Can a ‘nudge’ change our behaviour?
July 17th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Currently I’m reading a book called “The Social Animal” by David Books. This is all about how we can understand and shape human behaviour.
One theory of behavioural change is that it is best accomplished by ‘nudges’ rather than compulsion. This is the central proposition of the appropriately-name book “Nudge” which I’ve reviewed here.
In an article in today’s “Observer”, there is notice that on Tuesday we will have publication of a House of Lords inquiry into behavioural change. The inquiry has been chaired by rabbi and peeress Julia Neuberger who is quoted as commenting:
“Basically you need more than just nudge. Behavioural change interventions appear to work best when they’re part of a package of regulation and fiscal measures.”
Politicians and policymakers, take note. The current government has a Behavioural Change Unit – often dubbed the Nudge Unit – headed by David Halpern who recently addressed a gathering of the Board of Consumer Focus on which I serve.
Posted in Social policy | Comments (0)
Which American politician said this? (1)
July 17th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
“There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God’s name on one’s behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I’m frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of conservatism.”
I leave you with this thought for a Sunday. I’ll provide the answer on Tuesday.
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (8)
A review of “Bridesmaids”
July 16th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
A big hit states-side, “Bridesmaids” is doing well in the UK too. You can read my review here.
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
Back with my beautiful granddaughter
July 15th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
My gorgeous granddaughter Catrin will be exactly half a year old on Sunday. I’ve been very fortunate in how often I’ve been able to see her because we live in the same city but, until this week, I had not seen her for four weeks (she has been in France most of the time with her parents and Emily’s relatives).
Yesterday I was able to spend three hours with her. She has more hair now and can sit up on her own. I read her some stories and helped Rich feed her (it was a daddy day). Then I took her out alone for an hour and a half and we had fun together. Back at the flat, I changed a smelly nappy (I need to keep my hand in) before leaving.
She really is adorable and I love spending time with her.
Granddad reading to an attentive Catrin
“Granddad says that I’m really cute”
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (4)
How serious is fuel poverty in Britain – and how much worse will it get?
July 14th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Fuel poverty means being unable to afford to keep warm. The Government considers a household to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10 percent of its income on fuel for adequate heating (usually 21 degrees for the main living area and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms).
The Centre of Sustainable Energy, working with Consumer Focus, has estimated figures for fuel poverty based on all of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies putting prices up an average of 19% for gas and 10% for electricity:
The estimated number of GB households facing fuel poverty
- Before price rises – 4.1 million (England) + 0.33 million (Wales) + 0.68 million (Scotland) = 5.1 million (Britain)
- After price rises – 5.1 million (England) + 0.42 million (Wales) + 0.85 million (Scotland) = 6.4 million (Britain)
The estimated number of people living in fuel poverty in GB
- Before price rises – 7.35 million (England) + 0.60 (Wales) + 1.22 (Scotland) = 9.16 million (Britain)
- After price rises – 9.56 million (England) + 0.78 (Wales) + 1.59 (Scotland) = 11.93 million (Britain)
Further information in this Consumer Focus media release.
Posted in Consumer matters, Social policy | Comments (1)
A review of “The Tree Of Life”
July 14th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
It may be one of the oddest films ever released on the big screen but it is bold and ambitious. I’ve reviewed Terrence Malik’s “The Tree Of Life” here.
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
Oh brother (and sister), where art thou?
July 13th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
I was a national trade union official for 24 years of my working life and believe that all genuinely free societies need strong, representative and independent labour organisations. I’m a fervent film fan and love movies of most genres.
These two interests come together in respect of films that feature trade unions or least workers asserting their rights. But, believe me, there aren’t many of these. I’ve reviewed25 of them here.
I was reminded of all this by a recent posting on an “Independent” newspaper blog by James Undy who clearly shares my interests and recommends a new French film called “Potiche”.
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
The fascinating science of mirror neurons
July 11th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
I’ve just started reading a book called “The Social Animal” by David Books. Early on, Brooks introduces the new thinking of neuroscientists about the idea of mirror neurons. One way of trying to understand this notion is to read the relevant Wikipedia page here. Another approach would be to watch this seven-minute video:
Posted in Science & technology | Comments (0)
The heated debate over a carbon tax for Australia
July 11th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Every nation on the globe needs to be thinking about its contribution to global warming and debating what it needs to do to reduce its carbon footprint. This is especially the case for Australia which simultaneously contributes more than its ‘fair share’ of emissions and is especially vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
On the contribution front, Australians need to be aware that its population of just 22 million is responsible for 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, compared to Britain which – with almost three times the population – produces just 1,7%. In spite of its small population, Australia is one of the top 20 polluters in the world. A major problem for Australians is its heavy reliance on cola-fired power stations.
On the vulnerability front, Australians need to be conscious that, of all the advanced economies, Australia is perhaps the one most vulnerable to climate change. A brutal reminder of this was the fires of February 2009 which burned over a million acres of land and killed 173 people. Record high temperatures and exceptionally dry summers make such a mega-fire increasingly likely to reoccur.
You can read about the ferocious debate in Australia to introduce a carbon tax here and the supportive views of one Australian novelist here. As I said at the beginning of this posting, this is a global issue and you can check how other major polluting nations are doing here.
Posted in Environment, World current affairs | Comments (0)
The end of the “World”
July 10th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Today has seen publication of the last edition of the “News Of The World after 168 years of its history. It’s been an amazing week as the scandal has exploded and, of course, it’s far from over.
One of those most responsible for exposing the wrong-doing has been the “Guardian” investigative journalist Nick Davies. In this video, he gives his views on what has happened and what needs now to be done.
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (0)