Latest news with #WordsWithFriends
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands and Wildcard Announce $9M Fundraise Co-Led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm
MCKINNEY, Texas, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands, a revolutionary web3 protocol that transforms word-of-mouth marketing into a universal attribution infrastructure - together with sister company The Wildcard Alliance - today announced a joint $9 million fundraising round co-led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm. The companies, founded by co-CEOs Paul and Katy Drake Bettner whose past work includes Words With Friends, Lucky's Tale, and Age of Empires, have secured $6.5 million to date and expect to close the remaining funding over the next 60 days. This new funding builds on the companies' $46 million Series A raised in 2022, and will be used to accelerate development of their integrated ecosystem of products, utilizing the Thousands protocol and platform to unlock new channels of creator-centric user acquisition and help launch their own upcoming game, Wildcard. "It's simple," said Paul Bettner, co-CEO. "Wildcard only succeeds if its creators and community succeed. So we need a better way to reward these incredible contributors who drive immense value to the game. Thousands gives us the on-chain 'rails' to solve this problem, to record and reward user acquisition and conversion at every step of the funnel." "It's simple," said Paul Bettner, co-CEO. "Wildcard needed a better way to reward the incredible contributors who drive immense value to the game – the creators, the influencers, the super fans. Thousands gives us the on-chain 'rails' to solve this problem, to record and reward user acquisition and conversion at every step of the funnel." The synergy between Wildcard and Thousands has already demonstrated explosive growth. The Thousands network recorded over $800,000 in revenue in May 2025 alone, with an average revenue-per-stream of $50k, average viewer-to-payer conversion of 77%, and a new all-time-high revenue record at $134k — metrics that far exceed industry standards. The Thousands network addresses an untapped, trillion dollar word-of-mouth economy, by making influence and attribution transparent, programmable, and incentive-aligned. The Thousands network enables creators and communities to earn instantly when their content drives conversions, while IP owners benefit from significantly lower customer acquisition costs compared to traditional channels. "Thousands is redefining how games and content reach audiences," said Rick Johanson, Founding Partner at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures. "Their web-native streaming layer – think Twitch meets WalletConnect – allows every connected viewer to become an active participant in an on-chain economy, transforming spectators into engaged users." "We believe in this game and we believe in this team," said Dave White, Research Partner at Paradigm. "Paul, Kate, and team have created one of the most eagerly anticipated games in crypto and we're very excited for what comes next." Since their initial funding, both platforms have achieved significant milestones. Wildcard was recently approved for release on Steam, where the 100k+ community are now playtesting Alpha builds of the game weekly, in preparation for Wildcard's Early Access release later this year. These playtests are broadcast on several times a week, helping to demonstrate the Thousands' network's ability to sustain engagement and monetization, with an average revenue _per viewer_ of $141 dollars. "Thousands doesn't feel like streaming. It's no longer a one-way street.", said Payton Kaleiwahea, content creator and founder of WolvesDAO, "Fans and creators are interacting; you're not just watching the game. You're connected to it. You're inside it. With Thousands, being there matters, and that changes everything." About The Wildcard Alliance and Thousands The Wildcard Alliance and Thousands are building the future of interactive entertainment, powered by communities. Founded by industry veterans Paul and Katy Drake Bettner, the companies are building disruptive new products at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, beloved IP, and fun. The Wildcard Alliance previously raised $46 million in 2022 from investors including Paradigm, Griffin Gaming Partners, and Sabrina Hahn. Learn more at and Media Contact:Leah Schultzpress@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Wildcard Alliance, Inc.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AI Keanu Reeves Reportedly Scammed Woman Out of $160K
Word of advice: if Keanu Reeves hits you up online, be very, very suspicious. That's a lesson a Florida woman unfortunately learned the hard way. In an interview with Fox 13 in Tampa Bay, Dianne Ringstaff shared that the grift began when she was innocently playing Words With Friends. Out of nowhere, she received a message from the John Wick star—or at least someone claiming to be him. Ringstaff was understandably skeptical. Her initial reaction to the unsolicited message was that 'It can't be' Reeves, she told Fox 13. 'Until he videoed me,' she explained. 'And I was like, oh my God, that's him!'"I couldn't believe it,' Ringstaff continued. 'It was him, but it was far away. But I thought it was him." While she still felt the whole scenario was a bit implausible, that video call and a series of phone calls over a two-and-a-half year period eventually convinced Ringstaff that she was indeed talking to The Matrix star himself. The two became phone friends and would chat here and there. This was the case for a long time before things took a scammy turn. But when they did, the Not Reeves' requests for cash became persistent. The person posing as Reeves claimed that he was being sued by a former manager and that he was facing a potential legal headache after the FBI allegedly planted drugs in his home. Bottom line, claimed the grifter, his assets had been frozen and he was in desperate need of Bitcoin and says she did press a bit further: 'I said, but why don't you have a bank account?' Whatever the answer, it was enough to convince her to help. 'I was vulnerable,' she said. 'I just lost my boyfriend. And then later that summer in 2022, my dog died.' So she decided to help—which entailed taking out a home equity loan and selling her car. All in all, she estimates that the perpetrator, who is believed to be using AI to pose as Reeves, collected approximately $160,000 from her. Just a month ago, local sheriffs came knocking at Ringstaff's door to let her know that she wasn't the only person being scammed—and that some of the other victims' money was actually being funneled through her bank accounts. 'I just broke down and cried,' admitted Ringstaff. Until she decided to take back control. 'I'm by myself,' she said. 'I didn't have anybody to talk to, to give me guidance. So then I got mad, and I started getting my things together, and now I'm on track to get back on track.' Ringstaff is also bravely speaking out and telling her story in order to prevent others from falling into the same trap. According to Fox 13, these so-called 'romance' scams are one of the most common types of fraud being perpetrated right now. And the easy availability of AI makes it possible for determined fraudsters to impersonate just about anyone, including one of the world's most popular action stars. 'Knowing what I know now and all the technology that's out there, [people] can fake voices and everything else,' Ringstaff warned. 'It will never happen again. But I just want to let people know not to be naive and stupid and do your research and don't give anybody your personal information unless you already know them.' AI Keanu Reeves Reportedly Scammed Woman Out of $160K first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ridiculous reasons people have been kicked off planes from 10kg boobs to singing
From low-slung jeans to loud singing and even 10kg boobs, passengers have been kicked off flights for the most bizarre reasons. Here are some of the wildest stories from the skies Flying can test everyone's patience, but sometimes the reasons people get booted off flights just don't make sense. One particular flying tale probably takes the cake. A model claimed that her 10kg breasts got her kicked off a flight. Mary Magdalene, 25, says she was removed from a plane because of her 'explicit' look wearing leggings and a sports bra, but the airline claimed it was because she hadn't listened to instructions while wearing headphones. The model, who's had over £120,000 worth of cosmetic surgery, including breast enhancements, hit back on Instagram, saying: 'I was kicked off the flight for how I look... Obviously, [my outfit] is why she kicked me off because I look too explicit. But that's not legal, so she had to say it's because I was sleeping and wouldn't hear her.' Mary added that smaller-chested women wouldn't face the same treatment, calling the incident 'discrimination,' adding: 'It's not right to pick and choose who the rules apply to based on appearance/body type.' From giant boobs to baggy jeans, and mid-air singalongs to notes in Arabic, here are some of the most ridiculous stories of travellers getting kicked off planes. Billie Joe Armstrong kicked off for wearing low trousers Not even rock stars are safe. Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong was banned from a Southwest Airlines flight in 2011 for wearing his trousers too low. When told to pull them up, the singer reportedly quipped, 'Don't you have better things to do?' He was promptly escorted off and later tweeted, 'Just got kicked off a Southwest flight because my pants sagged too low!' The airline later apologised and offered a new booking. Alec Baldwin ejected for playing Words With Friends Actor Alec Baldwin was famously removed from an American Airlines flight after refusing to stop playing the smartphone game Words With Friends during take-off preparations. Baldwin vented on Twitter: 'Flight attendant on American [Airlines] reamed me out 4 playing WORDS W FRIENDS while we sat at the gate, not moving.' His spokesperson added: 'He loves WWF so much that he was willing to leave the plane for it.' Maybe he should have switched his phone off, but regardless, it's ridiculous all around. Passenger steals megaphone mid-flight During a WestJet flight from Toronto to Saskatoon, police were called after a cabin megaphone mysteriously disappeared. It turned out passenger Jake Michael Piasentini, 29, had stolen it, reportedly influenced by alcohol. The theft delayed the flight, and Jake faced a CAD $5,000 fine. 'Queen of the aeroplane' comment gets mum removed American traveller Nicki Gazley was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight after sarcastically calling a flight attendant 'the Queen of this aeroplane' during a disagreement over her baby carrier. Despite complying with requests to remove her son from an Ergo Baby Carrier, the flight attendant took offence and booted Nicki. Frontier Airlines stated that the FAA does not approve Ergo carriers for takeoff or landing. Tweet about 'drunk pilot' leads to ban Lisa Carter Knight was banned from a JetBlue flight after tweeting photos and comments suggesting the pilot was undergoing a sobriety test following a passenger's ill-judged joke about a 'drunk pilot.' Though the pilot passed the test, Lisa says she was still not allowed to board. JetBlue denied it was due to the tweets, explaining that passengers exhibiting disruptive behaviour can be removed. Whitney Houston fan forces emergency landing A passenger belting out Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You aboard a Los Angeles to New York flight was so disruptive that the pilot diverted to Kansas City to remove her mid-performance. Man kicked off flight for bad body odour A 27-year-old French passenger flying from Paris to Dallas was removed after the crew complained about his smell. Despite dousing himself in Dior perfume, the crew said his stench was too much. Police were called, and the passenger filed a complaint. American Airlines denied the odour claims, citing an issue with his US visa. 'Merry Christmas?' Not for this passenger A man travelling from Dallas to New York on American Airlines went into a rage after being wished 'Merry Christmas ' at the gate and again on board. After reprimanding staff for the greeting, he reportedly caused a scene and was removed, much to the relief and cheers of fellow passengers. Confused economist mistaken for a threat Most recently, Guido Menzio boarded a flight from Philadelphia to Syracuse only to be asked to leave after a passenger reported him for writing notes in what she thought was Arabic and found 'threatening.' Police kept the flight grounded for two hours before realising Guido was an Ivy League economist jotting down math equations for a talk. Teen removed after coughing fit delays flight On a Continental Airlines flight from Newark to Honolulu, a 16-year-old on a school trip was asked to leave after waking up with a coughing fit before takeoff. Although given water and cleared by the onboard doctor, the pilot refused to allow her and her teacher to fly. They had to find overnight accommodation and buy clothes and toiletries. Flying can be a rollercoaster ride, and it's always best to follow instructions and safety guidelines too. But as these wild tales show, sometimes even that's not enough to keep you in your seat. Whether it's baggy jeans or belting out a power ballad, you never quite know what might get you grounded. So, next time you board a flight, maybe leave the megaphone at home and smile extra brightly at the flight attendants.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What does Pope Leo XIV do to unwind? Hint: It involves 'Wordle'
Pope Leo XIV On May 8, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV . This landmark event marked the first time an American-born individual ascended to the papacy, signaling a new chapter in the Church's history. Beyond the ceremonial grandeur and theological significance, what has captivated many is the Pope's down-to-earth nature, exemplified by his fondness for playing word games like Wordle and Words With Friends. These glimpses into his personal life have endeared him to people worldwide, showcasing a relatable side to the pontiff. Pope Leo XIV's unexpected pastime: Playing Wordle and watching Conclave Amid the solemn responsibilities of his new role, Pope Leo XIV maintains a connection to everyday activities that resonate with many. According to his brother, John Prevost, the Pope enjoys playing word games like Wordle and Words With Friends, using them as a means to relax and unwind. These games have become a daily ritual, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the weighty duties of the papacy. In addition to his gaming habits, Pope Leo XIV watched the film "Conclave," which dramatizes the papal election process, shortly before his own election. This choice reflects his grounded nature and willingness to engage with contemporary culture. Robert F. Prevost: A lifetime of dedication to faith, justice, and leadership Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family with French, Italian, and Spanish heritage. His early life was marked by active participation in church activities, including serving as an altar boy and singing in the choir at St. Mary of the Assumption parish. He pursued higher education at Villanova University, earning a degree in mathematics, and later obtained advanced degrees in theology and canon law from institutions in the United States and Rome. Joining the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary zeal led him to Peru, where he dedicated over two decades to pastoral work, focusing on social justice and uplifting marginalized communities. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order in 2001, a position he held until 2013. Ascension to the Papacy In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, and he became the diocesan bishop in 2015. His administrative acumen and commitment to the Church's mission led to his appointment as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. Elevated to the College of Cardinals the same year, Prevost's influence within the Vatican grew, culminating in his election as Pope Leo XIV in 2025. Embracing modernity while upholding tradition Pope Leo XIV's election represents a blend of tradition and modernity. His pastoral experiences in Peru and administrative roles in the Vatican have equipped him with a global perspective. He is known for his moderate and inclusive views, emphasizing social justice and compassion. His choice of the papal name Leo XIV pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of workers' rights and social teachings.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pope's brother says they regularly do Wordle and shares more personal details about his life
Before he was Pope Leo XIV, he was Chicago native Robert Prevost, whose new role as the first American to lead the Catholic Church has thrown him and his family into the spotlight. The newly elected pope's brother John Prevost, who lives in the Chicago suburb of New Lenox, Illinois, said learning his sibling is now the pope has been a lot to absorb. 'I haven't had a moment to think about it. But it's totally unreal, totally surreal, and it's a tremendous, tremendous thing to take in, but it's something to be very proud of,' he told NBC Chicago on May 8, shortly after his brother's appointment. Leo is the youngest of three brothers. John Prevost, who is the middle son and one year older than the pontiff, spoke to the new pope right before the conclave, where the duo enjoyed some fun and games as a distraction. 'First, we do Wordle, because this is a regular thing, OK? Then we do Words With Friends. It's something to keep his mind off life in the real world,' he said. 'And then we talk about what's going on. And I said, 'Well, do you have your red socks?' That doesn't go over well all the time. And then just that kind of stuff.' Prevost, who worked as a Catholic school principal for 27 years, also said he asked his brother if he prepped for his big moment by taking in the movie 'Conclave.' 'And I said, 'Well, are you ready for this?' I said, 'Did you watch the movie 'Conclave,' so you know how to behave.' And he had just finished watching the movie 'Conclave.' So, he knew how to behave. So it's that kind of stuff because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility.' And while Leo is now the 267th pope in history, his brother, who said he plans to go to Rome on May 9, explained he comes from humble roots. 'We all grew up in Dolton (Illinois). I think it was just a normal childhood,' Prevost said, noting his brother left for the Augustinian Seminary after eighth grade and was only really at home for summer, Easter and Christmas breaks. A life in religion seemed to be in the cards for the pope very early, too. 'I think he knew it by first grade that he was going to be a priest,' his brother said. 'And there was no question in anyone's mind. I think the question that our parents had was, 'Would you be a diocesan priest and work at a parish, or would you be an order priest,' which he chose, Augustinian.' As a Chicago native, there is also the question of what baseball team the pope cheers for, with early reports saying he supports the Cubs, but his brother said he actually likes the team on the South Side. 'Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong. It's Sox,' he said. This article was originally published on
