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ArchivesRobots, Insects, and BiomimicryBy Virginia Prescott on Thursday, May 22, 2008.
Defense company BAE systems took its latest cues from the insect world. Scientists there have started to manufacture a line of robots that mimic everything from spiders to dragonflies for use on the battlefield. We speak with BAE Chief Technology Officer Aaron Penkacik about the mechanical critters. When scientists and inventors turn to nature to help them design their products, it's called biomimicry. Natural historian Janine Benyus is the co-founder of the Biomimicry Guild, and she spoke with producer Sara Lilly about her work. We'll hear Sara's story, which was produced for the public radio show Studio 360. Word of Mouth blogger Jacob Eaton recently wrote about BAE's robotic creepy-crawlies on our site. Click here to read his entry. listen:
  People with Mental Illnesses Often Rely on Emergency CareBy Dianne Finch on Thursday, May 22, 2008.National data show that half the population will likely need treatment for substance abuse or a mental health issue in their lifetime. A report from the University of New Hampshire reveals that people with such issues are increasingly using emergency care for treatment. NHPR's Dianne Finch has more. listen:
Thursday, May 22, 2008Today on Word of Mouth, we find out how movie marketers are finding new ways to promote their films -- online and off -- and we get a summer movie preview from critic Aaron Beatty. We'll also hear new music from Mates of State and Portsmouth musician Nat Baldwin. And we'll meet the robot-insects the U.S. military may someday use on the battlefield. (Photo by Julie, aka Piper Falk) listen: No audio currently available. Order on CD (pdf).
Building Blockbuster BuzzBy Virginia Prescott on Thursday, May 22, 2008.Today Word of Mouth goes to the movies! We look at a few upcoming summer blockbusters, and how studios get people into theaters.
Viral marketing is the latest weapon in the Hollywood arsenal, and it’s kicking into overdrive this summer. Warner Brothers has launched more than 30 Web sites to build up buzz about its new Batman movie "The Dark Knight" alone. To dig into new online trends in marketing, we speak with Chris Thilk, who runs the blog Movie Marketing Madness. We also take a look at what's coming around the bend with Aaron Beatty, who writes reviews for the Connecticut Valley Spectator. Aaron's summer recommendations include: "The Dark Knight" listen:
New Music From Mates of State, Nat BaldwinBy Virginia Prescott on Thursday, May 22, 2008.The band Mates of State kick off a national tour today to promote their new album, "Re-Arrange Us," on Barsuk Records. The husband-and-wife duo, Kori Garner and Jason Hammel, has been recording cute, catchy pop songs with an organ and drums for over 10 years now. Their record hit stores on Tuesday, including Bull Moose Music. We speak with Derek Archambault, the Portsmouth, NH store's assistant manager. He also reviews the new record "Most Valuable Player" from Portsmouth-based musician Nat Baldwin.
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When we think of robots, the first thing to come to mind is often some sort of human-shaped machine with arms and legs and a head on top. But let's face it, humans aren't exactly perfect. That's why scientists are looking to other life forms for robotic inspiration. 
With a record number of major releases coming out this summer, the major studios are grappling to outdo each other in the grab for public attention. Last year they spent an estimated 36 million dollars to market a big movie. Some of this summer’s blockbuster releases are costing 150 million dollars in marketing, not production. And to go where the people are, they’re going online. 
