Programming Archive

Using a Tibetan Mandela as an inspiration, DAVID GEORGE HASKELL, Professor of Biology at the University of the South, trekked deep into some old growth forest and drew a small circle on the forest floor only a meter in area. Could repeated close observations of this small circle and all it’s denizens give insights into how the larger forest functioned? Professor Haskell came back time and again to this small circle, in fair weather and foul, in light and dark, in the humidity of the summer and the freezing temperatures of the winter.  He typically sat on a rock nearby and watched all the plants, fungi, insects, snails and vertebrates that lived in or went through the circle for an entire year. His observations and thoughts on what he saw and how that related to larger issues of biology, conservation and the environment are recorded in his book THE FOREST UNSEEN: A YEAR’S WATCH IN NATURE, one of the finest books on observing the natural world written in some time.

Massachusetts historian and natural historian JOHN GALLUZZO decided that for the year 2011 he would take a 30 minute hike in a green space in every town and city in the state. It was a mammoth task to undertake and plan. John had to deal with poor weather, swarms of insects and family crises, but in the end he accomplished his goal. Tune in tonight and listen to John talk about what the real goal of this amazing project was; what some of his favorite places in the state were and what he learned along the way. His book, which is also a nice guide to walking and hiking spots across the state is HALF AND HOUR A DAY ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS.

Four hours of Celtic music in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day. Mostly Irish, yes, but some Scots and even Welsh from time to time, as according to ancient annals, Patrick's parents were from Scotland and/or Wales. It matters not: kick back and enjoy!

PETER TRACHTENBERG is a writer and Assistant Professor at the University Of Pittsburgh. His latest book is titled ANOTHER INSANE DEVOTION: ON THE LOVE OF CATS AND PERSONS is a singular memoir that looks at his odd but intense relationships with felines and humans through the years. This is a work of non-fiction, though “still the facts in this book vary in their density.” This book wanders effortlessly from a discussion of blinking at cats to an intense interpretation of Masaccio’s “The Expulsion of Adam and Eve From the Garden of Eden “. This book is an enlightening and unexpected dissection of love through the ages. Can our love of cats inform our romantic love of people?  Tune in to get a taste of this unique and fascinating book.

Eva Tanguay was the Madonna or Lady Gaga of her day. She was the undisputed queen of the vaudeville stage. Her energetic and saucy act inspired writers to call her “the cyclonic comedienne”. She headlined at every venue and wowed every crowd. But suddenly she was no longer in demand and she had a long and sad decline. Tonight we talk with writer and researcher ANDREW L. ERDMAN about his wonderful biography of the QUEEN OF VAUDEVILLE: THE STORY OF EVA TANGUAY.