State of Affairs Blog

We're having our Spring Membership Drive this week! It's one of the two times a year we come to you and invite you to become a member of the Public Radio Partnership and join our team. This year, we've shortened our drive to seven days, hoping that we can raise as much money in a shorter time, and bring you more programming and less drive. Give us a call at 814-6565 or visit www.wfpl.org to particpate!

This week we'll be revisiting some of our favorite shows from the past six months. We hope you enjoy a look back at our shows on Historical Re-Enactors, Zade Dirani and the Roads to You Tour, Optimists & Pessimists, Toys, and Louisville's Local Music Scene.

As always, we welcome your questions and feedback! We'll see you with all new shows next week!

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In a climate where the balance between personal freedom and national security seems precarious at best, many adults are confused about our rights. For students, operating under the authority not just of the law, but of school administrators and beaurocracy, civil liberties can be an even more confusing subject. Does the school have the right to search your locker? Censor your article in the school newspaper? Prevent you from forming a club with a certain ideology? Can they make you listen to prayers at school events or submit to random drug tests? This Friday we'll learn the answers to these and other questions, in a conversation about students' civil liberties.

Guests:
Maria Emilia Ramirez, Program Associate, ACLU-KY
Joe Weston, Senior, Manual High School
Hannah Elliot, Junior, Harrodsburg, KY

Links:
ACLU - Student Rights
Constitutional Issues: Student Rights
High Court Cases Test Limits of Student Speech Rights
ACLU-KY to Host Youth Rights Leadership Conference

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Over the past few months, responsible pet ownership has been on a lot of minds in Louisville. The debate over and passage of the so-called "dangerous dog ordinance," has called into question the duties and responsibilities of pet owners - to keep their pets safe and healthy, and prevent pets from bothering or harming others. This Friday on State of Affairs, we'll talk about what it means to be a responsible pet owner and how we can keep our pets - and those they come in contact with - in good shape.

Guests:
Lori Kane Redmon, CEO, Kentucky Humane Society
Krista Roberts, Public Relations/Marketing Director, Kentucky Humane Society

Links:
Kentucky Humane Society
Louisville Dog Ordinance FAQ
10 Things All Pet Owners Should Know

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

As if housing over 1,300 animals from all over the world weren't exciting enough, the zoo has been an even wilder place over the past few months. Babies abound, with new family members for the Pygmy Hippos, endangered
Maned Wolves, and the first White-Throated Ground Dove ever hatched in captivity. They've also launched a $25 million Capital Campaign to raise money for new exhibits, including an arctic-themed area called Glacier Run. Tune in this Wednesday to learn more about what's new at the Louisville Zoo.

Guest:
Dr. John Walzack, Director, Louisville Zoo
Steve Wing, General Animal Curator

Links:
Welcom to the Louisville Zoo
Zoo News
Zoo Animals Overview
Zoo Has Raised $9 Million for Glacier Run

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Have you been downtown lately? If not, you might not believe your eyes, there is a housing boom going on in the Central Business District. There are condos and apartments springing up everywhere. But would you live
downtown? Join us on Tuesday as we talk to a few downtown residents about what it's like to live in the city, how it's changed and what is needed.

Guests:
Mark Gabhart, Downtown Resident
Christopher Schuster, Downtown Resident
Melody Doda, Downtown Resident
Barry Alberts, Executive Director, Downtown Development Corp

Links:
Louisville Downtown Residents Association
Choosing to live downtown has added vibrancy to life
Downtown Housing Projects
Shopping Around

Posted by Robin Fisher at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally Broadcast on 12/13/06]

Think collecting art is a pastime only for the very wealthy? Think again! Art collecting can be an investment strategy that is accessible to almost anyone with a modest amount to spend. Think you have to have a degree in art history and know the start and end dates of Picasso's Blue Period? On the contrary - art collecting experts say just start with what you like. The more you look at art, conventional wisdom says, the more you will develop an eye for what appeals to your personal aesthetic - and that's the first step toward starting an art collection that is both monetarily valuable and makes you feel great when you see it on your walls. Tune in this Wednesday to learn more about art collecting, and call us with your questions.

Guests:
Julien Robson, Speed Museum Curator of Contemporary Art
Chuck Swanson, artist, owner of Swanson Reed Contemporary Gallery
Rick Heath, art collector
Christian Trabue, art appraiser

Links:
Everything You Need to Know to Buy Contemporary Art
Collecting Art - Learn How to Build a Collection
Painting for Profit: Is Art a Wise Investment?
New Art Collectors

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Do you sometimes think the world is against you? Is your life an uphill battle? Do you look for someone to blame? According to the Work of Byron Katie, maybe the answer to your troubles is inside. Join us on Friday as we talk with Katie and co-author Stephen Mitchell about finding joy.

Links:
The Work of Byron Katie
Four Questions to Inner Peace
Byron Katie Interview

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So you bring your baby home from the hospital and everyone says Ahhh. But you are feeling a bit of panic. How will you know if she should sleep on her stomach or back? What happens if he swallows a button? When should
you teach her how to swim? It's enough to make a parent down right paranoid. Join the conversation on Thursday when we answer these questions and more about infant safety.

Guests:
Harvey Barnett, MD, Founder Infant Swim
Michael Howard, MD, UofL, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Links:
Infant Swim
Guide to Infant Safety
Keeping Your Baby Safe
Infant Safety Devices Underused

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Studies show that self injury is a psychological phenomenon that is more common among teenagers than adults. Is it a conflict within, expressing itself on the outside? What is the motive? Is it addictive? Is there a treatment? How do we recognize self injurers? How can we help them? Join us on Wednesday as we discuss self-injury.

Guests:
Mary Beth Tevebaugh

Links:
Self-Injury - Types, Causes and Treatments
Facts for Families: Self-Injury and Adolescents

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

Don't walk alone or in poorly-lit areas. Don't leave your drink unattended at a party. Recognize early warning signs for physical violence such as a partner's extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, or verbal threats. These tips and most others we hear are designed to help women avoid being victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. But why are most prevention programs aimed at women, when, overwhelmingly, it is men who commit rape and spouse abuse? This Tuesday on State of Affairs we'll learn what men can do - from understanding the definition of consent, to teaching their sons non-violent problem-solving skills - to prevent violence against women.

Guests:
Rus Ervin Funk, MSW, author, Reaching Men: Strategies for Preventing Sexist Attitudes, Behaviors and Violence
Farrah Guerrant, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, SANE Program
Shawn Reilly, Men of PEACC Program, UofL
Denise Vasquez Troutman, President/CEO, Center for Women and Families

Links:
Center for Women and Families
Men Can Stop Rape
Reaching Men: Strategies for Preventing Sexist Attitudes, Behaviors, and Violence; by Rus Funk
Why Should Men Care About Sexual Violence?

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[Originally Broadcast on 12/6/06]

Think Breast Cancer is the leading cause of Cancer death among American women, and Prostate Cancer among men? You'd be wrong. Lung Cancer kills more people in the U.S. than any other kind of cancer - it accounts for 29 percent of all the country's cancer deaths. It's also one of the most preventable kinds of Cancer; around 85 percent of cases are caused by tobacco use. This Monday on State of Affairs, we'll take a look at the disease - why it's so tricky to detect, what the treatment options and survival rates are, and the factors you can avoid to minimize your risk (hint: not smoking may not be enough). Join us with your questions for our panel of experts on Lung Cancer. Today's show is a rebroadcast, so we won't be taking calls.

Guests:
Dr. Maria Cirino, Interventional Pulmonologist
Dr. Luis Carrascosa, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Goetz Kloecker, Medical Oncologist
Dr. Michael Bousamra, Thoracic Surgeon

Links:
MedLine Plus: Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Prevention
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung Cancer Risk Quiz

Posted by Laura Ellis at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Even with the debate about illegal immigration in the news as often as it is, we don’t often hear about the immigration process itself. How does one legally become a U.S. Citizen? How long does it take, how much does it cost, and what’s on the test? We’ll learn about the nuts and bolts of immigration and citizenship, this Friday on State of Affairs.

Guests:
Rebecca Cowherd, Immigration Attorney, Russell Law
John Whitaker, Citizenship Coordinator, Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Brett Mangum, Immigration Attorney, Catholic Charities

Links:
How to Becomine a U.S. Citizen
Cost of Becoming a Citizen Could Rise Sharply
Could You Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test?
Myths & Facts about U.S. Immigration Policy (PDF)
Immigration Law & You

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We all know healthcare costs are up while at the same time Americans seem to be more unhealthy than ever before. Insurance premiums and obesity seem to be rising at the same rates, but who is responsible for changing the tide? Well some feel it's time for the consumer to take some responsibility for their health, and reap some benefits of lower premiums. Others think this sets a bad precedent and will leave truly ill people in the lurch with higher premiums and less access to medical care. What is your opinion? Join us on Thursday as we explore Consumer Driven Healthcare.

Guests:
Charles Smith, MD
Don Thompson, owner, Thompson Associates Inc.; benefits planner

Links:
Consumer-Driven Healthcare (CDHC)
CDHC Glossary
Healthcare Costs Spike Again
Facts about Healthcare Costs
Wellness Has Key Role in Consumer-Directed Healthcare Solutions

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stretch your body, work out your muscles, bring out your shovel, wash your gloves, and get ready for some digging! It’s that time of the year. Spring is coming. Is your garden ready? Join us for our annual Spring Gardening show, with HomeGrown hosts Bob Hill, and Jeneen Wiche.

Guests:
Bob Hill & Jeneen Wiche, Hosts of WFPL's HomeGrown

Links:
Spring Garden Planting Guide
Perennial Plants to Prune in the Spring
Spring Gardening for Zone 6 in the Southern U.S.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Opponents of Affirmative Action say that only merit should be considered in decisions about employment, school admissions, and other opportunities. Proponents say it barely comes close to leveling the playing field for minorities after years of disadvantage. This Tuesday, we bring together voices from both sides of the debate and invite you to add yours, in a conversation about creating equality.

Guests:
Dr. Ricky L. Jones, Pan African Studies, UofL
Ward Connerly, chairman, California Civil Rights Initiative

Links:
Homepage of Dr. Ricky L. Jones
Ward Connerly Bio
Affirmative Action Pros & Cons
Affirmative Action History

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally broadcast on December 1, 2006]

Recent outbreaks of e-coli and salmonella have caused great concern for food growers and consumers alike. How do you know if you’ve bought tainted food? What is the inspection process? How do you safely prepare food in your home? Join us Monday when we’ll get to the bottom of these and other questions concerning food safety. Because this is a rebroadcast, we won't be taking calls today.

Links:
Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Food Safety
USDA Basics for Handling Food Safely
The Truth About Food Expiration Dates

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

1704, the first newspaper advertisement was published in the Boston News-Letter. Soon advertising was not just in newspapers, but on the radio, in glossy magazines and on television. Today we have ads on the sides of buses, online, on blimps, even – believe it or not – tattooed on people’s foreheads. And now that we’re supposedly too savvy to fall for traditional ads, pitches are popping up even more insidiously, through product placement. Tune in to commercial-free public radio this Friday for a look at the past, present and future of marketing and advertising.

Guests:
David Bonner, Doe Anderson Executive VP and Chief Creative Officer
Adolfo (Ben) Ruiz III, Adhawks, CEO & Creative Director
Dan Barbercheck, Red7e, Creative Director

Links:
Advertising History Timeline
Is Advertising Dead?
Adweek
Adfreak
History of Advertising and Public Relations

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

With the passage of the 1971 National Cancer Act, America’s determination to eradicate cancer was made into law. Since then, science has made great strides in understanding the fundamental biology of cancer, and much work has been done to educate the public about risk factors and prevention. Still, among what researchers call the “Big Four” cancers - lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate – long-term survival for advanced cancer has barely budged. So are we winning the war on cancer? Are we close to a cure? Join us this Thursday to learn more about where we stand with cancer today.

Guests:
Donald M. Miller, MD, PhD, Director, James Graham Brown Cancer Center
Jason A. Chesney, MD, PhD, Associate Director, Translational Research Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center

Links:
James Graham Brown Cancer Center
Cancer Deaths Decline for Second Straight Year
When Will We Cure Cancer?
Cancer Facts & Figures 2007 (PDF)
Living with Cancer
American Cancer Society

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