Worst-case scenario... would you survive?

Oh my goodness... it has been a winter for the ages this 2011! Three weeks in a row, Northwest Arkansas was slammed by storms, each once worse than the next. My show suffered because the storms seemed to happen mid-week, but I found a way to make up one of the shows on February 11th (download podcast here).

The storms also served as a source for inspiration. This week, I read from a book called The Worst-case Scenario Survival Handbook, which proposes various dangerous scenarios and how to come out on top. For instance, we learned what to do when encountering downed power lines and how to treat frostbite. We also learned what to do if you get trapped in a cab while giving birth. (That poor, poor cabbie.)

In the news...

• In utereo surgery helps ease spina bifida
• Eggs make squids feel like sparring
• Psychotic weed-smokers

American Goldfinch, basic plumage

We also learned about different types of seed to put out to attract different species of birds, such as the American Goldfinch (pictured right), Dark-eyed Junco, and Northern Cardinal. We listened to some of these birds' vocalizations for the sound quiz.

Artists featured included: Yes, Count Basie, Ryan Adams, Cat Stevens, Julie Andrews, and more!