Friday, February 17, 2012 @ 8:08am

Follow President Barack Obama's visit to Everett, Bellevue

MyNorthwest.com will be LIVE blogging the president's visit Friday. Air Force One landed at Paine Field at 10:45 a.m. and will depart at 4:30 p.m. We'll be tracking all the president's activities while he's in our area. Check back for frequent updates.

5:58 p.m. Air Force One takes off and heads for Washington D.C.

5:50 p.m. That run of Obama's turned into a casual stride as he exited Marine One and headed for Air Force One with an umbrella in hand. It was probably a long day.

5:47 p.m. Reports of President Obama boarding Air Force One.

5:46 p.m. I don't see Marine One in this photo, but it looks like the crew of Air Force One is ready to get home to Washington D.C.!

Marine One lands at Paine Field #ObamaWA twitter.com/larkreports/st…

— Lark Turner (@larkreports) February 18, 2012

5:41 p.m. Marine One has just landed at Paine Field, according to King5TracyT.

5:33 p.m. YIKES: Travel Times: Bellevue to Seattle, I-90 51 min. 520 18 min. Seattle to Bellevue, I-90 39 min/HOV 28 min. 520 19 min. Via WSDOT

5:23 p.m. If you're stuck in traffic and not getting home until late, order pizza for dinner might be a good idea. It sure sounds delicious! Here is a photo of a special snack being delivered to Air Force One:

5:19 p.m. From WSDOT: Backups N/B I-405 aren't as bad as S/B I-405. Motorcade is now off the interstate.

5:16 p.m. President's motorcade is traveling north on I-405 from Bellevue to Kirkland.

5:14 p.m. Traffic stopped on I-405, but it sounds like it's already moving again ...

5:12 p.m. As Obama hits the road, here is video from earlier today!

Some video of Marine Squadron One arriving at Paine Field ahead of Airforce One this morning: youtu.be/ayWQI06HdCI #Obamawa

• Bill Gillam (@billgillam) February 18, 2012

5:09 p.m. Surface streets in Bellevue and I-405 heading out of Bellevue are blocked for President's departure, says 97.3 KIRO FM traffic reporter Kimi Kline.

5:05 p.m. Twitter reports that Obama has left the Westin ballroom. Watching for photos of the motorcade to leave the Lincoln Square area.

4:58 p.m. President Obama just wrapped up his speech at the Westin. He's likely making the move from Bellevue back to Paine Field soon.

4:52 p.m. What about the guy who is holding the umbrella for the guy who is holding the umbrella? Here is President Obama before he left Medina for the Westin in Bellevue, where he is currently speaking.

4:45 p.m. "We've got to make our schools the envy of the world." - President Obama speaking at the Westin in Bellevue.

4:44 p.m. "In the United States of America, we're better together than we are on our own." -President speaking at the Westin in Bellevue.

4:32 p.m. Sounds like Obama will start speaking at the Westin within the next few minutes. His original departure time has definitely been delayed.

4:09 p.m. Photo from earlier ... the President is still at the Westin in Bellevue.

President Barack Obama greets school children from Medina Elementary School in Medina, Wash., Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, after attending a fundraiser. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

3:57 p.m. Don't let presidential traffic get your three-day weekend off to a rough start. You can set YOUR traffic cams to know what your route home looks like here.

3:54 p.m.

Watching arrival of the President next door. #obamawa twitter.com/tyleehoward/st…

• Sam Howard (@tyleehoward) February 17, 2012

3:50 p.m. WSDOT says that for security reasons, the President's team doesn't share specific travel information. They say be prepared for the possibility the motorcade will block traffic to get back to Paine Field.

3:46 p.m. President Obama has entered the rear of the Westin Hotel. Via @LoungeFlyZ

3:42 p.m. President Obama has left Medina and is in route to Bellevue.

3:38 p.m. White House continues to hint of delay in Obama's departure. The motorcade might not depart until 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. Via @jimformanKING5

3:34 p.m.

All roads blocked again #Obamawa twitter.com/nileshsoni/sta…

• Nilesh Soni (@nileshsoni) February 17, 2012

3:31 p.m. From to WSDOT: "Remember to shift into "rain mode" & allow yourself more room. Show POTUS we are the classiest drivers in the country."

3:27 p.m. Reports indicate 8th St. in downtown Bellevue has just been blocked.

3:18 p.m. Traffic is heavy all around the Puget Sound, but KING 5's Jim Forman says the White House is hinting a motorcade is a strong possibility. It would cause problems on I-405 and other routes that would take the president back to Paine Field.

2:28 p.m. 520 at I-405 has reopened after a brief closure for President Obama's passing motorcade. But the damage has been done. Backups stretch to nearly 148th. @WSDOT tweeted: "@520_bridge You must've been dreaming, POTUS didn't cross you." Wonder if the motorcade had a Good to Go Pass ready just in case?

Photo snapped by John Willingham

2:23 p.m. "We said we would do it, and we did." It might become President Obama's campaign slogan, and if it does he can thank a Boeing worker. Sharon O'Hara came up with the quote as she watched the 787's first flight in 2009. Read more from Chris Sullivan

2:10 p.m. The Associated Press reports President Barack Obama pulled in $29.1 million for his re-election campaign and the Democratic Party in January, raising his total for this election cycle to about $250 million.

The sum, announced Friday, shows he's picked up the pace from his $23 million-a-month average of the final three months of last year. Read more

2:05 p.m. Apparently the kids at an elementary school in Medina have the best view of the fundraiser, happening across the street.

Here's a picture from Brian Rosenthal.

1:54 p.m. Highway traffic in Bellevue is already mess because WSDOT is starting to shut down portions of I-405 for President Obama's motorcade. "Presidential visit to Eastside is creating traffic issues/slowdowns. Expect delays for buses, as well" - KCMetro

1:20 p.m. The president has boarded Marine One en route to Bellevue for fundraising events.

1:04 p.m. Governor Gregoire (@GovGregoire) tweets: Enjoyed the ride in the limo with POTUS--his commitment to jobs and bringing America back is unwavering.

12:44 p.m. The Everett Herald (@EverettHerald) tweets: We are hearing there will be a 30-minute delay before the president leaves Paine Field.

12:33 p.m. Helicopters stand ready to carry President Barack Obama to Bellevue. Security snipers are on hand at the runway.

12:13 p.m. President Obama concludes his remarks at Boeing. Greets members of the crowd at Boeing Everett plant.

See full photo gallery from Obama visit to Washington.

11:57 a.m. "We can't go backwards. We've got to go forwards. We can't go back to an economy that was weakening," said Obama. "I want us to make stuff. I want us to sell stuff."

"Manufacturing has a special place in America. When we make stuff, when we're selling stuff, that makes jobs, beyond just this plant. It raises standards of living for everybody. And here at Boeing business is booming," said Obama. "This company is a great example of what American manufacturing can do."

Listen to President Barack Obama speaks at Boeing Everett plant

11:47 a.m. "Hello Everett," Obama began, in his address at Boeing's Everett plant. "It is great to be in Washington, not Washington D.C., Washington State, and it is great to be here at Boeing."

"I've been told we're standing in the biggest building in the world, so big you could fit Disneyland inside," said Obama.

11:46 a.m. Boeing worker Kathleen Hughbanks introduces President Barack Obama.

Listen to Boeing mechanic Kathleen Hughbanks introduce Obama

11:39 a.m. Boeing CEO Jim McNerney speaks to crowd before President Obama.

"Our Boeing team is the best there is and I salute you for your accomplishments," said McNerney.

Listen to Boeing CEO Jim McNerney speak before President Obama

11:27 a.m. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh addresses crowd at Everett Boeing plant.

Listen to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh

11:12 a.m. New York Times pool reporter Helene Cooper says Obama will be joined by Boeing's Jim McNerney and Jim Albuagh on his tour of the Boeing plant.

"The President, joined by Boeing CEO Jim McNerney and Boeing Executive Vice President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes Jim Albaugh, will tour four different assembly stages of a 787 Dreamliner. At each stop, the President will hear from 3-4 Boeing employees about the installation and assembly."

1. 787 Dreamliner undergoing fuselage integration, an early stage of assembly.

2. 787 Dreamliner undergoing landing gear installation.

3. 787 Dreamliner undergoing interiors installation.

4. The President will board the front of a completed 787 Dreamliner and view the interior.

11:09 a.m. Presidential motorcade just entered Boeing factory.

10:58 a.m. President Obama is transported by limousine to the Boeing 787 production site.

10:55 a.m. President Obama exits plane, greets Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire with kiss on cheek. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson also greeted the president upon his arrival in Washington.

See FULL PHOTO GALLERY from the president's visit.

10:43 a.m. Air Force One lands at Paine Field in Everett.

(Image courtesy Boeing)

10:22 a.m. People await president's arrival at Boeing plant.

10:15 a.m. Military helicopters arrive ahead of the arrival of President Barack Obama at Paine Field.

9:58 a.m. @BoeingAirplanes tweets: This 787 for @United is the one Pres. @BarackObama will tour later today.

9:53 a.m. Seattle Kitchen Show host Tom Douglas is cooking for the president today. He tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Ross and Burbank he isn't too nervous.

"We do a really good job," said Douglas. "We are excited to be there."

Listen Tom Douglas talks about cooking for President Barack Obama

9:35 a.m. 97.3 KIRO FM Reporter Chris Sullivan reports live from the Boeing plant.

"Right now I'm actually inside the 787 production bay inside the Everett plant." Listen to Chris Sullivan's report from Everett

9:00 a.m. President heads up steps of Air Force One at San Francisco International Airport en route to Washington.

8:50 a.m. @BoeingAirplanes tweets: The Boeing 787 factory is preparing for a visit from President Obama today.

8:48 a.m. The Associated Press provides an in depth description of Obama's goal in Boeing visit.

"President Barack Obama is outlining new steps to boost U.S. exports during a visit to a Boeing assembly plant in Washington state, calling on Congress to continue financing a national export credit agency crucial to a goal of doubling exports by 2014." Read more...

8:45 a.m. KIRO TV Reporter Michelle Millman (@MichelleMillman) tweets: Live trucks all getting a check under the hood by security at Paine Field.

8:21 a.m. 97.3 KIRO FM Reporter Chris Sullivan (@newsguysully) tweets: Reporters and live trucks heading to runway to set up for Air Force One's arrival.

8:19 a.m. Security teams at Boeing prepare for the president's visit.

8:05 a.m. 97.3 KIRO FM reporter Chris Sullivan and other reporters await the president's arrival at Paine Field in Everett.

7:58 a.m. #ObamaWA tweets ramping up on twitter.

7:55 a.m. There are reports the president will be flown by helicopter between Everett and Bellevue appearances.

7:52 a.m. 97.3 KIRO FM Chris Sullivan reports Everett officials are very excited for the president's visit. Chris chatted with Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson.

"For a sitting president to come to the Boeing plant in Everett Washington, regardless of the circumstances is a wonderful thing," said Stephanson. "I think it's a wonderful recognition of all that we've worked so hard to accomplish here."

The last time a president visited Everett was in 1993. Stephanson tells Chris Sullivan he thinks the president will be impressed by what he finds at the Boeing plant.

"Until you see it, until you're inside and realize this is the largest manufacturing site in the world, you would not believe it if somebody told you, you've got to see it for yourself," said Stephanson. "For the president to see this, I think he will be as impressed as we all are. I think he will think this is pretty cool."

7:50 a.m. The White House releases President Obama's daily agenda for February 17, 2012.

9:00 a.m. The President departs San Francisco, California en route Everett, Washington.

10:50 a.m. The President arrives Everett, Washington - Paine Field Airport

11:05 a.m. The President tours the Boeing Everett Production Facility

11:25 a.m. The President delivers remarks at the Boeing Everett Production Facility

2:00 p.m. The President delivers remarks at a campaign event - Private Residence

3:45 p.m. The President delivers remarks at a campaign event - Westin Bellevue Hotel

5:00 p.m. The President departs Everett, Washington en route Washington, DC - Paine Field Airport

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 @ 3:32pm

Mattel manufacturing almost true-to-movie Back to the Future hoverboard

Posted by Alyssa

The premonitions of the classic film trilogy Back to the Future are coming true. First, Nike created self-lacing sneakers. Now, Mattel will finally release the hoverboard.

It won't hover so much as it will glide, say the toy manufacturers, but it will be a replica of what Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly rode while evading the futuristic bullies in Back to the Future: Part II.

According to SlashFilm.com, Mattel introduced the hoverboard at the New York Toy Fair over the weekend, but say that the actual hover technology won't be available until 2015, when the film takes place.

The first hoverboard will be available for Christmas 2012, but you'll need to pre-order it between March 1 and 20. Mattel says the board will cost so much to make, they'll need to get enough orders before they send it into production. If not enough folks pony-up, those that did pre-order won't get charged.

WARNING: Mattel says gliding feature will not work over water.

Happy Hovering!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 @ 9:14am

iPhone app claims to influence dreams

Yumemiru, the iPhone app that claims to influence dreams, is currently only available in Japanese.

A Japanese iPhone app claims to be able to influence your dreams. But critics worry it could be a scary development in the app universe.

97.3 KIRO FM reporter Rachel Belle introduced the concept of the Yumemiru app on The Ron & Don Show.

"What it says that it does is that it has the ability to know when you get into REM sleep. It has a microphone that can detect when you are in REM sleep," said Belle. "Then it plays some kind of music and words that are supposed to infiltrate your dream."

Listen to Ring my Belle: Iphone app controls dreams

Dave Ross of 97.3 KIRO FM's Ross and Burbank Show said he'd be concerned about who is programming those words and sounds for his subconscious consumption.

"When you surrender control of your unconsciousness to an app that could have been programmed by who knows who, they could stick anything in there."

He also points out there could be opportunity for sabotage.

"These things are all hackable so if this really caught on, other people could hack into your dreams."

Ross' co-host Luke Burbank said he thinks good dreams are overrated anyway.

"We always talk about how much we like good dreams, I'm completely the opposite," said Burbank. "Because when you have a bad dream and you wake up and you realize, oh that's not actually my life, you're tremendously relieved, and the opposite happens with good dreams."

But Ron & Don host Don O'Neill said he suffers from night terrors, and if the app can help him stay away from nighttime images of lava and Puff 'n Stuff, he's in.

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 12:58pm

Latest developments in Josh Powell case

The Sunday explosion at Josh Powell's home brought yet another twist in the very public scandal that began when Susan Powell vanished in 2009. The case had since spiraled into a salacious saga of finger-pointing and accusations of sex and lies, and now the unthinkable loss of two young lives caught in the crossfire.

"For every time you think there's something strange in this case, something stranger occurs," said Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer, in an appearance on 97.3 KIRO FM Seattle's Morning News.

97.3 KIRO FM has heard from attorneys, law enforcement and others involved in the developing Powell case. Below are the latest details as investigators and authorities look into the most recent tragic turn of events.

Chuck and Judy Cox appear on Today Show

Chuck and Judy Cox, parents of missing woman Susan Cox Powell, and grandparents to the two young boys killed by thier father Josh Powell, appeared on the Today Show Tuesday morning.

"They were becoming more and more happy," said Chuck Cox of his grandchildren in an appearance on the Today Show. "We're missing them."

Cox tells Today's Ann Curry "We knew what he [Josh Powell] was capable of."

Josh Powell left voicemail for family prior to igniting blaze

ABC News obtained what it says was a voicemail Powell left for his family members. In the recording played Tuesday on "Good Morning America" Powell also said he was calling to say goodbye and apologize.

"I'm sorry to everyone I've hurt," he is heard saying. "Goodbye." Listen to voicemail obtained by ABC News.

True-crime writer Ann Rule: Josh Powell among worst killers

Seattle true-crime writer Ann Rule, author of dozens of books detailing crimes of serial killers, and murderers who kill their family, tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Tim Haeck that Josh Powell's crimes are among the worst. Read full story.

Medical examiner determines causes of death

A Pierce County medical examiner determined the cause of death for Josh Powell's two young sons was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Melissa Baker, investigator with medical examiner's office determined the cause of death Monday evening, adding that Charles, 7 and Braden, 5, had chopping wounds on their necks. Read the full story here.

Photos of Charlie and Braden, the room in the Cox house

Brandi Kruse sees inside the home where Charles and Braden lived with their grandparents, and Chuck and Judy Cox, share recent family photos of the boys at home. See the gallery here.

Check and Judy Cox grieve for their grandsons

Chuck said they believed the boys would finally be safe in their custody. "We suspected that if he had the boys in his control, with him, living with him, and he felt the police were closing in on him, that he was capable of killing the children," Chuck described to reporters outside his house. "But we thought we were safe because we had the children and his visits were supervised." Ready the full story here.

Gas used in home explosion

Fire crews have recovered two five gallon gas cans used to ignite a fire that killed Josh Powell and his two sons in a murder-suicide plot investigators say was planned well before a home explosion Sunday afternoon.

Pierce County Sheriff's Sgt. Ed Troyer said it appears one of the cans was ignited in the center of the house near where the bodies of Powell and his sons, 5-year-old Braden and 7-year-old Charlie, were discovered. Read the full story

Nation reacts to Josh Powell murder-suicide

The tragic story has captured the attention of the entire country. Outside eyes are providing different perspectives as we learn more about 'the how and the why' of the Graham house explosion.

From ABC to Fox News, how is the national media examining the tragic deaths of Charles and Braden and the suicide of their father, Josh Powell? Read the full story

Sheriff: 'It is inappropriate to blame everyone'

Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor didn't soften his words when asked about the murders of two young boys and the suicide of their father Josh Powell. He said the case wasn't a tragedy it was "an act of pure evil."

News Chick Linda Thomas asked Sheriff Pastor to expand on that. Read what he wrote...

Josh Powell sent multiple emails before explosion

Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Ross and Burbank Show that authorities are working to recover three or four emails Josh Powell sent before setting fire to this home.

"Some of them are a little bit longer and more detailed," said Troyer, adding that none so far offer any explanation. "They're not going to be anything that explains why this happened, not so far." Read the full story.

Listen to Det. Sgt. Ed Troyer on Ross and Burbank

Attorney: Susan Cox Powell's sons had begun verbalizing details of her disappearance

The lawyer for Susan Cox Powell's parents says the children had started talking to their grandparents about things they remembered from the night their mother vanished.

"They were beginning to verbalize more," said attorney Steve Downing, whose clients, the parents of Susan Powell, Chuck and Judy Cox, had custody of the children. "The oldest boy talked about that they went camping and that Mommy was in the trunk. Mom and Dad got out of the car and Mom disappeared." Read the full story.

Prosecutor: Murder-suicide was Josh Powell's confession

The answers to what actually happened to Susan Cox Powell may have vanished, along with her sons, in a home explosion officials say was planned by her husband Josh Powell. But the Pierce County Prosecutor says Powell's guilt is certain.

"I don't know what goes on in the mind of somebody as sick and evil as Josh Powell, but I do think it's fair to call that a confession to the murder of Susan Powell," said Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. Read the full story.

Listen to Prosecutor: Murder-suicide was Josh Powell's confession

Could Washington have done more to protect Powell boys?

State authorities can expect tough questions about whether more might have been done to protect a missing Utah woman's two children, who died along with their father after authorities say he ignited his home in an inferno Sunday.

"It's so hard to say that there are signs you should be aware of," said Josh Powell's attorney Jeffrey Bassett in an appearance on 97.3 KIRO FM. "Like any father he seemed to me to be very concerned about the welfare of his children. I would talk to him every day." Read the full story.

Listen to Josh Powell's attorney Jeffrey Bassett

People gather to remember Powell children

People gathered at candle-light memorials for the two sons of Josh Powell and Susan Cox in Puyallup and West Valley City, Utah, where the Powell's lived when Susan was reported missing. View full photo gallery.

Powell home a 'haunting' scene

97.3 KIRO FM reporter Brandi Kruse is one of the first reporters on the scene. Kruse tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Ross and Burbank Show the Powell home was a 'haunting' scene.

Listen to Reporter Brandi Kruse describes scene at Powell home explosion

The AP releases photos from scene of the fatal explosion.

Police: Josh Powell intentionally killed two sons in house explosion

A missing Puyallup woman's two children, died along with their father after police say he ignited his home in an inferno Sunday. The fire at a home near Graham killed Josh Powell, the husband of a missing Puyallup woman, Susan Cox Powell, and their two young sons. Read the full story.

Timeline: Backstory in Powell case

This story dates back to Dec. 8, 2009 when Susan Powell went missing. Review full timeline of events.

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 5:38pm

MyNorthwest's guide to Super Bowl Sunday

What are you looking forward to on Sunday? The Patriots-Giants match up? The food? The commercials? The comradery?

Whether it's only about the football, or the get together has just as much meaning, here is your Super Bowl Sunday guide from MyNorthwest.com

Listen

Rob Gronkowski's impact on Patriots offense

David Boze

I love Super Bowl commercials. Even if the game is boring, I'll wait around to see if a commercial is a hit. Bathroom breaks are during extra-points, not commercial breaks.

GoDaddy.com commercials consider "seductive" to be, "HEY! Large BREASTS are on our website!!!" LAME!!! This next commercial used sexuality to much greater effect....

See all of David's favorite 2012 Super Bowl commercials here.

Geekwire

The big game is almost upon us, and of course, there is an app for that.

A new app called "Super Ads" is available on iTunes for $1.99 where you can watch every Super Bowl commercial from as far back as 2006. As new commercials are aired during Super Bowl Sunday, the app will be updated with each ad from the broadcast.

Although Todd Bishop listed it as his "App of the Week", he says the price might be a bit too steep considering you can find all the ads online for free.

"I was actually reluctant to recommend it for that reason," said Bishop. "If you really want to see the ads you can go on YouTube and in fact that's where they get most of their content, even though they supplement it with some extra descriptions."

>>>Listen to Geekwire

Jim Moore

If you've ever tuned into "The Kevin Calabro Show," I'm sure I've mentioned pointspreads and betting on football from time to time.

I don't bring it up all that often because it still strikes me as a "taboo" topic even though it's a multi-million-dollar industry in Las Vegas and on the Internet. Part of the mega-interest in the NFL comes from fans who love to bet on the games.

The Super Bowl is the biggest sports-betting event of the year. Most everyone knows the line on the game -- the Patriots are favored by 3. The "smart" money will be on the Giants. I'm calling it "smart" money because that's where my money will be. If the Patriots win by 4 or more, my wager on the Giants will henceforth be called "dumb" money or money that has completely disappeared.

Ready all of the Go 2 Guy's betting guide here.

Listen

Brock Huard schools Dave Ross about Super Bowl XLVI

97.3 KIRO FM

Super Bowl Parties are fun ... but they can also be costly if one of your guests gets into an accident afterwards ...

"If someone get hammered at your Super Bowl party and you know it and you let them leave your home and drive, you could be negligent," said Karl Newman with the Northwest Insurance Council.

Negligence is key in liability suits that could reach into the millions if someone gets in a serious accident.

Newman suggests not being afraid to cut people off if they've had too much ... and make alternate arrangements for people to get home ... and maybe even offering them a place to spend the night.

-Report by Bob Larson

TBTL

Other than football this Sunday, you should only have two other concerns, commercials and food.

The host of the Sporkful podcast, Dan Pashman, is a football fan also concerned with being an excellent host. He says it's important to make sure your food is something you can prepare in advance and something people can serve themselves.

"Mi casa es su casa!" Pashman tells TBTL. "Take whatever you want, the kitchen is yours, there is hot soup or stew on the stove."

Whether it means sandwiches that are pre-made or sliced up, or if it's chili or stew in a crock pot, you should put out the bowls and plates, silverware, and serving utensils before guests arrive at the party.

Find Pashman's Red, White and Blue nacho suggestions and listen to his interview with TBTL here.

Ross & Burbank

Heading into Super Bowl weekend, it's important to brush up on your Super Bowl ad knowledge. See how well you do with the Ross and Burbank Super Bowl ad quiz.

1. The famous 1980 Coke commercial with Mean Joe Greene - was the first Super Bowl commercial to:

A) Star a Pittsburgh Steeler

B) Inspire a Made-for-TV movie ("The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid" 1981)

C) Lead to a lawsuit

D) Use a new Dolby Sound Enhancement system

2. Super Bowl ad prices have reached a new high water mark this year -- advertisers paid an average of $3.5 million each for 30-second spot. What year did Super Bowl ads break the $1 million mark?

HINT - It was the year the Budweiser Frogs ad debuted.

Take the entire quiz and listen to the answers here.

Halftime

Beginning on Friday morning, "Give Me All Your Luvin'" is scheduled to premiere simultaneously across 95 radio stations and on more than 1,600 digital billboards in the United States, France, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Belgium, Finland and the United Kingdom, as well as on demand at iHeartRadio.com, Clear Channel's customized online radio service.

Madonna is expected to perform "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and three other tunes at her Super Bowl halftime performance Sunday in Indianapolis. Her new album "MDNA" is set to be released in March.

- The Associated Press

Read more about the material girl here.

In Indianapolis

East Coast fans are finding Indy's charm quite disarming. And that's by design: Indianapolis took the potential clash into account in recent weeks, stressing the need for a human touch as it trained taxi drivers, hospitality workers and volunteers in the ways of nice. Their tips? Make eye contact at 20 feet. Smile at 12 feet. And be sure to urge visitors to "have a super day."

-The Associated Press

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 3:03pm

Video: Midnight Lights at CenturyLink Field

Posted by Alyssa

With as many cloudy days as we get in Seattle, you know the weather is going to be good if you're gazing southward at CenturyLink field and can see Mount Rainier in the background.

You can do just that in a video directed by Jimmy Diebold; the lights of the Seahawks and Sounders' home turf sync up with beats by PatrickReza.

It's a great way to look at a stadium - after the game day fans have gone home. The field seems much more majestic than from your car window on SR 99.

_

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 9:23am

John Curley reenacts shooting over karaoke

Who knew karaoke could be so dangerous? (YouTube)

A man in Redding, Calif. was reportedly shot four times after refusing to shut off his karaoke machine.

The Daily Mail reports 70-year-old William Oller Sr. is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting his son William Oller Jr. in an argument that stemmed from Oller Jr.'s karaoke singing.

"Investigators did not reveal what specific song Oller Jr. had been singing along with that caused the argument," says the Daily Mail report.

97.3 KIRO FM's John Curley Show broke down the case in a live on-air reenactment.

Listen to the John Curley Show reenact a karaoke shooting

Curley concluded the shooting couldn't have been entirely rooted in the karaoke dispute.

"Have you ever heard someone sing karaoke to the point you want to shoot him?" said Curley. "I would say going into this, long before the kid cued up his song in karaoke, there was some tension between the father and the son."

Subscribe to The John Curley Show podcast

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 @ 12:56pm

Obese kids won't have school lunches or C-sections to blame for weight gain

Don't try and link obesity in children, a new study disproves earlier findings that C-sections contributed to early weight-gain. (AP Photo)

Research that seemed to provide an easy answer for why more and more kids are becoming overweight has been debunked. Apparently, there just isn't a substitute for healthy foods and playtime to ensure that kids don't become obese.

The original findings from a Brazilian study said that children born via C-section were more likely to be fat, stating obesity could be linked to the "hygiene hypothesis." It suggests a person's immune system develops differently when they're not exposed to beneficial bacteria (from the birth canal) early in life.

The correlation with a child's weight was disproved in a second study when researchers accounted for factors that could have influenced the results, such as family income, birth weight, schooling and the mother's weight, height, age and smoking habits.

Of course, who doesn't love a set of chubby cheeks? The problem isn't necessarily baby fat, it's when obesity continues through childhood.

Fully aware of the continuing obesity epidemic is First Lady Michelle Obama, who has been out promoting the healthy school lunch.

The first lady and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the new guidelines during a visit last Wednesday with a group of elementary students. Mrs. Obama, joined by celebrity chef Rachael Ray, said youngsters will learn better if they don't have growling stomachs at school.

Those growling stomachs, however, will be filled with healthier ingredients. Under the new rules, pizza won't disappear from lunch lines, but will be made with health in mind. Entire meals will have calorie caps for the first time and most trans fats will be banned. Sodium will gradually decrease over a 10 year period and milk will have to be low in fat and flavored milks will have to be non-fat.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.