For the final week of 2009, the On Point staff will be taking a break. And for our loyal listeners, we’re again featuring some of the best shows from our archives.
Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison talks about censorship and the importance of the free word. Feminist icon Germaine Greer shares her thoughts on Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway — and on women in the world now. Author William Least Heat-Moon takes us on a journey along America’s backroads and into his book, “Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey.”
Documentarian Astra Taylor spoke with big-name philosophers and shares their insights with us. Oceanographer Sylvia Earle dives in to talk about her Google Oceans project. NBA legend Bill Russell talks life, friendship, and basketball. Hong Kong director Wayne Wang gives us his take on the Chinese and Chinese-American experience.
We listen in to one documentary’s take on the new frontiers of jazz. A neuroscientist tells us why we’re superstitious. (Don’t think you are? Would you wear Jeffrey Dahmer’s raincoat?) And we dig into the real life story of L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Finally, a couple of anniversaries in 2009 that couldn’t have been more different: The great essayist, poet, and thinker Samuel Johnson at 300. And Barbie — the iconic plastic doll — turns 50.
Best wishes this holiday season from all of us here at On Point. We’ll be back with a full slate of new shows in 2010.
What a treat it was to have Bruce Hood with the Comments community listening and answering. I find myself trying to extract from the intro whether OnPoint expects any of the other former guests to participate. Perhaps it’s best to have that be a surprise. But it’s different when we know we are “talking to ourselves.” It seems you notified Hood his show was being rebroadcast? Or did he google himself and find that out.
Posted by Ellen Dibble, on December 29th, 2009 at 12:03 PMDear Ellen,
Posted by Bruce, on December 29th, 2009 at 1:51 PMNo, it was not arranged in advance. I have google alerts send me an email when something specific about the book is posted on the internet. I think its a great idea to respond to comments as soon as possible and On Point is a good example of how this can benefit both writers and the listening audience. It certainly was a treat for me. Maybe those nice guys at On Point might consider setting it up next year.
All the best,
Bruce
Hi There: Great programming. Tom’s a gem. I look forward to listening in 2010 and beyond.
Happy New Year to the entire On Point staff!
Posted by Rob Pernick, on December 30th, 2009 at 7:16 PM