The Conversation Podcast

The Future of Public Television

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:05:00 -0800

New KCTS President Moss Bresnahan

Five years ago Seattle's public TV station KCTS–9 was in crisis. The station president resigned amid charges of financial mismanagement. Since then KCTS has climbed out of a financial hole but public TV still faces challenges. The average age of viewers is over 60. There are fewer people watching every year. Now a new president has taken the helm at Channel 9. Moss Bresnahan comes from running a public TV network in South Carolina. He joins us to talk about the future of public television.

Bob Bagga on Business Barter

BizXchange is a company that facilitates barter between businesses. We'll hear about the advantages of non–cash transactions between businesses from CEO Bob Bagga.

Should Taxpayer Dollars Go to Expanding the Convention Center?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:05:00 -0800

Garbage pickup during Snowpocalypse

We continue our assessment of how local government performed during the snow storm. We'll focus on garbage pick up with Seattle's solid waste director.

Taxpayer dollars to expand the Convention Center?

There's a move afoot to nearly double the size of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. It would cost more than the public paid for Safeco Field and Qwest Field combined. The hotel tax would be the revenue source. Is this the best way to spend this tax money?

William Hanson on 'The Edge of Medicine'

What are the latest advances in medical technology? Electronic noses that can sniff out cancer, computer health wizards that will prescribe for you online, wheelchairs operated by brain waves. We'll talk with Dr. William Hanson, author of The Edge of Medicine. He's Director of Intensive Care at University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and he teaches at Princeton on computers in medicine.

Getting Organized in 2009: What's Your New Year's Resolution?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:05:00 -0800

What's Your New Year's Resolution?

The new year stretches out in front of us: 365.5 days to go in 2009, and they're fresh and new and full of promise. So, what are you going to do with them? Are you a type–A organizer? A wishful resolution maker? Or more of a spontaneous type person who will welcome each day of the new year as it comes? How can you make 2009 the year you want it to be? Also, what were your resolutions last year? Did they work out?

Maury Island Mine Protests

A dozen protestors linked in pipes and chains are blocking the Maury Island sand and gravel mine today. What do they hope to accomplish?

From the Conversation Vault: Is Seattle a Great Music Town?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:05:00 -0800

A generation ago, Seattle was the white–hot center of popular music. Nirvana, Pearl Jam and all the rest. In 2008, how vibrant is Seattle's music scene? Whether you're a fan of rock, classical, jazz, or any kind of music, what's your take? You tell us if the talent is strong, the venues varied, the audiences enthusiastic. What do you see as a fan, performer or promoter? What makes the music scene great? What drags it down? Why are so many Seattle indie rockers moving to Portland? What role do liquor laws and city regulations have on the music scene?

Also today, the DJ who calls himself Girl Talk takes clips of rap and pop to create what he calls original music. Is it legal? Music sellers like iTunes dropped Girl Talk's last album over legal worries. Art always draws from other art, but does this go too far? Where do you draw the line?

Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond and How Was Your 2008?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:05:00 -0800

How did Metro buses perform during the storm last week? Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond will be with us to answer your questions. Also today, how was your 2008? How would you finish the sentence, "the most important thing that happened in my life in 2008 was...."? Tell us in 60 seconds or less. Or sing a song, read a clean limerick, compose a haiku. What was memorable about 2008 to you? Was it a birth, a death, a graduation, sending your kid off to school? Was it an encounter with the court system or jail that you'll remember from 2008? Was it something someone said to you that you'll always remember? Did you take a new job, lose an old job or move? Tell us about your 2008, in one minute or less.

New! Haikus read on this program

Israel Continues Air Attacks on Gaza

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:05:00 -0800

Reportedly 370 people have died in Gaza from four days of Israeli air attacks. The Israelis say they're trying to stop Hamas rocket and mortar assaults into Israel that have killed three civilians and one soldier. Today, there are reports that the Israelis are considering both a truce offer and a ground invasion of the Gaza strip. Is Israel justified in the air attacks, as the Bush administration says? Is the retaliation excessive? What should the U.S. government do to help bring a ceasefire?

Also today, the Seattle Post–Intelligencer breaks a story about tainted honey making its way into the United States.

House Speaker Frank Chopp

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:05:00 -0800

House Speaker Frank Chopp

House speaker Frank Chopp is one of the most powerful figures in state government. The state faces a five billion dollar budget deficit. Chopp says it's not as bad as it sounds. The speaker will be our guest today to talk about the state's looming budget deficit, his proposal to build a new viaduct on Seattle's waterfront with a park on top, and to answer your questions.

Does Seattle Deserve a 'B' for Its Snow Removal Effort?

Also today, the rain is melting away the last of the snow which shut down many Seattle streets. Mayor Greg Nickels gives the city a 'B' on its snow removal efforts. But critics say the city should have done more and should revise its policies. What do you think?

More Treasures From the Conversation Vault

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:05:00 -0800

Performance Artist Laurie Anderson

Laurie Anderson is an artist, author and musician. She rose to the top of the British pop charts with her 1980 hit "O Superman" and she was NASA's first ever artist–in–residence in 2002. She talks about her latest performance, "Homeland," and why there should be an artist–in–residence in the White House.

'Math Guy' Keith Devlin

Keith Devlin is a math professor at Stanford and NPR's 'Math Guy.' He'll explain the origins of probability theory. Until the 17th century, mathematicians didn't believe numbers could predict anything. But since then, math has been used to calculate the odds at casinos, insurance premiums and many other facets of the modern world.

James Traub on 'The Freedom Agenda'

Critics say the Bush administration policy of spreading democracy to the Middle East is in a shambles. But author James Traub doesn't think that means we should give up on what he calls the 'freedom agenda.' He'll explain why.

Treasures From the Conversation Vault

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:05:00 -0800

Can Less Be More for the Holidays?

With the holidays here and the economy in the dumps you may be cutting back. Can you have just as much holiday fun while spending less? Are you changing your gift–giving tradition? Are you making gifts instead of buying them?

How to Avoid Holiday Travel Fiascos

Travel writer Rick Steves gives advice on avoiding holiday travel fiascoes. Rick Steves will also suggest ways to improvise when travel plans go awry. What was your worst holiday travel nightmare?

Big Snow in Seattle: What Could the City Do Better Next Time?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:05:00 -0800

Nature applied a third coat of snow and ice to Seattle in under a week. Garbage pickup has been delayed, bus service has been cut in half, and rain is finally on the way to melt us out and get things moving again. Weather this severe may not come often to Seattle, but this week highlighted how big an impact a major snowstorm can have. The Seattle Times reported that slippery roads were even keeping police from responding to calls. Does the city need to rethink the plan for providing basic services in a big storm? Were you prepared for the conditions? What could have gone better?