Commentary Series

Affirmative action before the Supreme Court

By Olin Robison | February 28, 2003

Commentator Olin Robison turn his attention to the president’s stance on affirmative action.

Commentary Series

In defense of the Arctic Refuge

By Willem Lange | February 28, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange finds that he usually votes in the minority, and finds it pretty discouraging. But there’s one issue he refuses to give up on.

Commentary Series

Cold weather damage to trees

By Charlie Nardozzi | February 27, 2003

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi has some advice for recognizing and dealing with cold weather damage to trees and shrubs.

Commentary Series

Surviving the sealed room

By Bill Seamans | February 27, 2003

Commentator Bill Seamans reflects on the “sealed room” homeland defense strategy and recalls what it was like to take cover in similar shelters during scud middile attacks on Israel.

Commentary Series

Skiing in Vermont

By Tom Slayton | February 27, 2003

Commentator Tom Slayton reviews how skiing has changed Vermont’s history, landscape and people.

Commentary Series

Total Information Awareness

By VPR | February 27, 2003

Commentator Nick Boke has been thinking a lot lately about the new anti-terrorist domestic surveillance initiatives, and he’s decided to profile himself.

Commentary Series

Still protesting

By Allen Gilbert | February 25, 2003

After the recent anti-war rallies, commentator Allen Gilbert wonders if the way our leaders look at world politics has changed since the days of the Vietnam era protests

Commentary Series

Calmative misnomer

By Ruth Page | February 25, 2003

Can researchers find a non-lethal drug that could be released into the air of a room or building, and that might knock out hostages and their captors long enough to save the hostages, who would soon recover? Ruth Page reports that some scientists think it will be possible.

Commentary Series

Reviving a Vermont farmhouse

By C.B. Johnson | February 24, 2003

Commentator C.B. Johnson reflects on the New England attraction to fixing up old houses.

Commentary Series

VYO, SWAT, and Why I’m No Edgar Winter

By Philip Baruth | February 24, 2003

A couple of weekends ago, commentator Philip Baruth performed with the Vermont Youth Orchestra. It was a deeply humbling experience, one that caused Philip to revisit one of the most significant failures of his youth.

Commentary Series

First days of spring

By Willem Lange | February 21, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange has been at his desk recently, doing some mathematical calculations. He has a hopeful message: spring is almost here!

Commentary Series

Meeting my son in San Francisco

By David Moats | February 21, 2003

Commentator David Moats reflects on fathers, sons and journeys of discovery.

Commentary Series

Winter in the garden

By Henry Homeyer | February 20, 2003

Commentator Henry Homeyer says that appearances in the garden this time of year an be deceiving – even under two feet of snow, there’s a lot going on.

Commentary Series

Unintended consequences of democracy at work

By Edith Hunter | February 20, 2003

For those communities currently debating the effectiveness of traditional Town Meeting, commentator Edith Hunter has a cautionary tale from her own town of Weathersfield.

Commentary Series

Remembering the old Legislature

By Will Curtis | February 19, 2003

The start of a new legislative session always reminds commentator Will Curtis of his own years in Vermont’s citizen Legislature.

Commentary Series

Two views on war with Iraq

By VPR | February 19, 2003

Commentators Ellen David Friedman and Libby Sternberg offer two views of the possibility of war with Iraq.

Commentary Series

Snow sports champions

By Mary McKhann | February 18, 2003

New England ski resorts are celebrating President’s Day with great snow conditions this year. Commentator Mary McKhann says that New England skiers are also celebrating at the World Championships.

Commentary Series

A blueprint to restructure Fletcher Allen

By Timothy McQuiston | February 18, 2003

Commentator Timothy McQuiston says there’s a way that the Fletcher Allen Board of Trustees might reorganize to allow for more public input.

Commentary Series

City Hall Park and hot dogs

By Cheryl Hanna | February 18, 2003

Even though it’s cold outside, commentator Cheryl Hanna is starting to think about hanging out in City Hall Park this summer.

Commentary Series

Relief and funding for AIDS patients

By VPR | February 18, 2003

Commentator Nils Daulaire applauds the commitment to AIDS relief that President Bush made in his State of the Union address.

Commentary Series

Touch the face of God

By Willem Lange | February 14, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange has been reflecting on the recent loss of the shuttle Columbia, and concludes that it’s a story as old and familiar as the human race.

Commentary Series

Modernization and religious tradition in Saudi Arabia

By Olin Robison | February 14, 2003

Commentator Olin Robison says that changes are on the horizon for U.S.-Saudi relations.

Commentary Series

Three key ideas in Douglas’ budget

By John McClaughry | February 13, 2003

Commentator John McClaughry is supportive of Governor Douglas’ budget plan.

Commentary Series

Statehouse portraits

By Tom Slayton | February 13, 2003

Commentator Tom SLayton has spent quite a bit of time examining the portraits of governors in the halls of the Statehouse.

Commentary Series

The real power of leadership

By Madeleine M. Kunin | February 12, 2003

Commentator Madeleine Kunin shares a discovery about how to inspire leadership in others.

Commentary Series

Reacting to an ‘orange alert’

By Bill Seamans | February 12, 2003

Commentator Bill Seamans believes that the average American is still very poorly prepared for the possibility a terrorist attack.

Commentary Series

Discovering a unique insect

By Ruth Page | February 11, 2003

Commentator Ruth Page describes the recent identification of an unusual bug.

Commentary Series

Poetry and the White House

By Jay Parini | February 11, 2003

Commentator Jay Parini reflects on the White House, poetry and the threat of war.

Commentary Series

Fair taxes

By Allen Gilbert | February 10, 2003

These days we’re all a bit uneasy about financial matters. Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that in discussions about taxes, politicians are dodging the central issue of how to figure the fair share that each of us should pay.

Commentary Series

A good ‘Swift’ kick

By Philip Baruth | February 10, 2003

Commentator Philip Baruth finds the ever-present subject of Iraq disorienting in any number of ways. But maybe the strangest thing is the way that, when listening to Donald Rumsfeld or Paul Wolfowitz or Condoleeza Rice, Philip hears the voice of Jonathan Swift.

Commentary Series

The Boorn family murder mystery

By Joe Citro | February 7, 2003

Commentator Joe Citro tells the story of southwestern Vermont mystery.

Commentary Series

Transportation mega-projects

By Timothy McQuiston | February 7, 2003

Commentator Timothy McQuiston considers the state’s transportation priorities.

Commentary Series

The resting words of Robert Frost

By Alan Boye | February 7, 2003

Commentator Alan Boye visits the southwestern corner of the state to search for the final resting place of one of Vermont’s most illustrious citizens.

Commentary Series

Exploring the Taconics in the Vermont

By Ted Levin | February 7, 2003

Commentator Ted Levin says that it’s the mountains of Vermont’s southwest corner that give the region much of it’s southern character.

Commentary Series

From Challenger to Columbia

By Steve Delaney | February 5, 2003

Morning Edition Host Steve Delaney offers the following reflections on the loss of Columbia.

Commentary Series

Manchester history lesson

By Mary Hard Bort | February 5, 2003

Commentator Mary Hard Bort takes the long view when contemplating change in her community.

Commentary Series

Racetrack revival in Pownal

By Timothy McQuiston | February 4, 2003

Commentator Tim McQuiston says that the thunder of hooves rounding the clubhouse turn would be music to the ears of many in Bennington.

Commentary Series

Risk and the spirit of discovery

By David Moats | February 4, 2003

Commentator David Moats reflects on the Shuttle disaster and the spirit of discovery.

Commentary Series

Forced bulbs bring February flowers

By Charlie Nardozzi | February 3, 2003

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi shares his secret for bringing color into winter.

Commentary Series

Vermont’s southwest homeland

By Frank Bryan | February 3, 2003

Commentator Frank Bryan recalls the history and the people of southwest Vermont.

Commentary Series

The good ol’ days

By Willem Lange | January 31, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange has been reflecting lately on the so-called good old days, and thinks he likes much better the ones we’re in right now.

Commentary Series

Battling two points on the ‘Axis of Evil’

By Olin Robison | January 31, 2003

Commentator Olin Robison shared his thought on Korea.

Commentary Series

Appreciating the wild winter

By Tom Slayton | January 30, 2003

Commentator Tom Slayton has found at least some amusement in the sub-zero temperatures.

Commentary Series

Catamount Trail end-to-end ski trip

By VPR | January 30, 2003

When Jules Older decided to ski the tail of the Catamount Trail, he got a little more than he bargained for.

Commentary Series

Morse, Douglas and the best job in the state

By Cheryl Hanna | January 29, 2003

Governor Douglas recently announced a round of administrative appointments, and Commentator Cheryl Hanna reflects on what some of those changes might mean.

Commentary Series

Media boot camp

By Bill Seamans | January 29, 2003

Commentator Bill Seamans thinks that basic military training for journalists makes sense for anyone preparing to be a war correspondent.

Commentary Series

Traffic solutions

By Ruth Page | January 28, 2003

Commentator Ruth Page has been observing all the energy that car makers put into new models; and says they should re-direct their efforts toward energy efficiency.

Commentary Series

Early education and quality childcare

By Madeleine M. Kunin | January 28, 2003

Commentator Madeleine Kunin urges more support for early childhood education.

Commentary Series

Greath thoughts: the Long Trail

By VPR | January 27, 2003

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Commentator Bob Northrup tells the story of how Vermont created – almost destroyed – the Long Trail.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Jake Burton and the snowboard

By Mary McKhann | January 27, 2003

As VPR continues to explore Great Thoughts of Vermont, commentator Mary McKhann tells about a great idea that quite literally “took off” in the Green Mountains.

Commentary Series

Wilderness paddling

By Willem Lange | January 24, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange dreams in the summertime of miles of unbroken snow, and at this time of year, of rivers in the far North.

Commentary Series

Bicycle tax

By Allen Gilbert | January 24, 2003

Commentator Allen Gilbert says bicyclists deserve tax cuts, not tax hikes.

Commentary Series

Tending to a winter garden

By Ron Krupp | January 23, 2003

Commentator Ron Krupp shares his thoughts on winter gardening.

Commentary Series

Who needs a Renaissance Project – nurses rule

By Philip Baruth | January 22, 2003

Fletcher Allen Hospital has recently been plagued by a series of financial and regulatory scandals. Commentator Philip Baruth says the scandal and its progress has a familiar feel. And hopefully, Philip says, it will have a familiar outcome.

Commentary Series

Vermont manufacturing

By Timothy McQuiston | January 22, 2003

Commentator Tim McQuiston recently heard about a small manufacturer in Windham County who has realized that his company doesn’t have to be in Vermont; that it could, in fact, make more money by re-locating someplace where it’s cheaper to do business. And that’s the case for a lot of small manufacturers.

Commentary Series

Eastern coyotes in Vermont

By Ted Levin | January 22, 2003

Commentator Ted Levin isn’t content to have just your average bird-feeder in his yard; and some of his wild visitors aren’t very run-of-the-mill either.

Commentary Series

Who you callin’ rich?

By Libby Sternberg | January 22, 2003

Commentator Libby Sternberg reflects on perceptions of wealth and the Bush tax proposal.

Commentary Series

Douglas’s virtue

By David Moats | January 21, 2003

Commentator David Moats says Jim Douglas has set a tone of earnest modesty in the governor’s office.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Mathew Lyon and freedom of speech

By Frank Bryan | January 20, 2003

On Mondays in January, VPR continues to explore the Great Thoughts of Vermont. Commentator Frank Bryan tell the story of Mathew Lyon and how he came to personify freedom of speech.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: early Vermont medicine

By VPR | January 20, 2003

Commentator Nils Daulaire reflects on the life and work of Nathan Smith, an early Vermont doctor who greatly influenced many of today’s progressive ideas about medical care.

Commentary Series

Martin Luther King Jr Day

By Willem Lange | January 17, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange considers Martin Luther King Day as not a holiday, but a time to remember a major step in our growth as a nation.

Commentary Series

Moral clarity in foreign policy

By Olin Robison | January 17, 2003

Commentator Olin Robison examines the confluence of moral clarity and political strategy.

Commentary Series

Poetry for the people

By Tom Slayton | January 16, 2003

Commentator Tom Slayton reminds us that poetry has popular roots.

Commentary Series

Humbled by King’s example

By Joe Deffner | January 16, 2003

Commentator and teacher Joe Deffner reflects on Martin Luther King Day.

Commentary Series

Re-instituting the draft

By Bill Seamans | January 15, 2003

Commentator Bill Seamans reflects on recent call for resuming the draft.

Commentary Series

Victims of sex trafficking

By Cheryl Hanna | January 15, 2003

It’s been two years since the death of Christal Jones. Commentator Cheryl Hanna remembers her story.

Commentary Series

Snowshoeing comes of age

By Mary McKhann | January 14, 2003

Commentator Mary McKhann says that this is one of the best winters in years to get out and enjoy a traditional, rural activity that has come of age as a sport.

Commentary Series

Stochastic science keeps people in balance

By Ruth Page | January 14, 2003

No matter what your age, you may like to hear from 82-year-old Ruth Page about some of the changes that might occur in your body even if you stay healthy, and what can be done about them.

Commentary Series

Old time commercial jingles

By Willem Lange | January 13, 2003

Commentator Willem Lange is simultaneously looking forward eagerly to the Super Bowl and nostalgically back to the 1950s – but only in a commercial sense.

Commentary Series

Standardized education testing

By Allen Gilbert | January 13, 2003

Henry Chauncey was one of the most important figures of the last century in the development of standardized tests. Commentator Allen Gilbert reflects on the uses of standardized tests as we enter the 21st century. He wonders if the massive test effort of the new federal No Child Left Behind Act will succeed in benefiting kids.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Electra Webb’s Shelburne Museum

By Madeleine M. Kunin | January 13, 2003

The Great Thoughts of Vermont commentary series examines how ideas have shaped our state. Commentator Madeleine Kunin saysof Electra Havemeyer Webb’s interest in folk art has preserved past traditions and taught people new ways of defining art.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: statesman William Slade

By VPR | January 13, 2003

The Great thoughts of Vermont commentary series examines how ideas have shaped our state. Commentator Gregory Sanford looks at the forgotten ideas of early Vermont statesman, William Slade.

Commentary Series

Two little boys come marching in

By Edith Hunter | January 9, 2003

Commentator Edith Hunter reflects on some of the insight she has gained from keeping company with children.

Commentary Series

Health insurance burden on business owners

By Timothy McQuiston | January 9, 2003

Commentator Timothy McQuiston says that Govenror Jim Douglas could please the business community by fixing Vermont’s health insurance problems.

Commentary Series

Skiing Tuckerman Ravine

By Will Curtis | January 8, 2003

Recent headlines have reminded commentator Will Curtis of one of the most legendary – and dangerous – places to ski in New England.

Commentary Series

Legislative wish list

By John McClaughry | January 8, 2003

Commentator John McClaughry has an eight-point wish list for the new Vermont Legislature.

Commentary Series

Bush administration for sale

By David Moats | January 7, 2003

Commentator David Moats says that a recent interview with a former administration insider has raised questions about how public policy questions are addressed in the Bush White House.

Commentary Series

Bush administration has effective foreign policy

By VPR | January 7, 2003

Commentator Jeff Wennberg reports that the Bush administration’s foreign policies were the subject of a lively family discussion over the holidays.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Vermont’s billboard law

By Philip Baruth | January 6, 2003

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Commentator Philip Baruth recalls Ted Riehle’s sponsorship of Vermont’s billboard law.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: the Vermont Story

By Frank Bryan | January 6, 2003

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Commentator Frank Bryan explores Earl Newton’s history of the state.

Commentary Series

Slate history trail

By Alan Boye | January 3, 2003

Recently commentator Alan Boye took a walk through a Vermont ghost town – a site that was once part of a thriving slate industry.

Commentary Series

Optimism for the new year

By Olin Robison | January 3, 2003

Commentator Olin Robison draws lessons of optimism from U.S. history.

Commentary Series

Music of the spheres

By Joe Citro | January 2, 2003

Commentator Joe Citro recalls the story of a nineteenth century girl who may have heard the “Music of the Spheres.”

Commentary Series

Gould’s ‘Goldberg Variations’

By Tom Slayton | January 2, 2003

Commentator Tom Slayton revels in Glenn Gould’s two recordings of the Goldberg Variations.

Commentary Series

A New Year’s Aspiration

By Cheryl Hanna | January 1, 2003

Many people awoke this morning resolved to make a change their lives. Commentator Cheryl Hanna thinks that there might be a better way to go about it.

Commentary Series

New Year’s ‘aspirations’

By Cheryl Hanna | January 1, 2003

Many people awoke this morning resolved to make a change their lives. Commentator Cheryl Hanna thinks that there might be a better way to go about it.

Commentary Series

Backdoor terrorist threat

By Bill Seamans | January 1, 2003

Looking ahead to the new year, commentator Bill Seamans says there is another threat gathering to our south, uncomfortably close to home.

Commentary Series

Garden resolutions

By Henry Homeyer | December 31, 2002

On this last day of 2002, commentator Henry Homeyer has a sampling of gardeners’ resolutions for 2003.

Commentary Series

Praise for the pope’s anti-war message

By Ellen David Friedman | December 31, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman thinks that the pope’s Christmas message was especially powerful – and relevant – this year.

Commentary Series

A Different Spotlight on Figure Skating

By John Morton | December 30, 2002

Nordic skiing expert and commentator John Morton confesses that he has a pet peeve when it comes to figure skating.

Commentary Series

The New Year

By Madeleine M. Kunin | December 30, 2002

Madeleine Kunin reflects on the good and the bad of 2002, and looks forward to the New Year.

Commentary Series

A Candle in a Dark World

By Willem Lange | December 27, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been reflecting lately on the winter solstice — reflecting as well as anyone can, that is, in the dark.

Commentary Series

Vermont Corn Maze

By Allen Gilbert | December 27, 2002

Allen Gilbert remembers a September afternoon he spent tromping through the Vermont corn maze.

Commentary Series

Act 60

By Timothy McQuiston | December 26, 2002

Commentator Tim McQuiston predicts that Act 60 will provide Jim Douglas with one of his biggest challenges in the New Year.

Commentary Series

Fathoming Our Food System

By Vern Grubinger | December 26, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger says that we must all become better informed about our food delivery systems.

Commentary Series

Family Portrait: Last Christmas with my Brother

By Philip Baruth | December 25, 2002

Last year commentator Philip Baruth got one of the best Christmas presents he can remember: a family portrait, taken by his older brother.

Commentary Series

The Loudest Voice

By VPR | December 23, 2002

Vermont author Grace Paley returns with one of our favorite seasonal stories. Read by the author from her collection of short stories published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, “The Loudest Voice,” celebrates both Chanukah and Christmas through the experience of a young girl, narrator of the neighborhood school holiday pageant.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Vermont’s first rope tow

By Mary McKhann | December 23, 2002

Sometimes, great ideas emerge from collective inspiration. As VPR continues to explore Great Thoughts of Vermont, commentator Mary McKann tells the story of how Vermont got it’s first ski tow.

Commentary Series

Favor Johnson

By Willem Lange | December 20, 2002

This is a time of year when we often retell seasonal stories and today commentator Willem Lange returns with one of our all time favorites. “Favor Johnson” is the story of a hound names Hercules, a flatlander doctor, homemade fruitcake and the real spirit of Christmas.

Commentary Series

Christmas carols

By Tom Slayton | December 19, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton reflects on the pagan and Christian roots of caroling.

Commentary Series

1948 elections and the Progressive Party

By Ellen David Friedman | December 19, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman takes a look a back at third party candidates and the roots of the Progressive Party.

Commentary Series

The Santa suit

By Cheryl Hanna | December 18, 2002

Believe it or not, last week commentator Cheryl Hanna got a call from the North Pole and she’s here to tell us about what’s been on Santa’s mind.

Commentary Series

No teacher bashing

By VPR | December 18, 2002

Commentator Nick Boke wishes all teachers a happy and restful school vacation – he says they’ve earned it!

Commentary Series

More gifts for gardeners

By Henry Homeyer | December 17, 2002

If you’re still looking for a really unusual gift idea, commentator Henry Homeyer may

Commentary Series

Christmas rituals

By David Moats | December 17, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on how rituals and personal stories enrich the holidays.

Commentary Series

Fletcher Allen board and public trust

By Timothy McQuiston | December 16, 2002

Commentator Timothy McQuiston says that “Dance with the one that brung yuh” isn’t only a good philosophy of life, it’s also pretty much the way the state’s second largest private employer runs its board.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Bread and Puppet Theater

By Lois Eby | December 16, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby reflects on how the ideas of Peter Schumann and the Bread and Puppet Theater have contributed to art and social conscience in Vermont and around the world, as VPR continues to explore Great Thoughts of Vermont.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Philip Hoff and public service

By Allen Gilbert | December 16, 2002

As VPR continues to explore Great Thoughts of Vermont, commentator Allen Gilbert examines former Governor Phil Hoff’s philosophy of public service: his conviction that individuals can make a difference, and his belief that government can do good.

Commentary Series

Raggedy dolls with living hearts

By Willem Lange | December 13, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange’s wife recently came across a pair of long-ago Christmas gifts that awakened a flood of memories before they were mailed to their original owners.

Commentary Series

New governor’s three challenges

By John McClaughry | December 12, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry reflects on the challenges that lie ahead for the Douglas administration.

Commentary Series

Holiday gifts for gardeners

By Charlie Nardozzi | December 12, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi has advice for gifts that gardeners would enjoy.

Commentary Series

Travel in a space elevator

By Ruth Page | December 11, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page imagines the possibility of space travel in an elevator.

Commentary Series

What is patriotism?

By Bill Seamans | December 11, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans considers patriotism, dissent and paying your taxes.

Commentary Series

Regaining public trust

By Allen Gilbert | December 10, 2002

Public trust is a valuable commodity. When you’ve lost it, rebuilding it is a difficult challenge, according to commentator Allen Gilbert.

Commentary Series

Vermont’s high-tech bat caves

By Philip Baruth | December 10, 2002

Commentator Philip Baruth talks about the way the Vermont landscape has become home to all sorts of hidden high-tech operations, operations that preserve a traditional exterior while using new technologies to connect to the world at large.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Ralph Flanders defies Joseph McCarthy

By VPR | December 9, 2002

Commentator Gregory Sanford says that the ideas of Vermont Senator Ralph Flanders greatly influenced how we conduct public discourse, and our notion of what it means to be an American.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Ethan Allen and the spirit of rebellion

By Frank Bryan | December 9, 2002

Commentator Frank Bryan examines the intellectual legacy of Ethan Allen, and in particular, one especially enigmatic statement.

Commentary Series

Chanukah

By Madeleine M. Kunin | December 6, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin finds solace in the holidays.

Commentary Series

A bigger and more powerful Europe

By Olin Robison | December 6, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison ponders the future of Europe, and the future of American-European relations.

Commentary Series

The legend of Pownal’s ‘Weeping Rocks’

By Joe Citro | December 5, 2002

Commentator Joe Citro pleads with people of Pownal: preserve the Weeping Rocks.

Commentary Series

Complexity of the winter season

By Tom Slayton | December 5, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton is savoring the onset of winter.

Commentary Series

Two Vermonters take in the sights of New York

By Will Curtis | December 4, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis and his wife Jane recently paid a visit to the Big Apple, to hear some music and take in the sights.

Commentary Series

Poindexter and ‘Total Information Awareness’

By Cheryl Hanna | December 4, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna has never subscribed to conspiracy theories, but in view of recent events that may change.

Commentary Series

Poindexter and ‘Total Information Awareness’

By VPR | December 4, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna has never subscribed to conspiracy theories, but in view of recent events that may change.

Commentary Series

Winter reading recommendations

By VPR | December 3, 2002

Whether or not you believe in global warming, it’s a safe bet that Vermont has some cold days ahead. Commentator Jules Older suggests some books to help keep out the cold.

Commentary Series

Power Point boredom

By David Moats | December 3, 2002

Most people enjoy being read to, but recently commentator David Moats experienced a moment when he did not.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Minnie Dole and the ski patrol

By John Morton | December 2, 2002

Commentator John Morton says that the founder of the National Ski Patrol was inspired with his “great thought” by difficulties he encountered while on a ski vacation in Vermont.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Calvin Coolidge and American business

By VPR | December 2, 2002

The thoughts and philosophies of Calvin Coolidge helped shape the American business identity. Commentator Jeff Wennberg thinks they may be more relevant than ever.

Commentary Series

Semper tinnitus

By Willem Lange | November 29, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange fondly remembers a former colleague, a teacher who raised the game of everyone around her.

Commentary Series

Film, ‘Here Today’ moves audience

By Lois Eby | November 29, 2002

Recently commentator Lois Eby saw the film “Here Today: Heroin in Vermont” and she was moved by this documentary about the effects of heroin on addicts and their families.

Commentary Series

Thanksgiving with the aunts

By Edith Hunter | November 28, 2002

For many years, commentator Edith Hunter’s family celebrated Thanksgiving with aunts Mary and Margaret Peirce of Weathersfield Center, in the same house where she now lives. Edith takes us to Thanksgiving Dinner with the Aunts, as recalled in a memoir by her daughter, Elizabeth.

Commentary Series

Giving thanks

By Ruth Page | November 28, 2002

Ruth Page finds much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, from the admirable reaction of Americans during the horrors of 9-11, to the ceaseless work of scientists and re-searchers helping to protect earth’s environments.

Commentary Series

The ‘latte’ spy in Washington

By Bill Seamans | November 27, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans says President Bush has a curious lack of concern for secrecy in a preemptive strike against Iraq.

Commentary Series

Organic police come knocking

By Vern Grubinger | November 27, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger imagines an unpleasant side of the new federal organic standards.

Commentary Series

Overwintering rose bushes

By Charlie Nardozzi | November 26, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi has advice on caring for rose bushes over the winter.

Commentary Series

More bad news from Vermont businesses

By Timothy McQuiston | November 26, 2002

Commentator Tim McQuiston says that from Brattleboro to Randolph, from Bennington to Island Pond, a lot fewer people these days are saying, “I work up to the plant.”

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Deane Davis’s ‘Green Up’ day

By Philip Baruth | November 25, 2002

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Commentator Philip Baruth says conservative governor Deane Davis left a legacy of environmental protection.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Dorothy Canfield Fisher

By Edith Hunter | November 25, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter says that Vermont writer Dorothy Canfield Fisher greatly influenced our ideas about women, children and education during the first half of the 20th century – especially the value of learning by doing.

Commentary Series

Great Thoughts: Robert Frost captures Vermont

By Willem Lange | November 22, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange often thinks Great Thoughts about Vermont himself, but realizes when he does, that somebody else has already put them on paper.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: equality in Vermont history

By Olin Robison | November 22, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison says that while many “Great Ideas” are expressed in words, others are embodied in symbols. And in some cases, they’re embodied in certain individuals, persons whose presence and work pointed the way for others to follow. He says three Vermonters are a case in point.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Justin Morrill and higher education

By Libby Sternberg | November 21, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg says that American colleges and universities owe a debt of gratitude to Justin Smith Morrill, a Vermont Senator whose great idea became the Land Grant College Act of 1862.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: marriage rights and civil unions

By David Moats | November 21, 2002

One of the more recent ideas to shape our community is that of Civil Union. But commentator David Moats says that Chief Justice Jeffery Amestoy’s ruling was based on traditional Vermont notions of equality.

Commentary Series

Listener comments on ‘Great Thoughts of Vermont’

By VPR | November 21, 2002

Great Thoughts of Vermont inspire great reactions from VPR listeners.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: John Deere and the polished plow

By Vern Grubinger | November 20, 2002

One Vermonter had an idea for improving a simple but basic tool. Commentator Vern Grubinger says that John Deere’s inspiration ultimately transformed agriculture worldwide.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Wilson Bentley and snowflakes

By Cheryl Hanna | November 20, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna tells us that Vermonter Wilson Bentley had a big idea about a very small thing indeed. And his work has greatly influenced the vision of both the artistic and the scientific communities.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: Clarina Nichols on voting rights

By Madeleine M. Kunin | November 19, 2002

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Commentator Madeleine Kunin explores the legacy of suffragist Clarina Nichols.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: George Perkins Marsh and conservation

By Tom Slayton | November 19, 2002

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. The ideas of George Perkins Marsh influenced Vermonters and the nation to think differently about stewardship of the land. According to commentator Tom Slayton, Marsh is considered to be a founder of today’s environmental movement.

Commentary Series

More Great Thoughts – audio and transcripts

By VPR | November 18, 2002

Vermonters’ great thoughts, inventions and philosophies have shaped the state and made a lasting imprint on how people live in Vermont and across the country. Review the online audio and transcripts of this commentary series.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: John Dewey on education

By Ruth Page | November 18, 2002

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Today, commentator Ruth Page explores John Dewey’s ideas about education.

Commentary Series

Great thoughts: George Aiken on the ideal community

By Frank Bryan | November 18, 2002

Great thoughts and philosophies from Vermonters have shaped our state and sometimes influenced the nation. Commentator Frank Bryan explores George Aiken’s concept of the ideal community.

Commentary Series

Fall overturn in Vermont lakes

By Ted Levin | November 15, 2002

According to commentator Ted Levin, this time of year the water in your local pond or lake undergoes an environmentally critical transformation.

Commentary Series

Two views on the election results

By VPR | November 15, 2002

Commentators Cheryl Hanna and Libby Sternberg reflect on the recent election and offer Two Views on who won, and who lost.

Commentary Series

Bringing in the wood

By Willem Lange | November 15, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been bringing in his woodpile, a satisfying job that seems to get a little harder every year.

Commentary Series

Buddhism and war

By VPR | November 15, 2002

Commentator Nick Boke has been thinking a lot lately about the idea of a Holy War.

Commentary Series

Remembering Celia Hunter

By Will Curtis | November 13, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis remembers Celia Hunter, a pioneer in the conservation movement.

Commentary Series

Ode to the newspaper

By Tom Slayton | November 13, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton says he’ll never put down the paper.

Commentary Series

Winning and almost winning

By David Moats | November 12, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on what it means to win, and come close to winning.

Commentary Series

White-tail deer population

By Ruth Page | November 12, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page looks at how an unchecked deer population can destroy forest ecosystems.

Commentary Series

Election redemption

By Philip Baruth | November 11, 2002

Commentator Philip Baruth was on a search for redemption election night.

Commentary Series

Stock market review

By Timothy McQuiston | November 11, 2002

Commentator Timothy McQuiston offers advice and insight into the turbulent stock market.

Commentary Series

Why the Turkish elections matter.

By Olin Robison | November 8, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison urges Americans to pay attention to the elections… in Turkey.

Commentary Series

The mother tongue

By Willem Lange | November 8, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been speaking English, more or less, for over sixty years, and often laments what has happened to it during that time.

Commentary Series

Halloween with Houdini

By Joe Citro | November 7, 2002

Commentator Joe Citro spent Halloween remembering the fate of Harry Houdini.

Commentary Series

Election post-mortem

By Madeleine M. Kunin | November 7, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin can’t help but notice that elections do matter.

Commentary Series

Bike down a volcano

By John Morton | November 6, 2002

When someone says “Hawaii,” mountain biking probably isn’t the first thing you think of. But as commentator John Morton and his wife Kay discovered, it’s a great way to see the sights.

Commentary Series

Door to door campaigning

By Edith Hunter | November 5, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter reflects on dogs, swing-sets and campaigning door to door.

Commentary Series

Time to vote

By Frank Bryan | November 5, 2002

Commentator Frank Bryan has been thinking about the Vermont tradition of civic engagement.

Commentary Series

A great year for tomatoes

By Vern Grubinger | November 4, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger reflects on tomatoes – in the garden, in history, and in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Commentary Series

Honoring poet Hayen Carruth

By Lois Eby | November 4, 2002

This month Vermont will host a series of four celebrations honoring the poet Hayden Carruth. Commentator Lois Eby shares her own memories of the poet.

Commentary Series

Cramming for the Election Day test

By Allen Gilbert | November 1, 2002

Election Day is right around the corner. Commentator Allen Gilbert says there’s still time to do some homework before the big test.

Commentary Series

Wandering the Missisquoi wildlife refuge

By Alan Boye | November 1, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye has spent some time in northwestern Vermont pondering landscape and language.

Commentary Series

Shishi odori meets Spiderman

By VPR | October 31, 2002

Commentator and former Rutland mayor Jeff Wennberg is here with a unique Vermont tale of East meets West.

Commentary Series

A visit to the Pawlet Library

By Tom Slayton | October 31, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton is reveling in the Vermont spirit after a recent visit to Pawlet.

Commentary Series

Food for birds

By Henry Homeyer | October 30, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer has some tips on plants that attract birds to your yard.

Commentary Series

A refresher course on the constitution

By John McClaughry | October 30, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry offers a civics lesson for the current debate on plurality in Vermont elections.

Commentary Series

A weird African plant

By Ruth Page | October 29, 2002

here are a number of plants that can survive on earth for many hundreds of years. Today, commentator Ruth Page describes one that hangs onto its first two leaves for all that time, and rarely produces any more.

Commentary Series

Why I like elections

By David Moats | October 29, 2002

As the current political campaign reaches it’s noisy crescendo, commentator David Moats has a confession to make.

Commentary Series

Proud of Carter

By Philip Baruth | October 28, 2002

A few weeks ago, former president Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2002. The decision came not a moment too soon, for commentator Philip Baruth.

Commentary Series

Wait for the dust to settle around the General Election

By Cheryl Hanna | October 28, 2002

With the election just a week away, commentator Cheryl Hanna is wondering what will happen if none of the three major candidates for governor receives a majority of votes.

Commentary Series

Hunting camp with Satch

By Willem Lange | October 25, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange greets the gathering darkness of fall with a favorite ritual: going to hunting camp with his son

Commentary Series

Jimmy Carter and the Nobel Peace Prize

By Olin Robison | October 25, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison takes great satisfaction in the Nobel Prize Committees decision to award Jimmy Carter the Peace Prize.

Commentary Series

The importance of voters going to the polls

By Madeleine M. Kunin | October 24, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin puzzles over low voter turnout in U.S. elections.

Commentary Series

Joy of running on a perfect autumn weekend

By John Morton | October 24, 2002

Not long ago, Vermont celebrated a weekend of running. Commentator John Morton says that running in Vermont this time of year is especially rewarding.

Commentary Series

Bill Davison and Jamaican artists at the Fleming Museum

By Lois Eby | October 23, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby recently visited UVM’s Fleming Museum where she viewed two exhibits, both very impressive and each very different from the other.

Commentary Series

Nonspeak and nonsense in the Bush White House

By Bill Seamans | October 23, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans says that controversy continues over the Bush administration’s information policies.

Commentary Series

An education commissioner accountable to whom?

By Libby Sternberg | October 22, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg reflects on the relationship between the education commissioner and the governor, and how education policy is determined in Vermont.

Commentary Series

Extending the growing season

By Ron Krupp | October 22, 2002

Commentator Ron Krupp says that with a little extra work and planning, you can harvest vegetables late into autumn.

Commentary Series

Wild turkeys return to Vermont

By Edith Hunter | October 21, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter reports that wild turkeys have made quite a comeback in her neighborhood – as they have all over Vermont.

Commentary Series

Getting behind President Fogel

By Timothy McQuiston | October 21, 2002

UVM’s new president, Dr Daniel Fogel, plans to spend at least half his time fund-raising for the University. He also wants state government to increase its support by another million dollars a year. Commentator Tim McQuiston contemplates the intellectual as salesman.

Commentary Series

The two-edged sword of free speech

By Willem Lange | October 18, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been listening to this year’s public debates, and reflects that the precious gift of free speech can be a two-edged sword.

Commentary Series

Vermont schools and the federal testing standards

By Allen Gilbert | October 18, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that the new federal testing program might not do what it’s supposed to do — improve schools for kids.

Commentary Series

War is not abstract

By Rebecca Coffey | October 17, 2002

Commentator Rebecca Coffey reflects on the news, computer games and the prospect of war.

Commentary Series

Faded legacy of Larkin Mead

By VPR | October 17, 2002

Commentator arkin Mead recalls Vermont’s once-renowned scultor, Larkin Mead.

Commentary Series

Chicken nuggets and school lunches

By Vern Grubinger | October 16, 2002

This is national school lunch week, and commentator Vern Grubinger has been thinking about what his kids eat, and why.

Commentary Series

Self defense and the justification for deadly force

By David Moats | October 16, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on self defense and the point at which the use of deadly force can be justified.

Commentary Series

Afflictions of health care ‘reform’

By John McClaughry | October 15, 2002

John McClaughry is critical of the campaign for single payer health care.

Commentary Series

Vehicle world of tomorrow

By Ruth Page | October 15, 2002

Car manufacturers are working on new vehicles that reduce our dependence on imported oil. Commentator Ruth Page points out that the hybrids using both gas and electricity are already on the market and are selling better every year.

Commentary Series

Hot rod Lincoln Town Car

By Philip Baruth | October 14, 2002

Commentator Philip Baruth recently drove out into the Champlain Islands to buy a used car. Unexpectedly, the trip became a moral, ethical, and existential crisis.

Commentary Series

Death penalty and democracy

By Cheryl Hanna | October 14, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna reflects on the death penalty, Vermont and the federal government.

Commentary Series

Drumbeat of the Bush Doctrine

By Olin Robison | October 11, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison compares the legacy of the Truman Doctrine with President Bush’s new National Security Strategy.

Commentary Series

A carpenter on his knees

By Willem Lange | October 11, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange recently spent a whole morning on his knees. But he wasn’t praying; he just couldn’t get up.

Commentary Series

Autumn in the yard we planted

By VPR | October 10, 2002

Vermont State Poet Ellen Bryant Voigt has seen the seasons change around her home in Cabot for 30 years.

Commentary Series

What the war is and is not about

By Madeleine M. Kunin | October 10, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin reflects on the debate about war with Iraq.

Commentary Series

Summers with Fresh Air kids

By Edith Hunter | October 9, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter recalls summers with Fresh Air kids.

Commentary Series

Barge trip on the Erie Canal

By Will Curtis | October 9, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis recently took a trip that followed – or you might say floated – along the same route once taken by his great, great grandfather.

Commentary Series

Foot dragging in the White House Press Corps

By Bill Seamans | October 9, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans says that the relationship between the Bush administration and the press may be about to change.

Commentary Series

Act 60: Unreliable, unfair, arbitrary and capricious

By VPR | October 8, 2002

A recent court ruling has called into question the fairness of the state property tax under Act 60. CommentatorJeff Wennberg thinks the implications are much bigger than the state admits.

Commentary Series

Autumn in Randolph Gap

By Alan Boye | October 7, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye shares the autumn scenery in central Vermont.

Commentary Series

Planting a $5 tree in a $50 hole

By Henry Homeyer | October 7, 2002

Everyone knows that spring is planting time, but commentator Henry Homeyer says that Fall is too.

Commentary Series

War is the people’s decision

By Ellen David Friedman | October 7, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman thinks that we need more time and more voices in the debate over possible war with Iraq.

Commentary Series

Newspaper competition

By Allen Gilbert | October 4, 2002

Newspaper readership may be down, but a battle has broken out between two papers in Chittenden County. Commentator Allen Gilbert is watching it with special interest.

Commentary Series

Supporting education will improve the economy

By Timothy McQuiston | October 3, 2002

The debate over whether or not Vermont is anti-business is missing the point, according to commentator Timothy McQuiston. He says the real debate should be over the state of the economy.

Commentary Series

Recipes for garden composting

By Charlie Nardozzi | October 2, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi shares soil that he got at a gardening conference.

Commentary Series

Vermont’s patron saint of the impossible

By Tom Slayton | October 2, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton honors Ralph Nading Hill’s efforts to preserve Vermont history.

Commentary Series

We cannot ignore Africa

By Madeleine M. Kunin | October 1, 2002

Commentator Madelein Kunin shares her impressions of people and animals in Kenya.

Commentary Series

One theory on frog deformities

By Ruth Page | October 1, 2002

If you’ve wondered about all the news pictures of frogs with a couple of extra legs or other deformities, commentator Ruth Page offers one scientist’s tested explanation.

Commentary Series

Securing Dick Cheney

By Philip Baruth | September 30, 2002

Vice President Dick Cheney flew into Vermont last week for a Republican campaign rally at the Burlington International Airport. Or at least that’s what most people thought . According to commentator Philip Baruth, Cheney spent the previous night at Philip’s house, where the two men got down to brass tacks.

Commentary Series

‘First Monday’ and the new Supreme Court term

By Cheryl Hanna | September 30, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna says that the Supreme Court is about to open a session that will be marked by change.

Commentary Series

Classified ads from Never-Never Land

By Willem Lange | September 27, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been hanging out in a West Coast cafe reading the want ads in a local paper, and is very glad to be back home again.

Commentary Series

Remember your favorite charity

By Olin Robison | September 27, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison encourages people to give generously to charities in the midst of an economic downtorn.

Commentary Series

A cricket ‘s song at summer’s end

By Edith Hunter | September 26, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter reflects on the song of the cricket as summer comes to a close.

Commentary Series

Efficient health care policy

By VPR | September 26, 2002

A good manager routinely sets a goal and then analyzes which alternative best meets that goal. Commentator Rick Hubbard thinks our Vermont political leaders should use this approach to improve delivery of our health care.

Commentary Series

Plant a row for the hungry

By Ron Krupp | September 25, 2002

Comentator Ron Krupp urges gardeners to share their vegetables with people in need.

Commentary Series

Teenage war burden

By Bill Seamans | September 25, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans has been thinking about today’s teenagers and what a war with Iraq might mean for them.

Commentary Series

A frisbee generation

By David Moats | September 24, 2002

Commentator David Moats says he’s discovered a key of sorts for determining where one generation leaves off and another one begins

Commentary Series

New England literary recordings

By VPR | September 24, 2002

When it comes to books, commentator Jules Older doesn’t just read. Sometimes he listens.

Commentary Series

A civilized example

By VPR | September 23, 2002

Commentator Nick Boke sees preparation for war with Iraq as a failure to learn one of the lessons of September 11.

Commentary Series

Bush’s presidential leadership

By VPR | September 23, 2002

Commentator Jeff Wennberg sees preparations for war with Iraq as a test of presidential leadership.

Commentary Series

Nothing happens here

By Willem Lange | September 20, 2002

Ask commentator Willem Lange what’s happening, and he’ll reply, “Nothin’! That’s why I live here.”

Commentary Series

Fletcher Allen’s mistakes continue

By Allen Gilbert | September 20, 2002

Missteps by Fletcher Allen Health Care continue, according to commentator Allen Gilbert.

Commentary Series

The paintings of Jose Clemente Orozco

By Lois Eby | September 19, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby says that a current show at the Hood Museum of Art unites art, politics, history and human suffering.

Commentary Series

Being there: lessons from a war zone

By Jim Luken | September 19, 2002

Commentator Jim Luken says that spending even a short time in a war zone challenges the notion that war is an acceptable means of resolving conflict.

Commentary Series

Chemistry of autumn colors

By Ted Levin | September 18, 2002

Commentator Ted Levin explains the many variables that give New England its distinctive blaze of fall colors.

Commentary Series

Lessons for FAHC from the UVM hockey scandal

By Timothy McQuiston | September 18, 2002

Commentary Timothy McQuiston offers a cautionary tale on the recent shakeup at one of Vermont’s largest institutions.

Commentary Series

Can a new cancer drug control fat?

By Ruth Page | September 17, 2002

Lately, physicians have found a few drugs that are helpful for more than one human problem. Ruth Page describes an instance in which a cancer control drug, now being tested, might keep people from getting fat.

Commentary Series

Politicians and journalists

By Madeleine M. Kunin | September 17, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin reflects on the tenuous relationship between journalists and politicians.

Commentary Series

Where men are men, and dogs are dogs

By Philip Baruth | September 16, 2002

The City of Burlington opened a dog-friendly park near commentator Philip Baruth’s home last year. It’s a wonderful addition to the city, but for Philip it was a little bit too late.

Commentary Series

Act 60 and the fiscal crunch

By John McClaughry | September 16, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry shares his analysis of the sharing pool debacle.

Commentary Series

The grieving spiral

By Willem Lange | September 13, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been reflecting on the process by which we get over devastating losses in our lives, and describes it as an ever-widening spiral.

Commentary Series

Hard cases, bad law, and the right to privacy

By Cheryl Hanna | September 13, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna has been thinking about hard cases, bad law and the right to privacy.

Commentary Series

Windmills

By Tom Slayton | September 12, 2002

While climbing in the mountains of Maine, commentator Tom Slayton learned about a wind generation project that raised several questions for him.

Commentary Series

Indian harvest festival

By Charlie Nardozzi | September 12, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi was in India last fall. He tells us about a harvest festival he witnessed there.

Commentary Series

Special commentary series: September 11

By VPR | September 12, 2002

Vermont public Radio asked commentators to share their reflections and observation on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Commentary Series

‘Portraits of Grief’

By Bill Seamans | September 11, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans reflects on one of the most compelling – and enduring – of the September 11 memorials.

Commentary Series

Reflections on September 11

By VPR | September 11, 2002

In a special commentary observing the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Governor Howard Dean reflects on how the evens of that day touched all Vermonters.

Commentary Series

First-year gestures of completion

By Rebecca Coffey | September 10, 2002

Commentator Rebecca Coffey reflects on what is involved in achieving a measure of emotional recovery after a loss on the magnitude of September 11.

Commentary Series

The evaporation of sympathy

By Olin Robison | September 10, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison shares concerns about American policy that he has gathered from abroad.

Commentary Series

Garden memorial

By Henry Homeyer | September 9, 2002

It’s been a year now since the tragedy of September 11, and commentator Henry Homeyer has some thoughts about what we can do to remember those who died that day.

Commentary Series

One year later

By David Moats | September 9, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on how some events become etched in our memory, to stand forever as bridges between “before” and “after”.

Commentary Series

Ethan Allen’s homestead

By Alan Boye | September 6, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye recently took a walk along the banks of the Winooski River, following paths that Ethan Allen himself might once have roamed.

Commentary Series

Birding hot spots

By Ted Levin | September 6, 2002

Commentator Ted Levin says that some of the best months of the year for bird watching are just ahead, as the days of summer wind down and the great migrations begin.

Commentary Series

The lead tube

By Joe Citro | September 5, 2002

Commentator Joe Citro tells the little-known story of Vermont’s other first Europeans.

Commentary Series

Five years of Brigham and Act 60

By Allen Gilbert | September 5, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert is looking forward to attending an event next Friday, September 13 in Randolph, for a look at school funding policy five years after Brigham.

Commentary Series

Legislative reform

By John McClaughry | September 4, 2002

In anticipation of the coming legislative session, commentator John McClaughry reflects on one of the most notable characteristics of the last one.

Commentary Series

What I learned at reform school

By Edith Hunter | September 4, 2002

Recently commentator Edith Hunter found herself reflecting on a long-ago summer…spent in a reform school garden.

Commentary Series

African assassin bug

By Ruth Page | September 3, 2002

Can you imagine an insect that has double camouflage, one type to protect it from predators, the other to keep its own prey from noticing it? Ruth Page describes the creature.

Commentary Series

Fletcher Allen

By Timothy McQuiston | September 3, 2002

The Fletcher Allen Health Care debacle could cost a lot more than $300 million, commentator Timothy McQuiston says it could cost some very prominent Vermonters their reputations.

Commentary Series

The Pond

By VPR | September 2, 2002

Vermont State Poet Ellen Bryant Voigt has witnessed the gradual loss of family farms, both in her adopted state of Vermont and in her native Virginia. The following poem is a meditation on that loss.

Commentary Series

Reopening the health care debate

By Madeleine M. Kunin | September 2, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin says it’s time to take another look at the health care system.

Commentary Series

Last hiker of the summer

By Willem Lange | August 30, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange maintains a short section of the Appalachian Trail, and this time of year he meets some very interesting people.

Commentary Series

Religion and international politics

By Olin Robison | August 30, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison shares his thoughts on church, state and Islam.

Commentary Series

Woodchuck wars

By Charlie Nardozzi | August 29, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi has some advice for dealing with woodchucks.

Commentary Series

Knoll Farm

By Tom Slayton | August 29, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton honors the Vermont Land Trust and the Knoll Farm in Waitsfield.

Commentary Series

Parsons Hill

By VPR | August 28, 2002

Contaminated drinking water at an apartment complex in Castleton is currently the subject of complex litigation, and commentator Jeff Wennberg thinks that the case involves a number of concerns that are greater than local.

Commentary Series

The strategic doctrine of preemption

By Bill Seamans | August 28, 2002

One of the ironies of history is how the present often echoes the past. When President Bush endorsed the idea of striking an enemy first and by surprise – what is called the strategic doctrine of preemption – he set a new course for the journey to Baghdad to topple Saddam Hussein.

Commentary Series

What hare-brained idea?

By Libby Sternberg | August 27, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg reflects on the predicament of a Vermont couple who is being charged with trying to circumvent public school residency regulations.

Commentary Series

Others who shared our farm

By Will Curtis | August 27, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis reflects on some of the critters that he and his wife Jane have had as neighbors over the years.

Commentary Series

Dear Howard Dean – Babe, if I may

By Philip Baruth | August 26, 2002

Governor Howard Dean’s run for the presidency has entered its most crucial phase, according to commentator Philip Baruth: the phase where the attack ads start to fly. Philip has a few words of advice.

Commentary Series

Budget shuffle

By Allen Gilbert | August 26, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that the state is using some tricky accounting practices to balance the state budget – and that ultimately property owners will be the ones who have to foot the bill.

Commentary Series

The annual something-or-other

By Willem Lange | August 23, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been visiting a daughter in northern Vermont and marvels at the energy that goes into the state’s annual August celebrations.

Commentary Series

Two views on the regional environmental initiative

By VPR | August 23, 2002

Commentators John McClaughry and Ruth Page offer Two Views of a Regional Environmental Initiative being considered by leaders in Northern New England and Quebec.

Commentary Series

Wisdom of elders

By Edith Hunter | August 22, 2002

Lately commentator Edith Hunter has been thinking about a very practical kind of inheritance.

Commentary Series

The current crisis of capitalism

By Ellen David Friedman | August 22, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman is drawing political lessons from the recent corporate crises.

Commentary Series

Janet McKenzie art exhibit

By Lois Eby | August 21, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby tells us about a thought provoking art exhibit coming to a close this weekend.

Commentary Series

Nature

By David Moats | August 21, 2002

The extreme heat of the last few days has reminded commentator David Moats that the idea of what is “natural” can change.

Commentary Series

Aphids

By Ruth Page | August 20, 2002

Every gardener knows aphids – but here’s Ruth Page with facts about how some aphids can nest a couple of future generations of clones inside her while she seeks a home.

Commentary Series

New visions of leadership

By Cheryl Hanna | August 20, 2002

After attending a leadership workshop, commentator Cheryl Hanna has been thinking about why “politics as usual” doesn’t feel very meaningful any more.

Commentary Series

Kavalier & Clay

By VPR | August 19, 2002

Commentator Jules Older is enthusiastic about the recent novel by Michael Chabon.

Commentary Series

Women governors

By Madeleine M. Kunin | August 19, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin is keeping careful watch on women running for governor.

Commentary Series

A big trout at sunset

By Willem Lange | August 16, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been spending a few days in the brook trout country of northern Qu bec, a region that seems to be improving with age.

Commentary Series

Enabling the non-profit sector

By Olin Robison | August 16, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison has picked up on resident Bush’s support for charitable tax deductions.

Commentary Series

Pressure-treated wood

By Charlie Nardozzi | August 15, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi shares his information on remedies and alternatives to pressure-treated wood

Commentary Series

Poetry then and now

By Tom Slayton | August 15, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton appreciates the work of Vermont folk poet Gordon Tallman.

Commentary Series

The joys of a country fair

By Henry Homeyer | August 14, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer is looking forward to one of the traditional end-of-the-summer pleasures: going to the fair.

Commentary Series

A quiet crisis

By Bill Seamans | August 14, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans says that we may be in the middle of a quiet constitutional crisis, perhaps all the more dangerous for its lack of noisy debate.

Commentary Series

Hen spectacles

By Janet Greene | August 13, 2002

Janet Greene was a well-known independent book publisher and editor. But it was her zest for life that made her memorable. From the VPR archives, here’s one of Janet Greene’s earliest commentaries.

Commentary Series

Adam’s Ale

By Janet Greene | August 13, 2002

Janet Greene was a well-known independent book publisher and editor. But it was her zest for life that made her memorable. From the VPR archives, here’s one of Janet Greene’s earliest commentaries.

Commentary Series

Burlington’s ‘sick’ side

By Philip Baruth | August 12, 2002

Every generation has its own path through a city, but commentator Philip Baruth has recently found himself forced from one path to the next in Burlington.

Commentary Series

Loss of innocence

By Allen Gilbert | August 12, 2002

Vermonters may once have thought that our state was immune from the financial deceit practiced by such corporations as Enron and WorldCom. Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that’s all changed with the problems at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.

Commentary Series

In the south

By David Moats | August 9, 2002

Commentator David Moats just got back from a road trip, and he’s still savoring a renewed sense of regional diversity – and flavors.

Commentary Series

Snakes and people

By Willem Lange | August 9, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been thinking about the relationship between the snake, which God curses in Genesis, and mankind, his crowning achievement. He thinks the snakes are getting a raw deal.

Commentary Series

Roger has a mind of his own

By Edith Hunter | August 8, 2002

We usually think of the garden as a peaceful place, but commentator Edith Hunter says it can also be a hotbed of determined – if quiet – rebellion.

Commentary Series

The ten-of-nine whistle

By VPR | August 8, 2002

What’s the buzz in Rutland? According to commentator and former mayor Jeff Wennberg, the buzz is the ten-of-nine blast.

Commentary Series

Corn

By Ron Krupp | August 7, 2002

Commentator Ron Krupp celebrates his favorite vegetable of summer: sweet corn.

Commentary Series

Lemonade and refreshing corporate culture

By Cheryl Hanna | August 7, 2002

On a recent hot summer day, commentator Cheryl Hanna happened upon a refreshing drink and an even more refreshing attitude.

Commentary Series

Effort at speech

By VPR | August 6, 2002

Vermont State Poet Ellen Bryant Voigt has been writing and observing animals in Cabot for 30 years. But the creature in the following poem was living in the Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Commentary Series

CEOs and baseball

By Timothy McQuiston | August 6, 2002

Commentator Timothy McQuiston finds some unsettling similarities between baseball and health of American corporations.

Commentary Series

Clover, Vermont state flower

By Vern Grubinger | August 5, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger reflects on the history and importance of Vermont’s state flower.

Commentary Series

Hello, are there any liberals out there?

By VPR | August 5, 2002

Commentator Nick Boke wonders just what happened to American liberals.

Commentary Series

Coyotes, east and west

By Alan Boye | August 2, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye shares mythic and real stories of coyotes.

Commentary Series

Globalization

By Olin Robison | August 2, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison shares his thoughts on the paradoxes of globalization.

Commentary Series

Mystery stones

By Joe Citro | August 1, 2002

Commentator and mystery lover Joe Citro explores the story on unexplained stones in Hardwick, MA.

Commentary Series

Goddard College

By Tom Slayton | August 1, 2002

(Host) Commentator Tom Slayton has some thoughts on the decision to close down resident undergraduate programs at Goddard.

Commentary Series

Birds and berries

By Henry Homeyer | July 31, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer loves both birds and berries, but not necessarily together. So he’s devised a way to keep the birds and his berries apart.

Commentary Series

Losing civil liberties

By Bill Seamans | July 31, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans shares his thoughts on TIPS, John Ashcroft and civil liberties.

Commentary Series

School vouchers and Roger Williams

By Ruth Page | July 30, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page examines the Supreme Court decision to let tax money be used for vouchers to either public or religious schools.

Commentary Series

Fuel emission standards

By Madeleine M. Kunin | July 30, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin has some thoughts about why the federal government lags behind the states in fuel emission control.

Commentary Series

Attach of the master gardeners

By Philip Baruth | July 29, 2002

It’s summer movie time, and commentator Philip Baruth brings us another chilling installment of the Urban Troubleshooter. This time Vermont is threatened by a menace that’s been secretly gaining strength for decades: master gardeners.

Commentary Series

School testing

By Allen Gilbert | July 29, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that the emphasis on school testing may be producing an academic arms race – and he’s not sure that kids are the winners.

Commentary Series

Poor self image

By Willem Lange | July 26, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been a lifelong sufferer from poor self-image, and has some tips on overcoming this self-defeating emotional problem.

Commentary Series

The first commandment

By Timothy McQuiston | July 26, 2002

The executives and directors of companies like WorldCom, Enron and Adelphia broke the one and only commandment of business, commentator Timothy McQuiston tells us what that was.

Commentary Series

It’s the Economy, Stupid

By VPR | July 25, 2002

Will the unfolding corporate scandals erode support for President Bush and boost Democratic prospects in the fall elections? Commentator Jeff Wennberg isn’t so sure.

Commentary Series

President Bush and the economy

By David Moats | July 25, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on the crisis in American business, and how it is proving to be a crisis in credibility for President Bush.

Commentary Series

Math, a love story

By Dan Rockmore | July 25, 2002

In the last couple of years, the math genius has become a popular subject with movie makers, and recently commentator Dan Rockmore joined the club.

Commentary Series

Be a mentor

By Cheryl Hanna | July 25, 2002

This summer, commentator Cheryl Hanna has found something that’s both easy to do and extremely challenging. It also addresses a serious problem.

Commentary Series

Haying

By Will Curtis | July 23, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis remembers haying in the early 1950’s, after he and his wife Jane moved to their first Vermont farm.

Commentary Series

James Nachtwey: Testimony to an Inferno

By Lois Eby | July 23, 2002

Weeks after friends urged her to see an exhibit of disturbing photographs at Dartmouth’s Hood Museum, commentator Lois Eby is still reflecting on the unforgettable images.

Commentary Series

Haying

By VPR | July 23, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis remembers haying in the early 1950’s, after he and his wife Jane moved to their first Vermont farm.

Commentary Series

Art public service announcements

By Libby Sternberg | July 22, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg reflects on an ad campaign advocating for more public support of arts in the schools, that she doesn’t think is very effective.

Commentary Series

Vermont’s Poetry Slam Scene

By VPR | July 22, 2002

It’s called “Slam Poetry” but to commentator Nick Boke, it’s the poetry part that counts.

Commentary Series

Mexican Night on the Barrens

By Willem Lange | July 19, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been getting ready for a canoe trip to the Arctic, and salutes the creativity that his wife is putting into the food preparation.

Commentary Series

Public Diplomacy Dilemma

By Olin Robison | July 19, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison urges the United States to undertake more spending on “public diplomacy.”

Commentary Series

Return of the Peregrine Falcons

By Edith Hunter | July 18, 2002

A once regular summer visitor has returned to Weathersfield for the first time in 50 years and commentator Edith Hunter is celebrating

Commentary Series

Demeter, Persephone and Sabra Field

By VPR | July 18, 2002

Tom Slayton is here with some observations on the latest set of prints from the quintessential Vermont artist, Sabra Field.

Commentary Series

Childcare

By Vern Grubinger | July 17, 2002

Lots of working parents depend on childcare, but what’s it really worth? Commentator Vern Grubinger says that there’s a new report that documents the value of childcare in Vermont.

Commentary Series

War Plans Leaked

By Bill Seamans | July 17, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans offers his thoughts on leaking confidential documents.

Commentary Series

White-Winged Trumpeter of Amazon

By Ruth Page | July 16, 2002

Ruth Page describes forest families in which a single female mates with several males, and all the males care for the young.

Commentary Series

Presidential Leadership in Corporate Reform

By Madeleine M. Kunin | July 16, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin reacts to George Bush s statement on corporate responsibility.

Commentary Series

Loss of Respect

By Allen Gilbert | July 15, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that the real news story of the summer is not the court case over the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s the loss of respect abroad for corporate America.

Commentary Series

War on Terrorism: Fixing the Score

By Philip Baruth | July 15, 2002

This past Fourth of July, there was a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport. Commentator Philip Baruth thinks it says a great deal about where we’ve come to since September 11.

Commentary Series

The Enviornmental Oncologist

By Willem Lange | July 12, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange says his friend is one of the unsung heroes of Vermont: a biologist defending wildlife habitat against the constant spread of human development.

Commentary Series

Welfare to Work to Marriage

By Cheryl Hanna | July 12, 2002

President Bush recently announced a new approach to welfare policy, and commentator Cheryl Hanna has some thoughts on where the president s plan falls short.

Commentary Series

The Farmer

By VPR | July 11, 2002

Poet Ellen Bryan Voigt shares “The Farmer” for today’s commentary.

Commentary Series

Two Views of Workers’ Unions

By VPR | July 11, 2002

Commentators Ellen David Friedman and Frank Bryan have two views on organizing workers’ unions.

Commentary Series

Japanese Beetles

By Charlie Nardozzi | July 10, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi has advice for ridding your yard of Japanese beetles.

Commentary Series

Science Heroes and ‘QED’

By Dan Rockmore | July 10, 2002

Commentator Dan Rockmore went to the theater recently, where he found himself doing a little time traveling.

Commentary Series

The Art of Weeding

By Henry Homeyer | July 9, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer reveals some of his master gardening techniques for the art of weeding.

Commentary Series

Canoe

By David Moats | July 9, 2002

Commentator David Moats, who recently bought his first canoe, reflects on the joys of paddling.

Commentary Series

Two Views: School Vouchers

By VPR | July 8, 2002

Commentators Sam Lloyd and Libby Sternberg offer Two Views of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of a voucher program in Cleveland that allows parents to send their children to private, religious schools using public funds.

Commentary Series

Camden Yards

By Ted Levin | July 8, 2002

At a ball park, commentator Ted Levin scans the sky for fly balls along with everyone else, but he says there are other airborn attractions that are worth spotting too.

Commentary Series

Calling the Barred Owl

By Alan Boye | July 5, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye has been practicing a new skill lately – and he thinks he’s gotten rather good at it – but so far without the desired results.

Commentary Series

A Fourth of July Confessional

By Olin Robison | July 5, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison has a public confessional about what he thinks is important about the Fourth of July.

Commentary Series

Lookout Schoolhouse

By Joe Citro | July 4, 2002

Commentator Joe Citro puzzles over the story of Brookline’s 1822 round schoolhouse and it’s mysterious founder.

Commentary Series

Battle of Hubbardton

By Tom Slayton | July 4, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton has some Fourth of July thoughts about the only Revolutionary War battle that was fought on Vermont soil.

Commentary Series

The ‘What If’ Game

By Bill Seamans | July 3, 2002

Although it’s no laughing matter, commentator Bill Seamans thinks that recent administration statements about the Middle East may inspire a new game.

Commentary Series

Sense of Place

By Vern Grubinger | July 3, 2002

Anticipating the Fourth of July, commentator Vern Grubinger has been thinking of his grandmother and her deep appreciation of this country.

Commentary Series

Arctic Icemelt

By Ruth Page | July 2, 2002

Probably the biggest change occurring in Earth’s climate is the rapid warming in the Arctic. Commentator Ruth Page looks at some of the implications for humans, animals and plants.

Commentary Series

Death Penalty

By Madeleine M. Kunin | July 2, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin shares her thoughts on the Supreme Court’s recent death penalty decisions.

Commentary Series

Careful Language

By Allen Gilbert | July 1, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert has been listening carefully to how we use language.

Commentary Series

There Will Come Soft Rains

By Philip Baruth | July 1, 2002

Commentator Philip Baruth attended the Vermont History Expo this past Saturday. It rained non-stop, from beginning to end. But according to Philip, the rain didn’t matter one bit.

Commentary Series

Cuban Dissonance

By Willem Lange | June 28, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange recently visited Cuba with forty other VPR listeners, and was intrigued by a point of view quite different from that of most Americans.

Commentary Series

Cowboy Johnson

By VPR | June 27, 2002

Ever wish you were really young again? To his great surprise and against his will, commentator Jules Older recently found himself back in kindergarten.

Commentary Series

Rhubarb and Lilacs

By Edith Hunter | June 27, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter loves rhubarb, not only for it’s distinctive taste and texture in pies, but also because it’s a living link to the traditional New England homestead.

Commentary Series

It All Cycles Back to the Law

By Cheryl Hanna | June 26, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna reminds us that riders and drivers are responsible for bicycle safety.

Commentary Series

New York Zeros

By Dan Rockmore | June 26, 2002

Commentator Dan Rockmore reflects on those times when nothing is really something – even downright inspiring.

Commentary Series

Opening Up the Summer House

By Will Curtis | June 25, 2002

Commentator Will Curtis and his wife Jane take us along as they open up a summer house for the season – on the island of Monhegan, twelve miles off the coast of Maine.

Commentary Series

Majority Rules

By David Moats | June 25, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on the political tension that exists between the American icon of the rugged individualist and the democratic concept of majority rule.

Commentary Series

Successful Communities

By John McClaughry | June 24, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry reflects on what it takes for a community to achieve economic success.

Commentary Series

Exotic Indian Vegetables

By Charlie Nardozzi | June 24, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi brought home from India memories and exotic vegetables.

Commentary Series

Father’s Day at the Pond

By Willem Lange | June 21, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange loved Father’s Day not because he thought he deserved it, but because he got to go fishing without guilt.

Commentary Series

Watergate Remembered

By Olin Robison | June 21, 2002

On the thirtieth anniversary of the Watergate break-in, commentator Olin Robison reflects on how the political crisis tested the system.

Commentary Series

10 Reasons for Buying Local Produce

By Vern Grubinger | June 20, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger’s storage crops ran out long ago so he’s eagerly awaiting the bounty of locally grown produce that’s soon to come.

Commentary Series

Egypt

By VPR | June 20, 2002

Time has taken on a new meaning for commentator Nick Boke since his recent trip to Egypt.

Commentary Series

Summer Reading List

By VPR | June 19, 2002

Better get out the pen and paper. Commentator Jules Older has his summer reading list ready.

Commentary Series

Intelligence and Accountability

By Bill Seamans | June 19, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans is getting tired of waiting to find out where the buck will stop concerning the intelligence failures leading up to September 11.

Commentary Series

Girls’ Sports and Title IX

By Madeleine M. Kunin | June 18, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin is cheering for the thirtieth anniversary of Title IX.

Commentary Series

The Brains of the Elderly

By Ruth Page | June 18, 2002

Baby Boomers may have to face up to some uncomfortable facts about changes that can occur in their brains after age 85, as commentator Ruth Page explains.

Commentary Series

Planting Peonies

By Henry Homeyer | June 17, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer invites us to enjoy and perhaps to plant a spring classic: the peony.

Commentary Series

Legislative Deals

By Allen Gilbert | June 17, 2002

We’ve heard a lot about cuts that lawmakers had to make during the legislative session. But how about the special deals that legislators doled out? Commentator Allen Gilbert takes a look.

Commentary Series

President Dean

By VPR | June 14, 2002

Is there a personality defect that makes a politician more effective on the campaign trail? Commentator Jeff Wennberg thinks there is.

Commentary Series

Church Street Marketplace Turns 20

By Tom Slayton | June 13, 2002

Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace is now 20 years old. Commentator Tom Slayton has some thoughts on that anniversary.

Commentary Series

Father’s Day

By Cheryl Hanna | June 13, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna reflects on home improvements and Father’s Day.

Commentary Series

Father’s Day and the Gift of Time

By Edith Hunter | June 12, 2002

With Father’s Day approaching, commentator Edith Hunter has been thinking about her own father – and the gift of time.

Commentary Series

Living the Good Life

By Ron Krupp | June 12, 2002

When commentator Ron Krupp moved to Vermont, he found inspiration in the writings of two other transplants, Scott and Helen Nearing.

Commentary Series

Future of Dairy Farming

By John McClaughry | June 10, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry reflects on the new national dairy program and the future of dairy farming in Vermont.

Commentary Series

IBM Shock

By VPR | June 10, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn says that changes at IBM should spur changes in Vermont’s economic development policy.

Commentary Series

Strolling of the Heifers

By Vern Grubinger | June 7, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger tells us about some events this month that reflect a Dairy theme.

Commentary Series

Flora Lewis Remembered

By Olin Robison | June 7, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison tells us about the exceptional life and work of correspondent and columnist Flora Lewis.

Commentary Series

Flora Lewis Remembered

By VPR | June 7, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison tells us about the exceptional life and work of correspondent and columnist Flora Lewis.

Commentary Series

IBM and Vermont’s Business Climate

By Timothy McQuiston | June 6, 2002

The unfortunate thing about rumors is that they are frequently based in fact. And Commentator Timothy McQuiston says such is the case with IBM.

Commentary Series

Costa Rica Visited

By Ted Levin | June 5, 2002

Commentator Ted Levin recently visited Costa Rica with a group of students. He says that it was indeed, very educational.

Commentary Series

Dan Rather was Right

By Bill Seamans | June 5, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans is concerned with recent press coverage of the administration – and he’s not alone.

Commentary Series

Truth May Set the Church Free

By Jim Luken | June 4, 2002

Commentator Jim Luken reflects on the priesthood and the current scandal in the Catholic Church.

Commentary Series

10% Energy Savings

By Ruth Page | June 4, 2002

The Greater Burlington area is trying to get every person and business to save cash by reducing CO2 emissions, as Ruth Page explains.

Commentary Series

We’re All In This Creemee Together

By Philip Baruth | June 3, 2002

Recent statistics have shown that Burlington is now predominantly composed of non-native Vermonters. Commentator Philip Baruth wonders what all the fuss is about.

Commentary Series

Priest Scandal

By Allen Gilbert | June 3, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that the Catholic Church has done a poor job of handling the abuse scandal that’s facing American priests.

Commentary Series

Two Views: Legislative Wrap Up

By VPR | May 31, 2002

As the legislature prepares to adjourn, commentators Ellen David Friedman and Jeff Wennberg offer Two Views on what happened during this session, what didn’t, and some of the possible reasons why.

Commentary Series

Edgar Christian’s Journal

By Willem Lange | May 31, 2002

Seventy-five years ago, during the same week that the world went wild over the flight of Charles Lindbergh, a boy was starving to death in the arctic. Commentator Willem Lange has been reading his journal.

Commentary Series

In Season

By Tom Slayton | May 30, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton has some thoughts on spring and a book that celebrates nature year-round.

Commentary Series

Wardrobe Chronicles

By Lois Eby | May 29, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby recently attended an exhibit of what two Vermont artists call an “exploratory visual journey.”

Commentary Series

Graduation

By David Moats | May 29, 2002

Commentator David Moats recently attended his son’s college graduation, an event that prompted quite a bit of contemplation.

Commentary Series

Political Clash over Health Care

By John McClaughry | May 28, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry suggests a solution to the current political clash over the rising costs of health care and health care insurance.

Commentary Series

Champion Debate

By Sam Lloyd | May 28, 2002

Commentator Sam Lloyd has been listening to the Champion Debate in the legislature with increasing concern.

Commentary Series

Spring

By Madeleine M. Kunin | May 27, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin has been observing the landscape during the warm days of spring.

Commentary Series

Memorial Day

By VPR | May 27, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter reflects on Memorial Day, cemetaries and lilacs.

Commentary Series

Cuba

By Olin Robison | May 24, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison has been examing the role of Cuba in American politics.

Commentary Series

Complacency No More

By Bill Seamans | May 23, 2002

Now that the experts have admitted the probability of suicide bombers here at home, commentator Bill Seamans says we must become better prepared to defend ourselves.

Commentary Series

Memorial Day Tomatoes

By Henry Homeyer | May 23, 2002

It’s a New England tradition to plant your tomatoes around Memorial Day but commentator Henry Homeyer says that may be too soon – especially in New England.

Commentary Series

Turning Sixty

By VPR | May 22, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn has a birthday to talk about and she’s hoping we’ll hold back our black balloons.

Commentary Series

Jim Jeffords: Hero or Opportunist?

By Frank Bryan | May 22, 2002

It’s been a year since Jim Jeffords rebelled against his party and was cloaked a hero of the independent, free-thinkers that are part of the Vermont tradition. Now, a year later, while everyone else is analyzing the effects of Jeffords’ decision on national policy, commentator Frank Bryan takes the long view.

Commentary Series

Vacationing in Florida

By Ruth Page | May 21, 2002

Weather and beach life come to the fore as commentator Ruth Page remembers her April vacation in Sarasota, Florida.

Commentary Series

Single-Sex Education

By Cheryl Hanna | May 21, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna’s support for one of the elements of the President’s initiative on education has surprised some of her friends.

Commentary Series

Al Gore Returns to Fantasy Island

By Philip Baruth | May 20, 2002

one of Al Gore’s closest confidantes has never been a walk in the park for commentator Philip Baruth, but over the last several months it’s become particularly trying. As is often the case with Philip, we cannot guarantee that this commentary contains even a shred of truth.

Commentary Series

Financial Aid

By Allen Gilbert | May 20, 2002

According to commentator Allen Gilbert, the hardest part of college isn’t getting in. It’s paying for it.

Commentary Series

The Last Frontier

By Willem Lange | May 17, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been burning brush in his swamp lately and reflecting on the myth of The Last Frontier.

Commentary Series

IBM

By Timothy McQuiston | May 17, 2002

Commentator Timothy McQuiston says that it’s hard to imagine what could be much worse for the Vermont economy right now than massively bad news from IBM.

Commentary Series

Eating the Lawn

By Charlie Nardozzi | May 16, 2002

Commentator Charlie Nardozzi says his lawn serves a bigger purpose than just looking nice.

Commentary Series

Above and Beyond

By Tom Slayton | May 16, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton recommends a book that examines the emerging suburban landscape of Vermont.

Commentary Series

Garden Optimism

By Vern Grubinger | May 15, 2002

Commentator Vern Grubinger says that gardeners are natural optimists, especially in the spring.

Commentary Series

Not Looking Away

By Libby Sternberg | May 15, 2002

As the legislature approaches adjournment, a bill dealing with Parental Notification is one that may remain unresolved, but commentator Libby Sternberg has determined her own stand on the subject.

Commentary Series

Bigness

By David Moats | May 14, 2002

Commentator David Moats is growing concerned…about the growing trend…of “supersizing.”

Commentary Series

Overpopulation

By Ruth Page | May 14, 2002

The Bush administration has declined to release the $34 million Congress has approved for the UN Population Fund. Commentator Ruth Page explains why she sees this as a terrible mistake.

Commentary Series

Spenser

By VPR | May 13, 2002

It turns out that commentator Jules Older is a Spenserian. But he may not be the kind of Spenserian you expect.

Commentary Series

Corporate Welfare for Renewables

By John McClaughry | May 13, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry thinks that the renewable energy initiative currently before the legislature isn’t what it appears to be.

Commentary Series

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

By VPR | May 10, 2002

Commentator Jeff Wennberg believes that Vermont’s elected leaders should be more concerned about the recent job losses across Vermont than most of them appear to be.

Commentary Series

Wintering with Henry

By Willem Lange | May 10, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange recalls the year he and his family spent the winter in a little cabin in the woods, like Henry David Thoreau – but not quite.

Commentary Series

Mother’s Gift

By Edith Hunter | May 9, 2002

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and it’s reminded commentator Edith Hunter of her own mother – and a priceless gift.

Commentary Series

Nativity Church, Bethlehem

By Bill Seamans | May 9, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans remembers more peaceful times at the Church of the Nativity and wonders how it came to be caught up in the recent standoff.

Commentary Series

FDA, Botox and Making Faces

By Cheryl Hanna | May 8, 2002

Commenatator Cheryl Hanna has been examining the FDA’s limited power in regulating drug companies.

Commentary Series

Reunion at the Colmubia Journalism School

By Madeleine M. Kunin | May 8, 2002

Recently commentator Madeleine Kunin went to her forty-fifth reunion at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. As the luncheon speaker, she reminisced about how life was in 1957 for a new young reporter.

Commentary Series

The New Victims of the Scandal

By VPR | May 7, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn sees a second layer of victims emerging in the Catholic Church’s child abuse scandal.

Commentary Series

Act 60 Reform

By Allen Gilbert | May 6, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that the Act 60 reform bill that recently passed in the House benefits the few at the expense of the many.

Commentary Series

The Bible Tells Me So

By Philip Baruth | May 6, 2002

Part of the problem with being a fiction writer is that when you experience something unbelievable but true, everyone thinks you’re lying. Commentator Philip Baruth knows this all too well.

Commentary Series

The French Elections

By Olin Robison | May 3, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison has been following the roll of race in the current French elections.

Commentary Series

The Ghosts of Spring

By Alan Boye | May 3, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye took a walk recently that spooked him – just a bit.

Commentary Series

The Old Gaol

By Joe Citro | May 2, 2002

Commentator Joe Citro has been ghost hunting in an old New England “gaol.”

Commentary Series

April in Vermont

By Tom Slayton | May 2, 2002

As May begins, Commentator Tom Slayton joins us with some thoughts on the strange and varied weather we experienced this past April.

Commentary Series

Granite and Wildflowers

By VPR | May 1, 2002

In Vermont, the natural world often meets the literary world. Commentator Jules Older has found the meeting place. In this case, the meeting places.

Commentary Series

Quake

By David Moats | May 1, 2002

Commentator David Moats rather enjoyed the earthquake that recently shook the region, but he’s glad it wasn’t any stronger. (Listen to the commentary online.)

Commentary Series

Terror in National Parks

By Ruth Page | April 30, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page has some thoughts on the personal safety of rangers and other staff at national parks.

Commentary Series

Israeli-Palestinian War

By Ellen David Friedman | April 30, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman has been trying to understand events in the Middle East without much success – until recently – when she read an article that she found to be helpful.

Commentary Series

Pearl Buck and the Cycle of War

By Lois Eby | April 29, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby says that recent events have reminded her of writer Pearl Buck’s experiences in China at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Commentary Series

How Colorado Put the Brakes on High Taxes

By John McClaughry | April 29, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry says that some interesting new innovations in tax policy are being pioneered out west.

Commentary Series

The Only Thing to Fear

By VPR | April 26, 2002

Student testing and school choice are back in the news and commentator Jeff Wennberg advises us not to be afraid.

Commentary Series

A Daughter Comes Home

By Willem Lange | April 26, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange was beginning to feel like an old apple tree. Then one of his kids came home to Vermont, and that has made all the difference.

Commentary Series

Overseas Press Corps vs. Donald Rumsfeld

By Bill Seamans | April 25, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans says that there’s growing concern over the military’s control of the media’s efforts to cover the war on terror.

Commentary Series

Poem: “Anthropology”

By VPR | April 25, 2002

Vermont Poet Laureate Ellen Bryant Voigt lost one of her large, hairy dogs this winter, but his sister is still patrolling the dooryard. Both dogs are reflected in the following poem, taken from her book, SHADOW OF HEAVEN, published by W. W. Norton.

Commentary Series

Charter Schools

By Madeleine M. Kunin | April 24, 2002

How do we improve our schools? Commentator Madeleine Kunin has some thoughts on the potential of charter schools.

Commentary Series

The Education of Springfield

By Timothy McQuiston | April 24, 2002

Amid factory closings, commentator Timothy McQuiston sees hope in Springfield’s future.

Commentary Series

Medicaid Prescription Drug Coverage

By VPR | April 23, 2002

Today, commentator Peg Devlyn has an urgent message for lawmakers regarding Medicaid.

Commentary Series

I Took My Troubles Down to Madame Ruth

By Philip Baruth | April 23, 2002

For commentator Philip Baruth, there are some problems that are too great for your run-of-the-mill doctors and priests and therapists. Some problems require someone with access to the deeper truths. Philip has reached that point with George W. Bush.

Commentary Series

Earth Day: Rejoicing in the Unseen

By Ruth Page | April 22, 2002

Do we need to see the Earth’s wonders in order to appreciate them? Commentator Ruth Page thinks not.

Commentary Series

Journalists’ Rights

By Allen Gilbert | April 22, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert assesses the dispute between Vermont Public Television, columnist Peter Freyne and the House leadership.

Commentary Series

If it isn’t written…

By Willem Lange | April 19, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has always found it difficult to balance the responsibilities of a husband and homeowner with the more important demands of hunting and fishing.

Commentary Series

The Curious Events in Venezuela

By Olin Robison | April 19, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison says that the U.S. erred in it’s response to the recent coup in Venezuela.

Commentary Series

Life and Times of Abby Hemenway

By Tom Slayton | April 18, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton reflects on the life of Abby Hemenway, and the early Vermont history that she documented.

Commentary Series

Las Vegas

By VPR | April 18, 2002

When commentator Jules Older leaves home, he likes to really leave home. Here’s his report from Sin City – Lost Wages, Nevada.

Commentary Series

Private Schools: Contributers to the Common Good

By Libby Sternberg | April 17, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg reflects on private schools and their place in the community.

Commentary Series

C & S Leaving Vermont

By Timothy McQuiston | April 17, 2002

Commentator Timothy McQuiston considers the role that income taxes played in C & S Wholesale Grocer’s decision to relocate to Keene, NH.

Commentary Series

It’s not Too Late to Plant Tomatoes

By Henry Homeyer | April 16, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer says that if you haven’t already started tomato seedlings, it’s not too late. And even if you’ve never done it before, it’s not too hard.

Commentary Series

Cigarettes

By David Moats | April 16, 2002

Commentator David Moats wonders why the Legislature is reluctant to raise the cigarette tax.

Commentary Series

A House Full of Books

By Edith Hunter | April 15, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter feels right at home in a library. In fact, both her life and her house have been filled with books.

Commentary Series

Duty to Live

By Cheryl Hanna | April 15, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna has been following a legal case that raises some profound questions about life and death, rights and obligations.

Commentary Series

The Oily Land

By Bill Seamans | April 12, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans thinks that our dependence on Middle Eastern oil is a serious threat to our national security.

Commentary Series

Me and Clouseau

By Willem Lange | April 12, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been reflecting on his failure as a comedian, and has decided to leave the funny business to his idol, Inspector Clouseau of the Paris Sureté.

Commentary Series

“From Swastika to Jim Crow” a Documentary

By Lois Eby | April 11, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby recently saw a new documentary that tells the story of an unusual partnership between a handful of American colleges and Jewish teachers fleeing the holocaust.

Commentary Series

How Mentors Are Helping Children

By VPR | April 11, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn tells the story of how mentoring is an important key to a child’s success.

Commentary Series

Preparing to Explore Costa Rica with Kids

By Ted Levin | April 10, 2002

Commentator Ted Levin is going to spend spring break in Costa Rica with his two sons and a group of high school students. He says just getting ready for the trip is an adventure.

Commentary Series

Legislative Politics and Health Care Spending

By Allen Gilbert | April 10, 2002

It’s only spring, but commentator Allen Gilbert thinks that this fall’s political campaigns are already underway.

Commentary Series

Incentives for Compact Development Discourage Sprawl

By Madeleine M. Kunin | April 9, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin supports a bill that would encourage development in Vermont’s downtowns and discourge sprawl.

Commentary Series

Environmental Impact on Phangnga Bay, Thailand

By Ruth Page | April 9, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page tells the story of an ecotourist’s good intentions going awry in the lost world of Phangnga Bay, Thailand.

Commentary Series

Powerball: An Idea Whose Time Is Dumb

By Philip Baruth | April 8, 2002

The Vermont Legislature is considering reforming Act 60 with a proposal to develop the Powerball lottery as a source for education funding. Commentator Philip Baruth has only one word for this idea: dumb.

Commentary Series

New Health Care Policy Consensus?

By John McClaughry | April 8, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry talks about health care policies and a new bipartisan health insurance tax credit proposal.

Commentary Series

Powerball: An Idea Whose Time Is Dumb

By VPR | April 8, 2002

The Vermont Legislature is considering reforming Act 60 with a proposal to develop the Powerball lottery as a source for education funding. Commentator Philip Baruth has only one word for this idea: dumb.

Commentary Series

In Search of Ancient Vermonters

By Alan Boye | April 5, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye recently visited an spot where ancient Vermonters once camped – four to five thousand years ago.

Commentary Series

Has American leadership failed in the Middle East?

By Olin Robison | April 5, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison talks to us from Salzburg, Austria about European reaction to the tragedy in Israel.

Commentary Series

Two Views on Campaign Finance Reform

By VPR | April 4, 2002

Commentators Jeff Wennberg and Rick Hubbard offer Two Views of recent developments in Campaign Finance Reform. Here’s Jeff Wennberg.

Commentary Series

Dowsing

By VPR | April 4, 2002

Commentator Joe Citro recently tried his hand at “dowsing.” Here he is to tell us about how it went.

Commentary Series

A Reluctant Olympic Volunteer, Converted

By John Morton | April 3, 2002

Commentator John Morton wasn’t sure he wanted to volunteer for the recent Winter Olympics – but he’s glad he did.

Commentary Series

Frog Run

By Tom Slayton | April 3, 2002

The close of the maple-sugaring season is approaching and commentator Tom Slayton is here with a review of John Elder’s book on the topic.

Commentary Series

History

By David Moats | April 2, 2002

Commentator David Moats reflects on a lifetime of reading books about American History – and the people who made it.

Commentary Series

Transfat

By Ruth Page | April 2, 2002

What’s the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats? What are trans fats? Commentator Ruth Page explains.

Commentary Series

Two Views: Cuts and the Governor’s Commission on Women

By VPR | April 1, 2002

Commentators Libby Sternberg and Cheryl Hanna offer Two Views of the recent debate in Montpelier concerning budget cuts and the Governor’s Commission on Women.

Commentary Series

Whidbey Island

By VPR | April 1, 2002

Commentator Jules Older found an island paradise – for writers. And once he got there, he found something that excited him even more.

Commentary Series

Easter and Passover

By Olin Robison | March 29, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison shares his thoughts on freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.

Commentary Series

Mother and I in Burlington

By Willem Lange | March 29, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange visited the big city of Burlington recently, and was fascinated by all the interesting new people he met there.

Commentary Series

Four Women Artists in March

By Lois Eby | March 28, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby observed March as Women’s History Month by seeing the work of four artists.

Commentary Series

The Insanity of the Insanity Defense

By Cheryl Hanna | March 28, 2002

Robert Tulloch is scheduled to stand trial in April for the Zantop murders and commentator Cheryl Hanna has been thinking about what it means to plead insanity.

Commentary Series

Wildflowers for Emily the Wonder Dog

By Henry Homeyer | March 27, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer lost a good friend this winter, and he’s decided to honor her with wildflowers.

Commentary Series

Phil Hoff

By Tom Slayton | March 27, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton reflects on Vermont in the 1960’s and the Hoff administration.

Commentary Series

Two Views: Education funding and school choice hearings

By VPR | March 26, 2002

Commentators John McClaughry and Allen Gilbert offer Two Views of the recent hearings in Montpelier on education funding and school choice. Here’s John McClaughry.

Commentary Series

The Golden Egg Bug

By Ruth Page | March 26, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page is here today to tell us about a bug that lays a golden egg.

Commentary Series

Environment

By Madeleine M. Kunin | March 25, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin shares with us her assessment of the government’s environmental policies.

Commentary Series

Everything’s sticky

By Edith Hunter | March 22, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter says you don’t have to see the steam billowing from her sugarhouse to know when she’s sugaring. You can close your eyes and tell by touch.

Commentary Series

Email from the Arctic

By Willem Lange | March 22, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange has been battling late-winter cabin fever by corresponding with a friend, who lives north of the Arctic Circle.

Commentary Series

Stuart McLean

By VPR | March 21, 2002

Who’s the Canadian Garrison Keillor? You didn’t know there was a Canadian Garrison Keillor? Commentator Jules Older introduces him.

Commentary Series

Renewable Energy

By Ruth Page | March 21, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page joins us today to tell us about efforts to establish a renewable energy plan in Vermont.

Commentary Series

Clicking On Memory Icons

By Chester Liebs | March 20, 2002

Commentator Chester Liebs reflects on architectural icons in our community.

Commentary Series

Tom Winship

By Tom Slayton | March 20, 2002

Commentator Tom Slaytonoffers a remembrance of Tom Winship.

Commentary Series

Compassion Index

By VPR | March 19, 2002

Commentator Jeff Wennberg thinks that the policy differences between Vermont and New Hampshire often provide an opportunity for interesting comparisons.

Commentary Series

Biodiversity 911

By Ted Levin | March 19, 2002

Commentator Ted Levin tells us about a new exhibit at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich.

Commentary Series

Clean elections

By Ellen David Friedman | March 18, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman reflects on recent dramatic developments in campaign finance reform.

Commentary Series

The Power Is Out

By Willem Lange | March 15, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange and his wife, like most of us, lose electrical power from time to time, and find it not a bad experience at all.

Commentary Series

To be an American

By VPR | March 15, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn sees an optimist’s ending to a not-so-happy tale.

Commentary Series

Old Road

By Alan Boye | March 14, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye discovers the ghost of an old road – deep in the woods – on a steep hillside.

Commentary Series

Two Births

By Madeleine M. Kunin | March 14, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin reflects on the escalating violence in the Middle East.

Commentary Series

Australian Spring

By Will Curtis | March 13, 2002

Anticipation of spring’s return to the Green Mountains reminds commentator Will Curtis of spring in the Blue Mountains of Australia.

Commentary Series

A Poem for Mud Season

By VPR | March 13, 2002

In celebration of mud season, Vermont Poet Laureate Ellen Bryant Voigt reads her poem “Jug Brook”..

Commentary Series

Salty Tomatoes

By Ruth Page | March 12, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page tells us about another fascinating way in which scientists are working to undo – or at least cope with – some of the damage we have done to our environment.

Commentary Series

Voucher Challenge

By Allen Gilbert | March 12, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks school vouchers threaten core values that are important to us all.

Commentary Series

On the Death of Astrid Lindgren

By Philip Baruth | March 11, 2002

Astrid Lindgren, the author of the Pippi Longstocking books, recently died at the age of 94. While she won most of the world’s awards for children’s literature, she never won the Nobel Prize. Commentator Philip Baruth wants to know why.

Commentary Series

Two Views: What is a Moderate Republican?

By VPR | March 11, 2002

Commentators Libby Sternberg and Angelo Lynn offer “Two Views” on what constitutes a Moderate Republican in Vermont today.

Commentary Series

A Bob Run Journal

By Willem Lange | March 11, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange was moved by the recent Olympics to dig out an old journal with its own hair-raising tales, but a lot of fond memories, too.

Commentary Series

The Public Diplomacy Dilemma

By Olin Robison | March 8, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison reflects on the need for an effective American public information capability.

Commentary Series

Addison County Winter

By Tom Slayton | March 7, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton shares his musings about winter in Addison County.

Commentary Series

San Francisco

By VPR | March 6, 2002

Apparently tired of snow, commentator Jules Older went as far west as he could go, to the City by the Bay.

Commentary Series

Town Meeting

By VPR | March 6, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter remembers Town Meeting – one year ago.

Commentary Series

Women’s Health

By Madeleine M. Kunin | March 5, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin shares her thoughts on women’s health issues

Commentary Series

Extinction

By Ruth Page | March 5, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page investigates the possibility of a Sixth Mass Extinction on Earth.

Commentary Series

Who was Pius XII?

By Libby Sternberg | March 4, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg tells us about a new book that takes another look at papal politics during World War II.

Commentary Series

Sport: the way it should be

By Jim Luken | March 4, 2002

Commentator Jim Luken says that recently he has been contemplating the obvious, but that he intends to ignore what it’s telling him anyway.

Commentary Series

Cell Phone Towers

By Tom Slayton | March 1, 2002

Tom Slayton is following the debate about construction of new cell phone towers with interest. He shares his thoughts about how they will affect Vermont’s future.

Commentary Series

Cell phones

By VPR | March 1, 2002

Commentator and high school senior Alia Stavrand Woolf has been researching cell phone services. She’s anxious to get one of her own.

Commentary Series

Town Meeting

By Frank Bryan | February 28, 2002

This weekend and early next week Town Meetings will convene all over Vermont. Commentator Frank Bryan reflects on the importance of this New England tradition.

Commentary Series

DWY – Driving While Yakking

By Cheryl Hanna | February 28, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna thinks that a good case can be made for restricting cell phone use while driving.

Commentary Series

Cell Towers of Babel

By VPR | February 27, 2002

Commentator Jeff Wennberg reflects on the debate in Washington six years ago that led to the cell phone tower siting issues Vermont faces today.

Commentary Series

Cell Phones

By David Moats | February 27, 2002

Commentator David Moats contemplates cell phones, friends and a wireless world.

Commentary Series

Rock of Courtesy, Hard-Place of Technology

By Philip Baruth | February 26, 2002

Commentator Philip Baruth is one of those people who believe that other people should not watch television or talk on the phone while piloting a 4,000-pound automobile at high speeds. But only recently did he decide to do something about it.

Commentary Series

Blaming the Victims

By VPR | February 26, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn is thinking today about how we could all make ourselves – and our health care system – healthier.

Commentary Series

Reapportionment

By Allen Gilbert | February 25, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert looks at the reapportionment fight underway in the Vermont Legislature. He thinks that it’s not the sort of politics to be proud of.

Commentary Series

Wyatt Earp. U.S. Marshall

By Ted Levin | February 25, 2002

Recently commentator Ted Levin was surprised to encounter a western legend – in most unexpected surroundings.

Commentary Series

Foreign Policy and the Concept of Evil

By Olin Robison | February 22, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison talks about evil as a component of foreign policy.

Commentary Series

Argumentative Americans

By Willem Lange | February 22, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange, like the rest of us, has been listening to the fierce arguments everywhere around us, and considers them to be part of our constitutional obligations.

Commentary Series

One Big School System

By John McClaughry | February 21, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry says that Hawaii’s statewide school system may offer some lessons of particular relevance for Vermonters.

Commentary Series

Garden Economics

By Henry Homeyer | February 21, 2002

Commentator Henry Homeyer thinks that there are economic lessons to be learned in the garden.

Commentary Series

Great Things at the Hood

By VPR | February 20, 2002

Recently commentator Nick Boke had just a few minutes at Dartmouth’s Hood Museum of Art in Hanover, and he found himself torn between two current exhibits and his favorite permanent installations.

Commentary Series

The Future of UVM

By Tom Slayton | February 20, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton shares his thoughts about the problems that face the University of Vermont and its new president.

Commentary Series

Campaign Finance Reform

By Madeleine M. Kunin | February 19, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin shares her thoughts about campaign finance reform.

Commentary Series

Plant Talk

By Ruth Page | February 19, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page has some fascinating news about how plants communicate with each other and with their environment.

Commentary Series

All Eyes on Cleveland

By Libby Sternberg | February 18, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg says that this week, the US Supreme Court will hear arguments for the first time in a voucher case that originated in Cleveland Ohio, but is of great interest to voucher advocates everywhere.

Commentary Series

Vermont’s Big Three

By VPR | February 18, 2002

Maybe it’s the Olympic influence. Commentator Jules Older has been wondering: if there were literary Olympics in Vermont, which of our writers would win the medals?

Commentary Series

Waiting for a Star

By Willem Lange | February 15, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange hung around outdoors on a cold evening recently, and except for nearly freezing to death, found it to be a lovely experience.

Commentary Series

Enron

By VPR | February 15, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman thinks that the Enron bankruptcy was all but inevitable in a dangerously deregulated, laissez-faire economy.

Commentary Series

George Washington’s Favorite Cookies

By Edith Hunter | February 14, 2002

Presidents Day Weekend reminds commentator Edith Hunter of an old story in which George Washington visits Weathersfield Vermont and samples some of the local cuisine.

Commentary Series

A Valentine’s Day love story…sort of

By Cheryl Hanna | February 14, 2002

Today is Valentine’s Day and commentator Cheryl Hanna has some unusual advice about finding true love.

Commentary Series

Normal

By David Moats | February 13, 2002

Recently commentator David Moats has noticed signs that the country may be getting back to “business as usual”.

Commentary Series

Maleski and Enron: Making Hay While the Sun Shines

By Philip Baruth | February 13, 2002

With so many witnesses taking the 5th on the matter of the Enron collapse, commentator Philip Baruth has decided to speak up himself — after receiving a grant of complete and unlimited immunity from prosecution for the commission of political satire of course. Here’s his blockbuster testimony.

Commentary Series

Health Care on the Horizon

By VPR | February 12, 2002

To-day commentator Peg Devlyn is asking, “What’s on the horizon for health care?”

Commentary Series

Campaign Finance Reform

By VPR | February 12, 2002

Commentator Rick Hubbard is concerned about recent proposals to empty Vermont’s campaign finance fund.

Commentary Series

Governor Dean and the Property Tax

By VPR | February 11, 2002

Did Governor Dean balance the budget without a tax increase? Commentator Jeff Wennberg doesn’t think so.

Commentary Series

Brigham, Five Years Later

By Allen Gilbert | February 11, 2002

Act 60 was passed in response to the Vermont Supreme Court’s Brigham decision. Commentator Allen Gilbert looks back at the landmark decision — and at what we’ve learned since then.

Commentary Series

The Next Phase

By Olin Robison | February 8, 2002

Commentator Olin Robison shares his view that for the past few months the President has lived in a criticism-free zone — but that this is going to end.

Commentary Series

Reading Celebrations

By VPR | February 7, 2002

Commentator Nick Boke calls our attention to a couple of statewide celebrations that are just around the corner.

Commentary Series

Gals at the Bor’as

By Willem Lange | February 7, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange reminisces about a long-ago midwinter practical joke that backfired, and hasn’t been mentioned since.

Commentary Series

Electric People

By Joe Citro | February 7, 2002

Here’s Joe Citro with some thoughts and anecdotes about how the electricity between people is not always imaginary.

Commentary Series

Truth can be Beautiful

By Dan Rockmore | February 6, 2002

It was as a Princeton math student that Commentator Dan Rockmore first became aware of mathematician John Nash, subject of the current movie, “A Beautiful Mind.”

Commentary Series

New Voices

By Tom Slayton | February 6, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton tells us about an event that featured some new literary talent in our area.

Commentary Series

Time for Honesty in Health Care Programs

By John McClaughry | February 5, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry is concerned that plans to expand state funded health care programs reflect the real cost of those services less accurately than ever.

Commentary Series

Cats can be social animals

By Ruth Page | February 5, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page disputes the widespread belief that cats are aloof.

Commentary Series

Real Bipartisanship – the ESEA

By Libby Sternberg | February 4, 2002

Commentator Libby Sternberg says that she has been pleasantly surprised by the new federal education law and the spirit in which the legislation was crafted.

Commentary Series

Winter’s Night Walk

By Alan Boye | February 1, 2002

Commentator Alan Boye thinks that one of the best times for a walk is on a cold winter night.

Commentary Series

Defining George W. Bush

By VPR | February 1, 2002

Will the ENRON bankruptcy affect the public perception of the president? Commentator Jeff Wennberg thinks it might.

Commentary Series

The Abaya Controversy

By Cheryl Hanna | January 31, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna joins us today to tell us about another victory for women in the military.

Commentary Series

Ghosts of Evolution

By Ted Levin | January 31, 2002

Commentator Ted Levin says that as a child he was fascinated by the prehistoric riches of North America…and he still is.

Commentary Series

Enron

By Madeleine M. Kunin | January 30, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin weighs in with her thoughts on the Enron collapse.

Commentary Series

King

By David Moats | January 30, 2002

Commentator David Moats has been thinking about the words of Martin Luther King Jr, and what it is about them that moves him so deeply.

Commentary Series

Heartburn

By VPR | January 29, 2002

Today Commentator Peg Devlyn takes a look at one of the causes of rising health care costs.

Commentary Series

West Mountain

By VPR | January 29, 2002

Commentator Bryan Pfeiffer has been following the Champion Land debate with mounting concern. He’s afraid that we may be about to miss a unique opportunity.

Commentary Series

Son of the coolest woman in the universe

By Philip Baruth | January 28, 2002

Philip Baruth drove a team of huskies this past weekend, and almost immediately got more than he bargained for.

Commentary Series

Camps in the woods

By Allen Gilbert | January 28, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks the recent huff over the land management plan for the Champion lands was motivated by politics — and the longing for a vanished Vermont.

Commentary Series

Painting the Bedroom

By Willem Lange | January 25, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange and his wife are polar opposites, which colors their relationship a great deal when it comes to painting the bedroom.

Commentary Series

One-Year Report Card

By Olin Robison | January 25, 2002

One year into the Bush administration, commentator Olin Robison rates the President’s performance.

Commentary Series

Tribute to Half and Susanne

By Alexis Jetter | January 24, 2002

One year ago this Sunday, two Dartmouth professors were murdered in their home in Etna, New Hampshire. Along with many in the Upper Valley, commentator Alexis Jetter mourns them – and remembers them.

Commentary Series

Foreign News Coverage

By Bill Seamans | January 24, 2002

Commentator Bill Seamans says that the war on terror has forced American news organizations to revisit the need for overseas press bureaus.

Commentary Series

2002 Tax Issues

By Ellen David Friedman | January 23, 2002

Commentator Ellen David Friedman talks about some of the tax issues that will be debated in the legislature this year.

Commentary Series

Barbara Snelling

By Tom Slayton | January 23, 2002

Commentator Tom Slayton has some thoughts on the retirement of Senator Barbara Snelling.

Commentary Series

Champion lands

By John McClaughry | January 22, 2002

Commentator John McClaughry thinks that the Champion Land debate currently going on in Montpelier is about public trust as much as it is over land use issues.

Commentary Series

Ice Hotel

By Ruth Page | January 22, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page tells us about a chilly Scandinavian retreat where you might receive an icy welcome.

Commentary Series

Hillside history

By Edith Hunter | January 21, 2002

Commentator Edith Hunter is enthusiastic about the teaching and learning of local history and she tells us about a certain rocky hillside where you can learn a good bit of it.

Commentary Series

Soft bigotry

By Libby Sternberg | January 21, 2002

On this Martin Luther King holiday, commentator Libby Sternberg talks about a common practice in education that she says is, in effect, a subtle form of segregation.

Commentary Series

Stimulus Debate

By VPR | January 18, 2002

Commentator Jeff Wennberg thinks that the political stalemate over the stimulus package might actually be a blessing in disguise, and the best thing for the economy in the long run.

Commentary Series

Sliding on a shovel

By Willem Lange | January 18, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange reflects on the fine points of shovels and their uses, some more unorthodox than others.

Commentary Series

Fly Naked

By Cheryl Hanna | January 17, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna is here today with an intriguing proposition for speeding up air travel during this time of increased security.

Commentary Series

John Biggers: His Life and Art

By Lois Eby | January 17, 2002

In anticipation of the Martin Luther King holiday, commentator Lois Eby talks about the artist John Biggers and the African American imagery reflected in his work.

Commentary Series

Las Patatas

By Ron Krupp | January 16, 2002

Commentator Ron Krupp joins us today with a history lesson on the potato.

Commentary Series

The legislature

By David Moats | January 16, 2002

Commentator David Moats attended the opening session of the Vermont legislature last week. Here are some of his observations.

Commentary Series

Emergency

By Ruth Page | January 15, 2002

Commentator Ruth Page reflects on the challenges of providing up-to-date medical care to civilians in war-torn Afghanistan, and the extraordinary efforts of one man.

Commentary Series

Trust in Government

By Madeleine M. Kunin | January 15, 2002

Commentator Madeleine Kunin is here today with some thoughts on a new attitude in this country towards our government and our government employees.

Commentary Series

Taxes and budgeting

By Allen Gilbert | January 14, 2002

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks we should all pay close attention to the tax discussions getting under way in the Legislature in Montpelier.

Commentary Series

Tony’s Boy Goes Coast to Coast

By Philip Baruth | January 14, 2002

In high school commentator Philip Baruth played sports only when he was forced, but recently he attended a South Burlington basketball game and found that the high school gym is now only half as frightening a place as he used to think.

Commentary Series

Québec à la Carte

By Willem Lange | January 11, 2002

Commentator Willem Lange and his wife have recently returned from another anniversary trip, which was fun, but has raised an interesting technical question.

Commentary Series

Buddy

By Bill Seamans | January 9, 2002

News of former Clinton First-dog Buddy’s death reminded commentator Bill Seamans of his own recently departed Labrador Retriever.

Commentary Series

Reforming Our Health Care System

By VPR | January 8, 2002

Commentator Peg Devlyn sees obstacles ahead this year for those hoping to reform our health care system.

Commentary Series

Mountains

By Ruth Page | January 8, 2002

Vermont’s ski slopes may be especially busy right now, but commentator Ruth Page says we’ve always been drawn to the mountain tops.

Commentary Series

Victory Bog in Winter

By Alan Boye | January 7, 2002

Recently commentator Alan Boye took a winter walk through Victory Bog.

Commentary Series

2001 Predictions Revisited

By VPR | January 4, 2002

Last year commentator Jeff Wennberg made a dozen predictions for 2001. Today he takes a look back to see how he did.

Commentary Series

The Ring

By David Moats | January 3, 2002

Commentator David Moats sees some surprising reflections of contemporary life in the movie ‘The Lord of the Rings”; and he thinks one character in particular looks quite familiar.

Commentary Series

Fair Debt Collection Laws

By Cheryl Hanna | January 3, 2002

Commentator Cheryl Hanna reflects on economic reckoning and the laws that govern fair debt collection practices.

Commentary Series

The War Drawings and Etchings of Kerr Eby

By Lois Eby | January 2, 2002

Commentator Lois Eby contemplates the work of an artist who documented scenes of war.

Commentary Series

No Time But the Present

By Willem Lange | December 28, 2001

Commentator Willem Lange doesn’t usually think of himself as a pessimist, but reflecting on the first year of the new century has put him into a somber mood.

Commentary Series

New Year’s Reflections

By Henry Homeyer | December 27, 2001

As the year comes to a close, commentator Henry Homeyer’s thoughts turn to a small, green oasis in New York City.

Commentary Series

The Public Economy

By Ellen David Friedman | December 27, 2001

Commentator Ellen David Friedman has some ideas on how to jump start the nation’s economy.

Commentary Series

What happens next?

By Bill Seamans | December 26, 2001

Commentator Bill Seamans reflects on the approach of the New Year and wonders, “what comes next?”

Commentary Series

The Soapstone Stove

By Edith Hunter | December 26, 2001

Commentator Edith Hunter says that there’s nothing quite like the time tested combination of soap stone and wood heat to beat the cold of a Vermont winter.

Commentary Series

Gifts

By David Moats | December 25, 2001

Commentator David Moats reflects on the delicate art of giving the perfect gift.

Commentary Series

Panati’s “Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things”

By Ruth Page | December 25, 2001

Commentator Ruth Page reflects on American Christmas traditions, old and new.

Commentary Series

Christmas Cookies

By VPR | December 24, 2001

Retelling favorite seasonal stories is a holiday tradition. Today we hear once again from the late commentator Ron Rood, with a story about Christmas Cookies as told to him by his friend Alice Leeds.

Commentary Series

Christmas Eve Walk

By Alan Boye | December 24, 2001

Most of us have favorite holiday traditions, and again this year commentator Alan Boye plans to take a late-night Christmas Eve walk.

Commentary Series

A Christmas card for Mom

By Frank Bryan | December 21, 2001

One of the best gifts that commentator Frank Bryan ever received was a most unlikely moment that came wrapped in Christmas music.

Commentary Series

An Interview with Santa

By Cheryl Hanna | December 20, 2001

Recently commentator Cheryl Hanna spoke with a very special holiday visitor.

Commentary Series

First Christmas Tree

By Tom Slayton | December 20, 2001

Commentator Tom Slayton tells us about a Vermont Christmas of a different time.

Commentary Series

Meet the Commissioner

By VPR | December 20, 2001

Commentator Nick Boke heard Vermont’s new Commissioner of Education, Ray McNulty, speak a few weeks ago, and was intrigued by what he heard.

Commentary Series

Foxes and Friends

By VPR | December 20, 2001

This is a time of year when we love to hear many of our favorite stories again. Today commentator Mac Parker retells his story of a very special Christmas present.

Commentary Series

A Changing Christmas

By Willem Lange | December 20, 2001

Commentator Willem Lange offers some thoughts on the shortest day of the year and how we celebrate new life with lights, songs and gifts.

Commentary Series

Dean for President

By David Moats | December 19, 2001

Commentator David Moats thinks that a Howard Dean run for the Presidency would be very interesting to watch.

Commentary Series

December Light

By Lois Eby | December 19, 2001

Lately commentator Lois Eby has been thinking – and reading – about light.

Commentary Series

Santa Lucia

By Philip Baruth | December 17, 2001

Philip Baruth recently experienced his first Lucia party, a time-honored Swedish holiday tradition. Although he wasn’t exactly clear on what was happening, or why, it was a wonderful time.

Commentary Series

Testing

By Allen Gilbert | December 17, 2001

Commentator Allen Gilbert thinks new federally mandated school tests are a holiday gift we can ill afford.

Commentary Series

Posted Signs

By Willem Lange | December 14, 2001

Commentator Willem Lange and his dog tramp the woods almost every day; but lately they’ve been finding fewer and fewer places to tramp. The dog doesn’t mind, but it’s made Willem grumpy.

Commentary Series

Books on Islam

By Tom Slayton | December 13, 2001

Lately commentator Tom Slayton has been reminded that libraries and bookstores are especially critical resources in a democracy.

Commentary Series

Normalcy

By Bill Seamans | December 12, 2001

Commentator Bill Seamans has been wondering how to go about acting normally this holiday season, when so many things seem to have changed fundamentally.

Commentary Series

First Snow

By Edith Hunter | December 12, 2001

The first snow fall of the year left commentator Edith Hunter feeling a bit melancholy, with thoughts ranging from the nearby fields of Vermont all the way to the far off fields of Afghanistan.

Commentary Series

Peeples Canyon

By Ruth Page | December 12, 2001

Many areas of this country are protected from various forms of human interference by pro-environmental regulations. But commentator Ruth Page offers an example that suggests this protection may not continue into the future.

Commentary Series

Budget Cuts

By VPR | December 11, 2001

Commentator Peg Devlyn will tell us why she thinks there is a state budget solution some Vermont leaders are missing.

Commentary Series

Wilderness

By VPR | December 10, 2001

For commentator Nick Boke, a proposal by the Vermont Wilderness Association has long-term applications–really long term!

Commentary Series

Adverbs, Lawsuites and Harry Potter

By VPR | December 10, 2001

You’ve probably read the books and seen the movie, but commentator Jules Older knows a couple of things about Harry Potter that you just might have missed.

Commentary Series

Ashcroft: Priest or Lawyer

By Cheryl Hanna | December 10, 2001

Commentator Cheryl Hanna says that there is another controversy brewing for Attorney General John Ashcroft and this one isn’t about tribunals.