Almanac Producer's Blog

Almanac Highlights September 28, 2007

An Animated Monologue
For some reason illustrator David Gillette is thinking a lot about neutrinos. 

Meet the New Commish
Dr. Sanne Magnan is Minnesota's new Commissioner of Health.  Meet her as she sits down at the Almanac table with Cathy and Eric.

The Oberholtzer Legacy
Ernest Oberholtzer is a revered environmental figure in our state.  In her latest installment about Rainy Lake, Mary tells us about Oberholtzer's famed battles with industrialists. 

Nordic Roots Music
Sinikka Langeland and Markku Ounaskari stop by to play some progressive Scandinavian folk music.  Tune in and learn about 39-string kantele. Sinikka and Markku will be performing Saturday night at the Cedar Cultural Center.

The Legendary Lou Nanne
The famed North Star player and General Manager has a new book full of photos and stories. We give you a sneak peek at "Minnesota North Stars:  History and Memories of Lou Nanne."

Honoring Leigh Kamman
The jazz icon is hosting his final "Jazz Image" radio show on MPR Saturday night.  We took a look back at his remarkable career (with special thanks to Laurie Stern and Dan Luke.)

Former Lawmakers Panel
Democrats Jane Ranum and Andy Dawkins and Republicans Fritz Knaak and Phil Krinkie chew on the week's big political news including calls by Democrats for Carol Molnau to resign as head of MNDOT.

The Wrapup
Two Minnesota history questions, your thoughts about last week's program and another live tune by Sinnikka and Markku.

Almanac Highlights September 21, 2007

The Monologue
Dominic Papatola has some advice for two newly unemployed and prominent Twin Citians.

The U of M Strike
AFSCME workers have left the picket lines over at the U of M. We'll hear the latest on the proposed settlement from AFSCME Local 3937 Barb Bezat.

Media Panel
It's been a tough year for the newspaper industry in our Twin Towns. We take a look at how this week's Par Ridder court decision changes the landscape yet again with two former reporters and one current reporter. Dane Smith, Rick Shefchik and Rochelle Olson are our guests.

Rainy Lake Boats
Mary Lahammer takes us back up north to Rainy Lake for the story of the historic boat "The Virginia."

National Eagle Center
There's a big grand opening down in Wabasha next week. National Eagle Center Director Mary Beth Garrigan tells us all about it. And she has brought an eagle with her tonight too.

Polluted Waterways
The official number of polluted lakes and rivers in our state is on the rise, but officials say our water quality is actually improving. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Brad Moore is our guest.

Malt O Meal
One last sneak peak at a portion of our Northfield Hands on History special. This week Mary gives us the scoop on the Malt O Meal company.

The Panel
Third District Congressman Jim Ramstad announced earlier this week that he is retiring. Our couch full of panelists will speculate about potential replacements. Our republicans tonight are Sarah Janecek and Phil Krinkie. They are joined by DFLers Mary Jo McGuire and Javier Morillo-Alicea.

It's A Wrap!
Last week's history question and answer. This week's Index File task. Your comments. And a bit of music from our archives.

Almanac Highlights September 14, 2007

The Monologue

Sheletta Brundidge does the honors this week. And as a non-native Minnesota she is preparing to hibernate for the long winter.

Flood Relief

State officials were in Rushford Minnesota today to let folks know when and how state flood relief funds will be distributed. DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy is our guest.

A Quick Special Session

Mary Lahammer was there for all the action at Tuesday's Special Session. And while it lasted less than 12 hours, it wasn't always smooth sailing.

Chill Is In the Air
Paul Douglas stops by for his monthly weather chat and gives us the lowdown on this weekend's frosty start.

Two Queens One Castle

Jevetta Steele stops by to talk about the return of her original musical to the Twin Cities. And of course she shares a tune from the production with us.

An Evening with Ken Burns

Ken Burn's epic treatment of World War Two, simply called "The War" will air later this month on PBS stations across the nation. Earlier this month the filmmaker talked about why this war is so important.

Medical Records

Healthcare professionals are excited about a new database that will track patient's medical history. HealthPartners CEO Mary Brainerd give us the details.

America's Future in Iraq
Minnesota Congressmen John Kline and Tim Walz debate the course of action for American troops in Iraq.

It's a Wrap!

It's own very own question and answer section. Complete with some Minnesota history and Scandinavian music from the archives.

 

Almanac Highlights September 7, 2007

The Monologue
Jim Ragsdale ponders the lessons learned in school. 

Latest on Special Session
We bring you all of Friday's developments on a possible special session.  Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller sit down with Senator Dick Day and Representative Laura Brod. 

What Killed the Author of "Little Women?"
Dr. Ian Greaves of the U of M thinks he knows what malady Louisa May Alcott suffered from. 

A Tribute for Bob Feldman
There's a tribute Sunday for the former head of Red House Records.  Eric Peltoniemi is our guest. 

Eliza Gilkyson Live!
The Red House Records recording artist is in town this week for a tribute to Red House Legend Bob Feldman.  She stops by our studio to play a tune or two.

Rainy Lake's Early Cabin Years
Mary Lahammer continues to explore the early Cabin era on this Northern Minnesota gem.

New Media
What exactly is "New Media" and why are so many former print people signing up to work in it?  Hear from Joel Kramer, Steve Perry and Paul Schmelzer.

The Wrapup
Your weekly dose of Minnesota history... and another tune by Eliza Gilkyson.