🎁 Should we stop wrapping presents?

It’s Saturday, December 23 — people are talking about the GTA VI hacker’s punishment, the debate over wrapping presents, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🎮 Is the GTA IV hacker’s punishment too harsh?

An 18-year-old hacker faces life in a secure hospital for leaking development videos of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI.

🎮 The Verge: After leaking GTA VI footage, the teen hacker received a life sentence in a secure hospital. The judge said his actions hurt “real companies and people”.

🎮 And maybe the sentence is justified — Kotaku said the 18-year-old was able to hack Rockstar Games with nothing but an Amazon Fire Stick.

🎮 But Hot Air thinks the punishment is a bit harsh. The coverage of the hacker probably increased public interest in GTA VI.

🎮 On the other hand, maybe the sentence is not a big deal. A Redditor on r/Games pointed out that the sentence is “indefinite” — meaning the hacker will have a chance to get out if he's deemed healthy.

🎁 Should we stop wrapping presents?

To wrap or not to wrap gifts? Some say it's wasteful, but others believe it adds magic and emotional value.

🎁 Is wrapping presents a festive faux pas? The Spinoff argues that it's time to embrace unwrapped presents. Wrapping wastes paper and energy.

🎁 POPSUGAR agrees: Unwrapped gifts might be more magical and less hassle — instant joy, with no tearing-apart needed.

🎁 But the Financial Times disagrees: Wrapping gifts adds a personal touch and emotional value. It's an important part of the present!

🎁 And Fast Company notes that a messy gift-wrapping job can lead to even happier surprises (although a neat wrapping job can show the value of the relationship).

Quick hits

🎬 Warner Bros. Discovery is in merger talks with Paramount. (NYT)

🏛️ Two paramedics were convicted for administering a fatal dose of ketamine to Elijah McClain in 2019. (AP News)

🗺️ The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Republican-drawn legislative maps, ordering that new district boundary lines to be drawn. (CBS News)

📈 A new poll showed that 29% of likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters support Nikki Haley, with Trump at 33%. (Fox News)