May 2007

War and State Failure in Africa (May 5-11)

War in Africa has become so common that it is no longer front page news. Millions of Africans have died in recent years and hundreds of thousands are still in jeopardy. Jim Hentz (Virginia Military Institute) says the source of these conflicts lies in the fact that many countries are failed states that have lost control of their borders. Also: John Boyer (Virginia Tech) has written a geography textbook featuring the “Plaid Avenger,” a comic book hero who journeys around the world to fight for justice and prosecute war criminals.

For more information about the crisis in Darfur:  www.savedarfur.org

To learn about the Richmond Run for Darfur 5k on May 28th go to www.runriderace.com.  Scroll to the bottom of the page.

WGR's companion News Feature: Just how academic does an academic textbook need to be?  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," reports on a new geography textbook--loathed by some and loved by others--at one Virginia college. Click to hear the 2 and a half minute feature.

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The Golden Age of Romance (May 12 – 18 )

The sex lives of the elderly are often comically portrayed on television or in the movies. Hyper-sexed old men or couples that shun physical intimacy are the norm. But Melissa Aleman (James Madison University) has conducted field research among the elderly in retirement communities that suggests a different reality. Also: Sanford Lopater (Christopher Newport University) has teamed up with “Dr. Ruth” Westheimer to write a new human sexuality textbook for college students. They say that, though college students may be pursuing advanced scholarship, many are still woefully ignorant about the facts of human sexuality.

WGR's companion News Feature: As Americans live longer and healthier lives, it should come as no surprise that this growing demographic group is re-defining the idea of romance.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," examines the myths and the realities of romance in the "golden years." Click to hear the 2 and a half minute feature.

Are Astronauts our Fallen Angels? (May 19 - 25)

During the early years of the space program, astronauts were like super-heroes: capable of astonishing feats, fighting for the American way, and they even had cool outfits! Author and illustrator Richard Hilliard (James Madison University) worshipped astronauts as a child and has turned out a series of children’s books with astronauts as real-life super-heroes.

Also: In July 2005, NASA slammed a probe into a comet in a mission called Deep Impact. Harold Butner (James Madison University) was watching the comet from a telescope in Hawaii, hoping to learn more about the origins of our solar system.

Harold Butner recommends these links:

James Clerk Maxwell Telescope

The Deep Impact mission

Astronomy Picture of the Day

WGR's companion News Feature: Not too long ago, the names of Alan Shepherd, John Glenn, and Buzz Aldrin were just as famous--and perhaps MORE so--than those of top Hollywood celebrities.  A Virginia artist is hoping his work might return astronauts to their status of national "super-heroes."  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason" has the story. Click to hear the 2 and a half minute feature.

Historically Black Colleges (May 26- June 1)

Historically black colleges are facing competition for minority students from predominantly white colleges that are trying to become more diverse. In addition, more and more African American students are opting to learn in an integrated environment. Elsie Barnes (Norfolk State), Julian Bond, Christina Draper (VFH) and Lucious Edwards (Virginia State) all give their perspectives on the opportunities and the challenges facing historically black colleges.