Britain's Scientific Illiteracy

Summary: 

I read a review article by the Guardian journalist Nick Cohen about Mark Henderson’s ‘Geek Manifesto’. According to Mark Henderson, we need to use the experimental methods of science for various aspects of society and politics.  Nick Cohen sees in this book a political program for British scepticism for it warns for scientific illiteracy. Sixth graders should at least take one science subject and politicians should read the book.  Science provides the means of testing policies before implementing them. Alternative healthcare is attacked and greens are gently scolded, but religion is not provoked. There is much to be admired, but the book has a little bit of cowardice. 

Commentary: 

Using scientific methodology for testing policy seems such a logical thing to do, but it does not hold up in practice.  Politicians are in fact supported by governmental institutes where scientists work, but most scientists are by their very nature not inclined to become politicians. Most  politicians have a background in business. I totally agree with setting the rule for sixth graders to take at least one science subject. Taking it even further and make science a part of the compulsory program at primary and secondary school, might even be the solution to scientific illiteracy. Go geeks!

The information was retrieved on May 25^th 2012 from the Guardian news website http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/may/25/geek-manifesto-mark-henderson-review
review article  ‘ The Geek Manifesto by Mark Henderson’

Most Schools Miss Out on Renovation Programme

Summary: 

Despite widespread concern about the state of the buildings, fewer than half of the schools that asked for renovation via the school building programme, will be renovated.  The educational secretary Michael Gove admits that his manner of cancelling Labour’s building programme had been 'clumsy'. The previous government led them believe that rebuilding was needed but afterwards priorities changed. Fortunately, the 42 schools with the worst conditions will be given priority. Gove also denied, that the closure of grammar schools was responsible for a decrease in social mobility. According to him, the decrease had more to do with 'progressive teaching methods and softer subjects in state schools'. 

Commentary: 

It is understandable that in times of crises, harsh measures and cutbacks are required.  I however expect more consistency in long-term projects affecting the educational system such as these building agreements. With regard to the decline in social mobility, I believe that indeed more factors than closing down grammar schools play a part, but not necessarily the ‘softer subjects’ at state schools.  The investment in the educational system should be part of an on going steady process that can not be halted by the whim of politicians and economic fluctuation, for it is one of the most steady and sure investments you can make for the whole nation to benefit. 

The information was retrieved on May 24^th 2012 from the Guardian news website http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/may/24/schools-privately-financed-renovation-programme article

‘Most schools miss out on privately financed renovation programme’ by Jeevan Vasagar

Sonic Device Protection During Olympics

Summary: 

This week a sonic device called ‘Long Range Acoustic Device’ (LARD) was installed on a landing craft on the Thames at Westminster. This American–made device is said not to be a weapon, but a device that can send verbal warnings or carry pain-inducing tones. As such, you can use it to transmit long-range instructions, warnings or to disperse crowds and peacefully settle potentially dangerous situations during the Olympics.  According to the Ministry of Defence, LARD assists homeland security and law enforcement personnel to communicate clearly and in safeguarding all participants. 

Commentary: 

Is it but a matter of semantics or political correctness to not describe the LARD device as a weapon? For starters it can be used as a device for communicating and if necessary it can be used for warnings and ultimately it can be used to harm by inflicting pain-inducing tones. Just as any other weapon that falls into the wrong hands, it can do real harm. There is no doubt of its usefulness when safeguarding large crowds. Let us all hope, that the device / weapon will only be needed for communicational purposes.

The information was retrieved on May 12^th 2012 from the BBC news website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18042528 article ‘Sonic device deployed in London during Olympics’ by Gavin Thomas

Prince Charles Turns Weatherman

Summary: 

Prince Charles and his wife visited BBC Scotland, on the occasion of its 60 years of television broadcasting celebration for more than an hour.  During this event the Prince, also known as the Duke of Rothesay, actually presented the lunchtime weather report against the back-ground of the BBC’s weather map.  He made references to the royal residences and said ‘Thank God it isn't a bank holiday’. This visit was part of their annual 'Holyrood Week'. During this week the royal family resides in Scotland and has engagements to celebrate Scottish culture, history and achievements.

Commentary: 

It is an unusual sight to see the Prince of Wales as a weatherman. Prince Charles is known for his interest in environmental issues and came across quite genuine. He even gave his report a personal touch. It seems a very smart publicity stunt, that resulted in positive media attention. Even though the weather broadcast of Camilla did not receive as much attention, she did well too. For sure, her image rehabilitation has worked miracles. I personally find her rather charming and better suited for life in royal circles and a more fitting spouse for Prince Charles, than the late Princess Diana. 

The information was retrieved on May 10th 2012 from the BBC news 

website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18022243
article 'Prince Charles turns BBC Scotland weatherman'