Davisville, Dec. 26, 2022: Mayhem at Twitter, plus confidence that eventually we’ll get a handle on social media

We have two main threads today: the chaos at Twitter since Elon Musk took over, including why the social platform matters, plus a conversation about social media and whether we’ll ever figure it out. Cindy Shen says we will. She’s a social media expert and professor of communication at the University of California, Davis, and points out that people have always figured out how to get a handle on disruptive technology -- including things we no longer view as technology, such as the printing press.

“Over time, as people become more accustomed to the technology, we don’t see technology as this causal agent," she says. "We realize that humans have agency as well. ... We have a say about how we want to use the technology, maybe to maximize its positive impact and minimize its harms.”

How do we get to this better place? Digital media literacy is a start.

The Next Noel with Billy Larkin, on Listening Lyrics, Dec. 23, 2022

This holiday CD is a rare beauty. There's such depth to this music, a limitless well of music and sounds. It defies a genre, but let's just say it's a mix of jazz, electronica, and classical. Ekimi is a duo originally from Cincinnati, comprised of Billy Larkin (piano and synthesizer) and Chris Dahlgren (bass, electronic sarod and percussions). Both Billy and Chris are classically trained. Billy joins me in the studio to share his thoughts on this truly wonderful CD.

The Folk Brothers for Dec. 21, 2022: Brother Bill's cheesy holiday show

It only comes once a year -- and let's be thankful for that. In addition to classics from the likes of Yogi Yorgesson, Christmas Jugband, The Yid Kids, and The Three Weismen, Brother Bill rolled out some new holiday tunes from the likes of Sandy Rogers and I See Hawks In LA, Kevin Bacon and The Old 97's, and David DeBoy. Give a listen if you dare.

Popularity of virtual college visits increases

Today on the News Cycle from Davis Senior High School: Almost every college in California now has an online virtual option for prospective students, allowing students access to more schools. Also, Lily and Naneh talk about issues at the World Cup. Packages by Sophia Young and Naneh Grigor/Lily Schroeder. Produced by Maria Anderson and Naneh Grigor. Music by Daniel Ruiz-Jimenez.

The DHS Blue Devil Hub produces the News Cycle each week for the Davis community.

Cowboy Tracks, Dec. 14, 2022: Christmas in the Western style

Cowboy Tracks brings you a new episode today of Christmas music done WESTERN style! Enjoy this "Ranch Christmas" show, and happy holidays!

Song -- Title -- Artist -- Album

  • Santa Claus is Coming to Town (instr), Craig Duncan, Bluegrass Christmas
  • Santa's Yodeling Song, The Light Crust Doughboys and Kristyn Harris, Cool Yule Christmas
  • Do You Hear What I Hear, Barry Ward, Home for Christmas
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Almeda Bradshaw, single
  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Barry Ward, Home for Christmas
  • Christmas Time, Mary Kaye Holt, single
  • A Rootin' Tootin' Santa Claus, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Capitol Singles, 1951-1952
  • Sleigh Ride (instr,) The Trail Band, Peace on Earth, A Christmas Collection
  • When Winter Comes to Tahoe, David John and the Comstock Cowboys, Christmas in the Sierra
  • Holiday Roundup, Buffalo Bill Boycott, single

Jazz After Dark, Dec. 13, 2022

Tonight’s show is the 600th episode of Jazz After Dark! We’ll hear selections from 1934 – 1969: Benny Carter, Sidney Bechet with Noble Sissle, Lena Horne, Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, Helen Carr, Gerry Mulligan, and Harold Land. Also: Ella Fitzgerald live from Copenhagen in 1959, in a newly released recording, and then Russ Freeman, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Count Basie & His Orchestra, Paul Desmond, and Ben Webster.