Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline (full audio link below):At the top - A Kentucky House committee has approved a ban on indoor smoking in public places and private businesses across the commonwealth. It would provide an exemption for open spaces, and will also apply to e-cigarettes. The bill now heads to a floor debate in the house. We take a look inside of legislative business this week with Kentucky public radio’s capitol bureau chief Jonathan Meador.Legislative Update; Polar Vortex Blues; Bridges to Mars; Poet of Pies: Byline 2/7/14 by Byline on WFPL9:00 - Kentuckiana is in the midst of an extremely active winter. WLKY’s John Belski joins us to talk Polar Vortex:, snow, freezing rain, and everything winter.17:35 - Most scientists dismiss the idea of creationism, or that a higher power created life as we know it. But the conversation hasn’t stopped selling seats. This week at the Creation Museum in northern Kentucky, its president Ken Ham discussed creationism with TV personality and science educator Bill Nye. Despite critics on both sides, the event sold out in a matter of minutes. WFPL’s Devin Katayama was at the debate and he gives us the full scoop.21:10 - If all goes as planned, an organization called Mars One will establish a human settlement on Mars in about ten years. Colonists would be rotated in and out of the settlement every two years. Stephanie Bridges wants to participate in the project. She’s a University of Louisville student and has made the short list of Mars One applicants. WFPL’s Rick Howlett chats with Stephanie and discusses her dream to travel to the red planet.27:35 - The soon to be opened Mercury Ballroom in downtown Louisville is stirring debate about its ability to coexist with other venues, most notably the similar sized Headliners Music Hall. Executives with Mercury Ballroom say it will be good for the city and owners of Headliners are welcoming the competition. Can Headliners withstand? Or will the city’s newest venue take center stage? WFPL’s Jake Ryan reports.32:15 - President's Day is February 17th. Abraham Lincoln's actual birthday is next week, the 12th. We'll be bringing you pieces about history this month, and we start with this. Today we take a look at what Lincoln's assassination meant for a member of the Booth family who wasn't involved in the plot at all.37:50 - Arts segment with WFPL’s arts and humanities reporter, Erin Keane. Erin discusses a recent Bunbury Theatre production of Sam Shepard’s play, Ages of the Moon, featuring Patrick Tovatt, an actor who worked extensively at Actors Theatre during the early days of the company. Then she speaks with Kate Lebo, a poet and pie expert who's managed to combine both of her passions into a crossover career.
