☕️ Mouse on the loose

Why you might soon see Mickey a whole new way... January 02, 2024 [View Online]( | [Sign Up]( | [Shop]( [Morning Brew]( PRESENTED BY [The Ascent]( Good morning and Happy New Year! You’re allowed to say that until January 7, according to Larry David, so use it generously this week while you can. If it felt like 2023 zipped by, 2024 could be more drawn out. That’s because it’s a leap year, and people who were born on February 29, 2020, can finally turn one. The 366-day year also means you’ll have to dig out your calendar from 1996 for the most recent match to 2024. And keep your 2023 calendar in a safe place—you’ll be able to use it again in 2034. Fun fact: There are only 14 possible calendar configurations. It’s great to be back! —Molly Liebergall, Cassandra Cassidy, Sam Klebanov, Abby Rubenstein, Neal Freyman MARKETS: 1-YEAR Nasdaq 15,011.35 +44.52% S&P 4,769.83 +24.73% Dow 37,689.54 +13.74% 10-Year 3.866% +7.6 bps Bitcoin $42,668.53 +156.65% Nvidia $495.22 +246.09% *Stock data as of market close, cryptocurrency data as of 12:00am ET. [Here's what these numbers mean.]( - Markets: The stock market was closed yesterday to give investors time to nurse their hangovers celebrate New Year’s. And 2023 provided plenty of reasons to pop bottles: Global stock markets had their best year since 2019, and all three major US indexes finished the year [higher]( than they started it, with tech company gains pushing the Nasdaq up the most. Even among tech giants, Nvidia was a standout, boosted by AI suddenly being everywhere.  CULTURE [The original Mickey is finally free for public use]( [Gif of Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willy]( Steamboat Willie/Disney via Giphy If you’ve had lifelong dreams of producing a psychological thriller starring Mickey Mouse without getting sued, your time has come: As of yesterday, anyone is allowed to create content featuring the earliest version of Disney’s flagship rodent. Disney is known for aggressively protecting its intellectual property, but the entertainment giant just had to kiss its exclusive rights to the [original Mickey and Minnie Mouse]( goodbye. That’s because the company’s 95-year copyright on the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, in which the characters first appeared, expired as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. So, nearly a century after the celebrity couple debuted in black and white, they’re now in the US public domain and free to use, with [some limitations]( - Only the original versions of Mickey and Minnie, as they appear in Steamboat Willie, are up for grabs. Character details introduced in later years, including their white gloves, Mickey’s classic red pants, Minnie’s polka dots, and their high-pitched voice, are off limits. - Disney still has a registered trademark on Steamboat Willie Mickey as a company mascot, so folks who use the character’s likeness have to make it clear that their project isn’t an official Disney production. This could be the year of the NSFW mouse With OG Mickey finally out of Disney’s copyright clutches, creative types are wasting no time ruining our childhoods. In a new horror video game [announced yesterday]( an unhinged-looking Mickey Mouse hunts players in a dark warehouse. It could be the trickle before the flood: Techdirt is hosting its sixth annual [Public Domain Game Jam]( which encourages people to design games using media that entered the public domain that year. What else became free on this year’s “Public Domain Day”? You can see the full list [here](. Noteworthy properties include the stage adaptation of Peter Pan and the second Winnie-the-Pooh book, which introduced Tigger. Now that he’s in the public domain, the bouncing tiger will join his pals in the [sequel]( to [Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey]( last year’s slasher film featuring Christopher Robin’s free-to-use childhood friends.—ML   PRESENTED BY THE ASCENT [The only card you’ll need this year]( [The Ascent]( Cruise into 2024 with the credit card that you’ve gotta see to believe. That’s right: Run, don’t walk, to check out [this card]( and all its goated features, including: - 0% interest until nearly 2025 on purchases and balance transfers - up to 5% cash back on varying categories you’ll actually use - no annual fee Talk about a [one-card wallet](. It’s not every day you get 5% cash back paired with 0% interest until almost 2025. Get the full lowdown on this card + [apply here](. WORLD [Tour de headlines](#) [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu]Amir Levy/Getty Images Israel’s high court overturns controversial judicial overhaul. In an 8–7 vote, Israel’s Supreme Court [struck down]( a law barring judges from reviewing government actions they consider unreasonable. The law, which was part of a broader effort to remake the judicial branch, was championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and drew mass protests before the nation’s war with Hamas began. The ruling could reignite Israel’s domestic political disagreements. Separately, Israel began moving [thousands of troops]( out of parts of the Gaza Strip, which could signal it expects less intense fighting, especially in northern parts of the territory. Tensions are rising in the Red Sea. The US Navy sank three boats piloted by Houthi militants in the Red Sea, killing their crews, while responding to a distress call from a Maersk ship on Sunday. And yesterday, Iran [sent a warship]( to the Red Sea. The Houthis, who are based in Yemen but backed by Iran, began attacking commercial ships traveling through the Red Sea in November in response to the Israel–Hamas war. Several major shipping groups started taking longer routes around Africa to avoid the area, through which ~12% of global commerce usually flows, but the US has vowed to secure the trade route. ICYMI…If, like us, you tuned out the news last week while scrambling to buy last-minute gifts, here are some developments you might have missed: 1) The New York Times [sued]( OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging ChatGPT caused billions of dollars in damages by breaching its copyrights. The suit claims the chatbot has reproduced NYT articles nearly verbatim without permission. 2) In other AI legal news, Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen admitted he unwittingly sent his own attorney [fake cases]( invented by Google’s Bard chatbot to submit to the court in an effort to end his post-prison supervision. 3) Apple can [still sell]( its latest Apple Watches in the US despite a trade court ruling that they infringe on another company’s patent because an appeals court put that ruling on hold—for now. MARKETING [The Pop-Tart that took over college football]( [Photo of Pop-Tart mascot at the Pop-Tart Bowl]( Icon Sportswire/Getty Images Last week, a previously inconceivable icon emerged from the middle of an Orlando football field—a Pop-Tarts mascot was [ceremonially lowered]( into a giant toaster holding a sign that read “Dreams really do come true.” The toaster then produced an [edible]( replica of the mascot for the winning team to eat. The viral moment took place at the first-ever Pop-Tarts Bowl college football game, and Pop-Tarts considered it a touchdown: Its director of brand marketing said it rivaled “a major [Super Bowl moment]( in terms of impact. Despite occurring at an inconsequential college bowl game, the marketing stunt [took over X]( and actually made people [want]( Pop-Tarts. According to Apex Marketing Group, the Pop-Tarts campaign [generated]( an estimated $12.1 million worth of media exposure for the company that makes Pop-Tarts, Kellanova, which reportedly paid just $2 million to sponsor the game. Zoom out: With 42 college bowl games between December 16 and January 8, sponsors are becoming increasingly creative to stand out. Kellanova, fresh off its Pop-Tarts success, sponsored the Cheez-It Bowl yesterday and generated buzz with a sideline hot tub and a mischievous (but [non-edible]( mascot.—CC   TOGETHER WITH BABBEL [Babbel]( Start speaking a new language before springtime. This new year, Babbel is ready to help you build the language skills you’ve always wanted…fast. Build quick, practical conversation skills in a new language using app-based lessons, games, podcasts, videos, and even live online classes. [Get 60% off for a limited time](. CALENDAR [The year ahead](#) [Jerry Seinfeld speaking to a telemarketer]Seinfeld/NBC via YouTube Usually, we start the week off with a preview, but since it’s a new year, we went even bigger. Here’s what’s going to be different in 2024… New year, new laws: The law books are [getting thicker](. Here are some new rules kicking in this year, according to the New York Times: - Guns will no longer be allowed in most public spaces in California, including libraries and sports venues. - DEI programs are officially banned at public universities in Texas. - Online dating services in Connecticut will have to warn users about romance scams and allow them to report unwanted behavior. - The so-called “Seinfeld law” in New Jersey will address [Jerry’s annoyance]( with telemarketers by mandating that they introduce themselves, their company, and their product within the first 30 seconds of a call. Government EV subsidies right at the dealership: Uncle Sam is now [letting you snag]( an up to $7,500 discount on the day you buy an electric car instead of making you wait to claim it on your tax return. However, several vehicles, including Tesla Model 3s with Chinese-made batteries and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, are no longer eligible for the tax break due to tighter sourcing requirements for battery components. Minimum wage goes up in 25 states: Twenty-two states [increased theirs]( yesterday. The lowest wage allowed in Montana is now $10.30, and it’s $16 in New York, California, and Washington. Workers in Florida, Nevada, Oregon, and DC will get a pay bump later in the year. Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage hasn’t budged from $7.25 since 2009, and it’s still the baseline pay in 20 states. Everything else… - America will choose its next president in November: This election season will be extra spicy as the GOP’s front-runner, Donald Trump, will also be [making court appearances]( for his multiple criminal trials. And around the globe, [50 countries]( will be holding national elections. - If you notice the sun suddenly disappearing from the sky on April 8, don’t panic — it’s just a [total solar eclipse]( (be sure to wear protective eye gear when marveling at it). - Paris will host the Summer Olympics for the first time in exactly a century with plans for a [tradition-shattering]( opening ceremony on the River Seine. - Watch out for a parade of [big-screen sequels]( including ones for Joker and Dune. The Amy Winehouse biopic, [Back to Black]( and a [tеrrifyingly topical A24 film]( about a civil war in modern-day America starring Kirsten Dunst will also hit theaters. GRAB BAG [Key performance indicators](#) [Buffy the Vampire Slayer saying she has enough beer]Buffy the Vampire Slayer/ 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment via Giphy Stat: While beer is considered as quintessentially American as other German imports like hamburgers and frankfurters, 2023 was a rough year for brewskis in the US. Consumption levels fell to their [lowest in years]( as fewer than 200 million barrels were estimated to have been shipped for the first time since 1999, according to Beer Marketer’s Insights. And it wasn’t just the Bud Light boycott taking a bite out of sales, experts told NBC, as beer now has to compete with new sugary alcoholic drinks being marketed to the same drinkers (we see you, Dunkin’ Spiked Coffee). Quote: “I predict that human judges will be around for a while.” Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court John Roberts [believes]( that AI will someday transform how the courts conduct their business…but not just yet. In his year-end [report]( the justice said he thinks AI will change how judges do their jobs but that the machines aren’t coming for their robes anytime soon. Roberts noted that in a trial, “much can turn on a shaking hand, a quivering voice, a change of inflection, a bead of sweat, a moment’s hesitation, a fleeting break in eye contact,” and that most people trust a person rather than AI to interpret those signs. Read: How did polyamory become so popular? ([The New Yorker]( NEWS [What else is brewing](#) - [Japan]( was shaken by a series of earthquakes, the largest of which registered at a 7.6 magnitude, prompting tsunami warnings, evacuations of nearly 100,000 people, and fires. At least 48 people were killed. - [Michigan]( will square off against Washington in the college football championship next Monday after each won thrilling semifinal games yesterday. - [Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II]( an 83-year-old who has been on the throne for 52 years, announced on live TV that she’ll be stepping down on Jan. 14 and handing the crown to her son. - [Chinese President Xi Jinping]( said the “reunification” of China and Taiwan is “inevitable.” Next week, Taiwan will hold a presidential election featuring candidates with divergent views on how to approach China. - [Paula Abdul]( filed a lawsuit claiming that former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe sexually assaulted her when she was a judge on the show. RECS [Tuesday To Do List] Get going: The [best places]( to travel in 2024. Or stay in: How to [say no]( to social invitations. Eat with retro vibes: Where to find every [Pizza Hut “Classic”]( location. Check the data: 10 surprising [data points and documents]( from last year. Intensify intimacy: Presenting [MysteryVibe’s Crescendo 2]( a doctor-recommended, FDA-registered vibrator. It’s clinically proven to improve arousal and alleviate dryness. [Here’s 35% off]( welcome.* *A message from our sponsor. GAMES [The puzzle section](#) Brew Mini: Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to upgrade your crossword skills. [Start with today’s Mini](. New year, new….? With the new year upon us, here is some trivia on “new” things. The answer to each of the following prompts contains “new”—how many can you get? - It’s the second book in the Twilight series. - What’s the most densely populated US state? - They currently sit in ninth in the Premier League table. - This band is frequently called the “godfathers of pop punk.” - Name the 2000 Disney animated film in which a main character is turned into a llama. - This city is home to Modern Apizza, Sally’s Apizza, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. SHARE THE BREW [Share Morning Brew]( with your friends, acquire free Brew swag, and then acquire more friends as a result of your fresh Brew swag. We’re saying we’ll give you free stuff and more friends if you share a link. One link. Your referral count: 0 [Click to Share]( Or copy & paste your referral link to others: [morningbrew.com/daily/r/?kid=4904f90a]( ANSWER - New Moon - New Jersey - Newcastle United - New Found Glory - The Emperor’s New Groove - New Haven Word of the Day Today’s Word of the Day is: inconceivable, meaning “not capable of being imagined.” It’s also a favorite of Vizzini from The Princess Bride, but we do not think it means what he thinks it means. Thanks to Paul Biles from Warda, Texas, and several other bold thinkers for the suggestion. [Submit another Word of the Day here](. Written by [Neal Freyman]( [Abigail Rubenstein]( Sam Klebanov, [Molly Liebergall]( and [Cassandra Cassidy]( Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up [here](. Interested in podcasts? - Check out ours [here]( [ADVERTISE]( // [CAREERS]( // [SHOP]( // [FAQ]( Update your email preferences or unsubscribe [here](. View our privacy policy [here](. Copyright © 2024 Morning Brew. 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