The podcast discusses swooping birds, shooting baskets, gaming downloads, and grilling dinosaurs. From magpie behavior in Australia to the evolution of netball and women's basketball, the hosts cover a wide range of interesting topics. They also explore the catastrophic effects of a massive asteroid impact and delve into gaming and culinary innovations, including mammoth meatballs and Cookie Clicker.
Downloading video games via radio signals in the 1980s, showcasing early data transmission methods.
Interconnection between early video game development and nuclear triggers by William Higinbotham.
Integration of Game Boy gameplay with nitrous oxide for calming children during medical procedures.
Deep dives
Video Games Downloaded over the Radio in the 1980s
In the 1980s, people could download video games over the radio by tuning in to radio shows that played data sounds, recording them onto audio cassettes, and then transferring the data to computers for gaming.
Tennis for Two and Electronic Triggers for Nuclear Bombs
The first screen-based video game, Tennis for Two, was created by William Higinbotham, who also worked on the electronic triggers for the first nuclear bombs, showcasing the overlap between the video game and nuclear development industries.
Radio Waves Transmitting Data to Play Video Games
Radio stations like Data Rama and Hobby Scoop broadcasted data sounds that gamers could record onto audio cassettes to play video games on their computers, illustrating an early method of data transmission through radio waves.
Cookie Clicker and Endorphin Boost from Video Games
The game Cookie Clicker on Steam, where players click on cookies to earn more, provides an endorphin boost and satisfaction as players progress by clicking cookies to unlock more features and automate clicking, reflecting the addictive nature and gratification from gaming.
Anesthesia Through Game Boy Distraction for Children
A device integrating Game Boy gameplay with nitrous oxide administration was designed to distract and calm children undergoing anesthesia, aiming to enhance the anesthesia experience by keeping children engaged with the game during medical procedures.