Netflix announces Squid Game reality spin-off show
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Netflix is recruiting contestants for a reality TV show inspired by its most popular series of all time, Squid Game. But unlike the premise of the South Korean dystopian drama, it will not be life or death at stake: the worst fate will be going home empty-handed, rather than with the $4.56m (£3.8m) prize. The streaming platform said that its new ten-episode series, Squid Game: The Challenge, would offer the “largest cast and lump cash prize in reality TV history”, noted the BBC.
Man gets shoes tattooed onto feet
A man who was “tired of paying” to replace his worn-out shoes has had his favourite pair of Nike trainers tattooed onto his feet, reported the Daily Mirror. “He’s tired of paying for shoes, so he decided he will get his favourite pair of Nikes tattooed on him and he can see the funny side to it,” said the tattoo artist, who said the procedure took ten hours. “Definitely a great conversation starter. His wife loves it too.”
Make way for the ‘millibot’
Scientists have announced a pea-sized amphibious robot that can swim through bodily fluids and navigate obstacles to deliver drugs exactly where they are needed. Experts at Stanford University have released footage showing the millibot leaping over hurdles and plunging into a tank of water to collect a small piece of cargo and then dumping its shipment. When people currently swallow a drug or have it injected, it spreads throughout the system, which limits how effective treatments can be, said The Telegraph.
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.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'A symbol of the faceless corporate desire'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Say farewell to summer at these underrated US lakes
The Week Recommends Have one last blast
-
Truck drivers are questioning the Trump administration's English mandate
Talking Points Some have praised the rules, others are concerned they could lead to profiling
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month