This show, columnist and blogger Dermot Cole explains the importance of holding elected officials accountable.
Anchorage Museum Director Julie Decker is the author and editor of several volumes. She says the arts don’t get a pass on commenting about troubled times.
KUAC poster artist Guy Gaswint shares how he fell into painting through the KUAC series Into the Woods.
All that and Katexic Clippings’ Chris Lott listens in on museum lingo. I hope you’ll join us.
Zen Temple Hakata, Fukuoka by Richard Murphy Photo used by permission
This episode we explore journalism past, present, and future with Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Richard Murphy who served as the Photo Editor for the Anchorage Daily News for many years.
As the Arctic grows in strategic importance, Brandon Boylan, a political science professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and co-director of the school’s Arctic and Northern Studies program, discusses the role of the Arctic Council and a model of the council on the UAF campus.
And speaking of strategic, UAF geography professor Cary De Wit explains how Yemen’s location has attracted regional and global players in its civil war.
And Katexic Clippings’ Chris Lott is in to politely unpack the rich history of the word “nice.”
Reading has always been an important activity in my life. Of course, “activity” may not rightly describe sitting in a comfortable chair with a good book. However, it is a pleasure 32 million Americans can’t share. This episode I talk with Literacy Council of Alaska Executive Director Mike Kolasa about the organization and his background.
Speaking of books: Homer’s Odyssey is one of the enduring classics of world literature. Far from a dusty tome, it continually spurs fresh approaches and inspires new creations. UAF Professor Emeritus and writer Frank Soos, looks at several recent works that take it up, including Daniel Mendelsohn’s memoir, Madeline Miller’s fictional embellishment Circe, and Emily Wilson’s ground-breaking translation.
And Katexic Clippings’ Chris Lott heeds the sirens song this episode.
While I’ve known Greg Pacetti for years, only recently did it strike me he would make an outstanding guest on the show. Greg is now semi-retired but still produces fine stringed instruments; and he has an album of songs you can find on-line. He describes his journey from hippy artisan to luthier.
Greg’s father was a fisherman. Others often go to sea for research. One of them is Roger Topp. His day job is Director of Exhibits at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. However, Roger was originally trained as an oceanographer and is a serious writer. This past summer he returned to his roots, documenting a voyage of the research vessel Sikuliaq. Roger shared those reports on his blog. He discusses his approach to communicating science.
And Chris Lott is in with Katexic Clippings.
Dr. Keith Champagne, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UAF, explains why he started the “Nanook Brotherhood Project at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Dr. Corrine Leistikow from Tanana Valley Clinic explains why today’s wellness exam differs from the traditional annual physical.
UAF Professor Emeritus and author Franks Soos reviews a recent book of essays by Jim Holt.
And Chris Lott is in with a new edition of Katexic Clippings.
On this New Year’s Day episode, we hear of a new book examining the life and academic contributions of Terrence Cole. Dr. Mary Ehrlander talks about The Big Wild Soul of Terrence Cole. And we revisit a conversation with Terrence and his twin Dermot Cole about their life today and their sometimes-unique upbringing.
In the closing weeks of the mid-term elections, Mr. Trump characterized the long line of women, children, and men trudging through Central America and Mexico as an invasion. He also claimed, without evidence, the so-called caravan harbored Middle-Eastern terrorists. Trump’s claims astounded my guest this show. Alberto Arce is an award-winning journalist who spent four years covering Central America for the Associated Press and the New York Times. Arce currently occupies the Snedden Chair of Journalism at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He describes the daily misery and danger ordinary citizens in Honduras face and why they seek sanctuary hundreds of miles north.
Also, author Frank Soos reviews a new collection of short stories by Deborah Eisenberg, Your Duck Is My Duck.
Music from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com
I first met sculpture Dennis Gaboury years ago when he and his wife, writer Elinor Burkett, were in Fairbanks. Elinor and Dennis met when she was writing one of the first books on the Catholic Church’s Clergy Sex abuse scandal. Dennis was abused by Fr. James Porter. Porter eventually was convicted of molesting 28 children. KUAC interviewed Dennis when he was here and I participated in a townhall forum with Dennis and Elinor about clergy abuse.
Elinor and Dennis moved on, had postings in other interesting parts of the world and I lost track of them. Then I learned Dennis was back in Fairbanks selling dolls and wire sculptures created by orphans from Zimbabwe. In fact, he had formed an organization called Zimkids Orphan Trust. Its motto is “Built by Orphans, Run by Orphans, For Orphans.” Its unique business model aims at sustainability. He and his protégé Tinashe Basa have been back to Fairbanks almost annually in recent years because of the deep roots Dennis formed with people here. Tinashe currently oversees day-to-day operations at the orphanage. But he is also a musician and he built and operates his own recording studio. He created the music you hear in this piece.
Also on the show: guest producer John Perreault talks with Major Ryan McElroy from the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard.
And Chris Lott is in with Katexic Clipppings.
An active Mount Veniaminof: image courtesy of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Over the past several episodes guest producer John Perreault has been visiting with scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. This year marks its 30th anniversary. Today John wraps up on a bittersweet note as he talks with Dr. Jeff Freymueller, who recently departed AVO after more than two decades of teaching and research.
And Chris Lott is in with another episode of Katexic Clippings.
Self portrait by Mark Ross
Whether it’s cocking an ear to the call of a bird or following up on seismic data coming in from sensors, listening to the natural world is important.
In this episode guest producer John Perreault talks with Dr. Taryn Lopez with the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The unit is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
And I visit with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Biologist and Education Specialist Mark Ross. He’s been introducing visitors and locals to the wonders of the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge for decades. His notebook observations and drawings have also been a welcome periodic feature in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
And Chris Lott is in with a Katexic Clippings forged at Vulcan’s smithy.
Music from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com
