The Next Best Thing
The Economist, Thursday October 4, 2007
http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9912455
Summary:
Advertising on mobile phones is still small compared to radio, TV, the internet and print but shows great potential. There are more mobile phones then there are PC’s, especially in the third world. Mobile phone advertising could potentially reach more people. Vodafone is running pilots with free minutes in exchange for reading a text-ad or watching a commercial. Another idea has been to let people subscribe to a service which gives them free minutes and text messages in exchange for filling out a form with personal information such as hobbies, whereupon they have to receive and read 6 text-ads daily.
Opinion:
I don’t mind subscribed services where someone actually asks for news or commercial messages to be sent to their phone. The idea of getting free minutes in exchange for reading some text ads also seems fail enough to me. But I would hate it if we get the spam problem or the telemarketing problem on our cellphones too now. Fancy your entire text message inbox clogged up with offers for cosmetic surgery (aimed at the other sexe) or porn. Suppose we get adware on our cellphones now? Its impossible to keep my PC clean of it, even WITH expensive software…
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2007
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2007
Press Release 8 October 2007 from The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2007/press.html
Summary:
This year’s Nobel Prize in Fysiology or Medicine is going to Mario R. Capecchi, Martin J. Evans and Oliver Smithies. Direct quote from the press release: “principles for introducing specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells". The scientists are from the USA and the UK and did research on how to knock out specific genes and creating knockout-mice. Knocking out genes has proven to be of immense value to study how genes work. The original research was done in the eighties and has resulted in hundreds of animal-models for human diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Opinion:
A well deserved Nobel Prize though its always difficult to choose with so much important research going on in the field! The techniques mentioned in the press release are very commonly practised by now. The knockout mice themselves have proven to be a very useful tool, you can’t open a science magazine without finding some research involving knockout mice. Personally I think the cure for cancer will corm from molecular biological research, carcinogenis is an extremely complex process involving many genes and cascade reactions. Knockout mice help scientists unravel this complex process and possibly find a way to control it.
Press Release 8 October 2007 from The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2007/press.html
Summary:
This year’s Nobel Prize in Fysiology or Medicine is going to Mario R. Capecchi, Martin J. Evans and Oliver Smithies. Direct quote from the press release: “principles for introducing specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells". The scientists are from the USA and the UK and did research on how to knock out specific genes and creating knockout-mice. Knocking out genes has proven to be of immense value to study how genes work. The original research was done in the eighties and has resulted in hundreds of animal-models for human diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Opinion:
A well deserved Nobel Prize though its always difficult to choose with so much important research going on in the field! The techniques mentioned in the press release are very commonly practised by now. The knockout mice themselves have proven to be a very useful tool, you can’t open a science magazine without finding some research involving knockout mice. Personally I think the cure for cancer will corm from molecular biological research, carcinogenis is an extremely complex process involving many genes and cascade reactions. Knockout mice help scientists unravel this complex process and possibly find a way to control it.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Escaped Chimp shot dead
Escaped Chimp shot dead
The Sun, Sunday September 30, 2007
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007450412,00.html
Summary:
Yesterday, just after 10 am two chimpansees, named Jonnie and Coco escaped from their enclosure at Whipsnade zoo. Coco was quickly recaptured, but Jonnie wasn’t, staff ended up having to shoot Jonnie. People at the zoo were evacuated to safe areas or told to remain in their cars untill it was clear that the chimpansee enclosures were secure and the zoo was once again safe for the general public. No other animals or humans have been injured or killed in this incident, nor have any people been in danger.
An official investigation is underway to find out how this happened.
Opinion:
Bokito was potentially a ‘public safety hazard’ during his little eh, ‘walk around the zoo’ a while back. In fact Bokito is probably potentially more dangerous; male gorillas are much larger and stronger then chimpansees, yet Bokito was easily sedated and recaptured. This English zoo may have to revise policy and buy some sedatives to ‘knock out’ rather then kill any escapees. Maybe there is a reason for their conduct, but the article fails to mention it, which is a shortcoming really.
The Sun, Sunday September 30, 2007
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007450412,00.html
Summary:
Yesterday, just after 10 am two chimpansees, named Jonnie and Coco escaped from their enclosure at Whipsnade zoo. Coco was quickly recaptured, but Jonnie wasn’t, staff ended up having to shoot Jonnie. People at the zoo were evacuated to safe areas or told to remain in their cars untill it was clear that the chimpansee enclosures were secure and the zoo was once again safe for the general public. No other animals or humans have been injured or killed in this incident, nor have any people been in danger.
An official investigation is underway to find out how this happened.
Opinion:
Bokito was potentially a ‘public safety hazard’ during his little eh, ‘walk around the zoo’ a while back. In fact Bokito is probably potentially more dangerous; male gorillas are much larger and stronger then chimpansees, yet Bokito was easily sedated and recaptured. This English zoo may have to revise policy and buy some sedatives to ‘knock out’ rather then kill any escapees. Maybe there is a reason for their conduct, but the article fails to mention it, which is a shortcoming really.
So long Sellafield!
So long Sellafield!
The Sun, Sunday September 29, 2007
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007450396,00.html
Summary:
Sellafield is a nuclear power plant in Cumbria. It was officially opened on October 17, 1956 by Queen Elisabeth II. It was the first commercial nuclear power plant in Europe. During its long history Sellafield was controversial because of a number of scandals about radioactive contamination and (almost) accidents at the plant. After much debate and a public consultation, Sellafield stopped generating electricity in 2003. In June 2005 permisson to demolish two old and out of date cooling towers of Calder Hall was acquired. At nine a.m. today the first of the two 88 meter high towers was blown up.
Opinon:
Public trust in nuclear energy is low and Sellafield has simply seen TOO MUCH bad publicity about (supposed) radiation leaks and (almost accidents). Nuclear energy is useful and nuclear plants are an integral part of Europe’s electricity generation network. Also there is the need for radioactive products for certain medical sciences (treating certain types of cancer e.g.). However, any nuclear plant needs to be able to guarantee safety as much as is possible, Sellafield wasn’t up to it anymore and had to go.
The Sun, Sunday September 29, 2007
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007450396,00.html
Summary:
Sellafield is a nuclear power plant in Cumbria. It was officially opened on October 17, 1956 by Queen Elisabeth II. It was the first commercial nuclear power plant in Europe. During its long history Sellafield was controversial because of a number of scandals about radioactive contamination and (almost) accidents at the plant. After much debate and a public consultation, Sellafield stopped generating electricity in 2003. In June 2005 permisson to demolish two old and out of date cooling towers of Calder Hall was acquired. At nine a.m. today the first of the two 88 meter high towers was blown up.
Opinon:
Public trust in nuclear energy is low and Sellafield has simply seen TOO MUCH bad publicity about (supposed) radiation leaks and (almost accidents). Nuclear energy is useful and nuclear plants are an integral part of Europe’s electricity generation network. Also there is the need for radioactive products for certain medical sciences (treating certain types of cancer e.g.). However, any nuclear plant needs to be able to guarantee safety as much as is possible, Sellafield wasn’t up to it anymore and had to go.
Monday, September 24, 2007
If you want to get a job, get a life.
If you want to get a job, get a life.
Monday September 24 2007, The Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/career_and_jobs/article2518124.ece
Summary:
The article is about many IT graduates being ‘geeks’ and lacking basic social and business skills. Companies however urgently seek computer technicians who have great technical skills and also charm. If they can’t find that in Europe, they will recuit in Asia. As the universities only teach students the technical parts of the IT business a “charm academy” should be launched. It would involve adding extra classes for business management, accounting and working in groups to the IT curriculum. This to help develop the ‘softer skills’ and also to get more women into IT as the percentage of women studying and working in the IT business is still low.
Opinion:
The article itself is a bit harsh on geeks. I hardly have a social life myself, having far more friends on the net than in real life, so I would sympathise with the geeks I think. As for companies, wanting people with business skills, I guess thats normal. The increased demand for ‘business skills’, ‘social skills’, ‘teamwork’ is seen in many sectors, not just IT. Social skills and business skills would be good parts of anyone’s education, not just IT.
Monday September 24 2007, The Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/career_and_jobs/article2518124.ece
Summary:
The article is about many IT graduates being ‘geeks’ and lacking basic social and business skills. Companies however urgently seek computer technicians who have great technical skills and also charm. If they can’t find that in Europe, they will recuit in Asia. As the universities only teach students the technical parts of the IT business a “charm academy” should be launched. It would involve adding extra classes for business management, accounting and working in groups to the IT curriculum. This to help develop the ‘softer skills’ and also to get more women into IT as the percentage of women studying and working in the IT business is still low.
Opinion:
The article itself is a bit harsh on geeks. I hardly have a social life myself, having far more friends on the net than in real life, so I would sympathise with the geeks I think. As for companies, wanting people with business skills, I guess thats normal. The increased demand for ‘business skills’, ‘social skills’, ‘teamwork’ is seen in many sectors, not just IT. Social skills and business skills would be good parts of anyone’s education, not just IT.
Parking-space tax will raise cost of driving to the office by £350 a year
Parking-space tax will raise cost of driving to the office by £350 a year
Monday September 24 2007, The Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2517668.ece
Summary:
Nottingham city is the first city in England which is going to be applying a parking space tax on parking spaces for working people. This tax called the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) is cheaper and easier to collect then the congestion charge as it is applied in London. Employers with more then 10 parking spaces will have to pay £350 a year. This measure is also thought to be more politically correct then aforementioned congestion charge, because people who come to the city centre to shop or drive through for other reasons besides going to work will not have to pay.
Opnion:
I have mixed feelings about this one. It can be considered a good development, but only if the city has qualitatively good and affordable public transport. I have never been to Nottingham city so I can’t judge their public transport network. If there’s no good alternative to driving, this measure is going to be very painful on those with a low income as we can be assured employers will make employees pay for their parking space if they get subjected to paying £350 a year per parking space.
Monday September 24 2007, The Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2517668.ece
Summary:
Nottingham city is the first city in England which is going to be applying a parking space tax on parking spaces for working people. This tax called the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) is cheaper and easier to collect then the congestion charge as it is applied in London. Employers with more then 10 parking spaces will have to pay £350 a year. This measure is also thought to be more politically correct then aforementioned congestion charge, because people who come to the city centre to shop or drive through for other reasons besides going to work will not have to pay.
Opnion:
I have mixed feelings about this one. It can be considered a good development, but only if the city has qualitatively good and affordable public transport. I have never been to Nottingham city so I can’t judge their public transport network. If there’s no good alternative to driving, this measure is going to be very painful on those with a low income as we can be assured employers will make employees pay for their parking space if they get subjected to paying £350 a year per parking space.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The languages of extinction: The world's endangered tongues
The languages of extinction: The world's endangered tongues
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article2976695.ece
19 September 2007
Summary:
The extinction of languages has been increasing as internationalisation increased. Up to 40% of the existing languages may be in acute danger of extinction. Estimates have it that we loose a language a fortnight. Every language lost is a loss of linguistics, culture and history of mankind. The world’s most endangerous langauges are mainly those spoken by minorities in North Australia, Siberia, south America and certain parts of the USA. These languages can be saved, but recording an entire language is expensive and the funds needed to preserve the world’s most unique languages are insufficient.
Comment:
It makes sense how and why languages go extinct, as is also illustrated nicely in the article. I really like this one and as with the Orchid article, I just can’t cover everything in the summary. Its a pity to see part of our cultural diversity die. Languages are an extreme example, but I guess the sad price for our beautifully internationally oriented culture is a loss of diversity as people often will adapt to the common census because its easier that way. That doesn’t make it seem right though...
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article2976695.ece
19 September 2007
Summary:
The extinction of languages has been increasing as internationalisation increased. Up to 40% of the existing languages may be in acute danger of extinction. Estimates have it that we loose a language a fortnight. Every language lost is a loss of linguistics, culture and history of mankind. The world’s most endangerous langauges are mainly those spoken by minorities in North Australia, Siberia, south America and certain parts of the USA. These languages can be saved, but recording an entire language is expensive and the funds needed to preserve the world’s most unique languages are insufficient.
Comment:
It makes sense how and why languages go extinct, as is also illustrated nicely in the article. I really like this one and as with the Orchid article, I just can’t cover everything in the summary. Its a pity to see part of our cultural diversity die. Languages are an extreme example, but I guess the sad price for our beautifully internationally oriented culture is a loss of diversity as people often will adapt to the common census because its easier that way. That doesn’t make it seem right though...
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