Global Political Cartoons: Aug 29 – Sep 4, 2009

Cartoonists this week are captivated by the upending of Japan’s ruling party after almost 60 years in power. They also have fun with Disney’s purchase of Marvel Comics, and it’s back to school time….amid the specter of the swine flu.

>>> Click here to start the cartoon slideshow

Music Heard on Air for September 4, 2009

A List of Music Featured Between our reports for September 4, 2009

World Science Podcast: September 4, 2009

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On the World Science Podcast, we like to interview scientists with dirt under their fingernails. At left is entomologist Derek Sikes, who has been exploring the volcanic ash of Kasatochi Island in the Aleutians for traces of life. You see, a little over a year ago, the island exploded, for lack of a better term. We’ll hear about Derek’s bug hunt, and also tell you about a giant garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean. Download MP3

• Show notes and blog post for the World Science Podcast
• More pictures of Kasatochi Island

Traders, Smugglers, and Legos

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How are North Dakota, Ukraine, and Angola all linked together? Want cheap cigarettes? Do couples argue more in IKEA in Beijing or Boston? All this and more, if you can believe it, in this week’s podcast.

Zakir Hussein

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Master tabla player Zakir Hussain talks to anchor Marco Werman. Hussain’s latest project is a collaboration he did with banjo player Bela Fleck and upright bassist Edgar Meyer. Their CD is called The Melody of Rhythm.

Recreating pre-war Nagasaki in 3D, Ars Electronica 2009, and A Brief History of GPS Drawing

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On this week’s podcast, we’re off to Linz, Austria to hear about some of the exhibits at annual Ars Electronica Festival. One you can see here at left: that’s right, turn your own urine into fertilizer. If you like that one, wait until you hear the other story from Linz…Also, we hear about the 3D re-creation of pre-war Nagasaki, Japan. And we end with a brief history of GPS drawing, brought to you by listener Brett Stalbaum.

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Monday demonstrations

For Friday’s Geo Quiz — think Monday. 20 years ago today, as it turns out, was a Monday. Which accounts for the name Monday demonstrations … They were getting underway in a German city.