Saudi version of The Office to launch 20 years after BBC original
And other stories from the stranger side of life
Saudi Arabia is set to introduce its own version of The Office nearly 20 years after the BBC original hit the screens. BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial arm, has sold the comedy format to MBC Studios, the production wing of a Saudi-owned satellite television giant. Production on the show, which will be known as Al Maktab, will begin this month, with Saleh Abuamrh, a 35-year-old Riyadh-based actor, stepping into the shoes of Ricky Gervais’s cringe-worthy manager. It will be the 12th international version of The Office, noted The Times.
Man attempts bungee world record
A Frenchman who had a childhood fear of heights is attempting to break the 24 hours bungee jumping world record. Francois-Marie Dibon began his bid at River Garry in Perthshire on Tuesday. Plummeting 40 metres towards the river, the 44-year-old is hoping to beat the current record of 430 jumps in one day which was set five years ago at Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand. Before attempting his feat, Dibon told STV News that he was feeling “happy and in the present”. His attempt is being scrutinised by Guinness World Record judge Joanne Brent.
World’s biggest plant discovered
Scientists say they have discovered the biggest plant on the planet off the Western Australian coast. The Guardian said the seed has grown to what is now believed to be the biggest plant anywhere on Earth, covering just over three times the size of Manhattan island. Scientists were stunned when samples from the site showed there were not multiple specimens of Posidonia australis, but one single plant. “We thought ‘what the hell is going on here?’” said Dr Martin Breed, an ecologist at Flinders University. “We were completely stumped.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Climate change is threatening Florida's Key deer
The Explainer Questions remain as to how much effort should be put into saving the animals
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Daniel Lurie: San Francisco's moderate next mayor
In the Spotlight Lurie beat a fellow Democrat, incumbent Mayor London Breed, for the job
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in November, from 'Dune: Prophecy' and 'A Man on the Inside'
The Week Recommends A new comedy from 'The Good Place' creator, a prequel to 'Dune' and the conclusion of one of America's most popular shows
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published