Future Tense – Production Notes

Archive for the ‘Information’ Category

The book that changed my way of thinking…

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

I was recently asked to join Brisbane ABC Radio host Steve Austin to talk about a book that changed my way of thinking. You can listen here.

Posted in Information | Comments Off

How to write about science…

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

This is interesting and helpful as a guide to clear communication – Tim Radford, The Guardian’s former science editor on how to write about science

Posted in Information | Comments Off

2013 season kicks off

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

The 2013 season of Future Tense kicks off on Sunday 3rd February with a look at digital pranks and digital mischief. Here’s the blurb…

Pranks and tricksters

Pranksters see themselves as an important part of the online environment. Mainstream media may confuse them with trolls and vandals, but the modern prankster is often a trickster in the tradition of the court jester: a mischievous challenger of society’s norms and a mirror to its absurdities. Join us as we explore the nature of the modern prank – ensuring we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Other themes on the whiteboard for coming weeks include:

1. The return of the airship. Zepellins are back! They’re sleek and powerful and they’re fast developing as a fuel efficient alternative to aircraft, both in terms of cargo and military surveilance.

2. The growth of micro-labour websites. Micro-labour websites offering freelance employment for small-scale errands and tasks are on the rise, particularly in the United States. Their proponents say they offer people flexibility and also a chance for people to use their skills to make a bit of extra money on the side. But others worry that the micro-labour trend represents a further deterioration of work conditions for employees.

3. Astronomy everywhere. Astronomy used tobe a profession dominated by scientists. But new technologies and an all-in collaborative approach are helping to open the field to both amateur and professional alike. We’ll hear about a crowd-sourcing initiative called “Galaxy Zoo” and we’ll also find out about the impact of “big data” on astronomy.

Posted in Information, Program information | Comments Off

Friday, December 21st, 2012

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the entire Future Tense team (Antony and Andrew)