Charlotte Talks on WFAE

Our new Governor has barely settled in but has already made news by giving a substantial raise to his new cabinet appointees. He also repealed Gov. Perdue's Executive Order that was aimed at reforming the Judicial appointing process. Governor McCrory has also weighed in on the Trolley and stadium upgrades for the Carolina Panther. Other items on his to do list include compensation for victims of a mid 20th century sterilization program - an issue that he supported as a candidate - and he must manage how to implement The Affordable Care Act. Other topics include how he will handle traditional east/west NC relations in terms of roads, infrastructure, etc. We'll meet with our usual band of Political Science gurus to gaze into our new Governor's first 100 days in office, when Charlotte Talks.

We have discussed climate change many times on Charlotte Talks but there is a new science emerging in the study of our changing climate. Social scientists are being called upon more and more to study climate's effect on human culture. Entire societies are changing their traditions, the media is covering the issue differently and lawmakers are shaping policy based on our perception to climate change. One local social scientist has discovered fascinating social changes among native Alaskans. He'll share how those changes could affect policy here in our own region. (Note: This show was pre-recorded last week.)

CMS superintendent Heath Morrison recently presented the budget for the upcoming school year. And fiscal challenges exist for all of CMS’ funding sources: county, state and federal. But despite those hurdles, Dr. Morrison says that the school district will continue pushing for success for all students. Under his leadership he plans to personalize education for each student and more fully embrace the diverse cultures of the student population. A conversation with Superintendent Morrison, when Charlotte Talks.

Physicist Sean Carroll spends a lot of time researching theoretical aspects of cosmology, field theory, and gravitation. Recently, he’s been speaking out about the Higgs Boson, or "The God Particle" which is a particle of an atom. Without it, the atom could not exist. In his new book The Particle at the End of the Universe he talks about "The God Particle." He joins us to talk about his passion for physics and explains it in a language we can all understand, when Charlotte Talks.

Part One: Charlotte Symphony's Classical Idol. The concept behind American Idol is not new. We have always been fascinated by that special talent who comes along and inspires us with their vision and craft. But most American Idol winners are everyday folks with a gift. Classical musicians are highly trained, dedicated and persistent artists who often go unnoticed in the communities they serve with their music. Not in Charlotte. Last year Classical Idol was hatched. It's a friendly competition to raise funds for the Symphony but it's also a way to raise awareness of these incredibly talented musicians in our midst. With offerings from Celtic fiddle to an elementary school choir, Classical Idol has music for everyone. 

Retirement has taken on a new meaning for many Baby Boomers - either because of financial obligations or as a result of the recession - and some are delaying retirement or considering "semi retirement." Our guest today says - don't retire, reinvent. Nancy Collamer is a career coach and the author of Second Act Careers: 50+ Ways to Profit from Your Passions During Semi-Retirement. She helps boomers who want or need to continue working create a profitable and meaningful semi-retirement on their own terms after 'retiring' from their full-time careers. If you're considering an encore, join our conversation with Nancy Collamer to learn how to profit from your passion and as she says "work less, live more and love what you do," when Charlotte Talks.

You may not think of Canada as a major player in Charlotte and North Carolina's economy. But North Carolina sells more goods to Canada than to any other foreign country in the world. And hundreds of thousands of North Carolina jobs depend on trade with Canada. Here in Charlotte, there are 71 Canadian firms operating and 10 US headquarters for Canadian companies. We'll be joined by the Canadian Ambassador to the US to talk about Charlotte and North Carolina's relationship with Canada, as well as the United States' close relationship with our neighbor to the north when it comes to defense, economy and trade, energy and the environment, when Charlotte Talks.

April 1 marked the beginning of Ron Carlee's tenure as Charlotte City Manager, the first person from out of town to hold the position in more than 30 years. Mr. Carlee brings experience both as a former county manager (Arlington Co., Virginia) and as the COO of the International City/ County Management Association, where he was able to see the operations of cities all over the world. We'll sit down with Mr. Carlee and Mayor Anthony Foxx to talk about how he plans to tackle the city budget, transit and the streetcar debate, the airport situation, and the day-to-day operations of the city, when Charlotte Talks.

Well-known former TV meteorologist Terri Bennett has traded the camera and studio for the betterment of the environment, with the founding of her company, called Do Your Part. She's the author of a book by the same name, and in it, gives practical tips that she says help "to remove the roadblocks that currently prevent many Americans from taking steps toward adopting more sustainable lifestyles."  She'll share her expertise with us, and will give us some tips on how to reduce our eco-footprint. (Originally Aired 9/13/2011)