Are we alone in the universe? So far, definitive proof has eluded us. However, in recent years scientists have been engaged in a vigorous and widespread search for extraterrestrial life, which has produced encouraging results.

To learn the latest about the quest for life beyond Earth, Dave DeAngelis interviews Washington Post science writer Marc Kaufman. Marc is the author of “First Contact,” where he describes compelling new evidence such that suggests life beyond Earth is not only possible, but highly probable.

Ross Freeman Levin, interviews Jay Tomlinson, creator of Best of the Left Podcast.

Like newspapers everywhere, the Oregonian is struggling to find a place in the new world of digital media. Its new online Oregon News Network pairs it with a set of independent partners to generate locally-based reporting -- including the Cascade Policy Institute, a libertarian think tank. The CPI has championed, among other things, privatizing public education and Social Security, as well as abolishing the minimum wage in favor of a new (and lower) "training wage."

Abe and Joe discuss the relative merits of the Oregonian's new online model, and whether it's a good idea for it to use radical "news" outlets like CPI.

Helen Caldicott  - Hiroshima to Fukushima (lecture)

The disaster at Fukushima has thrust the dangers of nuclear power back in people’s consciousness. The idea of an industry renaissance had been carefully orchestrated by corporations that stand to make tons of money. Politicians, ever mindful of who funds their campaigns, have gone along. It was hailed as a clean and safe solution to addressing climate change and energy issues.

An irony of the still unfolding tragedy is that it occurred in Japan, the only country to be attacked by nuclear weapons. The fallout from the fallout has spread around the world. Germany is planning to phase out nuclear power.

The City Repair Projects's Mark Lakeman joins Abe and Joe to discuss the upcoming 11th annual Village Building Convergence, set for May 27-June 5 at more than 40 sites throughout the city. Portlanders will come together to create benches, community kiosks, gardens, street paintings, tile mosaics and much more.

The theme for the 2011 Convergence is "Urban Alchemy," described as "the exploration of positive change in communities." To learn more about the Convergence and City Repair Project , visit http://vbc.cityrepair.org/.

Lisa's guest is Eli Pariser of MoveOn.org. He’s the author of a new book called “The Filter Bubble.” He says we now live in our own “filter bubble,” receiving mainly familiar news that confirms our beliefs.

Pariser speaks at Powell's City of Books tonight, May 25th.

Radio EcoShock presents FRACKING MYTHS & CLIMATE CAPITALISM . Richard Heinberg sticks a pin in the frackin' natural gas bubble followed by an excerpt from a speech by David Hughes of Post Carbon Institute.