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 GoodThings on Public Radio January 10, 2002 We want to hear from you. What's the best public radio story or show you heard this past week? Share. If you want to listen, you'll need RealPlayer on your computer. (If you don't already have it, it's a FREE download.) Visit Real Networks. FRIDAY, January 4 | Can't Buy Me Joy Money can't buy you happiness...or can it? Over two decades ago, University of Southern California economist Richard Easterlin was the first to explore the possible correlation between the two. He discovered that, indeed, money can bring an initial burst of happiness, but it's almost always short-lived. The pre-wealth blues cycle back through when expectations and aspirations grow as a result of having a little more disposable income. Still, the inevitability of that "hedonic adaptation" doesn't change the perspective of most people on the street. Most say they're "happier with money than without." [All Things Considered] Listen (length of clip 3 min 30 sec). SATURDAY, January 5 | Mandela Says When the US began its war on terrorism, focusing on training camps within Afghanistan, former South African president Nelson Mandela was initially unequivocal in his support for the campaign. But now "the leading international political statesman" has reconsidered. Though he is still emphatically standing by his opposition to terrorism, Mandela is concerned that the suspected perpetrators of the September 11 attacks have been assumed guilty and is now urging that serious attention be paid to the international rule of law. Peace activists and many of South Africa's influential Muslim community had strongly criticized his original support for a campaign in which the people of Afghanistan seemed to be unwitting targets. [Weekend All Things Considered] Listen (4:09). SUNDAY, January 6 | Out of Hibernation In the heated landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the voices for peace are often quiet. Say many of those who advocate negotiation instead of violence, it's difficult to argue for restraint when the cycle of killing continues. But in recent weeks, in the wake of Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat's call to an end to suicide bombings, a new Palestinian-Israeli Coalition for Peace has emerged to speak for the majority of citizens who urge a return to the peace process, despite apprehensions about Arafat's intentions. [Weekend Edition Sunday] Listen (4:15). :: Learn more about the Peace Now movement in Israel. MONDAY, January 7 | Mutually Beneficial The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is offering older race horses and imprisoned convicts in upstate New York a unique shot at redemption. 6,000 of the 10,000 American race horses that are retired each year end up slaughtered, either for dog food or for food in countries where horse meat is considered a delicacy. TRF programs place retired thoroughbreds in caring, nurturing environments. One such place happens to be the Wallkill, New York prison, where officials say the opportunity to care for old horses brings about compassion in even the most hardened, violent criminals. Some even suggest the special relationship permanently changes the lives of some men. [Morning Edition] Listen (3:46). :: Learn more about the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. TUESDAY, January 8 | The Allure of Bird Songs A tiny wildlife sanctuary along the coast of New Zealand is brimming with the rich sounds of its remarkable bird population. Only 620 acres in size, Ulva Island was first explored by the native Maori people. The Maori have at least 25 names for the island's distinctive bellbird, whose singing offers a "sensual seduction" to adventurous travelers. The bird has also inspired an amazing corps of volunteers to partner with the Department of Conservation in ongoing habitat restoration and preservation efforts. Naturalist Douglas Quinn plays recordings of the bellbird's song in this piece. [All Things Considered] Listen (5:30). :: Learn more about Ulva Island. [still more] WEDNESDAY, January 9 | One World, Many Voices Linguists have long wondered why some languages seem harder to learn than others, and John McWhorter is no exception. His new book explores the incredibly dynamic nature of language. He suggests it's become almost impossible to keep up with the myriad ways the world's people speak to each other, as only 200 languages are written on a regular basis. Some languages, he's learned, change entirely from one generation to the next, even "turning upside down." He considers the case of the "frightfully complex" West African Fula language and discusses the shift from a world of specific languages to one of larger, more generalized tongues. [All Things Considered] Listen (7:45). :: Buy your copy of John McWhorter's new book The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language. THURSDAY, January 10 | The Reason for Stories The Hopi tribe, which has its reservation in northern Arizona, has entered into its annual season of storytelling -- winter. The Hopi believe it is only appropriate to share stories during one month of the year, a month they believe is filled with mystery, significance, and the wandering of spirits. Commentator Ramson Lomatewama remembers waiting in his grandmother's house for the yearly visits of people, some familiar, some not, whose storytelling formed the cornerstone of a fading cultural tradition. [Morning Edition] Listen (2:50). [ : previous week : ] WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Did we miss a good public radio story this week? Want to recommend one for next week? Share it with us! |
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