Paris at a Certain Age

Sexism in STEM

Are you a fan of the RadioLab podcast? I love it and also the Robert Krulwich npr blog. He recently posted a video blog by scientist Emily Graslie (who hosts The Brain Scoop channel on YouTube) where she discusses the sexism in the mail she receives. It's an articulate analysis about the issues women who work in the STEM fields must face (STEM = Science-Technology-Engineering-Math). It's well worth your time and is re-posted below. 

I usually listen to podcasts when I have to weed the garden or perform other tasks I dislike and haven't explored many video blogs. But I will certainly follow The Brain Scoop now. 

Do women scientists in France experience the same thing?

Take a moment to watch it and let me know your reactions. 

 

 

 

French TED

Nowadays, most people are aware of TED talks.

TED is an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Talks are available free online at ted.com. They are a great way to learn something new, hear inspirational speakers and connect with great ideas in bites of 18 minute or less.

 

But did you know they are available in over 100 languages, from Afrikaans to Vietnamese? I've been listening to talks in English with French sub-titles. It's a good way to pick up new vocabulary. Or see if your translation matches the one supplied by the francophone translator. Just click on 'translations' at the top of the opening page:

It's another technique to add to your language learning arsenal. Enjoy! And share your favorite TED talk with the rest of us.....

French History online

Do you take classes online? Maybe through the Khan Academy?

I'm a fan of iTunes U and am in the midst of John Merriman's French History Since 1871 from Yale. I listen while walking or cleaning or sewing or weeding or whatever. He's an animated speaker and much more interesting than you would guess from reading the transcripts of his lectures. As an autodidact, I know a great deal about certain topics but have huge holes in my genereal knowledge that I'm trying to fill in now.

Meanwhile, I'm learning about the stone mission crosses outside of small French villages and Gambetta and lots of fun trivia asides that Merriman throws into his lectures. 

 

Let me know about any cool on-line classes you've taken (free ones like these).

Techno Tristesse

This past year I finally accomplished the goal of divorcing AT&T. Telephone and internet provider - they drove me crazy. I think I would have been better off with cats like these running the show:

 

 

Here's an English version: