August 2007

From Dirt Tracks to Madison Avenue (August 4 - 10)

NASCAR has transformed itself into a mainstream sport popular with both fans and corporate sponsors. Business professors Michael Pitts and Jon Ackley (VCU) examine the racing industry as a highly successful business model and discuss how it has changed since its humble beginnings in 1947.

Also: Keith Green (VSU), a college professor who also works at the Richmond International Raceway, suggests the time is right for African Americans to explore job opportunities in the lucrative NASCAR industry, which is trying to broaden its appeal.

WGR News Feature: NASCAR has transformed itself from a regional curiosity to a Madison Avenue powerhouse.  Now two Virginians, who study NASCAR's business methods, predict the sport is about to expand internationally.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason." has more. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.

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American Politics from James Madison to Hillary Clinton (August 11– 17)

Does Hillary Clinton have a chance in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination? Despite her frontrunner status and the copious amounts of money she’s raised, the questions remains: is the United States ready for a woman president? Rosalyn Cooperman (UMW) is an expert on women in politics and will discuss this front-page issue. Also: Garrett Sheldon (UVa-Wise) was recently invited to the White House to discuss James Madison’s constitutional philosophy with President George Bush. Garrett is the author of The Political Philosophy of James Madison, in which he explores the underlying principles of the founding document of American government.

WGR News Feature: While women have made some inroads in politics, a Virginia political scientist says neither Republicans nor Democrats have proved very effective in encouraging and recruiting more women to run for office.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," has more. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.

Crude Awakenings (August 18 - 24)

This year, oil prices reached record high levels and many wondered whether we were headed towards another 1973-style oil crisis. Steve Yetiv ( Old Dominion University ) believes that the world market in petroleum products is far more stable and predictable than portrayed by the media and lawmakers. Also: Nathan Busch (Christopher Newport University) says the global threat posed by nuclear weapons continues to be one of today’s key policy issues, with the ever growing possibility of countries unleashing their nuclear arsenals.

 

Middle Eastern Melodies (August 24 - 31)

Most Americans are only superficially acquainted with Middle Eastern music, as presented in movie soundtracks. However, music from the Arabic speaking countries is very diverse and is integral to the spiritual life of the people who listen to it. Anne Rasmussen (The College of William and Mary) leads an ensemble of music students who perform Middle Eastern melodies. On this show, she plays traditional instruments like the ‘Ud” (an 11-stringed lute) and the ‘Riqq’ (a percussion instrument). Also: Craig Naylor (University of Mary Washington) conducts musical concerts by contemporary Native American composers and is himself a composer who is influenced by this country’s Native culture.

WGR News Feature: It's not exactly the next American Idol, but there's talent search on for Virginia Native Americans who compose modern classical music.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," has the details. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.

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