Saving the Celtic Tiger

What Mr.Moore was explaining was that science/research and development is of HUGE importance to the growth of the Irish economy. Astronomy/Astrophysics is not only a great subject area to study and that in fact in a recent survey, employers place greater emphasis on relevant experience and other matters rather than what degree you have.

Therefore astonomy is a great way for graduates to get into the more general R&D jobs. I know for a fact that he also asked for and received the input of almost all the facility heads/lecturers at unis all over this country.

Their input was incorporated into his slot.

Isnt that the kind of publicity we would like to see science getting on the airwaves??

Absolutely, but not presented in the style of the News of the World .... the style of the Irish Times would have been a lot better!

didn't see any IFAS people on TV lately promoting Astronomy???????????

DaveG

didn't see any IFAS people on TV lately promoting Astronomy???????????

Shane (our PRO) isn't that photogenic

Seriously though, we're never going to match DM's media presence. He's good at it, and its a full time job for him. There is talk of a plan to have a coordinated national observing between IFAS clubs later in the year and there will be an effort to get media coverage nationally for that. It hasn't happened yet for a few reasons, the main one being dreaded public liability insurance, which we are working on.

It's good to see that some of the clubs now have regular features in local press and get time on local radio though.

Cheers,
~Al

Absolutely, but not presented in the style of the News of the World .... the style of the Irish Times would have been a lot better!

That may well be a valid point (or not) depending on your POV. I would argue that 'News of the world' headlines' catch peoples attention. IMO thats the object of the exercise, to get science/astronomy in the public domain and to get people to listen.

Absolutely, but not presented in the style of the News of the World .... the style of the Irish Times would have been a lot better!

That may well be a valid point (or not) depending on your POV. I would argue that 'News of the world' headlines' catch peoples attention. IMO thats the object of the exercise, to get science/astronomy in the public domain and to get people to listen.

I just don't think people do listen when you go completly OTT like the email that was sent round about it to AI members. I think many people would react like I did and consider the whole thing a farce. It's important to get serious discussion of science and Astronomy out there but I don't think hyped up sensationalism does that, it actaully takes away from what was apparently a very valid message.

I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one Bart. Just because I dont agree with your opinion this time doesn't mean I don't have the utmost respect for it.