February 2012 | Signal | WSIU Radio

Vol. 5, No. 2: February 2012

Signal This Month on Morning Conversations Wednesday, February 1 • SIUC Africana Studies Director Fr. Joseph Brown talks about Black History Month activities on campus.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Brown. Photo: Provided.

Tuesday, February 7 • Southern Illinois Women’s Teen Conference representatives will be discuss this year’s event and the Conference’s goals and benefits.

Tuesday, February 14 • SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng Chancellor Cheng will update us on the progress of the University, both academically and financially, as well as discuss the latest news about SIU Carbondale.

Tuesday, February 21 • Science Café Mark Wagner of SIUC’s Center for Archaeological Investigations will discuss local investigations of landmarks, including the Crenshaw House (Old Slave House) in Gallatin County.

An Online Newsletter from WSIU Public Radio P o w e r e d b y Yo u ®

Love is On the Air!

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end a sweet treat – and a smile – this Valentine’s Day to the special people in your life while supporting your favorite public media station. WSIU Public Broadcasting’s Love is on the Air fundraiser makes it possible!

Now in its 16th delicious year, this annual event has become a popular Valentine’s Day tradition among public media fans.

With your donation to WSIU, we’ll send boxes of beautifully wrapped, handmade regular or sugar-free gourmet chocolates made by The Chocolate Factory in Golconda, Illinois to anywhere in the continental U.S., courtesy of Mail Boxes Etc. of Carbondale.

Chocolates are available in:

• half-pound boxes for a donation of $45 • one-pound boxes for a donation of $60 • two-pound boxes for a donation of $100 Each box includes an attractive gift card with your personalized Valentine message.

Make your pledge online at wsiu.org/love or call 1-800745-9748 today.

Orders must be received by 1pm on Friday, February 10 for delivery on or before Valentine’s Day.

Monday, February 27 • SIU President Glenn Poshard President Poshard will share budget news from Springfield and other administrative matters.

Tuesday, February 28 • SIU Press Barb Martin will discuss local books and items you might want to watch for this spring from the SIU Press.

Share your comments and suggestions for Morning Conversations to mornings@wsiu.org.

All Morning Conversations episodes are available online at www.wsiu.org/live. You can also find them on our podcast page and get a calender listing of upcoming events at www3.wsiu.org/ radio morningconversation. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

We appreciate our sponsors!

Meet SIRIS Volunteer William Eric Hamer Wheels to homebound citizens. He also is a member of the Paradise Alley Players Board of Directors.

Welcome, Ellen Carlson!

Hamer’s says his interest in SIRIS was first sparked by hearing about the service on WSIU Radio.

William Eric Hamer.

Photo: Katie Tullis.

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hen an opportunity arises to get involved in his community, William Eric Hamer is the last person to shy away. For someone like Hamer, the Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS) is just one of the many ways in which he keeps himself busy and helps to keep his community strong.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Hamer moved to Carbondale in 1965 to attend SIUC where he graduated with a Psychology degree in 1969.

After completing his college education, Hamer was hired at the Mental Health Center in Chester.

Later, he “did a 180” when he opened a print shop known as the Author’s Office in downtown Carbondale.

This detour in Hamer’s career eventually led to his next love: theater. In 1979, Hamer walked into the Marion Cultural & Civic Center and immediately knew he was in the right place. Hamer eventually became the assistant director of the facility and to this day still finds himself actively pursing leadership roles with the Center, such as serving as the Treasurer of the Center’s Foundation.

In his free time, Hamer enjoys giving back to the community. In addition to his volunteer work with SIRIS, he volunteers for Hospice of Southern Illinois and also delivers Meals on

Since his arrival at SIRIS, Hamer has found the experience to be spiritually awarding. “My spiritual belief is that we’re here to help those we can, whenever and wherever we can,” he says. “If there are opportunities in front of me to make a difference in someone else’s life, how can I not go forward? I think the three worst words to say are, ‘I don’t care.’”

Hamer says he also enjoys volunteering for SIRIS because he knows he is doing something good for the broader community. Plus, he says, “I like talking…and I like the idea that I have listeners who want to hear what I have to say!”

When Hamer is not volunteering, he spends much of his time acting.

From portraying Evil-Eye Fleegal and Hairless Joe in Little Abner at John A. Logan College to playing Kris Kringle in Miracle On 34th Street at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center, Hamer enjoys the opportunity to express his creative side through theater. He also portrayed François Valle, the leading figure in St. Genevieve, Missouri, in the 1770’s in Under These Same Stars The Céladon Affair, a locally-produced film that aired on WSIU-TV in January 2012.

Hamer also enjoys listening to public radio. He says he listens so often that his favorite programs on WSIU Radio are “news in the morning, news in the evening, and music in between.” Hamer enjoys all of WSIU’s programming, especially Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me!, Car Talk, and Whad’Ya Know? With Michael Feldman.

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, give SIRIS a try! Get involved today by contacting us at (618) 453-2808 or wsiu.org/siris.

Ellen Carlson.

Photo: Monica Tichenor.

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SIU is pleased to welcome Ellen Carlson as our Assistant Director of Corporate Support. Carlson joins Renée Ferrell Dillard, WSIU’s Director of Corporate Support, in reaching out to businesses across a five-state region to encourage their support of WSIU’s programs, services, and activities.

Carlson, a Missouri resident who graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau with a B.A. in Mass Communication & Public Relations, is a marketing and sales professional with extensive experience in television, radio, and non-profit development. She previously worked for KBSI Fox 23, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Greater Media Detroit, and Mississippi River Radio. Also among Carlson’s considerable talents is her ability to sing karaoke – Martina McBride is a favorite!

Carlson says she’s excited about the opportunity to introduce new business supporters to the wonderful world of public media. “WSIU is an outstanding organization with an admirable mission. I am proud to be joining such a highly motivated and dedicated team.”

Businesses who are interested in supporting WSIU may contact Carlson directly at (618) 453-6196 or by email at ellen.carlson@wsiu.org.

World Café 20th Anniversary Special

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orld Café celebrates 20 years with the 13-episode World Café 20th Anniversary Special.

Join us as we revisit the show’s archives to enjoy music from their most outstanding guests, along with career retrospectives of legendary musicians.

Saturdays at 8pm February 11 • Jack White show: White Stripes, Loretta Lynn on her album Van Lear Rose (White produced the album), The Raconteurs February 18 • Guitar Greats: Jeff Beck, Peter Frampton, Les Paul February 25 • ‘90s Singer-Songwriters: Aimee Mann, Suzanne Vega, Bruce Cockburn, Sheryl Crow, Sting (interview with Michaela Majoun) March 3 • The Beatles: George Martin, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Pete Best March 10 • Elvis Costello Through The Years March 17 • Blues/Gospel: Buddy Guy, RL Burnside, Mavis Staples, Koko Taylor (interview with Michaela Majoun) March 24 • Robert Plant Through The Years March 31 • Jazz: Sonny Rollins, Stanley Clarke, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden April 7 • World Music: King Sunny Ade, Angelique Kidjo, Ry Cooder on Buena Vista Social Club, Bela Fleck on Throw Down Your Heart April 14 • Sound of Memphis: Steve Cropper, Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Booker T April 21 • ‘70s Singer Songwriters: Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne April 28 • A tribute to two great artists: The late Townes Van Zandt and the late Jeff Buckley

NPR App Now Available to Ford Drivers

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ith the latest edition of the NPR smartphone app, Ford drivers can listen to Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air and other NPR App graphic.

Provided by: NPR. favorite programs and stations conveniently at their request using SYNC® AppLink™ and the power of their voice.

As highlighted in the Arbitron & Edison study “Infinite Dial 2011: Navigating Digital Platforms,” drivers are increasingly taking advantage of wireless data connections to stream audio on the road. Just in the past year, 5 percent more drivers are using their cell phones to listen to Internet radio on the road. Overall, time spent listening to online radio has also increased an impressive 49 percent in the last three years. Over the 2011 Christmas weekend, an estimated 6.8 million new Android and iOS phones and tablets were activated, more than double the previous year’s count.

“NPR is now taking advantage of the advanced smartphone control interface that we’ve built into SYNC AppLink to enable a wider range of information and entertainment options for our customers,” said Doug VanDagens, global director of Connected Services, Ford Motor Company.

“With AppLink™, drivers can manage smartphones through the in-car audio system or via the power of voice while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

World Café marked its 20th Anniversary in October 2011. Over that time, more than 3,000 high-profile musicians have appeared on the show, including Joni Mitchell, Black Keys, Dave Matthews, Elvis Costello, Neko Case, Paul McCartney, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Taj Mahal, Coldplay, and Adele.

“NPR has been a trusted companion to drivers for more than 40 years, and we are thrilled to be the first major news organization to release our own in-car app,” said NPR President and CEO Gary Knell. “We are helping to usher in a new era of radio listening by offering today’s and tomorrow’s listeners another way to connect with great news, public affairs and music content from NPR and hundreds of public radio stations.”

The two-hour program is an eclectic blend that includes blues, rock, world, folk, and alternative country. Hosted by long-time Philadelphia radio personality David Dye, World Café takes listeners on a unique journey of musical discovery with a mix of music from both new and legendary artists. Live performances and intimate interviews with Dye’s musical guests highlight each show.

Ford and NPR teamed up to adapt the NPR News app for SYNC® AppLink™, building on NPR’s reputation as a leading news source and digital innovator, and the strength of its network of local NPR member stations that 34 million people rely on nationwide.

May 5 • Beck Through The Years

About World Café

WSIU To Provide Coverage of State of the State & Budget Messages

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llinois Governor Pat Quinn will deliver the annual State of the State Address on Wednesday, February 1 at noon.

Join WSIU Radio and Illinois Public Broadcasting for live coverage of the speech, during which the Photo: Office of the Governor.

Governor is expected to outline his legislative agenda for the spring session. On Wednesday, February 22, Gov. Quinn will deliver his annual State Budget message. WSIU Radio and Illinois Public Broadcasting will provide live coverage of the Governor’s speech as he outlines budget priorities for the coming fiscal year.

HostConnections Bryan Kelso Crow.

Photo: Snow King.

Celtic host, Bryan Kelso Crow: Rachel Photo: Rachel Snow King.

Live coverage of both the State of the State Address and State Budget Message also will air live on WSIU-TV, along with commentary by state legislators and other policy experts.

Reading Baseball Winter Special

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oin Richard “Pete” Peterson for a special winter installment of Reading Baseball on Friday, February 3 at 6:30am, 8:30am, and 5:29pm.

Peterson will reflect on baseball obituaries.

Airs Saturday @ 7pm • Sunday @ 6pm

Reading Baseball is a series of essays and commentaries by Peterson, editor of the St. Louis Baseball Reader and the author of Growing Up With Clemente.

February 9 | Songs of Courtship and Love

February 2 | New Releases Join host Bryan Kelso Crow for this monthly roundup of the best vocal and instrumental tracks from new and recent releases.

Richard “Pete” Peterson. Photo: Paul Newton, Southern Illinoisan.

Thank You, Underwriters!

Please join us in thanking the underwriters who recently began, renewed, or expanded their partnerships to make public radio possible:

Attitude Designs, The Big Muddy Film Festival at SIU, Forbes Financial Group, Mail Boxes Etc. Carbondale, IL

The Chocolate Factory, Dixon Springs, IL

Southern Illinois Art Gallery of the Illinois State Museum, Whittington, IL

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis, MO

Women for Health and Wellness, Inc., Carterville, IL

For a complete list of WSIU sponsors and information about sponsoring WSIU programming, visit us online at www.wsiu.org or call (618) 453-4286.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we feature songs and melodies inspired by past lovers, and inspiring present-day lovers or lovers-to-be.

February 16 | A Visit with Kyle Carey New Hampshire singer-songwriter Kyle Anne Carey visits the studio to talk about her new CD Monongah, with fiddle player Russel McCumber and Irish guitar player Neil Fitzgibbon.

February 23 | David’s Day Celebration The feast of the patron saints of Wales gives us the occasion for an all-Welsh musical celebration.

Share Your WSIU Story!

Tell us why you love WSIU Radio, and we’ll share your story on the air, online, or in print!

Online • www.wsiu.org/you Email • you@wsiu.org

W S I U i s P o w e r e d b y Yo u ® WSIU Public Radio Communications Building 1003 - MC 6602 Southern Illinois University Carbondale 1100 Lincoln Drive Carbondale IL 62901 • 618/453-6101 • www.wsiu.org • wsiuradio@wsiu.org