Latest Stories from Jamie
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...
Xbox to integrate Steam according to industry insider
Months after initial rumours Microsoft was plotting to support Steam on Xbox, a gaming insider has made fresh claims that internal testing is taking place. What would this integration mean for console gaming going forward? All signs still point to Xbox becoming more service than hardware in the near future. Sony’s long-spanning domination of console sales has effectively ended the console wars, and former rival Microsoft is now fully leaning...
Dutch climate campaigners vow to take Shell to court again
Originally arguing that Shell should reduce its emissions by 45% in line with the Paris climate agreement, Dutch climate non-profit Milieudefensie has vowed to take Shell to court for a second time in quick succession. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again. Abiding by this mantra, Dutch climate non-profit ‘Milieudefensie’ is hoping that getting Shell back in court will prove more fruitful than the last time out. Initially...
