Corporations and big businesses are not traditionally known for their sense of humour. Before social media, interacting with customers was a one-way street, with press releases and communiques all about toeing the company line in a staid and sensible way.
But when social media became their customer base's preferred way of communicating, many companies had to step into the brave new world of (whisper it!) humour, to keep their clients' attention and loyalty.
Here are 10 Twitter company accounts that are sure to make you laugh the next time you're scrolling through ...
1. Wendy’s, @Wendys
Whoever runs the US fast food chain Wendy’s Twitter account needs a raise and an extra side of fries. Wendy’s account stays on top of the zeitgeist, parodying celebrity events and politics, jumping on the latest trends and memes, and also takes regular pot shots at both its fast food competition and adoring fan base.
2. Pop-Tarts, @poptartsus
The sugary snack that usually ends up being the butt of most breakfast jokes, wants you all to know it’s in on the gag. It was most recently spied getting into it with dating app Tinder’s Twitter account, and accusing Jerry Seinfeld of being obsessed with them.
3. SparkNotes, @SparkNotes
The company that simplifies literary classics for students studying the works has emerged as a master of the Twitter game. It turns famous books, novelists and plot points into modern-day memes in ways that we're sure Jane Austen and William Shakespeare would approve.
4. Netflix, @Netflix
For a global company as young as Netflix, we'd be disappointed if it hadn't grasped this one simple premise of interacting with clients on Twitter: Be funny! Luckily for us, Netflix has nailed it as much as it's perfected binge watching.
5. Old Spice, @OldSpice
Yes, Old Spice, the aftershave beloved of grandads the world over, is a Twitter account you should definitely follow. Just going on its bio: "Muscles. Smells. Lazers. Gifs," you can tell that the company is in on the joke.
6. McDonald’s, @McDonalds
There’s no denying that Wendy’s Twitter account forced Maccy D’s to step up its social media game. Claiming in its bio that, “Grimace is a close personal friend of mine”, a recent Halloween tweet was a cry for help: “Plz stop tagging us in your 'Sexy Hamburglar' Halloween costume pics.”
7. Charmin, @Charmin
The US toilet paper brand has really leaned into the global pandemic-inspired run on lavatory paper, as well as providing plenty of good ol’ clean toilet-based humour. “We’re here for the runs,” they declared during the recent baseball World Series. Tee hee!
8. Moosejaw, @MoosejawMadness
The Canadian outdoor clothing brand has racked up more than 30,000 followers with plenty of outdoorsy humour. Declaring itself, "The most fun outdoor retailer on the planet", the hiking tips are not only helpful, but super funny. "You can hit your hiking partner with a trekking pole as hard as you want whenever you want as long as you follow it up with, 'Oh man, I think that was a scorpion. Are there scorpions out here?'"
9. JetBlue Airways, @jetblue
You may have to scroll a little, but the short haul US airline will deliver. In between tweets about destinations and onboard safety, you’ll find little nuggets such as this masterclass in Kim Kardashian trolling.
10. Denny’s, @DennysDiner
The American diner became hilariously obsessed with horror author Stephen King during Halloween, and continues to churn out funny content. Staying on the ball with memes and Gen Z trends, enjoy bon mots such as: "They say the customer is always right, and that's why Denny's trivia night was an absolute disaster."
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Read more:
Thriving, not just surviving: How savvy UAE entrepreneurs used social media to get ahead in a pandemic
The most stirring 2020 festive adverts so far: From John Lewis and Coca-Cola to Gucci and Amazon
Ariana Grande makes Instagram history: singer reaches a milestone of 200 million followers
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Match info
Premier League
Manchester United 2 (Martial 30', Lingard 69')
Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 26', Rojo 68' OG)
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Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
Racecard
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
9.30pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Results
6.30pm Madjani Stakes Rated Conditions (PA) I Dh160,000 I 1,900m I Winner: Mawahib, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm Maiden Dh150,000 I 1,400m I Winner One Season, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar
7.40pm: Maiden Dh150,000 I 2,000m I Winner Street Of Dreams, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8.15pm Dubai Creek Listed I Dh250,000 I 1,600m I Winner Heavy Metal, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.50pm The Entisar Listed I Dh250,000 I 2,000m I Winner Etijaah, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
9.25pm The Garhoud Listed I Dh250,000 I 1,200m I Winner Muarrab, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
10pm Handicap I Dh160,000 I 1,600m I Winner Sea Skimmer, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
Company name: Play:Date
Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day
Founder: Shamim Kassibawi
Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US
Sector: Tech
Size: 20 employees
Stage of funding: Seed
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital