State of Affairs Blog

“The Joy of Cooking” - It has been called the bible of the kitchen, the backbone of home cooks’ libraries, and a mandatory gift at weddings, graduations, and housewarming s alike. And this year the authors and publishers are commemorating the cookbook with a 75th anniversary edition. Privately published in 1931 by Irma S. Rombauer, a homemaker in St. Louis, Missouri struggling emotionally and financially after her husband’s suicide in 1930, “The Joy of Cooking” is one of the United States’ most published cookbooks, selling over 18 million copies. These days, Irma’s legacy has been passed on to her grandson Ethan Becker who has restored the charm and down-hominess of the earlier editions. Join us Thursday when we discuss 75 years of “The Joy of Cooking”.

Becasue today's show is an archive edition, we aren't taking calls this hour.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 11:16 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. Because today's show is an archive edition, we won't be taking calls this hour.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:16 AM | 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. Because this is a repeat show we will not be taking calls.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you ever wondered whether that dusty rocking horse in your parents' garage or the old typewriter nestled in the back of your aunt's closet might be worth some money? Do you have an item you know is antique and you're trying to decide whether to sell it - and if so, for how much? And just what is the difference between an antique and a collectible? Join us this Thursday to ask our experts, on a show about antiques.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Are rising gas prices breaking your wallet? Is public transportation beginning to sound more appealing? Or perhaps you are already familiar with the TARC buses that frequent our Louisville streets? Recently, TARC has been experiencing changes varying from fare increases to new hybrid buses to improving its TARC3 program for the elderly and disabled. But how does TARC fit into Louisville and Kentucky's future transportation plans?

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

How would you like to die? This is a question that will cross your mind every now and then. However, this is no simple question, as it comes packed with moral, ethical, religious and even financial issues. Do you want to continue to live no matter the consequence? Or does using a certain form of medication go against some of your religious standings? This barely scratches the surface, as we will delve deeper into the moral concerns of end of life decisions. So join us on Tuesday, as we discuss the intricacies of end of life decisions as well as helping you understand the importance of understanding these choices.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:20 AM | 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 Monday to learn more about the myths and facts surrounding fraternities and sororities. Because this is an archived edition, we will not be taking calls. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you're tired of the corporate world and intrigued by the idea of being your own boss… if you're a parent who wants to stay at home with the kids without sacrificing your income… if you have a hobby and your friends constantly say, "You could make a living from that"… then you've probably been tempted by the idea of starting a home based business. This Friday we'll find out how to get started, pitfalls to look out for, and how to maximize your chances of success. Tune in to learn what's really involved in running a home based business.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Until recently, many pet owners' approach to pet nutrition consisted of buying pet food at the grocery store, and feeding it to their pets. But the death and illnesses that prompted a widespread recall of cat and dog food earlier this year brought issues of pet food and pet nutrition to the nation's attention. What is really in pet food, and how do we know if it's safe, and if it's meeting our pet's dietary needs? How do those needs change throughout our pet's lifespan? Can healthy pet food be made at home? Join us this Thursday as we answer these questions and more, in a conversation about pet nutrition.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Did you know that Portland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was recently named a Preserve America community by First Lady Laura Bush? Portland consists of historical sites such as the U.S. Marine Hospital and Portland Wharf Park, with both being recently renovated to highlight their significant pasts. Are you someone who visits the annual Portland Festival? Or have you always wondered about living in the community? We will try to answer some of these questions and examine the past and present history of the Portland area. So join us on Wednesday as we discuss the restoration developments and current plans for Portland in Louisville, Kentucky.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It was the top news story earlier this summer, a man with a dangerous form of tuberculosis boarded several planes, and took several flights that crossed international boundaries, despite what the CDC says was a warning from his doctors. This event brought the dangers of tuberculosis back into the forefronts of the world’s minds. With 1.6 million people dying every year from the disease, tuberculosis still persists as a serious medical threat. But, is tuberculosis a major threat to us in the local area? How does someone contract the disease and how common is tuberculosis? Is it safe to travel across seas and how did this man find his way onto international flights? We will look to answer these questions and more as we discuss the intricacies of tuberculosis.

Listen:
Segment A, 15:17
Segment B, 18:27
Segment C, 15:46

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The summer is filled with graduation parties, poolside barbeques, and fun celebrations like the 4th of July. For many teens, the summer provides countless opportunities to consume alcohol. With an estimated 65% of underage drinkers getting their alcohol from friends or family, some underage drinking parties are actually sponsored by parents who would rather have kids drink at home than out on the street. This issue brings up many questions. Should parents allow teen drinking in the home? What are the social host ordinances in Kentucky? What about the social ramifications for the teens? What are the effects of alcohol on the young adult brain? What methods prove effective to deter underage alcohol consumption? Tune in on Friday for our conversation on the social realities of teen drinking.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some photographs are more than just impassive reproductions of what we see with our eyes. A good photograph captures not just an image, but the action, emotion and significance of the moment, allowing viewers - even decades later - to experience and better understand that moment and its meaning. This Thursday, we'll explore how photography shapes our memories, as a culture and as individuals. We'll talk about some iconic and historical photographs, and how photography has changed the way we think about our world. Join us with your thoughts, and visit our slide show to see some of the pictures that will be part of the discussion.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Did you know that the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is persons 100 years and older; with the second fastest segment being those 85+? This group of people, known as the "old old" comes with its own expectations, needs and medical issues. How will society address the needs of an “old-old” population? Will this change the nature of geriatric medicine? Who will take care of the “old old” as they continue to age? Do you know of someone in this age range? Join us on Thursday as we learn more about caring for the “old old”.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sports factor into our everyday lives, whether we watch our children participate in Little League baseball or watch a basketball game on television after work. With the recent announcement of Diane McGraw as Executive Director, the Greater Louisville Sports Commission hopes to attract more sporting events to the area. Are you excited about the Ironman competition coming in August? Or are you excited at the new possibilities available with the riverfront arena being constructed? Join us on Tuesday, July 10, as we discuss upcoming sporting events such as the 2008 Ryder Cup and what the future holds for the area in regards to sports.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:01 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 Monday when we learn more about prescription drug abuse. Because this is an archived show we will not be taking calls.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you ever wondered what it is like to run a medical school? Building a bridge between public service and personal education is no easy task. The administrators running medical schools juggle the interests of students, faculty, staff, and the community. Between being experts on the curriculum and planning for the university's future, the people in charge have a full plate in front of them. If you are interested in the administrative side of medical school, or you are simply curious about what the job entails, join us for our discussion on Friday to find out more about running a medical school.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cellular phones have constantly evolved over the last decade, incorporating cameras and an internet connection. However, the whole industry was shaken with the introduction of the Apple iPhone on June 29th. Are you ready for a phone that allows you to watch movies, play music, use an internet browser, and answer calls all with a touch screen? The innovation does not stop within the cell phone industry, as Microsoft also recently announced a computer that is completely touchable and hands-on, called the Surface. But maybe you are more concerned with getting your Microsoft Vista to work? Or is your worry the latest virus? Join us on Thursday as we discuss these devices and other technology news that is heating up the summer.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just over ten years had passed since the citizens of the newly-formed USA had rebelled against a government that afforded little to no rights to the individual, which many found tyrannical. America's founding fathers were creating a constitution for their fledgling nation, and some of them worried it would give the new government the kind of unchecked power that made the old system so intolerable. Enter the Bill of Rights - these first ten amendments to the constitution, drafted by James Madison, became the guarantor of citizen's civil liberties. Like the constitution it amended, the Bill of Rights had vehement opposition and equally strident support. Join us this Friday to learn more about the story of the Bill of Rights and its importance, both in 1789 and today.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In an effort to maintain racial diversity, Jefferson County Public Schools require that between 15% and 50% of each school's student be African-American. As a result, when Crystal Meredith wanted to transfer her son out of his cluster school, they were turned down because moving him to a non-cluster school would have left upset the racial balance at the assigned school. While her son eventually attended his school of choice, Meredith chose to join other parents in a lawsuit.

Listen to the Show

Guests:
Russ Weaver, Professor, Brandeis Law School, University of Louisville
Cedric Powell, Brandeis Law School, University of Louisville
Gary Orfield, Professor, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA

Related Links:
Washington Post: Divided Court Limits Use of Race by School Districts
NPR: Supreme Court Quashes School Desegregation
CNN: Divided court rejects school diversity plans

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:00 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 Monday when we answer these and other questions about minority businesses in Kentuckiana. Because this is a repeat broadcast, we will not be taking calls.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)