12 chapters across the catalog
Scientific American's podcast explores the theoretical gaps in explaining how airplanes stay in the air, citing the incomplete nature of Bernoulli's and Newton's theories. The segment mocks the publication for struggling with basic aerodynamics while having previously claimed to understand the complex collapse of WTC7. The discussion frames the report as part of a broader trend of anti-intellectualism in legacy science media.
Colorado Wildfires Rain Stick Ritual and Facebook Exit
The hosts perform a ritual with a rain stick to bring relief to the Colorado wildfires. They also discuss their decision to leave Facebook, encouraging listeners to join "No Agenda Social" instead. They mock a recent "viral" story about Albert Einstein's travel diaries being racist, calling it a marketing ploy to sell books.
Einstein 3A and AT&T's $3 Billion Cybersecurity Contract
AT&T wins a $3 billion government contract for "Einstein 3A," an enhanced cybersecurity service for .gov websites. The hosts express outrage that the multi-billion dollar project appears to consist of basic email filtering and "sinkholing" features that are already available in open-source software. They characterize the contract as a massive waste of taxpayer money for "installing Norton" on government servers.
Federal Cybersecurity Strategy, CSIP Implementation Plan
Federal CIO Tony Scott unveiled the Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation Plan (CSIP), a $50 billion initiative to protect government assets. The plan includes the government-wide rollout of "Einstein 3A" by the end of 2015 and requires agencies to report major breaches to Congress within seven days. The hosts express skepticism regarding the government's ability to recruit top-tier cybersecurity talent due to strict background checks.
"Cyber Season" in Congress involves a flurry of bills including CISA and the Federal Cyber Security Enhancement Act. These proposals include billions in funding for the Department of Defense, the Einstein 3 surveillance system, and cybersecurity upgrades for the IRS and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Cisco is promoting "Fog Computing" as a decentralized alternative to cloud computing for the Internet of Things (IoT), with an upcoming expo in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Einstein cybersecurity program has been approved as Congress prepares for its August recess. The House of Representatives is scheduled to leave on August 3rd, leading to a rush to pass pending legislation.
James Comey, Palantir, and the Einstein 3 Bill
The hosts examine FBI Director James Comey's ties to the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates and the data-mining firm Palantir. They discuss a no-bid contract given to Palantir and the introduction of the "Einstein 3" bill in Congress, which would mandate cybersecurity coverage across civilian agencies. They characterize the bill as a way to formalize government backdoors.
Pentagon IT Consolidation and the Einstein Program
The Pentagon is moving toward a single service provider for its IT needs to cut redundancies, a move the hosts view as a major security risk. They also discuss the "Einstein 3" intrusion detection system, which monitors government traffic on private sector sites like AT&T, and criticize the program's effectiveness.
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy delivered a speech on the eurozone crisis, incorrectly attributing an H.L. Mencken quote to Albert Einstein. The speech addressed the complexity of the fiscal crisis and the difficulty of reaching consensus among the 27 member states.
DSM-5 Mental Health Manual, Einstein Syndrome in Children
The upcoming release of the DSM-5 is criticized for expanding mental health diagnoses to benefit the pharmaceutical industry. A listener's story about a late-talking child introduces "Einstein Syndrome," a term coined by Thomas Sowell for bright children who experience speech delays. The hosts warn against the over-prescription of drugs for children who may simply be developing differently.
The Times Atlas is forced to correct claims about Greenland's ice loss after scientists pointed out the actual melt was less than 0.1%, far lower than the reported 15%. Simultaneously, CERN researchers in Switzerland report particles moving faster than the speed of light, potentially challenging Einstein's theory of relativity.
The book "Moonwalking with Einstein" by Joshua Foer is discussed, focusing on the technique of "memory palaces" for data retention. One host recalls using similar mnemonic techniques while working as a receiving clerk for International Harvester to remember long part numbers. The discussion highlights how these ancient techniques are still used in modern memory competitions.
