These topics air Wednesday April 2, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
Blumenthal
The film Blumenthal is a comedy that follows the relatives of Harold Blumethal, a legendary playwright who made his career parodying his family in his work, and died laughing at his own joke. The film was developed and produced by Carnegie Mellon University graduate Alexander Cendese who also co-stars in the movie. It was written and directed by CMU grad Seth Fisher. Cendese and Fisher join us in studio A to talk about the film and its screening at the Jewish Film Festival.
Learning Differently With Dyslexia
Some of the most notable people in modern history have been diagnosed with the learning difference known as dyslexia. Inventors, entertainers, authors and politicians have excelled in spite of -- or because of -- the unique way their minds work. But reading, writing, and even speaking can be an ongoing challenge as well, and proper support can help. Christine Seppi is chair of the Pittsburgh region of the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, and organizer of an upcoming conference on diagnosis and management of learning differences. She joins us to talk about her experiences raising a son with dyslexia in the Pittsburgh area, potential legislation for early learning support, misconceptions of dyslexia and ways to work with learning differences at all ages.
WESA Celebrates - Jim and Susan Wagner
This week WESA Celebrates profiles Jim and Susan Wagner. Their love for dogs and helping children with autism resulted in the creation of Perfect Fit Canines – a training program matching dogs with children in need.
Careful Where You Say "March Madness"
March Madness, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four are some pretty popular terms at this time of year. But legal infractions are a common problem for businesses that try to capitalize on all of the championship hype without looking at the copyright issues. Dave Radack is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Department and a member of Eckert Seamans' Board of Directors. His practice includes patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. He talks about some of the legal history behind the March Madness trademark and common infractions he encounters in his practice.