FiST Chat: Film, Science and Technology News SciTech Culture

After 178 episodes spanning more than three and a half years, FiST Chat is now officially wrapped in this final episode. Or is it? Steve and Ben discuss the entire FiST Chat experience, from its humble and technically difficult beginnings, to the show that has now run its course and the move to their new platform, SciTech Culture where the guys plan to expand on the content they have been producing to include serialised fiction, more varied blogs and articles, photography, social media interactions and of course, a new format for their discussions in science and technology. Stay tuned for more on SciTech Culture.

Most of us over the age of 10 would have grown up laughing to Robin Williams in one form or another. The news of his tragic passing has sent shockwaves not only through Hollywood but throughout the world. The comedian who could make everyone laugh except himself was treasured by many for his rapid fire, quick-witted comedy and will be missed. Steve and Ben discuss Williams’ imprint on the world. The guys also discuss the science of meat production, and the explosion in Health Tracking apps and technologies that are only set to become more pervasive in the coming decade. Is it a good thing, or is Skynet stealthily approaching?

Sitting or standing? Standing or sitting? This argument has become contentious when addressing ergonomic considerations in an office environment. Can a standing desk provide better comfort for workers, or is there more to consider, including exercises and movement during the day? Steve and Ben discuss the science of standing desks, along with the following topics: Martin Scorsese knows why film is worth saving in a digital world, Impossible Space Engine May Actually Work according to NASA, and Australians Are Claiming A World-First Technology Breakthrough In Using Graphene For Micro Devices.

Advances in technology over the last decade have endangered a whole range of jobs in various sectors. Whether it be the decline in paper mail deliveries, manual labour in factory work, meter readers, printing workers or farmers, a number of old-style 20th century jobs are now on the decline, with the potential for them to either morph in to the new jobs or disappear entirely. Steve and Ben discuss the most endangered jobs of 2014 and the knock on effects on society.

Apple and IBM have seemingly out of the blue announced a surprising partnership which will see Apple’s device utilise IBM’s resources to gain further mileage in the corporate and enterprise markets. They may be oil and water but Apple and IBM may just make this work. And in the film world, Time Warner rejects Fox’s take-over offer. Is this Rupert Murdoch’s only chance to nab more of the global media market, or will he have another go? Steve and Ben discuss these stories as well as the potential take-over in the science field of Pfizer over AstraZaneca in the UK.

It’s that time of the year again as Steve and Ben go through some of the notable sci-fi films of the year. Making the list this year are Godzilla, Edge of Tomorrow, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, X-Men: Days Of Future Past and Interstellar, all very well made (or potentially well made) films from Hollywood in 2014. Steve and Ben also discuss the news stories: Kevin Smith talks "Star Wars Ep 7" set visit, the secret to keeping flowers young, and Can your face reveal how long you'll live? New technology may provide the answer.