Month: September 2017

Posted on

50 Things That Made the Modern Economy - Searching for 51

The extra “thing” – what should it be? Shortlist: the credit card, glass, GPS, irrigation, the pencil and the spreadsheet. Voting for the 51st Thing has now closed. The winning “thing” will be revealed on Saturday 28 October 2017. Producer: Ben Crighton Editors: Richard Knight and Richard Vadon (Image: Montage of pencil, credit card, glass, spreadsheet, GPS, irrigation, Credit: Getty Images/Shutterstock)
Posted on

The Gist - 2007 Defined the Next Decade In Pop

The chart-topping hits of 2007 featured Beyoncé at peak pop and Kanye West ahead of the curve with electronic dance music. Why do the hits of 2007 have such impressive staying power? Chris Molanphy says it might be because the 2007 Billboard charts were more comprehensive than ever, marking the first time that digital music sales were incorporated into a song’s ranking. Molanphy writes Slate’s Why Is This Song No. 1? column and hosts the podcast Hit Parade.

In the Spiel, John McCain just keeps on delivering. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Posted on

CrowdScience - Should We Kill One Species to Save Another?

Is it fair to kill invasive species which humans have introduced? When people move around the world, many of their favourite – and not so favourite - animals tag along for the ride. From cane toads through to rats, cats and crayfish, so-called ‘invasive species’ can destroy ecosystems and kill off native wildlife. CrowdScience listener Jude Kirkham wants to know if eradicating these invaders is justified.

One country determined to do something about invasive species is New Zealand, where rats, stoats and possums are causing irreparable damage to the country’s unique bird life. If nothing is done, the iconic Kiwi could be extinct within 50 years. The government and volunteer groups across the country have responded with a plan to eradicate predatory mammals from New Zealand by 2050. But is all the time, energy and money needed to do this really justified? And is it morally right to kill off an animal species that humans introduced in the first place?

Do you have a question we can turn into a programme? Email us at crowdscience@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer: Anna Lacey

(Image: Headshot of a Possum Credit: Getty Images)

Posted on

The NewsWorthy - Facebook Ads, North Korea & NFL Lawsuit – Friday, September 22nd, 2017

All the news you need to know for Friday, September 22nd, 2017!

Today we're talking Facebook ads tied to Russia, the latest fight with North Korea and the $20 million lawsuit against the NFL.

Plus much more - all in less than 10 minutes.

Award-winning broadcast journalist and former TV news reporter Erica Mandy breaks it all down for you.

 Subscribe now to get new episodes each weekday!

Visit https://www.theNewsWorthy.com for the day's show notes, including all the links to stories referenced in each episode.

Posted on

Opening Arguments - OA 106: Elections Have Consequences! Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders & the DNC Lawsuit

In this episode, we discuss a number of political stories making the rounds. First, "Yodel Mountain" returns with a look at the recent CNN story showing that the FBI obtained a FISA court warrant for Paul Manafort.  Does this mean Trump's complaints about Obama "wiretapping" his campaign are true?  Listen and find out! In the main segment, Andrew walks us through the recent ruling dismissing out the class action claims against the Democratic National Committee ostensibly by Bernie Sanders supporters.  Find out what's really going on! Next, we answer a listener question from Patrick Hager about whether Congress can really overrule the Supreme Court.  Learn civics with us! Finally, we end with a new Thomas Takes the Bar Exam Question #42 about whether an expert witness can authenticate crucial pieces of evidence.  Remember that you can play along with #TTTBE by retweeting our episode Tweet along with your guess.  We'll release the answer on next Tuesday's episode along with our favorite entry! Recent Appearances Andrew was a guest on Episode 11 of the Reasonable Risk podcast; go check it out! Show Notes & Links
  1. This is 50 U.S.C. § 1805, which governs FISA court warrants.
  2. You can read the Wall Street Journal article on how FISA warrants are "rubber-stamped" by clicking here.
  3. And this is the CNN report indicating that Manafort's investigation had been reopened by the FBI.
  4. DON'T CLICK ON THIS Observer link!
  5. Here is a link to the original lawsuit filed against the DNC.
  6. This is the DNC's Charter and Bylaws, which contain Article 5, Section 4.
  7. Here is the transcript of oral argument on April 25, 2017.
  8. This is the Wymbs v. Republican State Executive Committee of Florida decision discussed on the show.
  9. Here is the link to Jared Beck's appearance on InfoWars.
  10. And this is Elizabeth Lee Beck's interview with WorldNet Daily.
  11. Finally, this is the link to the court's ruling.
Support us on Patreon at:  patreon.com/law Follow us on Twitter:  @Openargs Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openargs/ And email us at openarguments@gmail.com  
Posted on

The Gist - Dylan Moran Will Say It to Your Face

Dylan Moran is a comedian from Ireland, a resident of Scotland, and a worried observer of politics in America. He talks to Mike about his way with words and why he thinks satire might bring down the 45th president. Moran is touring the U.S. now with his latest stand-up show, Grumbling Mustard.

In the Spiel, democracy is exacerbating international tragedy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices