Pulse of the Planet Podcast with Jim ...
Each weekday, Pulse of the Planet provides its listeners with a two-minute sound portrait of Planet Earth, tracking the rhythms of nature, culture and science worldwide and blending interviews and extraordinary natural sound.
476
Russian Christmas in Alaska
In rural Alaska, carolers wend their way from house to house, sharing in communal gifts.
2 min
477
Starring
Russian traders left the legacy of their traditions in Anchorage Alaska, including the Christmas-time practice of Starring.
3 min
478
Like a Waking Sleep
Bears have unique mechanisms for self-preservation during their months of hibernation.
2 min
479
When Christmas was Illegal
There was a time when the singing of Christmas carols could land you in jail.
3 min
480
The Etymology of Christmas
Ever wonder where "Xmas" came from?
2 min
481
Roots of Christmas
Some of our most enduring Christmas traditions date back to the pre-Christian era.
2 min
482
Christmas Eve in Woodstock
In "the most famous small town in the world", how will Santa arrive this year?
3 min
483
Breaking Bread
The Polish Christmas tradition of Wigilia!
2 min
484
Nano-Toymaking
200 million presents is a big load for any sleigh.
3 min
485
Bonfires on the Levee
Celebrating Christmas eve with a 20 foot pyre of wood and wire.
2 min
486
Parranda
Christmas caroling - Puerto Rican Style!
2 min
487
Santa's Secret
What if Santa Claus got the flu and an ordinary mortal had to cover for him?
2 min
488
Las Posadas
Commemorating Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem.
2 min
489
Kalas
Dipping into the Doop of ancestral Sweden.
3 min
490
A Crown of Candles
Young Swedish girls represent Saint Lucia in an early morning ritual.
2 min
491
Santa Lucia
Rituals of light in the darkness of winter.
2 min
492
All I Want For Christmas is a Relativity Cloud
With a little help from quantum physics, Santa could have all the time he needs to make Christmas deliveries.
2 min
493
Chasing Mr. Claus
Switzerland's Klausjagen blends a Catholic holiday with a much older celebration.
2 min
494
Celebrating Klausjagen
Whips, bells and a giant paper bishop's hat.
2 min
495
Sinterklaas
Change Santa Claus's team of reindeer into a single white horse, replace his costume with a bishop's robes, and you'll begin to get a picture of Sinterklaas.
2 min
496
Ravens Adapt
Ravens' natural curiosity may be the trait which allows them to survive in nearly every part of the planet.
6 min
497
Hunting with Falcons
When certain hunters give a whistle, they're not calling their dog, they're summoning a trained falcon.
2 min
498
The Sport of Kings
A handful of hunters still practice the ancient sport of kings and they're meeting this week.
3 min
499
Hunting the Red Stag
The sounds of the mating behavior, or 'rut', signal the start of Red Stag hunting season in Hungary.
2 min
500
The Gabra
This time of year, the Gabra of Northeast Africa celebrate a holiday which commemorates human dependence on seasonal cycles.
3 min