A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort
Thought for the Week
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday aged 95, discussing the concept of freedom in his autobiography.
Weekly High
It’s dangerously easy for people to forget the needy at Christmas- everyone is too busy. So, as part of a new campaign by NHS Blood and Transplant, a group of Santas went to give blood, dressed in seasonal attire, but left the building wearing all-white Father Christmas suits. Needless to say, we liked it a lot.
Image source: The Drum
Weekly Low
What’s the worst thing you could say in an interview with the press? How about this response from Milton Catelin, chief executive of the World Coal Association, following suggestions his industry is responsible for an unnecessarily high loss of human life: “We’re not denying there are negative aspects from the burning of coal, but the figures people talk about in terms of deaths from coal burning, you have to weigh those against what are the benefits of coal burning.”
Things that may happen in the next week
The cost of yesterday’s ferocious weather, which ravaged parts of the UK, will begin to be counted- the worst storm surge of its kind in 60 years. Any remaining Blockbuster stores will begin preparations to close once and for all as Britain moves closer to a 100% on-demand film rental future. Fresh questions will be asked over Facebook’s finances following news that £645million of the social network’s money might have somehow found its way to the Cayman Islands.
Just in case you missed it…
Twitter is set to introduce a new advertising service whereby brands can create groups of new and existing customers to target with campaigns and messages. Take a look at the details here.
If there is a success story, blunder, or news event you’d like to see included email helloATsmokinggun.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!
