Comments by Kat Beame

Comment for "Climate change in Shishmaref Alaska"

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Falling into the Ocean

Imagine living on the edge of a cliff. Constantly knowing that at any moment you could tip over the edge into an abyss. “Climate change in Shishmaref Alaska” addresses living with that gut wrenching feeling every day. It has excellent discourse between two native kids of Shishmaref. Their authentic voices tell the story in a pragmatic and informative way. While the pace at times could have aided by cutting down some repetitive information, one never feels bored or lectured. Community is the call word of this radio piece. You get a strong feel for the village and their customs. The unique point of view of the youth combines both a startling realism on the situation and a yearning for their lives in Shimaref to go back to the way they were during their elder’s times. As Shishmaref is the “poster child” for the climate change issue this is a new perspective on a well-known tale.

Comment for "Episode #5: Produce Local Produce"

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Entertaining strawberries!

“Produce Local Produce” is a piece which lays out the issues of both what local produce means and why it is so important. The hosts Molly and Keano have amazing banter that makes you feel as though you are part of their own miniature party. The beginning instantly grabs you with its fascinating mix of chewing, slurping talking and laughing. While you can’t actually taste the lush strawberries that the crew is snacking on, after listening you really want to. This is an entertaining method of bringing up the topic of local produce. The crew turns to local experts at PCC, a Seattle based organic and local supermarket, and Seattle Tilth, teachers of organic gardening. Both of these portions are informative but seem to lack a bit of direction. It also would have been nice to know exactly what source the banana and gasoline statement came from since the information was so astounding…that it made it rather unbelievable. Overall however, the lively nature of the piece made it incredibly entertaining. The hosts, Molly and Keano carried the show, making it a must listen.

Comment for "Mother/Father"

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A Refreshing Slap to the Face

Hilary Uselu delves into the relationship between people and the earth. Done as a conversation between the earth, the sun and the people, this piece brings the environmental cause to a more abstract and yet strangely a more intimate level. Hearing Hilary’s words you feel Mother Earth’s sorrow and Father Sun’s white-hot rage. While Hilary conveys her message forcefully, she never preaches. Listening is almost like a quick slap to the face. This would be excellent as an introduction to an environmental show as it puts into words the raw emotion that environmental problems evoke. While Hilary’s voice quickly draws you in, her introduction is less compelling. The intro gave general background information about Hilary, but it could have used a bit more context for her poem, for example, why she chose this topic to begin with.

Comment for "Just Add Water: Life in Arizona"

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The Beauty of Tap Water

How people value water and how they SHOULD value water are both investigated throughout the piece, Just Add Water. The story of Arizona water flows from how locals perceive their water to how they actually get water and these are all tied up with how ordinary people can conserve water. This lesson in water management is informative without being overbearing. Stations could use this piece in environmental shows or shows on water and land use. The beginning Q and A could have been significantly cut down to keep the pace moving, but if you can get past this the rest of the story is filled to the brim with information. The voice of the piece is lyrical and often witty. The story inexorably draws you in, each narrator lends a bit of color to the story, building from the foundation of the last. The use of sound effects are exquisite, especially during the journey of water to Tucson. Who knew that something so thoroughly unromantic as tap water could be that poetic and inspiring? Though I was sitting at home, the descriptions of the Arizona landscape made me feel as though it was me and not the sand that was baking in the Arizona sun. I felt the immediate urge to take a cold shower, but then realized that that would be a waste of water. Regardless of the guilt which you might have taking a shower afterward, this piece is a must listen.