Ideas is a series of special one-hour programs produced and presented by WVIZ/PBS ideastream®. Topics for each episode are guided by ideastream’s “Listening Project,” a series of surveys, town hall meetings and other community-focused activities. Subjects such as education, the economy and jobs, the environment, economic development, civic affairs, and health and human services are prominently featured. Each Ideas episode also serves as the keystone for a compilation of related programming on 90.3 WCPN, WVIZ/PBS and content on ideastream websites. The goal of this program series is to focus audience attention on an issue or topic of broad community interest. These stories, segments, and entire programs are distinguished by their depth and quality of journalism and the creative storytelling ideastream audiences have come to expect and appreciate.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

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From time to time, do you ever sit down and re-read a favorite book, or watch a movie you've already seen? So coming off the holiday festivities, why not revisit some of our favorite Ideas? This week, David C. Barnett revisits unusual and out-of-the-mainstream religious shrines. Also, Rick Jackson goes to a do-it-yourself center, designed for single women heads of households in Cleveland Heights. And Elaine Falk looks at help for the nearly three million Americans who stutter at the Cleveland Speech and Hearing Center.

Roadside Religion
As a child of the 80s, Tim Beal is an avowed cynic. But, as a Professor of Religion at Case Western Reserve University, he's also interested in the study of spiritual pursuits. So, it seemed to be a perfect fit when he decided to write a book exploring some of those tacky-looking roadside religious shrines that can be found throughout the South. After a journey through rural America with his family, Beal found something deep and meaningful in the midst of all the kitsch. He shared some of his insights during the course of an Ohio road trip he took with ideastream's David C. Barnett.

“Roadside Religion” by Case Professor of Religion, Timothy Beal
Our Lady of Guadeloupe Shrine in Windsor, Ohio

Stuttering Therapy
Nearly three million Americans stutter. It's a problem that begins most times in childhood. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but for many others, it's a challenge that follows them into adulthood. What causes stuttering? Current thinking says it's neurological. Is there a cure? Not yet. Is there help? Absolutely, and none as break-through as the therapy being done at the Cleveland Speech and Hearing Center.

Cleveland Speech and Hearing Center

Home Repair Resource Center
For a woman who is sole head of house, managing some home repairs can be a challenge. We'll profile the Home How-To for Women program, a series designed to give women homeowners the confidence and experience to take charge of the maintenance needs of their homes. Photo courtesy of the Home Repair Resource Center

Home Repair Resource Center

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