Almanac Highlights December 18, 2009

The Monologue
Kevyn Burger has something she wants to say, and who are we to stop her?

Congressman Erik Paulsen
We'll chat up health care, Afghanistan and energy policy in light of Friday's news out of Copenhagen.  Erik Paulsen is a member of Congress from Minnesota's Third District.

A Red Bull Christmas Story
All year long we've been profiling the members of the 34th Infantry Red Bull unit of the Minnesota National Guard who went to Iraq earlier this year.  This week tpt's Luke Heikkila met up with the Mayo family and learned how this holiday season is different for them. 

I Love Brett Favre / I Hate Brett Favre
That's the name of a book by Twin Cities sports author Ross Bernstein.  We talk to Ross about why the Vikings quarterback is so polarizing.

Big Easy
He's a member of the Harlem Globetrotters that you may seen earlier this year on "The Amazing Race" global travel reality show.  The Globetrotters are in Minnesota this weekend shooting hoops so Big Easy stops by our studio to have some fun. 

The Weather Outside is ....
... you fill in the blank.  Paul Douglas looks back at the weather of 2009 and then gives us a statewide holiday forecast.  Paul heads up the group WeatherNation. 

The Old Log Theater and Me
That's the name of a book written by Minnesota theater icon Don Stolz.  Our Cathy Wurzer recently chatted with Don and heard some of his legendary stories.

A Political Panel
We talk presidential politics... gubernatorial politics... and just plain ole politics.  Democrats Javier Morillo-Alicea and Wy Spano mix it up with Republicans Sarah Janecek and Andy Brehm.  We'll do our best to keep the volume down but we can't promise anything.

The Wrapup
Last week's history question answer... plus a brand new stumper.  And then we play for you J. G. Preston's classic 1988 impromptu recording of White Christmas. 

 

 

Almanac Highlights December 11, 2009

The Monologue
Jim Ragsdale sets his sights on Jesse Ventura's new cable show.

New Head at Mayo Clinic
Dr. John Noseworthy is Mayo's new President and CEO.  We talk with him about the Mayo system and his thoughts on reform ideas coming out of Congress.

Don't Call Him Chief
John Harrington will be stepping down next year as Chief of Police in St. Paul.  He talks about his decision to leave after one term. 

Live Music with Pieta Brown!
Brown has a new Red House record out.  We'll chat with her and then let her play a tune for us.  You can catch Pieta Saturday the 12th at the Cedar Cultural Center.

Kate Di Camillo
She's one of America's best-loved children's authors and one of our favorite studio guests.  We'll discuss Kate's new book "The Magician's Elephant." 

Solutions for GAMC Funding Gap
Will it be possible for the state to restore some funding for the General Assistance Medical Care program?  Our Mary Lahammer talks to lawmakers and health care professionals about some options.

Oil Sands Controversy
Learn about a much-debated type of Canadian oil that is making its way to Minnesota.  We hear from an oil sands supporter and from an environmentalist with concerns about this kind of oil.

The Wrapup
Two Minnesota history questions (for the price of one!) and then another live tune by Pieta Brown. 

Almanac Highlights December 4, 2009

Monolog
Sheletta Brundidge wants a word or two with Tiger Woods. Or at least a refund.

Congressional Check-In
Republican Congressman John Kline stops by to give us his take on Afghanistan and healthcare reform.

Billion Dollar Budget Shortfall
Minnesota's budget forecast is looking gloomy. Mary Lahammer brings us the details.

Christmas with the Steeles
It's a tradition here at Almanac, we start out the season with holiday music from the Steeles.

Governor Norm Coleman?
Former U. S. Senator Norm Coleman talks with us about life since leaving Washington D. C. and speculation that he'll jump into the Governor's race this spring.

Holiday Inn
Storyteller Kevin Kling has a new book out. "Holiday Inn" is a collection of stories from holidays throughout the year.

GAMC
Mary Lahammer's in-depth look at the General Medical Assistance Care program and the Minnesotans that use it continues.

The Political Panel
This week's version of the panel debates solutions to the billion dollar budget shortfall. Democrats Ember Reichgott Junge and Mike Hatch face-off against Republicans Phil Krinkie and Kirstin Sersland Beach.

More Holiday Music from the Steeles
Just enough time for one more holiday tune from the Steeles. We'll have the Index File back next week.

Almanac Highlights November 20, 2009

An Illustrated Essay
David Gillette is going to Denmark next month to the global gathering on climate change.  He gives us all a preview.

The Tom Petters Trial
Testimony ended this week in the biggest federal trial around these parts in a long time.  We get the thoughts of Don Lewis, former federal prosecutor who is now the Dean of Hamline Law School.

Congressman Oberstar
Eighth District Congressman James Oberstar is an important player in the health care reform debate in Washington.  We'll talk about that and transportation issues with the senior member of Minnesota's Washington delegation.

A Thanksgiving Recipe with Al Franken
Al Franken joins Mary Lahammer in studio to cook up a holiday recipe.  To find the recipe just click on the Recipe link on the left side of the Almanac web page.

Unemployment Rises in Minnesota
But wait, employment went up too.  We find out more by chatting with Dan McElroy, Minnesota's head of Employment and Economic Development.

GAMC
Our state's General Assistance Medical program is scheduled to go away early next year.  This week we start a three part series exploring state medical services to our Minnesota's poorest residents.  Mary Lahammer starts off the series with some background on how we got to where we are. 

A Thanksgiving Recipe with Franni Franken
Franni Franken provides her own holiday recipe.  Tune in and see which Franken recipe you prefer.  Yes, it's all about competition.  :>) 

A Panel of Former Lawmakers
This week's show-ending panel ponders the big issues of the week.  Republicans Fritz Knaak and Dan Dorman square off with Democrats Wes Skoglund and Dee Long.

The Wrapup
Our sports history questions continue and we have a splendid show-ending video from 1980 by the Lamont Cranston Band. 

Almanac Highlights November 13, 2009

The Week's Monologue
It's Dominic Papatola's turn for some mischief. 

Will the State Need to Borrow?
If the budget forecast in early December isn't rosy, Minnesota may need to borrow funds to pay its bills on time.  How would that work?  State Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson explains.

Nazis in Austin
How much ink should a local paper give to a Nazi rally?  Jay Furst is the managing editor of the Rochester Post Bulletin and his paper's recent coverage has been debated by readers and bloggers. 

Weather with Paul Douglas
Paul revisits the great Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940.  And --as a bonus-- we all get a weekend forecast too.

John Gorka Live!
The noted singer/songwriter performs for us live and talks about his latest CD which was released today.  You can catch John at a CD release party at the Cedar Cultural Center at 8 pm November 14.

Kevin Diaz from D.C.
The Star Tribune's Washington-based political reporter chats up the historic health care vote that took place this week.  Kevin joins us by webcam.

A Law Firm Goes Green
Mary Lahammer visits a law firm in Minneapolis that is changing how law firms look... and how they use energy. 

Our Political Panel
Democrats Mike Hatch and Denise Cardinal trade barbs with Republicans Andy Brehm and Phil Krinkie.  Health care will be on the docket.  So will Governor Pawlenty's trip to Iowa.

The Wrapup
What inventor were we asking about last week?  And what's the answer to our Brett Favre question?  Plus we settle a family debate about a certain horse rider and then we present another live tune by John Gorka.

Almanac Highlights November 6, 2009

The Week's Monologue
Jim Ragsdale offers serious thoughts about the shootings at Fort Hood.

High Enough High Speed Internet?
A new task force report released Friday challenges Minnesota to improve statewide high speed broadband access.  Rick King heads up the group that created the report and is our guest.

Sports with Fitzy
Larry Fitzgerald Sr. stops by to talk about the Vikes, the T-Wolves and the troubles facing Tubby Smith's hoopsters.  Larry is an Almanac regular.  

Joe Dowling on the Guthrie Stage
Mary Lahammer interviews Guthrie Director Joe Dowling about his return to acting.  And where did Joe and Mary chat?  On stage at the Guthrie. 

Rethinking Family Violence
Leslie Metzen was a Minnesota judge for more than twenty years.  Now she's working with a group trying to reduce family violence in our state.  Find out why she thinks her new job is so important. 

"Jewel of Como"
That's the name of a new book about St. Paul's Como Park Conservatory.  Author Bonnie Blodgett talks about the grand tradition of public greenhouses. 

Going to Church in Iraq
It's the latest of our series of reports about the Red Bull Unit of the Minnesota National Guard.  Producer Luke Heikkila recently returned from Iraq.  One of the soldiers he met up with there was Chaplain's Assistant Jonathan Groeneweg.  This is his story.

Our Dynamic Poli Sci Duo
David Schultz of Hamline University and Dan Hofrenning of St. Olaf each teaches political science.  We pick their brains about the the big political news of this election week.

The Wrapup
Who said those racy words about Hubert Humphrey?  And who is the inventor subject of this week's Index File question?  In addition to history we bring you a nice vintage musical clip by the Red Clay Ramblers. 

Almanac Highlights October 30, 2009

An Illustrated Monologue
David Gillette has created a list of lists.

Food Donations Announced
State Agricultural Commissioner Gene Hugoson stops by to talk about a new program announced Friday that will stock state food shelves.  We also ask the commissioner about concerns about pork safety and this fall's wet harvest.

New H1N1 Hospital Policies
Several Minnesota hospitals have announced visiting policy changes in the wake of the H1N1 outbreak. Dr. Gretchen Phillips is with Fairview Hospitals and Clinics.

Red Bull Update
Tpt producer Luke Heikkila has recently returned from Iraq.  He brings us another chapter in the stories of the Red Bull National Guard troops from Minnesota who are based in Basra.

The Pines Lives!
The roots group's latest Red House CD "Tremolo" got a good review this month in Rolling Stone Magazine.  The group is back for an encore Almanac appearance in prep for its CD release party November 7 at the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud.

A New African-American History Museum
That's what's in the works for Minneapolis.  Learn all about it from Roxanne Givens the chair of the Minnesota African American Museum and Cultural Center.

Ride the Northstar Rail Line
That's what Almanac videographer Butch Bowring did this week as the commuter line prepares to open for business between Minneapolis and Big Lake. 

Private Monies For Public Roads?
Governor Pawlenty says he wants to blend public and private money when building state roads.  Is that a good idea?  We have a debate with Sean Kershaw from the Citizens League, Dane Smith from the group Growth and Justice and limited-government advocate David Strom.

The Wrapup
Who said those words about Hubert Humphrey back in 1966?  Learn some fun Minnesota history and hear another tune by The Pines.

Almanac Highlights October 23, 2009

The Week's Monologue
Bick Smith does the honors.  He ruminates about the big, puffy, teflon-roofed building over in Minneapolis.

H1N1 Update
Michael Osterholm is one of the world's leading authorities on the H1N1 virus.  We'll talk about vaccine delays... pig cases... and death rates in an extended interview.

A Green Honor
Minneapolitan Farheen Hakeem was elected this week to be one of the national co-chairs of the Green Party.  We talk to her about what it means to be Green.

Ann Reed Performs in Studio
Minnesota folk icon Ann Reed stops by for her first-ever Almanac appearance.  She chats about her new CD and plays us a tune.

Medicare... Getting There
Our friend Jan Smaby is the host of a new tpt series --"Getting There"-- aimed at Minnesotans Fifty Plus.  We show an excerpt from an upcoming program.  The topic is Medicare.

Help for the Central Corridor
A group of foundations has come together to form the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.  The goal of the group?  To help businesses cope with the changes that light rail will bring.  Jonathan Sage-Martinson is our guest.

Tales of the Road:  Grand Portage
There's a great story connected to the tip of Highway 61 at Grand Portage.  Cathy Wurzer brings it to us.

Instant Runoff Voting Debate
Next month St. Paul residents will vote on whether to bring IRV to their city.  We hear from a proponent and an opponent. 

The Wrapup
Two Minnesota history questions (who was that famed football coach?  and spoke those words about the United Nations in Minnesota in 1960?)  Plus another tune by Ann Reed.

Almanac Highlights October 16, 2009

The Weekly Monologue
Dominic Papatola is thinking about H1N1.

Health Care Debate Takes Over Airwaves
More than one hundred million dollars in health care ads have flooded American airwaves.  We talk to leaders of state chapters of two of the leading spenders.  Michele Kimball with AARP Minnesota and Bill Blazar with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce join Cathy and Eric on the couch.

Meet Sarah Hicks
She's the new pops conductor at the Minnesota Orchestra.

Kevin Diaz from Washington DC
Kevin is the capitol-based political correspondent for the Star Tribune.  Each month he joins us by webcam to give us his take on what Minnesota's members of Congress are up to.

Candidates for Guv Square Off
This week the group Hunger Solutions sponsored the first bipartisan debate in the race for governor.  Our Mary Lahammer was the moderator and has this report.

Blue Zones in Albert Lea
Can a town create habits of living and eating better and increase the life expectancy of its residents?  That was the challenge that Albert Lea accepted this year.  We hear how things went from Albert Lea Community Development head Bob Graham.

A Political Scientist Panel
We chat up the week's big political stories with a group of card-carrying political scientist PHDs.  Larry Jacobs is with the U of M's Humphrey Institute.  Steven Schier teaches politics at Carleton College.  Stacy Hunter Hecht heads up the Political Science department at Bethel University.

The Wrapup
What Vike was on the cover of Sports Illustrated back in 1964?  And what is the answer of this week's question about a famed player turned coach?  Plus we hear your thoughts about our Viking Stadium discussion last week and hear a show-ending tune courtesy of John Gorka. 

Almanac Highlights October 9, 2009

The Monologue
Jim Ragsdale says no news is good news. 

A Death in Basra
We speak with Minnesota National Guard Chaplain John Morris in Basra, Iraq about the death this week of Major Tad Hervas. 

Darfur
Mark Hanis with the group Genocide Intervention Network is in town to talk about the killings in Darfur. 

Parks for the People
This new Tpt documentary tells the history of parks in the Twin Cities.  We show you a clip that talks about the long tradition of swimming and skating in Minneapolis' fabled parks. 

A New Way to Fund a Vikings Stadium?
We hear a debate between gambling proponent Rep. Tom Hackbarth and opponent Rep. Mindy Greiling.

Macalester:  It's Easy Being Green
Macalester College president Brian Rosenberg shows off his school's new LEED Platinum certified Markim Hall.

The Week's Political Panel
On the agenda for discussion:  The Republican Straw Poll for Governor... the Viking stadium proposal... and Obama's Nobel Prize.  Democrats Wy Spano and Dee Long mix it up with Republicans Phil Krinkie and Tony Sutton.

The Wrapup
Who read the part of Lincoln five years ago at the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra's production of "Lincoln Portrait?"  And what Viking made the cover of Sports Illustrated in September of 1964?  All that and some show-ending music featuring the late, great Stan Rogers.