E109: 2022 Bestie Awards Live from Twitter HQ

In this book, Nick Lane expertly reconstructs the history of life by describing the ten greatest inventions of evolution, including DNA, photosynthesis, the complex cell, sex, movement, sight, hot blood, consciousness, and death. Drawing on new scientific knowledge, Lane explains how these inventions transformed life and often the planet itself. The book covers topics from the origin of life in deep-ocean vents to the emergence of consciousness, providing a detailed and engaging narrative of life’s multi-billion-year journey.

In 'The Vital Question', Nick Lane addresses the mysteries of why complex life evolved only once in four billion years and why it shares peculiar traits such as sex and aging. Lane argues that the answer lies in energy, specifically the voltage with the strength of a lightning bolt that all life on Earth relies on. He builds on evolutionary theory and cutting-edge research in cell biology to provide a compelling account of evolution from the origins of life to the emergence of multicellular organisms, offering deep insights into our own lives and deaths.

Cinema Speculation is Quentin Tarantino's debut nonfiction book, published in 2022. The book is a series of essays organized around American films from the 1970s that Tarantino saw during his youth. It includes analyses of films such as 'Bullitt', 'Dirty Harry', 'Taxi Driver', and others, along with autobiographical elements and cultural context. The book is a blend of film criticism, film theory, and personal history, reflecting Tarantino's unique perspective as a filmmaker and avid movie lover. It also includes quotes from film critics, personal interviews, and other secondary sources to provide a rich and informative narrative about the cinema of the 1970s.

In 'San Fransicko,' Michael Shellenberger argues that progressive policies have exacerbated problems like homelessness, drug addiction, and crime in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. Despite advocating for decriminalization of drugs and affordable housing, Shellenberger discovered that these policies have enabled rather than solved these issues. He contends that the underlying problem is an ideology that designates certain individuals as victims entitled to destructive behaviors, undermining the values necessary for functioning cities and civilization. The book compares the approaches of West Coast cities with those of other cities like New York and Washington D.C. , highlighting more effective strategies for addressing homelessness and addiction.

In 'Putting the Rabbit in the Hat', Brian Cox shares his extraordinary life story, from growing up in Dundee, Scotland, to becoming a celebrated actor. The book offers candid insights into his career, including collaborations with notable figures and his experiences in theatre and film. It is rich in emotion and humor, providing a unique perspective on the life of a versatile actor.