Entire Almanac for October 1, 1999

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A Ventura/Playboy Monolog
James Lileks couldn't pass up this one!!

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Jesse Ventura's Playboy Interview
What was our governor thinking? And why did he feel the need to think it out loud? We chat with the leaders of the Minnesota's three leading political parties.... Ron Ebersteiner with the Republicans... DFL chief Mike Erlandson and Reformer Rick McCluhan.

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Yudof on the State of College Athletics
On Thursday U of M President Mark Yudof gave his annual State of the University address. And how to reform men's athletics was on the top of his agenda. He tells us why.

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Farm Crisis Then and Now
Back in 1984 current Almanac producer Brendan Henehan filed a report on the farm crisis for the MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour. Fifteen years later he checks up on the Gerald and Alicia Koenen family of Paynesville. Back in 1984 they had to file for bankruptcy to hang on to their farm... and they still struggle with their dream of running a family dairy operation.

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Community of Strangers
That's the title of a new book by Joe Amato, director of Rural Studies at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota. In his book Amato argues that change is coming rapidly to towns in rural Minnesota... change as radical as the European settlement period of the last century. Can this change be good?

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Congress Doesn't Get Its Job Done
Congress and presidential politics is on the mind of our political scientist panel. The group is composed of Chris Gilbert from Gustavus Adolphus... Nancy Zingale of St. Thomas.. and David Schultz of Hamlime.

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The Wrapup
All sorts of good stuff. Two fun history questions... your viewer comments about Jesse Ventura's cigar smoking... and some "seasonal" music from Minnesota's musical past.

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Entire Almanac for October 8, 1999

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This Week's Monolog
Dr. Mark DePaolis talks to us about a weighty subject.

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New Owners for the Twins?
Not if St. Paul voters don't approve a city-wide referendum. Mayor Norm Coleman gives us his perspective on the Twins sale.

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The Big Plan
Our governor unveiled the outline for his Big Plan this week. Legislative leaders kick it around a bit.

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Reform Party Future
Almanac's Mary Lahammer fills us in.

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Almanacs of 15 Years Past
J.G. Preston has a bit of fun with historic Almanac clips. It's all part of prepping for the show's 15th anniversary this December 10th.

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Teacher Shortage
Everybody talks about it... but what should the state do about it? Steven Yussen from the University of Minnesota is our guest.

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More Fun With J.G.
Have you voted online for your favorite Almanac clip? Do it now!!!!! J.G. tells you how.

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Arne Carlson On Jesse Ventura
What does our former governor have to say about our current governor? Watch this and find out.

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This Week's Political Panel
We suspect that Jesse Ventura will come up in conversation once or twice. Our guests are Republican Sarah Janecek, DFLer Ruth Stanoch and Refomer Jack Uldrich.

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The Wrapup
Two groovy history questions... your comments about our governor... and some show-ending music by the Go-Go's.

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Entire Almanac for October 15, 1999

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The Monologue
A certain governor find himself the topic of Carol Falkowski's effort this week.

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Friday's Donald Blom Interview
On Friday the Pioneer Press had a front page interview with Donald Blom. Pioneer Press reporter David Hanners is our guest.

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Conceal and Carry Round 2
This session there will be a new effort to pass a more liberalized conceal and carry weapon law in our state. Republican Representative Linda Boudreau of Faribault is sponsoring the legislation. DFL Rep Wes Skoglund from Minneapolis is one of many legislators who opposes this approach.

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Our 150th Birthday
This is the 150th anniversary of the Minnesota Territory. David Wiggins is along from the Minnesota Historical Society to have some fun talking about it. Plus he promises to bring some props.

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St. Paul Billboard Ban
Should the Saintly City ban billboard advertising in its neighborhoods? We have a lively debate for you.

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Bob Dole Speaks
The Political Puppet Theatre returns.

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Jesse's Big Plan
Our Mary Lahammer followed the governor around all week as he touted his Big Plan.

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St. Paul's Other Ballot Item
Yeah, the Twins Stadium thing. Our guests are Chris Coleman and Erich Mische on the Yes side with John Marty and Steve Lehman on the No side.

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The Wrapup
Two great Minnesota history questions... your viewer comments... and some show-ending music courtesy of Jayne Solinger and Emmy Lou Harris.

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Entire Almanac for October 22, 1999

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This Week's Monologue
We spare no expense as J.G. Preston reports to us live from South Dakota.

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Remembering Calvin Griffith
Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew talks about the late Calvin Griffith.

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Will Pat Buchanan Bolt to the Reform Party?
It's a good question in light of next week's visit by Buchanan to our state. Minnesota Reform Party chair Rick McCluhan squares off with Buchanan supporter Moonyeen Bongaards.

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Five Minnesota Moments of the Century
Hy Berman joins us for the first of five visits to tell us his five most interesting moments of the Minnesota century. Tonight's topic is the Malling of Minnesota.

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Arne Carlson's Letter Jacket
Carlson's official gubernatorial portrait has been unveiled. Mary Lahammer prepares a snappy report.

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The Future of the Ordway
Ordway head Kevin McCollum is our guest.

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This Week's Political Panel
It's a good group this week: Reformer Dean Barkley, DFLer Nancy Larson and Republican Dave Jennings.

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The Wrapup
Two Minnesota History questions (just who DID appear this week in 1964 on TV's Mr Ed?)... your viewer comments... and some show-ending music by Hank Snow.

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Entire Almanac for October 29, 1999

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The Monolog
Dominic Papatola's topic is Halloween candy. Especially those darned smarties.

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Emissions Testing
After November 30th Minnesotans won't have to have their cars pass emissions tests. That's the latest news from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Karen Studders is the department's chief.

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Pumpkin Carving 101
J.G. Preston and master carver Nancy Mauer with the business "Food Art". She'll have all sorts of Halloween pointers.

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Corporate Subsidies
Do they bother you? They bother James Gibson. He's running for Senate under the Reform Party banner.

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More Hy Berman History
Hy's picked his five favorite moments of the Minnesota century. This week's history topic is the internationalization of Minnesota. Don't worry, it's more interesting than it sounds.

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Rene Hurtado
...has been fighting the INS for 17 years to win the right to stay in his adopted country. Rene Hurtado joins us as does his attorney Ron Rosenbaum.

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Ventura in Japan Preview
Next week Mary Lahammer will be in Japan filing stories about our governor. This week she gives us a preview.

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More Pumpkin Carving
With J.G. and Nancy. And a pumpkin.

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The First Termers Panel
They're back!!! Our group of first-term lawmakers include DFLers Greg Gray and Ann Lenczewski and Republicans Mary Liz Holberg and Jim Seifert.

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The Wrapup
Two fun history questions... thoughts about Harmon Killebrew... and some show-ending music by Paul Robeson. He sang at Northrup Auditorium this week back in 1940. Got seven encores too.

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Entire Almanac for November 5, 1999

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Pork in Japan
Our governor announced a big Minnesota pork export deal with Japan on Friday. Our Mary Lahammer is in Japan and files a story.

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JG & Hy
JG Preston and Hy Berman chat and look at some old tape...

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Flu Shot
Rich Danila of the MN Department of Health talks about the upcoming flu season

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Mayor Doty
Gary Doty won another term as Duluth Mayor on Tuesdsay. And on Friday he made the drive down to the cities to join us on Almanac.

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Hy Berman History Lesson #3
It's the third installment in Hy Berman's list of the five most significant events in the Minnesota Century. This week's topic is third-party movements in Minnesota. It includes some cool film of Farmer Labor Governor Floyd B. Olson.

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Jesse Ventura in Japan One on One
Eric Eskola sat down with Governor Ventura Friday in Japan. We have some highlights from the conversation.

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Gay and Lesbian History
Jean Trotter of St. Paul has recently donated his remarkable personal collection of gay and lesbian historical materials to the U of M. He shows us some of his favorite items.

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DFL Senate Hopefuls
How many can fit on our couch? At last count we have snagged five.

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The Wrapup
It's a first tonight... Cathy Wurzer shares the stage with J.G. Preston. And J.G. even plays us his favorite DEVO tune.

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Entire Almanac for November 12, 1999

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A Mark DePaolis Monologue
The Good doctor talks about the traps of parenting.

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A Reform Party Gathering
Minnesota reformers meet this weekend. There's a lot on the agenda including some controversial party platform stuff. Karen Utt is our guest.

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Serving Drunk Bar Patrons?
A U of M study released this week raises serious questions about how well Minnesota bars and restaurants are screening for drunk patrons. It's against the law to serve someone is already drunk. We promise to give you a lively discussion.

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Fires in the BWCA
Last year's windstorm will likely lead to a significant fire in the BWCA in the next year. That's a truly frightening prospect to those who live and work nearby. Bill Hanson runs the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters on the Sawbill trail. He's our live guest. Joining us by phone is U.S. Forest Official Tom Wagner.

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Jesse in Japan
On Sunday November 14th at 3:30 pm, Channel 2 will air a half hour documentary by Mary Lahammer. Mary was in Japan with the governor and this documentary will feature her reporting. We give you a sneak preview.

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U of M Basketball Scandal
On Thursday a U of M faculty committee approved a final report calling for changes in how the U's Men's Athletic department is structured. Tom Clayton headed up that U faculty committee.

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One House, One Guest
Dave Kleis is a State Senator from St. Cloud who has been leading the charge for a unicameral state legislature. He tells us why.

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The Political Panel
Our governor's trip to Japan will be one of the topics. Tonight's panel is composed of Reformer Jack Uldrich, Republican Kris Sanda and DFLer Mark Andrew.

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The Wrapup
Want to find out how to weigh in with your vote for your favorite moment in Almanac history? And we KNOW you want to hear the show-ending music by Marty Robbins.

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Entire Almanac for November 19, 1999

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A James Lileks Monolog
Is there any better kind?

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The U of M Report on Men's Athletics
Our Mary Lahammer details the long-awaited report released Friday.

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President Yudof
What should we make of the U's report? We ask U of M President Mark Yudof live.

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Hy Berman's History Lesson #4
Hy has developed a list of the five most interesting and important moments of the Minnesota Century. This week he unveils moment #4... the big Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934.

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Holiday Cooking with Sue Zelickson
Chef Sue Zelickson pays a return visit to share some Thanksgiving holiday recipes. J.G. Preston is along to help chop food.

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Weather with Paul Douglas
Is winter ever going to arrive? That's one of the questions we'll ask Mr. Douglas as he returns for one of his every four weeks or so Almanac visits.

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More Cooking fun with Sue and J.G.
The dynamic duo do another holiday recipe.

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U of M React
We've assembled a group of folks to react to the dramatic news Friday from the U of M.

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The Wrapup
Two Index File questions for your viewing ... your very own viewer comments... and a reminder to tune in on December 10 for our action-packed 15th anniversary special.

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Entire Almanac for December 3, 1999

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This Week's Monologue
... hits a bit close to home. Carol Falkowski explains.

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Our Big State Budget Surplus
Our Mary Lahammer brings us the lastest on the state's windfall.

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J.G. Preston and Jan Smaby Join Forces
J.G. and Jan hook up next Friday for a behind-the-scenes broadcast of Almanac's 15th anniversary special. This week J.G. and Jan preview next week's festivities.

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The Steeles in Concert Live!
The Steeles make a return holiday visit to the Almanac studios in preview of their upcoming holiday concert. The Steeles will be performing December 22 at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis.

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World Trade Fiasco
Just what was going on in Seattle this week? We hear two perspectives.

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Arne Fogel on Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
Minnesota's Arne Fogel is one of the world's leading authorities on Bing Crosby. This Week he spins some of the classic holiday tunes recorded over the years by Der Bingle and Minnesota's Andrews Sisters.

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A New Science Home
Minnesota's new 99 million dollar Science Museum opens its doors darned soon. Andy Redline joins us with some props to fill us on what artifacts made the move and which ones didn't.

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More Holiday Tunes From the Steeles
Live from Studio B.

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More Crosby/Andrews Tunes from Arne Fogel
Plus check out our cool aluminum Christmas tree.

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Almanac's All-Star Defense Attorney Panel
Among the topics... the Donald Blom case.

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Entire Almanac for December 10, 1999

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Jan Smaby's Favorite Almanac Moments
Jan hosted Almanac for its first ten years. Here are her favorite moments, with a healthy dose of her first co-host the late Joe Summers.

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Jesse Ventura Live!!
Our governor pays a visit and sits down with Cathy and Eric. He look back over his first year in office... and we look ahead to next year's legislative session.

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Viewer Favorite Moment #1
Mary Jane Rachner takes on the League of Women Voters.

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Favorite Almanac Political Fights
There have been some doozies over the years. Eric brings you his favorites including the classic election-eve visit in 1990 by Rudy Boschwitz and Paul Wellstone.

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J.G.'s Latest Technological Tomfoolery
Line up those tv's... Channel 2 on the left... and J.G. Preston will present to you quite a visual treat.

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Viewer Favorite Moment #2
Cathy Wurzer presents Ann Carlson... the night when then-state-auditor Arne Carlson appeared on the show and answered all the questions as if he were a woman.

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Hy Berman's Minnesota Moment of the Century
Hy tells us the story of a young Minneapolis mayor named Hubert Humphrey and his journey in becoming a national voice on civil rights.

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Minnesota's Last Fifteen Years As Told Through Almanac
Yeah, Almanac political reporter Mary Lahammer wasn't very old when Almanac first went on the air... but she explains why she's the right person to present you these clips.

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Almanac Animal Visits
Cathy Wurzer is the right person for this explanatory job.

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Viewer Online Favorite
J.G. Preston unveils the winner of the online Almanac viewer poll.

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One Big Political Panel
The granddaddy of all Almanac political panels looks back at 15 years of state history... D.J. Leary, Wy Spano, Kris Sanda, Sarah Janecek and Dean Barkley.

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Almanac Music Highlights
Erics takes on a sentimental journey from satirical tunes to live performances by The Steeles and Bobby Vee.

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Viewer Favorite Moment #3
J.G. Preston's "Blue Christmas" makes a return visit.

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Closing Music
Eric joins in with our house band The Almaniacs for a rousing rendition of "Twist and Shout."

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Entire Almanac for December 17, 1999

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A Holiday Monolog
Dominic Papatola talks about his family's eating traditions.

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The Numbers Game
New census figures for Minnesota... who's winning and who's losing.

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Holiday Cooking with John Schumacher
The owner of The New Prague Hotel has a new cookbook "Fish Cooking Made Easy". And chef John will prepare a holiday fish dish for us. And it won't be lutefisk. Go to Almanac BackStage for the full recipe.

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Unicameral Poll
St. Cloud State University released a poll this week about a one house legislature. Steven Wagner from SCSU is our guest.

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A Century of Weather with Paul Douglas
Actually, Paul Douglas will talk mostly about the strange Minnesota weather in the past two decades. Mostly because he has a bunch of cool video. In his real meteorological life, Paul works at WCCO-TV.

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More Cooking with John Schumacher
Cathy Wurzer and John Schumacher finish the fish recipe they started earlier.

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DFL Senators Dwindle
The DFL will lose more than a century of Senate experience next Fall... Mary Lahammer tells us the rest of the story.

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Senator Jerry Janezich?
That has a nice ring to a certain Iron Range State Senator from Chisholm. Hear from the 7th declared DFL candidate for Senate.

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Looking ahead to a New Century
While others look back, we're looking ahead. Our futurists panel includes Arthur Harkins from the U of M... Milda Hedblom from Augsburg College... Jeffrey Kahn with the U's Center for Bio-ethics... and we have a return visit from Venise Battle, high school senior from St. Paul's Cretin-Derham Hall.

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The Wrapup
An electrifying right answer to last week's Index File question.. a new effort involving the 1941 hockey coach at St. John's University... and J.G. Preston's "Blue Xmas" makes a tenth annual appearance.

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