The redwood is much more than the state tree. Redwoods are home to a unique ecosystem found at the highest reaches of the trees. The redwoods and the small group of people obsessed with studying them are the subjects of "The Wild Trees," a new book by Richard Preston. Guest: Richard Preston, author of "The Wild Trees".
Music Bridge #1: "The Garden" by Cut Chemist, from "The Garden (Single)" (Warner Brothers)
Laura Silver lives in an energy-efficient straw bale house in San Diego's East County, and runs her household on electricity from solar panels supplemented by a small generator in the backyard.Reporter: Alison St. John
Music Bridge #2: "Hotel Aurora" by Tin Hat Trio, from "Book of Silk" (Ropeadope)
From car ads to movie soundtracks, the Gypsy jazz sound popularized by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stefan Grappelli is a familiar part of the musical landscape. In recent years, however, this pre-World War II style has won a new generation of fans. Guest: Andrew Gilbert , jazz critic.
Music Bridge #3: "Bread & Bowie (For Lester)" by Anthony Brown's Orchestra, from "Rhapsodies" (Water Baby)
The Bay Area has long been known for its intellectual and cultural scene. Beat poets, musicians and visual artists have all visited the city's bars and coffee houses. Now, scientists are stepping out of the lab and into cafes, where enthusiastic crowds sip on a beer or cappuccino and listen to lectures on black holes, string theory or the math of Greek architecture.Reporter: Andrea Kissack
The Mendocino County town of Willits was once home to Seabiscuit, one of the greatest racehorses of all time. In the 1930s and '40s, Seabiscuit defied the odds and raced his way to fame and fortune before retiring to Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, where he spent his final years. This week Seabiscuit returned to Willits in the form of a life-size bronze statue.Reporter: Scott Shafer
End Music: "The Horse" by Sound Directions, from "The Funky Side of Life" (Stones Throw)
Hear a longer version of the interview with Richard Preston, author of "The Wild Trees."
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