Join PLANET ERSTWILD host James Moore and Newsvandal JP Sottile (@newsvandal) for an indepth discussion on the latest haps in newsville every Friday at 4pm CT on www.KRUUfm.com.

2pm: An hour of Matt Ahearn's Obvious World music on PLANET ERSTWILD.

3pm: Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swanders talks w/ Irving Toast Poetry Ghost host Rustin Larson.

3:30pm: James interviews filmmaker Karim El Hakim from Park City, Utah about his documentary "1/2 Revolution" currently showing at the Sundance Film Festival.

This week's "Inside the Headlines" topics include a look at America's frack-tured energy future, Dow's record profits (since 2008) combined with worst home sales in history, billionaires at Davos' annual economic summit bemoan growing levels of income inequality, [the economy doesn't suck--it just sucks for you!], the dollar's downward spiral, Romney pays 13.9% on $21 million dollars in income, Newt moons Florida, Obama talks populist, walks another big bank bailout, Apple surpasses Exxon as U.S's most valuable company amid allegations of shoddy & deadly labor practices in China which put profits above human welfare. But why should Americans care if it keeps the cost of these popular shiny new products iMmeninently affordable?

One way or another, the albums playing the overnight show this week are borne from down home situations, like any good garage rock. First is 'Psychedelic Lollipop' by The Blues Magoos. Ten snarly, crafty tunes from the sixties. Then we go to the self-titled first release by Now Playing, just released last year. One man band work on straight up rock & roll tunes. Side two starts with another 2010 release, 'Bees In Your Bed Bad' by Sigourney Reverb. No, they come from Seattle. Lotta punk mixed into their mix. Finally, The Host Country chimes in with their 'EP' release from last year. Very nice home-spun tunage with thoughtful lyrics and kickin' fingerstyle guitar. Had to leave off the one song with the epithet included. Enjoy. Cool Breeze

The California Gold Rush began on January 24th, 1848, when gold was found by one James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California.  

A salute to humanity's favorite heavy metal will open this week's Whizbang.

Tuesday 1/24/12, 8-10 PM.  Rebroadcast Friday midnight after P5K.

Yes, it's Shoegazer's first new show of the new year and we're confident the music on tap has been worth the wait. The lineup includes synth-laden tracks from Neon Indian and M83, as well as Beirut, Atlas Sound, Jonsi and relative unknowns but not for long Youth Lagoon and The New Division, among others. Quality. Saturday evening at 6 and again Thursday morning at 9. We're comfortable with being your guilty pleasure.

Stream Shoegazer anytime by logging onto live365.com and searching for Shoegazer Ca Va (no ?). Cheers.

Keep your eyes set on the horizon
on the line where blue meets blue
I bet that silver lining, well I know it'd find you soon
~ 1,000 Ships, Rachel Platten

Based on her album, Be Here, New York singer-songwriter Rachel Platten is the type of person you'd want to adopt for a best friend or big sister.  Her songs are upbeat and positive without denying that heartache and hard times exist.  Rachel is just confident that those situations are temporary and with the right attitude you can turn it around.  A little of her sweet voice, bubbly smile and piano-driven pop may just be the perfect pick-me-up. 

Tune in Tuesday from 9-10am Central for your weekly concentrated dose of music by female singer-songwriters! Interview with Rachel Platten at 9:30.

The music of 1962 was overtly mellow at the time, but now, with 50 years of hindsight, there are some surprising and radical gems to be discovered.

First is the classic "dance" tune: David Rose's "The stripper"--music to strip paint by. Bob Dylan released is first album, which contained the semi-original "Talkin' New York." At the time he was just a kid singing old folk songs; hard to imagine he'd be creating a new genre of music in a few short months.

Surf music was getting underway. The Beach Boys were at the heart of it, and one of the twangy, surfy guitar songs from that year was The Gamblers' "LSD-25." Who knew that that substance was at the heart of surf music?

And don't forget the original--and in some ways better--"Twist and shout" by the Isley Brothers [pictured].

The fascinating playlist is here: 1962 tunes.

Local author, speaker, and consultant, Seth Braun joins Writers' Voices this week to discuss his new book and share his passion for helping others reach their full potential. Seth has written "Indestructible Success: Creativity, Leadership and The Art of Small Business". In this book, Seth lays out a foundation and guide for both inner and outer success. His book shows how to build your mind, heart and actions so that you can live your dreams and make the world a better place.

Seth also enjoys gardening, playing music, and chocolate. He lives with his family in Fairfield.

Don't miss out on this empowering discussion!

Peter Yarrow of seminal folk group Peter, Paul & Mary is Mike's featured guest today. Yarrow is performing Wednesday evening at 7:30pm in the Legion Arts at CSPS, the lovely art & music center located in Cedar Rapids. It was damaged during the flooding but has been restored now.

This American singer found fame with the 1960s folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Yarrow co-wrote one of the group's most famous songs, "Puff, the Magic Dragon". He is also a political activist and has lent his support to causes that range from opposition to the Vietnam War to the creation of Operation Respect. [Click on "Read more" below.]

After a two-week road adventure, the Great Taste crew is back in the studio with a live show this week.  This Wednesday it's the monthly Indian Hills Culinary student invasion, plus the director of the IHCC program, Chef Gordon Rader, is bringing a very special guest.   Get ready for dessert whipped up in the studio by Chef Julian Arranz of award-winning father and son pastry team extraordinaire Raul and Julian Arranz from Valladolid, Spain.  Julian is at Indian Hills for a month working with the students as part of a culinary educational exchnange.  In addition, he has been meeting with area high school students, and conducting classes at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMAC). You can take a look at Chef Julian’s work on his website using the following link.

Local chefs, Liz and Helen Perralta, are also planning to stop by.  I've received a tip that Helen is making tiramisu.  It's definitely going to be a sweet evening.