Living with Chronic Fatigue, Macbeth for Murderers, and Movie Reviews

09/05/2008

Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome affects as many as four million Americans. Today, we speak to a Seattle psychotherapist who started writing songs as a way of coping with chronic fatigue. We also review an award–winning French film that turns WWI into a musical.

At 2:05 p.m. – Macbeth for Murderers

When Kenneth Bianchi was arrested for the Hillside Strangler rapes and murders, he testified against his own cousin to try to get out of being sentenced to serve at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. It's the largest maximum–security prison in the state, and it's the prison even hardened convicts want to avoid. It's also where Roberta Davidson and John Kerwin taught. Roberta taught Shakespeare there, and they co–wrote a book about her time in prison called "Macbeth for Murderers."

At 2:20 p.m. – Tamara Lewis/Living with Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome is an illness affecting as many as four million Americans. Total exhaustion, flu–like symptoms, sleep disturbances and muscle pain are among the many symptoms of the condition for which there is no known cause or cure. Seattle psychotherapist and singer–songwriter Tamara Lewis has had CFIDS for 18 years. The mysterious illness damaged her career and isolated her from the world. On her recording called "Living Down River" Tamara reflects in song about how she has learned to live with chronic fatigue.

At 2:40 p.m. – Robert Horton Movie Reviews

Robert Horton reviews Hollywood Blockbusters and art house rarities every Friday on Sound Focus. He joins us with a look at films screening in our region this weekend. Note: Night Wind: The Film Noir Cycle is Sold Out.

At 2:50 p.m. – Dr. Steven Curtis on Finding Your Child's Strengths

If your child is distracted in class, she could be labeled with a learning disability such as attention deficit disorder. But before you start a series of treatments and medications, it's important to take a second look at what draws a student's interest. Dr. Steven Curtis is a Seattle–based psychologist and author of "Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior: A Guide for Parents of Children with Behavioral, Social and Learning Challenges." He says the key to solving learning challenges lies in finding a child's strength.