Wikireadia: The Podcast that reads Wikipedia.

Eric Goeres | Wikireadia
  • 4.3 (6)
  • History

Wikipedia is awesome. What’s not awesome is reading Wikipedia when you’re walking, driving, trying to get to sleep or sheltering in place. That’s what Wikireadia is here for — Wikireadia is the podcast wherein we pick the most interesting Wikipedia entries and then we read them to you. No commentary or analysis, just the entry itself and the smooth voice of your host Eric Goeres. From cultural phenomenons to scientific principles, architects to movie stars and sunken ships to space rockets, if it’s interesting and it’s on Wikipedia, we’re gonna read it. Contact us at: wikireadia@pm.me

  1. 02/26/2023

    MGM Grand Fire | Wikireadia #308

    An ordinary Friday morning on the Las Vegas Strip in 1980 -- until a fireball blows out the front doors of the largest hotel in town at seven in the morning. The nation watched live in real time for the rest of the day as the building burned, with stranded guests waving sheets out windows and being rescued from the hotel roof by helicopters.  ChatGPT Prompt: Tell me about the MGM Grand Fire. CharGPT Answer: "The MGM Grand Fire was a tragic incident that occurred on November 21, 1980, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fire killed 85 people and injured over 700, making it one of the deadliest hotel fires in U.S. history. The fire started in the early morning hours, just after 7:00 am, in the deli of the casino's restaurant. It quickly spread through the casino and up into the hotel's upper floors. The fire was fueled by flammable materials such as upholstery, carpets, and wall coverings, which were prevalent throughout the building. The fire department was alerted, and firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes. However, they were faced with several challenges, including a lack of information about the building's layout and a shortage of water pressure in the hotel's standpipe system. Despite these obstacles, firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue guests and contain the fire. Many guests were trapped in their rooms and had to be rescued by helicopter from the hotel's roof. Others jumped from windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. In the aftermath of the fire, investigations revealed a number of safety violations and hazards that had contributed to the disaster. These included blocked exits, inadequate fire suppression systems, and non-fire-resistant building materials. As a result of the MGM Grand Fire, many changes were made to fire safety regulations and building codes, including increased requirements for sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, and fire-resistant materials. The tragedy also led to the creation of the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code, which outlines safety requirements for buildings such as hotels, motels, and dormitories. The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino was later renovated and reopened as Bally's Las Vegas. The site of the fire is now the location of the MGM Grand Garden Arena."

    MGM Grand Fire | Wikireadia #308

  2. 02/26/2023

    Radio Free Europe | Wikireadia #307

    Anti-communist propaganda radio, transmitted across the borders into Soviet Union states: Radio Free Europe. A charming concept, and a sprawling global broadcast news and entertainment operation, larger yesterday, but very much alive today. Meet Radio Free Europe and its kid sister, Radio Liberty.  ChatGPT Prompt: What's so hot about Radio Free Europe? ChatGPT Answer: "Radio Free Europe is a news organization that has been providing news and information to people living in countries with limited press freedoms since its establishment in 1949. Here are a few reasons why Radio Free Europe is considered "hot": 1: Commitment to press freedom: Radio Free Europe is dedicated to the principles of a free press and provides a platform for independent journalists to report on news and events in countries where the media is restricted. This commitment to press freedom has earned the organization a reputation as a reliable source of news and information. 2: Regional coverage: Radio Free Europe covers a wide range of countries in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This comprehensive coverage allows it to provide a unique perspective on regional events and issues, as well as provide a platform for local voices to be heard. 3: Language coverage: Radio Free Europe broadcasts in 27 languages, making it accessible to a wide audience. This language coverage also allows the organization to provide news and information in local languages, which is often difficult to find in countries with limited press freedoms. 4; Innovation: Radio Free Europe has adapted to changing technologies and media landscapes, developing new platforms and delivery mechanisms to reach audiences. For example, in recent years, it has increased its focus on social media and digital platforms to reach younger audiences. Overall, Radio Free Europe's commitment to press freedom, regional and language coverage, and innovation have made it a vital source of news and information for people living in countries with limited press freedoms."

    Radio Free Europe | Wikireadia #307

  3. 02/25/2023

    ChatGPT | Wikireadia #306

    The human says: AI is here, and it's name is ChatGPT. It launched in November 2022, and had a million users within a month. A month later, ChatGPT had a 100 million users. That's fast growth, and intense interest. But what is it? And what are the applications -- and implications? Let's ask non-artificial intelligence, Wikipedia. But first ... To ChatGPT (Prompt): What is ChatGPT and why is it important? From ChatGPT (Andwer): "ChatGPT is a large language model created by OpenAI. It is designed to understand and respond to natural language queries from users. The "GPT" in its name stands for "Generative Pretrained Transformer," which refers to the neural network architecture used to train the model. ChatGPT is important because it represents a significant advancement in natural language processing (NLP) technology. It has been trained on vast amounts of data and can generate highly accurate and contextually relevant responses to a wide range of questions and topics. This makes it a valuable tool for everything from customer service and technical support to education and research. ChatGPT is also important because it has the potential to democratize access to information and knowledge. By providing users with instant access to accurate and reliable information, ChatGPT can help to bridge the digital divide and empower people around the world to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential." There you have it!

  4. 02/17/2023

    The Bermuda Triangle | Wikireadia #305

    The Bermuda Triangle: Spooky for decades, and fodder for Sci-Fi tales a plenty. Missing Navy planes, disappearing ships, and plenty of other would-be supernatural activity, off the coast of Florida. The original page lives at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_Triangle What's ChatGPT have to say?: The Bermuda Triangle is a region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where a number of aircraft and ships are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Some people believe that these disappearances are due to supernatural or extraterrestrial causes, while others argue that the disappearances can be attributed to natural phenomena such as human error, piracy, or severe weather conditions. Despite numerous investigations, there is no scientific evidence to support any of the supernatural or extraterrestrial theories, and the majority of disappearances can be explained by natural causes. (Boo.)

  5. 02/15/2023

    Area 51 | Wikireadia #304

    Way out in the Nevada desert, we have a secretive US Government Air Base. What happens here? What happened here? Were there ALIENS? Today, we look into Area 51.  Find the original at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51  From ChatGTP: Area 51 is a highly secretive United States Air Force facility located in the Nevada desert. The exact nature of the activities that take place at the facility is classified, and as such, there is no official information on what has happened there. However, there are a number of popular theories and rumors about what goes on at Area 51. One of the most widely known theories is that the facility is used for the development and testing of advanced military technology, including aircraft and weapons systems. Some people have speculated that the facility may also be used for the study of extraterrestrial life, including the recovery and examination of crashed UFOs. In 2019, a viral social media event called "Storm Area 51" attracted widespread attention and led to a large number of people gathering in the area around the facility. However, the event turned out to be largely peaceful, with no significant breaches of security or other incidents reported. Despite the many rumors and speculations, it remains unclear exactly what happens at Area 51, and the U.S. government has consistently maintained a policy of secrecy around the facility.

    Area 51 | Wikireadia #304

  6. 02/12/2023

    The Lindbergh Kidnapping | Wikireadia #303

    On March 1, 1932, someone did something bad to the 20-month old son of Charles "Lindy" Lindbergh (at the time, the most famous aviator in the world). It didn't end well for Lindy, baby Lindy, or for a German immigrant who lived on the Lexington Line -- and died in the electric chair. In Episode #301, we got into the "the most successful ditching in aviation history," and today, we dial into "the trial of the century." Hey ChatGPT, what happened!?!: The kidnapping and murder of Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr., the son of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, took place on March 1, 1932, in New Jersey, USA. The 20-month-old baby was taken from his crib, and despite a massive search and nationwide manhunt, his body was found several months later in a nearby wooded area. The case captured the attention of the nation and became one of the most famous crimes of the 20th century. After a long and complicated investigation, a suspect named Bruno Richard Hauptmann was arrested and tried for the crime. He was convicted and sentenced to death in 1935, and was executed by electric chair in 1936. The Lindbergh kidnapping and murder case had far-reaching impacts, leading to changes in U.S. law, including the creation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the introduction of new technologies for forensic evidence analysis. The case remains one of the most famous and well-known crimes in American history.

    The Lindbergh Kidnapping | Wikireadia #303

  7. 02/12/2023

    Imposter Syndrome | Wikireadia #302

    Ever had that feeling that you don't really deserve what you've achieved? You're not alone!  Today we delve into the Imposter Syndrome. The good news? Group therapy works! From our friend ChatGPT (Which looks an awful lot like he uses Wikipedia, too ...): Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are unable to internalize their successes and persistently doubt their abilities, and fear being exposed as a "fraud". It can lead individuals to believe that their accomplishments were due to luck or external factors, and not because of their own skills or qualifications. People with impostor syndrome often feel like they are not as competent as others perceive them to be, and fear that they will be found out as a fraud. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and can even hold them back from pursuing new opportunities or reaching their full potential. It's important to note that impostor syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their level of success or education. It's also common among high-achieving individuals, and many successful people have reported experiencing impostor syndrome at some point in their lives.

    Imposter Syndrome | Wikireadia #302

  8. 02/11/2023

    US Airways Flight 1549 | Wikireadia #301

    US Airways Flight 1549: Better known as the tale of Sully and the Hudson River, "The Miracle on the Hudson," and "the most successful ditching in aviation history," this is the tale of an Airbus A320, 150 passengers, New York City, a flock of Canadian Geese, two engine in flames -- and a happy ending. Join us for Wikireadia #301, the inaugural episode of Season Three of Wikireadia. You can find the original Wikipedia entry at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549 From ChatGPT: "US Airways Flight 1549 was a commercial flight that took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City on January 15, 2009. Approximately three minutes into the flight, the aircraft struck a flock of geese, causing both engines to fail. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles successfully executed a ditching in the Hudson River, an unprecedented event in commercial aviation history. All 155 passengers and crew members on board survived the incident, which was widely regarded as a "miracle on the Hudson." The successful ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 received widespread media coverage and was the subject of several books, documentaries, and a feature film."

    US Airways Flight 1549 | Wikireadia #301
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About

Wikipedia is awesome. What’s not awesome is reading Wikipedia when you’re walking, driving, trying to get to sleep or sheltering in place. That’s what Wikireadia is here for — Wikireadia is the podcast wherein we pick the most interesting Wikipedia entries and then we read them to you. No commentary or analysis, just the entry itself and the smooth voice of your host Eric Goeres. From cultural phenomenons to scientific principles, architects to movie stars and sunken ships to space rockets, if it’s interesting and it’s on Wikipedia, we’re gonna read it. Contact us at: wikireadia@pm.me

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