Modern Day Jackie O

The TikTok ban is no longer being implemented on Sunday, but its potential future ban leaves many U.S. “TikTok refugees” fleeing to similar Chinese platforms.

Americans are sharing on social media what they’re most shocked to be learning about China in the process:

• Chinese people wonder if it’s CCP propaganda that Americans have to pay for ambulances, the U.S. doesn’t give everyone pensions in retirement, and minimum wage in America is $7.25

• A Chinese family of 5 can buy breakfast for about $2 total and 2 pounds of corn is about 94 cents

• College tuition in China is typically $700 per year and there aren’t property taxes after paying off a mortgage

• Much of the world views America how America views Florida

• Posting “normal” American social media content on Chinese apps will get an account banned

Some Americans have posted the Chinese state anthem claiming it to be their new anthem of choice. I’m assuming this was not an outcome Congress imagined. 🫢 

Arts + Culture

Pixar is making its first-ever original TV series- Win or Lose begins streaming on Disney+ on February 19.

The world’s largest Birkin standing at 19 feet tall will be on display at Art Palm Beach next week.

Designer Andrea Copellino is making tech company trading cards to revive nostalgia, excitement, and curiosity around companies that have begun prioritizing profits over unboxing experiences.

Politics

Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff are rumored to be moving to New York City after looking at a $20,000 a month apartment.

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir does not approve of the ceasefire agreement and says he will resign if implemented.

The Biden administration will not ban TikTok on Sunday allowing the incoming administration to explore paths of further action.

Business + Tech

A U.K. restaurant sells a $177 pineapple pizza to make customers pay for their "terrible judgement" and to "look deep down inside" at their life choices.

Coinciding with a potential TikTok ban, Duolingo is experiencing massive surges of new U.S. users (216%) learning Mandarin as they seek TikTok alternatives with language barriers.

Google has informed the EU they are choosing not to comply with new EU law requiring fact-checking.

Health + Science

Cleveland Clinic is partnering with Miami University on providing opportunities in biomedical research and quantum computing education.

Watch pieces of a SpaceX rocket fall back to Earth after being destroyed when it experienced an anomaly and shut down.

Built prior to 79 AD, a luxurious bathhouse complete with a boiler room, pool, laundry, and bakery has been discovered in Pompeii.

Enjoy your weekends! See you in your inbox on Monday for inauguration.

XOXO,

Jackie