State of Affairs Blog

At fast food restaurants, for a few more cents, we’re offered a larger side and drink. Our cars have become larger and our TVs are bigger now. We seem to be craving for more in everything in our lives. Is more always better? Bill McKibben, author of "Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future" doesn’t think so. An environmentalist and a contributor to magazines such as The New York Times, Orion Magazine, and Rolling Stone, Bill McKibben challenges the idea of unlimited economic expansion. Join us as we sit with Bill McKibben to discuss his latest book. McKibben joins us courtesy of the Kentucky Author Forum.

Guest:
Bill McKibben, author, Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities & the Durable Future

Links:
Kentucky Author Forum
BillMcKibben.com
Step It Up 2007
State of the Planet
Mad Max Meets American Gothic
Hundred Dollar Holiday, by Bill McKibben

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You’re running through a forest clearing. The trees turn into cotton candy and start closing in on you, the ground falls away beneath you, and you suddenly find yourself sitting on a church pew next to the girl you had a crush on in Junior High. Of course, in reality, you’re tucked away in bed, safe from arboreal confections and adolescent pining, your brain ablaze with the firings of countless neurons. What is going on up there? What physiological activities cause the improbable images we see in our dreams? Tune in this Tuesday when we learn more about what happens when we dream.

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Guests:
Allan Tasman, MD, Professor & Chair, UofL Department of Psychology
Ken Anderson, MD, Director, Sleep Disorders Center, BHE

Links:
How Dreams Work
How the Brain Turns Reality into Dreams
What Happens When We Dream
The Dreaming Brain

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originial Broadcast on Nov. 3, 2006]

Growing up in the society that was responsible for slavery and Jim Crow laws of the 20th century, still has an affect on African-Americans generations later - in ways that might not be apparent on the surface. Internalized racism occurs when members of an historically oppressed minority group turn the stereotypes and hate they observe in society inward. Some people believe it's one of the toughest obstacles minority groups face, because it is hidden so deeply in the psyche. Others don’t give the theory much credit. Join us this Friday to learn more about the causes and effects of internalized racism, how it manifests itself, and how it can be overcome.

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Guest:
Dr. Ricky L. Jones, UofL

Links:
Bell Hooks - Talking Race and Racism (PDF)
The Fairest of them All - Black Women and Internalized Racism
Why Would Kids Thing They're in the Wrong Skin?
Internalized Oppression and Latinos

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sherman Alexie has done it all - he's a best-selling author, journalist and screenwriter. But first and foremost, he is a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian who grew up on a reservation. Join us on Friday as we talk with Sherman Alexie about his work and what it means to be Native American in today's society.

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Guest:
Sherman Alexie, author

Links:
ShermanAlexie.com - Sherman Alexie's Official Website
When the Story Stolen is Your Own
Without Reservations
P.O.V. Borders - Border Talk w. Sherman Alexie

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vincent Harding (along with his wife Rosemarie Freeney Harding) was there at the begining. Working with Dr. King and the Southern Freedom Movement the 1960's, and then continuing on after Dr. King was gone. In 1997 the Hardings founding the Veterans of Hope Project to "encourage a healing-centered approach to community-building that recognizes the interconnectedness of spirit, creativity and citizenship". Join us on Thursday for a live broadcast from Bellarmine University, as we talk with Dr. Harding about his life and vision.

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Guest:
Dr. Vincent Harding

Links:
Veterans of Hope
Martin Luther King and the Future of America
The Full Vision and the Way of Dr. Marting Luther King, Jr.
Vincent Harding - "Thomas Merton and the Tragedy and the Hope of America

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to myth, over 5000 years ago, a Chinese emperor accidentally discovered tea when a tea leaf fell into his cup of boiling water. Ever since, millions of people start their morning with a cup of hot tea. Where does tea come from? When was it brought to the US? Which nations are die hard tea drinkers? Is there a standard brewing process? Join us on Wednesday as we discuss tea with our panel of experts.

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Guests:
Bruce Richardson, Tea Expert, Elmwood Inn
Shelley Richardson, Tea Expert, Elmwood Inn

Links:
Tea Association of the USA
Elmwood Inn - Fine Teas
Tea Legends
Types of Tea FAQ
History of Iced Tea & Sweet Tea

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We'll be broadcasting live this Thursday from the campus of Bellarmine University! Join us at Hillary's in Horrigan Hall for our conversation with Civil Rights pioneer Vincent Harding.

Harding and his wife worked with Dr. King and the Southern Freedom Movement in the 1960's, and then continued on after Dr. King's assassination. In 1997 the Hardings founded the Veterans of Hope Project to “encourage a healing-centered approach to community-building that recognizes the interconnectedness of spirit, creativity and citizenship".

As always, our show starts at 11am, so try to arrive around 10:30 or 10:45. We'll be taking calls from radio listeners and also inviting audience members to ask questions in person.

Come join us live and in person! For more info reply to this entry, email soa@wfpl.org, or call 814-6556.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What comes to mind when you picture life inside a sorority or fraternity? Toga parties? Scenes from 'Animal House'? Spoiled rich kids? Portrayals of Greek Life often revolve around partying, alcohol, and the exclusion of those "not cool enough" to join the club. But members and proponents say the truth is much more wholesome… that sororities and fraternities focus on charity work and forging bonds between students that can last a lifetime. Join us this Tuesday to learn more about the myths and facts surrounding fraternities and sororities.

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Guests:
Joni Burke, Asst. Director of Campus Life, Greek Advisor, Alpha Delta Pi
Terry Singer, Dean of Kent School, Faculty Advisor, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Brittney Hunt, President, National Pan-Hellenic Council

Links:
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.
Greekopedia
GreekPages.com
10 Things You Ooughtta Know About Greek Life

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Enhancing what's not big enough, reducing what there's too much of, suctioning out what doesn't look right, and lifting what sags - these are some of the things plastic surgery promises to do for those willing to go into the operating room. But plastic surgery isn’t all cosmetic. Many people who have been disfigured in accidents, born with a defect or have suffered from an illness also have plastic (or reconstructive) surgery. The plastic surgery field, like all medicine, is always evolving, and conventional wisdom about what's safe and what isn't can be hard to keep up with. Tune in this Wednesday to learn more, and join us with your thoughts and questions about both cosmetic and resconstructive plastic surgery. Today's show is a repeat, so we won't be taking calls.

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Links:
Plastic Surgery: Procedures at a Glance

Guests:
Michael Cunningham, Sociology Professor, UofL
Dr. Gordon Tobin, plastic surgeron specializing in reconstructive surgery
Joseph Banis, MD, plastic surgeon, Norton's

Posted by Laura Ellis at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

He was dubbed "The Great Compromiser" for his ability to get others to agree with each other. It was a skill that served Henry Clay well in his life as a statesman and his half century in political office. Although he was born in Virginia, he is perhaps more closely associated with our own Bluegrass State, having represented Kentucky in both the House and Senate. He also served as Speaker of the House, founded and lead the Whig party. Tune in this Friday to learn more about the life and career of Henry Clay.

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Guests:
Robert Remini, Henry Clay Biographer
John Kleber, Historian, McConnell Center Scholar

Links
Encyclopaedia Britannica - Henry Clay
Henry Clay - Answers.com
Henry Clay Anecdotes
Ashland - the Henry Clay Estate

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to a recent Census Bureau report, minority-owned business are outpacing the national average in growth. But how are we doing here in Kentuckiana? And if you are a prospective business owner, what assistance is available to you for starting your business? Join us on Thursday when we answer these and other questions about minority businesses in Kentuckiana.

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Guests:
Greg Huelsman, Executive Director, Kentuckiana Minority Business Council
Eddie Atchely, Owner, Incentives, Inc.
Kathy Mills, Owner, Strategic Communications
Bill Harmon, Owner, Harmon Construction

Links:
Kentucky Minority Business Council
Minority-Owned Firms Growing Fast than National Average
Latest Cencus Report Confirms Growth of Minority Businesses
Summary Statistifs on Minority-Owned Businesses

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"She caught her breath as she looked up into Arden's ice blue eyes . . ." is that how it goes? Or is it more, "As Lance took off the helmet to his space suit, Cassandra swooned . . " Okay, you may not recoginze the words, but if you are a reader of Romance novels you know they can be set anywhere, even in space. Join us this Valentine's Day as we talk about the romance novel and its readers.

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Guests:
Elizabeth Bevarly, author
Michael Embry, author
J.R. Ward, author

Links:
The Romance Novel
Romance Novels for Women Get Frankly Sexual
Kentucky Romance Writers
Elizabeth Bevarly
J.R. Ward
Michael Embry

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The caterer. The flowers. The officiant. The DJ. The church. The cake. The tuxes. And that big white dress (or 150 of your family and closest friends asking why you didn’t wear a big white dress). Whether you’ve been dreaming about embossed napkins since you were five, or thought you’d be single for life but fate intervened, planning a wedding can be overwhelming. This Tuesday on State of Affairs, we’ll speak with a panel of wedding planning professionals, to learn how brides and grooms can craft a day that’s meaningful, personal, and as stress-free as possible. Join us with your questions and comments about planning a wedding.

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Guests:
Sharon Gazaway-Bell, Wedding Coordinator, Memorable Celebrations
Ellen Shaheen Fox, Wedding Coordinator, ShaFox

Links:
My Kentucky Wedding
Memorable Celebrations
TheKnot.com
Rainbow Wedding Network
IndieBride.com

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Why do men choose to marry? What do husbands really want from their wives? How do men define happily-ever-after? These are some of the questions Neil Chethik set out to answer in his book VOICEMALE: What Husbands Really Think About Their Marriages, Their Wives, Sex, Housework, and Commitment. Chethik used his background in journalism and interest in male psychology to go beyond the common stereotypes of men as uncommunicative and afraid of commitment, and see how men really approach the idea of marriage, and how they evaluate their marriages. Join us this Monday for a conversation about men and marriage. Because this is an archive edition of State of Affairs, we can't take calls today.

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Guest:
Neil Chethik, author

Links:
VoiceMale, by Neil Chethik
Neil Chetchik's 'VoiceMale'
The Married Male Mind
Men in Love

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Was the soundtrack to your glory days provided by Soul, Inc., Kinghorse, VHS or Beta, Elysium Fields, or Digby? Then chances are you grew up, or at least rocked out a time or two, in Louisville. In the past few years, the rise to national fame of My Morning Jacket and Nappy Roots has put our fair city on the music map again, and events like the Forcastle Festival and WFPK's Waterfront Wednesdays play host to popular local and national acts. So what's new in the river city's music scene? How has it changed through doo wop groups playing at school dances, punk and hardcore acts rioting at house parties and in garages, metalheads jamming at the Toy Tiger, and folksters strumming in the back room of the original Twice Told? How do today's bands compete for that elusive record deal in a city that's so close to Nashville georgraphically, and so far apart musically? Tune in to State of Affairs this Friday for a conversation about the present, past and future of Lousiville's local music scene.

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Guests:
John Timmons, owner, Ear-X-Tacy
Jeff Carpenter, Reel to Reel Studios
Michael L. Jones, Music Journalist
Todd Smith, Label X

Links:
Ear-X-Tacy
Velocity Weekly's Band Directory
Louisville Music News
Battle for the Bands: Research, negotiations, cooperation are required to bring good vibes to Louisville
Label X

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sometimes it's difficult to know how it starts. Maybe you take 2 pain pills instead of one. Or, maybe you notice your son's Ritalin is running short, and your daughter is losing weight. Could she be taking his prescription meds? Are you addicted to the painkillers? Prescription drug abuse is on the increase and now there are programs in place to help doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement identify the abusers. Join us on Thursday when we learn more about prescription drug abuse.

Guests:
David Sallengs, Drug Enforcement & Professional Practices Branch, KYCHFA
Dr. James Patrick Murphy, Murphy Pain Center
Det. Sgt. Bill Stivers, LMPD, Drug Diversion

Links:
KASPER - Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting
National Association of Drig Diversion Investigators
MedLine Plus: Prescription Drug Abuse
A Pharmacist's Guide to Prescription Fraud
Teens Turning to Legal Drugs
Murphy Pain Center

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Will the $20 pillows make your living room look new? Or, should you take out the wall between the living room and the kitchen? How about just scrapping the whole thing and building a new house? There are so many choices when it comes to designing your home; sometimes it can be overwhelming. On Wednesday we're bringing in some experts to answer your questions about designing your home.

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Guests:
Tim Winters, Architect
Mary Herd Jackson, Architect, Homebuilder
Karen Veith, Bittners

Links:
Designing Online
Domestic Architecture - Tim Winters
Budget Decorating
Bittners

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"This is another terrible day. The water is still rising and we hear distress cries everywhere... It is so bad outside. Electricity is gone. No lights or radio." So reads the diary of a Brandenburg, Kentucky woman on January 22, 1937. The Ohio River flood of that month left 385 people dead and about a million homeless, and caused damage all along the river's path, from Pittsburgh down to Cairo, Illinois, where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. Here in Louisville, flood waters forced the evacuation of 70% of the citizens. In the aftermath of the disaster property sales increased in the east as fewer people wanted to live in central and west Louisville, creating patterns of wealth still in place today. Join us with your memories and family folklore this Tuesday as we take a look back at the Ohio River Valley Flood of 1937.

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Guests:
Rick Bell, author, "Ohio River Flood of 1937"
James Manasco, Special Collections Librarian, UofL

Rick Bell's Book, "Ohio RIver Flood of 1937: Rising Waters, Soaring Spirits"
Remembering the Flood of '37
Hell & High Water (Time Magazine article from '37)

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At one time or another we’ve all heard of the organization called the Freemasons. Maybe your grandfather or uncle is one, or a neighbor or friend; but have they ever told you what the Freemasons stand for, what their purpose is, or what goes on in their meetings? The history of Freemasonry begins in London, in June 1717, with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry in America was established in the 1740’s and the first Grand Lodge of Kentucky was formed in 1788 in Lexington, four years before Kentucky was admitted into the Union. So, what is a Mason? How does one become a Mason? What’s with all the rituals and symbols? Why does Masonry seem so secretive? Join us Monday, as we learn more about the Freemasons.

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Guest:
Chris Hodapp, author of "Freemasons for Dummies"

Chirs Hodapp's Freemasonry Page
Freemasons for Dummies
History of Freemasons
Famous Freemasons

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanks to technology, chemical use, and mechanization, fewer farmers can produce more food in less time. Productivity has steadily increased since around the end of World War II, but some of the methods for increasing production have had unfortunate side effects like topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, the decline of family farms, and even the decline of social and economic conditions for entire rural communities. Over the past twenty years or so, the farming world has seen a movement towards sustainability, and the movement is gaining ground even within mainstream agricultural communities. Proponents seek to involve every link in the food chain - from farm workers to consumers to policymakers - in minimizing social and economic harm to rural areas. Tune in this Friday to learn more about the move toward Sustainable Agriculture.

Guests:
Mac Stone, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Lee Meyer, PhD, Extension Professor, UofK Agriculture Department
Adam Barr, Community Farm Alliance

Links:
National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Ag Conference Returns to Louisville
Sustainable Agriculture - Answers.com
Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As Mayor Jerry Abramson starts his second term as mayor of Metro Louisville, he faces both old and new challenges. In his State of the City address he said parks, downtown, education and the bridges are his key
priorities. What do you think? Are your priorities for Louisville the same as Mayor Abramson's? Would you like to know more about his plan for the city? Do you have a question specific to your neighborhood? Join us on Thursday when you can ask Mayor Jerry Abramson your questions about your city.

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Guest:
Mayor Jerry Abramson

Links:
Abramson's State of the City Address
Metro Louisville
Dog Owners Confront Mayor
Mayor's State of the City Address Includes Promise that Bridges Will Be Built

Posted by Laura Ellis at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)