Programs and Pieces

“DNIMAS”

Broadcast January 2008
Listen to Part 1 using RealPlayer
Listen to Part 2 using RealPlayer

Broadcast on the program “The Best of Our Knowledge.” Statistics appear to demonstrate that Historically Black Colleges and Universities are better than their counterparts when it comes to keeping African-American students in college studying science and mathematics through the PhD and MD level. This story looks at a program called DNIMAS at Norfolk State University that’s designed to achieve this goal. It explores what’s needed, both in the classroom and out.

“Curiosity Aroused” Pilot

Broadcast nationally throughout 2008

Listen at the Talent Quest website

This program is hosted by one of the winners of the Public Radio Talent Quest, a national competition to find The Next Big Public Radio Host. It takes a closer and slightly more skeptical look at the world.

“Get Your Kicks on Sputnik”

Broadcast nationally in October 2007

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Broadcast on “Studio 360.”  There was instant global awe for the Soviet satellite Sputnik, just under 2 feet in diameter, which circled the earth every 96 minutes. It was the beginning of the space age, but it wasn’t just a technological marvel: it had a lasting impact on American culture, language, and design.

“Music in Space”

Broadcast nationally in October 2007

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Broadcast on “Studio 360.” When NASA launches the space shuttle, mission control wakes up the astronauts every morning with a song. But that’s not the only music heard in outer space. The astronauts often bring instruments with them to play. A look at what it’s like to rock out in space.

“Shakespeare In Black and White”

Broadcast nationally in April 2006
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Broadcast on the program “Studio 360.” At countless times in America, and for countless groups of citizens, the question has come up: Who “owns” Shakespeare? This is a particularly poignant question in the case of African-Americans. This story looks at minstrel show parodies of Shakespeare, color-blind casting of Shakespeare and the African-American experience with Shakespeare.

“Ow! That’s Not Funny.”

Broadcast nationally in February 2006
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Broadcast on the program “Studio 360.” If I gouge you in eye, that’s not funny. But if Curly gouges Larry in the eye, chance are, you’ll laugh. Why do so many people like other people’s pain? Not all comedy is violent. And it’s true that while some people love violent comedy others hate it. What is the appeal of violent comedy for those who like it?

“Hiroshima: 60 Years of Opinions”

Broadcast nationally in December 2005
Audio available at NPR.org
Broadcast on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” In the 60 years since the first atomic bomb was dropped, American public opinion has varied greatly. This story looks at the change by tracking the editorial pages of major American newspapers.

“Chain of Influence”

Broadcast nationally in June and October 2005

Listen at the Weekend America Website

This series, broadcast on “Weekend America” began when people at the program started thinking about where ideas come from, how they pass from one person to the next, as if inspiration were a baton that is handed from one person to another to another.

“GEMS”

Broadcast nationally in December 2005
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Broadcast on the program “The Best of our Knowledge,” this story looks at programs in the Fairfax County, Virginia public schools designed to get girls interested in math, science and engineering and programs to keep them interested.

“Fighting With My Dad”

Broadcast nationally in April 2005
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Broadcast on the program “Studio 360.”  Solitude can give an artist peace and freedom. But solitude can be addictive. And just like any drug, too much of it can damage the artist and the people around him. Here’s a look at how that’s happened to an artist who’s as close to me as you can possibly get, my father.