Talk of the Towns 9/26/08

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Topic: Facing Winter Heating & Energy Challenges

What is the challenge we face as a state, communities and individuals around winter energy costs?  What government and community initiatives are helping with the challenge?  What resources might one draw on to get help or provide help?

Guests:

Tim King, Director, Washington-Hancock Community Agency;  Cathy Crossman, United Way of Eastern Maine;  Kathy Hopkins, University of Maine Cooperative Extension; State Representative Hannah Pingree

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 9/25/08

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

With the recently published policy for information searches at the U.S. Border, including searches of laptops and other electronic devices, many folks are wondering if there is anything that they can do to keep their
personal information personal when they go abroad. Let’s look at a few options, including encryption software such as TrueCrypt  (www.truecrypt.org).

Voices 9/23/08

Executive Producer/Host: Amy Browne

Contributing Producers: Carolyn Coe, Andree Bella, Karen Larsen

Segment 1: The voices of Bob Bonthius and Fran Truitt, local residents who were among the co-founders of Witness for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to non-violence and led by faith and conscience.  Produced by Carolyn Coe.  FMI: www.witnessforpeace.org

Segment 2: The debut of a new, locally produced short feature called “Esoterica”.    “Esoterica” will feature WERU producers and their guests who share an interest in exploring the dimensions beyond our 5 senses.   It will start airing in it’s regular time slot, Tuesday mornings at 6:30, starting October 21st, 2008.  This first segment was produced by Andree Bella.

Segment 3: A reflection on the Autumnal Equinox.  Produced by Karen Larsen

WERU SoapBox Special: The “Bail-Out” 9/23/08

Producer/Host: Matt Murphy

Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

A modified “open mic” call in show on the topic of “bail-outs” with one guest (listed below).

Guest:  Max Fraad Wolff
An economist, Wolff just wrote the piece “Cowardly New World,” which states: “Secretary Paulson has attempted to declare himself the most equal of pigs in our animal house economy. The Treasury seeks more than $700 billion for itself under the sole auspices of the Secretary whose management helped bring us right over the brink. I say more because unlike so many commentators, I read the proposal. It only limits Treasury to $700 billion in balances at any one time (Section 6). If they buy $700B and lose 20 percent of the principle ($140B), Treasury will just buy another $140B. That restores market confidence?”

Wolff is an instructor at the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School University. He is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, Asia Times and The Indypendent.  (FMI: mfwolff@aol.com or http://www.globalmacroscope.com)