I wanted to take a few brief moments to ask for your help and to share with you some of what I think makes Science Friday so good.

 

Each week on the radio, in our Video Pick of the Week, and here on our website, we tell fascinating stories. The producers, editors, and I meet each week to talk about what’s going on in the world of science and pick a few things that make us want to know more. We research the topics to make sure there’s a story there. Then we interview scientists, writers, and people in the know. I do my best to tease out those “Aha!” moments that really make for great radio.

 

And when we get great guests, cover unique topics, and have an intense conversation, it is both terrific and memorable (like when Jane Goodall said she believes in Yeti!). The staff and I looked back at 2012, picked out a few of the radio stories and videos we liked best, and put them on a SciFri USB drive. We’ll send the collection to anyone who donates $25 (tax deductible) or more.

 

It does cost money to bring you such great stories, and much of our support comes from SciFri fans like you who listen on the radio, by podcasting, or over the web. I hope you can spare $25 to help us continue to tell these stories.

           

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite stories here on the blog and on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll also be asking you to share your favorite stories.  Here’s a sneak peek of one of our favorites from 2012: the award-winning Step into an Optical Illusion video. I hope you enjoy it, and keep listening.