Blog
Govt PR for maths, science and languages, and Uni drop out figures
It seems government's solution to make maths, science and languages more appealing for school kids is to hire PR agencies. I find it absurd that Ed Balls' Department for Children, Schools and Families is launching two major PR drives to encourage teenagers to study...
We all love Brucie
There can't be an octogenarian in the land who doesn't envy Bruce Forsyth's energy and panache, his quick wit and adoring family. There is lots we can learn from Brucie about old age, that music, laughter and love is the recipe for enduring happiness and good health....
Helping feed the world in future years
Here is one very good reason why we need to promote science in our schools and keep our scientists in Britain - to work on ground-breaking, innovating research projects which will help feed the world's expanding population in future years by tackling some of the most...
An amazing year so far
I have had an amazing year so far, and it isn't even the end of February. I frequently receive fabulous invitations to meet the kind of people I would never normally rub shoulders with - and it's all thanks to writing my blog. It's also due to my blog that I shall be...
My big challenge today
I watched David Dimbleby on Question Time particularly closely last night because I am in the hot seat today chairing a discussion with the Archbishop of York and Cambridge entrepreneurs. I really enjoy meeting inspirational people, and I know they will not be in...
My call from CNN
I had a call from CNN yesterday about the American elections. After an internet search on this subject , they were alerted to my blog, perhaps the recent post I wrote asking my fellow Toatmasters to imagine they were a presidential candidate. A reporter called Summer...
Science projects help developing world
I am in London today at the launch of 12 new science research projects awarded £7 million to tackle some of the most damaging and widespread pests, diseases and harsh environmental conditions which can devastate crop yields across the developing world. One award...
Just imagine you are President of the United States…
At Cambridge Speakers' Club last night, part of Toastmasters' International, I performed the role of Table Topics Master for the first time. This meant I had to select a topic and provide a series of questions on that theme for members. It is very challenging for...
MPs interacting on blogs
The government's bungling of the Northern Rock crisis has led to John Redwood standing his ground on Tom Watson's site. And it was a most civil interaction between the two MPs, no need for the Speaker to call out: "Order, order". I wonder if this marks a...