A lecture given at MIT by Joseph Cirincione of the Center for American Progress February 22, 2007 about which countries get nuclear weapons and which don't--with a focus on Iran.

This episode revolves around the issue of Conspiracy Theories.

This week's show features hosts Kelley Custer and Brian Robbins with guest Ben Stallings.  Ben spent a year riding 7000 miles on a recumbent bike, visiting ecovillages and other green projects on the way.   After his journey, he settled in Fairfield, where he continues to live a car-free life.  Ben discusses  his trip and the benefits and challenges of life without a car. 

A discussion of world events with a focus on the global ecovillage movement.

Yesterday on "In Depth With Erika Richards", we only skimmed the surface of a topic that is both emotional and complex.  In the studio today, we invited three guests to discuss the issue of CAFOs, or concentrated animal feeding operations, and their impact on both the environment and economy locally and statewide.  The four of us tiptoed around an issue that everyone seems to have an opinion about. No...not just an opinion...but a passionate opinion that defines quality of life on all levels.

My guests included:

   - Ron Sieren, a local small hog farmer and outside salesman for Reiff Grain and Feed;

   - Jim Flinspach, a grain farmer and president of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau; and

   - Jim Rubis, President of Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors, an organization founded to run interference on the proliferation of large corporate hog operations in the county and state.

Show #33

Around Town's Melinda Arndt interviews Fairfield Arts and Convention Center's Stephen Sondheim Broadway actor Stephen DeRosa, who stars in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Listen to this colorful character describe his life in theater and his impressions of Fairfield, Iowa.

James Moore discusses art and loss with local painter Suzanne Stryker, who was the target of art thieves twice right here in Fairfield.

Her story was featured in the Des Moines Register and picked up by the Associated Press.

She shares her thoughts and reflections on Planet Erstwild at 3pm CST

[Click on the picture to go to Suzanne's website.]

James and Stuart chat about this weeks events around the globe.

Fairfield Poet Allen Cobb reads from his just-published collection, "Cave Paintings," and describes the latest phenomenon in publishing - print on demand. Listen for a thorough description of the techncial and financial details of this new method of self-publishing.

Mr. Ed Petersen is a former agent of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. During his time with the Bureau, Mr. Petersen
investigated a wide range of federal violations including general
criminal matters, international and domestic terrorism, and foreign
counter intelligence. He has also served as the director of security
for major league baseball. Mr. Petersen is currently one of the
directors of Buckley Petersen Global, a private investigative and
consulting company. He will discuss his role in solving the case of the
kidnapping of former Exxon executive, Sydney Reso.

Mariel Hemingway,
as the granddaughter of the illustrious author Ernest Hemingway, was
destined to be in the public eye. But at just thirteen years old,
Mariel became famous in her own right as she made her feature film
debut in Lipstick. Four years later, she earned an Oscar nomination for her role in Woody Allen's film Manhattan.
Mariel is an actress, model, yoga instructor, mother of two teenage
girls, and one of the leading voices for holistic and balanced living.
She is the author of Mariel Hemingway's Healthy Living from the Inside Out. Her new book, just out, is Mariel's Kitchen: Simple Ingredients for a Delicious and Satisfying Life.

Ariane de Bonvoisin is an author, entrepreneur and an
expert on change. Ariane graduated from the London School of Economics
at age 19, then went on to receive her MBA from Stanford University. In
2000, Time Warner tapped her to become the managing director of a new
$500 million digital-media venture fund. She also worked with talk show
host Charlie Rose. De Bonvoisin began working on First30Days.com in
2006, and In May 2008, HarperOne published her book, The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Change (And Loving Your Life More). She has appeared on the Today Show on NBC and the Early Show on CBS

U.S. Army Colonel (ret) Dan Nolan was one of the first
a growing group of army officiers who have beeen pushing the military
to go green as part of national security. They are known as "the green
hawks". While in the military, Dan was a principal advisor to General
Tommy Franks. He also commanded the 1st Armored Division Artillery. Dan
is a graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point. [Click
on Colonel Nolan's pic for a recent New York Times piece on Army Green.]

Lisa Nichols is a contributor to two of the largest self-development phenomena in history: She was a featured teacher in the hit DVD The Secret, and she wrote two books in the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Lisa Nichols has appeared on Oprah, Larry King Live, and Extra. Ms. Nichols has been featured in O, South Africa, The Oprah Magazine, and was a guest life coach on NBC's Starting Over.

Richard Downes
is a seasoned international journalist; Richard Downes regularly
cohosts the most popular daily RTÉ radio program "Morning Ireland" and
reports for television news and for the RTÉ current affairs flagship
"Prime Time." During the 2003 war, he stayed in Baghdad and covered the
collapse of Saddam's regime from within. Vincent Browne described him
as "the best reporter covering the war." Downes lives in Dublin with
his wife and two young children. His latest book is In Search of Iraq: From Baghdad to Babylon.

Sarah Reinertsen
was the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon
World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Sarah was born with proximal
femoral focal deficiency, a bone-growth disorder that eventually lead
to her becoming an above-the-knee amputee at the age of seven. She was
featured on the cover of Runner's World and was named one of the first eight "Heroes of Running" in the magazine. Ms. Rienertsen has also appeared on the cover of Triathlete magazine and Max Sports & Fitness magazine. She also scooped up the well-deserved ESPY award in 2006.

Brent Willet, executive director of the Fairfield Economic Development Association (FEDA) and the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, discusses FEDA's new two-year strategic plan (2009-11) with KRUU station manager James Moore.

Renowned national poet Marvin Bell visited the studios of KRUU recently and was interviewed by Irving Toast, Poetry Ghost's own Rustin Larson. This interview will air Sunday, May 31st at 10:30 am and Monday June 1st at 1:30 pm central time. In this fascinating program, Marvin reads selected poems from his latest books, talks about his long career as a writer and teacher, and discusses recent world events in the light of his poetry.

Thursday, July 16th at 7pm on KRUU-FM, the Tanner & Moore show will focus on the ethnic unrest in Western China that erupted last week. China admits 184 people died, over 1100 were wounded and more than 1500 arrests followed from three days of rioting. (Some Uighers dispute these offical numbers.) Joining the discussion from Washington DC will be Henryk Szadziewski of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, an organization that works closely with Rebiya Kadeer, the woman China accuses of masterminding the uprising, which she denies.

Planet Erstwild host James Moore interviews Katie Visco, who is running across America from Boston to San Diego. The vivacious 24-year-old is encouraging people to pursue their passions and live their dreams. She spent a night in Fairfield before dashing off in the morning, which is when we caught up with her.

[Click on Pave Your Lane logo to go to Katie's website.]

James Moore interviews Milo Bekins, chairman of the Analog Forestry Network. Born in California, Bekins followed the surf down to Costa Rica where he met his wife and settled into farming, which he's been doing there for the past 35 years.

Analog Forestry is a system which seeks to establish analog ecosystems with architectural structures and ecological functions similar to the original climax or sub climax vegetation. It also seeks to strengthen rural communities, socially as much as economically, through the use of species that provide commercial products.

Tune in to Get To Know Your Neighbor Thursday Sept 3rd at 1:00pm. Host Ken Malloy sits down in the studio to chat with local winemaker Seth Miller.

Mr. Miller is part of a family team that produces some of Iowa's, if not the midwest's, most provacative wines. Sit back and listen as we hear of the ISU and Iowa grad talk about his childhood in Iowa on the farm with his family, his travels around the globe (including New Zealand and Cuba) as well as his no nonsense, simple, honest approach to making some satisfying fruits of the vine. Grab a glass and set your dial and stay awhile...

This Thursday Sept 3rd from 1pm-2pm as we uncork another fine program.

Monica Hadley and Chamaigne Montana speak with Fairfield's own Rudy Wilson about his book, Sonja's Blue, a collection of short stories, many of which have been published in journals or are excerpted from his novels.

Rudy Wilson, author of four books, best known for THE RED TRUCK, has an MFA in English/Fiction Writing, from the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop, where he was a manuscript reader for admissions to the prestigious graduate writing program. He taught Fiction Writing Workshops there for one year, on a Teaching-Writing Fellowship.

Wilson has received a James Michener Fellowship, a CCLM-GE Award for Fiction published in THE PARIS REVIEW, and an NEA Fellowship for Fiction, in 1989.

Wilson has appeared in Gordon Lish's QUARTERLY, and has three stories in the Winter '94 Indiana Review.

Rob Content is the Program Manager for Community Solutions, responsible for the development and documentation of the Smart Jitney and Agraria projects, as well as the development of an energy-based core curriculum in collaboration with Antioch University McGregor.

He and his wife are currently developing a four-acre permaculture demonstration garden which they will use as the base for community-oriented education about self-sufficient agriculture and food security. Rob earned graduate degrees in philosophy at the University of California, creative writing at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland, and Renaissance Studies at Duke University. He has worked as a humanities professor, filmmaker, and film critic.

KRUU-FM local election coverage special

Michael Halley and Karen Rubey have filed election papers and are currently seeking the 4th Ward seat.

AROUND TOWN host Melinda Arndt interviews both candidates about their backgrounds and views.

Mayor Ed Malloy’s office is up for election. The council seats of Myron Gookin, At-Large; John Revolinski, 2nd Ward; and Martha Norbeck, 4th Ward, are up for election. Malloy, Gookin and Revolinski filed election papers.

Dr. Shubhangee B. Satam, B.A.M.S, M.D. (Ayurveda) from Mumbai, India

Diploma in Naturopathy, L.L.B. (IPR), Yoga Consultant with Around Town host Melinda Arndt

She traded away
Fields of corn & hay
For gold lamé
~ Gold Lamé, Emily Dunbar

When I first met Emily Dunbar two years ago at Rocky Mountain Song School, I was immediately impressed with her insightful and quirky lyrics, her optimistic attitude and her generous heart. So I was overjoyed to find out a few months ago that she had finally made an album including those songs I first heard around the campfire and wanted to hear again! As it says in the album description, Catch It When You Can "... is slick enough for the big time, but homespun enough to imagine Dunbar strumming just for you from across the room."

I'm sliding, gliding, skating from here
From the clouds in my life to a goal that is clear
I'm on the edge of a dream with the wind in my hair
As I skate

~ Skating, Cheryl Branz

When I first saw Cheryl Branz on stage, she had a twinkle in her eye similar to the one many people attribute to the "Jolly Old Elf". That twinkle shines through her Christmas album, The Christmas Gift. Cheryl's crystalline voice shines equally bright on all the songs from silly to sweet to serious.  The album is like the best kind of gift - some parts familiar, some parts surprising, all parts delightful.

John Collins talks with James and Stuart about Copenhagen

James and Stuart talk about climate change and the banks. 

James Moore discusses Fairfield Arts & Convention Center w/ city councilman Myron Gookin, IOwa State banker Dave Neff, businessman Ken Ross & FACC board member Mark Cohen.

A motion for a vote in May is expected to pass CIty Council on Monday, January 11th to direct funds for a potential city and county buy in of the troubled center, currently up for sale and under new board management.

The past year has shown encouraging signs of life in a difficult economy. Tough questions are asked and addressed by panel.

Singer/songwriter Jan Smith in the studio talking with host James Moore about her music, her life and new recording project.

I'm pretty sure that almost every time I've seen Jan Smith play live, she makes me cry. In a cathartic, "there is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" sort of way. She is just so real and raw that the notes creep in to my heart and force it open. The poetry reminds me to breathe deep. Her voice floats, soars, hovers, cracks, and tumbles over words in ways I don't always expect, but have me hanging on to every syllable.

James and Stuart predict trends in global affairs fin 2010.  One of their main predictions is a deteriation in relations between the US and China. 

I got my fingers crossed
And my hopes are high
So I'll try to stay calm
Try to stay dry
~ Fingers Crossed, Allison Weiss

Allison Weiss' music is said to sound like “Your saddest memories sung to the tune of your happiest”, and I think that is a pretty apt description. If you separated the lyrics from the music you’d probably get a very different feeling from each. Put together as they are though, the bittersweet, upbeat pop gems have you tapping your feet while feeling that little tug on your heart that happens when you remember something sad or the longing that comes with a crush.

As I walk above the pavement,
I can feel you walking with me carrying me
And I hear above the silence
all these voices screaming loudly at my ear
~ Shed Their Fear, Yael Meyer

A dancer and singer since childhood in her native Chile, Yael Meyer received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music at the age of 19.  It was there that she gained a deeper appreciation of the power of music and its ability to make a positive difference in the world.  Currently residing in L.A., Yael released her new Heartbeat EP just a couple months ago.  A beautiful blend of folk, pop and electronica, the delicate, delightful songs on Heartbeat will tickle your ears and put a smile on your heart. They are definitely making a positive difference in MY world! :)

Interview with Caty Titus.

Interview with Rev Kevin Annett about the treatment of children of Canada's indigenous people in schools run by the United Church of Canada.  He has also written two books, Hidden from History: The Canadian Holocaust and Death in the Valley.   

I'm coming home to you
Like a lighthouse in the dark
I reach for you whenever we're apart
~ Coming Home to You, Ellis

Minnesota-based singer-songwriter Ellis has been busy since her last visit to Fairfield, including working on a new album and showcasing at the Sundance Film Festival!  With her sweet voice, gigantic grin and heart-opening songs, I'm sure she made a whole bunch more new fans. 

Maybe now
you'll stop pushing me
pushing me around
Maybe now
you'll stop holding me
holding me down
~ Bulldozer, Bess Rogers

You'll find New York singer-songwriter and multi-intrumentalist Bess Rogers' name on a lot of projects these days.  Whether it's for touring, backup, podcasting, YouTube shorts or television performances, her talents are in high demand!  Bess' Travel Back EP takes the listener on a trip through a rich, varied aural landscape. In less than 20 minutes you can go from rip-roarin', foot-stompin', hand-clappin' rockers to stripped down, bittersweet, vocal showcasers and back again.  I have a feeling Bess' name is going to keep popping up a lot more for years to come, I don't see how anything could hold her down!

Susan Klopfer, the author of several books, including the civil rights non-fiction book "Who Killed Emmett Till?", will be interviewed on Thursday, Feb. 18 on “Tanner & Moore” which airs from 7-8 p.m. on KRUU-LP (100.1 on the FM dial). Ms. Klopfer is an award-winning journalist and former Prentice Hall editor.

Host James Moore spoke with Zennie Abraham on PLANET ERSTWILD (Fri 2pm-5pm) about his blog on SFGate.com questioning the American Red Cross's handling of money donated for relief in Haiti. Zennie who, you ask?

The YouTube video channel Zennie62 has reached 12 million video views and 200,000 channel views as of Saturday, February 20th, and continuing a pattern of rapid growth that started in 2009 and has continued through 2010. Zennie62 on YouTube also has over 4,000 subscribers.

The YouTube video channel Zennie62 consists over 800 videos covering everything from politics to news, sports, tech, and entertainment and celebrity gossip. Zennie62 on YouTube is connected to the blog Zennie62.com, also at Zennie2005.blogspot.com. The Zennie62 blog is the center publication of a network of 100 blogs ran by Zennie62.com, of which this blogger, Zennie Abraham, is the executive producer.

Louisianna-based bluesman Larry Garner talks to James Moore about his life, his music and his upcoming concert at Morning Star Studio on Saturday February 27, 2010 at 8pm. It will be his fourth sojourn to Fairfield, a town he says is brimming with life and a place he always stops to get his wheels aligned.

Whether it's in the U.S. or across Europe, Larry Garner lays it down in fine fashion every time like the true blues living master that he is. His newest release is called Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.

Clark Little, surf pioneer who made his name braving hopeless waves at the Waimea Bay shorebreak in Hawaii in the 80s and 90s, speaks with PLANET ERSTWILD host James Moore. Also joining the conversation are Teeple Hansen Gallery owners, BIll Teeple and Marcia Hansen, who are hosting an exhibition of Clark Little photography.

In three short years, Little has gained national and international recognition following his passion for ocean photography and capturing what he calls the "art of the wave." He has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show and ABC World News Now. Clark's photos have been featured in countless publications including Paris Match, La Vie, Sierra Magazine, The Guardian, Nature's Best Photography, Surfing Life, The Daily Mail, and many more.

This morning I woke up grey
Just like this cloudy day
Still haven't made up my mind
Whether to shine or to rain
~ Between The Earth & The Sky, Laura Meyer

Laura Meyer lists New York City as her base, but between moving often while growing up and her extensive touring, it seems that this independent artist is also an independent spirit, able to find beauty wherever she lands.  Her latest album, Miles From Nowhere, supports that idea, capturing slices of the traveling life from New Orleans to Colorado, Carolina and back to New York.  Painting word pictures with a shimmering, smokey voice, Laura supports her little road vignettes with deft finger-picking and crunchy blues riffs in turn, providing as much of a trip for your ears as your imagination.

Ronnie Cummins has been active as a writer and activist since the 1960s, with extensive experience in human rights, anti-war, anti-nuclear, labor, consumer, environmental, and sustainable agriculture campaigns. Over the past decades he has served as director of US and international efforts such as the Pure Food Campaign and the Global Days of Action Against GMOs. From 1992-98 Cummins served as a campaign director for the Foundation on Economic Trends in Washington, D.C. In 1998, Cummins organized the SOS (Save Organic Standards) Campaign, spearheading the largest consumer grassroots backlash against the US Department of Agriculture in recent history. He is also a frequent lecturer, both in the US and abroad. Cummins is editor of the Organic Consumers Association’s website www.organicconsumers.org, Organic Bytes newsletters, and Organic View.

John Buckman is the founder of Berkeley, California-based recording label Magnatune, a pioneer in digital downloading, application of Creative Commons copyrights, and artist-friendly business practices, sometimes referred to as "fair trade music."

Kay Hazen talks about her experiences as a member of Women for Women, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that works in war-torn areas. She is helping organize a peace rally on Sunday, March 7 at 1pm at the Hwy 1 bridge near MUM campus in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of International Women's Day.

James Moore talks with Karen Dowcett, founder of the Living Arts Institute. Karen is here to speak with our arts community about staging her art pageant set to Paul Winter Consort's Missa Gaia performed on Cape Cod in 2004 and 2008. She'll be inaugurating a year-long community-wide participation culminating in the show on Earth Day weekend, April, 2011.