4.22.10 Mentors and Women

This week's theme was Mentorship and Women. We examined the dynamic of female role models and mentors, and interviewed a Vassar student about her thesis on Feminism as it relates to Mormonism.

The show began with an in-studio discussion about our daily "Wows" concerning women; and they included the women's right to vote, and the ability to do basically any job a man can do and to negotiate salaries.

In a piece called "A Softer Side" for Blunt Youth Radio, Charlotte McDonald interviews a female musician about her encounters with biases in her musical education.

Poem (read by Juliana):

"Proletariat Portrait" by William Carlos Williams

Fun Fact (told by John):

A woman holds the Guiness World Record for the highest recorded IQ. Marilyn vos Savant is recorded to have an IQ of 228.

John then chimed in that if anyone had a IQ higher than 228, they should please call in to the station. So go test your IQ and let us know if you score higher than 228!

PSA (read by Kristine):

Free Film Showing: "Rethink Afghanistan", a documentary by Robert Greenwald. A discussion will follow the film. When: Saturday, May 8 from 7:00-8:00 pm. Where: Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting, located on 249 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY. Sponsored by the Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting (www.poughkeepsiequakers.org) and Duchess Peace Coalition (www.dutchesspeace.org). For more information, contact: (845) 454-6431 or (845) 454-2870.

Interview

In the studio today we had Jenny, a Sociology major at Vassar College who grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY. She is a counselor for CARES, a student run, nonjudgemental, non-political, confidential, peer-listening resource for anyone affected by abuse. But the reason she was in the studio today was to talk about the thesis she wrote about Mormons, and the role of women in the Mormon family structure. A very interesting fact is that Mormon women in the Utah Territory had the right to vote before women in any other part of the country. They also had the right to divorce and to pursue an education when other women did not. But various historical circumstances led to a decline in female rights. Yet, there is still a space for Feminism in the Mormon church. Women have formed their own groups to do charity and relief work, among other things.

Box Question Discussion: Who are you favorite heroines in history? or in fiction (tv, movies, books, etc)? Amanda shared her admiration for Margaret Sanger (1883-1966), the founder of Planned Parenthood.

Juliana then read an excerpt from page 5 of the book This Bridge Called My Back by Anzaldua, which talked about being feminist and latina.

Book Recommendation: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a five-and-a-half year old prodigy misunderstood and neglected by her family; but she finds comfort in learning and teaches herself to read. Matilda is the extraordinary tale of the triumph of a brave young girl who dares to question and challenge the authority of the misguided adults who control her life.

4.15.10 Letter M

Photos (left to right): Amanda and John, John and Nory, Juliana and Amanda.

Mars, Macavity the Mystery Cat, Moon Madness, Merriment, Meatballs, and Music. Mmm-mmm good. Today was all things M.

The show started off with a piece recorded by Curie Youth Radio called "Trying to Act Grown"--anecdotes on what teens did as kids to act grown-up: applying make-up, smoking pretend cigarettes, wearing their dad's ties, etc.

Then John shared about a piece called Why We Need to Go Back to Mars (http://www.ted.com/talks/joel_levine.html), which was followed by a recording made by John--sounds of moon landing and shuttle take offs filled the station and 3...2....1....Take Off! The show was on its way to M madness. And what could be more appropriate then a poem by T.S. Eliot.

John, Nory, Amanda, and I (Kristine) each read a part of Eliot's poem, Macavity: The Mystery Cat. If you've never read or heard this poem, it's witty and whimsical--check it out! Because, "Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw...Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity".

Fun Facts were read by John and Nory today:

1) Shakespeare was baptised on 26 April 1564; and although his birthdate is unknown it is celebrated on 23 April. Coincidentally, Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616. And if he were alive today, he'd be 436 this month!

2) The Royal Shakespeare Company presents, "Such Tweet Sorrow", a twittered modern interpretation of Romeo & Juliet. During the five weeks of their performances, people will be able to read the "tweets" (twitter updates) of Romeo, Juliet, and four other characters. To read more visit www.suchtweetsorrow.com.

PSA

TONIGHT! Celebrate National Poetry Month and Young People's Poetry week at the Adriance Memorial Library Teen Room (Market St., Poughkeepsie) with an open mic poetry event! Youth made video poems will also be screened. All are welcome to the FREE event. We ask that poems be appropriate for all ages. TIME: 6-8pm.

Box Question Discussion: What is the most unique thing you have ever heard someone have a collection of?

Juliana shared that many Brazilians collect their baby teeth and some people even wear them on necklaces. Both Juliana and Kristine shared a childhood tendency to collect the most random things, like paper, erasers, office supplies in general it seemed like.

An article called Myths and Legends About the Moon was read by Juliana, which described the sun as a woman and the moon as a man, and their mythological relationship. To read this story go to http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Interesting-Myths-and-Legends-About-The-Moon.

Short Film Recommendation: Becky recommends Feiffer's short film, "Munro", for our M themed show. "Munro" was based on a comic strip written by Feiffer in the 1950's after he was drafted into the army. It's a satirical critique of military training and drafting practices; and it won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 1961. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNgiWU9LY7A

The next piece was a parody of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The parody is called Macbeth and Macduff Get Into An Argument Over Semantics, by Raphael Bob-Wakesberg. Our cast included: Nory as Macbeth; John as Mcduff, Amanda as Doctor; Juliana as the narrator; and Kristine as the witch. This modern interpretation, with mixed Shakespearen speech and modern day slang, was hilarious. Please visit http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2010/4/9waksberg.html

PSA 2:

CENTERstage Production will be performing Macbeth at Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. When: April 16-18. THIS WEEKEND. Curtain Times: Fri.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. For more information and ticket prices, call 845-876-3080. The Center for Performing Arts is located on Route 308 in Rhinebeck.

And there's no better way to end something than with food and music--so that's what we did.

The In-Studio Discussion was "what's your favorite food?" Almost everyone attempted to come up with an M related food. Meatballs, Al-Monds, Macaroni, among other foods were mentioned. All sounded delicious.

Music

De La Soul, "Transmitting Live From Mars"

David Bowie, "Life On Mars"

The Magnetic Fields, "I Have the Moon"

Elton John, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters"

St, Vincent, "Marry Me"

Feist, "My Moon My Man"

The Be Good Tanyas, "Midnight Moonlight"

And to conclude the show, a shout out was given to Mentors--of all kinds--but specifically to those working at CMP. Thank you for all you do!