Now Playing: Going Big November 10, 2009
08.14.2009 Originally aired 09.26.2008
|
|
364: Going Big
Stories about people who take grand, sweeping approaches to solving problems of all sorts. Prologue.Host Ira Glass introduces a story on the most ambitious and hopeful solution to urban poverty in the country—the Harlem Children’s Zone. The project’s goal is nothing less than changing the lives of thousands of children in Harlem, starting at birth and continuing until they go to college. (2 minutes) Act One. Harlem Renaissance. Paul Tough reports on the Harlem Children’s Zone, and its CEO and president, Geoffrey Canada. Among the project’s many facets is Baby College, an 8-week program where young parents and parents-to-be learn how to help their children get the education they need to be successful. Tough’s just-published book about Geoffrey Canada and the Harlem’s Children Zone is called Whatever It Takes. You can see a slideshow of more photographs from the project here. (30 and 1⁄2 minutes) Act Two. Lonely Hearts Club Band . . . Of One. Musician David Berkeley has gotten a lot of requests in his life, but none quite like the offer his agent got last year. A fan wanted Berkeley to come to his house and help save his relationship by serenading the troubled couple with a personal concert. Ira Glass talks to Berkeley about why he took the gig, and what happened when he got there. Berkeley’s newest album is called Strange Light. His website, along with free downloads, is here. (12 and 1⁄2 minutes) Song: “Isn’t It Romantic,” Ella Fitzgerald Act Three. Prisoner of the Heart. Writer Doug McGray tells the story of a daughter who wanted to be closer to her mom, and went to extremes to do it. Doug McGray is a fellow at the New America Foundation. (9 and 1⁄2 minutes) Song: “The Confluence,” David Berkeley |
Now Playing: Rocky Mountain Activist Carole King November 5, 2009
Rocky Mountain Activist Carole King
[17 min 11 sec] on Talk of the Nationadd to playlist|download
Enlarge Shore FireDuring the height of her success, Carole King moved to the mountains of Idaho and became a dedicated advocate for the environment.
Shore FireDuring the height of her success, Carole King moved to the mountains of Idaho and became a dedicated advocate for the environment.
November 3, 2009 – In 1971, Carole King’s Tapestry was one of the best selling albums of the year. King’s No. 1 hit, It’s Too Late, spent 15 weeks at the top of the charts. She won four Grammy Awards for the record, and it became a landmark album for many baby boomers.
Tapestry has since become one of the biggest selling albums of all time.
Now, the singer-songwriter is focused on environmental activism, and is working to push Congress to pass a bill to help the Northern Rockies. Carole King talks with Rebecca Roberts about her work to protect the land and natural resources of the mountain west, and her legendary album.
