The Book Vipers discussion

This is a thread for any general discussion of current events/news.

It's probably an idea to share opinions as respectfully as possible and not get too personal :)

My thoughts today are with Nelson Mandela, critically ill now.

Any predictions for the sex of the new royal baby? I haven't a clue but secretly hope for a girl I think, mainly because that ancient law of male primogeniture has been scrapped, would be such a novelty to have a first-born girl next in line :)

Some of our best monarchs have been women, so hoping for a girl here too :)

If it was I wonder if they'd call her Elizabeth or Victoria? :)

Not much given to interest in the royals, but I do feel for her a bit. I mean who wants to have the fact that you're in labour broadcast across the world!

Chantal wrote: "If it was I wonder if they'd call her Elizabeth or Victoria? :)"

Well I know what I'd vote for!!

Lynne wrote: "The only news I want to hear is that it's getting cooler. I have a pile of ironing to do!"

Big storm coming, so I've heard. Don't get caught ironing then, otherwise we might have one less person to talk to about books :D

:D

Ironing...whats that?

Susan wrote: "Not much given to interest in the royals, but I do feel for her a bit. I mean who wants to have the fact that you're in labour broadcast across the world!"

No, quite! It was bad enough that the family knew.

Chantal wrote: "Ironing...whats that?"

That's my reaction too! My MIL commented last week that, with the washing drying so quickly in this heat, I would be able to get the ironing done the same day! What ironing would that be then?!!! My iron rarely gets used these days!

I'm pretty sure my MIL gave up on me years ago ;)

And after all that speculation, a boy :)

My money's on George ... ?

My son, George, joked this morning that maybe the prince would be named after him. We then read that it is the bookies favourite! We will see....

I think we should aim for king henry 9th hehe

My husband thought it might be James.

I like Henry, it being my son's name!

It would be nice to have something less traditional. I always though Beatrice and Eugenie were quite unusual choices.

I agree George or James seems likely.

Just seen it's been announced as George as I was typing!

I like the name choice!

I wish I'd bet on it now:(

Elizabeth wrote: "My thoughts today are with Nelson Mandela, critically ill now."


RIP Nelson Mandela. A true inspiration for humanity

RIP Nelson Mandela.

I am thinking of the people on the Norfolk/Suffolk/Essex coasts tonight.

Sad to hear about Mandela.

RIP Nelson Mandela. A truly great man.

These coastal surges are very worrying. The worst for 60 years so I've heard. Hope everyone stays safe.

Thoughts today with those in the flood areas whether already affected or waiting for high tides.

RIP Nelson Mandela. The world is a poorer place today.

RIP Gabriel García Márquez

I just read that news. Very sad. RIP Gabriel and thank you for such wonderful stories. x

RIP indeed, he wrote some incredible literature. After travelling to South America over twenty years ago, I so enjoyed reading some of his work and I am long overdue reading another.

Just on the news here in the UK, to kill a mockingbird and of mice and men are both banned from be taught to kids in schools, The kids need to be taught about British authors....J K Rowling?

Its a crazy world.

UK has so many excellent authors but so does the US. That is really sad. I hate it when books are banned for whatever reason. :(

Why Jason?

Pat wrote: "Why Jason?"

They say kids need to read British books.

I'm not sure the reason's important. These are not only classic pieces of literature, they teach us about fundamental human rights; about humanity; dignity - however this decision was made it is, quite simply, wrong.

Children need to read books. End of.

It's actually worse than that. It's English books only.

No Greek or Latin for the kids then? Does that apply to the public schools? Or just state schools?

Pat wrote: "No Greek or Latin for the kids then? Does that apply to the public schools? Or just state schools?"

I think it must be all as it is for the GCSE exams.

I have just heard that in his continual assault of the British education system Michael Gove is calling for some of the classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Mice of Men to be taken of the GCSE reading curriculum. In my opinion a step too far.

Gove will go down as one of the worst education secretaries ever.

Here is the link on the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-2...

Sam wrote: "I have just heard that in his continual assault of the British education system Michael Gove is calling for some of the classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Mice of Men to be taken of the GCS..."

Yes, from now on kids will only get to study English texts for GCSE English, due to Michael Gove's interference.

Hopefully he will also take out all those big words from the dictionary he doesn't like.

I just hope whoever takes over from him has something worth repairing.

This all seems a bit ott to me to be honest. They're changing the syllabus, not banning books. So long as the kids are reading good quality literature (we hope), what does it matter whether that syllabus includes particular classics or not? The argument of what should and should not be included is neverending and no doubt would change from generation to generation.

Books/works of literature can be dragged down and become "love to hate" by generations of those forced to read them. Far better to keep it fresh. Better for the teachers too.

Is the new syllabus out yet? V interesting that the GCSE syllabus is such a focus of interest! I don't think it would receive the same coverage here (Ireland).

I would have to disagree with you there. It's a far bigger issue than banning those two books, and it is a disgrace that he should have that kind of power.

I haven't read anywhere the logic behind the decision, just seems to be English books only.

Jason wrote: "I haven't read anywhere the logic behind the decision, just seems to be English books only."

I think it's just Gove's personal taste. He seems to be against anything other than English Literature, and thinks our literature is far superior than that of other countries and cultures. I don't have a problem with changing books on the curriculum, what I don't like is the way the teaching of English is being restricted on this way.

I have to agree with Shirley the issue is so much bigger than what books are on the curriculum or not. I understand books can change. The issue for me is the restriction on teachers over the teaching methods. This is just another example of Michael Gove making instant decisions without taking the time to look at the wider picture. It is no surprise that our education is so far behind other countries with this idiot making the decisions.

So what is the issue if it is not about what books are on the syllabus?

Teaching at second level is surely always restricted. That is the nature of having a syllabus. Not to mention preparing children for set exams?