A Somalian Goodbye
Freedom of expression forms the cornerstone of democracy, yet increasingly we’re witnessing troubling attempts to silence voices and restrict artistic freedom. When the mayor of Miami Beach moved to shut […]
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Hobbit Holes & Space Farts Michael
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Hobbit Holes & Space Farts Michael
Hobbit holes present unique engineering challenges; Germans have a word for people who can only use the bathroom in their own homes; Bilabial fricatives: These are just a few of the delightfully random topics that make up this week’s episode of The Anne Levine Show, broadcasting from WOMR/WFMR in Provincetown/Orleans.
Anne and Michael take listeners on an intellectual joyride through linguistics, architecture, animal trivia and space physics. The German language offers fascinating compound words that capture specific human experiences – like “Heimscheiße” for those who physically cannot use public restrooms, and “Kummerspeck” (literally “grief bacon”) for the weight gained while emotional eating. These linguistic gems reflect the beautiful specificity possible in language that English speakers can only admire.
When the conversation shifts to television reviews, the hosts provide thoughtful criticism of documentary series “The Americas,” lamenting its beautiful but superficial portrayal of natural phenomena like synchronized fireflies in Kentucky – a unique event that happens nowhere else on Earth but is never properly explained in the show. This leads to a passionate discussion about the importance of storytelling and depth in documentary filmmaking.
The educational highlights continue with revelations about capybaras – the world’s largest rodents – which were classified as “fish” by the Catholic Church in the 16th century so they could be eaten during Lent. And did you know astronauts can’t burp in space? Without gravity to separate gas from stomach contents, this everyday bodily function becomes impossible beyond our atmosphere.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Vincent van Gogh, recognizing the often-overlooked role of Johanna Bonger in bringing his work to worldwide acclaim after his death, followed up by Don McLean’s “Vincent.” Join us for what might truly be “the most educational show broadcast anywhere on Cape Cod (Or maybe even the world)” – where random facts and thoughtful conversation create radio magic every Tuesday.
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