More than toothbrush owners

The Commons continually surprises.

I heard tonight from the head of the BBC World Service that there are more people in the world who own mobile phones than those own toothbrushes. Fascinating piece of knowledge that I will treasure. After contemplating about its significance I am sure that I will reach some great conclusion.

Another distinguished person told PASC in private session about behavioural insight committees. When pressed he confessed that were exercising common sense. We are probing strategies. Our witnesses were all successful uber-strategists. I asked them how would the world be a worse place if they did not exist. Some of their answers were almost persuasive.

Another revelation dawned today. I have for years downplayed the value of Commons backbench speeches. The public and press are not interested in words delivered to an empty chamber. Yesterday's debate was different. About 20 people e-mailed and tweeted me about the debate they were watching at 9.25 yesterday evening. For every one who took the trouble to write there were probably many more who were looking in.

All my correspondents were enthusiastic for the exposure of the war with Iran that may be coming our head. Also approaching is the anniversary of Fukushima and the tragic total of 400 UK death toll in Afghanistan is likely soon. Both occasions should be used for reflections on human folly.

 

 

Comments

[DG]

I would dearly love to know the source of the toothbrush vs mobile phones claim.

[HuwOS]

Apparently the source of the claim is The Mobile Marketing Association of Asia
http://www.calysto.com/2010/04/mobile-marketing-association-mma-forum-asia-pacific-2010/

This person below felt much the same as you DG and dug in a little.

http://60secondmarketer.com/blog/2011/10/18/more-mobile-phones-than-toothbrushes/

[DG]

Thanks Huw :) Not sure that I'm convinced but it's a very good read!

[Timothy Mclaney]

Both mobile phones and toothbrushes are necessities these days, but they're entirely different from one another. I mean, a toothbrush is meant for proper hygiene, and a mobile phone is meant for business. This news should open the eyes of people who usually focus on business rather than taking care of themselves.