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