The State of Things

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The State of Things is a live program hosted by Frank Stasio devoted to bringing the issues, personalities, and places of North Carolina to our listeners. We present the Tar Heel experience through sound, story, discussion, commentary and listener participation through calls. Let us know your thoughts during the program at 1.877.962.9862 or by emailing sot@wunc.org. Follow us on twitter.

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The Fracas over Fracking

Friday, May 25 2012 by Dixon Crews and Frank Stasio

Just a few years ago North Carolina state geologists began reporting that prehistoric geologic formations beneath our feet may be good candidates for shale and gas deposits. The only way to release such deposits is through hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” Other states like Pennsylvania and New York have legalized fracking in recent years, but have had to retroactively enact regulations on the practice. North Carolina wants to do it differently. Last summer, the legislature requested a detailed Oil and Gas Exploration report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and this past Monday, Governor Bev Perdue issued an executive order to build a task force for more input on the issue. News & Observer reporter John Murawski joins host Frank Stasio to discuss the debate over fracking legalization.

White Flour

Friday, May 25 2012 by Dixon Crews and Frank Stasio

www.davidlamotte.com

Five years ago, the Klu Klux Klan held a rally in the town square of Knoxville, TN. Instead of responding to hatred with hatred, a group called the Coup Clutz Clowns responded with humor. When Klan members yelled, "White Power!” the clowns yelled back, "White Flour!". Singer-songwriter and author David LaMotte was touched by the incident and was inspired to write a poem about it that has now been adapted into an illustrated children’s book. “White Flour" aims to act as a medium for discussion of tough subjects like racism and bigotry with younger children. LaMotte joins host Frank Stasio to talk about the book and the roles of humor and theater in making social change.

Jule Brown

Friday, May 25 2012 by Dixon Crews and Frank Stasio

http://www.unc.edu/~holland3

Mark Holland and his twin brother Michael found success in the music industry with the band Jennyanykind. They were signed to a major label in the mid-90s and in 1994, Mark created Jule Brown, a southern blues and rock persona to serve as a solo side-act to Jennyanykind. His first album garnered great press in the New York Times and Billboard Magazine, and he has continued to release more Jule Brown records since then. The last was titled "Surreal Folk Blues" in 2008. His current 4-piece line-up is recording a new album for release in 2013. They join host Frank Stasio to talk about exploring blues music of the Delta and Chicago for this project and to play live.

Note: Audio is available a few hours after broadcast

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Live Music Fridays Frank Pickin'
No, not that guy. . . The State of Things brings you live music from real musicians (not radio hosts) every Friday afternoon from our studios at the American Tobacco Historic District. From indie rock to gospel, we feature the sounds of North Carolina’s emerging and established music scenes. Tune in at noon every Friday and listen online to previously featured music guests here.