We've put together highlights from two discussions on space exploration, one with Apollo 13 captain Jim Lovell and the other with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Space is awesome.—Original airdate: 8/27/2010 11:00 AM
We're discussing an aesthetic idea, one that has run through the minds of a mathematician, an Italian guy named Fibonacci, an inventor, a composer, a painter, and even an architect. From Pythagoras to da Vinci to Thinking Aloud, the idea of an ideal aesthetic and mathematical balance continues in the Golden Section. We'll fill you in on the age-old argument that maintains five-eighths is better than one-half, at least visually ... or musically ... even architecturally.—Original airdate: 10/17/2008 11:00 AM
Our treatment of pianos stems from our level of esteem for them, or in some instances simply our ignorance about them. We hope to remedy some of that ignorance in a conversation with Keith Kopp, an experienced piano technician who has "seen it all." Must you always tune your piano after moving it? We're debunking some myths and offering some advice.—Original airdate: 5/1/2009 11:00 AM
It may be hard to believe today, but there was a time when young doctors walked straight from their research in the morgue to the delivery room. Childbed fever killed more than a million women in nineteenth century Europe. Modern medicine, and most people born today, owe much to the pioneering work of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. We're talking with K. Codell Carter about his book Childbed Fever: A Scientific Biography of Ignaz Semmelweis.—Original airdate: 5/8/2008 11:00 AM
Two local census workers, Todd Hansen and Cynthia Stott, join us to discuss the 2010 census. They consider the Constitution, past and current uses of the census, controversies, the day-to-day life of census takers, and some anecdotes.—Original airdate: 6/2/2010 11:00 AM
Steve Riep joins us to discuss the process of translating Chinese poetry and literature to English. He explores what liberties translators can take with the text and the interplay between translating individual words and larger context and meaning.—Original airdate: 6/17/2010 11:00 AM
Parents and researchers McKay and Amy Petersen Jensen discuss the play of children in online, video game, and other media environments. Play is important for children as they "try on" different identities in order to better understand and develop their own identity. The importance of parental involvement in children's play is also discussed. —Original airdate: 8/16/2010 11:00 AM
Acclaimed nature and science writer Christopher Cokinos joins us to discuss his book The Fallen Sky: An Intimate History of Shooting Stars. As he explains, the history of meteorites is as much a story of obsession as it is of science. Cokinos also discusses his views on writing. —Original airdate: 8/13/2010 11:00 AM
Political scientist Kirk Hawkins joins us to discuss Chavez, populism, and his recent book, Venezuela's Chavismo and Populism in Comparative Perspective. Chavez' rise to power is described, and analogies are made to populism in American politics. —Original airdate: 8/12/2010 11:00 AM