Mark and Toddcast

#123 – Stinking Problems

You've seen them seemingly everywhere: the gross, dime-sized, shield-shaped "Hummer of the insect world," otherwise knows as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. And it's not your imagination - they've invaded the US in staggering numbers, are causing hundreds of millions of dollars in agricultural damages, and are disgusting, smelly house guests. Learn their surprising history, and why they're different than most pest insects. Plus, the Unipiper is back! Also in the news: Mark gets married and visits a train museum, Banksy shreds, Will Vinton passes away, Oregon cell phone/driving law, space net captures space garbage, teenagers survives 49 days at sea, e-scooter injuries, LHC discovery could "break all of science," the Presidential text, and Pharaoh comes to Portland. Enjoy!

#122 – Stick It To The Man

This week we take a look at a forgotten Portland icon named Marie Equi, a fiercely independent Oregon physician who was engaged in the political turmoil and social change of the late 19th and early 20th century. It's a fascinating story. Also: FCC lies, probiotics are useless, SpaceX's space customer (and Elon's sanity), airport security bins, California launching weather rockets, WalMart is listening, solar observatory mysteriously evacuated, Christopher Nolan takes a stand against crappy TV settings, and local hero solves the problem of teenagers on his lawn. Enjoy!

#121 – Mark Gets Shanghai’d

This week we give into good ole' self-indulgence, as Mark recounts his recent trip to Beijing and Shanghai, China, and Todd recounts his soft spot for Madonna, who turned 60 recently. We also catch up on some news and other things we've missed being gone for the past few weeks. News: Lloyd Center officially gets a LiveNation venue, Google still tracking you, the tale of the orca mom and her dead calf, a lonely dolphin just wants to fit in, and which prescribed medication will give you a flesh-eating genital infection? You may be taking it right now. I mean, probably not, but maybe. Enjoy!

 

#120 – Reefer Madness

This week we're joined by special guest Wayne Schwind, chemical engineer and owner of Periodic Edibles, and host of the Periodic Effects Podcast, who talks all about the science, medical, and social aspects of cannabis and the emerging industry of cannabis products and legalization. Also: Portland's latest protest, more NECCO candy drama, Google's censored Chinese search engine, the amazing book "Stuff Matters," and Todd's vacation travel thoughts. Enjoy!

#119 – The Symmetry of Emmy Noether

Emmy Noether (1882-1935) was a mathematician in algebra and theoretical physics that Einstein himself called an inspiration and genius. The Noether Theorem helped make sense of things that science just couldn't make sense of, and led to huge advancements in math and science. Find out all about her this week! Also, the Unipiper calls in to talk Best Celebrity, Best Podcast, and other great Portland news! News: Are "laser AK-47s" real?, US weapons show up on dark web, the Great Plastic Straw Debate continues, Kah-Nee-Tah resort to close, oldest human tools found, a vaping pilot causes airplane to plunge 25,000 ft., and a woman has a tapeworm in her spine. Enjoy!

#118 – Henrietta Lacks and Her Hella Cells

This week we take a look at an African-American woman named Henrietta Lacks who died of cancer in 1951 at the age of 31. Unbeknownst to her or her family, her cancer cells were taken and discovered to be "immortal"- which led to breakthroughs in the study of polio, herpes, leukemia, influenza, hemophilia, Parkinson's disease, cancer, AIDS, cloning, and in vitro fertilization, and more. It's a fascinating look at where ethics meet science. Also: Boyd Coffee Company is sold, Multnomah Falls bridge back open, Disney's "stunt robots," crows reverse-engineer tools from memory, RIP Route 66?, and the FDA approves the first drug derived from marijuana. Enjoy, and happy 4th of July!

#117 – Synesthesia: These Colors Taste Fantastic

Synesthesia is a term for when a person's sensory inputs get crossed; it may cause them to see numbers as colors, or colors as tastes, or any number of different sensory combinations. Join us this week as we explore this fascinating condition! Also: Jerry Springer signs off, Koko the gorilla dies, Porltand's upcoming traffic hell-scape, roller derby talk, and more!

#116 – “Bins Worthy” And Other Scams

This episode Mark dives into some of the old and new internet scams that are making the rounds. In addition, we talk about our new video series with the Unipiper called "Bins Worthy" and let you know where you can find it before its official release! Also discussed: NASA's most/least realistic movies list, Necco Wafers are back!, half mammal/half reptile found in Utah, the plague is in Idaho, dust storm on Mars shuts down NASA rover, and the 10 millionth US patent is approved.

#115 – I Want To Believe: The Greg Nibler Conspiracy

Conspiracy theories are thriving in the internet age, even as access to facts become easier. So what's going on? Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? Greg Nibler of Funemployment Radio and Digital Trends sits in this week to talk about his favorite theories and why these theories continue to thrive. Also: American Airlines' therapy animal guidelines, lie-detecting computer kiosks, world's oldest living person: "every day is a punishment," Google removes "Don't Be Evil" from mission statement, Top 50 websites, and Bitcoin takes up .5% of the world's electricity. Enjoy!

Hear Greg every day on Funemployment Radio!

#114 – Wiki-War!

In this episode we go to war! Both Mark and Todd pick a dozen random and fascinating short articles from Wikipedia and go head-to-head to see who uncovered the most interesting and obscure entries. Cut your hair accordingly! Also: the Unipiper finds his own Wiki-hole and brings us along for the ride. In the news: Amazon record profits!....and Amazon Prime's price increase, ABBA reunites, tinnitus treatment, vomit-inducing caterpillars, Harvard to resurrect woolly mammoth, an undercover Lego crime ring in Portland, and breaking news about exploding urine. Players....FIGHT!