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WEIRD STUFF
March 11, 2025
Pokemon Charizard sells for jaw-dropping $13.7 million
A Cheeto shaped like the beloved Pokemon Charizard has sold at auction for a total cost of US$87,840 (approximately J$13.7 million).
The Goldin auction house listed the snack as sold on Sunday.
"Presented is a three-inch-long Flamin' Hot Cheeto in the shape of the Pokemon Charizard, affixed to a customised Pokemon card and encapsulated in a clear card storage box," the auction's description states.
"It was initially discovered and preserved sometime between 2018-2022 by 1st & Goal Collectibles. The Cheeto surged in popularity on social media platforms in late 2024."
There were 60 bids on the uniquely shaped snack, according to the listing. The winning bid was US$72,000 (approximately J$11.2 million), plus a buyer's premium.
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Sad songs can lift spirits
Sad songs can make miserable people feel better.
The heart-wrenching sounds from tracks such as Neil Young's Only Love Can Break Your Heart can actually help lift spirits because they act as a sympathetic friend during times of trouble.
Eric Clarke, a University of Oxford music professor, told the Unexpected Elements podcast: "There's been some really interesting work going into why it is that people like sad music when they're feeling sad.
"People often describe music as being like a friend.
"And if you were feeling really down in the dumps, you want someone who's going to be sympathetic to your situation or to empathise with you."
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Robots could out-think humans by 2026
Artificial intelligence may surpass human intelligence as soon as next year, according to UK government officials. Dubbed 'AGI 2026', this milestone refers to AI systems outperforming humans in most economically valuable tasks, as defined by OpenAI. The rapid rise of AI has fuelled concerns about mass unemployment as robots infiltrate various industries. In response, the UK government introduced the AI Opportunities Action Plan in January, aiming to maximise AI's benefits for citizens. A spokesperson stated, "AI has the potential to transform lives, and our action plan will ensure all Britons reap the rewards of this groundbreaking technology."
