While the controversial aspects of poppy-wearing have caused consternation in the footballing world, Berkshire's own Internet Psychologist, Graham Jones, provides the best tribute to rememberance of the cause for which so many people have fought and died throughout the years.
He argues we should be proud even of all the 'rubbish and nastiness' we find online, because this is a perfect demonstration of the freedoms which we possess thanks only to the millions who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
Without condoning any of the 'disgusting, sickening and criminal behaviour' that we can become all too familiar with, he says, this is "a testament to the free society in which we live" because our ability to campaign against and reduce the nastiness we find in life simply would not exist without defending the right of those who wish to engage in it.
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Showing posts with label Reccommended Reading List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reccommended Reading List. Show all posts
Friday, 11 November 2011
Friday, 19 August 2011
Recommended Reading List #56
This summer's archaeological dig at Silchester Roman town has already provided some interesting discoveries - notably that the site pre-dates Roman times where locals had adopted an urbanised living model before the 1st Century invasions.
Assistant Producer of the new BBC Two series 'Digging for Britain', Louise Ord, gives more details.
Among potentially exciting theories stylistic patterns and distributions of coins found across the area point to the ancient town being taken over by Caracatus as a regional capital from where he could organise defences against invasion.
Meanwhile a layer of scorched earth indicates a link to the rebellion of AD 60-61 in which the Iceni Queen Boudicca razed a number of Roman settlements, suggesting Silchester could be an overlooked site of those rampages.
University blog Silchester Digs has been covering life in the trenches for those who want to find out more about what it's like to 'do a dig', while The Silchester Town Life Project is their website hub.
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More Recommended Reading List
Assistant Producer of the new BBC Two series 'Digging for Britain', Louise Ord, gives more details.
Among potentially exciting theories stylistic patterns and distributions of coins found across the area point to the ancient town being taken over by Caracatus as a regional capital from where he could organise defences against invasion.
Meanwhile a layer of scorched earth indicates a link to the rebellion of AD 60-61 in which the Iceni Queen Boudicca razed a number of Roman settlements, suggesting Silchester could be an overlooked site of those rampages.
University blog Silchester Digs has been covering life in the trenches for those who want to find out more about what it's like to 'do a dig', while The Silchester Town Life Project is their website hub.
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More Recommended Reading List
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Recommended Reading List #55
@emma_cossey specialises in media content debates... or should that be generalises about blogging dilemmas?
Either way the social media trainer writes an excellent post on the split impulses for more personality and more professionalism which can cause headaches for writers.
Well, if you don't know what to write, write that - it all adds to the mix (and that's her job)!
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More Recommended Reading List
Either way the social media trainer writes an excellent post on the split impulses for more personality and more professionalism which can cause headaches for writers.
Well, if you don't know what to write, write that - it all adds to the mix (and that's her job)!
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More Recommended Reading List
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Recommended Reading List #54
With the general election announcement candidates and the public will all be vying with each other to dominate the airwaves and set the agenda. So it's worth giving space to our foremost political correspondent the BBC South's Peter Henley, who gives a preliminary overview of the background the election will be played out against in Berkshire.
He states the Royal County is a land of contrasts with "smart country villages alongside London overspill, well-heeled commuter estates surrounding streets with inner-city levels of crime." And mirroring this is a 'pretty colourful' political debate too.
The expenses affair and political funding will both be battleground in Berkshire, while social, economic and environmental issues will make for an unpredictable outcome all round as each side has hope of making gains!
He states the Royal County is a land of contrasts with "smart country villages alongside London overspill, well-heeled commuter estates surrounding streets with inner-city levels of crime." And mirroring this is a 'pretty colourful' political debate too.
The expenses affair and political funding will both be battleground in Berkshire, while social, economic and environmental issues will make for an unpredictable outcome all round as each side has hope of making gains!
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Recommended Reading List #53
@Babyrambles tentatively poses the intriguing question "Is there anything you won't blog about?"
Emily explains she has the 'very British' habit of keeping away from any subject that would cause her any personal embarrassment.
Reading List has a specific 'news' theme, so obviously it's unlikely we'd ever get round (ahem, down) to discussing those topics Emily touches on as examples here, but it is nevertheless a fascinating question about our individual self-imposed limits.
Extrapolating outwards it also opens up a range of issues at the root of questions of how personal morality and public law can, should and does interact. Are you prepared to self-censor, or do you reserve the right to fully explore and express every part of your thoughts and experiences? And in the counterpose, what level of intervention would you support in any given situation, and how far would you go to impose your authority and will on it?
With an election just over the horizon these questions strike at the heart of some of the political choices members of the public will face at the ballot box. How we answer them will go a long way to determine what the future will look like.
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More Recommended Reading List
Emily explains she has the 'very British' habit of keeping away from any subject that would cause her any personal embarrassment.
Reading List has a specific 'news' theme, so obviously it's unlikely we'd ever get round (ahem, down) to discussing those topics Emily touches on as examples here, but it is nevertheless a fascinating question about our individual self-imposed limits.
Extrapolating outwards it also opens up a range of issues at the root of questions of how personal morality and public law can, should and does interact. Are you prepared to self-censor, or do you reserve the right to fully explore and express every part of your thoughts and experiences? And in the counterpose, what level of intervention would you support in any given situation, and how far would you go to impose your authority and will on it?
With an election just over the horizon these questions strike at the heart of some of the political choices members of the public will face at the ballot box. How we answer them will go a long way to determine what the future will look like.
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More Recommended Reading List
Recommended Reading List #52
In a double header business intelligence expert Caroline Eveleigh picks up on the use and abuse of performance metrics inside the NHS.
She was disturbed by reports that internal NHS statistics had been manipulated for the benefit of public relations, quoting the line
Oranjepan says:
Just imagine what a powerful social tool would be created if the political leadership was inclined to favour more open and honest reporting!
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She was disturbed by reports that internal NHS statistics had been manipulated for the benefit of public relations, quoting the line
"Most targets and standards appear to be defined in professional, organisational and political terms, not in patients' experience of care."She states that
"It seems that performance measures were able to wipe away 250 years of performance improvement by not following the most basic of health procedures."But she doesn't just leave it there. Following up, she also looks at the statistical measures in use, in particular mortality ratios between hospitals, instructively explaining how the 'mis-match between reported performance and actual performance' is a limiting factor in bringing about greater justice and value for money.
Oranjepan says:
Just imagine what a powerful social tool would be created if the political leadership was inclined to favour more open and honest reporting!
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More Recommended Reading List
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Recommended Reading List #51
Local cartoonist Len offers a particularly wry perspective on life and he regularly manages to stir a smirk of recognition from the editorial team here in the Reading List bunker.
And so it was with this excellent posting showing the mundane origins of the inspiration behind his ideas.
The pictures are self-explanatory really, but we also fully recognise the purpose for getting actively creative too - Reading List applauds you Len Hawkins (though we're less sure about that job as chief designer at Ferrari)!
And so it was with this excellent posting showing the mundane origins of the inspiration behind his ideas.
The pictures are self-explanatory really, but we also fully recognise the purpose for getting actively creative too - Reading List applauds you Len Hawkins (though we're less sure about that job as chief designer at Ferrari)!
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Recommended Reading List #50
Sean O'Dell reviews Warren Berry's new book 'The Kennet And Avon Navigation: A History' for the British Association of Local History.
The lecturer on local and regional history concludes that "this is a concise, well-researched and informative book that will appeal to local historians and anyone with an interested in the origins and development of our inland navigations."
He describes how "the trading decline of the canal is examined, and detailed account of its subsequent rescue and restoration is provided," which from my point of view this will suggest some interesting insights into regeneration issues.
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More Recommended Reading List
The lecturer on local and regional history concludes that "this is a concise, well-researched and informative book that will appeal to local historians and anyone with an interested in the origins and development of our inland navigations."
He describes how "the trading decline of the canal is examined, and detailed account of its subsequent rescue and restoration is provided," which from my point of view this will suggest some interesting insights into regeneration issues.
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More Recommended Reading List
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Recommended Reading List #49
@bennuk is a recent arrival in this ole town of ours, so he offers an interesting perspective on the recent city debate.
Ben explains he moved from the "bustling metropolis of London" and "was worried that I’d be leaving a centre of culture and diversity for somewhere a lot… well… quieter."
He continues to say that he "couldn’t have been more wrong. Reading has proven itself to be a real hub of fantastic events that have captured every single interest I have."
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Ben explains he moved from the "bustling metropolis of London" and "was worried that I’d be leaving a centre of culture and diversity for somewhere a lot… well… quieter."
He continues to say that he "couldn’t have been more wrong. Reading has proven itself to be a real hub of fantastic events that have captured every single interest I have."
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Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Recommended Reading List #48
Libraries are one of my favorite places, so I enjoyed reading this paean to their wonders by Gio at Let's Push The Red Button Anyway.
He eulogises about the 'amazing' collections of books made available to the public in their physical form and online through e-libraries, saying "occasionally, I am amazed by the things that the government can afford to provide in the UK."
The 'massive' variety of genres available include everything from 'august classics like Moby Dick or Wuthering Heights' to 'scorned sci-fi and fantasy'. He is particularly impressed by the efforts to categorize stocks in online databases which enables you to reserve books and recieve notifications of their availability via email.
Giovanni adds that he reads far more (with the effect that it benefits his language ability), but is slightly embarrassed that his favorite authors may see their earning potential decline as he now buys fewer books.
Elsewhere the New Directions learning and education service which relocated to Reading Central Library earlier this year advertises a new selection of language and computer courses on offer - a free guide to courses can be obtained by calling 0345 845 0012.
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More Recommended Reading List
He eulogises about the 'amazing' collections of books made available to the public in their physical form and online through e-libraries, saying "occasionally, I am amazed by the things that the government can afford to provide in the UK."
The 'massive' variety of genres available include everything from 'august classics like Moby Dick or Wuthering Heights' to 'scorned sci-fi and fantasy'. He is particularly impressed by the efforts to categorize stocks in online databases which enables you to reserve books and recieve notifications of their availability via email.
Giovanni adds that he reads far more (with the effect that it benefits his language ability), but is slightly embarrassed that his favorite authors may see their earning potential decline as he now buys fewer books.
Elsewhere the New Directions learning and education service which relocated to Reading Central Library earlier this year advertises a new selection of language and computer courses on offer - a free guide to courses can be obtained by calling 0345 845 0012.
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More Recommended Reading List
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Recommended Reading List #47
The question of anonymity/pseudonymity is one that it close to this blog's heart, so Left Outside's essay on the subject is one which can be heartily recommended.
The unaffiliated West Berkshire blogger states that he enjoys blogging as an end in itself, but he does it primarily because he cares about other people... which leads him inevitably to focus on political questions.
As he says: "I like being able to have an effect on people for the better – no matter how small an impact."
Although blogging and anonymity are both equally relatively pointless, he argues that it's about a desire to strike a balance between influence and personal growth. Reading the examples he provides, you can understand why!
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More Recommended Reading List
The unaffiliated West Berkshire blogger states that he enjoys blogging as an end in itself, but he does it primarily because he cares about other people... which leads him inevitably to focus on political questions.
As he says: "I like being able to have an effect on people for the better – no matter how small an impact."
Although blogging and anonymity are both equally relatively pointless, he argues that it's about a desire to strike a balance between influence and personal growth. Reading the examples he provides, you can understand why!
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More Recommended Reading List
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Recommended Reading List #46
It's been a busy day for Gemma - the animal scientist has been writing her schedule and discovered her plan of activities comprise a stereotypical Liberal Agenda.
It seems some people just don't get why anyone with a good background and a university degree would want to lower themselves to such levels, well, be prepared for an insight into what every young tearaway is really getting up to!
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More Recommended Reading List
It seems some people just don't get why anyone with a good background and a university degree would want to lower themselves to such levels, well, be prepared for an insight into what every young tearaway is really getting up to!
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More Recommended Reading List
Monday, 25 January 2010
Recommended Reading List #45
Mike McNamara is frustrated at the news media's inability to provide adequate information of what's going on around Europe. I can sympathise, although my focus is more local.
His attention is drawn by the Belgian beer crisis, and he explains how this reflects the conflict over differing attutudes to the response to the economic crisis.
On the one hand corporate debt has been built up to an unsupportable level, but heavy job losses in an important export-oriented industry could have wider consequences for the speed and sustainability of the recovery.
Mike attacks the mainstream TV media for neglecting its' duty to provide enough scrutiny on matters of widepread interest and importance.
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Past Recommended Reading List
His attention is drawn by the Belgian beer crisis, and he explains how this reflects the conflict over differing attutudes to the response to the economic crisis.
On the one hand corporate debt has been built up to an unsupportable level, but heavy job losses in an important export-oriented industry could have wider consequences for the speed and sustainability of the recovery.
Mike attacks the mainstream TV media for neglecting its' duty to provide enough scrutiny on matters of widepread interest and importance.
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Past Recommended Reading List
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Recommended Reading List #44
With fresh wave of snowfall sweeping across the country Alan Bunce offers some timely reassurance about the ability of the local online community to provide direct up-to-date information of direct use to individuals.
He explains, this is in contrast to national journalists, who offer only 'endless scaremongering'.
As he says "They want you to panic. Journalists won't win awards if the news is too wishy washy."
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More Recommended Reading List
He explains, this is in contrast to national journalists, who offer only 'endless scaremongering'.
As he says "They want you to panic. Journalists won't win awards if the news is too wishy washy."
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More Recommended Reading List
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Recommended Reading List #43
The Independent's deputy political editor Nigel Morris interviews Tony Little, the seven-year headmaster at Eton School.
He makes a serious intervention in the growing 'class war' which is becoming an undercurrent as parties position themselves ahead of this year's general election, and warns Labour against the inverted snobbery of launching attacks against those who grew up with privilege.
Although Eton School and its' £9,617-a-term fees are often used as a by-word for elitism, Mr Little criticised the level of discourse which falls back on using the tactic of caricaturing opponents as one it is important to rise above and which "one might have hoped" had been left behind in the last century.
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More Recommended Reading List
He makes a serious intervention in the growing 'class war' which is becoming an undercurrent as parties position themselves ahead of this year's general election, and warns Labour against the inverted snobbery of launching attacks against those who grew up with privilege.
Although Eton School and its' £9,617-a-term fees are often used as a by-word for elitism, Mr Little criticised the level of discourse which falls back on using the tactic of caricaturing opponents as one it is important to rise above and which "one might have hoped" had been left behind in the last century.
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More Recommended Reading List
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Recommended Reading List #42
The festive season is party time - time to hang up your inhibitions and let your hair down!
Joe Knipe certainly did when he got taken to the Girl Action Christmas bash this weekend - although his bashfulness is touching there's probably a good reason why he's a bit coy... something to do with a moral code apparently!
But the recommendation is not to support any boastful antics, but because he provides an example that being more open and less self-conscious in his self-expression is a way to find and spread a bit of peace and joy during the holidays.
Joe Knipe certainly did when he got taken to the Girl Action Christmas bash this weekend - although his bashfulness is touching there's probably a good reason why he's a bit coy... something to do with a moral code apparently!
But the recommendation is not to support any boastful antics, but because he provides an example that being more open and less self-conscious in his self-expression is a way to find and spread a bit of peace and joy during the holidays.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Recommended Reading List #41
Caroline Eveleigh uses her blog to evangelise about ways in which the level of performance can be raised in all sorts of unsuspecting areas - including in a recent post discussing the highly-relevant subject of how to measure the performance of local politicians!
It is something of a specialism for her as a company director of Anatec, a local software company which specialises in performance management, business intelligence and "getting the best out of people, teams and organisations."
Caroline offers the useful insight that all statistics are a management tool and as such are a way to measure accountability. She explains that although current public sector performance indicators are "not a perfect measure... they are a lot better than nothing."
Interestingly she raises the idea of a national league table for local politicians, arguing that improvements in tracking and publication of the figures will ultimately drive improvements in political performance as voters gain better information to inform decisions made at the ballot box.
However she signs off leaving a tantalising warning that the risks and opportunities in the use of statistics are the same in politics as they are in business - provided they are used sensibly they can be extremely valuable...
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More on 'Who Is Your Hardest Working Councillor?'
It is something of a specialism for her as a company director of Anatec, a local software company which specialises in performance management, business intelligence and "getting the best out of people, teams and organisations."
Caroline offers the useful insight that all statistics are a management tool and as such are a way to measure accountability. She explains that although current public sector performance indicators are "not a perfect measure... they are a lot better than nothing."
Interestingly she raises the idea of a national league table for local politicians, arguing that improvements in tracking and publication of the figures will ultimately drive improvements in political performance as voters gain better information to inform decisions made at the ballot box.
However she signs off leaving a tantalising warning that the risks and opportunities in the use of statistics are the same in politics as they are in business - provided they are used sensibly they can be extremely valuable...
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More on 'Who Is Your Hardest Working Councillor?'
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Recommended Reading List #40
@carocat is a one of the tweetiest people locally (over 27,000 to date) and something of a pioneering user of digital communications.
So she is well placed to give an informed view of the risks and concerns of social interactions through emerging media.
In an authoratitive article she offers some fascinating insights as she explores some of the concerns about digital identity - particularly when and where it crosses over into real life!
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Related reading: Discovering The Faces Behind The Name, Geeks Get Organised
So she is well placed to give an informed view of the risks and concerns of social interactions through emerging media.
In an authoratitive article she offers some fascinating insights as she explores some of the concerns about digital identity - particularly when and where it crosses over into real life!
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Related reading: Discovering The Faces Behind The Name, Geeks Get Organised
Monday, 9 November 2009
Recommended Reading List #39
Caversham's Cyrus Thatcher died on 2nd June and has had his name added to a war memorial.
In a touching tribute Berkshire Humanists reprint his copy of the letter service personnel are advised to write to family and loved ones in the case of their death, interspersed with comments from his mother.
It is the voice of a true tommy.
Sarah Dave notes the tributes paid.
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Round-Up: Remembering
In a touching tribute Berkshire Humanists reprint his copy of the letter service personnel are advised to write to family and loved ones in the case of their death, interspersed with comments from his mother.
It is the voice of a true tommy.
Sarah Dave notes the tributes paid.
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Round-Up: Remembering
Monday, 26 October 2009
Recommended Reading List #38
Stories on world's richest man and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, have a habit regularly crop up in my searches for material on this blog, so I feel it's only appropriate that I finally give him a little bit of space.
The BBC's Evan Davis continues his rise up the journalism ranks with his characteristic ability to peel away the layers of complexity involved in big business and leadership as he undertakes a headline interview with the man.
Meanwhile Charles Miller fills in some of the information gaps which make Mr Buffett such a hugely respected and influential, but ultimately very human figure.
The invisible word underlying every example of success is 'commitment'.
The BBC's Evan Davis continues his rise up the journalism ranks with his characteristic ability to peel away the layers of complexity involved in big business and leadership as he undertakes a headline interview with the man.
Meanwhile Charles Miller fills in some of the information gaps which make Mr Buffett such a hugely respected and influential, but ultimately very human figure.
The invisible word underlying every example of success is 'commitment'.
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