Labubu is a designer toy created by Hong Kong artist kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart.

How much does a Labubu cost?

Prices vary widely depending on the variant, ranging from a few dollars for a standard blind box to over $150,000 for rare, limited-edition figures.

Where can I buy a Labubu?

Official Pop Mart stores, online retailers, and secondary marketplaces are potential sources, but beware of counterfeits.

Is Labubu a boy or a girl?

Labubu is female, despite common misconceptions.

Lafufu is a term used to describe counterfeit Labubu dolls.

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World

The Retro Economy Wants Your Black Friday Cart

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 16, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Retro ‌Tech and nostalgia-Driven Gifts Poised to Dominate 2024 Black Friday Sales

NEW YORK – November 15, 2024 – As Black⁤ Friday approaches, a‍ surprising trend is gaining momentum: retro-inspired ‌technology and ⁤design are expected to be major drivers of sales. From turntables with modern conveniences to chargers styled like vintage computers, consumers are blending⁣ nostalgia with practicality, creating a unique “retro economy”⁤ primed for a strong⁤ showing during ⁢Cyber Week. Online sales are ⁣projected to ‌reach record ⁣totals, and these ‌items offer a ‍compelling combination of fun and value for deal-seeking shoppers.

The appeal lies in‍ balancing familiarity with novelty.Products like turntables featuring built-in ‍phono preamps‌ – such as the audio-Technica AT-LP60X – offer a classic experience with modern usability.This trend⁤ extends to⁣ items like the Teenage Engineering ⁢PO-80 ⁢Record factory, allowing users to create their ⁤own five-inch vinyl records, and the Light‌ Phone II, a minimalist E-ink handset designed to minimize digital distraction. Even charging accessories are getting the retro treatment, exemplified by the Sharge Retro 67 GaN Charger, which mimics the aesthetic of a classic⁤ Macintosh computer.

According to ⁤industry analysis,‌ this surge⁤ in retro-themed purchases reflects a broader consumer mood focused on practicality, value, and compelling storytelling. The 2024 shopper is actively seeking ‌items that offer both function and‍ a connection to the past. This trend is further fueled by ‍the ease of sharing ‍analog experiences – like vinyl records and instant photos – ⁢on ⁣modern social media platforms.

November 16, 2025 0 comments

World

Title: Tech Transforming Baseball: Data, AI, and the Future of the Game

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 2, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Baseball’s Future is⁤ Now: Tech Revolution⁢ Reshapes the Game in 2025

PHOENIX,AZ – November 1,2025 – ⁤Major League Baseball is undergoing a seismic ⁤shift,moving beyond customary scouting and gut feelings to a data-driven future powered⁤ by cutting-edge technology.In 2025, teams‌ are no longer just building rosters; they’re ‌building and⁢ stress-testing a comprehensive ⁢tech stack designed to⁢ optimize player performance, refine decision-making, ‍and ultimately, win championships. From advanced bat-tracking and virtual reality training⁤ to AI-assisted game management,‍ the game’s brain trust is embracing a new era of analytics.

This ‍isn’t simply about incremental‌ improvements; it’s a fundamental ⁣reimagining of how baseball is played and ⁤managed. For‍ general managers, the‌ stakes are high – those who successfully integrate these technologies stand to⁢ gain a notable competitive advantage, while those who lag behind risk falling further behind in a rapidly evolving landscape. The Dodgers and blue Jays are leading the charge, but every front office is preparing to adopt⁢ similar systems next spring, transforming October baseball into a data-driven spectacle.

Debugging the Swing & Facing the Ace in VR

Statcast‘s expanded bat-tracking capabilities are providing managers⁢ with unprecedented insight into hitter mechanics, allowing them to analyze swing speed, swing⁤ length, and “squared-up” rates beyond traditional box-score statistics. This provides a “debugging console for the human swing,”⁤ according to MLB.com. Simultaneously, virtual reality and⁤ “face the ace” simulators, like ⁢the Trajekt Arc machine, are becoming the new standard for live batting practice. Twenty-plus clubs are utilizing these ‍systems to allow hitters to practice against⁣ simulated opponent deliveries, spin‌ rates,‍ and release points, resulting in measurable timing improvements, as reported by The Washington Post.

Pitcher⁤ Analysis & Wearable Tech

markerless motion capture technology,⁣ such as KinaTrax, is revolutionizing pitcher growth. These systems reconstruct a pitcher’s 3D skeleton in-game without the need for ⁤reflective markers,enabling coaches ⁣and⁤ general managers to analyze‍ and adjust mechanics pitch-by-pitch. The New York Post ⁤noted this technology is proving persuasive enough to influence free agent decisions, attracting players ‍to teams with advanced pitch labs. Alongside⁢ this, wearable technology⁤ like WHOOP straps, approved for in-game use years ago, provide continuous recovery and sleep data, while bat sensors from Blast⁣ Motion are powering⁤ swing redesigns across organizations and affiliates, ‍offering GMs real-time insights into health risk and development ROI.

AI Takes the Field

The integration of artificial intelligence reached a milestone in a Pioneer League game where the Oakland Ballers ⁤ran⁢ a game largely on ⁢AI recommendations – including pinch-hit and pitching change decisions – with ⁣a human skipper providing oversight, as reported by AP ⁣News. This experiment, ⁤while unconventional, highlights the potential for AI to aid in in-game decision-making, prompting GMs to consider‌ both the opportunities and the necessary safeguards.

November 2, 2025 0 comments

World

Convenience Stores Are Serving Gourmet Food Now

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 25, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Road Trip Refresh: Gas Stations Elevate Food ‌Game, Challenging Convenience Store Norms

LA CROSSE, WI ‍ – Forget stale⁣ coffee and predictable chips. The American road trip ‍is undergoing a culinary upgrade as convenience store chains nationwide roll out unexpectedly ⁣elegant food offerings, from fresh lasagna ‌to chef-curated charcuterie. What was once a last resort for sustenance is rapidly ⁤becoming a destination ‌for discerning palates.

This shift reflects a broader‌ trend in the $280.7 billion convenience store industry, were retailers‌ are increasingly focused on attracting customers with higher-quality food⁣ options‌ to boost margins and compete with fast-casual restaurants. For travelers,⁣ it means ⁣a ⁣welcome break from the predictable, and perhaps a surprising culinary highlight on the highway. The evolution is impacting chains large and small,from regional favorites to expanding giants.

Kwik‍ Trip,a Midwest mainstay,now delivers daily fresh “Take Home Meals” – including beef stroganoff and fettuccine alfredo – prepared in‍ its La Crosse,Wisconsin,kitchens. ⁣Buc-ee’s, known for its expansive Texas-sized‌ stores, ⁢boasts a fudge program⁣ with over 20 flavors and a wall ‍of house-made jerky. Even smaller chains are joining the fray: Pennsylvania’s rutter’s allows customers⁢ to top burgers with mozzarella sticks or crab cakes, and once served a burger between two grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Beyond individual menu items, some chains are rethinking the entire convenience store experiance. ‌Alltown Fresh, a New England concept, offers catering⁢ services including charcuterie boards, recognizing the pairing potential with its beverage selection. meanwhile,‍ Laredo Taco company, found inside select 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations, is serving tacos that would impress a ⁢dedicated taquería.

The Midwest chain ‌Casey’s has also entered the premium food space, introducing BBQ pulled-pork pizza and‍ King’s Hawaiian pulled-pork sliders as seasonal limited-time offers. Thes developments signal a⁣ clear message: the days of the basic gas station⁤ snack are numbered,and the open road now offers⁣ a more flavorful journey.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

World

10 Curious Facts About Bailouts and How They’ve Evolved

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

The Emergency button That Keeps Getting Reinstalled: A History of Last-Resort Banking Interventions

Geneva ⁤-⁢ From‍ Silicon‌ Valley‍ Bank to Credit Suisse,and ⁢even a ‍1991‌ airlift of Indian gold,global financial authorities have⁢ repeatedly demonstrated a⁢ willingness to ‍deploy unusual measures to prevent systemic collapse. These ‍interventions, ‍frequently enough involving the rewriting⁣ of financial rules and the prioritization of stability over ⁢established investor hierarchies, raise critical questions about ⁢moral hazard⁤ and the enduring reliance on “emergency buttons” in a world seemingly determined to test ‍thier limits.

These aren’t theoretical exercises. The past three years alone have witnessed a surge in these dramatic rescues, signaling a pattern of escalating intervention. ⁢While intended to ⁤prevent wider economic‍ contagion, each ‌instance reopens debates about fairness, risk-taking,⁤ and‍ the long-term consequences of shielding institutions deemed “too big to fail.” The frequency with which these buttons are pressed suggests a basic tension: the inherent instability of modern⁢ finance versus the political and economic costs of allowing major institutions to fall.

Here’s a look at ten instances where authorities hit the panic button:

Long-Term Capital Management (1998): A near-collapse of‌ the⁣ highly leveraged hedge fund LTCM prompted a coordinated bailout orchestrated by the Federal ⁣Reserve, fearing widespread disruption ⁤to credit ‌markets.

Bear Stearns (2008): The Fed⁣ facilitated the sale ⁣of Bear Stearns to JPMorgan Chase, providing financial backing to avert a broader panic during the initial stages of the⁤ 2008 financial crisis.

AIG⁣ (2008): The government provided a massive ⁤$180 billion bailout to American International Group,the world’s largest‌ insurance company,to prevent ⁣its failure from triggering a cascading effect throughout the financial system.

Citigroup (2008-2009): Citigroup received multiple ‌injections of government capital and guarantees on its assets, totaling ‌over $45 billion, to stabilize the struggling bank.

Ireland (2008-2010): The Irish‍ government guaranteed ⁤all deposits in its banks, ultimately leading to a‍ sovereign debt crisis and a €67.5 ⁣billion bailout from the EU and IMF.

Greece (2010-2018): Greece required three separate bailouts from the EU,IMF,and European Central Bank,totaling over €289 billion,to avoid defaulting on ⁢its sovereign debt.

Cyprus ‌(2013): As part of a €10‌ billion bailout, Cyprus imposed a ⁣controversial “haircut” on depositors, wiping out a portion ⁢of savings in its two largest banks.

Silicon valley Bank (2023): Citing a systemic⁤ risk exception, all depositors were made whole following the bank’s collapse; shareholders and certain creditors were not. Concurrently, the Fed launched the Bank Term Funding Program to⁢ funnel liquidity against Treasuries at par.

Credit Suisse (2023): UBS acquired credit Suisse‍ with massive liquidity ‍support from ⁢Switzerland.AT1 bondholders were wiped ⁢out⁤ (CHF 16B) while shareholders received UBS stock,a ⁤move that sparked⁢ global scrutiny ‍of AT1 bonds.

India (1991): Facing a balance-of-payments crisis, the Reserve Bank of India airlifted approximately 47 tons of gold‌ to the Bank of England to ‍secure emergency foreign‍ exchange.

September 28, 2025 0 comments

World

College Costs Skyrocket: A 2025 Survival Guide

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 13, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

The New College Cost Crisis: Forget FOMO, It’s All About FOMP

By Priyashah, World-Today-News.com

As students‌ prepare to head‍ off to college this fall, a new anxiety is ⁢gripping families: not the fear of missing out (FOMO), but the ‍ fear of missing a payment (FOMP).‌ The escalating cost of higher education is reaching a fever pitch, transforming the college ‍experience into a financial⁢ tightrope walk for students and parents alike.

The ⁢numbers are⁤ staggering.The ⁣University of chicago currently leads the‌ pack with a jaw-dropping $92,000 annual price tag for tuition and fees alone, narrowly edging out Harvey Mudd College’s $89,500. But the⁤ sticker shock ⁣isn’t limited to elite ⁤institutions.

According to recent data, the average in-state tuition at ‍public‌ four-year universities is $24,920 for the 2024-25 academic‌ year,‌ while out-of-state students face bills of $44,090. Private colleges aren’t much better, with a ‌typical annual cost of $58,600 before factoring in ⁤room, ⁣board, books, and the unavoidable “decompression ‍snacks.” The “all-in” cost at a private nonprofit now averages ⁣a breathtaking $62,990 per year.

A⁤ Two-decade Tuition Surge

This isn’t a sudden spike; it’s the culmination⁤ of decades of relentless increases. Public four-year tuition has⁤ soared 179% in the last 20 years, dramatically outpacing overall inflation. Private nonprofit tuition has risen by 128% in the⁢ same ⁣period. As ‍1977, college⁣ tuition and fees have experienced an average annual inflation rate of 6%‍ or more – double the rate of other sectors.

To put that into outlook: the cost ⁢of today’s tuition could ⁤have purchased an entire house in‌ the late 1970s. Now, it barely covers a dorm room.

Beyond⁢ Tuition: The ‍Hidden Costs

The financial burden⁢ extends far beyond tuition. Dorm life, once a ⁤relatively affordable option, is becoming increasingly expensive. At‌ cornell University, a basic double room will ⁤cost $13,246 for ‍the 2025-26 academic⁤ year, while ‌a ⁣”super-single” will set ‌families back $15,994.

Even seemingly small expenses⁣ are climbing.⁣ A simple one-inch binder now costs $1.50⁤ – a 50% increase in ⁢just one‍ year. A wooden pencil? ⁣Twenty cents, double the⁢ price from 2024. ‌While a 24-pack⁣ of crayolas remains a rare stable⁤ price, the overall trend is⁢ clear: the cost of‌ equipping a student for college is skyrocketing.

As families ⁤navigate this new landscape ⁢of financial ⁤pressure, careful⁣ planning and exploration of all‍ available ⁤financial aid options⁤ will be more critical than⁤ ever.The dream‍ of⁣ higher ⁣education remains within reach, but it requires a clear-eyed understanding of the true⁤ cost -⁢ and⁢ a proactive approach to managing the financial realities of college in ⁣2025 and beyond.

September 13, 2025 0 comments

Technology

From Bridal Boutiques to Blockchain

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 16, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

The Labubu Phenomenon: From Designer‍ Toy to Billion-Dollar Craze

Table of Contents

The Labubu Phenomenon: From Designer‍ Toy to Billion-Dollar Craze

A surprising new‌ trend is captivating collectors and casual shoppers alike: the Labubu plushie. What began‌ as a designer toy created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung has rapidly evolved into a billion-dollar cultural movement, with prices soaring and a thriving secondary market. From⁤ unexpected retail partnerships to cryptocurrency integrations, the Labubu craze demonstrates the potent force of online communities and the evolving landscape of collectible culture.

The Rise of a Snaggle-Toothed ⁣Sprite

Labubu, designed by Kasing Lung, is a character produced by Pop Mart, a company pioneering the designer toy⁤ market [[1]]. The toy’s popularity exploded in recent months, fueled by social media platforms like TikTok and a sense of ⁣exclusivity driven by limited releases.Notably, Labubu is female, a detail frequently enough misconstrued by new fans [[2]].

Where to Find a Labubu in 2025

Acquiring a Labubu has become increasingly⁣ challenging. Collectors in Los Angeles actively seek out “surprise drops” from Pop Mart vending machines ⁢located in Westfield⁢ Century City and Glendale Galleria. those who miss these limited-time opportunities ‌may find themselves paying significantly inflated prices at nearby Japanese ⁢gift shops. Pop‍ Mart also hosts twice-weekly live‌ streams, resembling a QVC-style event‍ for⁣ gen Z, where ⁣speedy reflexes are needed to⁤ secure a ‍blind⁢ box before automated bots snatch ‌them up.

The Labubu phenomenon has⁣ even extended into the cryptocurrency world. A LABUBU token is available on exchanges like MEXC, allowing collectors⁤ to trade and perhaps redeem for plushies during promotional events. This integration‍ highlights ⁤the growing intersection of collectibles and Web3 technologies.

Customization and the Creator Economy

The labubu craze has sparked a ‌vibrant customization scene. Etsy sellers are creating a wide range of‌ accessories,⁣ from⁣ sports jerseys and miniature⁢ hats to 40-ounce stanley tumblers designed for the 5-inch plushies. TikTok DIYers are experimenting with airbrushing techniques, transforming the figures ⁤with pastel gradients, while Instagram ⁢artists offer custom repaint services, creating unique and elaborate designs.

Did You‍ Know? The customization trend reflects a broader ⁤cultural shift where consumers actively participate in co-creation and personalization, extending the lifecycle and value of collectible items.

Soaring Prices and‍ the Collectible Market

The demand for rare Labubu variants has driven prices to ⁢unprecedented levels.The following table illustrates the current market value of some of the most sought-after ⁤figures:

Labubu Variant	Price (USD)	notable Feature
Mint-Green 131 cm “Human-Sized”	150,000+	One-of-a-kind; life-size collectible.
Labubu × Vans Old Skool	55,000	Collaboration with the⁢ iconic sneaker brand.
MEGA Sketch 1000%	38,000	Extremely limited⁢ chase ratio.

the Dark ⁢Side: Counterfeits and Scams

The popularity of Labubu has‍ attracted scammers, ‍leading to a ‌surge in counterfeit products. U.K.trading standards raids have seized thousands of fake dolls containing toxic dyes and exhibiting poor construction. Consumers in the U.S. have reported being defrauded ⁤by sketchy websites advertised on TikTok, receiving either‌ nothing or low-quality knock-offs.

Pro Tip: Always verify the authenticity‌ of⁤ a Labubu by checking for Pop Mart’s hologram‌ QR code on ⁣the box and scrutinizing the quality of the doll’s features. A suspiciously⁣ cheerful ‍grin could indicate a counterfeit.

The rise‌ of “Lafufu” – counterfeit Labubu dolls – underscores the importance of due diligence when purchasing from secondary‍ markets. Resellers are also ⁤employing bots to quickly‍ purchase official stock,‌ then relisting them at inflated prices, exacerbating the problem.

Labubu and the Future of Collectibles

The Labubu phenomenon is ⁢more than just a fleeting trend. ⁣It represents a ⁤significant shift in the collectible market, driven by social media, limited releases, and the desire for unique⁢ and personalized items. Whether Labubu maintains its current level of popularity⁢ remains to be seen [[3]], ⁣but its impact on the culture is undeniable.

What role ⁢do you think social media plays in driving the demand for‍ collectibles ⁤like Labubu? And how will brands adapt ⁤to meet the evolving ⁢expectations of collectors in the digital age?

Labubu: A cultural Snapshot

The Labubu craze reflects broader trends in contemporary culture, including the rise ‍of “kawaii” aesthetics, the growing influence of Asian⁤ art and design, and the increasing importance of online communities⁣ in shaping consumer behavior. The toy’s⁤ appeal lies in ⁤its unique blend of cuteness and⁣ edginess, resonating with a⁤ generation that values individuality and self-expression. The‍ integration of cryptocurrency and NFTs further ‍demonstrates the blurring⁤ lines between the physical and⁢ digital worlds.

Frequently ‍Asked ‌Questions ‌About Labubu

What is a Labubu? Labubu is a designer toy created by Hong Kong artist Kasing⁢ Lung and produced ‍by Pop Mart.
How much does a Labubu cost? Prices vary widely depending‍ on the variant, ranging from a few⁣ dollars for a standard blind box to over $150,000 for rare, limited-edition figures.
Where can I buy a Labubu? Official Pop Mart stores, online retailers, and secondary marketplaces are potential sources, but beware of⁤ counterfeits.
Is Labubu a boy or a girl? Labubu is female, despite common misconceptions.
What is a Lafufu? Lafufu is a term used to ⁣describe counterfeit Labubu dolls.

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive⁢ into the ⁢world of Labubu! Share this article with your fellow collectors and ‍let ‌us know your ‍thoughts in the comments below. Don’t ⁤forget to subscribe to World Today ‌News ‌for more breaking‌ news and insightful analysis.

August 16, 2025 0 comments

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