Latest news with #Monopoly
Arab News
18 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Roll the dice: Monopoly Riyadh set to hit shelves this September
RIYADH: The launch of a Riyadh edition of the iconic Monopoly board game was announced on Thursday at a preview event that even feature an appearance by the game's mascot, Mr. Monopoly. The new version of the game, which will be on sale in September, was created, according to a statement, to celebrate 'the rich heritage and modern transformation' of the Kingdom's capital and features locations including the King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, Souk Al-Zal, the Saudi Cup, the Diplomatic Quarter, Tamimi Markets, Jazean coffeeshop, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Olaya Street, and King Fahd Road. 'We strive to include both the traditional and the modern in terms of landmarks and to create a story. So as you're going through the Monopoly board, you are learning about, and getting insight into, the city of Riyadh, and you're passing roads that most real residents would pass by on a day-to-day or weekly basis,' Hamad Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of official partner the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), which acted as a cultural advisor for the game's makers, told Arab News. 'It's a responsibility and a pleasure to be representing Riyadh on such a platform. And with that responsibility, we have been dedicated to delivering the identity and culture of Riyadh,' he added. According to Guinness World Records, Monopoly is the best-selling board game in history, with more than 275 million units sold worldwide over the past 90 years. 'There's something really interesting about seeing our city culturally represented within an international brand,' Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, vice-chairman of SYS, told Arab News. 'It says a lot about how far we've come and how important our market and our community has become on the international scale that Monopoly would come and do this—and quite right too.' 'I remember playing this game when I was young with my grandfather and family,' Liam Johnson, the racecourse director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia's Saudi Cup, told Arab News, adding that he believed the Saudi Cup's profile would be raised globally by being featured in an edition of a game that 'cuts through the different audiences.' Diriyah has three places on the board: Wadi Hanifah, Zallal, and Al-Bujairi Terrace — all of which have become staples in Riyadh's events and hospitality sectors. 'As the birthplace of the Kingdom and its significance to the country, to be able to bring that legacy and that heritage onto the board is a true honor,' Nicola Cope, executive director of brand marketing at Diriyah, told Arab News. The Ritz-Carlton's Mazen Allam said: 'Over the years, we've been privileged to host moments that actually matter, from royal visits, world summits, weddings, quiet weekends, all woven under the fabric of this city. Now, with Monopoly, we get to join families and communities across generations. And the fact that we can create joyful memories that extend beyond our walls is something very special.' KAFD, home to 95 interconnected buildings, where more than 20,000 people work — not including the thousands of daily visitors and residents, is a pivotal inclusion on the board. Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD's chief marketing and experience officer, told Arab News: 'We all grew up playing Monopoly. We understand the game — it's strategic, competitive, and centered around real estate. Today, KAFD reflects those same qualities. It's not just an iconic business district; it's Saudi Arabia's first vertical urban city and a dynamic lifestyle destination. 'It only makes sense for KAFD to be featured in the Monopoly Riyadh Edition — a perfect match between a game of strategy and a district that lives and breathes it every day.'
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
If only we set the terms of the user agreements
This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the sheer volume of email and text messages I am now experiencing involving robotic appointment reminders, demands for up-front booking deposits and customer service feedback requests, I have been forced to implement the following Personal User Agreement. By interacting with me ('The User') you agree to be bound by the following non-negotiable terms and conditions under which I will now engage with modern life. Restaurants: Reservations are subject to mutual obligation. Should 'The User' arrive on time and be seated at an appropriate table (See Exceptions Clause 17c: 'Table Next To Dunnies' and 17d: 'Table Subject To Cold Draughts Or Within Vicinity of Arguing Couples'), the following penalties will apply: A 50 per cent reduction in the final bill for meals delayed or delivered cold by a waiter with a nose ring, three-day stubble and fake European accent; A 20 per cent reduction if table wobbles like a drunken sailor; A Pretentiousness Surcharge of $50 for "special experience" dishes involving smoke, foam or soil; In the event of overall unsatisfactory service, 'The User' reserves the right to pay in Monopoly money. Public Transport: Should passengers be pressed together like vacuum-packed meat slices, 'The User' shall activate the Overcrowding Compensation Clause (19F), entitling them to the driver's seat and half-price travel for the following month. Furthermore: Should 'The User' be subjected to a fellow passenger's loud phone calls, body odour, TikTok videos or tuna and egg sandwiches, the Passenger Etiquette Clause (15c) will be enforced, allowing 'The User' to forcibly eject said offender at the next stop without threat of legal action. Platform announcements made in a rare 16th century Hindi dialect uttered at 300 words per minute on a static-filled PA system will automatically trigger a free coffee voucher at any station kiosk. Customer service hotlines: All interactions will now include a Mutual Holding Penalty Agreement, wherein every minute spent by 'The User' on hold shall trigger a 5 per cent reduction in said User's future bills. Furthermore, subjecting 'The User' to repetitive instrumental versions of Hotel California or any Celine Dion songs will require a Mental Health Payment Bonus to 'The User', who reserves the right to lodge an emotional damages claim. Doctors/Dentists/Chiropractors: 'The User' agrees to receive constant reminder messages about upcoming appointments requiring a Y/N reply. In return for agreeing to pay the stated fee for missing or running late for said appointment, the following shall apply: Should the medical practitioner not see 'The User' within 15 minutes of the agreed appointment, forcing 'The User' to sit on an uncomfortable chair reading tattered copies of The Australian Women's Weekly circa 1980, or next to a tantrum-throwing toddler eating their boogers, a 25 per cent reduction in fee payment will apply. A further 10 per cent discount will be awarded to 'The User' for a medical practitioner's illegible handwriting, or any diagnosis involving the words "just take some Panadol and rest up". Tradespeople and Delivery Drivers: From 1 July, 'The User' will charge a $30 per hour holding fee for time wasted while waiting for any tradesperson or courier promising to arrive between "7am and four billion years' time when the sun expands into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets". Airlines: Luggage lost or arriving at the wrong destination will entitle 'The User' to wear the pilot's uniform until baggage is returned. As well, in-flight meal services consisting of a soggy sandwich or half-frozen pie will require the offending airline to deliver an Uber Eats meal of 'The User's' choice to the plane as it taxis along the tarmac following arrival. Family and Friends Group Chats: 'The User' may abruptly withdraw from any digital discussion thread should group messages include: A photograph of a three-year-old niece's fingerpainting described by its parents as "genius"; Poorly-lit and incompetently framed photographs of evening meals; The acronym 'LOL' used without intended irony; Failure to use the bare minimum of punctuation. Please Note: Over-use of emojis and exclamation marks will require the offending sender to attend compulsory Emotional Moderation Training sessions. Please be advised that following any interaction with 'The User' you will be required to answer a lengthy survey about your experience that, under the terms of his Privacy Policy, will be ignored. The above terms and conditions are effective immediately and subject to change depending on 'The User's' whims and blood sugar levels. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day. HAVE YOUR SAY: What's the longest time you've spent on hold? Do you ignore or reply to the endless requests for customer feedback? How do you negotiate the increasing demands of the digital world? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - A failed attempt to import frogs, insect-infested fresh fruit and vegetables has been hailed by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins as a big win for border police. The illegal, insect-infested food smuggled from Thailand sought to circumvent Australia's biosecurity laws and flood Sydney's black market. - Taxpayers are facing a $2 million-plus bill for the ABC's failed legal defence of its decision to fire a radio host, Antoinette Lattouf, for her views on Gaza. - The jurors tasked with deciding whether Erin Patterson deliberately poisoned her estranged husband's family with a beef Wellington meal will begin deliberations next week. THEY SAID IT: "It used to cost money to disclose and distribute information. In the digital age it costs money not to." - Heather Brooke YOU SAID IT: Some applauded, many tut-tutted. This was the US president, after all. But most understood how letting rip with an F-bomb can ease pain and frustration. And in Trump's case, it appeared to stop a war. "I find profanities wonderful - an effective way to convey what I'm feeling AND get the pious and sanctimonious clutching at their pearls," writes Henry. "To quote Stephen Fry, people who take offense at things are inevitably looking for something to complain about." Neil from Cootamundra writes: "My mother would berate me as a teenager if I swore with the statement: 'Swearing displays to all that you have a poor grip on the English language!' That was just over 50 years ago, and I still swear, mainly at myself, today. Our language is forever changing with words being added that I would have been scolded for using a few decades ago. But in the end, language is the tool of communication and if swearing emphasises the point to get the message across then our language is doing its job!" "Swearing is actually, in some cases, a mild anaesthetic," writes Graeme. "As so many, such words, are part of the everyday lingo, I have no problem with their use. I have not heard Mr Trump's utterance, but in context could have been very effective in not beating around the bush, cutting through the shit. This does not make up for the wrecking ball Mr Trump is." Maggie writes: "If you doubt that former US presidents swore, go back to the Nixon tapes of the early 1970s. In a long career in one company, I was always careful with my language - until I was really cranky. Then everyone, including the big boss, jumped to attention." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the sheer volume of email and text messages I am now experiencing involving robotic appointment reminders, demands for up-front booking deposits and customer service feedback requests, I have been forced to implement the following Personal User Agreement. By interacting with me ('The User') you agree to be bound by the following non-negotiable terms and conditions under which I will now engage with modern life. Restaurants: Reservations are subject to mutual obligation. Should 'The User' arrive on time and be seated at an appropriate table (See Exceptions Clause 17c: 'Table Next To Dunnies' and 17d: 'Table Subject To Cold Draughts Or Within Vicinity of Arguing Couples'), the following penalties will apply: A 50 per cent reduction in the final bill for meals delayed or delivered cold by a waiter with a nose ring, three-day stubble and fake European accent; A 20 per cent reduction if table wobbles like a drunken sailor; A Pretentiousness Surcharge of $50 for "special experience" dishes involving smoke, foam or soil; In the event of overall unsatisfactory service, 'The User' reserves the right to pay in Monopoly money. Public Transport: Should passengers be pressed together like vacuum-packed meat slices, 'The User' shall activate the Overcrowding Compensation Clause (19F), entitling them to the driver's seat and half-price travel for the following month. Furthermore: Should 'The User' be subjected to a fellow passenger's loud phone calls, body odour, TikTok videos or tuna and egg sandwiches, the Passenger Etiquette Clause (15c) will be enforced, allowing 'The User' to forcibly eject said offender at the next stop without threat of legal action. Platform announcements made in a rare 16th century Hindi dialect uttered at 300 words per minute on a static-filled PA system will automatically trigger a free coffee voucher at any station kiosk. Customer service hotlines: All interactions will now include a Mutual Holding Penalty Agreement, wherein every minute spent by 'The User' on hold shall trigger a 5 per cent reduction in said User's future bills. Furthermore, subjecting 'The User' to repetitive instrumental versions of Hotel California or any Celine Dion songs will require a Mental Health Payment Bonus to 'The User', who reserves the right to lodge an emotional damages claim. Doctors/Dentists/Chiropractors: 'The User' agrees to receive constant reminder messages about upcoming appointments requiring a Y/N reply. In return for agreeing to pay the stated fee for missing or running late for said appointment, the following shall apply: Should the medical practitioner not see 'The User' within 15 minutes of the agreed appointment, forcing 'The User' to sit on an uncomfortable chair reading tattered copies of The Australian Women's Weekly circa 1980, or next to a tantrum-throwing toddler eating their boogers, a 25 per cent reduction in fee payment will apply. A further 10 per cent discount will be awarded to 'The User' for a medical practitioner's illegible handwriting, or any diagnosis involving the words "just take some Panadol and rest up". Tradespeople and Delivery Drivers: From 1 July, 'The User' will charge a $30 per hour holding fee for time wasted while waiting for any tradesperson or courier promising to arrive between "7am and four billion years' time when the sun expands into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets". Airlines: Luggage lost or arriving at the wrong destination will entitle 'The User' to wear the pilot's uniform until baggage is returned. As well, in-flight meal services consisting of a soggy sandwich or half-frozen pie will require the offending airline to deliver an Uber Eats meal of 'The User's' choice to the plane as it taxis along the tarmac following arrival. Family and Friends Group Chats: 'The User' may abruptly withdraw from any digital discussion thread should group messages include: A photograph of a three-year-old niece's fingerpainting described by its parents as "genius"; Poorly-lit and incompetently framed photographs of evening meals; The acronym 'LOL' used without intended irony; Failure to use the bare minimum of punctuation. Please Note: Over-use of emojis and exclamation marks will require the offending sender to attend compulsory Emotional Moderation Training sessions. Please be advised that following any interaction with 'The User' you will be required to answer a lengthy survey about your experience that, under the terms of his Privacy Policy, will be ignored. The above terms and conditions are effective immediately and subject to change depending on 'The User's' whims and blood sugar levels. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day. HAVE YOUR SAY: What's the longest time you've spent on hold? Do you ignore or reply to the endless requests for customer feedback? How do you negotiate the increasing demands of the digital world? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - A failed attempt to import frogs, insect-infested fresh fruit and vegetables has been hailed by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins as a big win for border police. The illegal, insect-infested food smuggled from Thailand sought to circumvent Australia's biosecurity laws and flood Sydney's black market. - Taxpayers are facing a $2 million-plus bill for the ABC's failed legal defence of its decision to fire a radio host, Antoinette Lattouf, for her views on Gaza. - The jurors tasked with deciding whether Erin Patterson deliberately poisoned her estranged husband's family with a beef Wellington meal will begin deliberations next week. THEY SAID IT: "It used to cost money to disclose and distribute information. In the digital age it costs money not to." - Heather Brooke YOU SAID IT: Some applauded, many tut-tutted. This was the US president, after all. But most understood how letting rip with an F-bomb can ease pain and frustration. And in Trump's case, it appeared to stop a war. "I find profanities wonderful - an effective way to convey what I'm feeling AND get the pious and sanctimonious clutching at their pearls," writes Henry. "To quote Stephen Fry, people who take offense at things are inevitably looking for something to complain about." Neil from Cootamundra writes: "My mother would berate me as a teenager if I swore with the statement: 'Swearing displays to all that you have a poor grip on the English language!' That was just over 50 years ago, and I still swear, mainly at myself, today. Our language is forever changing with words being added that I would have been scolded for using a few decades ago. But in the end, language is the tool of communication and if swearing emphasises the point to get the message across then our language is doing its job!" "Swearing is actually, in some cases, a mild anaesthetic," writes Graeme. "As so many, such words, are part of the everyday lingo, I have no problem with their use. I have not heard Mr Trump's utterance, but in context could have been very effective in not beating around the bush, cutting through the shit. This does not make up for the wrecking ball Mr Trump is." Maggie writes: "If you doubt that former US presidents swore, go back to the Nixon tapes of the early 1970s. In a long career in one company, I was always careful with my language - until I was really cranky. Then everyone, including the big boss, jumped to attention." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the sheer volume of email and text messages I am now experiencing involving robotic appointment reminders, demands for up-front booking deposits and customer service feedback requests, I have been forced to implement the following Personal User Agreement. By interacting with me ('The User') you agree to be bound by the following non-negotiable terms and conditions under which I will now engage with modern life. Restaurants: Reservations are subject to mutual obligation. Should 'The User' arrive on time and be seated at an appropriate table (See Exceptions Clause 17c: 'Table Next To Dunnies' and 17d: 'Table Subject To Cold Draughts Or Within Vicinity of Arguing Couples'), the following penalties will apply: A 50 per cent reduction in the final bill for meals delayed or delivered cold by a waiter with a nose ring, three-day stubble and fake European accent; A 20 per cent reduction if table wobbles like a drunken sailor; A Pretentiousness Surcharge of $50 for "special experience" dishes involving smoke, foam or soil; In the event of overall unsatisfactory service, 'The User' reserves the right to pay in Monopoly money. Public Transport: Should passengers be pressed together like vacuum-packed meat slices, 'The User' shall activate the Overcrowding Compensation Clause (19F), entitling them to the driver's seat and half-price travel for the following month. Furthermore: Should 'The User' be subjected to a fellow passenger's loud phone calls, body odour, TikTok videos or tuna and egg sandwiches, the Passenger Etiquette Clause (15c) will be enforced, allowing 'The User' to forcibly eject said offender at the next stop without threat of legal action. Platform announcements made in a rare 16th century Hindi dialect uttered at 300 words per minute on a static-filled PA system will automatically trigger a free coffee voucher at any station kiosk. Customer service hotlines: All interactions will now include a Mutual Holding Penalty Agreement, wherein every minute spent by 'The User' on hold shall trigger a 5 per cent reduction in said User's future bills. Furthermore, subjecting 'The User' to repetitive instrumental versions of Hotel California or any Celine Dion songs will require a Mental Health Payment Bonus to 'The User', who reserves the right to lodge an emotional damages claim. Doctors/Dentists/Chiropractors: 'The User' agrees to receive constant reminder messages about upcoming appointments requiring a Y/N reply. In return for agreeing to pay the stated fee for missing or running late for said appointment, the following shall apply: Should the medical practitioner not see 'The User' within 15 minutes of the agreed appointment, forcing 'The User' to sit on an uncomfortable chair reading tattered copies of The Australian Women's Weekly circa 1980, or next to a tantrum-throwing toddler eating their boogers, a 25 per cent reduction in fee payment will apply. A further 10 per cent discount will be awarded to 'The User' for a medical practitioner's illegible handwriting, or any diagnosis involving the words "just take some Panadol and rest up". Tradespeople and Delivery Drivers: From 1 July, 'The User' will charge a $30 per hour holding fee for time wasted while waiting for any tradesperson or courier promising to arrive between "7am and four billion years' time when the sun expands into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets". Airlines: Luggage lost or arriving at the wrong destination will entitle 'The User' to wear the pilot's uniform until baggage is returned. As well, in-flight meal services consisting of a soggy sandwich or half-frozen pie will require the offending airline to deliver an Uber Eats meal of 'The User's' choice to the plane as it taxis along the tarmac following arrival. Family and Friends Group Chats: 'The User' may abruptly withdraw from any digital discussion thread should group messages include: A photograph of a three-year-old niece's fingerpainting described by its parents as "genius"; Poorly-lit and incompetently framed photographs of evening meals; The acronym 'LOL' used without intended irony; Failure to use the bare minimum of punctuation. Please Note: Over-use of emojis and exclamation marks will require the offending sender to attend compulsory Emotional Moderation Training sessions. Please be advised that following any interaction with 'The User' you will be required to answer a lengthy survey about your experience that, under the terms of his Privacy Policy, will be ignored. The above terms and conditions are effective immediately and subject to change depending on 'The User's' whims and blood sugar levels. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day. HAVE YOUR SAY: What's the longest time you've spent on hold? Do you ignore or reply to the endless requests for customer feedback? How do you negotiate the increasing demands of the digital world? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - A failed attempt to import frogs, insect-infested fresh fruit and vegetables has been hailed by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins as a big win for border police. The illegal, insect-infested food smuggled from Thailand sought to circumvent Australia's biosecurity laws and flood Sydney's black market. - Taxpayers are facing a $2 million-plus bill for the ABC's failed legal defence of its decision to fire a radio host, Antoinette Lattouf, for her views on Gaza. - The jurors tasked with deciding whether Erin Patterson deliberately poisoned her estranged husband's family with a beef Wellington meal will begin deliberations next week. THEY SAID IT: "It used to cost money to disclose and distribute information. In the digital age it costs money not to." - Heather Brooke YOU SAID IT: Some applauded, many tut-tutted. This was the US president, after all. But most understood how letting rip with an F-bomb can ease pain and frustration. And in Trump's case, it appeared to stop a war. "I find profanities wonderful - an effective way to convey what I'm feeling AND get the pious and sanctimonious clutching at their pearls," writes Henry. "To quote Stephen Fry, people who take offense at things are inevitably looking for something to complain about." Neil from Cootamundra writes: "My mother would berate me as a teenager if I swore with the statement: 'Swearing displays to all that you have a poor grip on the English language!' That was just over 50 years ago, and I still swear, mainly at myself, today. Our language is forever changing with words being added that I would have been scolded for using a few decades ago. But in the end, language is the tool of communication and if swearing emphasises the point to get the message across then our language is doing its job!" "Swearing is actually, in some cases, a mild anaesthetic," writes Graeme. "As so many, such words, are part of the everyday lingo, I have no problem with their use. I have not heard Mr Trump's utterance, but in context could have been very effective in not beating around the bush, cutting through the shit. This does not make up for the wrecking ball Mr Trump is." Maggie writes: "If you doubt that former US presidents swore, go back to the Nixon tapes of the early 1970s. In a long career in one company, I was always careful with my language - until I was really cranky. Then everyone, including the big boss, jumped to attention." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the sheer volume of email and text messages I am now experiencing involving robotic appointment reminders, demands for up-front booking deposits and customer service feedback requests, I have been forced to implement the following Personal User Agreement. By interacting with me ('The User') you agree to be bound by the following non-negotiable terms and conditions under which I will now engage with modern life. Restaurants: Reservations are subject to mutual obligation. Should 'The User' arrive on time and be seated at an appropriate table (See Exceptions Clause 17c: 'Table Next To Dunnies' and 17d: 'Table Subject To Cold Draughts Or Within Vicinity of Arguing Couples'), the following penalties will apply: A 50 per cent reduction in the final bill for meals delayed or delivered cold by a waiter with a nose ring, three-day stubble and fake European accent; A 20 per cent reduction if table wobbles like a drunken sailor; A Pretentiousness Surcharge of $50 for "special experience" dishes involving smoke, foam or soil; In the event of overall unsatisfactory service, 'The User' reserves the right to pay in Monopoly money. Public Transport: Should passengers be pressed together like vacuum-packed meat slices, 'The User' shall activate the Overcrowding Compensation Clause (19F), entitling them to the driver's seat and half-price travel for the following month. Furthermore: Should 'The User' be subjected to a fellow passenger's loud phone calls, body odour, TikTok videos or tuna and egg sandwiches, the Passenger Etiquette Clause (15c) will be enforced, allowing 'The User' to forcibly eject said offender at the next stop without threat of legal action. Platform announcements made in a rare 16th century Hindi dialect uttered at 300 words per minute on a static-filled PA system will automatically trigger a free coffee voucher at any station kiosk. Customer service hotlines: All interactions will now include a Mutual Holding Penalty Agreement, wherein every minute spent by 'The User' on hold shall trigger a 5 per cent reduction in said User's future bills. Furthermore, subjecting 'The User' to repetitive instrumental versions of Hotel California or any Celine Dion songs will require a Mental Health Payment Bonus to 'The User', who reserves the right to lodge an emotional damages claim. Doctors/Dentists/Chiropractors: 'The User' agrees to receive constant reminder messages about upcoming appointments requiring a Y/N reply. In return for agreeing to pay the stated fee for missing or running late for said appointment, the following shall apply: Should the medical practitioner not see 'The User' within 15 minutes of the agreed appointment, forcing 'The User' to sit on an uncomfortable chair reading tattered copies of The Australian Women's Weekly circa 1980, or next to a tantrum-throwing toddler eating their boogers, a 25 per cent reduction in fee payment will apply. A further 10 per cent discount will be awarded to 'The User' for a medical practitioner's illegible handwriting, or any diagnosis involving the words "just take some Panadol and rest up". Tradespeople and Delivery Drivers: From 1 July, 'The User' will charge a $30 per hour holding fee for time wasted while waiting for any tradesperson or courier promising to arrive between "7am and four billion years' time when the sun expands into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets". Airlines: Luggage lost or arriving at the wrong destination will entitle 'The User' to wear the pilot's uniform until baggage is returned. As well, in-flight meal services consisting of a soggy sandwich or half-frozen pie will require the offending airline to deliver an Uber Eats meal of 'The User's' choice to the plane as it taxis along the tarmac following arrival. Family and Friends Group Chats: 'The User' may abruptly withdraw from any digital discussion thread should group messages include: A photograph of a three-year-old niece's fingerpainting described by its parents as "genius"; Poorly-lit and incompetently framed photographs of evening meals; The acronym 'LOL' used without intended irony; Failure to use the bare minimum of punctuation. Please Note: Over-use of emojis and exclamation marks will require the offending sender to attend compulsory Emotional Moderation Training sessions. Please be advised that following any interaction with 'The User' you will be required to answer a lengthy survey about your experience that, under the terms of his Privacy Policy, will be ignored. The above terms and conditions are effective immediately and subject to change depending on 'The User's' whims and blood sugar levels. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day. HAVE YOUR SAY: What's the longest time you've spent on hold? Do you ignore or reply to the endless requests for customer feedback? How do you negotiate the increasing demands of the digital world? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - A failed attempt to import frogs, insect-infested fresh fruit and vegetables has been hailed by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins as a big win for border police. The illegal, insect-infested food smuggled from Thailand sought to circumvent Australia's biosecurity laws and flood Sydney's black market. - Taxpayers are facing a $2 million-plus bill for the ABC's failed legal defence of its decision to fire a radio host, Antoinette Lattouf, for her views on Gaza. - The jurors tasked with deciding whether Erin Patterson deliberately poisoned her estranged husband's family with a beef Wellington meal will begin deliberations next week. THEY SAID IT: "It used to cost money to disclose and distribute information. In the digital age it costs money not to." - Heather Brooke YOU SAID IT: Some applauded, many tut-tutted. This was the US president, after all. But most understood how letting rip with an F-bomb can ease pain and frustration. And in Trump's case, it appeared to stop a war. "I find profanities wonderful - an effective way to convey what I'm feeling AND get the pious and sanctimonious clutching at their pearls," writes Henry. "To quote Stephen Fry, people who take offense at things are inevitably looking for something to complain about." Neil from Cootamundra writes: "My mother would berate me as a teenager if I swore with the statement: 'Swearing displays to all that you have a poor grip on the English language!' That was just over 50 years ago, and I still swear, mainly at myself, today. Our language is forever changing with words being added that I would have been scolded for using a few decades ago. But in the end, language is the tool of communication and if swearing emphasises the point to get the message across then our language is doing its job!" "Swearing is actually, in some cases, a mild anaesthetic," writes Graeme. "As so many, such words, are part of the everyday lingo, I have no problem with their use. I have not heard Mr Trump's utterance, but in context could have been very effective in not beating around the bush, cutting through the shit. This does not make up for the wrecking ball Mr Trump is." Maggie writes: "If you doubt that former US presidents swore, go back to the Nixon tapes of the early 1970s. In a long career in one company, I was always careful with my language - until I was really cranky. Then everyone, including the big boss, jumped to attention."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Man stunned by 'rare' £2 charity shop find and it's worth a small fortune
Kev was amazed when he stumbled upon a "rare" find and he can't believe the hefty sum it sold for online Charity shops can often be gold mines for those with a keen eye for hidden gems, as one ardent deal-seeker recently found out. Rooting around the board game shelf at his local charity shop, one man struck upon something rather unexpected. Kev, as he simply goes by online, couldn't wait to share his thrift store haul on TikTok, buzzing about snatching up a bargain for a mere £2. He declared: "You're never quite sure what you are going to find when you walk into a charity shop. But this one definitely surprised me." Monopoly sets are a familiar sight in second-hand shops, but Kev highlighted that it's the lesser-known editions that merit attention. With its release stretching back to 1935, Monopoly has spawned well over a thousand special editions, creating an enticing challenge for collectors scouring for something distinctive. As he delved deeper, Kev admitted: "I've never seen this Littlest Pet Shop version before." Hasbro, which also oversees Monopoly, owns the Littlest Pet Shop, known not just for its toys but as an animated series too, reports the Manchester Evening News. The reason Kev was taken aback by his discovery was simple: "There's good reason why - it's a pretty rare game." He mentioned the critical step of verifying whether all necessary components are in place. Luckily for Kev, his due diligence paid off splendidly. Victorious, Kev confirmed: "There they are - the four playable pieces that this game comes with - as well as what looks to be the complete set." When Kev presented his unpriced treasure at the counter, he casually asked how much it might cost. The response from the staff member was music to his ears: "Games are usually £2," she stated. "I'll take that then," Kev exclaimed joyfully, before announcing: "There we go - board game secured for £2 - absolute bargain." Upon getting back, Kev checked the contents of the game and was pleased to find it was "fully complete" and in "really, really good condition". Kev noted: "The playable characters, the cards, the money - it even had the discard cards in there - this has not been played with at all." Everyone was eager to know the actual value of the game. Kev showed an eBay screenshot indicating a similar Monopoly set had recently sold for a sizable £115.12. "It's exactly the same," he underscored, then revealed further prices. He disclosed another version sold earlier fetched £73.08 and one piece from the game astonishingly went for £52. "Pretty crazy," admitted Kev, mentioning there were no exact matches of his version currently up for auction. With optimism, he said: "Fingers crossed I should be getting that £115 or maybe a bit more." Another individual stated: "That is absolutely crazy... great find." While a third praised his eagle eye: "Wow! I would have completely bypassed this, thanks for the tip Kev! Cracking find." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
What next for Bitcoin as it evolves into an asset class?
Matein Khalid The past decade dramatically illustrates the peril of trusting paper money as a store of value in a political system designed to pivot recklessly towards deficit financing and deliberate debasement of the world's reserve currency. The US national debt is now $37 trillion and the annual budget deficit is now $2 trillion or 125% of GDP. Add political gridlock in Washington, violent migrant riots in Los Angeles and even ghastly political assassinations in Minnesota and I see echoes of a classic emerging market crisis brewing in the heart of the US capital markets. So I have been a papa bear on the US dollar since late 2024 but I know that the Euro, British pound and gold are also flawed as stores of long term value in a world where war, inflation, currency crisis, trade conflicts and chronic sovereign debt accumulation is a given. Bitcoin definitely has a place in the sun as the fiscal Frankenstein taints almost all versions of central bank Monopoly money. My biggest problem with Bitcoin is its psychotic volatility and its extreme correlation with the Nasdaq 100. Yet this is an opportunity also when spasms of risk aversion create buying opportunities, as happened in early April when Bitcoin plunged to a juicy $73000 when the stock market plunged 19% after Wall Street was unhinged by Trump's Liberation Day tariff wars. ADVERTISEMENT It is now difficult to swallow the gospel that US Treasury bonds are the world's ultimate risk-free havens and that the omniscient, omnipotent Federal Reserve conducts its dual mandate without political interference from the White House. In a world where the President berates the Fed Chairman as 'loco'/'dumb' and the Treasury Secretary meekly echoes his Dear Leader's half literate outburst on trade and global economic relations, the North Korea dimension in US policy making has made global investors flee the greenback with good reason. As the world loses faith in the Fed, Congress and the illusion of global monetary stability, it is obvious that a rise in interest rates will trigger a Black Death in asset valuation worldwide, another legacy of a decade where the world's central banks printed trillions of dollars to monetize fiscal deficits from America to Japan, Europe to China. Crypto currencies thus become a safe refuge in such a world where wealth can be vaporized on a mega scale in an instant. Take the US dollar. Every investor, saver and business in the Gulf has lost 12% of their net worth in 6-months as the US dollar index plunged from 110 in January 2025 to 97 six months later. The US has now joined Israel in a war with Iran, whose outcome could well include inflation, fiscal ruin and a shattered world geopolitical and economic order. Doing nothing to protect assets in such a world is akin to being a lamb ready to be fleeced on the path to the slaughterhouse. As Wall Street embraced digital assets and indexation amplifies the passive investing universe, I expect volatility on Bitcoin to fall. The halving cycle creates distinct market cycles that technology will only help us fathom and capture in our trading strategies. My guesstimate is that we see a $80,000 to $150,000 Bitcoin trading range in the next 12 to 15 months even as I am alert to the arrival of entire flocks of malign black swans on the investment horizon. Digital gurus believe that Bitcoin will attain asset class status that would imply a peak price of $800,000 in the next decade even as secular volatility falls, as it did for Amazon, Nvidia, Google and Meta overtime. Gold is 10X Bitcoin as an asset class now but AI will converge with DeFi in the biggest megatrends of our lifetimes to midwife a financial future replete with limitless possibilities and risk. That much, at least, is certain! Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I paid £2 for board game at charity shop and true value left me floored'
A charity shop customer has shared his joy on social media after discovering a board game in his local store on sale for £2 that he believes is worth much more We all love a charity shop bargain - and it's even better when we discover one that is related to one of our hobbies and interests. That proved to be the case for one customer who made his way to the board game section in his local Essex store and quickly stumbled upon an item of interest. Hailing the hidden gem, Kev took to TikTok in excitement after spending just £2 on it. "You're never quite sure what you are going to find when you walk into a charity shop," he began in a video. "But this one definitely surprised me." Noting that copies of Monopoly are commonplace in charity shops, Kev said if it's a version you haven't seen before then sometimes it is worth taking a closer look. The property game, which first hit shelves in 1935, now comes in more than 1,000 versions and special editions. These include everything from Wicked to Peaky Blinders, so the possibilites are endless. But seeing something he'd never seen before, Kev confessed: "I've never seen this Littlest Pet Shop version before." Littlest Pet Shop is a franchise and cartoon series owned by Hasbro - who also has the rights to Monopoly. "There's good reason why - it's a pretty rare game," Kev added. "With a game like this, it's important all the pieces are there so I popped open that sellotape just to check." Kev was soon delighted to discover that everything was indeed in check. "There they are - the four playable pieces that this game comes with - as well as what looks to be the complete set," he hailed. Heading to the counter, Kev asked a member of staff for the price due it to its lack of sticker. "Games are usually £2," responded a female worker. "I'll take that then," Kev said gleefully, before declaring: "There we go - board game secured for £2 - absolute bargain." Revealing its contents in full when he got home, Kev sorted the pieces and was able to confirm the game was "fully complete" and in "really, really good condition". He added: "The playable characters, the cards, the money - it even had the discard cards in there - this has not been played with at all." Of course, the burning question is what is the game's true value? Sharing a screenshot from eBay's sold listings, Kev noted that the last Monopoly game in this format sold for a jaw-dropping £115.12. "It's exactly the same," he acknowledged. Meanwhile, a second copy sold earlier this year for £73.08, whilst one figure alone from the game sold for a staggering £52. "Pretty crazy," Kev admitted, before highlighting that there are currently no identical versions of the game at auction. "Fingers crossed I should be getting that £115 or maybe a bit more," he closed. Writing in response, one TikTok user shared: "I once found a Ghettopoly set in mint condition for £2.99... I resold it for £100. That was my one and only ever bargain!" A second person commented: "That is absolutely crazy… great find." A third added: "Wow! I would have completely bypassed this, thanks for the tip Kev! Cracking find."
