The Conversation Newsletter

Special - Coming Home: A History of War Veterans

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Wednesday, November 11 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Veteran reporter Ross Reynolds hosts this fast–paced news call–in program covering current topics and issues of the day, from politics to breaking news. Always engaging and informative – a radio forum where listeners speak directly with experts on news–oriented topics. What does it sound like? Listen to some memorable moments.

'Sesame Street' at 40

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Tuesday, November 10 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
"Sesame Street" kicks off its 40th season today. We're joined by Oscar the Grouch, who's lived in a trash can on that street since day one, and Rosemarie Trulio, vice president of education and research. Share your Sesame Street memories. Does it seem like it's changed a lot over the years? Who's your favorite character? (It better be Oscar the Grouch!)

Health Care Reform Passes House, and Ken Auletta's 'Googled'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Monday, November 9 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Google has become one of the most powerful forces in technology and media. The New Yorker's Ken Auletta tells the company's story. Also, Congressman Adam Smith explains why he voted for the House's health care reform bill despite "strong misgivings." And we discuss the future of American involvement in Afghanistan.

A Handbook for American Muslim Teens and a Technology to End Global Warming

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Friday, November 6 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Former Microsoft technology chief Nathan Myhrvold says we could reverse global climate change by pumping liquid sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. We could use a hose lifted more than 15 miles into the atmosphere using helium–filled balloons. It would dim the sun just enough to reduce or reverse global warming.

Tacoma Mayor's Race, Poker's Life Lessons, and Retirement? What Retirement?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Thursday, November 5 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Richard Nixon funded his first campaign with money he won in poker. Barack Obama forged political alliances over the poker table. Jim McManus says it's no surprise because the skills of poker are key skills for political and military strategists.

Election 2009

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Wednesday, November 4 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Today we're talking about the election results. Voters chose King County Councilmember Dow Constantine to be the next County Executive. There are new faces on the Seattle City Council and the Seattle School Board. The domestic partners measure Referendum 71 and the Seattle mayor's race remains undecided.

Has Mail-In Voting Changed the Way You Vote?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Tuesday, November 3 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Election Day used to be when most people voted. Now Election Day is a misnomer. Today is merely the deadline to mail in your ballot. Has this disconnect between election day and voting changed the way you vote? Now that you can't vote in an isolated polling booth do you research online or in your voter's pamphlet while voting?

Seattle Police Officer Death and UW Vigilantes

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Monday, November 2 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
A small group of University of Washington students is carrying guns on campus and organizing armed patrols in nearby neighborhoods out of concerns about crime. They briefly called themselves the University of Washington vigilantes but now they call themselves the University District defenders. What do you think of their armed response to concerns about crime?

Norm Dicks Linked to Ethics Probe, Heart of Dryness, and Irrational Fears

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Friday, October 30 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Halloween is the fake–fear holiday. Children dress up in scary costumes to trick people into giving them candy. We have fears that we know are irrational and implausible, but that doesn't mean they're not real. What are your irrational fears? Does fear entertain you? Can we learn anything from fake fear?

Boeing Heads to South Carolina, Sounders FC Head to the Playoffs

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Thursday, October 29 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Boeing announced yesterday it will build its second 787 Dreamliner production line in South Carolina instead of Puget Sound. That means future jobs will be in Charleston instead of Everett. What's the significance of the decision for organized labor, Puget Sound, and Boeing? Is anyone to blame or is everyone to blame?

Boeing 787 Line to South Carolina?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Boeing and the Machinists Union (IAM) have been unable to come to terms on a 10 year no–strike contract. What impact would it have on Western Washington if Boeing moves new airline production to South Carolina? Also, discussion of Referendum 71, the "everything–but–marriage" act.

Dennis Hayes, Selling Kidneys, and King County Executive Race

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Tuesday, October 27 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Every year about a million people die of kidney failure. The problem is there are not enough donors. What if donors were compensated? How could such a system avoid becoming exploitative? Critics say a living kidney donation is maiming, but others believe there is a way to increase donations without creating organ trafficking.

City Council Race, Library Cutbacks and Human Rights

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Monday, October 26 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Although there have been setbacks in the recent recession, overall economic growth has surged around the world in the past few decades. Yet hunger and poverty remain intractable problems. Some blame globalization, but Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan argues that human rights abuse leads to poverty.

Seattle City Council Candidates Richard Conlin and David Ginsberg

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Friday, October 23 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Richard Conlin is defending his seat on Seattle's city council against challenger David Ginsberg. Conlin is running for his fourth term. Ginsberg has worked for local Democratic campaigns. They'll debate issues including the city's budget crunch, public safety, transportation projects and human services.

The Virtue of Forgetting, and Hutchison vs. Constantine: Who Has Your Vote?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Thursday, October 22 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
King County councilmember Dow Constantine and former KIRO TV news anchor Susan Hutchison are vying to become the next King County Executive. You've heard them speak. You've read what the pundits have written. What do you say? Who are you voting for? Why are you voting for that candidate? Share your views.

Seattle City Council Candidates Mike O'Brien and Robert Rosencrantz

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Wednesday, October 21 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Mike O'Brien and Robert Rosencrantz are running for an open seat on the Seattle City Council. O'Brien, a financial manager, says he'll fight for alternatives to the tunnel replacement plan for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Robert Rosencrantz says the tunnel isn't his first choice, but he still supports it.

McGinn Backs Off on the Tunnel, and Taylor Branch on 'The Clinton Tapes'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Tuesday, October 20 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Mayoral candidate Mike McGinn once promised he'd stop the tunnel approved to replace the Alaskan Way viaduct. Now he says he won't block it. What do you make of the change? Also, shortly after he was elected President Clinton asked his friend, historian Taylor Branch, to help him take care of history.

Who Has Your Vote: Mallahan or McGinn? Plus, Tim Egan on 'The Big Burn'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Monday, October 19 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
In 1910 the largest forest fire in U.S. history raged through the Northern Rockies. It came at a moment when political will to preserve America's natural wonders was flagging. Pulitzer Prize–winner Tim Egan tells the story of a natural disaster and the political fallout. Plus, who's got your vote for Seattle mayor?

Michael Chabon on Manhood, and Susan Hutchison on Her Candidacy

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Friday, October 16 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Michael Chabon is the author of 11 books, including the Pulitzer Prize–winning "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay." His latest book is a collection of essays titled "Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son." He'll explain why he thinks a father is a man who fails every day.

The 'Violent Twilight of Oil' and Prison for Elderly Faces Closure

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Thursday, October 15 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
"One of the ironies of oil–rich countries is that most are not rich, that their oil brings trouble rather than prosperity." So writes Peter Maass in the opening lines of his new book "Crude World: The Violent Twilight of Oil." Peter Maass joins us to discuss the impact the oil bisiness has on countries and their people.

Women's Land Rights and Sarah Vowell on 'Wordy Shipmates'

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Wednesday, October 14 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Sarah Vowell talks about her literary history of the Puritans, "The Wordy Shipmates." She makes the case that the Puritans weren't just killjoys. They were highly literate killjoys who founded Harvard. She reads a line from John Winthrop, she says is one of most beautiful passages in English literature.

Nicholas Kristof on the Plight of Women in Developing Countries

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Tuesday, October 13 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn were the first husband and wife team to win a Pulitzer prize. Their new book is called "Half the Sky" after a Chinese proverb. They write that in the 21st century the paramount moral challenge is gender equality in the developing world. Nick Kristof talks about the global problem.

Gay Rights, Orcas Outlaw as Hero, and The Future of News

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Monday, October 12 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Colton Harris–Moore, an 18–year–old, has been a one man crime wave in Washington and British Columbia since walking away from a juvenile detention center in April 2008. He's stolen cars, boats, and three planes. A Colton Harris–Moore Facebook fan page has nearly 6,000 followers. Is Colton Harris–Moore a folk hero or a bum?

Obama Wins Nobel Prize, and America's Rootless Professional Class

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Friday, October 9 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
What's your reaction to the news that President Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, nine months into his administration? The President said this morning the prize was not for his achievements but for his aspirations. The Nobel Prize committee has a history of awarding the Peace Prize based on promise rather than accomplishment.

'Green Metropolis,' I-1033, and How the Internet Affects Family Life

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Thursday, October 8 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Do you believe the best way to be green is by getting back to the country and living off the grid? Think again. New Yorker staff writer David Owen makes the argument that Manhattan is a utopian environmentalist community. He'll explain why we should say goodbye to the solar powered yurt and hello to the high–rise.

Seattle School Assignments, Gleaning and Deborah Tannen on Sisterhood

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Wednesday, October 7 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Georgetown University linguist Deborah Tannen specializes in conversation and what it says about us. In her latest book, "You Were Always Mom's Favorite," she explores sisters in conversation throughout life, conversations she says are marked by the competing qualities of connection and competition.

Bob Garfield On The Media, 'Spent' and A Phishing Attack

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Tuesday, October 6 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Veteran reporter Ross Reynolds hosts this fast–paced news call–in program covering current topics and issues of the day, from politics to breaking news. Always engaging and informative – a radio forum where listeners speak directly with experts on news–oriented topics. What does it sound like? Listen to some memorable moments.

Roy Blount Jr. on Words

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Monday, October 5 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Roy Blount Jr., novelist, sportswriter, humorist and public radio personality, recently published a book on the delights, foibles and surprises of the English language. Blount explains how the word "laugh" is linguistically linked to chickens and pie, which words are his favorite and which ones are his pet peeves.

Initiative 1033 and Feeling Like 'The Only Black Student' at UW

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Friday, October 2 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Tim Eyman has more misses than hits when it comes to initiatives aimed at restraining government spending. But polls show Eyman's latest – Initiative 1033 – it headed to an easy victory in November despite warnings that it will cripple government services. Tim Eyman defends 1033, Len Barson from The Nature Conservancy attacks it, and we'll hear your thoughts.

Samoan Tsunami, the Real Ivar Haglund, and Michael Sandel on Justice

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Thursday, October 1 at 12:00 p.m. on "The Conversation"
Harvard Professor Michael Sandel's class, "Justice," is one of the most popular at the school. The lectures are being produced for a public TV series. Sandel joins us to re-think familiar controversies — abortion, dissent, same–sex marriage, patriotism — in new ways. His new book is "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?"