Five Things #46

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In 1976, a researcher concluded “The era of applying the label ‘dyslexic’ is rapidly drawing to a close. The label has served its function in drawing attention to children who have great difficulty in mastering the arts of reading, writing and spelling but its continued use invokes emotions which often prevent rational discussion and scientific investigation.” And so it continues. Sirin Kale on the battle over dyslexia.

“In short, there’s no reason to think that the EU is minded to punish the UK in this way, even if it was it couldn’t, even if it could the UK has no need to break international law to respond to it, and even if it did need to the IMB doesn’t provide the means.” Chris Grey on blockades, mythical and metaphorical.

I remember seeing, and enjoying, Reign of Fire in the cinema when it was released. This, apparently, puts me in something of a minority. Maria Lews talks to the makers of the film as they reflect on the film 18 years after the bizarre blockbuster bomb became a cult film.

“Covid-19 sent the worldwide comic industry into free-fall in March when its monopoly distributor, Diamond, shut down all operations.” Jez Walters looks at how legendary weekly British comic, 2000 AD, survived Covid-19 and thrived.

Jules Johnston goes on an urban safari in the ugliest city in the world.

Published by Paul

Reader of books, watcher of films, player of games. British father of three, now living in Belgium and making a living from building interfaces.

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4 thoughts on “Five Things #46”

    1. The dyslexia debate, as reported, is quite interesting, not least because both sides largely agree with each other. The dispute is about definitions — a dyslexic person is someone who is intelligent but struggles with literacy. But now it’s thought that intelligence and literacy are unrelated — so anyone who struggles with literacy could be described as being dyslexic.

      If, as is also claimed, the approaches for children struggling with literacy is the same as those with a dyslexia diagnosis, then the diagnosis doesn’t really tell you anything from an educational or scientific point of view.

      On the other hand, people do find the label useful, both in terms of understanding the condition and with dealing with it.

      I don’t know…

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      1. A few years back the NHS would test and give a dyslexia diagnosis. But now they are not allowed, it has to cone from the education service. But in many places the education service won’t due to cut backs. My son was lucky as an NHS consultant ignored the rules and out it in his medical record. 6 years since that education has basically done nothing, no work. Left it up to the parents.

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