Good Morning! 🌞 

In yesterdays newsletter we featured a story about some fascinating, quirky inventions from the 1920-60’s. Unfortunately, the twitter profile we linked to was suspended, making it impossible to see the inventions. We apologize! Here’s a link to the same video on YouTube:

Economy

Google Pays $700 Million Settlement

Google has recently agreed to pay $700 million to settle an antitrust case with US states and consumers over its app store practices. The settlement was reached in September, but the finer details were made public on Monday with the company adding that it will allow more competition in its Google Play app store. This comes just a week after Google lost a lawsuit to Epic Games over its app store practices.

The settlement is for a lawsuit that accused Google of engaging in anticompetitive behavior through its Google Play store, which is how most people download apps on Android devices. The settlement includes a $630 million payout for U.S. consumers who utilized a payment system within the Google Play Store that the state attorneys general alleged magnified prices for in-app purchases.

The settlement requires Google to make changes to its app store, such as allowing app and game developers to implement alternative billing options alongside Google Play's billing system for U.S. users. This will give developers more options and could lead to lower prices for consumers.

In the preceding lawsuit, Epic Games accused Google of maintaining a monopoly over the distribution of apps on Android devices through its Play Store. The court ruled in favor of Epic Games, finding that Google had indeed engaged in anticompetitive practices. This settlement is a significant win for Epic Games and for consumers, as it will lead to more competition in the app market and potentially lower prices for apps and in-app purchases.

Overall, these developments are a major shake-up for the app market and could have far-reaching implications for the way apps are distributed and sold on Android devices. It remains to be seen how these changes will play out in the long term, but for now, it seems that the app market is becoming more competitive and that consumers and developers are the ones who stand to benefit.

Sports

5 More Sports to Join the 2028 Olympics

In July 2028, the US will host the Summer Olympics. It will now include cricket, flag football, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and squash!

The inclusion of cricket in particular could have a huge impact with a potential $200 million increase in India's Olympics broadcasting rights. The NFL is also supporting flag football's inclusion, probably to gain sponsorship opportunities and encourage global growth of American football.

Talks are underway with Major League Baseball to allow pro players to participate. The LA 2028 Summer Games chairman Casey Wasserman sounded optimistic about the possibility. “We’ve had a very engaged ongoing dialogue with both the league and the players union,” Wasserman said in a phone interview with Sportico. “We do believe that the best players in the world will want to play baseball in the Olympics and have an opportunity to win a gold medal for their country.”

The Haudenosaunee Nationals, a North American indigenous lacrosse team is also vying for a spot in the Olympics. It is still uncertain if this will be possible as it would require a completely unique competition structure for the team. But there is a possibility a solution can be reached.

Culture

Minnesota's Snow Sculpting Show!

Stillwater, Minnesota hosts the third annual World Snow Sculpting Championship, featuring artists from eight countries. Sanctioned by the Association Internationale de Sculpture sur Neige et Glace, the event showcases world-class teams competing to create compelling snow sculptures.

The week-long festival includes various events, entertainment, and activities for all ages, with winners earning prize money and the title of World Champions from January 17 to January 21, 2024. There are some amazing images from last years competition here:

World News

8 of the World's Finest Ski Resorts

Ever wanted to go on a bougie ski trip? Here’s a list of the worlds top ski resorts. Not all are crazy expensive, I’m going to #8 this winter and only paying $50 for the daily lift pass giving me access to 125 miles of slopes!

1. Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado: Skip the crowded resorts and head to Aspen-Snowmass in Colorado. With easy access to four mountains, live music, and great dining, it's a standout choice. Each mountain offers unique dining experiences, and Aspen town has top-notch shopping, dining, and more.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada: Cross the border to British Columbia for Whistler Blackcomb, North America's largest ski resort. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, the world's longest and highest lift system, awaits. The vibrant village offers nightlife, dining, and iconic spots for après-ski fun.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland: Experience high-altitude skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland, with well-maintained slopes and opportunities for freeskiing. Helicopters provide exclusive access to trails, and Michelin-starred dining options like After Seven and Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni await.

4. Val d’Isère, France: Escape to Val d'Isère for traditional charm, 90 ski lifts, and extensive off-piste options. With over 186 miles of terrain, this French Alps resort caters to various preferences. Enjoy dining at Dick's Tea Bar and additional activities like ice skating.

5. Niseko United, Japan: Venture off the beaten path to Niseko United on the island of Hokkaido. Four resorts on one mountain offer diverse terrain and some of the driest, lightest snow powder. Explore the pristine snow with snowshoe tours or guided snowmobile rides, and savor various cuisine options.

6. Kitzbühel, Austria: Kitzbühel stands out among European resorts with 145 miles of snow-covered trails, 58 lifts, and picturesque views. Off the slopes, explore the Aurach Wildlife Park or join guided hikes in the Alps. Unwind at the resort's spa area with panoramic pools and steam baths.

7. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming: For thrill-seekers, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming offers boundless backcountry skiing opportunities. With 2,500 acres of terrain, it's ideal for customizable experiences and features the world-famous chute, Corbet’s Couloir.

8. Ski Arlberg, Austria: Head back to Austria for Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski resort in the country. With over 125 miles of deep snow runs and diverse slopes, it's hailed as the epicenter of winter sports. Join the après-ski scene with DJs and champagne to conclude your mountain adventures.
   

Mind Stretchers

In this word puzzle, identify the words inside the boxes shown in the image through hints & clues. (Try to guess them under 30 seconds!) 😜 

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
A Kitten! 🐈️ 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.