1) When a single institution becomes so powerful, that it has total control over a certain commodity, service or industry. This can't actually exist, because it can't ever be truly 100%. At least, not until we live in a futurisitic dystopia where the
government/corporations/intelligent computers/big-headed aliens use mind control, rayguns and/or the Matrix to enforce control.
An example of an "Almost-monopoly" is Microsoft, who many
people say have a monopoly of the Desktop PC Operating System market. This isn't true, as a small percentage of
people use Macs or
Linux PC's. Hell, you can even use FreeBSD as a desktop system.
2) A family game where
people play shoes, irons and cowboy hats masquerading as CEO's vying for economic world domination.
Based largely on luck, but skill/know-how can also be used, as is proved by a sad person I know who spent his young life getting good at the game so that, for once, he would be better than others at something. Usually, however, the game degenerates into petty fights and shouting matches.
1) Communism is total monopoly by the
government.
2) (Simpsons quote):
Lou- Another case of Monopoly related violence,
chief.
Wiggum- How
do those Parker brothers sleep at night?
