Heroes
Peonies, which are the real beauties of the flower world, says Janice Turner in The Times. Blooming early with their “giant pink tutus”, they signify that “the whole summer stretches ahead”.
Hero (in the making)
Susan Goldberg, National Geographic’s editor-in-chief, who signs off her emails “white, privileged, with much to learn”. Presumably, when she has learnt a bit more, she will give up her salary and step aside for someone less privileged.
Villain
China’s state TV station, CGTN, which is offering students at British universities the chance to win up to $10,000 and gain employment by becoming pro-Beijing social media influencers. At least six students at the University of Leeds and one at the University of Manchester have signed up.
Villain
The WHO, which has advised all “women of childbearing age” to steer clear of booze. The Portman Group, the social responsibility and regulatory body for alcohol in the UK, said the WHO had gone “well beyond their remit”, pointing that out the WHO’s advice was “sexist and paternalistic” – and useless, because it applies to “most women”.
Villain
Nikhil Kamath, a 34-year-old tech billionaire who admitted cheating in a chess victory over India’s five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in an online charity tournament. The victory stunned observers, but Kamath later confessed to using an algorithm and a team of experts to win the 30-minute match. He apologised, saying: “It’s ridiculous that so many are thinking that I really beat Vishy sir in a chess game, that is almost like me winning a 100-metre race with Usain Bolt.”