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November 30, 2007

Planning a Fabulous Holiday Party

Have you ever been to a holiday party that you thought would never end? Or how about one where you couldn't believe what a great time you had? Parties are a funny thing. It's not the expense that matters but the right combination of guests and atmosphere. But how does that magic happen? Join us on Friday when we talk to two local party givers and goers about how to have a fabulous party, regardless of your budget.

November 29, 2007

Sexualization of Girls

People have always talked about how kids grow up faster today than when they were kids. And, to look at some of the girls today, who could deny it. Girls and young women today are ofen portrayed as grown women in little bodies. Sexualized images of young females are every where from television shows to print ads to Bratz dolls. So what message is this sending to our daughters, granddaughters and nieces? And how does it influence self-image and interpersonal relationships? Join us on Thursday for a discussion on the sexualization of girls.

Links:

Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls

No Escaping the Sexualization of Young Girls

www.packaginggirlhood.com


Join the Conversation:
Do you have young girls in your life? Is this an issue for them? How do you deal with it?

November 28, 2007

Classic Television Sitcoms

Maybe for you it was I Love Lucy, and for your daughter it was Good Times and for your grandson it was Saved By The Bell. Or maybe for some it will be Two and a Half Men . What do all of these have in common? They are all half-hour television sitcoms. But, are they all classic sitcoms? Or is the jury still out on what makes a "classic"? Join us on Wednesday as we talk with The Incredible Inman about classic television sitcoms and call us to talk about your favorite shows.

November 27, 2007

Veterans History Project

World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Grenada, Iraq - all U.S. military engagements over the past 65+ years. And in each conflict, service men and women bravely fought for this country. And those left behind worried, worked and waited. So how do they feel about it now? And what do these veterans have in common; or how are they different? The Library of Congress wanted to know and so began the Veterans History Project. Join us on Tuesday as we learn more about the project and those who served.

November 26, 2007

Menopause

"The change of life." That's the polite way of saying hot flashes, night sweats, skin changes, mood swings, insomnia, and all the other not-so-polite symptoms of menopause. The average age of a woman experiencing menopause is 51, though genetics play a big role, and many women go through it at the same ages their mothers did. To learn more about what to expect and how to cope, or to share your stories and tell others what worked for you, tune in this Friday for a show about menopause. Today's show is an archive edition, so we won't be taking calls this hour.

November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving Day - Special program

Join us today from 11am - 1pm for The Splendid Table’s “Turkey Confidential”: Two hours of live culinary triage on the day you need it most—Thanksgiving. This is the day even non-cooks get in the kitchen. We'll be here bright and early with open lines for your questions—anything goes! And I'll be joined by a few surprise guests. Don't miss it.

Social Gospel

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." So reads the 31st verse of the 6th chapter of Luke, in the Bible - possibly the most famous line in the world's most famous book. To those following the Social Gospel movement, it has practical applications. This movement arose in the late 19th century and its believers apply the teachings of Christianity to the world's social problems - poverty, inequality, crime, war, and others. Now devotees from Louisville and elsewhere are working to rewrite their creed to ensure it reflects today's issues. Join us this Wednesday to learn more about Social Gospel - what it looked like in 1908, and how it’s staying relevant today.

November 20, 2007

Light Pollution

If you make a habit of looking at the stars, you've probably noticed the night sky looks a lot different out in the country than it does within city limits. What you're noticing in urban areas is called light pollution – light produced by humans that obstructs our view of the stars. It can also disrupt ecosystems, interfere with astronomical observatories, upset the sleeping patterns of animals, and even adversely affect human health. Join us this Tuesday when we discuss the contributing factors, and what anti-light pollution groups are doing to minimize the effects, in a conversation about light pollution.

November 19, 2007

Pediatric Neurology

Movement disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, and even migraines, children can suffer from a wide variety of neurological disorders. Often the needs of these children reach beyond standard medical help - the whole family is affected and may need help understanding their child's needs. And since children's developing brains are so different from adults, specialized doctors and facilities are needed to help them. Join us this Monday to learn more about pediatric neurology - the problems, the research, and the effect on children and families. Today's show is from our archives, so we're unable to take calls this hour.

November 16, 2007

Advances in Music Therapy

In 1697 William Congreve wrote "Musick has charms to sooth a savage breast" and it turns out he may have been right. Music therapy has come a long way in the past few years and is now making it into the mainstream. From pain management to autism, music is showing promise in treating myriad conditions. Join us on Friday when we learn more about the advances in music therapy. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 15, 2007

Fair Trade

So you love your new hand knit sweater from Guatemala; and it only cost $50. Your favorite coffee is from Kenya at $14 per pound. As you sit there all toasty in your new sweater sipping coffee, have you ever wondered how your products got to the store? And where does the money go? Do the knitters or coffee growers make enough to live on? All of these questions and more are part of the fair trade movement. Making sure the artisans and farmers are paid a fair wage for their product. But is it working or is it just a marketing tool to make us feel better? Join us on Thursday as we explore the issue of Fair Trade. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 14, 2007

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana

For 40 years now, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana has been connecting "Littles" and "Bigs" - children and teens who need a positive adult role model and mentor, and the adults who volunteer to fill that need. The children who participate are 52% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs; they generally do better academically and get along better with their families. Many adult participants say they have learned and grown as much from the relationship as their Little Brother or Sister. This Wednesday we'll learn more about BBBS Kentuckiana and how the program works, and visit with some Bigs and Littles to hear their stories. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 13, 2007

Making a Documentary Film

We usually think of movies as a temporary escape from reality, but movies about real people and the real world are now enjoying a surge of popularity. In a world of reality television and 24-hour news, we’ve gotten used to watching “real life” on the small screen, and movies like "Super Size Me" and Michael Moore’s films have parlayed that into box office success. This Tuesday some local documentary filmmakers give us a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the making of a documentary, why they are so compelling to produce, and how they find the stories that need to be told. Join us for a conversation on making a documentary film. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 12, 2007

Business Franchises

For entrepreneurs, buying a franchise can be very tempting. It seems to have all the flexibility and reward of owning your own business, without having to start from scratch. Owning a franchise is hard work, though. It requires educating yourself about the legal aspects of the business, and getting the most from your relationship with your franchisor. On the other side, turning your business into a franchise essentially means you have to be an expert in two fields: oil changes, coffee shops, or whatever makes your business so great, and running a company with different locations and needs. Tune in Monday to learn more about the complex world of business franchising. Today's show is an archive edition, so we won't be taking calls this hour. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 09, 2007

The Faith Club

Before 9/11 it would have been unusual, but after 9/11 it was extraordinary. Three mothers, a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew, getting together to write a children's book about faith and ending up starting a movement. The children's book evolved into the best selling adult book, "The Faith Club" and has spawned faith clubs all over the country. Join us on Friday when we talk with the authors of The Faith Club when they are in town for the Festival of Faiths. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 08, 2007

Fads & Trends

Hula hoops, pet rocks, swallowing gold fish, or maybe the Aktins diet - did you succumb to any of these fads? Or were they trends? It has been said the difference between a fad and a trend is duration. A fad is a trend that lasts (just think about that iPod). So break out your bell bottoms on Thursday, feed the sea monkeys and sit down and join us for a discussion on fads and trends. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 07, 2007

U.S. and the Roman Empire

Corruption, border control issues, increasing privatization, a military stretched too thin, huge wealth disparities, a seeming lack of concern for the rest of the world. These issues might sound familiar to modern citizens of the United States – but they were also on the tips of Ancient Roman tongues. Author and Vanity Fair editor Cullen Murphy examines the parallels between the two civilizations in his book, “Are We Rome?: The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America.” Tune in Wednesday when the author joins us to discuss our differences, our similarities, and how we can learn from ancient mistakes. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 06, 2007

Humans, Machines, and the Weather

The world is getting warmer - but is it because of human-created pollution and irresponsible environmental policy? Or are we simply entering a warm phase of earth's natural climate cycle? Both positions have scientists supporting them, but the issue has become so politicized it's hard to know whom to believe. Join us Tuesday for a look at the history and science of climate change, and the complex relationship between humans, machines, and the weather. You can continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 02, 2007

Geocaching

Okay - so it's like hide and seek, only you won't be running around the neighborhood an hour before dark looking for your little brother. And it's kind of like a scavenger hunt, only you won't all get together afterwards to see who got the most things on the list. And well, it is something all to itself. Geocaching is a game (or maybe a sport) where players use GPS tracking devices to find "caches" hidden all over the world. The events can be self contained (as in all at a local park) or free form. And participants say it is very addictive. Join us on Friday when we unearth the facts about geocaching. Continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.

November 01, 2007

The Evolution of Television News

Walker Cronkite, David Brinkley, Peter Jennings ... we once looked to them to bring us accurate, non-biased nightly news. Now it's Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charles Gibson on the network channels and countless others on cable. One has to wonder who is watching all of these news shows. So how is the nightly news faring? Is it still your main source of world news? And do the anchors really matter anymore? Join us live from Bellarmine University on Thursday when we talk with Andrew Heyward, retired president of CBS News. Continue the conversation on our blog, www.soablog.org.