StateImpact Oklahoma hosts a free public discussion about quality of life in Oklahoma tomorrow night, moderated by Neal Conan, host of NPR's Talk of the Nation. Join us Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Devon Energy Boathouse, along the Oklahoma River at 725 S. Lincoln Blvd. (on the east side of the street) in Oklahoma City.

The topic is "Investing in a Sense of Place" and Neal will be talking with a panel of civic and community leaders about how the public and private sectors impact the quality of life in Oklahoma. StateImpact Oklahoma is a project of public media in the state in partnership with NPR. Get more information and RSVP, and we'll see you there!

 

KGOU is adding some new programs to its weekly lineup, with changes prompted by the retirement of Car Talk's hosts. Most of the changes affect the Friday and Saturday program schedules.

Radiolab has been in the KGOU lineup for a few years, but as a limited-run series. NPR has recently committed to a weekly distribution schedule, and KGOU will air the show Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. Many listeners are already familiar with Radiolab hosts Robert Krulwich's and Jad Abumrad's unique style of presenting stories, making scientific and technical topics understandable and entertaining.

Saturdays at 6 a.m., KGOU is adding Living on Earth Extra, a half-hour environmental news and information program distributed by Public Radio International. Extra expands on the news and commentary featured on Living on Earth's regular weekly program (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on KGOU).

To replace a weekly re-broadcast of Car Talk on Tuesdays at 11 a.m., KGOU has added Value This!, a call-in show discussing antiques and collectibles. Hosts Brian Kathenes and Leon Castner offer expertise on the value and market potential of callers' prized possessions. We understand some KGOU listeners have already called in and will be featured later this month!

On Fridays, KGOU will broadcast World Views at 4 p.m. and then repeated at 6:30 p.m. This local production of KGOU and the OU College of International Studies is moving from two Mondays a month in the 11 a.m. hour to a weekly program.

We believe these shows represent the best of public radio programs available, and we've received some positive feedback. You can see all the changes on our program grid and print a new schedule from our Programs page.

 

 If you are a long-time listener and supporter of KGOU, you know that we make a concerted effort at fundraising twice every year. KGOU's fall membership drive is coming up soon, and we're asking for contributions from listeners to help pay for the news, information and entertainment you rely on.

As an e-Newsletter subscriber, you can help us kickstart the fall membership drive by beginning or renewing your support now, or giving an additional gift. If you've received a renewal form, mail it in or use our secure online pledge form to make your donation today. Your contribution will help keep the programs coming.

When we take to the airwaves with the fall drive, volunteers help us answer the phones and take pledges. If you'd like to help, we still have some vacant volunteer slots to fill; sign up on our volunteer form -- it's a great way to support KGOU!

 

It's Bond, James Bond, Week at NPR, with some fun features on the history of Agent 007. The Picture Show blog joined in the fun with a look at 50 Years of Movie Posters. And Morning Edition drew back the curtain on some of the film franchise's iconic gadgetry this morning. Cast a (Golden)eye on images from Sean Connery classics like Dr. No or Daniel Craig contemporaries like Quantum of Solace, plus some of those other guys in between, at NPR.org.

 

Crisp and aromatic when raw, silky and alluring when cooked, sweet peppers are in season now, and a bargain where they're plentiful. So stock up now and explore their various forms in these tips and recipes from NPR's Kitchen Window.