A weekly roundup of talking points, sans effort

Thought for the week

“Cryptography forms the basis for trust online. By deliberately undermining online security in a short-sighted effort to eavesdrop, the NSA is undermining the very fabric of the internet.” Bruce Schneier, an encryption specialist and fellow at Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, quoted in The Guardian following new revelations that British and American governments have worked alongside tech firms to build in weaknesses to online security, making it easier for them to hack into personal accounts.

Weekly High

In what could be the meanest Weekly High we’ve had in some time, TV giant LG decided to trick some unsuspecting people into thinking the world was coming to an end whilst they were in a job interview. Talk about a stressful situation. Nevertheless, it shows off the clarity of the firm’s screens no end.

 

Weekly low

Whilst we’re all entitled to our opinion, hence free speech, there’s a limit to what we should share with the world. Perhaps clothing designer and (according to his Twitter handle) “Aspiring Humanitarian” Kenneth Cole should have a think about that before making light of Syria’s plight in a post that’s all about footwear. #badtaste

 

Things that may happen in the next week

The host city for the 2020 Olympic Games will be chosen as the Committee meets in Buenos Aires, Argentina- the candidates are Tokyo, Istanbul, and Madrid. A coconut detained by police in the Maldives amid fears it has black magic powers could be released (eaten, or thrown away). Pressure will mount to see Kenyan deputy Prime Minister William Ruto stand trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity after The Trial Chamber’s decision to excuse him from court.

Just in case you missed it…

A raft of new smart watches have been unveiled, with the first due to ship in the coming weeks. Take a look at our full story 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!