Articles by Stephen Downes


Normie’s ‘no hormones’ ad only appeals to hormone replacement set

Normie Rowe is “fuming over claims he’s sold out to big business” by appearing in the infamous “no added hormones” meat ad for Coles supermarkets. But the real story is that it’s just so awful.

And the Wankley goes to … the Daily Tele’s mobile radiation shield story

Wherever he was on Thursday, Stephen Fenech’s ears must have been burning, but it wasn’t because of harmful electromagnetic radiation from his mobile phone.

Tumbling Rice: out of sight, out of sponsor’s mind, out of the Jag

Sponsors do need to be careful that termination of an endorsement or sponsorship does not land them in further trouble, either in terms of consumer sentiment or, indeed, legal and financial liability.

World Cup: Soccer in the supermarket: undies selling fast

Leading supermarket brands are going head-to-head for extra sales that comes from love of the Socceroos. But just ‘cause its green and gold, doesn’t mean it’s official merchandise.

Herald Sun between a Rockefeller and a hard place on online discussion

Herald Sun columnist Robyn Riley wrote of how “heartbreaking” it must be for the family of Herman Rockefeller “to so publicly have the details of his death aired, discussed and dissected.” The concern didn’t seem particularly authentic in a paper that has continued to run hard on the story.

Williams’ ‘G moments’: Gatorade, God ambush Oz Open

Serena Williams’ winning streak appears to apply to more than just her tennis pursuits. Her on-court endorsement of her sponsor after winning the Oz Open won’t do her any commercial harm.

Who ya gonna call? Ghost boasters apparently

Did A Current Affair last night risk its credibility as a “scam-busting” program by not challenging a company’s claims of “scientific” ghost hunting method?

It’s hard to be a bear, part 1

I’m happy to admit that it’s very hard to hold a bear perspective, when according to my body clock it’s still hibernation time, writes Steve Keen.