(Am passing this on FYI: please direct questions to The Economist)

The Economist is looking for a Science and Technology correspondent to work at its headquarters in London. Knowledge of the field, an ability to write informatively, succinctly and wittily, and an insatiable curiosity are more important attributes than prior journalistic experience. A background in the physical sciences would be an advantage. Applicants should send a CV, a brief letter introducing themselves, and an article which they think would be suitable for publication in the Science and Technology section toscijob@economist.com.

The closing date for applications is February 19th.

http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displayStory.cfm?story_id=15328805 _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Around the middle of last year an Ockham’s Razor program by David Gillespie was briefly discussed on this list.

Gillespie, who is a lawyer, not a nutritionist or scientist of any other kind, has also written a book, Sweet Poison. In his book and Ockham’s Razor program Gillespie claims that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that fructose consumption is the cause of both the obesity epidemic and most chronic diseases. The URL for his program is:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/stories/2009/2621415.htm

Three weeks ago I presented an Ockham’s Razor program in which I argued that Gillespie has grossly exaggerated the case against fructose. The URL for my program is:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/stories/2010/2770728.htm

Gillespie responded to my program with an entry on his blog. His blog entry repeats many of the errors contained in his book and Ockham’s program and adds a few new ones. From the early comments about his blog entry and my program, he appears to have strong supporters.

I have also contributed comments, and will continue to do so for a few days yet (there is still a lot to say about David Gillespie’s lack of understanding of nutritional science, his misrepresentation of the results of scientific studies, and his selective use of evidence).

If you are interested in this subject, the blog and comments are available at:

http://www.raisin-hell.com/

Chris Forbes-Ewan

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Jane (and Phillip),

Great question (and answer) about PPT and the screen aspect ratio.

Realise, though, that having no PPT presentation is “the new black.”

Though PPT has become a norm, strategically varying from the norm can be a good way to be memorable.

Will

William D. Rifkin, PhD Director, Science Communication Program Faculty of Science, BSB-BABS UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA

willrifkin@unsw.edu.au +61 2 9385 2748 +61 2 9385 1530 fax

www.scom.unsw.edu.au www.onset.unsw.edu.au www.dayinscience.unsw.edu.au

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Dear fellow ASCers I need to get together a standard Powerpoint presentation that is suitable for use on any projector screen or monitor. The question is, what aspect ratio should it be? I’ve been told that for a modern widescreen you need 16 x 9 ratio, while the older squarer screens require4 x 3 ratio. I want a ‘one size fits all’ presentation. If you can cast any light on this dilemma I would be very grateful!! Many thanks Jane Lewis 0422 961355

__________________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo!7: Catch-up on your favourite Channel 7 TV shows easily, legally, and for free at PLUS7. www.tv.yahoo.com.au/plus7

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Hi. A colleague is looking for a week’s work experience with a science PR person / communicator in an organisation like CSIRO or a university if possible from June 21-25 for her 15 year old daughter. Her daughter is really good at English and could help with newsltrs, story gathering, organising media lists, helping with the logistics of a PR event etc.

Suggestions and contact details would be most appreciated.

Cheers, Cathy

Cathy Sage Ph: (03) 9376 1413 Fax: (03) 9376 5585 Mob: 0400 714 603 email: cathy@sagewords.com.au website: www.sagewords.com.au Postal Address: PO Box 1246, Kensington, VIC 3031 St Address: 91 McCracken St., Kensington, VIC 3031

This message is meant only for the recipient named above. If you get this accidentally, don’t copy it, forward it or act on information in it – please let me know immediately. Sagewords accepts no liability for message content sent by someone else who has views that are not stated as Sagewords views. So be nice, please!

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Hi Folks,

We are still looking for volunteers to assist us at the upcoming Australian Science Communicators National Conference being held in Canberra Sunday 7th through Wednesday 10th February so we are opening up the invitation to our list subscribers and interested friends.

Volunteer tasks include being AV standby support in the theatres during sessions, graphic facilitators, photographers, registration desk support, lunch time interviewers and more.

This is a great way to meet the science communication community, share your enthusiasm and skills, and hear and contribute to the latest in our interdisciplinary field at a pivotal time.

You will receive free entry for the full conference, including the evening social events.

Volunteers must be available on Sunday 7th from 2pm for lunch and a briefing session with the rest of the conference organising team.

If interested please reply to this email stating your availability and interest in attending the conference.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks,

Kali

The NSW branch of the Australian Science Communicators announces its AGM:

Topic for discussion on the night is the Advent of the eBook Reader. Will it revolutionise science writing and publishing? Bring your Kindles, Bebooks, iPods etc for a Show and Tell, Whinge and Cringe session.

DATE: Monday 15th February TIME: 6.30 – 8 PM VENUE: Upstairs Balcony, rear Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St Surry Hills (5 mins walk from Central train station) One free drink per member, and light snack platter provided.

If you cannot attend please send your proxy ( e.g. To Jesse Shore, jesse@prismaticsciences.com)

========

Are you interested in Freelancing? Writing for magazines? Science Radio and TV? Climate Change? Social networking? Innovative uses of media? Design and presentation skills? … And any other facets of Science Communication?

If so then get involved in the ASC NSW committee to assist with creating an exciting year for our members. Looks great on the resume! (More details below)

Email Phil Dooley or the rest of the committee on ASCNSW@gmail.com if you would like to be involved.

AGENDA 1) Chair’s report 2) Treasurer’s report 3) Election of 2010 Chair 4) Election of committee members 5) AOB ======================================== For those of you thinking of getting involved, here is a quick run down on committee member duties:

– Our philosophy is many hands make light work – if you can help out on only one or two things for the year, get involved.

– We typically meet in person only two or three times a year. The rest of the pow-wows are teleconference or email.

– On each event we have one leader, and a helper or two, so no single person ends up doing everything, and you don’t have to be there for every event. We share around the duties of booking venues etc, answering queries, write ups etc. And of course this year there will be recording, editing, uploading etc duties too.

– Specific roles (duplicated if possible!): – Secretary: take minutes, post notices, ensure committee keeps to commitments – Treasurer: Look after financials, pay for events etc – Member officer: answer emails, keep in touch with members – National Rep: take part in national committee & branch co-ordinator telecons – General committee members: help out on two or three events per year – Chair: harrass rest of committee and make them do stuff (whilst actually doing as little as possible and taking the credit.)

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

The following events are being run by MOSS around Australia which might be of interest to many of you. Follow the link below to register if you are interested. Regards Mary-Anne Waldren

Want to know what really happened in Copenhagen? Did we seal the deal and what does it mean for Business, Government and Community Organisations? Copenhagen was a significant milestone in a longer journey. The global transition to a low carbon economy has begun and is gathering pace. Copenhagen highlighted that with the commitment by every country to reduce emissions. For the first time in history there was consensus by global leaders of the science and the need for a global agreement. Business was also seeking immediate action by world governments.

So what does that all mean and will the Copenhagen Accord be strong enough? What other action is needed to curb global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius?

With a .09 degree increase in temperature across Australia over the last decade, we are well on our way to being one of the countries to be hardest hit by climate change in the world. Do we want a land constantly ravaged by drought, fire, dust storms, flood, cyclones and storms? Or will we harness the opportunity and build a robust green economy?

Copenhagen showed what was possible. Around the world progressive businesses and communities are positioning themselves ahead of the curve. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Google, Intel, IBM, Microsoft, Siemens, Dow, HP, Pacific Gas & Electricity, Duke Energy, Goldman Sachs, Chevron, Veolia, BP, Phillips, Whirlpool, GE, Vestas all participated at Copenhagen. Business stood beside leading local and state governments. Many showcased leadership and commitment to action. Even leading academic institutes such as Yale participated.

There were over 1000 side events and exhibitions providing the latest thought leadership and technologies. Let us save you thousands of dollars and weeks of your time by providing you a snap shot of the key learning’s from the largest environmental conference in the world. Join UNFCCC COP 15 delegates:

PERTH – Friday 29th January 8.45am to 11am @ RAC WA Head Office, Kimberly Room, Level 5, 832 Wellington Street, West Perth. MELBOURNE – Tuesday 2nd February 8.45am to 11am @ DLA Phillips Fox, Level 21, 140 William Street, Melbourne CBD CANBERRA – Wednesday 3rd February 8.45am to 11am @ DLA Phillips Fox, Level 3, 55 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, ACT BRISBANE – Friday 5th February 8.45am – 11am @ Gardens Theatre Foyer , QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 George Street (next to City Botanic Gardens) SYDNEY – Thursday 11th February 8.45am – 11am @ DLA Phillips Fox Level 38, 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney CBD ADELAIDE – Details will soon be released HOBART – Details will soon be released WELLINGTON / AUCKLAND – Details will soon be released

To download programs and for details on registration, Refer http://www.moss.org.au/servlet/Web?s=1999965&action=changePage&pageID=952274957