Stencil Art
August 7, 2007 - If you walk around certain neighborhoods in Paris today, you'll see figures of people or animals spray-painted on building walls and storefronts. It's not quite graffiti: this genre of art- mostly stencils- came to life in the early '80s. Lisa Pham is an Australian writer living in Paris who has taken an interest in street art. She gave a tour of the stencils in Paris' 5th arrondisement to independent producer Sarah Elzas: Listen
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Olde Medical Book
July 31, 2007 - There are only five copies left of a very old medical book titled “The English Physician”. Despite its title - it provided the basis of what became some very American traditions. Rosemary Pennington has more… Listen
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Wavy Gravy
July 24, 2007– That’s the infamous Wavy Gravy at the even more infamous Woodstock festival in 1969…. Nearly 40 years after Wavy Gravy spent time at the 1969 Woodstock festival later, “Mr. Gravy” as the New York Times once called him is still a political activist and a benevolent clown. John Kalish has this profile: Listen
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Dog Show
July 17, 2007– It’s been a few months since Madison Square Garden was overrun by thousands of dog people – owners, handlers and breeders, and their four-legged friends in the carnival that is the annual Westminster Dog Show. While the competition is long over, for Independent producer Mauricio Salgado the unique atmosphere of Westminster lingers… and he brings it to us in here… Listen
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Harp Ladies and Elder Orphans
July 10, 2007– In Birmingham, Alabama, there’s an organization dedicated to reaching out to so-called "elder orphans"; older adults who are alone in nursing homes, hospice facilities or the community at large. Chaplains and co-founders Lynn Bledsoe and Mary Porter visit these orphans, bringing conversation and companionship AND… their harps! Producer Rosemary Pennington recently went along on a visit to a nursing home: Listen
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Tango Lessons
July 3, 2007– Ballroom dancing is all the rage again – as people from 18 to 80 – plus learn the joys of salsa, meringue and the passionate tango. Producer Jessica Lockhart found an enthusiastic group of students In Maine: Listen
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Studying Pain
June 26, 2007– Imagine going through life never knowing physical pain; it’s not actually as desirable as it might at first seem. But those afflicted with this unique trait are providing geneticists, neurobiologists and pharmaceutical companies with very valuable information as they seek to understand the nature of pain and the best ways to alleviate it. Naomi Fowler reports from London: Listen
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LINKS: Pain Management in AARP Segunda Juventud; 11 Ways to Ensure Proper Pain Management in the AARP Bulletin
Libeskind’s Latest
June 19, 2007– The Denver Art Museum has unveiled a dramatic piece of art: a new building. It’s architect Daniel Libeskind, first U.S. building and has proven far less controversial than his other major American project – the World Trade Center site. Nancy Greenleese has the story: Listen
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Wisdom and Anger
June 12, 2007– In another thoughtful essay from her collection called “Midlife Mambo,” journalist Wickham Boyle receives a package of broken dishes – which causes her to wonder about the wisdom of gluing things together or smashing them further…. Listen
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Octogenarian Aviator
June 5, 2007– There are thousands of products on the market today that try to make people look and feel young. But what really keep old age at bay? Today we’ll meet an 88 year-old Aviator – who says his secret to longevity is his love of airplanes. Charles Michael Ray has more with this story from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Listen
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Podcasting for Rent
May 29, 2007– As the number of ipods and other digital media players has grown, there’s been an explosion in the number of so-called podcasts – audio content created for individual listening. Jon Kalish has the story of one enterprising group of young men whose podcasts are actually paying their rent: Listen
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How Stories Spread
May 22, 2007– Where do the stories we hear – whether on radio or TV, in print or through conversation – come from? That’s a question that Sandra Sleight-Brennan pondered recently... Listen
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Getting Fit
May 15, 2007– The evidence of the benefits of eating right and exercising continues to grow, yet so many of us find it so difficult to get motivated and get going. One excuse that won’t work is thinking it’s too late, that you’re too old. In Alaska, Rebecca Shier found a few folks who are living proof that it’s never too late to get – and stay -fit. Listen
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Links: Real Fitness in The AARP Magazine
Nashville Rollergirls
May 8, 2007– Remember Roller Derby? AH, that guilty pleasure from the ‘70’s – when many of us relished the antics of Joanie Westin and the other over-the-top performers on rollerskates. Well, roller derby is back – but with a new, cleaner, more athletic persona. Kim Green reports on the Nashville Rollergirls! Listen
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Oklahoma Centenarians
May 1, 2007– We’re told that we’re getting older as a nation. The “85 and older” age group is in fact the fastest-growing segment of the population, and each week, more than one hundred Americans celebrate their 100th birthdays. In the state of Oklahoma, the 2000 Census found nearly 20-thousand residents over the age of 90, and more than 600 over the age of one hundred. As the state prepares to celebrate its centennial, one Oklahoma City photographer got to thinking: What better way to learn about Oklahoma’s history than to speak with people who’ve actually lived there this past century? Listen
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Jazz Uke
April 24, 2007– Adding ukulele music to any story about Hawaii would seem to be a dated cliché – yet, these days, the uke’s popularity is on the rise and the sound coming from it is decidedly different. From Hawaii, Heidi Chang reports: Listen
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Panty-Headed Mama
April 17, 2007– Wickham Boyle has the glorious objectivity and hard-earned wisdom that comes with middle age – gifts that she taps into in a series of essays she’s written called “Midlife Mambo”. In one of them – she tells a very funny story from when she was an earnest, young, working mother that illuminates what she calls 'The Wisdom of the Absurd'. Listen
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Senior Nutrition Center
April 10, 2007– The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota is one of the poorest areas in the country. Even basic nutrition is a concern for many people there – especially older adults. Francers Linn reports on one effort to bring good food along with a bit of good cheer to at risk elderly people. Listen
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Global Warming in Britain
April 3, 2007 - The effects of global warming can be seen quite dramatically on the shores of the British Isles. Some parts of the UK are disappearing as chunks of coastline break off and fall into the sea. Naomi Fowler has the story. Listen
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Glitter
March 27, 2007 - Americans spend thirty-billion dollars a year on arts and crafts, according to the Craft and Hobby Association. At the recent Hobby and Craft Trade Show in Anaheim, more than 20-thousand crafters gathered to exchange tips and scope out the latest ideas. One offering that garnered significant attention comes from Cottonwood, Arizona and shimmers … Rene Gutel was there: Listen
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LINKS:Get the Point: Crafts in AARP Segunda Juventud
Forever Fit
March 20, 2007 - Achieving and maintaining fitness is a challenge for all of us – particularly older people who may have never attempted any fitness or exercise programs. But it’s never too late to start, and the studies showing the benefits seem to increase daily. Rebecca Shier (sheer) reports on one program in Alaska that proves the point: Listen
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Capote Auction
March 13, 2007 - Truman Capote is an American icon – who continues to garner attention long after his death. In the past several years there have been two feature films about the writer, a book about his legendary Black and White Ball and an auction of his personal possessions that attracted a remarkable array of people – including reporter Jon Kalish: Listen
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Male Hormone Therapy
March 6, 2007 - Dr. Jonathan Wright, is a pioneer in integrative/complementary and alternative medicine. He was the first to prescribe bio-identical hormones - hormones whose molecules are identical to those found in the human body. He is now providing hormone replacement therapy for men… Dr. Mark Immel Reports: Listen
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LINKS: Tai Chi and Yoga in AARP Segunda Juventud; Super Foods With Medicinal Powers in the AARP Bulletin
Snagging Oprah’s Reader’s
February 27, 2007 - John Shors debut novel Beneath a Marble Sky was not lucky enough to be picked for Oprah’s book club – so he launched a novel publicity campaign of his own. Nancy Greenleese has the story... Listen
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LINKS: Beneath a Marble Sky on Barnes and Noble website
Alaskan Centenarian
February 20, 2007 - Nailing down the secret to a long life may not be an easy task, but Fairbanks Ethyl Peasgood, who turned 100 on December 7th, says she attributes it to three main things: adventure, surprises, and the Lord’s will. Oh, and it helps if you can eat anything and travel anywhere. Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock has more... Listen >
Shawn Colvin
February 13, 2007 - In the 5 years since her last CD, singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin has endured a second divorce, single motherhood, bouts of depression, and a change of record companies. Plus she turned 50 while working on her newest album, These Four Walls. Reporter Paul Ingles followed the CD’s creation, and learned what really scares Shawn Colvin. Listen
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Guide Dogs Train at Law Firm
February 6, 2007 - There’s some very special training going on at a prestigious law firm in Nashville – where the young trainees are learning to behave properly in meetings, at lunches and around the water-cooler. One rule – no snatching others’ food. Kim Green has the story... Listen
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House Calls
January 30, 2007 - Some of us never thought we’d see this happen…the return of the House Call! But it’s happening …on a small scale, to be sure, but happening. Shia Levitt reports on a group of doctors in San Francisco who have revived the practice of making House Calls. Listen
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Car Sex
January 23, 2007 - Wickham Boyle has been doing a dance she calls the “Midlife Mambo” – and capturing her observations of her journey in a series of essays. The one we’re bringing you today could aptly be titled: “Car Sex.” Listen
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Green Tea
January 16, 2007 - The evidence seems to be mounting of the real health benefits of green tea. A recent study out of the University of Alabama brings evidence of the actual healing power of green tea. Listen
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Andy Statman
January 9, 2007 - is a virtuoso on the mandolin and clarinet who gained recognition playing bluegrass in the 1960’s and 70’s. In the 1980’s, it was Statman’s ability to play klezmer that brought him renown, and later, the Brooklynite added jazz versions of Chasidic music to his repertoire. Listen
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LINKS:Keeping Up With Jones in AARP The Magazine
Casting Director
January 2, 2007 - Marvin Paige has held that marvelous title “Casting Director” for more years than he can count. He is so well-respected that even the biggest agents, actors and studio executives pick up the phone when he calls. Listen
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Camo Stage Designers
December 26, 2006 - The United States entered World War II in December of 1941. It was a "Total War": Everyone got involved, including artist. Independent producer Sarah Elzas has this story about one group of artists who did their part for the war - people who made their living designing stage sets. Listen
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LINKS: Heirs of War on the AARP Website; WWII Veterans in AARP Segunda Juventud
Scooter Surge
December 19, 2006 - Some of us have always thought of them as motorbikes for nerds – but apparently the skyrocketing price of fuel has trumped image and scooter sales in the U.S. are also skyrocketing. Listen
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A Passion for Music
December 12, 2006 - Thirty-four-year-old Tammie Willis got her Master’s Degree in music composition from Virginia Commonwealth University. Like other budding composers, she had to write several significant pieces to earn her degree --- but unlike the others, Tammie Willis is profoundly deaf. Listen
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Sacred Harp-Fasola
December 5, 2006 - All across the rural south -- small, community churches dot the landscape. They're usually old, white buildings...often only one or two rooms big. Inside these inconspicuous little structures, a centuries-old, uniquely American music genre continues to thrive. Listen
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Barbara Luna
November 28, 2006 - Karen Llewellen caught up with legendary stage and screen actress Barbara Luna at – of all places – a Star Trek convention. They talked about the interesting arc of her career! Listen
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Your Carbon Bill
November 21, 2006 - There’s a growing awareness that each of us has responsibility for the health of our planet. More individuals, companies and governments are examining ways to make us all aware of and minimize our negative impact on the environment.
In Britain, the government is considering implementing a green taxation system. Listen
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LINKS: The Weather Makers in AARP The Magazine
Odyssey of the Mind
November 14, 2006 - Odyssey of the Mind is a well-known problem-solving program that has kids of all ages competing for fun and education. In Maine, Jessica Lockhart found an unusual group of students - all decades beyond high school – who are tearing up the competition. Listen
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Integrative Medicine
November 7, 2006 - There’s conventional medicine and there are complementary and alternative medicines and medical practices…. And now, there’s a growing field of medicine that combines these different approaches. Dr. Mark Immel takes us to Portland, Oregon – home of a major center of Integrative Medicine. Listen
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LINKS: Tai Chi and Yoga: Body and Mind the Eastern Way in AARP Segunda Juventud
Jiu Jitsu Teacher
October 31, 2006 - A New York City probation officer teaches a unique self-defense art to both civilians and law enforcement personnel. It enables those who aren’t the fittest, fastest or strongest to defend themselves. Reporter Jon Kalish spent some time on the mats with jiu jitsu master Steve Isaak and filed this report! Listen
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LINKS: Martial Arts Made Friendly AARP website; Tai Chi and Yoga in AARP Segunda Juventud
Making Sense of Medicine
October 24, 2006 - For those of us who are not experts – seeking medical information can be an overwhelming and frustrating effort. But with a little help and guidance – it can also be extremely helpful for patients and their families. Reporter Shia Levitt sought out experts for that needed guidance. Listen
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LINKS: Ask Your Doctor in the AARP Bulletin; Health Calendar in AARP Segunda Juventud
Tree Climbing
October 17, 2006 - It isn’t just kids and squirrels climbing trees these days in Colorado … Nancy Greenleese reports on the roots and branches of the latest adult fad. Listen
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Laughter Clubs
October 10, 2006 - Laughter, as we all know, is the best medicine – but some are taking that old saw very seriously. Julia Browne reports on the growing number of official “laughter clubs” – where people gather to giggle for their health! Listen
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LINKS: Laughing with your Grandchildren at AARP website
The Dying Pomo Language
October 3, 2006 - Representatives of 40 California Indian tribes gathered recently for a rescue mission – they met to see if it was possible keep some of their native languages alive. Lonny Shavelson reports on one valiant effort to save the dying Pomo language. Listen
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St George
September 26, 2006 - National Flags are nothing if not loaded with symbolism – but delving into that symbolism can sometimes result in questions and controversy, or at least irony. Take the case of England’s red and white St. George’s flag – most recently carried so proudly by legions of world cup soccer fans. Turns out – St. George himself –venerated by Christians and Muslims alike –not only wasn’t English and never set foot in England, but probably wouldn’t get through British Passport control today! Listen
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Caribbean Jazz
September 19, 2006 - There’s a wonderful symbiotic relationship between jazz musicians in the U.S. and their counterparts in Cuba and the Caribbean. Their mutual musical influence reaps benefits for music lovers worldwide. Reese Ehrlich visited the Barbados Jazz Festival to further explore the U.S. - Caribbean musical fusion. Listen
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Jazz Art Signs
September 12, 2006 - Wheelock College in Boston is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its Family Theater this year. To showcase the theater’s accessibility for the disabled a performance called JazzArtSigns was staged – drawing a capacity crowd that included reporter Jon Kalish. Listen
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Yale Books
September 5, 2006 - At Yale University, they recently resorted
to freeze-drying books in order to save them. Naomi Starobin went
to the basement of the Yale library for this story! Listen >
Caring for Their Brother
August 29, 2006 - Reporter Karen Brown has the story of twin
brothers in Massachusetts who – together – spent years
caring for their brother – a paranoid schizophrenic. Listen >
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