Clip of Mickey Mouse as he appeared in the 1928 cartoon “Steamboat Willie.” (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Almost a century ago, one of the most iconic cartoon characters made his formal debut on the big screen. The 1928 animated short Steamboat Willie, one of the first cartoons with synchronized sound, featured an early version of Mickey Mouse in which he whistles to the tune of “Steamboat Bill” as he pilots a steam river sidewheeler. Although not the same as the Mickey Mouse most of us know today, the eight-minute film was the basis for the mascot that is synonymous with Walt Disney Studios. After several copyright extensions and nearly 96 years after its original release, Steamboat Willie has finally entered the United States public domain in 2024.

This means that it is only Mickey Mouse's appearance in the 1928 animated film that is in the public domain, and does not apply to his subsequent appearances in other works like Fantasia (1940). Even so, this allows creators to reuse the Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse as long as it does not infringe on Disney's trademark of the character, which has no end. So what does this mean exactly? Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Duke Center for the Study of the Public Domain, and Sean Dudley shared a diagram that explains the dos and don'ts of this situation. In essence, “Steamboat Willie and the characters it depicts—which include both Mickey and Minnie Mouse—will be in the public domain” which means “anyone can share, adapt, or remix that material.”

However, Jenkins names two subsisting rights that people should avoid when using Steamboat Willie: “You cannot use new copyrightable versions of Mickey until those copyrights expire” and “You cannot use Mickey in a way that misleads consumers into thinking your work is produced or sponsored by Disney.” As long as creators make sure to adhere to these guidelines, they can reinterpret Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the 1928 film. “This is it. This is Mickey Mouse. This is exciting because it's kind of symbolic,” Jenkins says. “I kind of feel like the pipe on the steamboat, like expelling smoke. It's so exciting.”

Steamboat Willie was directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, and produced over three months with a small team of animators including Iwerks himself. Walt Disney used Pat Power's Cinephone system to sync the soundtrack to the film, and Disney even provided some of the short dialogue peppered in the cartoon. A review published in Variety in 1928 states: “The innovation of the animated film skyrocketed Disney and Mickey Mouse's fame. “Not the first animated cartoon to be synchronized with sound effects, but the first to attract favorable attention. This one represents a high order of cartoon ingenuity, cleverly combined with sound effect. The union brought forth laughs galore.”

Since Steamboat Willie entered the public domain, there was already an announcement of a Mickey Mouse horror film titled Mickey Mouse's Trap, due to release in March 2024. The movie emphasizes that it is not affiliated with Disney in any way, but depending on the content, Disney could still sue to protect its rights of the Mickey Mouse character. “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright, and we will work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey and our other iconic characters,” said Disney.

After being safeguarded for decades, it will be exciting to see what this year and the ones that follow have in store for the Mickey Mouse character.

Disney's animated short Steamboat Willie—which is considered to be Mickey Mouse's formal debut—enters the public domain in 2024.

Original poster of the 1928 cartoon, “Steamboat Willie.” Mickey Mouse’s first animated short. (Photo: Walt Disney via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This 8-minute film from 1928 was one of the first cartoons with synchronized sound.

The character Pete (left) and Mickey Mouse (right) as they appear in “Steamboat Willie” from 1928. (Photo: The Walt Disney Company via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Duke Center for the Study of the Public Domain, made a mouse-shaped diagram titled Mickey Mouse: Trademark and Copyright Do and Don't.

A mouse-shaped diagram titled “Mickey Mouse: Trademark and Copyright Do and Don't” by Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Duke Center for the Study of the Public Domain, and Sean Dudley. (Photo: Jennifer Jenkins and Sean Dudley, CC BY 4.0)

Watch Steamboat Willie:

h/t: [NPR]

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Photo: s_bukley/Depositphotos (left and right)

Nearly 36 years ago, actors Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger co-starred in the comedy Twins. They played a pair of genetically engineered twin brothers that were separated at birth. As it turns out, their on screen bond has lived on after the 1988 movie's success as well. Recently, the pair of stars were captured in a mini reunion.

Scwarzenegger shared a photo of himself, DeVito, and DeVito's daughter, Lucy on Instagram. The trio were all smiles for the picture, and Schwarzenegger wrote in the caption: “My brother! It was fantastic to see Danny on Broadway in I Need That. He and Lucy and everybody involved kept the audience entertained, laughing and loving every minute—one of the best plays I’ve ever seen, a true spectacle with heart!! I can’t wait to work together again.”

Although it has been over three decades since Twins was released, a sequel called Triplets was expected to be put in motion, in which DeVito and Schwarzenegger discover they have another sibling. Ivan Reitman, who directed the first film, was slated to work on the new production until his sudden death in 2022. While this tragic event has put the future of Triplets on hold, Schwarzenegger hints that he and DeVito will join together in a new project soon enough. If it's anything like their first film together, it's sure to be full of funny surprises and quirky charm.

Actor Danny DeVito reunited with co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger 36 years after their 1988 movie Twins was released.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arnold Schwarzenegger (@schwarzenegger)

h/t: [People]

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Photo: Jean_Nelson/Depositphotos

Sir Anthony Hopkins is a screen legend who has earned two Oscars for his acting skills. But he is also no stranger to performing on the fly either. A couple of months ago, the Welsh actor posted a video of himself surprising hotel staff with a stunning piano composition. Recently, Hopkins was captured filling another hotel lobby—this time an empty one in Vancouver—with more beautiful music.

The short video was shared on Reddit, showing Hopkins confidently playing a piano without an audience. While most know the star for his iconic roles in films like The Silence of the Lambs, not many are aware of his love for music. In fact, Hopkins' Instagram has many clips of his piano-playing, including one where his cat sits on his lap while he plays.

Knowledgeable piano-lovers were quick to point out in the comments that the instrument Hopkins plays in Vancouver is from a well-known brand—Fazioli. “That's a very famous and expensive piano,” Reddit user @Clay_Statue writes. “A talented pianist would absolutely jump at the chance to play that. He saw it unattended so he went for it.” Although there appears to be no audience to hear Hopkin play, he seems perfectly content to fill the lobby with his compositions.

You can watch the video of his impromptu performance, below.

Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins was captured filling an empty hotel lobby in Vancouver with an impromptu piano performance.

Anthony Hopkins plays an empty hotel lobby in Vancouver: ‘Something about a piano in an empty lobby… PERFECT venue'
byu/solateor inDamnthatsinteresting

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Another Christmas as the last unmarried in my family
byu/TheDeepBlueZ infunny

The holidays are a special time of year when families try to gather together. In addition to gift-giving, dinners, and quality time, these occasions are usually marked with group portraits. One man has documented what it looks and feels like to be the last unmarried person in the family in a series of Christmas photos.

Redditor TheDeepBlueZ posted a photo collage that stretches from 2016 to 2023. Each picture includes his siblings kissing their respective partners, while he poses as the only single person in the back-center of the composition (except in 2018, when he appears to be absent from the Christmas gathering). By mimicking the same composition each year, we are able to find the similarities and differences in each person. The couples change slightly in their appearances with each passing year, but TheDeepBlueZ always wears the same ironic expression as he tilts his head in the background. Whether he is annoyed or neutral about the situation is hard to tell. But he is definitely able to find the humor in it.

For many singles joining social gatherings during the holidays, this series is very relatable. But the most enjoyable aspect is definitely the Redditor's ability to poke fun at the situation. “This tradition is amazing, mostly because of your sense of humor!” one commenter writes. “Thanks for keeping us updated; and if marriage is something you want, I hope you will surprise us next year with a fiance.” While we don't know if marriage is something TheDeepBlueZ actually wants in his future, he has definitely made a tradition of his own with the yearly Christmas updates of him and his family.

h/t: [Reddit]

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When it's time to travel, usually all of your supplies end up lost in a backpack or tote bag. This may work for some, but if you have many small items, or just prefer a bit more organization, resorting to a large piece of luggage can be a bit problematic. Turkish brand Galen Leather Company seeks to elevate the traveling experience with their line of high-quality leather bags. These beautiful, functional items have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of writers, students, or anyone who is working on the go.

Their Writer's Medic Bag is a particularly stand-out piece. Crafted from leather, its form takes inspiration from a traditional medic messenger bag and is adapted to suit the needs of writer's. On the outside, it resembles a rectangular backpack, with straps on the back to carry. Open the clasp and undo two flaps to find a set of compartments of various sizes, all suited to different needs. There are several slots for pens or pencils, pockets for small notebooks, rulers, or your phone; card slots for those who don't want to take a wallet; and a large compartment that can fit laptops, notebooks, or both.

Galen also makes smaller items that are suited to people who pack light. Their zippered pen cases have several holders to carry the pens of your choice; and similarly, their zippered leather notebook cases can protect your journals from rattling around in your bag. “Our journal covers and writing sets will transport you back to a time where no traveler would dare leave on a journey without a leather-bound notepad and ink pen to jot down their thoughts and memories,” Galen writes on their website. Certainly, these beautiful leather bags evoke a sense of nostalgia for intentional items made to last.

Scroll down to see more amazing leather goods by Galen, and head over to their Etsy store to start shopping their collection.

Turkish brand Galen Leather Company creates beautiful leather bags and accessories.

The Writer's Medic Bag is inspired by medic messenger bags and has compartments for pens, cards, and notebooks.

Galen also makes small leather goods for carrying small planners, pens, and cards.

All of their leather goods have been thoughtfully designed to suit people's needs.

Galen Leather Co.: Website | Etsy | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Galen Leather Co.

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Cartoons are often rendered with bold black outlines that emphasize their two-dimensionality. French artist Jean Jullien brings this distinct style into his 3D work with one of his latest sculptures titled La Baleine, or “The Whale” in French. Made in collaboration with Case Studyo, this whimsical yet functional piece looks like a flat drawing at first glance, but it's actually a fully rendered ceramic sculpture with plenty of uses.

The whale is depicted in a bright, cheery blue with a scribbly black border surrounding its body and tail. Above it's toothy grin and round eye lies a large circular blowhole which is large enough to hold a variety of objects, making the sculpture aesthetically fun and practical too. Not only does it make the perfect holder for pencils and pens, but it can also fit small bouquets, and even certain varieties of live plants.

“Inspired by the profound metaphor of a whale's blowhole—an emblem of exhaling and releasing creative energy—Jullien ingeniously invites the user to infuse the whale with their own imagination,” says Case Studyo. La Baleine was produced in a limited-edition series of 500, which has quickly sold out.

You can find more of Jullien's products and prints via his online store, and be sure to follow the artist on Instagram for the latest updates.

French artist Jean Jullien designed a functional whale sculpture.

La Baleine (“The Whale” in French) was made in collaboration with Case Studyo.

While it looks like a flat drawing on one side, it is actually three-dimensional.

The large blowhole provides plenty of uses, like holding flowers, plants, and pencils.

Jean Jullien: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jean Jullien.

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When the temperature drops, staying warm usually takes precedence over style. Fortunately, brands like Shovava create beautiful accessories that blend warm and softness with aesthetics that never go out of fashion. Their line of cotton and silk-cashmere blend scarves feature hand-painted designs based on the striking wings of birds.

The Vintage-Inspired Bird Scarf is a tried and true best-seller at My Modern Met Store. Its minty green color is adorned with a glorious span of feathers that looks just as good wrapped around your shoulders as it does tucked inside your coat. This versatile accessory can even be used as a bandana in your hair for a bohemian touch.

Shovava also makes scarves for those who prefer a darker palette. The Black Wings Bird Scarf is first designed by hand as a watercolor painting before being digitally reproduced onto fabric. Whether in cotton or silk-cashmere, this scarf pairs perfectly with all kinds of outerwear, bringing a subtle yet artistic flair to your ensemble.

Scroll down to see more ethereal accessories, and head over to My Modern Met Store when you're ready to check out.

Winter is here and keeping your neck covered is a must. No need to sacrifice style with these beautiful scarves by Shovava.

Vintage-Inspired Bird Scarf

Shovava | $62+

Exotic Wings Bird Scarf

Shovava | $62+

Jasper Wings Bird Scarf

Shovava | $88

Black Wings Bird Scarf

Shovava | $62+

White Wings Bird Scarf

Shovava | $62+

Wheat Barn Owl Bird Scarf

Shovava | $88

Find these scarves in My Modern Met Store!

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READ: These Vintage-Inspired Bird Scarves To Stay Stylish During Winter

Almost anything can become a cartoon when you give it eyes and legs. The same can be said for a chunk of ceramic or glass. Sweden-based artist Benjamin Uggla creates playful blob-like characters that have sprouted arms, legs, and eyes. While they possess an alien appearance, they are rendered doing a range of everyday human activities, like playing video games and using the computer, making them somehow relatable.

The series of sculptures originated in Uggla's sketchbook, when he wanted to make a bush come to life by giving it eyes and limbs. This idea eventually burst off the page, spurring numerous three-dimensional interpretations in clay. Though no longer plants, these characters still have an organic appearance about them, with thin arms and legs that shoot out of the bulbous bodies like gummy branches.

Uggla continued experimenting with his figures by translating them to glass next. This required several visits to The Glass Factory Boda in Småland, Sweden, where Uggla worked in collaboration with a team of experienced glassblowers. This partnership produced the next generation of sculptures that have that delicacy and shine of glass, but the heft of the original ceramic versions.

Whether in glass or ceramic, looking at Uggla's sculptures inspires a sense of joy. Not only are their colors vibrant, and sometimes accentuated by patterns, but each figure possesses a likable quality. We may not know what they are thinking, since they lack a mouth and eyebrows (and actual thoughts), but their passive faces and bendy bodies somehow encapsulate what it feels like going through an ordinary routine.

Scroll down to see more playful ceramic sculptures by Uggla, and follow the artist's Instagram so you never miss an update.

Sweden-based artist Benjamin Uggla creates charming blob-like characters out of glass and ceramic.

Their wide eyes paired with their thin arms and legs give the figures a distinctly cartoonish appearance.

Some are depicted doing ordinary human activities like playing video games and working on the computer.

Others are rendered sitting (either by themselves, or on top of an animal).

Despite their alien appearance, there is something relatable about these characters.

Their passive faces and bendy bodies somehow encapsulate what it feels like to go through an ordinary routine.

Benjamin Uggla: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Benjamin Uggla.

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A post shared by RobMcElhenney (@robmcelhenney)

Nearly 4o years ago, Wham! debuted their 1986 holiday single “Last Christmas.” The single came along with a black and white cover photo of musicians George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, which has remained an iconic portrayal of the duo. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney—who jointly own UK soccer team Wrexham—appear to recreate this photo just in time for the holidays.

Though it's actually a Photoshop by a Wrexham fan named Todd Cross (aka DarthPunk69), it is masterfully executed and McElhenney couldn't help but share it with everyone. The It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star shared a post on Instagram less than a week before Christmas. It included two of Cross' Photoshopped images of the actors styled in the likeness of the Wham! singers. These pictures were posted alongside the caption “WREXHAM!” and a Christmas tree emoji. The first features McElhenney as Ridgeley, with his hair spiked up, and Reynolds as Michael, with voluminous blond waves, posing in the same manner as the 1986 album cover. If you look closely, you can find the name of McElhenney and Reynolds' soccer team is included as an emblem in the top left-hand corner.

In the second image, the actors replicate the 1983 Wham! album Fantastic. Here, both men wear black leather jackets like 80s singers against a bright red backdrop, and McElhenney even sports a mustache like Ridgeley. The name Wrexham replaces Wham! in bold white text above the duo. In addition to being a bit of fun cosplay, these photos also celebrate the celebrities' rising soccer team and their docuseries Welcome to Wrexham. McElhenney's post was also shared ahead of the 7th anniversary of Michael's death, as the singer passed away on Christmas day in 2016 at the age of 53.

Scroll down to see a few more brilliantly Photoshopped recreations of Wham! album covers featuring McElhenney and Reynolds.

Just in time for the holidays, a soccer fan named Todd Cross decided to recreate the 1986 Wham! vinyl sleeve cover for “Last Christmas” by replacing George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley with the soccer team Wrexham's owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Latest Ps Edition
Tis the Season Wrexham ❤ pic.twitter.com/bSGBYDlPvd

— Todd Cross (@DarthPunk69) December 5, 2023

But this wasn't the first nor the last time he would Photoshop the comedic pair. He has recreated multiple Wham! album covers with them.

We bloody well won! ❤ pic.twitter.com/cYzXsWl6vy

— Todd Cross (@DarthPunk69) October 7, 2023

Latest Ps Edition
Thank you @RMcElhenney and @VancityReynolds ❤ pic.twitter.com/oHLO3mFvwW

— Todd Cross (@DarthPunk69) December 4, 2023

These guys look happy with the game. #askwxm pic.twitter.com/eZoxX66dhz

— Todd Cross (@DarthPunk69) December 26, 2023

Todd Cross: X
Rob McElhenney: Instagram
Ryan Reynolds: Instagram
h/t: [CNN]

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The “Wakayama soryu” was a mosasaur the size of a great white shark, with a dorsal fin and long flippers. (Photo: TAKUMI)

It's hard to imagine what life was like when dinosaurs roamed the planet. However, by studying fossils, we are able to gain a better understanding of the kind of ancient creatures that used to exist. Although numerous species have been uncovered, there are still new discoveries being made all the time, such as a recent finding in Japan. Researchers uncovered 72-million-year-old fossils of a previously unknown species of mosasaur, which was a type of “sea dragon” native to the Pacific Ocean.

The fossils were unearthed near the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture in 2006. “In this case, it was nearly the entire specimen, which was astounding,” said University of Cincinnati Associate Professor Takuya Konishi. The skeletal remains make it the most complete mosasaur ever found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific. However, it is also unlike other mosasaur fossils found. The Japanese species has longer rear flippers than front ones, which measure longer than its head. “I thought I knew them quite well by now,” Konishi continued. “Immediately it was something I had never seen before.”

Mosasaurs lived during the era of the T-Rex and other well-known dinosaurs. However, while its contemporaries dominated land, the mosasaur hunted underwater. The new species, which measures about the same size as a modern great white shark, was placed in the subfamily Mosasaurinae and named Megapterygius wakayamaensis. Scientists believe the size of its rear flippers helped it propel through the water; however, this method of swimming is unusual for sea creatures, both ancient and modern. “We lack any modern analog that has this kind of body morphology—from fish to penguins to sea turtles,” Konishi explained. “None has four large flippers they use in conjunction with a tail fin. It opens a whole can of worms that challenges our understanding of how mosasaurs swim.”

Hopefully, in time, more fossils will be found that shed light on the diversity of this ancient underwater predator.

72-million-year-old fossils belonging to a previously unknown species of mosasaur were discovered in Japan.

Life restoration of a mosasaur—not the one found in Japan. (Photo: Dmitry Bogdanov via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 DEED)

h/t: [Live Science]

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