Meghnad Desai - The Rediscovery of India
Desia's speech pattern took a little while for me to tune into so I missed some of the early comments whilst readjusting my receptors. That old colonial temptation to resist anything other than a British regional accent had to be resisted. And it was worth the effort. An interesting point was made about how a bus driver in Sweden earns 50 multiples of the pay of bus driver in India, even though the driving conditions in Sweden are so much more favourable. He also pointed out that India's growing economy need not falter in the way of the more developed nations who now have ageing populations. India may also have the edge over China as it pays for the 'one child' policy.
the tune out and
The Book Show - Mariella Frostrup
Sky is a very slick organisation. The audience were thanked for attending, each given a horrible canvas bag containing a book mark and given instruction in applause. Mariella's delivery was professional and precise but she was also warm and engaged the audience. Very skilled all round. Interesting guests included the ubiquitous Brian Cox, Henning Mankell talking about his new Wallander story after a 10 year rest from the character and Mark Logue talking about the book of The King's Speech.
Ha Joon Chang - 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism
Serious message delivered in a humerous and light hearted way. Best illustrated by one of the 'things' being how the washing machine has had a bigger impact on society than the internet.
Chang, a Korean national who has lived in the UK for many years, has the sort of perky charm that makes you listen. A good foil I should think for the stuffy, boring tweed jacketed type of lecturer.
Tristram Hunt
Interesting content about the English Civil War which is never referred to as a revolution. Disappointing delivery with limited eye contact with the audience. Political deflection of questions.
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