Almanac Producer's Blog

Almanac Highlights April 25, 2008

A David Gillette Monologue
David's illustrated essay this week tackles the most manly of TV topics.

Teen Driving Restrictions
Should new drivers have limits on how late they can drive and how many passengers they can carry?  That's the debate going on right now at the state legislature.  You hear from a proponent of these changes and someone who opposes them.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Senator Paul Koering is known for his fancy neck wear?

6th District DFL Debate
The two Democrats who want to unseat Congresswoman Michele Bachmann debate live in our studio in advance of this weekend's nominating convention.  Elwyn Tinklenberg and Bob Olson join Cathy and Eric on the couch.

Michael Johnson Live!
The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter joins us to chat about his recent health struggles and perform a tune or two.  We'll also tell you about a benefit concert for Johnson and other musicians who lack health insurance Sunday night April 27 at the Fine Line Cafe.

The Week at the Capitol
Mary Lahammer breaks down all this week's capitol action in a handy three-minute summary. 

The Political Scientist Panel
The group is back for another chance to analyze the race for President.  This week's panel is Larry Jacobs, Stacey Hunter Hecht, Dan Hofrenning and David Schultz.

The Wrapup
What was all the fuss caused by the Minneapolis Tribune back in 1887?  And what musical milestone was created by the Mpls Symphony in 1954?  After we clear up all that we present another live tune by Michael Johnson.

Almanac Highlights April 18, 2008

The Weekly Monologue
Sheletta Brundidge is scratching her head over a study this week by the U of M.

Minnesota Earthquake History
Today residents in SE Minnesota felt an earthquake that was centered in Illinois.  How rare are earthquakes here?  Val Chandler with the U.S. Geological Survey is our guest.

Big Stone II
That's the name of a proposed power plant in South Dakota that many environments fear will harm the Minnesota River.  Soon Minnesota regulators will vote on whether to allow the power plant to go ahead.  We hear from Mark Rolfes, the project manager of Big Stone II... and from Duane Ninneman with the environmental group CURE.

Did You Know?
Did you know that there's a minor tiff at the capitol involving the Governor's published schedule?

AIDS in Minnesota
The number of new AIDS cases in our state jumped to the highest levels since the mid 1990s.  What's going on?  Peter Carr from the Minnesota Department of Health joins us. 

Close The Gap
We present a clip from the Minnesota Channel series "Close the Gap" which takes a critical look at disparities --economic, racial and geographical-- in the Twin Cities region.  Catch the series Saturday at 8 on tpt17.

Live Music!
The Laras are a Latin American folkloric group that will be performing as part of the Hennepin County Library's Children's Day/Book Day festivities that kick off this weekend.  For more info go to www.hclib.org

The Legislative Week in Review
Legislative Leaders met with the governor to talk budget... and the proposed Northwest/Delta merger made waves too.  Get the latest from Mary Lahammer.

Former Lawmakers Grapple
The Northwest/Delta merger is one of the topics on the minds of our panel of former Republican and Democratic legislators. Fritz Knaak, Phil Krinkie, Wes Skoglund and Ember Reichgott Junge sit on the couch.

The Wrapup
Minnesota history... your thoughts about Paul Douglas... and another tune from The Laras.

Almanac Highlights April 11, 2008

The Monologue
A rose by another other name would smell as sweet.  Or would it?  Dominic Papatola explores that very question.

The Dicey Weather
The Twin Cities didn't get socked with an April snowburst today, but many points up north did. Paul Douglas is back for another of his monthly Almanac weather chats.  And yes we will ask him about his plans after his sudden departure from WCCO TV. 

Governor and DFLers Square Off Once More
This week the battle was over veto cuts including the planned light rail route between Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Mary Lahammer brings you the latest from the capitol. 

House Leaders
House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and House Minority Leader Marty Seifert debate light rail and other big issues from the week.

Did You Know?
Did you know that a truck driving simulator led to some hilarious bi-partisan moments this week at the Capitol? 

A New St. Cloud Bridge
The DeSoto Bridge in St. Cloud will be replaced MNDOT announced this week.  We'll talk about  this and other highway construction projects this year with acting MNDOT Commissioner Bob McFarlin.

Congressman Tim Walz
A few weeks back we spoke on the program with several Republicans running for Congress in the First District.  This week  Democratic incumbent Tim Walz joins us on the set.

The Political Panel
The Governor's vetoes will be one topic with this week's version of the panel.  Democrats Wy Spano and Mary Jo McGuire match wits with Republicans Sarah Janecek and Brian Sullivan.

The Wrapup
Two, count them two, Minnesota history questions... some fine ball-handling by a certain Minnesota political reporter... and a rare musical clip from the tpt archives from 1984 featuring Steve Goodman and Jethro Burns. 

Almanac Highlights April 4, 2008

The Monologue
Jim Ragsdale is thinking about Big Oil.

The Legislative Week That Was
Bonding bills, budget bills, lots of big stuff going on in St. Paul this week.  Mary Lahammer has the latest. 

Governor Pawlenty Live!
Tim Pawlenty joins Cathy and Eric at the Almanac table to talk about a contentious week at the Capitol.

Ralph Rapson Remembered
The dean of Minnesota architects died this week at 93.  We show a clip from a documentary about Rapson made by architect Bruce Wright that aired on tpt a few years back. 

Peter Lang Picks His Guitar
He's one of the most renowned guitar players around.  And this week he joins us live in Studio B in advance of his CD release part at the Dakota on April 12.

"Getting There" Preview
We show a clip from an upcoming Minnesota Channel production focused on Minnesotans Fifty Plus.  The program is hosted by Jan Smaby (yes, Jan!) and is a partnership with The Minnesota Board on Aging and AARP Minnesota.  "Getting There" can be seen at 8 on tpt17 on Saturday April 5.

Sports with Fitzy
Big weeks for the Wild and the Twins.  Larry Fitzgerald Sr. stops by for his monthly Almanac chat.  Larry writes for the Spokesman Recorder newspaper.

The Political Science Panel
Our merry band of Political Scientists return to chew the fat on the Presidential campaign.  This week's group includes Larry Jacobs, Guy Charles and Stacey Hunter Hecht.