State of Affairs Blog

Few cities of Louisville's size can boast a greater wealth of available arts. On any given weekend, you could visit several art galleries during the trolley hop, hear the Louisville Orchestra, see a ballet, watch a nationally-touring play in a concert hall or a local production in a tiny independent theater. But as great as Louisville's arts scene is, is it offering what people really want? To find out, a survey was commissioned, and the results will be published in this year's Arts & Entertainment issue of LEO Weekly. Join us this Friday to discuss the results, and let us know what YOU want from your arts community. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

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From active demonstrations - like sit-ins, marches, and picket lines - to more indirect activism like boycotts and petitions, protesting has played an important role in American history. Things have evolved over the years - tactics that worked in the 1960s may not bring about change today - and the types of issues that inspire active dissent can shift as quickly as the political landscape. The internet and other technologiccal advances have also changed the way we make our voices heard. Join us this Thursday for a look at the art of protest, and the past, present, and future of activism. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Who would have thought that being poor would be expensive? It's true, from picking up toothpaste to getting checks cashed to purchasing home mortgages, residents of low-income neighborhoods are paying more on average for the same goods and services than those living in high income parts of town. What causes this phenomenon to occur? How does this problem weigh on the shoulders of those struggling to climb out of lower income areas, particularly single women and mothers? And how should the needs of these citizens and families be addressed? Are financial education programs the answer or is legislation the next step? Join us this Wednesday as we discuss the High Cost of Being Poor. You can continue the conversation on our weblog at www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In January of this year John Yarmuth, local businessman former publisher of LEO Weekly, became Congressman John Yarmuth, 3rd District, Kentucky. He packed up, moved to Washington, DC and started working. Over the course of his first term he has dealt with issues from the war in Iraq to illegal immigration to the Farm Bill. Not to mention, he's had to learn the "lay of the land" as a freshman congressman. Join us on Tuesday as we talk with Congressman Yarmuth about his first term in the House, the issues he's tackled and what it's like to be a congressman. Continue the conversation on our weblog at www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:00 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 Monday as we discuss self-injury. Because this is an archive edition of State of Affairs, we won't be taking calls today. You can continue the conversation on our weblog at www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since Mayor Abramson's last visit with us there have been some big headlines in Louisville - the Supreme Court's ruling on our public school system's racial distribution made national news, and the smoking ban has taken effect, but continues to cause controversy. This Thursday we'll discuss what these changes might mean for Louisville, and see what else is new in our fair city. Tune in, and join us with your comments and questions for Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Everyone says Americans are working longer hours, taking less vacation, doing more work in the time they are at their place of employment. Okay, but what about that place of employment? Whether or not someone is happy with their job can depend a lot on the work environment; from the actual physical layout to benefits, co-workers and company image. So what are the best practices for an employer who wants productive and happy employees? The new University of Kentucky Institute for Workplace Innovation set out to answer this question earlier this year. Join us on Wednesday as we talk about what they learned and call-in to tell us what works for you.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 10:01 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 Monday 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. Because this is an archive edition of the show, we won't be taking calls today, but you can continue the conversation on our weblog, at www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We’ve all been there, you know, when you walk into a store and immediately feel like you belong. Or the opposite, and you can’t wait to get out of there. And then there’s the frustrating task of shopping at a different location of your regular grocery store – just where are the soft drinks? And then, the true test for a retailer, once inside the store, do you spend any money? You may not always be aware of the business tricks used to get you to spend your money, so here is your chance to find out more. Tune in Friday for our discussion about retail psychology.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Singer. Dancer. Performer. Sex symbol. Elvis Presley was all these things, and yet somehow, in our collective consciousness, he's become much more. What is it about The King that catapulted him to icon status? Is it that his life's trajectory - from a two-room house his father built to the twenty-three-room Graceland mansion - epitomizes the American Dream? Was it his premature death that cemented his place in our imaginations? Tune in this Thursday, and call us with your thoughts about the cult and culture of Elvis Presley. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The history of prosthetics begins in ancient civilizations with the use of simple wooden crutches. Today, we live in a world of micro-compressors and vacuum technology where prosthetics can be used for not only arms and legs but also to improve damaged nervous systems and replace heart valves. As prosthetic technology advances, how are the lives of amputees affected? Or can the average amputee even afford very basic prosthetics in light of modern insurance caps? And what about amputee athletes? Do new prosthetic limbs give them an advantage? Join us on Wednesday as we speak with our experts about the advances in prosthetics. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Did you know that the Farm Bill is responsible for the types of food available at the grocery or for your child’s school lunch? Or that the bill encompasses the Food Stamp Program and conservation of more than half of the United States land? In the past, people believed that this bill only revolved around farmers. However, with the advance of technology and easier access to news, the 2007 Farm Bill has become a hot and controversial topic for both politicians and the general public. So join us on Tuesday as we discuss the complexities of the 2007 Farm Bill.

Posted by Laura Ellis at 01:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Remember when keeping up with politics meant reading the newspaper? Or when being involved meant going door to door and talking to your neighbors? Well, it's not your Dad's politics any longer. The political arena has moved to cyberspace with blogs, meetups and net news taking the lead. On Wednesday we'll talk to two pioneers in the "net roots" movement, Markos Moulitsas Zuniga who founded the blog dailyKos and Jerome Armstrong of the blog MyDD, about the internet, politics and the new face of political activism. Join us with your questions, you can even listen on the web!

Posted by Laura Ellis at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some experts recommend we get thirty minutes of exercise every day. Others say we need sixty. Some say it must be cardio. Others insist weight-bearing exercises are essential. Of course, it also depends on our age, our health - even our gender. So how much time should we be spending in the gym, on the basketball court, or walking the dog? What is the difference between exercise and "physical activity," and does one count for more than the other? Join us this Friday when we find out how much exercise we really need - and the best ways to make sure we get it.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you ever experienced workplace violence? Do you have to go through metal detectors to get to work? Does your child have security guards monitoring the hallways? Violent situations at school and the workplace may leave you in a panic. Find out what you can do to prevent situations from occurring, learn how to assess the problem if it happens, and understand the best way to keep yourself and your children safe. Whether you are a worried parent, a concerned employer, or a curious student, tune in on Thursday for our show on assessing school and workplace violence.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 06:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to crack high-tech cases like the experts on CSI? Forensics is by no means a new science, but within recent years, investigations have started relying more and more on electronic evidence from cell phones, emails, and other computer files. How is this growing realm of the techno-legal improving law enforcement? How does it affect you? And do we know where to draw the line between evidence and privacy? Join us this Wednesday for our discussion on E-Evidence and Digital Forensics.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Your college years will be some of the greatest years of your life. You probably heard this before entering school or even have given this advice to others. However, going into your first year at college can be both mentally and physically tough. Will I drink when I get to school? Who will I hang out with now that my friends are gone? How much work and reading will I really need to do? These are some of the more basic questions, but that first semester can become even more confusing when looking at finances, picking a major and possible separation anxiety. So join us on Tuesday, as we examine how it feels to be a college freshman today, from attending a large university to commuting to a local college.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the most difficult decisions families face is what to do when aging relatives can no longer safely live on their own. The transition into a nursing home or retirement community can be traumatic both for the senior and the family; often the home they leave behind is one that has been in the family for generations. A new trend is emerging to solve this problem - "Aging in Place" is the term used to refer to keeping elderly people in their homes as they get older. Often it involves remodeling and making modifications so the home is safer and more accessible. Aging at home is becoming an industry of its own, with consultants, specialists, and publications to help make it possible. Tune in this Monday to learn more about Aging in Place. Because this is an archive edition we will not be taking calls. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:03 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. Because this edition of State of Affairs is from our archives, we will not be taking calls. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Founded in 1982 by conservationist John Muir, the Sierra Club is an environmental organization focused on preserving green spaces. Their current campaigns are concerned with finding alternate energy solutions, lessening the impact of global warming, promoting clean water and clean air, and preventing the overdevelopment of America’s remaining wild lands. Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope will join us this Thursday – tune in to learn more about the work and goals of the Sierra Club. Because this edition of State of Affairs is from our archives, we will not be taking calls.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ask just about anyone from Louisville what they think of the city and you may hear answers like beautiful park system, clean, safe, low cost of living, growing business community, or a great place to raise a family. But ask someone from Tulsa, Minneapolis, Portland, or just about anywhere else in the country and you may hear something completely different. Their answers may be less than complementary, a little more vague, or just downright wrong. What is Louisville's image to the rest of the country and why is it important for Louisville to have a positive image? Join us Wednesday to learn more about the importance of branding Louisville's image. This is an archived edition, so we will not be taking calls.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)