Kitchen Express - Airdate - 7/31 - 4 p.m. (ET)

Joe Hardtke - See exclusive recipes below...

Mark "The Minimalist" Bittman is on the show today. You may know him from his column, blog and videos with The New York Times. In his new book, Kitchen Express, Mark boasts about his "404 seasonal dishes you can make in 20 minutes or less!" This has me curious if any of you cooks out there can top Mr. Bittman! Do you know any wonderful seasonal recipes that are ultra-quick in the kitchen? Pass it on here and we might just include it on the air. Just try not to be like this guy...



Mark has kindly invited us to include a couple of his speedy recipes. Set your timer for 20 minutes and go!

Gazpacho

Core and seed ripe, juicy tomatoes and cut into chunks. Peel and seed a cucumber and roughly chop. Peel a clove or two of garlic. Cut the crusts from a couple of thick slices of good white bread and tear them up. Puree everything in a blender with salt, pepper, lots of olive oil, and a splash of sherry vinegar, adding just enough water (or ice) to thin the mixture. Serve garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped basil or mint leaves.

"Try peaches or melons instead of tomatoes, or add anchovies for more flavor," adds Mark.

Arugula with Balsamic Strawberries and Goat Cheese

A surprisingly wonderful salad! Hull and slice a pint of strawberries and put them in a large salad bowl. Toss with two tablespoons balsamic vinegar and several grinds of black pepper. Let sit for five minutes. Add a bunch of arugula, some crumbled goat cheese, and a sprinkle of salt; drizzle with olive oil, toss, and serve.

And don't forget to tell us how your dishes turned out! Leave your comments here or call the Here on Earth Hotline at 1-877-GLOBE-07.

Healthcare...for Poor People Only 7/29

Carly Yuenger

Today's show explores the work of Partners In Health, whose mission is "to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care." The group works around the world. And in the United States.

We've been featuring the issues of health and healthcare around the world and our recent guests, Joao Biehl, Torben Eskerod, and Cynthia Haq have brought up societal, governmental, historical, and legal aspects of health. Today we focus on the effects of poverty.

Can changing the way we think about health change the way we think about healthcare? What is the relationship between socio-economic status and health? How can we explain the presense of global non-profit organizations coming into the United States to provide for those Americans who cannot otherwise access healthcare? Add a comment below or leave a voicemail at 1-877-GLOBE-07.

China, Africa, and the Global Economy 7/28

Carly Yuenger

On today's show we look into the emerging business ties between many African nations and China. Author Serge Michel and photographer Paolo Woods investigate what the relationship brings--and takes from--Africa in their book, China Safari:On the Trail of Beijing's Expansion in Africa.

We've discussed on recent shows the need to move from a relationship of aid with Africa to one of trade. But from recent guests such as Gregory Carr, Jacqueline Novogratz, and Torkin Wakefield, we've also learned that there are better and worse ways to do business with the people and nations of Africa. So how do African nations become equal business partners in the global economy and what will it take to ensure that economic partnerships are mutually beneficial?

Whatever the answers to these questions, China is moving in on the opportunity. As economies and markets in Africa grow, what are the key ethical, political, and econmic issues and realities we need to consider? Add a comment below or leave a voicemail at 1-877-GLOBE-07.

Dinner in the Ottoman Empire, anyone? 7/24

Carly Yuenger

Whether you're a foody, an amateur historian, or just like a taste of the exotic with your meals, the experience that Chef and food historian Channon Mondoux offers is a meal of a lifetime.

On this week's Food Friday show, we travel back in time and across the world to recreate a meal at the Sarayi, the Instanbul palace of the Sultans during the Ottoman Classical Age (about 1446-1600). How cool is that?
The Sarayi was the center of an elegant and innovative Turkish culinary culture. The meals Channon Mondoux helps us recreate with her book are those of the courts of the most well-known sultan of the times, Suleyman the Magnificent.

During the show, we'll learn how the cultures of the 16th century collided and mixed on the dinner table at the Sarayi and how the meals that appeared there inspired the Western cuisine that followed for centuries after.

It seems fair to say that her new mult-media cookbook, Celebrating at the Sarayi is more than just a cookbook. It tells a story through historical information, music, images, and, of course, the recipes. And, if you ever get the chance to catch one of her live recreations of food from this time, you might see a dance performance from the period as well.

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Have you ever been to a historically accurate recreation of a feast? What was the experience like? Have you ever tried cooking something from a recipe from another time or using ancient techniques? Call in to the show on Friday at 1-877-GLOBE-07 or leave a comment below!

Walter Cronkite and Journalism Today

Carly Yuenger

On today's show we remember the life and work of journalist and news anchor Walter Cronkite by thinking hard about what journalism was, is, and can be.

When Walter Cronkite started out, there were only 3 national broadcasting networks and the evening news lasted 15 minutes! Journalistic practices, the news, and the media through which we get it have all undoubtedly changed in the last 50 years, and changes seem to come faster and faster through ever-evolving new forms of media and new uses of old media.

The use of Twitter during the unrest following the recent Iranian elections and the ever-increasing number of 24-hour cable news channels suggests we have a lot to catch up on with regard to how we think about and use news media.

But this doesn't mean we can no longer tell the difference between better and worse news and news sources. The values that made Walter Cronkite the most trusted man in America may help us sift through the news we encounter today. It may, however, demand that we look longer and harder for the good stuff and that we become better and more critical news consumers.

How do you think we as news consumers should catch up with the times? What does good journalism mean to you? What does it mean to be a critical news consumer and what today makes it difficult to be one? Add a comment below or leave a voicemail for our mailbag segment at 1-877-GLOBE-07

The Happiness Project - Airdate - 7/15 - 4 p.m. (ET)

Joe Hardtke

UPDATE - Charles Spearin is now confirmed to the show. As you might have noticed, we've booked him for this Wednesday. You can post your questions for Charles right here and we'll use them on the air.

I've been talking with Arts & Crafts records out of Toronto with hopes of booking Charles Spearin to the program. You may know Spearin as a member of Broken Social Scene, the Toronto collective responsible for such great 00's albums as You Forgot It In People or their self-titled 2005 disc.

These days, when not recording the new Broken Social Scene album, Spearin is promoting his debut CD, the intriguing Happiness Project.

Spearin essentially interviewed his Toronto neighbors, his family and friends about the idea of happiness and created music with the recordings. Mind you, Spearin didn't just write music to compliment their voices, or to play around their words. He wrote music actually using the tones in their voices.



Charles Spearin: "After each interview I would listen back to the recording for moments that were interesting in both meaning and melody. It has always been interesting to me how we use sounds to convey concepts. Normally, we don’t pay any attention to the movement of our lips and tongue, and the rising and falling of our voices as we toss our thoughts back and forth to each other. We just talk and listen. The only time we pay attention to these qualities is in song. I wanted to see if I could blur the line between speaking and singing - life and art? - and write music based on these accidental melodies."

Keep your eyes peeled to this blog. If and when we confirm Charles Spearin to the program, you'll be the first to know. In the meantime, we'll take your questions about The Happiness Project right here and save them for the eventual interview. Or, perhaps you'd simply like to answer Spearin's main question: Where do you find happiness?

Saving Gorongosa - Airdate - 7/14 - 4 p.m. (ET)

Joe Hardtke

Today's show features Greg Carr, a social entrepreneur fighting to save Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park. Many of you might have seen Greg recently on CBS's 60 Minutes. As promised during the show, here's their original segment on the Carr Foundation.



We'd love to hear your feedback on Greg Carr and his work. Do you feel that high-profile investment in African eco-tourism can raise whole countries out of poverty?

Walking the Journey

Carly Yuenger

On today's show Hape Kerkeling shares stories from his journey walking along the Camino De Santiago. He wasn't searching for a spiritual journey when he left, but it's amazing what walking almost 400 miles can do...

Have you found more than you were searching for while on a long trip? Why does walking help us open up to what we least expect? Did you begin a trek expecting to find something and wound up finding nothing at all? Share your stories and experiences of journeys, pilgrimages, and walking by adding a comment below.

It's Strawberry Time!

Carly Yuenger

It's that season, time for the first berries of the year: Strawberries. On today's show we freshen up our strawberry recipe repertoire with French chef, Monique Hooker.

Have you tried Strawberry, chevre, and basil salad? What's your secret for the perfect strawberry smoothy? Add a comment below to share your favorite strawberry recipes, or just give these favorites from our guest a try:

Monique Hooker's "Summer Clafoutis"

(Serves 6-8)
1/2 C Sugar
2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract
4 Eggs
3 C Whole milk
3 C Strawberries**
1 Tablespoon Rhum (optional)
1/4 C Confectionner sugar, to sprinkle on top

Preheat the oven at 375 but once the clafoutis is in the oven turn it down to 350! In a large bowl blend the sugar and cornstarch and mix well until eggs have absorbed all the sugar.* Add the milk and vanilla extract and blend well, do not beat as not to incorporate any air, this would give the custard a dry consistency instead of a creamy consistency. Rinse (cut the strawberries) berries and place at the bottom of an au gratin dish 8 cup size or individual dishes. Bake in the 350 degrees oven until set, about 35 to 45 minutes for large one and 20 minutes for individuals. When done remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature then sprinkle with confectionner sugar just before serving. Best served at room temperature and great for picnics.
* This method is called creaming and not beating
** You may use any summer fruit for this.

Monique Hooker's Strawberry Chutney

(Makes about 6 C)
3 Lbs Strawberries, very ripe
4 C Diced onions (about 3 medium)
2 Lemons grated zest and juiced
1 C Raisins
1 C Sugar (more or less)
1 tsp Ground ginger
1/2 tsp Each of: cinnamon, nutmeg, hot pepper,black
pepper,
1 C Cider vinegar

Place all the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil then lower to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 1 hour or more until desired thickness. To preserve just place in sterilized jar, cover tightly with lid, place in a large pot and cover the jars with water, bring to a boil and let boil for about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before storing. You should always follow the canning jars manufacturer's directions.

Monique Hooker's Spring BBQ Sauce

Makes about 5 C
2 C Very Ripe strawberries
1/2 C Olive oil 0r Canola or Sunflower Oil
1/2 C Cider vinegar (more or less)
1 C Maple syrup grade "B" or "C"
1 tbsp Dijon style mustard
1 Tablespoon Pickle Ginger
3 Garlic cloves
2 tsp Fresh ground pepper
1 tsp Hot pepper (more or less)
1 tsp Salt
3 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

In a food processor or blender grind together the garlic and pickle ginger very fine almost a puree. Add the strawberries and puree again. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend well. Transfer to a sauce pan and cook on low heat until desired thickness about 1 hour. Add water if necessary to buy time to develop the flavors

** I usually adjust the heat or consistency depending on my moods or also the expected final product. You have a lot of room for creativity here

The Summer Reading List

Here is a list of books discussed on today's show and a few more picked by Words Without Borders editor, Susan Harris.

They're organized by region and by reading purpose: Pure information, and pure escape.

Have fun, come back and share your responses to what you've read, and be sure to add your own reading suggestions by adding a comment below.

Iran

Escape: Beynam Dayani, "Hitchcock and Agha Baji": An eighteen-year-old boy, a Hitchcock fan, sees Psycho, comes home haunted by the movie, answers the door to an aged friend of his grandmother's, thinks she's Norman Bates's mother, and faints from the shock. The story goes on to weave Hitchcock and Agha Baji's story. More here

Escape: Goli Taraghi, "The Pomegranate Lady and Her Sons". The narrator returns to her home in Paris after visiting her former home, Tehran. An annoying elderly peasant woman, a confused first-time traveler, attaches herself to her. Slapstick ensues; the narrator finally rids herself of the old woman. Weeks later, looking through her bag, she finds the old woman's airline ticket. More here

Current Events: Goli Taraghi, "Encounter". A fashionable dinner party in Tehran is raided by the Revolutionary Guards; the usual bribes don't work, and the entire party is thrown in jail. The narrator recognizes the prison matron in charge of whipping the women prisoners as the nanny she fired some twenty years ago. The hand that rocks the cradle runs the prison. Good example of the oppressive government, but the flashbacks about how the nanny drove a wedge between the narrator and her son also speak to every parent's nightmare about child care. More here

China

Escape: Can Xue (pronounced Sahn Shway), "The Bane of My Existence": The narrator takes in a tiny abandoned kitten who grows into a feral cat who terrorizes her. More here

Escape: Yu Hua, "Appendix". A powerful surgeon tells his two little sons about a great doctor who removed his own appendix. This backfires when the father falls sick with appendicitis and begs the boys to call an ambulance. More here

Current Events: first English translation of Wang Dan's prison memoirs: More here; Word Without Borders interview with Wu Wenjian about the fate of the "June 4 Thugs" is here; blogs by Wang Dan

Background: Zhao Ying, "Red Bean Sticky Cakes and Running": The narrator recalls fleeing with her pregnant mother (who'd already had three girls and was being pressured to abort this fourth pregnancy) and running from house to house to evade their pursuers until the baby could be born; woman grows up to be a track star. More here

Pakistan

Background: Saddat Hasan Manto, "Toba Tek Singh": the first lines of this classic story are "Two years after Partition, the governments of Pakistan and India decided to exchange lunatics in the same way that they had exchanged civilian prisoners. In other words, Muslim lunatics in Indian madhouses would be sent to Pakistan, while Hindu and Sikh lunatics in Pakistani madhouses would be handed over to India." But the governments did not realize that the newly drawn borders between the countries would complicate the exchange. More here

Background/Current Events: Intizaar Hussain, "The First Morning," about the author's migration to Pakistan from India after Partition. More here

Escape: Muhammad Khalid Akhtar "The Monthly Ulloo," about the narrator's scheming trickster of an uncle. More here

Add your reading suggestions by adding a comment below!

The Political Life of Symbols

Carly Yuenger

On today's show we talk about how political symbols can take on a life of their own.

Our guest, Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, talks about how flowers--a natural and innocent object-- came to be used by the Japanese Emperor, as a Nazi symbol, and by other dictators to violent ends.

These are extreme cases, but they point to some important questions. How do symbols take on political meanings? How do they change? Are we as individuals and as a nation responsible for watching over how political symbols are used in our name?

Even very traditional symbolic acts, like waving a flag, can change over time. For example, waving an American flag meant something very different during the Revolutionary war, during the Civil war, and on the Fourth of July. What does the flag mean to you today? Is it alright if it means something different for everyone? What are other examples of symbols whose meanings have changed over time? Add a comment below or leave us a voicemail at 1-877-globe-07.