Thinking about The Times, I thought I’d just list the survey based stories today (another Pleasant Valley Thursday)
And remember kids, if there’s no by-line that means that everyone is too ashamed
EXHIBIT A
The story (page 3): One is six adults has hidden a serious injury, illness or accident.
Is it true: “a survey suggests”
The research: 2000 adults
Byline: None
Cui bono: Centre Pulse (healthcare support)
And: the spokesman is called Wendy Darling, she’s from never-never land.
EXHIBIT B
The story (page 5): People who live alone throw away 40% more food and drink than the average person
Is it true: “a study by the governments advisory body”
The research: (from the source, not The Times) The contractors who carried out the research which the report is based on are:
www.exodusresearch.com;www.ipsos-mori.com;www.resourcefutures.co.uk
Byline: Ben Webster, Environmental Editor
Cui bono: WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Program). It’s a front organisation for big rubbish.
And: I seem to remember that last time there was big confusion between household waste and total waste: here “**** Equivalent representations – for example if you took all the avoidable potato waste and added it together, it weighs the same as 5.8 million potatoes.” Now to your intrepid commentator this looks like a weasel goldmine. But to do it justice I’m going to have to read the reports.
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And: Marvellously the PR Officer and PR manager are both called Seonaid, but they spell it differently – have a look at the link above.
Just lost the will to live,,,,