Matt Markgraf

Kids Write Poetry & More at the Young Authors Camp

Matt Markgraf — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:38:13 +0000

(Photo slideshow coming soon!)

Last week, several children from across the region, between the ages of 8 and 12, came to the campus of Murray State University for the annual Young Authors Camp. These young authors practiced writing for fun in a variety of styles from poetry to fictional stories, skits, and more, under the direction of classroom instructors. For more about this year's Young Authors Camp, WKMS Youth Radio Producer Matt Markgraf speaks with Camp Director Brooke Lovett.

Recordings from the Young Author's Camp:

Datebook: June 18 - Sally Ride, First American Woman in Space 30 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:10:57 +0000

Sally Ride was one of five crew members on the Space Shuttle Challenger, which was launched to deploy communications satellites. Ride was also the first woman to use a robotic arm in space and the first person to use the arm to retrieve a satellite. In her later years, she wrote children's books. She passed away last year.

It’s Tuesday, June 18

As part of Movies in the Park, a free showing of "Men In Black III" starts at dusk Thursday in the Noble Park amphitheater in Paducah. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and insect repellent. Learn more at paducahky.gov.

Datebook: June 17 - M.C. Escher Turns 115

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:36:22 +0000

Dutch artist M.C. Escher has been described as "the father of impossible figures." His mathematical paradoxes continue to influence the fields of science and art. Though having no formal training, Escher was considered a research mathematician, teaching himself the concepts as an aid to his artwork. And now, his work is a great teaching tool.

It's Monday, June 17

Murray State University is beginning a research project on the effects of an arthritis remedy for dogs. Dogs in the study receive free monthly bloodwork, physical exams, arthritic analysis, and a natural medication during the one month study in July. If you have a moderately arthritic dog that weighs between 35 and 70 pounds, call (502) 220-7070 to register.

Datebook: June 14 - Che Guevara Turns 85

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:35:00 +0000

Che was a major and contentious figure in the Cuban Revolution, and is considered a modern symbol of rebellion. He was active in overthrowing the Batista regime, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was assassinated by the CIA in 1967. TIME Magazine named him one of he most influential people of the 20th century.

It’s Friday, June 14

The “Love Your Neighbor” ministry at the Gospel Mission Worship Center in Paducah hosts a free food and clothing giveaway tomorrow at the church. Clothing items and food from their food pantry are given away between 11 and 2 at the church, located at 6905 Benton Road, across from Trader’s Mall. For more information, call 217-3470.

Good Read: 'Bomb' by Steve Sheinkin

Matt Markgraf and Katherine Farmer — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:30:00 +0000

We continue our occasional series previewing good reads for young adults from Katherine Farmer, Coordinator of the Racers Children's Preview Collection at Murray State University. This week's recommended read is "Bomb: The Race to Build - And Steal - The World's Most Dangerous Weapon" by Steve Sheinkin. This nonfiction book tells the story of how the atomic bomb came to be - and how it came to be used. Critics have called this book a 'must read,' 'a complicated thriller that intercuts action with the deftness of a Hollywood blockbuster.

Datebook: June 13 - 1st Man-Made Object Leaves Solar System 30 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:39:12 +0000

The Pioneer 10 was initially launched to study the environment around Jupiter and eventually... beyond. On this day in 1983, it crossed the orbit of Neptune, effectively leaving our solar system. It's last check-in was 2003, at 12 billion kilometers from Earth. It's en-route to the star Aldebaran, estimated arrival: two million years from now.

It’s Thursday, June 13

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers a full schedule of events this weekend in honor of its 50th Anniversary, including video presentations at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, Eagle Encounters at the Nature Station, a Conservation Canoe Trip, and more. See a complete listing of the weekend’s events at lbl.org.

Puppies Sound Good: Meet Winston & Houston

Matt Markgraf — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:23:41 +0000

Today we met two brothers, Winston (mostly white) and Houston (mostly black). They are two adorable border collie-labrador retriever-red heeler mixes up for adoption at the Humane Society of Calloway County. These two pups were very low key and sleepy when they came up to the station, but full of love for everyone who came to greet them. Once we took them into the studio, they got some energy and played with each other during the human conversation. They will grow up to be very intelligent and active mid-sized dogs that need a good home who will keep them busy.

Datebook: June 12 - Medgar Evers Assassinated 50 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:32:52 +0000

It’s Wednesday, June 12

The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts presents the Japanese Kimono Exhibit from the Claude Holeman Collection, on loan from the Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center. The exhibit is on display through July 21. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 4 and 3 hours prior to every performance at the Center. Admission is free.

50 Years Later: The Assassination of Medgar Evers

Matt Markgraf and Brian Clardy — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:35:00 +0000

Today marks 50 years since civil rights activist Medgar Evers was gunned down in his driveway in Jackson, Mississippi by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. His murder and the subsequent trial sparked a cultural uproar and inspired national protests. A week later, President Kennedy submitted his Civil Rights bill to Congress, and the March on Washington would follow that summer. Commentator and Murray State history professor Dr. Brian Clardy reflects on how he came to learn about Medgar Evers - his sacrifices, and his legacy.

Datebook: June 11 - Vince Lombardi Turns 100

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:56:38 +0000

He never had a losing season as head coach in the NFL... Vince Lombardi was best known as coach of he Green Bay Packers in the 60s, where he led the team to five league championships and two Super Bowl wins. He died in 1970 and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in '71.

It’s Tuesday, June 11

The first-ever Barking Lot Blues Jam is scheduled for Thursday evening from 6 to 9 in the parking lot of First Christian Church in Mayfield. The event features a dog contest with proceeds benefiting the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter, plus blues music from the Pearl House Band, Reggie LaFaye, Clint Fisher, and others. For more information, call 247-2204.