The film Network tells the sad tale of Howard Beale, a network news anchor who is about to lose his job over poor viewer ratings. He expresses his annoyance on air, castigating the network and cursing that life is “bullshit”. The plug is about to be pulled but suddenly his ratings rocket as the public gets in behind him. Ably played by Peter Finch, Howard becomes an instant celebrity and gets his own show.
He then utters a line which has helped place Network amongst the top 100 American films ever produced. He encourages people to lean out of their windows and shout at the top of their lungs: “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Something similar to that famous phrase is being shouted out of the windows of higher education institutions across Ireland. Normally calm, considered and restrained, the scientists, engineers and mathematicians are as mad as hell and are determined to make themselves heard.
The windows were thrown open last Wednesday when more than 800 researchers here and abroad signed a letter and published it in a newspaper, effectively saying they weren’t going to take it any more. It was an open letter to the Government of Ireland from the 800, who declared themselves “Irish scientists for basic research”, hoping for financial support.
The letter comes just as the Government rushes everyone along towards a March 23rd, 2015 deadline for written submissions on the creation of a new strategy for science, technology and innovation. This in turn will be delivered by June, says the Minister of State for Skills and Research Damien English.
The letter’s authors add, however, that it was surprising the letter hit when it did. Work on the letter began before they knew this consultation process had opened, but now the letter and its contents can contribute to the forthcoming strategy.
28. What do the underlined words in Paragraph 1 mean?
A. walk after B. support C. interrupt D. hide behind
29. At what part of a newspaper can you probably find this passage?
A. Film and entertainment B. Feature C. Education D. Social affairs
30. Which of the statements below is NOT TRUE?
A. Howard will lose his job because viewers don’t like him at first.
B. The researchers threw the windows open to remind people to focus on basic research.
C. The letter from the researchers was signed and published last Wednesday.
D. The government encouraged the public to submit their suggestions of a new strategy.
31.What would be the best title of this passage?
A. The scientists are mad as hell, so show them money.
B. Howard becomes a celebrity and gets his own show.
C. Unexpected end of the tale of a network news anchor.
D. A famous line uttered by Howard Beale.