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Nine To Noon for Friday 15 September 2023

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09:05 NASA's UFO report: no evidence of aliens

Illustration on the NASA stand at the 73rd International Astronautical Congress, Paris, France, September 2022.

Photo: AFP

A long awaited report into the existence of UFOs by a panel of NASA experts has been released in the past few hours, finding no evidence that aliens are behind the unexplained phenomena, but the space agency also could not rule out that possibility. In 2022 a NASA panel of 12 experts and scientists was established to look into unidentified anomalous phenomena or UAP, as UFO are now called. The team found no hard evidence that the unexplained occurrences come from intelligent alien life, but the report finds that NASA should be seeking more information about the phenomena and NASA also announced it is appointing its first director of UAP research. Kathryn speaks with the editor of Space.com, Brett Tingley.

09:20 Scabies becoming entrenched in Dunedin: Doctor

Illustration of a scabies mite on human skin.

Illustration of a scabies mite on human skin. Photo: AFP / Science Photo Library

Doctors in Dunedin say cases of scabies are growing and becoming entrenched among the student population. Scabies are tiny parisitic mites that burrow under the skin and are spread through skin to skin contact as well as shared clothing and linen. They causes itching and rashes. Kathryn speaks with one Otago student whose 10 person flat is struggling to get on top of an outbreak, and Dr Bret Dougherty, Clinical Group Leader at Otago Student Health.

09:30 Hypercinema: The AI art installation which lets you be the hero

Miles Gregory (centre) at the entrance of Hypercinema.

Miles Gregory (centre) at the entrance of Hypercinema. Photo: Supplied

A pop-up theatre has launched in Auckland which allows guests to see themselves as the star of the show, with the help of artificial intelligence. Participants at Hypercinema have photos taken of themselves from multiple angles, and answer a questionaire, before viewing a customised, short AI film across three spaces - a cinema, a gallery and a projection space. One reviewer described it both as a thought-provoking experiment on the role of AI in art - another described it as a narcissist's dream. It's the co-creation of Dr Miles Gregory, founder of the Pop-Up Globe, who after years as an artistic director and producer at various festivals, touring companies and theatres, is now embracing a new medium.

09:45 Asia correspondent Elizabeth Beattie

In this pool photo distributed by Sputnik agency, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (Centre L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (2nd R) during their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur region on September 13, 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un both arrived at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East, Russian news agencies reported on September 13, ahead of planned talks that could lead to a weapons deal. (Photo by Vladimir SMIRNOV / POOL / AFP)

In this pool photo distributed by Sputnik agency, Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un during their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur region on 13 September 2023. Photo: VLADIMIR SMIRNOV / SPUTNIK / AFP

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un is in Russia, where he has vowed “full and unconditional support” for President Vladimir Putin. He is expected to remain in Russia for several days. And in Tokyo, the mayor of the Shibuya Ward is urging people to stay away this Halloween, citing safety concerns over the large crowds of partygoers it usually attracts. Ken Hasebe cited the crowd crush in South Korea's Seoul last year.

10:05 The librarian who conquered Foveaux Strait without a wetsuit

Corrina Connor, is a librarian, cellist, and the 15th person to ever complete a marathon swim across the Foveaux Strait. In April, Corrina swam the historic 26.9km between the South Island and Stewart Island in 9 hours, 21 minutes, and 31 seconds, without a wetsuit - making her the first person this century to cross the strait in the original southbound direction. She spoke with Kathryn Ryan about perseverance, mental clarity, and the surprising number of intellects in extreme sports.

Marathon swimmer, cellist, and librarian, Corrina Connor mid-swim.

Marathon swimmer, cellist, and librarian, Corrina Connor mid-swim. Photo: Corrina Connor

10:35 Book review: Geomancer: In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen by Kiran Millwood

Photo: Orion

Roger Christensen reviews Geomancer: In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen by Kiran Millwood Hargrave published by Orion

10:45 Around the motu: Kelly Makiha in Rotorua

Tania Tapsell has asked some serious questions of the Government over our emergency housing “progress”. Photo / Laura Smith

Tania Tapsell has asked some serious questions of the Government over our emergency housing “progress”. Photo / Laura Smith Photo: Laura Smith

Contracts with two emergency housing motels have ended, with the Government citing a "marked decline" in people needing help. However as Kelly explains, there is concern the clientele has moved to backpackers, lodges and other motels, with their rent subsidised through Ministry of Social Development accommodation supplements. It has prompted Mayor Tania Tapsell to host an urgent meeting with officials this week.

11:05 Music reviewer Jeremy Taylor

shoegaze pioneers Slowdive

Pioneers of shoegaze Slowdive Photo: Ingrid Pop

Jeremy Taylor dives into some newly released music from shoegaze survivors Slowdive, grunge godfather Neil Young, and pop phenomenon Olivia Rodrigo.

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Up the wahs fans.

Up the wahs fans. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Sam joins Kathryn as The Warriors prepare to host an NRL finals match for the first time in 15 years - against the Knights at Mt Smart tomorrow. And the All Blacks are playing Nambia this weekend at the Rugby World Cup in France, following their bruising loss to England.

11:45 The week that was with Te Radar and Irene Pink

 

Music played in this show

Track: Strawberry Fool 
Artist: Kirsten Morrell
Time played: 9:45am 

Track: Forget Me Nots
Artist: Patrice Rushen
Time played: 10:45am