Latest Stories from Charlie
Music streams reach record-breaking 4 trillion in 2023
On-demand streaming saw continual growth last year, despite a resurgence in physical media and a full return to live events. It follows similar trends in other industries, emphasising subscription models and digital licensing rather than outright ownership. In news that will be unsurprising to most, on-demand music streaming saw exceptional growth in 2023. According to data provided by music and entertainment data analysis firm Luminate, streaming increased by 22.3% over...
Our playbook guide to deceptive fossil fuel practices: part six
When it comes to the insidious techniques that the industry is using to greenwash its image, undermine climate negotiations, and delay progress, there are many. This time, weβre examining how fossil fuel companies infiltrate climate policy and decision making. COP28 is almost over. With this yearβs climate negotiations drawing to a close, you may be wondering just how effective and meaningful the whole ordeal has been. Are we any closer to...
βRizzβ named word of the year by Oxford University Press
Gen Zβs favourite TikTok buzzword βrizzβ was crowned word of the year for 2023. Unsure what that means? A brush up on your social media dialect might be in order. The word βrizzβ has been named word of the year by the Oxford University Press. Based on more than 32,000 votes and final judgement from a team of language experts, the word is defined as βstyle, charm, or attractiveness; the ability...
Our playbook guide to deceptive fossil fuel practices: part two
When it comes to the insidious techniques that the industry is using to undermine climate negotiations and delay progress, there are many. Here, we break down how marketing is used to put pressure on the individual rather than corporations. Well, itβs that time of year again. COP28 is now underway, promising once again to renew our international efforts for a cleaner future and a greener world. This year, the event announced...
YouTuber βThe Completionistβ facing claims of charitable negligence
Long time YouTuber Jirard Khalil, known as βThe Completionistβ, is facing accusations of withholding over $600,000 USD in charitable donations over a span of nine years. If youβve ever donated money to the Open Hand Foundation as part of the annual IndieLand livestreaming event, itβs likely that your money hasnβt actually gone anywhere. Organised by Jirard Khalil, a gaming YouTuber better known as βThe Completionistβ, IndieLand brings together tons of...
Is banning suicide forums an effective means of mental health support?
A recent BBC investigation puts pressure on UK authorities to shut down an online forum that freely discusses suicide. Is it the right call, or is it placing too much attention on a symptomatic cause rather than the root problem? TW: This article discusses mental health issues and suicide. If you are in need of urgent help, please refer to the NHS website here for a...
Denmarkβs plant-based roadmap sees massive success
The Danish government published a plan that gives insight into how it will transition toward widespread plant-based alternative foods in 2021. The first round of funding applications has been massively oversubscribed. Denmark has seen huge success in its efforts to transition into plant-based foods nationwide. Proposals were published by the Danish Ministry of Food as part of the political agricultural agreement in 2021. In the plan, the government said it...
PokΓ©mon and Van Gogh collaboration causes scalping chaos
A recent promotional collaboration between PokΓ©mon and the Van Gogh Museum lead to commotion both online and in person, as scalpers attempted to make a profit from reselling. The PokΓ©mon company has apologised for the chaos that ensued after launching a new collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Last week, the museum opened a new exhibit that showcased several depictions of famous PokΓ©mon re-imagined within some of Van Goghβs...
Tinder rolls out new βSELECTβ feature for $499 USD a month
The new premium tier will allow paying users to see the βmost sought after profilesβ, promises to boost their profile, and grants the ability to DM others even if they havenβt matched. Tinder is rolling out an exclusive and expensive new feature called βSELECTβ. Operating as an invite-only subscription model, SELECT will allow users to be part of a VIP premium tier for the cool price of $499 USD a...
Bond Street station advertising shows scope of public space commodification
For one week, Londonβs Bond Street station was renamed βBurberry Streetβ to advertise the fashion house of the same name. It caused outrage and shows how public spaces are increasingly being used to aggressively advertise. Commuters in London were left confused last week when Bond Street station was changed to βBurberry Streetβ in collaboration with the fashion house of the same name. Complaints were sent to TfL by travellers who...
