The Best One Yet 🤝 “TikTaken” — TikTok (finally) sold. Diet Coke vs Coke Zero. Madison Square Garden 5.0. +Chimney Sweep Surge
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Jan 26, 2026 A messy, ambiguous takeover of TikTok USA and who really controls its algorithm. The surprising generational branding war between Diet and Zero sodas. A $7.5B Penn Station makeover stuck on moving Madison Square Garden. A sudden surge in chimney-sweeper demand as people pivot heating choices.
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Chimney Sweep Comeback
- Chimney sweep demand in London rose as energy prices and gas uncertainty pushed people back to wood heating.
- The Chimney Sweep Association saw membership climb 27% over five years amid a fireplace resurgence.
Chassis Sold, Engine Kept
- TikTok US was sold to a mostly American consortium but ByteDance kept critical control elements.
- The algorithm and core content engine remain in China and will be licensed back to TikTok US.
Ownership Numbers Don't Equal Control
- Oracle, Silverlake, and MGX each own chunks of TikTok US while ByteDance retains 20% and a board seat.
- The sale may satisfy legal form but not remove Chinese influence over TikTok's recommendation algorithm.
