Latest Stories from Jamie
University of Pennsylvania to remove trans athletes from women’s sports
The University of Pennsylvania has revoked a set of records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, apologising to the female athletes ‘disadvantaged’ by her participation in 2022. We’re beginning to see the manifestation of Donald Trump’s reversal of anti-discrimination orders – specifically, when it comes to trans athletes participating in women’s sports. The University of Pennsylvania has this week modified a trio of school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas,...
The Oakley Meta smart glasses reek of surveillance capitalism
Billed as a wearable device to optimise physical performance, the Oakley Meta smart glasses may just be a catalyst for 24-7 surveillance and targeted advertising on an unprecedented level. Meta loves itself a hefty privacy scandal, and this could be another in the making. By now you’ve probably seen ads featuring Kylian Mbappe and Patrik Mahomes for the Oakley Meta ‘Performance AI glasses’. Taking a colossal dump on the second-gen...
Does Spotify have a porn problem?
AI-generated audio pornography and sex podcasts are ranking highly on Spotify and explicit video clips are being easily concealed from safeguards. The platform’s reactive moderation is under fire. Sex sells, we all know that. But what business does porn have being on the biggest music streaming app? Technically, sexually explicit content is prohibited on Spotify, but the app has a funny way of enforcing this rule. When porn is flagged by...
clash of the tyrants + tracking internet trolls
you’ll never see this face again Hey you. Half of the office are currently sunning it up in Cannes at a certain globally renowned festival - check our Insta stories - but us lanyardless members still have our noses to the grindstone. We’re not bitter or anything. But less of that and more of what you came for. Welcome back to the Common Thred newsletter. You’re here for a roundup of...
Our breathing patterns may be as unique as fingerprints
A team of scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute recently discovered that our nasal breathing patterns are so unique, people can be accurately identified on them alone. A study showed a success rate of 96.8%. Ready to become acutely aware of your bodily functions? Let’s get into it. As incomprehensible as it seems when you truly think about it, we’ve accepted that our fingerprints are entirely unique to each of us. Many...
Taking stock of the Trump Musk breakup
Over the last week, a public spat has caused seemingly irreparable damage to the relationship of arguably America’s two most powerful men. Beyond dented egos, what are we dealing with here? No more octagon-side dates at the UFC for these two former chums then. As quickly as the unnerving affinity grew between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, it has ended unceremoniously and likely irreparably. But how did the Tesla boss go...
UK ready to sue Roman Abramovich over frozen Ukraine funds
The former Chelsea FC owner was forced to sell up in 2022 after UK sanctions were actioned against the Russian oligarch. He was ordered to give the proceeds of the €2.97bn sale to Ukrainian victims of war, but has continually refused terms. Remember when the UK went after seven Russian oligarchs with sanctions following their home nation’s invasion of Ukraine back in 2022? The most recognisable among the names was billionaire...
The Gen Z lawyers and students reforming big law firms
The rigid and overtly traditional business of law is subtly being reshaped by Gen Z lawyers and law students. Billable hours and a culture of overworking are ebbing away in many organisations, as work-life balance and an emphasis on personability come into play. The business of law is serious for a reason, but is there room to make the industry lighter and less reticent for workers and clients alike? Gen...
The horror game anthology exploring the dark side of social media
BrokenLore’s upcoming addition to its horror anthology will explore the ways in which social media can negatively impact the mental health of young people. The dark themes reportedly include cyber bullying and body dysmorphia. What’s more unnerving than a good horror story? One rooted in real subjects we deal with every day. Black Mirror’s Charlie Brooker has made a career out of presenting audiences with disturbing and introspective fiction inspired by...
Universal Music Group’s ties to abuse scandals in West Africa
West African nonprofits allege that major Universal Music Group stakeholder Vincent Bolloré has built his fortune through abusive practices in the region. They’re urging the label’s artists to do their research before making charitable donations. Universal Music Group (UMG) represents some of the world’s biggest artists today, including Kendrick Lamar, his buddy Drake, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rhianna. Many of the music corporation’s global names, past and present, have travelled...
