podcasts

Inside Europe

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:05 GMT

The Inside Take on European Affairs

The EU gears up for G8 - It’s not all plane-sailing for Airbus after two major crashes - A Venetian gondolier strikes a blow for women’s rights - Picking up the tab after Jacko’s death - Fertility tourism - The chips are down for gamblers in Russia - The smoking ban that sounds Greek to Europe’s heaviest smokers.

The EU gears up for G8

The world's eight leading industrialized countries are bracing themselves for tough talks next week, with Iran's post-election crackdown certain to dominate.

The European Union - a key player in talking to Iran - is divided over how tough a line to take, now that relations are deteriorating. And Brussels goes in to the G8 wanting to talk climate change, and the economy. Nina-Maria Potts has more.

It’s not all plane-sailing for Airbus after two major crashes

The European plane-maker Airbus has had to deal with plenty of unwanted publicity recently. This comes after two crashes involving Airbus aircraft in the last few weeks.

An AirFrance machine came down in the Pacific, killing everyone on board. And this week a Yemenia Airlines Airbus crashed in the Indian Ocean. So, the focus has turned to air safety, particularly for planes that fly routes in the Third World. The EU and France have both said they highlighted safety concerns over Yemenia planes and said the jet that crashed had not flown into EU airspace since 2007. The flight went down as it approached the Comoros Islands off the coast of East Africa. Only one of the 153 people on board survived, a 12-year old girl from Paris. The accident has prompted questions about a two-tiered aviation safety system. Eleanor Beardsley has this report.

Picking up the tab after Jacko’s death

The death of Michael Jackson has not only left the pop world in a state of shock, it’s also had huge financial implications across the world, including here in Europe.

Jackson was due to begin a residency in London this month with a 50-concert tour - the cancellation of which has potentially left a huge hole in several companies pockets. But some are benefiting from the surge in attention surrounding all things Michael Jackson. As Olly Barratt reports from London.

The UN sets up camp in Calais

The United Nations Refugee Agency has set up a full time presence in the French port of Calais to help hundreds of migrants who're living rough hoping to cross to the UK.

The UNHCR left Calais in 2002 after the authorities closed the large reception centre at Sangatte. But many young men have continued to arrive in the area from countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia. The French and British governments are working to try to find solutions and the UN wants the refugee problem to be recognised internationally. Alasdair Sandford reports from Paris.

A Venetian gondolier strikes a blow for women’s rights

Steering a gondola through the canal streets of Venice, an ancient profession passed down over the last 900 years from father to son, but never to daughter.

In fact women in Italy hold few positions of power. They may still reign in the kitchen but, in parliament, they make up only 22 percent. Afghanistan and Uganda have more women legislators. But there’s unexpected hope for the gender balance in Venice where one woman has entered into a very male-dominated profession. Nancy Greenleese sent us this postcard.

The bloody battle that sparked a humanitarian revolution

In Northern Italy recently, thousands of red cross workers and volunteers have been commemorating the 150th anniversary of Solferino, the bloody battle which became the inspiration for the international Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions.

Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from all over the world celebrated the creation of an organisation which began with one Geneva businessman, but which now brings relief to victims of war and natural disaster worldwide. Imogen Foulkes went along.

Holocaust assets conference pledges action on returning Nazi loot

Forty-six countries have vowed in the Czech capital Prague to increase efforts to return art and property stolen from Jews during the Holocaust.

Delegates from the countries will endorse a non-binding declaration on Tuesday in the town of Terezin, once home to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. However some critics have already dismissed the declaration as "toothless". From Prague, Rob Cameron has this report.

Fertility tourism: coming back from abroad with significant extra baggage

Some of the strangest children’s names crop up when parents, quite often celebrities, decide to name their offspring after the city where they conceived. An accident of nature, perhaps. Well, it seems more and more people are also purpusely choosing the city where they actually conceive.

The extent of so called "fertility tourism" around Europe has now been revealed for the first time. A comprehensive new study counted the overseas patients seeking IVF treatment in clinics in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. It revealed that thousands of couples are travelling across the continent for fertility treatment. Francoise Shenfield of University College Hospital in London helped comile the report. Earlier, Rob Turner caught up with her at a conference in Amsterdam organised by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and asked her just how popular cross-border reproductive care really is.

The smoking ban that sounds Greek to Europe’s heaviest smokers.

The European Union's health chief proposed this week that uniform laws be drafted for all 27 countries in the bloc to regulate smoking more strictly in public areas and workplaces by 2012. Many EU countries already have laws limiting exposure to second-hand smoke.

And as of the 1st July, Europe’s heaviest smoking nation is getting in on the act by banning tobacco in all indoor public places. In Greece, tough new penalties are being introduced to force businesses to comply, but as Malcolm Brabant reports from the island of Corfu, many Greeks doubt the new health kick will work.

The chips are down for gamblers in Russia

As of the 1st of July, gambling has been outlawed in Russia. Critics say the move will leave more than 300,000 people without jobs and push the industry underground, amid a continuing economic crisis in Russia.

Internet gambling is now illegal and casinos and slot machine halls in most areas of the country have closed their doors. From now on, they are only allowed to operate in specially designated zones, situated in remote parts of Russia, thousands of kilometers from the capital Moscow. But none of these areas is about to become a Russian Las Vegas in the foreseeable future, as Geert Groot Koerkamp now reports from Moscow.

Democracy Now! 2009-07-03 Friday

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:00 GMT

Democracy Now! Friday, July 3, 2009

Illuminating the Connection Between Money and Politics

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:13 GMT

In this episode, we talk with Maplight.org's executive director, Dan Newman. Lobbying for greater transparency among government, Maplight.org is a non-profit group dedicated to illuminating the connection between money and politics. Maplight.org's data reveals which politicians are on the take and the source of their “questionable” political contributions.

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Counting Senate votes on climate and energy

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:55 GMT

Here's a breakdown of senators who are likely to support and oppose a climate bill, and the many more who haven't made their positions clear.

More Hip Than Hippie - Klean Kanteen Konfidential

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:38 GMT

More Hip Than Hippie #226 - Klean Kanteen Konfidential

Klean Kanteen is the original BPA-free stainless steel water bottle. Be among the first to hear about their new product line!

Klean Kanteen and Greenfeet go together like, well, beer and chocolate. We're proud to support this local Chico business, and excited to launch their latest design! Dori and Val talk to KK's Peter Melton about plans for the future and pose a few listener questions along the way. Also, the Hipsters congratulate the Grand Prize Winner for the MHTH 4th Anniversary Quiz: James from Erie, PA!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: The first of many from Val's Pacific Northwest beer run is Samuel Smith Organic Strawberry Ale. The delightfully sweet, fresh flavor of real fruit makes it a winner. Val and Rob picked up this bottle at Saraveza, a hip bottle shop in Portland, OR. (Many strawberries were harmed in the making of this ale.)

Chocolate: Oh my! Val also brought back a naughty cream-filled confection from Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland. By the way, if putting bacon on a maple bar is wrong, we don't wanna be right.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

Novel ideal. Love your Kindle, but miss the scent of fresh ink on a page? Spray on the Smell of Books! At home or on the road, you can always get a lungful of literature. (Thanks Anne!)
Greenbacks. Take your money out of your mattress and invest it in the some of the Top Sustainable Stocks, chosen by Sustainable Business.com. Stimulus is a 2-way street, ya know!

Hip News

ACES high. The American Clean Energy and Security Act squeaked through the House of Representatives last week. But the landmark climate change bill faces a tough fight in the Senate.
Sun of a beach. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed an order that set aside 676,000 acres of federal land out west for the possibility of developing solar projects. Looks like Ken blew his chance at the Rubber Dodo Award.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Planning a 4th of July party? Get out the compostable plates, cups and utensils. Fill up the reusable bottles. Set out a recycling can. Declare your independence from waste!

Klean Kanteen Konfidential

Klean Kanteen makes the original BPA-free stainless steel water bottle, and they're based right here in Chico. We brought in Awareness Representative Peter Melton to field some listener questions, talk about the new line of bottles launching this month and discuss the company's fundraising program. He also managed to swipe Dori's naughty doughnut.

Healthy. Klean Kanteens are routinely tested to ensure your safety. The bottles are NSF certified and CPSIA compliant.
Fresh. A new line of wide-mouth bottles debuts this month! Coming soon: 5 oz. and 9 oz. bottles for little ones, plus new double-wall Classic bottles.
Responsible. Klean Kanteen partners with NatureBridge and the Breast Cancer Fund, and they're a member of 1% for the Planet.
Aware. Raise money for your school or non-profit organization, or just help your company go green with Klean Kanteen. Ask them about co-branding. Here's a great example!

Listener E-mails

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and naughty doughnut photos at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

Erin in Washington is a fan of Silkies! These luxurious chickens lay light brown eggs and have black skin and bones. We think they're hottie hens.
Jeanne in Kentucky found a substitute for fake maple syrup. Golden Eagle keeps her hubby happy.
Trystan at Yahoo! Green calls out a greenwasher. Beer in a pouch? Really?
Tamar in Israel reports that the Dead Sea is, in fact, on its deathbed. RIP.
Sandy in New Jersey gives us another good reason to avoid artificial sweeteners. Turns out, they're "sweetening' the water supply.
Shout-out! Thanks to Lynn for mentioning us in her blog, the Actors Diet!

*FREE SHIPPING on your $75 order at Greenfeet thru July 6, 2009!*Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Independence Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Independence Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

No, Jeff, there's not a debate about the science of climate change

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:39 GMT

Following on our in-depth series, How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic, Grist is launching an occasional feature that tracks the latest global warming denialisms and skeptics garbage, making sure to point readers to the real story.

U.S.-Russia climate and energy efficiency cooperation: A neglected challenge

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:06 GMT

The summit between President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev in Moscow on July 6-8 comes in the middle of a packed international schedule of bilateral and multilateral meetings for the United States. on climate change. In the run up to the critical U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen at the end of this year, when the extension or successor to the existing Kyoto Protocol must be agreed upon, it is crucial that the United States and Russia—both major emitters of greenhouse gases and potentially leaders on this crucial issue—explore ways of working together to ensure a positive outcome at these talks. Enhancing cooperation on climate change and energy efficiency should be a major plank of U.S. Russia policy and should be discussed at the highest levels when President Obama meets with President Medvedev next week.

The Climate Post: Has the political climate changed?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:03 GMT

First things first: The U.S. House of Representatives last week narrowly voted to overhaul the nation's energy economy by limiting industrial greenhouse gas emissions, boosting efficiency, and developing renewable electricity sources. The American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act would limit, or “cap,” annual pollution and allow industry to buy and sell, or “trade,” credits in a new and tightly regulated commodity market. The vote, 219-212, sends an equivocal message to the Senate, where advocates face an even tougher sell. Eight Republicans voted with the majority and 44 Democrats broke with their party leaders.

Climate-news poem: Breath-catching edition

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:44 GMT

After last week's Congressional frenzy, we take a moment to reflect on the climate vote and its fallout. Next week: no ACES, we promise!

Must-read: urban farmer Will Allen in the NYT Magazine

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29 GMT

Anyone who wants to understand the paradoxes and promise of urban agriculture must read the luminous profile of Growing Power's Will Allen by Elizabeth Royte, online now and forthcoming in Sunday's New York Times Magazine.

Young Doctors Weigh In On Health Care

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00 GMT

Two young doctors, just finishing up their residencies, discuss the decisions behind their career choices. Nicole Loeding is going into primary care, while Brian Southern, after becoming disillusioned with primary care, has chosen pulmonary critical care.

Pain Management And Prescription Painkillers

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:32 GMT

The deaths of Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith focused attention on prescription pain killers. Michael Jackson, too, may have been taking pain medication. Doctors walk a fine line in treating patients who are seeking relief from chronic pain.

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Best First Page of Any Book Ever?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:45 GMT

Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the World

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:30 GMT

Tracking down the Rhine-River-warming culprits, investigating the fate of an ancient civilization destroyed by runoff from farming, and looking into the clean-up plan of a river so polluted, you cannot see the water.

Tune into the program or download it as a podcast.

BUND: Rhine River warming is threatening the environment

Between Germany and the Netherlands, the Rhine is on average three degrees warmer than 100 years ago. Ecologists warn of serious consequences for nature and wildlife.

The River Rhine, which starts deep in the Swiss Alps, before winding it's way north along the French-German border, passing Bonn and Cologne, then heading to the Netherlands and out to sea, is heating up. Ecologists warn that it is, on average, three degrees Celsius (5.5 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than 100 years ago. The rising temperature is threatening fish and other wildlife in the region. According to the NGO Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND), part of the problem is climate change - but only a small part. Most of the trouble is being caused by industry. Living Planet speaks with Paul Kruskes, head of the North Rhine Westphalia chapter of BUND.

Interview: Mark Mattox

Centuries old way of life destroyed by runoff pollution in Pakistan

It has long been the case that the majority of the world's refugees have become that way because of political, religious or economic reasons. But in the future that may all change, and the world might see more environmental refugees.

Lake Manchar in Pakistan's Sindh Region is one of the largest bodies of water in Asia. Located just west of the Indus River, the freshwater lake has been a bird and fish sanctuary for centuries. But the decades of polluted runoff from farming in the region has unhinged the ecological balance and forced 60,000 fishermen out of their homes and livelihoods.

Report: Jutta Schwengsbier/Ranjitha Balasubramanyam

Unclogging the Citarum River

Water pollution is a problem all over the world, but it is especially great in Asia. In some places, like in Indonesia's Citarum River, the waters are so full of trash it looks as if you could walk across them.

The Citarum River is one of Indonesia’s most important waterways, supporting 28 million people according to the Asian Development Bank, and feeding water to the country's capital Jakarta. But after two decades of rapid industrialization and urbanization, the Citarum's waters are clogged with sediment and runoff from houses and industry. Now the Indonesian government has borrowed money to help fund an ambitious 15-year plan to clean up the river. The cleanup will attack structural problems on the Citarum, as well as improve public awareness. But this new approach has been met with a mixed response from local environmentalists.

Report: Elise Potaka

China blasts U.S. climate bill enabling penalties on trade partners

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:10 GMT

China said Thursday it was “firmly” opposed to provisions in a new U.S. clean energy bill that will make it easier to impose trade penalties on nations that reject limits to globe-warming pollution.

AS GOP politicians take the school-lunch debate to new lows, perk up with berry ice cream

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:40 GMT

School lunches are notoriously dismal—warmed over processed dreck. How depressing that state-level GOP politicians are rallying round the lunch-room status quo. Kurt Michael Friese cheers up with homemade berry ice cream.

In the firing line for abortion

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:43 GMT

Carrying on controversial work under threat of death

Democracy Now! 2009-07-02 Thursday

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:00 GMT

Democracy Now! Thursday, July 2, 2009

Mental care failures

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:54 GMT

The shocking truth of psychiatric care in Greece

A new direction for US foreign policy?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:17 GMT

Does Operation Khanjar - the first large scale military offensive in Afghanistan since President Obama took office - signify a shift in direction for US foreign policy?

Program, 02/07/2009

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:00 GMT

Asia Pacific program for 02/07/2009

JJ Bienaime - Orphan Diseases

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:00 GMT

Dr. Moira Gunn talks to JJ Bienaime, President & CEO of BioMarin Pharmaceuticals about the problem of orphan diseases, diseases not yet under research by pharmaceutical companies because of a lack of financial incentive to market new medications for treatment.

David Helvarg - The U.S. Coast Guard

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:00 GMT

Moira talks to author David Helvarg about his book, Rescue Warriors: The U.S. Coast Guard, America's Forgotten Heroes. He tells the story of the Coast Guard and how their missions range from saving fishermen in the icy waters off Alaska to rescuing thousands in the wake of Katrina.

Slate: Keeping the Fizz in the Journalism Biz

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:50 GMT

Keeping the Fizz in the Journalism Biz: Thanks to technology, we may be entering a golden age, by Jack Shafer

Politicians Reconsider Drilling Off Florida Coast

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:01 GMT

For years, oil production has been largely banned in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. In large part, that's because of concerns that a spill could devastate the state's tourism industry. But now, some elected officials seem willing to take another look at offshore drilling after years of opposition.

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Brian and Georgina's Big Bang - Sex Tips Special

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:01 GMT

Prog 18. Yes, B&G's new book is out at last! In this podcast they read two exclusive extracts from "Sex Tips for Pandas", and tell you how you can be one of the first to get a personally signed preview copy from their web site. Plus, chimps making spears, gassy penguins and wallabies on opium making crop circles. Tennis coach Rosie Koonunga-Hill will also be popping in to talk about frilly pants at Wimbledon. This podcast is sponsored by Peter Small from Torquay in Australia. Contains strong language. Sex Tips for Pandas is published by Mam Tor.

Medicare Drug Coverage Saves And Loses Money

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00 GMT

A new study finds that when Medicare expanded its prescription drug coverage, people did spend more on drugs. However, those who had little to no drug coverage beforehand reduced what they spent on going to doctors and hospitals.

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Men, mobiles and Min Min lights

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00 GMT

Will humans need to become mechanised? And myths about men, mobiles and Min Min lights.

Schizophrenia May Be Linked To Immune System

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00 GMT

Scientists have identified anomalies in immune system genes that may be linked to schizophrenia. The findings suggest that schizophrenia may behave like an autoimmune disease.

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MTS30 - Stanley Plotkin - The Past, Present, and Future of Vaccines

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:10 GMT

Stanley Plotkin is Professor Emeritus at the Wistar Institute and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. A renowned vaccinologist, Dr. Plotkin is, perhaps, best known for developing a highly successful vaccine for rubella back in 1968. We are still using the same vaccine 40 years later. Dr. Plotkin has been honored with the inaugural Maurice Hilleman / Merck Award for his lifetime of dedication to vaccinology. For most people, rubella amounts to a bad rash and a crummy week, but for a fetus, the risks from infection are extremely serious. The rubella virus inhibits tissue growth in infected fetuses, often resulting in profound birth defects collectively referred to as congenital rubella syndrome. Dr. Plotkin developed the rubella vaccine in the wake of a rubella pandemic in 1964, during which he estimates that about 1 in 100 women in his home city of Philadelphia came down with rubella. Nationwide, thousands of babies were born with congenital rubella syndrome in the wake of the outbreak. Thanks to the vaccine developed by Dr. Plotkin, rubella has essentially been eradicated in the U.S. and most other developed countries. In many parts of the developing world, efforts are underway to piggy back the rubella vaccine with the measles vaccine to eradicate both of these diseases everywhere else. In this interview, I talked with Dr. Plotkin about the backlash against vaccines for their perceived safety risks, how he would change vaccine policy, and about the rewards of a career in vaccine development.

Are You Over The Acetaminophen Limit?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:09 GMT

A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel wants to reduce the public's exposure to the potent painkiller.

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FDA Recommends New Limits On Acetaminophen

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:16 GMT

An FDA advisory panel yesterday warned about the risk of acetaminophen, a painkiller in Tylenol, Nyquil and other drugs. The panel also called for a ban on Vicodin and Percocet, two drugs that combine acetaminophen with narcotics.

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The Eighties All Over Again: Prince, Spike Lee, MJ And More

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:15 GMT

NPR's weekly arts podcast takes a turn towards the 1980s this week, with a couple of reflections upon important anniversaries. Spike Lee's seminal film "Do The Right Thing" turns 20 this summer, and the classic Prince tune "Purple Rain" celebrates a quarter of a century. Then Hasbro toys turn to the big screen, NPR's Bob Mondello reviews 'The Hurt Locker' nd a look back at the moment Michael Jackson moonwalked into superstardom.

Discovery - Natural Disasters

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:20 GMT

2/2 Julian Siddle looks at why beetle numbers have reached epidemic proportions and what measures are being taken to try to halt the spread.

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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:10 GMT

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Dark tales of Tamil ex-child soldiers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:03 GMT

At a camp in Sri Lanka, more than 100 former Tamil Tiger child soldiers are undergoing a year-long rehabilitation course.

Corruption key to Albania poll

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:43 GMT

The first generation of Albanians born after the collapse of Communism in December 1990 vote in a general election on Sunday.

Sri Lanka's forgotten displaced Muslims

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:26 GMT

A large group of Muslims forcibly ejected from the north by Tamil Tigers 20 years ago are finally contemplating a return home.

Pakistan's Taliban radio insurgency

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:22 GMT

Illegal FM radio stations have mushroomed in Pakistan's north-west.

Late Night Live - 2009-07-02

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00 GMT

Inside America's Christian Military In Jeff Sharlet's most recent Harper's essay he chronicles his investigation into the rise of fundamentalist Christianity in the U.S. military. The Third Man Factor Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, Everest climber Edmund Hillary and scores of others have all experienced a mysterious presence known as 'The Third Man'. After facing imminent death in extreme circumstances, they've recalled being visited by a strange presence which has guided them out harm´s way. John Geiger explores the causes and history of 'The Third Man' phenomena.

Book Show 2009-07-02

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00 GMT

Jeff Sparrow on Killing Australian writer Jeff Sparrow speaks about his book Killing: Misadventures in Violence. Ray Bradbury's literary fight Ray Bradbury is passionate about libraries.

Jake Yapp's Little Bits - episode 10

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:40 GMT

This week, the rise in swine flu parties and why a woman in Wales has received Â20k of lottery money for a load of arse. Plus what's on offer at Richard Dawkins' kids' camp this summer. Certified Michael Jackson-free (almost).

Digital Planet: Freeconomics

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:10 GMT

How have web companies like Google, YouTube and Yahoo! built successful businesses when most of their products are free?

Democracy Now! 2009-07-01 Wednesday

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00 GMT

Democracy Now! Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Indonesian voters prepare for election

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:19 GMT

Indonesians are preparing to elect a new president against a background of slowing economic growth

A matter of life or death

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:09 GMT

Farhana Haider examines the British government's policy of not making substantive concessions to kidnappers.

Program, 01/07/2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:00 GMT

Asia Pacific program for 01/07/2009

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Xbox Game Review

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:09 GMT

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It's a good thing I have a friend like Michelle here in Seattle. She's a gamer - and I am not. I like to play casual games, but I just never quite got into RPGs. It would be silly for me to attempt to give a review of one, since I honestly don't know how to properly play them!

Michelle's been a gamer for years, and her specialty is RPGs. She admits to being hooked on Oblivion, although she does expect to spend quite a bit of time with this copy of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel. She loves the fact that the game gets into the storyline quickly, and gives her a lot of opportunities to kill things. Would you believe she's an expert marksman in “real” life?! I do.

Sacred 2 is the superb 3D enhanced sequel to the original Sacred, and provides more action, monsters, scenes, weapons, combos and feedback for even more fun. The game features a massive, seamless and dynamic world delivering hundreds of hours of free-form exploration. You can choose to play on one of two campaigns: the “Light” or “Shadow” side (much like Alliance vs Horde in World of Warcraft). There are six different types of characters to choose from, each with their own look and capabilities.

The only real drawback that Michelle doesn't like is the camera angle. She says the camera kind of is behind the character, and above it. She keeps having to zoom in while in combat, and the camera tends to just revert to being zoomed out on its own. The controls are apparently a tad different than with other games, but is easy to get the hang of.

All in all, Michelle thinks that this is definitely going to be a game you're going to spend hours losing yourself in if you are into RPGs.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:05 GMT
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss the recent spate of celebrity deaths, starting with Michael Jackson and the lesser lights – Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Billy Mays – eclipsed by his passing, the way obituaries have changed in the internet era, and what makes a good obit.

Doctors Say Costs, Not Care, Have Become Focus

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:03 GMT

As health care costs have soared, many physicians have struggled to manage the business end of health care and provide quality care for their patients. Two doctors, each with more than 30 years of experience, talk with NPR about the changes they've seen in health care, and where the system might be headed.

Episode 60 - StackOverflow

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00 GMT

Joel and Jeff discuss the value (or lack thereof) of meta-discussion, how much "big iron" popular websites need, and whether code forking is sometimes inevitable.

Chocolate Covered Grasshoppers

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:50 GMT

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Recently, my friend Michelle had come to visit and help me with some video reviews. While she was here, she decided that WE needed to eat chocolate covered grasshoppers. I wasn't too sure about this - and still am not! However, what you see is what happened, and both of our reactions.

Michelle's verdict is that they were kind of tasty, and not “buggy”. I still wasn't too sure, I mean seriously - THEY ARE BUGS! However, I resigned myself, and ate one. She's right, it wasn't horrible. It's not an experience I'm likely to repeat in this lifetime, but it wasn't half bad.

Have you ever eaten chocolate covered bugs - or anything else that would be considered to be “odd” by most people? What was it, and did you like it?

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

Chocolate Covered Grasshoppers

First Australians

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:39 GMT

Aboriginal cricketers repeat forefathers' 1868 England tour

FDA Panel Advises Smaller Doses Of Painkillers

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:11 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration's panel voted 21-16 to lower the current maximum dose of nonprescription acetaminophen, which is 4 grams, or eight pills per day. Taking more than that can cause potentially fatal liver damage.

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Late Night Live - 2009-07-01

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00 GMT

Eddin Khoo South East Asian correspondent Eddin Khoo discusses the upcoming Indonesian Presidential election and how far the country has come democratically since the days of Suharto and how much further leading candidate, the incumbent Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, wants to take the country over the next ten years. As Indonesians go to the polls, in neighbouring Malaysia, the country will once again be faced with the trial of Anwar Ibrahim on new allegations of sodomy. Amnesty International Secretary General A conversation with Irene Khan about her recent fact-finding visit to Zimbabwe, where she met with senior officials, human rights activists and victims of human rights abuses; and Amnesty International's concerns for opposition figures, journalists and protesters detained in Iran. Adventures in Suriname When Andrew Westoll spent a year in Suriname as a biology graduate to study monkeys he couldn't wait to get home. But he couldn't get Suriname out of his mind and five years later, went back to find the soul of this Last Eden.

Book Show 2009-07-01

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00 GMT

Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi English writer Geoff Dyer speaks to Ramona Koval about his new book Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi.

Generation 2012

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:48 GMT

Generation 2012

Democracy Now! 2009-06-30 Tuesday

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:00 GMT

Democracy Now! Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Program, 30/06/2009

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:00 GMT

Asia Pacific program for 30/06/2009

How to Protect Your iPhone / iPod

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:51 GMT

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While my new iPhone 3G S was syncing for the first time, I decided to talk to all of you about protecting your device. Why do you need protection? What if you drop the phone? I've done it countless times - it's easy to do! Having a good cover or case can cut down on any damage the phone or device may have received.

When I bought my original iPhone, I used an inCase slider case. When I changed to my iPhone 3G, I switched to something different. Now that I have the 3G S… I'm going back to my inCase. It's lightweight and works very VERY well.

Another thing I recommend is something that can help your eyes. I use an anti-glare film for my iPhone screen. Not only does it protect the screen, it will also help your eyes. You can check them out for yourself to order one for your phone.

When applying the film to the screen, you want to be careful not to have any bubbles. You can use any credit card or similar object to slowly smooth the film into place. I can't believe I nailed it on the first try this time! It usually takes me forever to get it aligned just right.

There are my two top ideas for keeping your iPhone and/or iPod protected from harm. Don't mind the Geek behind the anti-glare screen muttering to himself. He'll be ok eventually - I think.

How to Protect Your iPhone / iPod

High Court Rules For White Firefighters

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:05 GMT

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the New Haven, Conn., fire department violated the law when it dumped the results of a firefighters promotion exam. Most of the applicants who placed high enough to qualify for promotions were white.

Sheeri K. Cabral - How to be a MySQL Community Superhero

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00 GMT

Even without deep technical knowledge or a fat Rolodex, you can be a community superhero. In this talk from the 2009 MySQL Conference, Sheeri Cabral, the 2007-2008 MySQL Advocate of the Year, shares some pointers on things anyone can do to help the technology and community of your favorite open source project.

Transportation Safety Board 'Calls It Like It Sees It'

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:49 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board isn't able to enforce its own recommendations, but the agency's acting chairman says it's better that way. He says it helps the NTSB focus solely on safety when investigating hundreds of airplane crashes, train wrecks and other accidents each year.

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Marijuana Vendors Lobby To Pay Higher Taxes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:15 GMT

Voters in cash-strapped Oakland, Calif., will soon decide whether to approve a 15-fold increase in the taxes imposed on medical marijuana dispensaries. Dispensary owners support the measure because they see it as a way of legitimizing their businesses.

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Chickenflaps - episode 26

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:01 GMT

Always wash your hands after touching raw Chickenflaps, otherwise you'll end up like Richard Cray, listening to silly songs 24/7. In this week's show: Paul & Storm, The Legendary Ten Seconds, Tom Smith, Rob Balder featuring Janny, Robert Lund, TVs Kyle, and Odd Austin. Music provided by the Podsafe Music Network at music.podshow.com.

Swine Flu Spread Mirrors Air Travel

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:00 GMT

Analysis of flight destinations of passengers departing from Mexico in March and April show that air travel was key in virus transmission across the globe, according to new research.

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Co-Op Option Offers Compromise In Health Debate

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:00 GMT

As Senate and House committees negotiate a potential new health care system, the idea of insurance co-ops is gaining ground as an alternative to a government-run plan. The HealthPartners co-op in Minneapolis provides some insight into the ability of these plans to provide low-cost, high-quality care.

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iPhone 3G S Video Upload Test

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:54 GMT

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I uploaded this short video directly from my new iPhone 3G S. I think the quality is very good, considering this was compressed and passed directly across AT&T's 3G network while I was driving down the road! It took about five minutes to upload (and longer than that for YouTube to process).

My car's name is Vader, just so you know. It's black, just like my iPhone! Yes, the blue Mustang that passed me during the video is an extremely “hot” car (according to Kat, anyway).

Do you have the iPhone 3G S yet? Have you uploaded videos with it? What have your experiences been like? Let me hear from you… I'm interested in hearing how things are working for others. I'm happy. I'm in love with my new iPhone!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code:

iPhone 3G S Video Upload Test

Slate: Your Money or Your Health

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:03 GMT

Your Money or Your Health: Everyone wants to cut costs. But what if saving my life is expensive? by Christopher Beam

Skeptoid #160: Sarah Palin Is Not Stupid

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:00 GMT

Drug-Resistant Swine Flu Seen In Danish Patient

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:12 GMT

Health officials have confirmed a case of swine flu that is resistant to Tamiflu, the leading pharmaceutical weapon against the new virus.

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Helping Journalists Beat Post-Traumatic Stress

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:24 GMT

With such a high-stakes, high-stress lifestyle, many journalists return from war zones with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Anthony Feinstein is one of those working to help them overcome the emotional aftereffects of covering conflict.

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Late Night Live - 2009-06-30

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00 GMT

Bruce Shapiro Bruce Shapiro discusses the circus around the death of Michael Jackson, the sentencing of Bernie Madoff, an important Supreme Court ruling about racial discrimination in New Haven, and the coup in Honduras. Ethics: A business case A conversation about the business argument for the use of ethical labels to mark products made without the use of child labour, slavery and other forms of human exploitation, or environmental destruction. Michael Hiscox is involved in research on this subject at both the production and consumption end of the business cycle. American Buffalo The buffalo has a mythic status in American culture: to Native Americans it was a spiritual figure as well as a source food; for nineteenth centry whites, the killing of buffalo represented progress and civilization as the American empire expanded westward. In 2005, hunter, cook and author Steven Rinella won a permit to kill one of these iconic beasts. The story of his journey into the Alaskan wilderness is intertwined with the history of the buffalo, the changing role of the hunter and the politics of food in American culture.

Book Show 2009-06-30

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00 GMT

The future of Reader's Digest Throughout the 1950s the Reader's Digest magazine used the phenomenal reach of its marketing department to get the famous abridged versions of its books into millions of American homes. David Williamson on writing about women Australian playwright David Williamson gives his thoughts on writing about women at the Author's Right To Speak seminar at the Sydney Writers Festival. Stuff White People Like The New York Times bestseller Stuff White People Like started life as a blog that was the by-product of a joke between friends about the brilliance of television program The Wire. Off the Shelf with Andrew Davidson The main character in Andrew Davidson's debut novel The Gargoyle is not a very nice character. He ends up in hospital with terrible burns after a car crash.