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May 16 - 20, 2005
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
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Monday, May 16, 2005 |
"A Prairie Home Companion" to be on the big screen
Movie director Robert Altman will direct a film version of Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion." Shooting is expected to begin in July in St. Paul with Hollywood stars like Meryl Streep, and Woody Harrelson. Keillor is writing the script. He spoke with MPR Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer. He said he is looking forward to working with Altman.
Previewing the last week at the Capitol
The pressure is building at the state Capitol where lawmakers are down to one week before they must adjourn this year's legislative session. Legislative leaders and governor Tim Pawlenty did come to agreement over the weekend on how much to spend on public safety. Coming to agreement on the rest of the budget is expected to be the main focus for lawmakers this week. Other issues to be settled include gambling, and transportation. Joining us on the line to preview the last full week of the regular session at the Capitol is Minnesota Public Radio Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum.
Hits and misses going global
All this week, Minnesota Public Radio is joining with public radio stations around the country in an effort to get people to "think global." You'll hear lots of special programming about our increasingly complex web of global interactions. For U.S. companies hoping to "Think Global" and sell their products abroad, there are some basic do's and don'ts. For example, do try to stand out as more than just another foreign company. Don't stand out as the company that insults the local culture. It sounds simple, but international marketing is delicate business. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich looks at one recent snafu -- and one Minnesota success story.
Mexican lumber coming to you
If you purchase lumber at your local Home Depot, there's a good chance that it came from Mexico. If so, it most likely came from a forest managed not by a giant timber company, but by a small, rural community. These communities own about 70 percent of all the forest land in Mexico. Now, some are hoping that eco-friendly consumers will help them survive in the highly-competitive international timber market. Independent producers Mary Losure and Mary Stucky produced this report, as part of our series "think Global. It is narrated by Mary Losure.
Minneapolis man invents a new instrument
What looks like a dulcimer and sounds like electronically altered Balinese gamelan? The answer is the Cleophone. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports the Cleophone's Minneapolis inventor created it mainly for the sheer pleasure of sonic exploration.
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Tuesday, May 17, 2005 |
Writer Bill McKibben comments on globalization
We're taking an in-depth look at globalization this week, learning how the world is getting smaller in so many ways. However, environmentalist and writer Bill McKibben says the world is also getting bigger. Too big, in fact, for most of us. Last winter, McKibben ate only food grown within 60 miles of his home in Vermont. His latest book, "Wandering Home," chronicles his travels by foot from Vermont through the Adirondack mountains of New York. He offers these comments as part of "Think Global," public radio's week of special coverage.
Common Hope counters globalization's corrosive effects
Broccoli reveals a lot about what's good and bad about globalization. Guatemalan farmers are turning to raising the crop for grocery stores in North America. Globalization advocates say the move away from subsistence farming will lift the Guatemalan farmers and their families out of poverty. Critics, however, say the move is causing some farmers to fall deeper into poverty. Common Hope, a St. Paul-based nonprofit, is helping Guatemala's poorest weather the transition. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has another in our series of "Think Global" reports.
Norwegian immigrants created Minnesota city of Milan
Good morning, I'm Cathy Wurzer, broadcasting today from the More Café on Main Street in Milan, Minnesota. Milan is a town of 326 people, located 150 miles due west of the Twin Cities. The More Café, which is just opening for business today, is a gathering spot for the community. And why are we here? Well, for starters, we were invited. As you may recall, earlier this year, we were encouraging folks to tell us why their community would be an interesting place from which to broadcast this program. We heard from people all over the state, including the mayor of Milan, who we'll be hearing from a little later. One of the things he told us about was the strong Norwegian heritage here, and today is a big day for Norwegians. It's May 17th, Syttende Mai, the day in 1814 when the Norwegian constitution was signed. Frankie Shackleford is a professor of Norwegian history at Augsburg College. She says the constitution was created as part of the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars.
Milan's local history housed at Arv Hus museum
Many Norwegian immigrants were attracted to Milan after the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad laid tracks through here in 1879. If you're interested in learning about the local history of Milan, the place to go is the Arv Hus Museum here on Main Street. I stopped by recently and spoke with curator and local historian Billy Thompson.
Milan mayor talks about the western Minnesota town in global world
The Arv Hus Museum here on Main Street in Milan, Minnesota features hundreds of historic photos of Milan and much more. A guided tour of the museum by Billy Thompson is one reason to come visit Milan. There are plenty more. Joining us now to talk about the town today is Milan Mayor Ron Anderson.
Local farmer watches Milan weather for National Weather Service
When our good friend Mark Seeley heard we were going to be broadcasting from Milan, he suggested we talk with a local farmer named Luther Opjordan. The Opjordans have been official observers for the National Weather Service for over 100 years. Luther says the tradition began with his grandfather.
Church has long history in Milan
Milan's Kvitseid Lutheran Church is led by a man who's been in the community for years. Pastor Tom Opoien joins us now.
Milan farmers work to compete in global market
This hour we're going to look at how the small western Minnesota town of Milan is doing in the new global economy. Globalization has been affecting agriculture for a long time. So, we've assembled three local farmers to get their perspective. They each have different approaches to farming. Kent Kanten is the fourth generation of Kanten's to farm here in the Milan area. He grows corn, soybeans, sugarbeets and wheat on 1400 acres. Bev Struxness grows grass and alfalfa on her family's 250-acre farm. It is used to feed 150 cows who aren't given antibiotics or hormones and are marketed as "natural meat." Mike Jacobs runs the Easy Bean Farm where they grow organic vegetables on just over 12 acres.
Businesses struggle to survive in small town
As they are in most small towns, vibrant businesses are vital to the future of Milan, Minnesota. Shops bring in people and money. They also make living in town convenient. But keeping a small-town business open is a constant struggle amid declining populations and increasing competition from larger stores in bigger towns. At Milan's only grocery store "Bergen's Prairie Market," the owner is not just trying to keep his small business open. He's trying to expand it. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
State's Jobz program affects business in Milan
A business that recently brought new jobs to Milan as part of the Jobz program is Twin River Technology. The company has a manufacturing facility on Main Street here in Milan; it currently employs five people. We stopped by and got a tour of the small factory from Mike Kuske, Vice President of Twin River's parent company, Wright Laser.
Milan Movers work to invigorate small town
The creation of more jobs in Milan is good news for Eric Thompson. He owns the independent Prairie Sun Bank which has been a Milan institution for 90 years, and he joins me here at the More café. I am also joined by Anne Kanten. Anne moved to Milan in 1952 when she married Chuck Kanten, whose family goes back a long way in Milan. Anne served in the administration of former Gov. Rudy Perpich as Deputy Agriculture Commissioner. Since returning to Milan, Anne helped create a community group called the Milan Movers.
Arts thrive in Milan
In this half hour, we're going to focus on the arts in the small western Minnesota town of Milan. Karen Jenson is well-known artist who lives in Milan. She attracts students from around the world who want to learn the Norwegian style of painting known as rosemaling. Her combination home and studio is a work of art in itself. She says over the years, a couple of Norwegian bachelor farmers have helped her expand and decorate the house with beautiful Scandinavian works of art. I stopped by to learn more about the art of rosemaling.
Poet Robert Bly writes about Milan area
The well-known poet and essayist Robert Bly was born in Madison, Minnesota which is about 20 miles away from here. His poems are often inspired by the American landscape. Let's listen to Bly reading a poem he wrote about this area. It's called "Driving Toward the Lac Qui Parle River."
Milan Village Arts School draws students to study folk arts
The Milan Village Arts School has been offering classes in various folk arts since 1988. It is currently located in an old schoolhouse just short distance from us here at the More Cafe. Joining us now is Robin Moore, president of the Milan Village Arts School.
Arts important to small communities throughout Minnesota
Milan isn't the only small town that's using the arts to distinguish itself. Across the state from north to south, the arts are being used to build community. Sometimes, it's with the help of the McKnight Foundation, which has promoted the arts throughout the state. The foundation is poised to publish a report this fall about the impact of the arts in greater Minnesota. Joining from our studio in St. Paul is Carlo Cuesta, who's writing the report.
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Wednesday, May 18, 2005 |
Former Minneapolis Mayor Art Naftalin dies
Former Minneapolis Mayor Art Naftalin has died. Naftalin was a friend and aide to Hubert Humphrey. He also served as state commissioner of administration and hosted a public affairs TV show for 20 years. Friends and family remember Naftalin as a compassionate and highly educated leader who navigated the city through the turbulent 1960s. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Minnesota's iron mining industry competes in global world
Just a couple of years ago, Minnesota's iron mining industry looked to be going the way of buggy manufacturing and steam locomotives. Over the 20th century, Minnesota provided the iron that built much of the country. But early in the 21st century, the mines were struggling to compete with low-cost iron from other countries. Then, a surge in global demand for iron and steel put new life into northeast Minnesota's gaping open-pit mines. As part of this week's special "Think Global" programming, Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher reports that global trade can be a double-edged sword. It can create prosperity, and it can take it away.
Tiered health plans are here to stay
Blue Cross Blue Shield is backing off some parts of its tiered health plan, but health experts say that doesn't mean the concept is going away. Tiering is the practice of placing hospitals, clinics and doctors into categories based on the quality and cost. As Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports, tiering has arrived, and it appears it's here to stay.
Mexican corn farmers struggle for survival
Buy a dozen ears of corn at the grocery store or the farmers market, peel back the husk, and you're looking at seeds that trace their genetic roots to Mexico. Mexican indigenous farmers first developed corn thousands of years ago, and they've been growing it ever since. Now, those farmers are struggling for survival. What is at stake is not just their livelihoods, but the genetic source material for one of the world's major food crops. Independent producers Mary Losure and Mary Stucky traveled to the birthplace of corn for this report for our series "Think Global." It is narrated by Mary Losure.
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Thursday, May 19, 2005 |
Gas tax sent to governor who says veto awaits
A 10-cent per gallon gas tax increase is on its way to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's desk despite the governor's assurances that he will veto the bill. Yesterday the DFL-controlled Senate voted 36-to-31 to adopt a transportation package that was passed last week in the GOP-run House. Overall, the package would raise nearly $7.5 billion during the next ten years to invest in roads, bridges and public transit. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
The state of budget negotiations
Four days before the mandated end of the legislative session, Republican and DFL leaders are far apart on major budget issues. The gap between the House and Senate budgets is more than a billion dollars. But while a budget deal seems elusive, legislative leaders say they have some options for middle ground. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Freshman talks about end of session pressure
If you're a regular Morning Edition listener, you might remember Matt Dean. He's a Republican who was elected to the state House last November, representing Stillwater and northern Washington County. It is the first public office he has ever held. At the beginning of the session, we followed Rep. Dean for a day to get a sense of the legislative process from the perspective of a new lawmaker. This week, as lawmakers scramble to finish the session by the May 23rd adjournment deadline, MPR's Cathy Wurzer caught up with Dean on the House floor to ask how the final days are going.
State patrol asks drivers to move over
The state patrol is reminding drivers to change lanes away from incidents they see along highways, especially if they see law enforcement officers pulled over at the scene to help. The danger of officers getting hit by cars was highlighted yesterday when a Ramsey County sheriff's deputy was struck along highway 694. He was treated for injuries, and then released from the hospital. A nearby state patrol car captured the incident on video tape. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Mark Dunaski, who became Chief of the State Patrol just last week.
Oromo immigrants still wrestle with old politics
The Twin Cities area offers refuge for many immigrant groups from around the globe escaping social and political problems in their homelands. One such group is the Oromo people from Ethiopia. The Twin Cities is home to one of the largest populations of Ethiopian immigrants in the United States. The many varied cultures and disparate groups from the eastern African nation makes national identity a complex and touchy issue. Many Oromo in the Twin Cities have been speaking out against claims of human rights abuses in their homeland. Meanwhile, relationships with fellow Ethiopian immigrants remain strained because of a long history of political differences. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes has another report in our series, "Think Global."
S. America putting pressure on Midwest farmers
For decades America's Midwest has been known as the world's breadbasket because of huge grain exports. But last year the soybean harvest in South America surpassed the United States harvest -- and within five years, Brazil alone is expected to out-produce U.S. farms. That's creating more pressure on Midwest farmers. But it's sent others in search of what some are calling a soybean El Dorado. Tom Rogers reports from Urbana, Illinois as a part of our series, "Think Global."
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Friday, May 20, 2005 |
Pawlenty vetos gas tax increase
Less than 24 hours after a 10-cent per gallon gas tax increase was endorsed by the DFL-controlled Senate, Gov. Tim Pawlenty uncapped his pen and made good on his promise to veto the package. The governor's actions touched off a round of recriminations over transportation policy and the larger budget debate being waged in the final days of the 2005 legislative session. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
Turning part of the airport into a casino
A plan that puts video slot machines in the Twin Cities International airport is making its way through the state House. It would authorize the State Lottery to install the machines so that only ticketed passengers with boarding passes could use them. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, who is the sponsor of that bill.
Egg collection provides lessons
Carrol Henderson recently came across something unusual stashed in an old farmhouse -- a collection of thousands of bird eggs. Henderson runs the Minnesota DNR's non-game wildlife program. He says this collection provides insight about birds that lived 100 years ago -- and about what birds need from us today. Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
Mangroves in Mexico help beaches and coral reefs
Since Mexico signed its free trade deal with the U.S. and Canada in 1993, tourism has been one of the most powerful engines of the country's economy. More than 20 million tourists visit Mexico each year. Billions of dollars of investment, most of it from the United States, has poured in. But Mexican environmentalists say unrestrained tourist development threatens a key part of the ecosystem -- the mangrove trees that grow in Mexico's coastal wetlands. These same mangrove swamps play a key role in maintaining the white sand beaches and coral reefs that attract American tourists in the first place. Independent producers Mary Losure and Mary Stucky filed this report, as part of our series "Think Global." It is narrated by Mary Losure.
Climatologist Mark Seeley's weather comments
University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses the weather in Ireland, where he has just returned from after a 12-day trip. He says, unlike Minnesota where most of the weather comes from the west, the weather there comes from all directions. Seeley also discusses the unusually wet weather this May.
Measuring diversity on corporate, nonprofit, health care boards
Over two-thirds of the state's top public companies have at least one woman on their board. Far fewer of them have a person of color on the board. Those are the results of a survey by "The Business Journal," which took a look at gender and racial diversity on the boards of public companies, nonprofits, and health care organizations in the state. Their results are published in this week's edition of the journal. Reporter Nicole Garrison-Sprenger covered the story, and she joins us now.
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