Good morning and happy Thursday!

• Zuckerberg and other executives got roasted by congress

• Amelia Earhart’s plane was possibly found

• Apple partnered with Microsoft

• Hulu is kicking your ex off your account

• a 200-year-old lemon sold at an auction

• A crypto company reported over $2b in Q4 2023 profit

All of that hit the news cycle in the last 24 hours. It’s an absolutely wild combination of headlines to get after this morning so let’s get right to it!

It wouldn’t be a Chain Reaction without a fun fact, right?

Over 20% of Tik Tok daily users are between the ages of 40 and 49 years old. True story.

-Wally

Tech

Tech Titans Grilled in Senate Showdown

In a Capitol Hill standoff, U.S. senators didn't mince words with the big shots of social media, spotlighting a stark reality: the digital playground is becoming increasingly dangerous.

Senator Lindsey Graham didn't hold back, telling Zuckerberg & Co. straight up, "You have blood on your hands." The accusation? Their platforms are like unchecked jungles where dangers lurk for kids.

The room was charged with emotion as parents, clutching photos of their children, sat in silent witness to the testimony. The heavy hitters of the tech world—Zuckerberg from Meta, Yaccarino of X, along with leaders from Snap, TikTok, and Discord—were in the hot seat, facing a volley of questions about their efforts (or lack thereof) to keep the digital realm safe for the younger crowd.

Amid tense exchanges, Zuckerberg expressed regret but stopped short of owning up to the role his platforms may have played in these tragedies. Meanwhile, the Senate floated potential laws to tighten the reins on these digital platforms.

How do we balance innovation with the imperative to protect the most vulnerable? As the tech titans promise to do better, the jury's still out on whether they'll deliver on these pledges or if it's just more noise in the echo chamber.

On This Day

2003: Remembering ‘Columbia’

On this day in 2003, the world watched in disbelief as the US Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, a tragic end to its mission and the lives of the seven courageous astronauts aboard. This somber anniversary serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of space travel and scientific advancement, as well as the valor of those who venture into the unknown for the sake of advancement and discovery. As we remember Columbia, we pay tribute to the spirit of exploration and the enduring quest for knowledge that defines our journey among the stars.

Entertainment

Hulu Battles Password Pirates

Hulu's latest move might just have you rethinking your streaming squad goals.

Hulu is laying down the law on password sharing. If your Hulu comrades aren't part of your household crew, it's time to cut the digital cord. This new chapter in the Hulu saga starts now for the newbies and hits the stage on March 14 for the veterans, transforming the way we think about "sharing is caring" in the streaming sphere.

Hulu, flying solo under Disney's wing, is keeping a closer eye on who's dipping into your account and they're ready to press pause on your account-sharing escapades if your login adventures stray too far from home base.

It's a sign of the times, really. Disney+ already waved goodbye to the password pass-along, and Netflix? Well, they've been off the sharing bandwagon for a while, despite once being the ‘cool’ streaming service. Netflix throws a bone with their "extra member" option, but it's a tighter leash. So, as Hulu tightens the reins, it's either time to pony up for your own account or start scouting the streaming horizon for new lands to explore.

Lifestyle

Cruising to Fame: The Social Seas Adventure

Imagine setting sail on a nine-month journey across the globe, only to find yourself becoming a TikTok sensation along the way. That's exactly what happened to the passengers aboard the "Serenade of the Seas," who've turned their epic adventure into a social media saga. It’s not that surprising in 2024 if you really think about it.

Among these new-age explorers are Mike and Nancy Jacobs from Michigan, who've amassed a following of over 63,000 on TikTok. Their candid shares, ranging from stormy seas to practical life hacks like managing prescriptions on board, have hit it big with the wanderlust community. It's a mix of breathtaking landscapes and the simplicity of everyday moments that's garnered over 360 million views, proving that sometimes, it's the ordinary that's truly extraordinary.

Who can blame people for tuning in? I know you are wondering what it would be like to spend 9 months on a cruise ship right now.

Are people becoming more insane as time goes on or are these folks on to something?

Headline Palooza

Decent Destinations

Eilian Donan Castle, Scotland

In the Scottish Highlands, where three great sea lochs meet, stands the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This majestic fortress, with its storied past and breathtaking surroundings, invites travelers to step into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, Eilean Donan offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. As you explore its ancient halls and gaze out over the serene waters, you'll find yourself whisked away to a bygone era, making it a must-visit destination on any Scottish itinerary.

Innovation

Apple and Microsoft Create VR ‘Dream Team’

As Apple's Vision Pro gears up for its grand debut, it's clear that the tech titan isn't flying solo on this journey into the virtual frontier. Microsoft is jumping onto the scene, bringing its A-game with a suite of 365 apps custom-tailored for the Vision Pro. This alliance is nothing short of a powerhouse move, blending Apple's hardware prowess with Microsoft's software sorcery, setting the stage for what could be a seismic shift in the VR landscape.

But here's the kicker: Microsoft is tailoring its productivity staples for Apple's latest gadget, meaning this isn’t just a simple software port. Microsoft promises to bring an entirely new UX to the 360 suite when using the Apple Vision Pro.

This team-up is a declaration of intent. Apple brings the sleek, innovative Vision Pro to the table, while Microsoft infuses it with the kind of software muscle that could redefine how we interact with our digital lives. Together, they're not just aiming for the entire VR pie, not just a slice. In a world where tech titans often clash, this Apple-Microsoft alliance is a testament to the crazy, transformative power of collaboration. With these two at the helm, the virtual reality space might just be on the cusp of its most thrilling chapter yet.

Cryptocurrency

Tether's Financial Surge in Q4: Beyond Expectations

In the final quarter of 2023, Tether pulled off an impressive financial feat, raking in a whopping $2.85 billion profit. This success story is fueled by their strategic investments in U.S. Treasury securities, alongside a well-rounded portfolio including gold and Bitcoin reserves.

The company's approach, focusing on stability and high-quality assets, has not only led to significant profit margins but also established Tether as a dominant force in the stablecoin realm, holding over 70% of the market share. This strategic positioning is further proved by their proactive collaboration with the FBI, a move aimed at enhancing trust and security within the platform and the broader crypto ecosystem.

In the murky world of blockchain and crypto, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. Even I’m slightly skeptical when Tether drops news like this, but noteworthy, nonetheless.

What’s Not News

Lemon with a Legacy

These headlines are frequently being found in British news…

A 285-year-old lemon, yes, a lemon, recently became the star of an auction in England, fetching a zesty $1,780. This citrus artifact, found lurking in the back of a 19th-century cabinet, carries a tale from 1739, etched with a message linking Mr. P Lu Franchini to Miss E Baxter. While the cabinet itself only squeezed out $40, the lemon's unexpected auction success is a quirky reminder of how odd ‘value’ is.

This lemon made more money than most NFT projects!

Have a phenomenal Thursday, I love you all!