Afternoons for Tuesday 20 March 2018

Short Story Club

This week we discuss Devotions by Kate De Goldi
And our give away to the writer of the best email about this is Kate's three YA novels, being reissued this month: Sanctuary; Love, Charley Mike; Closed, Stranger. Jesse@radionz.co.nz

1:10 First song

1:15 Are we moving too fast with driverless cars? 

A pedestrian has been killed after being hit by a self-driving Uber in the US.

The incident has sparked concern over driverless vehicles, with Uber halting its testing throughout North America.

It's not the first time autonomous vehicles have been involved in accidents, thought this is thought to be the first fatal one.

But is this part and parcel of testing new science? We're ask Dr Paul Ralph, senior lecturer of Computer Science at the University of Auckland.

1:25 Top NZ surf break under threat

The Surf Break Protection Society is fighting to save one of the country's most famous surf breaks - Mangamaunu in Kaikoura

As part of the earthquake recovery work in the area, a cycle trail and new carpark are planned on the sea side of the road, which the society says will severly impact on what is a world renowned surf break

Michael Gunson of the Surf Break Proteciton Society explains why it is at risk.

1:35 Open trials for the Wellington Saints

The Wellington Saints basketball team is taking the unusual step of having open trials.

The semi-professional Saints are two-time defending champions of the New Zealand Basketball League and the team's head coach, Kevin Braswell, has been on Facebook calling for anyone who can play a bit of ball to come along.

The trials are next Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 6pm at the ASB Sports Centre.

1:40 Great album

2:10 Book critic Catherine Robertson

Catherine Robertson talks about the joys and frustrations of book clubs

2:20 Music Feuds

Simon Sweetman talks us through the musical feuds that have broken up some of the world's most popular acts, and plays us some of the songs that resulted from the tensions.

3:10 Dr Jonathan Quick: The End of Epidemics

The Northern Hemisphere has just had what the Center for Disease Control calls the worst flu season in a decade with estimates that up to 56-thousand people will have died  by the time flu season is over. New Zealand is getting updated vaccines that may prevent such a devastating flu season this year.

But global health expert Dr Jonathan Quick says the world is unprepared for the next major pandemic. Still, he says, there is hope. Dr Quick outlines his prescription for  change in his book The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to Humanity and How to Stop It.

3:30 Ours - Treasures from Te Papa

3:45 The Pre-Panel Story of the Day and One Quick Question

4:05 The Panel with Jeremy Hansen and Victoria Stewart