Gazetteer: Bankers get a spanking

Published on Monday 13 October 2008 21:53

GAME OVER

CITY fat cats are perhaps not the most popular of people at the moment.

Now an online game maker is encouraging the public to get their own back on the financial sector – without actually harming the bonus-laden workers.

"Spank the Banker" stars a pinstripe-suited City worker carrying a briefcase, standing outside a bank with the words "gone bust" scribbled on a sign hanging on the door.

Players pull a large hammer downwards and a fist propels the banker into the air – ending with a violent landing on the pavement.

As he flies into the air, he utters: "Tewwibly sowwy about your money old boy – I blame the markets" and "Where's my Blackbewwy?".

Mousebreaker.com says: "This game will allows users to vent their frustrations online and not on the trading floor."

FACT OF THE DAY

4.7bn

THE number of page impressions a week for UK online betting company Betfair, which has signed up its two millionth customer – just 20 months after breaking through the one million barrier. Betfair handles an average of five million transactions a day – more than all of Europe's stock exchanges combined.

KILLER QUOTE

"THE rising tide and the falling tide lift the boats and drop the boats in the same way."

David Brennan, chief executive of drugmaker AstraZeneca, who does not believe the financial crisis offers extra buying opportunities

GOOD DAY

No-one

AFTER a comprehensive search, the combined might of The Scotsman's business team failed to find anyone having a good day yesterday. Suggestions by e-mail or postcard for suitable candidates for today's slot.

BAD DAY

PlayStation3 fans

SONY, the Japanese electronics giant , has ruled out cutting the cost of its PlayStation3 before Christmas, insisting that the games console is better value than rival machines.