State of Affairs Blog

How many of us decry the businesses practices implemented by Wal-mart and other big box stores - saying we want the minimum wage to be higher and for companies to provide better benefits to their employees - then shop there anyway because it's cheap? Maybe we complain when prices go up, not thinking it may be because being a more ethical company costs more money, which is passed on to the shopper. This disconnect between being a savvy consumer and being a good citizen is at the heart of former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich's book, "Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life." He joins us Wednesday to talk about the book and the relationship between capitalism and democracy. Are they interdependent, or does one necessarily thrive at the expense of the other? Tune in to learn more, and join us with your thoughts and questions. Continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Embryonic stem cells are usually harvested from surplus human embryos created for women using alternate fertility methods. The cells are valuable to researchers because they are like blank slates - they can be manipulated into becoming almost any kind of cell in the human body, in a way that adult stem cells cannot. Scientists say stem cell research may hold the key to curing diseases and repairing injuries, but opponents say using embryos in this way is unethical and causes the end of a human. The resulting controversy is the subject of much political disagreement over what should be allowed, and what should and should not receive federal funding. Join us this Tuesday for a conversation on the ethical challenges involved in embryonic stem cell research. Continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Are you afraid of the dark and things that go bump in the night? Do names like Freddy and Jason give you a chill? Well, if so, you are not alone. Halloween is here and Hollywood has been busy getting the horror movies into the theaters in time to scare our collective socks off. But what is it that drives us to want to watch these movies? Why do we like to frighten ourselves? What do we find so irresistible about ghosts, goblins, and ghouls? Join us Monday when we will discuss the psyche (not psycho) behind our obsession with horror films, cult and classic alike. Because this is an archived edition we will not be taking calls. Continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

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

Maybe it's a story you saw on the news about a crime in another neighborhood, or just maybe it's your next door neighbor, or your son. Youth violence affects every neighborhood and violent youth live in all different types of households. The reasons teens turn violent are as varied as the teens themselves, but there are warning signs, socio-economic conditions and behavior patterns that can help predict which kids might turn violent. And along with the prediction comes hope for prevention and treatment. Join us on Friday when we learn more about youth violence. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

President George W. Bush has a little over one year left in office. Since taking office in January 2001, President Bush has dealt with a struggling economy, terrorism, war and sagging approval ratings. But how does he see himself? And what legacy would he like to leave? Author Robert Draper was granted unprecedented access to the President for his latest book "Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush". Join us on Thursday as we talk with Mr. Draper about his book. Robert Draper appears courtesy of the Louisville Free Public Library. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There is a tendency to judge a person's health and health habits strictly by the way they look. But there are many factors at play in our overall health. Studies have shown minorities and persons in lower socio-economic neighborhoods have unequal access to healthcare and general health information. Louisville would like to change that and in mid-2006 the Center for Health Equity was established. Join us on Wednesday as we learn more about health equity. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Most of us have childhood memories of using the public library. And some of us have continued to use the library as adults. But have you ever stopped to think about how the library is funded? Right now the Louisville Free Public Library is funded through the Metro Louisville budget, but that may be about to change. On November 6th voters in Louisville will be presented with a referendum on the ballot to establish a library district funded by in increase in the occupational tax. What exactly does this mean? And are there alternatives for funding? Join us on Tuesday as we discuss the proposed library referendum. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:23 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 Monday to learn more about where we stand with cancer today. Since this is an archived show we will not be taking calls. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:14 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. 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 Friday as we discuss the restoration developments and current plans for Portland. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org. Call 814-6565 or visit our secure online pledge form to become a member today

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you remember your first car love? Was it the sleek Firebird? The muscle GTO? Or how about the old boxy Nova? Join us on Friday when we talk with William Porter, a 38-year car designer with General Motors. We'll find out what determines a car's design, why designs change and what we might be driving in the future. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org. Call 814-6565 or visit our secure online pledge form to become a member today!

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you get a hankerin' for grits? How about some good collard greens? Oh, and don't forget the fried chicken. Southern food, there’s nothing like it. If your mouth is watering at the thought, then have we got a show for you! On Wednesday, grab yourself a sweet tea, turn on your radio and join us for a discussion about Southern Food. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org. Call 814-6565 or visit our secure online pledge form to become a member today!

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

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. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org. Call 814-6565 or visit our secure online pledge form to become a member today!

Posted by Robin Fisher at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

During the past year, 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 Monday 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. Due to our Fall Membership Drive all shows this week are archived editions. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org. Call 814-6565 or visit our secure online pledge form to become a member today!

Posted by Robin Fisher at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's bad enough that beautiful people get more dates than average-looking people. Research has now shown that they also make more money, get more job offers, are less likely to be called out on bad behavior, and even get more parental attention as kids than their average-looking siblings! On the other hand, attractiveness can actually keep women from being taken seriously at work - and studies show that hotties of both genders aren't as confident or happy as we might expect. Join us this Friday when we talk about how physical attractiveness affects the way we are treated by the world - and each other. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

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

Religion, war, AIDS, politics – the themes playwright Tony Kushner explores in his work read like a list of what never to bring up at a dinner party. Kushner hasn’t shied away from presenting difficult issues through theater, and his Pulitzer Prize, Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards mean he must be doing something right. This Thursday we’ll talk with “Angels in America” author Tony Kushner, about his life and work. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shhhhh....Come closer I have something to tell you. It's a secret. Or maybe it's not really a secret, but I want you to think it's important. Espionage, spies, spying, all words that conjure up the image of secrets passed in dark alleyways, tapped phones and double agents. Join us on Wednesday as we learn more about spies and spying with Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Maybe you've read "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt, or "Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs or even the controversial “A Million Little Pieces” by James Frey. All three are famous memoirs of non-famous people. The genre of the "nobody" memoir has exploded in the past few years and it seems everyone has a story to tell. Do you? Join us on Tuesday when we talk about the memoir, who is reading them, who is writing them and why are they so popular. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Volunteer opportunities abound in non-profit organizations. You can be a mentor, build houses, shelve books, you name it. But did you know there is a need for people to serve on the boards of directors for most non-profits? The commitments for time, money and responsibility vary. But, the experience and satisfaction can be invaluable. Join us on Monday as we learn more about non-profit boards, what they do and how to serve. Because today’s show 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 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you use a chiropractor? Does your athletic child? How about your elderly father? According to the American Chiropractic Association “Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.” But what does that mean? Join us on Friday when we learn about chiropractic. Because this is an archived edition we will not be taking calls. You can continue the conversation at our weblog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On October 4th, 1957 the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I; the world's first artificial intelligence satellite. But it wasn't just the launch of a satellite but the beginning of the U.S./Soviet Union space race. Join us on Thursday when we learn more about Sputnik, the space race and what it all means 50 years later. You can continue the conversation at our weblog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are eyesores in every community. There are plots of land that used to be industrial sites; old buildings that once housed factories or abandoned rail yards, etc. Aren’t you tierd of looking at them? Don’t you wonder why someone hasn’t reused the space? And just what would it take to make those sites safe for the long term? Join us on Wednesday as we talk with national and local experts about sustainable redevelopment. You can continue the conversation at our weblog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 08:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the past couple of months Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed
a new prime minister and reshuffled the cabinet. To what end? And what
does Russia’s pro-Iran stand mean for the rest of the world? Some speculate
the end of the democratic reform is at hand in Russia; while others think we
might be headed for a new Cold War. Join us on Tuesday when we talk
about the status of Russia today.

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

There are some basic things everyone knows about Thomas Merton. He was a monk. He wrote "The Seven Storey Mountain". He was a man of peace. But who was he really? Did you know he was a poet? A peace activist? A lover of jazz? Join us on Monday as we talk about a new Merton documentary and learn more about the man. Today's show is an archive edition, so we're unable to take calls, but you can continue the conversation on our weblog, www.soablog.org.

Posted by Robin Fisher at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)