May 2, 1979 - Dr. Ray Sterling, director of the University of Minnesota's Underground Space Center, and Kathleen Vadnais, editor of "Earth Shelter Digest", talk with MPR’s Dale Connelly about earth sheltering. Sterling and Vadnais give insight into structures and their energy benefits. They also answer listener questions.
May 5, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, two points of view on Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II). Author Sidney Lens and Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, speaking at Carleton College in Northfield, share their perspective of the SALT II Treaty and our strategic future.
May 7, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson presents a live profile of the Commodities Futures Exchange and the Cash Grain Market from the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. Grain traders, elevator operators, grain inspectors and farmers explain why the Minneapolis Grain Exchange is important to them. Interviews include Merlin Mills, president of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.
May 12, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan and Tom Meersman examine current economic and legal issues affecting visual artists. The landmark court action involving late abstract painter Mark Rothko's estate is highlighted, via the comments of an attorney on the case.
May 14, 1979 - Southwest Minnesota author Frederick Manfred talks about his life as a novelist and reads from many of his works. His novels include Scarlett Plume, Conquering Horse, Milk of Wolves, and The Green Earth.
May 15, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Maynard Reynolds, professor of educational psychology at University of Minnesota, who discusses mainstreaming in school classrooms. Interview took place during National Handicapped Awareness Week.
May 15, 1979 - This MPR Special Coverage presents acclaimed poet Robert Bly reading at Southwest State University in Marshall. This appearance includes occasional dulcimer accompaniment as Bly performs and dissects his own works as well as the works of others. This is an edited excerpt from his Marshall appearance.
May 16, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Kathleen Dineen, of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing; and Bonnie Stickles of St. Paul-Ramsey Hospital, who discuss the history and practices of midwifery and midwives today.
May 17, 1979 - Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Wahl speaking at the first Farm Women's Forum, in Rochester. The subject of address was on farmers, farmers wives and farm ownership.
May 18, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House of Representatives debating the issue of removing Independent-Republican Representative Robert Pavlak from his seat due to an election law violation in his campaign over former DFL Representative Arnold Kempe. (ADDITIONAL REFERENCE - Bob Pavlak was expelled for unfair campaign practices, and the seat was declared vacant. Pavlak ran unsuccessfully in the special election. Frank J. Rodriguez, Sr. won the special election, and the DFL gained control of the House. In the process of selecting a Speaker, the DFL split into factions, with 26 DFLers supporting Fred C. Norton and 42 supporting Irv Anderson; however, 49 Independent-Republicans sided with the pro-Norton faction, and Norton became Speaker for the 1980 session.)