Microsoft has been employing PR firms to work full-time on “Google-bashing” and hosts secret strategy sessions known as “screw Google” meetings, as part of a broader campaign to discredit the search giant, inside sources tell Daily Finance.
August, 2009
Was Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones murdered?
Forty years after his death, police are reopening the investigation into the death of Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones, with new evidence unearthed by the Daily Mail suggesting foul play may have been afoot. Can they get some satisfaction?
The five ballsiest lies ever told in journalism
When it comes to lies in the media, there’s the warrants-five-minutes-on-Media-Watch stuff, and then there are these tall tales. Cracked wraps some of the biggest, ballsiest bits of BS to ever hit the front pages.
VIDEO: Wireless electricity
“Wires suck” says electrician and innovator Eric Giler, so a team of
Olmert finally makes history, but for all the wrong reasons
Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has been formerly indicted on the corruption charges that led to his resignation. He was a man that history might once have remembered for a commitment to peace and diplomacy, says Gil Hoffman, but will now be forever remembered as a criminal.
Getting a handle on clever advertising
Clever ways advertisers have integrated humble door and bus handles into their marketing campaigns, transforming them into hair, motorbike handles, beer mugs and even a very morbid noose.
A Legoland of classic photos
Ever imagined what some of the most iconic photographs of all time would look like if recreated with Lego characters? Wonder no more, thanks to photographer Mike Stimpson.
Dubbya’s daughter is new Today show anchor
George W. Bush’s daughter, Jenna Bush — a 27-year-old teacher with no media experience — has landed a gig as an anchor on NBC’s morning news and talk show Today.
Does the media have a recession obsession?
The US media has been rife with stories that put a “human face” on the recession of late, with news outlets across the country — from MTV to Good Housekeeping running “riches-to-rags” stories.
Don’t forget about Nepal
Nepal isn’t given much thought in most Western country’s foreign policy discussions — but maybe it should be. Joshua Gross explains why the country’s potential as an enemy and an ally makes it worthy of our attention.
MasterChef set to be spoiled by sponsors
It was nice while it lasted: the forthcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef Australia will give its sponsors — including McDonald’s, Harvey Norman and Coles — “tailored on-air” integration, meaning more spruiking and less sauteing.
Canwest wins another extension
The Ten Network’s struggling Canadian parent Canwest has announced it has won yet another extension (we’ve lost count) from its senior lenders on a deadline to come up with a recapitalisation plan.
Mungo MacCallum: Nelson salutes, Howard on rights and the mess of NSW
Mungo MacCallum discusses Brendan Nelson’s departure, John Howard’s shameless return to his soap box, and Nathan Rees’ attempts to avoid the Obeid and Tripodi kiss of death.
Running a flagpole up Glenn Milne. Salute.
The Government’s insistence on signage for its projects is weird and offensive, but so is Glenn Milne’s comparison of Kevin Rudd to Kim Jong Il.
Political economy: RBA will be boldly decisive
The Reserve Bank board meets tomorrow, where it will hear tales of unexpected economic strength. There are, however, a few caveats…
Watching the slow death of traditional political TV, part 1
Is traditional political television dying? Have the likes of Insiders and the Laurie Oakes interview been left behind by new media and canny politicians? Bernard Keen weighs-in in the first of a two-part series.
ACCC head warns News and Fairfax over cartel risk
Graeme Samuel has reminded newspaper companies of the need to abide by the Trade Practices Act after Fairfax chief executive Brian McCarthy touted the possibility of talks with News Ltd last week.
Profit season’s last day dross and $1 billion loss
The last day of the 2008-09 profit season — and what a shocker it was.
In the wake of Katrina
As the flood waters rose in New Orleans, one doctor at the Memorial Medical Center allegedly led a team that euthanised seriously ill patients. Pro Publica and The New York Times funded an investigation into the story — and its far-reaching implications for disaster policy in America.
Timber strategy and a lesson in weasel words
The “rednecks” have won the battle over forest policy, and no one noticed, thanks to all the political spin attached, writes Frank Campbell.
Crikey Says: Murdoch talks journalism but lacks credibility
James Murdoch’s view on the media have a major credibility problem — they are the views of a Murdoch.
The Nelson diagnosis: does Turnbull suffer from narcissistic personality disorder?
Brendan Nelson has diagnosed the leader of his Liberal Party, Malcolm Turnbull with narcissistic personality disorder. Crikey asked personality disorder expert Professor Henry Jackson if the diagnosis is accurate.
Virgin gets its Twitter on
Virgin Blue announced a thousand $9 fares on its Twitter feed this morning. Is this the way of the future for cost-cutting airlines? asks Ben Sandilands.
