Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:00:00

Modern Childbirth

Most people believe that childbirth today is managed much better than it was one or two generations ago. In fact, most women can expect a healthy journey through pregnancy and birth. How have advances in medicine improved maternity care? On this edition of "To the Best of My Knowledge," we'll talk about modern childbirth. Guests: John T. Repke, M.D., Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Penn State's College of Medicine and Jaimey M. Pauli, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:00:00

Choral Music

More than 42 million children and adults in the U.S. sing in choruses. They perform music that provides a means of expressing something greater than each individual participant —whether in concert halls, churches, or town squares. On this edition of "To the Best of My Knowledge," we'll talk about choral music. Guests: Anthony Leach, Associate Professor of Music and Music Education in Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture and Gilbert Lewis Bailey II, Penn State Student Majoring in Musical Theatre.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:00

Weight Loss Surgery

As obesity rates continue to rise, so does the popularity of gastric bypass surgery. Penn State experts discuss the medical and behavioral impact of weight loss surgery and who should consider this dramatic procedure.

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00

The Flu Virus

The World Health Organization recently announced that the H1N1 flu pandemic is underway. Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu can vary in severity from mild to dangerous. Guest: Betsy Hunt, Epidemiologist for North Central PA and Thomas Terndrup, MD, chair, Emergency Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:00:00

2009 State of the University

As he begins his 15th year as President of Penn State, Graham Spanier takes a turn in the guest seat to share Penn State's accomplishments through the 2009 State of the University video.

Tue, 26 May 2009 20:00:00

Head and Neck Cancer

Graham Spanier discusses head and neck cancer with guest David Goldenberg, M.D

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:00:00

Music Appreciation

We hear music everyday, but how often do we actually listen? By learning some basics, you can become an active and aware listener. On this edition of To the Best of My Knowledge we'll talk about music appreciation. Guests: Kim Cook, Penn State Professor of Music and Penn State Laureate and Gregory Woodbridge, Music Director and Conductor of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:00:00

Etiquette

First impressions are extremely important. In social situations and in the workplace, manners matter – how we act at the dinner table, answer e-mails, and use cell phones can make or break a budding business deal or relationship. Guests: Kathleen Crilly, Kathleen Crilly School of Etiquette and Diana Zeisky, Etiquette Coach & Owner, Diamonds & Lace Bridal.

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:00:00

The Business of Weather

Meteorologists are often judged for miscalculating forecasts, but most critics are unaware of just how complex the weather is. Find out how weather works and how meteorologists use the latest technology to report on a very volatile phenomenon.

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:00:00

Childhood Obesity

What can we do to prevent childhood obesity? Watch two leading experts offer advice on how to change family habits, how to encourage children to make healthier choices, and how to control portions.

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:00:00

Future Energy Strategies

The United States continues to consume more energy each year. And, it is estimated that the demand for oil will exceed the supply within 10 to 20 years, creating a global oil crisis. Renewable and clean forms of energy are one of society's greatest needs. On this edition of To the Best of My Knowledge, we'll talk about fueling the future with biofuels, solar energy, fuel cells, coal and nuclear power.

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:00:00

Diabetes

More than 23 million Americans are living with diabetes, which is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. But good diabetes control can help reduce your risks. Guests: Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD; Penn State Hershey & Lynn Parker Klees, RD, MS, CDE; Penn State College of Health and Human Development.

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:00:00

Antique Cars

Guests were Executive Director of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Steven Moskowitz & Wayne Richards of Wayne's Auto Repair in Port Matilda, PA.

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:00:00

2008 State of the University

2008 State of the University

Tue, 27 May 2008 19:00:00

Infectious Diseases

From malaria to e-coli to hemorrhagic colitis, infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading cause of death in the United States. Guests were Peter J. Hudson, Ph.D., Willaman Chair in Biology, Director of The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Penn State and Andrew Read, Ph.D., Centre for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Departments of Biology and Entomology, Penn State

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:00:00

Personal Information and the Internet

If you use a computer and you surf the Web, the Internet's open architecture could make your private information visible to hackers, criminals and private businesses. What can you do to protect yourself? We'll provide practical tips for guarding against Internet fraud, securing your computer, and protecting your personal information. Guests were Clay Calvert, co-director of The Pennsylvania Center for the First Amendment and Jeff Luck, Systems Design Specialist, Penn State Public Broadcasting

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:00:00

Bridge Safety

The horrifying images of Minnesota's bridge collapse last summer raise a frightening question: Could it happen in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania has more than 25,000 state-owned bridges. Nearly six thousand of them are categorized as "structurally deficient," or in need of repair. Guests are ANDREA SCHOKKER, Ph.D., Henderson Professor of Civil Engineering and director of the Transportation Infrastructure Program at The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute at Penn State and LINDA FIGG, president and CEO of Figg Engineering Group, lead designer of the winning bridge plan to replace the I-35W bridge that collapsed last summer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her firm also designed the new Susquehanna Turnpike bridge in Harrisburg and the upcoming Allegheny River Bridge in Pittsburgh.

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:00:00

Executive Hobbies

Experts say that business leaders who pursue passionate hobbies-hobbies that put them into a completely different realm of activity and accomplishment. We talk with two top executives about what they do to recharge! Guests are John Surma, chairman and CEO of U.S. Steel Corporation and Peter Weiler, Penn State vice president in development and alumni relations.

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:00:00

Heart Healthy

Each year, about 1.1 million Americans suffer a heart attack; more than forty percent are fatal. Guests were Steven Mark Ettinger, M.D., The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Heart & Vascular Institute and Richard P. Konstance II, MD, MBA, interventional cardiologist with Centre Medical and Surgical Associates.

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:00:00

Cutters

For most people, the idea of cutting yourself is incomprehensible but for an estimated two to three million Americans, self-injury helps them feel calm and in control. Guests are Richard L. Levine, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Penn State College of Medicine & Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders and Candace R. Good, MD, Sunbridge Health in State College, Pennsylvania.

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:00:00

Medical Errors

Tens of thousands of people die in hospitals each year as a result of preventable medical errors, making it the eighth leading cause of death in this country. Guests are Dr. Michael Weitekamp, chief medical officer of Penn State's Hershey Medical Center and Susan DesHarnais, professor of Health Evaluation Sciences at Penn State's College of Medicine

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:00:00

State of the University 2007

Already one of the country's senior university presidents, and among the longest-serving chief executives in Penn State history, Graham Spanier recently was offered a new contract that will extend his presidency at least to 2013. So what's been accomplished this past year at one of the nation's most comprehensive-and most popular--universities? And what more needs to be done? President Spanier shares that information with us in his annual "State-of-the-University" address, produced for the second year in a row on video. In this special edition of To the Best of My Knowledge, we'll air that presentation and when we come back, you'll have the ear of President Spanier, and Penn State's Executive Vice President and Provost Rodney Erickson.

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:00:00

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Exposure to a traumatic event can cause nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping. Sometimes these symptoms can become chronic and lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Experts discuss this condition and the approaches to overcoming it.

Tue, 15 May 2007 19:00:00

The Mental Health of Students

Responding to troubled students isn't a new topic for educators. Colleges and universities report a sharp increase in students who arrive on campus with psychological and psychiatric issues. On this edition of the program, we'll talk about Penn State's new Center for the Study of College Student Mental Health with Dr. Dennis Heitzmann, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Penn State and associate vice president of engagement.

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:00:00

Sports Journalism

Sports is big business with major implications for society. As the power and influence of professional and amateur sports have grown, so has the importance of sports journalism. We'll talk with top sports writers about providing more than just game coverage, personality profiles and statistics. Guests: Kellie Goodman, Sports Director for WTAJ 10 NEWS in Altoona Malcom Moran, director of the Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State and the inaugural Knight Chair in Sports Journalism and Society

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:00:00

Etiquette

Etiquette rules may have changed over the years, but people still judge others on how they act in business and social situations. Join the discussion about etiquette-everything from making introductions and using cell phones to knowing what fork to use.

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:00:00

Roots of Terrorism

Frustration, disenfranchisement, poverty-many say that's the root cause of terrorism. What is terrorism? What do terrorists hope to achieve? And how can terrorism be combated? Guests are Kevin Murphy, professor of psychology and director of the International Center for the Study of Terrorism at Penn State and Brian Lynch, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:00:00

Status of the Housing Bust

Most economists say the worst of the housing bust is over, but predict the average selling price of a house will fall in 2007. What does that mean for those interested in selling or buying a home in 2007? We'll talk about real estate trends and provide tips on selling your home.

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:00:00

Illegal Immigrants

More than 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States, and more arrive each day, putting a strain on health and education services, but also providing what many say is a necessary flow of labor into the U.S. Put up a fence, increase border security, enforce the laws on the books, provide amnesty to low-wage workers. When it comes to illegal immigration, Americans are deeply divided. What's the best way to deal with immigration?

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:00:00

Today's College Students

Today's colleges and universities enroll nearly 17 million students-the largest and most diverse generation of college students in American history. What makes them so different from college students just a few decades ago? Kris Brown, a Senior at Penn State and a star on the women's volley ball team. Ryan Smith, a journalism student at Penn State and writes for the Daily Collegian.

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:06:00

State of the University, 2006

Topic is Penn State's State of the University Address. This year the annual State of the University Address, which provides an update on the advances and accomplishments of Penn State, was produced on video. During a special presentation of "To the Best of My Knowledge," President Spanier will be the guest on the show to discuss the address with host Patty Satalia.

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:06:00

Memory Lapses

What accounts for run-of-the-mill memory lapses and what can people do to prevent them? Tune in for "To The Best Of My Knowledge" with Graham Spanier, president of Penn State, as he and his guests discuss ways to boost working memory.

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:06:00

Forensic Science

Recognizing, collecting and preserving evidence at a crime scene with guests George Milner, professor of archaeological anthropology and member of the forensics science faculty at Penn State, and Robert C. Shaler, head of Penn State's new forensic science program.

Tue, 23 May 2006 19:06:00

Cancer Treatment Options

Cancer treatment options with host Penn State President Graham Spanier and guests Ralph Moss, Ph.D. and Thomas P. Loughran, Jr, MD.

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 19:06:00

Stand-up Comedy

Stand-up comedy with host Graham Spanier and guests Scott Bruce, comedian and owner of Wise Crackers Comedy Club and Mike Stankiewicz, a comedian from Erie, Pennsylvania who has worked at various comedy venues across the country.

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:06:00

Safe Travel

According to the Safe Travel Institute, Americans are more uneasy about traveling than ever before, despite heightened airport security and the presence of federal air marshals on thousands of flights. How can tourists and business travelers reduce travel risks and frustrations, whether the destination is New York or New Dehli? Join Graham Spanier as he and his guests discuss traveling smart and offer advice on researching destinations, accessing travel warnings and packing for travel.

Tue, 24 May 2005 19:06:00

Personal Bankruptcy

Dr. Spanier discusses issues important to Pennsylvania and the country with a panel of experts.

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 19:06:00

Steroid Use in Sports

Penn State President Graham Spanier discusses the issue of steroid use in sports with Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Director of Athletic Medicine and Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Penn State’s Hershey College of Medicine, and Dr. Charles Yesalis, Professor in the Penn State College of Health Policy and Administration.

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 19:06:00

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Dr. Spanier discusses issues important to Pennsylvania and the country with a panel of experts.

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 19:06:00

The Roots and Future of Gospel Music

Most Americans are familiar with such legendary gospel songs as "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "Amazing Grace," but how much does the average American know about the history of gospel music or about its greatest stars?  Music historians consider gospel music the bedrock of rock 'n' roll and other forms of American pop music.  It has its origins in the spirituals sung by rural blacks during the early part of this century.  Today, mainstream interest in gospel music is on the rise.

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 19:06:00

Recreational Poker and Problem Gambling

Dr. Spanier discusses issues important to Pennsylvania and the country with a panel of experts.

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 19:06:00

Internet Addiction

Dr. Spanier discusses Internet addiction with Dr. Kimberly Young, Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. David Greenfield, Clinical Psychologist and Founder, Center for Internet Studies

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 19:06:00

All Pain, No Gain

Each year Americans suffer more than 4 million sports-related injuries. Doing too much too soon is one common cause of injuries. Overusing or misusing a muscle or joint is another. Experts say we could reduce the rate of injury—and the frustration from missed playing time—if we just followed a few simple rules. Wayne Sebastinelli, M.D., a surgeon at Penn State Orthopedics and the director of Penn State’s Center for Sports Medicine, and Dean Plafcan, the lead physical therapist at Penn State Orthopedics talk about the latest techniques for treating sports injuries.

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 19:06:00

Women in Prison

Dr. Spanier discusses women in prison with guests Shirley Moore, Superintendent of the Women's State Correctional Institution at Muncy and Gregory Smith, Executive Director of Traditional Living Centers, Inc.

Tue, 22 Jun 2004 19:00:00

Life as a Child Star

What is life like for child stars and how do they keep it all in perspective? We'll hear from two rising young stars, a vocalist and a percussionist, and learn how they deal with the attention and what lies ahead.

Tue, 25 May 2004 19:00:00

Bullying

A generation ago, bullying may have been met with a shrug of indifference. Today's school districts view bullying as a serious problem for both victims and bullies.

Tue, 27 Apr 2004 19:00:00

Magic

The program's topic was magic.

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:00:00

Stand-up Comedy

Dr. Spanier's guests are Jerry Zolten, an associate professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and American studies at Penn State-Altoona, where he teaches a course on the history and evolution of stand up comedy, and Scott Bruce, a professional comedian for more than 20 years and the owner of WiseCrackers Comedy Clubs, which are located throughout Pennsylvania. They discussed the history and evolution of stand-up comedy, and about what it takes to "make it."

Tue, 24 Feb 2004 19:00:00

Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Spanier's guests are Dr. Donald Mackay, chief of plastic surgery, and Andrea Blough, medical aesthetician, both with Penn State's Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Associates, Hershey, Pennsylvania. The number of people undergoing cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. has more than tripled in the last decade. Dr. Spanier and guests talk about the most common cosmetic procedures for men and women and about the costs and risks associated with them.

Tue, 27 Jan 2004 19:00:00

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Dr. Spanier's guests were Chris Huffman, president and CEO of the American Institute for Public Safety, and Trooper Dave McGarvey, community service officer, Troop G, Hollidaysburg, with the Pennsylvania State Police. Clinical psychologist, Dr. Arnold Nerenberg, known as "America's Road-Rage Therapist, joined the conversation by telephone from his office in Whittier, California.

Tue, 16 Dec 2003 19:00:00

Pennsylvania Homeland Security

Dr. Spanier discusses Pennsylvania Homeland Security with guests Robert McGrath, Associate Vice President of Research at Penn State and Dr. Christina Gabriel, Vice Provost and Chief Technology Officer at Carneigie Mellon University.

Tue, 25 Nov 2003 19:00:00

Reality TV

Guests were Clay Calvert, associate professor of communications and law at Penn State and author of Voyeur Nation, and Matt Gould, a 1999 Penn State graduate and "star" of Spike TV's The Joe Schmo Show . Joining the program via telephone will be Rick Balkey, better known as Rick Rockwell from Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire

Tue, 21 Oct 2003 19:00:00

Marathons

Thousands of male and female athletes from around the world participate in the grueling challenge of completing a 26.2 mile race on foot through city streets. Three of these so-called "Big City Marathons" will be held this month in the United States alone: the New York Marathon, the Marine Corps. Marathon and the Chicago Marathon. Why do marathoners do what they do? How do they train, prevent injuries, and avoid burn out? We'll talk about that and more.

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 19:00:00

The Digital Conversion of Television

Dr. Spanier's Guests were Ted Krichels, General Manager of Public Broadcasting, and Jim Carnes, Retired CEO, Sarnoff Corporation