KUOW News and Information

Why The Color Pink Calms Prison Inmates With Adam Alter

Rachel Solomon — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:05:25 +0000

Coming up on Speakers Forum, May 23 at 8:00 p.m.

Pepto-Bismol pink is a color sometimes used in prisons to calm inmates. People with names that start with K are more likely to donate to victims of Hurricane Katrina than Hurricane Rita. Professional cyclists pedal faster when people are watching.

A variety of external factors influence our thoughts, feelings, and decisions, says Adam Alter, a professor of psychology at NYU and the author of “Drunk Tank Pink: And Other Unexpected Forces that Shape How We Think, Feel, and Behave.”

He spoke about the degree to which our environment shapes who we are at Seattle’s Town Hall on April 2, 2013.

Seattle's Fragmented Duwamish Tribe Struggles For Identity

Liz Jones — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:21:18 +0000

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, a strong brew of native tea warms up the crowd at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle. The tribe has hosted this casual tea party every spring since the longhouse opened three years ago, along the Duwamish River bank.

“Are you all happy to be here?” asks Cecile Hansen, chairwoman of the Duwamish Tribe.

Hansen thanks the 50 or so people for coming, then she enlists their help in the tribe’s fight for recognition. “I would send a really tough letter to our President just saying, ‘Okay, sign the status back to the Duwamish people’,” Hansen says.

Hollywood's British Invasion And Nathaniel Philbrick On "Bunker Hill"

Weekday — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:23:02 +0000

Coming up on Weekday, May 21 at 9:00 a.m.

Comic Actress Kate Hess Parodies Masterpiece Theater
Everyone loves Downton Abbey these days and Hollywood is paying attention by hiring British actors for American roles. Is the favor being returned in Great Britain? Not really. Writer and actress Kate Hess reflects on the British invasion in her costume drama parody “Murder Abbey.”

Author Nathaniel Philbrick On "Bunker Hill"
Nathaniel Philbrick’s award-winning books reveal forgotten moments and characters in American history. His latest effort “Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution” looks at the tension-filled city of Boston in the months leading up to the American Revolution. Philbrick’s portrait of the city reveals deep divisions over the issue of independence from Britain. And he recounts the little-known story of Dr. Joseph Warren, a young physician whose passion for independence fueled the Patriot cause and led to Warren’s much-lamented death in the Battle of Bunker Hill. KUOW’s Dave Beck speaks with Nathaniel Philbrick.

The Canadian Justice System, A Review Of "Star Trek" And The New X-Box

Weekday — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:55:16 +0000

Coming up on Weekday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Canada, Culture And Commerce
Vancouver Sun political correspondent Vaughn Palmer explains why Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Chief of staff has resigned and what happens now. Film critic Robert Horton reviews the new "Star Trek" movie. Then in tech news, Todd Bishop reviews the next Xbox which Microsoft released Tuesday.

Public Spaces That Appear Private

producer — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:38:47 +0000

In some parts of Seattle and San Francisco, developers can build more densely than the law would typically allow if they build what's called a POPOS. That's a Privately-Owned, Public Open Space. It's kind of like a park, only it's not. There are stricter limits on what kind of behaviors will be tolerated. So exactly how public is this public amenity? Today on KUOW Presents, 99% Invisible producer Stephanie Foo tries to get kicked out of one of San Francisco's POPOS.

Seattle's POPOS can be difficult to find. So we've provided a map for you.

View Seattle's Privately Owned Public Spaces in a larger map

Full List of Stories on KUOW Presents, May 21:

What Does The New Xbox Mean For Microsoft’s Future?

the conversation with ross reynolds — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:54:43 +0000

Microsoft's new Xbox is being unveiled today at a live event in Redmond. With features like video streaming, this Xbox’s got more than games. But what does it mean for the future of the company? Ross Reynolds talks to Ian Sherr, reporter for The Wall Street Journal.

Duwamish Fight For Federal Status Inches Forward

Liz Jones — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:51:30 +0000

Seattle’s native people, the Duwamish, will learn today about their next step in a decades-old legal battle. The tribe has petitioned the US government for federal recognition, which would make the Duwamish eligible for certain benefits like health care, fishing rights and the chance to run a casino.

Barzan: One Father’s Path From Iraqi Refugee To Family Man To Suspected Terrorist

the conversation with ross reynolds — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:50:05 +0000

Alex Stonehill is the director of "Barzan," a documentary that follows one man’s journey from Iraqi refugee to building a home in Bothell to fighting allegations of terrorism. Ross Reynolds talks with Alex Stonehill about making the movie which is playing at the Seattle International Film Festival.

What You Still Don’t Know About Obamacare

the conversation with ross reynolds — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:48:04 +0000

Over 40 percent of Americans don’t know Obamacare is the law according to a non-partisan study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Even more Americans don’t know what’s in the law or how the Affordable Care Act will affect them. To clear up the confusion, Ross Reynolds speaks with Mike Kreidler, the Washington state insurance commissioner about what the Affordable Care Act means for you.

Wash. Rated First In Renewable Energy, But Will State Meet Its 2020 Renewable Energy Goals?

the conversation with ross reynolds — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:38:21 +0000

Coming up on The Conversation, May 21 at noon.

Washington state ranks number one in the nation for our use of renewable energy sources according to an analysis by Slate Magazine. The ranking includes hydroelectric power but the state’s own 2020 renewable energy goals do not. Ross Reynolds speaks with Jessica Finn Coven, the director of Climate Solutions, about whether Washington’s on track to meet our 2020 renewable energy goals.