The week that was


Entry #102

TWTW: #102
Booze, Burgers and a Terrifying Bunny


Author: Niamh Boylan

We were all devastated by the news of Caroline Flack’s death this week, sparking global debates on the role of social media and the British press.

As professionals in the media industry, we’re well aware of the damaging effects that social media can have on individuals’ mental health; it can be a very negative space. It’s something plenty of our team have experienced.

But it can be a positive environment.

Be kind to one another. Remember other ‘users’ are real people too. And use it as a way to talk, to laugh, and to discover.

In that spirit, here are five things that happened this week that made us smile.

To Whom It May Concern

A 10-year-old Man United fan made headlines this week by penning a letter to Liverpool’s Manager, Jurgen Klopp, asking him if it’d be possible for Liverpool to kindly ‘lose’ a few games this season.

He wrote: “Liverpool are winning too many games. If you win nine more games then you have the best unbeaten run in English football. Being a United fan that is very sad.”

“So the next time Liverpool play, please make them lose. You should just let the other team score. I hope I have convinced you to not win the league or any other match ever again.”

Much to his surprise, Klopp sent a personal reply back to the bold 10-year-old.

And although he couldn’t grant young Daragh’s request to “let the other team score”, he did compliment him on his passion for football and told him that Manchester United are lucky to have him as a fan.

Fair play, Jurgen, fair play.

Source: Getty Images / Gordon Curley via BBC News

Source: Gordon Curley via BBC News

Breaking The Mold

The fast-food feud between Burger King and McDonalds continued this week, with BK serving its new ‘Moldy Whopper’ ad.

The advert depicts a mold-infested Whopper; a campaign highlighting the burger as completely artificial and preservative free – unlike its… ahem… competitors…

The campaign grinds against everything advertisers and consumers recognise as the norm in food advertising, and has naturally raised some criticism amongst skeptics. 

But we like it. 

It’s brave, it’s eye-catching, and it conveys a good message. 

Burger King, we salute you.

Source: Burger King via Creative Review

Source: Burger King via Creative Review

Source: Burger King via Creative Review

Mic Drop

Tuesday night saw London rapper Dave take Album of the Year at the Brits, becoming only the second artist to win best album at the Brits and the Mercury Prize in the same year. 

But it was the 21-year-old’s powerful performance of Black that got people talking. 

In a newly-written verse, he called out the government’s response to the Grenfell fire and looked directly into the camera whilst calling the prime minister a ‘real racist.’ 

He also addressed the tabloid coverage of Meghan Markle, and paid tribute to the London Bridge terror attack victim Jack Merritt. 

Dave’s personal performance has been likened to Stormzy’s furious attack on Theresa May two years earlier, when he demanded “where’s the money for Grenfell?” on the Brits stage.

And we’re here for it.

Source: Reuters via BBC News

Source: Getty Images via BBC News

Speaking of the Brits

It wasn’t just Dave causing a scene at this year’s Brits.

Lizzo caused quite a stir when she hijacked Jack Whitehall’s ad break presenter spot to chug Harry Styles’ full glass of tequila, after Jack mistakenly took it for something a little…weaker. 

We guess she wasn’t saving it for two after all.

Stuff of Nightmares

Now we’re all for brands hopping on the holiday bandwagon. It’s a quick marketing win that consumers go wild for.

But what happens when it goes wrong?

Well, try asking M&S. 

Spring is just around the corner. And to mark the occasion, everybody’s favourite birthday cake – Colin the Caterpillar – has been transformed into an… erm… we think it’s an Easter Bunny?

A picture of the seasonal special was shared on a Facebook group this week, and it wasn’t long before shoppers took aim – with one user branding it as the “stuff of nightmares.”

Look on the bright side guys, at least you’ve got the Halloween edition sorted!

Happy Friday folks!