Meet Craigslist's CEO

Where do you go these days to sell or buy just about anything? Craigslist.

It revolutionized person-to-person advertising and is one of the world’s most popular internet sites.

The founders of Craigslist could have made billions, but chose to create a community instead. We meet the CEO behind Craigslist and its quirky success.

Scambusters: Popular Scams

Scammers are savvy about taking advantage of community-based Web sites like Craigslist.

We talk with Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna about popular scams.

Family and Money

Thinking of consolidating your debt? Tread carefully as there are pitfalls with bill consolidation programs.

Wondering how to pass on solid financial values to your kids?

Financial Advisor Kathleen Miller joins us to talk about the most important life lessons to share.

Bulls and Bears: The Stock Market

Bill Smead talks about the Stock Market.

Vancouver Mayoral Politics

Sam Sullivan made international headlines in 2006 when he accepted the Olympic flag in Torino, Italy, officially making Vancouver, B.C., the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Sullivan, a quadriplegic, worked tirelessly to help bring the games to Vancouver, and for many he symbolized the spirit, commitment and determination of a nation.

But in an unexpected turn of events, Sullivan has been ousted as Mayor of Vancouver.

We look at the political coup d’état within his own party that is putting Sullivan on the sidelines of the Olympic Games.

How and why the man who worked so hard to prepare Vancouver for the international spotlight will not be there to represent his city and country.

Hedgebrook Writer’s Retreat

Tucked away on Whidbey Island is a hidden gem for local and national authors and writers. Hedgebrook is a rural retreat for women writers only, where they can come to rejuvenate, be part of a community and perhaps most important, focus on their work.

Hedgebrook’s overriding goal is to help women find their voice and their power in the world.

Producer Lesley McClurg takes us to this serene retreat and introduces us to talented and inspiring writers from around the world, including feminist movement founder Gloria Steinem.

Digital Transition Reminder with KCTS 9 Director of Engineering

Go to the DTV Help page to find more information about the digital transition which takes place nationwide on Feb. 17, 2009.

Holiday Happenings Around Town

Seattle has many holiday traditions from the Pacific Northwest’s Nutcracker to the Seattle Symphony’s performance of Beethoven’s Ninth that are sure to awaken your holiday spirit. We went around town to check out some of this season’s main events.

• The Pacific Northwest Ballet - Nutcracker Performances run until December 30th
  Tickets: 206.441.2424


• The Act Theatre Group – A Christmas Carol Performances run until December 27th
  Tickets: 206.292.7660


• The Seattle Symphony – Handel’s Messiah Performances from December 18 – December 21, 2008 Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Performances from December 31st- Jan 2,3, 4
  Tickets: 206.215.474


• The Seattle Men’s Chorus - Fruitcake Performances until December 22
  Tickets: 206.388.1400

More in the Arts:

And if you have gotten your holiday fill, then we recommend two more performances:

• The Paramount Theater - Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple
  Performances Tuesday – Sunday through Dec. 28 at Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle; $25-$75.
  Tickets - 206-292-ARTS.
  
  Some discounted tickets may still be available for shows on Dec. 24 and 25; use the password "holiday" when you purchase (online only at www.theparamount.com or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com).
  
  Seattle is hosting the Broadway smash hit, THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love. The subtitle of this performance perfectly captures the theme running through this Tony Award nominated stage spectacle. Based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and Steven Spielberg’s film, this staged rendition is an inspiring, soulful and dramatic mix of both.
  
  The story about the struggling poor black woman that is oppressed not only from society at large but even from her family within is sure to trigger both tears and hearty laughter. Jeanette Bayardelle plays Celie’s character with stirring believability and inspiring energy. The 2 ½-hour-plus event takes the audience through a courageous journey towards liberation and self love.


• The 5th Avenue Theater - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
  Plays Tuesday –Sunday until Dec. 28, 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle; $22-$81.
  Tickets - 206-625-1900 or www.5thavenue.org).
  
  The story is a moving romantic comedy between swaggering Edward Watts as Adam and energetic Laura Griffith as the defiant May but it is the dancing that will leave your jaw dropping. The athleticism displayed in the pioneer brothers’ steps is an impressive mix of twirling, stomping and soaring.
  
  A lightly feminist undertone sneaks its way into the story driven by the all-female creative team – Colombo, director Allison Narver and musical director-conductor Valerie Gebert. This new showing from the 5th Avenue is inspired from a MGM movie musical and a short-lived TV series that are both based on Stephen Vincent Benet’s story, “The Sobbin’ Women.” Brought to life with vigor and enthusiasm this is a true stage delight.

Alaska Airlines Takes Off

The economic slump is extra drag for the ailing airline industry.

We look at how locally based Alaska Airlines is navigating economic turbulence and charting a flight plan for the future.

Scambusters: Charity Scams

Secretary of State, Sam Reed, offers a timely warning on charity scams

You can order a free "Check Before You Give" kit by calling the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center toll-free, 1-800-646-2283. The kit includes a DVD program on charitable giving, plus tips and tools on protecting your charitable contributions. You do not need to be an AARP member to order.

Related Links:

Bills Consolidation Programs
Christina Latta

Tips to Reduce Debt

Thinking of consolidating your debt? Tread carefully as there are pitfalls with bill consolidation programs.

We sit down with Seattle Debt Law’s bankruptcy attorney Christina Latta to find out the safest way to reduce your debt.

Bulls and Bears: How to Capitalize in a Falling Market

Bill Smead talks about how Alaska Airlines and airlines around the world are doing.

Watch the Video

Connects Year in Review

2008 has been a busy and exciting year. In this episode of KCTS 9 Connects, we take a look back at some of the major stories we’ve brought you over the last year, and update you on the newest developments. Including a Ballard woman’s last stand against mega-developers; the fate of a Snohomish County forest slated for clear-cutting; and justice finally achieved for African-American soldiers wrongly convicted of a crime in Seattle during World War II.

Watch the Video

Year-End Roundtable

Political strategists Cathy Allen and Randy Pepple examine the major developments of the last year, analyze the outcome of the 2008 election, and give some political predictions for the new year.

Watch the Video

Gang Activity Update

We continue our discussion of the ongoing rise of gang activity in King County.

We sit down with Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess to find out how authorities are handling growing gang rivalries, escalating inner-neighborhood tensions and more frequent shootings.

We also take inventory of the recent developments in the mayor’s Youth Violence Initiative.

Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Christmas

Is the financial panic putting the pinch on your holiday spirit? Don’t fret.

Producer Jenny Cunningham shares secret tips to go big without going broke.

Put this Book on Your Christmas List

Ever wonder how billionaire Warren Buffet made his fortune?

We sat down with his biographer, Alice Schroeder, to discuss her new book Snowball and learn what makes this money-making genius tick.

Related Links:

Clayton Fong's Website
NAPCA.org
Wikipedia | Medicare Part D

Family Finances: Medicare Part D

Daunted by the complicated process of enrolling in Medicare?

We sit down with Clayton Fong, director of the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), to simplify the Medicare Part D.

Bulls and Bears: Insider's Look at the Stock Market

Portfolio Manager Bill Smead provides an insider’s look at the stock market.

Autism Epidemic

Jacob Foltz was a normal toddler who learned to walk and talk just like his peer group. He played with toys and interacted with his young friends. Suddenly, though, it all stopped. At age three, Jacob entered his own world and stopped interacting with his family.

Jacob was diagnosed with autism, and he’s not alone.

Autism strikes one out of every 150 children in America, up dramatically from just 10 years ago. Producer and correspondent Leslie Knopp examines the so-called autism epidemic and what might be causing this worrying rise.

Roundtable: WaMu Layoffs and Budget Cuts

Enrique Cerna is joined by Crosscut.com columnist Knute Berger, Seattle Times Columnist Joni Balter and Seattle P-I Managing Editor David McCumber to discuss this week’s layoffs at Washington Mutual, the first casualties of the state’s impending $5 billion budget deficit, and whether Washington state will get a bailout from the Obama administration.

People You Should Know: Jane Horowitz

Jane Horowitz owns and operates The Op Shop, a unique store where you pay what you can for donated items and all proceeds go to charity. Pressing economic concerns recently forced Jane to close the doors of her consignment shop in lower Queen Anne. Behind this sad event we discovered an inspiring story about a woman filled with unusual hope, courage and generosity.