Weekday Podcast

Somalia's Humanitarian Crisis

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Food prices explode and people riot; troops shoot two dead. Amnesty International reports government troops, their Ethiopian allies, and their Islamist enemies are all brutally attacking civilians in Somalia. The UN says more than a third of Somalis rely on food aid to survive. The country hasn't had a functioning government since 1991. In the past two years, Ethiopia and the United States have gotten involved in a power struggle between the official government and the Islamist group that controls much of the country. We get an update on the crisis and check in with members of the local Somalian community.

Your Take on News

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Once again it is Friday. What stories caught your attention? What hasn't been covered enough? Is there anything that really made your blood boil? The news is more than the mainstream headlines. Don't let the media choose all the topics. What is your take on the news?

American Jews and Israel

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Israel celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence this month. President Bush is in Israel along with other world leaders. Many American Jews are celebrating, while some stand in solidarity with Palestinians. Today we speak with leaders in Western Washington's Jewish community across the political spectrum. What does Israel mean to American Jews? What does it mean to be pro–Israel? What should America's relationship with Israel be, and what role do American Jews have in shaping it? What role have American Jews had in shaping Israel itself?

Political Satirist Will Durst

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Political satirist Will Durst is sick of the political division in this country, and he's not afraid to joke about it. In the opening chapter of his new book, he writes "Good guys versus bad guys versus the guys in between. And we can pretty much tell who stands where on what, based on how they miscut their hair. The middle is a bit of a muddle." Using humor and common sense, Will Durst shoots for purple between the red and blue divide.

The Three Faces of Chinese Power: Might, Money, and Minds

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Some say the 21st century will be the Chinese century. The Chinese government is using its growing clout to secure resources and establish strong ties with many nations. The controversy over Tibet underscores some nations' uneasiness with China's emergence. As China makes new alliances around the world and launches a blue–water navy to protect its interests, will conflicts with the United States turn to confrontations? Will America continue to attract Chinese investments and educate Chinese students? The Olympics will present modern China to the world. What will we see? How should the U.S. respond to the rise of China?

Iraq: What mission?

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

A conversation on the week's news from Canada with correspondent, Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun.

Plus, it's been more than five years since President George W. Bush declared "mission accomplished" aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. "Because of you," he told sailors, "Iraq is free. America is grateful for a job well done." Five years later, it's open for debate what the job is, was, or should be. Today we ask, what mission can, or should the United States aim to accomplish in Iraq? We check in with unembedded journalists and Iraqi advocates.

Is Eating Seafood Ethical? Then, Saving Puget Sound... Again.

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

In 2005, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared "eating more fish and shellfish will lead to a healthier, smarter and longer–lived U.S. population." Consumers responded. But in this new world where seafood is farmed, the wild supply dwindles, and seafood firms are barely inspected, can we consume fish with a clear conscience? Do contamination risks and environmental ramifications outweigh the health benefits?

The Seattle Times is running a special series this week focusing on the environmental impact development is having on the Puget Sound region. Reporter Lynda Mapes joins us to talk about the story.

Greendays Gardening Panel: Spring Gardening Tasks

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

The early blooming flowers in your garden are waning. New ones are about to bloom. It's time for a little spring cleaning in your garden. We'll tell you what you need to do right now to get ready for summer. Also, your general questions for our garden panel. Call 206–543–KUOW or email weekday@kuow.org.

American High School vs. the Rest of the World

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Are American high schoolers falling behind their international teenage counterparts? Studies show American students don't do as well on academic tests, and don't study as much as their global peers. Are American schools too easy? How does the high school experience in American compare with equivalent schooling elsewhere? Did you go to high school in another part of the world? Tell us how your experience compared.

Event: The film Two Million Minutes is being screened tonight from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Seattle University, (901 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122) in The LeRoux Room (Student Center room 160). The screening is free and open to the public.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels

webhelp@kuow.org (KUOW 94.9 Public Radio) — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:05:00 PDT

Anyone who has driven on Mercer Street knows what a mess it is. The road is worn. Traffic gets cluttered up at every intersection. At rush hour it is slow going. Will the Mercer Mess ever be fixed? And should it be a priority when the city of Seattle has so many transportation needs? Mayor Nickels joins us to take this up. We'll also discuss the four plans to expand the streetcar, ten options to replace the viaduct, surveillance cameras in parks, and bottled water. Joins us with your questions for the mayor during the show at 206–543–KUOW or email weekday@kuow.org.