What we read this week: March 9
“They Broke Up. Then Came the Brand Deals.” (The Wall Street Journal)
Takeaways:
Brands are capitalizing on buzz-worthy moments like celebrity breakups to create high-visibility collaborations.
By leveraging personal narratives, these partnerships resonate with audiences as authentic.
Companies carefully select which side of a breakup to support, aiming to align with the individual who garners public sympathy.
“The Danish Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health” (VOGUE)
Takeaways:
The Danish concept of hygee emphasizes the use of warm, soft lighting to create cozy and calming home environments.
Lighting design in Denmark is considered both an art and a science, with careful selection and strategic placement of lamps creating relaxing atmospheres.
Warm lighting, similar to a sunset or wood fire, is optimal for relaxation, while cooler lighting is better suited for activities requiring alertness, such as studying or working.
“Where Jeff Bezos Went Wrong With The Washington Post” (The Atlantic)
Takeaways:
Jeff Bezos’s recent actions suggest a shift toward appeasing President Trump, including rejecting The Washington Post’s endorsement of Kamala Harris and publicly congratulating Trump.
Bezos’s influence on The Washington Post’s editorial direction has raised concerns about journalistic independence, as seen in the resignation of the opinion editor following directives to align content with Bezos’ ideology.
These developments have led to diminished reader confidence, resulting in subscription cancellations and staff departures.
“Geothermal Power Is a Climate Moon Shot Beneath Our Feet” (The New Yorker)
Takeaways:
Geothermal energy has the potential to provide a sustainable and near-limitless power source by harnessing the Earth’s internal heat.
Advancements in drilling technologies aim to overcome traditional limitations and enable more efficient access to geothermal resources.
Despite its potential, geothermal energy faces challenges including engineerings difficulties and the need for significant investment.
“‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to Leap to Streaming” (The New York Times)
Takeaways:
Sony Pictures is seeking bids for streaming rights to “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” marking the iconic game shows’ first move into streaming.
Sony has invested in updating the shows with new hosts and modernize sets to appeal to younger streaming audiences while maintaining existing linear (TV) viewers.
The move of these game shows to streaming aligns with a broader industry trend, where traditional television programs are adapting to digital platforms to remain relevant and accessible.
“See Spot Spa: Hotels Are Ready to Pamper Your Pup” (The New York Times)
Takeaways:
Luxury hotels are providing specialized services for dogs, such as gourmet meals, plush bedding, and even spa treatments, to cater to pet owners’ for high-quality accommodations for their pets.
Some hotels offer distinctive experiences for dogs, reflecting a commitment to integrating pets into the luxury travel experience.
The expansion of these pet-centric services indicates a growing market demand, with travelers increasingly seeking and willing to invest in premium experiences for their pets during their stays.
“Katy Perry and Gayle King Are Headed To Space. Here’s Why It Matters.” (Forbes)
Takeaways:
Blue Origin’s upcoming flight will send an all-female crew into space, marking the first time in 62 years that women will travel to space without a man on board.
The last all-female space mission occurred in 1963 when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova made history.
Gender bias in space exploration is still prevalent, as shown by the negative reactions to Emily Calandrelli’s flight, highlighting ongoing barries for women in STEM fields and space travel.
“Why Smart Companies Are Granting AI Immunity to Their Employees” (Built In)
Takeaways:
Unauthorized AI tool usage (aka “shadow AI”) among employees is rising, with 50% using unapproved tools and 46% willing to continue despite potential bans.
Implementing AI amnesty programs allows employees to disclose AI usage without fear of punishment, mitigating risk & fostering a culture of innovation & adaptability.
Embracing AI amnesty programs signifies a shift towards an AI-positive culture.
Note: we use AI to draft these emails :)
“The Viral "Let Them" Theory Is the Key to Creating a Home You Love” (Better Homes & Gardens)
Takeaways:
The "Let Them" theory, introduced by Mel Robbins, encourages individuals to focus on what they can control and release concerns about others' expectations.
Applied to home design, the “let them” theory encourages homeowners to design spaces based on personal preference rather than external opinions.
This mindset shift promotes decorating for functionality and lifestyle needs, ensuring that spaces support daily routines rather than adhering to fleeting trends.
“Meghan Markle Pioneers New Frontiers in Unrelatability” (Vulture)
Takeaways:
Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show “With Love, Meghan” is noted for showcasing a lifestyle that may seem inaccessible to the average viewer, blending luxury with mundane tasks in a way that can feel disjointed and unrelatable.
The series is follows a non-linear storytelling approach, which may challenge viewer engagement and comprehension.
The underlying promotion of Meghan's brand, As Ever, within the series, comes across to some as self-promotional.
Following the media outlets you want to be featured in helps you understand what their contacts are looking for. And the best part? This is something anyone can do without hiring professional support.
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