Bob Edwards Weekend
May 22-23, 2010
HOUR ONE
National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore has spent the last two decades taking pictures of North America’s endangered animals and plants. His new book titled, Rare: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species is intended to inform, caution, and inspire people to stem the decline of Earth’s biodiversity. An exhibit of Sartore’s photographs is on display at National Geographic Museum through October.
Why do we still root for Superman? He is stronger than any of us. He didn’t earn his powers. He always wins and is a more than a little sanctimonious. In his new book Our Hero: Superman on Earth professor Tom DeHaven argues Superman continues to demand our devotion because he exemplifies the classic American immigrant success story.
In this week’s installment of our ongoing series This I Believe, Bob talks with curator Dan Gediman about the essay of Maria von Trapp. She was the mother of seven girls and three boys, known as the world famous Trapp Family Singers. The story of their flight from Austria during Nazi occupation became the basis for “The Sound of Music.” Trapp and her family settled in Vermont where they operated a lodge and music camp.
HOUR TWO
Gabriel Thompson spent a year working alongside day laborers across the U.S. for his book Working In The Shadows: A Year Of Doing The Jobs (Most) Americans Won’t Do. His personal narratives about lettuce harvesting and processing chicken parts have themes of social activism, advocating immigration reform, stricter labor laws, a higher minimum wage, and unionizing.
Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent had already gained acclaim in the bluegrass world long before teaming up to record their first album as a duo. In 2008 they released their debut album, Dailey & Vincent, which was named album of the year, one of seven awards the group took home in an unprecedented feat at the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show. The duo latest release is a collection of cover songs titled Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers.