The following audio files come from a larger group of 207 for the week. Double or ctrl-click individual highlighted links, below, to get single podcasts. A zip file of all 59 podcasts converted to 1.5x speed will download here for four months. Older groups of podcasts are discussed at the end of this episode.
3D Printing Quickly 11 mins – “What we think of as 3D printing, says Joseph DeSimone, is really just 2D printing over and over … slowly. Onstage at TED2015, he unveils a bold new technique — inspired, yes, by Terminator 2 — that’s 25 to 100 times faster, and creates smooth, strong parts. Could it finally help to fulfill the tremendous promise of 3D printing?” At the link click “Download,” then right-click “Download audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Africa Mobile Health 112 mins – “Mobile technology is upending how healthcare is delivered in Africa. Mobile devices and mobile health (mHealth) services have, for example, revolutionized maternal care, chronic disease prevention, and the management of Ebola and malaria epidemics. Innovations in mHealth have shown to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of African medical systems through patient tracking and reporting, as well as extend critically needed health services to underserved areas, found both in rural and urban African communities.” At the link under the audio tab right-click “Mobile technology and mHealth: The newest frontline in health care innovation in Africa” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
AIDS in Russia 27 mins – “Former UK Health Secretary Norman Fowler continues his investigation into what works and what does not when it comes to reducing the rate of HIV/Aids. He travels first to Russia where the infection rate is still rising, mainly among drug addicts. He finds tough drug abstinence programmes in place rather than needle exchanges and the use of methadone, policies which have been applied effectively elsewhere. And, he hears testimony of the stigma and suffering endured by Russian homosexuals. He journeys on to Sydney in Australia, where he finds some of the most effective public health programmes in place – including the decriminalisation and regulation of sex work.” At the link find the title, “HealthC: The Truth About AIDS 20 May 15,” right-click “healthc_20150520-2000a.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Arctic Ocean 48 mins – “In Seattle this week, kayakers saying no to a big new Shell Oil drilling rig in the Arctic. Protesters blocking the terminal. In Connecticut, the President saying global warming – climate change – is a very real security threat to the USA. And in the Arctic itself, as spring turns to summer, yet another season in which the Arctic ice cap shrinks and shrinks. And hungry would-be developers from many nations are moving in. The Arctic melt is essentially opening a new ocean. New resources, and risks. Up next, On Point: the new ocean at the top of the world, and the rush for Arctic riches.” At the link right-click “Download this story” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Astrobiology 45 mins – “Like the mutating cells it was trying to investigate, and through a serendipitous series of unrelated coincidences, what started out as a multi-disciplinary UK-based research project to explore the stratosphere using helium balloons somehow evolved and mutated into a high-powered rocketry based research collaboration with NASA Astrobiologists in the Nevada Desert. This high-octane talk by University of Bath researcher Dr Paul Shepherd explores the highs and lows of his journey into High Altitude Bioprospecting for a project which has fused structural engineering, electronics, computer science and biology.” At the link find the title, “What is high-altitude bioprospecting?” right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Astronaut 60 mins – “Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield discusses his three missions on the International Space Station and his books, including [You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes] and [an Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth].” At the link find the title, “Q&A with Astronaut Chris Hadfield,” right-click “Media files program.398285.MP3-STD.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Automotive Propulsion 63mins – “In his Inaugural Lecture, Deputy Director of the PVRC in the University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Chris Brace discusses what the future holds for automotive propulsion. During the 20th century the growth of affordable personal mobility changed the way we live and work. Today the passenger car as we know it is under increasing pressure from changing expectations, including air quality, safety, sustainability and CO2. In addition, driver needs and expectations are changing as we move to a more urban way of living. This lecture sets out some of the challenges ahead and examines some likely directions that personal mobility will take in the future. Once we have an idea of future developments, what will the implications be for powertrain research?” At the link find the title, “The Future of Automotive Propulsion,” right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bamboo 11 mins – “You’ve never seen buildings like this. The stunning bamboo homes built by Elora Hardy and her team in Bali twist, curve and surprise at every turn. They defy convention because the bamboo itself is so enigmatic. No two poles of bamboo are alike, so every home, bridge and bathroom is exquisitely unique. In this beautiful, immersive talk, she shares the potential of bamboo, as both a sustainable resource and a spark for the imagination. “We have had to invent our own rules,” she says.” At the link click “Download,” then right-click “Download audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Behavior Factors 55 mins – “University of British Columbia student David Moscrop argues that modern democracy just isn’t built right for our brains, and that it dooms us into dumb thinking. He’s got an idea for fixing that.” At the link find the title, “Ideas from the Trenches – Too Dumb for Democracy,” right-click “Media files ideas 20150514_66585.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Biker Gangs 48 mins – “The shoot-out at the Twin Peaks sports bar and restaurant in Waco, Texas is still turning heads for its numbers. Nine dead. 18 wounded. 170 arrested. And then the weaponry: knives, chains, clubs, brass knuckles and more than a hundred guns. And of course, the biker gangs. Motorcycle “clubs” that are probably not your uncle Johnny out for his weekend roar. Bandidos, Cossacks, Scimitars. It all sounds antique, like an old Marlon Brando film. But it’s now. This hour on On Point: the biker gangs of Texas and the bloody shoot-out in Waco. Plus, we’ll look at the Texas fever over US military exercises, Jade Helm 15.” At the link right-click “Download this story” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bikers in Waco 52 mins _”On Monday, police in Waco, Texas, charged about 170 people in connection with Sunday’s deadly shootout. Nine people were killed and 18 were wounded when a brawl that began inside a restaurant spilled out to the parking lot. The killings were reportedly sparked by a long standing feud between rival motorcycle gangs. Those arrested have been charged with organized crime in connection to capital murder. The violence is the latest in a number of deadly encounters in recent years among motorcycle gangs in the U.S. We look at what’s behind the violence among bikers and their links to organized crime.” At the link you can listen, but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Biomedical Innovation Conf 160 mins – “As policy agendas for 2015 come into sharper focus, much of the national conversation is aimed at tackling challenges in biomedical innovation. The first two months of the year alone have seen landmark proposals from Congress and the Obama Administration, including the House’s 21st Century Cures initiative, a bipartisan Senate working group focused on medical progress, President Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative and a number of additional priorities being advanced by federal agencies and other stakeholders. On March 13, the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform hosted the State of Biomedical Innovation Conference to provide an overview of emerging policy efforts and priorities related to improving the biomedical innovation process. Senior leaders from government, academia, industry, and patient advocacy shared their thoughts on the challenges facing medical product development and promising approaches to overcome them. The discussion also examined the data and analyses that provide the basis for new policies and track their ultimate success.” At the link under the audio tab right-click “State of biomedical innovation conference,” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
Black Girls Code 62 mins – “…In 2011, only 6 percent of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workers nationwide were black, up a mere 4 percentage points over the last 40 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For black women, the minority of minorities in the STEM world, access to opportunities that will shatter Silicon Valley’s “boy’s club” and diversify the industry have been long coming. Kimberly Bryant is looking to hasten this change. Founder of Black Girls Code, a nonprofit offering after-school programs and summer programs for young women of every color, Bryant seeks to give Silicon Valley’s next generation of girls a fighting chance to program the future, one line of code at a time. Join us for a conversation between Kimberly Bryant and another innovator bridging the digital divide, Khan Academy founder Sal Khan.” At the link right-click “Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Blind Bargain Podcast 109 mins – “The “Justice League” can’t hold a candle to the podcasting might of our BBQ team this week. J.J. and Joe are joined by Chancy, Shelly and Ricky to bring you news and fun conversation that spans not just one week… Oh no! Nearly half of the year so far are summed up in our Discussion topic section. We also managed to cram in a tip plus your feedback and a meme-driven “Last Word”.” At the link find and right-click “Download the file” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cat Predation 16 mins – “Birds v. Cats (start time 4:35): Spring is in full bloom on Colorado’s Front Range. Robins and other birds wake us up before the crack of dawn with their choruses. This is also a time when many chicks will hatch and then fledge — a time when they are most vulnerable to predators. The biggest single threat to birds is a favorite household pet – yes, cats. Actually, feral and pet cats alike. Dr. Amanda Rodewald, an ecologist and director of conservation science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University, discusses with host Susan Moran the various threats to birds and their habitat, and how humans can be part of the solution. Spoiler alert: Keep Felix inside, at least during nesting season. For more info on how you can get involved, go to the American Bird Conservancy‘s Cats Indoors program.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Chinese in America 51 mins – “The San Gabriel Valley is just like any other suburb in America. Life revolves around family and school; the social fabric is woven over cheap eats at the mall. But unlike most suburbs in America, the San Gabriel Valley is home to the largest Chinese diaspora in the country. In fact, eight of the region’s cities are majority Asian. That makes the “SGV” one of the few places where being Asian American is the norm – but where there is no normal version of being Asian American.” At the link find the title, “San Gabriel Valley, CA: Small Town, Global City,” right-click “Media files SanGabrielValley Podcast.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Civil Disengagement 13 mins – “America may BE a participatory democracy, but that doesn’t mean we want to participate. In 2014, only 36% of those who could vote, actually did. So, how do you get people to care? To vote, protest, attend town meetings, or generally get involved in their community? First, says researcher Kate Krontiris, you have to identify “the interested bystanders,” who she estimates may constitute about half the US population. They’re the folks who care about their community, who see the potential to be involved – and yet hang back.” At the link find the title, “Civic Disengagement (And How To Fix It),” right-click “Media files KRONTIRISWEBMIX.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.”
Coding Concepts 65 mins – “Host Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Lou Maresca – Lou has the best practices for Programming and code review, and Carlos joins us for Ruby on Rails part 4 of 4.” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow beside “Audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
College Education Value 73 mins – “For the United States to remain competitive in the global economy, our citizens need to be innovative, versatile and well-educated. To provide for these qualifications, does our model of higher education need a wholesale renovation? What would an education that is tailored to the needs of the 21st century – and affordable to all – even look like? Join this distinguished panel of public and private college educators to tackle the difficult challenges ahead: What is the value of a liberal arts college education versus a pre-professional vocational skill-building model? Why does college cost so much? How can we close the gap between attendance and graduation rates? Can we design blended in-person and online courses that are both instructive and cost-efficient? And finally, how can we get our state and federal governments to continue to support higher education and to take the financial burden off of students?” At the link right-click “Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Common Sense 65 mins – “Recorded to the soothing background sounds of jackhammers, this show talks about the electorate’s collective memory with a bit about riots and partisan self-image thrown in for variety’s sake.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
Communication Legislation 27 mins – “Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY), Suzan Delbene (D-WA), and Doug Collins (R-GA) discuss privacy, the National Security Agency’s (NSA) collection of phone records, and legislation on net neutrality, data breaches, patents, and phone service.” At the link find the title, “Communicators with Members of Congress,” right-click “Media files program.400686.MP3-STD.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Dante 165 mins (3 parts) – “On the 750th anniversary of his birth, a celebration of the life and work of poet Dante Alighieri. At the link find the titles, “Dante: Poet of the Impossible,” Part 1, Media files ideas 20150520_68619.mp3:” “Part 2;” “Media files ideas 20150521_33188.mp3;” and “Part 3” “Media files ideas 20150522_93674.mp3;” right-click the Media files parts and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menus.
Decentralization 57 mins – “The buzz: Decentralizing. In the industrial age, businesses like railroads and electric power companies grew large because centralizing allowed them to deliver improved services to their markets. Now we’re seeing a paradigm shift fueled by technology-enabled de-centralization. Innovations like 3D printing, the Internet of Things, smart watches, mobile technology and Tesla’s standalone battery to power a home or office – all allow us to de-couple from businesses. These exciting – or scary – disruptions have vast implications for the future of your business. Are you ready? The experts speak. Frank Diana, TCS: “The challenge is to rehearse the future and prepare for a range of possibilities” (Fast Future Research). Gray Scott, Futurist: “Nothing comes unannounced, but many can miss the announcement” (Terence McKenna). Timo Elliott, SAP: “Status Quo is, you know, Latin for ‘the mess we’re in’” (Ronald Reagan). Join us for Eating Disruption for Lunch: Digesting Decentralization.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Dementia P5 39 mins – “In the final episode of our Dementia Decoded series, we look at some of the innovative approaches that are being taken, and how they hold out new hope for the future.” At the link find the title,“Dementia Decoded: Moving Forward,” right-click “Media files 150400 dementia decoded_ep5.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Eating Disorders 52 mins – “About 24 million Americans suffer from eating disorders. They are among the most difficult psychiatric conditions to treat and have higher mortality rates than most other forms of mental illness. Clare and Elena Dunkle know these statistics well. This mother and daughter pair has just released companion memoirs, documenting Elena’s struggle with anorexia nervosa. Written for young adults, “Elena Vanishing” traces the story as Elena moves in and out of treatment, her disease threatening her life. “Hope and Other Luxuries” recounts the same events from the perspective of a mother, desperately battling for the health of her child. We hear their stories and more about the disease from an expert.” At the link you can listen, but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Editing The New Yorker 53 mins – “Mary Norris has spent more than three decades in The New Yorker‘s copy editing department, maintaining the magazine’s high standards for grammar, punctuation, and style. In a new book, she shares her vast knowledge, good cheer, and sharp pencil with the rest of us. It’s partly a book of practical advice on language usage, and it also offers a peek inside the hallowed halls of one of the world’s most important publications. Norris joins us Thursday to share what she’s learned as a self-proclaimed “comma queen.” Mary Norris began working for The New Yorker in 1978. Her new book is called Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen” At the link right-click the play button beside “Listen” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Energy Subsidies 87 mins – “The issue of energy subsidy and taxation reform remains high on the international policy agenda reflecting the need for countries to pledge carbon reductions ahead of the Paris 2015 United Nations climate conference. A new study by staff at the Fiscal Affairs Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides a comprehensive, updated picture of energy subsidies at the global and regional levels. It focuses on the broad notion of energy subsidies, which captures the failure to charge for the environmental damage from energy consumption as well as to tax energy consumption in the same way as other consumption goods to raise government revenues.” At the link under the audio tab right-click “How large are global energy subsidies?,” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
Failures 34 mins – “Failure Is Your Friend… In which we argue that failure should not only be tolerated but celebrated.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Freakonomics Author 57 mins – “On the show this week we talk to Stephen Dubner, award-winning author, journalist, and radio and TV personality. He is best-known for writing, along with the economist Steven D. Levitt, Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, which have sold more than 5 million copies in 35 languages. “ At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Greek Finance Minister 76 mins – “Since 2010, the economy of Greece has repeatedly faced challenges initially brought on by the global financial crisis. Over the past five years, various Greek governments have sought to overcome these challenges, restructure debt, and renew the country’s economy with some, but limited, success. Unemployment remains close to 25 percent and the cumulative loss of GDP has approached 28 percent. Conversations with partner governments in the eurozone have at times been contentious. Now, a new party has been elected in Greece and is charged with tackling its fiscal challenges, and conversations continue to swirl about what lies ahead.” At the link under the audio tab right-click “The Greek economy and its global partners: A conversation with Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis,” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
Hacking and Privacy 52 mins – “You’re a private person. But as long as you’re on-line and have skin and hair, you’re shedding little bits of data and DNA everywhere you go. Find out how that personal information – whether or not it’s used against you – is no longer solely your own. Are your private thoughts next? A security expert shares stories of ingenious computer hacking … a forensic scientist develops tools to create a mug shot based on a snippet of DNA … and from the frontiers of neuroscience: mind reading may no longer be the stuff of sketchy psychics.” At the link right-click “Download file” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Hitch Hiking 30 mins – “’Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?” Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road” perfectly captured the essence of the American fascination with the automobile. But that love affair has been dysfunctional, at least as far as the environment goes. This week on Sea Change Radio, we hear from Ginger Strand, a non-fiction writer who has written extensively on the American interstate. Strand and host Alex Wise discuss the history of American roads over the past five decades, efforts to protect wildlife in the face of road encroachment, and the evolution of hitch-hiking as the rideshare movement continues to blossom. Then, we revisit our conversation with Paul Minett, the founder of the Ridesharing Institute in Auckland, NZ and Mark Svenvold, a journalist who’s profiled Minett’s work.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Huffington Post 43 mins – “On the 10th anniversary of The Huffington Post website, Washington, D.C., bureau chief Ryan Grim, senior politics editor Sam Stein and politics managing editor Amanda Terkel gather to talk about some of the biggest stories the site has covered.” At the link find the title, “10 Years of The Huffington Post ,” right-click beside “Direct download:” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Infrastructure Repairs 47 mins – “Travel abroad and you will quickly see how American infrastructure has fallen behind. Fallen apart. Just traveling across town in this winter of big snow has been a challenge to aging systems. But how do we pay for an upgrade? This week, the Obama administration put a plan on the table. Tax huge overseas profits of GE, Pfizer, Microsoft, Apple and more. Put that windfall into American infrastructure. It could be a beginning of tax reform and American rebuilding. Is it a good idea? This hour On Point: Paying to rebuild, and a look-ahead at the next 30 years of American transportation.” At the link right-click “Download this story” and select “Save Link As” from the pop up menu.
Invasive Species Value 53 mins – “When journalist Fred Pearce set out to write a book about the role invasive species play in our environment, he imagined it would be about the havoc they cause. What he found surprised him though. He says the horror stories are overblown and that these resourceful plants and animals are often responding to the damage that humans have wrought. They push their way through concrete and thrive in pollution. Tuesday, Pearce joins Doug to explain why he says invasive species could be nature’s salvation.” At the link right-click the blue button beside “Listen” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
ISIS in Iraq 48 mins – “A call for fresh volunteers today from the Iraqi government in Baghdad to try to retake Ramadi, and maybe to save Iraq. Over the weekend, Iraqi troops cut and ran, again, as fighters of the Islamic State blasted their way into control of the capitol of Anbar Province. With Ramadi in its control, the Islamic State is now just 70 miles from Baghdad. Instead of a promised retaking of Mosul and pushback of the Islamists, the US and Baghdad government are themselves back on their heels. This hour, On Point: the fall of Ramadi, where US troops fought and died, and the uncertain future of Iraq itself.”At the link right-click “Download this story” and select “Save Link As” from the pop up menu.
Joan of Arc 52 mins – “A young, French peasant girl standing in a field receives a heavenly message: she must lead the French in driving the English out of the country. So begin most retellings of the story of Joan of Arc. But medieval historian Helen Castor says that to get a true picture of the girl and her place in history – and to understand how her remarkable story was possible – we need to go back further. Castor brings us deep into France of the early 1400s: into a country long ravaged by war, and a society where fears about the will of God are ever-present. A fresh look at the woman known as Joan of Arc and the world she inhabited.” At the link you can listen, but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Lawrence of Arabia 55 mins – “T.E. Lawrence — Lawrence of Arabia — was one of the most brilliant and enigmatic figures of the 20th Century. Archaeologist, cartographer, military tactician and leader in WW1, he was also uncannily prescient about the shape of the world to come.” At the link find the title, “The Shape of Thing To Come – T.E. Lawrence,” right-click “Media files ideas 20150519_12147.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Magna Carta 70 mins – “Did an 800-year old piece of parchment really change the world? Nicholas Vincent of the University of East Anglia talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the Magna Carta, the founding document of English law and liberty. The Magna Carta was repudiated just ten weeks after King John issued it. Yet, its impact is still with us today. In this conversation, Vincent explains what led to the Magna Carta and how its influence remains with us today in England and elsewhere.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Match Making Process 31 mins – “Inside Dating Ring’s Matchmaking System “ At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Measles Legacy 64 mins – “The TWiM team discusses how measles vaccination protects against other infectious diseases, and links between bacterial biofilms and colon cancer.” [Conversely, victims of measles are susceptible to other infections.] At the link right-click “TWiM#104” and select “Save Link As” from the pop–up menu.
Microbiome 17 mins – “Rob Knight is a pioneer in studying human microbes, the community of tiny single-cell organisms living inside our bodies that have a huge — and largely unexplored — role in our health. “The three pounds of microbes that you carry around with you might be more important than every single gene you carry around in your genome,” he says. Find out why.” At the link click “Download,” then right-click “Download audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Moral Enhancement 39 mins – “Jesse has a freewheeling discussion with John Danaher about “moral enhancement” technologies – old and new. They talk about emerging technologies, ethics and the notion that the mind extends much beyond our body and brain. (All without sounding remotely woo-woo!) “ At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
National Security Threats 91 mins – “Cutting-edge technology has led to medical breakthroughs, the information age, and space exploration, among many other innovations. The growing ubiquity of advanced technology, however, means that almost anyone can harness its power to threaten national, international, and individual security. In their new book, The Future of Violence: Robots and Germs, Hackers and Drones—Confronting a New Age of Threat (Basic Books, 2015), Benjamin Wittes and Gabriella Blum explore the potential dangers of modern technology when acquired by hostile groups or individuals. On March 11, Governance Studies at Brookings hosted a book event to discuss the new threats to national security and the developing framework for confronting the technology-enabled threats of the 21st century. In order to manage the challenges and risks associated with advanced technology, governments, organizations, and citizens must reconsider the intersection of security, privacy, and liberty. What does this mean for domestic and international surveillance? How will the government protect its citizens in an age of technology proliferation?” At the link under the audio tab right-click “Confronting national security threats in the technology age,” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
Nepal Immigrants 28 mins – “Claudia Taranto travels to Nepal where – until the recent disasters – 1600 people were leaving each day to travel overseas for work. The earthquakes are only likely to add to this exodus in the coming years. Claudia discovers the benefits of money earned in the Middle East, but also hears appalling accounts of exploitation. She discovers the benefits of money earned in the Middle East, but also hears appalling accounts of exploitation.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Niagara Falls Electricity 4 mins – “Not long ago, while traveling near the Canadian border, I chanced upon a curious building. It was shaped like an ancient funerary temple on the banks of the Nile: a long stone façade punctuated by evenly spaced columns and bays. It also had that forlorn look so common to aging turn-of-the-century structures: classical elegance plus blown-out windows. My building might even have been an eyesore except for the colossal eye-magnet just a few hundred yards away. Did I mention it sat at the foot of Niagara Falls? The mystery building turned out to be the Ontario Power Company Generating Station, built in 1904, and it has a back-story as interesting as its appearance.” At the link right-click “Click here for audio…” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Plague Hygiene of Olde “A Gobbet o’ Pus 712. I am now to be called the Chief Morber.” At the link find the title, “712,” right-click “gop712.mp3” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
School Discipline 53 mins – “Something changed in America’s schools after the tragedy at Columbine High School. Worried about child safety, administrators, parents, and teachers teamed up with police to crack down on discipline. Trouble that once landed kids in detention is now punished with out-of-school suspension, expulsion, even arrest. The result is a pipeline that funnels children from school straight to prison. Wednesday, we’re talking about the school-to-prison pipeline in Utah and asking whom it affects and what can be done to stem its flow.” At the link right-click the play button beside “Listen” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Sexuality 60 mins – “This week we’re looking at the intersection of human sexuality, research and education. We’re joined by sexuality educator and blogger Emily Nagoski, to talk about her book “Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life.” And we’ll speak to medical humanities and bioethics professor Alice Dreger, about her experience live-tweeting her son’s abstinence-focused sex-ed class.” At the link find the title, “#318 Come As You Are,” right-click “Media files Science for the People_318_Come_as_You_Are.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Singapore Work Prospects 28 mins – “Claudia Taranto visits Singapore, which is increasingly reliant on labour from abroad – 40% of the population are in the country temporarily for work. She hears from locals who feel anger at being squeezed out of the job market and from exploited migrant workers who are in despair at Singapore’s complex and bureaucratic system for resolving workplace problems.” At the link find the title, “Singapore: Workers Without Borders,” right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Small Business Round Table 68 mins – “Former Secretary of State and 2016 Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton participates in a discussion with members of the small business and lending communities in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She also takes questions on her State Department emails.” At the link find the title, “Hillary Clinton on Small Business Lending,” right-click “Media files program.401230.MP3-STD.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Somalia Recovery 28 mins – “Andrew Harding speaks to defectors inside the militant group Al Shabab and asks if Somalia is turning the tide against extremism.” Andrew Harding speaks to defectors inside the militant group Al Shabab and asks if Somalia is turning the tide against extremism.” At the link find the title, “Somalia – Back from the Brink,” right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Stiglitz on Equality 62 mins – “We are living in an era defined by economic uncertainty and bitter politics: The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, an emboldened Wall Street has shrugged off attempts at regulation, and important political policies have become the playthings of financial interests. Still, economist Joseph Stiglitz believes that a healthy economy and a fair democracy are within our grasp. By taking what he sees as practical political steps, such as making those at the top pay their fair share, spending more in areas that we all value – education, health, and infrastructure – and eliminating the corrosive advantages built into our markets, Stiglitz argues that we can once again create the opportunities that have for so long defined America, and get the country back on track. Stiglitz is a former senior vice president and chief economist of the World Bank and is a recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. At the link right-click “Play Now” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Student Debt 55 mins – “It’s cap and gown time all over the country. And since it’s this country, that means a lot of new young college graduates graduating with a lot of debt. $26,000 on average now for student loan borrowers. In total, more than a trillion dollars in student debt. Famously more student debt now in this country than credit card debt.Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz says this isn’t just an astonishing number. It’s a real drag on the US economy, and a real promoter of US inequality. It’s got to change, he says.” At the link right-click “Download this story” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Water Management 55 mins – “Opening a new era for cooperation on the world’s most critical water issues, mayors from across Great Lakes and the Middle East will sign a pioneering agreement this month that links their cities through game-changing “Sister Waters” partnerships. The treaty-signing will take place at Water after Borders: Global Stakes, Local Politics, a historic two-day summit at the University of Illinois at Chicago, April 23rd-24th, 2015. Water After Borders will focus on strategies for sharing water across political, geographical, and cultural boundaries. The partnerships will be facilitated by EcoPeace Middle East – an Israeli/Jordanian/Palestinian trilateral organization dedicated to environmental peacebuilding – and the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative – a coalition aimed at protecting and restoring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Tune in to hear the mayors themselves discuss this historic partnership!” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Working Women 60 mins – “Caroline Fredrickson, president of the American Constitution Society, talks about her book [Under the Bus: How Working Women are Being Run Over], in which she argues that women in the U.S. still face many challenges in the workplace.” At the link find the title, “After Words with Caroline Fredrickson,” right-click “Media files program.398588.MP3-STD.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Workplace Tools 52 mins – “Two hundred years ago, there was no such thing as the “workplace” — and the tools of one’s trade were rudimentary by today’s standards. Since then, of course, America has witnessed the Industrial Revolution, the rise of white-collar work and, now, an age of digital devices that allows the workplace to follow us everywhere. So on this episode of BackStory, from utopian visions of the cubicle to video surveillance in law enforcement, the Guys size up some of the stuff Americans have worked with — and, in turn, how that stuff has shaped the lives of American workers.” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow at the right end of the sound bar and select “Save Link As” form the pop-up menu.
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ARCHIVE
An alphabetic encyclopedia of 6000 of these hyperlinked descriptions is here and updated quarterly. A file of the podcasts is here , updated weekly, and can be downloaded as a 40+ GB zipped file, or individually. Over 230 feeds used to prepare this blog are harvested with a podcast aggregator. The feeds are available in this opml file which most aggregators can import. A list of the feeds is here.
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Media Mining Digest 