Tony Burman, CBC News' editor-in-chief, plucks out seven major trends identified in the State of the (U.S.) News Media report issued last month.

Keith Richards, who claimed to have taken some of the cremated remains of his dear departed father, mixed them with some cocaine, and then snorted the whole sentimental mix.

His manager insists the claim was made in jest.

And we should believe her because ...?

True or not, it doesn't matter. The thing with Richards is that it's not outside the realm of probability.

I've always had a sneaking admiration for him because despite everything -- the heroin, the blood transfusions to kick heroin -- he's still alive. :)

Marianne Faithfull once said the following about Richards, or at least words to the following effect: "A bottle in his left hand, a joint in his right; guitar over his shoulder, police at his back -- Keith Richards is rock and roll!"

And now that I've written it down, that quote strikes me as quaint, dated and faintly anachronistic.

Topix is looking for volunteer human editors to help its news-aggregation site.

From the BBC:

There are around 4.2million CCTV cameras in Britain

"Talking" CCTV cameras that tell off people dropping litter or committing anti-social behaviour are to be installed in 20 areas across England.

They are already used in Middlesbrough where anyone seen misbehaving can be told via a loudspeaker, controlled by control centre staff, to stop.

Home Secretary John Reid has earmarked nearly £500,000 to fund the expansion.

Critics say the cameras are absurd and another example of excessive government intrusion into everyday life.

I stand with the critics on this one. :)