The Department of Government Efficiency is working towards eliminating the penny as part of a broader effort to streamline public spending and reduce inefficiencies in currency production. Advocates for phasing out the penny argue that it costs more to produce than it’s worth, with manufacturing expenses exceeding its face value. By discontinuing the penny, the department hopes to save millions of taxpayer dollars and improve the efficiency of the monetary system. Additionally, removing the penny would modernize payment systems, reducing the time spent on transactions, as rounding to the nearest five cents would become the norm in most situations. The move also aligns with broader goals of reducing waste and enhancing the cost-effectiveness of government operations
Apple’s top lawyer, Kate Adams, had quite a lucrative year in 2023, raking in a staggering $27.2 million. This massive payday is largely due to her role as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Apple, where she oversees the company’s legal strategy and global affairs. The compensation package includes a mix of base salary, performance-based bonuses, and stock grants, reflecting her key position in safeguarding the tech giant’s legal interests. Adams’ pay is a reflection of the significant responsibility she shoulders, especially in navigating the complex regulatory and legal challenges Apple faces worldwide. While the figure might raise eyebrows, it’s not unusual for top legal executives at major companies to receive such high compensation, given the critical nature of their work.
In 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion. The main reasons were to dominate the online video market, enhance its services, and generate revenue through ads. At the time, YouTube was already highly popular and growing rapidly.
Today, YouTube is one of the most visited websites globally, with over 2 billion monthly users.
Video: @YouTube recorded by the third co-founder, Jawed Karim
Lately, there’s been a trend where people are selling their used smartphones on platforms like eBay or Craigslist for astronomical prices, sometimes up to $50,000, simply because the TikTok app is installed on them. Some sellers claim that the phone has “historical value” or that owning a device tied to popular TikTok influencers will somehow give buyers access to exclusive online experiences. While most people see this as a form of online trolling or an odd marketing gimmick, there’s no denying that TikTok’s cultural influence has reached a point where even a basic smartphone with the app installed can be marketed as a unique, almost collectible item.
