Steve Jones – Tracing The ‘Y’ Chromosome

Y, The Descent of Men, Revealing the Mysteries of Maleness

Professor Steve Jones, author of the book, “Y, The Descent of Men, Revealing the Mysteries of Maleness,” discusses biological aspects of maleness created by the Y chromosome. Jones explores the effect of male hormones, hair loss, and the hydraulics of man’s most intimate organ. He lays out the case for and against masculinity.

Steve Jones recommends “Cherries, the Worst Journey in the World: A Biography of Alexy Cherry Gerard,” by Sarah Wheeler.

Originally Broadcast: August 12, 2003

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Dr. Sally Shaywitz – How to Identify and Overcome Dyslexia

Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level

Approximately one child in five suffers from dyslexia, a condition that makes learning to read difficult and in some cases seemingly impossible. In this edition of Radio Curious, originally broadcast in August of 2003, we visit with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, a Professor of Pediatrics at Yale University and the co-director of the Yale justify for the Study of Learning and Attention. She discusses early diagnosis of dyslexia in young children, older children, and in adults, and what can be done to assist people who suffer from this disability. In her book, “Overcoming Dyslexia,” Dr. Shaywitz describes how current research, including new brain imaging studies, are uncovering the mechanics underlying this problem, and have led to effective treatments.

Dr. Sally Shaywitz recommends “Emperor of Ocean Park,” by Stephen Carter & “Samaritan,” by Richard Price.

Originally Broadcast: August 5, 2003

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Joshua Tickell – Biodiesel: An Oil-less Fuel

From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank: The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel

Biodiesel, an alternative to the dwindling supply of fossil fuels, is created from processed vegetable oil and is available anywhere vegetable oil is grown or used. Joshua Tickell is the author of “From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank: The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel.” In this program, he shared his ideas on the topic.

Joshua Tickell recommends “Connections,” by James Burke.

Originally Broadcast: July 22, 2003

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David Ebershoff – Southern California, 1903 – 1945

Pasadena

David Ebershoff is the author of a novel called “Pasadena,” a story about a fishergirl born in 1903 on a coastal onion farm in northern San Diego County. Her choices in life echo choices and changes that were made for many people as southern California grew and developed in the following 45 years.

David Ebershoff recommends “Middlesex,” by Jeffrey Eugendies.

Originally Broadcast: July 29, 2003

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Deborah Blum – The Science of Affection

Love at Goon Park: Harry Harlow and the Science of Affection

In an unknown and dilapidated laboratory on the University of Wisconsin campus in the 1950s and 1960s, a brilliant, alcoholic, work-obsessed psychologist conducted research on love, a pursuit that was previously ignored and considered unworthy of scientific study. “Love at Goon Park: Harry Harlow and the Science of Affection,” written by journalist Deborah Blum, is the story of how Professor Harry Harlow, one of the most important and controversial psychologists of the 20th century, altered our understanding of love.

Deborah Blum recommends “The Life of Pi,” by Yan Martel.

Originally Broadcast: July 15, 2003

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Alston Chase – Who is Ted Kaczynski?

Harvard and the Unabomber: The Education of an American Terrorist

“Harvard and the Unabomber: The Education of an American Terrorist” is a book by Alston Chase, former Chair of the Philosophy Department at Macalester University in Minnesota. After studying the life and experiences of Theodore Kaczynski, who came to be known as the Unabomber, Chase characterizes him as product of the post World War II angst. Our discussion on Kaczynski continued through two parts.

Alston Chase recommends “Pity of War,” by Nile Furgeson.

Originally Broadcast: July 1, 2003 & July 8, 2003

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Philip Weiss – Cover-up of a Peace Corps Murder

American Taboo, A Murder in Peace Corps

In this edition of Radio Curious, we take a look at murder and getting away with murder. In the small island kingdom of Tonga, an American Peace Corps Volunteer murdered another American Peace Corps volunteer in October 1976. “American Taboo, A Murder in Peace Corps,” by Philip Weiss, is a detailed story about the murder, how and why it happened, the legend that developed, the subsequent cover-up, and an interview with the murderer.

Philip Weiss recommends “McArthur and Southerland, The Good Years,” & “McArthur and Southerland, The Bitter Years,” both by Paul P. Rogers

Originally Broadcast: June 29, 2003

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Rep. Sam Farr (D) – A Visit with Congressman Sam Farr, June 2003

This interview’s guest was my old law school friend, Congressman Sam Farr, who represents Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. In this interview, we discussed the USA Patriot Act, the Freedom to Read Act of 2003, and the influence that the Democrats, the minority party, have in both houses of Congress.

Originally Broadcast: June 10, 2003

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Alan Axelrod – FDR as a Leader

Nothing to Fear, Lessons in Leadership from FDR

Alan Axelrod is a writer who has studied the cultural and business dimensions of America. “Nothing to Fear, Lessons in Leadership from FDR,” by Axelrod, focuses on FDR’s unique leadership style and what an effective leader is able to do. We spoke about FDR’s leadership skills in the first part of our discussion and then addressed the leadership style and effectiveness of President George W. Bush.

Alan Axelrod recommends “The Life of PT Barnum,” by PT Barnum.

Originally Broadcast: June 3, 2003

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Jack Hines – One Corner of Montana

Sweet Grass County: Historic Crossroad

Montana, the Big Sky state, is a place of significant historical interest in the history of North America and the United States. Sweet Grass County, located in south central Montana, is an area that since pre-historic times has been a justify of trade and historic crossroads of travel. Jack Hines worked as an artist in New York for 30 years until 1972 when he moved to Sweet Grass County, Montana. There he began the ”Historic Crossroad” painting and writing project, as a declaration of his love for his adopted home in the exquisite Yellowstone Valley of Montana. His paintings depict the life in that area beginning in the ice-age, through the times of the Indians, Lewis and Clark, the Fur trade and homesteading and listened to Jack reading from his book, “Sweet Grass County, Historic Crossroad,” in Big Timber, Montana.

Jack Hines recommends “Glow Smile, A Biography” & “What Went Wrong,” both by Bernard Louis.

Originally Broadcast: June 2, 2003

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