Mini: Three-Card Monte

AAVE is a dialect of English that is often derided by racists. However, linguists have shown that this is a fully realized dialect like any dialect of any language. We explain the history and current understanding of African American Vernacular English and some court cases that sparked controversy around it. This is only a part one as we will get into the mechanics of the dialect in the next episode. Recommendations (Part 1)Abraham: Hailey Williams “Ego Death at Bachelorette Party” (https://music.apple.com/us/album/ego-death-at-a-bachelorette-party/1850011909)Shane: David Sedaris “Holidays on Ice” (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-sedaris/holidays-on-ice/9780316073639/?lens=little-brown)Holidays (6/17/2026):Bunker Hill DayEat All Your Veggies DayGlobal Garbage Man DayLGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness DayNational Apple Strudel DayStewarts Root Beer DayWorld Croc DayWorld Day to Combat Desertification and DroughtAnimal Rights Awareness WeekIslamic New YearLearning Disabilities WeekNational Clay WeekNational Flag WeekNational Hermit WeekNational Water Safety WeekLinks and References: https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/hooked/https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/timeline/https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/aave.htmlhttps://commonwealthtimes.org/2021/02/18/aave-is-not-your-internet-slang-it-is-black-culture/https://certifiedlanguages.com/blog/african-american-vernacular-english-is-a-legitimate-dialect/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00957984970233002https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61882/chapter-abstract/547712638?redirectedFrom=fulltext#547712638https://www.garfieldmessenger.org/6418/articles/news/a-brief-history-of-aave/https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28056/chapter-abstract/212002865?redirectedFrom=fulltexthttps://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/wls_fac/70/https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/african-american-language-factshttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/language/article/abs/language-and-linguistics-on-trial-hearing-rachel-jeantel-and-other-vernacular-speakers-in-the-courtroom-and-beyond/7DCD0B43230E3D17A2C4B43936341A48https://globalvoices.org/2019/06/25/language-is-also-a-form-of-resistance/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Last week, we released an episode dsicussing the rise of authoritarian takeover of science by controlling what science can be conducted and how it can be interpreted. We put out a call to action to respond to their proposal. However, it is important to craft the message so that it is effectively received. So, in this mini, we explain how to create feedback for responding to this horrible proposal. Support us on PatreonLinks and References: Submit your feedback here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001 https://www.cogr.edu/blog/tips-submitting-effective-comments-regulationsgovhttps://federalstrategy.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/Tips-for-Submitting-Effective-Comments-1.pdf https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/How%20to%20Comment%20on%20Federal%20Regulations%20Final.pdfhttps://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/comment-vid-tipsheet.pdfBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

How to kill science is also how to kill humans. The incompetent "leadership" in the United States is racing toward dictatorship in their desire to kill all humans. They are proposing to rewrite science so that any government funding that pays for research gets to dictate what that research is and how it is interpreted. Either you say what the government wants, or else you don't get any research funding. It is an unprecedented move that no president has ever tried in history, becuase it is a terrible, horrible, stupid, counterproductive idea. But, that's what happens when you get a bunch of republicans in charge. We'll break down the details of this incredible stupidity and provide some guidance on what you can do about it. See the first link where you can register your complaints. Note that, in a rare event, we are going to tell you that next week's mini is all about how to craft public comment for maximum effect. Let your voice be heard!COMMENT ON THIS ISSUE HERE: Abraham: Ghosts (season 5; https://www.cbs.com/shows/ghosts/)Shane: The Mandalorian and Grogu (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30825738/)Holidays (6/10/2026):Ball Point Pen DayHerbs & Spices DayNational Black Cow DayNational Iced Tea DayAmerica The Beautiful WeekBedbug Awareness WeekMeet a Mate WeekNational Automotive Service Professional WeekNational Body Piercing WeekNational Frozen Yogurt WeekNational Little League Baseball WeekPet Appreciation WeekShampoo WeekLinks and References: https://www.science.org/content/article/white-house-seeks-tighten-political-oversight-grantmakinghttps://www.statnews.com/2026/05/29/nih-grants-uniform-guidance-proposal-political-control/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/white-house-proposes-new-rules-giving-political-appointees-final-say-on-research-grants/https://blog.carnegieinvest.com/the-u.s.-governments-growing-role-in-the-private-sector https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nvidia-us-government-to-boost-ai-infrastructure-and-rd-investments/ https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/15/trump-stock-trade-tech-oge.htmlhttps://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10817.pdfBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Mosh pits are the rough-house style dancing/bopping that people do at music concerts. But where and why did this start? And why are they called mosh pits? We'll describe what is happening in mosh pits and what it all means. Join us on Patreon!Links and References: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3aptcw/what_are_the_origins_of_mosh_pits_and_how_did/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moshinghttps://www.facebook.com/EricAlperPR/posts/the-term-mosh-pit-originated-in-1979-when-bad-brains-hr-yelled-mash-it-during-a-/1164248955370779/https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Moshinghttps://wknc.org/2018/08/20/shut-up-mosh-moshing-101/https://thenubianmessage.com/12033/opinion/the-dangerous-history-of-moshing/https://globalnews.ca/news/11727325/history-of-mosh-pits/https://www.councilofthelost.com/2021/03/01/history-of-moshpit/ https://abcnews.com/Health/story?id=4804513&page=1 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Professional magicians tell you that they are tricking you for entertainment. Charlatan, con artist magicians tell you that they are performing real magic that will cure you of your ails. Cynical grifters, faith healers perform theatrical stunts to convince people to give them money. They'd cyphon off someone's last dime if given the chance. We explain how faith healers perform their tricks and to the best of our ability, why people fall for it. RecommendationsAbraham: Fallout (Season 2; https://www.amazon.com/Fallout-Season-2/dp/B0FLSZBRZJ)Shane: Project Hail Mary (the movie)Holidays (6/3/2026):Chimborazo DayGlobal Running DayImpersonate Authority DayLove Conquers All DayNational Chocolate Macaroon DayNational Egg DayNational Itch DayRepeat DayWorld Bicycle DayWorld Clubfoot DayCanadian Environment WeekNational CPR and AED Awareness WeekStepparents WeekLinks and References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE21g91Heh8https://www.businessinsider.com/scam-everlasting-after-25-years-debunked-faith-healer-still-preaching-debt-relief-scam-2011-9https://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/11/faith-healing-hoax/https://evidenceunseen.com/theology/practical-theology-ethics/faith-healershttps://www.heraldnet.com/2006/08/04/dont-fall-for-prayer-rug-watchdog-group-urges/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-31057337https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_healinghttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24301874/ https://www.gq.com/story/peter-popoff-born-again-scoundrel https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/06/us/bakker-is-convicted-on-all-counts-first-felon-among-tv-evangelists.html https://roysreport.com/disgraced-televangelist-jim-bakker-pleads-for-1-million/ https://www.businessinsider.com/scam-everlasting-after-25-years-debunked-faith-healer-still-preaching-debt-relief-scam-2011-9 https://wng.org/articles/same-old-scam-1620660664 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=307493253281642 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNwHG6kIO0g https://newhumanist.org.uk/2013/07/26/getting-tough-on-the-faith-healing-scammers/https://abc13.com/post/bogus-faith-healer-scams-hispanic-women/1128229/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

This old sleight of hand card trick is designed to steal your money. Be warned, you cannot win this game. It is rigged and 100% unwinable. We explain how the three-card Monte grift works so you can avoid being scammed. Join our Patreon CommunityLinks and References: https://www.wikihow.com/3-Card-Montehttps://zelmanow.medium.com/three-card-monte-a-lesson-in-spotting-rigged-games-in-life-05d74d47c57chttps://youtu.be/p4f9LWCwBFM?si=mBxHQymz8fCfre1Xhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-card_montehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_-u94l7wegBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Years ago, we looked into the research on speed reading. What we found raised difficult questions about how viable this strategy really is. As we reviewed recent research for this re-release, we discovered that a) you can read at extremely speeds, you just won't actually read anything or remember any of it, and b) you can't actually read at extremely high speeds. Tell us your thoughts!RecommendationsAbraham: Animal Control (season 4;  https://www.hulu.com/series/animal-control-451af77e-25c4-4992-abc8-a313cbd2a2b7)Shane: Hum - Inlet (https://open.spotify.com/album/6SfnjkSphtKowg3tt7azDi?si=AjVsX0kzQpeOX_yYm5Chow)Holidays (5/27/2026):Cellophane Tape DayNational Grape Popsicle DayNational Gray DayNational Sunscreen DayNothing to Fear DayOld Time Player Piano DayWorld Otter DayHair Stylist Mental Health DayEid-al-AdhaOlder Americans Mental Health WeekPrepare Tomorrow’s Parents MonthScripps National Spelling BeeWeek of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing TerritoriesNew links and references:https://bigthink.com/smart-skills/neuroscience-speed-reading-bullshit/\Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Sometimes we get nauseaus when riding around in or on vehicles. What is going on with this? We explore motion sickness and what you can do about it... if anything.Support us on Patreon!Links and References: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12782-motion-sicknesshttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-reading-in-a-mov/https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/motion-sickness.htmlhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4112051/https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/motion-sickness-how-you-can-prevent-symptoms-and-enjoy-travel/2024/05 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

There is a form of rhetoric that is suprrisingly effective at persuading people to adopt beliefs regardless of their accuracy. These are called "antimetabole." They are not necessarily inherently wrong, but we'll explain how to spot them and determine how they are trying to manipulate you. RecommendationsAbraham: Learn ASL! (lifeprint.com; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w1ZDaE-whc&list=PLMN7QCuj6dfaUwmtdkdKhINGZzyGwp7Q1)  Shane: Mortal Kombat II (https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/mortal-kombat-ii)Holidays (5/20/2026):Eliza Doolittle DayEmancipation Day (Florida)Emergency Medical Services DayFlower DayInternational Clinical Trials DayNational Juice Slush DayNational Quiche Lorraine DayNational Rescue Dog DayPick Strawberries DayWeights and Measure DayWorld Bee DayWorld Metrology DayInternational Pickle WeekBand director’s dayNational Foul Ball WeekLinks and References: https://mralancooper.medium.com/antimetabole-1d95057c9658https://rhetoric.byu.edu/Figures/A/antimetabole.htmhttps://www.americanrhetoric.com/figures/antimetabole.htmhttps://www.southfloridawriters.org/post/antimetaboles-and-chiasmuses-and-expletives-oh-myhttps://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/antimetabolehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimetabole https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-humanities/articles/10.3389/fdigh.2018.00010/full https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6050388/ https://gretchenschmelzer.com/blog-1/2015/1/11/understanding-learning-and-memory-the-neuroscience-of-repetition Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

In several interviews, Jane Goodall explained why she believed there was evidence of Bigfoot. While she was a wonderful natural scientist, a good science communicator, and radically changed the way we think about animals, she also had some biases that prevented a healthy skepticism from driving her perspective. We explain the "evidence" and why it is not evidence. Support us on Patreonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ukvQfUlAogmichigansthumb.com/opinion/article/Jane-Goodall-making-monkey-out-of-average-Bigfoot-17018324.phpBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast