Laodies Kustomz: dumping and dragging in Douds, Iowa

Laotian Americans Find Bliss in Iowa Truck Shop
Aired on KQED's Pacific Time, August 23, 2007

http://www.kqed.org/epArchive/R708231830/c

In Douds, Iowa (population 200) Jason and Von Chounlamany stand out as members of the town's only Asian family. Fleeing unrest in Laos in the late 1970s, their parents brought the family to Douds, with the help of a group of local sponsors. But the Chounlamany brothers have gained notoriety for another reason; they're the proprietors of southern Iowa’s finest mini-truck modification shop -- Laodies Kustomz.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Centennial

Aired on KQED's The California Report, August 3, 2007 http://www.californiareport.org/domains/californiareport/archive/R708031630/d

For generations, summer in California has meant a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. And this summer, the park celebrates its 100th year of fun in the sun. Over the years, many old-time amusement parks have become obsolete. But the Boardwalk, nestled along the Monterey Bay, has endured as the last of the great seaside parks on the West Coast.

The Crucible Fire Arts Festival

Aired on KQED's The California Report, July 13, 2007
http://www.californiareport.org/domains/californiareport/archive/R707131630/b

The art and magic of fire was on display on a massive scale when thousands of people converged on the Fire Arts Festival in Oakland. Hosted by the industrial arts school The Crucible, the festival featured dozens of installation pieces, from a flaming pendulum to dance competitions in fire suits. I visited The Crucible as it geared up for its tribute to all things pyrotechnic.

Berry Picking on the Coast

Aired on KQED's The California Report, June 29, 2007, voiced by host Scott Shafer
http://www.californiareport.org/domains/californiareport/archive/R706291630/e

All over the state, U-pick farms offer a chance to gather your own haul of fresh fruit straight off the bush or tree. You can find acres of raspberries, peaches, plums and other summer vegetables and fruits ready to harvest. I went looking for olallieberries at one of these do-it-yourself farms, Phipps Country Ranch in Pescadero.

Magic Circus of Samoa

The Circus Comes to Samoa
Aired on KQED's Pacific Time, June 14, 2007
http://www.kqed.org/epArchive/R706141830/d

The Pacific Island nation of Samoa is beautiful -- and isolated. Direct flights to and from the United States leave just once a week, and even travelling to the closest island neighbors can require taking multi-day ferries or inconsistently-scheduled flights on 19-seat planes. For the past 20 years, though, the Magic Circus of Samoa has defied these distances, bringing acrobats and jugglers under the big top to almost all of the central Pacific Islands.

Ozomatli "City of Angels," California Song

Interview with Ozomatli
Aired on KQED's The California Report, June 1, 2007
http://www.californiareport.org/domains/californiareport/archive.jsp

Failing Our Kids, Failing Our Future

Failing Our Kids, Failing Our Future: Reversing the Decline of California's Public Schools
Aired on A World of Possibilities May 22, 2007
http://www.aworldofpossibilities.com/search_results_category.cfm?websitecategory=22