The following audio files come from a larger group of 227 for this week. Double or ctrl-click individual highlighted links, below, to get single podcasts. A zip file of all 31 podcasts converted to 1.5x speed will download here for four months. Older groups of podcasts are discussed at the end of this episode.
African Books for Kids 9 mins – “The Africana Book Awards are supposed to encourage the publication of accurate, balanced children’s literature about Africa. Guest host Celeste Headleee speaks to award winners Karen Leggett Abouraya and Ifeoma Onyefulu.” At the link right-click “download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
America in 2050 23 mins – “How will the United States of the future be altered by a new economy, shifting ethnicities, and emerging class distinctions? Demographer Joel Kotkin says America’s next fifty years will look a lot different from the last fifty.” At the link find the title, “America in 2050,” right-click “Media files IHUB-111613-B.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Archbishop for Los Angeles 40 mins – “This week on Uncommon Knowledge, Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles discusses Catholicism, Mexico-US relations, and immigration, which, as a prominent issue in the United States, provokes a wide variety of opinions as to how it can best be addressed. Gomez argues, both in the course of the interview and in his book Immigration and the Next America, that those who come to the United States from Mexico are honest people looking for work. He points out that this pattern is consistent with the role of immigration in the historical relationship between the United States and Mexico and that, historically, immigrants do not supplant the existing culture but integrate within a generation.” At the link find the title “Archbishop Gomez on immigration,” right-click “Media files 20131108.mp3” and select “Save Link As: from the pop-up menu.
Big Data 60 mins – “Cloudera Co-Founder Mike Olson shares his insights on the present landscape and possible future of big data and the data management industry. In conversation with Ping Li of Accel Partners, Olson also discusses the advantages of building a business on top of open source technologies and the many surprising benefits of competition.” At the link find the title, “Opportunities Abound in the Big Data Space – Mike Olson, Ping Li (Cloudera),” right-click “Media files olson131113.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Brain Chips 27 mins – “Peter Van De Made talks with Ian Woolf about his Brainchip and the nature of intelligence.” De Made’s book, Higher Intelligence, “…details a decade-long quest to research the human brain with the aim to develop an artificial brain chip. Computers are great tools for number crunching, statistical analysis or surfing the internet but their usefulness is limited when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. For nearly 70 years, computer scientists have tried to develop programs that approach the intellect of a human, but to no avail…. How can we build a learning, intelligent machine? Once we have built such an intelligent machine, what will its impact on society be? Why has learning, a prime function of the brain, until now never been part of the Artificial Intelligence process? … Higher Intelligence explores all these questions and gives insights in the function of the human brain. It sheds light on a new digital technology, an artificial brain chip that has the capability to learn and evolve.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Caribbean Medical School 41 mins – “Many undergrad students struggle with the decision of applying to MD or DO schools. Many students are lost when they don’t get into school their first, second or third time applying. If you didn’t already know – there is another option. Caribbean medical schools are an option, but only one that should be considered after much thought. In todays podcast, I talk to Jered Weinstock, a 3rd year medical student from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. We talk about how he came to find out about the medical school, the decision to apply (and how he got there in only 10 days!) and his experience there thus far. We also talk about a lot of negative things associated with Caribbean medical schools and what he has seen from his first hand experience. This is just the beginning of a lot of discussions that we need to have about Caribbean medical schools, so if you have any thoughts on further topics, please comment below!” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Caribbean Reparations 8 mins – “Fifteen countries in the Caribbean are seeking reparations from their former colonial masters for the lasting harm slavery has had on their countries. Host Michel Martin talks about the effort with Jermaine McCalpin from the University of West Indies in Jamaica.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs 51 mins – “Twice as many Americans will be eligible for cholesterol-lowering statin drugs based on new guidelines from two leading cardiovascular associations. Recommendations from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology mark the biggest shift in heart disease prevention in nearly three decades. Statin use in a broader population has been controversial. Some doctors point to their great cholesterol-lowering benefits and their potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Others worry about exposing more patients to statins’ side effects, including an increased risk of diabetes and muscle pain. Diane and her [4] guests discuss controversial new cholesterol treatment guidelines.” You can listen at the link, but not download; however, the file is included in the zip collection noted in the introduction to this episode.
Cities vs Suburbs 27 mins – “In the 1950s, the suburbs were the place to be: with lawns, fences, and a garage for the family car. But two experts on American cities say that – especially among younger generations – suburbs are losing their luster. At the link find the title, ” The End of the Suburbs?,” right-click “Media files IHUB-111613-A.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Columbia Child Soldiers 27 mins – “With rare access to the government’s rehabilitation programme Tom Esslemont meets children as they attempt to find their way to back to their families and society.” At the link find the title, “Docs: Colombia Child Soldiers – 14 Nov 2013,” right-click “Media files docarchive_20131114-0030a.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Computer Pioneer 102 mins – Host Leo Laporte interviews Seymour Rubinstein, a pioneer in the PC software industry who invented WordStar, QuattroPro, and the new search tool Webthresher. At the link right-click “Audio” beside the down-pointing blue arrow and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cryptolocker 39 mins – Cryptolocker is the ransomware that encrypts your files and charges hundred to thousands of dollars to get the key to decrypt them. Episode 481 of Mike’s Tech Show is devoted to dealing with several client cases of such attacks, and how best to defend yourself. At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cyber Threats 34 mins – “As Lucas Kello reveals, it is far easier to attack than to defend when it comes to cyber war. Listen as Kello and Sean Lynn-Jones discuss the dangers of cyber war, review recent cases of cyber attack, and offer security advice for policymakers. The conversation was recorded on 2 Oct 2013. Free Article.” At the link find the title, “Episode 21: Lucas Kello and International Security editor Sean Lynn-Jones on cyber security,” right-click “Media files ISEC Kello Cyber Security Oct 2013.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Dying Ways 51 mins – “Nearly a quarter of Medicare’s $550 billion annual budget pays for medical treatment in the last year of life. And almost a third of Medicare patients have surgery in their last month of life. But when people are fully informed about the risks of many life-prolonging procedures, they often decide against them. That’s what happened to a woman in Connecticut. After the devastating experiences her husband went through following a stroke, she refused major heart surgery for herself. In a new book, the couple’s daughter — a journalist — tells their story and offers advice for us all.” You can listen at the link, but not download; however, the file is included in the zip collection noted in the introduction to this episode.
Electronics Pioneer 92 mins – “Forrest Mims … started building hobby electronics in late 60s early 70s, such as a rocket control system. These landed him in publications like Model Rocketry Magazine…. he founded Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) with Ed Roberts. This would later be the company that debuted the Altair 8800… The reason the Altair got so much attention was because it was featured on the cover of Popular Electronics Magazine… Each year he travels to Mauna Loa in Hawaii to calibrate his equipment. Forrest’s research clashed with results from a NASA satellite. Once NASA found and corrected their mistake, the research landed him a publication in Nature and the Rolex Prize… He co-founded the Citizens Scientist League… Forrest wrote a book about his experience in the industry called Siliconections (1986). He also wrote a TON of other books! Engineer’s Notebook; Getting Started in Electronics; Circuit Scrapbook… He says, “The Maker Movement is phenomenal” and has a column in MAKE Magazine. He is also a fan of Nuts and Volts magazine.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy 123 mins – “C-SPAN and the White House Historical Association are co-producing a two-season feature series on the First Ladies, examining their private lives and the public roles they played in the White House.” At the link find the title, “This week: Jacqueline Kennedy,” right-click “Media files flotus111113 kennedy.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Frackers 51 mins – “Ten years ago, major oil and gas companies thought it was crazy to try to extract fossil fuels buried in shale rock deep below the ground. But a few oil and gas prospectors thought differently. In a new book, a Wall Street Journal reporter shows how these men risked their careers to develop a new drilling process known hydraulic fracturing or fracking. He chronicles the story of how a group of ambitious and headstrong drillers ignored the experts and dramatically transformed America’s energy production. In just a few years “the Frackers” made astonishing fortunes and triggered a global environmental outcry.” You can listen at the link, but not download; however, the file is included in the zip collection noted in the introduction to this episode.
Jamaican Gays 50 mins – “Jamaica’s gay rights and anti-homosexuality movements: what it is like to be a gay person in Jamaica from day-to-day.” At the link find the title, “Docs: Across Jamaica’s Gay Divide – Part One 9,Nov 2013,” right-click “Media files docarchive 20131112-1326a.mp3″ and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Kenya Runners 25 mins – “Legions of athletes, sports gurus, and scientists have tried to figure out why Kenyans dominate long-distance running. In this short, we stumble across a surprising, and sort of terrifying, explanation. At the 1968 summer Olympics in Mexico City, Kipchoge Keino overcame a gall bladder infection to win gold in the 1500 meter race. Since then, one particular group of Kenyans – the Kalenjin – has produced an astonishing number of great long-distance runners. Gregory Warner – NPR’s East Africa correspondent – takes Jad and Robert down a rabbit hole of theories about what exactly is going on in Kalenjin country.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Money Given to Poor 15 mins – “There’s a charity called GiveDirectly that gives money to poor people in Kenya — no strings attached. When we did earlier this year, they told us we needed to check back in. It turned out, they were in the middle of a big study designed to figure out what happens when people get money for nothing. Do they invest it? Waste it? Something in between? Now, the results of the study are in. Update: (PDF). On today’s show: What happens when you give farmers in Kenya more money than they’ve ever had? Also: giving money to thieves and drug addicts in a country that’s much worse off than Kenya. At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.”
Pakistan 58 mins – “Husain Haqqani, “Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the United States, and an Epic History of Misunderstanding,” hosted by Lisa Curtis, Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center.” “The relationship between America and Pakistan is based on mutual incomprehension and always has been. Pakistan—to American eyes—has gone from being a quirky irrelevance, to a stabilizing friend, to an essential military ally, to a seedbed of terror. America—to Pakistani eyes—has been a guarantee of security, a coldly distant scold, an enthusiastic military enabler, and is now a threat to national security and a source of humiliation”. At the link find the title, “Husain Haqqani, “Magnificent Delusions,” right-click “Media files arc_btv110913.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Panic Attacks 26 mins – “Our lives are full of stress and anxiety… but have you ever taken the time to talk to someone about it? This week’s guest, Rita Schulte, is a licensed professional board certified counselor, who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and bereavement. We take the time to discuss a matter that is close to both hosts of the show… anxiety and panic attacks. Both Jon and Chris suffered from panic attacks shortly after graduating college. In this episode, we ask the questions of why it happens, what is really going on, and what you can do to help move past the attacks. Rita is also in the publishing stage of her book, Sifted As Wheat: Finding Hope and Healing through the Losses of Life, which focuses on the losses of life and how they affect us. You can get more information on Rita’s book at her site.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Payday Lending 17 mins – “Payday lenders made about $49 billion in high-interest loans last year. More than forty percent of those loans were made online. On today’s show, we go looking for the people making these loans and find a bizarre online marketplace where people’s personal financial information is bought and sold. Plus, we talk to state regulators about why it’s so hard to police high interest lending happening online.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Personal Finance 50 mins – “This weekend, newly minted Marketplace Money expert Carmen Wong Ulrich looks ahead to the holidays, gives listeners guidance, and even holds up to a lightning round of personal finance questions. Five minutes of fast and furious answers about paying off debt, buying a home, and starting a small business. We hear from a professor who went undercover as a worker in check cashing branch and what she learned from the experience. Carmen hosts a roundtable with a rabbi and Christian woman about what the relationship between money and religion is, and what it should be. Plus, Vanguard Founder John Bogle shares how his family shaped his money philosophy.” At the link find the title “Marketplace Money – 11/08/2013,” right-click “Media files marketplace money v2 20131108_64.mp3″ and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Rural Broadband 27 mins – “Shirley Bloomfield is the Chief Executive Officer of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. She discusses the nation’s transition from outdated 20th century copper-based technology to fiber and all IP technology.” At the link find the title, “Rural Broadband,” right-click “Media files com110213.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Science Errors 102 mins – TWIV 257 looks at a protein called kinase mTOR which is involved in many cellular activities, but at the 58 minute mark begins a 27 minute discussion of “How Science Goes Wrong” by five senior researchers: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Kathy Spindler. It is useful to know that scientific research is not an easy, simple, nor straight forward process to be accepted without verification. At the link right-click “TWIV 257” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Six Sigma 78 mins – “Guest Erica Lee Garcia explains the role of process improvement tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Control in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Our guest is Erica Lee Garcia, a Professional Engineer from Canada, who is also the owner and CEO of Erica Lee Consulting…. Six sigma is all about getting rid of variation, while the lean method is all about getting rid of waste. Statistical process control (SPC) is a control scheme used for process analysis and monitoring…. The phases of a Six Sigma project are “Define — Measure — Analyze — Improve — Control,” also known as DMAIC, for short…Jeff raises the notion that Six Sigma may kill innovation. That position is refuted by Erica, who notes that there is a method of Design for Six Sigma. Advice for early- and mid-career engineers is provided by Erica on her website, EngineerYourLife.net. Erica can be found on Twitter as @engineeryrlife. She can also be contacted via her website. At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Trans Fat Ban 12 mins – “Most people know trans fats aren’t good for you, but sometimes the urge to ignore your health wins out. That will all change if the Food and Drug Administration has its way. Host Michel Martin talks to Dr. Leslie Walker, and NPR’s food and agriculture correspondent, Dan Charles, about why the FDA recently decided trans fats aren’t safe for human consumption.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Veterans Treatment Courts 51 mins – “When U.S. service members return home from war zones, many suffer from post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injuries as well as anxiety and depression. They often need professional help, but too many turn to alcohol and drugs to cope. Increasing numbers of veterans have found themselves on the wrong side of the law after a downward spiral fueled by substance abuse. But there’s hope. Across the country, more judges are putting offenders through veterans treatment courts instead of handing out prison sentences. Diane and her [4] guests discuss how these new court programs are changing the lives of returning soldiers and their families.” You can listen at the link, but not download; however, the file is included in the zip collection noted in the introduction to this episode.
War Gear History 21 mins – “Remember the Romans? God I hope you answered yes. So those Romans and their approach to weaponry was surprisingly utilitarian. The weapons were issued by your superiors, and then returned after use. They were a tool and nothing more. It wasn’t even like the famous speech in Full Metal Jacket. “This is my rifle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.” Nope, it was just a weapon of war. “Here’s your gladius, Paulus. Try to stick the pointy end in that German, please.'” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
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Jan-Jun 2013 files in 18 zip segments (832 podcasts) and a pdf list are here. Jan-Jun 2012 files in 8 segments (362 podcasts) and a pdf list are here, and 591 for Jul-Dec here. For 2011 a list and 5 segments 184 podcasts. For 2010 and earlier 64 podcasts are listed in this PDF and are zipped here as Part 1 and Part 2. (Dead links in old episodes are due to updating; try a current episode.) Over 160 feeds used to prepare this weekly blog are harvested with Feedreader3. The feeds are available in this opml file which Feedreader can import. A PDF list of feeds is here. Free Commander is used to compare old with new downloads to remove duplicates. MP3 Speed Changer is used to boost playback speed to 1.5x. A speed listening background article is here. Please comment on any problems with the links and downloads.
Thanks for visiting.
Media Mining Digest 