culture

Ancient Ritual Kept Alive Through Northwest Trees

Sarah Waller — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

There are about 1,000 trees in the Northwest that share something in common. You’d never guess what it is just by looking at them. Some are tiny fruit trees. Others are towering cedars. But, under the soil, they’re connected to the same ancient ritual.

Rethinking The Idea Of Money

Rachel Solomon — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:00:00 +0000

In the book "Rethinking Money," economist Bernard Lietaer and journalist Jacqui Dunne trace the beginnings of our monetary system, including its serious problems and hope for the future.

The Science Of Competition

Rachel Solomon — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Can we all become more competitive? Journalists Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman argue yes. In their new book, "Top Dog," they use science to analyze the drive to win in each of us, including how to tip the scales in your favor.

Myths About Hearing Loss, And What You Can Do About It

Rachel Solomon — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Katherine Bouton was going deaf by age 30. During meetings at The New York Times, where she was a section editor, she had trouble hearing what her colleagues were saying during meetings. Shouting, she says, didn't help her hear any better.

A "Yokohama Yankee" Journeys Into His Family's Past

Producer — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Leslie Helm was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. Most of his family members are of European descent, and you would be hard pressed to look into his face and see his half-Japanese grandparents reflected back. When he adopted Japanese children, he started exploring his own roots. Leslie Helm takes us along on his journey as a "Yokohama Yankee" — a story that outlines the racial and economic tensions that defined US and Japanese relations for much of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Virginia Wright: The Legacy Of An Art Philanthropist

Producer — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000

When you take stock of Seattle’s cultural institutions, you’ll often see the name Bagley Wright attached. More than 50 years ago, Wright helped transform the Seattle Art Museum from a small, family-run operation into what it is today. One of his final gifts to the museum he loved is “Mirror,” a permanent installation on SAM’s northwest facade that both the museum and the artist hope will spur urban conversation in downtown Seattle. Marcie Sillman talks with Virginia Wright about her husband’s legacy at Seattle Art Museum and throughout the city.

Undocumented Asian Immigrants In Washington State

Producer — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:38:18 +0000

There are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants now in the US – around a quarter million here in Washington state. Unlike other parts of the country, the majority of immigrants in Washington are from Asian countries. Why aren’t Asian undocumented immigrants more visible in protests and in the press? Ross Reynolds talks with We Belong Together co-chair, Pramila Jayapal.

What's Worked, And What Hasn't, In Gun-Loving Switzerland

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Switzerland has an entrenched gun culture that is embraced by most of its 8 million citizens, some of them as young as 10 years old.

Every Swiss community has a shooting range, and depending on who is counting, the alpine country ranks third or fourth in the number of guns per capita.

"You can walk into a cafe in a town where there is a shooting festival and you'll see rifles hanging on the hat rack. It's just incredible.

Five Minutes Onstage At Ignite Seattle

Rachel Solomon — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

If you had five minutes on stage, what would you say? That's the premise of Ignite Seattle, a regular worldwide event where presenters get five minutes and 20 slides to get a point across. Speakers at this month's event touch on a variety of topics, including viral videos, online dating and how to give up cheese. Ignite Seattle 19 took place at Town Hall on February 20, 2013.

The talk was moderated by The Seattle Times columnist Monica Guzman.

Spring Break For Geeks: SXSW Interactive Starts Friday

editor — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:26:00 +0000

Every year, the South By Southwest music, film and interactive festival gets larger, and navigating the blur of panels, parties and shows gets more daunting. The girth of it all is enough to keep many SXSW old-timers away from Austin this year.

But the interactive part of SXSW is still an important place for many startups and industry illuminati.