Afternoon Tea 10.18.21 - Eunich Hippos

Colin Powell died, the UK is the bank scam capital of the world, a prominent TV reporter was murdered in Pakistan, mobile games make $340 million a month now, and 24 of Escobar’s hippos were sterilized, somehow. It’s Monday, October 18th 2021 and this is your Tea. Your vibe is some airy liquid drum and bass to help you glide into Monday evening.

Colin Powell, first Black US secretary of state, dies of Covid-19 complications amid cancer battle (CNN) As great of a man the General was, his name will be forever soiled by his “lied to the world before it was cool” UN appearance before we entered Iraq.

US, Haiti seek release of 17 missionaries snatched by gang (AP) Hey missionaries, pro-tip, if a country can’t guarantee your safety? Maybe don’t try to convert locals dealing with political assassination and natural disasters.

Police: TV reporter killed in bomb attack in Pakistan (AP) & Pakistani Women Are Leading the Struggle for Human Rights (The Nation) Pakistani activism has landed on our radar with this paid of stories. There’s a lot here, for people willing to look.

Sir David Amess: Conservative MP stabbed to death (BBC) & Welcome to Britain, the bank scam capital of the world (Reuters) The stabbing death of a MP sent shockwaves through the UK. But, given the post-Brexit reality of lorry-less London, this isn’t even in their Top 5 stories about corruption & violence.

Saudi Arabia is converting a huge oil rig into an amusement park dubbed The Rig. (r/nextfuckinglevel) We’re not sure if we’re more impressed or terrified. Who knew the Saudis would figure out a biz model involving Waterworld.

True Crime is Rotting our Brains (Gawker) & 'Couch Guy' is the latest viral TikTok to show how internet sleuthing can be toxic (NBC News) Having a favorite serial killer is like having a favorite way to get rid of a body. The more justified your response, the more worrying it is.

McDonald's to start testing McPlant burger in U.S. next month (Reuters) McPlant burgers are one of the last to arrive. But given the fast food competition alt meat sputtering hard, if it’s “as good” as a McDouble, then they just might win forever.

Colombia sterilizes 24 hippos on former estate of drug lord Escobar (France24) Did the people who did this get hazard pay? I really don’t know if there is a per hour rate that someone could pay me that would convince me to turn hippos into Lord Varys.

Axie Infinity’s $1.2 Billion Annualized Revenue Overtakes Candy Crush’s 2020 Total Revenue (Chain Debrief) & Genshin Impact has best month ever, generating $342 million in September 2021 (Pocket Gamer Biz) The amount of money people spend on mobile games remains mind-boggling. $342 million spent on a game that is free to download and play, in 30 days. Axie Infinity combines some of the most ratchet, slot machine mechanics I’ve ever seen, NFTs and F2P systems. It’s like crack squared.

Crypto Traders to Blame for Surging Sales of Small Tungsten Cubes (Bloomberg) Guys, we don’t care if it has good “hand feel,” can we not sell out of commodity products because nerd hype?

Poem of the Tea: Today’s poem about nostalgia, little things, and quiet warmth is by Gabrielle Calvocoressi. Sip it.

What if it turned out better than you could possibly imagine?

Yours,