The Church of Beethoven

The Church of Beethoven that I mentioned in class. A novel concept that appears to involve almost none of the traditional trappings of a church, except for the idea of communing in a spiritual way, in this case, by listening to live performances of Beethoven in a former gas station (Tankstelle).

Heretic

A fascinating story of an evangelical preacher who came to the realization that he didn't believe in Hell or in the idea that non-Christians must be in deep trouble, and the consequences of his ephiphany.

Letter from Europe

The above article (click on title for link) summarizes the results of recent surveys of Americans and Europeans on their feelings about immigration. It confirms the perceptions that I've had, as an American living in Europe, of some of the basic differences between Europeans and Americans in attitudes toward foreigners, ethnicity, race and nationality.

Stormy Monday

T-bone Walker was an innovative blues guitarist whose influence can still be heard in modern rock guitarists. This song is an American classic.

A Less Rosy View of Obama

An interesting essay from a Chicago journalist, taking a clear-eyed look at Obama and the implications of his election.

Memo to the President

The above link is to an open letter to the president-elect from NPR, National Public Radio. It outlines the challenges they feel he's facing and how they feel he ought to approach them. They promise to continue updating as the transition phase progresses. I do hope Obama is reading!

You can Participate!

(just sharing this invitation that arrived in my email box this morning)

NPR will be hosting a timely 2-hour “Talk of the World” special to give listeners around the globe an opportunity to comment on the selection of the new President of the United States. This program is Thursday, November 6th, 2008, from 20:00-22:00 Central European time and we invite your participation.

During this show, opinion leaders will analyze how changes at the White House will have an impact on U.S. relations around the world. Guests will include Louise Arbour, the former U.N. Commissioner on Human Rights, and Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

“Talk of the World” will air on NPR Worldwide in Europe, Worldspace Satellite Radio in Asia and Africa, and NPR member stations in the U.S.

You can participate by calling +1-202-513-2008 in order to receive a call-back for participation on Thursday, November 6th. You can also email your name, telephone number, the country you are calling from, and your question to talk@npr.org (please include “Talk of the World” in the subject line). You will also have the opportunity to join the discussion live by calling +1-202-513-2008 while the program is on the air.

Political Satire

A radio news quiz show, produced by a group of clever political satirists and columnists. It's rather fast-paced and full of cultural references that may make it difficult to understand, but the program does give you a glimpse of the critical view many Americans hold of our government/society. It also provides a window into the kinds of issues that are on the minds of average Americans these days--like stepping into a cocktail party in Chicago (with some very funny guests) for an hour.

http://www.npr.org/programs/waitwait/

And here is a link to that funny piece about American Diplomacy, the one i gave a bad rendition of in class. It's Act 2, "Stay in 'Touch".

http://thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=1266

Rauschenberg

Robert Rauschenberg was one of the most influential and imaginative artists of his generation. His work inspired artists like Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90411572

This American Life

A program devoted to longer pieces of something like "Audio Art", stories told so vividly they are like movies for the ear. The content is extremely eclectic, and reveals various aspects of life in America. This page offers a selection of some favorite pieces. You can listen to a 30-second promo or sample, to see if a piece interests you.

http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Favorites.aspx

The Arts

Jeff Koons is one of the most successful and provocative American artists today. Here is a radio story about an exhibit of his work in Chicago, complete with pictures and a brief exchange with the artist.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92873040

and Jeff Koons's website

http://www.jeffkoons.com/



Radio for the People
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88827032

Economics

One of the hottest topics at the moment: the Economy--how we got into this mess and ideas for solutions. An interview with Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, who advocates increasing public spending on things like infrastructure.

Lower down on this page, you can also read an excerpt from Krugman's book "The Conscience of a Liberal," about the recent conflict between liberals and conservatives in America.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95929699

Puritanism

Interview with Sarah Vowell about her book which takes a new look at the Puritans, Wordy Shipmates.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95469284