his close relationship with and dominating influence over Tesla's board members.

"In addition to his 21.9% equity stake, Musk was the paradigmatic 'Superstar CEO,' who held some of the most influential corporate positions (CEO, Chair, and founder), enjoyed thick ties with the directors tasked with negotiating on behalf of Tesla, and dominated the process that led to board approval of his compensation plan," wrote McCormick. "At least as to this transaction, Musk controlled Tesla."

Paying for attention

The court further found that Musk's $55.8 billion package was disproportionate to the value Tesla received from the deal. 

Tesla's board attempted to argue that Musk's comically large compensation was necessary to keep him and his attention at the company, as well as incentivise him to hit performance targets. However, the court noted that Musk had already made it clear he had no intention of leaving Tesla. In addition, the agreement did not include any requirements that Musk devote a certain amount of time to Tesla, despite his responsibilities at his other companies SpaceX, The Boring Company, Neuralink, and later Twitter/X. 

Musk also already had a 21.9 percent stake in Tesla at the time the compensation plan was approved, giving him "every incentive to push Tesla to levels of transformative growth."

"Swept up by the rhetoric of 'all upside,' or perhaps starry eyed by Musk’s superstar appeal, the board never asked the $55.8 billion question: Was the plan even necessary for Tesla to retain Musk and achieve its goals?" wrote McCormick.

Of course, none of this means Musk will be going empty handed. Though the court threw out his $55.8 billion compensation package, Tesla's board will now formulate a new agreement to compensate Musk for his work over the past six years. And regardless of what they cook up, the court noted that the stake Musk already had in Tesla has provided him "tens of billions of dollars for his efforts." 

Still, Musk is predictably unhappy that his personal wealth won't skyrocket as much as he had expected. The multi-billionaire is likely to appeal the decision, and has already taken to Twitter/X to express his dissatisfaction — including running a poll asking if Tesla should change its state of incorporation to from Delaware to Texas, "home of its physical headquarters."

"Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware," Musk posted shortly after the judgement was handed down. "I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters."

The case was brought by a shareholder because Tesla's board did not give them the opportunity to make informed decisions. It doesn't seem as though Musk is interested in such details, though.

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Dollar Flight Club is on sale for £31.46, saving you 94% on list price.

Maybe the first leg of your holiday doesn’t have to feel like you’re recovering from the stress of finding tickets, grabbing them before someone else does, and seeing what’s left of your budget after. 

Instead, you can let a robot find cheap flights for you. Dollar Flight Club is a service that automates your flight finding, and all you have to do is select the airports you want to leave from. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime Premium Plus+ Dollar Flight Club subscription for only £31.46 — no coupon needed. 

Airline prices have been soaring at a comfortable cruising altitude for a little while, but there are still ways to find cheaper flights. Dollar Flight Club makes the whole process pretty simple. First, you select up to four departing airports for Dollar Flight Club to monitor. It’ll look out for international and domestic deals in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. If it finds a good deal, it sends it straight to your inbox so you can grab it before anyone else. That goes for mistake fares, too. 

Your membership also comes with some other fun perks. Want to learn a new language or grab some great outdoor gear? Subscribers get discounts on Babbel Language learning, Huckberry, and a 20% discount on Mobile Password Plus. All that’s left is to pack a bag and wait for your dream holiday to arrive in your inbox. 

Don’t stress searching for low-cost airfare. You can get a Dollar Flight Club Premium Plus+ lifetime subscription for just £31.46. No coupon needed. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Dollar Flight Club Dollar Flight Club Premium Plus+ (Lifetime Subscription) £31.46 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

To say Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) has a complicated relationship with his father would be like calling the Pacific Ocean a puddle.

For starters, there's the bombshell that his father is none other than the Greek god Poseidon (Toby Stephens). Then there's all the baggage that comes with that, like Poseidon not being able to support Percy or his mother Sally (Virginia Kull) except from afar, or legends of Poseidon's cruelty and mistreatment of mortals such as Medusa (Jessica Parker Kennedy).

SEE ALSO: How 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' pulled off Poseidon and Sally's emotional diner chat

There are also moments throughout Percy Jackson and the Olympians where we see Percy connect with his father. When Percy leaps from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Poseidon sends a water funnel to save him. Before Percy completes his quest, Poseidon provides him with four pearls that will help save him, Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), Grover (Aryan Simhadri), and Sally escape the Underworld. And in a flashback discussion with Sally in episode 7, we see that Poseidon truly does care for Percy in a way we wouldn't understand from solely seeing Percy's point of view.

All of these moments come to a head in Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Season 1 finale, when Percy and Poseidon finally meet face to face on Mount Olympus. In a shift from the books, Percy arrives on Olympus after the deadline to return Zeus' (Lance Riddick) Master Bolt passes, meaning Poseidon and Zeus are officially at war. Yet when Zeus attempts to strike Percy down, Poseidon gets between them and surrenders — a move that feels less like a prideful Olympian and more like a father prepared to lay down his life for his child.

"It's a sacrifice Poseidon makes for his son, and it's a huge thing," Stephens told Mashable in a video interview. But is Percy aware of just how major this sacrifice is?

SEE ALSO: How is 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' different from the books?

"That moment between Zeus and Poseidon is not seen by Percy," said Stephens. "He doesn't fully understand what happened, and I liked that. When Poseidon turns around to Percy, it's like, 'You don't realize what you've cost me,' but he's not going to let him know that. Instead, he's like, 'You're trouble, but I love you and I'm proud of you at the same time. And I'm willing to save you.'"

For Stephens and for showrunners Jonathan Steinberg and Dan Shotz, that genuine connection with Percy and Sally was crucial for understanding the role of Poseidon. "They wanted to make the relationship between Poseidon, Percy, and Percy's mom feel real, and to have a kind of complexity to it," Stephens said.

That undercurrent of complexity runs through Percy and Poseidon's entire conversation, but especially in the moment when Percy asks Poseidon if he ever dreams about Sally. Instead of answering, Poseidon takes a silent beat before deflecting. Yet for Stephens, that silence speaks volumes.

"He's like, 'Yeah, I dream about her all the time, and it's incredibly painful. And if only I could talk to you about it, but I'm not going to do that,'" Stephens explained. "There is that side of our parents that is always mysterious. You can be incredibly close to your parents, but there's an interior life and and interior history that you cannot have access to. I think that moment [with Percy] opens up the question, 'What is that about for Poseidon? What is going on in there?' And that's what you want to leave the audience with."

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is now streaming on Disney+.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Jan. 31's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To get big.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #956 is...

BULKY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for January 31's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Being a bit too happy in my opinion

• Green: Wedding planning

• Blue: Poetic alliteration

• Purple: Types of pits

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Merriment

• Green: Booked for A Wedding

• Blue: Rhymes

• Purple: ___Pit

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #234 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Merriment: CHEER, GLEE, FESTIVITY, MIRTH

• Booked for a Wedding: BAND, CATERER, FLORIST, OFFICIANT

• Rhymes: CHOIR, FIRE, LIAR, FRYER

• __Pit: BARBECUE, ORCHESTRA, SNAKE, TEA

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

According to The Information, TikTok plans to open studios in major cities, where creators can host shopping livestreams on the platform. This move follows the widespread addition and adoption of TikTok Shop in 2023, the app's e-commerce element.

If this idea sounds familiar, it may be because similar facilities have existed in China for years, including one in Wuhan operated by TikTok itself. Or perhaps you remember YouTube Spaces, the large urban hubs where, beginning in 2012, content creators could use studios, equipment, postproduction tools, and trainings provided by YouTube, all for free. In all, 10 Spaces were opened to great fanfare in Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, São Paulo, Mumbai, and Dubai.

SEE ALSO: Why are tweens so obsessed with Sephora? We asked them to find out.

The Spaces were used for content creation and rented out for premieres, the Streamy Awards, and even an episode of the Late Late Show with James Corden. By 2020, however, they faced major challenges. They were expensive to maintain, and top creators no longer needed fancy equipment or a studio to make high quality, high performing videos. Plus, YouTube had grown so large that the Spaces could not meet the demand from creators who did want to use them. Seven of the spaces were shuttered at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and remain permanently closed. As of 2024, only the São Paulo, Mumbai, and Dubai locations are active.

The same fate may not befall TikTok's new venture. After all, live streamers using TikTok Shop do need a physical space where they can showcase and store their products.

But when other elements of content creation are considered, these facilities seem like more trouble than they're worth. The Information reports that TikTok intends for brands to be able to send product samples directly to the studio for creators to use and potentially film with. But most top creators are already sent brand packages directly or via their management agencies. Plus, TikTok has yet to determine how it'll support this new venture financially. The Information reports that internal discussions have revolved around charging creators a membership fee for use of the space. So will creators be able to store their inventory at the Spaces overnight, or will they need to lug it in with them every day?

Then there's the matter of demand. According to The Information, TikTok plans to be able to host "dozens of creators a day" in these physical studios which, to be frank, is a paltry number considering there are over 1 million creators active on the platform, according to some estimates.

Perhaps most troubling is the prospect of dozens of people stuffed into rooms, hawking plastic crap no one needs as our planet overheats. Video footage of China's live streaming factories are dark, harrowing voids of humanity. Fittingly, TikTok plans to open its first studio in Los Angeles, a city all-too-familiar with the business of manipulating reality for profit.

Shareholders had sued, arguing that Mr. Musk’s compensation — which helped make him the world’s richest person — was excessive.

Google’s parent company reported that sales climbed 13 percent to $86.3 billion while profit jumped 52 percent.

Revenue was up 18% in the latest quarter, the tech giant said, as investors look for signs that it’s beginning to profit from artificial intelligence.

If you've spent a significant time on TikTok lately, then you might be just like me: wandering the halls of my home, muttering in a monotone drawl, "Pookie's looking absolutely fire tonight."

You can thank a guy named Jett Puckett for that. And, of course, his wife Campbell, aka Pookie.

SEE ALSO: TikTok's orange peel theory is the latest way to test your relationship

The TikTok account in question belongs to Campbell Puckett, and for the most part, it's pretty wholesome. It's Campbell and Jett posting about their lives, often involving Jett hyping up his Pookie. It's just the way Jett hypes up Campbell. He rattles off how amazing she looks but also keeps it monotone. It's particular and memorable.

For instance, here's a video that has racked up more than 6 million views. It's just the couple going over outfits before hitting the town. But the delivery of the phrase "Pookie looks absolutely amazing" is just perfect.

This is pretty much the entirety of their page. Pookie is dressed up, and Jett compliments Pookie. There are some restaurants, glitzy trips, and all the other usual things you get on social media pages for couples.

But the account has caught on because people seem to appreciate both Jett's affection for his wife and the way he expresses it. The guy talks about how fire her outfits are without changing tone. It is pretty sweet. And TikTok has fallen in love with Jett, deeming him the ultimate Wife Guy. He's seemingly a well-off dude who loves to dote on his wife on her TikTok account, and many folks want that.

Lots of people on TikTok are posting about it. They're copying Jett, discussing Pookie, or lip-syncing along to the audio from the couples' posts. Even ESPN anchors and country superstar Zach Bryan got in on it.

Tweet may have been deleted

Amid this virality, Campbell's page has racked up a quarter million followers. The internet gets obsessed with couples every once in a while — and, of course, the internet loves a good Wife Guy — so it makes sense that folks would gravitate toward the Pucketts. And Jett, the star of the show, just has the most pleasing way of saying...well, just about anything.

So please, join me in reciting, "Pookie is looking absolutely fire tonight."

Every year, the who's who of porn descend on Las Vegas for the annual AVN Awards and Expo. We all know about porn stars, but what goes into being a top porn star at the Oscars of porn? We asked performer Lena the Plug to share with us her AVN diary for an inside look at the work that goes into dominating porn. 

Lena had a blockbuster year in 2023, with her podcast Plug Talk, where she and her husband, Adam22, interview a porn star and then sleep with them at the end of the discussion. The podcast boasts hundreds of thousands of followers across social media; South Park even parodied Lena last year. During the summer, she filmed her first scene with a guy who wasn't her husband (in this case, Jason Luv), and it received coverage from the likes of TMZ and the Daily Mail. She ended the year with a reality show, For the Love of Lena, where men competed to join Lena and Adam22 in their first male-male-female threesome. 

SEE ALSO: People are having sex in VR using Bluetooth sex toys

So Lena was a natural fit to break down what really goes into being an OnlyFans queen at AVN. From hours of glam to fans asking her to sign 250 photos, it was a fun and wild work week in Sin City. 

Tuesday, January 23Afternoon

I am attending AVN with my husband and business partner, Adam22; six leading girls in the adult industry, who are my friends and colleagues; and our seven-person Plug Talk crew. The team is fundamental to everything we do and includes managers, editors, makeup artists, hair stylists, and more. We couldn't do what we do without them!

We fly on a small private jet from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It bumps throughout the entire flight. I've never encountered such turbulence. I am scared shitless and ask the flight attendant if we are going to be okay. She says we're fine.

Evening 

And we are! We arrive at 7 p.m. and head to our two homes. The girls, Adam, and I are staying in one house, and the crew is staying down the road. 

I go to get a spray tan (I need to look good for the Expo; fans expect to see me at my best!). Then I rest before the chaos. 

Lena the Plug holding one of the many photos she signed at AVN. Credit: Lena the Plug Wednesday, January 24Morning

Let the chaos begin! I wake up at 6 a.m. The girls head downstairs to start glam at 6:30 a.m. I join them at 8:30 a.m. for my glam. We all change into matching branded Plug Talk attire: thongs, bras, and bodysuits. Once our three-man security crew arrives, we sit down for a meeting to go over the agenda for the day. Plug Talk is all about organization. Then we Uber to Resorts World, the hotel where the Expo takes place.

Afternoon

When we arrive, we head to a long check-in line inside of an outdoor "events center." It's a departure from last year when we were in the hotel's conference room. The tea is Resorts World has a multiyear contract with AVN, but for some reason, they stuck us outside. Did something happen last year? AVN brings in soooooo much money for the hotel, though. There are multiple hotels within Resorts World, and rooms are sold out for all of them. 

A girl interrupts my inner monologue, screaming, "LENA, WE'VE MADE OUT BEFORE!" I'm not mentally ready for this. 

Before we head to our booth, I want to use the restroom. To get there, I walk through the bondage area, where a man in a thong is tied to an X-frame, a piece of BDSM equipment. He screams joyously as a woman spanks him. Welcome home to AVN!

Late Afternoon

Once I arrive at the Plug Talk booth, I am ready to go. I'm excited to meet fans. We've created a large blue wall that says "Plug Talk" all over it. It contrasts our matching pink underwear. You've gotta stay on brand.

Fans see us and start lining up. One brings 250 printed photos of me. He pays me to sign them. My right-hand woman, Monica, asks what he will do with them. He says he's going to sell them on his college campus. Love it. 

Evening

My feet hurt from walking in boots, but duty calls. We walk right outside Resorts World to find our billboard for our party on Friday at the Peppermint Hippo strip club. Our faces are on a billboard right outside Encore, another hotel on the Strip. We take pics in front of it, then get in an Uber to Jardin, a weed shop that invited us over to make content and get some merch.

On the way home, my husband, Adam, gets hungry. (Maybe it's munchies from Jardin?) So we stop at a gas station, where we all get ice cream, chocolate, and cookies.

We're exhausted from working for nine hours at the convention, so we all call it a day. 

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for safe, NSFW fun in 2024 Thursday, January 25Morning

Once again, I woke up early for glam. Then, we shot some content for social media. Once we posted it, we head to the convention. Outside the casino, fans mob us. We take selfies and sign autographs. We love our fans!

We are still tired from yesterday, so we stop at Starbucks. Caffeine is necessary for the day. 

Today is packed. We speak to fans non-stop and do interviews with other content creators. During the interviews, my feet hurt. I'm wearing Pleasers heels. (If you know, you know.)

Some incredible fan interactions:

• A man comes and says he "needs to squat" me. I say sure, and he lifts me in the air.

• Several fans ask when I'll film my first gangbang. In other words, my comment section comes to life.

• A father and son duo explain they come to AVN together every year. They remind me they sell my Fleshlight in Mexico. I remember meeting them last year. They are well into their 60s and 80s, and I wonder how many conventions they've attended together. 

• Another fan gives me a box specifically designed for me, containing a bunch of cute treats, lotions, and lip gloss. She and her mother come to the convention every year to give goodie boxes to the girls. It's the sweetest thing; the girl's mom was in the industry 20 years ago, and she knows how exhausting this week could be for all of us. I take a photo with them on my personal phone so that I don't forget these women and their kindness.

• Many groups of men say they met at AVN years ago and bonded. They became friends. As a tradition, they attend AVN every year and take photos with the girls. It's sweet!

I get hungry, so I take a lunch break. Walking to lunch, I see a line around the corner for fellow performer Violet Myers. She wows her fans, and they are dedicated, waiting for hours. Violet is a machine.

Evening

Last minute, I receive an invite to a pajama party. I forgot to pack cute PJs, so I go shopping. I NEED cute PJs to party with the girls.

Guys come to the party and throw cash at the talent, even though it's an innocent PJ party. At this party, they give out free sex toys, which is great because I forgot to pack one. I also finally meet the infamous Chet Hanks, who is asking everyone if they have gum, so I find some for him.

Lena the Plug and friends at the 'Plug Talk' booth at AVN. Credit: Lena the Plug Friday, January 26Morning

Today is the first day I don't start signing photos at noon, so I sleep in. After my glam routine, I head to the convention. I wait in line for over an hour to get my Award Show pass. As I wait, my assistant texts me that the line of fans is forming, asking where I am. I need to get my pass! When I reach the front of the line, the AVN staff tells me they don't have my pass yet. Annoying!

Afternoon

Friday is crazy packed. The one-and-only Teanna Trump is signing at the Plug Talk booth, and the line is wrapping around the convention. One guy pays Teanna $1,000 for an Instagram follow-back! There's no time to take breaks. We need to sign autographs for fans. One man alone brought me another 200 prints to sign. I am unable to sign all of them, so I take them home to sign and return to him.

Several notables stop by. Adam and I interview Chad Johnson, the "villain" from The Bachelor. Rappers Skinny from the 9 and King Yella show up, and we take selfies. It sometimes feels like porn and rap are one industry. 

The most notable of the moment, though, is Lil D. He won Adam and my reality show, For the Love of Lena, where men competed to join us for our first male-male-female threesome. We create content with him at AVN. He is the only man at the convention (besides my husband) who is welcome to an ass grab and a kiss on the cheek. 

We stay and meet fans and sign photos to the last second. At the end of the day, I am exhausted. My feet hurt, so I rip off my boots. Everyone screams, "FREE FEEEEEET!"

SEE ALSO: Porn site names the 2024 fetish of the year Evening

Everyone is starving, so we head back to the Airbnb and order food. In between eating, my glam team touches up my hair and makeup. Plug Talk is hosting our party at Peppermint Hippo tonight, so we want to look great.

The club sends a party bus to pick us up. When we arrive at the club, hundreds of people are lined up. Inside, we see fans and also top people in the industry. It's a moment.

Once inside, we go into the VIP area. We dance, go on stage, and have an overall blast. Around 3 a.m., we leave and head home to rest for the AVN Awards Show tomorrow. 

Poster for Plug Talk's after party at AVN. Credit: Lena the Plug Saturday, January 27

The big day! I am nominated for three awards: Hottest Girl/Guy Creator Collab with Jason Luv, Favorite Adult Podcast, and Favorite Indie Performer. It's an honor because fans and my peers vote for the awards. I'm just happy to be nominated.

We spend the day relaxing. Then, in the afternoon, I begin glam. We head to the Awards around 5 p.m. We walk the red carpet and pose for photos.

Once inside the theater, I get a little nervous. We win the Hottest Girl/Guy Creator Collab and Favorite Adult Podcast! It's such an honor to see my viral content get rewarded by fans and my peers. I am so happy. 

Trophies in hand, I head back to the Airbnb to rest. No afterparties for me. When you're a porn star, the most glamorous thing you can do is sleep!