Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Cindy Yu, Jamie Timson and Rebekah Evans.
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
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Automation and the elderly
When an elderly couple were charged £110 by Ryanair to print out their boarding passes this week, the airline was roundly criticised. But is this a portent of wider problems to come? Rail companies are planning to close ticket offices, an increasing number of shops are refusing to take cash and many services now require an app or an online account. Will those unable or unwilling to use technology find themselves excluded from society?
Edgy books
A children’s book on Princess Diana has garnered controversy this week, as it intends to discuss bulimia. While some have suggested tackling such a sensitive topic is a pioneering force for education and openness, others find it inappropriate to introduce young children to such themes. Is omitting challenging topics from childrens’ literature a form of censorship? Or do authors and parents alike have a duty to shield young minds from issues they do not yet understand?
Women and alcohol
A new study in the US has found that more women are dying from alcohol than ever before. Experts point the finger at an increase in marketing of alcohol towards women with surveys suggesting more women are drinking to excess for fun than ever before - but is enough known on the gender divide when it comes to how alcohol affects the body and what about the ‘sober curious’ next generation of adults?
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5 calamitous cartoons about the Washington Post layoffsCartoons Artists take on a new chapter in journalism, democracy in darkness, and more
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Political cartoons for February 14Cartoons Saturday's political cartoons include a Valentine's grift, Hillary on the hook, and more
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Tourangelle-style pork with prunes recipeThe Week Recommends This traditional, rustic dish is a French classic
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The Week Unwrapped: Have televised confessions quelled protests in Iran?Podcast Plus, why has Elon Musk turned from Mars to the Moon? And will the BBC prove to be a puzzles champ?
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The Week Unwrapped: Why are there so many Russian ships in the Channel?Podcast Plus, what does a ‘feminist’ approach to cancer involve? And who is Mickey’s new boss?
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The Week Unwrapped: Why is China clearing out its generals?Podcast Plus, can the Conservatives win back the centre? And what’s gone wrong with Britain’s hearing aids?
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The Week Unwrapped: What can we learn from a tool-wielding cow?Podcast Plus, have we reached ‘peak billionaire’? When should troops disobey their superiors?
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The Week Unwrapped: Will Uganda’s pop-star politician prevail?Podcast Plus, is dodgy data undermining medical research? And what does a new app reveal about Chinese society?
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The Week Unwrapped: Is Elon Musk’s AI tool a platform for abuse?Podcast Plus can Mumsnet predict who will be the next PM? And who is still watching Avatar sequels?
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The Week Unwrapped: What’s the cost of PFAs?Podcast Plus why is George Osborne joining OpenAI? And has universal basic income finally come of age?
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The Week Unwrapped: what’s scuppering Bulgaria’s Euro dream?Podcast Plus has Syria changed, a year on from its revolution? And why are humans (mostly) monogamous?
