 Monday August 3, 2009
12:30 pm: Living on Earth
On the next Living on Earth, what clouds can tell us about climate change. Scientists see evidence of a vicious cycle as oceans heat up: clouds get thinner, letting in more sunlight and adding further to global warming. Also, tough choices on energy in Indian country. A tribe that fought against mining for years is reconsidering coal.
1:00 pm: It’s Your World
Neil Macfarquhar, UN Bureau Chief for The New York Times talks about "the Pioneers of Change in the Middle East".
Tuesday August 4, 2009
12:30 pm: Inside Europe
Anders Fogh Rasmussen steps into the breech at NATO - New elections bring a new government in Moldova - Shape up or lose out: The EU’s message to Belarus - British pensioners fight for the right to continue working - Swine flu cases increase - X marks the spot for the Spanish government in a treasure row - The tills are ringing for France's new literary sensation - Diving with the Duce in Italy.
1:00 pm: Commonwealth Club of California
The speaker is Christopher Hitchens, Contributing Editor and Columnist to Vanity Fair; Media Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and Author of “God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything” Hitchens recently visited Iran, Iraq and North Korea. He examines the differences between the countries once linked as the "axis of evil,” while revealing interesting connections between the nations.
Wednesday August 5, 2009
12:30 pm: Cambridge Forum
Robert Frost: America’s Poet (Part 1)
When John F. Kennedy asked poet Robert Frost to read at his 1960 inauguration, he essentially created Frost as America s poet. Jay Parini, scholar of American poetry, discusses his new biography of Frost and examines the man behind the myths in this two-part series produced in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. What is the relationship between Frost s biography and his poetry? What role does the New England landscape play in his verse?
1:00 pm: The BBC’s Changing World
“Out of the Ghetto" revisited
In 1993 the audio diaries "Ghetto Life 101" of two Chicago teenagers, LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman, brought listeners face to face with the boys' childhood and the world of one of Chicago's worst housing projects. Jones and Newman are now adults, one a teacher, the other, unemployed and training to be a truck driver. Once again, Jones takes to the mic, only now he speaks with an adult's voice.
Thursday August 6, 2009
12:30 pm: Soundprint
President Obama has declared that “We have banned torture without exception.” However, some would take exception to this claim. The practice of isolating a prisoner in solitary confinement for extended periods of time causes severe sensory deprivation and has been denounced as torture by the United Nations. But tens of thousands of inmates are locked up in solitary confinement in American prisons today. And the number is rapidly growing. Often prisoners spend years – even decades – by themselves in a cell the size of a small bathroom. They don't see anyone. They don't talk to anyone. They don't touch anyone. What does this experience do to a person's mental state? Claire Schoen shows us what solitary confinement looks, sounds and feels like
1:00 pm: Alternative Radio
The speaker is Nena Baker, a former staff writer for "The Arizona Republic," "The Oregonian," and United Press International. Her award-winning investigation of Nike's Indonesian factories led to numerous improvements for workers. She is the author of "The Body Toxic." She talks about chemicals that build up in our bodies that can cause central nervous system diseases, cancer, and liver disease.
Friday August 7, 2009
12:30 pm: Humankind
Because laughter is surely good medicine, we visit with professional comedians who are also cancer survivors, as well as a top surgeon at New York's renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, to understand the role of humor and a positive attitude in surviving the disease. Listen to comics who have personally faced the gloom of cancer and yet who have found ways to laugh at it. We also journey to Los Angeles to hear the very human and humorous observations of playwrights who have had cancer and now present their personal journeys in the form of stage performances that are both deeply honest and filled with laughter.
1:00 pm: American Radio Works
A Better Life: Creating the American Dream
In the current recession many people fear the American Dream of the 20th century will not be sustainable in the 21st. Millions of Americans are slipping from the middle class, and it’s no longer certain that savvy, hard-working parents can pave the way for their children’s success. This documentary will chronicle the evolution of the American Dream from the Great Depression to the present day.
Monday August 10, 2009
12:30 pm: Living on Earth
The European Union’s commitment to sharply increase its use of renewable power is creating a problem for the United Kingdom. Though it s a windy country, the UK lags in clean energy production. But one favored scheme, to tap tidal power with a huge wall at the mouth of the iconic River Severn, is generating nothing but controversy. Harnessing the River Severn... Also, what’s in Washington DC’s water.
1:00 pm: It’s Your World
President Vicente Fox is credited as playing a vital role in Mexico's democratization, and with strengthening the country's economy. During his tenure, he succeeded in controlling inflation and interest rates, and in achieving the lowest unemployment rate in all of Latin America.
Tuesday August 11, 2009
12:30 pm: Inside Europe
Bonuses as usual for bankers - Georgia and Russia one year after the war - Youth diplomacy creates post-war dialogue - Postcard from Moldova - Meet the last Belgians - Esperanto the voice of European unity? - Turkey marks 50 years of trying to join the EU - Last orders for young Italian drinkers - Commuters get on their bikes in Paris
1:00 pm: Commonwealth Club of California
The speaker is Bill Gates Sr., Co-chair, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Author of “Showing Up for Life”. He talks about his commitment to improving the lives of impoverished populations all over the world
Wednesday August 12, 2009
12:30 pm: Cambridge Forum
Robert Frost: America’s Poet, Part 2
Jay Parini continues his discussion of Robert Frost s life and art in this second of Cambridge Forum s two-part series on Robert Frost, perhaps the most misunderstood, as well as the most beloved, of twentieth century American poets.
1:00 pm: Ideas from the CBC
Muslims in Contemporary Society
Oxford scholar Tariq Ramadan is a leading advocate for a revitalized Islam. His most recent book, “Radical Reform: Islamic Ethics and Liberation”, explores how Western Muslims can remain faithful to universal Islamic principles and still participate in the cultural and political realities of western societies.
Thursday August 13, 2009
12:30 pm: Soundprint
Call me Nana
It's a job they never expected. A club they never wanted to join. According to the Statistics Canada census released this week, there are more than 65,000 grandparents in Canada raising grandchildren on their own, without the parents present. They're called skipped generation families. And their number is growing by about a thousand every year.
1:00 pm: The BBC’s Changing World
The Greening of the Deserts
The December 2010 U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen looks to reach agreement on international standards to fight climate change. That goal tops the agenda, along with trying to reach a better understanding of what's happening to the world's climate. Many scenarios of global warming in Africa include increasing drought, floods, land degradation, epidemics and resource wars. But some scientists and meteorologists now argue that some deserts — including the Sahara, one of the most arid regions on earth — could ultimately become greener and experience more rainfall.
Friday August 14, 2009
12:30 pm: Maine Watch with Jennifer Rooks
George Mitchell is facing the greatest challenge of his storied career as he works to broker a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Mitchell has traveled to the region five times since January. During a brief visit home to Maine, Mitchell sat down with MPBN and talked about progress in the talks and his philosophy going forward.
1:00 pm: Alternative Radio
The speaker is David Korten, author of “When Corporations Rule the World". His latest book is "Agenda for a New Economy." David Korten worked for the Ford Foundation and USAID and taught at Harvard University's Graduate School of Business. Today he is a voice for economic and social justice. He is co-founder and board chair of YES! magazine.
Monday August 17, 2009
12:30 pm: Living on Earth
Twenty percent of the world s global warming emissions are caused by the destruction of tropical forests. But there s no single reason for global deforestation. As experts prepare to craft the next international climate treaty, they ll need to consider everything from poor farmers desperate for land, to demand for palm oil and biofuels. Keeping the carbon in the forest and also, an ode to the pulse of America high tension power lines, on the next Living on Earth from PRI.
1:00 pm: Ideas from the CBC
The World Wide Web is an utterly unprecedented repository of information – and mistakes. Ideas talks to mathematicians, philosophers, advertisers, web gurus, executives and pioneers. It investigates what the unrivalled data of the internet can tell us about how stories spread and if truth or falsehoods win out in the end.
Tuesday August 18, 2009
12:30 pm: Inside Europe
ETA steps up its campaign as Spain’s holiday season reaches its peak - How effective are the Geneva Conventions today? - The new German Party promising to rebuild the Berlin Wall - The Greek government and environmentalists remain at logger-heads over turtles - A baptism of fire at the Edinburgh fringe - Soliciting art in Amsterdam’s Red Light district - What Tarzan taught Europe about culture.
1:00 pm: America Abroad
Integrating Islam
In recent years European countries have been rocked by violence from Muslim extremists within. The secular European nations have struggled to integrate growing Muslim populations, while immigrants have reacted negatively against a patchwork of religious policies. America Meanwhile, here in the US - foreign-born Muslims are settling in well in the nation of immigrants. America Abroad explores Muslim integration in Holland and America to see why homegrown radicalism has been a problem in Europe and why so far it hasn’t in the US.
Wednesday August 19, 2009
12:30 pm: Cambridge Forum
Robert Pinsky: America’s Favorite Poems Part 1
This special two-part Cambridge Forum broadcast features readings by participants in the Favorite Poetry Project, a program that Robert Pinsky created when he served as the nation s poet laureate. Following Pinsky’s introduction, a diverse group of Americans read their favorite poems aloud and discuss how poetry has been a force in their lives.
1:00 pm: Cleveland City Club Forum
Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, Director, James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Edward P. Djerejian is a former United States diplomat who served in eight Administrations from John F. Kennedy to William J. Clinton (1962-1994.) He served as the United States Ambassador to Syria and Israel.
Thursday August 20, 2009
12:30 pm: Soundprint
Fishing for My Master: Slavery in Ghana
All along Ghana's Cape coast, the old granite fortresses are now museums, bitter reminders of the colonial slave trade. Grim-faced tourists pay to see the musty dungeons, rattle the rusting chains, and open the doors that led to the slave ships. But just down the road from the Cape Coast museums, slavery isn't about roots and it isn't about history. Today in Ghana, somewhere between five and seven thousand children ply the waters of Lake Volta, fishing. They have masters. They don't get paid. They don't go to school. And if they try to escape they are beaten. The story of modern child slavery in Ghana isn't straightforward or simple. Even the villains of the piece have a case. It's a story of trade-offs between development and grinding poverty, between school and food, between children and parents and police.
1:00 pm: Special: Engineers of the New Millenium; The Global Water Challenge
There are about 326 million cubic miles of water on Earth, but only about three-tenths of one percent of it is fresh water that humans can use. Providing clean water is a classic engineering challenge throughout recorded history. The Global Water Challenge explores how the hunt for water has sparked ingenious feats of engineering, and inspired technologies to help us live sustainably with the water we have
Friday August 21, 2009
12:30 pm: Humankind
Humble Recovery
How does addiction yield to a commitment to recovery? And how hard is it? In this episode, we explore the role of humility in healing and how it eases the uphill climb facing the addicted. The stories in this segment are poignant reminders that no matter the age, background, or personality, alcoholism and drug addiction can strike anyone, but, at the same time, the community and spirit behind recovery can help anyone. For those grappling with similar struggles and even for those without such maladies, the people interviewed in this show can offer powerful insight.
1:00 pm: The BBC’s Changing World
Mubarak's Egypt
Hosni Mubarak has ruled Egypt for 28 years, making him one of the longest serving heads of state in the world. As the Mubarak era approaches its end, stability in the Middle East's most populous nation grows in importance for the region, as well as for Egypt's Western allies. This program takes a close look at the 81-year-old former general and the institution that has shaped him and much of Egypt's history over the past 50 years — the military.
Monday August 24, 2009
12:30 pm: Living on Earth
Low-income neighborhoods in cities across the nation have little access to fresh food. In these areas, where fast food and the lack of healthy options abound, obesity is on the rise. But in New York City, efforts are underway to bring fresh fruit and vegetables to underserved communities. Sowing seeds in food deserts, and repurposing shipping containers into homes on the next Living on Earth.
1:00 pm: The BBC’s Changing World
All eyes have been focused on Iran since the elections there in June.
"Iran and the West" explores the recent history of Iran, one decade at a time.
It presents the voices of political insiders, delves deeply into the factors that led to the massive, and largely unanticipated, protests there. It also explores the underlying cultural and political currents that will continue to influence Iran's future.
Tuesday August 25, 2009
12:30 pm: Inside Euro
After a recent upsurge in violence is Russia’s Northern Caucasus region the new Afghanistan? - A tale of two health systems as a transatlantic row breaks out - Racing to bring together different cultures in Berlin - Is beer leaving the planet gasping for water? - Being Green long after you’ve left the scene - The design store that’s really rubbish - Cycling and cinema bring neighbors together.
1:00 pm: Commonwealth Club of California
General Anthony Zinni, Former Commander in Chief, United States Central Command; and author of “Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom” General Zinni applies leadership lessons learned on the battlefield to help us understand how to succeed in the new century. He examines the trends that have reshaped our world, arguing that in the current environment, a new and different type of leader must emerge.
Wednesday August 26, 2009
12:30 pm: Cambridge Forum
Robert Pinsky: America’s Favorite Poems (Part 2)
In the second part of this special two-part Cambridge Forum broadcast, Robert Pinsky, former the United States poet laureate, and a diverse group of Americans celebrate the power and place of poetry in the nation s culture as the read their favorite poems.
1:00pm: Alternative Radio
Ralph Nader, former Presidential candidate and founder of Public Citizen, and long-time advocate for consumer safety and workers' rights, speaks about the problems in the US Health Care system and his support for Universal Coverage.
Thursday August 27, 2009
12:30 pm: Soundprint
Educating Emily
Twelve-year-old Emily lives with her mother in a small town in the mountains of West Virginia. Emily has cerebral palsy, and is one of three-quarters of a million children in the United States with developmental disabilities she has impaired hearing, very limited speech and didn't learn to walk until she went to school. Because of Emily's inability to communicate in conventional ways, educators and other professionals initially had little idea of what her mental capabilities were, nor how much she could learn. But advances in communication technology, plus the love and commitment of family, teachers, therapists and community, have meant that Emily is learning not only to communicate, but also to reach her full potential as a human being. This program is part of our ongoing series on education and technology and is funded in part by the United States Department of Education.
1:00 pm: Cleveland City Club Forum
Charles McMillan, President, National Association of Realtors, speaking on “The State of Real Estate.”
Friday August 28, 2009
12:30 pm: Humankind
The plight of the working poor who experience harsh treatment on the job and barely subsist is recounted by sociologist Barbara Ehrenreich who took various low-paying jobs to research her best selling book. Although armed in her real life with a doctoral degree in biology as well as being an esteemed journalist, her inconspicuous approach as "everyperson" in finding and maintaining a job shed new light on the reality of rigid management heirarchy, extremely hard work, and what truly is a living wage.
1:00 pm: Speaking in Maine
Speaking in Maine takes us next to Camden and the Midcoast Forum on Foreign Relations. The speaker is Dr. R. Drew Smith, Scholar-in-Residence at the Leadership Center at Morehouse College, and Director, The Public Influences of African-American Churches Project. His talk is entiltled; Faith Sector and U.S. Foreign Assistance to Least Developed Nations. Among other topics, he discusses the role religious groups have on influencing politics in the US.
Monday August 31, 2009
12:30 pm: Living on Earth
Scientists are designing trees with specific properties. But critics charge the forests they re creating are not as good as the real ones: they don t capture as much carbon and don t provide a good habitat for biological diversity. Also, a new Elvis sighting - this one is the King of Green. Viva Eco Elvis!
1:00 pm: It’s Your World
The speaker is Steve Coll, President and CEO of the New America Foundation, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and author of the national bestseller "Ghost Wars.” His talk is entitled: "The Bin Ladens: Lessons from an Arabian Family in the American Century." He presents the story of the Bin Laden family's rise to power and privilege, and details how American influence changed the family, and ultimately, resulted in one member's determination to destroy the influence of Western culture. |