Monday, February 14
THE IDEA OF GENIUS, Part 1
We live in awe of genius, of those few individuals capable of producing Hamlet, the Fifth Symphony, or the Theory of Relativity. Genius is more than talent, but what exactly is it? A gift? The result of extreme perseverance? Can anyone become a genius just by putting in enough hours? And why does genius so often border on madness? Science journalist Dan Falk explores our obsession with those who achieve greatness. Part 2 airs Monday, February 21.

Tuesday, February 15
WACHTEL ON THE ARTS
Eleanor Wachtel, host of Writers and Company, talks to Johannes Debus, the young Music Director of the Canadian Opera Company, about conducting Prokofiev, Wagner, and the mystery of The Magic Flute.

Wednesday, February 16
104 PALL MALL
Ever since it was founded in 1836, London's exclusive Reform Club has been a place where progressive people meet to discuss radical politics. There's also a considerable Canadian connection. IDEAS host Paul Kennedy takes a guided tour.

Thursday, February 17
HAVE YOUR MEAT AND EAT IT TOO, Part 2
We North Americans love our meat. It's cheap, it's plentiful and it's oh so satisfying. Who, except vegetarians can resist the smell of steak, chicken or ribs sizzling on the barbeque? What was once reserved for special occasions has become our everyday fare, sometimes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every year, the average North American chomps through 30 whole chickens, a third of a pig and a tenth of a cow - that's about a half a pound of meat a day. And it's not just North America. Worldwide, the per capita consumption of meat has doubled in the past half century. In this 3-part series Jill Eisen asks the question: What do we really know about the meat we buy?

Friday, February 18
FOR THE BIRDS
Jean Bédard loves birds. Among other things, this lifelong passion inspired him to help a colony of eider ducks when their nests were threatened by destructive development. Together, Bédard and the ducks bought an island by selling their precious feathers.