Month: December 2004
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Year End Fire Watch
“Be careful with fire!†is the call heard throughout Tokyo neighborhoods on the last two evenings of the year.
December 30, 2004Hawaiian New Year’s – Share
As the last day of the year approaches, one Pulse of the Planet listener remembers New Year’s as a time of Japanese traditions, Portuguese soup and Chinese firecrackers.
December 29, 2004Ocean Currents: Global Warming
An ocean current in the southern ocean is critical for life world-wide.
December 28, 2004Wassail
An ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition called “Wassail” lives on in Pennsylvania, where a group of friends celebrate this week by drinking to the health of apple trees.
December 27, 2004Kwanzaa: Celebration
People in Santa Cruz, California, are gathering this week for their third annual festival of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African-American culture and community.
December 24, 2004Christmas Bonfires – Tradition
Along the banks of the Mississippi River, a line of Bonfires lights the way for Papa Noel.
December 23, 2004Owl Feathers: Hearing
Its asymmetric ears and surrounding facial feathers enable and owl to receive sound much like a satellite dish.
December 22, 2004Owl Feathers: Mechanics of Silent Flight
A raptor biologist reveals the uncanny resources of an owl’s stealthy flight.
December 21, 2004Sunspots: Intro
Just what is a sunspot, really?
December 20, 2004Mangroves: Shrimp Farms
A shrimp farm only lasts for five years- what happens after that?
December 17, 2004Owl Feathers: Nocturnal
The silent flight of the nocturnal owl aids its ability to catch prey at night.
December 16, 2004Mangroves: Transformers
Mangroves are a lot more important than you might think.
December 15, 2004Mangroves: Filter
Acting as filters, fish nurseries, and a source of food for shellfish, mangroves are a critical ecosystem.
December 14, 2004Dingo: Hybrid Dog
In Australia, pure bred dingoes are becoming extinct.
December 13, 2004Kalas
In Lindsborg, Kansas, folks still mark this time of year with traditions their ancestors brought from Sweden.
December 10, 2004Dingo: Wild Dog of Australia
For thousands of years, dingoes have been pets on two continents. Today, their proliferation is causing havoc in Australia.
December 9, 2004Africa: Surma Stick
Stick fighting among the Surma tribe of Africa is fierce and violent. But they do it in the name of love.
December 8, 2004Deep Sea Vents: Worm
Introducing the Pompeii worm, the most heat-tolerant animal on the planet.
December 7, 2004Deep Sea Vents: Sub
Working at the bottom of the ocean has its challenges.
December 6, 2004Deep Sea Vents: Classroom
Thanks to the creative use of technology, students around the world can participate in research at the bottom of the ocean.
December 3, 2004Thai Royal Birthday
Today is a special occasion for the people of Thailand — it’s the birthday of their beloved king, celebrated every year as a national holiday.
December 2, 2004Ltefisk
A strong tasting fish has maintained its stature in the heritage of Scandinavian culture.
December 1, 2004Peat Bogs: Hot Spot
What might happen if Siberia’s peatlands thaw and become a giant compost heap?