October 2008

Going Green and Staying in the Black (October 4 - 10)

Batten Institute Director Mike Lenox (University of Virginia's Darden School of Business) and internationally-renowned ethicist Ed Freeman (Batten Institute) engage in a lively discussion about the corporate world’s recent and increasing interest in sustainability. How, they ask, can businesses move beyond the “low-hanging fruit” of the green movement, taking major strides toward making service and manufacturing operations truly sustainable, without jeopardizing the bottom line.

WGR News Feature: In the past 24-months, more and more American businesses have hopped on board the "green" bandwagon.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," says the University of Virginia's own graduate business school wants to lead the way to a greener corporate America...starting with its own house. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.

Remarkable Trees—and Birds—of Virginia (October 11– 17)

Despite what many people believe, fall leaf color in Virginia is remarkably consistent every year. Dendrologist John Seiler (Virginia Tech) has been studying fall leaf color for decades.

Also: biologist Dan Cristol (William & Mary) says mercury pollution in waterways is not only bad for fish-eating birds, but for songbirds as well, who are absorbing the toxin through the spiders they eat.

And: nature writer Nancy Ross Hugo and Jeff Kirwan (Virginia Tech) teamed up with photographer Robert Llewellyn to produce a book showcasing the beauty, history and variety of Virginia’s trees.

WGR News Feature: Four years of research has culminated in a new book that showcases the beauty, variety, and history of Virginia's trees.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," caught up with the authors and photographer. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.

Web Extras:

Hear how Dan Cristol can elicit instant feedback from all of his students in huge lecture sessions.

Visit this website to nominate a 'Remarkable Tree'

Do Negative Political Ads Really Work? (October 18 - 24)

Paul Freedman (University of Virginia) says negative political ads actually help to educate and engage voters. Television viewers may instinctively reach for their remote controls when yet another negative ad airs during a commercial break, but those who stay tuned might reap some surprising benefits.

Also: Quentin Kidd (Christopher Newport University) examines the likely impact—or non-impact--of the youth vote in the upcoming election.

And: Gilmer Blackburn (University of Virginia’s College at Wise) shares a generation with John McCain. He says his generation, which he nicknamed “The Esau Generation” has yet to produce an American President, and John McCain might be their last best hope.

WGR News Feature: While the weary among us might hit the "mute" button on our remote control when yet another political ad airs on TV, there's one Virginian who is actually counting and analyzing all those 30-second spots.  Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," has more. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.

The Horror of It All (October 25 - October 31)

Why do people get so much pleasure from movies that frighten them out of their wits? Stephen Prince (Virginia Tech) says horror films allow us to explore the anxieties of our times along with questions about human nature, all from the safety of a darkened movie theatre.

Also: science fiction writer John Rosenman (Norfolk State University) says the genre has come a long way since the early days of Buck Rogers.

WGR News Feature: With Halloween just around the corner, a young man's fancy turns to...scary movies.  Producer Nancy King explores what horrifies us at the movies. Listen to the two and a half minute feature.