A French homeowner’s pool excavation turned into an unexpected treasure hunt this week, while Dubai’s luxury coffee scene reached new heights of extravagance. Meanwhile, Hollywood embraces a new format of entertainment designed for smartphone screens, and Ireland’s traditional crafts continue to thrive in the hands of dedicated artisans.
French pool digger strikes gold worth $800,000
In what may be the most lucrative home improvement project of the year, a resident of Neuville-sur-Saone, just north of Lyon, discovered a fortune buried in his backyard. While excavating for a swimming pool, the homeowner unearthed gold bars and coins worth approximately $800,000.
The treasure, believed to have been buried in plastic bags by a previous owner of the property, has been legally awarded to the current homeowner. The discovery transforms the common saying about swimming pools being “holes in the ground that you throw money into” into a literal goldmine for one fortunate Frenchman.
Dubai coffee shop serves $1,000 cup without milk
In Dubai’s ever-escalating luxury market, Serkan Sagsoz has introduced what he claims is the world’s most expensive coffee at his Julith coffee shop. The nearly $1,000-per-cup beverage, made from rare Panamanian beans, features what Sagsoz describes as “white floral notes like jasmine, citrus flavours like orange and bergamot and a hint of apricot and peach.”
Local reaction has been mixed, with some residents viewing the astronomical price as typical Dubai excess. “It’s shocking but at the same time it’s Dubai,” one local told AFP, while another resident named Maeva suggested it’s simply “another experience” wealthy individuals “can boast about.”
ALSO READ: Dubai café breaks world record with R17 000 cup of coffee
Hollywood goes vertical with smartphone-first drama series
The entertainment industry is embracing a new format designed specifically for mobile consumption. Vertical dramas – 60-second episodes shot sideways for smartphones – are being produced rapidly in Hollywood for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
These “soap operas on cocaine,” as they’re being marketed, focus on sensational storylines involving werewolves and billionaires’ romantic entanglements. Producer Vincent Wang boasts of the format’s efficiency: “In 30 days we can get a show together. Hollywood takes two years.”
However, the content has drawn criticism for its controversial themes. With titles such as “Dominated by My Dad’s Boss” and “Mated to My Savage Alpha,” the genre frequently features abusive relationships and violent male protagonists.
Even performers acknowledge the problematic nature of their scripts. “I personally think it’s toxic,” admitted one actor interviewed by AFP on set. Nicholas McDonald, another actor in the productions, noted that “we all chuckle at some of the lines that are absolutely ridiculous,” while expressing hope that scripts will improve as the genre develops.
Irish harp maker measures time in tea cups
At 89 years old, Noel Anderson represents a dying breed as one of Ireland’s last traditional harp makers. Working from Srabane, Anderson has developed a unique way of measuring the time required for his craft.
“To make a big harp, I’ve got to drink at least 800 cups,” Anderson explained to AFP, referring to his tea consumption during the creation process. “The wee lap harps are different. But still a lot of tea, five to six hundred brews anyway,” he added with characteristic Irish humour.
Anderson shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to craft these cultural symbols that have represented Irish heritage for centuries. His dedication to the ancient art form demonstrates how traditional crafts persist in an increasingly digital world.
ALSO READ: On the lighter side: Red wine saves French cyclist’s life and croc baths in luxury resort pool
