Topical Currents

01/02/13 - Thursday's Topical Currents begins with literary contributor Ariel Gonzalez and writer Sandra Cisneros.  For decades, she’s inspired young Latino authors. Her latest work is a departure:  an illustrated children’s book which takes place in San Antonio.  And more, at 1:30:  Linda Gassenheimer discusses how consumers can avoid endangered seafood species with the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch.

01/02/13 - Wednesday’s Topical Currents is with former New York Times reporter and editor, Craig Whitney.  He reviews the long history of American gun control in his recent book, LIVING WITH GUNS: A Liberal’s Case for the Second Amendment.  Though his book was published before the Connecticut school massacre, Whitney says the rights of Americans to own and use guns can be preserved while also giving the public the right to live in safety. Over 30,000 die from gunshots every year.

12/27/12 - Thursday’s Topical Currents begins with journalist and language expert Constance Hale.  Her latest book concentrates on the “pivot points” of our sentences:  verbs.  In her book, VEX, HEX, SMASH, SMOOCH, she examines both heavenly and headache verbs.  And more.  Linda Gassenheimer and wine columnist Fred Tasker with end of year drinks and food.

More information at:

http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-10/when-job-interviewer-thinks-youre-too-old

12/20/12 - Thursday's Topical Currents begins with first impressions.  Just a fraction of a second can influence a relationship . . . and those first takes tend to be remarkably accurate.  We’ll speak with expert Patti Wood, author of SNAP:  Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language & Charisma.   And more.  Linda Gassenheimer with Chef Angelo Elia, the owner of Fort Lauderdale’s Casa d’Angelo.  Also, wine columnist Fred Tasker.

Video clip of Patti Wood:

12/19/12 -  Topical Currents is with South Florida-based author Les Standiford.  His latest work is DESPERATE SONS:  Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock and the Secret Bands of Radicals Who Led the Colonies to War.  The leaders of the Sons of Revolution were colonial merchants, whose businesses suffered greatly from British tax and trade structures.

12/18/12 - Tuesday's Topical Currents looks at how we can improve communication skills.  Verbal expert Dr. Ben Benjamin , co-author of CONVERSATION TRANSFORMATION, says there are red flags to notice when conversations take the wrong course.  Complaints and leading questions can start a downhill path.  And “Yes, buts” usually put another person on the defensive.  More information at www.conversationtransformation.com

12/17/12 - Monday’s Topical Currents is with Temple University Professor Joan Mellen, whose latest book is OUR MAN IN HAITI:  George de Mohrenschildt & the CIA in the Nightmare Republic.  It tracks the role of the U.S. military and CIA in the internal life of Haiti, particularly during the despotic reign of Francois (Papa Doc) Duvalier.  Mellen cites ties to the U-S Mafia, drug traffic, and even the Kennedy assassination.

12/13/12 - Thursday's Topical Currents is with chef, author and syndicated columnist Linda Gassenheimer.   Guest is acclaimed Chef Norman Van Aken.  His food career began in Key West . . . before his mega-star tenure in the South Florida dining scene.  He’s written MY KEY WEST KITCHEN, along with his son, Justin Van Aken.  Also, wine columnist Fred Tasker.  *Today's program is an abbreviated fundraising edition.

12/11/12 - Tuesday's Topical Currents begins with University of Miami professor Dr. Patti Rose, who specializes in cultural diversity issues which face health professionals -- and interactions with patients and families.  And more.  Literary contributor Ariel Gonzalez interviews award-winning novelist Junot Diaz.  Recently awarded a sizeable “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation.  His latest book is a collection of themed short-stories called, THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER.

12/04/12 - Tuesday's Topical Currents is with socio-biologist Rebecca Costa.  She offers a “genetic” explanation for currents events . . . emerging trends . . . and individual behavior.   Costa retired at the zenith of her Silicon Valley career to write her book, THE WATCHMAN’S RATTLE:  A Radical New Theory of Collapse.  She says the principles governing evolution cause and provide a solution for global gridlock.

12/03/12 - Monday’s Topical Currents is with whistle-blower surgeon and Johns Hopkins Professor Dr. Marty Makary.  He’s an international expert on patient safety, who laments the corporatized hospital culture.   25% of all hospital patients are harmed by medical mistakes.  He says these blunders are due to blind focus on the proverbial “bottom line.”  He’s written UNACCOUNTABLE:  What Hospitals Won’t Tell You.

11/29/12 - Thursday's Topical Currents begins with naturopathic physician Michael Murray author of WHAT DRUG COMPANIES WON’T TELL YOU And your Doctor Doesn’t Know.   He discusses alternative treatments for the drugs which may be in our home medicine cabinets.   Murray says headache remedies can worsen symptoms . . . and that antacids can create digestive problems.  And more.  Linda Gassenheimer with Josh Schonwald, author of The Taste of Tomorrow:  Dispatches from the Future of Food.

11/27/12 - Tuesday's Topical Currents begins with Communications Professor Brian Winston of the University of Lincoln, UK.  His book, A Right to Offend, addresses the current state of freedom of expression in the western world.  He examines the most pertinent cases of conflict during the last two decades.  And more . . . literary contributor Ariel Gonzalez with Will Schwalbe, author of THE END OR YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB.

11/26/12 - Monday’s Topical Currents is an “At Your Service” edition with veterinarian Dr. Ian Kupkee of  Kendall’s  Sabal Chase Animal Clinic and canine behavior specialist Edel Miedes of K9 Advisors.  We’ll discuss pet care issues . . . and take listener calls.   Also a report on how the Miami-Dade Pet Trust straw ballot approval will play-out.  It calls for low-cost spay and neuter services and a no-kill animal shelter.

11/19/12 - Monday’s  Topical Currents looks at the lives of psychopaths and their infamously crafty behavior.  Psychopaths are usually fearless, confident, charismatic and ruthless . . . but most people aren’t aware that they aren’t necessarily violent.  In fact, some psychopathic behavior is exhibited by leaders of business and government.  We’ll speak with research psychologist Kevin Dutton about his book, THE WISDOM OF PSYCHOPATHS:  What Saints, Spies and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success.  

11/15/12 - Syndicated food columnist Linda Gassenheimer, Special wine correspondent Fred Tasker and WLRN hosts Joseph Cooper and Bonnie Berman interview  celebrity chef Joanne Weir.  Her latest book is Cooking Confidence.  She’ll give us tips for cooking Thanksgiving dinner - with confidence and more cooking and kitchen tips. 

11/15/12 - Thursday's Topical Currents begins with discussion of the anthology HOMEGROWN IN FLORIDA.  It’s a collection of essays which address growing up in Florida – perhaps a child’s remembrance of “paradise.”  Writing by Zora Neale Hurston, Carl Hiaasen, Jeff Klinkenberg and even Tom Petty is included.  Also, Palm Beach Post reporter and author Carlos Frias, whose essay is included in the book.

11/08/12 at 1:30 - Syndicated food columnist Linda Gassenheimer, Special wine correspondent Fred Tasker and WLRN hosts Joseph Cooper and Bonnie Berman talk about "Florida Cuisine,” with Kris Wessel, whose new restaurant is Florida Cookery at the James Royal Palm Hotel on South Beach.

11/08/12 - Thursday's Topical Currents begins with marriage and family therapist Jude Bijou, author of ATTITUDE RECONSTRUCTION:  A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.  We’ll discuss how to deal with disappointment and anger in the workplace, and how to let off steam in a safe setting.  Also, Linda Gassenheimer and “Florida Cuisine,” with Kris Wessel, whose new restaurant is Florida Cookery at the James Royal Palm Hotel on South Beach.

11/07/12 - Wednesday's  Topical Currents is with financial journalist Chrystia Freeland of Reuters.  She’s written the book, PLUTOCRATS:  The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else.  There’s always been a gap between rich and poor in this country, but never has there been the class of global super-rich.  There’s even a wide gap between the elite rich inside the quote, “one-percent.”