January 31, 2008

Science Diary: Acoustical Ecology – Sounds

How healthy is an ecosystem? Shh! Just listen, and you’ll have some idea.

January 30, 2008

Science Diary: Acoustical Ecology – Spring Peeper

How do frogs react as a motorcycle cruises past their wetland habitat?

January 29, 2008

Knitting: Machine

For the past twenty-five years, a pair of sisters have been making wool socks- from sheep to finished product.

January 28, 2008

Damselfish: Location, Location, Location

Damselfish are a discerning lot when it comes to selecting a “home”.

January 25, 2008

Bullfrogs – Reducing

Catching bullfrogs is no longer child’s play.

January 24, 2008

Earth’s Magnetic Field: Reversal

Did you know that the current “North Pole” is really a south pole?

January 23, 2008

Thaipusam – Trance

The Hindu festival of Thaipusam is a day where devotees turn their attention away from the physical world.

January 22, 2008

Science Diary: Sharks – Reeling In

In the Pacific Ocean, a shark abundance survey team catches, calms and tags sharks, in an effort to monitor their population.

January 21, 2008

Science Diary: Tundra – Stored

Stored in Alaska’s icy tundra is carbon, hundreds and thousands of years old. Global warming may unlock this carbon, which could result in a runaway greenhouse effect.

January 18, 2008

Finch: Gender Gap

Researchers host a virtual “dating game” to learn how female finches ultimately choose their mates.

January 17, 2008

Alaskan Russian Orthodox Christmas – Christmas Gifts

In rural Alaska, carolers wend their way from house, carrying an ornate star, and sharing in communal gifts.

January 16, 2008

Alaskan Russian Orthodox Christmas: Starring

Russian traders left the legacy of their traditions in Anchorage Alaska, including the Christmas-time practice of “starring”.

January 15, 2008

Science Diary: Tundra – Pulling Roots

Even on a balmy day in Alaska, ice can be found just below the surface of the soil. But as global warming melts this ice, the ecosystem may be in jeopardy.

January 14, 2008

Science Diary: Tundra – Pumping Carbon

How would you measure the release of carbon from the vast landscape of Alaska’s tundra? Think small.

January 11, 2008

Science Diary: Tundra – Clipping

Science Diarist Ted Schuur is in Alaska’s northern latitudes, using ordinary garden clippers and canning jars to conduct cutting edge climate research.

January 10, 2008

Science Diary: Tundra – Finding a Sample

Climate change is having a significant impact on Alaska’s tundra. And as frozen soils melt, the release of carbon may have a significant impact on our climate.

January 9, 2008

Science Diary: Tundra – Change

What does climate change mean north of the Arctic Circle? Scientists are examining the effects of ground thaw on plants and soils.

January 8, 2008

Plough Monday – Tradition

Imagine a holiday like Halloween, with a bit of Mardi Gras thrown in, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Plough Monday was like – in 18th century rural England.

January 7, 2008

Plough Monday – Purpose

Once a year, riotous behavior gave farm workers an escape from social constraints in 18th century England.

January 4, 2008

Three Kings Day – The Magi

One of our listeners returns to his homeland of Puerto Rico each year for the celebration of the Epiphany.

January 3, 2008

Three Kings Day – Parranda

“It’s Christmas caroling – Puerto Rican Style!” In the days leading up to the Feast of Epiphany, the sounds of Parrandas are heard throughout the island.

January 2, 2008

Three Kings Day – Holiday Foods

In Puerto Rico, Three Kings Day is a festival for the palate, with savory traditional foods such as roasted pig.

January 1, 2008

Hogmanay: Biggest Day of the Year

Scottish culture preserves New Year’s Day as the most important family holiday.