The Jefferson Exchange

The Jefferson Exchange: January 29, 2014, Hour 2:Even before anybody uttered the phrase "Obamacare," we were peppered with advice about how to navigate the health care system. The advice included directions on how to take more control of our health care--not just our insurance.  That bit of advice is still being given, even by the MDs themselves. Dr. Melissa Clarke acknowledges the effects of health care reform and makes the case for patient ownership of the situation in her book  Excuse Me Doctor! I've Got What?

The Jefferson Exchange: January 29, 2014, Hour 1A:Last year provided a good demonstration of what often happens to gun-control legislation in Congress. The aftermath of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut included an increase in public sentiment for some kinds of gun legislation, including universal background checks for gun sales. Congress passed nothing. So smaller jurisdictions have passed some laws. Now the group Citizens for a Safe Ashland are circulating an online petition urging city council members to pass new regulations on guns in the city. We hear from the group about its intentions. 

The Jefferson Exchange: January 29, 2014, Hour 1B:California considers a statewide ban on plastic grocery bags, and Oregon gets a lousy grade for its anti-smoking efforts. Those news items provide the basis for this week's VENTSday segment. We do not schedule guests for Wednesday at 8:30, because that's the time for VENTSday, your chance to vent (politely, please) on a pair of topics in the news. We bring the topics, you bring the opinions.  It's VENTSday on The Jefferson Exchange, and you participate by calling 1-800-838-3760 or 541-552-6782 or emailing JX@jeffnet.org.This week's topics again: Single-use plastic bags at the checkout: keep or ditch? What else should we do to discourage smoking, or have we done enough?

The Jefferson Exchange: January 28, 2014 Hour 1A:Smarter Freshmen At U. Of OregonStudents entering the University of Oregon as freshmen this year are more accomplished than their predecessors, at least by the numbers. This year's freshman class set records for grade point average and SAT scores. And the numbers may continue to climb... the U of O is stepping up its recruiting efforts among high-achieving students. We explore the methods and goals of the recruiting process.

The Jefferson Exchange: January 28, 2014 Hour 1B:Oregon Traffic Fatalities Running LowBefore the turn of the century, Oregon's annual number of traffic fatalities was generally worse than the national average. What a turnaround.  The preliminary numbers for last year show a number--317--that has been this low only once since World War II. But with more bicycles on the road and more people communicating by text message, can the trend last? The Oregon Department of Transportation's safety division administrator explains the numbers and likely reasons for them.

The Jefferson Exchange: January 28, 2014 Hour 2:Getting Past The "Secrets and Lies"Think about a time when someone shared a long-held secret. Were you blown away by the truth?  Jane Isay listened as her husband explained his homosexuality, then helped him keep the secret as they stayed married for another ten years. She explores the impact of Secrets and Lies in her book by that title... and the release that comes when the truth is finally revealed.

The Jefferson Exchange: January 27, 2014, Hour 1A: Several recent signs indicate the economy may be picking up steam. And that is welcome news to people in the business of helping business. Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc, SOREDI, works to bring companies and jobs to the region, and its work may be getting somewhat easier. SOREDI hosts its annual Business Conference later this week. We'll focus on the current state of the economy and prospects for improvement.  

The Jefferson Exchange: January 27, 2014, Hour 1B: More than 50 years after Rachel Carson published "Silent Spring," we're still debating the proper use of pesticides. And the debate often puts environmental groups and farmers at odds with each other. But it doesn't have to be that way, and the "pesticide steward partnerships" developed by the Oregon Environmental Council are helping prove that point--and making streams cleaner at the same time. We visit with OEC's Allison Hensey. 

The Jefferson Exchange: January 27, 2014, Hour 2: There's a fine line between encouraging preparedness and creating panic. Our region sits next to a major earthquake fault, the Cascadia Subduction Zone. And scientists say a major quake could happen at any time. Earthquakes and tsunamis are among the topics that will be addressed at the comingOur region sits next to a major earthquake fault, the Cascadia Subduction Zone. And scientists say a major quake could happen at any time. Earthquakes and tsunamis are among the topics that will be addressed at the coming Emergency Preparedness Summit in Springfield.  Organizers and speakers join us to talk about areas of concern in preparedness.  

The Jefferson Exchange: January 24, 2014 Hour 1:The Business Of Medical MarijuanaMarijuana is a business in Oregon, like it or not. And even though the regulatory environment is constantly shifting, there are people trying to make an honest dollar at it. And they get a chance to compare notes at the upcoming Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference next week in Ashland. We talk to organizers about the context and the issues.

The Jefferson Exchange: January 24, 2014 Hour 2:GMO Perspective Straight From The FarmHoward Vlieger lives on the Iowa farm where he was born and raised. But his worldview extends far beyond the fields. Vlieger is considered a "student of the soil," constantly looking for ways to make agriculture better for all involved. His work extends to testing of GMO (genetically modified) crops, and GMO Free Jackson County, Rogue Farm Corp, and ECOS bring him to the region next week for several events focused on farming and GMOs. He will be our guest.

The Jefferson Exchange: January 22, 2014, Hour 1A:Teddy Abrams is the music director of the Britt Classical Festival, the winner of a three-conductor test drive last summer. Still in his mid-20s, Abrams continues to make waves in the classical music world with his performing, composing and conducting. The offerings at this year's Classical Festival will be announced Tuesday night, and Teddy Abrams joins us Wednesday morning.  

The Jefferson Exchange: January 22, 2014, Hour 1B:Is it time to talk seriously about legalizing marijuana in your state? And what changes are you prepared to make if the regional drought should continue?  Let's get your thoughts.. We do not schedule guests for Wednesday at 8:30, because that's the time for VENTSday, your chance to vent (politely, please) on a pair of topics in the news.  We bring the topics, you bring the opinions. It's VENTSday on The Jefferson Exchange, and you participate by calling 1-800-838-3760 or 541-552-6782 or emailing JX@jeffnet.org.This week's topics, again: Should marijuana be legalized, as Washington and Colorado have done? How should we change behaviors to prepare for drought?

The Jefferson Exchange: January 21, 2014 Hour 1A:Pot Versus Fish In California WatersMarijuana versus the environment: who ever would have seen that coming? But the first hurts the second, at least when illegal growing operations trash the landscape and nearby waterways. The problem is particularly acute in Northern California's "Emerald Triangle," where efforts at stream and fish restoration are hampered by pot farms. Scott Greacen of Friends of the Eel River joins us.

The Jefferson Exchange: January 21, 2014 Hour 1B:OR-7 Checks In (With Help From Human Friends)He's so famous, he doesn't even need a name: OR-7, Oregon's wandering wolf. And California's, now and then. The wolf also known as "Journey" continues to cover many miles around the region, his collar allowing wildlife experts to track his progress on both sides of the state line. He might be getting bored... there are just no opportunities to find mates in OR-7's recent territory. Oregon Fish and Wildlife Wolf Program Coordinator Russ Morgan visits to talk about the wolf's travels and future prospects.