Iowa State Poet Laureate Mary Swander read at the MUM Library North Lounge at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012. There was a reception for the author afterwards and refreshments were served. This event was made possible through funding from Humanities Iowa.

In 2009, Governor Chet Culver appointed Mary Swander the Poet Laureate of the State of Iowa. Her most recent work is a book of poetry, The Girls on the Roof (Turning Point/Word Tech, 2009), a Mississippi River flood narrative. Swander has worked with the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre to create a performance piece of The Girls for the stage. Currently, Swander is also touring her play Farmscape, a docudrama capturing the changing rural environment. She is the co-founder of Agarts, a national group designed to explore the intersection of the arts and agriculture, and is developing a website, The Iowa Literary Community, where anyone with an Iowa connection can post poetry and other pieces of writing.

Internationally published social media author and expert, Phyllis Khare talks about social media and her upcoming talk for the Fairfield Golden Speakers Toastmasters Club bi-annual guest speaker event. The event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 7 at The First United Methodist Church in Fairfield.

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.

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?

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!

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.