Instructor Questions - State of Fear

Does Michael Creighton make the book more interesting by jumping from one scene/subject to another scene/subject throughout the book?

In the book State of Fear the author identifies each chapter by a geographical name and timestamp; for example, chapter 1 is titled PARIS NORD, SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2004. 12:00 PM; chapter 2 is titled PHANG, TUESDAY, MAY 11, 11:55 A.M. and continues with this naming convention throughout the book. I believe the chapter naming convention is a very effective way to get the reader on track and gives an understanding that the book has moved on to a different scene. The book is similar to the television series 24 in that the clock is ticking and simultaneous events are occurring that one must understand to grasp the full storyline. Because of this approach, the book jumps from scene to scene and builds individual storylines which are ultimately tied together by the reader as he/she progresses through the book. In my opinion the author style of jumping from one scene to another was very effective.

Does the airplane scene involving Kenner and Evans debating environmental beliefs cause the reader to feel as if one we went from reading fiction to fact? If so, is this good or bad?
During an airplane ride two characters in the book, Evans – a lawyer representing NERF; and Kennedy - a friend of George Morton - a philanthropist supporting environmental organizations, began talking about environmental issues that a large majority of people believe are fact. Kennedy, through a series of questions concerning environmental myths, chipped away at what once was believed by Evans as fact. After each question Kennedy would give detailed statistics and pointed out how the media and environmental groups had failed to disclose certain aspects of many studies. During this portion of the book a significant amount of detailed scientific data was presented which could ultimately persuade a reader to question his/her current belief on issues of global warming. I felt the information was so well presented it could be easily taken as factually-based information and persuaded me to want to do additional research. I believe this was a good thing.