Exercise your ears: the 66 podcasts shown below present the best ideas, information and stories from a larger group of 560 for the week, to hear while your hands and eyes are busy. Get all the files as a group for the next four months here, or double or ctrl-click individual titles to get single podcasts and explore the source. A collection of 21,591 podcasts, listed alphabetically and grouped by topic, can be downloaded piecemeal, with files A-B at this link, files C-E link, and the remainder here. You’ll be limited to a 4GB maximum per download at the last place, so multiple group downloads will be needed to get all files, totaling over 140GB and may take a few hours. The first entry in the collection is a text file with just titles for quicker reference. A collection of abstracts for all the podcasts is available at this link and updated quarterly. Get even the discarded material using a podcast aggregator loaded with this opml file of the 460 sources. And try PodcastRE from the University of Wisconsin with over 150,000 titles. Exercise your ears and relax the rest.
African Innovation 38 mins – “In this episode, we are joined by entrepreneur and innovation influencer, Jean-Claude Bastos. Jean-Claude is the founder of Quantum Global Group, Banco Kwanza, Angola’s first investment bank, and The African Innovation Foundation (AIF), which aims to support sustainable projects in Africa and hosts the annual Innovation Prize for Africa….” At the link right-click “Download this episode” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Aging Science 60 mins – “How can we stay sharp as a senior citizen? This week, we explore the different biological approaches to understanding healthy ageing, discover a protein that may prevents age-related nerve degeneration and find out how to preserve cognitive function as we age. Plus, why Eunuchs lived longer, and how to turn trousers into catalytic converters that filter polluted air!” At the link find the title, “Dodging Death: Growing Old in Good Health, Sept, 2012,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
AI Design for Humanity 55 mins – “The buzz: “Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this technology will enhance us” (Ginny Rometty). When humans and computers work together, they can do amazing things that neither could do alone. Most design jobs today require empathy, problem framing, creative problem solving, negotiation, and persuasion. With a boost from AI, non-designers can develop these skills. The result? In the future, everyone will be a designer. The experts speak. Frank Diana, TCS: “I believe that college should shape students into professionals but also creators…” (Joseph E. Aoun) Ian Gertler, Symplegades: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” (John Q. Adams). Masha Krol, Element AI: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives” (Annie Dillard). Maricel Cabahug, SAP: “The biggest mistake one can make is to not make a mistake” (Martine Rothblatt). Join us for AI: Designing the Future of Humanity.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Alzheimers and Ultrasound 55 mins – “This week, how rogue antibodies turned one woman’s existence into a living nightmare of delusions, hallucinations and paranoia, we examine the evidence that ME – or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – might be an autoimmune disease, and why the blues might be down to a hostile immune response. Plus, how tracking eye movements can be used to influence decisions, why remembering causes you to forget, a new 3d-printer inspired by Hollywood’s Terminator, and the genetic map of the UK: apparently the Romans didn’t fancy breeding with us very much…” At the link find the title, “Brain on fire, Mar, 2015,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Augmenting Reality 62 mins – “The high-tech scanners that can home in on chemicals produced by cancers, how bats and dolphins share genes for echolocation and why barefoot runners have a smoother track record. Also this week, augment your reality: find out how new technologies can add extra information to the way you see the world by making a mobile phone into a virtual tour guide or even a pocket mechanic! Plus, how virtual reality worlds are helping to rehabilitate stroke victims, and, in a theatrical twist, for Kitchen Science Dave discovers the workings of a baffling stage illusion…” At the link find the title, “Augmenting Reality, Feb, 2010,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Author Neal Stephenson 58 mins – Author interview. At the link find the title, “47. Neal Stephenson (Snow Crash) / Computer RPG Design (with Keith Burgun), Oct, 2011, right-click “Media files geeksguide47final.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Blind Workers in Russia 20 mins – “During the Cold War, Peter White heard a fascinating rumour from Russia – that there were factories which employed the visually impaired almost exclusively. But today, initiatives offering protected employment for blind people are viewed as suspect. Society has moved toward integration and segregating workers is seen as unfashionable. But in Russia, one of the electronics factories Peter heard about is still going strong, and Peter is about to go on a special visit…” At the link you can listen, but not download; however, a copy is included in the blog archive.
Blood Trends 54 mins – “For World Blood Day we’ve been delving into the history of blood letting, getting stuck into blood donation and exploring exciting new possibilities for making blood that’s safe for everyone. Plus, a new test to reveal every virus infection you’ve ever had, the LHC fires up again after a two year shut down, and a new weapon in the fight against Ebola…” At the ink find the title, “Behind Blood donation, Jun, 2015,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bone Research 56 mins – “Just the bare bones this week as we find out how exercise strengthens the skeleton and how new scanning techniques can help to pick up osteoporosis earlier and inform its management. We also try out a new gadget for measuring the force muscles can apply and, in the news, discover what a self-healing tumour can tell us about common cancers, evidence that mammalian hearts can repair themselves and a new laser-based tool for diagnosing melanoma. Plus, how the bones of people who died up to a hundred years ago are helping scientists to combat chronic back pain by building a computer model of the backbone…” At the link find the title, “Boosting Your Bones, Feb, 2011,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Brain Divided 83 mins – “Psychiatrist and author Iain McGilchrist talks about his book, The Master and His Emissary, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. McGilchrist argues we have misunderstand the purpose and effect of the divided brain. The left side is focused, concrete, and confident while the right side is about integration of ourselves with the complexity of the world around us. McGilchrist uses this distinction to analyze the history of western civilization. This is a wide-ranging conversation that includes discussions of poetry, philosophy, and economics.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bullying Prevention 41 mins – “In partnership with State Services for the Blind of Minnesota we are proud to present, PACER Center – Champions for Children with Disabilities: A Visit with pACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center Director Julie Hertzog Julie helped start the Bullying Prevention Center back in 2006 and is a recognized National Leader in Bullying Prevention….This episode focuses on bullying and with us today we have Julie Hertzog, director of PACERs National Bullying Prevention Center….Julie helped start the bullying prevention center back in 2006, and is a recognized national leader in bullying prevention…Yes, we are in Bloomington Minnesota at Pacer Center and PACER is actually an acronym, P A C E R, and its Parents Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights ,though that’s probably outdated….And the connection to our mission with disability is that students with disabilities are bullied two to three times more than their non-disabled peers, and at the time when we formed the National Bullying Prevention Center we knew that, we wanted to always make sure that we emphasize students with disabilities, but to really make a difference, we realized that we, we also wanted to focus on any kids who are vulnerable to bullying and whether that was a student with a disability, are being bullied based on their disability, on their race, their religion, their weight, their gender, we wanted to be inclusive. But we also didn’t want to focus just on the kids who are being bullied, we wanted to really engage, we knew to make a difference, we wanted to engage the entire community, so we wanted to be speaking to schools, we want to be speaking to teachers, and and parents, and the students themselves because at that time we had adopted the tagline, the end of bullying begins with you, and we knew that we wanted to really have a community conversation about this….” At the link find the title, “PACER Center – Champions for Children with Disabilities: A Visit with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center Director Julie Hertzog. *Transcript Provided” right-click “Media files PacerBullyingFinal.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Bundy Range War 51 mins – When Ammon Bundy led an armed takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016, writer James Pogue found himself there among the occupiers. He sensed that something big was happening, and it had less to do with public lands than with a political reckoning. When Ammon Bundy led an armed takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016, writer James Pogue found himself there among the occupiers, admitted into their inner circle. He’d fly-fished, reported, and bar-hopped his way throughout the West, and he couldn’t shake the sense that something big was happening here, but it had less to do with public lands than with a political reckoning. Pogue joins us to talk about his time at the Malheur occupation and the underpinnings of a righteous rebellion.” At the link right-click the “Play” button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Canadian Tariffs 19 mins – “The steel tariffs announced by the U.S. are a NAFTA bargaining chip, argues one industry insider. But others argue that the White House should focus on countries which dump cheap metal into the North American market — instead of imposing tariffs on close trading partners.” At the link find the title, “Tariffs are a NAFTA bargaining chip, argues Canadian steel magnate, Jun, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-I7ybvdtN-20180601.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Cancer Survivor Support Group 48 mins – “Life lessons from men after the devastating deaths of their wives. Their stories are raw, real, and inspiring…” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow, select “Save File” from the pop-up menu.
Carbon Capture 8 mins – “Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) was established in 2012 to be a financier for clean energy projects. The aim was to reduce carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage projects (CCS) were excluded from the CEFC. In 2017, the government sought to change the rules, allowing investment in CCS. John Bushell analyses the long-term implications of carbon capture and storage. He says there is more than a one-off capital cost. While the benefits from the electricity generated lie with today’s generation, CCS places costs and risks with all future generations.” At the right-click “Download Audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Clean Air Law in Utah 52 mins – “What does it take to get a clean air bill through the Utah legislature? Tuesday, we’re looking back at the 2018 legislative session and asking what politicians did or didn’t do to address the state’s chronic bad air.“ At the link right-click the “Play” button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Concussions in Kids 53 mins – “Kids and concussions – the latest science on risks and long term effects; A gene for our big brains was rescued from the DNA garbage bin; The first Americans ‘island hopped’ down the west coast past the glaciers; Animals vocalize 100 times louder than humans – it’s a matter of survival’ At the link find the title, “Kids and Concussions, the gene for our big brain, island hopping into the Americas and animals are loud, humans are quiet, Jun, 2018,” right-click “Media files quirksaio-vo8lPWI6-20180601.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Counterterrorism Under Trump 78 mins – “In January 2017, Donald Trump inherited a complex, multifaceted counterterrorism campaign, and since taking office, he has escalated it rhetorically and operationally. On Tuesday, New America convened a panel with Joshua Geltzer and Luke Hartig, both former senior fellows for counterterrorism on the Obama National Security Council; Stephen Tankel, a professor at American University; and Shamila Chaudry, former director for Pakistan and Afghanistan on the National Security Council. They discussed how Trump has changed how the United States uses force in its counterterrorism efforts, and where he has stayed the course of the Obama administration.” At the link right-click “Direct download: Shamila Chaudhary_May2018 mixdown.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
CRISPR and GMO Food 12 mins – “Vegetables engineered with the gene-editing technology Crispr are moving closer to supermarket shelves. But will these genetically altered foods carry labels to alert consumers? Or is gene editing, as some scientists argue, just a way to speed up evolution?” At the link find the title, “Get Ready for Gene-Edited Food, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files WSJ5939550519.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Diabetes Treatment 26 mins – “Metformin – Tackles – Vitamin B12, kidney disease, CHF, cancer, Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), dosing, side-effects, lactic acidosis, cost, drinkers, hypoxic patients, glucose lowering, and a few other moments of erudation.” At the link right-click “Download(6599)” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Digital Justice 18 mins -”Social and economic inequality in our everyday lives are finding a foothold in the digital world. Activist Nasma Ahmed launched the Digital Justice Lab to fight back.” At the link find the title, “What is digital justice? For many, it starts with their internet bill, says activist, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-EthR6Gnm-20180531.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Dinosaurs 27 mins – “Dozens of new species of dinosaur are being discovered every year, which keeps expert fossil hunters like Steve Brusatte busy.” At the link find the title, “Is there a dinosaur hiding in your drawer? Meet the man who’s found 15 new species, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-XA7r35AZ-20180530.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Drug Research 55 mins – “Drug Discovery: On this week’s Naked Scientists, drug development goes under the microscope as we explore two new ways to find the treatments of tomorrow. We find out why size is important when it comes to chemicals that can kill superbugs, and how soil bacteria hold the chemical clues to the next generation of antibiotics. Plus, how sheets of carbon can be used to reveal single atoms of hydrogen beneath the microscope, how scientists have homed in on the part of the brain linked to obsessive compulsive disorder, and why electronically tagging jellyfish can tell us a sea turtle’s secrets. Plus, in Kitchen Science, we make strange and unexpected shapes with bubbles!” At the link find the title, “Discovering Drugs”, Jul, 2008,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Feminine Foreign Policy 39 mins – “Foreign policy is usually defined in “masculine” terms: arms trade, intervention, war, sanctions, and MAD (mutually-assured destruction). But what would international relations look like if food security, family planning, and workplace equity were also centre pieces of foreign policy?” At the link find the title, “Foreign Policy + Feminism = ? , Jun, 2018,” right-click “Media files ideas-NOhg4blp-20180530.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Greek Economy 55 mins – “As the Wu-Tang Clan once put it: “Cash moves everything around me… Get the money. Dollar dollar bill, y’all.” I grew up not wanting to believe this. All the stuff that seemed worth having was hard to put a price tag on. but in a global capitalist world, there’s a lot of hard, sad truth to it. As an American child of the 1980s, I absorbed the message “find yourself!” “Follow your passions!” But there are powerful economic forces at work, shaping our lives and opportunities. My guest today experienced this in the most intense way imaginable, wrangling with the European Union over the economy of his country, Greece, in the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown. He saw firsthand what a house of cards global capitalism can be, and what can happen to the ones on the bottom. Yanis Varoufakis is Greece’s former finance minister and the author of two recent books: Adults in the Room and Talking to My Daughter About the Economy.” At the link find the title,”149. Yanis Varoufakis (former finance minister of Greece) – Happiness, Inc, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files PPY6258651345.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Immigrant Children Separations 16 mins – “We talk a lot about right wing news outlets picking up out-of-context facts and amplifying them in their outrage machine, so as to infuriate and validate their angry audiences. But this phenomenon is not solely the province of the political right, as we saw last week when two separate stories about immigration policy in the Trump era morphed into one outrage-inspiring tale. Paige Austin is an immigration lawyer for the New York Civil Liberties Union. She explains to Bob how liberals came to believe that the Trump administration had torn nearly 1,500 children from their parents’ arms, and then lost them — and how this conflation presents potential dangers for the very population that she hopes to defend.”At the link find the title, “Fact Checking #WhereAreTheChildren, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files otm180530_podextra.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Impeachment 45 mins – “While President Trump demands an investigation into the investigators investigating the investigation, the clamour to impeach grows ever more fervent in some quarters. Dahlia Lithwick explores the legal and constitutional questions surrounding impeachment with constitutional scholar and Harvard Law Professor Laurence Tribe, co-author of To End a Presidency – The Power of Impeachment” At the link find the title, :”The Impeachment Question, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files PPY7985993397.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Investment Questions 72 mins – “My recent opportunities to educate investors have been extremely satisfying, including a presentation to teenagers and their parents on Bainbridge Island, mostly-retired investors at the AAII chapter in Portland, OR and to 200 students at Western Washington University. The following are questions that came rolling in from the groups, as well as emails from our readers and listeners….” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
James Gleick Interview 46 mins – “Since 2008, Big Think has been sharing big ideas from creative and curious minds. The Think Again podcast takes us out of our comfort zone, surprising our guests and Jason Gots, your host, with unexpected conversation starters from Big Think’s interview archives. James Gleick is one of our greatest living science writers, author of The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood. His first book, Chaos, was a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize finalist and a national bestseller. His other books include the best-selling biographies, Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman, and Isaac Newton, both shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. James’ new book Time Travel: a History, is an utterly fascinating journey through the history of an idea that has become part of the fabric of philosophy, science, and our daily lives, even though we can’t really do it yet. Not really. In this episode, James and host Jason Gots talk about why we’re so obsessed with something that’s evidently impossible. Surprise conversation starter interview clips in this episode:Penn Jillette on “atheist prayers” and David Eagleman on our perception of time.” At the link find the title, “67. James Gleick (Science Writer) – Everything All at Once, Oct, 2016,” right-click “Media files PP7579437264.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Kinder Morgan Pipeline P3 19 mins – “A Thursday deadline set by Kinder Morgan to be assured the Trans Mountain pipeline is going ahead is not stopping opponents from pushing back on the project. The expansion contradicts the future of renewable energy, says environmental activist.” At the link find the title, “Pipeline expansion is ‘last gasp of fossil fuel industry,’ says activist, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-cWMaJcUu-20180528.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Lawns History 33 mins – “Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmental and otherwise — worth the benefits?” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Meat Creation 55 mins – “Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the future of clean meat and animal agriculture with comic co-host Maeve Higgins, author and animal advocate Paul Shapiro, and Dr. Liz Specht, Senior Scientist at The Good Food Institute.” At the link left-click the box with three dots, right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Medical Implant Problems 59 mins – “The FDA does not require clinical trials before it approves most medical devices. The consequences can be frightening. In this broadcast, learn what should be done? Medical devices are far more common than you might imagine. One American in ten has an implanted defibrillator, pacemaker, artificial hip or knee joint, surgical mesh or other device. How rigorously are such devices tested before they can be used? How Does the FDA Regulate Medical Devices? You would imagine that the Food and Drug Administration would be even more careful in its oversight of devices than it is with drugs. However, that would be a false assumption. The FDA does not require the same level of testing for medical devices. Scandals about joint replacements, surgical mesh and birth control devices such as the Essure have not captured public concern. That’s largely because patients are told that the latest and greatest equipment is better and safer. Unfortunately, we often lack the research data to support that claim.” At the link right-click “Download the MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Montgomery and Slavery 50 mins – “After World War II, Germany and the Allied powers took pains to make sure that its citizens would never forget the country’s dark history. But in America, much of our past remains hidden or rewritten. This week, Brooke visits Montgomery, Alabama, home to The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a new museum and memorial created by the Equal Justice Initiative that aim to bring America’s history of segregation and racial terror to the forefront…” At the linkf ind the title, “The Worst Thing We’ve Ever Done, Jun, 2018,” right-click “Media files otm060118_cms859626_pod.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Morels 4 mins – “Tad Montgomery can still remember when he first discovered morels. He was five years old, working in the garden with his mom and siblings, when a thunderstorm suddenly rolled in. They all ran under some nearby trees for shelter. “Mom, what are these things? They’re really weird!” exclaimed his sister, looking to the ground. His mom had no idea what to make of the brown, brain-looking things emerging from the soil. But, being an amateur naturalist, she piled all the kids in the car and drove them, soaking wet, to the local library. There, they unfolded their hands for the librarian, who knew exactly what she was looking at. “Morels! You found morels!” Montgomery remembers her yelling with glee. And so began his lifelong, at times quixotic, pursuit of one of the most desired fungi.” At the link right-click the play button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
New York Times Caliphate Controversy 24 mins – “After a New York Times report in April revealed journalist Rukmini Callimachi collected thousands of ISIS documents from Iraq, several academics have put forth a petition calling the act of removing the files illegal and unethical.” At the link find the title, “Academics call removal of ISIS documents by New York Times ‘unethical’, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-JznSdUyY-20180530.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Newspaper Layoffs 52 mins – “…It’s been a hard month for Utah journalism. Last week, the Salt Lake Tribune let 34 people go and announced cuts to content. Monday, editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce is with us to discuss the health of the paper, why management made these decisions, and how they’re envisioning the way forward. The Ogden Standard Examiner also had layoffs this month, and it’s not just Utah. Media journalist Kristen Hare will also join us to talk about ways the crisis in journalism is leading to innovation….” At the link right-click the play button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Nuclear Deals 43 mins – “With the U.S. pulling out of the Iran deal and canceling (and potentially un-canceling) the summit with North Korea, nuclear weapons have been front and center in the news this month. But will these disagreements lead to a world with even more nuclear weapons? And how did the recent nuclear situations with North Korea and Iran get so tense? To learn more about the geopolitical issues surrounding North Korea’s and Iran’s nuclear situations, as well as to learn how nuclear programs in these countries are monitored, Ariel spoke with Melissa Hanham and Dave Schmerler on this month’s podcast. Melissa and Dave are both nuclear weapons experts with the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at Middlebury Institute of International Studies, where they research weapons of mass destruction with a focus on North Korea. Topics discussed in this episode include: the progression of North Korea’s quest for nukes, what happened and what’s next regarding the Iran deal, how to use open-source data to monitor nuclear weapons testing, and how younger generations can tackle nuclear risk….” At the link right-click the box with three dots, right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Obesity Research 60 mins – “Could diet foods be making you fatter? How do we learn to like the foods we eat? This week, we indulge in the science of appetite, diet and diabetes. We’ll find out how our early experiences of food can alter our diets for life, and ask if low calorie alternatives to sweet and fatty foods can fool the brain into underestimating the energy content of the real thing. Also, how synthetic chemists are searching for compounds to monitor blood glucose and control diabetes. Plus, how regions of the brain can “catch” Alzheimer’s from each other, we discover a new microscopy technique that can open a window on the brain in action, and talk to the Australian ecologist who thinks more introduced species, including elephants, could stabilise the Aussie ecosystem.” At the link find the title, “Do Diet Foods Make You Fat?, Feb, 2012,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Officers in Distress 51 mins – “The story of a West Jordan narcotics detective dealing with years of grief, guilt, and trauma from the job, and the fear that kept him from getting help. Matt Canham of the Salt Lake Tribune joins us. You hear stories of crippling PTSD that soldiers can face after returning from combat. But there are also professions facing similar mental health issues right here at home. In a series for The Salt Lake Tribune, Matt Canham profiles West Jordan Detective Brent Jex, who struggled with grief and guilt after the death of a fellow officer. It nearly destroyed his own life. Canham joins us to talk about the heavy toll of law enforcement and emergency work and the barriers to finding help.” At the link right-click the “Play” button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Plastic Pollution Control 21 mins – “Rivers and lakes are cleaner since Kenya introduced a sweeping ban of single-use plastic bags, but thousands of jobs have been lost. Caro Rolando’s documentary, From The Frontlines: The War on Plastics, examines the debate about whether the ban is doing more harm than good.” At the link find the title, “Jail time for using a plastic bag: Is Kenya’s strict ban helping or hurting its people?, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-qAOQl8f8-20180529.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Poison Control 36 mins – “When reporter Brenna Farrell was a new mom, her son gave her and her husband a scare — prompting them to call Poison Control. For Brenna, the experience was so odd, and oddly comforting, that she decided to dive into the birth story of this invisible network of poison experts, and try to understand the evolving relationship we humans have with our poisonous planet. As we learn about how poison control has changed over the years, we end up wondering what a place devoted to data and human connection can tell us about ourselves in this cultural moment of anxiety and information-overload.” At the link right-click “Download’ and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Political Correctness Debate 56 mins – “Does ‘political correctness’ impede free speech, and blockade the exchange of ideas? Or does it create a better society by confronting the power imbalances that keep marginalized groups marginalized? In this Munk Debate, bestselling author Michael Eric Dyson and journalist and commentator Michelle Goldberg argue that political correctness promotes diverse societies and social progress. On the opposing side: renaissance man Stephen Fry and controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson, who contend that “PC” throttles free thought and divides society.” At the link find the title, “A politically incorrect debate about political correctness (The Munk Debates), May, 2018,” right-click “Media files ideas-0ecu2wwK-20180530.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Population Growth 52 mins – “In about 30 years there will be 10 billion people on the planet. Most of them will probably be middle class and want things like cars, homes, and Toblerone bars. How do you provide for that many people? Well, there are basically two answers. By the year 2050, almost three billion more humans will be on the planet. But how can we feed and house and quench the thirst of 10 billion people? In a new book, the journalist Charles Mann profiles two influential thinkers with radically different answers to the question of survival. One believed in the need to limit our consumption or risk depleting Earth’s resources. The other said technological innovation will save us. Mann joins us Wednesday to discuss these dueling visions for humanity’s future.” At the link right-click the “Play” button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Prison Needle Exchange Issue 19 mins – “Next month, Correctional Service of Canada is providing clean needles to drug users in two federal prisons. Critics argue it’s a dangerous move but a prisoner support group worries how the pilot project will roll out.” At the link find the title, “Advocate group supporting needle exchange trial in prisons concerned over roll out, “ right-click “Media files current-PyyGMsRG-20180529.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Public Debate Declines 46 mins – “You never know when you might get a little common sense unexpectedly out of nowhere. This is one of those times.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Puerto Rico Hurricane Deaths 47 mins – “The government reported 64 dead in Puerto Rico from last year’s Hurricane Maria. But new research says the toll was thousands higher. We look at why — and what now….” At the link right-click the down-pointing arrow, select “Save File” from the pop-up menu.
Red Flag Laws 57 mins – “Red flag laws allow family members or law enforcement to petition to get taken guns away from potential mass-shooters. A handful of states have these laws, including Vermont, but more are considering this approach. Still, they raise lots of questions: who decides that someone poses a threat, and do these laws make a difference?” At the link left-click the play button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Reef Restoration 10 mins – “The recent Australian federal budget included a substantial allocation of $535 million over five years for work and research to aid the Great Barrier Reef. Adam Smith, director of consultants Reef Ecologic and research scientist Lisa Bostrom Einarsson describe their work on reef restoration. Adam Smith says the general prognosis for the reef is poor and declining. There is a range of threats to the reef, including over fishing and runoff from agriculture. But even if these problems are solved overnight, nothing will save the reef if it continues to be hit by hot ocean currents. Lisa Bostrom Einarsson says reef restoration needs to be paired with meaningful action on climate change.” At the right-click “Download Audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Robert Kennedy 51 mins – “Why did Bobby Kennedy leave such a lasting impression on US politics and society? Revered equally across the political spectrum today, his rise to prominence was controversial. He became Attorney General at just 35 and gained a reputation as a tough operator during his brother JFK’s time in the White House. But when he was gunned down in 1968, America was riven by racial and class division as well as doubts over the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Senator Robert Kennedy came to embody the hopes and dreams of a generation seeking a fairer and more peaceful country. Fifty years after becoming the target of an assassin in the Ambassador’s Hotel in Los Angeles, Stephen Sackur speaks to some of the people whose lives were changed forever that day. Close aide Paul Schrade, who was himself hit in the skull by one of the assassin’s bullets and Vincent Di Pierro who found himself covered in the senator’s blood as he slumped to the ground give the closest accounts of RFK’s final moments. Others painting a picture of Kennedy, the man include Peter Edleman, the policy director for his presidential campaign and speechwriters Adam Walinsky and Jeff Greenfield. Meanwhile RFK’s daughter Kerry Kennedy who was eight when her father died, gives us a rare insight into their home life and his role as a husband and father Legendary British interviewer David Frost (famed for his interrogation of Richard Nixon after Watergate) talks about the impact RFK had on him. And contributors speculate if another Kennedy may soon run for the White House with all eyes on RFK’s charismatic grandson, congressman Joe Kennedy who represents Massachusetts.” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Robots 60 mins – “Robots are under examination this week. Engineer Blaise Thomson, from Vocal IQ, designs speech systems for smartphones, Neil Bargh builds robots for science labs, and Airbus systems engineer Paul Meacham, who is building the next rover that will explore Mars, join Chris Smith, Dave Ansell and Ginny Smith to pit their wits against the assembled Cambridge public, answering questions like how would the Mars rover fare in Robot Wars? Plus, we make a motor from scratch and find out what happens when we dunk electronic devices in liquid nitrogen…” At the link find the title, “AUTOMATE: The World of Robots, Mar, 2014,” right-click “Media files media.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Russian Economy 46 mins – “Vladimir Milov is the current economic advisor to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and the former deputy minister of energy in the Russian government. This week, Milov spoke to Alina Polyakova about the Russian economy, the recent Cabinet reshuffles in the Kremlin, and how local politics are back in Russia.” At the link right-click “Direct download: VladimirMilov_May2018_mixdown.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Russian Hacking 15 mins – “The FBI is sounding the warning that we are all at risk of Russian hackers. The cyber attack groups are zeroing in on the router in our homes to use against us. But there are steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of these organized cyber crooks. Listen to my Komando On Demand podcast for more on what the hackers are after and how you can stop them. You’ll want to share this important information with your family and friends.” At the link find the title, “Russian hacking hits home and the FBI has a mission for you, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files Russian hacking hits home and the FBI has a mission for you.mp3”and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Saudi Arabia Activist Arrest 24 mins – “As Saudi Arabia is set to life the notorious ban on women driving in mere weeks, a UBC grad and outspoken women’s rights activist finds herself detained – again – along with other human rights activists caught in the country’s crackdown.” At the link find the title, “Arrest of UBC graduate casts doubt on Saudi Arabia’s push for reform, Jun, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-zTLJn4hL-20180601.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Search and Rescue 57 mins – “With pleasant weather comes a busy hiking season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A misread map, a sudden storm, a forgotten headlamp – and suddenly a hike could turn into a matter of survival. We look at a new book, “Critical Hours,” that offers a history and a celebration of the search and rescue workers and volunteers who save lives in the White Mountains. The growth of inexpensive but sophisticated navigation devices and mobile phones have become part of the experience for both hikers and rescuers. We examine the impact of ubiquitous technology and the future of search and rescue operations.” At the link right-click “Download MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.” At the link right-click the play button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Sex Abuse in Aid Groups 24 mins – “Aid workers are speaking out about sexual harassment on the job, but many say the industry is still reluctant to face the issue, and can even discourage reporting.” At the link find the title, “Cutting funds to aid groups accused of sexual misconduct will hurt the vulnerable, says UN official, “ right-click “Media files current-uRnXzB5b-20180528.mp3” and select “Save Link As from the pop-up menu.
Skin Colors 29 mins – “Michael Campbell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Howard University. This week, we discussed Campbell’s ongoing research in a very prominent, and very delicate, topic – what’s the color of your skin have to do with race? Campbell’s research team aims to understand the genetic basis of complex diseases that disproportionately affect African and African American populations. His main research interest revolved around studying the levels and patterns of African diversity to expand current knowledge concerning relationships among African populations, demographic history and modern human origins.“ At the link right-click the “Play” button and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Solar Cell Improvement 9 mins – “Nathaniel Davis dreamt of being a scientist when a child in Canberra. He worked for his PhD at the Cavendish Lab in Cambridge, famous for great names such as James Clerk Maxwell, Lawrence Bragg, and Watson and Crick. Nathaniel is about to take up a lectureship at the Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand. His research area is new molecules and materials involved in the transfer of energy to light, light to energy and light into more light. These new materials will boost the efficiency of solar cells and allow structures such as walls and windows once coated with a film, to be energy producers.” At the right-click “Download Audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Solar Power Payback 19 mins – “Dave looks at the 5 year data on his 3kW home solar power system. What was the payback period? And will adding a Tesla Powerwall 2 lithium ion battery energy storage solution be worthwhile?” At the link right-click “Download” to get the video file.
Space Expands 27 mins – “Two astronomical questions today sent in to curiouscases@bbc.co.uk for Drs Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford to answer. The Cosmic Speed Limit “We often read that the fastest thing in the Universe is the speed of light. Why do we have this limitation and can anything possibly be faster?” asks Ali Alshareef from Qatif from Saudia Arabia. The team grapples with Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, with help from cosmologist Andrew Pontzen and a British train, travelling somewhat slower than the speed of light. Plus physicist and presenter Jim Al-Khalili describes how he nearly lost his boxer shorts in a daring bet concerning the speed of subatomic particles. The Cosmic Egg “How do we measure the age of the Universe?” asks Simon Whitehead. A hundred years ago this wouldn’t even have been considered a valid question, because we didn’t think the Universe had a beginning at all. Even Einstein thought that space was eternal and unchanging This is the tale of how we discovered that the Universe had a beginning, and why calculating its age has been one of the greatest challenges in modern astronomy. We also uncover the mysterious dark energy that pervades the cosmos and discover why it’s been putting a scientific spanner in the work” At the link right-click “Download” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Starbucks Racial Issue 27 mins – “As Starbucks closes U.S. stores today for racial bias training, critics argue companies are going about diversity training all wrong as research suggests it can have a negative effect.” At the link find the title, “Evidence shows Starbucks’ anti-bias training may backfire, says expert, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files current-k9nkqkjw-20180529.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Theranos Scam 34 mins – “Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist John Carreyrou discusses his book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, which looks at the rise and collapse of multi-billion dollar biotech startup Theranos. Its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, was hailed as the new Steve Jobs for her venture to revolutionize blood testing technology. In an investigation for The Wall Street Journal, Carreyrou discovered it was all a big hoax.” At the link left-click the circle with three dots, right-click “Download Audio” and select ‘save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Universal Language 36 mins – “John McWhorter on the tantalizing prospect of a universal language.” t the link find the title, “One Tongue to Rule Them All, May, 2018,” right-click “Media files PPY3369664250.mp3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Universe Age 9 mins – “Stargazing Live is a series of community events all over Australia linked to ABC television broadcasts over three nights from Siding Spring Observatory in NSW. The series immerses audiences in a celebration of the night sky, with a focus on features that are best experienced from Australia. One highlight is a citizen science project where anyone can participate in detecting and classifying exploding stars, or supernovae. These objects are found by comparing images taken at different times. Once found, astronomers aim their telescopes at the suspect region of space for confirmation. Supernovae are important as they allow astronomers to refine calculations for the age of the universe. As Jonathan Webb reports from the Siding Spring observatory, more than 500,000 classifications have been made, and new supernovae have been found by citizen scientists, who will be credited with their discoveries.” At the right-click “Download Audio” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Working Moms 23 mins – “Audie Cornish says she had something like an epiphany after posting a photo of herself and her new baby on Twitter in April. “I realized, oh my god, I’m part of the problem,” Cornish tells Greta Johnsen. “Because there is absolutely nothing worse than opening up a glossy magazine and seeing a picture of some woman with, like, a pet and a 3-year-old, everyone’s groomed to the nines, and she’s like, ‘I woke up like this.’”Cornish is the host of NPR’s daily news program ‘All Things Considered.’ She talked with Nerdette host Greta Johnsen about all the people not pictured in that photo that are helping her navigate motherhood for the first time. They also talk about finding forgiveness and having children during times of strife. “There’s always something difficult in the world,” Cornish says. “But it’s so worth it. Because I look at him as being somebody who’s going to be a part of shaping his own world, not that he’s arriving a victim of it.” At the link right-click “MP3” and select “Save Link As” from the pop-up menu.
Zeolite Production 56 mins – “Are designer molecules poised to take us into a new chemical dimension? This week, we explore how, long before the bunsen burner gets lit, computer aided chemistry can enable us to create in silico imaginary new molecules, reactions and designer catalysts. We also delve into how chemicals are manufactured on a massive scale with a visit to a plant making zeolites. And in the news, how hydrogen-metabolising bugs can supercharge deep-sea mussels, how reprogrammed immune system cells can hunt-down cancer, and nature’s stock exchange – how plants and fungi develop a subsoil free-market economy to trade resources.” At the link find the title, “Chemistry By Design, Aug, 2011,” right-click “Media file media.mp3” and select “Save link As” from the pop-up menu.
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Media Mining Digest 