|
MAGIC
To The Best of Our Knowledge
from Wisconsin Public Radio
Do you believe in magic? In this hour of To the
Best of Our Knowledge we'll talk with some people who do. Join
us for a conversation with America's favorite witch – Starhawk.
And uncover your own inner wizard! What Merlin, Dumbledore and Gandalf
have to teach us all about living a life filled with magic.
SEGMENT 1:
Christine Wicker is a religion reporter who's
working on a book about magical thinking in America. She tells
Anne Strainchamps about some of the witches, elves, vampires and
other oddities she met. She says there are all kinds of magical
communities in America and they're all over the internet. Wicker's
book "LilyDale- he True Story of the Town that Talks to the
Dead" is just out in paper. Also, Celtic historian John
Matthews was a consultant on the recent King Arthur film.
His most recent book is "Merlin: Shaman, Prophet, Magician."
Matthews tells Steve Paulson that Merlin probably was a real person
and that wizards are related to our ancient shamans. And we hear
lots of examples of wizards from contemporary films.
SEGMENT 2:
Starhawk is one of America's best known witches.
She tells Anne Strainchamps about the Pagan festival of Samhain
and how the wiccan community celebrates it. Starhawk is an environmental
activist and the author of "The Earth Path." Also, Susanna
Clarke is the author of "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell."
It's a huge novel that's being called "Harry Potter for grown-ups."
Clarkr tells Jim Fleming that she doesn't believe in magic, but
was inspired by Tolkien and Ursula LeGuinn to create this story
of two gentleman magicians, and she reads a bit.
SEGMENT 3:
Michael Schermer is the director of the Skeptics
Society and a columnist for Scientific American. He explains why
he and like-minded people don't think much of "What the Bleep
Do We Know" - an independent film that's packing art houses
around the country. And, Anne Strainchamps talks with the film's
director, Mark Vicente who explains why he has no problem
mixing hard science with glitzy computer graphics and a woman
who channels a 35,000 year old spiritual warrior.
Cassette copies are available
at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 04-10-31-B.
................................................................
Books:
- Susannah Clarke,
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: a novel (Bloomsbury)
- Caitlin and John Matthews, Walkers Between
the Worlds: The Western Mysteries from Shaman to Magus (Inner
Traditions)
- John Matthews, Wizards: The Quest for
the Wizard from Merlin to Harry Potter (Barrons)
- Starhawk, The Earth Path: Grounding Your
Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature (Harper San Francisco)
Music:
- In the order in which we heard them:
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets soundtrack
(Nonesuch Records)
- "God! Show Me Magic," by Super Furry
Animals.
- "Fires at Midnight," title track on a
CD by Blackmore's Night. (Steamhammer US/Spr)
- "Let It Begin Now" – title track
on a Samhain collection by Reclaiming. (Serpentine Music)
- "Wytches' Chant" by Inkubus Sukkubus,
from their CD "Beltaine" (Phantom)
- "Do You Believe in Magic" by the Lovin'
Spoonful.
- "Witchy Woman," by the Eagles
- "Strange Magic," Electric Light
Orchestra
Distribution dates:
................................................................
Questions and comments can
be addressed to: flemingj@wpr.org
our
shows :: about
us :: search
:: home
|
