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We’re still on vacation but here’s more fresh content!  We are joined by Harvard Astronomy Professor,  Dimitar Sasselov for a scientific look at how the life of Planet Earth and human existence are interconnected.  And a discussion about the possibility of finding life in the universe beyond earth.  His book is The Life of Super Earths.

Plus…after the interview, a special Oscar-related bonus! (Hint: It’s something we’d usually do on Casual Friday.) Use this post as today’s thread.

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On today’s show, interviews conducted at the Health Action 2012 Conference in D.C.  Sam talks to Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland, Valerie Arkoosh and Timothy Jost.   Use this post as today’s thread.  Click thru for links and details.  

Sam talks to Congressman John Sarbanes (@JohnSarbanes) from Maryland’s Third District about the SOPA/PIPA black out, the corruption of democracy by special interests and the formation of the American People’s Super PAC.

Valerie Arkoosh (@VAArk), President of the National Physicians Alliance discusses ways her organization is educating doctors and working to reshape relationships they have in the health care system — including setting new boundaries between physicians and pharmacutical companies.  Read about their UnBranded Doctor campaign here.

And Timothy Jost, professor at Washington Lee University Law School examines the up coming Affordable Health Care Act Supreme Court litigation, which could set dangerous precedent effecting the relationship between States and the Federal Government for years to come.

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Writer, consultant and Senior Fellow with Campaign for America’s Future, Richard Eskow reveals on how the Federal Housing Finance Agency is crippling America’s recovery and why Acting Director Edward DeMarco is at the center of the problem.  Eskow explains why Obama can’t (or won’t) get rid of him.

And from the Health Action 2012 Conference, Ron Pollack the Founding Executive Director of Families USA, talks about the new health care marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.  How will the new system work, who will regulate it and who will benefit.

Use this post as today’s thread.

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We’ve got our Friday Favorite Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter) here to bat around the week’s news with Sam and this week’s guest movie reviewer is comedian Eddie Pepitone (@eddiepepitone).  Also,  a song of the week from JimmyReeferake   (@JimmyReefercake).  Use this post as today’s thread.  Click thru for links and a Show Update.

The GOP’s assault on women’s reproductive rights this week provides lots of material for Sam and Cliff today as evidenced by the two video’s posted below.  They also talk about Romney’s standing in Michigan and what that means for conservative strategists going forward.  First time MR reviewer Eddie Pepitone shows with two strong recommendations The Staircase Murders and Red Rock West.  In the better half, Sam sends a challenge out to Peter Schiff and bids a tender farewell to Pat Buchanan.  Your calls and IMs and finally to close out the week, Whitney Houston’s rendition of the National Anthem. Your calls and IMs.

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UPDATE: Joining us today from Firedoglake, David Dayen (@ddayen) analyzes Romney’s managed-bankruptcy “solution” to the Auto Bailout, looks at the GOPs attack on unions and talks about the Mortgage Fraud Settlement.   Also, Jeff Smith (@dontbeaputz) from the media team of Occupy Wall Street continues the conversation about Black Bloc tactics and the future of the movement.  Sam covers Virginia’s new anti-woman bill, the influence of the Drone Lobby and more.  Use this post as today’s thread and click thru for some entertaining links.

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