ARCHIVE of past programs

May 1998

Program Notes

First Week (May 1-6)
What are the Chances? Changing the Odds of Pregnancy and Conception

Part I: John Herr (U.Va.) discusses his patent of a "home sperm test" that will allow men to assay their sperm count outside the doctor's office. Part II: How far off is a male contraceptive? Joe Hall (NSU) discusses his experiments on mice. Part III: Eight million feral cats are put to sleep each year. Steve Boyle(Va.Tech) discusses a vaccine delivered in cat food that acts as birth control.

Second Week (May 8-13)
Beyond Colonialism: The Future of Sub-Saharan Africa

Adrift in a time-warp defined by colonial rule and the tyranny of corrupt governments, the nations of sub-Saharan Africa struggle to preserve their natural resources, develop their economies and save their people and their countries from exploitation. Historian Ismail Abdalla (William & Mary) joins former U.S. ambassador to Burundi J.R. Bullington (ODU).

Third Week (May 15-20)
Shaky Foundations: The State of Virginia's Bridges and Dams

Like many states, Virginia continues to face an extraordinary challenge in replacing old bridges that can no longer handle high traffic volume. But the Old Dominion is thrifty, selling most of the spans to parks or communities. Engineers Gary Rogers (VMI) and Richard Weyers (Va.Tech) are featured. Also: From hydropower to historical treasure, archaeologist Doug Sanford (Mary Washington College) takes a field trip to look at Virginia dams.

Fourth Week (May 22-27)
A Sinking Feeling: Going Down with the Ship and Other Maritime Lore

Part I: How many captains voluntarily go with their ships to the depths of Davey Jones' locker? Historian Joe Goldenberg (VSU) sets a true course on this nautical issue. Part II: He became infamous in 1711, after sinking his ship and marooning his crew on a small island off the coast of Maine, but it was John Deane's exploits as a spy and captain in the Russian Navy that sealed his place in history. Historian Richard Warner (Mary Washington College) is featured.

Fifth Week (May 29-June 1)
Down Time: The Origins and Future of Leisure

Leisure is a twentieth century phenomenon, according to historian Cindy Aron (U.Va.), but few of us understand how to enjoy our free time. And, surprisingly, many people don't realize they've got free time. But we do, says Mick Stewart (Radford). Tune in for a look at when leisure began, where it went, and how it can be rediscovered.