FLOSSI: DOG SHOOTS MAN
A dog shot its owner in Tennessee after jumping on a gun trigger, causing it to discharge.
Memphis Police responded to an emergency call from a man who told them he was lying in bed with a gun when his dog jumped up, causing the weapon to fire.
Jerald Kirkwood was in his bedroom when his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, leapt onto the bed and got his paw stuck in the trigger guard of his gun.
As a result, the gun went off, and a bullet grazed the top of Mr Kirkwood’s left thigh, according to local news station WREG.
Following the incident, a woman who had been in bed with Mr Kirkwood allegedly left the house with the gun, while the injured man was ferried to hospital in a non-critical condition.
The Memphis Police Department said that officers were able to locate “one spent shell casings on the front room floor”, according to People Magazine.
The woman, who was not named, told Fox 13: “The dog is a playful dog, and he likes to jump around and stuff like that, and it just went off.”
FLOSSI IS SHEEP SHAPE
Algeria's president has announced plans to import a staggering 1 million sheep ahead of this year's Eid al-Adha, the holiday during which Muslims worldwide purchase livestock for sacrifice.
The number of sheep consumed during Eid al-Adha varies each year based on global Muslim populations, economic factors, and livestock availability. However, estimates suggest that:
Tens of millions of sheep (along with other livestock such as cows, goats, and camels) are sacrificed during the festival worldwide.
In 2023, around 10 million sheep were sacrificed in Algeria alone.
In Pakistan, over 8 million animals (including sheep, cows, and goats) are typically sacrificed.
In Turkey, over 3 million animals are sacrificed.
In Saudi Arabia, where many pilgrims perform Hajj, around 1-2 million animals are sacrificed annually.
Determining the exact number of sheep sacrificed globally during Eid al-Adha is difficult. Still, estimates suggest well over 100 million animals, with sheep accounting for a significant portion.
The purpose of Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, at the last moment, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, symbolizing divine mercy and faith.
The meat from the sacrificed animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) is divided into three parts:
One-third for the family.
One-third for relatives and friends.
One-third for the poor and needy.
Eid al-Adha dates back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), a central figure in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The tradition is rooted in the story found in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat 37:102-107), where God commands Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as a test of faith. When Ibrahim was about to comply, God replaced the son with a ram, signifying divine mercy.
Sacrificing an animal to commemorate this event was established as an Islamic tradition by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. After the Hijra (migration) to Medina, it became an official Islamic holiday, and its observance has continued annually.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact Gregorian calendar date varies each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle (which is about 10–12 days shorter than the solar year).
In 2025, it is expected to be on June 6.
FLOSSI: ABOVE ALL, STOCK FALL
The time it takes for the stock market to recover to previous highs after a large sell-off depends on several factors, including the severity of the crash, economic conditions, policy responses, and investor sentiment. Here are some historical examples of major market crashes and their recovery times:
Historical Stock Market Recoveries
1929 - The Great Depression
Crash: The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lost nearly 90% of its value from 1929 to 1932.
Recovery Time: 25 years (1929 peak regained in 1954).
1987 - Black Monday
Crash: The Dow fell 22.6% in a single day (October 19, 1987).
Recovery Time: Less than 2 years (returned to pre-crash highs by September 1989).
2000-2002 - Dot-com Bubble
Crash: The NASDAQ fell 78% from its 2000 peak.
Recovery Time: 15 years (NASDAQ regained its 2000 highs in 2015).
2008-2009 - Global Financial Crisis
Crash: The S&P 500 fell 57% from its 2007 peak to its 2009 bottom.
Recovery Time: 5.5 years (reached previous highs in 2013).
2020 - COVID-19 Crash
Crash: The S&P 500 dropped 33% in just over a month (February-March 2020).
Recovery Time: 5 months (returned to previous highs by August 2020).
Factors That Influence Recovery Time
Severity of the Sell-Off – Mild corrections (10-20% drop) typically recover within months to a year, while major crashes (40%+ losses) can take several years or decades.
Economic Conditions – Strong economic fundamentals, low interest rates, and stimulus measures can accelerate recovery.
Government & Central Bank Actions – Aggressive monetary policies (e.g., Federal Reserve rate cuts, quantitative easing) help markets bounce back faster.
Investor Sentiment & Confidence – If investors remain cautious, recovery can be slow. If optimism returns quickly, markets may rebound faster.
Technological & Business Cycles – Certain sectors (e.g., tech) tend to recover faster than others (e.g., financials in 2008).
General Recovery Expectations
Small sell-offs (5-10%) – Weeks to months
Moderate corrections (10-20%) – Months to a year
Bear markets (20-50%) – 1 to 5 years
Severe crashes (50%+ losses) – 5 to 25 years
Bottom Line
Every market crash is unique, and while some recover quickly (e.g., COVID-19 in 2020), others take decades (Great Depression). Historically, the stock market always recovers over time, but the speed depends on economic resilience, policy actions, and investor confidence.
FLOSSI, THE MOOSE & 1,462 CANS OF LAGER
Moosehead Breweries Introduces the “Presidential Pack” Amid Trade Tensions
Canada’s oldest brewery, Moosehead Breweries, is making a bold statement in response to trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump. The New Brunswick-based brewery has launched the “Presidential Pack”, a massive case containing 1,461 cans of its Canadian Lager—one for each day of Trump's four-year term.
Moosehead’s Director of Marketing, Karen Grigg framed the promotion as a lighthearted response to political uncertainty. "If the start of 2025 has taught us anything, it will take determination to weather four years of political uncertainty—and what better way to make it through each day than with a truly Canadian beer," she said.
The Presidential Pack retails for CAD 3,490 ($2,428 USD) and is available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Trevor Grant, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, revealed that the idea emerged as Moosehead’s team discussed tariffs and trade challenges with the U.S. administration. "Obviously, it's a bit of a difficult situation, so trying to maybe have a little bit of fun with it," he explained.
Grant also noted that Canadian shoppers are increasingly looking for locally made products and that Moosehead sees this as an opportunity to strengthen local support. "We do think this is a real opportunity for us," he said. He emphasized the company’s deep community ties, adding, "We operate in a small community here in St. John, New Brunswick, and we like to stay connected to our community and give back. We'd like to see Canadians do the same thing and buy local."
The Presidential Pack is the latest act of Canadian defiance against Trump's tariffs, which have affected Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump has also insulted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him dismissively as a "governor".
Meanwhile, the U.S. liquor and spirits industry is already feeling the pushback.
Lawson Whiting, CEO of Jack Daniel’s parent company, called the removal of American-made alcohol from Canadian stores “worse than tariffs.” "It's literally taking your sales away," he said, calling the response "very disproportionate" to Trump’s 25% tariff.
Following Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement that Canada would impose retaliatory 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association warned of “far-reaching consequences” for the bourbon industry, as 95% of the world’s bourbon comes from Kentucky.
Moosehead Breweries CEO Andrew Oland, in an interview with CTV News, described the tariffs as a “disappointment” and lamented the deteriorating trade relationship between the two nations. We've always had such a close relationship with the United States, and so it's really sad to see this relationship going in a different direction," he said.
With rising trade tensions and a renewed focus on buying local, Moosehead’s satirical marketing move highlights how Canadian businesses creatively respond to these issues—with humor, community pride, and beer.
HOT ROBOTS & UNFAZED FLOSSI
The use of service robots, especially in the food service industry, has rapidly increased in recent years.
Food Delivery Robots: Companies like Serve Robotics have expanded their autonomous delivery services. In the past year, Serve Robotics has announced the addition of new cities to its network and a doubling of its user base.
Restaurant Automation: Chains like Sweetgreen have integrated automation into their operations. In May 2023, Sweetgreen launched its first robot-driven "Infinite Kitchen" location in Naperville, Illinois. Automation is utilized to assemble food, but not for preparation.
Collaborative Robots ("Cobots"): Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing collaborative robots, such as the Autocado prototype, which is designed to assist with tasks such as peeling avocados.
Market Expansion: Walmart has confirmed plans to use Richtech Robotics-powered robots to operate "ghost kitchens" in 20 restaurant locations within its stores in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.
Technological Advancements: The development of more sophisticated robots, such as Miso Robotics' "Flippy 2.0," which is faster and more versatile than its predecessor, is expected to drive further adoption in the food service sector. Time magazine recognized "Flippy 2.0" as one of the best inventions of 2022.
In Japan, the integration of service robots in restaurants has been steadily increasing, driven by labor shortages.
Kura Sushi: This well-known conveyor belt sushi chain has integrated automation to improve efficiency and lower costs. Some locations use a robot called "KuraB the Kurabot" to deliver food, beverages, and other items directly to customers.
Pepper Robot: Developed by SoftBank Robotics, Pepper is a humanoid robot utilized in various customer service roles throughout Japan. In the restaurant industry, it greets and engages with customers, offering information and entertainment.
Haidilao Hot Pot: In collaboration with Panasonic, Haidilao launched a "smart" restaurant in 2018 that features full automation in the kitchen. Customers can place orders via tablet devices, while robotic systems manage food preparation and delivery, minimizing the need for human intervention.
Skylark Holdings, a prominent Japanese restaurant operator, has integrated service robots into its establishments to enhance efficiency and address labor shortages. In October 2021, Skylark announced plans to deploy floor service robots across approximately 1,000 of its restaurants, primarily focusing on its "Gusto" and "Syabu-Yo" brands, by April 2022.
These robots, particularly the cat-themed "BellaBots," are designed to carry multiple dishes at once, serving up to four people while assisting in clearing tables after meals. By October 2021, Skylark had already deployed these robots in 11 of its "Gusto" restaurant chains.
FLOSSI IS A ROCKET MAN
The European Space Agency (ESA) has achieved notable success rates with its primary launch vehicles over the years: Vega
Operational Period: 2012–2024
Total Launches: 22
Successes: 20
Failures: 2
Success Rate: Approximately 90.9%
Vega was designed for small payloads, primarily for scientific and Earth observation missions.
———-
NASA has utilized various launch vehicles over the decades, each with its success rate. Here's an overview of some of the primary rockets:
Atlas V
Operational Period: 2002–Present
Total Launches: 100 (as of June 2024)
Success Rate: 100% mission success; 99% vehicle success
Note: In June 2007, the Atlas V experienced an anomaly when the Centaur upper stage shut down early, leading to a lower-than-intended orbit. However, the mission was still deemed successful.
————
Russia has developed and operated several prominent launch vehicles over the decades, each with varying success rates.
Soyuz-2
Operational Period: 2004–Present
Total Launches: 148
Successes: 143
Failures: 4
Partial Failures: 1
Success Rate: Approximately 97.0%
————
China's space program has developed a series of launch vehicles, notably the Long March (Chang Zheng) rocket family, which has demonstrated a high success rate over the decades:
Long March 5
Operational Period: 2016–Present
Total Launches: 13 (as of December 16, 2024)
Successes: 12
Failures: 1
Success Rate: Approximately 92.3%
Note: The Long March 5 is China's heavy-lift launch vehicle, supporting missions such as lunar exploration and space station assembly.
FLOSSI & THE PLANET OF THE APES
The idea for the movie "Planet of the Apes" (1968) originated from the 1963 novel La Planète des Singes (translated as Planet of the Apes or Monkey Planet) by Pierre Boulle, a French author best known for The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Origins of the Idea:
Pierre Boulle wrote the novel as a satirical commentary on human nature, evolution, and social structures.
The book tells the story of astronauts who land on a planet ruled by intelligent apes, with humans as the primitive species.
Boulle was inspired by human behavior, evolution, and concerns about civilization's future.
How It Became a Movie:
Producer Arthur P. Jacobs obtained the film rights and pushed for an adaptation.
Rod Serling (creator of The Twilight Zone) wrote an early screenplay that reshaped the story into the 1968 film starring Charlton Heston.
Michael Wilson revised the final screenplay, adding the film’s famous twist ending: the ruined Statue of Liberty reveals that the planet is actually Earth in the future.
FLOSSI GOES WITH THE FLOW, OF LAVA
As of current estimates, there are approximately 1,350 potentially active volcanoes on Earth, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This number includes volcanoes that have erupted in the Holocene period (the last 11,700 years), are currently erupting, or have the potential to erupt. However, the exact count can vary depending on how "active" is defined—some sources, like the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, focus on volcanoes with confirmed eruptions in historical time, numbering around 500 to 600.
Only a small fraction of these are actively erupting at any given moment. According to the most recent data from the Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report (as of late February 2025), there are typically around 40–50 volcanoes in a state of ongoing eruption worldwide, with about 20 erupting on any particular day. This number fluctuates as eruptions begin and end.
FLOSSI & THE STATE OF DISUNION
The first State of the Union address was delivered by President George Washington on January 8, 1790, in New York City, which was then the capital of the United States.
Key Facts About the First State of the Union Address:
Location: Federal Hall in New York City.
Audience: The First Congress of the United States.
Length: 1,089 words—one of the shortest in history.
Main Topics:
The strength and unity of the young nation.
The need to establish a national defense.
The importance of promoting science, industry, and agriculture.
Encouraging citizen participation in government.
Unlike today, Washington delivered the address in person, but later presidents (starting with Thomas Jefferson in 1801) sent it as a written report to Congress. The tradition of delivering it as a speech in person was revived by Woodrow Wilson in 1913 and continues today.
FLOSSI SAYS: "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration with parades and floats took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1857. The Mystic Krewe of Comus, a secret society of revelers, introduced the tradition of organized parades with themed floats and torch-lit processions. This marked the beginning of the elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations that continue to this day.
Before that, Mardi Gras had been celebrated in Louisiana since at least 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville held a small celebration near present-day New Orleans. However, these early festivities lacked the structured parades and floats that became the hallmark of the event in the mid-19th century.
The world’s largest Mardi Gras celebration takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Known as the Rio Carnival, it is the most famous and extravagant Carnival celebration in the world, attracting millions of people every year.
The highlight of the celebration is the Sambadrome parade, where top samba schools compete with dazzling floats, extravagant costumes, and energetic dancers.
Over 2 million people take to the streets each day of the festival.
Hundreds of street parties (Blocos) with live music, dancing, and festivities happen throughout the city.
While New Orleans, Louisiana, hosts the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S., Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the largest and most extravagant pre-Lenten festival in the world.
FLOSSI: AU REVOIR, FOR NOW
Throughout history, some nations have chosen to withdraw from specific alliances, but it's rare for a country to completely disengage from all international partnerships.
Moldova's Withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): In recent years, Moldova has taken steps to distance itself from the CIS, a regional organization of former Soviet Republics. By December 2023, it announced its intention to withdraw fully from the CIS by the end of 2024.
Armenia's Suspension of Participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO): In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that Armenia had "frozen" its participation in the CSTO, a military alliance led by Russia. By December 2024, Pashinyan stated that Armenia considered itself "outside the CSTO" and had "crossed the point of no return" regarding its membership.
Mexico's Withdrawal from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR): In 2002, Mexico formally withdrew from the TIAR, also known as the "Rio Treaty," which was a mutual defense pact among countries in the Americas. Mexico cited the treaty's ineffectiveness, particularly highlighted during the Falklands War in 1982, as a reason for its withdrawal.
FLOSSI GIVES A LIFT TO THE VP
The chairlift was invented by James Curran, an American engineer, in 1936. He designed it while working for the Union Pacific Railroad as part of their efforts to develop the Sun Valley Ski Resort in Idaho.
Curran was an engineer at the Union Pacific Railroad, which was looking for ways to attract tourists to Sun Valley, Idaho.
He specialized in mechanical transport systems and was inspired by banana conveyor systems used in loading cargo onto ships.
Curran adapted conveyor technology to create a lift system that could transport skiers up a mountain.
Unlike earlier rope tows and cable cars, his design allowed skiers to sit in a moving chair while transported uphill.
This made skiing more accessible, safer, and faster, revolutionizing winter sports tourism.
The first chairlifts were installed in 1936 at Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, making it the first ski area in the world to have a functioning chairlift.
It immediately boosted the popularity of skiing, influencing ski resort development worldwide.
The chairlift allowed ski resorts to expand, leading to mass adoption of skiing as a recreational sport.
Today, modern chairlifts use high-speed detachable systems, heated seats, and enclosed bubbles for added comfort.
SLAVA UKRAINI, FLOSSI & THE DOG’S BREAKFAST
SLAVA UKRAINI
Several significant diplomatic failures have reshaped the world.
The Congress of Prague (1813): In 1813, the Congress of Prague convened to negotiate peace during the Napoleonic Wars. However, the negotiations failed, leading to the resumption of hostilities and the eventual downfall of Napoleon's empire.
The Congress of Berlin (1878): Aiming to address the "Eastern Question" and stabilize the Balkans, the Congress of Berlin redrew national boundaries without adequately considering ethnic and political complexities. This oversight sowed seeds of future conflicts in the region.
The Crimean War (1853–1856): Diplomatic tensions among European powers over the decline of the Ottoman Empire and religious rights in the Holy Land culminated in the Crimean War. The inability to resolve disputes through diplomacy resulted in a costly and deadly conflict.
The Failure of the League of Nations (1920s–1930s): Established after World War I to maintain global peace, the League of Nations struggled with enforcement and unity. Its inability to prevent aggressive actions by nations like Japan, Italy, and Germany highlighted its weaknesses and contributed to the onset of World War II.
The Munich Agreement (1938): In an attempt to avoid war, British and French leaders agreed to Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. This policy of appeasement failed to prevent further aggression, emboldening Hitler's expansionist ambitions.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961): The U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's government in Cuba failed disastrously. The incident embarrassed the U.S. government and strained international relations during the Cold War.
The Invasion of Iraq (2003): Based on false assertions about weapons of mass destruction, the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, diminished U.S. credibility, and created regional instability that persists to this day.
FLOSSI: 21st CENTURY GOLD RUSH
Many countries offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs or Golden Visas, allowing individuals to obtain citizenship or residency in exchange for a significant financial investment. These programs often attract wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs
These programs grant direct citizenship in exchange for investments such as:
Government donations
Real estate purchases
Business investments
Job creation in the country
Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment
Caribbean Nations:
St. Kitts & Nevis 🇰🇳 – $250,000+ donation or $400,000 real estate
Dominica 🇩🇲 – $100,000+ donation
Antigua & Barbuda 🇦🇬 – $100,000+ donation
Grenada 🇬🇩 – $150,000+ donation
Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 – $100,000+ donation
Europe:
Malta 🇲🇹 – ~$750,000 donation + investment
Austria 🇦🇹 – ~$3-10 million investment (strict vetting)
Turkey 🇹🇷 – $400,000 real estate purchase
Middle East & Asia:
Jordan 🇯🇴 – $1 million investment
Egypt 🇪🇬 – $250,000+ donation
Vanuatu 🇻🇺 – $130,000+ donation
Golden Visas (Residency by Investment)
These programs offer residency permits (not citizenship) but can lead to citizenship after several years.
Notable Golden Visa Programs
Europe:
Portugal 🇵🇹 – €280,000+ real estate or business investment (ending in 2024)
Spain 🇪🇸 – €500,000+ real estate investment
Greece 🇬🇷 – €250,000+ real estate investment
Italy 🇮🇹 – €250,000+ investment
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Dubai Golden Visa – $550,000+ property investment
United States (EB-5 Visa):
$800,000+ investment in a job-creating enterprise
FLOSSI’S SURGICAL STRIKE
The chainsaw was invented in the late 18th century for medical purposes—not for cutting wood! It was designed as a surgical tool for cutting bone, particularly during childbirth.
The First Chainsaw (1780s) – Surgical Use
Inventors: John Aitken and James Jeffray, Scottish doctors.
Purpose: It was created to assist in symphysiotomies, a medical procedure used to widen the pelvis during childbirth when a baby was stuck.
Design: It looked more like a modern-day bone saw—a small, hand-cranked chain with fine teeth.
The First Chainsaw for Wood (1920s)
Inventor: Andreas Stihl, a German engineer, is credited with developing the first gasoline-powered chainsaw in 1929.
Purpose: Stihl’s design was intended for logging and forestry work.
Impact: This innovation revolutionized the timber industry, making tree cutting faster and more efficient.
Stihl’s company, STIHL, remains one of the top chainsaw manufacturers today.
Evolution of the Modern Chainsaw
1926: Andreas Stihl patents the first electric chainsaw.
1929: Stihl develops the first gas-powered chainsaw.
1930s–1950s: Early chainsaws were huge and required two people to operate.
1960s: Lighter, one-man chainsaws were introduced, leading to the modern chainsaw design.
FLOSSI: THE PRESIDENTIAL KISS TEST
The tradition of kissing the ring of a sovereign or high-ranking leader dates back to ancient civilizations and was used as a gesture of respect, submission, or fealty. Historically, it has been particularly prominent in royal courts, religious institutions, and nobility.
Ancient Civilizations: A Symbol of Submission
In the Persian Empire (c. 500 BCE) under the Achaemenid dynasty, subjects were required to prostrate themselves (proskynesis) and sometimes kiss the hand or ring of the emperor to show absolute loyalty.
Ancient Rome (c. 100 BCE—400 CE): Roman senators and officials kissed the emperor's ring as a sign of political allegiance. Julius Caesar and later emperors used rings to seal documents, reinforcing their divine authority.
Medieval Europe: Fealty and Divine Right
By the Middle Ages (500–1500 CE), the practice became standard in European monarchies. Kings and emperors often wore signet rings that symbolized their divine right to rule.
Nobles and clergy were expected to kiss the monarch's ring when swearing oaths of loyalty or vassalage.
The Holy Roman Emperors (800–1806 CE) and the French and English kings maintained this tradition to reinforce hierarchical order and submission.
The Catholic Church: The Papal Ring Tradition
The Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring is perhaps the most famous religious adaptation of this practice.
Since at least the 9th century, Catholic believers and clergy have kissed the Pope’s ring as a sign of obedience and respect for his authority as the successor of Saint Peter.
Cardinals and bishops also received ring-kisses as a gesture of recognition of their spiritual status.
Renaissance and Beyond: Political & Diplomatic Custom
During the Renaissance (15th–17th centuries), ambassadors and dignitaries often kissed the ring of foreign rulers during diplomatic visits as a sign of goodwill.
Even in France under Louis XIV (the Sun King), courtiers performed this ritual to demonstrate their place in the monarchy’s hierarchy.
Decline in Modern Times
By the 19th and 20th centuries, the practice of kissing a monarch's ring gradually disappeared in secular governments.
However, it still persists in religious circles, particularly in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Islamic traditions.
In Britain, formal bowing and hand-kissing were once common, but Queen Elizabeth II discouraged ring-kissing, preferring a simple bow or handshake.
A FLOSSI FLYOVER
The family that has controlled the James Bond franchise for over 60 years is handing over control to Amazon after years of fiercely protecting it from Hollywood overreach.
The deal follows a standoff between Barbara Broccoli and Amazon, which gained a major stake in Bond in 2021 through its $8.5 billion MGM acquisition.
The first on-screen adaptation of James Bond wasn’t a movie but a 1954 television episode of Climax! Featuring Barry Nelson as an Americanized James Bond in Casino Royale.
In 1961, producers Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman acquired the film rights to most of Fleming’s Bond novels and founded EON Productions, securing a deal with United Artists.
FLOSSI 007 PADDLES UP THE AMAZON
The family that has controlled the James Bond franchise for over 60 years is handing over control to Amazon after years of fiercely protecting it from Hollywood overreach.
The deal follows a standoff between Barbara Broccoli and Amazon, which gained a major stake in Bond in 2021 through its $8.5 billion MGM acquisition.
The first on-screen adaptation of James Bond wasn’t a movie but a 1954 television episode of Climax! Featuring Barry Nelson as an Americanized James Bond in Casino Royale.
In 1961, producers Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman acquired the film rights to most of Fleming’s Bond novels and founded EON Productions, securing a deal with United Artists.
The Sean Connery Era (1962–1967, 1971)
Dr No (1962) – The first official Bond film, starring Sean Connery, introduced the world to 007, SPECTRE, and iconic Bond tropes.
From Russia with Love (1963) – Considered one of the best spy thrillers ever.
Goldfinger (1964) – Established the “Bond formula” with gadgets, villains, and one-liners.
Thunderball (1965) – First Bond film shot in widescreen Panavision.
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Introduced Blofeld, Bond’s arch-nemesis.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971) – Connery returned after skipping one film.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – Starring George Lazenby, this is the only Bond film where 007 gets married.
Lazenby left after one film despite great action sequences due to behind-the-scenes conflicts.
Live and Let Die (1973) – The first Bond film with Roger Moore, featuring a mix of spy action and voodoo.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – One of the best Bonds, introducing Jaws as a henchman.
Moonraker (1979) – Sent Bond to space to capitalize on *Star Wars' *popularity.
For Your Eyes Only (1981) – A return to realistic espionage after the over-the-top Moonraker.
Octopussy (1983) – Bond in India, featuring a ridiculous clown disguise scene.
A View to a Kill (1985) – Moore’s final Bond film, with Christopher Walken as the villain.
The Living Daylights (1987): Timothy Dalton's darker, more serious Bond was closer to Fleming’s novels.
Licence to Kill (1989) – First Bond movie rated PG-13, featuring drug lords instead of megalomaniacs.
GoldenEye (1995) – Pierce Brosnan revived Bond after a 6-year hiatus, introducing a modern, high-tech Bond.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – A media mogul villain tries to start World War III for news ratings.
The World Is Not Enough (1999) – First female Bond villain (Elektra King).
Die Another Day (2002) – A CGI-heavy disaster with Bond surfing on a tidal wave.
Casino Royale (2006) – Daniel Craig in a total reboot featuring a raw, emotional, and realistic Bond.
Quantum of Solace (2008) – A direct sequel with a revenge-driven Bond.
Skyfall (2012) became the highest-grossing Bond film ever, delving into Bond’s past.
Spectre (2015) introduced Christoph Waltz as Blofeld but received mixed reviews.
No Time to Die (2021) – Craig’s final Bond film, featuring Bond’s shocking death.
Total Official Movies: 25 (by EON Productions)
Unofficial Bond Films: Casino Royale (1967 parody), Never Say Never Again (1983 remake of Thunderball)
Longest-Serving Bond: Roger Moore (7 movies)
Shortest-Serving Bond: George Lazenby (1 movie)
Highest-Grossing Bond Film: Skyfall (2012) – $1.1 billion
