July 16, 2002 - Prior Lake, Minnesota is the inspiration for the fictional town of Acorn Lake, Minnesota in Jean Harfenist's new book "A Brief History of the Flood." The book is a collection of short stories set in the 1960's and centered around the Anderson family. The stories follow the developement of the Anderson's daughter, Lillian--from young child to young adult. Lillian is a small town girl dealing with an alcoholic father and a mother who views the world like a romance novel. Lillian is also trying to avoid her mother's mistakes and is focusing on becoming a self-sufficient working woman. Harfenist grew up in Prior Lake and says Minnesota is an essential element to "A Brief History of the Flood." Jean Harfenist is the author of "A Brief History of the Flood." The book is published by Knopf.
July 15, 2002 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews Minnesota author Brian Malloy about his debut novel "The Year of Ice," which is set in the Twin Cities in 1978. The story revolves around 17-year-old Kevin Doyle, a boy struggling with the death of his mother, his isolation from his father, and coming to terms with his sexuality.
June 25, 2002 - State climatologist Bruce Watson explains the concept of wet-dry cycle and how recent heavy rains are part of a long term weather cycle. 8 inches of rain fell in the metro area on the night of June 24, 2002. Watson says the month ranks among the top ten soggiest on record.
June 17, 2002 - Richard Russo's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Empire Falls" takes readers into a struggling blue-collar town in Maine. The textile factories have been shut down and the residents are waiting for a financial savior. The book's main character is Miles Roby. He's been managing "The Empire Grill" for 20 years and is hoping the town's matriarch will die soon and leave him the restaurant. Miles is struggling with a pending divorce, a teenage daughter and a father who ignores conventional grooming and manners. Russo told Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham, the book was influenced by a Maine college town in which he once lived.
May 31, 2002 - Arne Carlson was governor when Yudof came to the university in 1997 and he was a strong supporter of the new president. Carlson is a big U of M booster--in fact he was wearing a U of M sweater when posing for his official portrait as governor. He says Yudof has been both a good president and a good friend:
May 29, 2002 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews Dick Moesing, who recounts his brother-in-law's story of losing a hammer during a round of dome repairs on the Cathedral of St. Paul during a round of repairs in the 1950's. During 2002 restoration, that hammer has reappeared, and being given back to the family.
May 28, 2002 - The number of reported lyme disease cases last year fell just short of the record set the previous year. The state Health Department recorded 461 cases last year, four fewer than in 2000. Only 5-20 percent of deer ticks actually carry lyme disease. Dave Neiztel is an epidemiologist with the Health Department. He attributes the record and near record years to warm weather that encouraged more people to spend more time outdoors.
May 16, 2002 - Children's book author Mary Casanova was inspired to write her new book after spending time with eagle researchers on Minnesota's Rainy Lake. "When Eagles Fall" introduces young-adult readers to 13-year -old Alex. She's an angry girl sent to live with her father in Minnesota's north woods. Alex is dealing with the death of her younger brother, her parent's separation and typical teenage growing pains. Alex's emotions get the best of her as she defies her father and sets out on an adventure to save a baby eagle.
May 16, 2002 - Children's book author Mary Casanova was inspired to write her new book after spending time with eagle researchers on Minnesota's Rainy Lake. "When Eagles Fall" introduces young-adult readers to 13-year -old Alex. She's an angry girl sent to live with her father in Minnesota's north woods. Alex is dealing with the death of her younger brother, her parent's separation and typical teenage growing pains. Alex's emotions get the best of her as she defies her father and sets out on an adventure to save a baby eagle. Mary Casanova told Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham Alex is a good kid who takes a turn and winds up in trouble.
April 24, 2002 - **NOTE--This is NOT converted--in an edit session** Edna O'Brien's latest novel, "In the Forest," is causing an uproar in her native Ireland. The book is based on a real life triple homicide that terrorized a O'Brien spoke with Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham about "In the Forest." O'Brien grew up in the same county where the murders took place and says a trip home prompted her to write this story.