NPR Podcast – AFRICA
SCI Assignment is worth 30 points. Post due by Sunday 12/6 7:00 PM.
We begin our study of the continent of Africa on Monday 12/7 – Let’s begin with a NPR podcast evaluation. Your topic for this assignment is AFRICA.
One of the best things you can do in order to learn how to podcast is to listen to those that are well done. National Public Radio is one of the best on the net. For this assignment I want you to look at NPR programming with a critical eye. Go to npr.org – check the website and click on programs – the drop down menu for news/talk will appear. While NPR consists of several programs, Morning Edition and All Things Considered are their regular daily features. Go to either show. The most recent show is broken down by segment – scroll down to the bottom of that show and you will find – the month – and a search archive. You will need to either search by topic to find a particular podcast or you must find a month, a year, and a show via the calendar presented. I suggest that you use the search mechanism and find something related to your SCI personal segment.
Once you have found a particular show – and a particular podcast – click on the full story. That will take you to a site dealing with that story only…and will provide a listen to the story. It is this podcast, this story that I want to you to use for the following assignment.
Assignment Guidelines:
- Name the story (the title listed)
- Provide the date of the show – and time of segment
- Copy the podcast’s URL so that I can listen
- Listen to the podcast
- #1 - Provide a paragraph or two – that explains the podcast.
- #2 - Type the question: Was this podcast effective in getting its point across? In paragraph form tell me why or why not?
- #3 - Type the question: What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story? In paragraph form answer the question.
- #4 - Type the statement: I liked this podcast – or I did not like this podcast. Explain in paragraph form.
- #5 - Type the statement: I would’ve done this to improve the podcast. And explain.
Filed under: 1 Senior Current Issues
African Children’s Choir changes Lives
Jan 4, 2009 5:23
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98964785
1. This podcast is about two dozen boys and girls ages 7 – 11. They are half way through a year long tour over 200 concerts across the United States. When they are all done they will go back home to some of the poorest countries of Africa. The African Children’s Choir aims to rescue the kids that live in poverty by harnessing the power of singing songs. They talked about that anyone could discipline you. They did not have to be your parents they just had to be an adult. All of the songs that they would sing about were all about life. The organization will go to the poorest places to find children that they can train before they join the choir. They teach you how to sing, speak English, and learn how to read.
2. Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
Yes this podcast was effective in getting its point across because it talked about how many and how much the children are being helped and how much they are learning. It is telling people that there are children living in poverty that are being helped and are learning how to speak and how to read, so that they can help other children. It’s helping the world become a better place to be and to live in.
3. What techniques were used to tell the story?
The techniques that were used to tell the story were the children singing along with songs. The music in the background, it was very happy music and the children sounded like they were having fun and were happy and were enjoying it. They let other people talk about their experiences.
4. I liked this podcast…
I liked this podcast because it was not a sad podcast about children living with AIDS or children living on their own. It was about children that live in poverty that are getting the chance to go and learn how to sing, read, and talk in English. It is happy and the music that they play is happy and the children seem to enjoy it. I like listening to happy things I like listening to children sing it was a good podcast that kept my attention.
5. I would’ve done this to improve the podcast…
What I would do to improve the podcast would be to have let the children sing a little bit longer. I would like to have heard how the experience has affected the children’s lives and would like to here the children speak about their experience and what they are going to do when they go back home. I think that it would have made this podcast better. Hearing children speak highly about something that they enjoy or that they love is always a good thing to hear.
30/30 A Nicely done Courtney. This was a nice podcast and a nice review.
Piracy Spreads Across Africa Coast
April 8th, 2009 3:20
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=102887280&m=102887268
Summary:
Somalia pirates have been taking over ships off the coast of Africa for a few years now. However, piracy has become harder as the awareness of it has been spread; going deeper into the waters is their only option to continuing. They use to only strike within 200 miles of Somalia, but now with better ships they are striking 400 miles or more off the coast.
The American military has put out a warning to cargo ships that may be traveling near the Somalia coast. The increase of military in these areas has caused piracy to plummet from January to now. Twenty eight pirate boats have been destroyed and the military has confiscated 133 small arms, 28 rocket propelled grenades, 51 rocket propelled grenade projectiles, and 21 ladders and hooks.
On the other hand, weather has been really good lately…so pirate attacks are back up. The Maersk Alabama was the sixth ship attacked a week after a report was broadcasted about the success of increased military. However, officials hope that attacks on American ships remains rare. The last time that an American ship was attacked was in 1804.
Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
Yes, it did a very great job with telling us the effects of piracy across the Somalia coast. Numbers and statistics help us understand what it is that is being done to prevent this. It seems like much has been done in controlling these pirates, but the problem still seems to lurk, and will most likely increase as weather improves.
What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
There are no sound effects or music in this podcast, but there is a very interesting interview that is weaved through this piece. A man who is in charge of tracking the shipping industry gives us the insight of what is going on out on the waters. These facts and statistics straight from the source help bring the story to life.
I liked this podcast.
I liked this podcast because it is just one of those things that you forget really happen. Because this sort of thing is not as prevalent on our coasts, it almost seems imaginary to have pirating still going on in our world. This piece really paints the picture of what some people have to do in order to make a living for themselves and their family. This sort of thing doesn’t happen on our coasts because our standard of living is so much better. Just makes you think twice about what goes on in other countries.
I would’ve done this to improve the podcast.
It needed some sort of sound effect or music. It would have brought the sea into my mind more if there was the sound of crisp waves splashing around in the background. Also, I might of inserted some sort of music into the beginning and end of the podcast to set the mood.
30/30 A Thorough eval Nyssa. Good story. Good review.
Victims Of African Violence Sing For Justice
November 28, 2009 – 4:40 mins.
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=120909140&m=120909100
#1 -This podcast is about how victims in Africa are using music to tell their stories. They aren’t able to get their day in court to find justice so they sing about what has happened to them. Things about how The Lord’s Resistance Army invaded Uganda and different things that have happened like what they armies have done to them. How they have been terrorized, and how children are kidnapped are forced to kill their family members. They also talk about how the militia members cut off people’s heads, hands, lips, and ears. The Lord’s Resistance Army is running a court indictment, but the people are still making the best out of all of their troubles, singing about celebrating the joy that peace brings and making peace with what has happened to them.
#2 – Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
I think this podcast was good because it tells how they find a kind of justice in song. They get to tell their own story and express themselves in a way that’s suitable for them. They’ve been through so much, they’ve basically gone through hell and I love their style of music. You can’t understand exactly what they are singing about but it sounds so deep and meaningful you can’t help but love it.
#3 – What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
They actually put some of the music into this podcast which I thought was great because you get a feel for what exactly they sing and they style of it all.
#4 – I liked this podcast…
This is probably my favorite podcast that I’ve come across so far. It was great for me because I absolutely love worldly music and I’m very interested in Africa and its culture.
#5 – I would’ve done this to improve the podcast…
I think that maybe if they could’ve put an interview of one of the actual victims who sing instead of just their music that would’ve been really cool. Just to hear what they have to say about everything would’ve made it that much better.
30/30 A Tasha you need to listen to some of the music that I have. Putamayo is good way to be introduced to African music. A lot of children. Nice job.
Falling Ill in Africa, and Loving It
November 29, 2006
2 mins, 23 sec.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6556425
1) This podcast was about Daniel Pinkwater’s visit to Africa and how even though it was the sickest he had been it was the most memorable experience of Africa. He talks about how his tent was supposed to be snake proof and lizards still came in. Also about how many animal noises he heard. Including the hyrax, this liked to be on top of his tent and would give off a blood curdling scream. Its funny how this is a horrible experience and he loved it and remembers it most.
2) Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
I think that this podcast shows that even the worst circumstances can bring you good memories. So yes, it does get that point across. With out getting sick and being in the horrible tent he would have never got to experience those animals and the best part about it was that he never got hurt at all. This is why I think that this is such a great
memoriefor him.3) What techniques (sound effects, music, and interviews) were used to tell the story?
They didn’t use any sound effects which for this podcast work. His story is so interesting that sound effects aren’t needed. Also he has a good story telling voice so it’s not hard to listen to him. At the very end of this podcast though, they use some closing music which I like a lot. Opening and Closing music are great for getting the listeners attention.
4) I liked this podcast…
This podcast show so many things and I liked it most because he, first off, is taking a chance by eating this stew that caused him to be sick and by doing this is cause’s him to have a great memories. By taking chances you never know what you are going to get. Also who doesn’t love good memories that can be a great story to tell?
5) I would’ve done this to improve the podcast…
I don’t think there is much to improve this podcast but I do know that I would have liked to hear more about this man’s visit to Africa. It seems like his experience was a great one and he should have told us more.
-3 spelling (27/30 A-) This is a cool podcast. It reminds me of Africa. It’s a good story. Good review.
“South Africa’s War on Crime Claims Innocent Victims”
Morning Edition
November 18, 2009
3:41
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120510491
#1. Summary
Due to the extremely high crime rate in South Africa, the government is looking for a solution and one of the solutions that has come up is “deadly force” against criminals. However, after recent deaths of innocent victims, it seems that the “shoot-to-kill” policy is taking the blame.
One of the stories discussed was about a 3 year old boy who was shot by a police officer when he mistakingly thought the boy had a gun. The mother said that the police showed absolutely no remorse for the tragedy. The police are now allowed to use deadly force when they think that the public is being endangered. Because over 50 people are being killed each day, the government feels they have no choice but to “fight firepower with firepower.”
The deputy police minister, Fikile Mbalula, said that it is inevitable that innocent people will be killed but it is necessary in order to fight against criminals.
Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s president, rejects these notions at shooting-to-kill and doesn’t believe that the police have a “license to kill.”
#2. Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
The podcast discussed specifically one of the innocent victims who was killed and explained the reasons that the police are taking the kind of action that they are. Using the word “War” in the title of the podcast was an interesting word choice that was thoroughly supported by discussing the crime rate and the numerous deaths that happen daily despite police efforts. It was a good word to use because it is inevitable that all innocent lives can be spared in a war, not that the war in itself is inevitable.
#3.What techniques (sound effects, music, and interviews) were used to tell the story?
No music was used but was definitely appropriate since the podcast discussed such a solemn topic. The sounds of the people mourning was used and sounded very
rythmicand really hit you deep inside when you heard it. It was very effective especially upon hearing that the boy killed was only 3 years old so to have that many people mourning was very powerful. Also included was the deputy police minister speaking and that was a good choice to make because he has a very hard sounding voice and creates emotion in you. However, by having his almost angry voice in there could almost have negative effects because I think the listener is persuaded to dislike him which would make the podcast biased.#4. I liked this podcast…
Overall the podcast was good. I’d say an 8 out of 10. They were thorough in discussing why the government is trying to create the laws and you get all sides of the story regarding the innocent victims. You hear from the mother, the police minister, and paraphrases from the president so you are free to draw a
judgementabout the issue for yourself. The only thing that I disagreed with was to have the minister’s voice present because for me it’s persuasive. However, that is simply my opinion and if others don’t feel that way about him after hearing this voice then the podcast is very good.#5. Like I said before, I would have just had the reporter quote the police minister not have his actual voice heard. Perhaps hearing the president would have been a better choice because simply quoting the president doesn’t seem as powerful as if you were to actually hear him voicing the issue.
-6 spelling. 31-6 = 25/30 B / Too bad you did a really nice job with this podcast. Thorough and informative. Make sure you go through a spell check next time.
“Those Fleeing Zimbabwe Find Status Uncertain”
All Things Considered
September 27, 2007 (8:54)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14778887
This pod cast explains to you what is happening in Zimbabwe. How there are so many people fleeing from Zimbabwe because they can no longer survive there, it is almost impossible to. With Mugabe in power, everything has turned into a disaster. There is inflation, so much inflation to where people who have college degrees can no longer afford milk or bread. Not to mention that people who oppose Mugabe and his political parties and ideas are beaten, thrown in jail, or even killed. The best way to get away from all of these things is to leave Zimbabwe, that is what thousands have been doing. Many of them turn to churches in Johannesburg, hundreds of them crowding the hallways and sanctuary to sleep. In the daytime you see hundreds more Zimbabweans wandering on the streets, former teachers begging for money for food, and other people with masters selling things from kiosks so that they can send groceries to their families back in Zimbabwe. There is no resolution to this problem, they don’t know what to do. They are lost in the mist of their collapsed government, and have no clue how to better themselves or to even get through the day to day basics.
Was this pod cast effective in getting it’s point across?
This pod cast was effective in getting it’s point across. I myself felt lost in listening to the pod cast because I couldn’t understand how a person who had a masters degree in teaching was now selling peddler’s items from a kiosk on a busy river in hopes of making enough money to send groceries to their family. I could feel how desperate and unaware of what to do next they were. This is what they wanted everyone to feel, to understand just how lost they are and how futile trying even seems to them in their devastated country.
What techniques were used to tell the story?
The people that created this pod cast used sound effects, interviews, and narration to help tell their story. The interviews with the Zimbabweans created a sense of reality, and I think it made you listen. You couldn’t ignore it if you tried to. Another thing they had was street sounds, sounds of people trying to walk through the overcrowded church, and just group noises of people talking.
I liked this pod cast because of the sound effects and interviews. I like the noise and clamor in the background. I like that when they were trying to explain how crowded the churches were at night when wanderers found their way in, they had a piece of a lady trying to step over people. I think that since the interviews were with the Zimbabweans, and what they said made so much sense, that it made you pay attention, at least I know it made me pay attention, and I liked that.
I would have been more organized. I think that they jumped from subject to subject, and from each interviewer too much. I would’ve talked about the Zimbabweans and what they were doing at one point and time, and then in another part of the pod cast talked about the government and Mugabe and interviewed the government officials that they had interviewed. I didn’t like that they mixed it all together, it made me confused somewhat.
31/30 A+ Great job. Shelby that’s the third world. I’ll never forget this college professor I met in Cuba he was riding a bike with a little side car on it for transporting people around Santa Clara. It was illegal if he got caught he was in trouble. He only made a few bucks but it was three times the money he made as a college prof. And he still did that. He worked his a.. off on that little bike. Your little sperm and your little egg came together in the first world. Don’t forget that. And go to Africa. Maybe not Zimbabwae.
OUt of Africa And “West with the Night”
March 30, 2009
All Things Considered
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102496707
1.This podcast is about an author Anna Cherian taking her first trip to the America and reading the novel “West with the Night”. This novel is based on Beryl Mrkhams. She thinks this story is so intriguing because there are other pioneer flyers other than Amelia Earhart who have honorable recorders too. This autobiography inspired Anna because Beryl wrote about the places with great detail. Letting her in on her adventures and staying very true to all the facts. All in all Beryl really gives Anna, the now author, a sense of beautiful language and will forever be a role model to her.
2. Was the podcast effective in getting its point across?
Yes, you can tell the woman reviewing the book is very into her interview. She has read the book many of times. You get the sense Beryl is Anna’s role model for writing.
3. What techniques were use to tell the story?
There were no sound effects and such. It was just an interview in which she only told summary and how the story made her feel. I love the accent of the women speaking you definitely get the feeling she is not from America.
4. I liked this podcast…
It was short and sweet. It taught me about another important flyer in earlier times. Like above I like the voice of the speaker. Through her words I could imagine exactly what she was talking about.
5. I would have done this to improve this podcast.
I’m not sure what I would do. I kind of liked the fact it was only one voice and no sound effects. I actually think her accent made it much more vivid to me.
23/30 C+ Not a lot of fire in this review Kate Lynn
Africa Study Could Aid In Genetic Diseases
May 1. 2009 (2:25)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103728925
1) This podcast was about how research suggesting how Africa’s modern-day populations evolved 14 ancestral populations. The research project examined blood samples from 121 different groups all over the continent. By looking at how many changes in DNA types of various groups, genetics can determine how long they lived apart from each other. Scientist compared African genes to African-American genes and found that on average, African-Americans inherited about 71% of their DNA from ancestors in Western Africa and about 13% from Europeans.
2) Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
Yes, this podcast was effective in getting its point across. It gave off good information about the research study, and their findings.
3) What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
In the segment their was an interview with Sarah Tishkoff from the University of Pennsylvania. She was the one in charge of the study. They also used a short clip of music to end their segment with.
4) I enjoyed listening to this podcast. The topic they discussed was very interesting to me. I thought it was cool how they used genetics to trace back to see where each different group came from, and how long they have been around. The segment contained some very good information. I definitely didn’t get bored listening to this podcast.
5) In order to make this podcast better I would have wanted the speaker to sound a little more enthused. He sounded like he was bored with the topic, and presented it in a boring way. It was an interesting topic, and if he would have presented it in a more enthusiastic way it would have been so much better.
24/30 B Katie – good you did this one. But you need to dig in – where you are telling me that it has good information, then tell me the information. Don’t allude to it. I’d like to see a little more depth…still good you did it.
Ethiopian Singer May Be Jailed Because Of Music
Morning Edition
Aug 3, 2009
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111487723
1) Teddy Afro is an Ethiopian singer who is in jail because his music is believed to be the reason for the death of an Ethiopian man from a traffic accident. People are scared to speak in Ethiopia because they are scared of being killed. So when Afro sings his songs everyone listens to what he has to say. His songs are about a variety of different things. One of his songs is called The ABCD of love. He has another song about forgiveness, the songs title is God redeems. It is about encouraging Ethiopians to forgive those who have done wrong to them. When people hear Afro’s songs they feel like standing up for their rights which have been taken away from them. His lyrics provoke people to get out and stand up for what they believe in.
2) Was this podcast effective in getting its point across? This podcast was effective. The point of this podcast was that people in Ethiopia do not have the right to freedom of speech. It is shown through the artist being put in jail because the government feels that a death of a man is linked to his lyrics. It is completely unfair that they do not have the right to say what they feel. They have to keep quiet about things or the government will have them executed.
3)What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story? There were a bunch of Afro’s songs in this podcast and some interviews with people. I feel that the music really got across the point that the music really isn’t bad but he is getting in trouble for even speaking at all not for the use of his music. The songs really made me pay more attention to the podcast. I think if they were to have just talked about the guy and his music I wouldn’t have paid attention.
4) I liked this podcast because of the fact that it was about music and freedom of speech. Music is a huge part of my life and I feel that everyone should be able to listen to the type of music they want to. They should also be able to make the type of music they want and say what they feel they should say in the music. If your music is being restricted then you are not free to express your true feelings and that should not be tolerated. You should be able to say what you want rather it be by speech or through music.
5) I would have maybe made the music a little quieter and played it in the background while she was talking instead of only having it while she wasn’t talking. Other wise it was really good. They had a good amount of interviews and it rolled along nicely. The music in between each different little part of it really helped bring it to a whole new level of interest.
30/30 A Interesting podcast. Funny, so many of the choices that you all have made with Africa are interesting. Doesn’t that make you want to study Africa more?
In Africa, Bringing AIDS Treatment Closer
July 26, 2009
http://www.npr.org/search/index.php?searchinput=AIDS+in+africa&tabId=all&dateId=0&prgId=0&topicId=0
#1 This podcast talks about AIDS treatment in Africa. Fourteen percent of the population in Africa is infected with AIDS. They go as far as walking two days just to get tested and possibly treated. Christine gave birth and her baby has AIDS, also her husband and sister has died from AIDS. Clinics want patients to undergo routine blood tests to make sure the medicines are working and check for side effects. The medicines are expensive and only offered in major cities in Africa. They are debating offering treatment in villages along with cities in Africa. The only con to this is that treatment would be a double standard because it would be the rich versus the poor. Funding needs to be increased dramatically in order to keep having the routine blood tests or some people will be turned down for treatment. Some people have no money to pay for the treatment so people are not getting the medicine that they need.
#2 Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
This podcast was very effective in getting its point across for many reasons. It goes into great detail about all the treatment availabilities. It discusses people not being able to afford the treatment that they need and they then are turned down. They also interview people suffering from AIDS in Africa and you get to listen to it first hand and somewhat feel the pain that they are feeling.
#3 What techniques were used to tell the story?
Techniques that were used to tell the story were music and also interviews with people who are suffering from AIDS and seeking treatment. They also had Africans speaking their language in the background as they were interviewing them.
#4 I liked his podcast—
I liked this podcast because it is something that interests me and has a place in my heart. They did a very good job discussing all topics of the treatment availabilities for AIDS and how people in Africa get what they need. They also talked with the people of Africa and I was able to see it first hand how they are suffering. I think it is great that they are starting to improve treatment availabilities in Africa. The only bad thing is that there is not as much funding as they need in order for people to get their routine blood tests.
#5 I would’ve done this to improve this podcast?
This podcast was overall a very good one. I don’t think that there is anything that I would’ve done to improve it. They had interviews, music, and different voices that kept me entertained and listening. I think so far that this was the best podcast I’ve listened to.
30/30 A Stacy you are doing a real nice job on all of these podcasts. Keep it up.
Drought Threatens Millions in Horn of Africa
Mar 20, 2006 4:55
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=5286826&m=5290321
1. The show talks about the famine and drought that is spreading through the Horn of Africa. The drought is killing off animals that people that once relied on for food and livelihood. Many families are now dying due to the lack of water. When animals die, they are usually just left to rot where they lie. Even camels are succumbing to the drought. And many children are dying due to the lack of food.
2. The podcast was very effective at getting its point across. It gives descriptions of the surroundings, even smells, and what is like there. It goes to a place where they can give an example of what is going on with the animals. It even describes how the animals are dying in droves and are just left where they die or just get piled up.
3. They use the sound effects of a couple of a couple of places where the interviews took place. It interviews a grandmother of a dying girl who is dying do to the drought. They interview a group trying to help a camel who seems to have given up and given in to dying. They had sounds coming from the pediatric unit in the hospital where the girl died, and the group trying to get the camel up. They also had the sound of birds that were described as the birds that picked at the carcasses of the dead animals.
4. I liked this podcast. It gave straight forward information without trying to sugar-coat it for the listeners. It went on site to a place that is being hit and got interviews from people who are actually being affected by the drought. They delivered the facts without putting too much of a spin on it.
#5 I would have gotten an interview from a doctor on site dealing with all of the children in the pediatric unit. I would have also given options that people could use to help people in effected places in Africa.
26/30 B+ Nice job Jacob. You have quite a few examples of animals and people with the sounds of the pediatric ward and even the smells? How the smells – just curious.
Piracy Spreads Across Africa Coast
(All Things Considered)
April 8, 2009 3:19
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=102887280&m=102887268
1.) This podcast is about the recent pirate attacks that have been occurring along the coast of Africa. The ship controllers have been noticing that the pirates seem to be changing the locations of where they attack ships. They used to occur mainly off the coast of Somalia, but now the pirates are spreading their attacks all along the coast of Africa. Also, the attacks occurred within 200 miles from shore, but the pirates are getting better boats and equipment, and are attacking ships as far as 400 miles from land. Experts believe that pirate attacks will be high within the next month or so, until the weather gets bad, so they are looking at ways to prevent these attacks until the monsoon season begins, and the weather gets bad.
2.) This podcast was effective in getting its point across. It included the necessary information, and had enough details to be understood by the listeners. The podcast was clear and to the point, which made it enjoyable to listen to. It did not drag on and include details that are not necessary in understanding the story. Also, this podcast included different voices speaking in it, so it made it better to listen to, and kept it from becoming monotonous.
3.) The techniques used in this podcast to help tell the story were interviews. This podcast included 3 different people telling their details about the pirate attacks, and also included the voice of Michele Norris, who was hosting the show. The differences of these voices made the podcast better to listen to. These voices sound very different, which keeps this podcast from becoming monotonous, which would cause the listener to lose focus and interest in the story.
4.) I liked this podcast. I believe that the producers of this podcast did a good job of gathering all of the facts and information that are needed to tell the complete story. The listener is provided with all of the details to know what is happening in the story. I also found this podcast to be engaging and easy to listen to. The different voices that make up this podcast make it an easy podcast the listen to.
5.) This was an effective podcast, but it could’ve been better. I believe that this podcast would’ve been better if it would’ve included some music. I believe that adding music to any podcast improves it, and makes it more engaging for the listeners of these podcasts. This particular podcast could’ve used some music, because it was all talking, and music or sound effects would’ve made it better and made it easier to stay focused on the podcast.
25/30 B Your review is a bit bland. Try to bring in specifics that you liked or that you did not like instead of generalizing. It makes for a better review.
•Progress In Treating HIV; Still A Long Way To Go
•[3 min 0 sec] Sep 30, 2009
•http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113348943
•#1 – the podcast starts by telling that there has been some progress on helping those with HIV and protecting those that do not. it then goes into telling of how there has been a jump in medication to keep those who are infected alive. The drug is called antiviro and now 4 million that are infected are in treatment. It tells of how there are now programs for pregnant women to help on how to not pass HIV to there offspring. Although in spit of this there is still 5 million people that still need treatment. There are many worries that those people will not get access to the drugs. The problem is that people are not seeking treatment because they are scared that they will get in trouble for using dirty needles, The funding for the drug is a big issue as well.
•#2 – : Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
The
pidcastwas effective at getting the point across because they gave a lot of information. It was kind of hard to get what they were saying I had to listen to the podcast a few times to understand but that was just me. They had some interviews to explain what it was that they were trying to say. So yes they were very good at getting they point across. They had only one topic and hey stayed on that topic.•#3 – What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
They did not use any sound effects for music but they really didn’t need to the podcast was great on its own. They used interviews to help and it did. The interviews were helpful because they helped to go more in depth with the story and help to understand what was going on. They had two interviews on the subject to help.
•#4 – I liked this podcast – or I did not like this podcast. Explain in paragraph form.
I liked this podcast because it was very informative I did not know about the medication they had for the people in Africa. The only problem I had with the podcast was that when it came to the interviews it was very hard to understand the accents of the people in them. But all in all I enjoyed the podcast.
•#5 – I would’ve done this to improve the podcast. And explain.
I myself would not have done anything to improve the podcast they did a very good job at getting there point across and staying on topic.
26-3 spelling / 23/30 C+ Your bases are all covered here…but I would like to hear specifically how you feel about specific interviews and specific techniques….that would personalize your review.
“Exploring China’s Unique Presence In Africa”
August 1st, 2009 (5:14)
All Things Considered
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111464427
Summary
This podcast is about why China wants to stay connected to Africa. Africa has a lot of natural resources that China needs. Africa has oil and timber, just to name a few. In return, nearly 750,000 Chinese people are living in Africa to help put up buildings. Yet, the Chinese still live the same life as they would back in China. They live in Chinese barracks, they eat Chinese food, and they pretty much stay in contact with only Chinese people. The main reason for them flocking into Africa is because of they are getting the jobs that they bid on. The only problem with this is that they are not hiring any local Africans. They pretty much keep to themselves, but the infrastructures are built quite well by the Chinese.
Was the podcast effective in getting its point across?
Yes, I believe that the podcast was very effective in getting its point across. They thoroughly explain the situation between the Chinese and African people. You can easily understand the conflict in Africa, and that they are in desperate need of development and infrastructures. At the same time this podcast makes you realize just how good we have it here in America.
What techniques were used to tell the story?
The host (Guy Raz) interviewed the author of “China Safari” (Serge Michael) about what exactly is going on with the Chinese people in Africa right now. Michael sounds like he is very knowledgeable on the subject and just kind of explains everything to Guy Raz. Raz answers every single question that is thrown at him by Michael, and they are very informed answers.
I liked this podcast. It makes me wonder if the Chinese are going to move in on Africa, and if so will they do anything about the genocide in Sudan? The Chinese sound conservative on the genocide subject, and you can only hope that they will do something about it. But as of right now the Chinese are more concerned with assembling the buildings in Africa than they are the killings of the African people.
There are only a few things that I would have done differently to this podcast. The first thing that I would have done is to put more sound into the segment. It was pretty quiet. Maybe talk a little more about the genocide in Sudan. I would have also interviewed and play a little clip of a Chinese or African person involved in everything to hear what they have to say about it. Other than that, it was a decent podcast.
30/30 A This is a very good podcast. China has already moved in on Africa. They are doing the same thing to Africa that Europe did – take its raw materials. They are merely recolonizing. This was informative and the reveiw was solid.
Piracy Spreads Across Africa Coast
April 8, 2009
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102887280
1. Over the years the pirates off the coast of Somalia have been getting more and more effective at piracy. In the past they only attacked ships within 200 miles of Somalia, but recently have been attacking ships 400 and 500 miles of Somalia. Increasing the military defense around Somalia has greatly affected their piracy. A number of pirate boats have been destroyed and the US has taken many of their weapons.
2. I believe the podcast was very effective at getting it’s point across. It talks about the attacks in the past, how they were greater than they now are, then states that a week after the broadcasting of how effective the military was at keeping down piracy, the Maersk Alabama was attacked.
3. I didn’t notice any sound effects on the podcast, but they did interview someone, it sounded like over the phone. You could tell because the sound quality changed. It was kind of nice not being so repetitive with the speech.
4. I liked this podcast because it gave me insight on what it happening in the waters around Somalia. If it weren’t for these assignments I would have no idea what is going on around the world.
5. To improve this podcast I would have put a few sound effects in there. It was a little flat. I think a few sound effects would have spiced it up a bit.
23/30 C+ Did you fall asleep while you were writing this review. I fell asleep twice reading it.
World Aids Day
December 1, 2009 [4 min 58 sec]
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=120980302&m=120980293
1. This podcast talks about how in Africa, the number of people who have HIV/AIDS is decreasing a whole 17 percent in the last eight years. Which meant that in 2008 there were an estimated amount of 2.7 million people that contracted this virus, but there were also about two million people that died from AIDS- related illnesses. The reason why the decline is so high is because they are now coming out with prevention programs, which are having a high impact obviously. There are also estimated declines in deaths as well. Not all people have access to this treatment though, so that is why they have had a death rate so high as to two million. They stated in this podcast that there are six common obstacles. First, there are unaffordable medicines for some in certain countries. There’s also insufficient and unpredictable funding for treatment and access to prevention programs. It’s also difficult for some injecting drug users to have access to treatment. So there are a number of reasons why this hasn’t been made universal access. Then the lady who was interviewed stated that for this to be known, conversation is needed to lower the discrimination and the stigma. If people were actively informing themselves and talking about this situation, then it would definitely go a long way to reduce all of this.
2. Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
I believe so, it had a lot of interesting statistics, and it was very informational. I knew that Africa was infected with HIV and AIDS, I also thought that they weren’t getting help, but I was wrong. It seems as though people are reaching out to them and informing them on the dangers of it all. HIV and AIDS causes a lot of deaths in Africa, and if they can help them learn about it, it decreases the death rate, which is what it has done. It’s amazing that it has went down 17 percent.
3. What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
This was an interview, which also struck my interest because I think that interviews are the best way to go about podcasts because you talk to people who know what they are talking about. They also used closing music, which was cool too because it was very calm and went sort of to the theme of the podcast. It was well put together with the statistics and everything, and for the most part kept my interest.
4. I don’t know if I liked this podcast…
It was a little distracting that the interviewer stuttered a lot, and stumbled over her words. The interviewee did too, but she was from Africa, and probably a little nervous, so that wasn’t as distracting. Sometimes though, I wasn’t sure what the interviewer was trying to say because she would start off the question, stutter, then start a different question, and it distracted me from what the initial point was. I did like though how it was so informational, and the lady knew what she was talking about. So I couldn’t really decide if I liked this one or not. It really wasn’t my favorite, but it also isn’t the worst either.
5. I would have done this to improve the podcast…
I would have edited it so that I took the ladies stutters out. She talked super fast to where you couldn’t really understand some things she was saying, and then she stuttered all the time. I was almost waiting for more stutters to happen. Other than that though, It got it’s point across, and really that’s all that matters.
31/30 A+ Your comments on the power of music and of the interviews is well taken. Your comments on the stuttering is honest. Very thorough summary. Nice job on the review.
Gender Dispute Of World Athlete Takes Interesting Turn
November 25, 2009 – 6:43
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120816471
1.) This podcast is about the gender dispute for South African runner, Caster Semenya. After blowing past the competition in her last track meet, officials started questioning whether she was actually female. If you looked at Caster, you would definitely think she was male. I mean, she has a six-pack, huge muscular legs, and big beefy arms. So she was ordered by the IAAF to undergo a series of gender analysis tests to confirm once and for all what her sex was. There is now talk of stripping her of her gold medals on account of her not being 100% female. Her body produces three times the amount of testosterone as a typical girl.
2.) Was this podcast effective in getting its point across? Yes, this podcast was effective in getting its point across. The guest, Ariel Levy, wanted to make a point that Caster isn’t the only person in the whole world that has been born with both male and female organs. She said that 1.7% of the population are born intersexed. I like that she threw the statistic in there, percentages really help enforce a point. She also said that it’s getting harder and harder to actually distinguish whether an intersexed individual is male or female. This is not a black or white matter. Turns out, there is a gray area between the two. Ariel did a very good job at explaining the difficulty the officials are having at making their decision.
3.) What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story? The podcast didn’t open or close with music. I didn’t like that because I have grown fond of the opening music. The host, Jennifer Ludden, interviewed a columnist from the New Yorker named Ariel Levy about the situation of South African runner, Caster Semenya. During the interview, Jennifer would just ask Ariel a question and then sit back and let her answer it. There was no discussion about it and that was disappointing. There was no sound effects at all throughout the piece either.
4.) I did not like this podcast. I missed the music that usually accompanies the opening of the podcast. I felt that the host, Jennifer, didn’t really care about the subject by the way she didn’t respond to Ariel’s statements. She simply moved on to the next question. The topic of the discussion was very interesting and controversial, and I think they could have done a lot more with it to spice it up and make it more interesting.
5.) I would’ve done this to improve the podcast. I would’ve put some jazzy music in the opening to start things off. I would have told Jennifer to get more involved in the conversation and make comments to Ariel’s answers. I think it would have been cool if they included a little sound byte of an interview with Caster about her gender testing. They could have included some sound effects to keep things upbeat and break up the monotony of the piece. To close things up, I would have played the jazzy music again.
30/30 A Jazzy, jazzy, jazzy. What do you think about the issue? I’m just curious. You are doing a good job of sticking to sports podcasts within the scope of the assignment. Good. But I think you obsessed with the music. Lets hear a little jazzy music on your next podcast.
Victims of African Violence Sing For Justice
November 28, 2009 4:40
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=120909140&m=120909100
1. This is about people in Africa who were attacked by the militia and now sing about how they were attacked and what the militia had done to them. Children were taking from
thereparents and sometimes forced to kill them. Also I shows that after a culture has been attack and almost killed off they can come back even stronger and continue life. Girls can hang out with their friends and they can go to the market without being attacked.2. Was the Podcast effective in getting its point across?
Yes I do believe this podcast was effective because it told you of how Kenya was fighting back after the militia had gone through their country and killed thousands and thousands of people.
3. What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
They had used music to help transition the podcast very well and they were talking about how the people of Kenya and all of Africa were singing to help tell their story and they had played bits and pieces of their song.
4. I liked this podcast because I learned that no matter what happens to a country as long as they have a strong heart and will for everyone they can fight back and continue on, no matter how bad their odds are.
5. I would have done this to improve this podcast-
I would have let there songs from the African singers play longer because I didn’t really get a feel from the song but I wanted to hear more after it was done and over with but all in all it was a really good podcast.
-3 spelling 21/30 C Courtney I would like to see you get a little more specific in what you like and don’t like in these podcasts. Dig in!
All Things Considered
“Profiles from the Front Lines of Africa’s AIDS War”
May 4, 2007 (7 min 45 sec)
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=10011910&m=10011915
1. This podcast is about a book which was written by Stephanie Nolen called “28: Stories of AIDS in Africa”. The title of this book refers to the approximate 28 million people living with HIV-AIDS in Africa and it tells the stories of 28 different people throughout Africa who must live with the disease. The story also mentions a small “miracle clinic” in Congo where drugs are administered to treat HIV-AIDS and the struggles which that clinic goes through in order to get the medication to the people every day, despite the control that militias and rebel groups have over the area. Stephanie Nolen points out that these small clinics are having a huge affect on Africa, in fact, she mentions that when she first began this story there were less than 100,000 people receiving treatment in all of Africa and now, four years later, there are 1.5 million. This story shows that there is still hope for the AIDS pandemic, and Doctor Pontiano Kaleebu hopes to see an AIDS vaccination, in the best case
scenerio, within the next 10 years.2. Was this podcast effective in getting its point across?
I think this podcast was effective in getting its point across. I think the point was to explain the story “28: Stories of AIDS in Africa” and to show the progress that is being made in Africa with small clinics and grassroots treatment. I feel like it explains very well that AIDS is something that is not going to just go away and it mentioned that Doctors Without Borders understands that there are people living with AIDS in Africa who can’t be forgotten just because they live in areas of civil wars, insurgencies, and unstable conditions. It is important to realize that progress can be made if enough people become involved, and this podcast does a great job of showing that.
3. What techniques (sound effects, music, interviews) were used to tell the story?
This story was told with an interview with the author of “28: Stories of AIDS in Africa,” Stephanie Nolen. She goes into detail about her book and the things she saw while in Africa for the four years it took to construct the story. At the end of the podcast there is some transition music, but other than that there really were no sound effects.
4. I liked this podcast because it was about something important and the host along with the woman being interviewed, both seemed to understand what they were talking about. I learned a lot from it and it makes me excited to be a nurse because I know that it is people like them who make it possible for all of the progress to be made in Africa that is currently being made. I really like that there are opportunities like this in the medical field and I enjoyed hearing about the traditional methods of treatment like simply caring for the patients and orphans with kindness. Just being able to see how Africans are affected by the small clinics which are set up to treat them, is very inspirational.
5. I would’ve done this to improve the podcast.
There really was not much to do to improve this podcast. It was easy to understand, informational, and captivating. The one thing that would have been neat was to actually interview one of the people whose story is told in Stephanie Nolen’s book to get a little preview of what the story is like and how the people are affected by what is going on in Africa.
-3 spelling 27/30 A- I think it would be really cool to get the book. Do you think you could or ever would work for an organization such as Doctors without Borders? Is it something you’ve ever thought about…I would like to know. I want to know how Autumn Woods is going to make this planet a better place. I really do want to know???? Or do you think she will stay forever in Muskegon?
“A Postcard from Africa U.S.A”
December 13, 2003
All Things Considered
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1546809
1.) Summary
John Pedersen opened Africa U.S.A, the first cage-free live animal park in the country. It attracted 2,000 visitors a day but closed after eight years. Susan Stone spoke with his daughter and his granddaughter about Africa U.S.A. Shirley, his daughter, was a ticket-taker at the park and his granddaughter, Ginger, was born after it closed so she never got the chance to visit the park.
2.) Was the podcast effective in getting its point across?
I thought the podcast was pretty effective. I liked it because it talked a lot about John’s dreams and one of which was to create a “zoo-like” place for animals where they don’t have to be trapped in cages.
3.) What techniques were used to tell the story?
I don’t know if you’d really call it a technique, but Susan talked with John’s daughter and granddaughter which made the story more personal which is great for listeners.
4.) I liked this podcast. I loved his dreams. The podcast made me think a lot and I loved how he cared so much about animals. I thought Susan did a nice job interviewing John’s family.
5.) Something I would’ve done different.
I would’ve had more music, or sound effects to make it better. I thought the podcast was very well done, though, so I wouldn’t really change anything. It was nice to listen to.
21/30 C You aren’t saying much here Brandon. I don’t even know the country that you are talking about. You need to dig in a lot deeper.
This post is officially closed.