December 31, 2004

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, 2004

Hawaiian 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, 2004

Ocean Currents: Global Warming

An ocean current in the southern ocean is critical for life world-wide.

December 28, 2004

Wassail

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, 2004

Kwanzaa: 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, 2004

Christmas Bonfires – Tradition

Along the banks of the Mississippi River, a line of Bonfires lights the way for Papa Noel.

December 23, 2004

Owl Feathers: Hearing

Its asymmetric ears and surrounding facial feathers enable and owl to receive sound much like a satellite dish.

December 22, 2004

Owl Feathers: Mechanics of Silent Flight

A raptor biologist reveals the uncanny resources of an owl’s stealthy flight.

December 21, 2004

Sunspots: Intro

Just what is a sunspot, really?

December 20, 2004

Mangroves: Shrimp Farms

A shrimp farm only lasts for five years- what happens after that?

December 17, 2004

Owl Feathers: Nocturnal

The silent flight of the nocturnal owl aids its ability to catch prey at night.

December 16, 2004

Mangroves: Transformers

Mangroves are a lot more important than you might think.

December 15, 2004

Mangroves: Filter

Acting as filters, fish nurseries, and a source of food for shellfish, mangroves are a critical ecosystem.

December 14, 2004

Dingo: Hybrid Dog

In Australia, pure bred dingoes are becoming extinct.

December 13, 2004

Kalas

In Lindsborg, Kansas, folks still mark this time of year with traditions their ancestors brought from Sweden.

December 10, 2004

Dingo: 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, 2004

Africa: 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, 2004

Deep Sea Vents: Worm

Introducing the Pompeii worm, the most heat-tolerant animal on the planet.

December 7, 2004

Deep Sea Vents: Sub

Working at the bottom of the ocean has its challenges.

December 6, 2004

Deep 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, 2004

Thai 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, 2004

Ltefisk

A strong tasting fish has maintained its stature in the heritage of Scandinavian culture.

December 1, 2004

Peat Bogs: Hot Spot

What might happen if Siberia’s peatlands thaw and become a giant compost heap?