At Issue with Ben Merens

2007-07-30T12:23:00.001-07:00

Most races for Congress are fairly contentious these day. But two Concordia University Professors... one Democrat and one Republican... are running together. Hear how they plan to run their campaign of unity, today after four, on At Issue with Ben Merens.
Guests:
- Jeff Walz, Assistant Professor Of Political Science, Concordia University. Dem. 5th Cong. District.
- James Burkee, Historian, Concordia University. Republican candidate 5th Cong. District.

Join At Issue host Ben Merens for his July open line, after five. You're invited to suggest program topics, guest ideas, and offer your feedback about At Issue.

2007-07-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

After four, it’s Your Views On The News, with Ben Merens. You're invited to call in with your thoughts about the week’s most significant news story.
Guest: Boyce Watkins, assistant professor of finance, Syracuse University. Host, syndicated radio show, “Boiling Hot With Boyce Watkins”. www.boycewatkins.com

What do you do when you have nothing to do? After five, At Issue, Ben Merens and his guest discuss the importance of doing nothing.
Guest: Karen Shanor, Psychologist. Author, “The Emerging Mind”.

2007-07-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

The federal government has issued a new report for how to improve the health care we give our veterans. Today after four on At Issue, Ben Merens and his guests look at the proposal and ask if it goes far enough.
Donna Shalala, co-chair Wounded Warrior Commission
Sen. Bob Dole co-chair Wounded Warrior Commission President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors www.pccww.gov

After five, Ben Merens and his guest discuss energy conservation, efficiency, and clean energy solutions.
Guest: Dan Kohler, director, Wisconsin Environment. www.wisconsinenvironment.org

2007-07-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

For the fourth straight month sales of existing homes weakened. After four, Ben Merens and his guest look at the national housing market crisis.
Guest: (Russ)ell Kashian (KAY-shin), associate professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

After five, Ben Merens and his guest discuss education and race. A look at how concepts of race, intelligence, and testing, affect student performance.
Guest: Beverly Daniel Tatum, President, Spellman College, Atlanta. Author, "Can We Talk About Race?: And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation" (Beacon Press).

2007-07-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

The federal minimum wage went from $5.15 to $5.85 today. After four, Ben Merens’ guests examine what this 70-cent increase means for employers, employees, consumers and the current poverty gap.
Guest:
4-4:30 Liana Fox, economic analyst, Economic Policy Institute (EPI).
4:30-5 Kevin Quinn, associate professor of economics, St. Norbert College.

After five, Ben Merens guest says Liberalism was once the single most vital creative force in American politics, but the assassination of President Kennedy gave birth to a more radical sect... the "New Left."
Guest: James Pierson, senior fellow, Manhattan Institute. Author, "Camelot and the Cultural Revolution: How the Assassination of John F. Kennedy Shattered American Liberalism" (Encounter Books).

2007-07-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Senator Feingold is calling on Congress to censure President Bush over his role in the war in Iraq. Today after four on At Issue, Ben Merens and his guest discuss the politics of the war. Guest: Cal Jillson, professor of political science, Southern Methodist University.

Often, the man of the household makes all the investment decisions... but when his spouse outlives him, she's sometimes placed in a tough spot. After five, At Issue with Ben Merens, what women need to learn to share in household investing decisions while their spouses are still alive. Guest: Michael Sadoff, co-director, Sadoff Investment Management. www.sadoffinvestments.com

2007-07-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

It’s Your Views On The News. Call in with the news story that got your attention this week. John Munson hosts for Ben Merens and takes your calls.
Guest: Mordecai Lee, professor of governmental affairs, UW-Milwaukee. mordecai@uwm.edu

John Munson's guest says although no government agency is willing to call it a tax, the lottery is nonetheless a source of implicit tax revenue, but fails the test of sound tax policy.
Guest: Alicia Hansen, staff writer, Tax Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit organization in Washington DC. www.taxfoundation.org

2007-07-23T12:48:00.001-07:00

Food safety is the topic of the hour with John Munson and guest. President Bush created a food safety panel while the FDA announces plans to close more than half of the labs that inspect our food imports.
Guest: Caroline Smith DeWaal, director of Food Safety, Center for Science in the Public Interest. www.cspi.org

Much of America's culture, economy, and in fact, its spirit, were rendered from the bodies of whales, says John Munson's guest. He examines America's rich whaling heritage through historical facts and anecdots.
Guest: Eric Jay Dolin, author, "Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America" (Norton).

2007-07-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

After an all night session, Democrats failed to garner the 60 votes needed to bring home the troops. Guest host John Munson and his guest political scientist discuss the political theater on both sides of the aisle.
Guest: Dennis Riley, professor of political science, UW-Stevens Point.

Prepare for the future... John Munson talks with a trends expert, who provides a snapshot of what to expect for the second half of 2007.
Guest: Gerald Celente, founder/director, The Trends Research Institute. www.trendsresearch.com

2007-07-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

According to a new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on threats to the United States, al Qaeda maybe the strongest it has been since the aftermath of September 11, 2001. After four, Ben Merens and his guest review the NIE’s findings.
Guest: Peter Sederberg, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science, University of South Carolina.

After five, Ben Merens' guest calls for a complete shift in U.S. foreign policy, to create a safer future for America and the world.
Guest: Amitai Etzioni, professor of international relations, George Washington University. Author, "Security First: for a Muscular, Moral Foreign Policy" (Yale University Press).

2007-07-16T10:08:00.001-07:00

According to a report released on Friday, Healthy Wisconsin (a universal health care plan for Wisconsinites) would have a very positive effect on the state’s economy; contrary to what critics have claimed. Join Ben Merens and his guest today, after four.
Guest: Robert Kraig, communication and program director, Citizen Action of Wisconsin. www.citizenactionwi.org

If you think you are too busy to be politically active, think again! says Ben Merens' guest after five. She discusses why and how Americans must reengage in the political process.
Guest: Bernadette Vadurro, author of "America's Conscience: Facing Threats to Democracy, the Middle Class and Our World" (Speakers Live Books)

2007-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Although a White House-issued-report, released today, stated that the Iraqi government has failed to reach a number of benchmarks, President Bush defended progress in Iraq and asked for more time. After four, Ben Merens’ guests share their differing opinions on issues addressed in the President’s press conference today.
Guest:
Quin Hillyer, Senior Editor at “The American Spectator”. www.spectator.org
Alex Koppelman, Staff Writer at Salon.com. www.salon.com

After five, Ben Merens' guest says the Internet is destroying our cultural standards and moral values.
Guest: Andrew Keen, author, "The Cult of the Amateur: How today's Internet is killing our culture" (Doubleday)

2007-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Gas prices continue to skyrocket. After four, Ben Merens and his guest examine the likelihood of this trend continuing and what it means for consumers.
Guest: Mark Cooper, researcher at the Consumer Federation of America.

Lawmakers across the country are looking to outlaw using electronic devices while driving. After five, on At Issue, Ben Merens and his guest discuss distracted driving, and look at legislation in Wisconsin.
Guest: Major Dan Lonsdorf, Wisconsin State Patrol. Executive Board member, GHSA. Director Transportation Safety, Wisconsin Department of Transportation. www.ghsa.org

2007-07-10T09:17:00.001-07:00

The Republican-run Assembly is taking up a budget today that will not raise taxes, but will spend $85 million less on schools than Democrats have proposed. After four, Ben Merens and his guest look at the proposed budget.
Guest: Todd Berry, president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. www.wistax.org

According to Ben Merens' guest, after five, immediate withdrawal from Iraq would harm U.S. interests and embolden terrorists to attack the American homeland.
Guest: Mike Evans, author, "The Final Move Beyond Iraq: The Final Solution While the World Sleeps" (Frontline).

2007-07-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

After four, a look at Iraq and how the surge is not and will not work. Ben Merens guest will discuss the need to pull our troops out of Iraq.
Guest: Peter W. Galbraith, senior research fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, and author of, "The End of Iraq: How American Incompetence Created a War Without End" (Simon and Schuster).

Ben Merens' guest says evidence suggests our climate is indeed becoming more and more extreme, and talks about the weather trends going back to the nineteenth century.
Guest: Christopher Burt, cofounder and publisher, Compass American Guides series. Author, "Extreme Weather" (WW Norton).

2007-06-28T13:07:00.002-07:00

Polls consistently show voters wanting more choices in political parties... but they never get them. After four, on At Issue, Ben Merens and his guest discuss why third parties fail.
Guest: Joel Sipress, professor of history, UW-Superior.

Looking for a good book for the beach? Join Ben Merens and his guest, after five, for a look at some great summer reads.
Guest: Teddie Meronek, research librarian, City of Superior.

2007-06-28T13:07:00.001-07:00

Join Ben Merens as he hosts his June open line. Call in with your topic and guest suggestions for future shows.

Summer break is here and many parents are asking how they can help their children remember information learned in the previous school year, avoiding the infamous “summer brain drain.” On this month’s Education Today, Ben Merens’ guest says that summer does not have to equal a lack of mental stimulation.
Guest: Ron Fairchild, executive director, Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University. www.summerlearning.org

2007-06-28T13:06:00.001-07:00

Care giving for an aging parent or family member can be stressful, yet rewarding. Ben Merens and his guest explore the ups and downs of transitioning from having your parents take care of you, to you taking care of them.
Guest: Patricia Bruce, director of the Family Caregiver Support Network at Interfaith Older Adult Programs. www.caregiversupportnetwork.org 1-800-449-4481

Most Wisconsinites are generally dissatisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. today. And many are unhappy with the war in Iraq. After five, Ben Merens and his guest flush out the findings of the latest Badger Poll on national issues.
Guest: Katherine (Kathy Walsh – on air) Cramer Walsh, professor of political science, UW-Madison. Faculty director, UW Survey Center, Badger Poll.

2007-06-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, for the first time since the early 1990s, the federal government released information on hospital mortality rates. Ben Merens and guest look at what this means for patients.
Guest: Dana Richardson, vice president of quality, Wisconsin Hospital Association.

A lot of people say they don’t like the Iraq War, but what are they doing about it? On at Issue, after five, Ben Merens and his guests talk about ways to peacefully protest war.
Guests:
5:00 - 6:00 Julie Enslow, organizer, Peace Action Wisconsin.
www.peaceactionwi.org
5:00 - 5:30 Don Schiever, peace activist. www.ackme.info/peace_waukesha/ObeyTheLawForPeace.htm

2007-06-13T12:12:00.001-07:00

Despite pressure from Congress, the White House and top military commanders, Iraq’s political leaders have failed to reach agreements on several laws that the U.S. demanded as benchmarks. After four, Ben Merens will ask his guest what not reaching these benchmarks would mean for the Iraqi government, the Iraqi people, and U.S. overall involvement.
Guest: Ivan Eland, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center on Peace & Liberty at The Independent Institute.

With gasoline prices at record highs, and the summer driving season in full swing, drivers are feeling the pain at the pump. After five, Ben Merens guest says if more drivers practiced gas-saving tips, their mileage could be improved by nearly 13-percent.
Guest: Mark Cooper, Consumer Federation of America. www.consumerfed.org

2007-06-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

This week the Senate is debating energy legislation being promoted by the Democratic leadership, but automakers and green activists are unhappy with provisions of the bill. Join Ben Merens and his guest, today after four.
Guest: Daniel J. Weiss, Senior Fellow and the Director of Climate Strategy, Center for American Progress. www.americanprogress.org

Summer is here...and so are more teen drivers. After five, Ben Merens's guest says that research shows that far too many teens engage in risky driving behavior in the summer, and he gives parents a few solutions to keep their teens safe behind the wheel.
Guest: Stephen Wallace, Chairman and CEO, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) www.SADD.org

2007-06-11T10:02:00.001-07:00

Bush says that it is time to stop stalling immigration legislation. After four, Ben Merens and his guest discuss what parts of the President’s bill are dividing factors, and what it means for illegal immigrants, their families, future immigrants, and the work force.
Guest: Edward Alden, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. www.cfr.org

Six-point-six billion people now live on our planet earth. After five, At Issue, Ben Merens and his guest discuss the impact of population growth on the earth and ourselves.
GUEST: Larry Smith, President, The Population Institute www.populationinstitute.org

2007-05-14T09:20:00.001-07:00

After four, Ben Merens talks with Christopher Hitchens, who has made a case against religion. He argues that religion is a man-made wish, a cause of dangerous repression, and a distortion of our origins in the cosmos.
Guest: Christopher Hitchens, author, "God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" (Twelve/Warner Books).

In the five o’clock hour, Ben Merens talks with two guests with opposing plans for health care reform in Wisconsin.
5:00 – Alberta Darling, 8th Senate District, Republican. Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov
5:30 – David Newby, president, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. www.wisaflcio.org

2007-03-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

After four, Ben Merens welcomes listener perspectives on the top news stories of the week. Call in with Your Views On The News. YOUR VIEWS ON THE NEWS

"The Catcher in the Rye,""On the Road," "Catch 22," "The Feminine Mystique," ... What do all these books have in common? They all are baby boomer literature. Ben Merens' guest, after five, talks about baby boomers... and their books.
Guest:
Malcom Jones, reporter and culture writer for Newsweek. His article, "Our Books, Ouselves".
Capitol Steps April Fool's Special

It's no joke! The April Fool's special from the Capitol Steps is coming up at five-thirty. This musical troupe of former congressional staffers take bi-partisan jabs at politicians and current events

2007-03-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

All eyes are on Iran as the country faces new U.N. sanctions, high-profile U.S. naval maneuvers in the Persian Gulf, and increasing pressure over captured British sailors. After four, the latest developments in Iran, on At Issue, with Ben Merens and his guest.
Guest:
Jim Robbins, senior fellow, The American Foreign Policy Council. Professor of international relations, National Defense University. Columnist, National Review Online.

After five, Ben Merens’ guest says there is a corrupt process through which “economic hit men” manipulate the global economy for the benefit of the corporate elite.
Guest:
Antonia Juhasz (YOU-hahs), analyst Oil Change International Co-author, “A Game As Old As Empire: The Secret World of Economic Hit Men and the Web of Global Corruption.” www.agameasoldasempire.com www.thebushagenda.net

2007-03-29T14:08:00.002-07:00

Is there an author, or newsmaker, or an unusual topic you'd like to bring to the attention of your fellow listeners? Call Ben Merens to make your suggestion for future programs.
MARCH OPEN LINE

During this month’s Education Today, Ben Merens and his guests examine schools in suburban, metropolitan, and rural communities. What challenges do they have in common, and what issues are unique?
Guests:
- David Schmidt, superintendent, Waukesha Public Schools.
- William Andrekopoulos, superintendent, Milwaukee Public Schools.
- Michael Cox, district administrator, Hayward Community School District.

2007-03-29T14:08:00.001-07:00

Special interest groups are making the race between Linda Clifford and Annette Ziegler for state Supreme Court an unusually heated and expensive campaign. Ben Merens’ guests discuss the race and suggest necessary reforms to keep an excess of money and politics out of judicial elections.

Guests: 4
:00 – Peter K. Rofes, professor of law, associate dean for academic affairs, Marquette University Law School
4:30 – Bert Brandenburg, executive director, Justice at Stake Campaign, Washington DC. His op-ed on State Supreme Court politics appears in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Household incomes are dropping faster in Wisconsin than any other state. Ben Merens' guest says it’s not the economy, but a social and demographic shift that put Wisconsin at the bottom of the list.

Guest: Todd Berry, president, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, a nonprofit nonpartisan research organization. www.wistax.org

2007-03-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

Ben Merens talks with a Wisconsin theologian who has been denounced by the Catholic Church for his so-called “false teaching” on abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage.

Guest: Dr. Daniel C. Maguire, professor of religious ethics and social justice at Marquette University. President of The Religious Consultation on Population, Reproductive Health and Ethics www.religiousconsultation.org

Ben Merens' guest explores how the overreaching of the American government is undermining the republic itself, both economicaly and politically.

Guest: Chalmers Johnson, president of the Japan Policy Research Institute. Author, "Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic" (Henry Holt)

2007-03-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

A new report found that consumers in the Milwaukee area could save $149 a year on their cable television if the state would allow more competition for video service. After four, Peter Donalds will be joined by the author of the study, a media pundit, and a local politician, to examine the report and what more cable options would mean for Wisconsinites.
Guest:
4:05-4:15 Christian Schneider, a fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute. Author, The Benefit to Cable Competition in Wisconsin.
4:15-4:30 Representative Phil Montgomery, 04th Assembly District (Republican).
4:30-5 Dave Berkman, media pundit/political commentator. Former host, Media Talk, WPR.

After five, Peter Donalds talks with representatives of Amnesty International U-S-A, as members from across the country arrive in Wisconsin this week for their annual meeting. Guests:
5:00 - Jumana Musa, advocacy director for domestic human rights and international justice, Amnesty International USA.
5:30 - Scott Edwards, specialist on Sudan, Amnesty International USA. www.amnestyusa.org

2007-03-22T11:36:00.001-07:00

Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he will subpoena White House officials if they do not agree to testify about the U.S. attorneys scandal. Peter Donalds and his guest discuss executive privilege.
Guest:
Peter Shane, professor of law (specialty in separation of powers law), Ohio State University. Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Law and Policy Studies, Ohio State University.

Whether it’s an ad on TV, or a spouse steering the choice for a vacation, the forces of persuasion are always in play. Peter Donalds' guest tells how to push away unwanted pressures, and persuade others to our way of thinking.
Guest:
Jay Heinrichs, author, "Thank You For Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion" (Three Rivers Press).

2007-03-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Anti-war demonstrations around the globe and here in Wisconsin continue as this week marks the fourth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Peter Donalds’ guests make the case for peace.

Guests:
Paul Kawicka, program and political director, National Peace Action www.peace-action.org. Mr Kawicka returned last week from Iran where he visited as a delegate with Fellowship of Reconciliation www.forusa.org
George Martin, program director, Peace Action Wisconsin www.peaceactionwi.org

Each day, 30,000 children die of starvation and three billion people, half the world's population, live on less than two dollars a day. Peter Donalds’ guest says despite 2.3 trillion in aid from the West, little has changed in world poverty.

Guest:
William Easterly, professor of economics at New York University. Former senior economist, World Bank. Author, “The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good.”

2007-03-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Anti-war demonstrations around the globe and here in Wisconsin continue as this week marks the fourth anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. Peter Donalds’ guests, after four, make the case for peace.
Guest: George Martin, program director, Peace Action Wisconsin www.peaceactionwi.org

Each day, 30,000 children die of starvation and 3 billion people, half the world's population, live on less than $2 a day. After five, Peter Donalds’ guest says that after $2.3 trillion in aid from the West, little has changed.
Guest: William Easterly, former senior economist, World Bank. He is a professor of economics at New York University. Author, “The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good”.

2007-03-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today marks the four year anniversary of the war in Iraq. After four, Ben Merens and his guest examine the toll this war has had on the United States’ armed forces.
Guest: Donald Goldstein, Professor of Public and International Affairs and Military Historian, University of Pittsburgh.

For many women, there comes a time when they find themselves alone. Society often tells them how sad a time this is… but, after five, on At Issue, Ben Merens’ guest discusses the power of being alone.
Guest: Florence Falk, psychotherapist and teacher. Author, “On My Own: The Art of Being A Woman Alone.” www.florencefalk.com

2007-03-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

What news story impacted you the most this week? It’s YOUR VIEWS ON THE NEWS with Ben Merens on At Issue. Listeners are welcome to call in and become media pundits for an hour. YOUR VIEWS ON THE NEWS

Ben Merens’ guest says the art of forgiveness can be practiced at home and globally, but people need to understand it's not a sign of weakness.
Guest: Mother Clare Watts, psychotherapist, co-director, Centers of Light. http://www.centersoflight.org/ Author, “Giving Birth To God: A Woman’s Path to Enlightenment.”

2007-03-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Democrats moved legislation setting a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal forward today, despite opposition from Republicans and a veto threat from the White House. After four, Ben Merens’ guest will discuss the issue.
Guest:
Jeffrey Addicott, Professor of Law and the Director of the Center for Terrorism Law, St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio Texas. Active duty Army officer, Judge Advocate General’s Corps for twenty years (he retired in 2000 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel).

Brian Katulis (ka-TO-lis), Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress. Examines U.S. national security policy in Middle East and democratization, with a focus on Iraq.

After five, Ben Merens’ guest says the new, early Daylight Saving Time will not save energy for Americans... in fact, it’s just the opposite, and the oil companies and Congress know it.
Guest: Michael Downing, author, “Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time”.

2007-03-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Publicly calling homosexual behavior "immoral," General Peter Pace, America’s top military officer, re-ignited the national debate over the military’s “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. Ben Merens talks with two men at the heart of the debate.

Guests:
Marine Sergeant Brian Fricke, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
Sharra Greer, director of law and policy, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network www.sldn.org Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, retired

A new report blames hormones for teenagers’ sometimes erratic behavior. Ben Merens talks with the lead researcher, and with a pediatrician about helping teens through mood swings and other behavioral issues.
Guests:
Sheryl Smith, professor of physiology and pharmacology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center.
Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, associate professor of pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Author, “A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens.”

2007-03-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

Ben Merens’ guest says the thwarted White House plan to fire all ninety-three US attorneys shows that reform is needed so Justice Department appointments are based on merit rather than politics.
Guest: Paul Rothstein, constitutional law professor, Georgetown University School of Law

Ben Merens' guest warns against the dangers of using weapons in space.
Guest: Helen Caldicott, co-founder, Physicians for Social Responsibility. President, Nuclear Policy Research Institute. Author, "War in Heaven: the Arms Race in Outer Space."

2007-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

In the earliest campaign season ever, two more presidential hopefuls have entered the conversation – if not the race: Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, and politician/actor Fred Thompson. Ben Merens and his guest discuss the latest news from what some are calling the “invisible primary.”
Guest: John Orman, professor of politics, Fairfield University

Coverage of the Great Decisions Series continues, as Ben Merens and his guest discuss the politics, economy, and future of South Africa.
Guest: Coetzee Bester, executive director, African Institute for Leadership. Former Member of Parliament in South Africa. UW-Milwaukee’s Great Decisions Series: https://www3.uwm.edu/dept/cie/iwa/

2007-02-26T11:28:00.001-08:00

Will Al Gore ride the momentum of last night's Oscar win to announce a presidential run? Ben Merens and his guest discuss the former V-P's unique political road, and the political power of Hollywood.
Guest: David Canon, professor of political science, UW-Madison.

Coverage of the Great Decisions Series continues, after five, as Ben Merens and his guest discuss the latest news from Iraq, and the war debate in Washington.
Guest: Ivan Eland (EYE-ven EE-land), senior fellow and director of the Center on Peace and Liberty, Independent Institute.

2007-02-23T10:15:00.001-08:00

Join Ben Merens for "Your Views on the News." It's the weekly Friday feature that welcomes your thoughts and opinions on the top news stories of the week.

Living without technology takes work… the work of an Eastern Michigan University masters student. She joins Ben Merens, after five, to talk about why she's low-tecking her life.
Guest: Christina Wall, masters student, Eastern Michigan University. www.retrochicky.blogspot.com

2007-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ben Merens welcomes state lawmakers from each side of the aisle to discuss their legislative priorities for Wisconsin.
Guests:
4:00 - State Representative Robin Vos, 63rd Assembly District, Republican
4:30 - State Representative Jennifer Shilling, 95th Assembly District, Democrat

What would happen if George W. Bush was charged with fraud against the United States due to his justification for invading Iraq? YOU are the juror, as Ben Merens talks with the prosecution and the defense for the “United States v. George W. Bush et al.”
Guests:
5:00 - Elizabeth de la Vega, retired federal prosecutor. Contributor, TomDispatch.com. Author, “United States v. George W. Bush et al.”
5:30 - Ronald Kessler, author, “A Matter of Character: Inside the White House of George W. Bush” and, “The CIA At War: Inside the Secret Campaign Against Terror.”

2007-02-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens’ guest examines the origin and meaning of religion from the scientific perspective of evolutionary biology.
Guest: Daniel C. Dennett, professor of philosophy, co-director, Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University. Author, “Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon”

Ben Merens’ talks with an alternative energy expert, after five, about a new waste ethanol project in Wisconsin that could be just what President Bush is looking for in his call to reduce the need for foreign oil.
Guest: Barry Hanson, alternative energy consultant, author, “Energy Power Shift: Benefiting from Today's New Technologies” www.energypowershift.com

2007-02-20T12:29:00.001-08:00

Ben Merens’ guest, after four, says the Scooter Libby trial has provided a unique window into how the White House was operating in President Bush’s first term, and confirms that Dick Cheney is the most powerful vice president to hold the office.
Guest: Joel K. Goldstein, Professor of Law, St. Louis University. Author, “The Modern American Vice Presidency: The Transformation of a Political Institution”

Ben Merens hosts his monthly open line, after five. Call in with your topic and guest suggestions for future shows.
FEBRUARY OPEN LINE

2007-02-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

According to a recent study by UNICEF, Britain and the United States ranked last among wealthy nations for child welfare. Peter Donalds and his guest discuss the impact of globalization on social programs.
Guest: Jeffry A. Frieden, professor, Department of Government, Harvard University. Author, “Global Capitalism: Its Fall and Rise in the Twentieth Century”

Peter Donalds talks with former Secretary of Defense William Cohen and his wife, Janet, about how one diverse couple has overcome the barriers of racial bigotry and found happiness together.
Guests: William and Janet Cohen, authors, "Love in Black & White: A Memoir of Race, Religion, and Romance" (Rowman & Littlefield)

2007-02-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens and his guest education expert discuss findings and recommendations released today by The Commission on No Child Left Behind.
Guest: Jonathan Plucker, Professor of educational psychology and cognitive science, director of the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy (CEEP) at Indiana University www.ceep.indiana.edu

After five, Ben Merens examines the future of the newspaper industry with a guest who says the days of print may be numbered.
Guest: Dan Kennedy, visiting assistant professor, School of Journalism, Northeastern University www.medianation.blogspot.com

2007-02-12T18:08:00.001-08:00

The Great Decisions Series, Mondays at five, continues today with Ben Merens and his guest who says the U.S. is still in desperate need of immigration reform as we approach the one-year anniversary of last year’s massive protests in Wisconsin and across the country.
Guest: Christine Neumann-Ortiz, director, Voces de la Frontera.She will speak at the UW-Milwaukee Great Decisions Series on Tuesday, February 13th at 7pm. For more information: https://www3.uwm.edu/dept/cie/iwa/

2007-02-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Join Peter Donalds, after four, for "Your Views on the News." It's the weekly Friday feature that welcomes your thoughts and opinioins on the top news stories of the week.

After five, Peter Donalds and his guest discuss a new P-B-S Frontline documentary that uses the C-I-A agent Valerie Plame outing and investigation as a case-study of the conflicting rights and responsibilities of prosecutors and the press.
Guest: Raney Aronson, producer, “News War: Secrets, Sources & Spin.”The documentary airs Tuesdays, February 13 and 20. Check local listings. www.pbs.org/frontline

2007-02-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Americans are more overweight then ever, and yesterday the Federal Food and Drug Administration made history by approving an nonprescription diet pill. After four, Peter Donalds and his guest discuss why weight loss in a bottle may or may not be the answer.
Guest: Ann Yelmokas (yell-MO-kiss) McDermott, Licensed Dietician Nutritionist, Lifestyle Nutrition Management. Research scientist, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University Lipid Metabolism Laboratory. www.lifestylenutritionmanagement.com

Super Bowl coach Tony Dungy and presidential candidate Joe Biden have sparked the latest conversations about race in America. Join Peter Donalds and his guest, after five, to continue the conversation.
Guest: Bruce A. Jacobs, author, “Race Manners for the 21st Century: Navigating the Minefield Between Black and White Americans in an Age of Fear”

2007-02-08T11:43:00.001-08:00

It was revealed yesterday that the U.S. airlifted several hundred tons of cash amounting to over four billion dollars into Iraq early in the war. Ben Merens talks with a defense analyst about the President’s military budget, the cost of the war, and how nearly nine billion dollars has gone missing.
Guest: Winslow Wheeler, director of the Straus Military Reform Project at the Center for Defense Information www.cdi.org

Ben Merens talks with NPR Talk of the Nation host Neal Conan.

2007-02-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

President Bush sent his 2.9 trillion-dollar budget plan to Capitol Hill yesterday, asking billions more for Iraq and Afghanistan while cutting the federal deficit. Ben Merens and his guest discuss the highlights, after four.
Guest: Corey Davison, director of legislative relations, The Concord Coalition www.concordcoalition.org

Ben Merens’ guest, after five, says the takeover might make sense financially, but Wisconsinites are justifiably proud of Midwest Airlines and he hopes AirTran’s bid is not successful.
Guest: Aaron Gellman, professor of management and strategy, Transportation Center, Northwestern University

2007-02-05T09:36:00.001-08:00

A much-anticipated international report released Friday confirms and details the urgency of climate change and the impact of human activity. After four, Ben Merens talks with one of the panel’s lead authors.
Guest: Gary Yohe (Yo), Woodhouse-Sysco Professor of Economics, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. Lead Author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group 2. View the report: http://www.ipcc.ch

Continuing the Great Decisions Series (Mondays at five), Ben Merens talks with a representative of UNICEF about protecting the world’s children against violence and abuse. Guest: Pamela Shifman, child protection advisor, UNICEF. www.unicefusa.org www.violencestudy.org Ms. Shifman will speak at UW-Milwaukee’s Great Decisions Series, Tuesday, February 6 at 7pm. For details: https://www3.uwm.edu/dept/cie/iwa/

2007-01-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday passed a non-binding resolution opposing President Bush’s increase of American troops to Iraq. After four, Ben Merens talks with two guests: one who opposes the resolution, and one who says it doesn’t go far enough.
Guests:
4:00 – William Greene, president of RightMarch.com
4:30 – Anthony Arnove, author, "Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal"

Ben Merens and his guest, after five, discuss why more and more seniors are approaching retirement years heavily in debt, and what can be done about it.
Guest:
Cathy Moran, certified specialist in bankruptcy law, Mountain View, California. www.moranlaw.net

2007-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens and his guest political scientist review President Bush’s State of the Union address.
Guest:
John Orman, professor of politics, Fairfield University

After five, Ben Merens and his guest focus on the healthcare reforms advanced by last night’s State of the Union address from President Bush.
Guest:
Robert Field, chair of the Department of Health Policy and Public Health, The University of the Sciences, Philadelphia. Author, “Healthcare Regulation in America: Complexity Confrontation, and Compromise” (Oxford University Press) www.healthcareregulation.net

2007-01-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

A coalition of major business leaders has called for bold action on global warming just as the White House is promising new climate change proposals in tonight’s State of the Union address. Ben Merens previews tonight’s speech with a guest who says it may well be influenced by the CEO’s call to action.
Guest:
Thomas Drennen, professor of economics, director of environmental studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

Ben Merens talks with WPR resident historian Randall Davidson about the first ninety years of public radio in Wisconsin.
Guest:
Randall Davidson, WPR Chief Announcer. Author, "9XM Talking: WHA Radio and the Wisconsin Idea." Davidson appears tonight, 7pm, at Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, 4093 North Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211 (2 blocks north of East Capitol Drive).

2007-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Open records laws say sate agencies must release names, addresses and other information about citizens when requested, but a recent snafu with published social security numbers has some wondering if the state is undermining our privacy.
Guests:
4:00 – Senator Ted Kanavas (CAN-a-vas), 33rd Senate District, Republican
4:30 – Carole Doeppers (DEPP-ers), data privacy consultant, former Wisconsin state privacy advocate, former director, Wisconsin ACLU data privacy project.

The UW-Milwaukee Institute of World Affairs begins its weekly "Great Decisions" series today. Every Monday at five, Ben Merens will talk with the week's guest speaker. Today: Prosecuting War Crimes
Guest:
Justice Richard Goldstone, professor of international studies, Beloit College. He chaired the South African post-Apartheid commission of inquiry.For more information on Great Decisions: https://www3.uwm.edu/dept/cie/iwa/

2006-12-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

Look around your house and ask yourself if what you see is necessity or luxury. According to recent research, the line between has blurred. Today after four, Ben Merens and his guest talk about what we want versus what we must have.
Guest: Robert Thompson, professor of media & popular culture, Newhouse School of Communications, Syracuse University.

After five, Ben Merens talks with Internet pioneers Angie Hicks of Angie’s List and Craig Newmark of Craig’s List about their popular sites, and the future of online communities. Guests:- Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. www.angieslist.com -Craig Newmark, founder of Craig’s List. www.craigslist.com

2006-12-19T11:03:00.001-08:00

The weekly average of assaults against U.S. and Iraqi targets is currently 960, and according to a report from the Pentagon, this is a record level. After four, Ben Merens and his guest examine why.
Guest: Mary Habeck, Associate Professor of Strategic Studies, John Hopkins University. Most recent publication, “Knowing the Enemy: Jihadist Ideology and the War on Terror.”

Keeping children safe on the Internet doesn’t happen by accident. At Issue, after five, Ben Merens talks with an Internet safety expert about how parents can guide kids safely through the net.
Guest: Dusty Katz, Internet safety expert. Founder, Web Safety 4 Kids. www.websafety4kids.org websafety4kids@wi.rr.com

2006-12-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

Health organizations and other groups are calling for a $1-a-pack increase in the cigarette tax to pay for anti- smoking programs and health care. After four, Ben Merens’ guest will discuss how many Wisconsinites smoke and what the tax increase may mean for their health. During the second half of the hour, what will the tax money fund?
Guest:
4-4:30 William Scheckler, MD. Hospital Epidemiologist, St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison Wisconsin. Member of the Wisconsin Medical Society, and a member of the society’s Health of the Public Council.
4:30-5 Eric Borgerding, Senior Vice President, Wisconsin Hospital Association.

After five, Ben Merens talks with the lead author of a major study that shows, for the first time ever, that the suburban poor now outnumber their city counterparts.
Guest: Alan Berube (ber-OO-bee) lead author of “Two Steps Back: City and Suburban Poverty Trends 1999-2005,” Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20061205_citysuburban.htm

2006-12-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

After four, and every Friday, Ben Merens welcomes listener commentary on the top news stories of the week. It's Your Views on the News.

Time magazine's Person of the Year will be announced this weekend. Today Ben Merens invites you to call in with your guess for this year's pick.
Guest: Steve Cohn, editor-in-chief, Media Industry Newsletter.

2006-12-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

George W. Bush is certainly not the first president to preside over an unpopular war. Join Ben Merens and his guest expert after four with an historical perspective on past presidents, their wars, and the lessons we can draw for today.
Guest: Dick Haven, Dean of the College of Arts and Communication, Professor of Communication, UW- Whitewater.

After five, Ben Merens and his guest discuss the latest headlines from space: water on Mars, the current shuttle mission, and NASA's plan for a permanent Moon base.
Guest: Jim Oberg, former Space Shuttle mission control engineer, NASA. Author. Space consultant, NBC News. www.jamesoberg.com

2006-12-13T09:28:00.001-08:00

You could call it a national “naughty and nice” list; a new poll reveals the professions that Americans trust most (and least). Find out how they rated, after four, as Ben Merens and his guest ethicist discuss the results of the annual survey. Here’s a hint: politicians dropped yet again.
Guest: Rick Kyte, director, Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership.

After five, Ben Merens talks with a consultant to the Iraq Study Group about Iraq’s oil revenues and why only fifteen-percent of billions earmarked for reconstruction is actually funding projects.
Guest: Amy Jaffe (JAFF-ee), director, Baker Institute Energy Forum, Rice University.

2006-12-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Ben Merens talks with a researcher who finds that media bias is driven by media consumers, not by owners or reporters.
Guest: Matthew Gentzkow, assistant professor of economics, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Author, “What Drives Media Slant? Evidence from U.S. Daily Newspapers.” View the study at http://faculty.chicagogsb.edu/matthew.gentzkow

Unsolicited emails are on the rise, doubling in recent months, and your home computer might be sending out thousands of these messages while you sleep. Ben Merens’ guest tells the story of spam, and offers advice on how to fight it.
Guest: John R. Levine writes, speaks, and consults on the Internet, electronic mail, cybersecurity, and related topics. Author, “Fighting Spam for Dummies.” Board member, The Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email. www.cauce.org

2006-12-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

In order to slow the “brain-drain” from Wisconsin, Ben Merens’ guest, after four, is offering a proposal that would provide free college tuition for students who agree to live and work in Wisconsin for ten years.
Guest: Mark O’Connell, executive director, Wisconsin Counties Association, member of the Commission on Enhancing the Mission of the UW Colleges.

After five, in the second of two programs on charitable giving in America, Ben Merens' guest questions the appropriate use of philanthropy to fund social needs in a democratic society.
Guest: Susan Ostrander, professor of sociology, Tufts University.

2006-12-08T06:39:00.001-08:00

The results of the Iraq Study Group dominated the news this week. After four, Ben Merens hosts "Your Views on the News" for your take on this and other news stories that may have been missed.

After five, Ben Merens' guest talks about unusual and fascinating words. Do you know what a snollygoster is? Would you eat something called a muktuk? Learn about these and many more.
Guest: Erin McKean, senior editor, Oxford University Press North American Dictionary Program. Editor, Verbatim magazine. Author, "Totally Weird and Wonderful Words" (Oxford University Press)

2006-12-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Iraq Study Group dominated the news this week. After four, Ben Merens hosts "Your Views on the News" for your take on this and other news stories that may have been missed.

Do you know what a snollygoster is? Would you eat something called a muktuk? You can learn about these words and many more, after five, when Ben Merens' guest, a noted lexicographer, talks about unusual and fascinating words.

Guest: Erin McKean, the Senior Editor for the Oxford University Press North American Dictionary Program and the Editor of Verbatim magazine. Author, "Totally Weird and Wonderful Words" (Oxford University Press)

2006-12-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

The long-awaited report from The Iraq Study Group is released today. After four, Ben Merens and his guests will study the recommendations and discuss the politics of the report.
Guest: Craig Gilbert, Washington Bureau Chief, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Pete Moore, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Case Western Reserve University View the report: http://www.usip.org/isg/iraq_study_group_report/report/1206/index.html

Ben Merens speaks with a guest whose organization conducted a study on race relations in Southeastern Wisconsin, which states that attitudes towards race have improved but much more needs to be done.
Guest: Jeff Browne, president of the Public Policy Forum of Milwaukee. Has conducted civic research focused on workforce and housing diversity in metropolitan Milwaukee, education reform, philanthropic giving, tax policy regarding the working poor, criminal justice policy and public survey. http://www.publicpolicyforum.org/

2006-12-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens and his guest political scientist discuss the highlights from today’s confirmation hearings for Robert Gates as secretary of defense.
Guest: Eric Giordano, assistant professor of political science, University of Wisconsin - Marathon County

After five, Ben Merens speaks with a guest whose organization conducted a study on race relations in Southeastern Wisconsin, which states that attitudes towards race have improved but much more needs to be done.
Guest: Jeff Browne, president of the Public Policy Forum of Milwaukee. Has conducted civic research focused on workforce and housing diversity in metropolitan Milwaukee, education reform, philanthropic giving, tax policy regarding the working poor, criminal justice policy and public survey. www.publicpolicyforum.org

2006-12-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens’ guests call for increased media literacy, and detail other recommendations to offset the negative impact of advertising aimed at children.
Guests: 4:00 - Dr. Victor Strasburger, chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine, New Mexico School of Medicine. Member, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Communications whose report: “Children, Adolescents, and Advertising” was released today. www.aap.org
4:30 - Elizabeth Thoman, founder, Center for Media Literacy www.medialit.org Alliance for a Media Literate America www.amlainfo.org

After five, Ben Merens welcomes talk show legend Art Linkletter.
Guest: Art Linkletter, legendary radio and television host. Author, “How To Make The Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life."

2006-12-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

It's Your Views on the News as Ben Merens welcomes listeners' commentary on the top news stories of the week.

Ben Merens and his guest discuss how everyone can unlock their personal strengths and achieve their personal best.
Guest: John St. Augustine, producer at Harpo Radio for the “Oprah & Friends” channel on XM Satellite Radio. Former host of a Michigan-based talk radio show “John St. Augustine’s Powerthouhgts.” Author, "Living an Uncommon Life: Essential Lessons from 21 Extraordinary People."

2006-11-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens and his guest talk about Pope Benedict’s historic visit to Turkey, where Christians and Muslims create a tenuous bridge between East and West.
Guest: David Gibson, author, “The Rule of Benedict: Pope Benedict XVI and His Battle with the Modern World” (2006) and “The Coming Catholic Church” (2004)

After five, Ben Merens' guest says the White House not only must persuade Congress and the public that the No Child Left Behind law, up for reauthorization next year, is working... but also must demonstrate what “working” really means.
Guest: Paul Tough, editor, New York Times Magazine. His article, "What It Takes to Make a Student" (November 26 issue)

2006-11-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

After four, Ben Merens talks with a business ethicist about the questions raised by Wisconsin’s minimum markup law that is forcing Wal-Mart pharmacies to raise their four-dollar price for generic prescription drugs.
Guest: Denis Collins, professor of business at Edgewood College in Madison, specializing in business ethics.

Ben Merens' guest, after five, says American society has created untenable attitudes toward our own mortality. He describes how our resistance to death could bankrupt the nation.
Guest: Daniel Callahan, director of international programs, The Hastings Center. Author, “The Troubled Dream of Life: In Search of a Peaceful Death” and “Setting Limits: Medical Goals in an Aging Society.”

2006-11-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

MP3 Edit
#65321
Most children with autism can count on their parents taking care of them, some needing more care than others. But what happens when the parents are no longer there? Ben Merens and his guest look at growing up and adulthood with autism.
Guest: Chantal Sicile-Kira, presents nationally on topics surrounding autism and hosts a radio show on Autism One Radio. Member of the US Autism and Asperger Association’s Advisory Board. Author of “Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and other ASD’s” and “Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” www.chantalsicile-kira.com www.usautism.org

On At Issue, Ben Merens’ guest takes on the food industry, claiming it can only be profitable by selling food that isn’t healthy.
Guest: Michele Simon, public health attorney. Author, “Appetite For Profit: How The Food Industry Undermines Our Health And How To Fight Back”. www.informedeating.org

2006-11-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Iraq Study Group meets today to debate its initial draft proposal which, according to reports, calls for talks with Iran and Syria. After four, Ben Merens speaks with a Middle East expert who says Iraq’s neighbors will have a price for their influence, but no good options are left for the US.
Guest: David Newton, adjunct scholar, Middle East Institute, former director of Radio Free Iraq (1998-2004) and former ambassador to Iraq (1984-1988) www.mideasti.org
5:00 PM

You don’t need the resources of Warren Buffet or Bill Gates to be a philanthropist. Ben Merens’ guest, after five, says philanthropy is for everyone, and it may be more democratic than government programs for funding social needs.
Guest: Paul Schervish (SHURV-ish), professor of sociology, director, Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, Boston College.

2006-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

According to a report made public, Wisconsin currently has a $1.6 billion deficit. During Governor Jim Doyle’s campaign he pledged to close any new deficit without raising any general state tax. After four, Ben Merens and his guest discuss if this possible.
Guest: Todd Berry, president Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance

After five, Ben Merens talks with the producer of the new PBS Frontline film, "Living Old," a look at what it really means to grow old in contemporary America.
Guest: Karen O'Connor, producer, "Living Old," a new documentary that airs on PBS Frontline tonight at 8pm Central (check local listings) www.pbs.org/frontline

2006-11-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

A study released this month states that birthparents in the adoption process do not have their rights and needs sufficiently addressed in U.S. law and practice. After four, the author and the editor of this research will join Ben Merens.
Guest: Adam Pertman, Executive Director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute. Was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his writing about adoption in The Boston Globe. Author, Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming America. In addition, he is the author of many chapters and articles on adoption- and family-related issues in books, scholarly journals and mass-market publications.
Susan Livingston Smith, Program and Project Director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute. Has worked and conducted research in the adoption field for over 30 years. Has spoken at over 50 national and international conferences and provided training to adoption policy makers, practitioners, and judges in many states. www.adoptioninstitute.org

According to Ben Merens' guest, after five, the government doesn't want to acknowledge the role women play in the Iraq war. Since 9/11 more than one-hundred-fifty-thousand American women have gone to war as volunteer professionals, and thousands have served as combat soldiers.
Guest: Erin Solaro, former reserve lieutenant, U.S. Army. Author, “Women in the Line of Fire: What You Should Know About Women in the Military.” www.erinsolaro.com

2006-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

On At Issue, it's Your Views on the News. Ben Merens invites you to call in with your take on the news of the week.

Ben Merens' guest personal budget planner has advice about money, and discusses the emotions that often get in the way of smart financial decisions.
Guest: Shannon Plate, president, Everyday Money – a budget counseling company in Palatine, IL. Author, “Degunking Your Personal Finances”

2006-11-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

After four, Gene Purcell is in for Ben Merens, talking with his guest about the international response to last week's midterm elections and analyzing whether the vote will result in a shift in U-S foreign policy.
Guest: Harlan Ullman, Senior advisor at the Center for Stategic and International Studies, columnist for the Washington Times and author of America's Promise Restored: Preventing Culture, Crusade and Partisanship from Wrecking Our Nation
5:00 PM

Today is the Great American Smokeout. After five, Gene Purcell, in for Ben Merens, speaks with a guest who says that kicking your tobacco addiction to the curb is possible.
Guest: Doug Jorenby, Director of Clinical Services for the UW-Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention since 1992. Clinical psychologist and associate professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, where he conducts a variety of research, clinical, and professional education activities.

2006-11-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

After five, Ben Merens' guest says the most effective way to appeal to moderates or conservatives is to remain true to progressive values.
Guest: George Lakoff, professor of linguistics, University of California, Berkeley. Author, "Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision. A Progressive's Handbook" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

2006-11-14T12:08:00.001-08:00

The Democrats took over the House and Senate by winning contested races with moderate and conservative candidates. After four, Ben Merens and his guest political scientist talk about the return of the “Blue Dog” Democrat.
Guest: Cal Jillson, professor of political science, Southern Methodist University.

After five, Ben Merens talks with media critic Dave Berkman for his assessment of media coverage of the 2006 election.
Guest: Dave Berkman, media pundit/political commentator

2006-11-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold announced yesterday that he would not seek his party’s nomination for president. Ben Merens and his guest political scientist talk about the decision, and about the likely presidential candidates for 2008.
Guest: Georgia Duerst-Lahti, professor of political science, Beloit College

The old rule “all politics is local” did not apply for the 2006 election. Ben Merens and his guest pollster dig deep into the exit poll results to examine how and why voters made their choices in Wisconsin and across the country.
Guest: Ken Warren, the Warren Poll. professor of political science, Saint Louis University.

2006-11-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

Ben Merens talks with two guests in the four o'clock hour about the change of guard at the Pentagon, the new Democratic Congress, and how they should work with President Bush on the Iraq War.
Guests: 4:00 - Ronald Kessler, author of several books, including “A Matter of Character: Inside the White House of George W. Bush" and “The CIA At War: Inside the Secret Campaign Against Terror"
4:30 - Melvin Goodman, former CIA and State Department analyst, senior fellow, Center for International Policy. Professor of international security studies, National War College. Author, “Bush League Diplomacy: Putting the Nation At Risk

After five, Ben Merens talks with the lead researcher of a long-awaited report that says Wisconsin students can double academic achievement with an education budget increase of only six-point-eight percent.
Guest: Allan Odden (ODD-en), professor of education at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, and co-director of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education www.wcer.wisc.edu/cpre

2006-11-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

The long campaign is over... the ballots have been cast and counted... and its time to sort it all out. After four, Ben Merens and his guest analyze election results here in Wisconsin.
Guest: Joe Heim, professor of political science, UW-La Crosse.

After five, Ben Merens talks with a political scientist about election results across the nation, the new look of Congress, and what it means for the final two years of the Bush Administration. Guest: Bryan Brophy-Baermann, visiting instructor in government, Rhode Island College and Providence College.

2006-11-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

A new report shows that the seas could be depleted of fish within our lifetime. Peter Donalds and his guest discuss the fate of fish.
Guest: Brian Halweil, senior researcher, Worldwatch Institute, author, “Catch of the Day: Choosing Seafood for Healthier Oceans” www.worldwatch.org

Peter Donalds’ guest says forty-one million American adolescents are chronically sleep-deprived, and the effects on physical and mental health can be serious.
Guest: Dr. Helene Emsellem, director, Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Author, “Snooze... or Lose!: 10 ‘No-war’ Ways to Improve Your Teen's Sleep Habits” www.sleepeducation.com

2006-11-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

Saddam’s death sentence, Kerry’s controversial joke, and Haggard’s sex scandal. What impact will these and other news items have on how you vote? After four, Ben Merens’ guest says that most voters already know who they are voting for and will not be easily swayed.
Guest:
Dennis Dresang, professor of political science and public affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Not all teenagers are apathetic about politics. After five, Ben Merens talks with some politically active Wisconsin teens, and a state legislator who says seventeen-year-olds should vote in primary elections.
Guests:
- State Senator Fred Risser, 26th Senate District, Democrat.
- Kristin Holzhauer, governor of Badger Girls State 2006.
- Sarah Krasin, delegate to Badger Girls State and Girls Nation, Washington, DC.

2006-11-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's Your Views on the News, after four, with Ben Merens. Every Friday in the four o'clock hour, listeners are invited to call in with their take on the top news stories of the week.

The school year is in full swing, but is your child? After five, Ben Merens talks with two child psychologists about how to motivate your child to achieve.
Guests: - Michael Mazius, child psychologist, North Shore Center. - Craig Abrams, child psychologist, North Shore Center.

2006-11-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Ben Merens talks with the two candidates for Wisconsin’s fifth Congressional seat, Democrat Bryan Kennedy and incumbent Republican James Sensenbrenner.
Guests: 4:00 - Bryan Kennedy, Democratic candidate, 5th Congressional district. www.bryankennedyforcongress.org
4:30 - James Sensenbrenner, incumbent and Republican candidate, 5th Congressional district. www.sensenbrenner.org

Ben and his guests talk about the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, and its efforts to address some of the misconceptions and myths regarding the religion of Islam.
Guests: - Muhammad Isa Sadlon, executive director and CEO, Islamic Society of Milwaukee. - Dr. Zulficar Ali Shah, religious director, the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

2006-11-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

The federal government has expanded funding to encourage abstinence for singles in their twenties. Ben Merens talks to guests with differing opinions on the merits of the program. Guests: - Libby Macke, director, Project Reality, www.projectreality.org - Steve Conley, president, American Association of Sexuality

Health care, the Iraq War, and education are at the forefront of the political debate in Wisconsin. Ben Merens’ guest says the issue of poverty is mistakenly absent.
Guest: Deborah Blanks, CEO, Social Development Commission. Co-chair, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s Anti-Poverty Commission. President, Wisconsin Association of Community Action Programs.

2006-10-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

From television ads, debates, and news, to direct mail, lawn signs, and the Internet, Ben Merens and his guest discuss this campaign season’s best (and worst) strategies to provide voters with information and bring them to the polls.
Guest: David Canon, political science professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

After five, Ben Merens hosts his October open line. Call in with you program suggestions for future show topics and guests. OCTOBER OPEN LINE

2006-10-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's Your Views on the News, after four. Guest-host Gene Purcell invites your thoughts on the top news stories of the week.

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. After five, Gene Purcell’s guest details the history and the passionate, and sometimes comical, debate over the law that has us change our clocks twice a year.
Guest: Michael Downing, author, “Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time”

2006-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that couples in same-sex relationships should be granted the same benefits that come from marriage. Gene Purcell and his guest law professor take a look at the impact the ruling will have on the gay marriage debate.
Guest: Andrew Koppelman, law professor at Northwestern University and author of the new book, “Same Sex, Different States: When Same Sex Marriages Cross State Lines."

Gene Purcell talks with the director of “Maxed Out,” a new documentary expose` on the American credit card industry.
Guest: James Scurlock, director, “Maxed Out.” www.maxedoutmovie.com The film will be shown as part of the Milwaukee International Film Festival on Friday, October 27, 7pm and Sunday, October 29, 12noon, at Discovery World. The Friday screening will be followed by a discussion hosted by WPR’s Peter Donalds at Pieces of Eight Restaurant, 550 N. Harbor Drive, in Milwaukee. www.milwaukeefilmfest.org.

2006-10-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

4-4:30
Ben Merens talks with the Republican candidate for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, incumbent Paul Ryan. www.ryanforcongress.com
4:30-5
Ben’s guest is Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Green. www.votemarkgreen.com

The Federation of American Scientists is recommending that video games be incorporated into classroom education so kids become addicted to learning. It's At Issue, with Ben Merens. Guests: - Henry Kelly, president, Federation of American Scientists. http://fas.org/gamesummit/
Kurt Squire, assistant professor in educational communications and technology, UW-Madison.

2006-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

4-4:30TBA
After four-thirty, Ben Merens will be joined by Jeffrey C. Thomas, candidate for the 1st Congressional District. Guest: Dr. Jeffrey C. Thomas, Democratic candidate, 1st Congressional district. www.drjeffthomasforcongress.com

After five, Ben Merens talks with the director of “Crossing Arizona” a new documentary that examines the crisis of immigration through the eyes of those directly affected.
Guest: Daniel DeVivo, director, “Crossing Arizona”. www.crossingaz.comThe film will be shown at the Milwaukee International Film Festival on Sunday, October 22, 5:00pm, at the Oriental Theater and Saturday, October 28, 12:30pm, at Discovery World. www.milwaukeefilmfest.org

2006-10-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

A Bush Administration official said in a weekend interview with Al-Jazeera that America’s Iraq policy showed “arrogance” and “stupidity.” Ben Merens’ guest says the quote may have been floated intentionally to signal a new communication strategy that admits mistakes.
Guest: Jim Robbins, senior fellow, The American Foreign Policy Council, professor of International Relations at the National Defense University, regular columnist, National Review Online, author, “Last in Their Class: Custer, Pickett and the Goats of West Point”

Americans are suffering from time poverty. It hurts us at home, work and throughout our society. Ben Merens' guest discusses how people can take back their time.
Guest: Joe Robinson, board member, Take Back Your Time. Take Back Your Time Day is Tuesday, October 23, 2006. www.worktolive.info

2006-10-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

From increasing North Korean nuclear threats, to President Bush's terrorist detainee bill, and mid-term election races heating up, Ben Merens welcomes Your Views on the News, after four.

Dave Berkman joins Ben Merens, after five, to discuss the success of the Right and failure of the Left in talk radio today.
Guest: Dave Berkman, media pundit/political commentator.

2006-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Ben Merens spoke with a supporter of the Marriage Amendment referendum. Today after four, Ben talks with an opponent. Tune in today and hear the balance on At Issue. Guest: Mike Tate, campaign manager, Fair Wisconsin. www.fairwisconsin.com

The latest research indicates Moms and Dads spend more time with their kids today than parents did forty years ago. After five, Ben Merens and his guest talk about this pattern that many see as going against convention wisdom.
Guest: Suzanne Bianchi, professor and chair, Department of Sociology, University of Maryland. Co-author, “Changing Rhythms of American Family Life.”

2006-10-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Ben Merens spoke with a supporter of the Marriage Amendment referendum. Today after four, Ben talks with an opponent. Tune in today and hear the balance on At Issue. Guest: Mike Tate, campaign manager, Fair Wisconsin. www.fairwisconsin.com

The latest research indicates Moms and Dads spend more time with their kids today than parents did forty years ago. After five, Ben Merens and his guest talk about this pattern that many see as going against convention wisdom. Guest: Suzanne Bianchi, professor and chair, Department of Sociology, University of Maryland. Co-author, “Changing Rhythms of American Family Life.”

2006-10-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

From four to four-thirty, Ben Merens talks with Nelson Eisman, Green Party candidate for Wisconsin Governor. Guest: Nelson Eisman, Green Party candidate for Wisconsin Governor. www.voteeisman.org

Each year, seven hundred thousand Americans wind up in the emergency room due to a bad reaction from their medication. Ben Merens’ guest, after four-thirty, says the health system must do a better job of assisting patients with their drugs. Guest: Chris Decker, executive vice president and CEO, Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin www.pswi.org

From five to five-thirty, Ben Merens talks with Governor Jim Doyle about the major issues in his campaign for re-election. After five-thirty, Ben asks listeners for their top priortiy if they sat in the governor's chair. Guest (5:00-5:30) Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. www.doylelawton.com

2006-10-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

At 6:46 central time this morning, the US Census Bureau’s population “clock” ticked off three hundred million. After four, Ben Merens and his guest discuss the cultural, economic, and environmental impact of today’s population milestone. Guest: Larry Smith, president, The Population Institute www.populationinstitute.org

After five, Ben Merens talks with conservative political commentator John Fortier about the latest news from Washington, and his take on the upcoming midterm elections. Guest: John Fortier, research fellow, American Enterprise Institute. http://www.aei.org/

2006-10-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

After four, Ben Merens’ guest says the proposed ban on gay marriage and civil unions in Wisconsin deserves a 'yes' vote, and will stand up to legal challenge. Guest: Mike Johnson, senior legal counsel, Alliance Defense Fund www.alliancedefensefund.org

In the five o’clock hour, Ben Merens talks with California Senator Barbara Boxer about the upcoming mid-term elections and the possibility of a Democratic Party majority in Congress. Guest: U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat from California. Author, “A Time To Run.”

2006-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

It’s Your Views on the News with Ben Merens, after four. Listeners are invited to call in with their choice for the week’s most significant news story.

After five, Ben Merens' guest author shares his vision of a more fulfilling life through the rediscovery of caring community, unhurried leisure, and the carefree enjoyment of life. Guest: Cecile Andrews, author, "Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure and Joie de Vivre." (New Society Publishers)