agriculture

Mexican immigrants have endured both physical and emotional trauma to cross the border into the United States, only to find themselves working in some of America’s most dangerous industries, like meatpacking.

On January 29, Paul Apostolidis will examine American immigration reform through the stories of immigrant meatpackers. He will explain how these immigrants protected themselves during hazardous factory work, how they democratized their union, and how, in partnership with local consumers concerned about food safety, they made the slaughterhouse safer for workers and consumers alike.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2010-01-29 Politics of Immigration.mp3

Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then… oh, its flavors, they’re just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and ancient on the planet.
       ~Miles Raymond, character from the 2004 movie Sideways

Oregon wines – particularly its Pinots – are rising stars in the wine world. But locally, these romantic grapes are responsible for some very down-to-earth numbers: Oregon’s 300-plus vineyards annually contribute nearly a billion net dollars to the economy and provide close to 10,000 jobs. At City Club’s December 18 Holiday Friday Forum, three local vintners will discuss the Oregon wine industry.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009.12.18 Wine Down for the Holidays.mp3

Hope. Change. Yes we can. President-elect Barack Obama built his campaign around these three concepts. What kinds of changes, if any, can American’s realistically hope for from the new administration?

Audio (play now or download): 

Dec 05 2008 CCOP copy.MP3