Maggie Philbin

Very, very sadly, my Mum died two weeks ago. I didn’t feel comfortable blasting my grief across social media – but now it feels very odd not to confide in you brilliant, kind and witty people who’ve been such good company over the past couple of years.

If you’ve been through this,  you’ll know the wretchedness and childlike disbelief. You’ll understand how ridiculous  it seems that flowers she bought are only now starting to fade. The way I can’t sit in her kitchen and look at a plastic bucket or tin of shoe polish or the fruit cake she bought at the village fete two days before she died, without resenting the way they survive and she does not.

We’re a very close family and we’re doing our best to help each other. My lovely Dad, who met her sixty years ago, when he glanced up from the dance floor to the balcony of the Ritz ballroom in Manchester and spotted a pair of red shoes, has cried with us and shared his love, his memories and his agonies over the loss of someone he forever saw as that striking woman he walked  to Victoria Station to catch her last bus home.

I just wanted to let you know.

Two parcels will arrive at Downing Street and Whitehall this morning, with the  six books shortlisted for  the Science Book of the Year.

I’m not sure I should really show you my bedroom at the moment. I’m still weaving my way through book stalagmites to get to my wardrobe…but that’s the only drawback to being invited to be one of the judges for the annual prize run by The Royal Society.

I was thrilled to be asked… not only because it’s such a treat to have the best science writing delivered to your door but it’s also a chance to meet some brilliant fellow judges : author Tracy Chevalier, comedian Robin Ince, and Professor Tim Birkhead and  Dr Janet Anders both Royal Society fellows. We’ve worked our way through a scary amount of coffee, cakes and biscuits to reach our decisions.

It’s been an absorbing, mind-stretching and challenging few months. Over 150 books, covering every imaginable area of Science. From sea ice to unknown medieval geniuses, the natural history of everything from unicorns to teenagers,the inner workings of the brain to the wonders of the universe.

The 150 became 12 and we’re  now re-reading the final six, before making the final decision on the winner in October. In the meantime, I’d love to hear about the Science and Technology books you’ve enjoyed over the years, while I put up a few more bookshelves.

I’m chairing a conference next week where the consumer electronics industry will debate the future of “the digital home”.  I’m there to represent the voice of the consumer, so I’d love to have your input.

NTL Telewest’s imagined home of 2020

There’s an impressive line-up of speakers and having chaired the event last year, I know that the audience don’t hold back with their questions. But it would be good to be able to reflect your voice.

In 2010, we’re using many different devices to access content and, in theory , it’s getting easier to move content around the home. We’ve come a long way from the first home computer , and the arrival of satellite television seems a very long time ago. But are the manufacturers and broadcasters delivering the “digital home” we want? What do you find frustrating with home technology?

If you have a moment – I’d love your comments, either below or @maggiephilbin on Twitter – which I promise to pass on.

What is the most important piece of technology you own in the home and why?

Do you watch TV on the internet?

Do you think it’s important that devices are connected to the internet?

Are you excited about 3D TV?

Do you own a digital radio, if not would you buy one?

Do you think you’ll be spending more or less on technology in the future?

Do retailers do a good job of explaining technology and what it can do?

Today’s the day to celebrate women in technology by writing a few words about a woman you find inspiring. There’s more about Ada and how you can join in here.

I’ve read some of the blogs which have already come from all over the world and they’re brilliant. From clever mates at school, to talented podcasters, to unsung heroines. It’s a powerful insight into the nature of inspiration but most importantly a great record of female achievement.

On Friday, at an event for for 300 teenagers I asked the room to imagine a scientist. After a few seconds I asked  if anyone had imagined a woman. Just six hands were lifted.

Tonight, at the  Potluck Unconference I’ve a few minutes to talk about one woman who’s inspired me. I’m finding it very difficult to make a choice, which is why  some old colleagues from Tomorrow’s World may have  their ears burning. Friends like Judith Hann, who you’ll know and brilliant producers like  like Cynthia Page, Fiona Holmes, Dana Purvis, Caroline van Den Brul, Bettina Lerner, Sue Spindler, Sally Dixon, Teresa Hunt, Jane Aldous, Hilary McGough and Annis Barr, who made sure Judith and myself were never seen as technology handmaidens.

But while I decide, let me  celebrate my mum,  forced to leave school at 14 by her father (an engineer), who didn’t believe education for girls was important. For her, the war provided a great opportunity; she was swift to volunteer and went out to Egypt and Palestine with the WAAF, working in Signals with radar and as a wireless operator, jobs she loved.

Along with her friends,  she played a huge part in overthrowing received ideas about what women could and couldn’t do.

And later, she made sure that I had the education she missed. Thank you Mum.