The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures - all ab... - PMRGCAuk

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The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures - all about Covid with Jonathan Van Tam

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If you want a really clear and simple explanation of everything Covid and virus-related look for these lectures on BBC Four or iPlayer if you can access them (UK only)

Sensational stuff last night:

dailymail.co.uk/news/articl...

For those of you outside the UK, luckily the Ri has its own channel and past series are viewable there. I don't know when this year's series is put on there though

rigb.org/christmas-lectures

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31 Replies
whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay

Thanks PMR Pro. I like him. Straight forward with humour. How are you doing?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to whitefishbay

Fine thanks - been very quiet!!!!!

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to PMRpro

Weird Christmas? Hope your friends & neighbours rallied round. x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to whitefishbay

No, Christmas here is very much within the family and there have been quite strict regs too. It wasn't very different from last year though - just us and OH was in his room, as always! I spent the afternoon video chatting with my older daughter and family while they were cooking lunch.

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to PMRpro

Ok well you sound upbeat but grieving is up and down. I am thinking of you. Sending you cyber strength. xx

Saxsoprano profile image
Saxsoprano

I agree - 2 excellent and very clear lectures - also great fun. Tonight's one on vaccines should be really interesting.

Thelmarina profile image
Thelmarina

I’ve been recommending to everyone. It is so clear, so uncondescending and just demonstrates some of the complexities involved with some measures we can all take and WHY!!

Rugger profile image
Rugger

We've set the 3 lectures to record. Not sure if we'll watch them back-to-back!

PMRrunner profile image
PMRrunner

I just hope government ministers are watching and take note of what was said in last night's lecture about the need for ventilation

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to PMRrunner

Just thinking that as I watch last night's lecture!!

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to PMRrunner

This is so true. Kids are going back to school in Nova Scotia a week later and worried parents are being reassured that school ventilation systems have been upgraded, Yada yada. No mention made of the fact that our many older buildings have no ventilation system, other than a window, which at sub zero temperatures isn't ideal, if your classroom window even opens, or has a window in the first place. I think there was a time in the 60s when a lot of the new schools built at that time were designed more like prisons. If covid leads to decent renovation or replacement of those buildings it will be a plus. Thankfully the many children testing positive for covid right now seem to be bouncing back quickly, but the worry really is for the teachers, staff, and vulnerable people in the home.

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

What are you doing reading The Mail On Line? 😂

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to MrsNails

I wasn't really, it was accidental - I googled the lectures and it came up! Thought it was funny ... Not how you imagine JVT is it? And I'd missed that bit when I watched it ;)

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

I’ve just downloaded it so will catch up when l get chance…

Balletomane profile image
Balletomane

They are the Royal Institution Christmas lectures, not the Royal Society, and will be made available on the Ri Youtube channel, probably end January or could be sooner, as well as immediately on iPlayer

(I am a member of the Ri, was at one time a trustee. Only criterion for membership is to have an interest in science.)

The Royal Institution Christmas lectures started in 1825, were first broadcast on tv in 1936, and are the world's oldest scientific tv series. There are many other public lectures throughout the year, see rigb.org. I'll keep an eye on things and try and remember to post here if any particularly relevant ones are announced.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Balletomane

I beg your pardon - duly corrected.

Purple-Owl profile image
Purple-Owl in reply to Balletomane

The lectures are on the iPlayer so you can watch them online in your own time. No need to download.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Purple-Owl

Only if you are in the UK - iPlayer doesn't work anywhere else.

Purple-Owl profile image
Purple-Owl in reply to PMRpro

Oh of course. Apologies, I forgot. I suppose that being outside the UK you were able to watch them by downloading.? Thanks for the very interesting reminder. I love the RI Christmas Lectures..

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Purple-Owl

No - I subscribe to a website that gives access to most UK terrestrial channels online so I do get UK TV. It isn't cheap - once upon a time it was free, then it wasn't and then it went up because we now get HD!! OH watched it a lot for films and the likes of Midsomer Murder (OMG) and eventually I discovered there were channels with the sort of stuff I like - documentary reality of course, being a bit boring.

Brixhamhampster profile image
Brixhamhampster

Thank you PMRpro for this recommendation. Just watched the first two lectures and they were brilliant. You are really on the ball with keeping up with useful information. Hope you are keeping well.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Brixhamhampster

I loved the lectures years ago then lost track for years because they weren't to be seen here. But it wasn't me - someone told me about them weeks ago when tickets were available and I remembered it.

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro

Was that possibly me? I have worked on the Christmas Lectures every year since 2005 which was with John Krebs on food, allergies etc and hygiene.... washing your hands!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Sophiestree

It was - didn't want to take your name in vain!!! But very grateful you did mention them!! I have really enjoyed them.

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro

Yes, agreed, thought they were very good.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Sophiestree

What impressed me most was the number of women involved - all high flying ones too. Excellent role models :)

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro

I know, that was brilliant. I think JVT came across really well too.They had little rehearsals as they weren't available (for obvious reasons) so that alone they did really well. It's one of the nicest things to work on, but utterly knackering and very intense.

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro

I asked the director re the number of female experts, as as much as I WANT to see them I do NOT want it to be just to tick the correct boxes, I want them there on their own merit alone.He assured me, as far as he knew, they were chosen for their expertise, and for that I am truly happy.

headgirl profile image
headgirl

Excellent lectures, very informative.

Frewen1 profile image
Frewen1

Thanks for that link. Really excellent.

Happy New Year to you and everyone... x

Tiggy70 profile image
Tiggy70

Thanks for the heads up on the lectures. Very informative and easy to understand. I’m not sure why but I trust JVT much more than most of the senior health officials. He just tells it how it is. Wishing you a healthier and Happy New Year and thank you so much for being here for us 😘

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