Michael Fagin

"Alive And Well," And The Purpose Of Life

Weekday — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000

“Alive and Well” At SIFF
The documentary “Alive and Well” takes viewers inside the lives of seven people who have been affected by Huntington’s disease. From those who carry the gene to family members turned caregivers, the film tells the story of what it’s like to live with a genetic, neurological disorder. Huntington’s disease is degenerative, slowly breaking down the nerve cells of the brain. A person with a parent with Huntington’s has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene mutation. Director Josh Taft and executive producer Liz Weber explain their motivation for making the film.

Islam’s “Spiritual Gems”
Nearly a quarter of the world’s population looks to the Qur’an for spiritual guidance. What does the Islamic holy book have to say about life? Katy Sewall talks with Jamal Rahman, author of “Spiritual Gems of Islam.”

Weather and Hike of the Week
Michael Fagin suggests a hike that matches the week’s weather forecast.

Snohomish County Executive, New Music Recommendation, And Lynda Mapes

Weekday — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Snohomish County's New Executive
Former Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick has been sworn in as the new Snohomish County Executive. He replaces former executive Aaron Reardon who left the office amid a series of scandals. Lovick said he hopes to “change the tone and tenor of county government” in his term. He talks about the challenges and opportunity awaiting him as Snohomish County Executive.

New Music Recommendation
Are you stuck in a music listening rut? We are surrounded by new music and innovative artists. Branch out! Ma'Chell Duma LaVassar shares thoughts on the women of Northwest music, past and present.

Elwha: River Reborn, A Conversation With Lynda Mapes
After decades of debate, the two dams on the Elwha River are down. Scientists are watching to see if the traditional salmon runs return and how that will impact the ecosystem near this river on the Olympic Peninsula. Seattle Times reporter Lynda Mapes has followed this story. Her new book, “Elwha: River Reborn,” chronicles the history, the controversy and the aftermath of the dam removal.

The Weather And Hike Of The Week
Michael Fagin suggests a hike that matches the week’s weather forecast.

Olympia, Actress Kate Hess, And A Doctor's View Of Death

Weekday — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

This Week In Olympia
State lawmakers begin week three of the special legislative session today. Everett Herald reporter Jerry Cornfield joins us with a look at what to expect.

Comic Actress Kate Hess Parodies Masterpiece Theater
Everyone loves “Downton Abbey” these days and Hollywood is paying attention by hiring British actors for American roles. Are American actors hired in Britain? Not really. Katy Sewall talks with writer and actress Kate Hess about the British invasion in her costume-drama parody, “Murder Abbey.”

How Should Doctors Navigate The Various Beliefs Of Dying Patients?
Doctors treat a wide variety of patients. How well versed in world cultures and religion should doctors be? And how do encounters with dying patients change doctors' views of death? Katy Sewall talks with retired pulmonary/critical care doctor Jim deMaine.

The Weather And Hike Of The Week
Michael Fagin suggests a hike that matches the week’s weather forecast.

New Music And Writing Nonfiction

Weekday — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

New Music Recommendation
Are you stuck in a music listening rut? We are surrounded by new music and innovative artists. Branch out with new music recommendations every Tuesday at 9:20 a.m. KUOW’s Dave Beck focuses on William Henry Fry, a Philadelphia-born journalist, composer and outspoken advocate for American music.

Writing Nonfiction With Susan Orlean
Susan Orlean spends a lot of time working on her nonfiction. She spent 10 years researching her most recent book “Rin Tin Tin,” for example. Susan Orlean talks about her process and her passions and what it means to devote yourself to a subject for so long.

Understanding Cyber Security
A rise in the amount of cyber attacks has drawn concern over the safety of private information. Hackers will target anything from The Onion’s Twitter page to the processing systems of energy corporations. Their motivations range from political to criminal, be it stealing confidential information or debilitating essential operations.

In a world that relies more and more on technologies to run and store our lives, cyber security is a paramount concern. UW Professor Tadayoshi Kohno studies technological security and the methods of hackers. He joins us to discuss cyber security.

The Weather And Hike Of The Week
Michael Fagin suggests a hike that matches the week’s weather forecast.

A Win For Sacramento, The Special Session, And "The Night Detectives"

Weekday With Steve Scher — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

NBA Says No To Seattle
The NBA has thrown cold water on Chris Hansen’s plans to bring the Sonics back to Seattle. The league’s relocation committee voted unanimously to keep the Kings in Sacramento. Art Thiel writes that Seattle can be to the NBA what Los Angeles is to NFL. Seattle still waits at the altar for an expansion team.

Jon Talton: Not Just An Economics Columnist
Jon Talton frequently analyzes business in the Pacific Northwest on Weekday, but he’s not just an economics columnist. He’s also a mystery writer. "The Night Detectives" is his 10th novel. It takes us from the familiar haunts of Phoenix to the seedy side of San Diego with his main character, David Mapstone.

Jay Inlsee’s Bottom Line
Governor Jay Inlsee says his bottom line is ending tax breaks and adding new tax revenue to the state budget. He will get that chance to draw that line in the special legislative session he has called for in two weeks.

The Weather And Hike Of The Week
Michael Fagin suggests a hike that matches the week’s weather forecast.

National Teacher Of The Year, Vali Nasr, And Being Bipolar

Weekday With Steve Scher — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

2013 Teacher Of The Year
Jeff Charbonneau, a science teacher from Zillah, Washington, has been selected as 2013 National Teacher of the Year. He’ll share his wisdom and teaching style with us while en route to the White House for his award ceremony.

The Dispensable Nation
President Obama’s foreign policy emphasizes China and Asia instead of the Middle East and Europe. The administration is shifting military resources and diplomatic energy as China expands its global footprint. Former State Department Policy Advisor Vali Nasr says President Obama’s foreign policy is too cautious and a danger to the future peace and security of the planet.

What Is It Like To Be Bipolar? Part 2
What does it feel like to be bipolar? How does the mental illness affect family and relationships? What misunderstandings are held by the general public? Does a person who is bipolar consider themselves “crazy?” Author Janine Crowley Haynes considers these questions in her memoir "My Kind of Crazy: Living in a Bipolar World."

The Weather And Hike Of The Week
Michael Fagin suggests a hike that matches the week’s weather forecast.

Food Fight Breaks Out Over Seattle Compost

Weekday with Steve Scher — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The Seattle City Council has delayed a vote on a contract to send the city's food and yard waste to Kittitas County after residents in Cle Elum made it known they were less than thrilled about the plan. With the pushback against taking in Seattle’s compostable waste, what's a garbage planner to do? Seattle Public Utilities Solid Waste Director Tim Croll joins us.

Congress Readies For The Next "Cliff"

Steve Scher — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:49:39 +0000

The next cliff looms in Washington, DC, as the US Treasury runs out of borrowing authority at the end of February. There may be a decision about across-the-board spending cuts known as "sequestration," as well as a debate over the social safety net.

Will Democrats agree to cuts to Social Security and Medicare? We talk with economics writer James Kwak about the political support for smaller government and less revenue.

Jon Meacham On Thomas Jefferson

Steve Scher — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Many books have been written about Thomas Jefferson. The latest, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham, seeks in part to rehabilitate Jefferson’s legacy, reinstating him as a consummate politician and an idealist for human liberty, even as he fell short in ending one of America's greatest injustices. How did Jefferson see his role in the evolving American idea? Jon Meacham joins us to talk about "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power."