User:Panic2k4/Podcasts and Audiobooks

Podcasts & audio books

Groks Science Show - Radio show, not very interesting and most of it consists in small plugs to sell books, the rest are some techono-trivia and snips from websites, really not my favorite time filler audiocast, show duration ~30m, interesting or funny dialog 5m at max. more here...

Visual Thinking -- Groks Science Show 2008-05-28 (May 28, 2008) - Solving complex problems can be aided through the use of visual tools. However, these methods are often unknown outside of the scientific and engineering arenas. On this program, Dan Roam discussed visual problem solving.
Altruistic Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2007-01-31 (January 31, 2007) - Altruistic behavior is seemingly at odds with the classic notion of evolution. How can altruism be reconciled with the survival of the fittest? On this program, Prof. Lee Alan Dugatkin discussed the altruism equation.
Negotiation -- Groks Science Show 2008-05-14 (May 14, 2008) - Effective negotiation is a skill that is necessary for resolving conflict peacefully, but the strategies and practices of negotiation are often not properly taught. On this program, William Ury discussed the power of a positive negotiation.
Biological Evil -- Groks Science Show 2007-03-28 (March 28, 2007) - The problem of evil has confounded philosophers and scientists alike. Is there a biological basis for evil? On this program, Prof. David Buss discussed the evolution of evil.
Moral Brains -- Groks Science Show 2007-04-25 (April 25, 2007) - Morality often is considered a largely sociological issue. However, recent advances in neurobiology are demonstrating that human brains are wired for morality. On this program, Prof. Marc Hauser from Harvard University discussed the biology of morality.
Everyday Equations -- Groks Science Show 2007-02-14 (February 14, 2007) - Do I have a chance with them? Should I drink the milk at the back of the refrigerator? Solving everyday problems like these can be especially problematic without the proper tools. Luckily, math can provide the answer. On this program, Garth Sundem discussed mathematical solutions to everyday problems.
Pet Behavior -- Groks Science Show 2007-04-18 (April 18, 2007) - Pets often perplex their human companions with their behavior. On this program, Dr. Marty Becker discussed the intricacies of pet behavior.
Long Emergency -- Groks Science Show 2006-10-25 (October 25, 2006) - Oil dependence has ramifications beyond those of transportation. A shortage in its supply can affect many areas, including agriculture, business, and urban design. On this program, James Howard Kunstler will discuss this long emergency.

Misc.

Avi sez, "Starship Sofa has made Ted Chiang's marvelous arabesque time travel story 'The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate' available as a podcast." - Very dull, and preachy in place of letting the reader extract conclusions it forces and direct the morals, quited before the ending. The main concept, location and characters is very well constructed.
National Geographic Explorer Wade Davis on TEDTalks, argues that we should be concerned not only for preserving the biosphere, but also the "ethnosphere," which he describes as "the sum total of all thoughts and dreams, myths, ideas, inspirations, intuitions brought into being by the human imagination since the dawn of consciousness." - Very cool presentation will never forget the part about the Inuit and how little one needs to get by...
Inventor Ray Kurzweil on TEDTalks, illustrates the increasingly exponential evolution of technology, predicting a sharp rise in computing capability, robotics and life expectancy within the next 15 years. - Nothing new and no extraordinary revelations to the informed but a good summary, the part that I would like to note out is about the substitution of outside impulses to the brain via nanites...
David Attenborough's Life Stories, BBC Radio4 Broadcast, 3Hrs 9Mins - Interesting
Childhood's End (BBC Radio Collection), a novel by Sir Arthur C. Clarke - Bit dull, passable.