What Does a Chemist Have to Say? Borek's PF Insights Post

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an interview with Borek, a chemist, exploring his life experiences, thoughts on education, and reflections on his past. Participants share personal anecdotes and reactions to Borek's narrative, touching on themes of education, chemistry, and cultural backgrounds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for Borek's storytelling and writing style, noting its engaging nature.
  • Several contributors share their own experiences related to education, with some feeling that the education system has significant flaws.
  • There are discussions about Borek's past in chemistry, with one participant asking what he did outside the curriculum, while others reflect on their own chemistry experiences.
  • Some participants mention cultural backgrounds and personal histories, comparing experiences in different countries and time periods.
  • A few participants express humor and nostalgia regarding their childhood experiences with chemistry sets and education.
  • One participant humorously recalls a mistake made during a chemistry test, highlighting a personal anecdote related to the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the engaging nature of Borek's narrative and share personal reflections, but there are varying opinions on the education system and chemistry experiences, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions touch on the limitations of educational experiences and the impact of cultural differences, but these remain unresolved and subjective.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in personal narratives related to education, chemistry, and cultural experiences may find this discussion engaging.

  • #31
The first part of this was some of the funniest stuff I've ever read! :smile:

Borek said:
I was born half a century ago, in a galaxy far, far away. So far away our laws were all shifted to the red, shifted so heavily I would risk a crackpot ban if I would try to post about them in Social Sciences. Despite that I don't think my childhood was significantly different from the childhood of other PF members born around that time, even if I didn't drink my first Coke before being ten, as it was not sold earlier in our galaxy for political reasons.

So Borek has a lot in common with Borat. :-p

I already have a good Polish friend, a fellow doctor and infectious diseases specialist. Now I can say I know two Poles! - or is that diPoles? :biggrin:

BTW, I am happy you had at least your right hand after your chemistry misadventures. Can't imagine going through your early teens without hands, can you? :devil:

Wait - Greg said "constructive comments" are welcome. I have no idea if my comments are constructive, but I'm making them anyway! :-p
 
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  • #33
What a wonderful and fascinating presentation/story! I loved it! When is the next chapter?

I must say, I totally agreed with your assessment of the current state of education.

Chet
 
  • #34
Chestermiller said:
When is the next chapter?

You mean obituary?
 
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  • #35
Borek said:
You mean obituary?
Ha! Good one.
 
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  • #36
The red shifted galaxy is the most brilliant piece of writing I have read recently. Not sure if that speaks to my recent taste in literature or your skill. But kudos nevertheless. Thoroughly enjoyable interview!
 
  • #37
Wow, great story!

No mention of Spellbinder kids tv show. Parts were filmed Poland showing off the forests and quaint rural villages. Other parts were filmed in Australia, showing off dingy city life with too many cars and obnoxious kids.

Did you watch this show?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL7I9YSxBBQ&list=PLQIcUY6Kr8n5OEi1GFHYQ9Lf7L6t3FRYL
 
  • #38
jedishrfu said:
Did you watch this show?

Chances are Junior has watched it on TV, he was about 10 when it first aired here, but I don't remember.
 

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