Sunday Reads - 28.03.21

Seven reads that have got my attention. Shared without comment

1.The concept of different “learning styles” is one of the greatest neuroscience myths

"the idea that students learn differently depending on their personal preference for visual, auditory or kinesthetic cues is just a myth. In fact, it’s considered a “neuromyth,” which, as Paul Howard-Jones, professor of neuroscience and education at Bristol University, writes in a 2014 paper on the subject, is characterized by a misunderstanding, misreading, or misquoting of scientifically established facts."

2. The Next Front in the India-China Conflict Could Be a Thai Canal

"Long controversial, the canal now seems to have gained widespread support among Thailand’s political elite, with a parliamentary committee due to make recommendations on the project this month. Even the historically critical Bangkok Post has editorialized in favor of the canal. Chinese influence operations in Thailand have probably helped shape public opinion. And despite its nominal alliance with the United States, Thailand has tilted strongly toward China ever since the United States refused to recognize a military takeover of the Thai government in 2014."

3.It looks like a saxophone but plays 512 notes — many you’ve never heard before

"Indian music is structurally different from the Western school. In addition to using different tunings and scales, notes are divided into ragas — ascending and descending patterns that are sort of a combination of what the West considers a scale and a melody. Each raga corresponds with a different mood, season, event, or even time of day. Indian music also divides each octave into 12 swaras, which roughly correspond to the Western chromatic scale, but there are only seven notes per octave, as opposed to 12 in the West. This new musical language expanded Singh’s idea of what was possible — and that’s when the dreams began. But he still couldn’t find a way to bring those imaginings into the waking world."

4.Asian Americans Are Ready for a Hero

"The absence of Asian-American cultural and political figures who imprint themselves into America’s collective consciousness means we are viewed as a race of middle managers, destined to provide technical support and financial advice for White and Black and Latino (but usually White) leaders."

5.How Fanta Was Created for Nazi Germany

"The soft drink Fanta was invented by Coca-Cola, an American company, inside of Nazi Germany during World War II. Developed at the height of the Third Reich, the new soda ensured the brand’s continued popularity. Fanta became a point of nationalistic pride and was consumed by the German public, from the Fraus cooking at home to the highest officials of the Nazi party."

6.Covid lockdown: Seven enduring claims fact-checked

"Flu, a serious respiratory virus can be deadly - but there are vaccines and treatments available. Only very recently have vaccines for Covid-19 started to be rolled out, and only now are more effective treatments available. The long-term effects of Covid can also be much more severe for many people and it's more infectious than flu."

7. The Era of Antisocial Social Media

"To understand what’s driving this shift, you need only talk to young people. They’re saying that after years spent constructing carefully curated online identities and accumulating heaps of online “friends,” they want to be themselves and make real friends based on shared interests. They’re also craving privacy, safety, and a respite from the throngs of people on social platforms — throngs that now usually include their parents."

Happy Reading