Arts & Life

The faces (and characterizations) you see on TV are changing: The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender characters on primetime series is on the rise, but representation of Hispanics has decreased.

How far ahead of (or behind) the cultural curve is TV?  Pop culture expert and communications professor Robert Thompson evaluates the fall line-up.

The Seattle City Council recently passed a new law requiring property inspections on tenant properties.  How will the new law affect you? 

Evan Loeffler is a real estate attorney whose practice emphasizes landlord-tenant relations. He explains the new law and answers your questions about tenants’ rights, landlords’ rights, and how to handle disputes.

Character, not IQ, is the most important predictor of a child's success. That's what Paul Tough argues in his new book, "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character."

Tough uses research in neuroscience, economics and psychology to advocate a new way of thinking about children's success. He spoke at Seattle's Town Hall on September 20, 2012.

Cartoonist and illustrator Charles Burns is the creator of the much-lauded "Black Hole" series, the tale of a mysterious teenage plague that was named one of the "Top 100 English-Language Comics of the Century" by Comics Journal. His early work could be found in Art Spiegelman's "RAW" magazine and the SubPop fanzine. He has since gone on to illustrate for albums, magazines and Madison Avenue.

Tom Douglas is the chef and restaurateur behind eleven Seattle restaurants including Etta's, Palace Kitchen and the Dahlia Bakery, where you'll find his breads, pastries and other sweet treats. Now he’s giving away his secrets in "The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook: Sweetness In Seattle." We talk to him about the art of making desserts and take your questions about baking delicious treats at home.

Seattle travel writer Crai Bower first came across Mount St. Helens when he was doing a census of the spotted owl population for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in 1990. Crai was stunned by the vision of Mount St. Helens, which so famously and destructively erupted in 1980. Crai remembers seeing the mountain as he walked down a forest service road:

The two women behind the Seattle rock band Heart, Nancy and Ann Wilson, have a new biography out. It's written with the help of music biographer Charles R. Cross. It's called, "Kicking And Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul And Rock and Roll." Charles R. Cross joins us.

Stacy London believes that personal style matters, and she’s made a career of coaching people on how to look their best. As a co-host of the TV show What Not To Wear and a fashion consultant for various media outlets, London stresses that style is more about feeling great than wearing the hottest trends.

She turns the mirror on herself in her new book, “The Truth About Style,” and shares some truths behind her personal style.  
 

"The Truth About Style" Book Promotion

Feminist author and blogger Jessica Valenti takes a critical look at motherhood in her new book, "Why Have Kids?" Valenti talks with David Hyde about the pros and cons of raising kids in the 21st century and listeners weigh in.