Steve Scher
Stories
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Trivia Master Ken Jennings On The Lies Parents Tell
Parents tell their children a lot of things, but how much of it is actually true? Jeopardy! champ and author Ken Jennings peels back the curtain on parental warnings and advice in his new book, "Because I Said So! The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to its Kids." Join us, and wait at least 30 minutes after listening before going swimming.Also this hour, we talk with Peter Steinbrueck about his opposition to plans for a South Lake Union rezone, comedian Hari Kondabolu stops by while in town to perform at Seattle's Comedy Underground, and Nick Bond joins us with a weekend weather forecast.
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Sizing Up Washington's Pot Market
Starting today, you can light up in the privacy of your home. State law has changed regarding marijuana possession, but the business rules will have to be developed. The state Liquor Control Board has a year to figure out how to set up Washington’s marijuana market. The federal government’s tax laws will put a crimp on any Washington state entrepreneur until Congress makes a change. We talk to the Aaron Smith of the National Cannabis Industry Association about the path ahead.Also this hour: We hear from couples lined up outside the King County Administration Building for the state's first same-sex marriage licenses and check in with UW law professor Peter Nicolas; Katy Sewall visits with animal communicator Rachel Millikan; we listen back to an old-time radio Christmas tale called "The Cinnamon Bear;" plus, feeling hungry? Sara Dickerman joins us with a lunch recommendation for tasty spam in a truck from Marination Ma Kai.
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Same-Sex Marriage Arrives In Washington State
Washington state began handing out same-sex marriage licenses last night; the weddings will start on Sunday. We talk with some of the couples who showed up in downtown Seattle at midnight to be among the first to get a marriage license.
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Canada, Culture And Commerce: BC Coal And Robot-Assisted Shopping
Vancouver Sun political correspondent Vaughn Palmer brings us the latest news from Canada, film critic Robert Horton looks at actors and directors who did well for themselves in 2012, and Geekwire’s Todd Bishop reviews the latest in tech, including a new Seattle men's store that wants to use technology to change the way you shop.
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Top Toy Picks For 2012
It's beginning to look like that time of year: frantic gift shopping, wrapping paper paper cuts and collecting wish lists. Are you finding yourself stumped by the expansive toy market? Have no fear, we're here to help! Allen Rickert of Top Ten Toys and Katherine Johnson of the Pacific Science Center stopped by Weekday to share their top toy picks for 2012.Allen Rickert's Top Toy Picks for 2012:Pajaggle Game by Pajaggle (Age 4+)Kendama by Yomega (Age 12+)Seaplane by Green Toy (Age 1+)Puzzle Balls by Marusenko (Age 7+)Fish Shape Sorter by P'kolino (Age 6+)Bathtub Ball by Begin Again (Age 3)Eco Battery Vehicle by Thames & Kosmos (Age 10+)Make Your Own Birdhouse by Red Tool Box From Reeves (Age 8+)Puzzles of Africa, Asia, Europe etc. by GeoToys (Age 5+)Screws and Worm Drives by Engino (Age 6+)Solar System Mapping Tool by Education Insights (Age 7+)Katherine Johnson's Top Toy Picks for 2012:Destruct 3 by Uncle Skunkle (Age 8+)Lily Ball by Odyssey (Age 14+)Levitron High Flyer by Fascinations (Age 6+)Egyptian Mummy Excavation Kit by Geo Central (Age 5+)Thunder Tube by American Science and Surplus (Age 3+)R/C Stunt Car by Odyssey (Age 5+)Imaginets by MindWare (Age 3+)Green RocketSquishy T-RexR/C Can CarSolar Modification Kit by SunMod (Age 1+)Butterfly Dress-Up WingsAstronaut Suit at Pacific Science Center (Ages 4-6)As an added bonus, here are the top choices and informed opinions from a group of preschoolers at Global Garden International Preschool:Lucas, age 3.75: His top choice is a Christmas train to circle the tree.Mariko, age 5: She wants sticky hands and a replacement robot.Olivia: She thinks thin fabric makes the best toy. (And yes, she wants to be a designer when she grows up.)Jack: He wants nothing to do with girl toys, "like ponies and stuff."Chloe, age 4.5: She declares the most boring toy to be the Ken doll.Layla, age 4: She wants more Polly Pockets, and her favorite toy is her toy castle with Polly Pockets.Listen to the full Weekday show.
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Weekday's Annual Toy Show
The holidays are approaching and toys are back in the spotlight. What are the best new toys of the year? Allen Rickert of Top Ten Toys and Katherine Johnson of the Pacific Science Center store join us in our studio, bringing toys of all kinds with them.We’ll also hear what's on the wish list of a classroom at Garden International Preschool. Bring your inner child and join us at 206.543.5869 or weekday@kuow.org.Also this hour: we check in with Lynn Grotsky, one-half of one of the first couples in the state to receive a same-sex marriage license tonight at midnight. Plus, Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine shares his concerns about the newly approved plan for commercial flights out of Everett's Paine Field.VIDEO: ABC News' 2012 toy reviewhttp://youtu.be/7c_Pe2U3478
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Greendays Gardening: Last Greendays Until Spring
Marty Wingate, Greg Rabourn and Willi Galloway join us to answer your flower, vegetable and native plant questions. Things are getting wetter and colder. Our gardening panel takes a winter break after today, so this is your last chance until spring to have your questions answered. Call us at 206.543.5869 or email weekday@kuow.org.Also this hour: the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii might contain the recipe for eternal life. So, why aren’t scientists, pharmaceutical firms, doctors and government agencies rushing to study them? We talk with writer Nathaniel Rich. Plus, we ask Nathan Johnson of the Washington State Health Care Authority about what impact Obamacare might have on the state's Medicaid program.
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Naomi Wolf On Sexuality And Creativity
Naomi Wolf, author of "The Beauty Myth," has written a cultural and scientific history of the intersection of sexuality and creativity. She joins us to talk about "Vagina: A New Biography."Also this hour: Congress is busy working on an agreement to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff. Slate's Matthew Yglesias makes the argument for diving off. We check in with state Rep. Marko Liias on a plan to add commercial flights to Paine Field. Plus, Michael Fagin joins us with this week's recommended hike.
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Nancy Pearl's Favorite Books Of 2012
Book commentator extraordinaire Nancy Pearl joins us with her picks for the best books of the year. Grab a pen, jot these titles down and save yourself the time of looking for your next great read. Need a recommendation for a holiday gift book? Call us at 206.543.5869 with a genre and Nancy will send you in the right direction.Nancy Pearl's list of her favorite books from 2012.Plus, marijuana is legal in Washington state this week. What will it actually mean day to day? We take a look at the coming policy changes and social implications.
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The Year In Music
What kind of year was 2012 musically? Which artists rose to the top? What musical trends did you hear? We review the year in music with The Vera Project's Beth Warshaw-Duncan, Liz Riley of Three Imaginary Girls and writer/DJ/hip-hop artist Larry Mizell. What musical discoveries did you make this year? Share them with us at 206.543.5869 or weekday@kuow.org.Also this hour: we speak with Seattle City Councilmember Richard Conlin about plans for a South Lake Union upzone and we hear a response to Marine Captain Zoe Bedell's legal challenge to allow women to serve in combat.