Topic: Mathematics

A discussion on the history of the Luddite movement traces the term back to 19th-century textile workers who destroyed automated looms to protect their livelihoods. The segment also explores the etymology of "algorithm," noting its origin from a Persian mathematician, while observing that the Greek word "algos" translates to pain and suffering.

The WHO reported a global death rate of 3.4% for COVID-19, noting it was deadlier than the seasonal flu. A Harvard expert provided a projection that 40% to 70% of the world's adult population could eventually be infected. The expert noted that many cases might be asymptomatic, which would lower the overall fatality rate among the total infected population.

A 2007 investigative report by CBC's Kelly Crowe revealed that official flu death statistics in Canada are based on mathematical models rather than actual body counts. The report found that deaths from heart and lung disease are often categorized as "possible flu deaths" to encourage vaccine uptake. The hosts use this to illustrate long-standing issues with the veracity of public health data.

Dr. Douglas Frank, a mathematician, discusses his findings regarding alleged irregularities in the 2020 election voter rolls. He describes his disillusionment with the Pennsylvania State Legislature, claiming they acknowledged his evidence but refused to take corrective action.

Dr. Giesecke criticizes the Imperial College report that led to Boris Johnson's "180-degree turn" and the UK lockdown. He points out that the paper was never peer-reviewed and relied on flawed assumptions that have since been heavily criticized. The hosts conclude that the world has been misled by "bullshit" mathematical models rather than actual science.

Dr. Marc Lipsitch of Harvard University provided a startling projection to CBS News, estimating that 40% to 70% of the world's adult population could be infected by the coronavirus. The hosts perform calculations based on these figures, suggesting such a scenario would result in millions of deaths in the United States. They express skepticism regarding the accuracy of these mathematical models compared to seasonal flu data.

Cliff Stoll criticizes the idea of internet voting, arguing that it lacks the temporal seriousness and identity security of physical voting booths. He describes his own digital habits, which involve answering emails for his glass Klein bottle business but otherwise avoiding screens. Stoll mentions that he tries to limit his "screen time" to a few hours around midday to avoid falling down digital rabbit holes.

Physicist Brian Greene discusses the scientific basis for the multiverse theory on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Greene explains that mathematical models in quantum mechanics and cosmology suggest our universe may be just one of many in a grander multiverse. The hosts apply this concept to the current political climate, suggesting that individuals exist in different "wavelengths" or realities based on their information consumption and personal programming.

Physicist Brian Greene explains that in an infinite universe with a finite number of ways matter can arrange itself, patterns must eventually repeat. This mathematical certainty implies that versions of ourselves are conducting the same activities in other parts of the cosmos. The hosts compare this to the 1990s sci-fi show Sliders and argue that this mathematical model is more robust than the consensus-based models used in climate science.

A study in King County finds that only one-third of children can tell time on an analog clock. While Dvorak argues the analog clock is an anachronism, Curry contends that learning to read one is a vital exercise for pattern recognition and understanding the physical world. They debate whether this shift represents a failure of education or a natural evolution of technology.

Adam Curry brings up the growing online interest in Flat Earth theory, specifically questioning the mathematical calculations of the Earth's curvature and why lighthouses are visible from distances they theoretically shouldn't be. John Dvorak dismisses the topic as nonsense, while Adam questions why NASA only provides "composite" images of Earth rather than single photographs.

Multiple producers send in "Pi donations" ($314.15) in anticipation of "Super Pi Day" on Saturday, March 14, 2015. The hosts acknowledge the support and discuss the upcoming special show. Donors express how the podcast has helped alleviate anxieties caused by mainstream media fear propaganda.

Adam Curry critiques "compensation mathematics," a Common Core teaching method that encourages students to use rounding and subtraction rather than memorizing multiplication tables. The hosts argue this system dumbs down education and compare it to the "New Math" movement of the 1960s.

A donation involving a prime number leads to a discussion on the importance of prime numbers in modern encryption. The hosts debate the utility of finding new prime numbers and suggest that children should be taught how to compile a Linux kernel in school. They contrast this with the current trend of moving students toward simplified Chromebooks.

Mathematicians are campaigning to replace the constant Pi with Tau (6.28), arguing it is a more natural fit for circle properties. Meanwhile, the hosts discuss a proposal to slow down the frequency of the U.S. power grid as a cost-cutting measure.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden stated that one of his primary objectives under the Obama administration is to conduct outreach to the Muslim world to acknowledge their historical contributions to science and mathematics. While Fox News criticized the move, the segment notes that Bolden also emphasized global cooperation with Russia and China. Additionally, NASA's release of the "Moonbase Alpha" game is mentioned as a potential precursor to future lunar colonization.

A donor note clarifies the significance of the year 1976, noting it as the year of the original swine flu outbreak and the year Benoit Mandelbrot began his work on the Mandelbrot set of fractals. The hosts briefly discuss the nature of fractals and the historical context of the 1976 health crisis.