July 2006

“O Canada, eh? ” (July 1-7)

What does it mean to be a Canadian? Historian Tim Naftali (UVa) and Elliot Majerczyk (VFH), both transplanted Canadians, engage in an insightful and amusing discussion about the culture, politics, history and, of course, weather, of our frozen neighbor to the north.

Also: Washington D.C. has more statues than any other American city. Art historian Thomas Somma (UMW) takes us on a docent’s tour of the best public art in our nation’s capital.

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The Last Voyage of the CSS Shenandoah (July 8-14)

The CSS Shenandoah was the only ship in the Confederate navy to circumnavigate the globe. History scholar Alan Harris (ODU) notes the Shenandoah was also the last raider to learn about the end of the Civil War and thus continued to sink ships all over the world for two-and-a-half months after Appomattox.

Also: Religious Studies professor Kip Redick (CNU) leads students on a walking journey along the Appalachian Trail each summer and believes the experience leaves them with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Investigating C.S.I. (July 15-21)

C.S.I. and other television crime shows have captured the public’s imagination but TV may not reflect what really goes on in the lab. Results aren't provided in the time it takes to air three commercials; bodies aren't always so easy to read; and crime sites aren't usually littered with evidence. Forensic scientist Marilyn Miller(VSU) goes behind the scenes of a criminal forensic investigation.

Also: Anthropologists Donna and Cliff Boyd (RU) analyze human bones discovered in Virginia and explain that remains can give us significant insight into our recent American past.

 

Endangered Languages (July 22-28)

On average one language disappears every two weeks on this planet and by the end of the century, half of the world’s languages will be gone. Linguist Jack Martin (WM) discusses why languages disappear and what can be done to preserve these languages, particularly the dialects of Native Americans.

Also: historian Gilmer Blackburn (UVA-Wise) says the Scots-Irish who settled much of Virginia were neither Scottish nor Irish but independent, contentious individuals whose contributions to society have gone largely unnoticed.

Creature Comforts (July 29 - August 4)

More than 40% of pet owners admit to talking to their pets over the phone. Veterinarian Marie Suthers-McCabe (VT) says we are a nation of animal lovers and that the strong human-animal bond benefits the health and well-being of both owner and pet.

Also: biologist Jim Reed (CNU) cruises the waterways of Hampton Roads observing the behavior of dolphins and—surprise!—they’re not all as charming as “Flipper.”

And producer Nancy King visits with an “animal communicator” who talks to dogs, cats, and even a few fish.