Outside Influences Affect DNR’s Approval Of Kohler Permit, Chocolate Has Been A Thing For A Lot Longer Than We Thought, All Things Wit

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Kohler-Andrae State Park
Sand dunes are seen at Kohler-Andrae State Park near Sheboygan, Wis. According to retired state Department of Natural Resources wetland ecologist Pat Trochlell, this sandy spot on the lakeshore is a globally rare and fragile dune system. The habitat was created over thousands of years, continually shifting with the wind. The dunes are held together without soil by roots, supporting several threatened species of plants and insects. Photo taken Oct. 11, 2018. Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

A team of researchers have discovered that consumption of something many of us love to eat,chocolate, actually began 1,500 years earlier than we had thought. We talk about that fascinating discovery and more science news. A former DNR employee has said that staff face outside pressures to approve permits to build on natural resources, including the permit that was granted for Kohler to build an 18-hole golf course. We talk to a reporter about both sides of the issue.We also hear from the author of a book all about wit— what it is, how it works, and why we need it.

Featured in this Show

  • Approval Of Kohler Golf Course Permits Motivated By Outside Pressure

    Former DNR employees have spoken out about outside pressures on the DNR to approve a permit for the Kohler Co.’s proposed 12-hole golf course on land next to Kohler-Andrae State Park. While the proposed course has the potential to be one of the world’s best, many environmental experts are concerned about harm and destruction to the rare wetlands located on the acreage. We talk to a reporter for the whole story.

  • Science News: How Scientists Are Trying To Prevent Mass Outbreaks, History Of Chocolate, And Penguins!

    Chocolate is a mainstay treat in the modern human diet and our relationship with the food was established earlier than previously thought, according to newly discovered genomic and archeological evidence. We’ll talk about how chocolate has played a role in the Americas for thousands of years. Also, scientists the world over are trying to figure out how to prevent mass outbreaks of diseases using mapping and mathematical modeling. We’ll learn about some of the challenges and successes facing researchers in the field. And we’ll get some cool penguin facts. We speak with Gemma Tarlach of Discover Magazine about these stories and more.

  • The Worth Of Wit

    Being witty is an enviable talent. We’ll talk about what wit is, and why we value it.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Natalie Guyette Producer
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Sarah Whites-Koditschek Guest
  • Gemma Tarlach Guest
  • James Geary Guest

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